1800 flowers Have Great Gifts For Mom

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, have you thought of sending your Mom some flowers, candy or a gift. Normally we think of Valentine's Day as a time to send out flowers to that "special" someone, but your Mom should always be someone "Special". I send my Mom flowers every year and it always makes her day. This year will be no different, except that I found a better way to do it.

No matter how close or far you are from your Mom, sending flowers with 1800flowers makes it so much easier. They have so many choices that there is sure to be a bouquet or planter that is perfect for your Mom.

1800flowers offers free shipping and no service charge. I don't get that kind of service through my local florist. This year I am choosing a gift bundle of flowers and chocolates.
Time is running out, don't forget to send your mother flowers or a gift this year. No matter your price range, 1800flowers can help. MSNBC even highlighted 1800flowers for their great prices.

By the way, if your "special" someone is a Twilight fan, 1800flowers has the perfect gift. A Twilight flowers DVD offer including a poster, New Moon DVD, chocolates and of course flowers. I know my daughters would love this!!

Chores Don't Have To Cause Arguements

I recently had a discussion with a friend concerning the difficulty she was having getting her children to do chores without a fight. I had to admit that this had been a problem with my own children until about 3 years ago. My children were 12, 9, and 7 at the time and I was frustrated with the arguing I would receive when I told them it was time to do their chores. I always heard things like, "She always gets the easy chores" or "I don't like cleaning the bathroom" or "I can do it later, I'm playing".

I needed to find a way to make the whole situation easier - easier for me and them. So after some thought I developed a plan. I wrote each chore on a separate card, fold them in half and put them in a bowl. Each child picked two cards out of the bowl and that was their chore for that day. They had until supper to get the work done, if not they lost all privileges for the weekend. Chores were done every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They were not difficult or too time consuming, most chores could be completed in just 30 minutes.

They found it fun to pick new chores every time and they were more in control of when they would do them, so they argued less about losing play time. Not to mention, that this system should them that they had responsibilities and if they chose to ignore their responsibilities, there would be consequences.

I also have a list on the bulletin board of "Extra" chores. These are chores that would take a little more work and do not need to be done on a weekly basis. If they choose to do any of these chores they do get aid. The amount is written next to the chore on the board. They usually pick from these chores when they have something special they would like to do, perhaps going to a movie with a friend. My children do not get a weekly allowance since helping out at home is part of being a family. Not to mention that our children have 6 horses, 4 goats, 2 rabbits, 2 dogs and several cats which cost a great deal to care for - so we all feel that their allowance goes toward that.

After three years of this system we no longer fold the cards and put them in a bowl. I have an envelope that is pinned into the bulletin board with the cards inside. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they just go draw two out when they are ready to do their chores - sometime before dinner. I rarely hear any complaining and the house looks GREAT!

Positive Benefits of Equine Therapy

I have had the amazing experience of working with my family to rescue animals, especially horses, over the last 7 years. We are by far "A rescue facility", but we do our best to help when we can. We rent my grandfather's 23 acre farm where we keep 6 horses, 2 goats, 10 steer, 2 rabbits and several cats.

We work together to feed and care for the animals everyday before school and in the afternoon between practices. I have found that my children have a greater sense of responsibility, more compassion and an interest in volunteering for other causes.

Over the years we have even been asked to bring the horses to benefits for rides, to carnivals for their petting zoos and other events. In the course of doing so, we have found that allowing children with handicaps, behavioral issues, or autism have also benefited greatly from being near the horses.

It is a fmily dream to open an equine rescue/ equine therapy facility in which their is no charge for time spent with the animals to those who are in need. I have had a great deal of experience in promoting events and hope to find businesses and organizations who would be willing to donate financially to help the project.

In the meantime, I am always willing to have a parent bring their child to our small farm to ride, brush, feed or just spend time with the animals. If you are a parent of a child who has a mental or physical handicap, autism, or behavioral issues and you have not taken advantage of the benefits of equine therapy, I strongly suggest that you do some further research.

If you currently have a child in an equine therapy program, I would love to hear about your experiences, so leave a comment.