Inspiration from The Duggar Family

My friend at work was talking with me about this show she had watched. She was so intrigued by this family that she made me want to learn more myself.

I am referring to The Duggar Family. This couple in their early forites have 18 children. 18! They have a reality show on TLC and can be viewed a few times each week. Check your local listings.

My boyfriend and I went to their website and we read every word this couple wrote. The inspiration...the strength...the love...the positive attitude...the faith...the encouragement...came soaring off the computer screen.

I don't believe for one second we happened upon this family by accident. You see...my boyfriend being a full time single Dad with two young children was feeling very overwhelmed and having doubts. Doubts about his parenting... about life...questioning his routines and disciplinary actions. Questioning how he can get his children to do their homework, chores and develop better hygiene habits without the constant struggle.

After reading the information on their website, he instantly felt better.He realized he was doing the right things, but just needed to reinforce certain house rules. Maybe his approach can be somewhat different. The support I was giving to him was confirmed by reading the Duggar's website and it made us both feel better. Somehow we even felt closer and we discussed other topics that we hadn't before. I believe my boyfriend is the best Dad and am very proud of him. I admire him so greatly for the things he does.

When through reading the Duggar's website, we knew we just had to watch their show. We watched one episode and absorbed the lessons learned.

Through their TV show, they share their rock-solid faith and their overriding belief that "children are a blessing from God." They also share the family routines and guidelines they've learned through biblical study and trial and error -- ideas that can help make your home a place of peace, love, and support.

By viewing their website and TV show, you can receive lessons on:
debt-free living,Organizing systems for a clutter-free home,
Homeschooling methods and schedules,Training tips for little ones
Relationship builders for older children,
Favorite Duggar family resources, homemade laundry soap recipe, plus other recipes that go a long way.

By no means do you need to be deeply religious to receive these life lessons or encouragement or feel the inspiration. You just need an open heart. I have never before seen a family like this one. They have such strong values, the love and the faith that make them unique and very successful. We all should be so lucky! Not too many people truly believe or live their beliefs...

Something that really struck me were their House Guidelines. I've posted them below to share because more people should live by these words.

The House Guidelines
* Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.
* Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.
* Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
* Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
* Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
* Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
* Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
* Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
* Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. * Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.
* Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.
* Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain. * Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
* Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
* Never raise a hand to hit.
* Never raise a foot to kick.
* Never raise an object to throw.
* Never raise a voice to yell.
* Never raise an eye to scowl.
* Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
* Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
* Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
* Amendment J.O.Y. -
Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

If you need a dose of inspiration, encouragement, faith, love, support etc...please do check out their website and/or watch this show. You WILL be glad you did

There is Such a Thing as Short Term Insurance

Here is a true story that happened to me while being out on FMLA leave in October/November. Some of you know that I had back surgery in October. Due to a disagreement on the amount of FMLA leave I had left to use, my employer only gave me two weeks of covered time. This meant I had 4 weeks of uncovered time while I was home recuperating. I was taken off my medical insurance due to a reduction of hours and they offered me Cobra. Anyone who has dealt with Cobra knows the cost is quite high, so I opted out and decided to take a chance without insurance coverage. I knew I would be put back on medical insurance once I returned to work.

I just found out there is such a thing as Short Term Insurance. What I did by taking a chance was not the smartest decision, for you never know. I wouldn't suggest others follow my lead. You should always cover yourself and your family with medical insurance. Accidents and illness happens and when you least expect it. Medical care is quite expensive and the security of having medical insurance helps with costs.

MultiNational Underwriters at http://www.mnui.com/ offers the Amigo Short Term Medical Plan, which is temporary insurance in your time of need. I sure wish I had known about this earlier.

This company is a full service organization which offers many insurance products to address the needs of consumers worldwide: Short term travel insurance, US citizens and non citizens working or living abroad, International students Insurance are just a few examples. You can chat live with one of their representatives for more information or request a Free quote for short-term coverage.

If you are in a situation where you may find yourself without insurance such as unemployment or in transition from one job to another or if like me, you are offered Cobra for another reason, here is an opportunity to protect yourself. You may also need insurance if you travel, but your regular insurance cannot cover you or for students continuing their education abroad this company should be kept in mind.

Do You Know Your Family History?

As some of my followers know,the last 7 months were a bit tough for me. Being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and sick for several months and then in October having back surgery.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I was asked about my family's health history. I am fortunate that I do know my family's history and that helped doctors not only treat my health conditions, but make sure certain tests were administered properly and also look for potential health risks.

Do you know your families health history? If not, it truly is important to obtain this information if possible. Knowledge can be your best gift.

The holidays are right around the corner. Many of us spend time with our families to celebrate. Why not also use this time to learn about your family's history? Did you realize that certain health conditions or diseases can skip a generation? or show up from one generation to the next?

Having this discussion with your family will not only give you necessary information if you (or your children) ever need to manage your own health conditions, but you will also be sharing stories and memories. Spending Quality time with family...

A Smile For You

This morning when I was out doing some errands, I returned home with a feeling of contentment. I'm not sure what came over me, but all of a sudden I felt comfort. Maybe it was the smell of fall in the air... the leaves on the ground gave off a warm, sweet scent. It even brought back a memory of childhood when my father and I would rack all the leaves in a pile. He'd then give me that smile...the one I understood...it was okay for me to jump in the pile of leaves.

Have you ever just felt a sudden feeling that everything in your world is going the way it should, feeling contentment and comforted? If so, was there a memory attached to this feeling?

I pass along a smile to you
God's way of saying "SMILE"...

College Tuition Out of Control

I was at a family gathering last weekend and one thing that hasn't left my mind is a discussion that took place regarding college tuition.

Learning that my younger cousin is in debt $70,000 from college tuition just upset me. Here is someone that wanted to further his education and try to create a future for himself in a field he enjoys, but now has to start life with so much debt. I can't even imagine having that amount of debt hanging over me. He has to repay this debt at quite a substantial amount each month. How will he afford just 'living'?! buy a house or even a car?

To make matters worse, he isn't even working in the field he received his degree in. Jobs are hard to come by, especially now. Students coming right out of college are forced to take jobs that pay less or are finding it hard to even find employment.

How sad...of course this subject brought other topics to mind, but I will keep those opinions to myself.

I also wonder what will happen in years to come.How will our children be able to afford going to college? If the parents cannot afford to help with expenses, how will they do it?

The children that are just reaching high school age and for those already in their senior year and looking to
further their education...what will happen to them?

Are the teachers or professors getting a fair salary? I doubt it...who is getting all this money from college tuition?

These thoughts keep creeping in my mind...it is just so sad that our world is in this state...

Stretching Our Budget

I mentioned in my previous post how I am learning new ways to stretch my budget from watching talk shows.

Oprah had Cristina Ferrare on her show. She showed how by cooking 2 chickens, you can make three or more dinners, which means more meals for less money. These dinners could even be frozen after cooking, so it turns into not only a budget savings, but a time saver as well.

My son hates leftovers, but with these recipes, he won't realize I am using leftovers. These recipes looked so easy and delicious and I know I will be trying them myself. These are worth sharing.

So... you start by making 2 roasted chickens and use the leftovers for other dishes.

Roasted Chicken:
2 chickens , 4 1/2 to 5 pounds each
6 lemons
A poultry mix of fresh herbs: Rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley and oregano work well
Marinade for one chicken:
1 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup juice from fresh lemon (don't discard lemon rinds)
To make marinade: Place all ingredients in a nonreactive bowl. Whisk with a wire whisk until ingredients are incorporated well—the marinade should have a smooth and creamy consistency.

To make roasted chicken: Preheat oven to 425°.Clean chickens well and pat dry. Place each chicken in its own baking dish.Stuff cavities with lemon rinds and fresh herbs. A poultry mix is fine, usually consisting of rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley and oregano.Pour marinade over chicken. Add cracked pepper and remaining herbs to the top of each chicken.

Place an oven thermometer in each chicken and cover with aluminum foil. Place on the lower rack of the oven. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, then remove the aluminum foil. Baste with a basting bulb. Keep basting often, ever 15 minutes until the thermometer reads 180°.

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients
16 ounce bottle or can enchilada sauce
6 low-fat or fat-free tortillas
1 jar salsa
2 cans refried beans
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded sharp Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
1/4 cup kalamata olives , pitted
1 jalapeño , chopped and seeded
Roasted Chicken
Heat oven to 400°.

Pour the can of enchilada sauce into a pie dish. Dip tortillas in the sauce to soften them. On a cutting board, gently spread refried beans on one side of each tortilla. Add enough diced Roasted Chicken to cover the beans. Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add olives, chopped jalapeño and salsa (optional).

Roll up the tortillas and place seam-side down in a 9" x 13" baking dish. Blend the sour cream into the remaining enchilada sauce in the pie dish. Pour over enchiladas and sprinkle remaining cheese.

Cover and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.


Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust
Filling:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium Onion , chopped
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups chopped Roasted Chicken
1/2 cup frozen sweet petite peas
1 potato , diced and boiled
1 1/2 cup chopped, cooked carrots
1/2 tsp. salt
Cracked pepper
Dash of Tabasco® sauce

Crust:
3/4 cup white or yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. canola oil

To make filling: Preheat the oven to 400°. Spray a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 4 or 5 minutes. Add in flour until blended. Slowly stir in 2 cups of heated chicken stock, whisking well. Cook mixture over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 4 minutes. Stir in chicken, peas, potato, carrots, salt, pepper and Tabasco. Pour into a 2-quart casserole dish coated with cooking spray and cook until heated and thickened. Spread evently into an ovenproof dish.

To make crust: In a bowl, stir cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir milk, egg and canola oil until well combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Spoon the batter evenly on the filling. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 22 to 25 minutes.

Pesto with Farfalle Pasta with Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:
4 cups fresh basil leaves
4 cups Italian parsley springs
4 large cloves garlic
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/4 tsp. salt

Roasted Chicken Salad:
1 cup diced Roasted Chicken
1 cucumber , peeled, seeded and diced
2 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup roasted pine nuts
1/2 lemon , juiced
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 pound farfalle pasta
Handful pomegranate seeds

To prepare the pesto: Chop basil, parsley and garlic in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil and keep chopping. Add salt.

To prepare the chicken mixture and final dish: Place Roasted Chicken, cucumber, pine nuts, 1 Tbsp. of pesto and olives in a bowl and mix together. Cook pasta until al dente. Add 2 tablespoons of pesto to the pasta and mix well. Top off with 2 cups of mixed greens and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Add the chicken mixture to pasta and toss. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and pomegranate seeds

ENJOY! and let me know if you try these recipes.

If you have other budget saving tips, please do share.

Source: oprah.com

Juicing For Optimum Health

Drinking the juice of fresh fruit and vegetables has the power to protect us from disease and illness by strengthening our immune system. It stimulates our metabolism and keeps us 'clean' on the inside.

I published a squidoo lens that will provide all you need to know about juicing...you will learn how to obtain better health, review a dosage chart so you can see the amount of vitamins needed to keep our bodies healthy, which fruit and vegetable juice will help with any symptoms you are experiencing and much more.

Read my complete informational lens by going HERE

Click here to Learn how Acai Berry Juice will Improve Your Health & Recieve 20% off

Alternative Home Remedies

Here are some alternative remedies using household products you may not know about.

To remove ear mites in your cat’s ear, take a few drops of Wesson Corn oil and massage it into your cat’s ear. Using a cotton ball, clean out the ear. Repeat this for 3 days. The oil sooths the cat’s skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

To kill fleas on dogs…Add a few drops of Dawn Dish washing Liquid to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well.

To cure dog odor…Take Bounce or any other dryer sheet and wipe down the dog. This will make you pet smell fresh, especially when a pet comes in after being in the rain. This also helps keep the pet’s danger at bay to help with your allergies.

Drinking two glass of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately.

Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Altoid peppermints can help clear up a stuffy nose…clear sinuses

Relieve achy muscles: Mix 1 tablespoon horseradish in 1 cup olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Apply it as a massage oil for instant relief.

Help a sore throat by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with ¼ cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar will kill the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost immediately.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes: Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band aid over it. The honey will kill the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile and speeds healing.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus: Soak your toes in Listerine.

Eyeglass protection: to prevent the screws in the eyeglasses from becoming loose, apply a small drop of clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Vinegar will help heal bruises. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar will reduce the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

For fast pain relief mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup water in a bowl. Warm it up in a microwave for 1 minute. Cool slightly and apply the mixture to your hands for relief from arthritis

Do You Believe in Wives Tales?

The other day at work while a few of us were discussing a project, my left palm started to itch. I blurted out...ohhh, I'm going to get some money!

While a couple people looked at me like I was crazy, one person knew what I was referring to when I explained about my palm itching. An old wives tale...

I heard so many while growing up. Our conversation then turned to the tales we've heard. We are all from different backgrounds, lived in different states as kids and it was interesting and fun to hear the different tales we've heard from our parents. We laughed alot at some of the tales we were sharing...

Here's Some:

Drop a spoon off the table and you'll have a visitor

If you Knock over the salt shaker, you have to throw some salt over your left shoulder to ward off bad luck

If your Right palm itches, you'll have a visitor

If your Left palm itches, you'll receive money

If your nose itches, you'll get into a fight

When you hear ringing in your ear, someone is talking about you


What is a Wives Tale?

An old wives tale is said to be much like an urban legend. These tales are generally passed down from generation to generation. Such 'tales' usually consist of superstition, folklore or unverified claims with exaggerated and/or untrue details.

Most old wives' tales are false and are used to discourage unwanted behavior, usually in children.

Here are some tales from Wikipedia that parents might have used on their children. Have you heard any of these?

Handling a baby bird will cause it to be rejected by its parents. False. Most birds have such a limited sense of smell, they can't detect the scent of a human

Habitual knuckle-cracking causes arthritis. False.

Eating faster will make you fat. False

Chewing gum, if swallowed, remains inside your body for seven years. False. Chewing gum is excreted like any other undigested piece of food or stray object swallowed

If you make a face and the wind changes direction, your face will stay that way. False

If you touch a toad, you'll get warts. False

If you have a stye, you must have read or watched pornographic materials. False.

If you sneeze with your eyelids open, your eyes will pop out of their sockets. False

I have to admit, as silly as some of those are, my mom used a few of them on me.

While the subject of wives tales can be superstitious to some, others believe a few they've heard. Coincidence or not, I do really get money after my palm itches!

Well, this subject made us laugh and brought back some memories of our parents and growing up as a child. I hope you experienced the same.

Why don't you share some old wives tales you've heard while growing up. Please leave a comment...

New Breakthrough Using Women's Stem Cells

I was first introduced to the word 'stem cell' by known actor Anthony Herrera. I met him while working with Willie Nelson. Anthony and I chatted long about his illness and he being the first to ever have a stem cell transplant (his brother was the donor) many years ago, explained the whole procedure to me. This really opened my eyes to the use of stem cells and how valuable they really are. Without this transplant, Anthony may not have had the chance at life.

The subject of stem cells is one some are not comfortable with and it is a controversial subject. I happen to believe in the positive approach science is taking for the use of stem cells. Stem cells have helped so many facing serious illnesses.

Having said that, there has been a new breakthrough for women. As seen on CNNMoney , a company by the name of C'elle has been dedicated to research and technology regarding women and the use of stem cells. Women can now take control of their own lives. No one wants to even think about future illnesses. Whether it is their own or that of a loved one,but the reality is, illness can strike at any time. To be prepared and to help with a cure for serious illnesses, women can now look to their own bodies for the help needed. Future therapies of some serious diseases may be found in women's stem cells by way of menstrual blood.

C’elle has come up with a way for women to use a non-invasive collection process in the privacy of their own home. The menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future.

See below a press release from C'elle. This is something every women should look into and may be important one day in the future.
***

Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com.

Happy Father's Day

The memories of my dear Father, instead of the agony I once felt, are now sad sweet feelings in my heart...

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it ... Dad

~~Author Unknown.~~

Reading To Your Children

Reading to your children is a wonderful way to create a bond. It promotes not only learning, but expands their minds and imagination. Reading helps promote communication skills and the more your read to them, the more you are encouraging them to love reading. This is the best start you can give them.

My niece loves books. She can't seem to get enough. We all have been reading to her since she was an infant and that is probably why she loves books so much. I buy her a book every time I know I'll be seeing her. When she sees the book, she gets all excited... immediately sits down and waits for me to read it to her.

Leketha Marie Johnson wrote a wonderful book called Sunny's Adventures. Sunny is a little girl that loves to solves mysteries. This requires thinking on her part and she has to solve the clues she finds along the way.

As you read this book to your child, he or she must use their own minds as they listen to the story. It also gives them the opportunity to try and solve problems. Sunny also teaches how to help others because she needs to help find a lost puppy, a turtle, a stolen pie and other missing items.

Choosing books that teaches a life lesson is so valuable to your child. You will be helping them fulfil their potential. Reading is also a great way to give your pre-school aged child a head start.

Leketha Marie Johnson has a great website dedicated to Sunny's Adventures at www.sunnysadventures.com
For parents and for teachers, she offers many resources on her Home page. You can download a free Sunny's Adventures coloring book or decide to implement the educational activities she provides. She also offers a newsletter you can register to receive.

Buy The Book and read the best children's mystery book to your child.

Teenagers Who Bully

I have trouble comprehending the ways some of our children are behaving. We've been hearing alot about and seeing youtube videos of kids bullying others.

What is happening to the minds of our youth? What posses them to do this to one another?

Just this morning I heard about the teenager being charged with the death of another due to the taunting caused by way of a fake myspace page. The accused set up this fake 'boy' myspace page and repeatedly contacted the girl and bullied her...literally to death.

The accused caused so much pain to this other teenager. It boggles my mind that the accused actually carefully thought out and planned this torture. The other girl was under such pressure, was depressed and was experiencing emotional harm...in the end, she hung herself! I can't fathom this... Now children are dealing with cyber-bullying too?

Think of the families...not only for the family who lost their young child, but the family of the accused.

It is said that one student in 10 is bullied at least once a week. Bullying can either be physical, verbal or emotional (shunning, spreading nasty gossip). It is deliberate and hurtful behavior to another.

If you are a parent with young children, please read below the warning signs that a child is being bullied, according to About.com,

* Comes home with torn, damaged, or missing pieces of clothing, books, or other belongings
* Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and scratches
* Has few, if any friends, with whom he or she spends time with
* Seems afraid of going to school, walking to and from school, riding the school bus, or taking part in organized activities with peers (such as clubs)
* Takes a long, “illogical” route when walking to or from school
* Has lost interest in school work or suddenly begins to do poorly in school
* Appears sad, moody, teary, or depressed when he or she comes home
* Complains frequently of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments
* Has trouble sleeping or has frequent bad dreams
* Experiences a loss of appetite
* Appears anxious and/or suffers from low self-esteem

Bullying should not be a normal part of growing up...

Planning a Vacation This Summer?

I know many people look forward to the summer months when the kids are out of school to plan their vacation.

I remember way back when, taking my son to Orlando to experience the wonder of Disney World.
What a wonderful time and the memories are still fresh. Seeing Disney through the eyes of my son when he was young, brought a new dimension to the trip. The best memory was when he was feeding the dolphins at Sea World. The look on his face was priceless. He just couldn't believe he was that close and actually touching a dolphin. He just kept looking at us with this look of amazement. We literally had to drag him away when it was time to go.

This year I won't be taking a vacation due to the time off I have had due to illness, but since I live so close to New York, there are so many Things to do in New York City. I can escape to New York and go see a play, take a tour, visits museums and art galleries, go to Rockefeller Center, eat at fabulous restaurants, visit the Statue of Liberty (which I have never done) or even take a relaxing lunch or dinner cruise.

Trusted Tours & Attractions may be able to help you with ideas about where to take your vacation this summer and things you can do. On their site they provide reviews of tours, so you can make the best decisions and make the most of your trip. Take a look at their top picks because that might also help in making a decision on where to go.

They offer discounted tickets to the best sightseeing tours in 23 cities across the United States, which will save you some money.

Trusted Tours & Attractions also provide a 100% guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any of their tours, you can contact their customer service department and receive a full refund. Can't beat that...

Visit TrustedTours.com and you can have the chance to win a $150 itunes gift card by signing up for their newsletter. The contest ends May 31 2008.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is a truly beautiful piece. I received this in an email with no mention of who actually wrote it.

For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom,
this is beautiful. For those of us who aren't, this is
even more beautiful. For those who are moms, you'll love this.
Happy Mother's Day

MOTHER

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. 'Is
this the long way?' she asked. And the guide said: 'Yes, and the way is hard
And you will be old before you reach the end of it.. But
the end will be b e tter than the beginning.'

But the young mother was happy, and she would not
believe that anything could be better than these years. So she
played with her children, and gathered flowers for
them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; and
the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried,
'Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.'

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was
dark, and the chil dren shook with fear and cold, and the mother
drew them close and covered them with her mantle, and the children said,
'Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.'

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and
the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary.
But at all times she said to the children,' A little patience and we are there.'
So the children climbed, and when they reached the top
they said, 'Mother, we would not have done it without you.'

And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up
at the stars and said, 'This is a better day than the last, for my
children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage.
Today, I've given them strength.'

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened
the earth, clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped
and stumbled, and the mother said: 'Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.
' And the children looked and saw above the clouds
an everlasting glory, and it guided them beyond the
darkne ss. And that night the Mother said,
'This is the best day of all, for
I have shown my children God.'

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months and
the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong, and walked with
courage. And when the way was rough, they lifted her,
for she was as light as a feather; and at last they came to a hill,
and beyond they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said, 'I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end
is better than the beginning, for my children can
walk alone, and their children after them.'

And the children said, 'You will always walk with us,
Mother, even when you have gone through the gates.'
And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates
closed after her. And they said: 'We cannot see her
but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. S he
is a living presence.......'

Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper
of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the smell of bleach
in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand
on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives
inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop.
She's the place you came from, your first home; and
she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love
and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can
separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

A Scientific Way to Name Your Baby?

A friend of mine was telling me that she saw this ad on TV about a company called TheRightBabyName.Com . It explains there is a scientific way to name your baby.

I have posted before about the names parents have given their children. Some are outrageous.

The Right Baby Name explains there is statistical data on a name's "uniqueness", "goodwill", and "fit". Uniqueness refers to a name's memorability and frequency. Goodwill refers to general public perception of a name's class, economic, and educational implications. The fit of a name refers to how a name matches your family, ethnicity, and religion. There is also some data on the association of names with celebrities, Ivy Leaguers, academics and professional success.

I was so curious that I checked out The Right Baby Name and found all sorts of tools and information for expecting parents. They give you name comparison, name recommendations, name meanings, a name poll and a name type analysis.

Back in the day when I was pregnant, I will admit to buying a baby name book and looking up the meanings on some names. I realize now a days, people give this much more thought.

The Right Baby Name also offers other useful links for expectant mothers on pregnancy and specials off on maternity wear. You'll find links for what to expect while expecting, understanding your baby and free products and samples.

So, if you are expecting, this might be a great site for you to check out and learn how to name your baby the scientific way.

TheRightBabyName.Com...Register For Free Trial Today!

Confused by Insurance Options?

When it comes to insurance, there are so many options. You can insure just about anything these days. People often think that it's better to be safe than sorry, but sometimes end up spending more money than they should on coverage they don't really need. If you own a business, there are options for Business Insurance as well.

You should cover the big risks in your life. Those being your life, your health, your home and your car if you have one.

You can save money on insurance. Shopping around for the best deal is one good way. Companies also give discounts to customers who buy more than one type of coverage from them. Raising your deductible will lower your insurance monthly payment. You should make sure that you have coverage that's both comprehensive and covers catastrophic events that would cause hardship, such as the death of a spouse.

According to Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, there are common types of insurance that he and other experts believe people should avoid:

Life insurance for children- Losing a child, may be the hardest and toughest experience a parent can go through, but the experience does not lead to economic hardship. I would think you do not rely on your children to provide income for your survival.

Cancer insurance- This policy does cover one risk, but it is better to just have good insurance. Death comes in various ways...why pay for protection just for cancer?

Accidental death- Again, this is covering a risk, but having a good policy will be adequate. Unless, you are in a dangerous profession.

Travel insurance- This coverage would only be useful if you are aware of a serious illness or if you would not be able to reschedule.

Whole life insurance- Term insurance provides an investment option that might be a better choice. If you have a spouse working from home, make sure they are also covered due to their death causing a financial hardship.

Insurance against inconveniences- Are they really worth paying monthly for? Would it be the end of the world? Probably not...

Identity theft-Reguarly check your credit report, which can be done for free. Take precautionary steps to avoid someone being able to access your personal information.

Insuring your clunker- It doesn't make sense to have full insurance coverage on an old car unless of course it is a classic and worth a lot of money. If your old car gets totaled in an accident, you will only receive the value regardless. Would your monthly payments over the years exceed the value?

Extended warranties- Quality purchases should not fail while under warranty

Payment protection insurance- You pay a lot of money each month for this protection. This coverage pays your credit card or mortgage payments in case of illness or job loss, but what you have already and will continue to pay be more than having made sure you had just saved enough for a 'rainy day'?

If you own one of the above policies, you may want to reconsider. Is this policy truly necessary in protecting you from a financial hardship? If it isn't, why throw your hard earned money toward a monthly expense?

Before I Was a Mom

Before I was a Mom~
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a
baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom~
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom~
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom~
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.


I believe this holds true for...Before I Was a Dad also...Isn't it just amazing how a bond is formed immediately with your newborn? How you feel this tremendous amount of love as soon as you look into your babies eyes...it's just an awesome feeling

Do Parents Need a License?

I was recalling a past experience when I worked for a couple with two children (aged 3 months/5 yrs). It seems this professional couple was not equipped, mentally or physically to care for their children. They employed a live in nanny and also needed an extra pair of hands in the evenings to provide the care necessary.

Customers of the auto dealership I was working at the time, they took a liking to me. The Mrs. practically begged me to help her out with the kids in the evenings. Thinking what the heck, I agreed. I guess I felt bad that this couple, although professional career oriented people did not have the life skills or the parental instinct to care for their children.

Either they were never home or just did not know how to do things. Simple things… like get dinner ready, go food shopping, dress the kids, bath the kids, help with their homework and wash clothes. I never saw them discipline or teach the kids any life lessons. It was not because they didn’t have the time. They purposely had other people in their home, so they didn’t have to be. There were no hugs, no I love you’s,no touching. No quality. It was all rather cold.

The nanny and I became close friends. Actually she was like the sister I never had. We worked together for several years. The environment I observed was not one I considered healthy for the kids, but I didn’t want to quit this ‘job’ for the children’s sake. We were providing the nurturing they needed. Eventually I did leave because it started to interfere with my life. The kids are now 14 and 8. We are all still in contact, but unfortunately the atmosphere they are still living in has not improved. This is now reflected in their behaviors.

I always pondered why some women just don’t have that motherly instinct. Or a father doesn't know how to be a Dad. How some people just don’t have life skills ?

Is this something we are taught or something we are just born with?

Now, don't get me wrong. I am totally for parents making the decision to work outside the home and having day care. If you can afford a nanny for your children...go for it. I was a single mother, so I know.

But, it does amaze me when I see people with children who clearly do not want them or do not have the life skills to care for them, nor process any parental instinct. Did they just live the life they thought they should? Their goal being to get married and have kids. It seems to me that the children are the ones who suffer.

It seems we all need a license for something. To drive, to operate a business, to get married, to perform services such as manicures, a hairdresser, electrician, plumber etc…

The most important and hardest job we can have is to be a parent. Maybe we should all be required to obtain a license before having children…

Child Abuse in a Public Place

Ok, so I truly wanted to stay away from the stores yesterday, Black Friday. I don't know what it is about that day that makes people 'crazy', but it does. I had no choice but to go into a store and I witnessed something that made me sad and upset.

It instantly brought a memory of many, many years ago when I was a teenager. My Nana and I were in line at the grocery store. While standing there, this woman with a small child in the shopping cart started beating him in the head...hitting him over and over. While everyone around just gasped and stared, my Nana (who I miss so much) went over and tapped this woman on the shoulder.She began talking to her, which diverted her attention away from the boy. Then she began talking to the child. As the situation grew more calm and the woman was at ease, my Nana boldly asked this woman why she was hitting her child in the head. It turned out that he wanted 'candy' and the woman lost her patience. In the end, this stranger hugged my Nana and thanked her. I was never more proud of my Nana then on that day.

That memory allowed me to do the same thing yesterday. I couldn't watch as this woman was physically hurting her daughter. The innocent look on this girls face, looking up at her mother. It saddened me and to think what might go on behind closed doors. At least I diverted the woman and the little girl for a time.

Did my Nana and I do the right thing? I think so...maybe, just maybe it sparked something in these people to think twice before 'loosing it'.

Thinking a child might need or deserve a 'tap' on the hand on occasion is one thing, but to do physical harm is another story. I worked in a private day care for children aged 2-10 for 9 years. I witnessed first hand child abuse. It is gut wrenching. I attended child abuse seminars to enable me to handle and deal with situations. The memory of my Nana is what came to mind this time.

What would you do if you saw a parent loosing control and hurting a child while out in public?

Starting a conversation to divert their attention away from their action is a good start. Saying something negative may only cause the adult to get angrier and make things worse. Saying something positive or complementary about the child's eyes or clothes will change the mood.

If you saw a child alone and unattended in a shopping cart, would you take the time to stand near by until the parent returns?

Our time and small actions when seeing a child in possible danger is all it takes to help.