Monday, October 22, 2012
Healing the loss of a loved one is no easy task. Bear with me as I try to find good in the grief process.
I’ve got major writer’s block this week. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get my words to make sense. My dad passed away suddenly last week so time has kind of stopped for me. I’ve been going through the motions in a numb state, waking up when someone asks me how I am or tells me they are sorry for my loss. I thought I could write about him but it feels too personal right now. I can’t seem to keep my writing on one topic either. I was going to write about something going on at school but then I started writing about digital photos, then switched to how the holidays are coming so quickly, and then, to my dislike for Christmas decorations in October. Then I got hungry and thought I should write about pasta. So, as you can see, I can’t keep …
Monday, October 1, 2012
An anniversary reminds me how lucky I am even when things don’t go as planned.
My husband Mark and I have been married 18 years and 1 day today. Our anniversary was yesterday. We had plans to go out on Saturday, even had a sitter arranged. But…lo and behold, the night before our night out, our daughter spiked a fever. For a moment, I thought we could still pull it off and sneak out, but deep down I knew it wasn’t going to happen. I was disappointed because I was looking forward to a night out. As all parents know, these things happen. It’s not just about us. We’re married with children. (Yes, I’m playing with words and remembering one of my favorite TV sitcoms from the '80s.) We were at a spectacular wedding a month ago in Ireland and our young friends Sarah and Barry began their life together as a married couple…
Monday, September 24, 2012
This busy mom looks forward to a new TV season; is that so bad?
Now that the "back to school" chaos has calmed down a bit, I’m looking forward to relaxing on my sofa and enjoying the new fall television season. Running around with the kids and planning meals and activities tires me out. I need some R & R and sometimes, a night in front of the TV gives me exactly what I need. There are many experts and people who say that watching television is an unhealthy waste of time but I am not one of those people. I think there are some benefits to our unofficial international pastime. I have fond childhood memories of watching television with my family. I remember Tuesday nights were reserved for Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley. I looked forward to spending that time with my parents and sister each week. My …
Monday, September 17, 2012
A Cinnaminson fifth-grader enjoys a unique hobby while helping scientists and inspiring hope.
Butterflies are free to fly and many have begun the journey of their lifetime at the Hoban's house in Cinnaminson. Samantha Hoban, a fifth-grader from Eleanor Rush School has found a unique hobby in raising butterflies. After joining the Butterfly Club at Rush School in third grade, Hoban took an interest in raising monarch butterflies and brought home milkweed plants and as her mom says, “it took off from there.” Samantha sprinkled milkweed seeds around her mom’s garden and many plants sprouted up. Around 50 caterpillars clung to the milkweed in her yard. Monarchs are often called the “milkweed butterfly.” Milkweed, also known as Asclepias, is the host plant for monarch butterflies. They lay eggs on the milkweed and the eggs turn into …
Monday, July 16, 2012
A super Summer Camp Program was enjoyed by many including Cinnaminson Patch editor Christina Paciolla, who shared her time and some stories with a group of young aspiring writers.
Twelve years and going strong, Cinnaminson School District’s Summer Camp provides a unique camp experience for youngsters in town. There are no tents or campfires to speak of but this town's summer camp offers a varied assortment of athletic, educational and cultural activities. This completely self-funded program is open to all children in kindergarten through eighth grade who live or go to school in town. It was a successful camp according to Joy Korn, the Rush School librarian and camp coordinator. “This year, we offered 21 different classes," Korn said. "We have offered many activities over the years, but some of the most popular classes have been offered since the beginning like: theater, dance, cooking, art and many of the sports …
Monday, July 9, 2012
When did your kids get cell phones? This mom gives you her thoughts on the issue.
At what age do you think kids should have cell phones? It's a tough call. I don't get why a 6-year-old needs a phone or even a 10-year-old but I think it really depends on the child, how responsible they are and what the purpose of the phone is. We’re on the brink of equipping our twin tweens with cell phones. I’m cautious but relieved that they will be able to reach me if they need to. As they get older and head toward their teenage years, there will be more events and activities they attend without me so having a cell for emergencies makes sense. My husband and I have thought and fought about when we should add them to our plan. We are actually behind the times because most of their friends already have phones. If we could have held out …
Monday, July 2, 2012
Negativity is contagious, focus on the positive.
Sometimes, I find all of the bad stuff I hear overwhelming. It’s so easy to get swept up in negativity. It is contagious. People love to complain about other people, their jobs, the country, the government, etc. The list goes on and on. It is draining and makes life and the people who complain difficult to deal with. So, why not focus on the good things? Accentuate the positive. It’s the positive things that often get overlooked. Here’s a list of some good things happening in our little corner of the world. Philanthropy is well and alive in our town. Our community is a giving one. The Jane B. Weilenbeck Needy Family Fund is one great example of how our community comes together to help each other. This organization supported by school …
Monday, June 25, 2012
Here are some playful party and picnic treats that both kids and adults will love to eat and play with.
Go ahead; it’s OK to play with your food. Here are some unique summer treats sure to add some fun and smiles to your next backyard barbecue. My friend Mary gave me this recipe for easy to make Hamburger Cookies. My daughters and I made them this weekend for a family pool party. Not only did we enjoy assembling the cookies, they were a huge hit at the summer shindig. They are a snap to make and perfect for kids to participate in. You will need Nilla Wafers, Grasshopper Cookies and vanilla or white icing. Use a few drops of food coloring to transform the icing into mustard, cheese, ketchup or lettuce. To build your burger, take one Nilla Wafer and spread a little bit of lettuce colored icing on the flat part of the cookie, place the …
Monday, June 11, 2012
Cinnaminson's Outdoor Education Program teaches valuable lessons that can't be taught in a classroom.
A rite of passage for fifth-graders, before they move onto the middle school in the Cinnaminson School District, is 5th Grade Overnight Camp. Each year Cinnaminson’s fifth-grade classes travel to Camp Ockanickon in Medford and rough it for three days. Students engage in various outdoor educational activities and learn what it's like to be at summer camp. How cool is that? They canoe, swim, run through obstacle courses, learn about nature and I think they gain some camping skills—my girls did mention something about compass study. They bunk in cabins without electricity or running water. They are on their own in a way that is new to most of them. It’s an incredible learning experience for children and parents too—even those like me who send…
Monday, June 4, 2012
Coffee is good for the soul and may also be good for the body.
My husband was a little offended when I told him to stay in bed on Sunday morning so I could have a quiet cup of coffee by myself. We have a crazy week ahead which means I’ll be running in 50 million directions. If I can get one peaceful moment to sit and reflect over a good cup of coffee, I will take advantage of it. It's good for my soul. My husband doesn’t drink coffee, so he doesn’t get my attachment to it. He thinks it’s unhealthy. Would I be healthier if I didn’t drink it? Maybe...maybe not. I have learned that there are numerous benefits to the ritual that so many of us look forward to each morning. CBS News recently ran a piece touting the advantages of a daily jolt of java. Research shows that it can help with depression and may …
betsy smith
6:56 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2012
hi amy its aunt betsy. ive wanted to call but dont have your cell phone number. if you feel like sharing your number with me id love to keep in touch. more ›