The True North Parenting Blog

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Summer Camp Adventures


Summer break is on the horizon and while your kids are thrilled, you might find yourself breaking into a cold sweat. How are you going to keep them entertained week after week? How will you keep break time fun, active, and hopefully a bit educational? Not to worry – Central Oregon's summer camp offerings are abundant! Find out more below.




A Child's Garden

This camp will take your children "Around the World in 64 Days." The curriculum is designed for ages 1 - 6 and children can be enrolled 2-5 days per week, full or part time. Celebrate each country through music, games, art, crafts, and baking. Call 541.617.0434 or visit http://www.achildsgardenbend.com/.


Art Station

Children will explore their creative side and discover the artist within. Summer art camps are available for preschool, elementary school age children, and teens. Summer art camps for elementary school age children are held throughout the entire summer, both in the morning and afternoon, and are focused around a theme. Call 541.617.1317 or visit http://www.artscentraloregon.org/.

Bend Parks & Recreation

Overnight outdoor camps; adventure camps (with rafting, rock-climbing and more); sports camps; art, music, and science camps! Operation Recreation and Clubhouse offer working parents affordable care for the summer with daily field trips that are fun for kids. http://www.bendparksandrec.org/.


Camp Fire USA

June Day Camp for Pre-K-7th grade teaches kids survival skills and fills their days with adventure. July Outdoor Adventure Camp for ages 12 and up includes whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, camping and more! And from June to August, Summerkids Enrichment Program for grades K-5 offers a thematic approach to fun. Call 541-382-4682 or visit http://www.campfireusaco.org/.
Camp Sunrise

A free grief camp for children ages 7-14 who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. At Camp Sunrise, trained staff listen to the feelings of grief and can help the healing begin. June 19-21. Call 541-548-7483 or visit www.redmondhospice.org/camps.htm.
COCC Youth Camps

COCC's Community Learning is offering great new youth camps this summer! Give your kids an enriching, educational, and FUN opportunity to get creative, explore an interest, develop new skills, and gain confidence. Call 541.383.7270 or visit noncredit.cocc.edu.
Blossoms Preschool and COGA

Offering preschool and cheer camps! Your children will enjoy learning and playing in a newly upgraded facility! These camps exercise both the mental and physical muscles and help little learners build new friendships and develop social skills. Call 541.385.1163 or visit www.cogymnastics.com.


Developmusic

Kindermusik summer camps provide a stimulating, playful environment where children thrive developmentally, musically, and creatively. Camps are designed with a variety of themes and experiences for ages birth to six. Call 541.389.6690, e-mail amy@developmusic.com, or visit http://www.developmusic.com/.


First Ascent Climbing Services

Offering customized family rock climbing adventures since 1994. A one of a kind climbing immersion for kids and teens exploring all aspects of rock climbing. Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. Call 541.318.7170 or visit http://www.goclimbing.com/.

Kiddoz

Offering flexible and affordable enrollment, this Summer's BIG IDEA is "The Elements." Your child will learn, explore, and discover all about the earth, wind, and water! Every experience will be led by your child's ideas and curiosity. Call 541.322.4073 or visit http://www.kiddozplaycenter.com/.
High Desert Museum

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an artist, archaeologist, naturalist, or animal keeper? Children ages 5-9 can find out at the High Desert Museum! Campers can choose from weekly themes such as "Fun with Archaeology" where they will uncover cool artifact replicas from a frontier town at an outdoor simulated dig pit. Call 541.382.4754 or visit http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/.
Morning Star Christian School

Unlock your child's imagination! Watch them invent, express, and explore the world in Camps for Kids: June — Inventor's Workshop, July — Little Shop Keepers in Asia, August — Little Artists in Europe. Call 541.382.5091 or visit http://www.mscsbend.org/.
School of Enrichment

A vast array of theme-based camps designed for kids ages 2 1/2-10, including: Green Kids, Acting Camp, Culinary Kids Camp, Spanish Camp, and much more! Your children will enjoy playing and learning. Call 541.771.1257 or visit schoolofenrichment.com.

Shining Light Christian Preschool

Affordable summer camps for your 3-5 year olds! Enjoy twelve different camps to choose from including Princess and Dinosaur camps. Also, offering a Kindergarten Prep class. Call 541-306-9484 or visit http://www.shininglightchristianpreschool.us/.

Some Day Farm

Enjoy riding lessons, crafts, games, and horse care at Some Day Farm Pony Camp. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting June 22nd through August. Call 541-848-8519 or visit http://www.somedayfarmllc.com/.

Sunriver Owners Association

Come join the Adventure in Sunriver, for the week or the day, it's up to you! Camps include either swim lessons or tennis lessons. Schedule and registration will be available online May 3rd at http://www.sunriverowners.org/. 541-593-2442.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sassy Grassy!

Taking time to get crafty with your kids is important!  Here is a great project that will get your kids in the mood for outside gardening too!

Sassy grassy - Watch Sassy as her hair GROWS! Then give her a trim. Kids love to use scissors to give Sassy a haircut.
• Plastic pot
• Potting Soil
• Tissue Paper
• Decoupage Glaze & Foam Brush
• Tacky Glue
• Collage Materials

Craft Instructions:
1. Use the foam brush to apply a layer of decoupage glaze on to the outside of the plastic pot

2. While the glaze is still wet wrap the pot with the tissue paper. You can tear the tissue paper into small pieces and apply or wrap one large piece and trim off excess paper.

3. Apply another layer of glaze on top of the tissue paper to seal it onto the plastic pot. Let dry completely.

4. Decorate your pot with the collage materials. Make a face with the wiggly eyes and felt shapes. Add feathers, stickers, and pipe cleaners.

5. Fill the pot with the soil, and pour seed directly on top of the soil. Water, and set in a window. Allow 2 to 3 days before seed spouts. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist.

Educational Information:

There are more than 9,000 different plants in the grass family, and it is one of the largest plant groups on Earth. Grass is extremely important to most people's lives. For one thing, grass is a major food source all over the world. Rice, corn and oats come from grass plants, for example, and most livestock animals feed primarily on grasses. In some parts of the world, people use grass plants in construction (bamboo is a grass, for example), and wherever it grows, grass plays a vital role in curbing erosion. Grass is also used to make sugar, liquor, bread and plastics, among many other things.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Join the Run

This year True North is Sponsoring the 18th annual Solaire Salmon Run! This fantastic event, put on by The Environmental Center and partnering businesses, raises money for collaborating non-profit organizations and schools working on native fish habitat restoration or enhancement efforts. Event organizer Aimee Baillergon of Bend Event Co. explains, “The primary goal of this event, protecting and restoring local rivers and streams, remains the same, and we are counting on individuals and families to continue to raise awareness — and money — through the 1K, 5K, and 10K runs and walks. But we are also expanding our scope this year by inviting other organizations in our area which share and foster the same mission of supporting restoration projects to participate.”


This year the event is incorporating a kids 1k run and walk so the whole family can get involved. To register yourself or your child for this exciting event click here! If you can’t make the run then donate! Here is the link to the True North Team’s Pages: Bendetti/Garrett Family& Astacia. We will run for you!

For a great story on this year’s Solaire Salmon Run check out Beyond Plastic Bags and Light Bulbs: The 2010 SolAire Salmon Run by Aimee Baillargeon.



The quick and dirty details follow:

SolAire Salmon Run:

May 1, 2010
McKay Park, Bend
5K & 10K Run and Walk, 1K Kids Run and Walk
http://www.solairesalmonrun.com/
For More Information Contact:

Aimee Baillargeon
aimee@bendeventco.com
541/480-8555

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Cowboys 4 Kids

The following information is about an amazing event for an amazing set of non-profits.  If you don't have plans for tomorrow night, this is the place to go.  Affordable and benefitting the children in our community!

Cowboys 4 Kids Thursday, Tickets Available at the Door



Several local nonprofit organizations have come together to do what makes so much sense in this economy – collaborate! The John and Linda Shelk Foundation of Prineville initiated the collaboration to benefit Crook County children and the Crook County satellite programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, KIDS Center, Saving Grace and SMART (Start Making a Reader Today).

So, the first annual “Cowboys 4 Kids” was born! Presented by the John and Linda Shelk Foundation with Les Schwab Tires, Thursday, April 22, 2010 will be an evening of country and western entertainment, a great silent auction, a grand raffle drawing for tickets to the Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum concert at the Rose Garden … and chock full of local love!

All four organizations serve the children and families of Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties, and the group decided that it was very important to keep the event talent as local as possible. It doesn’t get any more local to Central Oregon than the main event, Shannon Bex.

“I feel very honored to be a part of such a wonderful event like Cowboys 4 Kids. Not only is this a great cause, but it’s benefiting the community I love, my home,” said Bex.

Other performers include 2008 AWA Cowboy Poet of the Year Jay Snider, members of the Bunkhouse Orchestra and a cowboy swing dance presentation by James and Paige Gustaveson.

In keeping with the theme of the locals in mind (and that includes their pocketbooks!), tickets to “Cowboys 4 Kids” are only $12 each and can be presented for 10 percent off a meal at either Dillon's or Club Pioneer in Prineville the day of the event. Raffle tickets for Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum (with a night's stay at The Mark Spencer Hotel!) are only $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the show. Doors open at 5:30 for the silent auction, and the entertainment will be from 6:30-8:30pm. "Cowboys 4 Kids will be held at the Crook County High School Southwell Auditorium.

Tickets are for sale now online at Cowboys4Kids.kintera.org/CrookCounty and will be available at the door.

"Cowboys 4 Kids" is sponsored in part by Commissioner Lynn Lundquist/Bar Lynn Ranch, Home Federal Bank, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Harrigan Price Fronk & Co. LLP, Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis PC, and Nosler and has partnered with the media entities of Horizon Broadcasting Group/KRCO and Cascade Publications Inc.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Sakura Matsuri! Mark your calendars!

I recieved this in my mailbox today.  How wonderful that local students recieve this exchange opportunity.  And How wonderful that these schools and their students are offering the Central Oregon Community the chance to be introduced to the Japanese culture:


Japanese Festival/ Sakura Matsuri


Each year Mountain View and Summit High School students get together to fundraise for our annual Japanese Exchange Program. This program between MVHS, SHS and Kamogaoka Senior High School in Toyota City, Japan, has been sending and receiving students for over 35 years and began with Bend High School.

The cost for each student to go is around $2500 for 18 days in Toyota City and Tokyo. While there, students live with a Japanese family and attend school with their host students. This is quite a phenomenal experience for our students.We also receive students from Kamogaoka High School each March for about 2 weeks. They too live with host families, attend classes and venture around Bend and the surrounding area.

The Japanese festival started as a way to enhance Bend’s awareness of Japanese culture and customs. At the festival, students from MVHS and SHS work together to teach others about various traditional crafts, such as: Origami (paper folding), Ikebana (flower arranging), and Shodou (Calligraphy). The festival centers on a “Japanese Festival, or Matsuri” theme and we will have a wonderful Taiko (Drumming) performance by a group out of Portland called En Taiko. Students put on a Fashion show highlighting both traditional Japanese fashion as well as various “Tokyo Fashions”. Sakura Immersion Pre‐school students will be there to entertain as well. There is also an area for little ones that includes “gold fishing” in which you fish with origami cups and try to catch a goldfish. Face painting and a ramen‐eating
contest are other events not to miss.

During the event we will have a silent auction with goods from our friends at Wabi Sabi and other local vendors. Sumi’s Japanese Restaurant will be serving food too.

The Date of the event is Saturday, May 22 from 12 until 4 at Mountain View High School. Admission is $5 per person or $12 for the family. The price includes Taiko performance and access to all activities.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Embrace Life!

I was in a severe car accident when I was in high school. I wouldn't have gotten to grow up and have and hold my beautiful babies if I hadn't been wearing my seatbelt. Wear your seatbelt. Do it for your little angels.

Mini Me-Time

I was reading the April issue of Health magazine when I came across the article How I Steal “Me” Moments by Lynn Harris, and found myself inspired. Lynn explains how she has transformed long lines and tardy friends into opportunities for mini breaks in her hectic daily life. This article spoke to me on a personal level because as a mother of three and a business owner I constantly find myself feeling run down and like I desperately need a vacation; and as a mother of three and business owner, vacations are few and far between. After I read the article I started brainstorming ways to fit mini breaks into my daily life. After a lot of creative thinking, here is what I have started incorporating into my days:

 
  1. When I walk my daughter to school I leave my cell phone at home and bring my ipod filled with my favorite songs. Instead of making business calls on the way home, I enjoy a brisk walk and a mini music break.
  2. When I rock my 3 month old son to sleep at night, I keep a book and a lamp next to the rocking chair so once he is asleep I can enjoy some stress free cuddle time and work my way through that pile of books I have been dying to read since I had baby number one 8 years ago.
  3. When I go grocery shopping I pick the longest checkout line and use the extra time to peruse the magazine rack and thumb through some of my favorite trashy reads.
  4. If I have a choice on what chore to tackle, I choose laundry. Depending on how many loads I have to wash and fold, I have the perfect excuse to rent and watch a couple of movies while accomplishing something important.
  5. I take a bath instead of a shower. I always have a couple of candles and sea salts on hand. Even if I don’t have a lot of time, submerging myself in warm scented water sooths sore muscles and leaves me refreshed.
  6. I always keep a yoga mat two blankets and a block in my office. When I am waiting for a call, a client, or have a couple minutes between tasks I fit a couple quick yoga poses in. Downward dog and a head stand can clear my mind and calm my nerves so I can perform at the top of my game.
Can you think of some other good way to fit “Me Moments” into your day? Tips and tricks are always appreciated.

 

Monday, April 12, 2010

Earth Month

April is Earth Month and one of the first things that comes to most people’s mind when considering Earth Month or Earth Day is the emphasis of living green and how our daily choices are impacting the earth. This special month offers parents the perfect opportunity to discuss what being “Green” actually means with their kids, and this is no small task with all the hype and commercialism that surrounds the concept of living green these days. Going Green: Beyond the Hype and Back to Basics by Michelle Pate, is a great read for families who want to change their daily life and make it “greener” but feel overwhelmed and confused by all of the conflicting information in the media. Michelle gives her readers clear and simple directions for living green when she says, “The easiest way to truly live green without falling for all of the latest trends and hype is to go back to basics and follow the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — and in that order.”

Take time this month to discuss the 3 R’s with your kids. If you haven’t already, start incorporating the 3 R’s into your daily living routine. Some ideas for making your household a little greener are: get a recycling bin and teach your kids how to separate garbage from recyclables; take your kids to a local consignment store when you need to shop for clothing (they might be surprised at all of the cool stuff they find); start turning off the water while you brush your teeth; have the kids help turn off all electronics and lights at night; get reusable shopping bags; and finally, give your kids the opportunity to brainstorm unique ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

While incorporating the 3 R’s into your families daily life is a great way to celebrate Earth Month, there is truly no better way to instill the love for Mother Nature in your children than by getting them outside. Children need to connect to nature, and with spring here, now is the perfect time to go on nature walks and hikes and point out the beautiful sprouts pushing out of the ground, and the green buds forming on bushes. Once outside, you children will know exactly why preserving the earth by living green is such an important thing to do.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Gleek Out!

If you haven’t heard of FOX’s hit series Glee yet, then you’ve been living under a rock. Glee first aired in May of 2009 and became an instant hit with viewers of all ages. The series takes place at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio where a group of students ranging from geeks to cheerleaders and football players come together to form the High School Glee Club called “New Directions”. The series has done so well that it won the 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series—Musical or Comedy and received three additional nominations for Best Actress (Lea Michele), Best Actor (Matthew Morrison), and Best Supporting Actress (Jane Lynch). It has also earned itself a group of loyal followers that proudly call themselves “Gleeks”. For all things Glee related Gleeks can indulge with the blog Gleeks United.

So why is Glee such a big hit with such a wide variety of viewers including young, old, male, and female alike? Maybe it’s because deep down each and every one of us wants to break out in song when dealing with our daily struggles or because we can all relate to at least one of the overly generalized yet surprisingly complex characters. Yes, Glee has managed to take the typical High School stereotypes that unfortunately actually exist in real life and shed an honest light on the truth behind façade that each character puts on. This is not only refreshing but inspiring, as is the “in your face with a musical twist” way each episode handles the real to life situations that both teens and grownups face. From teenage pregnancy and a son’s “coming out of the closet”, to a couple’s infertility and infidelity, the cast dances and sings its way through each episode causing the viewers to sing (and possibly dance) along while seriously considering the message and how it relates to their own life.

While Glee is awesome as a way to self-entertain in the evening, it also offers up a wonderful parenting opportunity for those of you with teens. Each episode is full of laughs (and what better way to bond with your teen than through laughter) and also gives parents and opportunity to open conversations about the serious topics that their children are facing both personally and out in the real world. Finally, for many of us, it also gives us a chance to share something we rarely have in common with the younger generation: music. That’s right! Glee has managed to make the music from our generation seem cool to our kids! Now if that’s not a reason to Gleek out, then I don’t know what is. New episodes of Glee air April 13th on FOX.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

We heart the Kombucha Mamas!

Our team is always trying to find ways to stay healthy and in shape. It looks like a couple of local mamas have come up with a product that is right up our alley. If you like tea, you'll love

Kombucha Mama

Kombucha is a sweet tea mixture that has, at times, been called the “Elixir of Life", and helps keep you balanced and feeling energized. Made locally here in Bend, Oregon by the “Kombucha Mamas”, this tea well server you well whether you’re looking to ward off a cold, boost your energy, or cut back on snacking too much. The Kombucha Mamas brew only the best for your body, mind, and spirit.  For a complete list of places that offer Kombucha, visit, http://www.kombuchamama.com/.

You can also follow them on the Kombucha Mama Facebook Page and find out more!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Breastfeeding Is Beautiful!

And don’t you let ANYONE tell you differently.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep...


We LOVE Cloud B! In the December issue of True North we reviewed the Twilight Ladybug. The beautiful constellation it projects on to bedroom ceilings makes nighttime soothing and fun for the kiddos.


Our newest, most favorite Cloud B creation is the Sleep Sheep. This little guy is a life saver for anyone with a newborn. Not only is he cute and cuddly, he provides white noise that will put mom and dad to sleep quicker than the babe. The Sleep Sheep has four soothing sounds that emulate nature almost to perfection. Choose between gentle ocean waves, spring showers, whale songs, and mother’s heart beat.

Are you on the go all the time? Sleep Sheep has straps that easily fastened to a car seat, chair, or wrist (if you happen to be pacing back and forth for a while). Sleep sheep also comes in an on the go version.

And if you or your little one isn’t into sheep…check out the dolphin and giraffe.

If you are looking for a Sleep Sheep in Bend, Oregon, you can find yours at Baby Phases (Located at 759 NE Greenwood Ave. Suite 1). Visit them online at http://www.babyphasestot2teen.com./

The Blue Ribbon Campaign

April is National Child abuse Prevention month.  The following information on child abuse and the Blue Ribbon Campaign was submitte by Elain Knobbs at the KIDS Center in Bend, Oregon. Please get involved, get a blue ribbon, and show your support.

The Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse


The Blue Ribbon Campaign began in the spring of 1989 when Bonnie Finney of Virginia lost her grandson, Michael Dickenson. The three year old died at the hands of her daughter’s abusive boyfriend. Bonnie tied a blue ribbon to her car- symbolizing the blue of her grandson’s bruises- and encouraged her community to do the same. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April, the Blue Ribbon Campaign is used throughout the country as a way to bring communities together to protect children from all forms of abuse.

KIDS Center brought the campaign to our community in 1997 to raise awareness of child abuse in Central Oregon. Last year there were over 2300 reports of child abuse in Central Oregon and almost 700 children walked through KIDS Center’s doors for evaluation and treatment of abuse. Most children do not report therefore the actual number of children being hurt in our community is far greater than we could ever know.

Do your part: In Central Oregon each year more than 50,000 blue ribbons are distributed locally by volunteers, active citizens and community partners. Ribbons are available at KIDS Center and at businesses and agencies through-out the community. Show your support for protecting children. Wear a blue ribbon all during the month of April and learn more about how to protect the children in your life and in our entire community! Contact KIDS Center at 541-383-5958 or www.kidscenter.org

Myths & Facts about Child Abuse

MYTH: Children who are abused do something to cause the abuse to occur.

FACT: The child is always the victim. The responsibility for the abuse lies solely with the abuser.

MYTH: It's only abuse if it's violent.

FACT: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene. Lastly, sexual abuse is violent in only a small percentage of cases.

MYTH: Most sexual abuse is committed by someone who’s a stranger to the child.

FACT: Someone the child knows, likes, trusts, loves and/or lives with is the person most likely to sexually abuse a child.

MYTH: Children lie about sexual abuse.

FACT: Children usually do not have the explicit sexual knowledge to enable them to talk about sexual acts unless they have experienced them.

Recognize the Signs of Abuse and REPORT

Some- but not all- abused children may exhibit physical or behavioral signs.

Signs of abuse may include:

• Nervousness around adults or a particular adult.

• Aggression or passivity and over-compliance.

• Sudden changes in personality or school work.

• Unable to stay awake or concentrate.

• Does not want to go home from school or after school activity.

• Low self-esteem.

• Bruises or injuries that are frequent and/or unexplained.

• Poor hygiene.

Sometimes there are no signs at all.

Since few children ever come forward to report abuse, make it your responsibility to recognize these signs and report any suspicions or disclosures of abuse.

IF YOU SUSPECT THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED, CALL AND TALK TO TRAINED DHS PERSONNEL AT 541-693-2700 OR CALL 911. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution.

Friday, April 2, 2010

De-Stress and Connect!

It’s the end of a long week and the kids are bouncing off the walls ready for the weekend…but you are tired and all in knots from the pressure of juggling home and work life. Yoga can help you de-stress and connect with your kids! Practicing yoga with your kids is a great way for them to get their wiggles out and calm down, while you get a little exercise and release pressure and stress. Not sure how to get started? Here are some ideas:


Yoga for the whole family

Yoga offers up a great way to power up for the day or wind down for the night. Have fun loosening up those limbs and getting centered and connected with your children while arching like a dog, swaying like a tree, or standing tall like a mountain. There are poses that can help you increase your energy or decrease your kid's wiggles before bed.

What you need:

1. A sticky mat

2. Loose clothing

3. Your body

4. Knowledge of basic yoga poses

Your family yoga session can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes depending on your children's age, attention span, and interest. We recommend that you start your family yoga class with three oms while sitting cross legged on the floor with your eyes shut. Let your children play around with the sound, laugh and giggle with each other, and then take time to talk to your kids about how the om felt when it came out. This is a great opportunity to help them bring attention to their own bodies.

Your yoga sequence can consist of any number of poses in any order. Many of the poses are named after animals or things found in nature. Play with the names, act like the animals. Remember, your yoga time should be fun. Don't be worried about doing the pose "right," instead, after each pose ask your children how each pose made their body feel.

End your yoga time with Resting Pose. This can be used as cuddle time as well. Let your children lay on or next to you. Tell your children to listen to their breathing and tell you how it sounds and feels.

If you don't know any yoga poses, check out the True North Directory for local studios and classes, or go online to http://yogajournal.com/ and check out their practice section. A plethora of wonderful yoga videos for both children and adults also provide a great way to get started.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Momma Makeover Madness

True North hosted a Momma Makeover Contest to celebrate Mother's Day in the Apri/May issue. Check out the online article here (or pick up a print copy, on stands now) and relive all of the Momma Makeover fun by watching winner, Tambi Lane's, video below. You can also read her account of the makeover on her blog here!

Become a fan of the TN Facebook page. Plenty more contests are on the way, and you won't want to miss your chance to win.