Isn't 2010 just flying by? Valentine's Day is creeping up on us - have you thought about what to get your Valentine? We're going to be having a low-key Valentine's Day this year.

Last week, we talked about Mommy Time and asked you to let us know what you do for yourselves.  We got some great answers, here are just a few--

Melissa from Plainview goes out for a girls night one a week with four other girlfriends.  "After we've helped the husbands put the kids to bed (about 8:30), we head to a local Panera to sit back, unwind, discuss our jobs, kids, marriages, while sharing a few delicious desserts and enjoy being one of the girlz. No matter how tired we are from our daily jobs, families, etc. we all value the time we get to just be US while being out of the house for a few hours. Back to the grind the next day!"

Jenna from Islip thinks that motherhood is her best role yet and doesn't feel any loss of herself.  She does though do two things for herself on a regular basis - watch American Idol and read books (that don't have pictures in them!).

Shari from Levittown enjoys a solo run to Target when her daughter is in ballet class.  "I get myself a diet Coke and wander, picking up whatever I need and relishing not chasing a toddler or telling a preschooler, 'No, you don't need another Barbie.' Ahhh, sweet solitude..."

Thanks to everyone who sent in answers - each of the three moms above will receive two tickets to National Amusements Movie Theaters>> - use them for a great date night or girls night out!

Are you active in your school's PTA?  February 7 through 13, 2010 is PTA Take Your Family to School Week>>, an opportunity to connect family members to their children's school experience.  Ask your school PTA if they are participating, it's a great way to get more involved.  Congratulations to Bellerose Avenue Elementary School in East Northport and McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa for winning awards from the PTA National Organization for their plans for Take Your Family to School Week 2010.  For information on this program and to see how your school can participate for 2011, visit the PTA National's website at www.PTA.org.

WIN! Share your best Valentine idea: unique ideas for class cards, favorite family activities, or simply what you plan to do this year with your kids or your sweetheart on our Family Favorites page. Tickets to the movies, Madame Tussaud's or the Bronx Zoo could be yours!  Also, don't forget to check our contest page to see how your family can win tickets to see Gustafer Yellowgold at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington later this month!

Keep an eye on our Events Calendar, more fun ideas for President's Week vacation are coming in each day! 

Have a great week-

Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts is the arts day camp declared a "Best Of" camp by TimeOutNY/Kids, NY Metro Parents, and Long Island Press. The 2010 season begins on June 28th at the Center's 200-acre woodland campus on Long Island. Usdan is open to young people ages 6 to 18, and no audition is required- rather, admission is based on an expression of interest in the arts. Each summer, 1,600 students travel to the Center each day on air-conditioned buses that depart from neighborhoods throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Usdan was formed to provide the arts as a companion for life through great teaching and the camaraderie of fellow students whose common bond is their love of the arts. Usdan offers more than 40 programs in Music, Theater, Dance, Visual Arts, Nature, Chess, and Writing. Although Usdan's mission is for every child to establish a skill-based relationship with the arts, the unique stimulation of the Center has caused many to go on to professional careers. Alumni include singers Mariah Carey, Natalie Portman, and jazz singer Jane Monheit, as well as members of major music, theater, and dance ensembles throughout the world.

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything.

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

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