Finding The Right Preschool In The Washington Area

If you live in the Washington area and want to find a great preschool for your child, there are a few things you can do to find the place. It is important to keep in mind, however, that new preschools open up at least once a month in most cities, so you should always look for new schools in the area.

Talk To Parents

The first thing you can do is speak with parents in the area. The key here is to talk to as many parents as possible because many of them will have a certain preference when it comes to a great preschool. Find out the name and location of the school, the costs associated with the child going there, and the child's positive behavior now that he/she goes to this specific school.

Go To Many Activities For Young Children

Another thing you can do is go to many activities for young children. These activities are usually sponsored by a preschool or an organization connected to a preschool. This will allow you to get familiar with all the popular preschools in the area, and you may even get a chance to meet staff members from various preschools, too.

Trust The Internet For This One

Another thing you can do is trust the internet and look for preschools in the area via popular search engines. The preschool you decide to visit you have a lot for children, and they should promise parents that all children will be ready to further their education after graduation. One particular preschool in the Washington area that is like this is The Sammamish Montessori School In Redmond. 

When thinking where is the best preschool near me? This one should come to mind because they make their education innovative by combining young and old children alike. The old children are able to teach the young, and the young are able to teach the old, too. No other school in the area uses this method.

Whatever preschool you decide on, it is important that your child is happy. This usually solves everything.

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Three Ideas to Make Your Child's First Birthday Amazing

If you're a new parent, you know how important it is to enjoy every moment in the life of your young child. If you are planning to celebrate your child's first birthday soon, you may be worrying about what to do and wondering what your options are. The truth is, your child will not remember anything about this birthday, so the entire purpose of the celebration is for the other people attending it to have a good time. Keeping that in mind, there are ways to make your child's first birthday fun for you, your child, and your guests.

Keep it Simple

One of the best ways to celebrate your child's birthday is by inviting the people who you love the most to join you for a celebratory meal. You can host this in your own home, but you are probably already too busy worrying about the difficulties of life with an infant to want to clean your house and decorate before hosting a party. Instead, find a restaurant that everyone in your family can enjoy and ask them about hosting a party for your child. For example, if your family is looking for seafood in Plano TX, consider a place like The Boiling Pots for your group. Make sure your child gets a piece of cake and keep the event short so that they don't get bored.

Party Outdoors

If the weather is right, host a party at a local park. Find out if your city allows you to rent an area in the park for your party. Otherwise, just bring a picnic and invite your friends and family. Bring your own cake. Let your kids play in the dirt and relax in nature. Don't be afraid to let your child get messy on their big day!

Have a Class Party

If your child is in daycare, ask the childcare provider if you can bring something special in for your kid's birthday. The class may sing "Happy Birthday" to them. This will make them feel special without disrupting their routine.

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Teaching Values Early in Life

Most kids love animals. The prospect of a new pet gets many children excited, promising to do everything under the sun to take care of this new responsibility. Times like these can become excellent opportunities to teach children responsibility. THis can be effective particularly if this is a child's first pet. Caring for a pet provides the perfect opportunity to teach the importance of responsibility and follow through.

The Importance of Consistency

Pets need to eat and be cared for just like people. It's a good idea to start this process by explaining all the things that the new pet will need to be happy and healthy. If parents explain that the pet is counting on them to make sure that they have water, food, and exercise on a daily basis, children usually understand. It's also a good idea to explain what happens when the new pet doesn't get what they need to be healthy and strive.

Follow Through after the Honeymoon Period 

Initially, children will be excited about making sure the new pet has water and food and gets exercise. However, as time passes, they may be less inclined to want to do these things. This is where a parent should step in and encourage the children to continue to properly care for the pet, even when they don't feel like it. This is a key component to responsibility. It teaches children that responsibility isn't based on feelings and whether we want to do something. Responsibility is based on needs and a sense of doing what's required for the well-being of a person place or thing. You may even use your job related responsibilities with Predictive Service as a teaching tool as well.

Values that Work with Anything
If you can teach your children the concept of responsibility through learning how to care for a pet, this concept can be applied to many areas of their life. As they get older, these values will stick with them, particularly as they are practiced. A responsibility that's based upon meeting needs and not emotions becomes consistent. Emotions can be fleeting. However, a true responsibility supercededs an emotion.

Teaching values like responsibility help you to build a strong foundation for your children to begin their life with. Solid values will help them overcome and withstand many difficulties as they grow. Many different life situations can be used to teach values, even fun situations like getting and caring for a new pet. Use the events in your children's lives as tools to teach values.

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The Best Job I've Ever Had

Source: google.com via Race on Pinterest

With all of the jobs I ever had, all six of them would never compare to my life time job of being a Mom.  The job without a day off, without specific time schedule and without boundaries on job responsibilities is also a non-paying job.  My salary for being a Mom are the kisses, smiles and hugs of my three beautiful kids and that's incomparable with all the thousands and millions in the world.  Such a great job that I've never applied to but gets employed at once after a year of marriage with my husband.  

The day that I hear the cry and saw the little beautiful eyes of my first born I was promoted to regular status at once.  Then every year thereafter I always have an increase and a bonus after my second and third child.  I don't have to impress my boss just to have promotion as God sees through all my love and care and promote me every single day of being a Mom. By the way, it's the only job that I will never get tired or disillusioned.  I will not resign nor retired from it.  It's a job for life. Now am I right in telling it's the best job I've ever had?

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Importance of Books to Children’s Learning

Books are vital for enhancing knowledge and instilling useful information to children. From experience I know that reading books help in developing the children’s mind in whatever field they want to excel. It brings out the best in you in writing, creating fresh ideas and learning several aspects of education and life itself.

This is the reason why starting from preschool level children need to study with specialized books to develop not just their mental abilities but their psychological and social abilities as well. There are millions of books available for our specific needs and requirement and educators see to it that learners will be able to use proper books according to their grade level. Revisions and improvement of books are also given attention to ensure that learning upgrade all the time.

Aside from the books our children use in school they should also be exposed to other books that will enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of arts, music and some other recreational activities. From the day that they can see and identify things they should be given books apt to their age to develop identification of colors, shapes, images and later on alphabets and numbers.

These kinds of books are usually colorful and with attractive presentations as children's book illustrators know perfectly how to get the attention of the children and to entice them to see and read. Most of them create educational books, picture books, cartoons, coloring books, magazines for children and some other form of books that caters to children’s market.

Some authors writes only and have the pictures illustrated by others but most illustrators can write as well. It’s important that they publish quality books for better understanding and learning of children. Oh well it’s one of my dreams too – to write a book for children sharing not just my thoughts and ideas when I was a child but to share my good old stories with nice pictures as well.

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Canvassing Prices of Musical Instruments

After office work I dropped by the nearest mall to check on the prices of musical instruments for the church and for my kids’ wishes. I was surprised that there’s a sale going on in one of the stores that I came to visit. Well the one that we need is not included in the list of items at 30% off but they have listed wide assortment of instruments in good deals. I wonder if there are also ukuleles there because I’ve seen an online sale the other day when I was at home. 

I was thinking if I will buy ukuleles for sale guitar center or just wait for my brethren’s canvas results in one of the leading sports and music store. We really must make an effort to search and list price comparison so we can get a good buy for the church and for our kids’ necessities too. My kids are now into learning and playing various musical instruments and it would help a lot if I could get a good bargain.

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Power-Folding Stroller and More

My former officemate is again pregnant with her second child and since the first kid is quite big now they have given some of his things and gear to cousins. They will buy the same accessories, gear and clothes again as if they’re having their first offspring. She’s searching now for modern and convenient gears for their baby because there are plenty of innovations now for baby’s equipment and accessories. She particularly like the 4moms origami stroller because when you want it fold by itself you will just touch a button and presto! It will fold on its own since it’s the first power-folding stroller. This is really nice if ever they had that when my kids were smaller I would buy one for them.

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Several Hobbies in Mind

My kids love spending school breaks in swimming resorts and we often visit resort capital on short holidays with our church mates. My daughter loves collecting swimming accessories like life vest, water goggles and other things that she needs every time we have swimming outdoors. Really this young girl of mine has plenty of hobbies in her mind as she also loves playing musical instruments, playing chess and badminton and has several collectibles on her cabinet. She’s an achiever in school and collected a number of medals in her primary years. Now that she has turned into a teener this month I wish that she’ll enjoy more of her life and not be bothered with too many achievements because I want her to enjoy her teenage years.

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Favorite Board Game

Gen is so fond of playing chess and this fondness turned to real sport as she joined in the inter-school competition with three other classmates representing their school.  She's good at it but she needs more training.  She won three games and lost 2 and that's enough to make her happy.  This summer she promised that she’ll play more to learn the best techniques of the games.  I’ll buy other board games for them this summer especially scrabble and word factory for enhancement of vocabulary words.

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Personal Touch on Every Card

It’s been a long time since I’ve done baby invitation for my kids because the youngest I have is already 7 years old. I missed the days when I was too busy with my world full of activities for my babies. I’m the one who designs and prints all of their invitations from birth until now. The last I’ve done was when Josh had his birthday in preparatory school. His 7th birthday has a theme last year and so I bought invitation cards for the first time. Even though it’s tasking to do baby invitations, baby thank you cards and all of my kids’ birthday invitations for the last couple of years I find it fulfilling that I can make personalized cards for them. 

Their teachers would always tell me how patient I was in doing it personally. Actually it’s not only sweet to have it that way but it’s also economical compared to commercial cards available in the market. Aside from all these reasons I want my kids to look back into their childhood and remember how I loved them so much. And that I can run an extra mile just to make special moments of their lives very special and memorable.

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My Kids Complete Me

Being a Mom completes me. I have the love of my parents, siblings, husband, relatives and friends but my children complete my daily existence. They’re my inspiration in my work and I’m sure without them I can never be as workaholic as I am because when I think of their future that’s where I get my energy for working so hard. I love them and I’ll do everything good for them. I know most Moms would agree that our wish is to give them the best possible things. This is the reason that after giving birth we try to give them our breast-milk which is the best milk for babies. Through their growing up years we don’t just give them healthy foods but we also give them love, care and guidance to help them live their lives in the right direction. When they grow old and start to have a family of their own I want them to raise and nurture their kids in the way I have loved and cared for them.

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Gen’s Simple Things

Gen loves to go home during lunch break because she loves eating my freshly-cooked meals and she can just bring few school books and notebooks in the morning. At first we were hesitant as it might rob her of leisure break from her class but she insisted. Now I got used to her and look forward to wait for her so we can have lunch together. DH also goes home whenever one instructor failed to arrive at the university. 

I just told DD Gen to have some protection on her head whenever she goes home to avoid sun’s heat at noon. I was planning to Buy Hats for her as she didn’t want to use her other hats for fear of teasing from her classmates. Some of the hats she has are those we use for our camp meetings and photo sessions. She told me that she wants simpler styles and make so she’ll be unnoticed by some of her classmates. She’s always like that simple and yet choosy, shy but very competitive and doesn’t want too much attention.

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Physical and Mental Growth

DH and the kids are now busy with cleaning the house. We’re all here in the house because it’s a holiday. They’re helping each other and making fun of it. It’s nice working and having fun at the same time. I’m preparing something yummy for their morning snack. Of course the little boy won’t be left behind as he asked for small tasks that he can do. 

He’s always telling me that when he grows up he’ll help me in the chores that I’m doing in the house. He’s small compared to the boys his age but I noticed that he’s grown a little bit taller this month. I was thinking if he should get hgh when he reached teens because of his slow growth but now I realized kids have their own growth period. We should only be patient to observe and monitor their growing moments not only in physical attributes but in mental aspects as well.

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My Inquisitive Little Boy

Yesterday’s rain was quite heavy and in multiple frequencies also so I had second thoughts of doing my rounds to the bank, grocery and wet market. When the sky got a little clearer I headed for my round errands with the little boy in tow. He has just arrived from school and he missed going with me on my food shopping. Actually he has some wish list on his mind when he asked me. I’m lucky because the bank was not crowded and the little boy didn’t sit in the waiting area but tagged along with me on the line asking about the security cameras he noticed. He’s always like that, very inquisitive and always fishing for information about things. Well I indulged and answered all his questions while waiting for my turn observing the guard near us who seems to be having his attention on the parking area.

I had accomplished everything in one hour and completed the little boy wish list also which are all food actually consisting of drumstick ice cream, chocolate chips cookies, strawberry knick knacks and ube cheese roll. I added some vitamins for all my kids also since we’ve shopped in a drug store grocery. After we’ve done with marketing for meat and veggies we went home as husband and my girls would be home by then.

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Shopping for School Plans

We’re planning to shop for the kids’ school things at the end of this month after the busy schedule so we can shop at our most convenient time. It’s not easy to shop for three kids at one time but I’ve already bought them school shoes at the start of summer vacation so I will not so tired when I shop at our usual department store. It’s easier to look for school bags because we don’t have to look for sizes unlike shoes and uniforms where you fit the items to your kids. It’s also the same with shopping for blouses, dress, skirts and lingerie that you have the best fitting because it will not look good.

Anyway my mind is far from that now as I don’t want to shop for myself. This month will only be for my dear little and not so little kids. My focus and attention is only for their schooling and their needs. Well after the school opening is over maybe I can shop for some little nice things for myself.

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Josh Likes Almanac

My little boy asked me about the picture I’ve posted in my blog and what’s it about. He’s asking about the picture of asbestos I have in my site which I posted when I featured Mesothelioma months ago. He was somewhat intrigued by the metal and knowing him he wouldn’t stop until he gets the answer. Sometimes he’s making our nose bleed with his questions lol! I wonder what he would be when he’s older, he’s just six years old now and you’ll be surprised at his 101 questions.

He’s currently reading Gen’s collection of Almanac and everyday he’s been telling us some international facts. He would ask us the first president of this and that country and then he will give the answer. Sometimes he would talk about history, planets and different countries. To rest from his book I let him play pet society so he can forget his almanac for awhile lol!

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Finished With School Activities and Ceremonies

Still feeling tired after the weekly school activities of my kids. The first week was my little boy's moving up ceremony, the second one was daughter Gen's recognition ceremony in school which seems like a graduation ceremony to me for having consumed around two hours including the waiting time. I still have to post the recognition pics and this morning was my eldest daughter Ruth's graduation from primary school.

It was a relief finishing these activities and I was happy that they have done their best in school even if Ruth didn't made it to the top. I was happy that she easily passed her entrance exam for the christian school we both want. They were happy that we celebrated their Ate's graduation with lunch in their favorite KFC and gaming moments in Tom's World. I'll post these activities soon! I'll rest for now!

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:RT/WW - Fast Growing Up!

These are my kids a year ago picture taken last summer of 2009. Just chosen this one out as I think they're growing up fast except for my little boy :) here who never cease to pose extraordinary faces every photo shoot. My eldest and youngest are graduating this March and April from Preparatory and Primary School and I realized how fast time flies. Few years from now my girls will be in college and my little boy will soon grow up also. Now I'm just enjoying their childhood and documenting every stage in their lives so when they finally become fully grown up I'll have their photos and videos to look back and reminisce!

See my other RT entries here. Click on the badge for other entries!

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Finance Plans for the Kids

I’m supposed to drop by my former office to give my requirements for tax refund to a friend who offered to arrange things for me but the super hot weather, my not-so good back pain and plenty of due tasks changed my mind. I would reschedule it next week when I’m more relaxed and free from expiring tasks. I need to save more for my daughter’s tuition as I want to enroll her as early as this month for her entry in high school.

The school’s guidance called me up to remind me to get Ruth’s exam results. I told them if they can give it to my niece who’s studying in the same school and I’m glad they told me that they will just give it to her. I’ve scheduled my finances for my three kids which will study in 3 different schools next school year. This month of March is for Ruth, April is for Josh and month of May is for their school things, bags and shoes since Gen has no tuition fees to pay. Wish I’ll be able to follow my finance plan. More opps I think!

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:RT/WW - Super Grand Mom!

I want to share a pic of my Mom and Josh on our way to my niece' birthday. This was 4 years ago when Mom takes care of my little boy while I'm working in BT&T. I just felt so happy that Mom has taken care of my two bigger daughters and my little boy when I was not yet ready to leave my work then. She has given all her time and attention watching over Josh all day and spending all her time and efforts to him. She taught him many things, she's a retired elementary teacher that's why she's very capable of honing Josh learning capabilities. Josh didn't want to write anything then, they just spent the day talking to each other and from there Josh learned many things. He's got a super Grand Mom.

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