Extraordinary Women Conference

I had the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary Women Conference in Orlando this weekend. It was wonderful! I have attended other women's conferences, like Women of Faith, but the fresh air of this conference was well worth the time and effort. I went with 31 women from our community. Mark Schultz was one of the best performers, but all of them were great! If you get the opportunity to attend one, take it!

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Save $1000 in one year

You are probably wondering why saving $1000 in one year would even be worth the effort. Wat I learned today from Yahoo Finance was that $1000 a year is barely coving inflation. So if you want to at least keep up with inflation, saving some money is a good idea.

The article on saving $1000 in a year offers some practical tips for saving money. We have changed to a clothes line, I have cut my son's hair a few times after buying some professional clippers from a discount department store, we replaced our light bulbs with lower wattage bulbs. It all helps. However, I thought I was saving it for the benefit of having more money, but now I find I am saving just to break even! What a concept! What ways are you trying to save money at home and out and about?
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Overnight Illness and Mysterious Fevers

How can a high fever come and go with no other symptoms? I am so often perplexed by childhood illness. My daughter went to bed a little warm, was 101 under her arm at 10 pm, Tylenol brought that down, it went back up overnight, and she woke up fine! How in the world! And she never complained, except for being thirsty and not want medicine. My doctor has told me fevers are a way of working something out, so I gave her the meds at the 101, but not before and not again. Obviously the mystery is solved, but without my knowledge!

The joys of motherhood!

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My Beach Babies

Okay, so it is a pool, but they are too cute. We were able to spend some time in the water this week- it is warm enough outside the water, until you get wet, then it is a bit chilly by Florida standards. The water was too cool for me, but the kids loved it!

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Spring Break and Vacation

We are on Spring Break this week and have taken the opp to go to Orlando. We found a nice, reasonably priced one bedroom condo with a kitchen and a washer and dryer (which I will NOT be using). We love the refridgerator and the table and chairs. Last night, we ordered Cracker Barrel to go and brought it back to the condo. It was $24 since we did not have to purchase drinks- we had brought all the drinks from home.

One bad thing- we decided to run to Walmart, which is around the corner, for a few things- it took over 30 minutes just to get through the line! The people in the line had issues, but it was mobbed! We could not believe the amount of people here. Of course, my husband decided that you canc ome here with the clothes on your back and buy it all Walmart, leave it, and go home!

We will have some fun these few days and with no worries. No scheduling or rushing around. Just time to enjoy the break!

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Bunco

I have an couples Bunco group that gets together once a month to play the game. I love it- no thinking, just rolling the dice. We have a wonderful time and I look forward to it each month. And, we do contribute money so everyone has the opportunity to win! I did not tonight, but my husband did. Always good when we at least make our money back! If you have never played, it is simple. Get 12 people together, 3 sets of 3 dice, and three tables with 4 seats each. Follow the rules, although we have altered them some, and play three rounds. It is great fun and a great parents night out!
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Downsizing and Budget Cuts

This is my first year back to teaching. And with Florida's budget crunch in educational, people without tenure are not guaranteed a job for the coming year.

That was the message I received today. My position as a gifted resource teacher for middle grades will not be allocated for the coming year. I am not at all worried- I know a job will be available, but I am disappointed. I am very good at my job! And to think they think they can do it without me makes me sad (I am the only person in our county in my position).

I am eagerly awaiting to see what jobs become available and what jobs I am interested in. I know I prefer middle school, but that may be a thing of the past. I have taught many things in many grades- and I am certified in exceptional student education and middle grades integrated (meaning I can teach anything in middle school or 9th grade). I am sure something will come up that is good. This was a great job for my first year back and I am thankful for the flexibility and the experience I have gotten!

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7 Up

I got this idea from Scenes from the Crooked Maple- a great blog for moms.

7 Up
Say anything you want in 7 words or less.

Lost is on tonight, I can't wait!

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Food Connect for Recipes

This is the coolest thing- I submitted a recipe on my free account to Food Connect. It was a recipe I mixed together with a combination of an old cookbook and some healthy substitutions. I call them Whole Wheat Oatmeal Griddle Cakes. Food Connect did all the nutritional analysis so I know now that one serving is 244 calories. That is too neat. It fits right into my diet!

Share your recipes and find out what you are eating!

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Toddler Constipation

This has been my last few months. Ever since we started potty training, we have had constipation problems with our 2 year old. She does not eat too many fruits and veggies, but she does eat whole grains. I think one bad event sent her over the edge to now she is withholding the poop. We have allowed her to be in pull ups when she needs to go, but it is not helping. I got some great advice online to share:
WebMD
At Home Dad Forum
and The Baby Center

Symptoms and Remedies for Toddler Constipation
By Kathy Gupton
From late infancy to about age three, our twins had bowel movement problems and experienced constipation off and on. Since I had never heard of toddler constipation and our friends and family were only too quick to point out how they had never had any problems with this, we automatically jumped to the conclusion that we were doing something wrong or that there was something wrong with our children's digestive tracts. After consulting with our pediatrician and doing our own research, we discovered that toddler constipation is a relatively normal phenomenon.

In fact, it is estimated that about half of all toddlers will experience toddler constipation at one point or another. Symptoms of toddler constipation include infrequent bowel movements (going 2-3 days between bowel movements), hard stools, straining during bowel movements, and trying to stop a bowel movement from happening. Toddler constipation actually becomes a vicious cycle: the bowel movements hurt, so they try to hold them back, which makes the stools harder, which makes them hurt more. Fortunately there are some simple things that you can do to help alleviate toddler constipation that just involve a few lifestyle changes.

The first thing you need to do is to give your child high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, breakfast bars that are high in fiber, fiber cereals and even peanut butter all are good foods to give your child to help toddler constipation go away and help keep it away. Make sure your child has a good fluid intake. Sneak in a glass of water or fruit juice during the morning or afternoon playtime. You might have to cut out the milk and cheese for a few days until the bowel movements become regular again. Start implementing a 5-10 minute potty time after meals, which seems to be the best time to get them to go.

You should not give your child an over-the-counter laxative. In fact, you shouldn't give your child any medicine for constipation without consulting the doctor. Fortunately, there are a lot of natural remedies for toddler constipation so that you don't have to rely on medications.

For information on over 70 natural remedies for constipation, visit http://www.stopconstipation.info/

Get your copy of 77 ways to alleviate constipation online now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Gupton

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Outside Clothes Dryer, i.e Clothesline

I have wanted the old fashion clothes line for a few months now. We have tried really hard to decrease our power bill and become more ecofriendly in our home. Our dryer quit working last week, so now I have the reason to go get my clothesline! For about $50, probably as much as the dryer part is going to cost, I can get my clothesline at our local Ace Hardware. The big companies, like Lowe's and Home Depot did not carry them according to their websites. There were lots of good advice online for making your own, but it costs almost as much and it will save me the labor! I am running out today to pick it up and hope to have it in the ground by the end of the day. Witht the extra hour of sunlight each night, there is plenty of drying time after work hours are over. I remember my grandmother drying clothes outside- it is a good memory!

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Scategories for Moms Part 2- Come Play!

Play Scategories With Me-

The goal is to try to complete as many sections as you can with the given letter. Try to make your word unique- double letters (tommy the truck for t) give you twice the points! You cannot use the same word twice for two different letters (ie. taco and taco bell). But think outside the box!
If you play, copy and paste this list on your blog and post the link in the comment section or post the list as a comment in the post.

This weeks letter is R. This is a new list from last weeks. (I choose the letter at random and this one was hard- maybe you will do better!)

Baby Aliment runny nose

Piece of Children’s Clothing romper

Term of Endearment could not think of one!

Threat You had better RUN!

Punishment could not think of one!


Kid Food ramen noodles


Word to Describe a Baby rambunctious


Item of Baby Equipment rocker


One Thing Found in Your Car radio


Toy Rubix cube


Type of Physician radiologist


Mommy Break rummy (if you are an old mommy!)



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Weird Things Your Child Does

I have always said my son is odd. He just does some crazy things that I would never thing about. Like, ketchup goes on almost everything (my brother did that one). He cannot go the bathroom if the light is off... the 2 year old sister has to turn it on first (and today, she asked me to turn it on). He will rewatch a movie until he has memorized the lines. And he is very particular on the foods he will eat, even though he ate every baby food known to man! Even stinky broccoli and cheese! YUCK!

Today I read blurbs from other parents on the weird things their children do- and my son seems a little more normal now! LOL!
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Day Light Savings

My brain gets so confused on day light savings time. I love that there is light in the evening, but it takes a few weeks to remember to go to bed earlier and get dinner on the table before it is dark! I love the extra sunlight in the evening and the chance to be outside longer. With spring just around the corner, there is plenty of nice weather to take advantage of!

But my kids will take a week to get up and to go to bed at the right time!

Kids and animals- they are even slower to respond!
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My Scategories!

This week, the letter is T.
Here is the list...

Restaurant Taco Bell

Artistic Material Toothpaste (depending on the child!)

A reward Toothbrush

After school activity TV

Dinner Tuna Helper

Medicine Tylenol

Way to Say No Time Out!

Item Found at the Grocery Store Tang

One Thing Found in Your Purse/Bag Tampon

Vacation Location Tennessee

Type of Snack Food Triscuts

Type of Drink Tea
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Scategories for Moms Part 1- Come Play!

Play Scategories for Moms...
Either cut and paste this onto your blog or copy it and paste it into the comment section. We will play a few times over the next few months- with different categories or different letters!

The goal is to find as many ORIGINAL words for the selected categories. You can review the selected posted entries to see what was already stated. Every word must start with the given letter. The first word cannot be the same as another section (ie., taco bell as a restaurant, taco as something in the grocery store). Double words are allowed with either the first or second word beginning with the letter, but extra credit is given for double words with the same letter as the first letter twice.

This week, the letter is T.
Here is the list...

Restaurant

Artistic Material

A reward

After school activity

Dinner

Medicine

Way to Say No

Item Found at the Grocery Store

One Thing Found in Your Purse/Bag

Vacation Location

Type of Snack Food

Type of Drink

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A True Friend Poem

Sent via email to me... a great laugh!

True Friendship
None of that Sissy Cr @ p

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good,

But never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.

You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-

Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad --
I will jump on the person who made you sad
like a spider monkey jacked up on mountain dew.

2. When you are blue --
I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile --
I will know you are plotting something
that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared --
I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried --
I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused --
I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --
Stay away from me until you are well.

Again. I don't want whatever the heck you have.

8. When you fall --
I will point and laugh at your clumsy butt.

9. This is my oath....
I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask;

because you are my friend'.

Friendship is like peeing your pants,

everyone can see it,

But only you can feel the true warmth.



Send this to 10 of your closest friends,

Then get depressed because you can only think

of 4

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Love My Husband

My husband never reads this blog, but I wanted to make sure everyone else knows how much I appreciate him. He cleans up after dinner each night, which makes it more pleasant to me to make dinner. He helps get the kids ready for bed,, and even stayed up last night since our little one would not go to sleep and I was exhausted! And this morning, he took our son to school since he asked him too. It took him a few extra minutes of his time, but he did it anyway. I so appreciate all that he does!

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What is a mom worth?

Today, I learned about the study done by Edleman Financial that details the real "value" of a mom, if all the roles and duties were hired positions.
Here are some of the figures:

Based on 17 key occupations, Edelman Financial Services LLC estimates that this year a mother's financial worth is over $750,000 per year, or about $64,000 per month. The occupations and corresponding median annual salaries are:
a. Animal Caretaker $27,900
b. Chef $34,870
c. Computer Systems Analyst $69,470
d. Financial Manager $94,180
e. Food/Beverage Service Worker $18,120
f. General Office Clerk $24,440
g. Registered Nurse $55,680
h. Management Analyst $73,460
i. Child Care Worker $18,060
j. Housekeeper $18,030
k. Psychologist $63,340
l. Bus Driver $31,750
m. Elementary School Principal $76,050
n. Dietitians/Nutritionists $45,490
o. Property Manager $50,350
p. Social Worker $38,280
q. Recreation Worker $22,180


TOTAL $761,650

We know we worked hard, but that hard?

But nothing can replace the value of being a mom! Nothing can replace the love of your child, even when they are running around screaming because they do not like the outfit you have chosen!

But it is nice that someone took some time to think about it.
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Marathon With the 2 year old

I definitely feel like I have run a marathon this morning! My two year old refused to put clothes on this very chilly Florida day. She wanted to wear her PJ's! Well who wouldn't! But it simply was not going to happen. I had selected her clothes, since she selected shorts yesterday and it was too cool for those. She was angry and ran around the house to keep away from the evilness of the dress and pants I selected! After finally getting that on, she then liked the socks, thank goodness, but not the shoes. She wanted the socks with the little ball on the back, which she could not wear with her high top pink converse, but she was not into reasoning at this point. Finally got her shoes on and we started on the hair. I was happy to leave it down today, even though it would be in her face, but she wanted a "horsey tail." No problem, but then she wanted her shorter hair in front, not really bangs, up. So I had to take the pony tail out and that caused a fit. She would not allow a barrette, so I had to start over. She ended up hysterical over the whole morning and with some up some down hair, which she was okay with!

Of course, she gets to school in a great mood! Really- a completely new child! :)

I do understand those terrible two's and cannot wait since she is almost 3! Ha ha ha ha ha.
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The Dangers of Water

We have had another incident of a child dying in a pool this weekend. A young boy, just 3 last week, was missing. The family found in him the bottom of a pool that was green. While we think out children are aware of the dangers of water, no matter how much we have told them, the danger is still there. Please pray for this family in their loss of Zane. Please pray over your children to guard them from the dangers of this world.

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Moms That Are Too Busy

I have been often told that I am too busy. I take a bit of offense when someone says that to me. I like to be involved in things with my church and my community. I like to be a part of my moms group and play Bunko once a month. I am also involved in a service organization.

For some, that may be too busy. For me, I can handle it.

A mom is only too busy if they have guilt over the types of things they are doing or they are greatly neglecting something that should be more predominant, like God, their spouse, their kids, their job, etc. If a " busy" woman can also balance life with everything else they do, then are they too busy?

And busy is all in the reference of the person. Some people prefer to not too anything beyond their household. Others prefer to have some outside activities.

A great idea from The Frazzled Female Bible study I am doing is to make a to-do-list every morning (or the night before is good too) and pray over it. Make sure God wants you to do all the things on the list and ask for God to help you get them done. First of all, writing anything down makes it more likely that you will do it. Second, you may be doing things that are not in God's plan for you. Sometimes, good works get in the way of other blessings. As a minister at my church says, don't do something you are not called to do because you are taking that away from someone that is called to do it.

Do this with your daily to do list and see if it changes your perspective on your day. Take out anything that causes you guilt about something else that you are missing. And enjoy your busyness, if you choose to be "busy."

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Work at Home Moms Health Insurance

If you are a work at home mom, or even a stay at home mom, you probably are struggling to choose about health insurance- it is expensive! When I started staying at home, my husband had insurance I could have been added to, for $300 a month! That is a lot on a teacher's salary! So I started investigating for a great policy that we could afford. I found a great site that allowed me to compare benefits and see how much I would pay. We do not get sick often, so I found a policy that had a higher deductible that paid for well baby (I think most in FL have to). It is better to have a high deductible that you can afford than not having any insurance. Even major medical is a better option. Just imagine the what if's and make your decision.

If you want to check out it out for yourself, use the free quote service of eHealth Insurance. Better safe than sorry later!
Need Health Insurance? FREE Instant Quotes!


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Valentine's Day

My husband and I have never been big proponets of Valentine's Day. My birthday is in January, my anniversary is in March, so Valentine's Day is just one more event in the middle. We do not hardly even buy cards for each other!

This year, though, we were both off from work- county fair days- we are teachers. Our children both had school Valentine's parties, so we took them to school, even though we normally keep them home when we are home.

We went to breakfast all by ourselves! What joy! We even got to go to the bookstore after.

What a wonderful day with the man I love!

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Burger King Side Salad?

I just ordered a BK side salad with my Whopper Jr. trying to make the good choice of not having fries or onion rings.

Now, the definition of salad is: a usually cold dish consisting of vegetables, as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, covered with a dressing and sometimes containing seafood, meat, or eggs.

What I got from BK was iceberg lettuce, two halves of thinly sliced tomatoes, and four baby carrots.

You wonder why people choose the fries!

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Ten Minutes to Total Fitness

Ten Minutes to Total Fitness

There are so many reasons to start your day with exercise we could fill up pages of information on the topic. Unfortunately, most people are overwhelmed and stressed and let days or even weeks go by without fitting in a workout. It is a sad picture of the American lifestyle. We are too busy to stay healthy to enjoy all of the perks we are working for. The lack of regular exercise leaves you feeling weak, fatigued and increases your health risks, not to mention the unwanted pounds that start creeping on.

Don’t let that stop you. Here are some simple solutions that will help you to fit fitness into your life. I know, at first an hour a day may seem too overwhelming. The reality may be that you don’t have that much time to spare. Let’s think about it a little differently. Simple little starts will pay off consistently over time. You can still stay in shape by doing the bare minimum. If you squeeze in a 10-minute workout every single morning, you’ll accrue the equivalent of more than three 20-minute workouts per week. And fitting in that extra 10-minutes of activity every day for a year will not only boost your health, but can lead to a 5-pound weight loss.

Kick-start your day with upper and lower body exercises.

Circuit Training is a great way to get started with little cost or expense. Your body, some good shoes and ten minutes are all you need to get started. We know that muscle burns more calories than fat, so make your ten minutes a day count by building fat burning muscle. Push ups are a great exercise for your chest back and arms. Squats and lunges are wonderful exercises that incorporate all of the muscles in your legs. Throw in some crunches to work your abdominal muscles and you have just given your self an entire body workout in 10 minutes.
• Perform one set of 20 repetitions for each muscle group, taking about one minute for each move and avoid pausing between exercises. Do this workout every day. Push ups and lunges are great ways to get started with out any extra weights or gym membership. The work both upper and lower muscle groups.
• On days when you have slightly more time, do two or three sets of the moves. Or get your heart rate up by marching or jogging in place for 30 seconds to 1 minute in between exercises.
• Modify this workout to match your fitness level. Adapt them as needed to make them easier or more challenging.
Before you know it, you will be craving the activity and gradually increase your time. Most of all let this article encourages you to get started right now. Take ten minutes and take control of your life and your fitness.

Amber Bishop is the co-founder of www.smartmoms-smartbusiness.com and www.smartmoms.freeforums.com ;online resources for work at home moms. She is also the owner of www.homeschool-diva.com She stays home and home schools her three children while building a successful home based business.

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It is Baby Shower Time!

I just finished my third baby shower for this weekend! One, yesterday, was for Smart Mom Kim. She lives two hours away from me, so I drove over to the shower, did some shopping, and came home. This morning at church, we had another- all I had to do was bring some food and a gift. This afternoon, I hosted a shower for my dear friend Kate. Loved it! I bought most of the food pre-made so it was super easy. My dear hubby helped vacuum and clean the house. Now the house (at least the visible parts) are clean, the showers are over, and it is back to work tomorrow.

Joy though, we have a four day weekend next weekend! :)

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Tips for Work at Home Moms

I am participating in the Smart Moms Tips for Work at Home Moms blog carnival.

I love working at home. Even though I also work outside the home, my internet businesses bring in a little income each month. It is so gratifying to see the progress I have made over the months with the Smart Moms.

My tip for work at home moms is to watch your time on the computer. It is easy to neglect housework, children, and a husband when you are having to accomplish so many things on the computer. Beware of your time and be sure it is not taking over your time with your family. Set business hours and stick to them! Be thankful for the opportunity to work from home and do not take the rest of the family for granite!

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Getting out of making dinner

Tonight, I called my friend to see if she and her husband wanted to run out to get something for dinner. Of course, she was prepared, and had already started dinner. Then, SHE INVITED US FOR DINNER! She had made meatloaf, which was more than the two of them eat. I brought the potatoes (Orida from the frozen section- buy one get one free the other day!), and we had dinner together!

This is why women like communes. To have someone make the dinner the nights you don't feel like cooking would put the fast food restaurants out of business!

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Clean Your Dishwasher- PLEASE!

I recently purchased Real Simple: Cleaning.. I decided to clean my dishwasher like it stated, with vinegar, and decided to add in some baking soda because I saw some gunk under the door. OH MY GOSH! I was disgusted by what emerged. Gross, gross, and gross! You would think a dishwasher that washes each and every day would be clean. But no, think again. Please clean your dishwasher!
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Miss American- Did they change reality?

I watched TLC's short reality show, Miss American: Reality Check for the past few weeks. I am a reality TV junkie, but I usually record it to my DVR and then quickly skim through all the commercials and unimportant conversations to decrease my time on these meaningless, but interesting, shows. The premise was they were going to change the face of Miss American for a younger crowd by changing the way they walk, look, and dress. They never even identified the women by name, which was strange. However, the ones they highlighted on the show that made the most transformation did not even win the Miss American pageant! The short clip provided from Yahoo shows that the woman selected, Miss Michigan, appears to look exactly like every other Miss America. So it makes you think, do the women that choose to change regret that they gave away everything they had learned and possibly threw out their chances at winning?

And my favorite was Miss Utah, Jill Stevens, former Army sergeant that served in Afghanistan. It is a little strange that she was even in the pageant- she is beautiful and funny, but very unlike the rest of those women. Go Jill! She was voted America's Choice in the pageant- I am not alone in my thinking!

Tips for Smart Shopping

Today on yahoo.com, one of the main stories was how stores get you to buy more than you think you are buying with special wording, product placement, and "sales". I think that this information is so prevalent for moms, since we try us best to get our money's worth. As a Smart Mom, I try hard to keep expenses at a minimum and be a smart shopper. For some of my ideas on smart internet shopping, visit the Smart Mom site for tips and details.

Thankful Tuesday's

Joining Betsy today, I am thankful also! I am thankful my husband did not burn down the house while I was at a meeting tonight. I left the plasticy cutting board on the stove, turned off, after dinner was cooked and ready to eat. He decided to make our son some pasta and turned on the wrong burner. According to his account, when he realized his error from the funny smell, he lifted the cutting board and there was actual fire under the board. Not to mention, the plastic component of the board was on the glass top stove. He is now committed to cleaning off the counters so I have a place to put the cutting board besides on the stove. And I will do my best! We would hate to have to lose the house over a request for pasta!

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Chewy Granola Bars

My friend Amber at Homeschool Diva gave me this recipe for chewy granola bars:
3 cups oats
1 cup flour
1 t. baking soda
2 t. vanilla
2/3 cup butter, softened
½ cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips or M&Ms
Optional: raisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, and baking soda. In another bowl, combine vanilla, butter, honey, and brown sugar; add to oat mixture and stir until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Lightly press mixture into the pan with the back of your spoon. Bake at 325 for 22 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

You can also mix molasses and the honey to give it a different taste. I used whole wheat flour too.

A nutritious healthful snack!

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Newberry Winners for 2008!

They announced the Newberry Award Winner for 2008...

I had recommended two Newberry considerations of the Honors Books previously- I have read The Wednesday Wars and Feathers and loved them! Here are the Honors winners:

I am amazed at the great literature that is emerging each and every year. Take the time to read these books and some other new fiction and non fiction for yourselves or with your children. You will not be disappointed.

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Christian Loan Matching Service

Christian Faith Financial is a online loan service that offers payday loans and cash advances. They want to help families with Christian financial assistance to get money for anything, vacations, bills, rent or emergencies. They have a simple application right on the main page of the site. Complete it, and they will match you to the loan that best suits your needs. They help the Christian way.

This time of year, some of us realize just how much we spent over the holidays. If you need help, this is a good place to start.

Happy early Birthday! A Kitchen Aid!

My husband got me a Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer for my birthday. I usually have a "no appliance" rule, but I did ask! I have not turned it on yet, but it looks great on my counter!

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A Great Idea for Vitamins!

This is not a paid advertisement, just great information. I found Vuru through a ezine I get daily. It is a vitamin and supplement company that packages daily packs of vitamins for you. You select from a variety of companies and products they have and they ship them to you in nice, pretty daily packs. So simple and so easy. I selected a women's formula, a brain formula to boost memory, a veggie type supplement, and a skin and hair supplement. In the morning, I open my pack with breakfast and take all of them at once. I don't have to sort my own in containers and I don't have to open one million bottles! And, they will all run out at the same time!

Love it! If you are interested in helping me out with referrals, leave your email in the comment section and I will send you a special invitation from Vuru- and if you choose to stock up, I will get $20- you know my moto- MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME!

Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt

Recycling For The New Year

One of our family's new year goals was to recycle more. We started with the newspaper a few months ago, but our county offers recycling for aluminum and plastic too. So we bought new bins for the garage and are recycling all three. It is amazing what we have been throwing away instead of recycling! The amount of plastics we use is astounding, from milk cartons, juice bottles, soda bottles, and water bottles. We are proud of our efforts and know we are now doing our part. The kids can even help to sort since the bins are easily accessible to each of them. It is a great goal for the new year and one we will stick with forever. It is amazing how buying some $7 bins can make such a difference in a household habit!

We are also making an effort to use less, like reusable grocery bags and less water bottles. Some things are hard to cut out, but over time, we should be successful!

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Potty Training Fun!

We are in the middle of potty training with our two year old. She definitely has caught on to going "pee-pee in the potty" quickly. She wears her panties proudly and runs around naked the rest of the time at home. At school, she is doing well, with a few accidents. She is not making it to the bathroom quick enough to get her clothes off! Having a first year preschool teacher that has a young child (that pretty much potty trained herself), but she has very little experience with the entire process. I think she sent my daughter to the bathroom, located in the same room, instead of taking her. Since my daughter cannot get her pants down fast on her own, it has been hit or miss. My new potty training tool- CROCS- if they have an accident, they clean right up! Not like the sneakers she wore the first day. Such a joy to experience with the end result being freedom from diapers- that will save about $30 a month! (FYI- I buy White Cloud diapers at Walmart- what a deal- 50 pull ups for $14.00- so much cheaper than Pampers.)

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BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH- will be the death of me!

For months, we have been battling with the Blue Screen of Death with Windows XP. I am not a computer tech, but I can find logical patterns in things. Anything I search on the internet for possible causes does come up, meaning that there are many things that have caused the BSOD! I have taken the computer to a computer repair shop, paid for a new power source to be installed (not the problem), returned when it blue screened again, they did not detect a problem. We brought it home, turned it on, and it did it again! Now, I think the problem is the wireless, since that keeps disabling, and have no idea how to fit it. My computer friend will be here tonight so I am going to share my insight with him. But what to do about a computer repair company that does not actually repair the problem $90 later!? Computers- got to have them, especially with an online business, but you have to hate them sometimes too!

If you have had the same problems, share them with me so I can appreciate the camaraderie of computer problems!

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Find Great Rates on Health Insurance

When I stayed at home, it was going to be very expensive to be added to my husband's company health insurance. I had to do some research, because you cannot be without health insurance! I read an article by Suzy Ormond that recommended FREE Health Insurance Price Comparisons for Individuals and Families. We started out with a lower deductible in mind, but with the price comparison, I was able to see what we needed and what we could afford with a company that had our doctor's on the plan. It is a smart idea to check with a company that can provide you with a large selection of health plans that allow you to compare online. If you are in need of health insurance, don't let another day go by without checking into the affordable options that are available.

eHealthInsurance - FREE Instant Quotes!

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Farewell 2007!

What a year! I began my journey with an online business, including this blog plus two more, my husband was in the hospital 5 times, I went back to work, and I have learned lots! This year has been full of successes, failures, and all learning experiences! I have not meet many of the goals I set back in the beginning of the year, but we cannot determine what God will give us. I am thankful for all I learned in business, in health, and as a mom. I know that 2008 will be a year of more experiences in all areas of my life and I thank God for them in advanced. Happy New Year! Pray that God will teach you some new things this coming year.
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt