I'm trying a new format here. I'm sending you excerpts from the newsletter, so you have a better idea of what you're going to see. I hope you like it.

The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
I should be getting Gage's CT scan results any day now. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow. I can hardly wait, even though I know they likely mean surgery. Just to have it done while it can be done in a minimally invasive way is so reassuring.

Feature Article:
Child Communication Skill: Do You Really Know What Your Child Is Saying To You?

Here’s the scene of communication with your child: your three-year-old boy is bawling his eyes out. Hurriedly, you run over, and ask “What’s wrong?”. But no answer is spoken, the tears just keep coming out, and the vocal cords just keep on saying “waaaaaaah!”.

Guest Article
Dinner Table Drama

It has been a long day. Home from work, you put together a nice, healthy dinner for the entire family to enjoy. Gathering the family around the table, you sit down to eat and within a minute, a voice pipes up, “I don’t like anything.” Encouraging, you say, “I’ve made some of your favorite foods and even put a couple new things on the table that I’m sure you will like if you just try. I really think if you will take one bite, you’ll love it.” The response, “No, I don’t want to eat because I don’t like it.”

Ready to go? Come on over to http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2005/newsletter042605.htm

See you next week.

I'm heading towards that busy time I've been looking forward to... Gage's doctors appointments that should lead up to his surgery are starting up. It's exciting yet nervewracking. Oh, yes, and we have to get ready for Ariel's birthday too. It's a hectic time all around here.

This week's feature article is on using patience to save money. Patience isn't a word you normally associate with saving money, but it can be quite important.

The guest article is for those of you who want to start getting in shape for summer. Do it with your family and have more fun as well as more motivation!

Ready to go? Come on over to
http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2005/newsletter041905.htm

See you next week!

It's been a good week. A lot of problems cleared up for us - most especially the insurance issues that were delaying Gage's CT scan. It's such a relief to have a little bit less to worry about.

This week's feature article is on making sure your family is benefiting from having you work at home. If you're so involved with your work that you forget to spend time with your family, you need to plan out your time a little better.

The guest article might help you if you are unsure how to talk to your children about strangers. What you say varies quite a bit by age, of course.

Ready to go? Come on over to http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2005/newsletter041205.htm

See you next week!

Stephanie

It's been quite a week. Changing insurance while trying to get important referrals for medical care is not something I recommend. I hope this mess gets settled soon.

This week's feature article is for all those who aren't sure about which parent should stay home with the kids. It's a big decision, so take a look at the important considerations.

The guest article is for those looking for something frugal to do with the lovely springtime weather you're probably either experiencing now or will have soon.

Ready to go? Come on over to http://www.homewiththekids.com/newsletter/2005/newsletter040505.htm

See you next week.