We want to teach our children how to say thank you for the gifts they receive for the holidays, birthdays or just a special occasion. How can they say thank you, enjoy it and without it being a fight or hassle for you?

Let us share some ideas we have used and please, share your suggestions as well – you are a most creative group!

Ways for Children to Say Thank You…

1. Draw a picture of the toy. Have the child draw a picture of the toy and let their imagination run with the idea. If they are too young, label the picture and any comments the child made while creating this unique thank you. Be sure this is immediately given in person or mailed – a thank you not given isn’t much good…

2. Have several people to thank for this one picture? Take a photo of the drawing (get as close as possible, fill the whole picture frame with the drawing and do not tilt the drawing – this will give you the best photo quality. If it is digital, you could email it, otherwise, print right away and send promptly. (more…)

Toy recalls have been an issue that we have followed here at Lil’ Duck Duck and we want to share this new resource with you. Rachelle Lacroix at the website, www.toyinfo.org sent the following information to assist you in having the latest and most reliable information on such a critical subject as safe toys for your children. From Rachelle’s email: (more…)

Thanksgiving…a time to reflect on our blessings, time for family and relaxing with extended time off of work before the busy holiday season begins – who wouldn’t just love this holiday! I found these suggestions to help you bring fun to Thanksgiving while telling the story of the holiday.

The wonderful classic in children’s literature is the book, Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann Mcgovern. “A long time ago, some men and women, boys and girls, two dogs and a cat sailed on a ship across the sea…” Ann Mcgovern is excellent at weaving a historical story that even three year olds will enjoy and understand.

Looking for a “belly laughing” story? 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston is so cute and funny, I attracted attention when giggling in the bookstore… this book is just plain silly! The story is about ten fat turkeys walking along a fence, when one by one they fall, break the fence, and perch on a tree instead. The cute little verses are funny, and intended to appeal to the very young, or young at heart. Definitely am adding this book to our collection.

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Costumes… oh the funny animal costumes available right now are delightful! A child in an animal costume always steals my heart (maybe because they act like animals sometimes anyway?!). Let me share some of the cutest you have ever seen. We have to start with…

A yellow Duck – of course we had to find one of the most adorable Baby Duck Costume and Toddler Big Bird Costumes for you to view! A funny story about Lil’ Duck: he now “introduces” his yellow stuffed duck to strangers while out and about – well he is quite particular about informing the person that “This is Ducky. She is NOT Big Bird!” Makes you wonder if Lil’ Duck and Ducky had a “conversation” regarding this embarrassing introduction mix up… (more…)

1. Garden salad
2. Order pizza and have it delivered pool-side. Have it delivered for the time you would like everyone to eat. It will be a hit and easy for you.
3. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches (if there is no allergy concerns, of course).
4. Fruit kabobs
5. Goldfish crackers
6. Chips
7. Trail mix of some kind
8. Dried fruit (raisins, bananas, apple chips, pineapple, mango, etc) - SuperTarget has many varieties.
9. Animal crackers
10. Ritz bits sandwiches with cheese or peanut butter filling.
11. Cold pasta salad (kept properly chilled, of course).
12. Fruit salad (also chilled).
13. Veggie tray (be sure to keep any dips chilled, of course).

Be sure to also check out all of our photo birthday invitations for your party…

1. A great sense of humor, so you can laugh at even the worst disaster (think chocolate pudding everywhere)…
2. A beloved stuffed animal, who can take your place & help them to fight monsters and other horrible imaginary creatures.
3. An ability to survive on next to no sleep, even when the little one decides that 3 hours of sleep broken up into 10 minute bits at night is plenty - then does this all week. Heaven forbid that the word “nap” is even mentioned…
4. The knowledge of how to get anything out of carpet, especially an entire container of vegetable oil.
5. Cheerios (what, you thought they were just for eating?)!

See other top 5 lists at the latest Problogger group writing project…

2 cups water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70 percent concentration)
1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)

Great for: Windows and mirrors

How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray some solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. To get smudge-free glass, rub vertically on one side and horizontally on the other.

Hint: Don’t clean windows on a hot, sunny day, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

See more WFMW tips at Rocks in My Dryer….

1 gallon hot water
1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrate)

How to use: Use only on badly stained washable or bleachable garments. Mix and pour ingredients into a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl (not aluminum). Soak garment for 15 to 20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash garment as usual.

See more WFMW tips at Rocks in My Dryer….