Tales of a Tireless Mom

Forget the Fashion Police, Where's the Kids Size Police?

Kids out-grow clothes so quickly, but why doesn't an alert come in our email?

  While folding Georgia’s laundry this week, I realized that her underwear is a size 2/3. She's 7 years old. The most pathetic part of this story is not that the size is so insanely off but that this has happened to me so many times over the years that I've lost count. I'd love a little help in this area, as there seems to be a lot for a mom and dad to keep track of. We make sure that there's food in the refridgerator, the bills are paid, the kids have rides to soccer practice and that their shin guards are on, but wouldn't you think the children themselves could give us a heads up when their shorts don't fit? I'd love some sort of a size police who serves busy parents with warnings when their children have outgrown the clothes in their …

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Tales of a Tireless Mom

Today's Kids and Fairy Tales: Snow White Who?

At least in our house, fairy tales have collected dust on the shelf to make way for newer kids books.

What ever happened to fairy tales? A new Shumway family favorite show is “Once Upon a Time.” It’s a really smart concept, whereby fairy tale characters have been put under a spell by an evil Queen (Snow White’s stepmother) and transported to a small town called Storybrooke. The twist is that they don’t remember who they really are, and the only one who knows the truth is the 10-year-old mayor’s adopted son. He spends his time trying to convince the new town sheriff – his birth mother, the daughter of Snow White herself – to believe him. We’ve been watching it with Ben and Georgia each week, and it’s become a fun tradition for all of us. However, after about four episodes, it started to hit me: they don’t know who these fairy tale …

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Supporters Prepare for 9th Flutie Bowl

Doug Flutie will once again hold his annual event at Kings in Dedham.

For the ninth year, athletes and local celebrities will join Doug Flutie for the annual Flutie Bowl, held at Kings on Jan. 23 from 6-10 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, a charity that Doug and his wife, Laurie, established in honor of their son Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. The Flutie Bowl will include a performance by The Flutie Brothers Band featuring Doug Flutie on drums, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction including authentic autographed sports memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind items. “The Flutie Bowl is about bringing people together who really care about the autism community – including our dear friends, supporters, and local companies,” said Doug …

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Pet of the Week

Six-Year-Old Snowball Needs a Home

Snowball is available for adoption through the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham shelter.

My name is Snowball and I’m a 6-year-old cat. I have a short all black coat and a handsome face. My family surrendered me to the shelter because they were moving and could not take me with them. I am very affectionate and sweet.   I do get nervous in new situations and will take time to adjust in my new home. I would probably do best with older children. I love cats and small dogs and would not mind living with either.   I was seen by the vet and found to be healthy. I am up to date on all my vaccines, neutered, and microchipped. If you are interested in adopting me please call the Animal Rescue League of Boston's Dedham shelter at 781-326-0729 or stop by and visit.  Adoption Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 1:00-6:30 Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-5:30 …

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Get Out

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 6-8

Get the kids to make you laugh and take in a bit of music this weekend.

It's Thursday, and you've got no idea what you'll do for the weekend. Dedham Patch is coming to the rescue. Editor's Note: This list only comprises some events taking place this weekend. To find out more, click here.

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Editor's Notebook

10 Ways You Can Use Patch in 2012

We've recently added, tweaked and changed a host of features, so even if you think you know...

It's a big year, this 2012.  No, not because there is a movie spelling the world's doom, or even what's sure to be a high-intensity presidential election. It's a gigantic year because you can get involved and share all things Dedham like never before. We have certainly grown and changed since we started back in August 2010. So even if you think you know how to use Patch like a pro, here are some more tips. Here are 10 ways you can use Dedham Patch to stay informed - and more importantly, inform others.

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Get Out

5 Things To Do With Your Kids on Vacation

There is plenty happening in and around Dedham.

Keeping those kids occupied in for a whole winter week without snow or school isn't easy. But we've put together a few suggestions for you to take up a couple hours and move your kids away from the television for just a couple minutes. Help out fellow parents and add more ideas to the comments section below.

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POLL: What To Do With Old Christmas Decorations

Do you recycle old Christmas lights after the holidays? Or do you save and reuse the same decorations each year?

Many families look to decorate their homes for the holidays.  Whether it's a simple wreath on the door or completely decking one's house out with lights and decorations (which, by the way, can help win $100,000 for Dedham Public Schools this year), there are a variety of ways to celebrate the holidays with decor. But what do you do after the holidays are over? Do you put the decorations and lights into boxes and stuff them into the attic or basement? Or do you look to various recycling programs to remain environmentally friendly?  Let us know what you do with your old, unwanted holiday decorations and lights each year by voting in today's poll and submitting comments in the section below. 

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Get Out

3 Things To Do this Weekend: Dec. 23-25

Celebrate the holidays with students, carolers and basketball players.

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend. Dedham Patch is coming to the rescue.

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