The Young Messiah

The Young Messiah is not just a story about Jesus. It’s the story about Jesus and his family. Heading into this film the producers knew this was a fresh take on Jesus and the Holy family. The filmmakers quickly realized Mary and Joseph faced many of the same problems as parents today. As parents we are always face with difficult decisions on what's best for our children. Share with your readers a personal parenting story from your family of a difficult decision you made that was in your child's best interest. Share the importance of doing the right thing rather than the easy thing. The Young Messiah - IN THEATERS MARCH 11TH Watch the official Trailer Inspired by Scripture and rooted in history, this story imagines a year in the boyhood of Jesus. Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, The Young Messiah is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family. When the mystery of Jesus’ divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you? Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the extraordinary journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem – where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed. Follow The Young Messiah on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Stress

Well, I just got home from the grocery store. I'm not too happy because when I came out, my battery was dead! I stayed fairly calm, and I thanked God for sending 2 nice men to give my battery a jump. Now that I am home, all I want to do is go to bed, and it's not even night yet. What do you do to deal with stress?

New Ragu

I was happy to try the new Ragu. I received a free coupon from Crowdtap. I made spaghetti and meatballs, and my family loved it!

The taste was great and the marked price was good. Thanks Crowdtap and Ragu!

Keep Momming

Raising a child at any age is challenging, and when it comes to mothers and daughters, the dynamic can be even more complex. What some may dismiss as “typical tween girl behavior” can sometimes be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.

 

That’s why I’m pleased to be joining Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.

 

The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.

 

Check out Holly’s message about how she keeps momming http://goo.gl/MR8HL2, and don’t forget to visit KeepMomming.com.

 

 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Parent Webinar and Giveaway

Bright Horizons is getting ready to host their next FREE Parent Webinar on Wednesday, March 26th, 2014 at 3:00pm, EST on “Organization Tips For Busy Families: The Great Balancing Act”. 

In this webinar we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on getting your family organized!

To learn more, or to register, please visit: webinar link

Register to Win: The first 100 registrants will receive a complimentary 3-month subscription to The Six O’Clock Scramble. The Six O'Clock Scramble is an online family dinner planning service for busy parents that takes the Scramble out of 6:00 with a weekly dinner plan and grocery list delivered right to their email inbox or phone. One lucky GRAND PRIZE winner will receive a full year membership!

I registered myself, but this post was not compensated.

Free Kindle Beth Moore Books

Have you read any Beth Moore books?  I found several of them with free kindle versions.  Remember to check the price before buying. Amazon can change their price at any time.

Jesus, the One and Only

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds

To Live Is Christ

When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Finding Authentic Restoration in the Age of Seduction

Believing God

The Beloved Disciple

Believing God Day by Day: Growing Your Faith All Year Long

Things Pondered

Did you know you can read kindle books on other devices including your home computer?  Before I got a kindle, I got several free ebooks to read on my computer.  They were easy to add to my kindle also.

You can get a variety of free kindle reading apps.  Free kindle reading apps

I love books, and you can't beat free!
Enjoy!




 

Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great

 

 

The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great is the fourth book in the successful Mommy MD Guides book series. Our new book features more than 700 tips that 50 doctors who are also mothers use to slim down, shape up, fight fatigue, boost mood, look great, and live better!

Our books and website feature tips that doctors who are also mothers use for their own families. They're experts--squared! Our mission is to help moms raise healthier, happier families. 

My readers can save 25% on all of The Mommy MD Guides books at MommyMDGuides.com and receive a free gift- http://bigapplekidsguide.com/coupon.php?bid=11044&lid=13741&dealid=1121®ionid=3#

You can follow Mommy MD Guides on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

eMeals Slow Cooker Meal Plan

eMeals.com, the leading online meal planner,  has launched a new slow cooker meal plan to make your life even easier when it comes to getting meals on the table! Each slow cooker plan will include 7 crockpot dinners, with some timesaving “cook once, eat twice” favorites. They have both a Slow Cooker Classic plan full of tasty comfort food as well a groundbreaking Slow Cooker Clean Eating Plan that serves up quick, simple, and healthy meals. Right now, you can use discount code LUNCHFREE for a free lunch meal plan with the purchase of a dinner plan.

I have not tried the Slow Cooker meal plan yet, but I am looking forward to it.  By sharing I will receive a subscription for 3 months and be entered to win a $25 Target gift card.

Communicating with Your Teen

Raising a child doesn’t come with a book of instructions.  If it did, the task would be much easier.  Facing the teenage years with your son or daughter is not something most parents look forward to.  This article will help you take the experience one day at a time and learn how to bridge the communication gap.

As your child goes from toddler to youngster to tween to teenager, something in what you say gets lost in translation.  They can give you that blank stare as if the words that are coming out of your mouth sound like the unseen teacher in the Charlie Brown cartoons. 

It’s not easy to improve the communication bridges with a teen but it’s important to try to get through as these years and the choices they make now will have a vital impact on their future.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Watch your body language.  How you move says a lot about you.  When a person is tired, they tend to slump.  When angered, your jaw muscles tighten and your eyes narrow into slits.  Believe it or not, teenagers are good at interpreting body language.  Yours will betray you when you are talking to them.  Keep it open and honest.  Avoid sitting with your arms crossed, eyes looking away from them or squirming in your seat. 

2. Make eye contact.  When you don’t look at the person you are talking to it says that you are either hiding something or you are not at all interested in what they have to say.  Your teenager will shut down emotionally when they suspect that you are not “tuned in” to them.  Sit comfortably and give your teen undivided attention with consistent eye contact.  It lets them know that you care.

3. Keep your emotions in check.  Remember back to when you were a teenager.  Some of the things you said to your parents were aimed at freaking them out.  Teenagers will push your buttons if they can.  Don’t go overboard and get upset.  Their target is the situations they know make you mad.  Instead, take a deep breath and ignore the taunt.  Do the opposite of what they expect because really, they want you to see through their ploy and find out the real problem.

4. Ask them about their day.  This technique works with spouses also.  Even if your teen only grunts or says the obligatory, “It was okay,” ask anyway.  Your show of caring will go a long way to convince them that you are interested in the things that they do and how they feel.

5. Be honest with them.  If you don’t understand the situation they are talking about then say so.  Kids know when you are being insincere.  Discuss the situation until you get an idea of where they are coming from.  Your teen won’t mind explaining as long as they know you are listening.

6. Allow them their privacy.  This one is tricky and since you know your child better than anyone else, you can draw the line.  Teens value their time alone.  While the policy in your home may be that there are no locks on the doors, always show respect by knocking before entering.  If they don’t want to be pressed about a situation in school, wait until they are ready (if it’s not urgent) and then talk about it.

Parenting a teenager takes a tough skin, a willingness to be vulnerable and lots of love.  You will make mistakes but whatever you do, don’t ever stop talking.

I'm Back!!!

I must apologize for my absence. Since my sister passed away, I lost much of my motivation to blog.  I want to get back to it. So, here goes!

 

 

This is my sister, Karen, who is in Heaven now.  We miss you every day!

Homework Help for Busy Parents

Parents can help their kids start the year off right by establishing a homework routine. Designate a space that is quiet, well lit and free from distractions, and use that same spot every day.

Claire Haas, Vice President of Education for Kiddie Academy (www.kiddieacademy.com) also recommends creating a Homework Bin to make sure all needed materials are always ready. The homework bin avoids interruptions to the routine - there will be no excuse to wander off, looking for a pencil or marker.

How to Create a Homework Bin

1. Designate a specific basket or tote as the Homework Bin
2. Label the bin so everyone knows what it's for
3. Keep it handy, near the designated homework spot
4. When homework is done, return all materials to the bin each day
5. Resist temptation to use these materials for other crafts - keep it ready
6. Explain the concept to your family
7. Restock the bin as necessary

To download a list of recommended items for your homework bin, as well as more homework tips, parents can visit the Kiddie Academy Family Essentials blog at www.kafamilyessentials.com .

5 tips to preempt a first haircut meltdown

Taking your tot to the salon? 5 tips to preempt a first haircut meltdown

by Nicole Fonovich, co-creator of the "Luca Lashes" app / eBook series

Will your toddler get hysterical at the hair salon? There are plenty of reasons kids fear the haircuts: sharp scissors, the buzzing of the clipper, the huge cape, and that big metal chair, for starters. So many new sights and sounds at once, and baby's first haircut can quickly turn south.

Getting a haircut shouldn't be a scary "first"—it should be fun! These five pointers will help you avoid a salon meltdown, so your little one can enjoy him/herself —and the new "do" too!

1. Find a salon that caters to children.

Hair salons can be intimidating places for children. Thankfully, the hairstyle industry has grown with the times and helped parents by designing kid-friendly, family salons. Children can sit in fun seats with special designs, even in racecar-style chairs. Waiting rooms at family salons usually have children’s toys and books or even a children’s movie playing. Finding a family salon, rather than relying on your own personal hairstylist, will make your life easier when it comes time for the first cut.

2. Be prepared.

Going to a salon a day early, and just walking around with your child can be a great experience to help prepare for the first haircut. This way, your child gets a chance to see what the salon looks like, what tools are being used, and what the person who will cut their hair looks and acts like. Going along ahead of time with family friends or relatives on their positive hair cut experience can also really help! There is nothing like seeing other kids they look up to having fun!

3. There’s an app for that!

Take an extra step in prepping for the first cut—enlist the help of an app, like Luca Lashes and his First Haircut. In this app/eBook, kids join Luca and his mom as they learn about the hair salon, meet the stylist, and see all the tools used in getting a haircut. Let your child interact with each illustration to become familiar with the sights and sounds they soon will see!

4. Time it right.

All parents can sense their child is crabby. Whether anxious, overtired, or hungry, there are specific times of the day that can be the best times to have a new experience. Haircuts are events that can be planned with appointments; just be careful to plan the times appropriately so your child is, hopefully, on their best behavior.

5. Make new memories.

First haircuts are a major life event for both parents and children. Make sure to have a digital camera or smartphone ready to snap "before" and "after" pictures, so you can show your child how awesome the new haircut looks right away. Kids love seeing themselves on camera! Remember to keep that first lock of hair for your “memories” book.

As with all of your child's "firsts," ask them how they feel about the new experience both before and after. These moments are great times to soothe your child and share the feelings and excitement that all childhood discoveries bring.

Remember to have as much fun as you can and revel in these moments together, before you know it, they grow up.

Nicole & Damir Fonovich are co-creators of "Luca Lashes," an eBook and app series that turns “fear of firsts” into fun. The series is aimed at kids ages 0–4 and is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and soon, Chinese. The first app, Luca Lashes: The Brown Eyed Boy with the Magic Eyelashes, is free on iTunes, and the other apps can be downloaded for $1.99 at all major marketplaces and at www.LucaLashes.com. Nicole and Damir both have backgrounds in teaching, writing and publishing. Together, they have 17 years of experience in the education field, in both teaching and administration. They have a 3-year-old son and live Chicago

Knot Genie Coupon and Contest

Are you ready to join the thousands and thousands of mamas who no longer dread the hair brushing drama? Then The Knot Genie Detangling Brush is for you! The Knot Genie and Teeny Genie were created to not only to make brushing of even the most unruly hair effortless, but to create peace in households around the world at bath time. Their unique bristles act like little "fingers" gently untangling knots and tangles. The amazing Knot Genie magically gets rid of knots. Not to mention complaining. Today you can get $4 Off Coupon off the Knot Genie. Just click on the highlighted area.

With the introduction of four new Knot Genie colors in their limited edition Back to School Collection, they are also running a fun contest. The contest is called, the Knot Genie Back to School Morning Meltdown contest. If you’re a parent, you’ve probably experienced a foot stomping-shrieking-morning meltdown at that critical time when you’re trying to get your child off to school. Recount (if it’s not to painful) your worst meltdown and how you diffused the situation and enter your story in our contest. Ask your friends and family to vote for your entry and you could win $500.00. The first 50 people to enter will get great prizes just for participating.

I am to receive a Knot Genie for sharing this with my readers.

Win a Beefeater Discovery Plus 4 Burner

Win a Beefeater Discovery Plus 4 Burner with Black and Stainless Steel Hood Grill (ARV $799). Click here to enter.

Garbage Disposal Problems

Fixing disposal problems is actually a simple job, if you’re equipped with the right knowledge. Nonetheless, a lot of people are still scared on dealing with garbage disposal problems, which usually lead to freaking out and calling a professional to get some help. To save you from this dilemma, here are some do it yourself solutions for you garbage disposal problems.

Noise Problems
One common problem encountered with garbage disposals is that they may produce too much noise when used. You might hear some rattling or grinding sounds, every time you turn it on. If noises like these are present, it is probably caused by an object, possibly a metal which was unintentionally dropped down your disposal. Having this kind of problem unattended can cause damage to your disposal blades. To fix it, turn off the electrical power for that area of your house. Then, get a flashlight and a needle nosed pliers. Using these, look for an item which causes the noise. Once you find the item that simply doesn’t belong inside your disposal, and then pull it by using your pliers. After this, the noise should be gone and your disposal will do just fine.

When Nothing Happens
Another commonly experienced problem is when nothing happens when you turn on the disposal. Generally, if this is the case and you can’t hear even a single hum, it means that power isn’t getting into the disposal unit. It could be that you have to reset your unit or your circuit breaker is tripped. First, you should look beneath your sink and take a look at your unit. You should find a small red button placed somewhere on the bottom side. Press the button and hold it for a number of seconds. After pressing, try to use your unit again. It should start normally, as if it is brand new. If it doesn’t start, then you have to do another trick. Find your electrical panel and see if you have a tripped circuit breaker. Try to reset the breaker that is in charge for that area. After resetting, go back to your drainage unit and do the first step all over again. This should fix the problem. If nothing still happens, then it’s about time that you call a professional, because it can be a sign of a bigger overall problem.

Humming But Nothing
This is the last real possible problem that you can encounter with your disposal. Sometimes if you place wrong kinds of food in your unit, it gets jammed up. This can also happen if you put too much food down your disposal without running it. To fix this, turn off your unit’s the power and use pliers to reach into your unit and pull out whatever it is that is obstructing the blades and keeps it from spinning. After you have pulled the clog out, get an Allen wrench and use it to spin the blades manually. If the blades are now turning, then you are done with the problem. If it’s still not spinning, this means that there are still more that you should remove. Be sure that you remove everything out, so that you won’t encounter the same problem again in the near future. Once you got the blades spinning manually, try to turn on the power, reset your unit and see if it’s working. If it’s still humming, then check for more clogs. If you’re sure that there are no more obstructions and the problem is still there, then you’ve got the green light to call a professional.

Boycott

What are your thoughts?

Can You Help An Orphan?

Could you please help out one of my friends? (This is great for you too!)

Christine Steendahl “The Menu Mom”, is doing something special this summer. She is hosting an orphan from Ukraine for 5 weeks.  You can read all about it here:
www.themenumom.com/sergiy

She is doing this with a leap of faith, the problem is the financial cost is high.
To help her out, several friends have gathered together to run a “Fire Sale”.   Essentially they all donated products, combined them together and you can purchase them for one extremely low amazing price! The proceeds of the sale will help bring Sergiy to the U.S.

What’s included in the package?  Here’s What You Will Find:

From Christine – “The Menu Mom” - Kid Approved Meals
- Entertaining Made Easy
- Summer Fun Recipes
- Bread Machine Magic
- Christine's Favorite Forms & Checklists

From “Tech Based Training”
- Build Your Own Website with WordPress (a 2-day Web Class)

From Patti at “Remarkable Wrinklies”
- Memory Lane Meals - A Collection of Recipes Celebrating Cozy Meals From
Days Gone By

From "Just Add Sweat"
- How To Start a Recipe Blog fro Profit and Fun

From “The Hillbilly Housewife”
- Crockpot Cooking and Recipe Collection
- Summer Cooking
- Ice Cream and Other Frozen Treats

From Tracy at “Moms In A Blog”
- 30 Days To An Organized Home
- A Healthier You

From Angela at “Marketers Mojo”
- Gimp Graphics Mojo (a course on using Gimp to edit photos)

From Kelly at “Solo Smarts”
- Business Group Coaching

From Tawra and Jill at “Living On A Dime”
- Quick & Easy Menus on a Dime

Wow.... that's a lot of goodies for $15! (It’s a $482.62 Value to be
exact.) It's worth a look even if you own two or three of these products
already. Take a look at the page to learn more about each product.

FIRE SALE - 16 Great Products at an AMAZING Price (To Help Bring Sergiy to the U.S.)

But what I like best is that it is for a good cause. No matter how you can
help, either by buying the product bundle, making a small donation, or just
helping us spread the word about Sergiy's story and this sale, I appreciate
anything you can do.

This special "fire" sale will run through Tuesday May 22nd. Take a
look and see if there's something here you can use and help Christine and
Sergiy at the same time.

FIRE SALE - 16 Great Products at an AMAZING Price (To Help Bring Sergiy to the U.S.)

I posted my affiliate links, but please help even if you don't use my links.

Healthy Tips for a Longer Life

Source: BestHealthDegrees.com

UPrinting Family Business Cards Giveaway Deadline Extended.

There were very few entries on the UPrinting Family Business Cards Giveaway, so I extended the deadline until midnight on 5/3.  It is a good prize, so I want to make sure more people know about it. Good luck!