Visit the OC Super Fair now through August 10th, 2009

he OC Super Fair is here now through August 9, 2009. The fair is located at the Orange County Marketplace fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, California. This is Orange County's largest carnival and concert series of the year. To name some of the great concerts happening this year at the fair are country music's Alan Jackson, B-52's, Steve Miller Band, Anita Baker, The Moody Blues, Pat Benetar and Blondie together with special guest The Romantics, Joan Jet and the Blackhearts, legendary Smokey Robinson, Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol's Kelly Clarkson, Maldita Vecindad one of the most powerful groups from the rock en espanol genre and many more famous names. It is going to be a fair to remember.

Many of us go to the fair for the carnival rides, games, and great food but there is so much more to the fair than that. There are lots of animals at the Centennial Farm such as horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, and more. There's also a whole area designated for the arts and crafts fair where you can purchase fun and unique items.

Check out all of the special promotion days here and get free admission. Kids day is every Thursday. All kids 12 and under are admitted free all day long! Plus all rides are only $1 each on Thursdays until 7:00 pm. We care Wednesdays is offering free admission tickets with donations and senior days are on Fridays.

There are also daily contests going on. My favorite is the bake the largest cookie ever contest. My kids like Big Hair Day, and Super Hero dress up day! Whatever you may like there are options for everyone. This summer the OC Super Fair is the place to be!

So remember to put sunscreen on your children and yourself and bring extra along with you. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, some rides do not allow open toed shoes. Also remember to stay hydrated so drink lots of water! One more thing, have lots of fun! See you there!

For more info: For concert info please visit Pacific Ampitheatre. Also visit the OC Fair Facebook page for more info.

Author: Shelly Virden

Shelly Virden is an Examiner from Los Angeles. You can see Shelly's articles on Shelly's Home Page.

4th of July Celebration in Ladera Ranch

LARCS COMMUNITY UPDATES

July 4th Celebration - Saturday, July 4, 2009 Known for one of the best fireworks displays in South Orange County, Ladera Ranch will present an incredible fun-filled day of activities on the 4th of July. In addition to a dazzling 20-minute fireworks show in Founder's Park, the celebration will include a community parade, live music, fun activities and delicious food. The fun begins at 10:30AM with a community parade. Neighborhoods, Ladera Ranch clubs, community groups, families and individuals are encouraged to participate by designing a banner, wagon or float. You and/or your kids can also participate the Bike Decorating Contest. Parade Criteria Parade Entry Form Carnival games and activities will begin at 6PM and end at 8PM. There will be fun for all ages! Since no event is complete without live music, the Tony Suraci Band will be joining us to rock the crowd with everything from Willie Nelson to U2 to Led Zepplin. We are excited that local restaurants will be partnering with us this year! Treat your family and friends to dinner and other concessions, such as: shaved ice, ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cakes, caramel apples and kettle corn. A beer and wine garden will be selling a variety of tasty cold beverages. Feast on the Fourth Menu Ranch Hands Volunteers: 4th of July is less than a month away and we need YOUR help! Volunteer Roles Attention Neighborhood Reps: If you are interested in having your Neighborhood Block Party on July 4th instead of September, please contact us at 949-388-8300. Pie Eating Contest: Interested in participating in the Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Front Street Realty? If so, email piecontest@frontstrealty.com. Contest: Would you like to win $150 and a seat in a brand new Lexus in the parade? Park Place Lexus Mission Viejo Art Contest Road Closures: Because of the run and the fireworks, the County requires us to close some of the roads surrounding Founder's Park. We apologize for any inconvenience. Below are alternate routes for the Freedom Run, the parade and fireworks. Be sure to give them to family and friends that may be visiting. 5K & 10K Detour Map 4th of July Detour Map - Fireworks Many thanks go to Park Place Lexus Mission Viejo for generously sponsoring the 2009 4th of July Spectacular!

LOCATION Founder's Park AGES All TIME See Above ADDRESS Ladera Ranch, CA COST Free

Freedom Run at the Ranch - Saturday, July 4, 2009

Attention walkers and runners of all ages! Registration is officially open for the 3rd annual Freedom Run at the Ranch, Ladera Ranch's 5K/10K Run and 1K Little Firecracker Dash. This year's event will be held on Saturday, July 4th and will be a great way to kick off the 4th of July weekend festivities. Runners, walkers and strollers are welcome to run or walk through the picturesque, tree-lined streets of Ladera Ranch with 100% of the event proceeds benefiting the Tinkerbell Guild for CHOC Hospital, CUSD Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

To register, visit active.com or download application from runladera.org and mail application and check payable to "Ladera Legs" 39 Lewiston Court, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694. Ladera Legs will be at Dick's Sporting Goods beginning July 2nd & 3rd for walkup registration and packet pickup, located at 27502 Antonio Parkway, Ladera Ranch 92694. (Race packet pick-up location.)

Registration Fee

• 5K Timed Race
  • $20 per participant (on or before June 23rd)
  • $25 per participant (after June 23rd)
• 10K Timed Race
  • $25 per participant (on or before June 23rd)
  • $30 per participant (after June 23)
• 1K Little Firecracker Dash (ages 5-12)
  • $5 per participant
  • All kids participating will receive a medal!

This year's event will offer professional timing to all registered participants. The results will then be posted by the finish line and prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women finishers in each race.

And the event doesn't stop at the finish line. From 7:30AM to 11:30AM everyone is invited to attend a pancake breakfast at Founder's Park, located next to the finish line. Pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice will be served up for $5 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Laura's House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency in Orange County that provides residential shelter services, counseling, legal services and a 24 hour crisis hot-line to families affected by abuse.

For more information on Freedom Run at the Ranch please visit runladera.org. For questions, to volunteer, or sponsorship opportunities, please email laderalegs@cox.net.

LOCATION	Founder's Park	COST	See Above	ADDRESS	Ladera Ranch, CA
TIME	7:30AM - 11:30AM	AGES	See Above

We do not intend to spam our subscribers. To update your email address, please login to LaderaLife and visit your 'My Profile' section. Thank you for your continued support.

Return to Top

EXCLUSIVE: Octo-Mom on Reality Show:

EXCLUSIVE: Octo-Mom on Reality Show: "I Don't Want To Be Jon & Kate!" | RadarOnline.com

Shared via AddThis

Fun Things to do in Orange County on a date

Here is a fun list of Orange County's fun things to do as a couple. All of the listed suggestions and experiences come straight from my own or someone close to me.

1. Take her to a Los Angeles Angels Baseball Game. For ticket availability please visit LosAngeles.Angels.mlb.com/ticketing . A way to a man's heart is his stomach and sports!

2. Have a romantic barbecue at Irvine Regional Park. This is such a fun filled park featuring the Orange County Zoo, Bumper and Paddle boat rides, Train Rides, and dozens of walking trails and playgrounds. Who doesn't love nature walks. For coupons and more information go to Irvine Park Railroad.

3. Visit the Ocean and stop off at the Balboa Fun Zone located in Balboa Peninsula. It's a great place to relax for a little fun, food, and a beautiful and relaxing harbor cruise.

4. Glen Ivy Day Spa is a must for couples or anyone really! Yes men too! This place is incredible. You are pampered from the time you walk in till after you're home. Whether you just go for a manicure or the full body massage package you will have access to their spa, steam room, and lounges. It's a royal experience and the perfect gift.

5. Dinner and a movie is always a sure bet. If you are looking for a great restaurant we recommend dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. Each day Roy's offers a new Signature dish that is outrageous.

6. For an overnight option take a quick getaway to the breathtaking Montage Resort located on the oceanfront in Laguna Beach. The accommodations are endless. Relax, couples massages, fine dining, and an exquisite brunch at The Loft.

7. A day trip to Catalina Island is a blast! Catalina has so much to offer and is only a 30 minute boat ride. You cruise around the island in your own private golf cart. It is so much fun.

8. There are a lot of great shows coming soon at The Orange County Performing Arts Center.

As you can see there are so many great things to do as couples.

Irvine Park Trainride FREE Coupon for Moms

Print this coupon for a FREE train ride located in Irvine Park. This Offer is good from NOW until May 10th, 2009. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!! For additional details please visit www.IrvineParkRailroad.com

Moms Ride FREE! Dear Irvine Park Railroad Friends: Irvine Park Railroad celebrates all Moms! Today, through Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10th), Moms ride FREE at Irvine Park Railroad! Grandmothers ride free too! The coupon for this offer is at the bottom of this email. Moms and Grandmothers must present the coupon in order to ride free. This offer is limited to one coupon per family, group, or household. While at the park, be sure to visit the other rides and attractions including paddle boat and bike rentals, pony rides and The Orange County Zoo. Irvine Park Railroad Congratulatons! Congratulations to the Walker family who won a Wii from Irvine Park Railroad in our recent giveaway. The family signed up to receive our eNewsletter for a chance to win.

Moms Ride FREE at Irvine Park Railroad Through Mother's Day! Bring this coupon with you to Irvine Park Railroad to receive your free train ride. This offer is valid through May 10, 2009. This offer is valid through May 10, 2009 and cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, promotions or discounts. The coupon must be presented in order to ride free. Offer limited to one train ride per household and Mom and/or Grandmother. www.irvineparkrailroad.com. Coupon number M0901.

Kids and Parenting Quotes from the Heart

Who doesn't love to read quotes especially about kids and family. Quotes about kids and families bring back your own memories. All of us have our own quotes it's just remembering them or getting them on paper that is sometimes frustrating. I would like to honor some old and new quotes about family and children by the famous and by the experienced. All of us have our own quotes if you would like to add your own please do so we love feedback. Here are some of our favorites!

Your children need your presence more than your presents. ~Jesse Jackson

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~Robert Fulghum

Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you reach it faster, too. ~Lionel Kauffman

Sing out loud in the car even, or especially, if it embarrasses your children. ~Marilyn Penland

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll, The Strong Family

If I had my child to raise all over again,I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"

This last quote is my most favorite. For more quotes like these please go to http://www.Quotegarden.com/parents Please feel free to share yours with us.

Gift Giving Family Tradition

Is an Easter Egg Hunt a tradition in your family? What other Easter Traditions do you or your family have? We are interested in finding out, please leave us a comment. Our family started our day by attending church, Saddleback Church it was a great day. The service was incredible. Saddleback is a very family oriented church with children and youth group classes also. If interested please click on the link above to see the service recorded earlier.

My kids as many, love the Easter Bunny. Easter for my kids (and our entire family) is as close to Christmas as can be. My kids scored! The Easter Bunny brought them so much stuff. I mean toys, books, candy, dvd's. I couldnt believe it! Our Easter Egg Hunt was a blast. It's actually my family who spoils the only two grandchildren they have. But we do have a tradition on holidays that when the kids receive a lot of gifts we donate to a local children's shelter a couple of new gifts as well as some gently used toys we have. I enjoy teaching my children the meaning of Easter.

Recent Product Recalls

As parents I think it's important for us to keep up with recalls of kids products and their toys. I have done some research and found that the following website has the most updated information on all Product Recalls. Please click the link below to access the information.

If you have a crib please click below to make sure yours is not recalled.

Recent Recalls

Have a great day! We will be talking about Easter/Passover very soon! Please check back.

Parents too Prematurely

Being a parent is the most rewarding job for me. Parenting usually starts well beyond the birth of your first child. It starts with eating right for you plus your baby or babies during your pregnancy, doctor appointments, ultrasounds of your baby, and sometimes parenting your husband is added to the mix. It all seems pretty simple. Just do what the doctor says during pregnancy. I followed all of the doctors orders from day one. I thought I was being a great parent.
Well for me our first child was born prematurely unexpectedly 3 months early! Yes, there I was standing in the middle of Office Depot buying office supplies during work hours when there it went, my water broke in the middle of the store being only 26 weeks pregnant! At that moment I think I was more embarrassed than scared since it did look as though I just peed my pants in front of everyone. Luckily I wasn't alone, my co-worker then rushed me to the hospital where I thought they would fix me and the baby and be sent home to continue my pregnancy. My husband met me at the hospital and when the nurse came in and told us that I was not leaving until the baby is delivered a tear rolled down my eye. I was then scared. At this time I knew absolutely nothing about babies especially premature birth. I didnt know if my baby would make it. We didn't even get a chance to go to Lamaze classes to learn more about pregnancy and the possibility of prematurity. Classes were starting the next week.
We were able to keep our baby in the womb with the help of updated medical procedures for another 8 days. This is when my parenting skills really started. Our son, Tyler was born a premature birth at 27 weeks.
Check back for more on our premature birth.