(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

As soon as we become adults one of the very first thing that comes to our mind is getting married and having a family.

First is the husband and wife then the thoughts of having your first child at which point things drastically change with a third person added to your family.

Now with the third person a lot of additional time and things are added to your everyday living and doings. Before the two of you could just pick up and go whenever you wished but with a baby you must make prior plans depending on where you are going and how long you will be gone etc.

On top of it all you must prepare their baby bottles, diaper bag and other necessities that may be required, not to mention the extra time of dressing them for the outdoors and getting them into their car seats.

Another thing to consider is how they will act or react wherever you are going — what do we do if they start crying in places like church or throwing a temper tantrum and creating an embarrassing moment for the parents and annoying others. (Hopefully people will remember when their children were young and acting the same way and be understanding.)

Most of us were taught from a young age to be respectful, kind and polite but that is not always the case so please keep that in mind that the family is not just the important thing — “it is everything!”

I have heard that in family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds things closer together and the music that brings harmony and hope you agree with me. Families are like chocolate candy – mostly sweet with a few nuts. LOL.

Every family has a different story to tell and can be like riding a bike where you must keep moving and maintain your balance.

As we all know, family is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced in our lifetime and to leave a positive legacy.

One of our main and important goals along with others in having a family you must have confidence to win the battle of teaching your child to become successful and prosperous adults.

Dates to remember:

* Saturday is the last day to enter your beautiful decorated hat and bonnet at the Grand Central Mall food court in front of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Somebody will be there to pick up your beautiful creation from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Judging will be April 5, the winners will get prizes and will be able to ride in the annual Easter parade on April 12.

* Sunday, West Virginia Symphony Concert “Casual Classic” at 2:30 p.m. at Blennerhassett Middle School. Free admission to all students.

* Sunday, Wood County Society Telethon. I will be on air from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Call me and make a pledge, nothing is too small or too big.

* Tuesday, April 8, Spring Easter celebration on the campus in front of Parkersburg High School at 6 p.m. Entertainment by Acappella Choir, PHS brass ensemble, Red Wings, Jackson Middle School select choir, Hamilton Middle School Choir, plus Chick-fil-A cow with coupons, Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse with coupons plus the Easter Bunny appearance. The annual Egg Hunt, sponsored by Elks Lodge #198 with 4,000 filled eggs and two free children’s bicycles to be given away. Drive by to see the beautiful lighted sign on the PHS’s building saying “Wishing you a happy spring.”

* Wednesday, April 9, a spring celebration and Egg Hunt in front of Parkersburg South High School with over 6,000 eggs and free bikes to be given away for children. The South Band and South Choir will be there, and many other activities. The event starts at 5 p.m. and egg hunt starts at 6 p.m. Come and join us.

* Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m. in downtown Parkersburg. Join us, enter your beautiful float or decorated truck or car and be a part of this wonderful community event. We have judges that will judge commercial and non-commercial entries and beautiful plaques will be given to first, second and third places.

Till next week.

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FANTASTIC POTATO SALAD

12 medium white potatoes

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 tablespoons margarine, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 whole bunch of celery, chopped

12 hard boiled eggs sliced

1 cup minced parsley

2 (4 ounce) jars, chopped pimentos

1/2 cup minced onion

1 (10 ounce) jar sweet pickle relish

Boil potatoes in skins until tender. While hot, peel, cube and toss potatoes, lightly with vinegar, margarine, sugar, and salt. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Then add celery, eggs, parsley, pimento, onion, and pickle relish. Chill until flavors blend. Moisten with chilled mayonnaise-horseradish sauce, one hour before serving, serves 12 to 15 people.

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MAYONNAISE-HORSERADISH SAUCE

1 quart mayonnaise (Hellman’s preferred)

1 (5 ounce) jar prepared horseradish

Mix well and refrigerate. This sauce is also very good on roast beef or corned beef.

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AVOCADO AND BACON SALAD

Juice of 2 limes

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Salt and coarsely ground paper

2 cloves of garlic, minced

8 strips bacon, diced

1 large head Boston lettuce, washed and broken into pieces

2 small avocados, cubed

Combine lime juice, olive oil, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and garlic. Place diced bacon in a skillet and cook over low heat until crisp, drain bacon bits. Just before serving, combine lettuce, avocado cubes and crisp bacon. Pour lime juice dressing over salad and toss gently. Serve on additional crisp greens.