The Philadelphia Flower Show


The 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show“Bella Italia”
Sunday, March 1 through Sunday, March 8
Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2299

Hours: Sundays, March 1 and March 8: 8 am to 6 pm
Monday through Friday, March 2 to March 6: 10 am to 9:30 pm
Saturday, March 7: 8 am to 9:30 pm(Best viewing hours are after 4 pm)
Box Office closes one hour before Show closing on all days.

The special Family Fun Pak is available for just $65 ($5 total off admission) and it includes two adult and two child tickets (ages 2-16), plus a free one-year Associate Family membership in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The Family Fun Pak can be purchased by clicking here or calling 215-988-8776.

Student Tickets are available for $17 for students (ages 17-24) with a valid student ID and proof of age. This offer is only available at the Show Box Office between March 1 to 8, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

Click here to visit The Flower Show Blog

Set a goal!

On this last Friday in February, pinpoint one specific, achievable goal: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Commit to walking 3 days a week. Eat healthy.. more fiber, more red, more green! Quit smoking! Remember even small changes can make a big difference. Taking action now can mean a longer, healthier life for you and those that you love.

Did you forget to use Spell Check?

Very interesting!

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Free Pancakes!

Flip for Free Pancakes!
Today is IHOP's National Pancake Day!

From 7:00 a.m until 10:00 p.m., on February 24, they are giving one free short stack (3 of their famous and delicious buttermilk pancakes) to each customer...don't miss out! All they ask is that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through the Children's Miracle Network.

Now...that's worth a visit!

Click HERE to find out more about IHOP's National Pancake Day.

Also...click HERE to find local IHOP restaurants.

Tasty Tuesdays

Here's our first week of Tasty Tuesdays!
We hope you'll all join in on the fun each and every week.

Click HERE to see what Tasty Tuesdays is and how it works!


Tasty Tuesdays: Crock Pot RecipesThere's nothing worse than coming home after long day at the office or toting your children around the town like a chauffeur only to realize that you have no idea what to make for dinner! That's why the crock pot is so incredibly handy! Some people fear it, some people love it. Hopefully after you see all of this week's linked posts, it'll become more of a "love" for you!

For me...it's my "Go-To Saving Grace"! It takes very little planning - you can toss just about anything in a crock pot - and very little time on my end. The end result is {9 times of of 10} a delicious meal that tastes like you've slaved over the stove for hours to prepare...when in reality it only took you 15 minutes to toss the ingredients in the crock pot and turned the dial to "high." The crock pot can cook up all sorts of dishes from appetizers to main courses to desserts...and just about anything in between. So...let's share favorite crock pot recipes here this week! You can either link up your absolute favorite crock pot dish or even one that you'd love to try but haven't gotten around to it yet. Get out your crock pot ladies....and enjoy!

Here's a family favorite from me...

Unbelievable Meatballs

1 bag frozen italian meatballs
1 jar grape jelly
1 jar of chili sauce or ketchup

Put all of the ingredients in the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours. Stir and turn dial on LOW for another 30 minutes . Stir and serve over cooked wide egg noodles.

It's delicious...a crazy combination, but once you try it...it's sweet and saucy...and oh-so-good!

Tip: I get a huge bag of frozen italian meatballs at Sam's Club and use about 1/3 - 1/2 of the bag -- depending on the amount of people I'm having for dinner. I use ketchup because it's not spicy...so it's kid friendly. It's still just as delicious!


So...now it's your turn...link your favorite crock pot recipes below!

Until we get everything "ironed on" with Mr. Linky on the CCM blog...
For this week...just LEAVE A COMMENT with your linked Crock Pot Recipe posts!
Thank You!!!


Kate reading collage small

Tasty Tuesdays

Chester County Moms is now going to have it's own weekly meme called Tasty Tuesdays! Tasty Tuesdays is going to be something that we encourage all the Chester County Mommy Bloggers to participate in. We want it to become an aspect of our blog that you feel is helpful to you and fun to join in on each week! It'll be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to share recipes, cooking tips and other miscellaneous kitchen adventures with the other moms all over the Chester County area.

Here's how it works:

1. Each Tuesday there will be a new theme posted on Chester County Moms under the post title of "Tasty Tuesdays."
2. Tasty Tuesdays is open to anyone (particularly the Chester County Mom blog readers) that blogs and would like to link up recipes, ideas or tips each week according to the given theme...we're going to use Mr. Linky to link up everyone's posts each week.
3. In order to make things easier for everyone browsing your posts, please label your posts with the Title: "Tasty Tuesdays" on your own blog (you can even include one of the fun graphics given below) so we can identify your blog post! And please only link your individual Tasty Tuesdays blog post on Mr. Linky...not your entire blog URL!
4. Remember to label your own posts as "Tasty Tuesdays" and also include a link back to the Chester County Moms Tasty Tuesdays blog post...just so everyone can enjoy all of the links each week, even if they happen to stumble on your blog!
5. Tip: Your blog must be "open" (not locked) in order for everyone to see your linked post.
6. When linking, leave your name and blog name along with the URL for the actual Tasty Tuesdays post from your own blog. Here's an example of how to link your post to our Tasty Tuesdays Mr. Linky:
First line: Nicole (A Mommy's Musings)
Second line: http://pankratzfam.blogspot.com/2009/02/tasty-tuesdays.html

7. Tasty Tuesdays will be posted each Monday night by 10:00 p.m. on the Chester County Moms blog.

Below are some of the Tasty Tuesdays graphics that you can include on your own Tasty Tuesdays post on your own blog (it's not required to include a graphic on your post, but it's a great way to help us identify your blog post).



Just right click and save the image or images you like to your own hard drive...add one of them as a photo in your Tasty Tuesdays blog posts.


Look for our Tasty Tuesdays posts...and join in on the fun!

Introducing......Mr & Mrs.K.....


I haven't been taken hostage and I'm not vacationing off the coast of Somalia. Although..... there are days it sounds blissful! I've been tied up lounging looking for a job. Yes, I was one of the 2.8 million who have been laid off. I can't say I was too sad about it though. Quite the contrary. I finally got off that dreaded tread mill, although by the looks of my rear end I might consider jumping back on! Note to self: start a fitness schedule.

I've been working on a research paper for school on forensic psychology. Interesting, but wish I were a whole lot younger. If I were to pursue it as a career I'd need a PhD -- and I don't have that kind of time! I have been able to maintain a 90
% in the class. Not bad for an old broad....

But our most exciting news by far has been the wedding of Mai and Wes. They were married January 24, 2009. She was truly the most beautiful bride. Simply breathtaking. And the chicks.....well, they couldn't have been any cuter. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.




Welcome to the Blog-o-sphere!

The Growing Tree
114 West State Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
www.thegrowingtree.com
(610) 444-8484

Join us in welcoming The Growing Tree, a Children's Consignment Shop in Kennett Square, to the "blog-o-sphere". Happy Blogging!

Click here to visit the Growing Tree blog.

Moms Night Out

This month we got together to play Bunco. There were only a few of us but we still had a lot of fun and enjoyed catching up over food and drinks before, in between, and after the rounds. :)
Fun girls night!
Ready to Roll
Tanners list to do.

Meet Kate Gosselin in Exton

Kate Gosselin, will be at the Barnes & Noble in Exton on Sunday, February, 22nd at 2PM signing copies of her book Multiple Blessings.

The couple is also speaking at The Gateway Church in Parkesburg at 9am on 2/22. Click here for more info.

From the Desk of Diane Catrambone

I'm looking for a couple of "pro bono" clients to work with me for the month of March. Here is the criteria:

1. Must be willing to meet with me 3 times by phone for 30 minutes for the month of March.

2. Will will have an in person meeting (or by phone if you are too far away) for 1.5 hours to do a complete intake session. For you, it will help you gain great insight. For me, it will help me to practice the intake session which is very involved, but energizing!

3. You will also have access to my members only coaching website for the month. THERE WILL BE $15 CHARGE FOR THIS which covers my cost to use the website. It's worth the money, as there are pretty amazing resources on the site.

4. You help me become an efficient, effective coach and I help you with some health change you would like to make. If you have no need or are not interested, I can certainly appreciate that. Maybe you know of someone who would really appreciate a month of free coaching, please pass the offer along. I'm all about spreading the love!!

That's it folks. First come.....you know the drill!

Diane Catrambone
Personal Health and Fitness Coach
www.dianecatrambone.com

a day in the life of tanner and kate

KAte collage

tanner collage small

Eat Healthy.. be healthy!

Resolve to eat one heart -healthy food today and every day: Choose salmon over steak, or a baked sweet potato instead of fries.
Go for the heart healthy red foods: apples, tomatoes, red peppers, and even red wine (in moderation.. of course!)

25% off at Gymboree this weekend!

Come to Gymboree for their exclusive shopping days and be the first to shop (and save!) on their new Spring line! From February 20-22, you can save 25% off all regular-priced items.

Mr T

Shad thinks I don't take enough pictures of Tanner. Well, here you go. This is what I get 99.99% of the time I take pictures of him. The only thing missing in here is the horrible mean yell at me to quit taking pictures. "STOP TAKING PICTURES OF ME. TAKE THEM OF KATE!!!!" So the few pictures of him that you do see on my blog are the .01% of the pictures I sneak in or once in a while there may a be a small bribery involved. = )

tanner collage


Here is a photo I snuck of him, while lying through my teeth. "Wow Tanner, that's a really cool pencil. I'm going to take some pictures of it."


This is the new way Tanner likes to enter and exit the house. It drops off directly into the sandbox. Yeah. So you can imagine the sand that piles up on that couch.



I found Kate and Tanner's room set up up like this the other day. They were playing school with their stuffed animals. Then, this morning, Tanner was filling a paper full of random letters and he informed me that he was busy doing his homework. = )

5th Annual Resource Fair for
Parents of Children Who Learn Differently

Hosted by: Woodlynde School

Co-Hosts:
The Center School
Phelps School
Crefeld School
Delaware Valley Friends School
The Crossroads School
The Quaker School at Horsham
Hilltop Preparatory School
Stratford Friends School


When: Monday 3/9/09 4:30 to 8:00 P.M. (Snow date: March 18)

Where: Woodlynde School
445 Upper Gulph Road
Strafford, PA 19087
Bold
Why: To discover what professional services are available for children
who learn differently.

Cost: Free of Charge

Free Presentations will be offered throughout the program will include:

Knowing Your Rights to Public Education Services as a Private School Family
Building Resilience in Students with Learning Differences
Assistive Technologies for Literacy Instruction
Metacognition: Why it is NOT About The 3 R’s Anymore
Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs Children
For information please contact Mariandl Hufford at hufford@woodlynde.org.

HUGE news in this home

No I'm not pregnant.

Tanner went poop on the potty! Words cannot describe the feelings I have about this. I'm still partially in shock. We've almost had to borrow against our 401k to fulfull all of the promises we made to him, but it has been well worth it. = )

One of the big promises we made to him was that we would go to Disneyland where he could pick out whatever toy he wanted and eat one of those gigantic lollipops. So two days ago at about noon, he says, "I think I want to try to go poop on the potty." So he had me stand outside of the door (he is very private with his bathroom time) and he did it! As soon as he did, he yelled, "Yay, we get to go to Disneyland!" So we packed up and left for Disneyland. (We have season passes and it's less than 2 hours away, so it isn't as outrageous as it sounds.) It was the first time I'd braved Disneyland alone with the kids. It worked though and was actually really fun. The kids did great and Tanner was in heaven. He kept telling me thank you and how much he loved me all day long.

So far it's been 2 days and he's been great with the whole potty-training thing. So overall it only took him until he was 4 years and 1 month old to do it and 1 month of me changing poopy underwear everyday. Not too bad, right?

Yeah. Now you can see why this is HUGE news in our home.

The Circus is coming.....

With the economy posing a challenge for many families, the value of a night out at Ringling Bros. is high, as the experience includes the All Access Pre-show, a fun opportunity to meet circus performers and dress up in clown costumes, which happens one hour before each performance.
We are excited to extend the following special family offers:

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Other Restrictions May Apply.·

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ZING ZANG ZOOM in Philadelphia,
May 13-May 25. You can oder tickets through Ticket Master.

Click here to check the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey website for military discounts, Baby's 1st Circus discounts and much, much, more.
Lands' End is one of those companies that really appreciates moms and all that you do! In addition to their dedication to quality and customer service, Lands' End listens to what moms have to say and takes their feedback to create great products for the whole family. Because we are huge fans of the brand ourselves, we are so pleased to let you know about this great sale.
20% Off Every Order

A Special Offer to Celebrate Presidents Day

No minimum order required
Excludes overstocks
Savings reflected at checkoutAlign Center

2 Days Only!

Promo code - AMERICA
Pin number - 6289

Starts - 12:01 am Sunday, Feb 15th
Ends - 11:59 pm Monday, Feb 16th
Click here to start shopping now!!!!

I like to move it, move it!

Plan a Valentine's night out dancing with your hubby or girlfriends. Exercise is key to staying at a healthy weight - just 15 minutes can burn 100 calories and lower your risk of heart disease.
Music is a great motivator, so crank up the heart thumping songs and shake your groove thing!

Valentine's Day Apron Set Give Away Winner

Congratulations.. T. Langdon! You are the winner of the awesome Diaper Bag Wrangler Give Away. Woo-hoo!

Thanks to all that entered this contest. Make sure to check out all the other Diaper Bag Wrangler goodies at www.diaperbagwrangler.com.

Pilates Classes with Leslie Smith


Pilates Mat Classes
(Beginner-Intermediate)
Beginning February 21st

Where: My Gym in Lionville
138 Eagleview Blvd
Exton, PA 19341
OR
Private/ Group In home lessons of 4 or more people available
When: Tues (7-8pm) and Sat. (8-9am)

Instructor: Leslie Smith - Certified Pilates Instructor
Cost: $100 for 6week session, once a week
(Please bring a mat, and water bottle)

To reserve your spot,

please email/call Leslie:
leslie@lildarlins.org / 610-420-4546
Start date: Sat, Feb.21st 8am!

*Note: If you sign up for two classes a week, a discount will be applied.


Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen.It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. Pilates improves flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain.


Pilates is the ONLY exercise that got rid of my pregnant belly!

Leslie Smith, certified PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Diaper Bag Wrangler - Valentine's Day Apron Gift Set - 1 Day Give Away

Mommy and Me Valentine's Day Apron Set ($57 value)


Child Size Aprons from The Diaper Bag Wrangler are reversible and machine washable! They are ideal for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergartners (approx. 2 - 6 years old). The front side features 4 pockets - perfect to hold spoons and spatulas! The back is finished with the same fabric as the front, making the apron reversible. Each apron comes with 1 "play" potholder (*NOT for use with REAL cooking!) which is reversible and coordinates with the apron fabric. It has a ribbon loop and quilting detail. The apron measures 18" tall and 22" wide, has an adjustable d-ring neck and 20" long waist ties.


The Mommy Sized Apron coordinates with the child version. It features 4 front pockets, an adjustable d-ring neck and has 26" waist ties. It measures 28" tall and 26" wide, and fits most adults. It is reversible and machine washable.Included is a single letter initial (of your choice) to customize the aprons. We use high quality Eco-spun felt which is made with recycled plastic bottles. Each letter is 2" tall and hand embroidered to a square felt patch and machine sewn to the chest of the apron. The patch measures around 3" square and the felt and thread colors are selected to coordinate with the apron. Each one is unique!



Fabric: The Child Apron is made with a raspberry pink cotton fabric with a subtle white heart and flower scroll print. The coordinating fabric for the pockets and ties is a checkerboard of hearts print.The Mommy Apron is made with a raspberry pink cotton fabric with a subtle white heart and flower scroll print.


This contest ends on 2/10 at midnight. The winner will be notified via email. In order to get this gift set to you in time for Valentine's Day please reply to our email ASAP. This contest is OPEN to Chester County residents ONLY! Only 1 entry per household. To enter this contest please email contests@chestercountymoms.com with Diaper Bag Wrangler/Valentine's Gift Set in the subject line.

Baby Gate Recall

Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate Model 42111 - SKU #046412



The hinges that hold the gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children if the gate is placed at the top of the stairs. The recall involves the Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gate with model number 42111, which is printed on a sticker under the handle panel. The gates, which were manufactured before December 31, 2007, are white metal with a gray handle and a motion sensor nightlight that illuminates on approach. The manufacture date is located below the gate’s handle as a date wheel imprinted in the plastic; an arrow indicates the month, and the year is stamped inside the circle. The manufacture date is also printed on a sticker inside the battery door. Consumers should stop using the recalled gate and contact DJG to obtain a free repair kit. Please do not return your SmartLight Stair Gate to the store where you purchased it.


For a Free Repair Kit, visit http://www.djgusa.com/ and click on “Safety Notice” at the bottom of the page OR Email DJG atmailto:atSmartlightgate@djgusa.com
OR CALL 1-866-690-2540
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Tanner

DSC_0004ps

  • This morning on the way to preschool I asked Tanner why he thought it was raining today. He said, "It's the rains turn now. It's always the sun's turn, so now it's the rains turn."
  • He does art all day long. Realistically, he probably does art at least 4 hours a day. Markers are by far his favorite medium. Black markers to be specific. He usually will work on a picture for an hour, then cut it out, roll it up and tape it. The whole masterpiece taking about 1 1/2 hours. If you by chance "misplace" the masterpiece (throw it away), he will notice. It could be 5 days later, and he could have several of his other similar art projects all around him, but he will know that you threw away that one thing.
  • I'm pretty sure that he pops Kate on a daily basis, but very sneakily when he knows I'm not looking. Kate will start bawling, I'll come in and ask what happened. Tanner will be sitting there with a very calm smile on his face. Through tears Kate will say, "Tanner. Hit. Me. " Tanner denies it every single time.
  • Every night he sleeps with Buzz, Woody, his Doggie, Mater, a sippie of soymilk and a sippie of water.

Jon & Kate Speaking engagement


Jon and Kate Gosselin, are going to be speaking at the Gateway Church in Parkesburg on Feb. 22. If you are interested in attending and would like additional information call the church at 610-857-0720 or email info@gcwired.com. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!


The address for the church is:

Gateway Church
260 Cowan Road
Parkesburg, PA 19365


it's me...again

I know I already posted this picture, but I just got Photoshop and I'm experimenting. If you could... bear with me. In the following months, I may post some "way too edited" pictures, where you think, "does she honestly think that looks good?", but I'm learning, right?

DSC_0048psbww

Is Your Child the "Next Great Young Chef"?


Are cold days keeping your family indoors? Are you running out of games to play or DVDs to watch?

KIWI Magazine is here to help! Your child could become the Next Great Young Chef™AND, there’s over $12,500 in prizes, with a grand prize of $5,000, first prize $2,500, a trip to New York City for a video shoot, a feature article in KIWI Magazine and more.

All you and your child need to do is to come up with an original recipe using Florida Crystals® Organic and Natural Sugar. Submit the recipe on our website with either a video or photo. Yes; it’s that easy and lots of fun! Watch our video to learn more or go directly to our website.

Hurry, the contest ends February 20th, 2009!

Kid's Day at The Philadelphia Auto Show

Kid's Day at the Auto Show!
Sunday; February 8, 2009
11 am - 5 pm


The Philadelphia Auto Show is proud to host the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation KIDS DAY AT THE AUTO SHOW!

On this day only, children ages 12 and under will be offered free admission to the Auto Show when accompanied by an adult. (ages 6-12 regular price $6)

Children will have the opportunity to get their faces painted and enjoy balloon animals, a 12 foot inflatable slide and art project stations. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE FREE OF CHARGE!

Spider-Man and Iron Man will appear from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Kids can have professional photos taken with the super heroes and purchase a 5”x7” printed on the spot, or are more than welcome to use their own camera or cell phone.
Click here for more info or to buy your tickets online.

I know I'm totally copying Lillie, but....

it's so great to know how to do this new trick. Thanks Lillie for teaching me so much about photography.

Cowboy collage

Wear Red, Talk Red...

Get out that red sweater, skirt, or lipstick and wear it on Friday, National Wear Red Day, to remind everyone that 1 and 4 women dies of heart disease. Then go one step further: Tell 3 women in your life to make an appointment to talk to their doctor about their blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and diet. Pick up the phone, email, text, join the Go Red facebook group or twitter - do whatever you know that will get their attention so they will have a better understanding of their own risk of heart disease.

Come see the Phillies World Series Trophy

The Phillies World Series Trophy will be on display at the Granite Run Mall tomorrow, Friday, February 6th, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. What a great opportunity to show your kids a piece of Philadelphia history!
Oscar® Winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kimberly Elise
Star in TNT’s Inspirational GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY,
A JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® Movie

GIFTED HANDS, Based on Pediatric Neurosurgeon’s Moving Memoir,
To Premiere Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)


A frustrated young boy with problems in school overcomes the obstacles in his life to become a world-renowned neurosurgeon in the new TNT Original movie GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY. This uplifting and inspirational JOHNSON & JOHNSON SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION® stars Oscar® winner Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and two-time NAACP Image Award winner Kimberly Elise (The Great Debaters, The Manchurian Candidate). It is based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a best-selling author and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The movie premieres Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT.


In GIFTED HANDS, Gooding plays Carson as an adult, while Elise plays Carson’s mother, Sonya, who inspired her son to study and work hard so he could rise above their inner-city roots. Also starring in the movie are Aunjanue Ellis (The Practice), as Carson’s wife, Candy; Jaishon Fisher (Lakeview Terrace), who plays Carson as a young boy; and Gus Hoffman (Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins), who portrays Carson as a teenager.


GIFTED HANDS was adapted by award-winning writer John Pielmeier (Agnes of God) from the memoir penned by Carson and Cecil Murphey. The film is directed by Thomas Carter (Coach Carter). It comes to TNT from Sony Pictures Television, Thomasfilm and The Hatchery LLC. Dan Angel (TNT’s Door to Door), Margaret Loesch (Benji: Off the Leash), Bruce Stein (The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It), Erin Keating and Carter serve as executive producers on the project.


The film opens with Carson’s childhood in Detroit. The young Bennie struggles in school after his father abandons the family and his mother, who suffers from bouts of depression, is forced to be the family’s sole provider, despite the fact that she can’t read and has only a third-grade education.


Seeing that her son is having problems in school, Sonya soon realizes it is because he has troubles seeing. With a new pair of glasses and encouragement to spend time at a library, Bennie dives into the world of books. The joy Bennie gets from reading and the undying love and support he receives from his mother pave the way for him to overcome his impoverished background and graduate from high school, college and medical school. To fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, he also must face down racial prejudice and other obstacles that threaten to derail him.
Along the way, Carson gets married and starts a family. But his home life becomes strained when his work starts to consume his every waking hour, especially as he faces the challenge of becoming the first doctor ever to successfully separate conjoined twins joined at the back of the head. In the end, however, Carson’s family comes to understand that his work is vital in helping other families, including a young couple whose twins’ lives are saved thanks to Carson’s remarkable skills, knowledge and courage.


Today, Carson stands at the top of his field as one of the most respected pediatric neurosurgeons in the world. He is living proof that, with perseverance, a devotion to knowledge and the loving support of family and friends, one can overcome any obstacles. Like his mother did for him, Carson now pours everything he has into helping young people overcome their medical limitations and fulfill their own dreams.


Click here for a closer look - watch behind the scenes clips from the movie.


Click here to discuss GIFTED HANDS: THE BEN CARSON STORY, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Turner Network Television (TNT), television’s destination for drama and one of cable’s top-rated networks, offers original series, including the acclaimed and highly popular detective drama The Closer, starring Kyra Sedgwick; Saving Grace, starring Holly Hunter; Raising the Bar, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben and Jane Kaczmarek; Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton; and Trust Me, with Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanagh. TNT is also home to powerful one-hour dramas, such as Bones, Cold Case, Law & Order, Without a Trace, ER and Charmed; broadcast premiere movies; compelling prime-time specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR and the NBA.

Maggie April 15, 2000 - February 3, 2009




Maggie,


Where do I begin. I can still see your pretty little face the day we brought you home. You were so nervous and so was I. Do you remember knocking over my glass of wine as you ran thru the house? Twice! Or how you kept stepping in your water bowl and spilling it? You were the most gorgeous animal on the face of the earth. I hope you always know how much I loved you. As much as we thought you were human, I wish you could have shared with me the pain you were suffering. I keep thinking that "if only".... oh.. if only I knew about the anemia, and the internal bleeding and the abnormally small heart.... you'd still be with us.... How did we not know? I should have known something was up these past couple weeks when you nuzzled up to me for an extra kiss or hug. I should have known something.....I.Should.Have.Known! I knew something was wrong when you couldn't get up, but I thought the Vet would fix it. He always does. I remember hearing "blood transfusion and critical" and thinking what? But, how could I know within two hours I would be signing your death certificate?! It happened so quickly. I can't believe you are gone. The tears won't stop. I hope you know you were always my "first". Mag's my heart is breaking.....I'll will miss you forever and ever.....


I will love you forever and ever...


Your mommy....



Maggie G


April 15, 2000 - February 3, 2009




Valentine's Day Treats & Goodies...Ideas for Kids

It's that time of year again...love is all around us! Next week, on February 14, is Valentine's Day! It's the day that flower shops and Hallmark's all around us thrive on! I'm sure you've been planning a little something special for the ones you love, but just in case you're stumped...we have a few ideas for you. These Valentine's Day treats are great to make with your children and for your children. They are also all wonderful ideas if you're planning on giving your children treats to bring for their classroom Valentine's Day parties at school or even great things to bring your co-workers for fun snacks for the office.

Teachers love when classroom parties run smoothly! So, forget the messy cupcakes this year...why not go for something a little neater...simpler...and that does two jobs at once?!

Like these little treat bags that combine the Valentine's card and treat all in one...


You can create these treat bags by using small cellophane bags (found at any craft store) and a decorated paper topper or sticker. Fill the bags with a favorite candy, like red hots, M&M's, conversation hearts or Hershey's kisses, then attach the paper topper with staples or the sticker to the bag....it's just that simple! You can get creative with the paper toppers and stickers...if you're a stamper...create them using your card stock and stamps...if you're more into digital designs...make round stickers on your computer with a whimsical design - you can even personalize them with your child's name. Get creative!

Another great idea for Valentine's Day cards and a treat is these cute flower and butterfly lollipop holders.
All you have to do is print...cut...and insert a lollipop! Can't get much easier than that!
For the flower design instructions & download, click here and here.
For the butterfly design instructions & download, click here.
Get creative here too...print these designs on colored paper to save time or have your toddler color them for a more "personal" touch!

Would you rather make something that's doesn't involve sugar? Then here's an idea for you...
Make heart shaped crayons! (These might not go over well with your co-workers at the office...but you never know!!!)

This is a great project, because not only are you making something fun and unique for your children to give out to their friends...but you can recycle all of those itty bitty crayon pieces your children have piled in their art boxes!

To make these crayons:
Get out your old crayons. Take off the paper (if it's still on) and break them into smaller pieces (kids love to help with this). Spray your muffin tin (use heart shaped tins or silicone candy molds to make them heart shaped) with vegetable spray and put some crayons pieces into each spot. The more or less you put depends on what size you want for each chunky crayon. You can also group the crayons into colors that are fun together, red and blue for purple, pink tones or blue tones - or even red, pink and white for a fun Valentine's Day theme. Place the muffin tin full of crayons into a preheated oven of 275 degrees F. Watch them carefully, they will melt fast. Bake them for about 7-8 minutes. When they looked melted enough, carefully and slowly remove them from the oven. You can stir them with a toothpick for a swirly look, or leave them as is. Let them cool completely (can be placed in the freezer to speed up process once the tin is not so hot). Once cooled, the crayons can be popped out of the muffin tin, tap the back to help this process.
If you love this idea, but don't want to make them, check out this Etsy shop where you can purchase heart crayons...already made and neatly bagged up for you!

Or how about making these delicious Cookie Pops! Click here for recipe.

Or Valentine's Day Chex Mix! Click here for recipe.

Want something a little more "chocolatey" instead? How about dipping your favorite treats in melting chocolate and handing those out? Like these yummy treats...
Oreos, jumbo marshmallows, Nutter Butter Cookies, pretzel rods, graham crackers sticks and fortune cookies!

All you have to do is melt the chocolate (Almond bark is also good because it "sets" the best) in the mircowave or in a double boiler on the stove until it's completely melted and smooth, then dip your delicious treats! Decorate them with sprinkles if you'd like. Place them on wax paper lined cookie sheets and allow them to "set" or cool. Put them in the refridgerator for a few minutes to speed up the process. You can even wrap the goodies in cellophane bags for a more finished way to disperse them in the classroom or at work.

And one last idea...and probably the healtiest choice of all - Heart Fruit and Cheese Skewers.Just cut out melon and cheese into hearts shapes with a small cookie/pastry cutter. Put the fruit and cheese on kabob skewers...and enjoy!

We hope all of these ideas inspire you to make some fun and delicious Valentine's Day goodies for this upcoming holiday!