Drawing prompts: got 'em thinking

Got this idea from Family Fun magazine.

Cut out a few pics from a magazine,
glue them on paper
and give them to your kids-
telling them to fill in the rest of the scene.


It's fun to hear the commentary
as the scenes in their imaginations are drawn out.

***UPDATED*** When I checked on them, a while later, I was happy to see that they had looked in the mag for more pics to cut out and had even added written storylines to some of the new scenes.

Twilight... I'm just not that into you.

I heard the collective gasp as this page loaded, and oh yeah, I went there. I will say that I have only read the first two books so far, but I'm not racing to buy the third. In fact, if my eleven year old daughter wasn't burning through New Moon as I type this... I probably wouldn't even bother. BUT, I am a parent and I am aware of the mature subject matter in these books and have committed myself to being able to discuss the books with her as she goes. I have heard book four is "the best one"- but if what I've read so far is any indicator... best is just a relative term. I think the books are poorly written and move slowwwwly. Of course, all of the imaginative details would seem to make for a great screenplay and I am actually looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out on DVD in March. Technical criticism aside- doesn't anyone else find Bella annoying? In a whiny, spoiled brat, do whatever I want and who cares about the trouble I cause way? It's wearing on me. I found myself rootin' for the old-skool vamps in Italy. "Just eat her and be done with it already!" I will buy Eclipse soon though and press on, because there is one thing I do love... the Twilight series lit a fire under a girl that for years has struggled with reading and tended to avoid it at all costs. Now, every time I turn around she's got her nose in a book! So for that, Stephanie Meyer- I LOVE YOU!!

We can all learn a lesson from Chris Brown

When Brielle's Teen Hip-Hop class began to compile songs for and choreograph their routine for their recital, they included the song “No Air” by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown. After the recent incident, in which Chris Brown brutally assaulted his then girlfriend, Rihanna, our (parents and teacher) first reaction was to take the song out of the remix. After careful consideration, we decided to leave it in and use this opportunity to educate and empower all of the young women that will be there. A twist on this paragraph and the following information will be presented in an insert in the performance program:


Did you know that approximately one in four teenagers will experience violence in dating relationships between the ages of 12 and 21? No one has the right to disrespect you- with their words or their actions- and, certainly, NO ONE has the right to hurt you physically, ever.

Violence in teenage dating is something that transcends racial and economical lines- it could happen to anyone.

Warning signs of a potentially abusive relationship:

Jealousy of other people– won’t let the victim talk to other people; will accuse the victim of cheating
Controlling behavior – picking out the victim’s clothing; asking her/him to carry a pager or cell phone so that s/he can always be found
Unrealistic expectations – expecting her/him to be the perfect girl/boyfriend; “If you loved me, you’d….”
Isolation from friends and family – always wanting to be with the victim; not allowing her/him to go out with her/his friends; telling the victim that s/he is too close to her/his family
Blames others for problems – never accepts responsibility; “The teacher hates me, that’s why I got an ‘F,’” even if the abuser didn’t study for the test.
Hypersensitivity – easily insulted.
Verbal abuse – calling the victim names; saying the victim is stupid
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – sudden mood changes
Past battering/ any force during an argument – including grabbing the victim; not allowing her/him to leave


If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above situations or if you or anyone you know has been or is being hurt by someone they are in a relationship with - please tell an adult you trust NOW!

Help and more information is also available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week by calling the Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.

We will also have cans out, collecting donations for a local Domestic Abuse shelter. To do nothing, to ignore such a tragic event or to "hope it will just be swept under the rug- off the girls' radar- by June" (an actual comment I heard) seemed wrong. I only hope that what we have planned is doing enough.