A Time To Give Thanks

This time of year can get so very busy and hectic for so many people.  We need to remember to take the time to enjoy our Friends and Family during the Holiday season.  There are a few things you can try to help you enjoy the season: focus on the true meaning of the season, pick out something positive in your life each day and give thanks for it, and remember all the blessing that are right in front of you.  I am so thankful to have such great Friends and Family in my life.  Enjoy each day…Merry Christmas, Scout.

It’s Getting Cold Outside

The temperatures are going to start dropping and possibly stay cold for long periods of time.  Outside pets and animals need us to take care of them and keep them warm.  Little things can be done to keep everyone warm, cozy and safe.  A dog house or shelter is very important.  A few tips to keeping the doghouse warm is to have it blocked from the North wind, put bedding in the house (hay, blankets, or old towels) and adding a heat lamp.  It is also important to check the water supply to make sure it is not frozen solid so that your pets have access to fresh water.  Stay warm and Love those pets…Scout.

Super September Snack #2

Things are starting to get very busy by this time of the school year with football games, 4-H meetings and other school activities.  It is hard to find a healthy snack on the run.  You can prepare snacks on the weekends or your free night during the week.  Dried fruits are great choices because they travel well and are good for you.

 

Fresh Dried Apples

 

Apples
Cooking Spray

1.  Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

2.  Cut an apple in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

3.  Slice apples into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.

4.  Lay on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

5.  Bake at 200 degrees F until dry, 2 to 3 hours.

 

I hope you enjoy!

Love, Scout

 

 

Super September Snack #1

Almost all school age children need a snack and a glass of cold milk first thing when walking in the door after school.  I want to give you an option for a snack that is healthy and that anyone can make.

Nutty Pretzel Wands

Pretzel Rods

Peanut Butter

Chopped peanuts and/or dried fruit.

1.  Spread peanut butter on the top few inches of pretzel rods.

2.  Roll in chopped peanuts and/or dried fruit.

Don’t forget to do your homework! 

Love, Scout

Month of Transition

 

This is the time when the school supplies hit the shelves and we pack the backpacks.  Many families are remembering their summer trips and starting to plan for the new school year that is just around the corner.  There are a few things that you can do to help your Mom and Dad make this transition a little easier.  You might try some of the following:

-Go through your clothes to see what fits and what does not (this will help you see what you might need for the school year.)

-Do a big cleaning to your room and desk area so that you know where everything is (this will help make the school year much easier with homework and getting ready each morning)

-Make an area to lay out your clothes for the week (this will allow you a chance to make sure Mom approves of your choices on Sunday for the coming week—this makes mornings much smother)

-Decide on a designated area for backpack, homework and things that need to go to school the next day (things can be forgotten on a busy morning)

I hope each of you has the best school year ever—enjoy the new and learn as much as you can!!…Love, Scout!!!

Happy Birthday To Me!

As many of you know, August is my Birthday month.  Birthdays are very special and fun to celebrate with your friends and family.  This a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things and people in your life and to enjoy the blessings you have been given.  I am truly blessed to have so many people that love and care for me, and for this I am truly grateful.  I want to say “Thanks” to my Mom who has given me the best life ever.  Take that extra time to enjoy each day.  Happy Birthday to Me!….Love, Scout

Fun Fact Friday

I want to invite you all over to my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scout-The-Lovable-Lab/109423535761649?ref=hl we will have some really exciting things going on there.  Fun Fact Fridays will be coming soon.  Each Friday we will post some fun tidbits about myself or animals in general.  You can give your best guess to the challenge offered each Friday.  This will be really fun!  I cannot wait to get this started.

Car Craziness

You know about those long, not-so-exciting car rides when Mom and Dad are always telling you to be quiet or to stop fussing with your brothers and sisters.  I have just the tricks to help keep you out of trouble and to make the time fly by.  There are games that require no supplies other than your eyes and imagination that will do the trick.

We all know how to play “I-spy”-- just take it to the car.  Scope out the landscape as you ride and see what you can find to stump those playing with you.  You have to be quick, though, because the car keeps moving.  You can also play the “Alphabet Game”.  All you have to do is be the first in the car to find the letter “A” on a road sign, store front or anywhere you see letters.  After finding the “A”, you just move on down the alphabet.  You will be surprised at some of the letters that are very hard to find on the road.  You can even keep points to see who finds the most letters. 

I hope these games make the “car craziness” a little less crazy for you this Summer.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a question children often get asked.  You might know exactly what you want to be, but not everyone is always so sure.  I would encourage you to explore the things you like and enjoy to see if there is a profession that helps develop those interests.  For example, if you love dogs, you can volunteer at a shelter, visit the vet’s office or assist a dog groomer.  These visits will give you hands-on experiences that could help lead you in the best career path.  Explore the options in your community and visit with people who have the job you think might be just right for  you. 

Allergies for All

All the blooming trees and plants are affecting many people’s allergies this time of year.  It is important to remember that these allergies also affect our pets.  The signs are almost the same for pets as for humans: watering eyes, sneezing, scratching and skin irritation.  If you notice any of these signs, there are treatment options.  I would suggest speaking with your vet for the best treatment or prevention of these symptoms.  Something as simple as a bath can often reduce your pet’s allergy problems.

Springtime Pet Problems

This time of year brings us all outside to enjoy the beautiful weather with our families, friends and pets.  There are a few concerns to keep in mind for pets when outside.  So many plants are so nice to look at, but they are very dangerous to pets.  I would suggest that you contact your vet to get a list of these plants that are common in your area to keep your pets away from.  Exposure to fertilizers and insecticides is also important to consider for your pets health.  It is best to keep pets away from these treated areas or to choose a product that is pet-safe and equally effective.  With these few tips, everyone can enjoy springtime. 

Easy Egg Dye

Easter is such a special time of year for kids and adults alike.  Dying Easter Eggs as a family is a memory that can last a life time.  The Pulse of Wharton County..Spring 2013 shared a great recipe for “Shaving Cream Eggs.”  You only need the following 3 ingredients:

-Shaving Cream

-Hard Boiled Eggs

-Food Coloring

1.       Start by hard boiling as many eggs as you plan to dye.

2.       Next, fill a bowl or container with any type of shaving cream you would like.  It doesn’t have to be anything special, just make sure it is foam shaving cream and not gel.

3.       Now randomly place drops of food coloring and swirl with your hand making a marble effect in the shaving cream.  (Best if using dark colors.)

4.       Roll your egg around in the shaving cream being sure to coat the entire egg.  Let sit for 5-10 minutes and wipe off.

 

I hope you enjoy this activity.  I am thinking of trying to make chocolate-colored eggs to match me.  Happy Easter!!..Love Scout

Finally Spring Break

This is a very important break for many children.  They are getting excited about the warm weather, the starting of spring time sports and the approaching end of the school year.  Parent need to make spring break plans for children, especially those who have to stay home; it is important to keep them busy and fed.  The shopping list for the week should include things that children can make without the use of the stove.  Check some of the past blog posts for recipes like “Fun Fruit Pizza” and “Scout’s Fun Fruit Dip.”  These are easy, safe and healthy choices for great snacks during spring break.  If you are traveling, these recipes are easy to pack for the trip.  Have fun--and stay safe on your break!!..Love Scout

Warm Days Are Here Again…Almost

Those wonderful warm days are all so close.  It is a perfect time to plan some outdoor activities for friends and family.  The Pulse of Wharton County..Spring 2013 has a great recipe for “Sidewalk Paint.”  This is what you will need:

-Corn Starch

-Water

-Food Coloring

-Paint Brushes

-Cupcake Pan

 

1.       Measure out equal parts of both the water and cornstarch, and mix together in a bowl.

2.       Pour mixture into individual cupcake spots on your pan.  You do not have to fill up every spot!  Just decide how many colors you want to use and fill accordingly.

3.       Now mix a few drops of food coloring into each spot for your desired colors.

4.       Get out your brush and paint!  Parents, this is easy clean up, just use a water hose and wash it down when you are done.

 

This will be fun for everyone.  You can also try some of my great craft recipes in Scout, The Dog Who Learned Mona Lisa’s Secret to make your warm days outside even better.

Fun Fruit Pizza

The cold, winter weather keeps many of us inside and that can lead to some “bored” children left inside with nothing to do.  How about getting in the kitchen?  This can be fun for the whole family, and Mom will really appreciate the extra help at snack time.  A fruit pizza is the perfect snack.  It is really fun, and easy to make.

Fruit Pizza

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup creamy peanut butter

Rice cakes, or oatmeal cakes

Assorted fruits:  Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, seedless grapes, mandarin oranges, apples, pears, etc.

 How to Make It

1.       Combine cream cheese, brown sugar, and peanut butter in mixing bowl; mix well.
2.       Spread over rice or oatmeal cakes.  Arrange fruit on top of cream cheese and peanut butter mixture.

I hope you enjoy your fruity snack and stay warm.  Scout

A Look Back At 2012

I have to say that I had a great 2012.  The start and the completion of the play was a dream come true.  Because of the production, I was able to meet so many wonderful people who enjoyed my story enough to help it come to life.  The support from all of my friends and the community was wonderful.  I feel truly blessed, and for that I want to say Thank you.  Lots of Love…Scout