Thursday, April 30, 2009

Online/Catalog Party for Votre Vu


Have you heard about Votre Vu? Votre Vu is the latest in skin care. Up until recently, the products that Votre Vu sells have only been found in the hottest European and French spas and boutiques.

Now is your chance to find out what Votre Vu is all about.

Starting Friday, May 1st and running until Friday May 8th, I am hosting a "Getting To Know Votre Vu" Online/Catalog Party.

For every $30.00 in product that you buy, you will recieve one full size product free
If you haven't tried Votre Vu yet, but have been wanting to, this is the perfect time to try it and find out what all the hype is about.

Recession? What recession? Votre Vu is growing, leaps and abounds. This is a recession proof business. Looking for a way to work from home? Sign up to be a consultant during this party and I will pay for your activation order. Your only quota is just 50 BV (beauty value points) every 6 months. It's that easy.

Interested in hosting a catalog party of your own? Anyone who signs up to host either and online or catalog party and gets $200.00 in sales will recieve free products!!

Visit my website today to see how Votre Vu can make 2009 your best year EVER.

Questions? Comments? Please feel free to email me at maustin27@gmail.com

You don't want to miss this!!!

Retro Baby Wear Giveaway


Looking for a unique babyshower gift? Maybe something for your little one? The Retro Baby has a huge selection of infant and toddler clothing.

Up for grabs in this blog:

1 "Horton Hears A Who" onesie.

Here is what you need to do to win:
1.)Leave me a comment below with your name and email

For additional chances to win you can do one or all of the following:

1.) Follow me on Twitter and RT this giveaway. Be sure to leave me a comment below with your Twitter name (can rt 1x a day)

2.)Blog about this give-a-way. Leave a comment below with a link to your blog

3.)Follow my blog. Leave a comment with the URL of your blog (if you have one) so I may return the favor.

A winner will be drawn at random on May 7th 2009.

Good Luck!!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Considering Making The Choice To Homeschool...

It is not a choice that I ever thought I would have to consider. I am a certified teacher and have (or had) faith in our public school system. Although I never once thought ill of someone who did homeschool, I often wondered why they would take their child out of a setting like that.

Fast forward to this year. My son is in first grade.Well let me rephrase that he is in first grade, but was placed in a K/1 split this year with a teacher who is extremely unorganized, though well meaning. As the school year draws to a close, I look back through the folder that I keep his work in. Being that he has a learning disability, I keep close track of the work that he does. The folder is pretty bare. Sure there are a few worksheets and scrap paper that has been scribbled on. But that is pretty much the extent of it. Maybe he isnt bringing home his work? Then I think back to my very first conference with his teacher. Her words in reply to my concern of lack of work "I am keeping it all for the first 6 weeks, then will begin sending it home" Ummm...ok, well there are 6 weeks left of school and I still haven't seen as much work as I should be seeing.

Then I think back to our last conference. As I sat across from the teacher, his principal, and early intervention teacher I specifically asked that the teacher send home any incomplete work as well as some extra worksheets for him to work on. They were adamant that he need to be held back, so I wanted him to get as caught up as possible. Maybe I didn't ask that question, but a quick phone call to my husband confirms that I did ask that question and the teacher agreed. So why haven't I seen anything since then? Why have my emails and letters and phone calls on this matter gone unheeded?

Then there is the whole thing with is biological father. He has no legal custody whatsoever, I submitted papers...THREE times...to the school. So tell me why he is showing up, getting access to records and enrollement papers with MY personal information on it? I have verbally and thru email and letter, stated that I am to be notified of any communitcation with his father...so why is it NOT happening?

There are many, many other instances that I could sit here and outline. The bottom line is I am not satisfied...no strike that...I am disgusted with the way our public school system works here.

So, now I am faced with a choice. Do I re-enroll him for next year (even though it will be another school, but in the same district) or do I look at possibly homeschooling him atleast for the year? I know that if I were to homeschool him I could make sure that he was learning what he needed to learn in order to advance. I would have control over his education. I would know that he is learning and that my wishes are being met.

But if I pull him out, will he be missing out on valuable social experiences? He does have outside activites such as CubScouts, sports and things of that nature.

I want to do what is best for my son and at this point I am not sure if a public school system is what is best for him anymore....


Saturday, April 25, 2009

Weekend Wrap Up

It has been a busy week here on the homefront, both personally and otherwise. As many of you know I am now approaching 28 weeks pregnant. That alone is enough to wear one out, but add to that 3 kids, a well meaning, but slow acting husband, 3 dogs and enough dirty laundry to last a year, and it makes for one tired mamma.

The weather has been nicer here, so we have been spending more time outdoors. That is one of the things I love about being a WAHM, I am not a slave to someone else's time clock and can juggle my schedule so that I can enjoy the nice weather with my kids.

I have been working on redesigning the blog. I am working on changing the direction of the blog and things like that. I really want to delve more into parenting tips, product reviews,give-a-ways and things of that nature. Of course I want to also incorperate my business into this as well.

I am hoping that once I am actually feeling somewhat human (although that may not happen til this baby is out of me lol) to be blogging on a more regular basis. I am also excited about exploring the world of "Vlogging" or video blogs.

Please be sure to check out the current Mother's Day Contest and enter to win.

Thanks for reading!!

What Does it Mean to Be a Mom? Mother's Day Contest

What does it mean to you to be a mother?

This is the theme for our Mother's Day contest. Simply leave a comment below on what it means to you to be a mother and you will be entered to win!!!

The prize for this contest is a "Pamper Yourself" gift basket from Votre Vu and The Kountry Store

In this gift basket you will find a variety of different items to pamper yourself. Makes a great gift or keep it for yourself.

You will also recieve a $20.00 gift Certificate to use with Votre Vu!

Contest Ends May 1st 2009

The fine print: This is a contest. No purchase necessary to win. Purchasing something will NOT increase your chances of winning. One entry per person. Please be sure to include your email address for notification of winning. Once the winner is announced, winner will have 24 hours to verify. If they do not verify another winner will be chosen at random!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Dealing with Childhood Behavior Problems: Sans Medication

My oldest son will be 7 in May. For the most part he is a creative, outgoing and fun loving little boy. But there is a side to him that is dark and at times almost scary.

For the first 3 years of his life, it was just him and I. I worked 2 jobs to support him. Sure he seen his father, but his father is NOT a great role model and often put him in the middle of our issues (and still does). Nonetheless, during those 3 years, I never saw him exhibit any behavior that would lead me to believe that he would develop a behavior problem later on in life.

I met my husband about 3 and a half years ago, right before he turned 4. My son took to him immediately and slowly the shy, reserved little boy was vanishing and in his place was a outgoing, happy little boy. At that point, we started to have a little insight into the inner workings of his mind.

If he could not figure something out, he would throw things or have massive meltdowns. He bit my husband countless times. A visit to the pediatrician told us that this was normal 4 year old behavior.

When he was 5 he started Kindergarten. It was at this time that we really started to think that there was something going on with my son. Slowly, the school noticed it as well.

Half way through the 2007 school year, I received a phone call. I had to go and pick up my son from school so that he could serve his one day suspension...for throwing chairs. Yes, my quiet little boy threw such a fit that it caused the class to be evacuated.

I had a meeting with the principal and his early intervention teacher. They brought up the word "therapy" often. I didn't want to hear it. I guess, looking back now, part of me was in denial.

After talking to my son about the ramifications of his behavior, I talked to my husband. Something had to be done about his outbursts, as they had been getting progressively worse, but I again was in denial. If something was wrong with my child then it was my fault...I had failed as a parent.

About a month after the incident, CPS showed up at my door and it was then that I really seen what exactly was going on with my son. CPS was there to investigate a reported claim of abuse by my husband to my son.

Thankfully, the investigation was unfounded. However, the whole fiasco left me shaken. Why would my son say these things about my husband? What was going on?

After sitting my son down and talking to him, he revealed that his father had been coaching him on what to say. His dad wanted my husband to get in trouble. His dad said that he wanted my son to come and live with him. My son never wanted to go.

After the first of many CPS incidents (yes they still continue to this day) we decided to take my son to a local mental health facility. Walking through those doors, I felt a huge sense of failure looming over me. What did I do wrong? How could I have failed my son?

The therapist was a nice guy. However, he immediately suggested the one thing we were not willing to do at that time...medicate my son. I refused to have medicated to function. So after 3 sessions, (in which we got nowhere) we decided to talk to his pediatrician.

His pediatrician had him tested and came back with the diagnosis of ADHD . , ADHD, did not surprise me. We had suspected that he would have that all along.


That was a year ago. While I would like to say that the situation has improved, that isn't all true. While his emotional growth has been amazing this last year, his academics suffered and he is currently working to catch up so he doesn't have to repeat the 1st grade. The situation with his father has intensified. Lucky for us though, we have taught him what is right and wrong. He has learned to come to us and tell us what his father is telling him to do. It has allowed us to curb potential outbreaks in defiant or aggressive behavior. His father places the blame solely on me for his behavior problems and refuses to acknowledge that he does have a problem and it is not any ones fault.

Through this all, we have remained steadfast in our demands that he not be medicated. It hasn't been easy. We have seen a couple different therapists that want him medicated. Luckily, we have the support of our pediatrician, who believes that my son's behavior can be dealt with and modified without using medication. He has warned us though that a day may come when we have to medicate him, and we understand that.

For now though we are using positive reinforcement and redirection with him. He still does see a therapist for play therapy which is helping him deal with the issues with his father.

Dealing with childhood behavior problems is not easy. Especially when you cannot get anyone to listen to your concerns. As a parent, though, we know our child, we know what is "normal" and what is not. The best thing you can do is be your child's voice. They cannot always figure out or understand why they feel the way they do. I am glad I kept at the doctor, because now we know that my son isn't a "bad seed" he just needs a little extra help to be the best that he can be

Monday, April 20, 2009

Figuring out what is next....

I have hit a brick wall...well, more like slammed into it. I seen the brick wall coming at me, but still kept going at a breath-taking pace. Then *SLAM*!

I know what I want to do and what direction I want to take myself in my quest to work at home. But the question is, how do I get there from here?

How do I make the visions that I have in my mind become a tangible reality? How do I over come this immense fear of failure that is holding me back? How do I convince myself that I can succeed?

I thought that eventually things would just *fall* into place. They did fall...flat on the ground, scattered all over the place, nothing where it should be.

Is it me? I have always been unorganized. Am I just not *good*enough? I always have an aura of self doubt. Maybe those are things that I need to look at the hardest. If I don't believe in me, will anyone else. Probably not.

So now it is time to figure out what is next...

It is time to stop, take a look around and make changes. I CAN be successful and will be. I just need to go about it differently then I have been. I WILL get organized. I WILL get a hold on the clutter and chaos around me. I WILL believe in me and what I am doing.

"The first step is always the longest stride..." Nickleback

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Win A Digital Scrapbooking Kit


Simply leave your name, website and choice of theme below. Winner will be picked at random on April 30th 2009!

You can gain additional entries by doing the following:

1.)Follow my blog (or leave me a comment saying you are already following it)
2.)Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway (one time per day, please leave your twitter screenname so I may verify)
3.)Blog about this give-a-way, and leave a direct link to the post!!

Choice of Themes:

1.)Flowers
2.)Spring
3.)Family
4.)Birthday

Good luck!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

J. liegh designz:Give it Away Wednsday

Looking for some great give-aways? Check out J.leigh designz: Give it Away Wednsday!

Tons of cute items to choose from

You can even post your give-aways as well!!!

Have a great Wednsday!!!

Wordless Wednsday~Is it Nap Time Yet?~

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Give yourself a "Green-Over" this earth day!

*taken from Filter For Good.com *



  • Think before you eat. Only buy locally grown produce. The fruit or vegetable you're about to buy may be great for you, but if it traveled thousands of miles to get to your local grocery store then it's not great for the environment. Plus, buying locally means your purchase will support local farmers.
  • Green is the new black. Mainstream and high profile designers alike are using eco-friendly materials in their clothing lines. When shopping, check the labels for ingredients like organic cotton and even bamboo, or look for organic collections from some of these well-known brands. Check out lowimpactliving.com for some suggestions.
  • Fill your bottle with filtered tap water. If you found FilterForGood.com then you're already aware of the harmful effects bottled water has on our environment. Choose the greener solution by using a reusable bottle, like the FilterForGood bottle, and fill it with filtered tap water.
  • Paper or plastic? How about neither. Each year the United States uses 30 billion plastic and 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring approximately 14 million trees and 12 million barrels of oil1. Cities across the country have begun efforts to ban plastic bags in stores, but everyone can do their part for the environment by keeping a reusable bag handy for shopping trips. Start your search for a bag at reusablebags.com.
  • Alternative energy. Contact your local utility company about alternative energy options for powering your home like wind power, landfill gas, biomass, and low-impact hydropower. Often switching to alternative energy won't increase utility bills. And if local companies don't offer any of these green alternatives, then consider purchasing carbon offsets to reduce your overall eco-impact. Check out a list of providers at the Green Power website maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Freebie of The Day!!!

Looking for a way to add some spice to your digital scrapbooking for free? Then check out www.freedigitalscrapbooking.com

I absoulutely love this site! They have papers, fonts, designs and alot more to make your digital scrapbooking fun!

Check it out today

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Writers Workshop: Describe a moment you realized you and your SO were different?


I have decided to join in on the Writer's Workshop on
Mama's Losin It! This is the prompt that I chose: Describe a moment when you realized you and your SO were different:

One evening, we were sitting down to dinner. A rare occasion since he works 12 hour days and misses family dinner time. I had tried a new variation of meatloaf which he was looking at as though it was forensic evidence at a crime scene. "What is this?" he asks. I start to feel defensive, "It's meatloaf dummy." I say. "Oh." I watch him out of the corner of my eye, picking it apart. "What are you doing?" I ask "It's got celery and onions in it" he says laughing.

At this point I am no longer laughing. I am crushed. He doesnt like my cooking. I start to cry. He starts to laugh. This makes me cry more.

It was at this point I realized that we are different. He is so easy going and laughs everything off, me I am so overly sensitive that the thought of preparing a hated meatloaf sent me into tears.

Maybe I should learn to relax....

Then again maybe not, he did feel so bad that night that he ate 2 helpings of the meatloaf (after picking out the onions and celery...)


Fundraiser for The Barefoot Sisterhood Extended

The fundraiser for The Barefoot Sisterhood has been extended until April 20th. Please be sure to check out the previous posts to see how you can help this wonderful organization!!!

Thanks!!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Mother's Day Contest

What does it mean to you to be a mother?

This is the theme for our Mother's Day contest. Simply leave a comment below on what it means to you to be a mother and you will be entered to win!!!

The prize for this contest is a "Pamper Yourself" gift basket from Votre Vu and The Kountry Store

In this gift basket you will find a variety of different items to pamper yourself. Makes a great gift or keep it for yourself.

You will also recieve a $20.00 gift Certificate to use with Votre Vu!

Contest Ends May 1st 2009

The fine print: This is a contest. No purchase necessary to win. Purchasing something will NOT increase your chances of winning. One entry per person. Please be sure to include your email address for notification of winning. Once the winner is announced, winner will have 24 hours to verify. If they do not verify another winner will be chosen at random!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Hooked On Phonics...Does this really work???

Recently, we were faced with the possibility that my 6 year old would be held back in first grade. While he had made strides behavorial wise, the teacher, his intervention specialist and even the principal, were not convinced that he would be ready for 2nd grade this coming fall.

At first I was devastated. I took it that it meant that I had failed as a parent. I mean, did I really push him as hard as I could have? What did I do so wrong that he was still reading at below a first grade level? We left that meeting with a heavy heart.

Once I thought about it, I realized that it wasn't ME or him...it was the school!!! (ok its a stretch kinda but come on!) He is the youngest 1st grader in the school. While most kids have already turned 7, he isnt turning 7 for another month. Developmentally he just wasn't ready for first grade...most kids his age are finishing up Kindergarten.

After much thought, we decided that there was no reason why he could not move to 2nd grade with his friends in the fall. He has proven on several occasions that he can do the work, he just chooses not to. But how could I help him catch up? Where to even begin?

While looking for some reputable ways to help my son to read, I came across the Hooked On Phonics website. I had always wanted to try this program, but the cost was a bit much...then I read the page. Not only could I get this $200 system for just $20.00 down, I could get 20% off the price, plus it was on sale. So it ended up being a total of 119.99 for that kit. A $23.00 downpayment sent it and a Workbook on its way.

I was skeptical, but thought that I would atleast give it a try.

When the box arrived, my son was at his fathers for the weekend. My husband had a good chuckle at how excited I was to start this program. I opened up the box and there was the kits for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. Along with this huge 1st grade workbook I ordered. I read through all the materials, getting a little more optimistic, made up a written schedule for what activites he would do on what days, put all the material together and waited.

Monday after school we sat down at the kitchen table. I had decided to start from the begining, meaning the Kindergarten box. I needed to know exactly what skills he did or did not have. Within a week he went thru 8 lessons, but I was sure it was because it was too easy for him...then I spoke with the teacher, and that conversation sealed the deal for me.

Within 3 days of us begining the H.O.P program, not only had my son gained more confidence, he was reading, OUTLOUD, simple sentances, something he could not do a week ago. When he got stuck on a word, instead of asking for help or getting upset, the teacher said she would catch him quietly sounding the word out to himself...He was better behaved, completing his work and just generally a happier child

The other night, his reading intervention teacher sent home a book for him to read. I was worried because the sentances were longer then what we had covered thus far with H.O.P.
Imagine my surprise when I overheard him read the ENITRE thing without stopping to his brother and sister.

I am proud of him and how hard he works. Now he wants to read to me instead of the other day around. I cannot wait to finish this kit then move on to the 1st and 2nd grade kits.

As Cliche as it is..."Hooked On Phonics DOES work for me!!"


Celebrating Mother's Day...

As I sit here and think back to my childhood, not to many happy memories stand out. My parents had a volitile marriage that affected my brother and I both. I remember more tears then smiles, more yelling then laughter.

But the one thing that sticks out the most is my mom.

My mom married young, at 18, had me at 20, my brother at 22. She stayed home all but 4 of the 17 years her and my dad were married. I remember my mom going without on many occasions so that my brother and I could have what we wanted and needed. I remember her sitting silently and suffering internally, but projecting happiness externally so that my brother and I would not be affected by the turmoil that was within the walls of our house.

As I grew up, I vowed that I would NOT be the woman my mom was. I was not going to sacarafice myself or my happiness for anyone. Why should I go without so others could have what they wanted? Yea, I was a bit of a selfish teenager.

Then, at 21 I found out I was pregnant with my first son. I still vowed that I would not be like my mom. I didnt want to loose my identity to having children...no way...

Fast forward 7 years later. I am married, I have 3 children with another on the way. I am a SAHM, I gave up a career, an education to be with my children. I haven't gotten a new pair of tennis shoes in almost a year. I go without on a daily basis, and yes there are times that I keep my tears to myself so my kids are not affected...

I have become my mom in every aspect. And you know what....I would not want it anyother way...

So this year,I am not only celebrating being a mom myself, but I am celebrating my mother, the woman she was and still is, the woman she ultimately inspired me to be. My mom is my hero...and if I can be even 1/2 the mom she was and is to me, then I would be happy

I love you mom!!!

What Could you win with a dollar?

The Barefoot Sisterhood is on a mission. A mission to help not only raise awareness on the dangers of skin cancer, but to also reach out and help mother's with skin cancer.

For as little as a dollar you can help support this wonderful cause and enter to win a wonderful gift basket filled with goodies from Votre Vu valued at over $100.00

Raffle Tickets are:
$1.00 for 1
$5.00 for 6
$20.00 for 30

Contents of the gift basket include:
Self Preservation~Le Bloc De Soleil (sunblock) spf 30
Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Creme
Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm
Cheveux Heureux Shampoo and Conditioner
Cheveux Heureux Mender De Cheveux (Happy Hair Strengthing Serum)

Top 5 Spring and Summer Beauty Must Haves From Votre Vu

Top 5 Spring and Summer Beauty Must Haves:

1.) A good Sunscreen. An SPF of atleast 30 is reccomended. Check out Votre Vu's SPF 30 Sunscreen

2.)Moisturizer. The spring season is upon us, which means digging in the yard. Save your hands with moisturizer that protects and lasts a long time

3.) A gentle and effective cleanser. I highly reccomend Votre Vu's Best Reguards. I use this stuff on a daily basis and just love it

4.) Kissable lips. Make your lips kissably soft with this lip balm

5.) Toner for all Skin Types

Check out Votre Vu to see how you can make 2009 your best year yet!!!

Friday, April 3, 2009

What if it were you?

For the past few days, I have been talking alot about The Barefoot Sisterhood and their mission to help other mothers diagnosed with Skin Cancer. The Barefoot Sisterhood has made it their mission to help others who cannot afford the type of treatment that they need.

What would you do if it were you? Do you know that a majority of major insurance carriers have stipulations in their policy that cap or limit the dollar amount of treatment that one can recieve? Did you know that the limit is usually much lower then what treatments will actually cost?

I am sure that all of us at one point in our lives have been faced with inadequate health insurance coverage to take care of our needs. I know all to well that sinking feeling of knowing that I cannot afford the treatment that I need. Fourtuantely, alot of times, the treatment isnt needed to save your life...

But with skin cancer, every day that you wait, every week that you let go by without seeking or getting proper treatment is like signing your death sentence.

Organizations like The Barefoot Sisterhood are seeking to change that. Every dollar that is donated to The Barefoot Sisterhood is used to help another mother with skin cancer secure the treatment that she needs.

You can help. Until April 10th 2009, I am raffling off a Gift Basket filled with great skin care products from Votre Vu. This basket is valued at over $100.00

Raffle tickets are $1.00 for 1, $5.00 for 6, or $20.00 for 30.

Some of the products to be included in the gift basket are:

Votre Vu Duette Handcreme and lip balm
Votre Vu spf 30 sun block
Votre Vu Snap Dragon Beauty drink

And more

Be sure to get your raffle tickets. Please send all paypal to jwlrymama08@yahoo.com put Votre Vu in the subject

Thanks

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Swidget 1.0

 
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