Get 'Em Off the Street!

A new bill was signed into law regarding child molesters who are repeat offenders. Effective July 1st, child molesters (over the age of 18) will receive a life sentence in prison if convicted more than once of molesting a child under the age of 12. More children will stay safe because of this new law. Good job and much thanks to those who signed it! Details of law HB 85 found here.

Movies for the kiddies this summer!

Wondering what to do to get the kids to sit still for awhile this summer? Try one of these great new movies.

1. Kung Fu Panda- In theaters now. Po, a clumsy yet enthusiastic fan of kung fu is chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. He realizes his dream when he studies the art alongside his idols. A great one by Dreamworks. Watch the trailer.

2. Wall-E - Starts June,27. Set in the year 2700, Wall-E goes out to chase his dream across the galaxy. Sure to be yet another great animated comedy from Pixar. Watch the trailer.

3. Space Chimps - Starts July,18. A computer animated comedy following the descendants of the first chimps in space as they blast off for a dangerous mission on a far away planet. They're off to make the universe a safer place for all. These little monkeys are just too cute! Watch the trailer here.

*If you're worried about the cost (ticket prices are getting kinda high) try going to a matinée, inquire about discounted tickets for younger kids and/or groups, and some areas have drive-ins left which give lower priced tickets.

Creative Kids

Want to bring out the fun, creative side of your child but aren't sure where to start? Here's some sites I like. They give you full instructions and materials lists. Great indoor and outdoor ideas for all ages (even toddlers!).

DLTK's Holiday Crafts - This one is my favorite because they give recommended ages for each craft/activity.

Toddler Toddler - This one gives crafts and activities geared toward toddlers/preschoolers. A lot of the activities are educational as well as fun.

No Peeking!

Remember when you were a kid and you tried to sneak and find out what you were getting for Christmas early? Well, in Rock Springs, WY a man learned the hard way that there's no peeking allowed when his wife allegedly stabbed him with a kitchen knife after an argument where she accused him of trying to open a present early. I can't believe that there are people who get that crazy this time of year.

Mad Dash for Gas

Even though it was dishonest, how many of us really wouldn't have stopped for this too?

In Minocqua, WI a gas station employee made a mistake when changing the per gallon price on the station's sign that cost the owner more than $1700. Instead of making the sign read $3.29, the employee mistakenly put $.329 up on the sign before leaving at closing time. People could still use their credit cards to pay for the gas, and many did take advantage of the 33 cents per gallon gas. About 42 people racked up a whopping 586 gallons of gas in less than 2 hours.

The local police saw the mob of people and called the gas station owner to come and hit the emergency stop.

Yes this was dishonest to do. It took mere common sense to know that 33 cents per gallon was wrong. But, if you are completely honest with yourself, how many of you would have really kept driving?

Save an endangered species - Buy Poop?!

I found this on ebay and couldn't believe it. In Yulee, FL the International Rhino Foundation is auctioning off 4 pieces of rhino poop. Yes, Poop. Each piece is dried and mounted in a clear trophy case, then marked with the type of rhino that produced it. The proceeds will go to fund the conservation efforts. The auction ends Sunday.

Here are the stats so far:

Sumatran Rhino poop - $670
Black Rhino poop - $620
Indian Rhino poop - $650
White Rhino poop - $743

Click the link below to bid for your piece of poop. :)

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=rhino+poop&category0=

Home Made Gifts for Anytime of Year

Finding it hard to buy gifts for Christmas, birthdays, etc. without spending way too much money? Why not try making some gifts. I've found a few ideas that will make any occasion special.

Sweet Treats: Candy, cookies, breads, and cakes all make great gifts especially near the holidays. Dig through those recipe books an find some that are easy to make. Just make enough for your gifts. For example: If your making cookies, you'd probably want to make about 2 dozen for each person. Then just buy a few cookie tins to put them in. You can find cookies tins at the dollar store or wal-mart and they're very inexpensive. Decorate the top of the tin by tying a wide ribbon around it or even just sticking a store bought bow on top and you're done.

Bath Salts: Who doesn't like to relax in a nice, soothing perfume scented bath. Bath salts are great and easy to make. Here's what you need.

2 and 1/2 lbs. Epsom Salts
food coloring
perfume or scented oil

Combine all ingredients well so the color is even. Put the mixture in jars and let them stand for 4-6 weeks before using. This allows the odor to bled with the salts.

Recipe Jar: I really love this one. Choose any recipe you like such as cookies, cake, tea, cocoa, or even soup. Then just combine all the dry ingredients for the recipe in a jar. Dress up the lid with fabric, lace, or ribbon and attach a recipe card with instructions for how to complete the recipe. Here's an example.

Winter Coffee Mix

Materials: 1 quart jar, card for making tags, ribbon

Ingredients:
2 cups Non dairy creamer
1 and 1/2 cups hot cocoa mix
1 and 1/2 cups instant coffee
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.

Write these instructions on the tag: To make 1 cup - Spoon 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of mix in a coffee mug. Add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until well blended.


How easy is that?! I love the idea of making gifts for people. It definitely saves money, it's easy to do, and the recipient will know that you put that little extra effort in to give them something special.