Making a difference sustains her

"Discovery Toys have been a part of my home and work life for the past 20 years. As an Occupational Therapist with special needs children and a mom of 4, I have loved and played with the classics as well as the new products with "all of my children". Discovery Toys provides me with the ability to give to children something that they may not get from another toy--educational value, durability, safety, skill development and opportunities to use their imagination! In fact, I had the chills with excitement to be able to help a relative find the perfect gift for a very special little boy in her life. The little boy had very limited use of his arms/hands and legs. Knowing the exceptional value and unique qualities of many of our products, I could not wait to show her what I had just for him. The Countdown Racer was the perfect gift! There is nothing like the feeling of being able to enable that little boy to play like his brothers with a really cool race car. Discovery Toys provides me with the ability to make a difference in the life of a child! "

Sue C.-D.

Acapulco trip

Another member of the Pearl Team has earned the 2008 incentive trip for 2 to Acapulco. Congratulations to Simone W.

Winter Sale starts Jan. 1

click to enlarge. email billietoy@gmail.com to order.

Pearl Team Update

Please welcome new Pearls:
Karen J. of NJ sponsored by Sally D.
Yolanda D. of NY sponsored by Simone W.

Rocket Starters:
SALES
Level 3 - kit refunded!!- Lilian W, Teresa G, Melissa R, Laura G, Krista K, Angela H
Level 2- 2nd $50 coupon - Olga B, Jen A, Lisa K
Level 1- $50 coupon - Linda R, Julie N, Kathy M

RECRUITING
Level 1- $50 coupon - Jen A

Margaret Mead, anthropologist

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Pearl Team Kudos!

It's official! Lisa S has earned President's Club. In addition to having earned the trip for 2 to Acapulco, she will have an extra night on the trip, a limo ride at Denver's convention next summer, a free hotel room during convention and the coveted gold and sapphire President's Club ring. If you are on her team, keep an eye out for the challenges she'll offer for you to ride in style alongside her. Congratulations to Lisa on a job well done. Her team continues to flourish and grow.

Please welcome new Pearl:
Lisa L of NY sponsored by Lisa S

Rocket Starters:
SALES
Level 3 - kit refunded!!- Lilian W, Teresa G, Melissa R, Laura G, Krista K
Level 2- 2nd $50 coupon - Olga B, Linda R, Angela H
Level 1- $50 coupon - Lisa K, Jen A, Julie N

RECRUITING
Level 1- $50 coupon - Jen A !!

Toys for Tots program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Billie Elias

TOY BUYERS CAN GIVE TO FAMILIES IN NEED BY SPENDING MORE

Discovery Toys Give Back Hostess Program Aims to Donate $350,000 in Learning Products

(New York, NY), Dec. 2, 2008

When the 30-year-old direct-selling company heard that donations to Toys for Tots were down this year, and that the charity organization would be hard-pressed to deliver gifts to thousands of needy families on their rosters, Discovery Toys quickly mobilized to help fill this shortfall by leveraging the efforts of the thousands of individuals across the country who host Discovery Toys parties in their homes and workplaces.

Shoppers looking for quality educational toys, books, and games for the children in their lives can contribute to families in need by making a purchase at a Discovery Toys party. Explains Cindy Franco, Discovery Toys Vice President of Sales, “When someone hosts a Discovery Toys party, she earns free products based on the level of sales from that party. A party generating $550 in total sales, for example, earns the hostess $100 in free products. Discovery Toys will match this earned free product value and make an equal donation to Toys for Tots.” The matching donation program runs through December 12. The toy company hopes to contribute upwards of $350,000 in new toys to help bring some joy to families who find themselves in need during these difficult economic times. The program affords individuals the opportunity to assist these children without having to trade off dollars spent on holiday gifts. The more someone spends, the higher the contribution.

Shares Rich Newton, Discovery Toys President, “With our distressed economy, so many families have taken a hit financially. Many are eager to help, especially children, but their resources are limited. Our Give Back Hostess program allows customers to contribute to our Toys for Tots donation without having to sacrifice gift purchases for their own loved ones.”

To learn more about hosting or attending a Discovery Toys party, contact Billie Elias, independent Discovery Toys Executive Manager, in the New York area at www.toysofdiscovery.com

# # #

About Discovery Toys

Discovery Toys, Inc. is the leading direct seller of educational toys, books, and games for children, personalizing the toy-purchase experience through a network of several thousand Educational Consultants in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1978, Discovery Toys has encouraged parents to play with their children, providing the highest quality toys to help them make a lasting investment in their children’s future. The company has received more than 165 awards from highly recognized educators and parenting organizations. Discovery Toys, Inc., located at 6400 Brisa Street, Livermore, California 94550, is a subsidiary of Draupnir, LLC.

I am grateful for ....

"As a new consultant I can only say I am grateful Lisa S drove from Scotch Plains to Budd Lake to do my Shop N Rock Event. I wasn't able to find anyone and wanted to buy some items myself. It was a win win for me I could have her as a vendor and shop the same day. I called her after the event to see if anyone from this area signed up because I wanted my own consultant local for personal shopping. No one had so I took the plunge thinking I would regret it. I quickly learned it wasn't a bottomless pit of expenses and my family could see the value of the business immediately. I am working my business trying to recruit, get parties and doing events for more contacts. There are many home based business opportunities out there but this one doesn't require you to tie up massive amounts of debt on the credit card or home budget to do events, parties or run the business.

I guess I am really grateful for the opportunity to bring the products into my home, have fun with my family and make some money without huge risks to our family finances.
That makes my husband very happy and supportive also :) "

Lisa K

With apologies to Jeff Bezos

What we can't do:

• Wash your dishes
• Pick up your dry cleaning
• Change the little light bulb in your fridge

What we can do:

• Save you a trip to the mall, waiting on line with tired kids
• Arrange to have the man in the brown uniform bring the toys to your home
  
• Help you get the very best in educational toys that give your child a love of learning
  

For the Golfers

If you're hitting your divots farther than the balls, consider what the grandfather of Chip Conley, Founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre, told him:
"Having a high handicap doesn't mean you'll have low enjoyment in life. There are all kinds of scorecards you can have. How many squirrels you see on the course, how many cloud formations you see in the sky, how many times you can get your grandpa to crack a smile with one of your silly jokes. Just remember, you can decide which scorecard you want to use in life."

Pearl Team Update

Please welcome new Pearls:
Angela H. of NJ sponsored by Michelle
Julie N. of NJ sponsored by Billie
Sue M. of NJ sponsored by Laura G.
Kathy M. of NJ sponsored by Lisa S.
Nishani P. of NY sponsored by Simone

Rocket Starters:
Level 3 - kit refunded!!- Lilian W, Debra D, Teresa G, Melissa R
Level 2- 2nd $50 coupon - Tracy B, Krista K, Olga B, Laura G
Level 1- $50 coupon - Sarah D, Cheri C, Lisa K

DT donates to Toys for Tots

Discovery Toys will donate to Toys for Tots a matching amount of your free toys earned when you host a party before Dec. 12, 2008.
Won't you host a party today?

Our Acapulco trip earner

The first member of the Pearl Team to earn the 2008 incentive trip for 2 to Acapulco is Lisa S! Please send her your congratulations...it is quite an achievement.

Pearl Team Update

Please welcome new Pearls:
Lilian W, Lisa C, Olga B, and Elizabeth Q of NY sponsored by Simone W
Linda R of NJ sponsored by Jen A

Rocket Starters
Level 3 - kit refunded!!- Lilian W, Debra D, Teresa G
Level 2- 2nd $50 coupon - Tracy B, Krista K, Olga B
Level 1- $50 coupon - Sarah D, Cheri C, Laura G

Confucius say...

"If you plan for one year, plant rice. If you plan for ten years, plant trees. If you plan for one hundred years, educate children." -- Confucius (c. 551-479 BC), Chinese philosopher

Welcome new Pearls

Christa K and Melissa R, both of NJ, sponsored by Lisa S

Welcome new Pearls

Paul F. of NJ sponsored by Lisa S.
and CONGRATS to these Rocket Starters:
Level 3 $99 kit refunded to Nancy D
Level 2 2nd $50 coupon to Anita J
Level 1 $50 coupon to Sally D, Lisa G, Michele S, Debra D, Sarah D, Cheri C, Laura G, Teresa G

Letters, we get letters

Jillian asks: "What advice would you give me for raising our children to be responsible, respectful, be good with money, etc...anything to ensure my husband and I are raising decent citizens...Of course we want our kids to be happy - but more than that, we want them to be good, productive members of society...not the spoiled, lazy brats we all hear about on the news every night...we never want them to feel entitled."

Answer: You're right to ask this question while your children are young, for that's when it's easiest to have your advice be absorbed. Here are some of the things that we did when our son was young:

When we saw a homeless person, we explained to our child that some people have less and need help from others.

When we learned that our son's best friend at school lived in a shelter, we reached out to his mom and invited the child to dinner at a cool restaurant to expose him to a part of life he may not have otherwise seen. In this case, it was our child who had reached out first.

We were brought up to be responsible with money, so it was natural for us to teach that. There was a piggy bank to put small coins in. Monetary gifts still go into a "college fund," and every thank you note expresses that's what the gift will someday be spent on. We provide all he needs so that he can save his money from little jobs like dog walking, cat sitting, helping a graphic designer. Now he has a toy "vault" that he keeps his treasures in (great grandpa's medal from WWI, an ivory elephant from grandma's adventures in India, and his money). Periodically he brings us his accumulated savings, which we invest for him.

As our son matured, and began asking questions about money, the environment, the law, right and wrong, that sort of stuff, we were available to talk things through and explain, never infantilizing.

I guess my best advice is to be the kindest, most respectful, gracious parents you can be and your children will see you as their role models. It is apparent to us that our son grasped what we showed him and ran with it. After all, we are our children's first and most important teachers, don't you agree?

From Russia with Love

"The soul is healed by being with children." --Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881), Russian novelist

Suze Orman to speak at Discovery Toys convention

Suze Orman is coming to Convention 2009!

Suze has been called “a force in the world of personal finance” and a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse” by USA Today. AND, she is speaking at our Discovery Toys Convention in Denver!

Pearson Foundation President, Mark Nieker, says:

"Research shows that the ability to read is a key factor in a child's success in school and that the strongest indicator of future reading ability is the number of books children have at home. Statistics tell us that children in low-income communities have from no books at all to just three at home, versus 50 books in the households of their middle and high-income peers."

Welcome new Pearls

Teresa G. of KY & Lisa K. of NJ sponsored by Lisa S.

Loving a child

"Loving a child doesn't mean giving in to all his whims; to love him is to bring out the best in him, to teach him to love what is difficult."
-Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) French musician & teacher

Spoiling Children

"Never fear spoiling children by making them too happy. Happiness is the atmosphere in which all good affections grow."
-Thomas Bray (1656-1730), British clergyman & philanthropist

Famous New Yorkers suggest these kids books

Caroline Kennedy
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward
Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink
The Search for Delicious, by Natalie Babbitt
Little Woman, by Louisa May Alcott
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor

Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City
Johnny Tremain, by Esther Forbes

Charles Schumer, New York Senator
All the Kings Men, by Robert Penn Warren
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
An American Tragedy, by Theodore Dreiser
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

G.R.O.W.

Do you want to grow your business? Or any aspect of your life, perhaps?
Use this simple acronym:
G – Goal (set a specific goal for yourself)
R – Reality (assess where you're at, presently)
O – Options (determine what you need to do to go from where you are to where you want to be)
W – Way Forward (break that trip down into small steps/actions)

Pearl Team Update

Welcome to the newest PEARLS:
Victor G. of NY sponsored by Simone W.
Nyla K. of NY sponsored by Danit R.
Laura G. and Jen A. of NJ both sponsored by Lisa S. get kudos for attending a fall kickoff their first week in the company!
Recent PEARL Rocket Starters:
Level 1 Sally D., Michele S., Debra D., Sarah D., Cheri C.
Level 2 Anita J., Nancy D.

Books Fall Open by David McCord

Books fall open, you fall in,
delighted where you've never been;
hear voices not once heard before,
reach world on world through door on door;
find unexpected keys to things locked up beyond imaginings.

What might you be, perhaps become,
because one book is somewhere?

Some wise delver into wisdom, wit,
and wherewithal has written it.
True books will venture, dare you out,
whisper secrets, maybe shout
across the gloom to you in need,
who hanker for a book to read.

JUST PLAYING by Anita Wadley

When I'm building in the block room,
Please don't say I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;
About balance and shapes.

When I'm getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play;
I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair
"Reading" to an imaginary audience,
Please don't laugh and think I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don't pass it off as "Just Play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or some "plaything" at my school,
Please don't feel the time is wasted in "Play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in buiness someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is "Just Play".
I'm learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a chef someday.

When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
Please don't say I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I've done at school today,
And I say, "I Just Played".
Please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I'm a child and my work is play.

John F. Kennedy said...

“The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence.”

Pearl Team Kudos!

Level 2 Rocket Starters: Anita J & Nancy D Level 1 Rocket Starters: Lisa G, Michele S, Sara D, Cheri C
Congrats to all!

Pentominoes

Pentominoes are twelve different shapes, often named after the letters of the Latin alphabet that they resemble (F,I, L, N, P, T, U, V, W,X, Y, Z), each composed of five connected squares. These 12 shapes can be combined in hundreds of different ways to form 2 dimensional shapes such as rectangles (see example below), iguana, kangaroo, etc. or 3-D shapes like pyramids and staircases. Pentominoes are a key part of the 2003 children's novel "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett. The book, often compared to the adult book "The DaVinci Code," is based on Johannes Vermeer's painting "A Lady Writing a Letter." Puzzles based on Pentominoes are sprinkled throughout the book for readers to solve.
Discovery Toys used to sell Pentominoes, and I still have a limited number of them in stock. Email me to purchase Discovery Toys Pentominoes.

Sleep begets sleep

Dr. Marc Weissbluth, sleep expert, says parents play a key role in helping their babies develop healthy sleep patterns. He says there's a "direct connection between how parents behave and how their child sleeps." Parents must "nurture the need to sleep and can help their child learn to self-soothe." Moms and dads can give the gift of sleep to their child by matching her sleep schedule with her natural sleep rhythms. When they have those 2 in sync, the child can sleep very well. The trick is to get your child to sleep before the hormones that give them a second wind are released. If they are overtired, it is more difficult to get them to sleep. He therefore suggests shorter (3-4 hour) awake intervals between naps. Dr. Weissbluth suggests a mid morning nap time around 9 or 9:30 am, with another nap around noon, and depending on the child, a third nap several hours later. Bedtime can be as early as 6:30 pm. He encourages parents to stick to a schedule most of the time for success. Holidays and other special occasions are the rare exceptions, one or two days a month. Parents who have used his technique report amazing results, which allow parents to sleep while their baby is sleeping and keep stress and crankiness to a minimum.

Discovery Toys announces a pay increase!

Read about the new Discovery Toys compensation plan.

Money ≠ Success

Inner wisdom is more precious than wealth. The more you spend it, the more you gain.
-unknown

Where the candidates stand on Autism

From Barack Obama's site: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/
Support Americans with Autism. More than one million Americans have autism, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of autism have been recognized across the country. Barack Obama believes that we can do more to help autistic Americans and their families understand and live with autism. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.

More than anything, autism remains a profound mystery with a broad spectrum of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families.

From John McCain's site:
John McCain is very concerned about the rising incidence of autism among America's children and has continually supported research into its causes and treatment. He has heard countless stories about families' hardships obtaining a diagnosis for their children's autism and accessing quality medical treatment. He believes that federal research efforts should support broad approaches to understanding the factors that may play a role in the incidence of autism, including factors in our environment, for both prevention and treatment purposes.

John McCain was proud to lend his support to the Combating Autism Act of 2006, which he cosponsored, and worked to ensure its enactment. This law is helping to increase public awareness and screening of autism spectrum disorder, promote the use of evidence-based interventions, and create autism Centers of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder Research and Epidemiology. John McCain understands that despite the federal and scientific research efforts to date, the exact causes of autism are not yet known and greater research is needed to understand this disorder. That is why in November 2007, he joined with Senator Lieberman in requesting the leadership of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal research into autism, to hold a hearing on federal research efforts regarding factors affecting incidence and treatment in order to help determine where research efforts can best be directed. As President, John McCain will work to advance federal research into autism, promote early screening, and identify better treatment options, while providing support for children with autism so that they may reach their full potential.

Pearl Team update

A warm welcome to our new PEARL
Cheri C of NJ sponsored by Lisa S

Recent PEARL Rocket Starters, Level 1 Sales
Anita J
Lisa G
Sarah D

August achiever of Group Manager Bonus for meeting selling requirements of GM ($500+ personal sales, $2000+ team sales) in a month that she and her team recruited 5 or more
Lisa S, GM

Toy Play in Early Childhood

When children play, it is their work. It is how they learn. Since parents are their child's first and best teacher, it can be useful to know how to choose "just right" toys.

A good toy should stimulate all the senses so that every part of the brain gets wired. Sensory, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving, language development, social and emotional skills and creativity are all developmental goals that can be reached through the right toys. [If your child has a weakness in any of these areas, your OT, PT, speech pathologist or an online search can help you to select toys that will help.] A good toy should also encourage the natural process of discovery and create a positive learning environment. A toy that provides open-ended play -- no right or wrong way to play with it -- will build your child's self-esteem.

It is helpful to know your child's learning style. Does he learn through what he hears (auditory learner)? Through touch and movement (kinesthetic learner)? Or through his eyes (visual learner)? When you identify that, you can match your child's toys to his particular style, or complement his style by choosing toys that help develop his areas of weakness.

Stage by Stage
Infants learn through their senses. Sight, sound, scent, color, taste and texture are all new stimuli in a brand new world. Talk, sing and cuddle with your baby as you share each new experience. Since it's never too early to read to your baby, you can start bonding by snuggling your baby in your lap and looking at a fabric book or board book together. Say the words that go with the picture you see. Use inflections in your voice to make each picture come alive for him. This will create precious moments for both of you and starts him on the path to becoming a lifelong reader.

Starting at about age one, you may introduce letters, numbers, and basic skills such as matching and stacking. Toppling and stacking, dump and fill, learning size relationships of big or small, color sorting are all activities that your child is ready for at the toddler stage. Object permanence is also learned around this time through games like peek-a-boo or a jack-in-the-box. That teaches toddlers that although mommy may leave to go out shopping, she's not gone forever, and she will come back!

Some toddlers are frustrated by not yet being verbal. You may recall the young child actor who played opposite Grandpa Robert DeNiro in "Meet the Fockers." He had learned "Baby Signs," sign language for babies to use. There are products on the market today to teach your young child the way to communicate that he is thirsty even before he speaks.

Toys that encourage and provide exploration/experimentation build a strong foundation for thinking, learning and problem-solving. Building blocks, shape-sorters, beginning puzzles are all good choices for enhancing early math confidence.

Typically, children will begin speaking at around age two. Engage your child in conversation as they begin to explore new concepts and develop logical thinking skills. Introduce animals, letter sounds, and feelings at this age. Visual discrimination and pattern recognition developed through puzzles and sorting games will lead to pre-reading.

By preschool, your child will be creating and building with construction toys and other manipulatives to enhance their math skills. Imaginary or pretend play with puppets and costumes is starting at this time. Storytelling and social skills go hand-in-hand. Playing games that involve taking turns also enable social skills to form.

Examples of toys for various learning styles
Auditory
Toy instruments
Squeaky ball (Tangiball)
Music CD's (Sounds Like Fun)
Rattles (Elephant Fun, Rainfall Rattle)

Kinesthetic
Hammering toy (Hammer Away)
Shape Sorter (Sunshine Market)
Construction toys (Castle Marbleworks)

Visual
Books
Puzzles (Alphabet Train)
Matching games (A B Seas)
Sorting games (Giant Pegboard)

Convention 2009 Denver

Discovery Toys announces July 16-18, 2009 Convention in Denver, CO.
Come visit the Mile High City and see the majestic Rocky Mountains.

The Strangest Secret

From "The Strangest Secret" by Earl Nightingale

"George Bernard Shaw said, 'People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them.'
Well, it's pretty apparent, isn't it? ... We become what we think about.
Conversely, the person who has no goal, who doesn't know where he's going, and whose thoughts must therefore be thoughts of confusion, anxiety and worry - his life becomes one of frustration, fear, anxiety and worry. And if he thinks about nothing... he becomes nothing.
How does it work? Why do we become what we think about? Well, I'll tell you how it works, as far as we know. To do this, I want to tell you about a situation that parallels the human mind.
Suppose a farmer has some land, and it's good, fertile land. The land gives the farmer a choice; he may plant in that land whatever he chooses. The land doesn't care. It's up to the farmer to make the decision.
We're comparing the human mind with the land because the mind, like the land, doesn't care what you plant in it. It will return what you plant, but it doesn't care what you plant.
Now, let's say that the farmer has two seeds in his hand - one is a seed of corn, the other is nightshade, a deadly poison. He digs two little holes in the earth and he plants both seeds - one corn, the other nightshade. He covers up the holes, waters and takes care of the land...and what will happen? Invariably, the land will return what was planted..... "As ye sow, so shall ye reap."
Remember the land doesn't care. It will return poison in just as wonderful abundance as it will corn. So up come the two plants - one corn, one poison.
The human mind is far more fertile, far more incredible and mysterious than the land, but it works the same way. It doesn't care what we plant...success...or failure. A concrete, worthwhile goal...or confusion, misunderstanding, fear, anxiety and so on. But what we plant it must return to us.
You see, the human mind is the last great unexplored continent on earth. It contains riches beyond our wildest dreams. It will return anything we want to plant."

Toy Safety Tips from the U. S. Public Interest Research Group

Purchase a "no-choke testing tube" at toy stores and use it to measure small toys. If a toy can fit into the cylinder, keep it away from children under three or children who still put toys in their mouths. ( by special order from Discovery Toys: Small Parts Cylinder)

Beware of products that can break into little pieces or have small detachable parts.

Make sure small toys intended for an older child in a household stay out of the hands of a younger child.

Keep balloons away from children under 8. Children who bite on inflated balloons can inhale air too rapidly from them. Broken balloon pieces also are a leading cause of choking.

Rounded toys have a greater tendency to cause choking problems because a child's airway can be completely blocked. Keep small balls and marbles out of their reach.

Avoid infant toys with cords or rope which could lead to strangulation.

Projectile toys and launchers can damage children's skin, eyes or ears.

© 1997 The Associated Press. AP-NY-11-25-97 1629EST

Draupnir, the new owners of Discovery Toys

The name "Draupnir" has an interesting etymology: in Norse mythology, DRAUPNIR is a magic ring forged by the dwarf Eitri as a gift for Odin, leader of the Norse Gods. The ring symbolizes wealth creation, since each ninth morning it created eight more gold rings just like itself.

"Odin laid upon the pyre the gold ring called Draupnir; this quality attended it: that every ninth night there fell from it eight gold rings of equal weight."
from the Gylfaginning, the story of Gylfi, king of Sweden in Norse Mythology

Renewal Notice

Is It Time to Renew Your Dream?
For many things in life, we get reminders.

When our insurance comes due, we receive a renewal notice.When our membership to an organization runs out, they let us know we have to renew in order to continue enjoying the privileges. If you let your newspaper subscription expire... so does your paper! There are certain things we must continue to invest in in order to get the results we want .It is part of life.

But what about the things that don't come with annual reminders?

What about our dreams and goals -- the things we would like to happen in our life?
Have you let your subscription run out? Have your dreams expired?
Has your "dream renewal" gotten lost in the shuffle of many responsibilities?

When was the last time you invested some time renewing your dreams?
Do you even remember what they are?

You don't have to climb Mt. Everest. You don't have to find a cure for cancer.It doesn't have to be a dream of national significance, but it does need to be significant to you.

What would be really neat if it happened to you? What two or three things have you always wanted to have?
What would you really like to achieve?

If you haven't thought about your dreams lately,spend some time with a pen and a notepad.

Start writing things down. If big dreams seem out of reach, start small. That's how big dreams happen anyway, one small step at a time.

"It may be those who do the most, dream most." -Stephen Leacock

Start dreaming again. Discovery Toys can make your dreams come true.

Consider this your renewal notice!!

from Julie Monke & Marsha Swainston

Parenting Tips from Real Parents

1. Kids respond more quickly and positively to a command that reinforces correct behavior than to a reprimand that focuses on an undesirable behavior. Instead of "don't run!" try "please walk." “Look please” instead of “don’t touch”. It takes some practice, but you will notice a change in your children's behavior, and you will feel like you are nagging less! Linda

2. Take time each day for yourself. It doesn't matter WHAT you do, as long as your children see you doing something to better yourself each day. Linda

3. The "interrupt rule". When on the phone the children know that they may interrupt us by putting their hand on our arm and then wait QUIETLY. We can then find a pause in our other conversation and say '"Excuse me, yes, what is it?" Trisha

4. Store toys on shelves instead of in a “bottomless” toy box. In addition, games, noisy toys, and art supplies should be kept high so they are only taken out with parental permission or supervision. Tina

5. When you find a stray piece of a puzzle/game save it in a special box just for unidentified pieces. Never throw unclaimed pieces away. It is great fun to finally find the match. Tucker

6. WATER! Water is a stress reliever, which gives a soothing sensation for all ages, from a tiny, fussy baby to a pre-teen having a bad day. Fill your kitchen sink with water and bubbles and your child will play happily for ages. Jackie

7. Teach your baby to put herself/himself to sleep sooner rather than later (4-6 mos.). We have a routine that we stick to religiously and that way my husband and I can count on some time alone every night BEFORE we collapse. Beth

8. Children require TIME - yours. TIME + LOVE. Lucinda

9. To help manage the "I want" stage create a treasure box. Whenever your child sees something he has to have, cut it out of the catalog or draw a picture of it and put it in the treasure box. On birthdays, holidays and other "treat" times during the year let the child make a selection from the treasure box for us to purchase. It is amazing how many things lost their appeal over time in the box. They will value the things they do receive much more. Jill

10. PLAY WITH THEM. Sue

11. Take time to LISTEN! All the "just a minutes" add up in their life and it becomes an hour! Kathy

12. A smile & a kiss can make all the difference! Missy

13. Listen in equal amounts of time that you speak. Judy

14. Sing, sing, sing...if you're happy your kids will know it, if you're frustrated singing a made-up song in a loud voice is much more effective than yelling. Dorrie

15. When doing laundry, rather than put all the clothes away, sort them into slots for Monday through Saturday. Top, bottom, underpants, socks... everything's there. Kathleen

16. When your children forget their shoes/lunch don’t bring them to them. They will surely remember the experience and learn the value of taking responsibility for their actions. Beth

17. Let the children know the expectations so they are prepared for the situation. When going into a store or library have the child repeat the rules back. Anonymous

18. As a mom of 5, the best thing I ever did was help my children understand how to help another child, maybe one who couldn't hit the ball or run as fast as the others. In the real world, it is your sincerity and kindness that makes a person special. Kathy

19. Count backward with your child as regularly as you count forward. 1-2-3 is forward sequencing = addition. 3-2-1 is backward sequencing = subtraction. Keeping the gears greased both directions is imperative for the math brain wheels to spin freely. Nancy

20. When your child begins to make letters and numbers, make sure the strokes are drawn from the top down, not the bottom up. Nancy

21. The best advice I ever received as a parent was " Never say never!” Chris

22. Always remember what it feels like to be a child! Trust your gut feelings! Even when a supposed "Professional" is telling you something different about your child.

23. Be a good role model - take time to nurture yourself both physically and mentally.

24. Always assume that your child is doing their job to the best of their ability (i.e. to push to find the limits) and do yours to the best of your ability (Set those limits!).

25. Love unconditionally! A child will only be trustworthy if you trust them.

26. Just being there is the best thing that you can give a child. I always say, "How can you be in your children’s memories tomorrow if, you are not in their life today." Michelle

27. As a parent, you need to be a broken record...as tedious as it may sound, children need to hear what you expect of them over and over and over again. Georgeanne

28. Make a point to have lots of FUN together: Telling jokes, pillow fights, re-writing songs with crazy words, always looking for (or creating) the absurd in the day. Cheri

29. Carry a plastic trash bag in your diaper bag, for times when the changing situation isn't great … you just change baby, then toss out the diaper, wipes and the trash bag.

30. Your child will be a little "you" person...if you don't like what you see in your child, take a look at YOU first ... if their manners are lacking, how are yours? If they have a bad attitude, check yours!

31. What goes in their ears will sooner or later roll off their lips! Don't EVER complain about your mother-in-law when the kids are within 3 blocks of where you are!

32. Get down on THEIR level and have a real conversation - be interested in THEIR day...and when they are telling you things, good or bad – LISTEN.

33. Just have fun … if you are truly having fun as a parent and relishing in the awesome-ness of children, then your attitude will show through...happy, positive and supportive!

34. Even during the frustrating times there are two things to remember - first, it won't last long and second, there is always someone who would be very, very happy to have that problem to deal with!

35. Play, play, play...if dinner doesn't get made, order a pizza ... if the house isn't clean, don't sweat it! Someday the children will be gone and you will have ALL the time in the world for chores...play, play, play now!

36. The most important thing to remember - be very, very nice to your children … someday they may be feeding and diapering YOU!

37. Say what you mean, mean what you say. When disciplining, give logical consequences and follow through. And when making promises, follow through, also.

38. Hug them every chance you get and tell them how much you love them and what makes them special. Arlene

39. Never allow "name calling". When we stop the name calling it help reduces the over all battles that children will get into. I explained to my children that when you name call then you lose respect for others and you lose respect for yourself. Cynthia

40. Tell your children when they do things right and praise them. We often only tell them only when they do things wrong. Mallory

with thanks to Tucker Smith

Have you read to a child today?

In 2007, the National Center for Educational Statistics released its annual “Reading Report,” which asserts that 33 percent of all fourth graders in this country still cannot read at even the basic level.

Discovery Toys has some great books...including some that inspire a child to learn to read. Shop for "Ahoy, Pirate Pete" and "Once Upon a Time" and other engaging books at www.toysofdiscovery.com.
These are magical interactive books with cardboard pieces you change each time you read, turning them into different stories.

Appreciation

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
-Voltaire (1694 - 1778)

Age Limit

Dara Torres is an inspiration! The 41-year old mother of a 2-year old has competed in 5 Olympic games, spanning 24 years. After garnering her 11th career medal last night in Beijing, an interviewer asked her what she will tell her daughter about this performance. She replied, "I'll tell her you don't have to put an age limit on your dreams."

What are your dreams?

Bilingual babies

Recent scientific studies suggest that exposing young children to two or more languages stimulates brain development. Multilingual children tend to have better overall analytical, social and academic skills than their peers. Look for new bilingual Discovery Toys products coming this fall.

"Banana, fana, fofana, fie, fi, fo, fana..."

Sound familiar?
This childhood ditty can be stuck in your head for hours, but it may eventually serve a purpose. You might want to make up your own silly version. Absolutely, GO FOR IT! Be sure to include your kids in the fun!
Why? Playing with sounds, rhymes, and nonsense words is vital to the logical progression of pre-reading skills. How?

Spoken language is made up of sounds (phonemes)
Sounds make words
Words make phrases
Phrases make sentences
Sentences have meaning

Mastering written language (reading) follows the exact same progression with the phonemes (sounds) represented by symbols (such as letters) called graphemes.
Remember how your baby would delight in your smiles, coos, and sound mimics during his babbling stage? As your child develops, she will mimic the sounds you make. Take advantage of these opportunities by making rhymes and word repetitions.

"bat, rat, cat, ratatattat"
"bed, bat, b, b, b, b"
"car, cat, cut, cot....bot, not, sot, rot, tot"

Discovery Toys has products that practice these language development games perfectly!
ABC Box: As you flip through the pages of the books, pause and add more words that start with the same sound. For example: after your child "reads" the Dd doll, dinosaur page, continue the fun with additional Dd words "dog, dot" etc. Practice rhymes as well: "doll, mall, call, pall, tall, small" etc.

Toddler Talk: Record funny sounds on the phone and encourage your child to repeat the sounds. Your child can record her own voice, too!



Sounds Like Fun: Practice letters and sounds with song! Once you and your child are familiar with the tunes, make your own silly words and sounds.



A B Seas: Pull up the letters, match them on the game board, AND encourage your child to make words that start with that sound. As your child masters beginning sounds, challenge her to think of words with the ending sounds. Imagine the fun you can have reading books with your child now. Discovery Toys has many excellent titles for encouraging a life-long love of reading.

-from "Miss Cathy" Reading Specialist, as seen in Discovery Toys newsletter

$100,000 bill

I had no idea how this looked until I found one.

The House of Blues, New Orleans

Each year, Discovery Toys holds its convention in a different city; this year we were in New Orleans. Here I am at the House of Blues, in front of my namesake: Billie Holiday. Just next to me is Isaac Hayes, who coincidentally died while we were there.

Electronic toys instead of parents?

Parents are the first and most important teachers that children have. Some child development experts are noticing that electronics are replacing parents as playmates, and believe this will have detrimental effects.

In a New York Times article by Sherri Day she spoke with one such expert: "The notion of pushing kindergarten work down to the nursery just because you can put it on a microchip doesn't make it right," said Joanne Oppenheim, a child development scholar and president of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. "I don't think that toddlers need electronic workbooks. People buy them thinking that they are going to give their kids a head start, and that's unfortunate because informal learning activity might be much more useful and instructive."

Discovery Toys believes parents should "Play with your children. It's the best investment you can make."

Welcome new Pearl Team members

Debra D. of FL, sponsored by Lisa S.
Sarah D. of NJ, sponsored by Simone
Tracy B. of NJ, sponsored by Lisa S.
Jenna R. of LA, sponsored by Billie


Rocket Start Achievers:
Level 1 Sales Anita J.
Level 1 Sales Sarah D.

Are You Listening?

The ancient Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium said that we were given two ears and one mouth so that we might hear more and talk less. Parents play an essential role in building children's communication skills because children spend more time with their parents than with any other adult. One of the most important aspects of communication is listening!

A wise old owl sat on an oak
The more he saw the less he spoke
The less he spoke the more he heard
Why can't we all be like that bird!

The Importance of Touch

We have all heard the debate of "nature vs. nurture." Scientists are now seeing actual chemical changes in the body from environmental factors, such as touch. Dr. Frances Champagne, of Columbia University, has conducted research which demonstrates that maternal touch or tactile stimulation (in rats, rhesus monkeys and humans) causes proteins to be created. Those proteins lie on top of the genetic material causing an epigenetic mechanism to switch the DNA from "off" to "on", in turn causing production of additional proteins that improve the ability to handle stress and increase sociability. Scientists don't fully understand the biochemical pathways, nor do they see a classically inherited gene. The structure of the DNA remains unchanged, but the behavior is passed down to the next generation. Nurtured offspring become nurturing parents to their own offspring.

Epigenetic applications have been shown to help reduce repetitive behavior in studies of people with autism.

Pharmaceutical companies are trying to reproduce what nature already does. So, be sure to hug your child often!

25 uses for Boomerings(TM)

For infants and toddlers:

• Attach toys to the stroller, car seat, high chair, backpack, carrier, across a swing, across the back of the front seat of the car.
• Create an ever-changing mobile for infants. Clip Boomerings from the side of a newborn's crib and attach one or two sensory stimulating items such as Super Yummy, Elephant Fun teether or Flutter Fun teether.
• Attach spit-up towel to Boomering and then to the stroller.
• Punch hole in laminated index card containing vital information for babysitter. Attach with Boomering to diaper bag.
• Hook several Boomerings onto one Boomering for a super teething rattle or rhythm instrument.
• Use in bathroom to hang up bath toys to dry.
• Clip Boomerings around cupboard door handles to keep infants from opening.
• Boomerings are a great "tow chain" behind a tricycle, cart or with a pull toy like Brain Train.
• Attach to a screen door so a small child can open it by pulling Boomerings.
• Use Boomerings for pool play and underwater retrieving games.
• Instant leash when hooked onto overalls.

As children grow older:

• Clip items to belt loop while running, hiking, biking.
• Clip pant leg with Boomering to keep it from catching in bike chain.
• Secure articles to a canoe or raft.
• Hang things in a locker
• "Dress-up" necklace and earrings
• Use as a handle for ski boots or skates.
• Easy-to-find key ring

Boomerings are safe and durable and will hold 25 pounds. They come in sets of 24 links (4 each of the primary and secondary colors).

"Play with Me"

I tried to teach my child with books;
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words;
They passed him by, oft unheard.
Despairingly I turned aside,
"How shall I teach this child?" I cried.
Into my hands he put the key,
"Come," he said. "Play with me."
--Anonymous

Speaking of recipes....

Want to make your own non-toxic "modeling dough" to use with our Place & Trace puzzles/cookie cutters?

Here's how:
MEASURE the following ingredients
1 cup flour (be sure to use cup #12 in your Measure Up Cups set...it's 8 ounces)
1 cup H2O (teach chemistry & math at the same time...fill cup #6 2x = 8 ounces)
1 T. oil
1/2 c. NaCl (that's sodium chloride, or table salt)
1 t. cream of tartar
food coloring
MIX all ingredients in a pan
COOK over medium heat until mixture pulls away from sides of pan and becomes doughy in consistency.
KNEAD until cool.
MODEL different colors of clay into any shape you can imagine!

Note: Can be used over & over again. Keeps 3 months unrefrigerated.

Recipe for Success

Olympic Sale ends Sept. 18

While supplies last!
Click on image to enlarge.
SHOP for Discovery Toys on sale.

Meet Discovery Toys

Do you know Discovery Toys? Since being founded by Lane Nemeth in 1978, their products have won numerous awards from Dr. Toy, the Oppenheim Toy portfolio and other highly recognized educators and parenting organizations.

These developmentally appropriate toys (for birth to age 10) build self-esteem, cooperative play, social and emotional intelligence, while being wholesome and fun. Many of the toys are not language specific (e.g., a Hispanic child derives the same play value as an Asian child). They encourage a love of learning and literacy that lasts a lifetime.

Schools, hospitals, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech pathologists use and recommend them. In addition, Dr. Patricia Krantz, of the Princeton Child Development Institute, acknowledges these toys as being useful in addressing the six weakest developmental areas in children with autism.

All Discovery Toys products are independently tested for toxicity and other safety concerns and are unconditionally guaranteed.

Not only are the products priced well for the amount of play value they provide, but replacement parts are available should you lose a piece.

It is easy to shop for Discovery Toys online from the comfort of your home. I will answer any product questions you have, gift wrap (for a fee), design custom gift baskets for your child and help you get free replacements for anything that might break years from now.

Sick and needy children and children with special needs are often served by agencies that utilize these toys. The charities I've worked with have been very grateful to receive toys of this caliber. If you have philanthropic affiliations, please consider Discovery Toys.

The company offers a business opportunity as well, for anyone who wants to work at home or earn additional income.

Oprah strikes again

"Every right decision I've ever made came from my gut."

Demonstration of Measure Up Cups

My favorite Discovery Toy, the one that inspired me to join the company nearly 14 years ago, is Measure Up Cups! Why is it my favorite? I have a slew of reasons:
Children of all ages will find something different to do with this compact product.
Infants will play in the bathtub doing dump and fill activities (don't give too many cups, mom!)
School age children can learn addition, subtraction, multiplication because the volume is accurate.
You can make recipes...the #12 cup measures 8 ounces, or 1 cup, #6 is 1/2 cup, etc.
5 to 7 year olds can learn about clocks and time as there's a face of a clock inside each, showing the time and its number.
There are 12 animals to learn the names of, 4 different colors.
Each animal can be pressed into clay (make your own clay using this recipe).
The animals are arranged in size order.
They stack and they nest.
Use them at the beach for making the best sandcastles. (A lifeguard once commented,
"Have you got a building permit?" we were making such an intricate structure with our small cups that nested easily inside our luggage on our beach vacation.)
Use them in the kitchen, at the beach, in the bath...buy 3 sets.
Should you ever lose one or two, Discovery Toys has thought of everything. $1 replaces any cup you may need to complete your set. Shop here for Measure Ups

Discovery Toys sample kit on sale $79

Great news! Our "Rocket Start" kit price, normally $99 (plus shipping & tax)is on sale for $79! It includes all the products and tools for someone to start a successful home-based toy business, valued at $300. Email me for more info. billietoy@gmail.com

More for young moms

Other places to seek free help are your local hospital, church, or community center. Many offer free mommy and me groups. There you can learn from the group leader about the things that are important to you and to your baby. Things like getting plenty of rest ("sleep when your baby is sleeping"), eating healthy nourishing foods, how to discipline your child with love, and how to find the nearest Early Head Start or Head Start program. You'll also be able to compare notes with other moms to find out what's working/not working for them.

Oprah at Stanford's 117th Commencement, class of 2008

"When you're doing the work you were meant to do, it feels right. And every day is a bonus, regardless of what you're getting paid."

Young single moms

Are you a young, perhaps teenage, single mom? Someone who had to leave high school to raise her baby? Someone who can barely read at the 4th grade level? Today, especially in urban areas, many moms are finding themselves at a loss for how to raise their child while going to school, working a job, living at or below poverty level. The child has no father; the mother lacks education, values, and expertise that will lead to a successful future for her baby and herself.

What can you do?

Start at your local library where you can sign up for a free library card. You'll be able to borrow children's books and picture books to read to your child. Make that your first goal. Read-aloud expert Jim Trelease recommends that we read to our children 15 minutes everyday, even after they can read on their own. He encourages parents to keep reading to their kids until they go to college! Children can comprehend books that are read to them at several grade levels above what they can read on their own...... more tomorrow........

Lane Nemeth, Founder of Discovery Toys

Lane Nemeth is the founder of Discovery Toys. She currently serves as founder and chief executive officer of Pet Lane, a direct sales enterprise. Lane has received numerous entrepreneurial awards and recognition of her accomplishments from such organizations as the Small Business Association, Inc. Magazine, Working Women, NBCs Today Show and Nations Business.

She is a regularly featured speaker at national child development, business leadership seminars, including the Stanford Leadership Academy and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Lane is a member of the Womens Executive Leadership Council, an organization that provides counsel to the United Nations World Food Program. Her recent book, Discovering Another Way, Raising Brighter Children, While Having a Meaningful Career, has received national recognition. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Arts degree in education from Seton Hall University.

Lane will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Discovery Toys convention in New Orleans next month.

Phthalate-free teethers for baby

Were you shaken up about how to find a safe teether for your baby when the news came out about toys made in China? Discovery Toys SUPER YUMMY teether is made in Italy. We also carry a wonderful sensory ball called TANGIBALL (also made in Italy), which is unique in that it stimulates all 5 senses!! Because we know babies put everything in their mouths, we have taken every precaution for your baby's safety. Please read the Discovery Toys quality and safety promise.

Mother's Work

In a Harvard study of over 170 countries, the U.S. was one of only four nations without any form of paid leave for new mothers. (The others were Liberia, Swaziland, and Papua New Guinea.)

Mothers are 79% less likely to be hired than equally qualified non-mothers.

A recent study found that mothers were offered $11,000 lower starting pay than non-mothers with the same resume for highly paid jobs, while fathers were offered $6,000 more in starting pay.

On sale until 7/28

There's a great sale going on until July 28. Our fall season, believe it or not, arrives in a little over a month, and many items in our regular catalog are running low and being discontinued to make room for new products. Stay tuned....

If you want any current line items, don't delay....visit www.toysofdiscovery.com

Why start a Discovery Toys business?

Would you like to play for a living?

Whether you’re in search of a new career, looking for additional income, a stay at home mom (or dad) in need of a creative outlet, teacher, therapist or grandparent re-entering the job market after your children have grown, Discovery Toys offers a unique home-based business opportunity that suits your lifestyle - providing a tremendous income opportunity, career satisfaction, fabulous trips and lots of additional rewards.

• Make a difference in other's lives
• Earn money as a stay-at-home parent
• Free training, including one-on-one coaching
• Flexible schedule -- plan your days around family, another career, hobbies
• Minimal investment; no risk
• Free website for 3 months
• Obtain the lifestyle you want, including jewelry and free incentive trips for 2
• Be part of a fast-growing successful team
• Parties are easy to book because of the generous Hostess plan
• Unlimited earning potential - you promote yourself through your own efforts

Are you the parent of a child with AUTISM? Home schooler? Occupational therapist? Parent of a child with developmental delays or sensory issues?

We have toys that cater to your specific needs. While you play with your child, we’ll help you earn money from home.

Why not join us and buy at wholesale?

You earn money right away -- 20% on each order. Plus, as a direct seller, all products ship directly to your customers. The starter kit ($99 + shipping + tax; a $300 value) is filled with award-winning toys and comes with all the tools you need for success. It also includes a free ecommerce website for 3 months. A deposit of $25, along with a signed application, gets your kit on its way to you. See the website for the current kit.

I have helped hundreds of people achieve their goals! Are you ready to join us? It's easy. Downoad a Discovery Toys application, print out, fill in, and fax to 270.447.2656, or email billietoy@gmail.com for snail mail instructions or any questions you may have.

"Conceptual Age"

One of Oprah's favorite authors is Daniel Pink. He describes the "Conceptual Age" in his book A Whole New Mind, saying it's no longer just logical, linear, rules-based thinking that matters. It's also empathy, joyfulness, purpose....inner traits that have transcendent worth. Oprah believes these qualities bloom when we're doing something we love.

Character Education

Are you teaching your child to have good values? Times have changed since the "Leave it to Beaver" style of pure, wholesome innocence. Nevertheless, can we accept people not holding the door for the next person, or not helping a blind person to cross a busy street? Since families are often splintered, we can no longer rely on families to teach their children well. Schools, however, can do a great deal to further morals and ideals. Passing out condoms may not be the solution; character education could be.

"The need for quality character education in America’s schools has never been more important than it is today," said Joseph W. Mazzola, Executive Director, The Character Education Partnership."

"Schools today are struggling to find ways to promote both academic learning and social and moral development," said Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education, the University of Missouri-St Louis and co-director of the Center for Character and Citizenship. "Effective character education produces both."

Best Sellers

In recent months, these toys have been our top sellers:
MEASURE UP® CUPS
RAINFALL RATTLE
TANGIBALL
WIZ KIDZ
GO GO CATERPILLAR
GIANT PEGBOARD™
SUPER YUMMY Teether
SPLASH ROCKET
TRICKY FINGERS™
ALPHABET TRAIN
(Most months, you'll also find Marbleworks, our classic marble raceway construction toy, on this list).

Toy Gift Baskets

Besides creating customized toy gift baskets for any age child under 10, I am now delivering toy baskets to all the hospitals in Manhattan. Next-day delivery available. I will help you select age-appropriate toys for a baby shower, newborn gift, special gift from Grandma, camp care-package, all with selections from the Discovery Toys line. Prices start at $50. Sample Toy Baskets

How to place a DT order (if you're a customer)

Placing a Discovery Toys order is simple!
Step 1 click on www.toysofdiscovery.com
Step 2 see the teddy bear in the shopping cart? click on him
Step 3 you're now at a secure shopping page. select an age range at the left side of your screen.
early years, preschool.....
Step 4 scroll through the items shown and select one that interests you
Step 5 click on Full Product Description to see a larger picture and get a detailed description of
what skills that product builds
Step 6 place product(s) of choice in the shopping cart. (click on add to cart)
Step 7 go to checkout
Step 8 enter info as requested

How to start a DT business

Step 1 Download a Discovery Toys application here
Step 2 Fill in info in uppermost box, including name, address, etc.
Step 3 Fax to 270.447.2656, or email billietoy@gmail.com for snail mail instructions or any questions
you may have.

Read more at www.toysofdiscovery.com/business.html

5 Steps to Making your Dream Come True

1. Look into your heart
Think about what you need to be happy -- what you want to change, accomplish, or find. Once you've decided on a dream, promise yourself to start making it come true.

2. Set your goals
Make a list of small steps that will lead you toward your dream. Congratulate yourself each time you achieve one of your goals, no matter how small it may be. Know that every step is leading the way to success.

3. Let others help you
The encouragement, support, and inspiration others give you is invaluable.

4. Believe in yourself
There may be times when you want to give up, but don't listen to the voice of doubt. Stay strong and remind yourself that you can do anything.

5. Keep your dream close to your heart
Never forget what you are striving toward. Imagine how wonderful it will be when your dream comes true. That vision will keep you moving in the right direction. Keep your head up, keep your dream in sight, and let your heart lead the way to success.

Pearl Team organization chart

Map of Pearl Team

These are the states where we have PEARL TEAM members

Celebrities Against Autism

Help create the world's largest autism awareness puzzle! Discovery Toys partners with Celebrities Against Autism to help you add to the puzzle. Pieces can be added for a $1 contribution which will help the cause. Ask me!

Philly Kickoff

Philly Kickoff attendees


(l. to r.)Ramona S-G, Sue C-Ds, Hallie W, Stacey M, Michelle K, Laura P, Cindy N,
Danit R, Vicki R, Lynn L, Lisa S, Eileen O’C, Billie Elias (not pictured Simone W, Beth B)