"I want an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle (BB gun) with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time."

Just about everybody recognizes that Christmas wish made by Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. The BB gun has been a traditional Christmas gift since at least Ralphie's time, and for those who are interested in a little bit of history to go along with owning a Daisy Air Rifle, why not take some time to visit the Daisy Airgun Museum in Rogers, Arkansas.

Red Ryder and Buzz Barton should bring back solid memories to some parents who grew up with their own rifles. While you can't actually find that really cool model that Ralphie would have sold his soul to own in A Christmas Story (because it never actually existed), you can see every other model that Daisy ever made. But the really impressive part of the Daisy Airgun Museum is that it goes well beyond just being a commercial showcase for the company's products.

This museum is also a history of the airgun itself. One of the most fascinating parts of the history of airguns is one that is incredibly important for kids to learn. An airgun is a gun; it's not a toy. It can do harm if handled improperly. When you take the kids to this museum, they will learn that even a powerful man like Napoleon Bonaparte recognized the dangers of putting an airgun into the wrong hands. He actually ordered anyone found with the precursor to Ralphie's 200-shot model air rifle to be put to death.

Another really cool bit of trivia that kids will love is that an astronaut used a customized air rifle to project himself through space. The Daisy Airgun Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

It is that time of year again, and everyone is gearing up for the big game. In anticipation of Super Bowl Sunday, it’s a great time to throw a party and include the kids! They may or may not understand football, but they certainly understand the fun and excitement of the big game. And, oh boy, if you are lucky enough to have a football-crazy boy with a late January or early February birthday, half your planning is done for you!

To decorate, throw football confetti on the party table and around the room. If you have any football “stuff” in your home, such as jerseys, knee pads, shoulder pads or other memorabilia, put it out as well.

Arrange your party area and furniture to accommodate all of your guests. This is an especially good time to set up a separate kids’ area if possible. You can decorate the kids’ table with a football tablecloth and a balloon tied to each chair, perhaps in the color scheme of the teams playing, or the team you are favoring!

When your guests arrive, hand out a safety pin for each person to wear and make “football” the quiet word. When someone says “football,” the person who catches him collects his safety pin. The person who has the most safety pins at the end of the game wins!

Assign a party referee—an older kid may love to play this role. Have him wear a referee shirt and throw a yellow flag for the following offenses:

• Party Foul: Double dipping anything!
• Holding: Holding on to food for too long!
• Illegal use of hands or language

Have the kids make their own paper footballs. Buy brown construction paper, black markers and finger paint kits for decorating their balls. Play a round of football Pictionary and definitely include the kids. Some of the words teams may want to draw include cheerleaders, penalty, helmet, pass, bleachers, fans, safety and touchdown.

Have the kids break open a football piñata. You can fill it with trading cards, whistles, bubble gum, stickers, etc. for goodies to take home.

If you have two TVs in your home, arrange one for non-football viewing. Even kids with good attention spans can find the pre- and post-game shows and all the hoopla of the big game a liitle long.

Serve a great party food menu and make sure to rename each item to fit the party’s theme:

• Nachos (Touchdown Tortillas),
• Hot Dogs (Holding Hot Dogs),
• Munchies (Defense Doodles)

Other foods to serve include a large pot of chili with breadsticks, veggie platters with dips, cheese platters with crackers and relish side dish, etc.

For dessert, make a batch of brownies and cut them out with football-shaped cookie cutters.

Here’s to the best team winning and the kids really whooping it up for the big game!

What kid doesn't love comic books, cartoons and comic strips? For this reason alone, a visit to the amazing Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Art Museum in Cheshire, Connecticut, is one that comes with a solid guarantee to entertain everyone. If it has something to do with comic books, animated movies and TV shows or newspaper strips, it is almost assured to be found inside this museum. This fascinating trip through the history of animated art, founded by Herb and Gloria Barker, continues to grow at an almost alarming rate. At last count, the collection of collectibles at the Barker Museum was well over 80,000 pieces.

Sure, a 1930s vintage, Popeye, burlap bag that was once used to haul popcorn to a cinema of bygone days probably won't appeal to a lot of kids by itself, but it is the entirety of the collection that will make an impression. Sheer wonder is instilled by the recognition that all these classic cartoon and comic-strip characters have made their way into the cultural orbit of America from a tin pail featuring the likeness of Herman Munster to a 1930s blackboard featuring the likenesses of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Pluto.

The Barker Museum is not just a chance for kids to browse through the history of pop culture; it also presents an opportunity for the shock of recognition of characters that adults have long forgotten. The underlying beauty of the museum is the revelation that things that are wildly important to kids eventually get tossed into the trash bin of memory. Only by being reminded through discovery do some of the characters that meant so much to you when you were a kid begin to resurrect themselves in your consciousness. The museum offers a perfect opportunity to remind kids today how they should take care to preserve their own memories while they have them, because so many of the items that are valued today will be relegated to the dustbin when they become adults.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, whether it's due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, physical changes or worrying and wondering about the future. Here are a few tips to minimize stress during pregnancy so you can relax and go into childbirth feeling healthy and strong.

1. Get lots of rest. Even if you're still working up to the last minute (I left my job three days before I gave birth to my first daughter), make arrangements so you can take a nap when you get home from work, and now is the time to ask people — first on the list should be the baby daddy - for help with physically exhausting chores like laundry and vacuuming.

2. Take up a relaxing hobby. Studies have shown that knitting, crocheting and other forms of needlework lower blood pressure and induce a meditative-like state, and you'll love the end products you can give to your baby. The exception to this rule is if you're a perfectionist, then you're better off reading trashy novels or watching reality TV. If you exercise, continuing your exercise with a doctor's approval is highly recommended as well.

3. Learn to tactfully ignore unwanted advice. Your sister says Dr. Fine is the best pediatrician in town while your best friend recommends his former partner. Your mother-in-law is reading from a 90s version of What To Expect and tells you the baby has to sleep on her side while you know that idea went out the window a while ago. Your grandmother tries to tell you that you should start her on solid food when she's three-days-old (I'm not kidding about that last one—it happened to me).

The easiest way to handle this is to just smile and say noncommittally, "Thanks for the input." Try not to sound sarcastic. If that's impossible, just say, "Oh, I'm so glad you brought that up, it reminded me of something I've been meaning to ask you — you don't happen to know who was the quarterback on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984, do you?" and then change the subject entirely. This tactic works best if you talk very fast.

If it's baby's first winter and the family's heading outside for a winter adventure, a pair of insulated boots will protect those teeny tiny feet from inclement weather. Layering up those sensitive feet with thick cotton socks will ward off frost bite when you head outdoors and insulated boots will get them in tip-top shape to make snow angels, build a snowman or even go sledding!

If your infant isn't ready to take his or her first steps in the snow, get them into the winter spirit with some stylish boots and warm socks; from tundra boots to insulated booties, here are some of the must-haves for the season:

Babybotte boots are the perfect winter weather warm up with their leather cover and insulated lining. The boots are covered with a patented Sympatex material to keep ice and moisture at bay, and the double hook closer gives your little one the ultimate secure fit. Get them ready for snow season in these versatile, lightweight boots, and they'll be well-trained for a future snowstorm.

Tundra boots will get them winter-ready for any Arctic winter wonderland and are a stylish pair for the snow bunny to-be. These boots are covered with a cute flower design and imitation fur trim for a fashionable and comfortable fit; they're a great match for toddlers ready to kick things up a notch this year and play in the snow banks.

If your little boy is anxious to get outdoors and play with the crew, dress him up in the Kamik Kids Tickle boots made with a thick layer of insulation and removable Zylex liner. The boots are waterproof with their windbreaker covering and made with a flexible outsole for extra traction. They're available in a bold black and red design, an eye-catching and stylish addition to any winter ensemble.

Whether your tiny tot is hitting the slopes for their first sledding lesson or benching it this season in a cozy cot, prepare them for the winter tundra with a pair of comfy boots that will weather the storm!

The world that we live in is multicultural, and the school and work environment that your multiples will need to function in will be multicultural. Appreciation for diversity is one of the gifts that you can give to your kids to help them develop. This appreciation will need to include a curiosity about others' cultures, a tolerance of differences and a desire to learn about different cultures and traditions.

Tip No. 1 - Culturally Diverse Storybooks, Games and Videos
The first way you can introduce the concept of other cultures to your multiples is to include culturally diverse storybooks, games and videos into your media collection. You can get these items from your local public library, book stores and education stores. The Internet is also a treasure trove of downloadable educational materials about the cultures of the world. However, before you let your multiples use these materials, read through them or watch them to make sure the messages being transmitted are positive and accurate.

Tip No. 2 - Learn a New Language
Another fun and valuable activity that you can do with your multiples is to learn a new language together. You can pick up language courses for kids at bookstores and your public library. You can also download learning materials from the Internet. Talk with your multiples to see if there is a language that they would like to learn, or suggest that you all learn a language that was used by your ancestors. For example, if you are from Korean descendants, you could learn basic Korean.

Tip No. 3 - Live a New Culture
While reading about other cultures is interesting, it really doesn't allow your kids to experience that culture. There are several learning activities that you can do with your multiples that will help them better understand other cultures. For example, you can visit a neighborhood that is an ethnic center for a specific culture, or you can have a culture day in your house where you dress up in traditional clothing of the culture and prepare traditional dishes. You can also listen to music and attend cultural festivals to learn more about a specific culture.

Tip No. 4 - Travel
Immersion in a different culture is one of the best ways to learn about and understand another culture. If possible, plan a vacation to a country that has a culture that is different than your own. See how the people live, what they eat, what makes them happy, what challenges they face and what strengths they have. Allow your multiples to explore their museums, tourist attractions and natural wonders.

There has been a great deal of snow falling all over the country, and this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some family recreation time outside in the snow. Building a snowman can be a great family activity that involves all members.

Tips for Building a Snowman
The first thing you need to do is make sure that what is on the ground around your house (or in the park) is "packing snow." This is snow that holds together but is not that wet. You should test to see if the snow clumps when you gather it together. Form basic balls from the snow and add to them until they are too big to hold. You can use three balls or two.

Start with the base -- the bottom -- of the snowman. Roll your first ball around and around until it is rather large. You can take turns rolling the ball, so that everyone helps. Next, roll each successive ball so that it is smaller. (If you have older children -- teenagers -- you can have a race to see who can build a snowman the fastest or who can build the tallest snowman.) You can pack and smooth the snow so that it has the proper appearance. As you are setting one ball on top of the other make sure that you pack in some snow to hold the balls steady where the sections connect.

You can use any number of objects to decorate the snowman, including sticks, hats, carrots and rocks. The idea is to make the snowman your own with personality. Make sure you have your own warm clothing to wear outdoors, including coats, gloves, hats, boots and snow pants. Do not stay out too long, especially if it is very cold.

And of course, when you get back in the house, nothing is as delicious as a warm cup of cocoa.

It's going to be a few months before your newborn will be ready to start socializing and playing with mom and dad, but that gives you plenty of time to stock up on playtime gear. Infant boys and girls can get away with one-piece suits for their first few months since the daily schedule consists of napping, eating, crying and napping some more. But they'll be ready to meet and greet friends and family members within a few short weeks and playtime can be officially added to the agenda. Dress them up for the part with:

Overalls
When they're not hiding underneath the baby blanket all day long, they can show themselves off in some cozy velour coveralls. The le top kids First Snow Velour Coverall comes with a matching cap and is designed with a smiling snowman on the front. Overalls are a versatile and comfortable piece of clothing for any infant eager to get out of the crib and play!

Playful Pants
Declare it a casual day in your household and dress up your newborn in a pair of furry pants and a cozy jacket. The Widgeon Kids Pom Pom Pants are designed with multi-colored polka dots and a super-soft covering. They're trimmed with furry pom poms at the hem, and the matching furry jacket pulls together this cozy ensemble for a fun filled day ahead.

Sassy Romper Sets
If the day calls for cozying up by the fire and spending time lazing indoors, let the good times roll in a comfortable romper. Your newborn will be plenty comfortable for a day of activities in the Bindi Wear Koala Romper, a soft and lightweight romper with a snap button closure. The romper is covered in small koala footprints and an oversized koala design in front. It's a great match for any day where playtime is a top priority.

A Plush Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a fancy version of the classic onesie and work great for playtime and social hour. Let them show off their cute selves in the le top kids Petite Footed Velour Jumpsuit. The soft cotton and polyester suit is trimmed with fluttery cuffs and satin details for a regal touch. It's also machine washable, so you can make the most of this versatile piece.

Changing diapers, housework, carpools, going to work, paying bills, fixing dinner, reading storybooks, giving baths and generally running around like a madman or madwomen comes with the territory of being the parents of multiples. However, sometimes the endless list of things to do can lead to an overload. When you get frustrated, everything that happens seems to be exaggerated in your mind. When something goes wrong ,it seems like the end of the world, and when the kids act out even a little, it seems like they are tearing the house apart. Frustration is a natural feeling to have as a parent, and fortunately there are ways to manage this frustration so that it doesn't manage you.

Deal With One Thing at a Time
Frustration is often a byproduct of having a million things to do and only 24 hours in a day to do them. When you get overwhelmed with all of the things that you have to do, don't try to multitask. Instead, prioritize your to-do list and deal with one thing at a time. For example, you can put a load of clothes in the washing machine, make dinner, and then switch the clothes to the dryer, etc., until your list is complete. This will actually help you complete your list faster, and you will do a better job at each task.

Give Yourself a Time Out
Another cause of frustration is simply being overworked and overtired. If you feel that your frustration is taking over your mood, give yourself a time out. Have your partner watch the kids for 15 minutes while you walk around the block, go for a quick drive or just sit in a quiet room relaxing. This time will help you regain control of your emotions and will recharge you for the rest of the day.

Get Rest When You Need It
When you haven't had enough sleep, everything seems worse than it actually is. It is because of this that you are cranky and snippy when you don't get the sleep that you need. Having multiples means you don't get a lot of sleep, especially during the first couple of years. However, if you are feeling run down, you need to make arrangements so you can sleep in once in a while or catch up on the sleep that your body needs. This may mean switching with your parenting partner every other weekend so you each can sleep in at least twice a month. It may not seem like much, but getting a couple of extra hours of sleep can make a big difference in your energy level and outlook on life.

Traveling with multiples is a challenge in itself, especially when you have multiples that are still toddlers or babies. The key to reducing stress when you travel with your multiples is to plan ahead and have everything at hand when you need it. Fortunately, it is easy to plan ahead for the extra things that you will need to keep your multiples happy on your next vacation.

Tip No. 1: Special Accommodations
The first thing that you will want to do when planning a family vacation is contact the theme parks, hotels and other attractions that you are going to visit. You will want to ask them if they have things like multiple-child strollers, babysitting services and other special services for people with kids or special services for people with multiples.

Tip No. 2: Have Entertainment Ready
One of the problems of traveling with kids of any age is that they act up when they get bored. The best way to keep your multiples happy on a long trip is to have various activities on hand to dole out when they start to get bored such as coloring books, story books, plush toys and videos. Having snacks and beverages on hand is also a good idea, as meltdowns can occur in response hunger.

Tip No. 3: Packing Strategies
When packing for your vacation, you need to conserve as much space as possible. If you are planning an extra long vacation, consider shipping bulkier items to your hotel or vacation house ahead of time so you don't have to haul them with you. To make sure you have a change of clothes for each multiple with you at all times, you will want to pack one outfit in your child's carryon. In your main luggage, you will pack the items your kids will need on their vacation such as shirts, shoes, socks and underwear. Since many airlines are now charging fees for each piece of checked luggage, divide a single suitcase into sections and place each multiple's clothing in their labeled section.

You don't have to be a vegetarian to understand the importance of meatless meals. You also don't have to choke down tofu in order to enjoy the benefits of a meatless meal. Meat-free meals are packed with nutrition, are affordable to prepare and can be prepared quickly. What's not to love? The following are just a few recipes to get you started.

Spicy Egg Burritos
Serves 4
1 cup of egg substitute
4 ounces of pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 - 4 tablespoons of pickled jalapenos, sliced
2 cups of chili beans, heated
4 whole wheat tortillas
8 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Cook the egg substitute according to the package directions.
2. Right before the eggs are done, add the cheese and jalapenos.
3. Heat the tortillas in the microwave under a damp paper towel for 30 to 60 seconds or until softened.
4. Top the tortillas with the eggs, beans and sour cream.
5. Fold the sides of the tortilla in and roll.
6. Serve with salsa for dipping.

Mexican Bean Pizza
Serves 4-6
1 whole wheat pizza crust
1 large can of fat-free refried beans
1 cup of Mexican cheese blend
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of shredded lettuce
1 cup of salsa
½ cup of reduced-fat sour cream

1. Top the pizza crust with the refried beans and cheese.
2. Bake according to the package directions or until cheese has melted.
3. Top with tomatoes, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.
4. Serve immediately.

Green Beans with New Potatoes
Serves 8
2-pound bag of frozen green beans
16 small new potatoes
½ cup of garlic infused olive oil
½ cup water

1. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes and drain.
2. Toss the green beans with new potatoes and olive oil.
3. Pour water into a slow cooker followed by the beans and potatoes.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours.
5. Serve with whole wheat rolls.

Meatless meals don't have to be boring. They also don't have to strain your pocketbook.

Making room for the new addition to the family can be a fun and exciting experience, and you can get started by creating an inviting space for your little one. Toys, snuggle-worthy blankets and play centers are just a few essentials when designing a fun but comfortable baby room.

Whether you're counting down the days to your new addition or baby's already arrived, get started on decorating the baby room with some of these too-cute essentials:

Show 'em Some Love
If you're not around to hold and comfort your little one at a moment's notice, let one of the Tender Begginings Giraffes help you out. These plush giraffes are huggable, loveable, super-soft toys that will accompany your baby on any troublesome day. These toys are also equipped with a machine washable blanket so you can create the ultimate snuggle space.

Create a Comfort Zone
Picking the right baby blanket is a top priority for any new parent, especially since baby blankets tend to stick around well beyond the baby years. Pick up a stylish blanket from Hatley Kids; these designer blankets are made with cute prints on one side and a solid jersey and animal appliqué on the other. Their 100-percent cotton material means they're also easy to wash and maintain, so your baby's blanket can last for years to come.

For the Future Movie Buff
Prepare a media center for your toddler-to-be with a set of classic children's movies and animated films. From Alvin & the Chipmunks to the Harry Potter movies, you can spark their imagination and give them a chance to enjoy a chuckle or two. Playing animated movies throughout the day provides some extra stimulation for that growing mind and may even ward off a temper tantrum when stress levels run high.

Make Room for Playtime
Give your baby a chance to play after a busy day of sleeping, eating and crying. The Gund Spunky Playmat features special toys and attachments to let their imagination soar. It's also easy to clean and maintain in case of a "baby emergency," and will give you a chance to take a break from keeping baby busy on any given day.

One of the fun parts of pregnancy is picking out baby names, but it can also be stressful, especially if you and your partner don't agree or too many outsiders offer too much input. Add normal aggravation to pregnancy hormones, and you're left with a situation like I had with my first daughter, where I spent months picking out the PERFECT name for my baby (Miranda Alison), only to go into complete hysterics when my sister-in-law named her daughter Allyson. (I eventually got over it and they're best friends today.) Here are a few tips to make the process easier:

1.If there's a conflict, the person who goes through labor gets the final say. Non-negotiable.

2. If you have bossy or opinionated friends and family, the best way to get them off your back is to pick out really horrendous decoy names. Your future daughter is going to be named Whiski, and if it's a boy, he'll be Gaylord—isn't that cute? When you produce the real name upon birth, they'll be so relieved you won't hear a word of disrespect.

3. Even if you have a very accurate ultrasound picture and find out the gender beforehand, pick out an opposite sex name just in case. Nancy Drew and country music aside, it's cruel to name your daughter George or your son Sue.

4. By all means, use this as an opportunity for personal expression, but do it within the bounds of taste. Try not to pick a name that's too popular. Your kid doesn't want to go through grade school saddled with a nickname like "Fat Jake," because there are fifteen other Jakes in his class. Standard spellings are almost always preferable to "creative" ones. Avoid names that can be seen as a joke—there really ARE people out there whose names are Justin Case - that's just cruel. And if you're doing something unusual, provide the kid with an opt-out. One of my best friends was known as Kari all her life, but the name on her birth certificate was Karen because her parents were worried people wouldn't get it. As it turned out, she loved it, but if she hadn't, she had an alternative.

If you are expecting multiples right now, you probably have a lot of concerns and thoughts on your mind. While you may be thinking about how you will be able to handle feeding, bathing and diapering multiple babies at the same time, it is a good idea to stop for a moment and catch your breath. To make dealing with the prospects of becoming the parents of multiples more manageable and less stressful, take things one step at a time. To start with, think about the basic items you will need to handle the first month of your multiples' lives.

Furniture
Many parents of multiples find that putting twins in the same crib works well. They keep each other company, and this can actually help to reduce the babies' initial anxiety about sleeping outside the womb. When selecting a crib or cribs, you will want to look for a crib that is sturdy, that has a locking rail system and that has slats that are not too widely spaced. If you are looking to save money in the long run, also look for a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed.

Baby Supplies
One of the biggest surprises of being the parents of multiples is the sheer volume of stuff that you need. You will need a healthy supply of bottles, pacifiers, bottle cleaners, washrags, towels, baby shampoo, baby wipes, diapers, diaper pales, diaper rash ointment or cream, toys and grooming equipment. As you can see, the more babies you are expecting, the more of these items you will need to stock up on before the little ones arrive.

Baby Clothes
The first month of your multiples' lives is going to be difficult. Many multiples are born premature so they may spend several weeks in the hospital before you are allowed to take them home. However, when you do get to bring them home, they most likely will still be very small. To get through the first few weeks at home you will need extra-small baby clothes and diapers, such as preemie onesies, socks, baby shoes and jumpers.

Setting up a nursery is one of the more fun tasks facing first time parents, but if you've never hung out with babies before, the variety of baby-themed products on the market can be overwhelming. Here's a short guide to what you really need and what you can do without, even if your nursery is just a corner of your one-bedroom apartment.

1. A Crib
Though we all have heard stories of older relatives who were surprise babies and slept in a drawer (or maybe it's just my weird family), a crib is an absolute essential. Whether you're buying a crib new, borrowing from a friend or purchasing from a consignment store -- safety features are essential.

When purchasing bedding for the crib, make sure to order extra-deep sheets. The safety factor makes the extra cost worthwhile. Non-deep sheets can slide off the bed and become a strangulation hazard.

2. A Changing Table
This can be a fancy model from a catalog, or it can be as simple as a changing pad placed on the floor with a basket next to it for changing essentials, like diapers, wipes and ointment. Wipe warmers are NOT essential, but a trash bin to put soiled diapers in is essential. In my experience Diaper Genies and the like are more trouble than they're worth and just end up smelling horrible. You're better off with a regular trash can with a tight fitting lid, but most times you're going to want to take the bag with the dirty diaper out immediately.

3. A Comfortable Chair
Gliders are excellent for this purpose, but any soft chair where you can snuggle with the baby will do. Whether you're nursing or bottle-feeding, you'll get up several times in the middle of the night in the beginning, and you need a place where it won't hurt if you fall asleep!

4. A Baby Monitor
When my second daughter was born, she had the lungs of an opera singer, and my house was compact and vertical so you could hear a voice from any room in it. Even still, the baby monitor came in handy for when I was outside getting groceries out of the car or down in the basement doing laundry. This is something you can borrow from a friend as long as it's in working order.