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We are all sadden by the horrific events that took place yesterday May 20, 2013 in Oklahoma.  We are hopeful that through the pain and heartache life will emerge from this devastation.  As always, when there is tragedy we come together– we’ve compiled a list to assist in the kindness of neighbors.  Every little bit helps.

To our friends in Oklahoma we’re thinking of you, stay safe. Keep positive.

• You can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here.
• The Salvation Army is asking for donations to help in their efforts to serve the people of Oklahoma.

Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”

Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to:

The Salvation Army

PO Box 12600

Oklahoma City, OK 73157

• Feeding America monetary donations can be made at their website to assist feeding the community. $1=8 meals
• AmeriCares is accepting donations to aid in their disaster relief efforts. 
• The United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated a relief fund.  Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested. United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open.  Donations may be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK  73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.
• OK Humane Society needs your help to care for the animals who were impacted by yesterday’s tornado.

This craft is perfect for to keep the kids busy this summer.
What you need.

Empty tin cans. Baby formula, coffee, veggies, etc.

Twine or string

Red and white Ribbon

Blue paint

Star stickers or cutouts or other decorations

Hammer and Nail to poke holes in top

Hot glue gun

How to Make:

Clean cans and remove any labels. Let dry.

Paint cans and let dry completely.

Attach stars or other decorations.

Cut strips of ribbon and hot glue in alternating pattern around the inside edge of can.

Poke 2 holes in top of can and string twine through to form a hanger.

Hang up anywhere!!! Enjoy!!!

Thank you Random Thoughts of a Supermom for the idea!

Perfect DIY for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and the Summer!! Super cute and super easy to create.

What you need.

Sand paper

Wood Blocks – different sizes

Spray paint or acrylic paint in red, white, and blue.

Scrapbook paper, patriotic

Embellishments

Modge podge

Robe

Hot glue

Drill

Water based Wood Stain – optional

How to make

1. Sand edges of blocks to create a smooth edging.
2. Drill hole into top center of top of each block. Wide enough to fit rope into.
3. Paint blocks.
4. Cut paper if desired and modge podge to block.
5. Sand to distress blocks and paper and lightly stain if desired.
6. Attached other embellishments if needed.
7. Cut a rope into a small piece and apply hot glue to end and work into hole.
8. Singe tip of rope to simulate a firecracker.

Place out for decor!!!

Visit Family Every After for more pics and samples of this DIY. I think I am going to be making some of these this weekend!!!

While you can never be truly prepared for any type of natural disaster, it is always best to have a plan just in case. I am from North Texas area, right in tornado alley. We experience tornadoes every year and sometimes have weeks and even months of threatening conditions. It is never something to get used to nor do we ever want to. But, the one thing that helped me was to prepare a kit and a plan just in case. Even though tornadoes happen more often in the south and mid west, a tornado can strike any where the weather permits. I recall not long ago a tornado ripping through New York state.

Assign a room on the bottom floor of your house as your storm shelter. A room with no windows and no outside walls. Bathroom or closet. If no room or bathroom is available, a hall way will have to do. We do not have basements or underground rooms in Texas. During a warning alert, grab pillows, blankets, mattresses and anything soft to make a barrier between yourself and any possible flying debris. Just remember to grab your kids, pets, and your kit when heading into the shelter.

West Nile is extreme here in North Texas, spraying for the virus began months ago and positive tests has already come back. We try to always protect ourselves when out in the yard or anywhere they might be excessive. We also take preventative measures like no standing water or damp areas in the yard. Plus, we use a mosquito spray to help repel the bugs. However, the sprays in the stores are full of chemicals and not recommended for children to use. So I use it sparingly and also buy the family friendly versions but some do not protect against West Nile. So when I came across this home made all natural spray repellent, I knew it would be great and perfect for the kids.

To make this repellent yourself check out Surviving The Stores.

It gets very hot here in Texas. Very HOT! It’s typical to surpass the 100 degree mark daily throughout the summer months and been known to get up to 105 and then some. So, how do we beat the heat? Water and air conditioning. Lots of water and lots of air conditioning. We are lucky have been able to move in to a neighborhood with a fabulous pool and splash park in walking distance. Plus, we are prepared this year with our very own water slide in the back yard. YAY!

(Yes that is Blake in his underwear. He couldn’t wait a single moment longer to get into the water.)

We purchased our Step2 brand slide at Toys R Us for $349.99.

Here are a few other ways to help you beat the summer heat and have some fun in your own backyard.

Summer is coming and school is almost out. I have compiled a list from many other lists with fun and interesting things to do this summer with your kids to make a fun and memorable summer!

1. Cloud Watching
2. Have a Lemonade stand
3. Ride a train
4. Ride scooters
5. Scavenger hunt
6. Amusement park
7. Dance party
8. Make moon sand