Summer is Here. Organize Your Kids and Activities

Memorial Day Weekend marks the symbolic, if not official, start of summer and it's finally here! After a long, crazy winter filled with snow, sleet, ice, and rain, everybody is ready to haul out the flip-flops and blow up the inflatable pool. We're lucky to have a stretch of time to relax, but if you have kids at home, you know summer can be as frustrating as it is fun. If you already signed the kids up for camps, swimming lessons, or sports leagues in the Spring, you're halfway there. Now all you need is to be armed with some sunny and rainy days ideas that don't require lots of time or money but still keep the kids involved and entertained.

Get out of the Rainy Day Rut:

1. House Movie Party.

Lots of people tend to head straight for the movie theater on rainy days, so why not head to the video store, call up a few neighborhood kids, heat up some popcorn, and have your own movie party right at home. The kids will love seeing their favorite movie with their friends in the comfort of their own home, but you'll love how much money you saved. Has anyone checked the prices for movie theater popcorn lately?!

2. Fort Fun.

Ok, moms, this is the day to give up on the perfect house and let the kids take out all of the beach towels, blankets, and pillows from the linen closet, bedrooms, and living room. Kids love forts. They could spend hours in them (a bonus for you!). Let them make a total mess of the living room, let them eat in their forts, and even let them sleep in them if they want. One day of a messy house is worth it to avoid screaming and cranky kids.

3. Talent Show.

As you're drinking your morning coffee and the weather report looks increasingly worrisome, surprise the kids with a talent show day. Let them create the show, make props with crayons, construction paper, and whatever else you may have in the house, and rehearse before the big event later that day when Daddy gets home. Kids love nothing more than being the center of attention.

4. Hit the Web.

There are plenty of great websites that have downloadable crafts, coloring pages, and other activities. All you need is an Internet connection and a printer and you'll have hours of artistic fun. One of the best sites around is www.woojr.com.

5. Be a Puddle Jumper.

When all else fails, grab some rain boots and a rain coat and run around outside. Jumping in puddles is truly one of life's simple pleasures and since kids are usually told not to get wet or they'll "ruin their clothes" or "catch a cold," the kids will revel in breaking the rules.

Beyond the Beach/Sunny Day Satisfaction:

1. Reverse the Thinking.

Most people visit museums or nature centers when the weather is cold and rainy, but why go when it's the most crowded and you can't really see the exhibits. Instead, go visit on a sunny day and you'll likely feel that you have the whole place to yourself.

2. Biking.

Is there anything more indicative of summer than hopping on a bike and tooling around? If your kids aren't big enough to ride alone or can't keep up, invest in one of those seats that straps to the back of your bike or a little trailer that rides behind. It's a great way to enjoy the day and fit in a little group exercise.

3. Make your own Popsicles.

Anybody can buy popsicles at the grocery store, but there is something particularly delicious about a popsicle that you made yourself, and there is nothing easier! Pull out your ice cube trays and let the kids fill them with their favorite juice (outside, of course!). They might just have more fun licking the sticky off themselves as they do making them!

4. Sprinkler Fun.

Sometimes it truly is the simple things th women's coats at are the best. This is as simple as it gets, but kids could spend hours running, jumping, and splashing through the sprinkler. You might even get inspired to run through it yourself.

5. BBQ with Buddies.

Many kids get the chance to have friends over for lunch or an afternoon snack, but it feels like a really big deal to have friends over for dinner. Let them invite as many as you can feed and fire up the grill for a fun summer evening. After dinner, toast marshmallows on the grill or have a firefly catching contest. It is the old-fashioned fun that they'll never forget.

Pet Nibbles: Feeding Your Pet The Right Diet

As the festive season sets in ever and we start crossing items off the gift-list for Christmas, it's time to give a thought to our treasured pets and to ensure that we're making sure we're getting them the right food and pet supplies to meet their dietary needs.

How do we make sure we're getting the right food for our pet though when there's so much choice out there? Well, there are some simple guidelines to follow.

As with humans, dogs have differing needs in quality, quantity and type of fashion coats dog food and requirements change with age. What serves as a good diet for an energetic young puppy won't be suited to an older, senior dog.

Did you know that a healthy puppy burns up to three times more calories a day than an adult dog? Or that while big dogs have bog appetites, smaller dogs have faster metabolism and will burn more energy, requiring more calories each day?

As puppies are smaller their mouths are smaller and, accordingly, the right diet for your puppy will need to be of smaller kibbles they can chew easier. An adult dog will need a diet that balances six major nutrient groups: fats and oils, proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and water.

Dogs require less calories from their diet the older they get to prevent them becoming overweight, older dogs are more prone to weight issues. Protein is still essential though, to maintain a good body condition and muscle mass.

Part of the feeding routine should also include where and how your dog is fed. For example, avoid feeding your dog before it travels in the car as, like humans, they can be prone to car-sickness. Feeding a dog an hour before or after exercise is also to be avoided, this could leave to stomach dilation and torsion which is life threatening in dogs.

Unsurprisingly, cat food plays a huge roll in the health of a cat. From reducing the amount of furballs to ensuring a glossy coat, what your cat eat affects every aspect of its life and as the weather gets colder it's even more important to make sure your cat is well fed.

Within their diet, cats require a minimum of forty-one nutrients all in the correct proportion. Nutrients include amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals and are divided into protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and minerals.

Meat, fish and some plant ingredients and oils provide protein and fats. The proteins are building blocks for healthy skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage and play an important part in hormone production. While it has negative connotations, fat is essential for cell membranes and helping your cat maintain body temperature.

Carbohydrates are essential for promoting the proper digestion and movement of food in a cat. Vitamins and minerals aid bone growth, blood clotting, energy production and oxidant protection.

When selecting your cat's food make sure that it contains a balanced amount of each nutrient group. Cat food also needs to be palatable or your cat simply won't eat it. Your cat should always have access to clean water too, not just to take the taste of cat food away - after all, they like it - but water is the most important nutrient for them.

Keep an eye on your pet's eating habits; like people they're not always hungry but if they're not eating all their food regularly this may be a sign that you're feeding too to much or that it may be ill. Though don't crowd your pet during meal time. Taking the bowl from your cat or dog can lead to anxiety and aggression.

Your dog or cat should also leave you alone while you're eating. No matter how big the puppy-dog eyes get or how much your cat purrs and rubs against your leg, avoid feeding your pet from your plate or table or you'll be encouraging begging, barking and drooling (in the dogs, that is) and general attention seeking.

It may seem like a fair bit to remember but it's really very little when you consider how much joy our pets bring to us.

How to Recognize and Avoid Vaginal/Yeast Infection

Vaginal expulsion can be a discomforting and/or create an uncomfortable problem. Learn the symptoms of a vaginal and/or infection, to see if it is in fact a vaginal yeast infection. Educate yourself on how to distinguish vaginal yeast infection, from other type?€?s of vaginal concerns.

Most women will experience a yeast infection at some point in their lives; many will experience them frequently. They need to be able to recognize and avoid vaginal/yeast infection The most common infections are yeast infections and are easily treated. It is always advised to see a doctor first, especially if this is your first infection. There are many over-the-counter creams available for yeast infections. A doctor will prescribe stronger versions if necessary, and if your infection is bacterial instead of yeast, you will need a prescription. Abnormal discharge can have these characteristics: clumpy white 'cottage cheese' appearance, heavy yellowish appearance, greenish-yellow appearance with 'fishy' odor, or very liquid-y. See a doctor if you have these symptoms.

Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water every day. The vagina can become dehydrated right along with the rest of the body and this can create a di women's jackets fferent order and different levels of discharge. Once you become dehydrated, you become susceptible to a urinary infection which can lead to a yeast infection, and vice versa.
Do not to wear clothing that is very tight. While they may look really great on you, it may cause more heat, moisture and rubbing. This includes wearing a wet bathing suit for long periods of time especially during the summer. Some women have more infections when using hot tubs; this is because of the hot water temperature and bacteria in the water.
Try wearing cotton lined underwear. Synthetic fabrics may often irritate the natural moisture levels in the vagina. If necessary to stay dry, change your underwear during the day. At night, sleep without underwear, if possible. If you wear a thong, consider changing to regular underwear. The rubbing from your anus spreads to your vagina and can cause bacteria infections. You might also consider a panty liner that fits a thong that you can change frequently during the day. Wash underwear with hot water each and every time to kill bacteria. You may also want to stop using fabric softeners when washing your underwear as they can cause allergies or irritation which can lead to infection. Knowing how to recognize and avoid vaginal/yeast infection, will put you way ahead in the cure process.

Finally, understand that some women have more discharge than others; it is a perfectly normal part of being female. Change your underwear as you need, or use a panty liner and change that frequently during the day to stay dry. Above all stay dry.
Always see a doctor if you suspect any infection or notice changes to your normal discharge. These can include: a fishy smell, itching, burning or irritation along with discharge. Get treatment early, there is no need to prolong your discomfort by thinking it will 'just go away". A yeast infection, like almost all others, maybe transmitted during sexual contact. If you are sexually active and suspect an infection, your partner(s) may have an infection (yeast or bacterial) that they haven't noticed. A man 's symptoms can be different than a woman 's . An untreated infection from a man may infect/affect you. Excessive discharge may also indicate a STD. Be sure to get both a pap smear and blood drawn. We can not repeat this enough. See your doctor, if you suspect problem.

Here are some tips; I have found work well for my wife. They work in conjunction with the above on how to recognize and avoid vaginal/yeast infection.
The vagina is first and foremost a self-cleaning organ. A discharge is a normal and natural method for the body to rid itself of unwanted agents, items, etc.
Nearly all women have some amount of discharge that will be noticeable on their underwear at sometime in their life.
All women are not created equal, in that they produce various amount discharges.
Vaginal expulsions are generally heavier when one is younger and may become reduced as one ages. Often when a woman becomes older will have a dryness problem, especially during menopause.
Keeping the vaginal area dry and clean can lessen the commencement of an infection. In addition, frequent washing or done too roughly can lead to annoyance which can then lead to yeast infection.
After using the toilet, never wipe back to front. Always go from front to back. Back to front can bring bacteria from the anus into the vagina and urethra which may often cause infection.
Once you learn to recognize vaginal/yeast infection you notice very quickly any discharge that appears unusual in texture or color, or a discharge which seems to have an odor and/or irritation, see your doctor, ASAP. Always, always see your doctor when you suspect a problem. Then after you know for sure what you?€?re dealing with you can treat yourself, naturally.

Hot Stamping Foil Adhesion

Hot stamping foil adhesion is measured in a number of different ways, and there is a lot of misconception about what each test really measures. Take the simple scratch test for example. Is that a definitive adhesion test or simply a measure of the hardness of one?€?s fingernail?

In fact, most adhesion tests carried out are comparative rather than a true measure. If you have two foils on the same substrate, both blocked at the same time, then you can test their comparative resistance to your fingernail, assuming that you do not subconsciously scratch harder on that you want to fail. This is more common than you might think, which is why a true sc women's coats online ientific measure of adhesion is preferred.

However, such measurements are rare, and there is nothing that could realistically be routinely carried out by a trade blocker or printer. Even a rub or abrasion tester is not testing adhesion as much as the hardness of the foil surface. The so-called ?€?Scotch tape?€? test is generally the most widely used, but there are so many variables involved, that again this is normally not definitive unless exactly the same tape is used each time.

Apart from the adhesion of the foil itself, the amount of wax release applied can significantly affect the adhesion and abrasion resistance of a hot stamping foil as it is tested. Hot foil can be made using a wide variety of waxes, and is not present in the form of a coherent separate layer. The wax layer is generally applied by direct gravure, and is only around 0.005 gsm (grams per square metre) when dry.

The solvents used in the subsequent lacquer or top coat are generally fairly aggressive, and even though tend not to dissolve the wax when cold, will invariable strike through the wax layer immediately on coating, and also in the drying tunnel. The result is a wax rich resin layer at the carrier film interface (usually polyester) that becomes progressively more wax deficient the deeper into the lacquer layer ?€" i.e. the further the distance from the polyester where the wax layer was originally applied, the less wax will be intermixed with the resin.

After blocking, the wax in the resin tends to rise to the surface. Although some wax will be at the surface of the foil immediately on hot stamping, this will increase with time as it migrates through the lacquer layer to the surface. Hence, abrasion resistance improves with time and your test results will therefore vary according to how long after blocking you test the foil.

The same could be true of the Scotch tape test: the surface will become increasing less receptive to the tape as the wax concentration increases. What you are measuring, then, is the adhesion of the tape to the wax-rich surface relative to the adhesion of the hot foil to the substrate it is blocked to.

There is in fact a lot more to it than just that, but it indicates that what you might have thought was a simple test is, in fact, not so straightforward. There are several other properties of a hot stamping that affect its perceived adhesion, too many to discuss in this article. However the principles involved are interesting and worth finding out because they can shed light on some of the problems you might have encountered on your press.

Sometimes understanding why a problem occurs can give you an idea of the solution. However, I will finish of with a few questions that have little to do with solutions but more to do with the testing itself. How many people go around testing their greetings cards or wine labels with a piece of sticky tape? Is your testing related to the end use of the foiled article, or carried out only because it is in the testing specification?

Good hot stamping foil adhesion is frequently needed, but would you sacrifice performance and speed in order to use a hot foil that stands up well to a piece of sticky tape after foil blocking?

The Shih Tzu Is A Constant And Loving Companion

What sets the Shih Tzu apart from other breeds? The Shih Tzu is mysterious and charismatic. Its charm, self confidence and alert countenance is certainly very alluring. The Shih Tzu is highly intelligent. The Shih Tzu's outgoing personality, big eyes with that warm and trusting expression is so hard to resist. Is a Shih Tzu going to be the right dog for you?

First of all, the Shih Tzu want to be with their people more than anything else in their lives. They do not do well in lonely kennels or when left alone for long periods of time. They have been bred for centuries to be a quintessential companion, always at your side, always in your presence craving love and attention. If you sit down, your Shih Tzu will want to immediately sit with you or an even better spot in the Shih Tzu's mind, would be to jump into your lap and lavish you with kisses. Your Shih Tzu will want you to pet and snuggle him. If you are eating, your Shih Tzu will either beg you for a bite or sit waiting patiently until you give him a bite. In essence, if you want a constant loving companion by your side at all times, the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. If you have lots of time to stay home or are able to take your Shih Tzu along wherever you go, the Shih Tzu is probably right for you. By lots of time, I mean especially enough time to groom, socialize and exercise your Shih Tzu. The lifespan of a Shih Tzu is typically 11 to 15 years.

Shih Tzu are usually active, busy, curious and creative. You will need a variety of toys to help keep the Shih Tzu's mind occupied. You will need a fenced-in yard or an area where y women's jackets ou are able to walk your Shih Tzu for exercise. Shih Tzu are very good natured, but also very vivacious. Shih Tzu have a good sense of humor and would rather clown around than to be serious. Always keep in mind that Shih Tzu were bred to be ornamental or decorative pieces to have around, not for any particular work purpose. A Shih Tzu thinks just their presence is enough and anyone should be pleased to just be in their presence. They are proud and arrogant with a slight stubborn streak. A Shih Tzu has a mind of its own.

The Shih Tzu is a palace-dweller. For thousands of years the Shih Tzu had addresses in such places as imperial palaces, chez Dalai Lama, and with top political figures and dignitaries homes. It was a status symbol of wealth and dignity to own a Shih Tzu. To your small Shih Tzu companion, your safe and cozy home is its palace. Give your Shih Tzu a comfortable place to sleep (and I might add, the Shih Tzu discovers quite quickly that "your pillow" is the most comfortable spot to sleep), excellent care, high quality food and a loving family. Your Shih Tzu could not be happier. Although their stubborn streak may appear from time to time, the Shih Tzu can be trained quite successfully. Just use consistency and patience with your training lessons.

The Shih Tzu is strictly a house pet. Shih Tzu cannot tolerate harsh weather, either too cold or too hot, especially the heat. Shih Tzu need good ventilation, fresh air and a cool, protected area in warmer climates.

Shih Tzu require careful daily grooming. Most of the hair that is shed from a Shih Tzu's coat will end up in the brush if you brush daily. They do very little shedding elsewhere. Shih Tzu are also less allergenic than most other breeds, which makes the Shih Tzu an ideal companion for adults or children who suffer from allergies and cannot house other types of pets.

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Sit Up Buddy - Training Your Dog To Sit Like You

The trick of sitting up is easily taught to small dogs, but should try not be included in a big dogs education, as it is difficult for them to preserve their balance.

The training of sitting up is one of the first tricks to teach and forms the groundwork for many other dog tricks. To train a dog to sit up, prepare some treats as a reward, and set your dog on his haunches in a corner, so that he cannot fall either backward or sideways and has very little or no space to lose balance.

Keep him from pitching forward by holding one hand under his chin and with the other hand hold the treat above his nose and keep repeating distinctly and deliberately say, sit up. Do not make him sit up too long at any one time, but repeat the lesson frequently and reward him often with plentiful of praise and treats.

During his first lesson he will require considerable assistance from your hand to prevent him from pitching forward, but as he gets control of the balancing muscles and understands what you want, he will depend less and less upon your hand to keep him in position and you can gradually render him less assistance until you will only have to keep one hand in position two or three inches from his neck or chin, so as to be ready to prevent him pitching forward; later on you can withdraw this hand entirely and simply hold the treat just above the level of his head.

By constant practice he will sit up well after you set him up; then he should be set up against the wall, so as to afford him a support for his back only, and after he has been well schooled at this and can keep his position easily, practice him against chair legs, cushions or other objects that afford him less and less assistance, until finally he learns to preserve his balance and sits up without anything to lean against.

During all these lessons the words sit up have been impressed upon his mind by frequent repetition, and now comes the final lesson to teach him to sit up as soon as he hears the words, and the chances are, if he has been diligently drilled, i women's jackets t will be necessary only to call him out in the room, show him a treat, hold it up a suitable distance from the floor, say sit up and he will do so, when he should be given the treat while still in position.

The only necessity to perfection is to practice him several times a day until he will sit up at the word and without being shown a reward; that can be given him after he has obeyed.

You have now a foundation for many other tricks. He can be taught to beg by moving your hand up and down just in front of his paws, which he will move in unison with yours. He can also be taught to salute by bringing one paw up to the side of his head, or to hold a wooden pipe in his mouth, or to wear a cap on his head or other articles of wearing apparel.

In teaching a dog to submit to being dressed up, do not attempt to get him to wear too many things at once; try him at first with a cap and after he becomes accustomed to that you can put on a coat and gradually accustom him to the other clothing articles.

Enjoy teaching your dog the sit up trick and most importantly have fun along the way!

WOMEN... Appointed To Be Fathers of Christ's Gospel (1) + Gospel Truth For Women In Ministry

FIRST, A BRIEF, SPECIAL NOTE TO MEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE!

A man reading this has spiritual discernment and wisdom. Sex makes no difference. --- "In Christ there is no male or female."

Also, young people are often disregarded as being immature. In gospel revelation, age and education make NO difference. In fact, both age and education can be negative factors -- while being young can be a big benefit!

+ + + + +

To our natural, human minds, it seems like a contradiction to refer to women as 'FATHERS of the gospel.' This is because we see things in very limited ways. But women are included in Paul's statement about 'fathers of the gospel' (I Cor 4:15). As the gospel transforms our minds and hearts, we see much more clearly. We see through God's eyes. "He who has eyes to see, let him see."

THERE IS DIVISION IN THE RANKS

It is only in religion, which includes most modern-day church structures, that were never envisioned by Jesus and Paul, that a division is made between men and women. THE GOSPEL makes no such distinction. In modern church hierarchy, it is MAN who places man at the top of the religious totem pole.

Yes, there is some division of authority and responsibility, even in the natural, in marriage. It also existed in the natural state of society in the ancient Jewish culture. Here, women had basically no rights, and could even be stoned if they committed adultery, etc. Women were viewed as being a man's property. This condition still exists today in many religions, and many parts of the world.

This is what went on in this country until just 50 years ago, when the women's lib movement began to change. You see, this nation had it all together philosophically: "We are all created equal, with certain inalienable rights. . ." Of course this didn't apply to the native Americans. Nor did it apply to Blacks. Nor did it apply to women. Women couldn't even vote until about 90 years ago.

Jesus and Paul actually gave honor and credibility to women. I will talk about this more in a later message.

HOW DIVISION IN THE RANKS STARTED

There has been strain and strife in relationship since the Garden of Eden. After the fall, we are told that Eve's desire was for relationship with her husband Adam. But his desire was to RULE her (Gen 3:16). Who predicted this predicament? GOD! When one is bent on ruling, and the other is bent on relationship, there is going to be strife, conflict and alienation. Read "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus."

And like all solution on the face of the earth, only GOD has the solution to this. Solutions aren't found in most church government.

Solutio women's jackets ns are found in relationship with him, not in rules or theologies created by the mind of MAN. In both divine and human associations, the more the rules, the less the relationship.

God says that in Christ, sex doesn't matter (Gal 3:28).

WOMEN MAKE BETTER 'FATHERS' THAN MEN

This is not a true statement across the board, but it is more often true than not. I haven't always been a good 'Father of the Gospel,' as Paul calls us. I was an 'Instructor in Christ' (I Cor 4:15). In fact, Paul refers to '10,000' instructors in Christ vs. 'one' father of the gospel. Today, it often seems like this to me too!

Instructors want to RULE. Fathers promote RELATIONSHIP. This is why most women make better 'fathers' than men.

The gospel is born in the heart, not in the head. It changes hearts. It promotes unity and oneness, beginning with God himself. It proclaims acceptance, forgiveness and love — followed by peace, joy and grace. These are things of the heart. These are things dealing with relationship — first in relationship between God and us, and then between us and others.

Instructors impart out of their intellect, and their focus is principles, precepts, rules, systems and formulas.

THE GOSPEL IS THE GREAT EQUALIZER

The gospel totally levels the playing field. It makes us ALL equal, irregardless of sex, age, race, education, or anything else human. You see, the gospel is the testimony of God. It is the revelation of God's thoughts, ways and will — that are far about ours (Isa 55:8-9). But we CAN know God's thoughts, will and ways, because this is what the gospel reveals to us. It should transform our minds (Rom 12:2).

In the gospel, only God — and his thoughts, ways and will matter. Human thoughts and ways are referred to as FOOLISHNESS!

The power of the gospel comes by means of receiving and believing what God reveals to us (Rom 1:16-17). Anyone can receive revelation, if they have ears to hear — or eyes to see. it does not depend on sex, race, age, education, etc. God doesn't care if we're a man or a woman — or if we're 13 or 103.

God looks at our heart, not at our head (I Sam 16:7). God says, "David is a man after my own heart" (Acts 13:22). This is our goal!

God doesn't care if we are a high school drop-out, or if we have a trail of letters after our name. In fact, gospel truth often comes easier to someone who is a high school drop-out than to one with a string of letters. Paul says they are "ever learning, but never able to come into a knowledge of the truth" (II Tim 3:7). This applies to so many in the church who are academic 'Instructors in Christ.' They can't grasp the SIMPLICITY of Christ (II Cor 11:3). Their thoughts are complicated. This was how I functioned for about 15 years. I'm a lawyer who is educated well beyond my intellect. But then Father got hold of my HEART.

This is only the first of what will be many articles. If you miss any of them, go to my Gospel Coach webpage and you will find them as they become available. But I write 'Gospel Tips from The Gospel Coach,' and other types of articles as well.

Let Father minister the truth of what has been said to you. We are all equal, and we are all one — at least in God's sight, and he's the only one who really matters. We have different positions and callings in man's understanding of God's Kingdom, but this doesn't mean the foot is any less than the head. Try walking without one.

Hebrews does say that we are to submit to those who have the 'rule' over us. But who is this? To God, it's not a MAN-appointed position created by a church or denomination. It's a person who is a servant of all (Mark 9:35, 10:44). It's 'a father of the gospel,' who like David, leads you to the heart of God. This person is not one of the '10,000 Instructors In Christ' -- a teacher of theology (MAN'S ideas about God). They are a father of faith in the gospel, -- and women often make the best fathers. "The just shall live by faith."