I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Have you ever received a thank you note that only said: “thank you for the ______” followed by a signature? If so, didn’t you feel a bit cheated? When you write a thank-you note, don’t you generally go on to describe how the item for which you are thankful will be used? Don’t you usually express appreciation by mentioning the giver’s thoughtfulness and/or attention to your interests and desires? I know I do.

The Psalm quoted above is the theme scripture for November’s Sunday School and “Creation Station”. Each week we will learn about how a character in the Bible gave thanks and how they can be a model for our thanksgiving. Five characters will be examined: Noah, Miriam, Zechariah, a lame man and a leper. Each of them gave thanks and then outlined God’s greatness by some sort of action. Noah built an altar. Miriam danced and sang songs of praise. The leper, who needed to go to the temple to have his healing confirmed, returned to Jesus and bowed down at his feet. The lame man danced and leaped for joy to express his thanks. Zechariah
ended his months of muteness with a hymn.

Each of these characters, as well as the Bible verse above, suggest that giving thanks actually involves more than just saying the words, “thank you.” In addition, we should outline the deed which was done for which we are thankful and put action to our appreciation. What are you thankful for at this time of year? Can you take a moment to mention those specific things to God? Can you go one step further and put action to your thankfulness? Tell someone about what God has done for you and why you are thankful. Tell God in detail about why His specific gift was so meaningful to you. And enjoy this wonderful season of Thanksgiving.

Diane Griffin

It is already November, and time to think about the holidays, and visits with our families. With so many
people traveling, driving safety takes on critical importance at these times, especially for those drivers who are
carrying precious cargo—their children. Below are ten mistakes parents too often make when installing a
child’s car seat.

1. Using a car seat without knowing its history. It is tempting to borrow a child car seat from a family member or friend, or to purchase one at a yard/tag sale, but think twice before doing so. The seat should be labeled with the manufacture date and model number. Check for any recalls by going to www.odi.nhtsa.gov/recalls/childseat
2. Placing the seat in the wrong spot. The safest place is the back seat, away from active air bags. Be sure to read the car owner’s manual for any additional precautions (such as side air bags).
3. Using the car seat as a replacement crib. (According to MayoClinic.com) a study from 2009 indicated that sitting upright in a car seat to sleep may compress a newborn’s chest and lead to lower levels of oxygen. Be sure the infant seat is always reclined.
4. Not Reading Instructions carefully. Make sure the child seat is secure—allow no more than one inch of movement from side-to-side or front-to-back—and that it is facing the right direction!
5. Improperly trying to keep your child upright. Recline the car seat according to manufacturer’s instructions so that your infant’s head does not flop forward. You can place a tightly rolled towel or ‘swim noodle’ at the vehicle seat bight (curve), then position the car seat on the raised object. If the baby slouches down, place padding around (never under or behind) him/her.
6. Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon. It is tempting to face the car seat forward so you can see your child’s face, but don’t do this until the child weighs 30-40 pounds.
7. Dressing your child in bulky outerwear. The child’s chest harness may not be as effective when placed over padded clothing.
8. Moving to a booster seat too soon. Older kids need a booster seat to allow for an adult safety belt to fit properly. You will know this when: your child has topped the weight/height limits of the current (often 40- 80 lbs.) seat; your child’s shoulders are above the car seat’s top harness slots; your child’s ears have reached the top of the car seat.
9. Using a booster seat incorrectly. Booster seats without a harness must be used with a lap and shoulder belt—never a lap-only belt! Make sure the lap belt lies low and snug across your child’s upper thighs and that the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulders (not the neck). Backless seats also must be used with a lap and shoulder belt—never a lap-only belt.
10. Using the vehicle safety belt too soon. Most kids are ready to safely use an adult seat belt/shoulder harness between the ages of 8 and 12. Your child is ready when he/she reaches a height of 4 feet 9 inches, and your child sits against the back of the vehicle seat with his/her knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat.

Finally, do not allow your child to tuck the shoulder belt under his/her arm or behind their back. Stay away from products that promise to make the belts fits better, and never, ever buckle 2 children in one seatbelt. If you have questions, contact your state highway safety office for information on how to safely use a child seat. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can help you find a child car seat inspection station in your area.

Howell Preschoolers, Inc

Now enrolling for the 2009-2010 school year

Reasonable tuition rates!

For further information or to receive registration information, please call: 517 546-2008

Girls Day Out Craft Show

sponsored by Howell Preschoolers

Saturday, November 21 — 9 a.m.—2 p.m. in Lawson Hall

Everything a woman needs from top distributors like Cookie Lee Jewelry to Pampered Chef kitchen accessories.

This day is sure to offer relaxation with refreshments while visitors can browse, and buy for the upcoming holidays!

All proceeds benefit the Howell Preschoolers Inc., a non-profit school.

CALLING ALL VENDORS!
Tables are just $20, bring your own table, just $15. Contact us at 517-546-2008.