Mom-Stuff Community

Happy Holiday Season

2011-12-08T10:06:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have been too busy. But busy in a good way. Lots of changes going on with my other business that is taking all of my time. I am sorry to all of my mom-stuff friends for the absence of posts .

It is now time for the Christmas Season. This is my favorite time of the year. I love the music, the lights and the overall feeling of goodwill. I wish it could be Christmas all year.

At www.mom-stuff.com we have lots of great Christmas ideas for you. Here are your links for family fun and easy gifts.

Family Fun

Christmas Recipes
Christmas Recipes . . . keep reading

Christmas Games
Are you having a Christmas Party and need some games to play? We have a few ideas for you. . . . keep reading

My Christmas Tradition
Christmas Traditions . . . keep reading

Simple and Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas
Simple and Inexpensive Gift Ideas-These have also been nic named neighbor gifts. . . .keep reading

Christmas Kids Crafts
Snowmen craft, Candy Countdown, Christmas Tree Countdown and Santa’s Beard Countdown are fun crafts for you and your children to enjoy this Christmas. . . . keep reading

Gift Ideas

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #4
Candy Canes, Rudolph’s Nose Repair Kit, Lotion( A Friend) Cookie Cutter and What is Christmas Mug. These are great for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, housekeeper, delivery person or anyone you don’t know what to get and don’t want to spend a lot, but want to show your holiday spirit. . . . keep reading

12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas . . . keep reading

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #3
Large Candy Bar, Grinch Candy Canes, Santa Kisses and Snowman Kisses. These are great for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, housekeeper, delivery person or anyone you don’t know what to get and don’t want to spend a lot, but want to show your holiday spirit. . . . keep reading

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #2
Snowman Poop, Snownman Soup, and Reindeer Droppings. These are great for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, housekeeper, delivery person or anyone you don’t know what to get and don’t want to spend a lot, but want to show your holiday spirit. . . .keep reading

Christmas Friend Gifts #1
Christmas FRIEND Gifts Christmas Dish towels, Help with the Mess, Candy Cane Seeds and I Ran Out of Time. These would be great to give out at work, to neighbors, for people you don’t know what to get and don’t want to spend a lot, but want to show your holiday spirit. . . . keep reading

It is my wish for all of you to have the best Christmas Season ever with family and friends.

Dianne

Halloween Photo Contest for Moms

2011-10-06T15:27:00.002-06:00

Enter your favorite photos of your kids’ Halloween costumes to show off your spooky cutie, and maybe even win a prize.

The top 10 photos with the most votes will get $100 worth of Mamasource credit.

The earlier you join, the more time you have to get votes. Good luck!

Get all the details at:

http://deals.mamapedia.com/cmp/halloween-photo-contest?fb_login=true

Tags: Halloween-pictures, mamapedia, Photo-contest

Oct. from the Leaves from the Tree of Life

2011-10-05T15:08:00.001-06:00

For all of the glory in the branches, the earth has finished her work of production. We celebrate now with what we already possess; we make cider from the apples we’ve picked and store the squash for the winter. We have such security in our substance that we will play with our food, carving faces where candles can glow in a pumpkin that will never be eaten. In consumer psychology, the orange colors of October inspire ideas of warmth and richness, a concept seized upon by advertisers of brandy and other upscale foods. They also physically stimulates the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes for digestion of starches, sugars and fats in addition to insulin. Fast-food marketers have capitalized on that bit of information, which explains the remarkably homogenous decorating schemes of the major chains. From candle-glow to decorative orange leaf bags, everything proclaims glory in October.
Excerpt from Leaves from the Tree of Life by Dianne Murray and Kim Welborn.

Halloween with Mom-Stuff

2011-10-05T14:07:00.001-06:00

It is our favorite time of year atwww.mom-stuff.com. We love Halloween. Come and visit and get some fun ideas to make this your best Halloween season. We have everything you need:

How tp Plan a Halloween Family Party
Family is were all the fun begins. Every year our family has an annual Halloween party and we wanted to share with all of you our experiences. This will let you take the ideas and make your own family fun. You can use these ideas and make them your own by adding your families personalities to them. If you do not have extended family around you get together with other moms and plan your Halloween Party together. This is a good way for everyone to make more friends. “Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.” ~Paul Pearshall . . . keep reading

Fun Family Halloween Games
More Fun Family Halloween Games . . . keep reading

Fun Halloween Recipes
How to make fun Halloween treats for big and small. Everyone will enjoy this creepy food for Halloween Night! . . . keep reading

Skeleton Plates,Cups and Punch Bowl
This Halloween Party was all about Skeletons. Make plates, cups, serving bowls, or even a punch bowl to match. We have your instructions and patterns. . . . keep reading

Halloween Games
Fun Halloween games for team and individual contests. . . . keep reading

Halloween Trick or Treat Bag
Re-Purposed T Shirt into a Halloween Trick or Treat Bag for this years Halloween fun. . . . keep reading

Neighbor Halloween Gifts

Neighbor Halloween Gifts . . . keep reading

Treasure Hunt for Your Halloween Party
To plan your Treasure Hunt get a map of your city or a piece of paper to draw a map. You will want make a trip using these locations in your town: . . . keep reading

Halloween Party Skeleton Invitations
Halloween Skeleton Invitations . . . keep reading

Halloween Party Scrapbook Page
For these pages I wanted to use some pictures from our Halloween Party. I choose some tan textured paper that looked like rocks. I love to make tear animals so I tried a cat and a bat. . . . keep reading

Halloween Kids Crafts
Make our Shrinken Heads, Ghost Lanterns, and Smasked Witches, with your kids this Halloween. They are fun to make and will add to the hounting spirt of the season. . . .keep reading

Tags: crafts, family, Halloween-crafts, Halloween-decorations,Halloween-games, Halloween-party, Halloween-recipes, Recipes

Time for Back to School

2011-08-03T08:32:00.002-06:00

It’s time to get those kids ready for school.

Time for Back to School Shopping
Here is your mission if you choose to accept it. GET THE MOST FROM YOUR SCHOOL CLOTHES BUDGET. . . . keep reading

8 Great Tips To Organize Kids’ Rooms
It’s the battle cry of millions of parents: “Clean your room!” As you get ready for back to school it is a great opportunity to organize your child’s bedroom. Seasonal events like birthdays, the holidays or a new school year bring fresh impetus to the drive to get kids organized–and nowhere is the battleground more intense than in the children’s bedrooms. . . . keep reading

Back to School Artwork Books
Our Back to School idea this month is focused on saving all of our kid’s artwork that comes home from school. When my daughter started in an early education program, every week the school would send home her artwork from her lessons. She was so proud of her work that she wanted to keep it. . . . keep reading

Make Your Own Hair Bows
Make Hair bows to match your kids back to school clothes. . . . keep reading

Today's the Longest Day of the Year

2011-06-21T13:20:00.000-06:00

Summer Solstice

While Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of summer, today the season really begins. Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the start of summer in the northern hemisphere is 1:16 p.m. today. According to TimeandDate.com, the date of the “June solstice” varies from June 20 to June 22 depending on the year.The Farmer’s Almanac states that “the word solstice comes from the Latin words for “sun” and “to stop,” due to the fact that the sun appears to stop in the sky.” With the sun high overhead today, this will be the longest day of the year. How do you spend your longer days? More time outside playing with the kids or more hours working?

Tell us about how you will be spending the longest day of the year?

I hope what ever you choose to do today it will be fun.

Head over to mom-stuff.com for some fun ideas for your summer fun.

Fourth of July Ideas are Here at mom-stuff.com

2011-06-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday America
Fourth of July Crafts to celebrate America’s B-Day. Fun to make and even funnier to wear. . . . keep reading

Summer Family Fun
Schools Out!!! Now What??? . . . keep reading

Fancy Flip Flops
Fancy Flip Flops . . . keep reading

Rockin Bobbie Pins
Make your own Rockin Bobbie Pins to match your clothes. All you need are bobbie pins and your imagination. These are so much fun. You can make some for every holiday or even every outfit. . . .keep reading

Souvenir Vacation Scrapbooking
Vacation Scrapbooking Pages Using Souvenirs . . . keep reading

Summer Kids Crafts
Summer crafts to make with your kids; funky flip flaps, jewelry, popsicle stick flowers, summer noise makers and cookie flowers. We have also added a craft for moms to make for their kids. It is a back pack blanket for all of their summer activities. . . . keep reading

Summer Fun Recipes
Summer is the time for fast, easy and light food. We have gathered together some of our favorite summer food recipes . . . keep reading

Just for Fun

2011-06-14T13:12:00.000-06:00

Shampoo alert!

As I was conditioning my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle. I am in shock! The shampoo I use in the shower that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"!

Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? Now I understand why I am so "full-figured"!

Tomorrow I am going to start using "Dawn" dish soap. It says right on the label "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove."

It pays to read the warning labels! I thought you could use a laugh today.

Be Aware, Don't Share

2011-06-09T11:47:00.001-06:00

Parents: You May Be A Drug Supplier This Summer

Studies show that more teens start using drugs during the summer months – while unsupervised and with more free time.

With the end of the school year approaching, children look forward to a long break – and a lot of time at home alone. When teenagers are released from school for long break periods such as summer, the risk of substance abuse increases.

The CDC lists prescription drug abuse as the fastest-growing drug problem among 12-17 year olds. One in four high school students in the U.S. admits to having taken a prescription drug without a prescription. The number of teens going into treatment for addiction to prescription drugs has increased by more than 300%. Emergency room visits for prescription drug abuse have more than doubled since 2004, 48% of all ER visits for prescription drug abuse are by young people ages 12-20. Prescription drugs are now involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine, combined.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Safeguard all medicines by monitoring quantities and controlling access. Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet and lock them up.

Warn your youngsters that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive, and lethal as street drugs. Studies show that teens dangerously view prescription drugs as “safer” to abuse than illicit drugs.

Properly dispose of old or expired medicines in the trash. Hide or mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away.

Don’t have kids at home? What about your grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and your friends’ kids that visit your house?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUpGahCmeTk

Parents can learn more about preventing prescription drug abuse at home this summer by downloading the MEDucation Kit from Lock Your Meds. This resource provides a good dose of knowledge about prescription drug abuse among adolescents. The comprehensive kit teaches parents lessons about the problems of abuse and the solutions available for families. Parents can download the MEDucation kit here:

I Pray You Enough

2011-06-08T14:15:00.000-06:00

Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure of the daughter’s flight.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said,

‘I love you, and I pray you enough.’

The daughter replied, ‘Mom, our life together has been more than enough.

Your love is all I ever needed. I pray you enough, too, Mom.’

They kissed, and the daughter left. The mother walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me in by asking, ‘Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?’

Yes, I have,’ I replied. ‘Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?’

‘Well…I’m not as young as I once was, she lives so far away & has her own busy life. I have some challenges ahead, and the reality is – her next trip back will be for my funeral,’ she said.

‘When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, I pray you enough. May I ask what that means?’

She began to smile. ‘That’s a prayer that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.’ She paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and she smiled even more. ‘When we said, ‘I pray you enough,’ we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.’

Then, turning toward me, she shared the following as if she were reciting it from memory.

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Then, she began to cry, and walked away.

To all my mom-stuff friends,

I PRAY YOU ENOUGH…….

I did not experience this, nor did I write this. I do not know who the author is. I received this in an email (one that passes around the web) this morning from my daughter. It meant so much to me I wanted to share it with all of you. Thanks for being a one of my mom-stuff friends. Dianne

Love is the Message of June

2011-06-01T07:52:00.002-06:00

June emerges as a sea of green. Summer officially starts, and in earlier days trees would have become the heart of the community. Children would be in them and adults would gather under them to share stories and a cool drink. Some of the distinction between trees blurs with the passing of the blossoms and we see, instead, a merciful bower and quiet retreat. The trees are generous with their shade, and we can breathe a little deeper in their presence.

Looking up into the canopy of a spreading tree is a heart-filling experience. A tree can protect you from rain and yet allow a glimpse of a summer sky. Looking at the world with the heart may open a similarly uplifting view. We are sheltered from loneliness as we receive love from people in our lives, and see acts of kindness through seemingly impenetrable barriers. As we learn to receive and give love we gain the message of June.

Excerpt from Leaves for the Tree of Life by Kim Welborn and Dianne Murray

Best Free Downloads for Summer

2011-05-31T12:40:00.000-06:00

Add sizzle to your summer with the best FREE downloads on the web.

While watching my favorite DVR show Studio 5, I found Executive Producer, Michelle Torsak sharing her top picks for everything from 4th of July party favors to summer chore charts. If you do not live where you get KSL go to Studio 5 website. They have the best collection of family resources on the web.

1. 4th of July Party Favors: Red, white and fun describe these sparkler cards and party favors from the always amazing Twig and Thistle.

Click here to download:

2. Vintage Lemonade Labels: Print these gorgeous labels from J Bartyn on sticker paper and adhere to your glass canisters for a super chic lemonade stand.

Click here to download:

3. Travel Bingo: Love this car bingo game from Martha Stewart. Print, laminate and play using your favorite candy as markers.

Click here to download:

4. Jam Labels: Give the gift of your favorite strawberry jam with these darling labels from How About Orange.

Click here to download:

5. Calendar Canning Labels: Unique and practical describe these canning labels from Sweet Preservation that let you both organize your pantry and commemorate your canning date or another special event.

Click here to download:

6. Grass Clip Art: This Martha Stewart download makes the perfect background for a daisy sugar cookie. Packaged in cellophane and tied with a lovely ribbon, it makes a charming favor for a wedding shower or summer party.

Click here to download:

7. Summer Floral Gift Tags: These beautiful gift tags from Eat Drink Chic add the “wow” to a bouquet of flowers or a hostess gift.

Click here to download:

8. Children’s Chore Chart: This colorful children’s chore chart by ModEco Kids offers a new perspective on “chores”.

Note: The original download from modecokids.com is no longer available. The download is currently available from the Sutton Grace blog.

Click here to download:

Share your favorite summer ideas with us. You can post your link here or email me. Thanks dianne@mom-stuff

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-26T12:10:00.002-06:00

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.

It is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have.

It is a time when families and friends get together for BBQs to celebrate the lives lived and sacrificed for our freedom.
My Father served in WWII, My children’s fathers in the Viet Nam war, my son served in the army at the Pentagon and my son-in-law is getting ready so deploy for his second tour in Irac. I AM Proud to be an American and I AM Thankful for the lives given in service so we can enjoy a country with so much opportunity to be all that we can be.
Wishing you a Memorial Weekend with wonderful moments to cherish the freedom we have and to give thanks to the people who sacrifice so much for it. Remember the service men and woman in your prayers and help their families while they are away.

Great Father's Day Ideas

2011-05-19T10:18:00.002-06:00

We have some great Father’s day ideas to help make this the best Father’s day ever. We here at Mom-Stuff want to celebrate all of the great Dad’s in the world.

Father’s Day Family Fun
5 ways to Celebrate Father’s Day (A special day without breaking the bank) . . . keep reading

The Truth about Dads
On the outside, dads are like steel. Anodized steel to be exact. But way down, deep inside, they’re all mush. Every last one of them. Show me any cantankerous, tough as nails, testosterone-driven Neanderthal, and I’ll show you his softer side–and we needn’t even be near a Sears Department Store. . . . keep reading

Father’s Day Dessert Recipes
Father’s Day Dessert Recipes- The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and there is no better time to work your kitchen magic than on Father’s Day. . . . keep reading

Father’s Day Kids Crafts
Make this fathers extra special for the Dad’s in your life. Help the kids make them a gift from the heart. Father’s love to keep the gifts their children make for them. . . . keep reading

Scrapbooking A Father’s Love
A Father’s Love Knows No Boundaries Scrapbooking Page . . . keep reading

Hanging Out With Dad
Great page for Father and Child pictures. . . . keep reading

Do You Have Bad Hair Days at Your House?

2011-05-18T16:03:00.002-06:00

Help is on the way!!!

Mom-Stuff wants to congratulate Amber, one of our moms, on a great blog. The Wright Hair has been honored in the 50 Top Hair blogs and Articles.

The Wright Hair has the number 6 spot, and it reads;

6. The Wright Hair This mom shares her tips and ideas for styling your little ones’ hair without putting her through pain. One daughter has thin, flat hair, making this a great blog for those who struggle with a similar texture.”

Amber appreciates this recognition and is happy to help others. That is why she has her blog.

Be sure to click on the link and see the other top hair blogs that have also been honored.

Visit Amber at the Wright Hair Blog http://thewrighthair.blogspot.com/ and get helpful hair tips from her article for mom-stuff, Hair Remedies from The Wright Hair blog!

SOME OF HER POPULAR POSTS

Make it or Break it Lauren’s Latest Style

Lauren’s Hairstyles are so cute and so much fun to recreate. So here goes another one. Because my daughter has a lot of hair but it is t…

Inspired by Lady Gaga

I started by making a poof in the front of her hair. (We did this because she is still trying to grow out her bangs) Make a french braid fr…

French Braid Headband to Ponytail

This is simple and cute taken from a spin off of Lauren’s Hair from Make it or break it. I made a french braid across the entire front of h.

Teachers Appreciation Week

2011-05-03T11:27:00.002-06:00

This week is Mother’s Day. Mom-Stuff wants to wish all of our moms the best Mother’s Day ever. If you still need some fun ideas to help celebrate your Mother’s day visit mom-stuff.com for some last minute ideas.

This week is also Teachers Appreciation Week. We have posted two new crafts for you and your kids to make for their teacher. We hope you will have as much fun making these as we did.

Crayon Bouquet
This is a very easy project and it was so much fun for the kids to help with. My grandkids loved pushing in the crayons. . . . keep reading

Crayon Wreath
This project is mostly done with a glue gun so it is recommended for older kids or moms. . . . keep reading

Make sure you tell your child’s teacher “thanks” for all they do. Teachers make the world a better place for all of us, one child at a time.

I Am A Teacher

By John Wayne “Jack” Schlatter (Adapted from his book I Am A Teacher) the toughts of a Teacher.

I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child.

Throughout the course of a day I am called upon to be an actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, psychologist, substitute parent and a keeper of the faith.

I am the most fortunate of all who labor. I know that what I build with love and truth, will last forever. I am privileged to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships.

And who do I have to thank for this wonderful life I am so fortunate to experience? You, the public and the parents who entrust to me their greatest contribution to eternity, their children.

I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with glee at the birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusion by graves dug too soon for bodies far too young.

I have a past that is rich in memories, I have a present that is challenging, and fun, because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.

I Am A Teacher and I Am Thankful For It every Day.

Tags: crafts, family, Teacher-appreciation, teacher-gifts,www.mom-stuff.com

Only 2 Weeks Until Mother's Day

2011-04-25T11:50:00.001-06:00

Mother’s Day is a time of commemoration and celebration for Mom. It is a time of breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and crayon scribbled “I Love You’s.”

Mother’s Day is only 2 weeks away, with Easter being so late this year I thought I better warn you. There is not much time to get ready.Here are your mom-stuff links to help you with ideas. Mother’s Day will be celebrated on 08 of May (in the U.S.). In the UK is celebrated on the 03 of April, 2011.

Mother’s Day Recipes
Recipes Handed down from Wonderful Mothers In the spirit of our Mother’s Day Tribute all of our recipes this month have a story of love and tradition. Each one reminds us of a person who made this special food for us. . . . keep reading

Kids Crafts for Mother’s Day Gift
Our society’s current financial circumstance is the perfect opportunity to shift our focus to what is really important in our lives. Focus on the people in our life this year on Mother’s Day.keep reading

Mother’s Day Tributes
A Mother’s love is something that no on can explain, It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain, It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may For nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . . . . . keep reading

From His Hands to Ours
This scrapbook page is the day my daughter became a mom and I became a grandma. The collection of pictures were the first time we each held her. I wanted to capture the joy of the family welcoming her in to our lives. . . . keep reading

Flower Ball For Mother’s Day
Beautiful, easy and INEXPENSIVE gift for Mother’s Day. . . . keep reading

I am still working on Teacher Appreciation Week. So if you have any great gift ideas you want to share, email them to me. dianne@mom-stuff.com

Tags: crafts, family, mothers day, Recipes, Scrapbooking,www.mom-stuff.com

Have a Wonderful Easter

2011-04-21T09:48:00.002-06:00

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and
explaining stress management to an audience;with a raised glass of
water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question,
‘half empty or half full?’….. she fooled them all…”How heavy is
this glass of water?”, she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how
long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold
it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case it’s the
same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She
continued, “and that’s the way it is with stress. If we carry our
burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes
increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.”

“As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and
rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on
with the burden – holding stress longer and better each time
practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your
burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the
night…. pick them up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, let them down for a moment.
Relax, pick them up later after you’ve rested. Life is short. Enjoy it
and the now ‘supposed’ stress that you’ve conquered!”

1 * Accept the fact that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days
you’re the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to
eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the
middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully… It’s not only cars that can be recalled by
their Maker.

5 * If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was
probably worth it..

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a
warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can’t push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then
you won’t have a leg to stand on.

10 * Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the
world to one person.

16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are
pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors,

but they all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you
today.

20 * It was I, your friend!

*Save the earth…… It’s the only planet with chocolate and chocolate bunnies

Mom-stuff.com wants to wish you wonderful Easter.

Radiation Heath Issues

2011-04-13T09:52:00.002-06:00

I received an email today from one of our participating experts for health and nutrition at mom-stuff.com. I wanted to pass it alone in case any of you were also worried about your families health after the disaster in Japan. I do not believe in scare tactics but I do believe in education. Here is some advise of radiation issues from Kim Welborn.

Like every other health practitioner, I have been getting lots of calls about radiation issues and what to have on hand. What I have always had stashed in my closet are 4 things: kelp, dulse, algin, and Yarrow Special Formula flower essence blend. The first two are good sources of organic, elemental iodine to support the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is used to kill the thyroid (in theory to “reduce” an overactive or ‘hyper’ thyroid, but dosage is so different from person to person that one dose of the usual three will sometimes stop it altogether) because iodine is stored there. The seaweeds keep the thyroid working and help to chelate out the radioactive elements. It is really important to know and trust your sources on sea vegetables because many are grown in contaminated water; since Japan has generally been the primary source this will be especially important in months to come in view of the amount of radioactive water that has been released into the ocean. To my knowledge, Nature’s Sunshine is the only company to test every product for radiation. they were the only company to stop selling Golden Seal after Chernobyl, when the cloud blew west over the main production areas in Northern Europe. Super Algae is another good item to add to the mix.

Algin will remove radiation from the body, but should only be taken for a maximum of two weeks at a time, with at least a two week rest in between, as it will begin to bind nutrients in the intestinal tract as well. I would use it only if I were sure of unsafe exposure. Hydrated Bentonite and other clays are somewhat less effective for radiation specifically, but do help in general detoxifying, especially in baths.

The Yarrow Special Formula helps with balancing the energetic impact of radiation and other (environmentally) traumatic events. It was originally formulated specifically to help protect against radiation and can be used in water as a room spray in addition to being taken internally.

Remember that the more raw fruits and vegetables you eat, the higher your overall level of trace minerals, including iodine and iodide. The higher your mineral levels, the less likely the body is to “grab” and store radioactive iodine, which it will jump on if you are as deficient as most Americans are. Miso and other fermented foods also seem to improve the body’s resistance to exposure, and are a great idea anyway.

Stay well,

Kim Welborn

For more information from Kim visit her website Kim Welborn, Body Systems Counselor.

New Featured Articles

2011-04-06T10:02:00.002-06:00

Card Inspiration

I found the funniest blog today that really got my creative juices flowing.

Stay-at-home Moms Turning into Work-at-Home Moms
Life as a stay-at-home-mom comes with rewards and challenges. . . .

Why do Children Whine, Scream and Fight?
Once the need has been made clear, not only can you relate to your child better but together with your child you can also find a solution which both of you can live with. . .

Crafty Toddler Meals
“Go ahead and play with your food” says Mama Brain. Visit her web site for great recipes and food inspiration. http://www.mamabrain.com/ . . .

Easter is coming. Only two weeks left. Visit mom-stuff.com for great recipes, kids crafts and decoration ideas. I took my grandkids to see the new movie Hop last night. It was a fun Easter activity.

Have a happy Easter with your friends and family.

Tags: card-Inspiration, Hop, kids-food-crfats, partenting, Recipes kids-crafts decorations, SAHM, WAHM

Our Finger Sucking Journey

2011-03-30T15:53:00.002-06:00

Our Finger Sucking Journey

To start our journey of finger sucking I am going to start from the very beginning. When our oldest daughter was born my husband decided NO binkies were allowed. I didn't question this decision he has a son and I figured he knew something I didn't. At 4 months old on the very same day I pierced my daughters ears she started sucking her 2 middle fingers. At the time this was cute, adorable even. This habit was her way of soothing herself.

As with any kids or at least from my experience I didn't think too much of her habit. At the age of 4 I started worrying that she was a little old to still have this terrible habit. I asked her pediatrician about the habit. Her pediatrician didn't seem to think it was a problem and kept telling me that because it was her fingers and not her thumb there wouldn't be any damage to her mouth. She also told me that when she started school she would stop on her own. As she started attending school the finger sucking did not stop, we worried about her getting teased or criticized. I personally was criticized by other mom's because I have allowed it to continue. If only it was that easy! Those of you reading this I am sure know what I am talking about.

She is 7 now, our goal for this year was to get her to stop by her 8th birthday. This winter was when the straw broke the camels back. It has been a bad winter with lots of colds, flu's and allergies. We had the same flu circle our house for about 4 weeks. That is when I put my foot down. I don't know if this is what really happened but it seemed like she was sharing this flu around because of the bacteria she was spreading from her fingers.

We have tried ever trick we could find such as making her wear a glove, fingernail polish, rewarding her, reminding her that her hand is in her mouth, putting a splint on her finger. We tried taping her 2 fingers together. We even tried getting frustrated with her. I was on the verge of asking a doctor to put a cast on her hand.

Everyone of these methods was a Big Failure
Being at the end of my rope with how to help I asked a different pediatrician (he recommended the Nasty polish) and I also got on the Internet to search any other options we hadn't tried. The NASTY fingernail polish (mivala) was the only thing we haven't tried. I started reading the reviews and was getting the feeling in your stomach of nervousness to use this. I was feeling like it was abuse. To me it was like putting her hand in poop. With that uneasy feeling I got creative and wondered if putting fake fingernails on her hands would work. I went to a salon and they said they wouldn't put acrylic fingernails on her they said she was too young. Dang it another idea gone. Then I thought what about the fingernails you put on yourself. I took her to the store and let her pick out the style of nails she wanted. I figured if I made it look fun they we might be successful. She had so much fun picking out her nails and then spending the time to put them on. We went home and put the nails on.

**Note** The first nails we bought were press on nails. We bought the nail glue as well but let me tell you from trial and error. Don't put nail glue over the top of the press on nail glue. If you can only find small enough nails in press on use alcohol to get the glue off first. I did however find petite nails at Target these work perfectly for my daughter they were even short so they looked like real nails.

As an update we put the fake nails on March 20, 2011 and here it is March 30, 2011 and she has not sucked her fingers since I put them on.

I will be honest the first night was the most difficult and heartbreaking. She went into anxiety and kept asking me how am I going to get to sleep. Night was always the worst for her finger sucking. I suggested for her to rub her ear since that was also a smoother with her fingers. I also asked if she could think of anything else that would help. For a last resort we had a baby doll's binkie, she put this in her mouth but I think it was more of a joke. The next morning I praised her she had successfully made it the first night.

On a better note; I asked her at about 5 days in what she was doing at night to help her sleep. She answered with the sweetest voice, "I prayed for help to be able to sleep." She melted my heart. I will continue to keep everyone updated on our success as we journey on.....by Amber a mom-stuff mom

Mom-Stuff helps you get ready for Easter

2011-03-23T13:04:00.001-06:00

Mom-Stuff Team has been busy getting Easter ideas ready for you and your family fun. Easter this year is on April 24th so you only have 4 weeks to get ready.

Bunnys Easter Eggs

Bunnies made from Plastic Easter Eggs . . .

Our Easter Traditions
In our family uses every excuse to celebrate. Holidays are always fun with our family. While growing up as a little girl we always had picnics and Easter egg hunts. . .

Easter Recipes
Cupcake baskets and 10 ways to use up hard boiled eggs. .

Easter Kids Crafts
Easter is such a fun time for kids. Help them make some fun crafts. We have craft ideas for all ages. . .

History of Easter Traditions
Have you ever wondered how Easter traditions got their start the Easter bunny, coloring eggs, egg hunts, Easter lilies? What do these things have to do with the resurrection of Christ? I decided to find out. . .

Thanks to all of our new members. If you have not joined there is no catch totally free to join. We have decides it is our goal to make the world a better place one mom at a time. Come over to mom-stuff.com and help us create a happy, supported and helpful place just for moms.

Tags: Crafts, Easter-Traditions, family, Family-Fun, Recipes,traditions

Mom-Stuff Membership is FREE

2011-03-08T14:22:00.002-07:00

The Mom-Stuff Community is a private, members-only, resource for all Mom’s serious about improving their lives. Within the private, members-only area, you’ll find a group of like minded moms to share ideas with. Mom-Stuff members contribute a comprehensive source of in-depth information, including hands on reviews of products for Moms, down loadable products developed by our moms, advice and opinions from other Moms on making money on line, fun ideas and suggestions, time saving ideas, organizational ideas, ways to add romance to your life and much more – all for, and from, the view point of Moms just like you.

* Members discounts on products in our shopping cart
* Sale your products in our shopping cart
* Contribute your recipes to recipe club for profit donation to charity.
* Discussion Forum for members with other like minded Moms
* Access to our Mom-Stuff Team Experts.
* FREE gifts for members.
* FREE downloads for members.
* Contribute your articles to share with other moms. Giving you recognition as an expert.
* Educational Class for developing and marketing your own products.
* Educational Article for making money on line.
* Exclusive Community for empowering moms.

Subscribing now guarantees that you’ll immediately receive access to all of these resources and to the new content added monthly. Remember the email you use when joining. Our system will use it to identify you.

TO BECOME A MEMBER join now, and we will give you immediate access to all the resources in the member’s only section. To join, Use our Secure on line order form

QUESTIONS? Feel free to use our speedy contact form. Or call 435-669-0258. Or email dianne@mom-stuff.com

International Women's Day

2011-03-08T11:17:00.002-07:00

Today is the day!!! It's the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and The WIN is hosting the largest gathering of women in the history of the world to celebrate this day!

You can JOIN US ONLINE and watch the entire event live-streaming from Los Angeles, CA... for no cost at all!

Watch Deidre Hall (Days of Our Lives) Paula Fellingham (WIN Founder and CEO) Lisa Nichols (The Secret) Lauren Chapin (Father Knows Best) Tamilee Webb (Buns of Steel) and other experts...

Simply log onto www.InternationalWomensDay.org and ENJOY!!!

Do you want GMO in the food you feed your kids?

2011-03-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

I heard this interview last night and was furious at the attitude taken by Organic Valley and several organic organizations on the topic of GMO alfalfa, which the FDA wants to permit unconditionally. The transcript is available at
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=134162035
In the interview on National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" about the introduction of GMO alfalfa into dairy feed. In the interview was the following segment:

Mr. GEORGE SIEMON (Chief Executive Officer, Organic Valley): "You know, there's reality, and there's perception. And perception is consumers are saying they don't want any pollution in organic products, and whether that's realistic or not is another matter, but for sure consumer perception is a real concern."

My letter to Organic Valley is below. I encourage you to write one of your own!

Frankly, the quote sounds as if your company agrees with Charles Benbrook (Chief Scientist, Organic Center) that if we insist on milk and eggs from animals that eat absolutely no GMO genes, we''ll have to get that food from Europe. Apparently you are acknowledging the superior European standards, and willing to support lesser quality in our country. My reality is that I do NOT consider GMO acceptable in any degree in my organic purchases. My legitimate interests and preferences should not be discarded as "perceptions" that simply need to be worked around. Don't assume my ignorance, indifference, or passivity as a consumer. I am one of many, many, who wont "settle" for GMO foods in any form.

Sincerely,

Kim Welborn

Welcome March

2011-03-01T10:07:00.002-07:00

March is the month of the buds coming forth. Quietly they have worked for months to develop, and now they are ready to burst. Most won’t actually open this month, but they are pregnant with promise. Hope is in the trees and in the birds they are now beginning to welcome to their still-bare branches. This is a time for watching the pieces come together, for potential. Life is stirring. Everything necessary for trees to blossom and leaf out is present, just as it is within us. The branches are busy now putting effort toward the blooms to come; we can occupy ourselves in similar fashion. Everyone in March thinks spring will be here any day. It’s a time inherently full of creative effort: we color eggs and hide them, we make kites and fly them, and the sky plays with new cloud formations.

A bud contains within its tiny space a fully formed leaflet, which will enlarge and expand as it shakes off the tiny covering of scales, which protects it as it forms. We often have a similar covering on our minds. We hold back many of the ideas that come to us, even those that are truly inspired, as a protective measure for our egos or our hearts. Only by opening them up do we have a real opportunity to know whether or not they will “amount to something”. Imagination consists of courage added to an idea. Ideas are ways to integrate various parts or pieces into a new whole, the main message of this month. Courage is being the first bud to open, even if it might still be cold and there’s no one to notice. Great artists are always original. Buds don’t ask whether their leaf will look like anyone else’s.

This is an excerpt from the Leaves of the tree of Life by Kim Welborn and mom-stuff’s own Dianne Murray.

March is the time to rejoice in being a part of this glorious world. Let’s celebrate the wonderful energy of March.

Tags: Leave-of-the-tree-of-life, Leaves-of-the tree-of life, self-improvment, www.mom-stuff.com

St. Patrick's Day Ideas

2011-02-15T10:17:00.002-07:00

Feeling Irish

On St. Patrick’s Day we can all FEEL IRISH!!!

On St. Patrick’s Day you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the spirit of the day.

Geather your clan and celebrate the spirt of the day with some Irish food because everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. The popularity of this holiday has spread like a patch of clover. There are more St. Patrick’s Day parades held in the United States than in Ireland.

Celebrating each holiday is our way of celebrating life. It does help if you look good in green, believe in wee-folk and enjoy a bit of sausage and cabbage. Come and visit us at www.mom-stuff.com and celebrate with us.

St. Patrick’s Day Kid’s Crafts
St. Patrick’s Kid’s Crafts .

St. Patrick’s Day Treat Bag
These are fast, easy and inexpensive for when you want to give a friend gift to several people. . . .

Rockin Bobbie Pins
Make your own Rockin Bobbie Pins, hair accessories, to match your clothes. All you need are bobbie pins and your imagination. These are so much fun. You can make some for every holiday or even every outfit. . . .

St. Patrick’s Family Fun
Geather your clan and celebrate the spirt of the day with some Irish food because everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick’s Day we can all FEEL IRISH!!! On St. Patrick’s Day you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the spirit of the day. Every holiday is a good excuse to celebrate. Holidays are a good time to add some fun and enjoyment to your life. Celebrating each holiday is our way of celebrating life. It does help if you look good in green, believe in wee-folk and enjoy a bit of sausage and cabbage. . . .keep reading

St Patricks Day Decorations
May you live as long as you want, and never WANT as long as you live. “Irish toast” . . .

St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
Gather you clan and celebrate with some Irish food because everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! . . .

St Patrick’s Day Scrapbooking
For this page I wanted to make a St Patrick’s page for the mom-stuff web site. I wanted it to use a picture of my grandson who I feel very lucky and blessed to have in my life. . . .

For St Patrick’s Day we have given you crafts, recipes and decorations to make and enjoy. We hope you will have the luck of the Irish with you, get a kiss from a good looking lepracon, find the gold at the end of your rainbow or at least have a toast with us. the Mom-Stuff Team

May you live as long as you want, and never WANT as long

Let's Celebrate Febuary

2011-02-03T07:21:00.002-07:00

Unseen by anyone, though the deepest days of winter are present, the sap begins to rise in the trees in February. By the end of the month, the maples will be tapped for the sap to begin running, making the syrup that reminds us of the Valentine sweets. We all have heart-sap running deep, waiting to rise. When heart and mind work together, we call it intuition. This is the time to let you feel that process.

Old ideas or habits may keep you from trusting yourself and your ability to perceive your own needs and find your own answers. Learning to use heart and mind together can be daunting in a society that values scientific proof above most everything. In the movie “The Karate Kid”, a bonsai master hands a young boy a tree and pruning shears. Concerned, he asks what he should do, not wanting to damage the tree. He is told to look at the tree, to focus, and to cut away what doesn’t look like the tree. Surprisingly, the results are pleasing to him and to the master. Ours can be likewise.

Anciently, February was celebrated with a feast of purification. From that tradition came the country custom of cutting fence posts from dead wood, trimming grapevines, and pruning trees during this period. For us, it’s a great month to focus on finding and eliminating the deadwood in our lives. Pruning involves evaluation, determining the value of every branch, and foreseeing the potential for productive growth by removing whatever is unnecessary. Too much clutter makes inspiration difficult. Look at your life and at the shape you’ve decided you want it to take. What doesn’t “look or feel like” that life? So often we believe we have a goal or intent, but honest evaluation may show us that we actually spend our life energy in very different directions. Does what you are doing reflect your knowledge of who you are and where you are going?

February is always associated with Valentine’s Day. Like the winter holidays, we want someone to share the time with, and may have expectations too great to be fulfilled. Learning to listen to our hearts is a difficult process. There is definite sweetness in companionship, but unless there is an inherent capacity for joy within ourselves we can’t form lasting relationships with others. Maple sap drips slowly into the tapers pail. We find our sweetness the same way, a drop at time. Filling our emotional bucket starts deep, rising and filling out slowly as we have the warmth and light of trusting our own feelings.

Forcing ourselves into situations or relationships that don’t “feel” right violates our identity, numbing our ability to feel in the future. Filigree flower essence is a tool for gaining perspective; gentian and self-heal can support us in moving through disappointments. Asking yourself how it would feel to trust your feelings can be a great revelation. Try it!

It is difficult to feel inspired when we’re tired, cold and sluggish. The earth in February is cold, wet, and gray and it is an extra effort to get our bodies moving. Massaging the center of the forehead can stimulate blood flow to the pineal gland and other organs in the head, helping you to think more clearly. Take a long walk in crisp, cold air just to let your mind wander. Recognize that your sap is still rising, and encourage that with gentle, flowing, stretching exercises. Add classical dance movements to everyday activities to feel the movements of the muscles in your arms and legs.

Excerpt from Leaves for the Tree of Life

a woman’s guide to integration of body, heart and mind.

By Kim Welborn and Dianne Murray

How to help Clean Your Dishes

2011-02-03T07:20:00.002-07:00

A few months ago a new law went into effect that banned phosphates from dishwashing detergent in 17 states, is your state one of them?. It may help the environment, but it’s making it harder to get clean dishes for your family. Who wants a product that makes your life harder?

“For the last month and a half my dishes just weren’t getting clean,” Lorinda Loveridge said.

When her dishes came out with a film on them, Loveridge’s initial thought was that her dishwasher needed to be replaced.

“I think anybody would, for those of us who didn’t know what was going on, especially if you didn’t switch detergent,” she said. “What else would you think it was?”

Marilyn Albertson, with the Utah State University Cooperative Extension Office, frequently gets calls from consumers wanting to know why their dishes are suddenly so dirty.

“It has changed the way people do dishes, and it has caused frustration out there,” Albertson said. Us moms do not need any more frustrations.

After she explains that phosphates have been removed from the dishwasher detergent, Albertson asks the person if he or she has a water softener.

“Hard water makes it much more difficult to clean the dishes than soft water,” she explained.

Albertson recommends a commercial rinse aid. Other home remedies include adding one-half to 1 teaspoon of baking soda, or you can try 1 teaspoon of white vinegar. If you still have trouble, Albertson has another recommendation.

“You can make a mix of a tablespoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of borax and put that in your detergent cup and then wash,” she said.

Daisy Hodges has had good luck since she started adding vinegar at the beginning of the wash cycle.

“It swishes for about 30 seconds, and then I just dump some vinegar in,” Hodges explained.

Now her dishes are coming out about as clean as they were with the old detergent.

“It’s working good, except when I forget,” she said. “Sometimes I forget, but it works good.”

There doesn’t seem to be a one-size-fits-all remedy. Albertson says you’ll really just have to experiment to see what works for you.

Mom-Stuff.com wants to help make your life easier. Article posted at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14228628

Tags: clean-dishes, dishwashing-detergents, family, frustration,life-harder, phosphates, www.mom-stuff.com

Join the Boob Vacation

2011-02-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Read on…This is an event from a FB friend of mine…Boob on Vacation for @Wil Whalen.

Not only do I think it’s an awesome idea but I also think that you should do it. Be a part of positive healing through humor!

“Here’s the deal. I lost my mother, my Aunt Dottie and my childhood friend to cancer. Lasts year, I lost my dear friend Rose. Now another woman I’m close to has been diagnosed.

Cathy Morris is like a mother to me. For 8 years she’s been very good to me. Icannot even put into words how much I love her dearly. Her kids Michele and Damien are two of my favorite people on the planet. They are my Maine Family. They’re the first people I call with good news and they have my back when times are tough. So….the bad news. Cathy has breast cancer. She is having a mastectomy. The day she found out she had cancer we all went out for food and drinks. Cathy also has an amazing sense of humor as well. She said, “I’m not going to look at it like I lost a boob, I’m just going to pretend it went on vacation.” Then she proceeded to make jokes about her boob going around the world having a great time. Then she said she wanted to write a book about her boob on vacation. And that gave me this idea. If she thinks her boob is on vacation, then it should send post cards. So I want everyone to go buy a post card from the town you live in and send it to Mama Morris. Write something witty about what her boob did while there mention you and your friends/family and sign it, Love Your Boob. Wil Whalen

Example from one of our mom-stuff moms.

Mamma Morris,

Hello, I am enjoying the sun in St George UT with two cute goofy girls,

Love,
Your Boob

Our wish is for her to receive a TON of these postcards so she can make a scrap book of her Boob On Vacation. You have no idea how much this will mean to her. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO THIS! It will be the best medicine ever! Also, feel free to pay it forward and get a bunch of your friends to do it as well. You have all my gratitude for this! And yes, even if you live here in Maine, still do it. Also, if you feel so inclined, copy the text of this event and email it to 10 friends.

When she receives all her post cards, I’ve going to scan them in my computer front and back and then have a hard back book made for her.

Mama Morris
36 Ferncroft Rd.
Buxton Maine 04093″

If you want to send me a pic of your post card I will down load them to Facebook (dianne@mom-stuff.com.) I think we can get some serious momentum going for Cathy. I love the idea of lots of us coming together for healing with laughter.

Facebook event address http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=184661958233783

Features Resources for Moms

2011-01-27T07:51:00.003-07:00

This month at Mom-stuff.com we have some great articles for January.

How to Scrapbook for Beginners

The truth is, anyone that can use scissors and glue can scrapbook. And you don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to create attractive pages. With some basic supplies and a little imagination . . . keep reading

Organizing For Taxes – For the Unorganized
My taxes are a mess, or rather doing them is. I run a small business to make it even worse, am I am semi organized at best. Today found me with a large pile or receipts for just about everything that needed to be organized and tallied and more . . . keep reading

To Sick for School?
Family Health-Are your kids to sick to send them to school? Parents can use the following symptom-based guidelines to help them decide whether to keep their child home or not: . . . keep reading

Recipe Overhaul
If you’re human, I am sure at one time or another you have had a stack of recipes to go through.I started with a spiral index card book in High school, then went onto a small ring binder for index cards, next was a small album with sheet protectors, and now I have FINALLY found a great strategy that works for organization of your recipes. Let’s go about this in 5 steps! . . . keep reading

Kids In the Kitchen: More Than Just Learning How to Cook

Kids cooking, what are real benefits? Over the years, I have discovered that cooking with my kids is an opportunity for them to have fun and LEARN. . .

REMINDER-If you have wanted to purchase my book Leaves for the Tree of Life and put if off this is your chance to get it FREE

Only a few days remain to get your free self improvement gifts…

It’s hard to believe that the FREE
Self Improvement Gifts 5 Giveaway is
almost over for another year!

This massive outpouring of generosity
from hundreds of the top Personal Growth
experts in the world has resulted in over 900
life changing FREE gifts…

Have you signed up yet?

What are you waiting for…?

http://selfimprovementgifts5.com/go/518

Stephanie Mulac, Carolyn Hansen and
Dr. Joe Rubino will be closing down
the event soon, and if you don’t
hurry, you will miss out forever on
these awesome Self Improvement Products
that are FREE for the taking.

Grab my book Leaves for the Tree of Life and all the fabulous gifts right now before
they are gone forever!

http://selfimprovementgifts5.com/go/518

Enjoy!

Dianne Murray

P.S. On January 31st they will be gone
forever and many of the free gifts will
return to being paid products, so don’t
delay.

Tags: crafts, family, Health, kids-cooking, Organization,Scrapbooking, self-improvement

FREE Working Moms 911 Telesummit Retreat

2011-01-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Mom-Stuff will be here will you?

Who: You and all of your friends if you work at home or outside the home.

What: Telesummit featuring interviews with experts who speak to the

heart of working moms…

When: January 20 – 22

Why: As a working mom, I know you’re under an incredible amount of pressure everyday to

keep up with all of your responsibilities -parenting, the kid’s schoolwork, meals, housework,

relationships, and work -just to name a few. All of us need a dose of encouragement and

refreshing at times.

Imagine what it would be like to have an organized, clutter-free household…

Imagine enjoying guilt-free family time…

Imagine what you could do with a few hundred extra bucks you saved by couponing…

Parenting advise-Imagine your children doing what you ask without you having to raise your voice…

Imagine breaking free from the prison of emotional eating…

Imagine balancing your work, home, and family activities with ease…

Discover how to:

Reduce your Grocery Bill by 50% with Super Couponing

Stop screaming at your kids

How to apply Biblical principles to your work and business life

Help your teens start their own business

Overcome emotional eating

Reclaim your households through Kamikaze Cleaning

Use SMARTcut® systems to simplify your life

Get out of “overwhelm”

Find hope for the journey

How: Simply go to http://www.workingmoms911.com/telesummit and register so that you

can listen to all the sessions online for free.

To your success as a mom,

P.s. What will you do with your NEW YEAR? Let’s make 2011 one to remember

Who: You and all of your friendsWhat: Telesummit featuring interviews with experts who speak to the heart of working moms…When: January 20 – 22Why: As a working mom, I know you’re under an incredible amount of pressure everyday to keep up with all of your responsibilities -parenting, the kid’s schoolwork, meals, housework, relationships, and work -just to name a few. All of us need a dose of encouragement and refreshing at times. Imagine what it would be like to have an organized, clutter-free household…Imagine enjoying guilt-free family time…Imagine what you could do with a few hundred extra bucks you saved by couponing…Imagine your children doing what you ask without you having to raise your voice…Imagine breaking free from the prison of emotional eating…Imagine balancing your work, home, and family activities with ease…Discover how to: Reduce your Grocery Bill by 50% with Super Couponing Stop screaming at your kids How to apply Biblical principles to your work and business life Help your teens start their own business Overcome emotional eating Reclaim your households through Kamikaze Cleaning Use SMARTcut® systems to simplify your life Get out of “overwhelm” Find hope for the journey How: Simply go tohttp://www.workingmoms911.com/telesummit and register so that you can listen to all the sessions online for free.To your success as a mom, P.s. What will you do with your NEW YEAR?

Let’s make 2011 one to remember,

You invitation comes from Susan Martin

Tags: balancing-work-and family, couponing, emotional-eating,family, family-time, moms-resource, Organization, parenting-advise,Reduce-grocery-bill, save-money, Smartcut-systems

Mom-Stuff Valentine Crafts

2011-01-17T10:53:00.001-07:00

At Mom-Stuff.com we love Valentines Day. We have some great girlfriend valentines gifts in our mom’s craft section. We also have several classmate valentines pages in our kids craft section.Have some fun family time making valentines with your kids. Come and visit and get inspirited.

Make Your Own Valentines

Make your own Valentine Animals for classmate..

Valentine Flower Ball
Valentine Flower Ball .a perfect gift for girlfriends and mothers. .

Valentine Candy Ball
This Valentine is as pretty as it is sweet. This project is fun for kids but also pretty enough to be for Mother’s Day, a friend’s birthday or Valentine’s Day gift. . . .

Love Bug Sucker
These Valentine Suckers are so pretty you can put them into a flower vase for a decoration.

Valentine Recipes
Valentine Recipes-Sweets for your sweeties on Valentine’s Day. . .

Valentines Scrapbooking
Valentine Scrapbooking Page layout, You Warm My Heart . .

Thanks for being a part of the mom-stuff community. We believe in Moms helping Moms and we are so glad you are a part of our circle. We want to hear from you. What can we do to help enrich your life? What can you offer to other Moms? If you have any ideas that you would like to share for the New Year please email them to me. dianne@mom-stuff.com

Tags: family, mom's-crafts, Recipes kids-crafts decorations,Scrapbooking, Valentine Valentine-cards Valentine-crafts,Valentine Valentine-Day, www.mom-stuff.com

Your Life Certificate

2011-01-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect time of year to take
stock of who we are and where we are going.

To show my appreciation for your support
throughout the year, I'm excited to share
this incredibly motivational short video
with you called "Your Life Certificate."

Please take a moment to sit back, relax
and enjoy:

Watch NOW

To Your Success In 2011!
Dianne Murray

Featured Resources at Mom-Stuff

2011-01-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year. If you want to see changes in 2011 you must do things

differently. If you keep doing things the way you’ve

always done them, you’re going to keep getting the same results.

January Links at Mom-Stuff

Tips to Help Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick
Setting New Year’s resolutions may be a time-honored tradition but unfortunately making last-minute vows during a champagne toast isn’t an effective approach. How can you ensure that you’ll stick with your goals beyond January 15th? You’ve got to make sure that your goals possess a “STICKINESS” factor. . . .

Setting Goals and Shaping your Future
Each year on the first of January, I take the time to reflect upon my goals from the previous year. I like to evaluate what I have accomplished, and review everything that has manifested throughout the year. It always makes me smile, how things have unfolded for the goals which had a strong enough WHY even if I did not really know at the time how I would get them accomplished…amazing how that works! . . .

Organizing For Taxes – For the Unorganized
My taxes are a mess, or rather doing them is. I run a small business to make it even worse, am I am semi organized at best. Today found me with a large pile or receipts for just about everything that needed to be organized and tallied and more . . .

To Sick for School?
Parents can use the following symptom-based guidelines to help them decide whether to keep their child home or not: . . .

Recipe Overhaul
If you’re human, I am sure at one time or another you have had a stack of recipes to go through.I started with a spiral index card book in High school, then went onto a small ring binder for index cards, next was a small album with sheet protectors, and now I have FINALLY found a great strategy that works for me. Let’s go about this in 5 steps! . . .

Have you joined the Self Improvement Giveaway, yet?

Heres wishing you health, wealth and happiness in 2011,

Dianne_mom-stuff

Self Improvement Give Away

2011-01-06T09:04:00.002-07:00

Self Improvement Gifts 5 is LIVE and that means…

Here’s your personal link to get your hands on the

largest selection of FREE ebooks, audios, videos,

courses, memberships and more relating to the

Self Improvement, Business & Marketing niche that you

will find anywhere!

http://selfimprovementgifts5.com/go/518

Your personal invitation to this give away comes from mom-stuff.com because we appreciate all of you and want you to be happy and healthy.

NOW is the time to be setting yourself up for a successful 2011. Come in and browse around:

Download all of these products TODAY because Stephanie

Mulac, Carolyn Hansen & Dr. Joe Rubino vowed to make this

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This is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to tackle any challenge

(personal or business) that’s facing you in 2011!

So don’t delay – the solutions are waiting for you

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To Your Success In 2011!

Dianne Murray

P.S. Download all the gifts immediately and check

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time:

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I have been invited to join the Self Improvement Give Away and I am giving away my book Leaves for the Tree of Life, a woman’s guide to integration of body, heart and mind. You can sign up to receive my book and choose from over 780 gifts in the self help, personal development, self awareness, affirmations niche.

After you browse the giveaway came and visit http://mom-stuff.com/. It’s a Mom thing.

Blog http://mom-stuffcommunity.com

Let’s make 2011 the best year ever with health, wealth and happiness,

Dianne_mom-stuff

Let's Begin 2011 on the Right Foot

2011-01-04T09:58:00.002-07:00

Mom-Stuff.com Featured Resources to help you start 2011 on the right foot.

To Sick for School?
Kids health questions. Is your kid to sick to send them to school. Parents can use the following symptom-based guidelines to help them decide whether to keep their child home or send them to school.

Recipe Overhaul
Do you have had a stack of recipes to go through each time you cook? Here is some great tips for recipe organization. I started with a spiral index card book in High school, then went onto a small ring binder for index cards, next was a small album with sheet protectors, and now I have FINALLY found a great strategy that works for me. Let’s go about this in 5 steps! . .

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T10:33:00.002-07:00

A friend sent me this beautiful story that appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (just outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving support to those who are hurting and being grateful to those who help you in your own struggles.

Mom-Stuff.com wishes all of you a Happy New Year!

Many blessings to you and your family!

A Christmas Tale for Moms

2010-12-21T10:20:00.002-07:00

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas…Mom Style

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, “Now what is the matter?”

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
“Oh great,” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”

“Ho Ho Ho!” cried Santa, I’m glad you’re awake.”
“Your gift was especially difficult to make.”
“Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone.”
“Exactly!” he chuckled, “So, I’ve made you a clone.”

“A clone?” she muttered, “What good is that?”
“Run along, Santa, I’ve no time for chit chat.”
Then out walked the clone – The mother’s twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

“She’ll cook, she’ll dust, and she’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
“Fantastic!” the mom cheered. “My dream has come true!”
“I’ll shop, I’ll read, I’ll sleep a night through!

“From the room above, the youngest did fret.
“Mommy?! Come quickly, I’m scared and I’m wet.
“The clone replied, “I’m coming, sweetheart.”
“Hey,” the mom smiled, “She sure knows her part.

“The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
“You’re the best mommy ever. I really love you.
“The clone smiled and sighed, “And I love you too.

“The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That’s my child’s LOVE she is going to steal.
“Smiling wisely, Santa said: “To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here.

“The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
“Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won’t be very long,
before they’ll be too old for my cradle and song.

“The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.
“With the clone by his side, Santa said: “Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you’ll be all right.”

As a mom it’s easy to get discouraged and there are days that you want to sit down and throw a temper tantrum. On the days when you wished for a clone, take some time for yourself and remember the joys of being a mom. Please have a happy holiday with friends and family. I wish for you all of the joy and peace of the season. Merry Christmas Moms from mom-stuff.com

Give Meaningful Gifts of Self this Christmas

2010-12-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Studio 5 contributor and licensed therapist Julie Hanks, LCSW shares meaningful gifts of self to give your spouse this Christmas.

The most meaningful Christmas gifts don’t require much money, but do require thought, time, and awareness. Though it’s fun to shop and wrap gifts, we ultimately all wish for the same emotional gifts from our spouse — things that can’t be purchased – gifts of self. We all long for reassurance that we are loved and cherished, for comfort when we are sad or hurt or scared, and for validation that our experience matters to the person we love the most. Even if your husband doesn’t have the words to express these wishes, he longs for the same emotional gifts too. Here are some ideas to get you started thinking less about gifts you can buy and more about gifts you can offer from your heart.

1. Gift of Emotions

Tell your emotional truth

Too often, in an effort not to hurt your spouse’s feelings, you may have stopped expressing the full range of emotions – your hurts, your fears, your anger and your joys, and dreams. “I don’t want to be a nag” or “I ‘m supposed to be nice and happy all of the time” are common phrases I hear in my therapy office as reasons women stop expressing themselves. It’s helpful to consider that intimacy means “into-me-see” or see into me. True intimacy requires a deep level of emotional honesty and the tender expression of a full range of emotions, not just the good, happy, nice ones. Your thoughts, your feelings, and your expression of them are what make you uniquely you.

Ask for what you really want

Sending clear signals about what you need emotionally from your spouse can be difficult. It requires an internal awareness and a willingness to ask deeper questions that go below the surface. Behind every complaint and criticism you have for your spouse is an emotional plea for closeness. Practice going below the complaint and expressing the emotional need directly. Instead of saying, “You always work so much! Are you going to be working until 8PM forever? I’m sick of eating dinner alone.” try saying, “I want to spend more time with you. I’m afraid that I’m not important to you. Can we plan a date night for this weekend?” Trust me. Being direct with your emotional needs is a gift to him.

More gifts of emotion:

Write a handwritten love letter describing in detail what you love your spouse and what they mean to you.

Write an apology of letter or forgiveness for past hurts.

Share your “Bucket List” with your spouse.
2. Gift of Attention

Push the pause button

When is the last time you really listened to your spouse? Do often find that you’re so busy with children, household chores, or other commitments that you rarely look your spouse in the eye and talk? If your conversations with your hubby are while you’re multitasking – unloading the dishwasher or texting or watching TV, you may want to practice “pushing the pause button”. If you’re focused on other things, you’ll miss the meaning behind what your hubby is trying to tell you. Too often couples I see in my practice are so distracted by other activities or so busy reacting from their own intense emotions that they completely bypass the emotional meaning of their spouse’s expression.

Here’s an example of how this might play out in a therapy session. In an effort to reach out to his wife John says, “I really miss you. You’ve been so preoccupied since our son was born. Let’s spend some alone time together.”

Megan responds defensively, “I’m trying to be a good mother. You know this is all new for me. I’m overwhelmed and I’m trying to be there for you – can’t you see that? Megan, flooded by her own emotions missed John’s main message of, “I miss you. I need you” and she heard some version of “You’re not good enough.”

If Megan had “paused” her emotions response and slowed down her reaction enough to hear his emotional message she might have said something like, “Oh, John, you really miss me and want to spend time together. Thank you for reassuring me of that.” Then once John is heard, Megan can share with John how she is feeling about the transition to motherhood. Putting your emotions temporarily on hold and really hearing your spouse is truly a gift.

Learn to speak his love language

Ask your hubby how he feels most loved and learn to be more proficient in his “language”. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, identified distinct categories of how people experience love: physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and gifts. Couples often give love in their own language instead of in their partner’s language. For example, if your husband’s primary love language is acts of service then make a special home cooked meal, or surprise him by doing all of his household chores. If his language is physical touch, actively approach him for a hug and kiss, hold his hand, sit by him, initiate physical intimacy more often. Offering love in his language will help him feel deeply loved by you.

More gifts of attention:

Ask him about the times he feels most loved and cherished. Take notes and do something from his list every day for a week.

Plan a candlelight dinner, turn off all electronics, and talk.

Plan a playful night of physical intimacy with your spouse.
3. Gift of Memories

Keep track of the good stuff

Do you keep a mental note of your spouse’s failings, or of past hurts or offenses? This year try write your hubby a Christmas letter recounting all of the good times, family milestones, and positive relationship moments. I knew a couple who did this for a few decades now enjoy a beautiful book containing years of personal expressions celebrating their memories of each year, significant family events, and the evolution of their love. To reflect on tender feelings and focus on the positive memories created through the years will validated that your husband is indeed cherished and loved.

Revisit the romance

Often I hear couples complain that they feel more like roommates than lovers.

After the initial infatuation of new relationships has faded, reclaiming and rekindling those romantic feelings takes…effort.

When is the last time you talked with your spouse about early romantic feelings that brought you together, browsed through your wedding photo book, or looked through photos of your favorite vacations? You don’t have to take a trip to the location of your honeymoon or first date to rekindle romance, just take a trip with your hubby down memory lane.

More gifts of memories:

Create a photo book of your favorite memories.

Create a relationship soundtrack CD with a mix of songs that have special meaning to you.

Plan a date to revisit a visiting a romantic location that has special meaning to you as a couple.

Julie de Azevedo Hanks, LCSW, licensed therapist and owner & director of Wasatch Family Therapy specializes in women’s emotional health and couples counseling. Visit www.wasatchfamilytherapy.comfor individual, couple, family, & group counseling and education designed to strengthen you and your family. For additional self-improvement & relationship resources connect with me atwww.juliehanks.com

Entertaining with Ease this Christmas

2010-12-13T14:30:00.002-07:00

This holiday season as you have guests drop by make your entertaining easy and fun. Studio 5 Contributor Terri Cook shares simple rules and recipes that will guarantee the guests have a good time…and you do to!

Prepare Ahead

Many delicious and impressive items can easily be prepared ahead of your event, hours or often even days. These bacon wrapped dates can easily be rolled and secured with toothpicks a day or two in advance if you have room in your refrigerator for storage. They can even all be placed in a zipper bag once you have them prepared. About an hour before your event (and before you get dressed in your wicked, knock-out, killer party clothes) bake them and set aside to cool. Recipe below.

Get your guests involved.

Most people arrive at an event and are looking for an opportunity to break the ice or get involved in the action. A good host will be able to identify those early arrivals or individuals that are seeking conversation and pull them into the kitchen and give them a simple but important assignment. Even as easy as “Will you please carry this out to the table for me?” offers that person an opportunity to help out as well as break into the party…They will be very popular when they emerge from the kitchen with delicious treats! This involvement can go as far as asking them to keep an eye on an item in the oven and let you know when the edges get golden brown or even get it out of the oven at a certain point. An example of this could be these VERY easy yet impressive sweet potato fries. (You will want to hide the package in your outdoor trashcan because they are delish and you can just smile and say “Thank you” when they are the hit of the party.)

Sweet Potato Fries

Shhhhh! Buy this bag in the freezer section of your grocery store and bake according to directions on a cookie sheet then sprinkle with sea salt.

A fun way to serve them is in cones made of fun scrapbooking paper or parchment paper tied with a ribbon and secured with hot glue or stapled into an easy hand-held carrier that requires nothing but a napkin.

Have some things on hand.

There are certain things I use in my everyday cooking that have become the “go-to” item for quick help when guest suddenly stop by. One of those items is Good Seasons Italian dressing. This dressing stays good in your refrigerator for a long time so make some up and have it on hand for everything from a great marinade for chicken to traditional dressing for a salad to a dip for a crusty bread with grated parmesan cheese, OR, when entertaining, try these great little items:

(I do have a twist for this. Make it with balsamic vinegar and olive oil rather than the traditional recipe on the box. )

Let People Serve Themselves

Your guests generally don’t expect you to wait on them. They came to visit you, right? I love to have a bag of ice in my outdoor freezer (this time of year that means my deck!). It’s easy to grab a variety of drinks, fill an ice bucket with drinks and ice and set it out for your guests to help themselves. They will feel more at home this way and they can get refills as desired. When beverages are handled this way, cups or glasses are optional but if you are having them I recommend an ice bucket full of ice separate from the drink bucket.

A little secret I’ve learned about arranging drinks in a bucket is to use some crumpled cellophane in the bottom, place the drinks where you want them then add the ice all around the drinks.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Ingredients:
Pitted Dates
Center Cut Bacon
Toothpicks

Method:
Cut uncooked bacon into strips just long enough to wrap around the center of each date.
Wrap the bacon around the date and hold in place with a toothpick.
Bake at 450 degrees on the center rack of oven turning one time after 5 minutes.
Watch closely so they don’t burn.
Should be nice crispy bacon after 7-10 minutes.

Caprice Appetizer

Ingredients:
Short skewers
Fresh Basil Leaves
Fresh Grape Tomatoes
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese in Water
Italian Seasons Salad Dressing (mixed according to directions but substituting balsamic vinegar and olive oil for the vinegar and oil portions.)

Method:
Snip basil into strips
Load skewer with alternating tomato basil and cheese until desired amount is achieved then drizzle with balsamic-based Italian Seasons Dressing.
Serve Chilled

Children Learn From Watching and Listening

2010-11-30T11:43:00.002-07:00

Our Children learn their greatest lessons from watching and listen to us every minute of every day. What are you teaching the children who are watching you?

YOU ARE YOUR CHILD’S GREATEST TEACHER

It’s the holidays! Kick off your shoes and relax. This fabulous moment in time brings so many wonderful gifts, the most precious being the time to teach your children all that you can about life. We tend to disregard that we are our youngster’s greatest teachers. In our pursuit of the finest education we pay private schools large amounts of money to educate our children, forgetting that the most significant lessons they will ever learn are from watching and listening to us.

Teaching your children to think critically and make their own decisions is one of the most valuable gifts you will give them. Thinking critically protects them from peer pressure and empowers them to explore all options when problems arise. Ask your pre-teen what she knows about drugs while taking a walk on the beach together. Discuss with her how making an impulsive decision like driving drunk can impact her life forever.

Talk to your 3 year old about his feelings while having a picnic in the garden. Ask him when he feels sad, happy, and frustrated. Acknowledge his feelings and talk about how the way we behave impacts others, thereby teaching him empathy and increasing his EQ. Role play with your children ways of protecting themselves if tempted by strangers.

Chat to your 9 year old daughter about the physical changes she’s experiencing while enjoying an ice-cream in the park. Empower your children with life saving skills if they get into trouble in water, such as don’t panic, turn around and swim to the edge of the pool.

Seize the opportunities that life presents to not only teach your children interesting facts, while travelling, but morals and values as well, thereby enriching their life. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

By Claire Marketos at http://www.inspiredparenting.co.za

Christmas Gifts for Friends, Family, Coworkers or Neoghbors

2010-11-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

It’s time for Christmas, my favorite time of the year. Here are your mom-stuff links to help you get some ideas for friends, family, coworker’s, and neighbor’s gifts.

12 Days of Christmas This was are most popular post, ever. It is twelve great printouts you can put with a simple gift for friends and neighbors. You can use any one by it’s self or you can use all twelve to make someone Christmas extra special.

More fun and easy gifts for friends, family, coworkers or neighbors:

Christmas Friend Gifts #1

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #2

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #3

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #4

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As we turn the corner to the Christmas countdown please remember the reason for the season. Make sure you do not get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping and lose your Christmas spirit. Slow the pace down when needed. Say no if the demand cannot be done without love. Do not sacrifice your peace for someone else’s view of happiness. When the Christmas season is over what will you remember? What will your family remember? If it is important to you make time for it, if it is not let it go. The most important thing you can do for your family is for you to be happy.

Thanks for being a part of the mom-stuff community. We believe in Moms helping Moms and we are so glad you are a part of our circle. We want to hear from you. What can we do to help enrich your life? What can you offer to other Moms? If you have any ideas that you would like to share for Christmas please email them to me. dianne@mom-stuff.com

Thanksgiving Dinner

2010-11-23T11:01:00.002-07:00

I wanted to share this resource with all of you cooks this Thanksgiving. If you need help with the turkey or menu ideas. This is the place.

Elise Bauer the owner of Simply Recipes has a great titorial on cooking your Thansgiving turkey. Here is the link http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/moms_roast_turkey/

Simple Recipes is Elise’s personal website, with only a few hundred recipes, all tested by her, her family or her friends. I invite you to visit her site and try the recipes.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. I am so grateful for all of the moms that are a part of the mom-stuff community. We believe in Moms helping Moms and we are so glad you are a part of our circle. We want to hear from you. What can we do to help enrich your life? What can you offer to other Moms? If you have any ideas that you would like to share for Christmas please email them to me. dianne@mom-stuff.com

Teach Children Gratitude

2010-11-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you could teach your children a skill that might help them be happier as adults, live longer, and reach goals better, wouldn’t you jump at the chance? What if there was evidence that this same skill also improved kids’ attitudes towards school and family? What is this amazing skill? Simply, gratitude.

There is an increasingly large amount of research showing that a grateful attitude can affect many different facets of your life. Dr. Robert Emmons, at the University of California, Davis, has recognized and published information about the benefits of gratitude for over a decade. Grateful people tend to be more optimistic, energetic, and empathetic. There is even evidence that gratitude can improve your physical well-being, helping your cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

How can you help your kids become grateful people? The possibilities are endless. Here’s a few ideas:

At Thanksgiving, take turns announcing something you are thankful for.
As part of a bedtime routine, talk about 2-3 things from your child’s day that he/she is grateful for.
Use words like “grateful,” “thankful,” “thank-you,” and “appreciate” frequently so your young children can learn them.
Draw pictures with your kids of things they’re grateful for. Display these pictures and talk about them.
Redirect greedy attitudes toward grateful attitudes. When your children say, “I want…” respond by helping them identify things they have that they are very grateful for. Help them remember how happy they were when they received different toys or treats or experiences.
Young children learn habits easiest that they observe in people they are attached to.Practice being grateful! Look for things to be grateful about and announce them aloud. Try “I’m so glad today is warm and sunny!” “I appreciate your smile!” “Thanks for helping me sweep!” “What a great parking spot we found,” or perhaps more often, “Isn’t it wonderful that our legs work so well and can carry us all the way to the store!” You might just reap some of the benefits you’re trying to give to your kids!

original article posted at http://houstonparentsmagazine.com/ I thought this was a perfect subject to think about this week. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Adopt the attitude of Gratitude this season and help teach the children around you.

Maple Glazed Donuts

2010-11-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

I can’t wait to make these after Thanksgiving. I am going to save some left over mashed potatoes for them. These are not the prettiest donuts but they are the best tasting and the easiest. These are fun to make with your kids.

Maple Glazed Donuts By: Erin Mylroie, Blogger at “Prudence Pennywise”

Video http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=204&sid=13255481

Ingredients:

2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup mashed potatoes (I use 1 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes or buds)
4 and 1/2 cups flour, DIVIDED
2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg (two quick shakes)

Method:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and beat well. Add buttermilk butter, vanilla. Stir in mashed potatoes. Sprinkle exactly 3 and 1/2 cups flour, plus powder, soda, salt and nutmeg over the dough. Stir until just blended. The dough will be extremely sticky. Line a dinner plate with waxed paper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour on top of waxed paper. Gather sticky dough up and press onto waxed paper; sprinkle the top with remaining 1/2 cup flour. If you need to pat atop a little more flour to be able to work with the dough, go ahead and sprinkle/pat it on top but DO NOT mix it in. ( You can refrigerate dough for a couple of hours at this point if you want, but not for too long or the dough will turn black from the potatoes.) Let the dough rest on the plate for five minutes. Meanwhile, heat large heavy pot with 1 inch of oil until oil is about 375 degrees. Turn donuts out onto flat floured surface. Pat the dough into a square only slightly larger than the plate. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick. (Do not knead in the flour that have you sprinkled on the donuts. It will cook away on the outside, promise.) Cut donuts with donut cutter, or use the top of a prescription pill bottle for donut holes. Holes are the best in my opinion. Fry donuts until pale golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Cool for five minutes before glazing.In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat eggs until frothy. Add sugar and beat well. Add buttermilk butter, vanilla. Stir in mashed potatoes. Sprinkle exactly 3 and 1/2 cups flour, plus powder, soda, salt and nutmeg over the dough. Stir until just blended. The dough will be extremely sticky. Line a dinner plate with waxed paper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour on top of waxed paper. Gather sticky dough up and press onto waxed paper; sprinkle the top with remaining 1/2 cup flour. If you need to pat atop a little more flour to be able to work with the dough, go ahead and sprinkle/pat it on top but DO NOT mix it in. ( You can refrigerate dough for a couple of hours at this point if you want, but not for too long or the dough will turn black from the potatoes.) Let the dough rest on the plate for five minutes. Meanwhile, heat large heavy pot with 1 inch of oil until oil is about 375 degrees. Turn donuts out onto flat floured surface. Pat the dough into a square only slightly larger than the plate. The dough should be about 1/2 inch thick. (Do not knead in the flour that have you sprinkled on the donuts. It will cook away on the outside, promise.) Cut donuts with donut cutter, or use the top of a prescription pill bottle for donut holes. Holes are the best in my opinion. Fry donuts until pale golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Cool for five minutes before glazing.

Maple Glaze
Notes: This makes enough for half a batch of donuts, in case you want to make some powdered sugar donuts or plain sugar.
Combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons maple extract and about 4 tablespoons cream (or milk) until smooth.

www.prudencepennywise.blogspot.com

New Modern Napkin Folds

2010-11-16T13:15:00.002-07:00

Yesterday on my local TV station, KSL Studio 5 had a quest who showed some wonderful ways to fold napkins to make your Thanksgiving table special. I had to share them with you

Megan Sorenson with Temple Square Hospitality, gives traditional napkin folds a modern twist. Wait the video herehttp://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=61&sid=13271178

for downloadable instructions http://media.bonnint.net/slc/2488/248845/24884595.pdf

I love this show I DVR it everyday. Since most of you do not live in the viewing area visit their web site for lots of great ideashttp://studio5.ksl.com/ for your home.

Give Gratitude to All of Our American Veterans

2010-11-11T08:37:00.002-07:00

Today is a very special day brought about after the ending of WWI. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)

The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said …

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

To our friends throughout the world this is a Remembrance of the cost of freedom to us all. We recognize each person’s love of their country and on this day, as Americans we acknowledge and remember the courage and commitment it takes to be free and to remain free.

Mary Robinson Reynolds [from@MakeADifference.com] ivites you to join Americans everywhere and take a few minutes to enjoy the musical artistry of singer and song writer John Schmidt:www.AmericaHeartandSoulMovie.com an Inspirational Movie for Veteran’s Day, November 11.

We cannot help but see how blessed we are to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave! On this Veterans Day may we all take and minute and thank our men and women for their service to our country.

To all of America’s Veterans, we love you and thank you for our freedom!

Only 45 Days Until Christmas

2010-11-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

I found this article today on Mom Stuff Facebook page and I have to admit, I was shocked. Really only 45 days and so much to do?

Only 46 Days Until Christmas!

By Tired Mom Tésa

I know it seems early to be in the holiday spirit, but with two preschoolers whose birthday’s sandwich Christmas, the holidays are on their minds a lot this time of year. We had a few big, wet flurries the other day and it was all I could do not to sing, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Kora & Logan immediately started asking, “How many days until my birthday?” and “How many days until Christmas?” So I got out the calendar and we started counting. http://networkedblogs.com/ahtqM

I do not like to start the Christmas season this early but with only 45 days left I am giving you some of our most popular links to help plan your gift giving. These links are for fun, creative and inexpensive gifts.

12 Days of Christmas http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/180.cfm

Christmas Friend Gifts #1 http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/177.cfm

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #2 http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/178.cfm

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #3 http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/179.cfm

Christmas FRIEND Gifts #4 http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/193.cfm

How Moms Can Create Big Changes

2010-11-04T18:19:00.000-06:00

The power of moms. You have to read this article and find out for yourself the power of moms. I found this article in About Working Moms one of my Linkedin groups. It was shared by Carolyn Parrs.

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble:

How Moms Create Their Own Tipping Point

For Change, by Mary Clare Hunt

Click on the title and read the whole article. If you have kids or grandkids you will be very impressed by the actions these moms took. They put child safety about money. I am so proud of them for taking a stand against promoting dangerous ingredients in a children’s product. Thieir story is inspirational.

Mom-Stuff Thanksgiving Pages are Live

2010-11-03T12:59:00.002-06:00

Visit for fun ideas to help make your Thanksgiving celebration the best ever.

Glitter up your Thanksgiving table with:

Wheat Thanksgiving Arrangement

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Leafy Napkin Ring

Thanksgiving Name Tags

Ideas for family fun:

Thanksgiving Games and Songs

Thanksgiving Family Fun

Thanksgiving Recipes

Kids crafts Pinecone Hand Turkey

We will be adding more ideas for you this week so visit often.

Give Thanks Month

2010-11-03T12:58:00.000-06:00

As the mood of our country is so affected by the economy I decided I need to lift my spirits. So the month of November I am declaring as my “Give Thanks Month” When we focus on our assets we are feeding ourselves with positive attitude, the attitude of gratitude. Each day this month I am going to post at least one thing I am grateful for.

I want this Thanksgiving season to be filled with more gratitude. There is so much to be grateful for, no matter who we are or what circumstances we are experiencing. Life is constantly filled with both problems and successes. We cannot control this but we can choose what we dwell on.

When we choose to look at life from a perspective of gratitude, we feed the positive rather that the negative. What we focus on the most is what we create more of in our lives. So l am going to make the effort to be grateful. How about you? Will you join me? Let’s focus on what is good about our life and have a happier Thanks giving. I will be posting on Facebook if you want to add your thoughts to mine. http://www.facebook.com/dianne.mom.stuff

Pinecone Hand Turkey

2010-11-01T13:33:00.000-06:00

Ashley has a really fun kids craft to make this month to celebrate Thanksgiving. Go to Ashley's Craft Room. She has all of the materials and instructions http://ashleys-craftroom.blogspot.com/
This month we want everyone to take some time to be grateful for the

When Are Kids Too Old to Trick or Treat?

2010-10-26T09:51:00.000-06:00

I was visiting the Mom stuff fan page on Facebook and came across this post. By Open Seven Days a Week. Closed Sundays. Original post http://networkedblogs.com/9CbmE

I thought it would be interesting to get everyone’s thoughts on this subject. When are kids too Old for trick or treating?

When I was (almost) 19 years old, I can recall one Halloween evening, some friends proposed that we dress up and go Trick-or-Treating. I had no objections to being able to use the holiday as an excuse to don a costume and score some free candy.

I also vividly remember the reactions from some of the adults around my neighborhood – “You guys are WAY TOO OLD to be Trick-or-Treating!” “You guys look RIDICULOUS!” “Just HOW OLD are you, anyway?” “Go on and get of here! Trick-or-Treating is for KIDS!”

Although some homeowners were highly annoyed with our pursuit of sugary confections, we were certainly not hurting anyone, or breaking any laws.
Nowadays, if you’re a teen and you’re caught Trick-or-Treating in some cities, you could end up in jail!
When it comes to the Halloween holiday, some cities have placed bans on how old a child can be for Trick-or-Treating. That age is 12.
Some lawmakers have decided that kids 13 and up are too old to Trick-or-Treat, and may be subject to fines up to $100 and time behind bars, if caught breaking the law.
In 2008, Mayor Mark Eckert of Belleville, Illinois decided that it would be a good idea to ban Trick-or-Treating by high school-aged teens, because it made some seniors and single women scared to open the door to find “6-foot-tall kids” looking for candy.
City officials are also banning teens from Trick-or-Treating in Meridian, Mississippi; Bishopville, South Carolina; Boonsboro, Maryland; and various cities in Virginia.
Although a big part of Halloween for teenagers in the 19th and early 20th centuries was vandalism and other acts of destruction, in today’s times, many would agree that the holiday is now all about celebrating children.
Should teenagers be banned from Trick-or-Treating?

What do you think? What are the laws in your state?

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-10-20T10:50:00.002-06:00

I received a blogger awards from Sara at 8 a Planty Wow, thanks so much, Sara! It makes me feel great that someone enjoys reading my blog! Thank you so much Sara for thinking of me! I certainly appreciate it! Go check out her blog and happy reading!!

Rules to accepting the awards:

Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
Share 7 things about yourself
Pass this on to 15 other great bloggers you recently discovered
Contact the selected bloggers and tell them about their awards.

Okay, so here are 7 things about me. I am always being told to tell more about my self so here I go.

1. I love nuts. Every nut.

2. I am addicted to Criminal Minds

3.I love to decorate.

4. I can't start my day without coffee.

5. I enjoy the beauty of nature.

6. I am afraid of birds

7. I am a workaholic.

Now, to pass on the award to 15 wonderful blogs that I know. This was really hard, because I have so many wonderful blogs that I follow.

The Wright Hair

Ashley's Craft Room

Solo dot mom

Country Cooking with Janille

Lolidots

Some of This and That

Julie Chats

Looks Good in Polkadots

Home School Resource Guide

Mama Pikes Happy Home

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-20T10:25:00.000-06:00

Love, Love, Love these cookies. Perfect fall goodie

1 15oz can Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin
2 tsp baking soda
mix in large bowl, then add:

2 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oleo, softened (we use Imperial)
when this is well blended add:

4 cups flour
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
Blend all well, then add:

12 oz chocolate chips, 2 cups raisins and (optional 2 cups pecans, chopped)

Place spoon sized batter on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375* for 10 minutes or until firm on top
don’t overbake

ENJOY!!!

NEW HALLOWEEN IDEAS

2010-10-19T09:10:00.002-06:00

Come visit and get our ideas to make this the best Halloween yet. We have some new pages this week and more coming. Thanks to everyone who shared their great ideas.

NEW Neighbor Halloween Gifts

NEW Pumpkin Pictures Easy Enough for Kids

NEW Fun Family Halloween Games

NEW Fun Halloween Recipes-kids crafts with food

Halloween Trick or Treat Bag re purpose T shirt

Pumpkin Craft for Small Children

Spooky Spiders

Plan your Halloween party complete skeleton theme

Halloween Party Skeleton Invitations

Treasure Hunt for Your Halloween Party with skeleton clues

Skeleton Plates, Cups and Punch Bowl

What Are You Thankful For?

2010-10-19T09:09:00.002-06:00

This sweet note came today in 5 Minutes for Mom Newsletter. I did not know that Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in Oct. This got me thinking how great it would be to collect notes from Moms about what they are grateful for. Are you in? I will post about this tomorrow on mom-stuff community’s blog. Add your comments or links to your post about it. I think it would be great for all of us to think about what we are grateful for and share it with each other.

Since I became a mother almost six years ago, the question “For What Are You Most Thankful?” has never required a moment’s hesitation.

I am most thankful for my daughters.

My blessings — Julia and Sophia — make me more thankful than I could ever have imagined being.

Today on another Thanksgiving (here in Canada), I cannot stop thanking God for my precious girls.

I spent a quiet and profoundly simple day with them today. We started the morning with snuggles on the couch. We walked to the park, picnicked, baked pie, made Thanksgiving dinner, read stories, and said Thanks to God while we snuggled in bed again at the end of it all.

I am so thankful for my girls and thankful for the beautiful day we had together.

5 Minutes For Mom Author (please let me know the author if you know who wrote this)

How to Scrapbook for Beginners

2010-10-13T12:15:00.002-06:00

Scrapbooking has been around for decades. I remember my grandmother had a picture history book that was 4 or 5 inches thick. People from all walks of life have discovered the joys of creating albums to showcase their treasured photos and keepsakes. But with all the elaborate scrapbooking techniques and myriad embellishments available, getting started can be intimidating.
The truth is, anyone that can use scissors and glue can scrapbook. And you don't have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to create attractive pages. With some basic supplies and a little imagination, you can create lovely scrapbooks that will be adored for years to come. I made my first granddaughter a scrapbook of the first year of her life. She looks through almost every time she comes to my house.
I suggest you start with just the basics to see if you enjoy scrapbooking. If you don't have the time, money or know-how to create elaborate scrapbooks, just start off simple, and learn new techniques as you go.
If you have ever wanted to try your hand at scrapbooking now is your time. There is no wrong way to do it. Just follow these steps and have fun. Click here to let the creation begin!

Redefining Beauty

2010-10-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

The 10 Day Challenge

Today on Studio 5, I heard about an awesome beauty challenge.

The purpose of the 10 Day challenge is to offer one exercise each day that will encourage participants to address the way they view themselves and help them develop a greater love and appreciation for who they are as individuals. The exercises presented in the challenge are designed to shift our focus away from the messages of the world and into a place from within; a place where we are completely conscious of what true beauty is. As we continue to practice and develop these types of exercises that focus on discovering beauty from within, we can feel at peace with ourselves and appreciate the blessed gift that our bodies are.

“We want to emphasize outer beauty does matter,” Dr. Valentine said, “but we get way too carried away with it, at the expense of developing our inner strength and sense of worth.”

It’s a message women are connecting with.

“As an advertising major, I see images of women all the time,” said BYU Senior Carrie O’Dell. “I think it’s a great idea to focus on women the way they were meant to be seen, instead of objectifying them as the media often does.”

To help kick off this campaign, last week popular blogger Stephanie Nielson addressed the topic of, not just re-capturing beauty, but re-defining it.

Stephanie was badly burned in a plane crash two years ago.

On Thursday, she spoke to a crowd of more than three thousand women, sharing a powerful message of self-love and acceptance.

“She is burned very badly and yet she radiated beauty,” Dr. Valentine recalls. “I was thinking, ‘why is that?’ and I realized what she was radiating is courage, strength, persistence, gratitude and an amazing sense of humor. That became my definition of beauty.”

Here is the link if you want take the learn more about the challenge

As the Season Change so do Our Lifes

2010-10-09T14:36:00.001-06:00

I found this story on Mamapedia and it expressed my feelings of the season change so well I wanted to share it with you. The picture is the color of Payson, UT last weekend.

Changing Seasons: A Lesson in Letting Go
Donna Scrima-Black of “MommyBest”

Donna Scrima-Black is an author (MommyBest: 13 Inspirational Lessons Derek & Dylan’s Mom (and maybe yours) Never Learned in School) and mom.

Although I feel excited by change, whether it’s the seasons or a different place to vacation, I often struggle with adjusting to the varying conditions that accompany it.

I still remember those “butterflies” in my stomach during the first month of school, when I was a student and after I became a teacher. Family, friends and even strangers often warned me time would be fleeting when my children were born. I never really understood why I heard this comment so much.

Then I realized, until you experience parenting first hand, it’s hard to imagine the brevity of each magical moment. To all new moms and dads, please know baby’s first few years truly are over in what seems to be a mere blink of the eye—so enjoy them as much as you can!

Every year as the weather changes and a new season is upon us, I procrastinate the sorting and storing of my boys’ clothing. “It’s such an arduous task”—-I mumble to myself—-each time I stuff more garments into their already overloaded drawers, all filled with items from last season. Once I finally begin surveying their inventory, my practical side reassures me my children will be able to fit into these outfits for “just one more year,” even though my pragmatic side secretly knows my boys’ growth spurt has been constant, so they will most likely be unable to wear much of their previous year’s wardrobe. For the rest of the story and to leave comments

One more of the 200 pictures I took enjoying the leaves and the wonder of the changing season.

Tags: family, Letting-go, mom-stuff, MommyBest, parenting, Season-change

Easy Halloween Decoration

2010-10-06T17:46:00.000-06:00

Last year I wanted to make some glamour pumpkins. I found some at Roberts Crafts that I loved. They had spray painted pumpkins with a silver paint and added some glitter. The affect was gorgeous. I have just finished re decorating my house so I decided to paint my pumpkins with brown and then glam them up, using the idea I had seen at Roberts. Well I spray painted the pumpkins and loved them so much I did not add anything to them. They look like chocolate covered pumpkins and they look really good with the new decorations.

Public Bathroom Tips with Children

2010-10-04T16:37:00.000-06:00

I was traveling this weekend and had some bad experiences with public restrooms so this morning when I found this article at Mamapedia I had to share it with you. I hope you can relate and that it makes you laugh, too. I was traveling to see the wonderful colors of the autumn leaves. I will post some pictures for you soon.

Never Underestimate the Joys of a Public Bathroom with Two Kidsby Alex Iwashyna

As an avid caffeine drinker and a mother of two young children, I spend an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom (mostly trying to shirk my parenting duties).

So I’m sharing some public bathroom tips to at least give you the heads up to not touch me or my children post-pee.

Public Bathrooms, Children Edition

Tip #1: If someone can watch your children while you run into the bathroom, ASK. Unless your children are acting up and you tend to take a long time peeing. Then the person will think you jumped out the window. And will catch you halfway out when they come looking for you.

Tip #2: Ask the people in the bathroom if they’re waiting. They may be fixing their hair. Enjoying the free soap. Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. AND STILL WAITING FOR A STALL. If you cut in front of them, they will hate you forever. (FOREVER you old biddy.)

Tip #3: If the stall doors do not lock, you cannot use it. I REPEAT. DO NOT USE THE BROKENSTALL. You need one hand for wiping, one hand for wrangling the children, one hand for keeping the door closed. Since you presumably only have TWO hands, you are left giving your fellow bathroom mates a full-frontal.

Tip #4: The baby seat provided will not have a working buckle and will be located as far from the toilet as possible. So let go of your germ phobias and put the baby on the ground. The whole ordeal will go much faster if you put the child down. And if they aren’t mobile, balance them on the baby bag. If they are, sing and coo from your porcelain throne. And hope that the kid doesn’t crawl into the stall next to you because this may shock the woman in the other stall. Enough for her to miss. Then you’ve got more than hands to wash.

Tip #5: Post-bathroom crawl you will have to choose whose hands to wash, yours or your babies. And you have five seconds before your oldest child leaves the bathroom with your stall buddy who peed on your kin. Choose the baby. As the adult, you are slightly less likely to put your hands in your mouth. And you can always tell yourself and the strangers around you that you will use hand sanitizer afterward. But you won’t. You’ll forget while the baby cries because her hands are wet and the other kid says: I have to pee NOW, Mama.

You’re welcome. Although after writing this I thought:WHO NEEDS TIPS ON PUBLIC BATHROOMUSE? And then I realized. The answer was me.

This post is written by Alex Iwashyna, a happily married mom with a BA in Political Philosophy and a Medical Degree and the drive to become neither. She blogs at Late Enough mostly about life, parenting, marriage, politics, culture, religion, and her inability to wake up in the morning and not hate everyone. Find her on Twitter or Facebook, too.

Original link http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/never-underestimate-the-joys-of-a-public-bathroom-with-two-kids?fbc1=1

Win a Custom Blog Design

2010-09-21T14:58:00.000-06:00

I just heard about a contest you might be interest in. A custom Blog Design!!!
Yup you heard me right I am going to do a giveaway once I reach 100 facebook fans/likes whatever fb wants to call it these days! All you need to do is fan Ritzy Design by clicking here and then tell everyone you know about the upcoming giveaway! You can twitter about it, tell your Facebook friends, announce it on your blog whatever you can think of to get the word out then once we reach the 100 fan/likes mark I will choose a winner from random.org

The Giveaway will will include all of the following and is for either blogger or wordpress :

Header
Background
Signature
Button
5 Sidebar Titles
Menu Bar
Favicon
Up to three columns

An istock.com image is not included but can be purchased to add to the design.

Go to Ritzy Design and enter

Girls, Get Out and Vote

2010-09-21T10:38:00.002-06:00

Gals,

Start spreading the news, get out the vote.

This is the story of our Mothers and Grandmothers who lived only 93 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.
The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.
And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden’s blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of ‘obstructing sidewalk traffic.’
(Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.
(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the ‘Night of Terror’ on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson’s White House for the right to vote. For weeks, the women’s only water came from an open pail. Their food–all of it colorless slop–was infested with worms.
(Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.
So, refresh my memory. Some women won’t vote this year because - why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn’t matter? It’s raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO’s new movie ‘Iron Jawed Angels.’ It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.
(Miss Edith Ainge, of Jamestown , New York )
All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.

(Berthe Arnold, CSU graduate)
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women’s history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk
about it, she looked angry. She was–with herself. ‘One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,’ she said. ‘What would those women think of the way I use, or don’t use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.’ The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her ‘all over again.’

HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn’t our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think a little shock therapy is in order.

(Conferring over ratification [of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution] at [National Woman's Party] headquarters, Jackson Pl [ace] [ Washington , D.C. ]. L-R Mrs. Lawrence Lewis, Mrs. Abby Scott Baker, Anita Pollitzer, Alice Paul, Florence Boeckel, Mabel Vernon (standing, right))
It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn’t make her crazy.

The doctor admonished the men: ‘Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.’

We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party – remember to vote.

Make it a "All-About You" for a Special Girlfriend Day

2010-09-21T09:33:00.000-06:00

What girlfriend deserves her own special holiday? (seriously!)

Some friends are there for us when no one else is, others find ways to help us reach our dreams and then there are those amazing women who know just how to make us laugh when we were really ready to cry. Girlfriends who care about how we feel and think, who really listen and who celebrate our successes with us are cherished friends.

We’re so fortunate as women to have close friends and especially blessed when a special friend comes into our life who makes us a better person and who demonstrates all the amazing qualities of a true ‘best friend forever.’

My friend Jill (shown here and currently caring for children in Haiti) is a kind, caring, funny, amazing woman. Her longtime BFF (over 20-years) recognized her girlfriend gratitude as an opportunity to make Jill feel as special as her friendship is to her. So, she decided to show her appreciation for Jill and their wonderful friendship with a surprise “Jill Day” celebration.

Unaware that it was her special day, Jill was invited over for a normal dinner at her best friend’s house. However, as soon as she arrived, she knew things weren’t so ‘normal.’ “Happy Jill Day” signs the kids had made decorated the house and yard. She was greeted with hugs, cheers and cards. Her favorite meal was prepared and everything was centered around this special guest of honor. Her BFF toasted Jill and shared her appreciation for the decades of friendship they’d shared, the amazing qualities about Jill that she loves and even gave her a friendship ring to remind Jill of their friendship.

As you can guess, Jill as overwhelmed by this special friend and her amazing display of love and girlfriend gratitude. it was their own personal ‘holiday’ and celebration of friendship – a day to reflect and feel grateful for their wonderful years of friendship.

Who in your life could you use a “Jill” day? What girlfriend has been there for you for years? What friend means so much to you that you just need to express it?

Plan your own “Jill” (or Sandy or Barb) day. Make it special and all about your favorite friend. Show her how much you appreciate the gift of her friendship and express how she has impacted your life in amazing ways. Customize the day to what will make her feel special and loved – dinner, tickets to something she wants to see or something as simple a mani/pedi together – whatever she’ll enjoy and cherish, as you do her friendship.

That’s just one way to celebrate her friendship. For more, check out these ways to be a better friend, reconnect with old friends and make new friends in our Month of Friendship blogs.

Top Ten Reasons Fall is Fabulous

2010-09-20T11:04:00.000-06:00

1. Hello? Do we need to say it? SCHOOL.

2. Fall kids clothes come in the same colors as your kids food stains-chocolate brown, fruit punch red, and mac and cheese orange. Way to save on colorsafe bleach!

3. You get to carve jack-o-lanterns. (this is the only time seeing a snaggletoothed smile in your home doesn’t make you fear an &8,500 orthodontist bill.

4. The thrill of new crayons.

5. It gets dark earlier. It’s easier to get the kids to bes earlier.

6. Nothing smells better than a toddler who’s just jumped in a leaf pile.

7. All your favorite shows are finally back! You want to know if Emma and Will hook up on Glee?

8. Trick-or-treating, that blessed evening when sleep deprived moms who look like zombies simply blend in with the crowd.

9. We’re suckers for the sight of little kids in footy pajamas.

10. Hot cider. Hot cocoa. And for moms, a hot toddy.

By Charlotte Latvala published in Oct, 2010 Parenting magazine.

There is one very important thing Charlotte did not mention. For me the top reason fall is fabulous is the warm snuggly clothes. What is your top reason fall is fabulous?

Mom-Stuff as started two NEW pages on facebook. One is for all things of interest to moms Mom Stuff. The other is for mom products, reviews and give a ways Mom-Stuff Products. Come and JOIN or I should say LIKE. If you have a blog that moms would be interested LIKE and your facebook posts will reach MORE moms. If you are a mom and want to keep up on the latest things then these Facebook pages are for you.

These pages are to help to promote moms they are not to be confused with my website page and my blog page if you want to LIKE them here are the links. These two pages will not show your posts. They are to keep you up to date on my activities.Mom-Stuff Website and Mom-Stuff Community

Make this the Best Halloween

2010-09-13T10:46:00.002-06:00

Mom-Stuff.com is getting ready for Halloween. It’s time to get your SPOOK on. Come and visit us for some inspiration. We have some more fun articles for Halloween fun to add so keep visiting through out the month.

Monster Halloween Invitations

Halloween Family Fun-How to plan an awesome Halloween Party

Halloween Games

Halloween Recipes

Halloween Kids Crafts

Wishing you and your family a happy safe Halloween

Optimism and Lifespan

2010-09-13T10:45:00.002-06:00

Dianna Baker from About.com Working Moms

How being a pessimist can shorten your life!!! FOR REAL!

In Mayo Clinic in the US, researchers selected almost 900 people who referred themselves for medical care. When they were originally admitted to the clinic, they took a series of examinations and as part of the series were tested for their level of optimism. Thirty years later, 200 of the original 900 had died, with the optimists living 19% longer than the pessimists.

But the sceptic would respond, there may have been lots of other variables that had come into play: diet, work pressure, a sexually transmitted disease and so on. So where could you do a study where all these remain the same for the whole population?…a convent

A group of psychologists analysed an autobiographical story which nuns wrote as they were completing their final vows before entering a convent in 1900. The scientists discovered that 90% of the most positive quarter were still alive at 84. In contrast only 34% of the least positive quarter were still alive.

Furthermore 54% of the most positive quarter were still alive at 94. And after studying many other factors, level of optimism was the only one that had a significant correlation with lifespan.

So how long are you going to live?

Diana Baker is a Personal Performance Coach, try MORE, be MORE, get MORE in Sydney Area, Australia

I have no desire to live forever. I only want to live as long as I can contribute. That being said I think I am an optimist. I think being positive makes life much more pleasant. So I will keep looking for the good in people, places and things because it makes me happy to do so.

Better Than Sex Dessert (or Chocolate Supreme)

2010-09-13T10:44:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:

1 c. flour 1 sq. softened margarine

½ c pecans

2 8 oz. cream cheese

1 c. powdered sugar

1 sm tub cool whip

1 lg box instant chocolate pudding

3 c. milk

Instructions:

Mix together flour, margarine, and pecans. Spread in 9X13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool in refrigerator. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one cup cool whip. Spread mixture on top of cooled crust. Make pudding according to package directions. Spread on top of cream cheese mixture. After pudding has set up, spread the rest of cool whip on top and sprinkle additional chopped nuts on cool whip. Refrigerate.

Sugar Cookie Recipe

2010-09-13T10:43:00.002-06:00

There is nothing more fun than making sugar cookies with the kids to celebrate the holidays

Ingredients

1 ½ cubes butter

2 c. sugar

1 c. milk

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 ½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp vanilla

3 eggs

5 ½ c flour

1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

Cream butter, vanilla, and sugar together. Add eggs, beat well. Add milk and remaining ingredients; roll out on floured surface and cut with Christmas cookie cutters of your kids or your choice. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 9 to 11 minute.

Patsy Hampton (Redmond 2^nd ward cook book) 2005.

A Mom's Identity Crisis

2010-09-01T13:25:00.000-06:00

We spend our lives reinventing ourselves. As a baby, you first learn your name. When you’re a child you identify yourself as “Daughter”, “Sister”, “Student” and “Friend”. As a young adult your beliefs and your occupations lead the way in helping you develop a sense of self – “Christian”, “Graphic Designer”, “Republican”, “Volunteer”. Getting married gives you the biggest identity change yet – “Wife”. It’s such a radical shift that most women change their name, the name you were born with that first defined you. With this new phase, come expectations from yourself and your spouse as to how you will develop into this role. It was a very difficult time for me. I struggled with how to incorporate the elements from my parents’ marriage that I wanted to emulate with the contrast of my reality as well as what I imagined my husband expected from me. I finally got a good grasp of that piece of my life when the next identity change happened – becoming a mother. And talk about a transformation!

I LOVE being a mom. It’s the most incredible blessing – full of joy, fear, wonder, frustration. It’s made me a better wife, a better worker (ok, except when I’ve been sleep deprived), a better person in general. It has truly changed my identity. My lifestyle changed quite a bit when I got married, but it is much different now. I used to go to happy hour, work late, sleep in on the weekends, take spontaneous trips out of town. When we had our first daughter, I initially felt a little nostalgic when friends would make last minute plans to go to dinner and I would have to decline, but as time went on, it bothered me less. It’s not like I wasn’t still doing fun things without my family (heaven knows I need to have some time away to regroup and replenish), I just had to plan for them, and I didn’t do them as often. And that was perfectly fine. I would reminisce with friends about our crazy single days and I thought of them with fond memories, but that was all.

Then last week, a friend who had been in Mexico two years with the Peace Corps returned home. Plans were made for a night out on the town to welcome him home. The plan was to go on newly available hop-on-hop-off trolley pub crawl around the city. My wonderful husband agreed to stay home with the girls so I could have a night of fun. I was excited to go, but also aware that I wouldn’t really be able to fully enjoy the benefits of this activity since the negatives of doing so far outweighed the positives. If I chose to stay out as late as the trolley ran, I would still have to get up at 6:30am since sleeping in is no longer possible. And while being hungover was never fun, doing so with small children would be torture. Also, I wanted to be home to put the babies to bed so I wouldn’t be able to meet up with everyone at the beginning. These alterations are typical for outings with my single friends, and I never think twice about it.

But Friday night, I was talking with some of the people who were going out on Saturday night, and the strangest thing happened. This group of friends has evolved over the years as people have moved or married or stopped hanging out for some reason and others have been absorbed into the fold. We were going over the details for Saturday, and I said, “Mama Jenn needs a night off. Party Jenn will be there!” One of the girls said, “Wow, I don’t think I’ve met Party Jenn!” I laughed and realized that was probably true. She’d only been a part of the group for a short time….probably around 2004-ish…wait a minute… that’s SIX YEARS. Has Party Jenn really been gone for six whole years?!?!? I was surprised how much this affected me. I was really upset. I started thinking of my single years with more than just a fond remembrance but as a deep loss, as if those were my glory days and the best years of my life had passed. I was determined to show her how fun I could be, consequences be damned.

Saturday night, I went out and truly intended to be home at a reasonable time after a reasonable amount of drinking, but one thing lead to another, and suddenly I realized I’d had too much to drink and would have to stay out longer to sober up so I could drive home. I had a great time seeing friends I hadn’t seen in a long time, catching up, and sharing crazy stories with the newer members of the group. I got home at 3:30am – yikes! Three hours later when my girls woke up, I was so excited to see them that I was not nearly as tired as I should have been. And I realized that those single days were fun, but snuggling with my babies early in the morning was just as much fun, and I didn’t miss going out nearly as much as I miss them when I’m away. Though Party Jenn still exists and will always be part of me, Mama Jenn is in the forefront now, and I’m so thankful to be at this point in my life.

by Jennifer Barr of “Midwest ‘Mom’ments”

Original post http://www.mamapedia.com/voices/identity-crisis?fbc1=1

Help Your Child Learn Empathy

2010-08-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

This is the perfect time to share this poem with your kids as they go back to school.

Somewhere out there is Laura. I don’t know anything about her except that she wrote this poignant poem titled “I Am”. The poem has been used in anti bullying campaigns around the world, and today I’d like to share it with you.

I AM

I am the person you bullied in school
I am the one who didn’t know how to be cool
I am the person you alienated
I am the person you ridiculed and hated

I am the person who sat on their own
I am the person who walked home alone
I am the person you scared every day
I am the person who had nothing to say

I am the person with hurt in their eyes
I am the person you never saw cry
I am the person living alone with their fears
I am the person destroyed by their peers

I am the person who drowned in your scorn
I am the person who wished they hadn’t been born
I am the person whose name you don’t know
I am the person who just can’t let go

I am the person destroyed for ‘fun’
I am the person, but not the only one
I am the person who had feelings too
..and I am a person, JUST LIKE YOU!!!

This poem evokes immense empathy by the preponderance of those who read it. The dictionary defines empathy as “understanding” or “a deep emotional understanding of another’s feelings or problems”. Having researched the value of emotional and social intelligence (ESI) skills in our youth, I can tell you that development of empathy as a key competency renders positive results for personal satisfaction and healthy relationships. Though some believe that empathy is innate, I’m with the majority and believe that empathy can, and should be, taught to children at the earliest cognitive opportunity. I envision empathy as a tool for carving out a kinder world in which there is diminished bullying and a population of children that is happier to the core. Reading this poem with your kids and creating dialogue of what it must be like to be a bullied person is one approach to create awareness and fruitful action, but we need more.

Please contribute to our comments section and share your positive ideas or rewarding personal stories on how we, as a community can increase empathy to decrease bullying of any kind. Then, consider sharing the article with anyone and everyone you know who can make a difference at home and beyond. Ask them to participate too. It does take a village!

This post is from Keyuri Joshi the On the Ball Parenting Coach

.http://www.ontheballparent.com/blog/2010/08/24/how-parenting-with-emotional-intelligence-can-weaken-bullying/ Visit here web site for more great help on parenting, and to share your positive ideas.

Mom Bloggers, Why Do You Have Followers?

2010-08-24T11:28:00.000-06:00

It’s puzzling to mom bloggers why people read their blogs.

But face it. Someone’s reading it. Someone is following you. I am one of your followers.

Why do watch for a new-post, or pop my head in my RSS Reader to check and see what is new on your blog?

It’s not that your blog is super relevant to my life. Maybe yes, maybe not at all.

I’m might be learning from your blog. I might see you as a teacher. I might find you entertaining. All though I appreciate these things, it’s not why I read you.

This is way I follow you and probably why others follow you, too.

I’m looking at how you’re living your life, and I’m thinking about how to improve my own life.

I love your attitude. I’m working on becoming that person I want to be.

Watching you do your best helps me do my best.

You’re a real living human being, walking your talk, being that person you’re telling me about, you, inspires me. Yes I identify with you or your vision, somehow.

But the reason I’m your peep is a combination of factors that nobody can precisely identify – so don’t even try. Just keep blogging.

You could change your topic overnight, but as long as you are still writing with heartfelt integrity, I’d be there waiting for you to hit “publish.”

Thanks to all of my mom blogger friends. You inspire me. You entertain me. You all add to my life in a positive way.

Blog Tour for Romance Novel, Wind Warriors

2010-08-24T09:23:00.002-06:00

I have some great news to share with you! Come September, I will be participating in a huge blog tour put on by Cynthia Roberts, author of the upcoming romance novel Wind Warrior!

There are some pretty exciting prizes for everyone involved – Cynthia is giving away $600 dollars worth of wonderful items! YOU could win one of five fabulous prizes! There will be something romantic, something succulent, somethingexquisite, and two others that will offer you lots of choices… Curious? Check out what you could win on the official blog tour giveaway website, here! You can also learn more about how this giveaway will operate.

Mom-stuff.com has a new romance article written by Cynthia. It is Romance 101. We are so excited to have her professional words of wisdom on Mom-stuff.com.

I’m looking forward to being a part of this great blog tour, and I hope you will come and join us!

Words of Wisdom from a Mom of Multiples

2010-08-23T13:01:00.003-06:00

Today I found this great post at Multiplemama. I laughed out loud so I just had to share it. Thank you, Andie for your wonderful talent to share the humor of motherhood. She is such a great Mom Blogger.

You can buy all the books like What to Expect when you’re Expecting, Sleep Training for Dummies, and How to have a Zen Baby. But when it comes down to it and that little baby is in your arms you learn a few things your mother and all those books never even mentioned. Most especially your mother because she had her career as a grandmother at stake.

1) Your abdominal muscles are not going to forgive you anytime soon.
Recovery time after being stretched like a Gumby doll is going to be at least twice as long as the time it took to grow that baby. And exponentially longer if you had more than one in there at a time. But, they most likely will not ever look the same.

2) Breast feeding can give you stretch marks on your boobs. Which by the way are not going to ever be half as perky as they were before. But no matter because they are now more commonly thought of as a snack bar, and all cuteness is pretty much out of the question.

3) You thought granny panties were big, wait til you see the ones they give you to wear in the hospital after delivery.

4) Motherhood causes one to refer to oneself in the third person.
And no not by the name your parents gave you but, “Mommy.” “Mommy said no.” Will become your go to phrase for quite some time.

5) But not to worry. Because even when the kid is older you will be, “so and so’s mommy.” So you can practically forget using your real first name and not even notice it’s gone.

6) There are teams to be chosen. Breastfeeding vs. Formula, CIO vs. Attachment, Homeschool vs. traditional school, mom jeans vs. still trying to be a teenager jeans, green organic mommy vs. diet coke and fries mommy, and the list goes on so choose wisely and carefully the members of these teams mean business.

7) Laundry is now the driving force behind your sanity. And don’t be fooled that little seven pound bundle of joy can produce his own weight in dirty laundry by the hour!

8 ) The more kids you have the harder it is to carry on a conversation with friends who do not have kids. This boils down to one factor. Eye contact. Before you had kids you could afford to have eye contact with whomever you were speaking to. Now you must keep your eyes on the wandering children and keep tabs at all times on locations and activities. People without children will stop talking when you look away and never be able to complete a sentence let alone the conversation.

9) Yes, it does get easier. People will tell you that a lot. But, not let on to the fact that the minute it gets easier they get mobile. So, while that little guy may be able to feed himself his own breakfast now. He can also tun through the halls screaming after tearing off his own diaper.

10) It is even more fun than you thought it was going to be. But, you have got to be fast if you’re gonna keep up so wear some comfortable shoes!

Go and visit Andie at Multiple Mama and make comments. Jet her know how much you appreciate her blog.

We've come a Long Way, Baby

2010-08-18T10:27:00.002-06:00

Today, the Women voters are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which guaranteeing women the right to vote in United States. The Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch and Wichita-Metro Chapter of the League of Women voters (LWV) organize the event on the Capitol steps in Helena. This is a series of events which starting this month and continues through spring 2011.

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on August 18, 1920. Montana allowed women to vote six years prior to that. Way to go, Montana!

“Women are a force in life. A factor which must be considered in all problems. Nearly a century later Montana women continue to be a force in life. We continue to labor and care for our communities, our schools, our environment, and our people,” McCulloch told the crowd.
In 1869, Wyoming became the first territory to grant women the vote. Utah, Colorado, and Idaho followed—many saw this as a way to attract women to the new territories—but other regions of the country were harder to persuade.

The Events Beginning at 7pm August 20, 2010 and the public is invited to Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex at 29th North and Oliver to listen to a panel of women discuss women’s issues. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Karen DeCrow will be featured speaker at Friday’s celebration marking the League of Women Voters’ 90th anniversary.

Woman have come a long way in the last 90 years. Lets celebrate, girls

New Facebook Fan Page for Moms

2010-08-17T14:05:00.002-06:00

Mom-Stuff as started two NEW pages on facebook

One is for all things of interest to moms Mom Stuff

The other is for mom products, reviews and give a ways
Mom-Stuff Products

Come and JOIN or I should say LIKE.
If you have a blog that moms would be interested LIKE and your facebook posts will reach MORE moms.
If you are a mom and want to keep up on the latest things for moms this is the place to be.

These pages are to help to promote moms they are not to be confused with my website page and my blog page if you want to like them here are the links. These to pages will not show your posts. They are to keep you up to date on my activities.
Mom-Stuff Website
Mom-Stuff Community

5 Parenting Pointers about Kids and Movie Ratings

2010-08-17T13:19:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I was surfing through some of the free movie channels that my satellite company was trying to woo me with. I stumbled onto the 2008 movie The Love Guru and watched for about 10 minutes only to find my jaw pasted to the floor in mortified disbelief. This MPAA rated PG-13 movie was nowhere near appropriate for a 13 year old. It had extreme sexual innuendo, profanity, and a boy who says “I want to be a guru so girls will like me and then I will like myself”. Really? In addition to finding themselves a shade of crimson, most adults I know would find such content highly inappropriate for impressionable teens and younger siblings who are often grandfathered in to a movie. I’m not going to write about what I saw, because my mother will be reading this blog and I don’t want to offend her or, for that matter, you, dear reader! (Later, I’ll give you a website recommendation that you can use if you choose to read about Love Guru on your own.)

What if your child was invited to see this movie and you assumed it would be acceptable just because of the PG 13 rating? How do you know that the movies your children are viewing are appropriate to your value system as opposed to the fiscally motivated values of Hollywood Producer or a robotic MPAA rating panel?

Here are 5 suggestions to help parents stay a step ahead of Hollywood and kids who say “all my friends are seeing the movie… why can’t I?”

1. Read Movie Rating Guides: There are two excellent website resources that parents can use to assess movies before granting permission for kids to view them. www.kidsinmind.com breaks movie ratings down into three areas, sexuality / nudity, violence, and profanity. The site purveyor scores each of the three sections on a 1 to 10 scale. The sexuality / nudity rating for The Love Guru is 7 even though it is rated PG-13. Kids-in-Mind also provides a written synopsis of exactly what your kids will see in various scenes. As a parent you can read through these scenes and decide what is acceptable and what is not. Another excellent resource is www.commonsensemedia.orgwith ratings and guidance beyond just movies.

2. Consider Your Child’s Developmental Age: Development is made up of physical, cognitive, emotional and social growth. A child’s brain grows thousands of new neural connections every day and is an organ that changes in response to its experiences. In other words, what goes in will eventually be expressed! If it experiences repeated violence, then sensitization to that violence and increased aggression have been shown to take place. Studies also show that sexual identity issues can occur due to repeated exposure to promiscuity (for more information see the Parents Television Council website). Why would we expose our children’s brains to violence and promiscuity when that brain is not mature enough to process them?

3. Know who is Accompanying Your Child: A mature adult who accompanies a child to a movie has an opportunity to create dialogue and educate a child on what the movie messages were. Both positive and negative learning points can be discussed. On the other hand, teenage peers who are left to their own devices may misinterpret or even exploit movie content. If you don’t want to “embarrass” your teen by accompanying them to a movie, then read the discussion points area in the Kids In Mind review and be prepared to create dialogue with your kids.

4. Know where the Movie Venue is: When I stumbled onto The Love Guru, I was in my own home perusing channels including HBO and Cinemax. If you have these types of channels in your home, you may consider blocking them from less mature eyes. If your kids are at their friend’s homes, try to find out ahead of time what types of TV or movies they’ll be watching. Ask other parents about supervision and channel blocking. It does take a village!

5. Be a Firm and Consistent Parent: One of my favorite quotes is “If You Don’t Stand for Something, You Will Fall for Anything.” Keep it in mind as you use the above criteria to set movie guidelines for your children. Stay consistent and stubbornly refuse to let anyone sway you from your ideals. Kids will say “but all my friends are going”, and other parents might say “it’s no harm… our kids are good kids… they’ll be okay”. You might consider sharing the mentioned websites with them and alerting them to the potential perils of certain movies. Not only will you be protecting your child, you will set an example that you are a force to be reckoned with. MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!

Reader comments are cherished. Please share additional information that helps parents to protect kids from violent and promiscuous content. It does take a village!

Keyuri Joshi RN, MSN, is a Certified Parenting and Emotional Intelligence Coach. A “personal trainer” for parents, Keyuri assists moms or dads build and use a toolbox to achieve any goals they desire. She also teaches parents to build emotional and social intelligence skills in children. These are research proven “must have” skills which schools do not teach. Keyuri offers all parents a complimentary consultation and can be reached through her website, www.ontheballparent.com

Original post athttp://www.ontheballparent.com/blog/2010/08/17/5-parenting-pointers-about-kids-and-movie-ratings/#more-217

How to Make Hair Bows

2010-08-16T16:00:00.002-06:00

You ask for instructions and inspiration. Here it is. If you have ever wanted to learn how to make hair bows for your daughters hair this is the articles for you. Visit Make Your Own Hair Bows at Mom-Stuff.com.