The Origin of the Easter Bunny, and before you buy one....

Easter is a holiday, like Christmas, that has Christian origins that have become more commercialized in our modern times. It appears that the actual Easter Bunny originated in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, and southwestern Germany in or about the early 1800's, and then introduced to Americans by German Settlers. Children would build brightly colored nests out of caps and bonnets and then hide them for the Osterhase, to come and lay brightly colored eggs if they had been good.
Of course, eggs and rabbits are long known symbols of fertility, and interestingly enough, rabbits are the only breed of animal that have the potentially largest litters, and can get pregnant while pregnant. That's why the whole "breed like rabbits" saying makes sense now! Eggs + Rabbits + fertility x spring = perfect symbols for Easter.
Many humane society associations are advising against the purchasing of real hares, rabbits, bunnies as Easter gifts, but my research has found that they make great pets, for the proper owner. Much like cats, they can be litter trained, need lots of brushing, and nail trimmings, and are curious, playful companions. They need socialization and care like any pet and can be successfully trained, played with, and does appreciate exercise.
Make certain you buy a good, roomy cage. (With a good place to put it.)
Good rabbit food along with ample supplies of green grass.
and find a good vet that specializes in the care of Rabbits. They can be spayed, or neutered.
Owning a rabbit is adding another member to the family, as they can live a very long life.
Coincidentally, the Humane Society and shelters are a great place to find unwanted rabbits, I would imagine, after the Easter holiday!

Happy Easter, and Happy Hunting!
Wichita City Mom

Sources for more detailed info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_Bunny, http://exoticpets.about.com/od/rabbitcare/tp/rabbitcareguide.htm,

For Creative Kids

Have a child who is a gifted story teller? I came across a website called Tikatok, that will allow your child to write, illustrate, and print his/her own book. For as little as $2.99 you can create a PDF e-book, to share digitally, or send off for a hard/soft cover addition.
Very cool!

Abuelo's coupon

Sign up for Abuelo's eclub and get a coupon for a free appetizer with purchase of an entree'.  You can also input your birthday and anniversary date for a special coupon to be sent to you as well.
Click here. 

Free DVD by mail from GeoTrax

Fisher-Price, GeoTrax brand DVD with four episodes, available free, no shipping and handling required. Just enter your shipping information to have it sent to you!
Thanks MomsWhoSave.com, for posting this on their website!

Baby Sling Recall

Infantino is recalling the SlingRider and Wendy Bellissimo baby slings. There is a high risk of suffocation for infants younger than 4 months of age. Please immediately stop using the slings and return to Infantino for a replacement product.
Go to the Infantino website for models affected, and to claim your product in the recall.

I love all the cute variations of eco-friendly reusable totes you see at about every store right now. Not only are they great for your grocery shopping but they come in so handy for about everything else you need to haul around. So cute, so affordable, why not use it as a gift bag next time you have a gift to give? Cheaper than a gift bag, and is a gift in itself!

coupons!!!

Got the new Bath and Body Works deal in my email today!
Thought I'd share it cause I know you all love that place as much
as I do!
Enjoy!!
20% off entire purchase coupon, click here!

My 2 cents...

Poor Sandra Bullock, I can't help but give my opinion on this matter. Granted it's no surprise that this happened in yet another "Hollywood marriage", but can they maybe learn from Tiger in this situation? I have to say, even though he created quite a story or two, the way him and his wife have handled it should be a good example for any couple going through the same thing. It's not easy, but it is possible to save a marriage after infidelity. Though painful, dealing with infidelity is a LOT easier than going through a divorce. Wouldn't want to handle both! It's obvious that this "mistress", if she is truly the actual one involved, is after publicity and attention. Shame on her, but I guess if she actually respected his marriage and children she wouldn't have gotten involved in the first place.
Good for Jesse James for immediately canceling his social networking sites, and, (already) making a public apology. In that way maybe Tiger is rubbing off. I pray for them, because it appears that they had a fairly normal existence, and because there is children involved. Everyone hurts in an affair and a divorce. The ripples are far and deep. Jesse should clean up his act, and they both should try to save what they started. Sandra should know that it has nothing to do with her/not her fault, and Jesse should try to get help if he has addiction issues.
I'm a big believer in therapy, faith, love and respect in marriage. Those three key things could fix what's broken and make it better than ever! I wish them the best!

Check out the following sites for help with your marriage. They have enhanced mine and others marriages that I know. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Not an expert, but I'd love to share what I've learned and am learning!
www.loveandrespect.com Read about the "crazy cycle" we get in to in married life.
www.gottman.com This is amazing stuff on how to fight fair, and communicate better. I have read two of his books. It was very eye-opening.
www.focusonthefamily.com Great help in many different areas of marriage and family life. Even some help with sexual addiction and infidelity. (With a Christian perspective.)
And finally, if there are ponography issues, this has some good help with that. Women, ALL men have this as a temptation, especially with the internet having it so accessible. Talk with your man today to keep it away from your marriage. It's important stuff! www.xxxchurch.com