Book Review - For Parent's Only (read to the end...there may be a prize!)

Shaunti Feldhahn is known for unlocking the mysteries of relationships for men and women. Now she turns to a parent’s relationship with a child, particularly a child of the opposite sex. Drawing on the results of a nationwide survey of kids and teenagers, she explores questions such as: What do moms need to understand about the “tough and tender” boy who values respect over love? What do dads need to understand about their daughter’s need for affirmation? What are the six biggest pet peeves teens have about their parents? Understanding the answers to these and other important questions can help parents make the holidays a time of celebration and unity, not strife and friction. For Parents Only offers a unique look into a child’s mind and frees readers to communicate in healthier ways as they discover that understanding their kids may not be as complicated as they think. Author Bio:

Shaunti Feldhahn is the author of For Women Only and numerous other books, with sales totaling nearly one million copies. A nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and public speaker, Feldhahn earned her master’s degree at Harvard University. She and her husband, Jeff, have two young children. Lisa A. Rice is the associate editor of Christian Living magazine, the mother of two teenage girls, and a screenwriter and producer.

I have been given 2 free copies to share with 2 parent friends. If you would like a copy, please e-mail me at tokyopatirce@hotmail.com with your address and Iwill send it out. The first 2 friends to e-mail me get the freebies!

It's Halloweeeeeeeeeen Time

Even though the boys are older, they still enjoy the dressing up and getting / giving candy fun that is Halloween. This year, Grant's friend James joined us for an evening of Trunk or Treat at the Church parking lot. For the past few years, Grant has been 'in charge' of the handing out of candy to the 'little kids...' He made a spooky mix of Halloween music to play as he hands out the goods. It is fun to watch him enjoying the giving part of the night. Grant and James decided to be un-politically correct and dress as politicians . Grant was the Republican (much to his mom's disgust) and James was a Democrat (much to his own disgust). They both wore dark suites and red/white/blue ties and Grant slicked his hair back, a' la Mitt Romney. James, the democrat carried a big, fake knife and Grant, the republican, had on scary skull gloves. When asked what they were dressed as, they would say, "we are politicians...I'm a democrat, I'm a republican .... we are the scariest ones here!" I would have to agree.....

Democrats and Repulicans set aside their differences for one evening of handing out choc-o-late to the kiddies ....

Devin is 13 and still young enough to trick or treat and still loves the whole party atmosphere of the trunk or treat. A few weeks back, we were at one of those Halloween costume stores that seem to crop up the day after school starts and Devin saw one of those inflatable Sumo Suits. Well, he wanted that from the moment he saw it....so I finally gave in after a few weeks and we went back to get it. He looked so cute and so big! He waddled around and belly bumped his dad - which looked hysterical! He also was the official assistant to the politicians - sort of like a chubby page... It was funny and he loved it!

Devin San in the center of it all....

Devin and his friend Spencer - who was on skates and who Devin pulled around all night - quite the site!