conservation

Teaching kids to conserve energy is a great way to start learning how to be better about it ourselves. It is important to model the behavior and to show ways we can conserve. Working together as a family is a great way to help save our earth today and for the future. This guest article by Antone Medina gives a good idea on one way to start conserving together:

I Rode On One Of Baltimore, Maryland's New Green Technologies

Thanks for the article from Antone Medina

I've begun thinking about green technology since I rode on the Maryland Transit Authority's new buses. I had to journey to Walmart to pick up a prescription, so I thought I'd catch the bus. I was impressed. The ride is much smoother than the bus used to be. There was no sound of air brakes swooshing, either at the bus stop or when I was riding. There was no sign of emissions from the bus when I watched it stop at the bus stop. That impressed me as well, because you know what a choking diesel cloud usually arises when the bus takes off. That was nice, not to smell it.
Think of the gas saved by using hybrid buses. In the neighborhood of 500,000 gallons per year at roughly 3.50 per gallon, that's going to put a serious cramp in the oil situation. Now if we could do that with cars, this country could stand on its own feet and not be ransomed by the oil producing countries. Suits me. You know, I'd expect to see home energy savings(www.energysavings.com) through green technology, but beginning with vehicles is a good place. God knows, we're in our cars more than we are at home. At any rate, it was a nice ride on a bus using hybrid technology which means cleaner air and less gasoline consumption.

Santa's Texas Outpost

Santa's Texas Outpost provides a place for families to really get into the Christmas spirit. At the Outpost, you will find a "real" Santa and reindeer. There are opportunities for photos with Santa (including hot drinks and cookies!) There are also hay rides available. Be sure and bring your letters to Santa!

adult outings

We were able to take our teens out to a couple of more "adult" places this past weekend for my husband's birthday. One night we went to a comedy theater, which runs shows rated PG/PG-13. The kids enjoyed the hilarious show and fit in just fine with the mostly adult crowd.

The next day we went out for lunch in a nice but still affordable restaurant. I didn't see many kids there. The lights are lower, there is jazz music playing and I didn't see any high chairs. There are nice goblets on the table and fine steaks served. It was very pleasant to be able to take the kids out for more adult fare.

to save a life

While many families are not able to save a life, ours has been involved recently in saving the life of Charlie.





My son's girlfriend found a stray dog. She did not know what to do with it. She mentioned it to my son, who mentioned it to my daughter who has some connections with a shelter. She found out what we can do with him if we can't find him a home. In the meantime, we secured a foster family for him, baby sat for him, posted his name and story on facebook, and are trying all we can to save Charlie's life. Working together as a family has been hard but it has been good knowing that we are trying to help Charlie unite with the perfect family.

cleaning

I know that kids will not think that cleaning house together is a good idea for a family activity. But in reality, it is. It helps show the team work of family. It helps show the value of a clean and healthy home. It helps show that we take pride in where we live and how we present ourselves. It can be a chore of course, or you can try to add a fun element to this necessary task. Turn up some loud music-you can play your "oldies"! Have a timed contest. Or see who can clean out the most trash/unwanted items. Or have a treat when all the work is done. Working together as a family is always a good family activity!

outings with other families

It is nice to be able to take family outings with other families from time to time. It still allows time for the family to be together. It also allows others to model and reinforce family values (or allows teachable moments otherwise!) It also allows some of the pressure to be off the parents and the children, allowing everyone some space to relax and enjoy the outing.

prayer

Sometimes families just get stuck. And there seems no where to turn. No one can seemingly understand what you are going through. The family at this time can pull together. And a night spent in prayer together as a family surely can't hurt!