The Father Ed Judy House

Our children’s coordinator introduced me to these wonderful online tools that allow you to create your very own word search. Each puzzle can be custom designed for your child. You can have them find their name, their friends’ names, books they love, silly nick names you have given them, etc. You could create one especially for a birthday party. You can also add words that describe their positive qualities such as artist, kind, smart, loving, thoughtful, strong, etc.

Here is a link to create a puzzle for early elementary kids: A to Z Teacher Stuff

Here is a link for a little more difficult puzzle: word search maker

Children love these puzzles because they are all about them! Try one today or save one for when the weather is bad and everyone is spending the day inside.

Freezer Fairy Ice Cream is made from frozen leftover bananas and children love it! It is a great way to use over-ripe bananas and it is an easy, nutritious snack for kids.

Freezer Fairy Ice Cream

1 sanwhich bag full of frozen, peeled bananas (about 2-3)
1/2 to 1 cup of milk (yogurt will also work if you have some)
handful of other frozen fruit such as strawberries or raspberries

Blend in a blender until very thick - like soft serve ice cream. It will take a few minutes to smash the bananas; add more milk if the blender seems to be struggling.

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Ice Cream — you can modify this recipe by adding 1/4 cup of peanut butter and a few tablespoonfuls of chocolate sauce.

Note: Eat right away, this does not taste as good when it thaws.

Having problems paying the heating bill? There may be help available. LEAP, Low Income Energy Assistance, is a program designed to help families who are struggling to keep their heat on. The information below has been taken directly from the LEAP website

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What is LEAP?

LEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services and is designed to assist with your winter heating costs. The LEAP Program eligibility period runs from November 1st through April 30th.

LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating. If you are applying for LEAP assistance you should continue to pay your home heating bill.

Eligibility Requirements: You may qualify for LEAP assistance if:

• You are a U.S. Citizen or a legal resident of Colorado
• You pay heating costs directly to an energy provider or your pay the cost of heating your home with your rent
• Your gross monthly household income falls within the guidelines set annually and posted November 1st of each year
• Your maximum family household gross income falls within the gudelines given in the table below. “Household” means people who live with you and for whom you, as an applicant, are financially responsible

1 $1,574
2 $2,111
3 $2,647
4 $3,184
5 $3,720
6 $4,257
7 $4,793
8 $5,330

For more information you can visit the LEAP Website or call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435).

The Caring Connection has compiled a pretty comprehensive list of local resources: from food pantries to health clinics. It was updated this October. Here is the link - it is a .pdf file and may take a few minutes to load:

http://www.caringconnection.org/images/stories/hiwenglish%2010.07.pdf

We just received an email that is offering free admission to the Denver Art Museum for families December 12 through January 6, 2008, in honor of one of Mexico’s most beloved images, Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you are interested, please email us and we will forward you the flyer.

I found this awhile ago. I don’t know who wrote it, however, my thanks goes out to them for reminding us how important all the small words are to children.

Children Love to Hear…

I Love You!
Great Work!
Thank you very much!
You’re such a great kid!
Keep up the good work!
I have such a fun time being with you !
How are you doing today?
I would love for you to help me with this.
I can tell you’ve been working really hard lately.
I’m proud to know that you are doing your best.
What do you think about…
Now I see your point.
Moms and Dads can make mistakes, too.
We have rules because we care about your safety.
What I love about you is…
You are an important part of my life.
Let’s spend some special time together.
I know I’ve been buy lately, but I’m never too busy for you.
You really outdid yourself.
Good for you!
You are doing a super job!
Your’re a good friend because you…
I’m glad you’re here.

Here are five great reasons to play with your children taken from the Play Connection handbook:

1. Play helps children to make better life choices.

They are less likely to engage in violent behacior or abuse alcohol or drugs.

2. Play Strengthens family bonds and communication.

Families who play together communicte better and have stronger family bonds.

3. Play reduces rebelliousness and conduct problems.

Children who play are less likely to be rebellious or to act out.

4. Play develops the brain and makes children smarter.

The brains of children who play grow and develop better.

5. Play builds social and coping skills.

Children who play get along better with others and choose healthy ways to cope with stress.

For one of our recent play connection classes, residents got to play in corn starch slop. Mezmorizing to adults and children, this is a cheap and easy activity to do with children!

Corn Starch Slop

1/2 cup regular corn starch

a little bit of water

a drop of food coloring - optional

Mix cornstarch with water a little bit at a time until it has just turned into a liquid. Add one drop of food coloring if desired. This will make the activity a little messier - but the color is fun. This mixture will feel like liquid sometimes, and sometimes it will feel solid. Careful- playing with this stuff will make time fly by~