Summer treats without the heat

My fifteen-month-old is OBSESSED with our oven. I'm not sure if it's the whir of the fan, the light, or the smell of awesome goodness (when my husband cooks), but the little guy is like a moth to a flame on that one. In fact, if anyone knows an oven child-safety device that actually works, please let me know.

Anyway, because my kids and I do have a sweet tooth (or several), I found myself searching for no-cook desserts on Pinterest, treats that say "summer" without the heat of the oven or stove involved. Oh, and which are colorful or chocolately enough to get the little guy saying "Moe!"

Contestant Number One: For something that's colorful, somewhat healthy, and quick, try these no bake tarts from The Style Sisters. I think these work great for kiddos, but it racks up extra points for being pretty enough to serve to guests too.



Link to site



Contestant Number Two: This gem is from Southern Living. It gets bonus points for being easy AND made with ice cream--a match made in my own little version of heaven. And, a busy mom does not have to make her own ice cream for this to work (FYI -- Just bought some Talenti gelato at Wal-Mart that had me licking the bowl). Okay, so this treat doesn't have any health points attached. But then, it is a dessert;-)

 

 

Link to site





Contestant Number Three: This last one may take a little more time, but this beauty from Let's Dish was seriously love at first sight for me. Peanut butter cups? Oreos? Chocolate Pudding? WHIPPED TOPPING? I'm desperately lovestruck. It's not as easy to make as the other two, or particularly healthy, but I may just win mother-of-the-year from my little ones if I put this together right.

Link to site


And if all else fails, there are always the fool-proof popsicles. Old-school and yummy! Or if cookies and cupcakes are the only way to fill a kiddo's (or your) craving, never fear. Places like Uptown Grocery, Eileen's Colossal Cookies, or Cupcakes to Go Go are just a few of the many Edmond bakeries that have you covered. Bon Apetit!



How hot is too hot?

Well, what a weird summer here in Edmond so far, huh? After a rather violent and tragic storm season in May, we've launched into a summer that can only be termed "mild" after the past few summers, when record-breaking 100 degree-plus temperatures became the norm.

In fact, just this week we've been treated to highs of (gasp!) 76 degrees and rain that would have made even Noah batten down the hatches. I love the temperature (refreshing), my electric bill (record-breaking lows on that account), and the rain (even though the baby stands at the window and laments "buuuuubbbbbles!!!"). But I know we'll have our penance to pay soon enough for such a mild break.

As the temperatures rise and I again get out the sunscreen, ball caps, and turtle sprinkler, I find myself wondering, "How hot is too hot?" I've got small children, and even though we do have a fail-safe method for staying indoors during the hottest part of the day (a.k.a., naptime), when it climbs to over 100--probably by next week--I'd better keep safety at the forefront of my mind.

So, here's a few methods for keeping the kiddos safe during the "dog days" of the summer.

Heat AND humidity should be considered. We all have great little phone apps now that keep us up-to-date on temperature and humidity. According to daycare.com, 100-degree temperatures combined with humidity below 50 percent are not as concerning when those temperatures are combined with higher humidity. As always, watching children closely and following your instincts is never a bad thing. Better inside than sorry!

Have the right gear. Then again, just because it's climbing toward 90 or even 100, going outside isn't completely out of the question. JohnsonBaby.com had some good tips for beating the heat that seem like common sense, but are good to remember: dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing, stick to shaded areas (where the temperature may be considerably less), bring a spray bottle of water for a quick cool down, and for goodness sake, use sunscreen!

Do NOT leave your child in the car. I'm so paranoid, I don't even close the automatic doors on the minivan until I'm buckled in. That way, if I keel over for some strange reason, surely someone in the parking lot will notice the open car doors and assist my kids. Crazy? Yes. But I'm a mom. Crazy is just part of the job description. And that leads me to...

I repeat, better inside than sorry. According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the major causes of weather-related deaths. Your child may experience heat differently from you. According to an article on ivillage.com, babies and children sweat less, heat-up faster, and have faster metabolisms than adults, all which contribute to heating up quicker. Watch for flushed faces and keep everyone hydrated, and if you're feeling hot, it's possible your kid is hotter. Just remember, if it really is too warm to be outside and you're feeling housebound, Quail Springs Mall, Bouncin' Craze, Unpluggits, Artic Edge Ice Arena, and many other Edmond and north OKC locations have great indoor fun--no sunglasses required.

Free summer learning - Keeping the kids sharp (and entertained) through library programs

Every few months I teach a creative writing workshop for teenagers through the Metropolitan Library System. Whether it's a one-day workshop or a six-week long course, I always find that the kids and I spend a great deal of time laughing and talking about one of our favorite subjects--you know, books. Oh yeah, and we do some writing too.

I feel blessed to be part of a library system that works so hard to provide quality programming for all ages, with a special emphasis on children's learning and development. I am also a member of several official and unofficial "Moms" groups, and many of us with preschoolers enjoy the opportunity, especially during the week, to get the kids out of the house, away from Dora the Explorer, and in a stimulating environment. It doesn't hurt that other parents are there. Mommies and daddies need playdates too!

I talked to Amy Thomas, Children's Librarian at Edmond Library, about what the library  seeks to do with these programs. Here's what she said:

"We look for programs that will educate and encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.  We hope to introduce children to new information, a new experience, a new style of music, or new art form that they may not have encountered before."

Thomas also mentioned that the possibilities for programs "are as limitless as the creativity in our community.  There are so many talented people out there who, thankfully, are willing to share their gifts and knowledge with our children." 

For example, here are just a few of  the fun things coming up at the Edmond Library in July and August:

Preschool Story Time (Mondays)

Mother Goose on the Loose (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Summer Movie: Magic Schoolbus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! (July 30)

The Magic Archeologist (July 16)

Pajamatime (Thursdays)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament (second Saturday of each month)


And that's just the beginning (check out more here). Other nearby libraries, such as Belle Isle and Northwest, have a great activity lineup as well.

"I can tell the library staff really tries to find programs that will entertain the kids and get them coming to the library over the summer," said Terra Snavely, Edmond mom of three. She adds that she especially likes the summer arts programs that many of the branches offer.

Of course, the library has its reasons for these programs. "We want the library to become a place that is familiar and comfortable for children and their families, someplace they will return to over and over again throughout their lives," said Thomas about whether they hoped the programs would stimulate a child's interest in the library.

Well, its hard to argue with that. Seems like something most parents might be on board with.

So here's to learning...and reading...and taking advantage of a place that has even more to offer than books.

 

My wishlist for my children's America - On Independence Day

Many of us have much to be thankful for in this country. It would be hard for anyone to deny that it is, in general, a great place to live. It's not that we don't have people living in poverty, because we do. It's not that we don't have hate and bigotry; we've got that too. It's not perfect. But on Independence Day, we can be grateful for quite a bit. We should be grateful to those who gave their lives to make this a country; to the men and women who fought for race and gender equality; and to those who work to ensure we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are battles that still rage. But at least we get to fight them.

I'm a little obsessed with dystopian novels right now (think Hunger Games, 1984, This Perfect Day, Legend, and Divergent). I had to take a break so my paranoia would die down and my husband would stop giving me the raised-eyebrow look. But I'm obsessed with what our country will look like a hundred or so years from now. I'm fascinated by the possibilities for technology, but also the change in political and global climate. But of course, I won't be alive to worry about it. However, my kids and grandkids (and so on) will inherit what we make of our country today, so I have ten wishes for the America that will be theirs. 

1. A country where everyone has a voice. Race and gender are no longer hurdles for voting, but representation of women and many minority groups is still way down in state and Federal government. We need to raise up politicians who really want to serve, of both genders and all races.

2. A country with top-notch education. The reports of our children falling behind others in the world is disheartening. We're a bright bunch. Public schools and universities must continue to improve and innovate to stay ahead of the game.

3. A country that understands its stewardship of the environment. We've only got one planet. Best not to screw that up!

4. A country that still rewards innovation and hard work. We have a rich history of talented inventors and entrepreneurs, and we need education and job opportunities that will help discover those brilliant individuals in the next generation. 

5. A country that celebrates its soldiers and public servants. My brother gets deployed next month, and I'm  thrilled to be living in a country that supports and honors our soldiers and their families, even if they disagree with what they are sent to do. Although federal employees get a bad rap sometimes, it's important to remember they too work hard to make this country a better place to live.

6. A country where anyone can dream big. Whether you were born in a box or a mansion, this is a country where every child has the chance to dream about bettering his or her circumstances. Let's keep is that way! (Refer to numbers 3 and 4 above.)

7. A country that has more love than hate to give. "Love your neighbor as yourself" says it all.

8. A country that cares about the downtrodden. Bad luck, bad decisions, natural disasters, and ill-timed deaths can all affect someone's circumstances. We have typically been a country with big hearts (both here and abroad). Personally, I believe that's why we're blessed.

9. A country that has powerful allies. Oh, Mr. Snowden. You little stinker. Why are you tearing us down? We need our allies. We do.

10. A country that is a positive force for the rest of the world. Giving to the poor. Holding to a high standard in war and peace. A technological and economic powerhouse. A government that is an example for others. Lofty ideals, I know. But we are capable of them all.

Now, I just have to do my part to make it come true.