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"MY KIDS LOSE EVERYTHING!....."

As summer approaches and I’m in the store buying the first batch of sunhats, it dawns on me maybe I should just grab the entire stock. Because apparently my kids think all things are disposable. My kids lose everything!

This year alone my three year old has already lost a sweatshirt, a hat ,a pair of sunglasses and more than one water bottle.  How do they do that?

My five year old are just as bad.  One time he came home with one shoe - it’s a pair of shoes! They were on your feet when you left the house this morning! At what point in your day did you notice you were running on one shoe?!

I’ve tried nametags and permanent maker; I’ve sewn strings on mittens and hats to coats. When I did that he just lost the coat too! Is it something we just have to accept as mothers? Are we teaching our kids to appreciate what they have?

The art of losing isn't hard to master," poet Elizabeth Bishop wrote. My children's habit of leaving their belongings strewn behind them—a long tail of balls and toys and lunchboxes and socks and shoes and sweatshirts—makes me fear that they are heedless prima donnas who will never be ready for the responsibilities of adulthood. And then, of course, I'm forced to concede that I seem to have raised them
to be this way. The ritual of losing things makes me wonder about the line between taking good care of your kids and impossibly overprotecting them.

I try to convince myself: They'll get the hang of keeping track of their own things eventually. I can't stop feeling like the constant replacement of possessions is exhausting and somehow immoral. I celebrate when a day goes by without the kids asking the inevitable "where is" and "can you help me find" questions. Somehow, these children of ours need to learn that there's a reason to come back carrying
the things they left with.

In the meantime I’m just trying not to lose my mind..........

KIDS FUN RECIPE

Cornflake Balls Recipe

This snack is a real treat for children. They can eat it warm or cold.

Ingredients:
1 cup Peanut Butter
1/2 cup Honey
3 1/2 cups Cornflakes
1 large Container and a wooden spoon
Paper plates
Sesame seeds, wheat germ or finely ground nuts

Instructions:
- Help the children measure the peanut butter and honey into a small container.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until blended.
- Remove from heat.
- Microwave directions: The children can measure the peanut butter and honey into a large microwave container. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from Microwave.
- Let the children stir till smooth.
- Help the children measure and add 3 1/2 cups cornflakes and stir the mixture with a spoon.
- If everyone is hungry and can't wait, give them a paper plate and spoon and let them eat while its warm.
- To shape into balls, chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- When the dough is firm, put a portion on each child's plate. They can pinch off small pieces, roll them into balls, and them roll the balls in sesame seeds, wheat germ, or finely ground nuts.
- Store these snacks in the refrigerator.

UPCOMING MOVlE FOR THE KIDS

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

Release Date: Friday, 4 December 2009 (Ster-Kinekor)
Suitable for All Ages (Parental supervision is advised)

The story is about a fox named Mr Fox. At night, he steals chickens, ducks, and turkeys from three
mean, stinky and wealthy farmers  Boggis, Bunce and Bean  in order to feed his family.

The farmers are fed up with this and try everything to "off" him. One night they wait outside his foxhole
in an attempt to ambush him. When Mr Fox emerges from his home, they fire at him but only succeed
in blowing off his tail.

Determined to apprehend him, the farmers use spades and shovels to dig their way into the foxes' home, but Mr and Mrs Fox and their four children dig a tunnel deeper into the ground and manage to escape.
The farmers even resorted to using bulldozers in order to dig deeper into the ground, but to no avail.

GIVEAWAYS

CUTIE OF THE MONTH

Thank you to Melanie van Wyk who sent us these very cute pics of her son
Michael Kerith (11 months old). As you can see, Michael really adores his bath time!




If you would like to show the world your "cutie" then email me your pics and your precious one might feature in our next newsletter - debbie@parentportal.co.za

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What is happening in the Western Cape?

BABY HANDS SIGN LANGUAGE PARENT WORKSHOP AND SIGN & RHYME COURSE

5 November - Sign & Rhyme course

10 & 28 November - Baby sign language workshop
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NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE CHILDRENS FUN ACTIVITIES

7 November : CRAFT DAY  (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)

14 November : ART DAY  (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)

21 November : MAGlC SHOW (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)

28 November : TREASURE HUNT (Time: 10h30 - 12h30)
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KINDERTEATER - ROOIKAPPIE BY DIE BOER

Date: 7 November 2009

Soos in die die sprokie dwaal Rooikappie van die pad af as sy medisyne vir haar siek ouma neem, en verdwaal sy in die bos. Hier kom sy nare Dolf, die woeste wolf teë, wat blitsvinnig ’n plan smee om haar en haar siek ouma as smaaklike happie te geniet, dalk met ’n sopie plantwortel jenewer, want hy hou daarvan so. Gehore sal dan maar net moet sien of die houtkapper en van die ander bosbewoners wat Rooikapie teëkom haar en haar Ouma kan red van Dolf die Wolf se onderduimse planne.
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EQUAL ZEAL FAMILY WORKSHOPS AND PARENT CHATS

7th November 2009
EQual Zeal 4-week Zeal for Life® Family Workshop

16th November 2009
MECER G0LF Day in aid of Childline

24th November 2009
EQual Zeal Parentz Chatz
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POSITIVE PARENTING FOR NANNIES WORKSHOP

Date:20 November 2009 (runs 3 Friday mornings)

Give your nanny a deep understanding of the impact she has on your child's emotional life and self esteem
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RATANGA JUNCTION OPEN DAILY FOR THE SCHOOL HOLlDAYS

Ratanga Junction ride park will be open daily open from Friday, 27 November to Sunday, 29 November & Friday, 4 December to Tuesday, 12 January 2010 (closed Christmas Day) from 10h00 - 17h00
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PATERNOSTER CRAYFISH FESTlVAL 2009

Date: 28 November 2009

A Crayfish FESTlVAL will be held in Paternoster with lots of stalls, entertainment, contests, kids activities, celebs and more.

FRIENDS OF THE RAlL STEAM TRAlN RIDES

Take a TRlP back in time on our authentic, restored vintage steam locomotive

DIAMOND Express To CULLINAN and Rayton on the following dates: 7,8,13,14,15,21,22,27,28,29 November 2009
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MCLAREN CIRCUS

McLaren Circus, presents spectacular 90-minute long shows that will amaze all ages.

The star studded line-up includes tumbling by the Velocity Boys acrobats, contortion by Jade and unbelievable balancing by Madame Franscisca, SA’s top female circus artist to mention a few as well as performing animals that include poodles and miniature horses.

Tour Dates:

WESTONARIA
3 November 2009 -  Tuesday:  19:30 only
4 November 2009 - Wednesday: 15:00 & 19:30

ROODEPOORT
6 November - 15 November 2009

RANDBURG  
18 November - 29 November 2009      
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MIDRAND URBAN MARKET

Date:7 November 2009

Kids carnival Fun Day
3 legged and sack chase, treasure hunts and a maze, puppet show, toffee apples and candy floss. 3 jumping castles featuring a jumping castle relay and marathon.

A place where families meet. Great Food, deli and skilled traders. Jumping castle,  pony rides. Great coffee. Donations and purchases for Horse Food can be made at the Urban Market for donation to Highveld Horse Care Unit. Midfeeds will be delivering it on your behalf - no charge. Bring Gran , dad, mom and kids. There is definately something for everyone to enjoy at the Midrand Urban Market.
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EQUAL ZEAL FAMILY WORKSHOPS

Date: 7-26 November
Micro Zeals (Grade R to Grade 2):  Zeal for Life® Family Workshop
Saturdays:  (3hr workshop)

Mini Zeals (Grade 3 to Grade 5):  Zeal for Life® Family Workshop
Saturdays:  (3hr workshop)

Date: 6 - 24 November
Major Zeals (Grade 6 to Grade 8):  Zeal for Life® Family Workshop
Fridays:  (3hr workshop)

Date: 30 October - 14 December  
Zeal for Life®  8 week Kids Workshop (Grade R - Grade 7)
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JHB SUMMER FOOD FESTlVAL

Date: 7-8 November 2009

Come and celebrate Summer in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, with the most delicious food in a relaxing Fabulous-for-the-whole-Family-FESTlVAL!

The first Johannesburg Summer Food FESTlVAL is two days of entertainment and food! Delight in all the best that South Africa has to offer, a full-flavoured feast of fine food, as well as an array of kiddies entertainment.

Highlights of the FESTlVAL include: an Oyster Bar; a Mediterranean Deli; a German Kitchen; Deli Foods;; Micro Brewers; a Cheese and Deli Marquee; a Kids Entertainment Area. Come and toast good times with friends and family at the Johannesburg Summer Feed FESTlVAL.
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SEUSSICAL Jr. The musical of the stories of Dr Seuss

Date: 9 November - 24 December

First time on South African stage
Dr Seuss “Cat in the Hat” and other famed stories will be brought to life at the NCT.

After all those years being stuck on a page, did you ever imagine you’d see me on stage?” So says the mischievous “Cat in the Hat” at the onset of this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!
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THE LITTLE MERMAID

Date: 9 November - 24 December

This production takes place in the magical underwater kingdom that beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave behind to marry a human prince.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, this production is fantastic family entertainment aimed specifically at children. The success of this production is its suspense, infectious sense of hilarity combined with lightheartedness and song.

A definite all time HOLlDAY show for the whole family
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INSECTS FOR CHILDREN

Date: 14 November 2009

Bernice Aspoas, an entomologist, shows the children insects readily inhabiting the region, while giving them such useful and interesting information about the insects.
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BOSWELL WILKIE CIRCUS CHRISTMAS MARKET AND CAROLS

Date: Sunday, 29 November 2009

The market is open from 10:00, while the carols begin at 18:00.

The Boswell Wilkie Circus Farm invites shoppers to the annual Christmas Market and Carols. Market stalls feature everything from gifts to food and drink. The carols take place in the Big Top, and are hosted by St Andrews Presbyterian Church. Please bring a gift or donation for an underprivileged child and make their Christmas sweeter.