I am very excited! I finally made $100 with Pay Per Post. I have been posting here and there on different advertising opportunities, making anywhere from $5 to $30 per posts. I finally past the $100 mark! It is easy to do and there is no requirement for what you post or when you post. You review the opportunities available to you and decide if you want to do it or not.
There are a view ways to make money:
1. Sign up to post. 
2. Review any of my posts on your blog. 
3. Sign up advertisers. If you have an need to get some links to your blog or website, this is a reasonably affordable way to do it. You can sign up and ask for people to post about you and link back to your site.
4. People can hire you to post for them. They sign up to pay what you ask. I have a pretty reasonable rate- $10 a post right now. You can get some links and some good press.
There are some limitations to signing up- age of your blog, how many posts, etc. You can sign up even if you don't meet them all and start when you are qualified.
So far, it has only been a good experience. They are fair reviewing posts and give you an opportunity to fix whatever may be wrong.
Sign up today and start making money on your blog!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/14/2007
Make Money With Your Blog
Honey Has No Hair
We shaved my husbands hair yesterday. The chemo finally kicked in and his hair started falling out on Monday. By Saturday, it was looking pretty sad. So we shaved it. He actually looks really cute! His head is pretty white from the lack of sun. He still has some fuzz, but that will be gone soon. He already bought some caps and hats to cover it, but he went bald and beautiful to church today.
Let's hope it grows back the same as it left!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/11/2007
Those Terrible Two's!
I can see that my dear daughter has definitely hit those terrible two's. Although she is still lovable and cute, she is also opinionated and wants to control her own life. That is all well and good except when we are trying to get up and going in the morning. She does not want me to fix her hair, put on her clothes, or her shoes. She does not want to brush her teeth or turn off the TV. in fact, she only wants to watch Elmo Hair each and every morning! We have given her choices on the clothes and shoes, and that helps, but not always.
This morning, I wrestled her down to fix her hair (it is to her mid-back, so it is not like I can leave it!), she fussed all the way to school about a book that was on the floor, and then she goes into her classroom with a big smile and a kiss for her teacher!
At least she likes school!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/10/2007
Side Zip Pants
I understand the idea behind side zip pants- they give you a smoother front view without the bulky zipper where there is already bulk. But they are almost impossible to zip after two kids and a few extra pounds without getting some skin! (It may be chest size that causes some problems too!). I think I am going to be more careful about choosing pants from now on... back zip- that is a better idea- less bulk back there!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
Ultralinking Revised
I deleted my previous post on Ultralinking and I am not listing the url. I was informed that Google can ban you if you participate... something I do not want. It really only brought me 5 hits or so anyways, so I am not concerned. I do not understand what it is, but somehow it got to my other blog so I checked it out. There are better ways to get hits!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/08/2007
The Joys of the Park
Here in Florida, the park is just something you have to avoid during the summer time. Even in the evenings, the park is just too hot. But now as the weather is cooling to a wonderful 85 degrees in the evenings, the park is the perfect place to go. We have gone two nights in a row and have had a great time. Mostly, it is because they can almost both navigate all the equipment. Even my little 2 year old was scaling the disc climbing thing. I almost freaked... but I let her do it. My rule is if you can do it yourself, you are allowed to do it. So she did it... over and over and over again.
It is so much fun to enjoy the outdoors. Yes, in Florida, it is hot for most of June, all of July and August, and most of September. But the remainder of the year makes it soooooo worth it to me to tough out those hot months.
And there is always a pool, the hose, and air conditioning to get you through those tough months!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/07/2007
Gifts for the Men in Your Life
If you are like me, you are always trying to find that special gift for the men in your life... your husband, father, son, grandfather, father-in-law, boyfriend, or uncle. Some of the best gifts for him would be for his garage. And that is just what Car Guy Garage.com has available. They have everything you need to choose what will be perfect for that man in your life, no matter how big of a space you are working with. They have the work benches, the cabinets, the storage shelves, the peg boards, the car lifts, and even garage flooring. They are located in Chicago, but will ship to anywhere. It certainly is worth a look if you are stumped about what to buy for an upcoming birthday, anniversary, or Christmas, check out CarGuyGarage.com before you buy them another tie or pair of socks!
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt
10/06/2007
I Got My Breast Cancer Shirt!
I just got my breast cancer shirt and I LOVE IT! I just had to share it with you all.
Click here to support Breast Cancer Research by purchasing a breast cancer awareness t-shirt
Upromise- A College Savings Plan
Most people have heard of Upromise - Save money for college program through your credit card, grocery store, even McDonald's. Upromise is a great way to credit a savings plan for your child without changing anything you already are doing. With Upromise, families can automatically save money for college while making everyday purchases at grocery and drug stores, gas stations, restaurants, retail stores and online shopping sites. Upromise’s partners include Citi, ExxonMobil Corporation, McDonald’s, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com, and hundreds of others.
Join Upromise by registering your grocery store card or your credit card. You get a quarterly email statement telling you the money you have saved. With the rising costs of college, anything will help. Take advantage of Upromise and you are getting a savings account without any effort.
Your children will that you!
Click here to support Breast Cancer Research by purchasing a breast cancer awareness t-shirt
10/04/2007
My Husband Got The VIrus
My children were sick last week, I was sick over the weekend (along with my daughter's reoccurence), and today, my husband has the "bug." He has had chemo the past week, but this seems like the same symptoms the rest of us had over the weekend.
It is amazing how these things can spread! We stayed in our room- quarantined!- and I changed every diaper. He either got it through the air, or one stray germ managed to get him. I checked out how viruses spread on How Stuff Works. Quite interesting. With flu season beginning, do your best to stay healthy, drink water, wash your hands, and take your vitamins. I do have to say, in one of the years I taught elementary, I made sure every child washed his hands when he left the bathroom and I sprayed Lysol everywhere every morning. I had almost no sickness that year! Something to think about...
And my thoughts on germs... wipe down the grocery carts, don't touch hand rails, and make sure you wash your hands any time you eat!
Keep healthy!
Click here to support Breast Cancer Research by purchasing a breast cancer awareness t-shirt
10/03/2007
Cleft Palate and Lip Blog
I just finished reading Bauer's blog. He was born this summer with a cleft lip and palate. His parents are working diligently to get the information out that they so disparately needed when they found out their child was going to be born with this condition.
If you know anyone that has a child with cleft lip and palate, please send them to this blog. It is full of information, hope, and faith!
10/02/2007
Breast Cancer Awareness Month T-Shirt- NO EXCUSES!
My grandmother died of breast cancer almost 9 years ago. A healthy woman that walked daily, had a good weight, and loved life. She did not go in when she found a lump and it had spread before she knew it. She lived for a few years fighting and then went to be with our God in heaven.
We all know someone and we all know it needs to stop.
So I created this No Excuses shirt:
NO EXCUSES for not doing a self exam!
NO EXCUSES for not going for your annual check-up.
There are just NO EXCUSES!
You can buy this shirt right here. And I am donating $3 for every shirt sold to support breast cancer research.
Help me lead the way to NO EXCUSES!
The cost of the shirt is $30 and that includes shipping. You will be brought back to this blog after you submit payment. Pay securely with Paypal! This is a picture of my breast cancer awareness shirt.
Ramblings and Thoughts on War
This may be old news to some of you, but it is new to me. I received it in an email today. Since I don't forward, I am posting it here. If anyone has found untruths, please let me know. Not opinions, but facts.
This is straight facts about the wars the United States have been involved in past years in comparison to the was in Irag. Very republican... of course! I did verify the death counts on some wars... it does make you think and thankful for the small amount of lives lost in Iraq, although any life loss is too many lost.
None of us are for war- everyone should be anti-war. (Someone said that recently, but I cannot remember who!)
Just remember to take all things in perspective, have faith that our government is run by people that should have a clue, and pray daily for our country and the leaders that they will make Godly decisions.
Things that make you think a little:
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January.
In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq
When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state the following
a. FDR led us into World War II.
b. Germany never attacked us; Japan did.
From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 112,500 per year (9,375 per month)
c. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea North Korea never attacked us .
From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 18,334 per year (over 1,500 per month).
d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us
e. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire.
From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost .
an average of 5,800 per year (483 per month).
f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us
He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three
times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya , Iran , and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.
The Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking.
But Wait
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound.
That was a 51-day operation.
We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida !!!!
10/01/2007
Digital Cameras- A Lifesaver for Moms
I was at a birthday party the other day and one of my friends grandmother's said she took a whole lot of pictures the day before of her new great grand baby, and realized she forgot to put in the film!
Now, obviously, this is a grandmother- a great grandmother- I think she may be 80. But even grandparents today have cell phones and digital cameras!
Digital cameras have changed the way we do family memories. Instead of having one million prints (mostly 500,000 with doubles), we now have thousands of pictures saved on our computer. We can create scrapbooks online, have digital picture frames, and share our pictures in a single press of a button!
This picture was taken this past winter at my Grandmother's 80th birthday. It is all of the sister's- a rare moment when we are all together- and color coordinated!
My Kodak Easy Share is so simple to use! I even can do video of my children right in the spur of the moment! I don't have to go and search for the camcorder, which usually isn't even charged!
And the best thing is- 1 GB of a memory card. When my husband got his first digital camera 5 years ago, we were lucky to get a 16 MB. I am amazed at how many pictures I can get without uploading the pictures to my computer!
Digital cameras are a lifesaver for moms. They are one of the most requested holiday gifts these days. If you don't have one, maybe Santa will bring you one this year!
Fall In Florida
Reading my friend Kim's blog about fall, it made me think how happy I was this morning when I went to get the paper and the weather was actually COOL! Now cool for central Florida is in the 80'... the perfect temperature. And it still got up in the 90's later in the day. But to wake up and have some cool mornings- mostly with low humidity- makes me smile. We suffer through the heat of the summer to have almost perfect weather the majority of the year, with a few days in October nicer days November through March (with a few cold ones thrown in there)and beginning to warm up in April. This is why I live in Florida! Seven out of 12 months of great weather makes those 96 degrees days with 100% humidity worth it! :)
9/28/2007
Working Moms and Sick Children
It has been a week. Since I am now a full time employee, I now have to worry about choosing if my children are well enough to go to school or miss work and keep them at home. It is a hard decision when you know one child wants to stay at home and may mislead a parent to get to stay home.
Since I am home with my children this week at night while my husband is in the hospital, I am the only one that can stay home.
First, I did not go to work Tuesday since my husband went into the hospital for his first chemo treatment.
Second, my daughter threw up Wednesday night so we stayed home Thursday.
Now, my son threw up on the way to school today, so we are home again.
Three days in one week. I have a great supervisor who knows our family situation. How can a parent stay home this much if they have an unreasonable supervisor or a job only one person can do? You see it portrayed on TV, the parent leaving the child with someone else because they HAVE to go to work. Or moms lying about having children so someone will actually give them a job.
My thought- if it is a problem, they will have to fire me.
I cannot leave a throwing up child with anyone else. It is just not worth it or fair to my child. I am fortunate that I can stay home, even though my sick days are almost depleted, after 45 days of work!
So continue to pray for our family. We need it!
9/26/2007
Chemo, Chemo, Chemo
Chemo started yesterday. My husband is doing an inpatient treatment to keep him hydrated and protect his kidney. If I am lacking in my blog, you will know.
His treatments are for 5 days and out for 15. It will go over three or four courses. Keep praying!
9/24/2007
Thank You Day!
September 24 is Thank You Day. And do we not say thank you enough? Not hardly! So I am taking the time today to thank some people in my life- some who may never read my blog... but the thanks is out there and hopefully they will see it.
Thank you to my husband for all that he does for me and our family. I could not do it without you! Thank you for your faithfulness and your bravery as the new journey begins.
Thank you to my children who teach me something new everyday and are a blessing each and every day.
Thank you to my mom and dad, who do not get enough thanks, for all that they have provided for us and the love they give us each and every day.
Thank you to my Sunday School class for the wonderful prayers of support and healing for my husband and I as he begins chemo this week.
Thank you to my brother and sisters, who is all the fun times and the annoying times, have always been there.
Thank you to Kim, Amber, and Betsy, who are my greatest friends and business partners. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to grow and change these last months and thanks for the success we will have in the future.
And most of all, thanks be to God in heaven: without Him, I am nothing!
Post you comment about your thanks today too!
A Green Switch for your Home
I was listening to a program on going "green" in your household. While I used to be very good at recycling (I even started a school based recycling program in high school), I am not so good at it now. One of the biggest things I want to change is the amount of power we use in our house. We keep our air at 81 degrees most of the time, now going to 83 during the day while we are gone, and down to 79 when we are sleeping. That is pretty good compared to most Floridians who have their AC at a constant 73 degrees. Our thermostat is programmable, so that is very helpful, especially since I know how to program it! I try to turn off the lights as the children leave the rooms. And I even bought a counter top oven this summer so I would not be using the big huge oven each and every day and heating up the house. But our bill is still somewhat high and I would love for it to be lower.
One of the things I am most interested in is the Green Switch. It is a wireless switch that you can hook up all of your light switches and inessential electronics to turn off when you are gone. It just takes on switch. You have to purchase the outlets and the light switches, but the convenience and the power you will save look like a great benefit. It also is able to be used in any home at any time. They even say those with some electrical knowledge can install it themselves.
If you are looking to go GREEN, check out the Green Switch. Also check out the other green ideas.
9/22/2007
Holiday Deals at Coupon Chief
I have mentioned Coupon Chief before, because who would not want to get coupons for things you are already going to buy online!?
Since Halloween is coming up and every mom wants a cute costume for their children, I have two recommendations... Old Navy and the Children's Place. Both stores have wonderful selections of all children's costumes. Coupon Chief offers Old Navy coupons and Children's Place coupons. These coupons may be reduced shipping or $$$ off your purchase.
And don't forget Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up soon. Why shop at the crazy stores after Thanksgiving when you can get almost everything from the comfort of your home with a discount included! Coupon Chief offers discounts at tons of stores, likeTarget coupons, Home Depot coupon codes, and Pet Smart deals, plus tons of other online stores. You have to check it out!
ABC Meme
Lara tagged me with a challenging one…
A-Z Meme
Rules: List ONE word for each letter of the alphabet that describes you. When you post yours please comment me so I can read them.
A - adventurous
B - blessed
C - courious
D - dynamic
E - entrepreneur
F - faithful
G - gatherer
H - hopeful
I - individual
J - justifying
K - kind
L - lovable
M - Mama
N - noteworthy
O - optimistic
P - personable
Q - quizzical
R - realistic
S - sociable
T - teacher
U - unbelievable
V - voluptuous
W - wonderful wife
X - eXciting (who can really come up with an X one!)
Y - youthful (hahaha)
Z - zany
Most of these are words that I could at least think of with the letter, not necessarily complete descriptions! :)
OK…I am tagging…
Amber's Homeschool Blog
Betsy's Make Money From Home Blog
And on Tuesday, Kim at 4fabmoms
9/20/2007
First Born and A Higher IQ
I was reading Parenting magazine yesterday that had a story about higher IQ in the first born. This story was released earlier this summer. I did not pay much attention to the article and research this summer since I do not put much thought into IQ and how I am effecting my children.
First, many people believe your IQ is pretty much set from birth. While things can change and make an influence, your God given gifts are there the day you enter this world. The nature vs. nurture idea does have some clout and environment can definitely have an impact. But I do know do a lot of "extra" activities trying to make my children gifted. I do ask a lot of how and why questions to encourage thinking, which I think is a lot more important than a number from a test.
In the case of this study, there are many ideas that allow for some flawed logic First, the study was done in Norway. Those of us in the US may not have the same genetics or experiences to compare. Second, the study was only done on boys. What does that mean for the girls. Third, they used data from MANY DECADES- not current testing and statistics. The testing procedures and populations have changed over the years. And lastly, a three point difference between the oldest and youngest is not enough to be concerned with. Testing have a range of scores to take into consideration testing environment, learning environment, and cultural and economic difference.
So do not place a lot of weight in your child's birth order. Love your children, provide them with lots of learning activities, but most of all, let them play and discover what they love!
9/15/2007
More Hospital Time
My hubby is back in the hospital... again for lung problems. He had trouble breathing and a pain in his chest. So he went in and has had a full cardiac workup. They think it is a lung infection. He was given steroids and antibiotics and is doing better. More hospital time! I am glad one of us is healthy....
Please keep us in your prayers. He will have an out patient biopsy on his lung Wednesday. We are pretty sure it is cancer but they are making sure before the prescribe chemo.
More to come!
9/13/2007
Thank You Day
September 24 is Thank You Day. It is another one of the "days" that you wonder who came up the idea. But what a great idea for a day.
I would like to see how many people we can thank on Thank You Day. If you would like to participate in thanking someone in your life, post it on your blog, linking to this Thank You Day post and then leave a comment on this post with the exact url for your post. On Thank You Day, I will list all of the posts on my post for that day.
What a great way to tell someone thanks!
Dave Matthews Band in Concert
Seeing Dave Matthews Band for the fifth time, we again were rained on and were amazed by what we do to see one of our favorite bands. We saw a really great concert, despite the downpour during a drought. (Moms get to have fun too.)
My husband and I are long time fans. It is funny to see the wide variety of people that listen to the music. There were people lots older than us, lots younger, lots drunker (we did not drink a thing!), and lots wetter. In the old days, we got seats on the lawn, through the rain and all. This year, for the second time, we got seat in the covered amphitheater, and still got rained on. The concrete was good, but you have to love Dave Matthews band and their long songs sets to really enjoy the concert. Most 4-5 minute songs on the CD's become 10-15 minute songs in the concert. They have such great musicians that can continue to play together so wonderfully (although sometimes it gets a long...). If we had just bought the rain ponchos when we got there, we would have been a lot drier!
I will have to decide if we do the next tour with an outside concert... I may be getting to old for this!
9/11/2007
Working and working and working
Working full time and trying to carry on the other activities I was involved in is difficult. There, of course, is not as much time to blog, time to search on the internet, or time to spend with my friends. Just the other night, my friend Betsy and I finally talked on the phone after over a week! We used to talk daily. There is just not as much time.
So if you don't see me blog as frequently, you now know the reason... too much to do and not enough time!
I used to do most of my work in the evenings; now I am in bed at 9:00-10:00 pm.
I used to have the day during my daughters nap to catch up on emails; now she naps at school when I am at work.
The working moms schedule changes! I am changing as part of my new title. Hopefully it will all work out soon!
9/08/2007
How Many Are There?
There are 37,845 Rebekah's in the USA. My last name is not registering any others, but my husband has the same last name (I think his grandmother told me in 1996 there were 49 in the US- many more in Germany! About 1 in 10 names are not listed in the database- check yours out!
Are You Ready for Black Friday?
It seems a little early to start making preparations for Black Friday, but it is never too early to start making a plan. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when all of the stores have the greatest deals, before 8:00 am! I live in a rural area, so for the past few years, my mom, my sister, my sister-in-laws and I have pack up Thanksgiving night and drove at least an hour and a half to go to the closest biggest city, spend the night in a hotel (one time the hotel was IN the mall) and then we get up at 4:30 am to be at a super store at 5:00 am when the doors open.
And it is crazy! No carts, people fighting and pushing for the best deals (of which there are usually on one or two per store), and mass chaos for the first hour or two of your day.
Then we go to the mall. More craziness and more deals, but at what price! Not to mention I buy so many things that are not even Christmas presents because I cannot resist the deal!
This year I have a new plan. It is a great website that provides you with all of the black friday ads by email alert before anyone else. You don't have to wait for the Thanksgiving newspaper! You can purchase all of the items online WITHOUT standing in line through direct links from the Black Friday ads.
The store I go to first every year is Target. And Black Friday list Target's after Thanksgiving specials via email right when they get them. Then you can sit at the comfort of your computer and place your order for the same deals that are available in the stores (I am sure there are some limitations to some deals and times to purchase, but it is STILL better than standing in line!).
As the holiday season gets closer, the Black Friday website will be my main source of planning for the great deals! I WILL NOT be in line this year at 5:00 am! I will be in the comfort of my home with my crazy family instead!
9/07/2007
I am a Top Momma
I finally made it to Top Momma. Vote for me to see how long I can last. It is the same picture that is on the corner of this blog. Thanks for your help.
9/06/2007
Back to School Tips
I am participating in the Smart Moms Back to School Tips contest to win a $25 gift card to my choice of a few different places. Of course, I cannot win, because I am a Smart Mom, but I still want to promote it in case any reader wants to participate!
My back to school tip is to schedule a fun activity one day of the week after school. We have made this day Thursday, because our children's museum is open late on Thursday's. I pick up the kids at 4:00, we go get ice cream at our local ice cream shop, and then go to the museum for an hour or so. It is our special event. Especially when I am convincing the 4 year old to go to school, it is a good motivator! We may add in dinner out (and some restaurants may offer free kids meals on Thursday's) but right now they are a little tired to sustain that long.
Plan a special week night event, especially if you have older kids- my parents used to call it "family night." We were all forced to join in, no exceptions, and now I am thankful to have had that time with my family!
9/03/2007
One Word Meme
I was tagged by Make Money From Home and thought it would be fun to do.
One Word Meme: A fun idea. Simply cut and paste these questions onto your blog, answer them and then find other blogs to tag! It's fun and easy and something a little different!You can only answer each question with ONE word.
1. Where is your cell phone? car
2. Relationship? Married
3. Your hair? Blonde
4. Work? teacher, entrepreneur
5. Your sister? four
6. Your favorite thing? my family
7. Your dream last night? too long ago to remember
8. Your favorite drink? COKE
9. Your dream car? BMW
10. The room you’re in? family
11. Your shoes? None
12. Your fears? thunder
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? at home
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Ali & Stephen and Rick
15. What are you not good at? cleaning
16. Muffin? Banana Nut
17. One of your wish list items? financially free
18. Where you grew up? Florida
19. Last thing you did? fix links
20. What are you wearing? shorts and t-shirt
21. What aren’t you wearing? shoes
22. Your pet? dog
23. Your computer? gateway
24. Your life? busy
25. Your mood? frantic
26. Missing? ?
27. What are you thinking about right now? conference
28. Your car? vibe
29. Your kitchen? empty
30. Your summer? Hot
31. Your favorite color? green
32. Last time you laughed? a few minutes ago
33. Last time you cried? days ago
34. School? continuous
35. Love? my family
9/01/2007
I am joining the "I Reply Movement"
I am making an effort to reply if you comment on my blog. So check back for the reply later- let's make a blogging community!
A Screaming Toddler
Our toddler girl has been screaming every morning and afternoon for three days. Not screaming over pain, but over frustration and anger. We don't know if she is taking it out on us that she is in preschool now or if she is not sleeping well or if she is just frustrated over her lack of speech!
It is not really a tantrum at first, but can certainly move into one if we make her do what we want her to do... she is a determined child!
Here are some tips from experts on how to handle toddler tantrums and some discipline tips for toddlers that may help me out and anyone else suffering!
8/31/2007
I Won The Picture Of the Week
I was on of the selected winners of the picture of the week from Mommy's Coffee Break.
You can join too- just go to the Mommy's Coffee Break to see the rules.
Thanks Lara!
8/29/2007
Newberry Award Considerations 2008
After some research this morning on the Newberry Award considerations for this coming year, I was astounded by the amount of wonderful literature there is available from this year. I was disappointed to not find a very good list of the books that are possible considerations.
I have heard about and know something about the Newberry award, but I did not know that there is not a published list of books that are being considered by the committee. It is a big secret. There are books submitted for approval that are read, judge, and finally announced as the winner or as honor winner. The books for consideration must have been published during this calendar year, which is exciting to see all the new children's literature during one year!.
I created an Amazon Newberry Award List from the two sources I found. These books were given as suggestions from qualified individuals (not me!).
There is an online Newberry discussion group and some a Newberry blog to keep up with. I hope you will read some of these books before the announcement of the award winner in January 2008. Maybe you can start your own Newberry group! These books selections would be great to read with your children or have your children read at home.
For past winners, please visit the American Libraries Association for a complete list.
8/28/2007
Defywire Mobile Guardian Back to School Safety Checklist
Defywire is dedicated to keeping students and teachers safe with their real-time wireless data to school administrators on Wi-Fi-enabled PDAs. This system gives administrators access to information that was previously only in the front office and could not be accessed at a moments notice. It gives administrators emergency and truancy information, class schedules, grades, and other critical student information wherever and whenever they needed it--in the gym or on the playground.
The have also created this Back to School Safety Checklist that is great information for all parents:
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY CHECKLIST
1. Designate an out-of-town person for your child to call in the event of a crisis. When emergencies happen, cell sites in the local area get completely overwhelmed, and a call from one local tower to another is unlikely to be completed.
2. Tell your child to use a short text message code with an agreed-upon meaning in an emergency. A pre-set word such as “stars” could quickly and safely convey the message, “I am in danger at school.”
3. Choose a social networking website as a back-up way to communicate when all else fails. When cell phone lines were jammed at Virginia Tech, students reverted to Internet sites such as Facebook to tell loved ones that they were safe and where they were located.
4. Make sure that the school has all of your up-to-date contact information. In today’s world, cell phone numbers and email addresses change frequently, but parents often forget to update this crucial information with school officials.
5. Know the school’s emergency plan and practice it. Go to PTA meetings, open houses and other school events where emergency procedures are likely to be presented as a handout.
These are terrific suggestions you may not have considered as a way to help protect the safety of your child. Make a plan and keep your child safe this school year.
Handmade Hair Clips- Get Them For Free!
Pajama Mama is hosting a contest for these darling toddler girl hair clips by Lil' Sugarplum. All you have to do is visit Lil' Sugarplum and comment on Pajama Mama's site about the two hair clips you like the best. You can also do a blog post, if you have a blog, and promote this contest, like I am doing. Support another work at home mom and a crafty lady!
These are my favorite hair clips. They are $6 or $7 each and are too cute! And the are handmade so no one in your playgroup will have them... until they see yours and go online and buy them! Too Cute!
8/27/2007
What to do when your burn your hand!
I have done this before and I have done it again. I use my dutch oven in the oven instead of the stove top- which I do 90% of the time- and I grab the handle when it is on the stove after coming out of the oven. It really hurts and I am typing and putting my hand on the ice pack!
I do not know why I don't remember I just took it out and it is 350 degrees! I know to put something over the handle so you do not forget and I forget to do that too. So now I have a burn... and it hurts.
And I cannot type anymore!
8/25/2007
My Best WAHM Networking Tip
I am participating in a Blog Carnival with Suzanne at The Moms In Business Blog. Our topic, The Best Networking Tip.
My best networking tip is to actually get out and network- online and offline! Sounds simple, right? But so many work at home moms don't get out of their house and don't join online groups. They work hard on their sites and blogs, but they are not out there promoting what they have to offer.
First, online solutions are easy for work at home moms with internet access. You meet some great and resourceful people online by joining quality online forums or groups. Some mom forums are not the greatest for networking because they are about being a mom, not a work at home mom. Others are great for both. It is all about what you are looking for.
Two terrific online forums for work at home moms are the Smart Moms forum and Mommy's Helper Forum. Read more about making new online friends at my work at home mom blog.
Second, offline solutions are also easy but sometimes harder to find. Join moms groups or community service organizations. The local Chamber of Commerce is also a great resource to meet other business professionals. I think sometimes work at home moms don't see their business as a business and do not think they are worthy of a business group. This is so incorrect! Find a local group and meet some local contacts. They may not be the main source of revenue, but you never what might result. And they are a great source of ideas and support.
No matter how you network, you must network! Networking is one of the most important parts of your business. Make sure your incorporate networking into your home based business.
8/24/2007
Magic Eraser Myth- Email Urban Legends
I have just finished a series of emails from another mom who forwarded the magic eraser email to anyone and everyone. Knowing it was false and how many people take those emails as fact, I sent the link (above) from Snopes as a "reply all". Now I may have been wrong in telling everyone the TRUTH, because the mom said I made her embarassed. I never intend to make anyone embarassed, it is not in my nature. It is my nature to speak the truth. And would she had ever told all those moms she made an error if it would have embarassed her?
So here it is- quit forwarding emails to other moms about things that MAY NOT BE TRUE! It causes fear and panic by anyone that does not do their research. The hand sanitizer email, TRUE! I looked it up before I believed it. And I did not forward it to one person- with all the media coverage, most everyone knew the facts anyway.
Do not believe everything you read. Check it out. And do not pass along incorrect information.
Better yet, do not pass along forwards... they are time consuming and mostly without validity. Do not waste your time reading forwards either. There are plenty of great websites with comedy, humor, and FACTS that we do not have to fill up our inboxes with forwards. Not to mention, the potential viruses you can be sending to your unsuspecting friend.
Now I am off my soap box!
8/23/2007
Boys Will Be Boys- Extreme Stunts!
This is every moms nightmare- well most of these stunts on this youtube video are- some are not too bad, but they make me cringe!
Boys will boys! (The music is good, but I did not listen to the lyrics so there may be some inappropriate words.)
Alzheimer's Memory Walk for Charity- Be A Team Captain!
The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. This event is held annually in hundreds of communities across the country. They need volunteers of all ages to become champions in the fight against Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder. More than 5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s. It is a very common, but very serious brain disorder with a wide variety of symptoms ranging from minor forgetfulness to complete memory loss. And the symptoms only get worse over time and eventually lead to death.
Scientist cannot find a reason some brain cells are affected by Alzheimer's, but they do not some risk factors. Most people are over age 65. People with a family history of the disease are also more likely to have the disease. They need to do more research because there is no cure!
The Alzheimer's Association also provides information on symptoms, how the brain works, and how the brain is effected by Alzheimer's.
Since 1989, Memory Walk has raised more than $225 million.
Team captains are needed NOW! Team Captains need to sign up early to ensure they have enough time to recruit a team so some fundraising for the cause! Being a team captain is a rewarding experience, especially is you have been directly affected by this terrible disease.
8/21/2007
Dinner Planner Menu With a Shopping List!
I love to cook, but hate to cook dinner. I love to cook, but hate to plan the menu. A while back, I found a service that provided dinner menus with a shopping list and it was great! Until I started looking at the processed foods and calories/fat that were involved. Today, I found a new menu planner with a shopping list, called DinnerPlanner.com. You get your first menu free, then it is $10 for three months. You get a menu sent to your email each Friday before 10:00 am est!
I got this weeks menu and it looks great. The shopping list was already organized by category and was simple to follow. It looks like I will be signing up!
8/20/2007
Zookoda- Email Marketing Tool for Bloggers
Zookoda is a new email marketing tool designed to specifically help bloggers increase their readership. You can drive more traffic to your blog through an email newsletter. Using Zookoda, you can give readers a daily, weekly, or monthly summaries of your blog. It also gives you the option to design your newsletter to match your blog with professional templates or design your own. They also help to manage your subscriptions and schedule reoccurring broadcast to your subscribers- that means your subscribers get an update with less work from you.
Best of all, this service is FREE! So many other newsletter services are labor intensive and cost per month or per subscribers. Zookoda is giving it away for free.
I am definitely checking into this service to use for my blogging newsletter. By sending updates to my readers I can attract those that do not check back often enough. This way, I can increase hits back to my blog with little effort.
And remember, you want your home based business, even if it is a blog, to be automated. If you want to take a vacation, you can and your readers will continue to get updates and continue to visit your site. Be the first to be in Zookoda!
Check out Zookoda and see how it can work for your blog.
Genius Denied
I have always taught students with learning difficulties, and now my new job is with advanced learners. For the past week, I have been learning about how the No Child Left Behind Act has so much focus on the lowest learners improving that they have lost touch with the advanced learners accelerating.
There are great options for students that are advanced or gifted learners, including a great site call Genius Denied. If you think you have an advanced learner, make sure to make your feelings of advanced learning known to school administration. Parents need to be advocates for their child to get the learning the need to success, even if it is ahead of the other students.
As I learn more, I will share more!
8/18/2007
Work at Home Moms, Make it Official
As many of you know, I have many home based businesses as well as my new outside the home career. I am joined with three other moms as 4fabmoms. When we began this journey last spring, we decided to make it official and become an LLC. Fortunately, one of our partners has an attorney husband who create our official LLC documents. This way, we are not only a business and get to join our many different organizations as a business, we also get to deduct many business related meetings and expenses. We made it official.
There are many ways to set up your home based business, not just an LLC. One thing is for sure, you cannot do it alone.
There is new company that is helping people make their business official. IncParadise.Com. This company is helping thousands of entrepreneurs each year to start their own business. They are not lawyers. They don't charge high fees. All they do is to help with all the paperwork which might be complicated to people who are not familiar with starting businesses.
Some of the services and states that are available are:
Texas corporations
Florida
Nevada
Arizona
Other states may be available.
They also have a virtual office program and executive suites. Starting at $45 per month, you can basically use their office with free phones and internet and their conference room. "Why meet clients in Starbucks when you can meet them in professional office."
It is one more option to make it official.
This is a sponsored post.
8/17/2007
My Little Sister is Going to College
My little sis (third from left) is heading off to college tomorrow. She is going far, far away! I was in high school when she was born and she even came and stayed in my dorm room when I was in college.
She is happy and excited as any college bound girl should be. It makes me feel old to think she is old enough for college! Although- she has always seen me as old I am sure.
It is strange having sisters in high school (one is starting ninth grade and will leave for her new boarding school next week- first on left) and college. How can they relate to their big sis with two children and a mom? Perfectly, I am their big sister that "knows it all" as they like to say. I hope they will remember that when they are away!
I will miss them so much! But I am glad and excited for what they will experience. I pray for their safety, for their happiness, and to relieve their nervousness... and my mom's! Besides the four of us, we have one brother. She has been a mom with children in the house for 37 years! WOW!
8/15/2007
The Day Care Culture
I am a teacher. This is my eighth year teaching, skipping 4 years in between to stay home with my children. Now, I am on the other side. I am the parent and have to follow the rules and regulations of a school. This is not the easiest adjustment, especially when I know a few things about preschool.
The first thing I am having difficulty with is trying to find food that my children will eat at a scheduled time. I know they will adjust, but there are rules for eating. Today, their pop corn got sent home. The other days, they were not allowed to eat their fruits snacks. And my milk addicted son did not finish his milk during lunch and of course could not take it with him. My daughter has come home hungry and he has come home thirsty. I know they will get used to it, but until then, I feel like they are starving and dying of thirst!
The second thing is that my son, just 4, was sent home a list of sight words. While I want him to learn to read, I don't think now is the time. Sight words start at KINDERGARTEN, and even then, not at the beginning. I am worried he will be stressed or they will expect a drill and practice routine. I do not believe children need to read at four. If they do, it is great, if not, let it be!
Those are the two major things so far. "School" actually starts next week, so they will have a teacher, not a day care personnel. I am hoping I have a change of heart, because right now, I am confused about letting someone else be with my child more hours per day than I am. Many people do it, it just was not in my plan.
A good thing is that I do love my job so far and I am looking forward to it. Since I have to work, I could not have asked for a better position with a better list of responsibilities. As the weeks go on, we shall see!
8/14/2007
Is She Really A Mom?
My dear cousin, Desha Rodriquez, is not only an amazing body builder but a teacher and a mom of 2 amazing little girls. Click on her name and check out her amazing pictures.
She just won a competition this past week that puts her in Pro status- she just turned 26!
I am so proud of her and wish her well... and along with the rest of us moms, so jealous of her physique!
8/13/2007
A First Day
Today was the first day for many things in our household...
1. The first day my husband was officially the "dean" of his new school. He moved from being a teacher to the discipline dean at his school. He is 6 feet 4 inches... his students are kindergarteners! :)
2. The first day I went back to work since having children (out side the home). I am a "teacher" that does not have to teach students. I am a resource teacher, working from our district office (not school based which is a first too). I am kind of "creating" my job since it is a fairly new position. I love it!
3. The first day of school for my children. Actually, this week is day care and next week is the official school. It is at my church, so they were so comfortable, even with different people, they walked right in without a fuss. They even want to go back!
I found this poem on DLTK Kids:
School Poem
Author Unknown
Today I hurry off to school,
To work and learn and play
I'm in a brand new grade this year.
What a happy day!!!!!
A happy first day for us all!
8/11/2007
The Great American Bake Sale
The 4fabmoms are joining in the Great American Bake Sale is a national campaign to raise money for child that live in the United States that are hungry. The money raised will help end childhood hunger. On any given day, 12 million children in this country face hunger.
To help us reach our goal of $150, donate to end childhood hunger . The campaign continues through the end of August. Please help us reach our goal and donate even a small amount. As we know, each dollar will help to pay it forward.
Watch this ABC video with Rachel Ray for more information.
8/10/2007
Cleaning Out the Children's Clothes
With school days just around the corner and the need to be efficient in the mornings, I tackled the children's dresser tonight- it is mostly filled with my daughter's clothes. My sister has a daughter older than mine, but smaller. She gave me a whole bunch of winter clothes, but my daughter (2 years younger than hers) will grow out of them before the winter comes (he daughter wore them this past winter). I have also held on to some things that looked like they were big, but really are not going to work.
So I am purging the clothes.
I have taken out anything I do not like or do not want or do not fit. There are now four possibilities for them:
1. Donate them to the Salvation Army.
2. Give them away to a friend.
3. Take them to the consignment store.
4. Sell them on ebay. (Since the 4fabmoms are doing an ebay challenge to clean out their houses, I could sell them on ebay with tips from the ebay selling coach.)
There are no longer younger girls in the family to pass them down to (soon I will be passing up!), so a close family friend will get some. But since I am trying get together some cash to pay off credit cards, I need to sell the better name brand items. And sadly, this time, the ones I don't want to do anything with will go to the Salvation Army. I know someone can use them, even though I see them as unfit (they are still in wearable condition).
It feels good to clean out and be organized. I may have to go back to my house cleaning challenge again!
8/09/2007
Man of the Year
I saw this post on Bye Baby Bunting and was inspired, so I went to the hosting blog, Sarah at Real Life, for Man of the Year and got even more inspired!
So I am nominating my man for the man of the year!
As I have listed in other posts about my husband, he has been doing so much around the house this summer while he has been on summer vacation. He has cleaned, done laundry, fixed the water filter, and most of all sold over $800 of junk from the garage! He is now planning a family vacation to Disney in September with the proceeds!
But what has also made him the Man of the Year is that on June 21, he found out he probably had testicular cancer. After many tests and surgery, we were told that it was most definitely cancer. However, since the very first day, he was positive, faithful, and optimistic, never showing fear or anger. His back was killing him and he was on pain medicine, but he never had a bad attitude. He had the surgery and was as good as new, even though we did not know the results yet. When he was told it was cancer, he was still positive. When he was told he had to do two rounds of chemo, he was okay too. When they told us he did not have to do chemo, he was ecstatic!
He has already gone back to work at his new job as a dean. He is excited about his new position and is working hard to get a new school going. Since I am going back to work, he is even working his hours so he can pick the children up after the work day (of course the dropping off is the bad part!).
So my man should be the Man of The Year! He deserves it if not from anyone else, from his family!
GodTube
I found this post on Adventures of a Suburban WAHM about GodTube, it is YouTube for Christian content.
How great is that! When I clicked over there today, there was a Max Lucado and a group from Liberty University asking for your life's purpose. Plus there was this cute little girl saying Psalms 23.
Their concept is Broadcast Him! What a wonderful idea...
8/08/2007
Financial Whoops!
Online banking is a great thing- except when you make an error- like transfer money out of an account into another instead of transferring money in!
WHOOPS!
I was wondering what was happening to our bank account... I was sure someone had used my debit card or something, but no. It was me. A transfer the wrong direction!
A lesson learned once- and will never happen again.
And for moms that want to make money- not excuses, read more from Jean Chatzky- I just love her. She has helpful tips for women in money. Learn the eight simple things you need to know to get rich- besides paying fees for transferring out instead of in!
8/07/2007
GPS for the Directionally Challenged
I am famous... famous for taking the wrong turn and knowing it! I am always thinking a road will go one way it is does not... mostly, because in Florida, we have these things called BODY OF WATER.
It is not just the big bodies of water- the Gulf and the Atlantic usually help me in my direction- the Atlantic is on the east- so I can figure out the rest of the directions from there.
It is the lakes, rivers, and other water ways that get in my way. There are not always bridges where I need them to be~
And it is not the around town directions- I know every short cut there is to get around my city- even where the water is.
It is the longer trips, when I make a turn because I think it is correct- and it usually is not.
Today, for the first time, I saw the east side of Lake Okeechobee- that is the big lake in the center of the state. I made one turn and went the wrong way north. I ended up where I knew (and at least I knew I was going north), but I again was calling my husband telling him about the new adventure I was on. I asked him for a GPS for Christmas- one that leads me like a lamb to the location.
So ends my two days with my grandmother- the long way home!
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