"Deck the Halls with Boughs of Challah"
Interweaving interfaith religions & traditions
by Beth Bruno & Deirdre O'Gorman Goldsmith
Many families interweave the traditions of different religions. My friends, Scott and Deirdre, who were raised in Jewish and Roman Catholic families, respectively, combined their religions when they married and now look ahead to educating their children, families and friends through the richness each religion brings into their lives. Find out more with a wonderful essay from my friend Dierdre.

Great Gift & Fundraising Idea
Brownies in a Jar Gift
Everyone loves brownies.  Brownies are the perfect gift and you'll love our Brownies in a Jar. All you need is a one quart jar that you can pick up at your local craft store.  Just take the ingredients for the Double Fudge Brownie Mix and fill the jar.  You can make the jar festive by using a colorful ribbon to tie on the recipe instructions along with a note from you.  Using a small piece of material you can also cover the lid of the jar add the ribbon and you have "wrapped" your gift!

Brownie Mix Rocky Road Bars
by Bruce Weinstein
Gooey, fudgy, or cakey, flavored with chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts, frosted or enjoyed as is, who doesn't love brownies? This is a wonderful recipe from Bruce Weinstein who has written an entire book about brownies. This particular recipe is a blend of mini marshmallows, chopped walnuts and chocolate chips to make a lovely Rocky Road twist on the traditional brownie recipe. Learn more about Bruce and try out this great recipe!

Got bone?

That's the big question for us all - if you're a dog.
This is our latest picture in our pet pics section featuring Samantha's dog, Sara Sue showing off her latest canine gustatory delight. Stop by and take a look and send us a funny picture!

"When Parents Love Too Much"
Excerpted from: "Hungry For Love"
by Laurie Ashner
Why do we turn to food when we're upset? What is the connection between growing up in a home brimming with excessive love, attention, protection, and high parental expectations, and the initial development of an obsession with food, weight, and dieting? Find out more about the roots of bulimia, anorexia and other eating disorders and gain insight onto why you may be losing the battle of the bulge.

"Keeping American Schools Safe"
by Dr. Anne Garrett
The headlines have been horrifying. The names of once obscure towns are now familiar, linked to nearly overwhelming tragedy: Littleton, Colorado; Jonesboro, Arkansas; West Paducah, Kentucky; Springfield, Oregon. Arguments rage over the possible causes of the rash of shootings - lack of family values, violent popular culture, the easy accessibility of guns. Find out more about identifying the characteristics or symptoms of children with violent tendencies and learn more about what you can do to help the ones you love to be safer from these threats.

Potpourri Gel Jars
This week's Craft of the Week features a wonderful gift that children of any age can make. Gel Jars are beautifully decorated, scented gifts.  They are sure to liven up any room with their fragrance. You'll want to choose scents which your mom likes. You can substitute potpourri oil for the essential oils in this craft.

Coping With Menopause Naturally
Alternatives to HRT
by Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc.
Ever since the NIH stopped its major study on the risks and benefits of HRT, many women have begun to look for safe and effective natural alternatives to treat their menopausal symptoms. In this article from Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor Monique Gilbert, she tells us how exercise and the using natural estrogens in the form of soy can lead to better health. Included is a recipe for "Golden Tofu Strips" which is a tasty way to serve tofu.

Positive Thinking for Kids
by Elizabeth Pantley
author of "Kid Cooperation, Perfect Parenting & more
During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively. We need to arm our children with a positive attitude, so that they can stay focused in the right direction. We'll look at some typical negative statements from children, along with some positive responses from their wise parents. Modeling a positive attitude is one of the most effective ways of teaching your children. Children learn what they live. Find out more.

Overcoming Depression & Finding Happiness
excerpted from "Family Desk Reference to Psychology"
by Chuck T. Falcon
Depressed people often lose interest in many activities and social contacts because of loss of pleasure in and enthusiasm for their usual activities. There are many effective ways to overcome depression. In this essay from author and Counseling Psychologist Chuck Falcon, he illustrates the causes and treatment of depression; how activity can help break the depression cycle along with a step-by-step guide on things that you can do to feel better. Don't forget to join our discussion groups where you can ask your questions and share your feelings.

Sue's Fat-Free, Sugar-Free
Coconut Drop Cookies
Today there are millions of people who love sweets but can't eat sugar. Whether you are a diabetic or some one trying to lose a few pounds, my Fat-Free, Sugar-Free Coconut Drop Cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies are made with Splenda. This new sugar substitute is the only sugar substitute that can be used in baking. Splenda is free of calories and full of taste. These cookies are delicious and will be enjoyed by your entire family. They are both fat-free and sugar-free. The cookies get their sweetness from coconut and the sugar substitute Splenda. So indulge your sweet tooth and make a batch today! They are easy to make and even easier to eat!

Christian Unschooling:
Growing Your Child in the Freedom of Christ
by Teri Brown with Elissa Wahl
Unschooling, child-led learning, free learning, interest based education, child-delighted learning - These are the many names that are used to describe unschooling. Teri Brown with Elissa Wahl have a book that addresses the needs of both "Christians" and "unschoolers". For those Christian parents who are facing school-at-home burnout form a strict schedule, they offer another path to learning. The book includes many essays from veteran homeschoolers as well as practical information on how to start your own support group is included. In this essay which is the first chapter in her book, she describes "The Dream" of homeschooling and how to achieve it. There is also the opportunity to ask your question in our many different homeschooling support groups.

Chocolate Mud Pie

This recipe is just yummy.
When you make it don't even think
about the calories- just enjoy it!
What could be better
than cookies and ice cream
It'sdouble heaven!