By Nicola Kennedy

Of all the things our teachers teach our children, they do not often touch on the idea of Labor Day history for kids. How much do our children know about this important holiday? If anything, they only know that it is a holiday for workers, but that is the extent of it in most cases.

The designation of Labor Day as a national holiday prior to the turn of the 20th century is historical enough for our children to know about the history of the holiday, and not just that it is a holiday for working class Americans and Canadians. It is an important part of their heritage as Americans to know that the celebration began in 1882 in New York for those working under labor unions. From its conception in 1882 to its later designation into a national holiday in a bill signed by President Grover Cleveland, it has become an important part of our history.

Some confusion may exist concerning the adoption of the first Monday in September as the official Labor Day celebration. Some sources say it’s to differentiate it from the Socialist Labor Day on May 1st, a date that later became May Day, and others indicate that it was chosen because it is halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Regardless of which version you accept as truth, it is still important to know that Labor Day is not just a holiday to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, nor is its purpose to signify the beginning of autumn and a return to school for our children. Read More→

by Candi Wingate

Busy moms have a lot in common with circus performers. We have to juggle many balls in the air – and we worry that it’s all going to come crashing down at any moment! Additionally, we strive to perfect our balancing act, some days feeling more surefooted than others. Add some crying babies, toddlers melting down and kids needing help with homework, rides to soccer practice, a Band Aid or a snack, and your life often feels like a three-ring circus!

Many moms are looking for that “perfect” balance between family, chores, work, “me time” and time with their partner and friends. But since there are only 24 hours in a day, how are we supposed to fit it all in?

* Rely on a nanny for help with childcare, shuttling kids to school and other activities, as well as errands and housework. Delegate some responsibilities so you can spend your limited time on things you want to do – like playing with your kids.

* Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Our inclination as mothers is to care for our children, husband, friends and colleagues…which leaves no time to take care of ourselves! Eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to deal with your hectic schedule. And when you’re not feeling your best, you’re much more likely to feel overwhelmed. Read More→

by Joy Jochems

Some of my biggest “ah-ha!” moments come in some of the strangest places: in the car, in the bathroom, at the kitchen sink. It was the latter that brought a moment of inspiration most recently. Perhaps you would like to hear it as my heart heard it:

“Joy?”

“Yes, Lord?”

“You had a really fun weekend, didn’t you?”

“It was awesome! There was the dinner out with friends, and then shopping with my best buddy, then a movie night … It was a weekend of fun that filled my extroverted tank!”

“And how are you feeling on this fine Monday?”

“Fine Monday? Seriously, Lord, it’s not so fine. Dishes, laundry, cranky kids, bills to pay … not exactly tank-filling material. I’m not really seeing the ‘fine’ in it, let alone the fun. To be honest, Lord, I’m just trying to make it through today.”

“So why is it that your weekend was so amazing, and now your joy is feeble?”

As I considered the Lord’s question to my heart and the Spirit’s conviction found its mark, I realized that I have been living for the next fun thing. I find myself thinking about that “next fun thing” that will fill my social appetite, or I find myself dwelling on how boring and tedious the every day is. Read More→

by Candi Wingate

School’s out for the summer.  You would like to plan fun and educational activities for your children.  Here are a few suggestions.

You can take advantage of sports, classes, and activities offered by civic or governmental organizations in your community.  These include municipal sports teams (i.e., baseball, softball, and soccer), YMCA/YWCA swimming lessons, art center youth programs and classes (i.e., painting pottery, drawing and painting, and clay art), museum youth programs (i.e., day camps and museum sleep-overs), planetarium youth programs and activities (i.e., junior astronomer programs), community theatre youth programs (i.e., youth theatre presentations), zoo youth programs (i.e., “all about __type of animal__” programs), public library reading programs (i.e., a Harry Potter reading group), club memberships and activities (i.e., Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Bluebirds, 4-H, etc.), and church summer camps.
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