My Life as a Mother and Single Parent

Late Night or Overnight Work At Home Jobs?

2010-01-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

This post is a little off topic and really more of a plea for help:-)

For the work at home people, I was wondering if anyone knew of any call centers or work at home jobs that are open or available 24/7? I am trying to find a late night or overnight job. I'd like to find something that pays at least minimum wage. Any help would be appreciated!

Increase breastmilk

2009-12-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

Many moms wonder how to increase breastmilk supply when breastfeeding. It's amazing how many truly need help in making enough breastmilk and improving their breastmilk supply.

Many times these same moms never get the answers they are looking for. They are told repeatedly to simply breastfeed more or pump more. I know from experience! For the moms that are already breastfeeding or pumping as often as possible, these words can be frustrating to hear.

Breastmilk supply doesn't just drop overnight. If you've been skipping a breastfeeding or pumping, it generally isn't going to show immediately. Once your milk supply has dropped though, it does take work to get it back up.

To improve breastmilk supply, it takes patience, time, and dedication. You have to be dedicated to doing the work to increase your supply and keep it up there.

You can also use herbs to help improve your milk supply during those times. I've heard many, many breastfeeding moms talk about herbs that helped increase their supply.

Preferably, you are going to want herbs that are known to help with milk supply. You will want something that is affordable as well. For herbs to be effective, you have to take them in larger amounts.

Breastea is a great tea to try if you are working towards improving and increasing breastmilk supply. Each tea bag makes one gallon of tea. Before going to breastfeed baby, just pour yourself a glass and sip on it while breastfeeding. It's so much easier then having to make a cup every single time. Not to mention, a lot cheaper.

Breastea doesn't just have one herb, but 4 that are recommended by moms for moms with low milk supply.

Back in the days before medicine, herbs were all people had. So they figured out which herbs work for which problems, and I'm amazed at how accurate they generally are. I've used herbs for different problems over time, and I have had great success with them.

With that being said, I think that herbs should be the first thing a breastfeeding mom tries if experiencing milk supply problems.

When you are making more breastmilk, breastmilk storage is pretty easy these days. Just go by your local Wal-Mart and pick up breastmilk storage bags. You can then put your extra pumped out breastmilk into the storage bags and freeze them. This makes it so easy, especially if you work and need to leave breastmilk with the sitter.

So if you are experiencing low milk supply and want to improve it, first check and see how often you are actually breastfeeding or pumping. Order Breastea. If you see that you need to breastfeed or pump more often, you can get your schedule down pat while waiting for the Breastea to arrive. After you get it, make sure you are breastfeeding or pumping enough and start drinking the tea as well. Remember, it takes time, patience, and dedication to get your milk supply back up.

Also remember that not every herbal product works for every person. We all have different body chemistries. Some herbs will work for one person and some will work for another.

For example, if you have already tried fenugreek seeds to improve milk supply and it didn't help, don't assume that nothing herbal or natural will. I know that I almost made that mistake. I had taken fenugreek seeds with no results. So that almost made me not try other herbal products for low milk supply.

I had also tried all the old fashioned remedies for it as well. Although some moms swore by oatmeal, I didn't see an increase in my milk supply at all. That didn't mean it doesn't work, it just meant it wasn't the right thing I needed.

You will see and hear a ton of recommendations for different ways to increase your milk supply. It will probably be a trial and error process for you until you get the right product to improve your milk supply. The important thing is not to give up! Be patient and eventually you will be able to get your milk supply at the place where you need it to be.

Victims of Mom's Boyfriend in Mount Vernon

2009-12-02T12:16:00.000-08:00

Turn on the news and daily you are going to see reports of yet another "mom's boyfriend" that is abusing her children.

Divorce is at all time highs, but is loneliness a excuse to put your child/children at the risk of being physically/sexually abused?

WAKE UP single moms. I can't believe that so many moms put their children at risk just so they can have a sex life.

So starts the story of 3 victims of mom's boyfriend in Mt Vernon, IL.

Edward Oats Sr., 50, was charged March 11, 2003, with six counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, involving three different children (2 girls and 1 boy) over two years. Apparently during this two years the mother just never happened to notice that something wasn't right? Yeah, OK.

The scariest thing of all? This man has been free since 2003. He's just now going into trial court. So a child molestor walked the streets of Mount Vernon, IL for over 6 years now.

They way it came out back then was the youngest victim, a 9 year old girl, told her substitue teacher, quote, "My mother's boyfriend had sex with me. He came last night and he'll be back tonight and I'm sick of it." I can't imagine the silent hell these children had to live in for those two years, and it just breaks my heart.

Where was the mother when this sexual abuse was occuring in her own bedroom?

During the time while this sexual abuse was going on, this man Oats was a Lieutenant at Big Muddy Correctional Center. So he was a prison guard with a good, steady job. This just goes to show people that just because someone has a good job doesn't make them a good person. I don't care what kind of job they have or how in love mom is with the man, it doesn't mean they are safe to be around your children.

All 3 children were under the age of 13 when this sexual abuse was going on. Six years has passed, but these kids will remember this kind of hell their entire lives.

Until people realize that this is a big problem, nothing is going to change. As more mothers find themselves single each year, they have to have the common sense not to just expose their children to just anyone. This is not just an isolated story. We are hearing these stories daily.

If you know a single mom that doesn't seem to realize the hazards of things like this, please talk to them. Moms need to know what is going on with their kids. Tell them to check up on them. Don't just go off and leave your kids with your new boyfriend or husband. There have been some women to spend 20 years with someone just to find out that they have a history of sexual abuse. Moms have to be in tune with their kids and always keep the lines of communication open. Kids need to know that they can tell their mom anything without having to be scared of punishment. And they need to know that mom is going to believe them.

If more singles take a stand in actively protecting their children, it would make a huge difference.

UPDATE* Tonight, December 3, at 8:30 PM the jury returned their verdict against Edward Oates, Sr. Oates as Guilty. He was found guilty of four out of the five counts. Please keep these children in your prayers.

Matters That Urgently Need YOUR Support

2009-12-01T13:33:00.000-08:00

I'm really amazed at some of the bills that are advancing in the Senate. Two of these really stuck out, and I hope you will show your support in these matters. As Americans, we can't allow our simple freedoms to be taken away. It seems that there is a rule or regulation for every single little thing, and it just seems tobe getting out of hand. Please see the following issues. You can show your support in not allowing these to go through by simply visiting the link. You will then be asked to enter your name, email address, and regular postal address. After that, it's sent directly on to your local Senate.

Issue 1.

Support Parental Consent Act-Prevent Compulsory Screening, Medication of Children

Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced the HR 2218, the Parental Consent Act (PCA) on April 30, 2009. This bill will prohibit the use of Federal Funds for compulsory mental screening of children in schools and elsewhere. These screening tools such as "Teen Screen" have no scientific validity, use misleading and inappropriate questioning methods and are designed to lead to "diagnoses" which then mandate "treatment" with dangerous psychotropic medications of children and adolescents.

These drugs are neither safe nor effective, but they are dangerous, often leading to neurological, endocrine and organ damage, lethal behavior (both suicide and homicide) and other serious side effects. Drug damage is "treated" by the addition of more drugs leading to the potentially deadly state of "polypharmacy" or multiple drugs in an untested and toxic cocktail leading to unknown and novel side effects, some lasting for life. Safe, non pharmaceutical options exist for the conditions "treated" by these dangerous medications

Urge your State and Federal legislators to protect children and parental rights at the same time by voting against any and all legislation which

* Compels parents to agree to medicate their children against their belief or judgement
* Permits schools and other agencies to deny services to children who are not medicated
* Uses State or Federal funds for compulsory screening or medication of children
* Permits schools or other agencies to bring charges of medical neglect or abuse or similar charges against parents who choose not to medicate their children.

The rights of parents and children to remain free of dangerous medication and/or ominous "screening" is essential to a free society and a healthy national cohort of children.

Thank you for your support of freedom and the health of children.

Yours in health and freedom,

Rima E Laibow, MD

Medical Director

Natural Solutions Foundation

www.HealthFreedomUSA.org

www.GlobalHealthFreedom.org

I'm sure you can see by reading the above why it's important that this does not go through. We can't let the government dictate how we raise our children. You can sign and send your own letter within one minute by clicking this link here.

After you are on the page, scroll down to the blue button #2. Enter your info and click send.

Issue 2:
Educating the Senate: Do Not Supress Organic and Small Farmers and Ranchers; Natural Food Products

The Obama administration is pushing new farm controls which will drive small and independent farmers off the land, literally leaving the field to Agribiz, (implementing all of Codex through complete HARMonization and allowing the FDA to declare Marshal law) through Congress as fast as possible and have coordinated the bills so there will be no debate and committee meetings are closed.

So to make a long story short, this is hurting the local farmers. Not the big guys that always somehow manage to give Americans some kind of illness like Salmonella. I think the big companies should be regulated. This would hurt our local growers and farmers and it's not right.

Again to sign this petition and send, click here. Then scroll down to the blue #2 button, enter your name, email, and address and click send.

These issues are not going to go away. All it takes is a little bill passed here and there. Eventually our lives are not our own to live as we see fit, and we no longer have any rights. Please don't let this happen.

To see a list of other important issues, click here.

Concerns about Commission Junction

2009-11-20T23:42:00.000-08:00

How many of you use a program like Commission Junction on your blog or website?

I have been using it for awhile. I can't say that I have ever hit their minimum payment amount though. I check it periodically, but it doesn't seem like there is much action going on.

When I decided to try a program like this, I really wasn't to concerned about inaccurate tracking. I figured they must have their system down pat to even offer a program like this. Now I am not so sure.

A few weeks ago, someone I knew decided to make a purchase through one of my affiliate links. This never showed up in my CJ panel. Looking on their website, I see the following posted in the FAQ in regards to this problem;

"The main thing to remember here is don’t spin your wheels worrying about one lost transaction. New publishers make the fatal mistake of becoming so obsessed with pursuing one missed sale, that they don’t focus on what really matters: finding ways to drive an ever-increasing, large volume of traffic through their web site or paid search links.

When a fisherman pulls his net out of the water, a few fish drop off the side and back to freedom in the ocean. The fisherman doesn’t fret about the one fish lost, but how he can cast a wider net to catch more fish.

Don’t lose sight of the big picture! The people who succeed in affiliate marketing are the ones who are able to attract and keep the attention of thousands—if not millions—of site visitors. And they don’t go to bed at night fretting about the one user out there that was blocking cookies."

I'm sorry, but I am very concerned about the one lost sale. Because one lost sale after another adds up. Most of us are not "big fish" and we simply can't afford to lose even one sale. Why would we even try to drive more sales to something that we can't even be sure we are going to earn our commission off of?

There was nothing wrong with the cookies or security settings on this person's computer. They weren't "set" to high. There was no reason for this sale not to show up. Yet it didn't.

So I sent an email to customer service. I was told to contact the vendor directly and provide them with a transaction number, date of order, and all this other information.

That's fine and dandy. What about the sales and people we don't know about? There isn't any possible way to know how many sales are slipping through our fingers.

At this point, I am seriously reevaluating whether or not I will continue with this company. Granted, I haven't even seen one payment. The big question is whether I simply haven't had enough sales through my links or whether they are reporting it accurately.

So what's your thoughts and experiences on this type of situation?

Low Milk Supply.... When you need to increase it.

2009-11-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

When breastfeeding, have you ever noticed that you just aren't making enough breastmilk for baby? Or do you just need to increase milk supply just every now and then?

I'm horrified to hear that so many doctors are telling breastfeeding mothers that they need to stop breastfeeding and switch to formula, when they bring low milk supply concerns up to them. Why don't they just advice them to try herbs?

Certain herbs really do work at increasing breastmilk supply. Who would think something so simple would really work so good? The use of herbs to increase breastmilk supply is something that has been passed down from generation to generation of breastfeeding moms. Many, many moms (that have low milk supply) are able to produce enough breastmilk by using herbs. Thus, there is no need to quit breastfeeding because of low milk supply.

When you are experiencing low milk supply and need to increase production, the first thing you need to check is how often you are breastfeeding or pumping. Without feeding or pumping enough, you are not going to have a good, solid milk supply. It's preferable that you simply just breastfeed whenever baby wants. You can do one or the other, although for the best possible milk supply, you would want to breastfeed on demand. Some moms have to strictly pump for various reasons. If you are pumping simply due to latching on problems, make sure to talk to your local lactation consultant with help getting baby back on the breast.

So no matter whether you are breastfeeding or pumping or both, you have to make sure you are doing it often. If pumping, make sure to pump for fifteen minutes at a time, every 2 to 3 hours. Overnight, you can pump every 4 hours. And remember it takes time to increase your milk supply. Results won't happen overnight.

If you find that you need to increase milk production, drinking just one cup a day of herbal tea is not going to do it. You are going to want to drink 4 to 5 cups daily. Some moms need more. It takes a good amount of herbs on a regular basis to work. So you are not going to want to use tea bags that make just one cup of tea. Unless you can afford to buy several boxes of the product.

Breastea is a really great tea to increase low milk supply. Each tea bag makes one gallon of tea. For $14 you get enough Breastea to last at least 10 days. It's very affordable.

So how is Breastea going to help you increase milk supply?

Breastea contains several herbs known to increase breastmilk supply and production. It is also the only tea of its kind to contain Rooibos, which have several great benefits to mom and baby. Most moms see an increase in low milk supply within the first day. Increases in milk supply can happen by the ounces.

For Breastea to work, you need to be a breastfeeding mom that breastfeeds or pumps on a regular basis. This is especially important once you start using herbs to increase production. As your body starts making more breastmilk, it needs to be used. This shows that your body that the increase in milk supply is needed.

Breastea can be ordered online and sent right to your door. Shipping is affordable.

Whether you need Breastea on a daily basis, or just certain times of the month when milk supply drops, it's a great tea to have on hand. Once you try it, you will see the difference in your milk supply. It's very helpful if you are a working mom and you need to make more breastmilk to have for a caregiver to give baby while you are at work. Just remember, as with any product, give it time to work. Make sure you are pumping and/or breastfeeding often.

If you have been advised that you will not make enough breastmilk to continue breastfeeding, don't despair. Try Breastea out and increase your milk supply. It's very possible to keep breastfeeding, even when you have low milk supply.

Game Fly - Renting Video Games That Are Mailed To You

2009-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Has anyone else tried GameFly?

It's actually pretty neat. You sign up for a membership, and then go online and pick out the video games that you want. Depending on your plan, you can have 1 to 3 games at a time. They are mailed to you pretty fast!

We actually just have a PlayStation 2. I've noticed that you can rent games for WII, XBox 360, and pretty much all the others ones that are on the market today. We've been a member of GameFly for about 3 weeks now, and I am pleased with the service. The games are mailed fast. I haven't had a problem with the quality of the games. When you are mailing a game back, they actually know this due to the post office scanning it. So they mail your next game out before they have even received the one you are returning.

I found out about GameFly after renting a XBox 360 game from Blockbuster. I couldn't believe that it was $7.99 plus tax. So my brother told me to try out GameFly (we had rented the game to play on his XBox), and I am very pleased with it.

Even though PS2 isn't that popular anymore, GameFly has thousands of games that will work with our video game system. Our plan is the one out at a time plan, but you can get up to 3 out at a time. Very affordable. I think it's really neat that services like these are offered. It definitely saves a trip to the video store!

So if you have some type of video game system, try it out by clicking here.

Garth Brooks and The Songs That Never Get Old

2009-11-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

I was driving down the road last night, and it seemed like most of the country music stations were playing a Garth Brooks song. I started wondering if maybe it was his birthday (it's not though he was born Feb 7, 1962), but I wasn't complaining. Although I wouldn't say that Country Music is my fav type of music, I LOVE Garth Brooks.

His songs were just great. I don't know how he did it, but the man just had a gift. His songs somehow manage to combine good tunes with everyday situations. Garth was able to word the songs so well that you could feel like he was walking in your shoes. I bet all of us could listen to one of his songs and have a person or place in our minds from our own lives. He just had a way with music. It's a shame he retired, but I've heard that he has plans on returning to the music scene.

So Garth's music has been on my mind and I thought I'd share my favorite songs here. I'd love to know what yours are too. I couldn't find a video for #7, but it's Somewhere Other Than The Night.

My favorite Garth Brooks songs are;

1. What She's Doing Now

What She's Doing now: Garth Brooks

Free Bird | MySpace Video

2. Learning To Live Again

Garth Brooks - Learning To Live Again - WITH LYRICS!

Lol | MySpace Video

3. To Make You Feel My Love (This video has clips from the movie Hope Floats. Great Movie!)

4. That Summer

5. Beaches of Cheyenne

6. Wild Horses

A fast and simple way to lower credit card debt

2009-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gotten a credit card that started out with this really low apr (finance fee), then a few months later it doubled? Of course, this always happens after you have a balance on it.

I feel that credit cards are a good thing to have. A lot of people knock them, but I think it's great to have a credit card on standby for emergencies, etc. Yet in these times, many people are carrying a balance on their cards. There have been so many lay offs and increasing prices that many Americans that were middle class before this started, find themselves hitting poverty level.

One of the most important things about credit cards and credit card debt is to make sure you never miss a payment. Even if you can only afford the minimum payment, make it. If you skip a payment, it really hurts.

There really is a simple way to make a dent in your credit card debt. You can do this by transfering your balance over to a new credit card that offers a low apr. Many credit cards do this at least for six months. Before applying make sure to read the fine print.

You don't want to get a credit card that charges an annual fee. Most credit cards these days offer cards with no annual fee, so make sure to check that information first before applying.

After you are approved, check and see what your credit limit is. Transfer the balance from the prior credit card over to the new credit card. Make sure you close out the previous account. You don't want to charge it back up, especially at the higher rate and finance fees.

Now you have your balance on a new credit card that hopefully offers the low rate for at least six months. Make sure to pay as much as possible on it every month. This way you know that you are making a dent in the balance because of the low rates.

A lot of times people don't realize how much of their minimum payment is going towards fees. By transferring your balance over to a low fee card, most of the minimum payment is going to make a difference.

Some people choose to call one of those places that consolidate your debt and contact the credit card companies on your behalf for a lower finance fee, etc. I would not do this unless it was a last resort. This shows up on your credit report and will make it harder for financing in the future. If you really need it do it, but not unless you are at that point.

I really recommend Discover. I've heard good things about the company. They are offering a promotion where you can get $50 Cash Back Bonus with the Discover® More Card! If you have a credit card that has shot up the fees, I would recommend applying and getting approved. After this, you can transfer your balance over.

Top Droppers For September 2009

2009-09-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay everyone, but here is the list of the top ten droppers I had for this month, September 2009. The first five will get a 100 Entrecard credits a piece. If you are in the top five, make sure to check your Entrecard account.

Top 10 Droppers;
1. Sands of Thyme

2. Imagination Madness

3. One 2 Day

4. Tiddly Winks

5. The Chickenista

6. I Like It Frantic

7. C'est La Vie

8. The Art and Science of Parenting

9. And There Ya Go

10. MB's Tips, Thoughts, and Reviews

I apologize that I don't have as much time as I used to to get on here and blog or drop. I appreciate the visits though!

Top Droppers Entrecard September

2009-09-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I just wanted to make a quick note and let everyone know I am running behind on my posting. I will be updating this in the next few days with my top ten droppers and sending out the Entrecard credits then. Check back!

Top Ten Droppers and Entrecard Credit Winners

2009-08-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Amazing, but it's that time again. I can't believe that time goes by so fast.

Last month I promised that I was going to be rewarding some of my top droppers through Entrecard today.

So here are my top ten droppers for the month. I'm also going to be sending out the Entrecard credits today as well. I appreciate the visits. As a single working mom, I haven't been able to drop cards as often as I might like. Hopefully in the next month or so, I will be able to start posting and dropping more.

So my top ten droppers in the last month are;

1. I like it Frantic

2. Sands of Thyme

3. Imagination Madness

4. One 2 Day

5. Whatever Comes To Mind

6. Tiddly Winks

7. Fledgling Blogger

8. Blogger Corner

9. Jean sQuared

10. IndoContest

Next month on the 20th, I am going to try something new. For the top five droppers, I will be sending an Entrecard credit of 100 to each one. So watch for an update on September 20, 2009.

The Audacity of Unawareness

2009-08-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

I received the following email today, and I thought I would share and post it on here.

For Heavens sake, wake up America.

When does "Unawareness" become "Lying"???

Barack Obama, through his spokesman, claimed that he was unaware of the tax day tea parties. Granted, the Main Stream Media has done a good job in suppressing any sort of coverage ahead of time (and the little coverage they did provide was derisive at best). But, how out of touch is the Community Organizer in Chief, really?

This much:

- He was unaware that he was attending a church (for 20 years) with a racist pastor who hates America .

- He was unaware that he was family friends with, and started his political career in the living room of, a domestic terrorist.

- He was unaware that he had invested in two speculative companies backed by some of his top donors right after taking office in 2005..

- He was unaware that his own aunt was living in the US illegally.

- He was unaware that his own brother lives on pennies a day in a hut in Kenya .

- He was unaware of the AIG bonuses that he and his administration approved and signed into a bill..

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Commerce was under investigation in a bribery scandal.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be his Secretary of the Treasury was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be the U.S. Trade Representative was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the woman he nominated to be his Chief Performance Officer was a tax cheat.

- He was unaware that the man he nominated to be #2 at the Environmental Protection Agency was under investigation for mismanaging $25 million in EPA grants.

Goodness, there are people in comas that are more aware of world affairs than this guy!!!!!!!!!!

Top Droppers and Something New

2009-07-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to try something new for my Entrecard.

To start off, here is the list of the top ten droppers for this blog over the last 30 days. Thanks for visiting. These are loyal droppers with great blogs, so if you are visiting you might want to drop by each one.

1. Sands of Thyme

2. I Like It Frantic

3. East Coast Life

4. EZ Great Life

5. The Fledgling Blogger

6. My Heart Voice

7. Whatever Comes to my Mind

8. Melissas Homeschool

9. Khryedotcom

10. Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife

Now, on to what I have planned for next month.

On August 30, 2009, I will post the next entry for my top ten droppers over the past 30 days. My top dropper will receive 200 Entrecard credits. My second top dropper will receive 100 credits. And my third top dropper will get 50 credits. I really appreciate the website traffic. So make sure to keep dropping your card over the next month. Like the saying goes, "Somebody is going to win, it might as well be you!"

Thanks for stopping by.

Earth Mama and Angel Baby - Great products for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and baby!

2009-07-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

If you haven't discovered Earth Mama or Angel Baby products, this post is for you!

These products ease various problems experienced during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. They also offer quality products for baby. The best thing about them? They offer a natural way to get relieve, and they work!

They use the highest quality oils and QAI certified organic herbs. Their products are cruelty-free, certified vegan, kosher, and 100% toxin-free - that means no phthalates, parabens, SLS, artificial preservatives, fragrances or dyes.

Earth Mama products really offer a great way to pamper and nurture moms. Click on any of the pictures to visit them.

Here are my recommendations;

During pregnancy:
Earth Mama has so many great products for use during pregnancy. Everything from heartburn relief to preventing stretch marks. See the following. Just try their products out to see why I like them so much.

Breastfeeding: Should you decide to breastfeed, you'll have sore nipples. It happens to every breastfeeding mother. Especially in the beginning. The following products will be your new best friends;

You can also get the whole kit. This makes a great gift for a breastfeeding mom as well.

Let's talk about low breastmilk supply. Milkmaid tea is designed to increase it. This is a loose leaf tea that contains herbs to stimulate breastmilk production. On the website, you can even order the tea strainer. If you are looking for a breastmilk increasing tea that is in a tea bag, check out Breastea. If you like loose leaf tea try out Milkmaid tea.

Products for baby:

They have a lot of products that are designed specifically for baby. Some of them are;

These are just a few of their product listings. You can't go wrong with this website. The above is just a small sample of what they have to offer. Pregnant moms and new moms can find some very beneficial products on the website. Visit and browse around. If you know someone that is expecting or recently gave birth, consider giving one of these as a gift. They will love it! To visit their homepage, click on the banner below.

Americans & Parents..... Urgent Action Needed

2009-07-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Issue:
We've all heard about H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.” It's made out to sound like it's going to be a great thing. Have you heard the downside of it?

The Problem:
HSLDA has summed up the major problems that would result if this was passed. There are things about this reform that would not benefit Americans, especially the elderly and parents/children. As Americans, we have to oppose this.

Why It Needs to be Opposed:
#Spend billions of dollars to allow the federal government to fund home visitation programs, where government officials would enter homes and monitor children and instruct parents in how to raise their children;
# Encourage states to pressure families to enroll their children in these home visitation programs;
# Put the federal government in the healthcare business, resulting in loss of competition, loss of patient choice, and loss of patient freedom;
# Require all health insurance plans, whether offered by a private company or the government, to include controversial “essential benefits,” which courts or the Secretary of Health and Human Services may determine to include medical procedures which businesses and taxpayers may oppose on philosophical and religious grounds; and
# Increase the size and power of the federal government.

How You Can Help:
Immediate action is needed to be taken to oppose this. You will need to contact your US Representative and your two US (state) Senators. If you don't have this information, it's very easy to find here. You just enter your zip code and it takes you to a form to email your Senators.

The HSLDA recommends emailing the following message. You can use part or all of it. Feel free to copy and paste it. “Please oppose H.R. 3200, the ‘America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.’ I am opposed to H.R. 3200’s creation of home visitation programs through grants to the states. Parents, not federal or state officials, should make child-rearing decisions for their young children. Additionally, H.R. 3200 will expand the federal government’s role, the federal deficit, and will interfere with medical decisions between my doctor and me.”

Please don't make the mistake of thinking that this is not a big deal. We are Americans, and we should be allow freedom in our lives and our healthcare choices. It's scary how much control is being taken over individuals and families already, and only we as Americans can oppose this.

Homeschooling Curriculums.... So Many Choices

2009-07-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

With school starting in a month or so, I'm really trying to finalize what curriculum I will use for Big Bubba's homeschooling this coming up year. He will be in the third grade. In the past, I've used Time4Learning and for second grade I used Alpha Omega with teacher guides and workbooks.

Earlier this year, I heard about A Beka Academy. I've looked online and I see this year they are offering the classes online through video streaming. This looks very interesting to me, and I know that A Beka offers a great homeschooling curriculum. Plus, they are taking $100 off if you use the video streaming instead of the dvd's. The only thing that is holding me back is the price.

I don't want to spend $1,000 for a curriculum if it isn't going to be exactly what we are looking for. I'd love to hear experiences, especially if you have used their accredited program before.

I'm a little unsure of how it works exactly. It looks like he would basically go online and watch the classes. Then he would complete the tests or homework and mail it in?

The things that I would like about this is the fact that he can learn on the computer. I also like the fact that the classes are filmed in an actual classroom with a real teacher. I also like the fact that a third party does the grading, etc.

So homeschooling moms, if you've tried this curriculum, please share your experiences with me. Or if you know of another curriculum similar to this that might not be as expensive, I'd love to check that out as well. There are always so many choices when it comes to curriculums that sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Love to buy on Ebay? Get 3% Cash Back.

2009-07-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Shopping on Ebay just got even better! If you get a free membership at Ebates, and shop through their link on Ebay, you get 2% cashback on each and every auction you win!

It's really very simple! There are no fees or catches to this. You simply go to their website here and register for free. They are affiliated with hundreds of retailers like Wal-Mart, etc. You click on the link of the store you want, and do your online shopping like usual. Upon your first purchase through their links, you get a free $5 bonus as well. It's that easy!

Your cashback payments are made through Paypal.

You will want to make sure you use the same email address on your Ebates membership and order. That way when the retailer confirms your order with Ebates there won't be any confusion.

I've been using Ebates for a few years now, and I like it. Just make sure you login to Ebates and go to Ebay by clicking on the Ebay link to get your 2% cashback. Believe me, this 2% adds up. There are no fees at all for you to do this. If you are going to buy, you might as well get cashback for it right?

4th of July

2009-07-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Glitter Graphics - GlitterLive.com

Top Entrecard Droppers

2009-06-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Top Droppers for the last 30 days:

Renaescraftycorner
Sands of Thyme
Upgrade Your Life!
Imagination Madness
BuildingBiggerBarns
Tiddly Winks
Live the Life of ADreamer
Isolated Existence
The Mother's Handbook.net
Posh Totty

I have also decided that I am not going to participate in Entrecard's paid ads. I've noticed that there have been a lot of changes with Entrecard since they started this, and they have not been positive changes.

Thanks to everyone that visited my blog.

Ships that Don't Come In

2009-05-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stop to think about dreams you may have that haven't come to pass?

As I'm nearing the big 30, I've been reflecting on "dreams" that I have. I've always wanted to travel the world. I know that there are a ton of grand adventures just out there waiting for me. I just want to see it all.

Today I was thinking about this great dream of mine, and also thinking about getting older. I guess you have to wonder if you will have the chance to live a dream before you get to old to enjoy it. Between the economy and terrorism, will this even be possible one day?

There are other things I'd like to do in life as well, but the traveling overseas was always a biggie. Yet, I look around and I see how many people never get a chance to do anything like that. Maybe it's not so bad if that wasn't their dream in life, but one of the saddest things is when someone's dream never comes to fruition.

The last 12 years of my adult life have flown by. I have to wonder if sometimes we always think we will do something in the future, just to wake up and realize that it's to late to do it. Time waits for noone.

So yeah this is one of those deep, reflective type of posts that really make you think. We all have our dreams, but how many of us get the chance to make them a reality? Life is all about dreams. Someday at the end of our lives we should be able to look back and say that we got to live ours.

Great song for you to listen to!

Joe Diffie - Ships That Don't Come In

I could tell he'd had a tough life
By the way he sat and stared
And me, I'd come to push and shove
So I pulled up a chair.

We talked of roads untraveled
We talked of love untrue
Of strings that come unraveled
We were kings and kindred fools
And just when I'd hit bottom
That old man raised his glass
And said at least we had our chances
There's those who never have.

So here's to all the soldiers
Who have ever died in vain
The insane locked up in themselves
The homeless down on Main
To those who stand on empty shores
And spit against the wind
And those who wait forever
For ships that don't come in.

He said it's only life's illusions
That bring us to this bar
To pick up these old crutches
And compare each other's scars
'Cuz the things we're calling heartache
Hell, they're hardly worth our time
We bitch about a dollar
When there's those without a dime.

And as he ordered one last round
He said I guess we can't complain
God made life a gamble
And we're still in the game.

So here's to all the soldiers
Who have ever died in vain
The insane locked up in themselves
The homeless down on Main
To those who stand on empty shores
And spit against the wind
And those who wait forever
For ships that don't come in.

Container Gardening

2009-05-03T13:29:00.001-07:00

Here we are at the start of May, and my container vegetables seem to be doing well. I've got 2 larger tomato plants that were purchased at a large size. The early girl has already got 3 tomatoes growing on it. I've also got a big? boy tomato plant. My tomato seedlings are Rutger and they have sprouted and are shooting up. I actually got a pack of these seeds at Wal-Mart for 20 cents. The white eggplant seeds I bought and sowed are sprouting up as well. I also planted some seed potatoes and they are growing too.

This is the first time I've tried growing some potatoes, container or otherwise. I'm not a big potato eater, but I do enjoy new potatoes that are fresh from the garden. As a child when I would visit my father's mother in the summer, sometimes she would have new potatoes from the garden. I can remember her digging them up and using a scrub brush on them to remove the skin. It would come right off without much effort. They were so good.

In the back I've got some Green Pepper plants that seem to be doing well. I also purchased a summer squash plant that I planted in an old fashioned basket that I haven't seen since I was a kid.

I've always enjoyed gardening, but I rent so I'm unable to go out and till the yard up:-) This is my first year of trying out container gardening. My only problem is I am running out of containers. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on where I can get used containers for free?

So far I haven't had any problems with pests attacking the plants, but then again, it's early in the season. I really want to try to stay as organic as possible and not use pesticides. What's your favorite tip for fighting insects on your plants?

My children have really enjoyed the experience of planting and sowing. We've really enjoyed the whole process of watching the plants grow, and they loved filling the containers with dirt. They have made wonderful "farmers". Gardening is a great time to bond with the kids.

I'm am looking forward to the first tomatoes getting ripe and ready to eat. When I think of tomatoes, I think of red and ripe tomatoes grown in natural sunshine and fresh air. There is so much difference in the taste.

Buy Tombstone Pizza and get $15 toward your utilities

2009-05-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Tombstone Pizza has an awesome promotion that I want to share with you. Purchase 17 pizzas, and they will send your local utility company $15 toward your electric bill!

You will need to print out the form here. Then cut out the UPC Codes from your pizza boxes. You will also need to mail in a copy of your utility bill to make sure they put the right account number on the check. To get the full details about it, click here.

If you don't want to go for the full 17, you can also send in 7 to 11 upc codes to get $5 towards your utility bill. 12 to 16 will get you $10 towards your bill. I'm really excited about this because we love Tombstone Pizza anyhow.

There are no catches with this except you need to save your upc codes and mail everything in. I wish other companies would start promotions like this!

Relactation - How to start Breastfeeding Again!

2009-05-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Relactation is the process of restoring your breastmilk supply and breastfeeding again after quitting.

Many moms decide to relactate for a variety of reasons. Some had to stop breastfeeding due to illness. Others just quit and wished they hadn't. The success rate for relactation goes up if you attempt to get your milk back within two months of your breastmilk drying up.

This article is going to address relactating with a breastpump. If it has been awhile since baby was on the breast, you will have to work with a lactation consultant to get baby back to breastfeeding. Or you might find that baby starts nursing again with no problems. I personally would try daily to put baby to breast while in the process of relactating. The most important thing to do at this point though is work on getting your breastmilk supply back.

When a breastfeeding mom quits and decides at a later point to start breastfeeding again, it takes time and effort. Relactating doesn't happen overnight. Some moms are able to get most of their milk supply back within a few weeks, while others find it takes several weeks to produce breastmilk again. It's very important that you stick with your breast pumping schedule. You have to let your body know that you need to produce breastmilk.

Many women find that using herbs helps the relactation process. There are certain herbs out there known as galactogogues. These have been used for centuries to increase breastmilk supply in breastfeeding moms and wet nurses. These herbs have been a lifesaver to many breastfeeding moms that have low milk supply. Without these herbs to increase their milk production, some moms would not have the full milk supply then need. Without having the milk supply, many would quit. That's why these herbs are important if you are experiencing low milk supply.

A great lactation tea to drink is Breastea. Each tea bag makes one gallon of tea. You make the tea in advance and store in the refrigerator. When you sit down to pump, drink a glass. What many people don't realize is that it takes a lot of herbs to benefit the milk supply. That's why Breastea is such a great deal, and that's why you need this herbal galactogogue blend that will provide enough for you at an affordable price. Try drinking 4 glasses per day, or drink a glass when you sit down to breast pump.

Another important part of relactating is the breast pump you use. If at all possible, rent a hospital grade breast pump from your local medical supply store. They are usually not to expensive, and they give you the best chance at bringing your breastmilk supply back. Make sure to talk to your pediatrician about your plans. If you were unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with baby, etc many times your doctor can give you a form that will cover the breast pump rental. You can also check with your local health department and WIC program as many times they have programs that will help with the breast pump rental cost as well.

After getting the breast pump, you will want to pump every 2 to 3 hours for fifteen minutes at a time. Overnight, you will want to pump every 3 to 4 hours. Don't skip a pumping! It's very important that you stick with this schedule, even after your breastmilk supply comes back. After your milk supply is back, you can breastfeed on demand, pump, or do both. You just want to make sure you don't go longer than a few hours without doing something. During this time, don't forget to drink Breastea! After your milk supply is back, you can reevaluate and see if you still need to continue using herbs.

Like I mentioned before, there is no way to predict how long it will take to get your milk supply going again. Some moms lactate again within 2 weeks, while others may take 4 to 6 weeks. The quicker you start the process to relactate after drying up, the faster your will get your breastmilk supply back.

There are some things you should avoid when breastfeeding, especially if you are having supply problems. Don't use hormones, for example the birth control pill. Don't eat a lot of mint. Avoid underwire bras. Using antihistamines and certain cold medicines can go against your breastmilk supply. Make sure to check with your pharmacist.

There are also some things that will help in your process of relactating and restoring your breastmilk supply. Continue taking your prenatal vitamin. Drink a lot of water and don't diet. Avoid extreme exercise programs. Get plenty of rest. Practice the art of Kangaroo Care with baby. Make sure to continue drinking an herbal lactation tea like Breastea.

Although it takes work, breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby. If you experience any difficulties with nursing, make sure to eliminate the problems in the beginning. For example, thrush, etc. You will find that breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences you have!

Article written by a service woman in Afghanistan

2009-05-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

This article was written by a service woman in
Afghanistan responding to a column raising the
debate about the sacrifice of America's Sons and
Daughters in Uniform. It is very well written and
something that every American should appreciate.
Her comments bring it closer to those who do not
understand or appreciate that the freedom they
have is fueled by the blood of others.

Service itself is our honor
Saturday, March 21
Sarah Albrycht
United States Army
Afghanistan

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us - that from these honored
dead we take increased devotion to that cause for
which they gave the last full measure of devotion -
that we here highly resolve that these dead shall
not have died in vain.
- Abraham Lincoln,
Gettysburg Address

A few nights ago, I walked a quiet mile with hundreds
of other service members. It was a clear night in
Bagram, Afghanistan. Although it was late, the birds
were singing, perhaps roused by the unusual
occurrence of people walking under their trees at
the late hour. Soft voices broke the solemnity, but
no words were discernible. Suddenly, as if on cue,
soldiers, airmen, seamen, marines, broke off the
sidewalk and lined the road, spacing themselves
regularly and assuming a position of silent
watchfulness. The honor cordon had formed.

Heads began to turn right as flashing blue lights
appeared far down the road. As the vehicles neared,
one by one, service members assumed the position
of attention and rendered the hand salute. In the
back of an open truck sat eight military members,
and between them, at their feet, was a flag draped casket.
As I rendered my salute, I thought about the fallen
soldier. I did not know his name, his unit or his
home. I never saw his face or spoke to his family.
I did not know why he volunteered for the Army or
what he was doing when he was killed. But there
was much I did know. I knew he had fought and
died in an honorable cause, a cause that had little
to do with our policy on Afghanistan. This soldier
had volunteered to put his very life on the line in
service to his nation and his brothers-in-arms.
I see no more honorable cause that that.

In a column, Mr. Putney has again raised the debate
about the sacrifice of America's "sons and
daughters" in uniform. Some have argued that we
must continue the fight to honor their memory
"so that they have not died in vain." Others argue
we must stop the wars to save soldiers from this fate.
I think an essential understanding of what motivates
those of us in uniform is missing in this debate.

We are not your sons and daughters, whom you
must protect and defend. We are your sword and
your shield. We are men and women who volunteer
to place our lives on the line so you do not have to.
We do not decide when or where we will be sent.
We go. You are our advocates, not our parents.

We trust you to care for our families, to hold our
jobs, pay for our equipment, salary and medical
care and yes, to honor our sacrifice. We trust you
to vote for good political leadership, to speak out
against bad policy decisions and to demand public
accountability. However, we do not count on you
to explain the honorable character of our service.
We are ennobled by the very fact we serve.

Our "high moral cause" is one of service to a
nation whose principles we believe in. We miss
the point of political debate when we distill it
down to numbers of service member deaths.
Debate should be about the policy that leads us
in or pulls us out of war. I, as a soldier, am
personally insulted when debate about war
becomes not about policy, but about deaths,
because it implies that my service is at best
uninformed or ill-conceived, and at worst valueless.

I know my life is in the hands of others because
I choose for it to be that way. I am not your
daughter, a child who must be guided. I have
made my choice and pledge my honor to it. I will
thank you to remember that because we serve our
nation, none of us dies in vain, regardless of the
cause; end of debate.

Every day a new Marine enlists or an airman
puts on her uniform is a reminder that our
defenders come from people who still believe
in our nation and the values it aspires to, as
flawed as we sometimes are. War does not make
our sacrifice honorable, death does not make
our service honorable; service itself is our honor.

We, your American service members, do not see
the cause for which we may give our last full
measure of devotion, as our nation's goals in
Iraq or Afghanistan, and perhaps that is the
difference. Our cause is our Nation, in all her
beautiful, imperfect glory.

So on a dark night in Afghanistan we stood
under a velvet sky of a million stars to honor
one man who lay under 50.
We never doubted what he died for.
Pfc. Patrick A. Devoe II died for you, the United
States of America. That, Mr. Putney, is no goof.

Sarah Albrycht is a Bennington native serving in the Army in Afghanistan.