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FAMILY - FAMILY FEATURES
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15
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Compassion and a Desire to Help Others
Becky J. Graham, 51
Katie Marie Graham, 22
Katie: "Hands down, our work is what brings us closest together. We share the exact same passion and that is improving the lives of children with special needs. My mom and I work together as a team, in every environment and every situation; it's as if we can read one another's minds."
Becky J. Graham, 51
Katie Marie Graham, 22
Katie: "Hands down, our work is what brings us closest together. We share the exact same passion and that is improving the lives of children with special needs. My mom and I work together as a team, in every environment and every situation; it's as if we can read one another's minds."
Thursday, May 1 to Sunday, May 4 COC Performing Arts Theatre Presents "The Hobbit" Join Bilbo Baggins and his adventurous escort of dwarfs as they go on a perilous quest over mountain and under hill, through caves and forest and slimy dark places, seeking the treasure hoarded by the fearsome dragon Smaug. $10 adults, $5 children; www.canyonspac.com
A Treat as Sweet as Mom
Babe's Very Berry Cheese Tart is perfect for brunch or dessert any time. Even if you choose to eat out, the Tart can be gorgeously wrapped for an edible gift she'll enjoy later.
Babe's Dessert Bar is located at 24135 Magic Mountain Parkway, inside Papalino's; 254-4770. Reserve your tart 48 hours in advance to ensure freshness.
Babe's Very Berry Cheese Tart is perfect for brunch or dessert any time. Even if you choose to eat out, the Tart can be gorgeously wrapped for an edible gift she'll enjoy later.
Babe's Dessert Bar is located at 24135 Magic Mountain Parkway, inside Papalino's; 254-4770. Reserve your tart 48 hours in advance to ensure freshness.
With today's popular enticements of video games, the Internet, high-fat fast food and other "sedentary" habits luring kids away, it's no wonder there's an epidemic of juvenile obesity and weight-related health and emotional problems.
On her wedding day, nothing "frames" a beautiful bride like stunning hair. Be it a sexy upsweep, a luxurious mane with hair extensions, or a magnificent color, cut, and style, great hair makes for a great presentation.
I am one of those individuals who loves to stroll office supply stores. I have to say, there's nothing like a brand-new day planner. As I crack open the binder and tenderly turn the crisp, clean pages, it's hard not to look at all the empty boxes and think, "This year I'm getting organized." And, of course, I have the best of intentions.
I'm 35,000 feet above the earth, daydreaming about carbon offsets. They're the latest thing, you know, and I'm dying to be the first on my block to own one.
I may ask Santa for more than one, in fact. I am, after all, traveling 3,000 round-trip miles to New York, and I don't think I will be able to stomach the environmental guilt without them. If you plan on doing any holiday traveling, you may not be able to live without them, either.
I may ask Santa for more than one, in fact. I am, after all, traveling 3,000 round-trip miles to New York, and I don't think I will be able to stomach the environmental guilt without them. If you plan on doing any holiday traveling, you may not be able to live without them, either.
My dad used to tell us a great story. When he was just starting out in his own business (he installed chain link fences), he did a job for a man who was opening up a one-of-a-kind restaurant. This man told my dad that his restaurant would feature hamburgers and milkshakes at prices any family could afford. There would be no seats in this place. People would simply step up to the window, place their order and walk out with their food in a bag. My dad, ever the dreamer, thought it was a fabulous idea.
For most Santa Clarita children, the holidays are a magical time. But for some, Christmas is just another thing that reminds them that their family isn't as lucky as others. Hundreds of children will miss out on a big family meal, the memories of decorating a tree and opening a gift or two because of their parent's low-income status.
The SCV Jaycees want to change this inevibility for 175 Santa Clarita kids this year. The group's ninth annual Santa's Helpers project will benefit children of all ages.
The SCV Jaycees want to change this inevibility for 175 Santa Clarita kids this year. The group's ninth annual Santa's Helpers project will benefit children of all ages.
I got my introduction to summer 2007 in Santa Clarita at about 10 p.m. on a Thursday a few weeks ago... two introductions, actually. The first came in the form of a group of junior highers who narrowly missed bouncing off the radiator of my car. I was on my way to Ralph's and they were jaywalking around a blind curve, wearing mostly dark clothes. The second introduction came moments later in the Ralph's parking lot, when I almost bounced off a front radiator myself. The radiator in question was attached to the front of a Chevy Silverado, which was in turn attached to some reckless high school kid who, though he may have been old enough to hold a driver's license, wasn't exactly driving like he deserved one.
When we moved to Santa Clarita in 1988, it was common to hear coyotes yipping outside at night. Soon, however, the nightly serenade faded as development spread and the wildlife moved away. This year, however, their nocturnal yippings are becoming commonplace again. I've seen more of the lithe, beautiful creatures lately than I have in years. I've also seen more posters for missing cats. Statistics tell us we can thank the lack of rain for this new invasion, not only by coyotes but also by deer, raccoons, skunks, rodents and snakes.
Christmas Year-round
Last Christmas a sweet young couple made the holiday a little merrier in our home. I know it's not out of the norm for people to help others around the holidays but this couple went above and beyond for my three children. I was so touched that strangers would take the time to make sure each gift was perfectly tailored to each of my children. It was clear the greatest gift was the love and caring they displayed to me and my kids. As summer approaches it still feels like Christmas for us. I can't be happier to live in a place where human kindness is so overflowing.
Last Christmas a sweet young couple made the holiday a little merrier in our home. I know it's not out of the norm for people to help others around the holidays but this couple went above and beyond for my three children. I was so touched that strangers would take the time to make sure each gift was perfectly tailored to each of my children. It was clear the greatest gift was the love and caring they displayed to me and my kids. As summer approaches it still feels like Christmas for us. I can't be happier to live in a place where human kindness is so overflowing.
You might not remember what you ate for breakfast yesterday, but chances are that you recall at least one or two special birthday parties from your childhood. Help your kids make the same great memories by hosting their next birthday party at home. It's easier than you think; read on for expert tips on planning for the festive day.
Frank Garcia was an Antelope Valley boy. His dad, a sergeant in the Army National Guard, often warned his son to stay out of trouble and get a good job with a good retirement plan and benefits. It was something Frank always remembered about his hardworking dad, but it was an uncle, a firefighter in the Air Force and for the Forest Service, who hooked him on the fire department. "I watched him and I liked what I saw," Frank said. Working at Station 111 on Seco Canyon Road, Frank Garcia remembers the days he would bring his three sons, Steven and twins Mark and Kenny, along with wife Joanne, to the station for dinners and special occasions.
I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was about 10. I lost my faith in the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy around the same time. But I never stopped believing in Superman. How could I? He lived in my house. The Superman under my roof didn't wear a red cape and boots. On most days I'd spy him in a white shirt and a tie, carrying a briefcase out the door before anyone else in the house was even out of their slippers. I always suspected he was Superman because he fit the description so well. He was the fastest person I knew. I raced him on countless occasions and never came close to catching him except for the times he let me win.
Is it unmanly to admit I fear spiders? Probably. But there it is nonetheless, on the printed page for everyone to see. A risky confession? No doubt. But a risk I'm willing to take for you. Laugh if you want. Call me a sissy. Send me rubber spiders through the mail and make me the butt of your water-cooler jokes on Monday. If, in inviting your scorn, I can rescue you from sharing my fate over the past few weeks, I will consider it a fair trade. We are, after all, neighbors. My fear of spiders is born out of respect - a respect learned over a long and storied history with my eight-legged adversary.
Since the early 20th century, psychologist Alfred Adler has promoted the theory that a child's place in the family may determine his/her personality. I was the oldest, with a brother three years younger and a sister five years younger. I remember my brother and I frequently picking on my sister because we felt that, as the youngest, she got away with everything. One time my brother and I shoved her into the toy box, sat on the lid and wouldn't let her out because we were righteously sure she never got in any trouble.
Recently, I discovered a great team activity. The team mom for my soccer team suggested that we establish a "Secret Sister." After a fun and secretive selection party when each of us chose a name, we were able to surprise our selected teammate at every tournament with a small token. I had so much fun with this activity because it was as enjoyable to receive a gift as it was to pick out treats for my Secret Sister.
Have you ever been tricked by Saint Valentine? Have you ever bought flowers and candy, made reservations at the most romantic restaurant in town, worn your most flattering outfit and rented a limousine, only to find yourself on the wrong end of a date-night disaster? Or worse, have you ever felt the full force of the Valentine's Day breakup, that particularly nasty hangover that afflicts so many romantics this time of year?
We've all experienced a bad mood. Everyone understands that occasionally they're going to have a bad day. As parents we become all too familiar with the symptoms signaling when a family member is about to have one. But what happens when a child has a bad day and keeps having them consistently? Depending on a child's age and developmental stage, they may not recognize their own symptoms or understand why they feel and act the way they do. They often can't talk about it or feel embarrassed and scared because they're different than the other kids.
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