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Packed full of Fun!

Make this coming weekend extra special!

Wow, in the next few days we will have Valentine’s Day, Family Day, a Tiger is on it's way and for us my daughter’s 3rd birthday. Along with that we are just in the final days of our families yearly holidays. I will share some of my thoughts, we have some great new products, sweet ideas for your sweetheart and a Triple Dog Dare from me. Read on...

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The Greatest Gift I Gave My Family

This vacation I wanted to be sure to give my family the gift of me. I wanted to be sure I was “IN THE MOMENT” for the entire holiday. So I challenged myself to turn my work-head and my electronic connection off. For a while it felt a bit “weird” but it helped me really enjoy everyday and it gave me “time off” that I needed and I really feel renewed.

I never made a tweet, checked blogs, or Linkedin at all. I popped a couple of emails out and checked facebook twice to see how my sick cousin is. So for me that is an amazing feat in its self. I did have a small notebook that I jotted ideas, notes and quotes down that will help me put some new ideas into motion.

Love is in the air.

February 14th is Valentine’s Day, take the time to help your kids make Valentines cards for their friends. Do a few of your own, not only for your mate, but what about your parents, or a friend that might need their spirit lifted. Don’t wait for your mate to make reservations, plans, or bring flowers home, put your ideas into motion and make it just the way you want it. Treat yourself, your mate, and your family to a Valentines treat, dinner or event.

Then, there’s Family Day. Former Premier Don Getty made it an Alberta holiday so that families would make time for each other. It’s important to do just that. Because of your feedback, I know what I do is important in helping families find fun; I just lived it for three weeks.

But this trip I wanted time…

That Quality time that doesn’t come from checking the “Inbox” or jumping every time the phone beeped. That’s not what creates memories or less stress. The stress I found on this trip was in trying to find new songs to sing so I didn’t have to hear Frosty the Snowman one more time, yes it’s February and the kids are still singing Christmas songs. Lucas says they are happy songs, I can’t disagree, but are we the only ones still singing Christmas songs?

I traded my Iphone for a Canon…

I turned into one of those Tourists I used to giggle at – and you gotta love the digital age. Every day I would take so many pictures, then at night would go through and review the day. The one thing I started to see day after day is the true smile the kids had in the photos—I knew they were really having fun and we were all into the vacation. Those are the memories I will forever cherish.

So as Family Day approaches, I "Triple Dog Dare" you to try going digital with your camera, and leaving all the other technology behind, just for the weekend.

• Don’t check your email – you wouldn’t run to the front door to check your mail box every ten minutes, that’s silly.
• No phones, unless you're lost on the way to the dinner reservation or calling a loved one to ask them over.
• No tweets, jot your thoughts down if you want to be sure you don’t forget them
• No blogging about how much fun you're having, give your fingers a rest, hold your kids hands instead if you feel them twitching for the phone.
• No facebook, get FACE to FACE with the family

Do TRY THIS AT HOME.
• Get out the camera or video camera– take as many photos as you can
• Print out the photos, there are too many photos on the computer. Put them on the walls or fridge, somewhere you can see those smiling faces every day to remind you of the fun
• Pull out the Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, a deck of cards, or Mr. Potato Head
• Get into your swimsuit (don't worry so much)
• Put on your warm clothes and get on the toboggan
• Have dinner together, at the table, not in front of the TV
• And every night read to your kids, or even better; listen to them read to you.

So that’s my Triple Dog Dare. Then send me a photo (in a day or so) and tell me about your day, tell me how you enjoyed your time with your family.

If you take the challenge, share the joy, it would make my day to read this email.
Email me

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Cheer on Canada!

Support your Local Athletes!

Are you as excited as I am to watch Canadian Athletes kick-butt at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics? Click here to check out times and dates of your favourite events. To keep track of how many medals Canadian athletes are bringing home, click here. If you want to learn more about Canadian or International athletes, click here, to get their stats. Just remember to dress up in red and white to curl up on the couch or visit your local Cineplex Odeon Theatre to cheer on our athletes between February 12th and February 28th! Go Canada Go!

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All in the Family

Family Day weekend is approaching quickly

Isn't it great to be an Albertan? Where there is a holiday focusing entirely on the importance of family. On Family Day weekend, February 14th & 15th, there are tons of activities scheduled throughout the province. Check out our on-line events calendar to find out what's happening in your community. And remember to spend time with your family!

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2010 is the Year of the Tiger

Chinese New Year is February 14th

In China the New Years celebrations are all about spending time with your family, giving gifts, and of course eating. In China it is usually a 15 day celebration, if you live in Calgary you can be part of the 3 day celebration put on by the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre. The celebration finishes off with a gala which includes dragon and lion dances. Click here for more information.

What is your Chinese zodiac sign? The Chinese Zodiac calendar consists of 12 animal signs. Your sign is based on the year you were born. Click here to see how accurately your sign represents you.

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Expecting a New Little Tiger?
Check out these stylish body-suits

Comfort meets style with our beautifully embroidered short-sleeve infant body suits featuring Wanart's original Zodiac Zoo designs. Bodysuits are made in the U.S.A. on soft ring-spun 100% cotton.

Coming Soon to Princess and the Pea!
9654 - 142 Street, Edmonton, AB
780.488.7748
Click Here

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For the Child that has Everything
Customize Your Shirt

Simply Colors offers no nonsense, supreme quality baby and children's basics in 13 eye-catching colours. Made of super soft 100% cotton, they wash like a dream. Sizing ranges from newborn to 8 (and up to 10 in T-shirts). Kids love the bright, fun colours and having their name or favourite image on T-shirts, onesies, polos, rugby shirts, sweatpants, dresses, or hoodies. Click here to see the endless possibilities - you simply can't go wrong! With lots of options under $25, you can order a walking birth announcement with an "I'm a Big Sister" tee, offer an unique gift for a baby shower, a newborn, twins, birthday, or very original outfits at kids' birthday parties. You name it, they make it. Fast shipping and worldwide delivery make sure your order will arrive anywhere you wish ~ easy and comfy. Want to know more about this fabulous Momstown.ca?

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Valentine's Day Goodies
Treats for your Sweeties

Don't these look delicious? There are many more yummy ideas where these came from. Do you need snack for your child's class or are you having a Valentine's Day party or do you just want something sweet to put in your honey's lunch? Click here for more delicious Valentine's Treats.

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Kiss Your Ordinary Valentine's Gifts Good-Bye
Gifts starting at $25
Are you looking for something special for your someone special? Are you tired of the same old flowers and chocolates? Try Edible Arrangements. Edible Arrangements makes Valentine's gift baskets or Fruit bouquets that are perfect for anyone. Whether you are looking for a gift for your sweetie, parent, or child Edible Arrangements has the perfect gift for you. Click here to see the variety of fabulous Valentine's ideas they have. They guarantee same day delivery and even have a special until February 11th. Click here to get the coupon code.

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Looking for Some Fun Crafts for your Valentine's Day Party?

This super cute cupid is an idea from Kaboose Crafts. There are many more creative Valentine's Day crafts on http://crafts.kaboose.com.
Click here for more creative ideas to create with you little ones.

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Here is a photo of me and my daughter at a Macadamian Farm, with the tree. Sarabella Happy 3rd birthday sweetheart, I am truly a blessed Mom to have you and Lucas as my kids. I love you both… to the Moon and back.

Please send me a email if you took the challenge, I love hearing from you. It makes my day

Email me at Kimberly@MomsDadsandkids.com
So Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Family Day.

P.S.: A warm "Welcome" to all the new subscribers who have joined our Moms, Dads and Kids community! I'm thrilled that you are on board. You're going to love all of the great stories, cool tips and fun-finding ideas!

P.P.S.: Are you on Twitter or FaceBook? Let's connect online! Visit us at www.twitter.com/busyfamilies or at http://groups.to/momsdadsandkids/