I might have mentioned this once or twice before, but the best part of where we live is Evergreen Lake.
We walk it; skate it; boat it; watch the elk, deer, ducks, geese, and many other wildlife; and we like to visit the Evergreen Nature Center in the old refurbished warming hut so the boys can learn about the local animals, birds, fish, bugs and plants.
Sunday we walked the lake as a family and the boys - 3.5 and 1.5 years - were great, hiking happily the whole way because they knew our destination - the Nature Center.
We were crushed when we got there and found it not only closed - but empty! There was no cheerful sign saying " Closed for the season, see ya next year!" No pelts to pet, no tracks to trace, no books to read, no poppets to puppeteer, no stuffed prowling mountain lion, no sign a nature center had ever been located there. It was gone daddy gone.
As my older son howled in disappointment like he had lost a limb, a woman stopped and we chatted about the missing center. She said it had been there only last weekend. So, with no notice (that I had seen) it had disappeared.
Fearing it was closed due to lack of funds - 'tis the economy for that sort of thing and it certainly couldn't be due to lack of interest. Every time we visited, the center had been busy. I checked for a web site and to my relief found they are only closed for the season.
This center is a treasure for Evergreen, so make sure you visit in the spring when it opens again.
The Evergreen Nature Center opened in the warming hut on Evergreen Lake in 2008 and is a project of the Evergreen Audubon Society and is also funded by the SCFD. It is free to visit the Nature Center and participate in the classes and programs; but, tax deductible memberships are most appreciated and help fund the center.
At the web site: http://www.evergreennaturecenter.org/ you can sign up to volunteer and view a list of classes that cover topics from star viewing to birds and bugs, to gardening and wild flower identification, and much more. You can register for the classes at: http://www.dipper.org/.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, October 26, 2007
Halloween in Evergreen
Halloween at the Lakehouse
Friday, October 26, 2007
5-7pm
Come in costume and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities
Hiwan Homestead Museum Halloween Celebration
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
4-7pm
Games and treats and special prizes for costumes
Trick or Treat Downtown Evergreen Shops
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
4:30-6:30pm
Trick or Treat Bergen Park Shops
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Other Halloween Hotspots around Colorado: http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_284123138.html
Friday, October 26, 2007
5-7pm
Come in costume and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities
Hiwan Homestead Museum Halloween Celebration
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
4-7pm
Games and treats and special prizes for costumes
Trick or Treat Downtown Evergreen Shops
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
4:30-6:30pm
Trick or Treat Bergen Park Shops
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Other Halloween Hotspots around Colorado: http://cbs4denver.com/local/local_story_284123138.html
Saturday, September 29, 2007
When to Buy Organics
Produce with pesticide danger ranking:
Peaches 100 (highest pesticide load)
Apples 96
Sweet Bell Peppers 86
Celery 85
Nectarines 84
Strawberries 83
Cherries 75
Lettuce 69
Grapes - Imported 68
10 Pears 65
11 Spinach 60
12 Potatoes 58
13 Carrots 57
14 Green Beans 55
15 Hot Peppers 53
16 Cucumbers 52
17 Raspberries 47
18 Plums 46
19 Oranges 46
20 Grapes-Domestic 46
21 Cauliflower 39
22 Tangerine 38
23 Mushrooms 37
24 Cantaloupe 34
25 Lemon 31
26 Honeydew Melon 31
27 Grapefruit 31
28 Winter Squash 31
29 Tomatoes 30
30 Sweet Potatoes 30
31 Watermelon 25
32 Blueberries 24
33 Papaya 21
34 Eggplant 19
35 Broccoli 18
36 Cabbage 17
37 Bananas 16
38 Kiwi 14
39 Asparagus 11
40 Sweet Peas-Frozen 11
41 Mango 9
42 Pineapples 7
43 Sweet Corn-Frozen 2
44 Avocado 1
45 (best) Onions 1 (lowest pesticide load)
Apples 96
Sweet Bell Peppers 86
Celery 85
Nectarines 84
Strawberries 83
Cherries 75
Lettuce 69
Grapes - Imported 68
10 Pears 65
11 Spinach 60
12 Potatoes 58
13 Carrots 57
14 Green Beans 55
15 Hot Peppers 53
16 Cucumbers 52
17 Raspberries 47
18 Plums 46
19 Oranges 46
20 Grapes-Domestic 46
21 Cauliflower 39
22 Tangerine 38
23 Mushrooms 37
24 Cantaloupe 34
25 Lemon 31
26 Honeydew Melon 31
27 Grapefruit 31
28 Winter Squash 31
29 Tomatoes 30
30 Sweet Potatoes 30
31 Watermelon 25
32 Blueberries 24
33 Papaya 21
34 Eggplant 19
35 Broccoli 18
36 Cabbage 17
37 Bananas 16
38 Kiwi 14
39 Asparagus 11
40 Sweet Peas-Frozen 11
41 Mango 9
42 Pineapples 7
43 Sweet Corn-Frozen 2
44 Avocado 1
45 (best) Onions 1 (lowest pesticide load)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Building Cathedrals
Someone emailed this to me and I tried to find the author - to no avail - only many, many postings of it on mommy and Catholic websites - usually without the first three paragraphs - which are quite bitter.
Anyway, I liked it. I think it is well written, although I hope it is fiction and not truth as this women would sadly have quite a victim complex and should reassess her parenting strategies and marriage choices .
What a shame (and ironic!) that she is not getting proper credit for writing it. Please tell me if you know who wrote it.
It started to happen gradually. One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, "Who is that with you, young fella?" "Nobody," he shrugged. Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, "Oh my goodness, nobody?"
I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family - like "Turn the TV down, please" - and nothing would happen. Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote. I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, "Would someone turn the TV down?" Nothing.
Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party. We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, "I'm ready to go when you are." He just kept right on talking.That's when I started to put all the pieces together. I don't think he can see me. I don't think anyone can see me. I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going - she's going - she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at theothers all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: * No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. * These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. *They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. *The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.
As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bast es a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As invisible women, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Anyway, I liked it. I think it is well written, although I hope it is fiction and not truth as this women would sadly have quite a victim complex and should reassess her parenting strategies and marriage choices .
What a shame (and ironic!) that she is not getting proper credit for writing it. Please tell me if you know who wrote it.
It started to happen gradually. One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, "Who is that with you, young fella?" "Nobody," he shrugged. Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, "Oh my goodness, nobody?"
I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family - like "Turn the TV down, please" - and nothing would happen. Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote. I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, "Would someone turn the TV down?" Nothing.
Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party. We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, "I'm ready to go when you are." He just kept right on talking.That's when I started to put all the pieces together. I don't think he can see me. I don't think anyone can see me. I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going - she's going - she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at theothers all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: * No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. * These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. *They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. *The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder.
As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bast es a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As invisible women, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wee Bee Worth Watching
I'm not a big proponent of TV. I swore my kids wouldn't watch TV until they were five years old. But, I also said my kids would never eat pizza. I'm learning all things in moderation.
So, instead my kids do not watch TV until after they are two years old as the American Association of Pediatricians recommends. Oh, alright, truthfully it was 20 months for the first son right after my second was born. But it was merely a survival strategy. And, actually, he still doesn't watch TV, just videos I hand select.
My husband and I are not big TV watchers anyway. This is not out of intellectual snobbery, just simply because we're cheap. We only get the basic video channels (which are mostly Spanish). If we were getting HGTV, Showtime or HBO, there is a good chance the children would only recognize there mother if she were glued to the TV.
I know PBS is supposed to have good programs - but I am not organized enough to figure out when they are on. It's easier to just pop in a video when the mood (a rainstorm, desperate for a shower, needing to make dinner in peace, etc.) strikes us.
I had a weak moment after my second son was born when I was sure the only way I would get sleep during the next year was sitting with my first son watching videos. The only way my second son would sleep was lying on my chest.
There I was, in the recliner, snoring with one son, while the other watched Winnie the Pooh - the only video we owned because thankfully Nana had bought it for us - although I scoffed at it at the time. Now sleep-deprived and panicked I ordered 10 videos from Amazon - a few Sesame Street and some others about trucks as I was sure this would be my only daily shut-eye.
I was wrong - as it turns out child number two just never sleeps, period. Not on my chest, not in a recliner, bed, crib or on the floor. But that, is for another story.
Unfortunately the videos turned out to be a terrible investment. We have only watched segments of each of these videos once. Well, Elmo and the Potty we have watched several times - until I finally figured out that my son regressed in potty training ever since we started watching it.
These videos are terrible. The one about trucks shows video of buildings being blown up, the rainy day Sesame Street video had a song about hating the rain. What kid should be encouraged to hate anything? These were not the fond memories I had of my childhood shows and there was no way my kid was watching this stuff.
Then, I had a momentary lapse from my lack-of-sleep induced stupor and I remembered the library rents videos for free. Too bad I didn't remember that $125 ago.
We started with the pinnacle of child videos - Baby Einstein. But I was disappointed as there is not much to learn from them when you are two years old - with one exception - the one about musical instruments. This was a great video that my son and I both enjoyed (albeit briefly) and learned from. I had high hopes for the one about the sky - but it didn't introduce my son to anything new - we wanted to learn the constellations - not just the basic moon, stars, sun, etc.
So we rented a few of everyone's favorites - Thomas the Train, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer. I figured at the least, my son would not be ostracized in school for not knowing these characters. But I didn't like them. I wondered, am I expecting too much? Is my son actually getting something from these that I am missing?
Then I found Wee Bee Tunes Get Your Passport at the library and I was ecstatic. It's a cartoon set to music with an animal assigned to each continent and they visit 14 countries.
My son loves it. Instead of asking to watch a video, he asks if he can "travel the world". The other day he was driving a neighbor's toy plane and she asked where he was going, he said "To Egypt, to see the pyramids." He's not even two and half years old. The added benefit is that mommy learns something too. Did you know Timbuktu is in Mali? It's one of those things I thought I knew, but really didn't.
A disclaimer - the Wee Bee videos received a tepid review and 3 out of 5 stars from Common Sense and they say it is best for ages six and up. Common Sense complained the video was glossing over history and requires you to watch the video with your child, stop the video throughout and provide further explanation of the events portrayed. I agree that that would probably be helpful for their recommended age of six and up. But if you lower the age limit - it is a nice introduction to geography - providing your children a sample of the big wide world that is awaiting their discovery.
Common Sense also express concern that certain countries are shown as one big party (eg. Brazil and the Carnival Festival).Yes, I would like my child to know more about Brazil than one particular celebration - but this has now opened the door for us to discuss Brazil. And, what is the harm in knowing a major attraction that Brazil is known for? After watching this video, I think my son at two years may have a better grasp of geography and glimpses of other parts of the world than the average high school senior does. In short, I think Common Sense asks too much of short children's video.
If you'd like to buy your own set go to:
Geomatters
National Geographic
Best price I could find: CDUniverse
So, instead my kids do not watch TV until after they are two years old as the American Association of Pediatricians recommends. Oh, alright, truthfully it was 20 months for the first son right after my second was born. But it was merely a survival strategy. And, actually, he still doesn't watch TV, just videos I hand select.
My husband and I are not big TV watchers anyway. This is not out of intellectual snobbery, just simply because we're cheap. We only get the basic video channels (which are mostly Spanish). If we were getting HGTV, Showtime or HBO, there is a good chance the children would only recognize there mother if she were glued to the TV.
I know PBS is supposed to have good programs - but I am not organized enough to figure out when they are on. It's easier to just pop in a video when the mood (a rainstorm, desperate for a shower, needing to make dinner in peace, etc.) strikes us.
I had a weak moment after my second son was born when I was sure the only way I would get sleep during the next year was sitting with my first son watching videos. The only way my second son would sleep was lying on my chest.
There I was, in the recliner, snoring with one son, while the other watched Winnie the Pooh - the only video we owned because thankfully Nana had bought it for us - although I scoffed at it at the time. Now sleep-deprived and panicked I ordered 10 videos from Amazon - a few Sesame Street and some others about trucks as I was sure this would be my only daily shut-eye.
I was wrong - as it turns out child number two just never sleeps, period. Not on my chest, not in a recliner, bed, crib or on the floor. But that, is for another story.
Unfortunately the videos turned out to be a terrible investment. We have only watched segments of each of these videos once. Well, Elmo and the Potty we have watched several times - until I finally figured out that my son regressed in potty training ever since we started watching it.
These videos are terrible. The one about trucks shows video of buildings being blown up, the rainy day Sesame Street video had a song about hating the rain. What kid should be encouraged to hate anything? These were not the fond memories I had of my childhood shows and there was no way my kid was watching this stuff.
Then, I had a momentary lapse from my lack-of-sleep induced stupor and I remembered the library rents videos for free. Too bad I didn't remember that $125 ago.
We started with the pinnacle of child videos - Baby Einstein. But I was disappointed as there is not much to learn from them when you are two years old - with one exception - the one about musical instruments. This was a great video that my son and I both enjoyed (albeit briefly) and learned from. I had high hopes for the one about the sky - but it didn't introduce my son to anything new - we wanted to learn the constellations - not just the basic moon, stars, sun, etc.
So we rented a few of everyone's favorites - Thomas the Train, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer. I figured at the least, my son would not be ostracized in school for not knowing these characters. But I didn't like them. I wondered, am I expecting too much? Is my son actually getting something from these that I am missing?
Then I found Wee Bee Tunes Get Your Passport at the library and I was ecstatic. It's a cartoon set to music with an animal assigned to each continent and they visit 14 countries.
My son loves it. Instead of asking to watch a video, he asks if he can "travel the world". The other day he was driving a neighbor's toy plane and she asked where he was going, he said "To Egypt, to see the pyramids." He's not even two and half years old. The added benefit is that mommy learns something too. Did you know Timbuktu is in Mali? It's one of those things I thought I knew, but really didn't.
A disclaimer - the Wee Bee videos received a tepid review and 3 out of 5 stars from Common Sense and they say it is best for ages six and up. Common Sense complained the video was glossing over history and requires you to watch the video with your child, stop the video throughout and provide further explanation of the events portrayed. I agree that that would probably be helpful for their recommended age of six and up. But if you lower the age limit - it is a nice introduction to geography - providing your children a sample of the big wide world that is awaiting their discovery.
Common Sense also express concern that certain countries are shown as one big party (eg. Brazil and the Carnival Festival).Yes, I would like my child to know more about Brazil than one particular celebration - but this has now opened the door for us to discuss Brazil. And, what is the harm in knowing a major attraction that Brazil is known for? After watching this video, I think my son at two years may have a better grasp of geography and glimpses of other parts of the world than the average high school senior does. In short, I think Common Sense asks too much of short children's video.
If you'd like to buy your own set go to:
Geomatters
National Geographic
Best price I could find: CDUniverse
Monday, August 13, 2007
Parent's Day Out Programs
When I was pregnant with my second son I began to worry that he would not have any one-on-one mommy time like my first son did and I started to look at daycares as the first child wouldn't be in preschool for another year. But I didn't want fulltime care and it is a rare daycare that allows a child to attend for only one day a week.
I was so excited when I heard a mother talking about Parent's Day Out I practically cornered her in the rec center to get the details. I was pleasantly surprised at how many programs are available in the area. Was I the only one unaware? I must be, because the openings go fast and some Day Outs have a waiting list.
Stay-at-home moms/dads need a break sometimes and a Parent's Day Out can be a savior. Most programs are 9am-3pm, four to five days a week but you generally sign up for one day a week.
Costs range from $25-50 for registration and average $100-130/month for care.
Great Escape - United Methodist Church
Julie Cleminshaw, Director
3757 Ponderosa Dr
303-674-0448
www.evergreenumc.org
Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Janet Reznik, Director
27640 Highway 74
303-674-4904 ext 12
http://www.church-transfig.net/
Joyful Noise - Lutheran Church of the Cross
Tuesdays and Thursdays
28253 Meadow Drive
303-674-4130
www.l-c-c.org/
I was so excited when I heard a mother talking about Parent's Day Out I practically cornered her in the rec center to get the details. I was pleasantly surprised at how many programs are available in the area. Was I the only one unaware? I must be, because the openings go fast and some Day Outs have a waiting list.
Stay-at-home moms/dads need a break sometimes and a Parent's Day Out can be a savior. Most programs are 9am-3pm, four to five days a week but you generally sign up for one day a week.
Costs range from $25-50 for registration and average $100-130/month for care.
Great Escape - United Methodist Church
Julie Cleminshaw, Director
3757 Ponderosa Dr
303-674-0448
www.evergreenumc.org
Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Janet Reznik, Director
27640 Highway 74
303-674-4904 ext 12
http://www.church-transfig.net/
Joyful Noise - Lutheran Church of the Cross
Tuesdays and Thursdays
28253 Meadow Drive
303-674-4130
www.l-c-c.org/
Thank goodness we bought (or inherited) that!
I queried my friends and we came up with a list of must haves to make parenting easier (beyond the staples of car seat with matching stroller and pack-n-play). Some of these items have links to stores that carry them.
Funny enough, there may be some overlap between money well spent lists and not worth the money lists - depending on the viewpoint. I have tried to note them with an *. The comments should explain why the differing opinions.
Infant
1. Jumpy seat
2. Chariot stroller, jogger, biking, skiing setup (big money - but worth it if you are active outside year-round)
3. Baby Bumbo chair
4. Snap & go stroller - this was a lifesaver for the twins - it allowed us to just get one more car seat and then snap both of the seats on to the frame for a stroller
5. Tupperware - the kids have their own set and can play with it for hours
6. Big rubber balls from Walgreens
7. *Indoor tent and tunnels - hours of fun (5 minutes at a time) but easy to pack up and store
8. Safety outlets - no pain in the ... outlet covers to deal with.
9. Stove knob covers for gas stove.
10. Grocery cart cover - keeps the little ones from finding as many germs (mouth on handle of grocery cart - yum!)
11. Adhesive mount cabinet locks - no ugly locks on outside of cabinets.
1 year
1. $10 plastic pool (forget the blow ups that squirt water etc. this is all they need to be happy)
2. Canopy for wagon
3. Puppy backpack "leash" - sounds bad, but it is cute and if you've got a runner and you're pregnant or just had a second child - this could literally be a lifesaver. Target has them.
2 years and up
1. Play kitchen
2. Swing set
3. Portable DVD player (this is a must have for travel)
4. Sand/water table
5. Art table
6. Lego table
7. Singing big sister Dora doll
8. *Train table (if you have the room) no clean up!
9. Fisher Price adjustable basketball hoop
10. Bikes
Funny enough, there may be some overlap between money well spent lists and not worth the money lists - depending on the viewpoint. I have tried to note them with an *. The comments should explain why the differing opinions.
Infant
1. Jumpy seat
2. Chariot stroller, jogger, biking, skiing setup (big money - but worth it if you are active outside year-round)
3. Baby Bumbo chair
4. Snap & go stroller - this was a lifesaver for the twins - it allowed us to just get one more car seat and then snap both of the seats on to the frame for a stroller
5. Tupperware - the kids have their own set and can play with it for hours
6. Big rubber balls from Walgreens
7. *Indoor tent and tunnels - hours of fun (5 minutes at a time) but easy to pack up and store
8. Safety outlets - no pain in the ... outlet covers to deal with.
9. Stove knob covers for gas stove.
10. Grocery cart cover - keeps the little ones from finding as many germs (mouth on handle of grocery cart - yum!)
11. Adhesive mount cabinet locks - no ugly locks on outside of cabinets.
1 year
1. $10 plastic pool (forget the blow ups that squirt water etc. this is all they need to be happy)
2. Canopy for wagon
3. Puppy backpack "leash" - sounds bad, but it is cute and if you've got a runner and you're pregnant or just had a second child - this could literally be a lifesaver. Target has them.
2 years and up
1. Play kitchen
2. Swing set
3. Portable DVD player (this is a must have for travel)
4. Sand/water table
5. Art table
6. Lego table
7. Singing big sister Dora doll
8. *Train table (if you have the room) no clean up!
9. Fisher Price adjustable basketball hoop
10. Bikes
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