The Benefits and Blessings of Friendship

I don't just mean friendships between children either. I wanted to take a minute to publicly thank a great friend and neighbor who has sacrificed (with a smile) her time and perhaps a bit of her sanity, driving me and my children around for the past week and a half.

We've had car trouble to the tune of nearly $1500 and whilst our (newly paid for) vehicle gets it's numerous repairs, my friend Jill has been a saint. I'm sure there's a special jewel waiting for her in heaven to be placed in the most beautiful of crowns designed especially for her!

She has three kids of her own... three young kids. I buy her a soda on our 2 hour jaunt, which is 2 hours because of the activities my kids are involved in. Two of her kids have an activity right in the middle of that time frame, so before and after their swimming lessons, she's out for us! I've given her some gas money too... but would like to do something more.

I'm thinking a dinner out would be nice, but what do my reader's recommend? What do you give to repay the kindness of a friend? An unselfish, totally giving, smiling friend who sincerely wants to help? I've been so blessed in more ways than I can count. Life is only good when we remember our treasures and from whom they come. Thank you Lord!


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Merging Two Families

Guest Blog by: Vick H.

Merging two families can be an exciting and challenging time. Not only are you starting a new chapter in your lives, you’re growing your family. To make the transition smooth, it’s important to take steps to make sure everyone gets along and establish ground rules.

Step-parenting
• Establish how you’ll parent the children before everyone moves in together: It’s important to have a unified front. Determine if you’ll want to hold family meetings; it can be a good way to keep issues from blowing out of proportion.
• Make sure you have medical care for the entire family should an emergency occur: There are many affordable California family health plans online. Each parent should sign a consent form authorizing medical treatment for all of the children.
• Talk, talk, talk: It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with each other and with your children. Biological parents should continue to make time for their own children, but also make time to get to know new stepchildren .

Family Life
• Let each child have their own space: Whether it’s a room of their own or a desk to study at, it’s important that everyone has some personal space.
• Use a family calendar: This is a great way to mark special occasions and events. Plus, you’ll never have to wonder where anyone is.
• Utilize support networks: Will you belong to a church or get the children involved in sports or social activities? Belonging to groups is a good way to start creating memories.


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Are We Living Disposable Lives? Author Litsa Bolontzakis' Take on the Matter

Are We Living Disposable Lives?

How Good Parents Can Give Their Children

Priceless Gifts That Don’t Cost a Penny

Litsa Bolontzakis thinks we’re all living disposable lives, and that our children deserve better.

According to the Family Online Safety Institute, young people spent an average of 6.5 hours with media on a daily basis – including TV, radio and the Internet – back in 2004. Today, that figure is up to 10.75 hours per day. Moreover, according to Fast Food Stats, more than 50,000,000 people in the U.S. rely on fast food each year. These are stats that worry Bolontzakis, author of the children’s book Summer: The Magic Blanket (www.hummingbirdpublications.com).

“We are a media-saturated, drive-through society, and it worries me that some kids never know what it is to go to a park, experience nature or just spend time with their parents that doesn’t involve being shuttled between school and soccer practice,” she said. “Time and money are the two resources most busy parents don’t have in abundance, but they operate on the mistaken belief that those elements are necessary to spend quality time with their children. It’s just not so.”

Bolontzakis believes that the best things in life we can offer our kids take little time, and cost nothing.

“I am blessed, because I had a near perfect childhood, despite the lack of perfect circumstances,” she said. “My parent’s were very simple people with limited means and life was hard like it is today for many families. My parents did their very best to make my life happy with simple things. They focused on the seasons of the year, and they used their imagination to make every season count by showing me how nature’s cycles relate to the lives we live. They didn’t need to take me to Disney World or fly me around the world to do it, and if they could do it, any parent can. It’s free.”

Her world as a child wasn’t cluttered with technology or the fast pace of life today. Instead, it was filled with lessons about how our lives are intertwined with nature.
“Nature has its cycles, just as people’s lives have theirs,” she added. “In nature, there is a time for the bringing of new life, as in the spring, and there is an autumn that sees it fade. There is a time for rest and renewal as taught to us by the animals that hibernate in the winter, as there is a time for abundance and growth in the summer. Our lives are tied directly to our planet, and each of the seasons we experience help teach us those lessons of love, generosity, patience and even forgiveness. We just need to be open to those lessons, and open our children’s minds to them, as well.”

Her message to parents is to take whatever time they can to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, leave the cell phones turned off and open their children’s eyes to a world that spun quite well on its axis long before any of those mediums existed – and will continue to spin well after they are all obsolete.

“You don’t have to travel the world to get away from it all,” she said. “Even in the most urban of areas, there are parks and zoos and bike trails that are all off the beaten path,” she said. “Sometimes it’s enough just to get outside, away from the video games and the computer, and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as you read a book under a shady tree. When I think about my childhood, I get a warm amazing feeling that includes, joy, contentment and freedom, and I want all children to have the same. Children don’t need more things, bigger things or better things. They need love and attention. They need to slow down and see the more important things that are all around.”

About Litsa Bolontzakis

Children’s book and cookbook author Litsa Bolontzakis is an expert on Greek cooking and that culture’s easy, simple way of life. Her desire is to help other families learn from her culture how to appreciate the simple things in life and grow to enjoy the seasons and the gifts they bring. 

This guest post was furnished by News and Experts

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Unique Gift Giving for Unique Loving People!

Do you love gifts that reek of clever, unique, and/or just plain weird? I'll be the first to admit that I do. Buying gifts can be a lot of fun, but not when you're faced with another boring department store that caters to "normal" people. lol Did I say that? I have some unique people in my close inner-circle of family and friends making a Geeky Gadget Website like Geek Alerts a much welcomed resource. It's also a great site to visit if you need to smile... or a good laugh.

I've been visiting this site for several weeks now and just about every time I check back I find something hysterical. Some of the products are unique and practical, others are unique and ridiculous. Some are unique and cute... like this Ogre cap. Makes me wish I'd mastered that crocheting hobby I was hoping to pick up, but since I haven't... I at least know where to find this cap should I need one! lol

I also found this light saber corn-on-the-cob holder... which my kids and husband would absolutely love. Once my kid have their braces removed and can eat corn-on-the- cob again, you know what they'll be getting in their Christmas stockings!

Not only does this site have a lot of fun and impractical (as well as practical gift ideas), it's also a great place to look for coupon codes. If you're planning a family vacation or a couples weekend get-away, be sure to visit Geek Alerts for Expedia coupons.

You'll also find Orbitz promotion codes in the mix. Be sure you look for coupon codes anytime you're making a purchase online. You might just find a great discount, flat monetary savings, or free shipping!

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Homeschooling Giveways from Across the Blogosphere

Here are my latest finds for homeschooling giveaways from the worldwide web! I've listed giveaways directly related to homeschooling along with a few that would benefit anyone... homeschooler or not! Some have deadlines approaching within the next day or two, so be sure to pay attention to the entry deadlines before submitting your entry. These are all random giveaways, hosted by other bloggers/websites and are in no way affiliated with or sponsored by The Homeschooling Blog:

• The Old Schoolhouse Planner Giveaway, retail value $39, deadline for entry is July 1, 2011, hosted by Hip Homeschool Moms
• Totally Tailored Reading Package (36 week personalized reading package for a child kindergarten through high school age), retail value $40, enter by July 1, 2011, winner drawn on July 2nd, found on: Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies
• Both Sides of the Barn Giveaway (includes planner, magazine subscription, and two books), retail value $70, deadline for entry is June 30, 2011, hosted by Home Educating Family Publishing 
• Already Compromised (a book about the state of Christian colleges), winner to be drawn June 29th (so hurry!), hosted by Homeschool Circus
• The Well Planned Day (homeschooling planner), retail value $24.95, deadline for entry July 15, 2011, hosted by My 2 Cents
• Imagination Station book giveaway, deadline for entry July 4th, 2011 (noon CDT), hosted by Guiding Light
• $50 Amazon.com, entry deadline July 11, 2011 (1 PM, PST), Sponsored by Southern Cali Saver
• $400 PayPal Cash (1 winner $300, runner-up $100), deadline for entry July 3, 2011 (12 PM EST), multiple sponsors, visit Family Friend Frugality

Have fun!

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Do You Picnic with Your Children?

Are you a picnicker? Picnicking is a fun activity that can be as simple or extravagant as you're wishing to get.

On the simpler side... a couple weeks ago I took my kids to a new park (new to us anyway) and we were thrilled to find a family of ducks swimming nearby. This particular park has a walking trail that wraps around a large lake. We started down the trail only to stop half way to find a mommy duck and her ducklings swimming toward us... likely hoping for a bite to eat.

The very next day we brought a sack lunch and ate with the ducks. Well... sort of. lol We brought a loaf of bread for them, and sandwiches for us. It was quite the picnic.... the wind was pretty brutal and we had to chase down our beverage cups and food wrappers multiple times before wrapping things up. It was all part of the fun though... or so we decided!

After finishing our meal we went looking for our friends from the day before and found them comfortably resting under a shady tree. Before they could get to us, about a dozen other birds found us first! A mix of Canadian Geese, ducks, sparrows and finches followed the trail of bread crumbs we'd began tossing into the water. When mommy and family started on their way towards us the other birds began trying to chase them away. lol The mother duck started hissing at the other birds and swam towards them with her beak open and ready for action. Believe it or not they all backed off so the babies could get a bite to eat! lol It only took a few bites and they were done. Small bellies I guess.

After the babies were full they swam to a large rock on the bank of the lake and we fed the other birds what was left of the bread. Everyone ate!

Since our multiple ventures to this park we have made plans for picnicking at other area parks. It's the perfect time of year too... not too hot, and the insects aren't in full numbers. In fact, I have yet to see even one mosquito! 

Picnicking with your children is an awesome and inexpensive activity that can also turn into a biology or nature lesson. Plan on what you'll study when you arrive at your location.. maybe plant or animal life, maybe you'll study the soil. You could even find a place to fish! If that's more your style.

As for the more elaborate types of picnicking... I've taken picnics with friends, but we usually don't sit on a blanket... more fun to find a shelter house and do the best job possible of pampering ourselves while there. You didn't know you could be pampered at a picnic? lol I think visiting Forman and Field will have you thinking quite differently! I'd love to plan an outing for the weekend and take along their Summer Weekender Hamper, which is filled with all sorts of delectable and ready to eat meats, salmon, bread, jam, and wine! Perfect girls weekend away! Wouldn't you agree? All that's missing is a cabin for the night with indoor plumbing. After all... we don't want to get to carried away. Right? lol

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Do You Allow Your Children to Watch Television News?

Let me start by admitting that I indeed am a news junkie. I could watch the news all day long if there were no one else in my home to consider. The topic of how much news is safe and appropriate to view in front of our children comes up from time to time, especially if I have it on when my husband is home.

I try to catch it in the morning to hear the weather forecast and for his sake... the traffic outlook. We live right off a busy interstate highway. One with it's fair share of accidents. So... it only makes sense to catch the local news before my husband heads out the door... and yet before and after the traffic update there are other stories he could do without hearing about.

It's hard to regulate (impossible really) when to watch the news, when you have children at home and you want to spare them from the ugliness of the world. I think some news is healthy, but would agree with my husband that too much worldly enlightenment is probably not a good thing at the tender ages of 8 and 10.

When my kids aren't home I crave International news, and sometimes even catch a bit of In Session (you know the court television station?). I also love shows on crime, forensics, and true life mysteries... murder mysteries, missing persons, unsolved crimes and the like. I don't watch those types of programs when the kids are around, but wonder at what age would it be ok? lol

What are your rules on television viewing at home and do you have the news on during the day? Do you worry about the crime aspect? Homicides, rape, and petty crimes riddle the news, whether you're watching local or national (at least that's true in our neck of the woods).

Tell me your story.

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Fashionable Laptop Bags at Mom Happy Prices!

A few months ago I went shopping for a new laptop bag for the newest addition to our technological family... a laptop I bought online on Cyber Monday at an amazing price! What I ended up with was a $20 sleeve, rather than a bag. I simply didn't like anything in my price range. Most of the girly bags I found were at least $60. Too rich for this mom's blood! So... what's a frugal mom to do, but convince herself that the dull-black sleeve was all I really needed, and that well... this way I could throw the protected notebook into any one of the multiple totes hanging in my basement. Ya well, I still want a bag! lol

Today I was thrilled to find a super-cute laptop bag for $19.99! For an additional $5, I can even have this bag monogrammed. Cute and affordable laptop cases with a personalized touch of a monogram and a 30-day money back guarantee is just too hard to pass up!

I found laptop cases on this site in all price ranges, but it looks like everything they sell is sold at discount from recommended retail. If you've had your eye on a certain style of bag, be sure to take a peak at Coolcomputerbags.com first... just to see what they can do for you!

Not sure what size bag you need to order? Coolcomputerbags.com even offers a video tutorial showing you how to appropriately measure your laptop insuring you order the right size. This will no doubt ease those fears of ordering online... especially if you monogram your bag! lol Know without doubt the bag you order will be the right fit for that laptop you aspire to carry in style!


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Houston Home

Guest post from: Steve Delaney

When I transferred to Houston, I wasn't really sure what to think. I had never even been to Texas before it was time for me to move and I was pretty sure the culture shock was going to do me in. I was right at first, and I had a hard enough time adjusting as it was to being in a new city but it's been a few months now and I'm really starting to get used to Houston. I actually bought a place on the outskirts of town which is amazing because I've never been a homeowner before. I've had a lot of fun decorating the place and outfitting it with things like a www.securitychoice.com security system and some really nice curtains that I found on the Pottery Barn website. I'm starting to really like living here, and I've made a lot of great friends since I've been in Texas. It knows where the next few years will take me, but I'm happy I made the biggest jump of my entire adult life!

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Wholesale Furniture Brokers Review... Save Money on Mattresses and More!

I've been looking for an affordable answer to a shot mattress in our master bedroom... the exact location where I find myself in pain morning after morning. At 39 I shouldn't feel like an old lady upon crawling out of bed... should I? And yet...  every morning that all too familiar ache in my right hip, knee and shoulder are there to greet me . After 10 years of turning our mattress over every 6 months and flipping from end to end, I'd love for that final flip to be out our bedroom window.

What a perfect opportunity for me to review one of  Wholesale Furniture Broker's awesome websites. They have multiple stores to shop from, but today I'm focusing on www.gowfb.com which focuses on sales to the United States. Wholesale Furniture Brokers is a Canadian company, but thankfully they do business with those of us down South! lol In fact, I have a recliner I'm expecting sometime over the next couple weeks. Can't wait! Just to clarify... I think we Americans can shop from most of their sites! lol This one just happens to be for us. :)

I have always wanted a memory foam mattress and I love what I'm seeing at Wholesale Furniture Brokers for a variety of reasons. The most important reason is the price. The Mattress I'm showing off below is selling for less than $500, down from $1199! What's more... do you see they're currently offering free shipping?

I love that this retailer is hip enough to use social media buttons so I can share my finds on Twitter and Facebook direct from their site... this will come in handy at Christmas time. lol I also appreciate that this product has a warranty! It should have a warranty, but it's great to see that yes... it has a warranty! Wholesale Furniture Brokers recognizes how essential it is for the shopper to see this in black and white... along with the product description.

If you'd like to check this mattress out firsthand from Wholesale Furniture Brokers, just click on the photo and wallah! There you'll be! In addition to other marvelous mattress options, you'll also find amazing furniture... bedroom sets for the entire family. Furniture is outside our budget today... but one day (hopefully soon) my dream is to have real furniture in my bedroom! lol We've been married almost 12 years and have never had a bed frame. I'm sure I'm not the only one! Still... it would be nice to have something made of wood wrapped around that new mattress I'm dreaming of dreaming on!

Finally... I'd just like to mention that Wholesale Furniture Brokers sells furniture for every room in your house... not just the bedroom. So whether it's a new dining room set your after, a new sofa and loveseat, perhaps a trendy recliner, or dresser for your growing toddler Wholesale Furniture Brokers is the place to go!

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Geek Alert... Shopping Made Easy for the Geek in your Life

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's of the world! If you're not a dad, but have one or are married to one... you're probably looking for Father's Day gift ideas right about now.  I've been stumped in June, year after year... trying to find something unique and special for two men that are very hard to shop for!

My dad loves new gadgets... anything that he can show off to his friends or play with... and it doesn't hurt if it makes some sort of noise (I'm not sure what that's about). When I stumbled onto Geek Alerts' website I was in gadget and unique gift-giving heaven. I'd love to gift my husband the shoes featured in this photo. He'd have a blast!

There are things on this site that I've never heard of, things most of us would never really need, but cool none the less. Sometimes gift giving isn't about what we need, or even want, it's about surprising someone we love with something crazy cool... something they never "knew" they wanted, like waterproof covers for  iPad's or Tramp-It Jump Shoes! lol

Now if you're shopping online for dad or hubby, please tell me you look for coupon codes before hitting that submit payment button? Let's say you're looking for a new computer, laptop, or iPad to go in that sleek new waterproof case you found at Geek Alerts... well, you'll also find  Apple Store promo code's on the Geek Alerts' website! In fact they have scads of promo codes on site for those of us who like to save moolah!

You'll also find ThinkGeek coupons at Geek Alerts' for things like free shipping and free bonus products on your purchases. Before shopping at ThinkGeek.com you'll definitely to check out Geek Alerts for coupons!

Ok... happy shopping and happy saving! While at Geek Alerts, take a look at the Bigfoot Tree Yeti Sculpture! teehee.... I kinda want it for the tree in my front yard, but I think my husband would shoot me!

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3-Way Street... Traffic at a Single Intersection in NYC

This is a crazy video. I was especially troubled by the number of racing bicycles through this NYC intersection and the movements of a single semi. Wow.

3-Way Street from ronconcocacola on Vimeo.

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Juggling Work, Family, and Homeschool! Jennifer's Story

Guest Post by Jennifer Hill

Homeschooling can really be a challenge; a worthwhile one, for sure, but a challenge all the same. Throw in five children and a full time job, and you have a task designed for Super Mom! I certainly don’t claim to be anything even close to a Super Mom, but this is my life.

Our children range from preschool on up to 10th grade. While this makes it interesting, as far as having such a wide variety of topics and subjects to teach, it also makes it more difficult to keep up with actual school work.

Just consider for example, the different math topics we have to cover…our preschooler is learning how to match numbers with the right collection of objects; our 6 year old is practicing addition and learning subtraction; our 8 year old is learning multi-digit multiplication; our 11 year old is learning fractions and decimals and our 15 year old is learning advanced Algebra.

Can you imagine how much we would need to spend to purchase curriculum for such a diverse mix of topics? And that’s only one subject! Honestly, with the price of curriculum we would have to be rich to be able to afford it for all 5 of our children. Luckily, we don’t have to; there are so many free homeschooling resources available, you just have to look for them.

If that were our only obstacle to homeschooling, that would be the end of my tale…
But, it’s not. As I said before, I work full time as well. Granted, I do work from home, but that doesn’t make it any easier to teach 5 children school, do housework AND get work done. With that said, I wanted to share a day in the life of our large family.

Even though I work full time, I still have to get a full 8 hours in every day. The best part is that I’m able to do these hours whenever I want; this is the best part to being a work at home mom! Usually what I do is work 3 hours early in the morning, from 6-9.

From 9:00 to around 1:00 or 2:00, I work with the children on school work, correct papers or run any errands that I have that day. I resume working until about 5:00, then it’s time to start dinner. Sometimes (depending on what I’m making) the kids help me cook, sometimes I let them play.

After dinner, I spend some time answering any questions about that day’s school work; it’s also time for the children to finish any assignments that they were unable to finish earlier that day. We spend time together until bedtime, talking, watching a movie, playing, or finishing chores that were neglected.
Once the kids go to bed, I finish up any work that I needed to finish for the day. If I’m lucky (which, quite honestly, I’m not usually…) I will have some free time to crochet, work on my scrapbooking, or edit some photos.

This schedule has been working great for me lately. I’ll be honest with you though, it took me about 2 years to come up with a schedule that works! I’m just glad I finally figured out how to get all of the stuff on my plate finished each day…it helps me feel like a more productive (and successful!) mom!
Read more about our family life on our large family blog. I look forward to seeing you there!


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Scrubs for the Family? Why Not?

A few years ago my husband and I purchased scrubs to wear to a Halloween party. We made ourselves fake doctor badges and purchased a couple cheap stethoscopes at a local pharmacy and it made for a pretty convincing costume. lol What I discovered that year was just how comfy medical scrubs were. Almost worth going into the medical field just for the uniform. Then again, why spend all that money going to medical or dental school when anyone can purchase scrubs? lol

My children's orthodontist's staff has the coolest dental office scrubs. Some days they're all wearing lime green scrubs, other days orange, sometimes they even wear hot pink. What really catches your eye is they all wear the same colors on the same days. We're talking super bold colors too! When we take the kids to get their braces adjusted I have to admit I find myself envying the staff uniforms. lol Is that weird? You can tell me if it is. I can handle it!

Have you ever considered buying scrubs to wear around the house... or even to sleep in? Have you considered buying scrubs for your kids? Did you even know you could buy scrubs for children? lol I just found them at http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/. Seriously cool! They sell scrubs for children... even babies!

If you have a doctor in the family, that could make for a pretty cool family photo. Dress everyone in scrubs! I can see it now! Seriously cool... don't you think?

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Joyful Homeschool Planner Giveaway

I just discovered brand new homeschooling blog sporting an awesome giveaway any homeschooling family would appreciate.

If you could use a homeschooling planner, visit Joyful Homeschool and get yourself entered!

This blog is exceptionally cute by the way! I wish I had the skill to make my blog pop like hers does!

Have fun & good luck!

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SUV's Make Family Life Easier

Our current vehicle has over 125,000 miles and it knows it's paid for. When we made that last loan payment this past October it wasn't even 60 days before it started falling apart. We've invested nearly $1,000 into the vehicle this year and now it has a gas leak! Are you kidding me?

Ok... so, the thought of a new vehicle (that doesn't smell like a filling station) has been on my mind lately and I'm thinking despite the cost of gasoline, an SUV is still the best solution for my family of 4. I can't tell you how often we haul things around... things like the neighbors kids, my friends, and extended family. lol That third row of seating is essential!

Making the decision even an easier sell to my husband is the Toyota Highlander's excellent price and fuel economy. I found a great Highlander at Toyota Huntington Beach. I really like the Highlander's size... it's not too big, not too small... just the right fit. Sorta like Cinderella and that perfect glass slipper!


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Good News, Bad News, & The Homeschooling Blog!

As my loyal readers likely already know, I'm not currently homeschooling, but that hasn't kept me from blogging about it. We talk all the time about when to bring either one or both kids (now 8 and 10) back home again. When the time is right, I'll be ready to play ball! lol I've told my son who has Asperger's Syndrome that I'm ready whenever he is. I've also shared with him that I'll be ready even if he isn't. lol I'm just not sure I want him in middle school... that's a post for another day.

In the meantime I took a day job last fall "outside the house" working of all places in the public school system where my kids are enrolled. Not the actual building, but the same district. We live in a thriving community of 34 elementary schools, so finding a job in the same building isn't all that easy to do! Until...

Yesterday one of my supervisors decided to move me to the same school building my children attend in August! It's really the next best situation to homeschooling given I'll be in the same building as the kids, getting to know the staff even better than I already have and I'll be that much closer should my special needs son require my attention... he missed 20 days of school last year.

So, that's the first bit of good news. The second bit of good news is also the bit of bad news. Confused? teehee? I'm just happy you're still reading... Ok... so I'll be in the same building, which is just under a mile from our home... we can walk if we need to it's so close, which means I'll save a lot on gasoline and man is my van ever a gas guzzler. With each location within the district, my position hours change. At my children's particular location my weekly hours will be 21.25 compared to the 27.5 hours I worked up until 2 weeks ago. Ouch. Yes, that's lost pay and that's going to hurt... however, I'll have more time to blog! WooHoo!

So, benefits to my employment situation are as follows:

• I'll be closer to my children... as in just down the hall. :) Or... just down the street if I've already left for the day.
• My son who gets frequent migraines and has chronic stomach problems will have me at his disposal should he need me. No more phone calls from the nurse from clear across town.
• I'll save on gasoline!
• I'll get to know the staff at my children's school a whole lot better.
• I'll have more time to blog! Meaning you'll hear more from me! lol

Downside:

• I'm making less money outside the home. Hopefully the time I have "at home" will be somewhat profitable. Since having taken the job last August I've lost a lot of momentum  (not to mention time to do laundry).

Ok... so get ready for more of Wendy! lol Hopefully in return, I'll get more of you!


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Summer Driving Made Safe... A Mom's Safety Checklist. My Top 10.

Millions of American families will be hitting the road this Summer seeking new and exciting adventures with kiddos in tow. Road trips can be a blast and there's no better excuse for creating those forever memories as you collect scads of photos to later paste into scrapbooks and post on Facebook walls.

Whilst we dream of what's to come... let's not forget to create a safety checklist for getting from point A to B and back again.

Today I'd like to share my very own mommy approved (by me of course) car safety checklist. Just a few things I've learned along the way... things you may already know, but what's the harm in a refresher course?

Before heading down the highway or taking the road less traveled, be sure you've checked all your boxes and leave nothing forgotten.

1. Service Those Engines! If you've not had your car service within the past 90 days... well shame on you! lol No, but seriously, if you've due to have your fluid levels checked, oil changed, and tires rotated and inflated, this would be the time to do so. This is probably a no brainer... yet it can easily be the case that in all the chaos of getting those bags packed and reservations made we simply don't remember to bother with the trip to the station.

2. Prepare for Flats! Be sure you have a usable spare tire in your trunk and know how to use it. I'd also recommend road flares and a flashlight or two.

3. Inspect Your Windshield. Check your windshield for cracks, nicks and breaks. Why is this a big issue? I mean other than the fact that it annoys you every time you remember the day the vehicle in front of you spit rocks at your vehicle? Did you know that your windshield accounts for 30% of the structural integrity of your vehicle? If you have a breach in the structural integrity of your vehicle and you have an accident... what does that mean for you and your children? If your windshield isn't all it should be, or if you have a windshield that it's improperly installed and your airbag deploys, that windshield could actually fail... in turn your airbag will not be able to do it's job. Turns out your airbag only works as intended if it has the windshield to brace against. Additionally, the roof of your car could fail if your windshield fails. If you lose your windshield with the deploying of your airbag and then your car rolls... well, we don't really have to go there, do we?

So, it's just a chip... right? A tiny chip created by a flying rock or pebble can extend into a crack without notice. I'd fair to guess this is even more likely to be the case in the heat of Summer when everything expands. If you have a chip or crack smaller than that of a dollar bill fixing that crack it is not only affordable, it can be done in your own driveway and in less than an hour. Seriously! With Safelite AutoGlass you'll even be able to view the profile (picture included) of the repair person assigned to your vehicle. Stranger danger anxiety unload! lol

I guess what I'd like to convey here is that it's actually a better idea to have a small crack or chip repaired now (before it extends past the length of a dollar bill) than wait until a new windshield is required. Two thoughts on this. A few years ago I watched a television news magazine who did a show on replacement windshields and how difficult they are to install without touching the adhesive that binds them to the frame of the car. If that adhesive is touched by human hands, they don't have the bond required to guarantee a secure fit. In other words... they have a high likelihood of failing. So let's not even go there... unless you're going to watch the service person replace your window and argue with them when you see them touch that adhesive!

The other thought.... a lot of insurance companies will pay for the quick fix method and not subject it to your deductible. Even if this turns out not to be the case for you, it's going to be a lot cheaper than paying the deductible for a new windshield.

Safelite AutoGlass® began with a single store in Wichita Kansas back in 1947. Being a Kansas girl myself, they're on my list of go to's for repairs. They're warrantied too... guaranteeing their work.


4. Have a Cell Phone Charger! You know the kind that sticks into your cigarette lighter? I can think of no better use for a cigarette lighter than a cell phone charger.


5. Borrow or Buy a GPS. After all... if you're traveling far from home, why not? They're awesome and even if you know your way... should there be detours, construction zones, flooded out bridges, bad weather, fighting children in the back seat causing you to miss an exit or take the wrong turn (ever been there?), you'll be thanking your lucky stars you have it on hand. Additionally, if you're in unfamiliar territory and need to find a hospital or a gas station... well, need I say more?


6. Share Your Itinerary & Map. Outline your route on a map and leave a copy with a close friend or relative. Have you ever watched the television series "I Shouldn't Be Alive"? If I've learned anything by watching that show, it's this... let someone know what road you're taking, where you're staying and what time you should be there! I know it's fun to wing it. Spontaneity can be fun, but if we're talking road safety... might want to save it for after you hit our destination.

7. Keep the Kids Happy! We bring portable DVD players, iPods, Nintendo DS's, and comfort essentials such as big pillows and warm blankets. If it's doable... let them wear their pj's and slippers. Stop frequently even if it means significantly increasing your travel time. Be sure they're able to get out and walk around every 90 minutes so they don't get stir crazy, crampy, or crabby.  Pack more snacks than you ever imagine needing too. You'll be glad you did when they get hungry and start asking for overpriced junk food at the gas station.


8. Feed Your Family! This may sound ridiculous, but when I was a kid we sometimes had to skip a meal to save time and money as we traveled across the Midwest to grandma's house. Can I just ask that you never do that? If you can't afford to feed your children a healthy meal as you travel, and at a reasonable time... on some sort of schedule, you might just want to just stay home. If you're hungry your blood sugar will drop and you'll become irritable and tired. You need to feed your body reasonably healthy food at meal time so you can remain alert while driving. If your kids are hungry... well, they're going to fight and maybe even whine! lol

9. Sleep! Never drive when you're overly tired. Again... I still have memories of my father slapping himself in the face to stay awake. Oh dear.


10. DON'T TEXT & DRIVE!! Please? A lot of you do this. I'm asking you to stop. Whether you're traveling with kids or not. Whether you're on a road trip or just driving to the mall. It could be my car you hit... it could be my son or daughter that pays for your mistake.

Ok... on a lighter note, have an awesome Summer, travel safely and take as many photos as those memory cards can hold!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”


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