Top 10 Last minute gift ideas

Lisa's Top Ten Favorite Things

Looking for a last minute gift idea?  Here are some of my favorites.

10.  Sugar Lip Balm by Fresh
     Dry lips?  This is absolutely worth the money!  A must have in your nightstand, handbag and car!  Buy an extra just in case they stop making it!

 9.  Scentsy Plug In Warmer
     As if the wonderful scents of Christmas cottage and Apple pie weren't enough, this adorable warmer projects butterflies onto the walls. 

8.  Down Throw from Pacific Coast Feather
$80.00 marked down to $19.99!!!
Stock up on these!  I was unsure if we'd like these because they were a bit crinkly at first.  These relaxed and are the coziest, warmed throws you'll find.  It's big enough to throw over a twin sized bed but condenses nicely for a family room throw.  Think you'll like it? Buy an extra because these are almost gone!


7.  OPI Nail Polish (Vampsterdam)
GOR-JUS!!!!  Had to run out and get nails for this one.  The most beautiful deep purple with a subtle hint of metallic... wonderful!  This shade is from their Holland collection. Check out their Skyfall collection as well!





6.  Chloe Perfume
A beautiful blend of floral and amber scents for a light but wonderful perfume. 
Great for a signature scent!





5.  Geometric necklace from Nordstrom, BP
This fun necklace goes with nearly everything.  Subtle in color but enough to make an outfit pop




4.  Perfect T (Lush)
Oversized but flattering.  I bought this in 3 colors for layering.  Throw a cami underneath and a jacket on top. These are even on sale!

3.  UGG Adirondack Boots
No question these are a HUGE splurge.  However, they will keep your feet warm and toasty through out the next ice age.  Hopefully the last snow boots I'll ever buy, these are a favorite that was worth the wait!





2.  Donate to a charity that has special meaning for a loved one
"What do you want for Christmas?"  How many times have you counted your blessings and realized that you have nearly everything you could ever want?  Ask for a donation to your favorite charity.  Want to save lives? 

Consider Auburn Young Life, Saint Jude's, or American Cancer Society.




1.  Jesus Calling
This daily devotional speaks to my heart every day.  The greatest gift you can give is God's Word!


All of these gifts are fun to give and fun to receive.  Let us not forget that we give in the spirit of God giving his only son who gave His life for our eternal salvation.  Jesus is the reason!

Merry Christmas my friends!  Thank you for reading my blog!

What is in your heart?

Tonight, my kids got on stage in front of over 200 people. They sang, spoke and celebrated the birth of Jesus. This is heartwarming in and of itself but my tears seemed out of place to those that didn’t know me.

My son has speech apraxia. It’s a nasty disorder that makes people unable to articulate their brilliant thoughts and emotions. My son understands everything that is said to him but he can’t always speak his mind. Sometimes his motor skills are delayed because of this apraxia. I hate this disorder and we fight it with everything we’ve got everyday. Just when we thought we were out of the woods, a severe stutter plagued my son this past October. His progress has been steady but slow. I know God will fully restore his speech and give him a confidence that lacks arrogance.

Many people have insisted on labeling him. I have fought to keep him from being categorized as someone that should be pulled out of class and thrown into a “special needs environment.” Why? I have seen how people quickly pass judgment on children needing these services.

So imagine my rage tonight when I read a post on a friend’s wall.

"Remember the boy in our children's class last year with a mental/social disorder and his "violent" outbursts? Well, my oldest has another one in her class this year. He always has a Para following him, too. “Daughter’s name here came home last month and told us she almost got jumped by him. During class, she felt a pair of eyes blazing at her while listening to the teacher's lessons. She glanced to her left and all of a sudden he lunged towards her! Good thing she has quick reflexes and got out of her chair fast. Got escorted out with the Para. He had another episode during PE where he grabbed a girl and scratched her arm. And NOTHING is provoking this kid! I DO have a problem with the parents thinking that their child with "special needs" needs to be integrated with the public when the child has violent tendencies. I am all for meds if they need them. Private school is tempting and might have to research the high schools nearby. Not worried about the guns, but those "kids" with the guns and their future."

Our nation experienced one of the worst, most horrific tragedies ever this past Friday. We later learned that the shooter had aspergers. We learned that he had serious mental health issues and yet our nation decided to engage in a huge debate about gun control rather than how we help those with poor mental health. I don’t know this person so I can’t ask her questions to clarify exactly what she meant. However, I’ve heard so many people say things like this and have come to learn that their motives were hateful and ignorant.

The first boy mentioned in this post was a child I encountered quite often. He was scared, overwhelmed and out of control. The first time I experienced one of his outbursts, I went under a table because I thought a shooting had broken out. When I got to know more about his story, I tried desperately to help de-escalate his fears. It took courage but my heart broke for this young man. I felt that the school was taxed on personnel and resources to properly help this child but I never considered him “another one of those.”

America, wake up! Stop wishing that children with special needs would disappear into the back rooms of the school... or attend a different school entirely. All children are blessings. All have special talents and gifts. Many of the children with special needs have incredible gifts and talents that this world misses out on. Stop referring to children by their diagnosis. Your child is not an aspie, autistic, a stutterer, or bipolar. Your child is a blessing that might be afflicted by a disorder. This is not their identity! Children that experience spectrum disorders are not automatically a risk of committing atrocities like those witnessed over the past few weeks. The children at risk are those that are ostracized rejected, judged and made to feel that they aren’t good enough. The biggest problem in this country isn’t guns, a fiscal cliff or other political issues. It’s a lack of compassion and an unwillingness to help those at risk. Before you write to your senator, examine your heart and your actions.

10 Things I've Learned From My Kids

1.  Penmanship really does matter

• If you write and spell well, it's all lost if nobody can read it.  In our world, penmanship is so much more important since we have become accustom to reading everything in perfect print online.
• The letters "c, k, o, s, u, v, w, x and z" will forever frustrate me for the reasons mentioned above.

2.  2 wrongs don't make a right

• He told me to
• Painful but true, "but you did it too"

3.  There is a time to be focused and a time to daydream.  Don't discount the importance of either.

• Listen to and encourage the dreams of your children
• Help them learn to stay focused in even the noisiest settings
• Take time to daydream

4.  Expect the best, understand good enough and never settle for anything less.

5.  Prayers work... always.

• Sometimes the things we want the most would be the worst for us
• Even when we are unaware, things will work out the way they are supposed to for the greater plan

6.   Sometimes, less is more.

• Don't become so over scheduled that you can't take time to enjoy the little moments that life are made of.
• If you expect perfection from yourself, your children won't attempt new things unless they too can be perfect.
• If it doesn't make a difference, what difference does it make?

7.  Hold children accountable

• Much past the age of 5, allowing them to blame Mom or Dad for a forgotten coat or misplaced assignment isn't acceptable.  Turn it back on your kids... make them accountable!
• Chores are not slavery
• Every once in a while, a failed assignment is worth the teachable moment.... I need to remember this one!

8.  Focus on the positive but don't be afraid to set boundaries and enforce rules

• When your child is listing of negatives, make them say at least 3 positive things about the situation (thank you S.C. for this insight!)
• Be consistent in rules, discipline, and never miss a chance to praise.

9.  Don't be afraid to cry in front of your kids

• Don't be a basket case or make your children serve as the parent BUT show them it's okay to express emotions
• Showing emotion makes your children more comfortable to show their emotions

10.  If you mess up, say you're sorry

Dealing with teacher conflict

We just finished summer break and  let me be the first to say that teachers are unique and golden.  Don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly. At times, my breath is taken straight from my throat as I watch them grow.  The last few weeks of summer brought a lot of fighting, "he started it", " I was just, " and many more that I'm kindly blocking from memory right now.  This is the FIRST time in 8 years that I am kid free from morning till afternoon.  I'm sure I have romanticized the ideas of having a perfectly clean house, empty laundry basket and the gourmet meals I will cook.  Hopefully I'll meet these ideas midpoint and at least get 5 good workouts in weekly.  I'm sure I won't read all of the books on my list or see the blockbuster movies I hope to but the idea is somewhat exhilarating.

When our children come home and complain that their teacher was mean to them, as mothers we tend to experience a range of emotions from that moment we first held our little ones to the moments we considered hiring a full-time nanny and leaving on an extended business trip to Timbuktu.  I tend to error on the side of the first moments of their lives.  

I've always been in awe of bears.  Consider this... as bears, you sleep all winter, you're furry and you sleep all the way through winter.  Hungry? Go catch a few salmon for lunch.  No game warden to remind you that there's a catch limit.  Need to go to the bathroom.. no worries, the world is your oys... toilet!  So it's no wonder that I often resort to momma bear-like tendencies.  

Here are a few tips to surviving the school year when your child comes home feeling a little beat up.

1.  Consider their mental status.  Were they up late the night before?  Was there a birthday party that day that offered up a sugary cupcake? Have there been family changes lately?  Over scheduled perhaps?

2.  What point is it in the school year?  Have the teacher and your child developed rapport?  Does your child really understand how the teacher communicates?  What about the teacher and his/her understanding of your child?

3.  What is your teacher's personality?  Do they tend to tell you all of the day's happenings or do they highlight the highs and lows?  Keep things in perspective!

4.  If it doesn't make a difference, what difference does it make?  (Boy do I need to remember this one!!!)  Keep perspective.  A low score on a reading unit does not mean your child needs to move back a grade in reading.  What it can mean is that the unit was about material your child was completely removed from.  Ever  try reading tax code or a really badly written chick lit book?  Chances are you wont' recall most of the material.

5.  Does your child need additional help?  Have your teacher take notes about performance during the day.  Compare it against his/ her schedule to determine if these outbreaks tend to happen at the same time each day.  This could indicate the need for dietary, sleep or supplement changes.  Furthermore, your child  may have challenges with the subject matter being taught at certain points of the day.  If repeated stories come up relating to recess, it might help to drop in on recess from time to time.  You'd be shocked how understaffed recesses can be.

*Get help.  Contact local pediatric therapy groups, consult a pediatric neurologist or your pediatrician.  Keep going until you have an answer you believe in!!!  I can't stress this enough!!!  GET A SECOND OPINION!!!!!!!!  Don't first resort to medication.  Try other resources before meds... although there is definitely a time and place for meds.  Consult dietitians and nature paths... there's not as woo woo as you might think.

6.  Who is your child's peer group?  How does he refer to these people?  Do you find that he/she makes good choices when interacting with these children?  Do these friends build him/ her up or tear them down... also a good consideration for Mom and Dad's peer group!

7. On an IEP?  First... don't settle!  Do not sign anything that you aren't comfortable with!  You might feel pressured to do so but remember, this is your child!  Secondly,  resist the urge to change things up right away.  As super-moms, we try everything we can... and I mean EVERYTHING!!! We call every expert we can and then we draw conclusions based on our research.  If you're nodding, I applaud you, give you hugs and pat you on the back.  Without you, our children would fall between the cracks and become statistics.  Continue to listen to your gut and press on.  BUT, you knew there was "but" didn't you!  Consider how important consistency is!  Try not to change up an IEP change for a quarter... unless you know in your heart that intervention is needed.  Then, watch out... Momma Bear is coming!  Finally, make sure you know the current IEP laws and consider hiring an advocate or IEP attorney.  Nobody else is going to quarterback your child... it's up to you!  This is a blog entry on its own!

8.  ALWAYS, talk to the teacher first.  A child can quickly blow a situation out of proportion.  After reading the book Peacemakers and the Bible, I can tell you that both advocate contacting the offender directly.  Your teacher sometimes spends more waking hours with your child than you do.  Your child will most often act differently at school than at home.  Your teacher has probably taught hundreds of kids and might have a trained prospective... and sometimes not.

9.  If your teacher suggests there's a problem... they're not supposed to diagnose your child!!!... don't bury your head in the sand and pretend the problem doesn't exist!  Seek help!  Make sure that you're on the right page.  It's so easy to overlook problems with out loved ones.  It often takes a professional opinion... and sometimes an excellent google search (I'm only somewhat kidding there), to really figure out what's going on with your child.  Get help for your child and don't be afraid.  Do you remember being that kid?  The kid that was afraid to ask the stupid question?  As you aged, you realized that many had the same challenges and questions.  Be the hero and don't be afraid to get the therapy, counseling and or medication your child requires!

10.  If your teacher isn't acceptable, report it immediately and don't stop!  If your principle smiles and tells you it will all be okay, make sure she/he follows through.  Follow up with an email.. here goes a rant.  I love email!  Email is a friendly, written record that holds both parties accountable, clear up misunderstandings and is searchable.  All of these are critical to help your child.  If it's not really "okay," call the Superintendent.  Go to his/her office... go to school board meetings... don't stop until you have a solution that works!  Finally, consider private school.  Smaller class sizes and a Biblical approach have been the answer for us!

11.  Re-evaluate your school every school year.  What might work for your child one year, might not work the next.  While consistency is important, what year are you willing to mark in your book as "not important?" Public or private, education is not free.  If any other vendor/ utility failed to deliver on their promises, we would demand a refund... why do we not demand the same for our children?

12.  Your educators are your partners, not your adversaries!  Work with your teachers and administrative staff to help your children under times of duress.  Meet, again and again until your children and teachers are happy.

13.  Enough is enough!  Is your child keeled over in an emergency room with an anxiety attack... yes, this did happen!  Pull him/ her out!  I don't care how far along it is in the school year, move classes, schools, home school... stock up on wine.. .whatever is needed and do it now!  I pulled my child in mid-March without a place to land.  Filled with uncertainty and apprehension, I can't tell you how wonderful this ended up!  In hindsight, I should have been throwing a party (balloons and margaritas to boot!) because the transformation that happened to our entire family was one I can't possibly describe.

Finally, thank your teachers for a job well done. An encouraging note, a simple thank you or a Starbucks the day after Halloween never hurt.

Shark Week!

My daughter has had a loose tooth forevvveeerrrr!  I kept expecting it to turn stark white and become a gaping hole any day but it has stayed the same since late May.

At about 4 AM this morning, she came into my room and was crying because her tooth hurt.  I assumed it was about to fall out as I stumbled out of bed to turn on the bathroom light.  She opened her mouth and what I saw definitely woke me up.  My daughter has shark teeth!  Not only had her loose tooth not fallen out, her permanent tooth had poked up waaayyy behind the baby tooth. 

I quickly recalled the years of braces that my husband and I went through and figured that if anyone was going to have kids with messed up teeth, it would be us.  As dollar signs flashed in front of my eyes, I turned to google which is  my expert on call medical opinion when my friend "Nurse Jenny" is asleep. Thank God!  Children turning into sharks are not only common but nothing to be worried about.  Luckily my dentist confirmed this a few hours later.  So, if you see this, calm down.  Now, if you see horns growing out of your child's head and it's the end of summer... I've heard this is also normal.  Cheers to September!

Live to eat? No more!

“Everyone in my family has died of cancer so I might as well enjoy life now, eat what I want and not kill myself exercising.”

“Everything causes cancer. If you try to eat healthy, you eat too many pesticides. If you eat meat, you are eating hormones. Drink wine, one week it’s good for you the next week it isn’t.”

“Food is too important to me to give up. If my life is shorter but I can eat what I want, so be it.”

“I’m on cholesterol drugs so I can eat whatever I want.”

“I worked out today so it’s okay if I have a burger, fries and a shake... again.”

Over the past week, I’ve heard these comments. What a slap in the face they have been. I’ve said the majority of them myself. I woke up.

I have many friends that embrace the paleo lifestyle. They work out routinely, eat their fruits and veggies and take care of themselves. I’ve always envied them... never thought it was for me. I woke up.

I’m fat. I have been fat since I was 9 years old and first went on weight watchers. I’m not fat because I’m covering up some pattern of abuse... unless you count the way I have been eating as abuse. I’m fat because I love food. Nothing more. I love food and I’m not one for the gym. I woke up.

This past January, I came down with pneumonia and pleurisy. I had no choice but to seek out a doctor closer to home. I found one within a couple miles that happens to share my beliefs and passions. I thought he’d throw some antibiotics at me and send me on my way. While he did put me on a strong dose of something, he loaded me up with vitamins. What? Vitamins? Yes... a novel idea I know. Guess what? They work... if you take them.

A couple months later, I was having some strange symptoms that sent me in a tailspin worrying about uterine cancer. Turned out I was okay.. praise Jesus! I thought I was done... my doctor had other ideas. A few weeks later, I had 6 pages of blood work staring me in the face. A full lipid panel was what the doctor ordered. This thing not only told me my total cholesterol but told me if I was eating often enough... shockingly I was not. The numbers were colored green, yellow and red. It looked like someone had bled all over my report. Tons of numbers in the red. I’m no doctor but my background in business tells me that numbers in the red are never a good sign.

More vitamins... lots and lots of vitamins. Add a statin to my list and another drug or two and I swallow 26 pills in a day. Not fun but completely worth it. A new addition to my list of prescriptions? “Read the book, “Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman,” my doctor told me.”

“Oh great, another book about willpower. Something to tell me to dip my fork into salad dressing instead of pouring it all over my salad. Something touting how great eating off of a smaller plate really is because it tricks your mind. I get to read about how great exercise is and how a little bit will make a difference,” I thought.

Reluctantly, I downloaded the book and started to read. What I read shocked me. Maybe I shouldn’t have been that surprised. It’s not like I’ve never been told to eat more fruits and veggies, less fat and to move more. The book went into further detail.. I can’t give the book justice so you’ll have to read it yourselves. What I found was that the majority of cancers out there are directly linked to the diets we are eating that are rich in animal proteins. A study done called the “China Project” explained this in great detail. I kept reading.

At the end of the book, I was fired up... ready to take on a healthy lifestyle. I started trying to plan meals and freaked out. I was becoming vegan! What?! I’m a republican...I can’t be a tree hugging vegan! I panicked and started my search for vegan recipes. Even more discouraging news. Everything I found was pasta and bread based... don’t these people know anything?

Now, I was searching for low-carb vegan recipes. Who was I kidding? I couldn’t do this?

I persevered and followed the plan: 1 lb raw vegetables a day... oh boy was that new to my digestive system! 1 lb cooked veggies, 1 cup of beans, 1 oz of nuts and 4-6 different fruits a day. Thank God it’s summer!  No processed foods, NO white flour (no bread are you kidding me?!!!), no animal protein, no fats...

Have you ever sat down with a bag of Salt and Vinegar chips? They’re so good it’s ridiculous. A saving grace for me is that they usually pickle the roof of my mouth and I can’t handle eating more than half the bag before I have to put them down. As I made room for the cans of beans I had just purchased, I found a bag of these chips! OH CRAP! I freaked out. Then I started thinking about what they would taste like... I didn’t want them!! They didn’t sound good to me. I continued sorting and came across chocolate. Didn’t want that either! What in the world was going on? Was I sick? Yes, very sick. Sick with cholesterol, high glucose levels, low levels of fitness and a heart that can’t keep up. I finally connected these horrible foods to cancer. I connected them to heart disease, to diabetes, to health problems that have sent me to more funerals than I can count. These foods could have been the ones that sent my children to my funeral too early. They don’t sound so good now do they? I woke up!

I have been on the plan for 6 weeks and I have dropped 20 pounds.  I have added lean meats like chicken, fish and turkey but in small quantities. I’m nowhere near where I want to be but it’s a start. I can pass on things that used to be my red light foods. I allow myself one cheat meal per week. Read that, ONE MEAL, not one day. I find that the cheat meal usually doesn’t taste as good to me as it used to. I also find that I am so full, I often can’t finish the meal or just don’t want to.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope this serves as motivation to those that need it. I also hope it will create a more supportive network than I am already blessed with.

Double your pantry space

I have this old oak bookcase that doesn't really seem to fit anywhere in my home.  It was a gift from my parents when I graduated college so I didn't want to part with it.  As a result, it has resided in my formal dining room for years... empty and unused.

I love our home and there are really only a few things I'd change about it.  The main thing that frustrates me is the small pantry.  Small pantry, meet empty bookcase!  After bolting the bookcase to the wall, I filled it with excess pantry items which freed up tons of space.  Next, I went to Home Goods and picked up a set of neutral curtains. A quick run through the sewing machine to take a little length off and a tension rod did the trick.

What pieces of furniture are in your home that could be re-purposed?  I took an old changing table and used the shelving for games, the top for assorted craft items and paper files.  What about an old dresser?  Remove the drawers, place boards across the supports and it makes for a nice shelving unit.

Here's the panty project.  The curtains will be ironed soon =)

 Adjustable shelving makes this great for canned goods and taller items as well.  I've used the bottom portion for larger decorations, my cupcake holder and maybe my mixer.

Curtains that have grommets allow for easy access because they slide back and forth with ease.

I used a very neutral panel because I host holiday events in this room.  For a less formal area, consider a fun print or bright color. A shower curtain might work well depending on the height of your shelving unit.

Sunscreen- things to know

It's a beautiful day here in Seattle which means everyone is showing quite a bit more skin than normal.  Many will have trouble sleeping over the next few due to sunburns.  Do you know everything there is to know about sunscreen?  I certainly do not but I recently read an article in Real Simple that was "Real Helpful."  If you're like me, you're lucky if you find the time to read the January issue of your favorite mag by June.  Here are the key points I found most helpful.

SPF- What does it all mean?

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the protection the sunscreen offers.  Consider the time it would normally take your unprotected skin to burn.  For me, it's as little as 15 minutes... my red headed daughter even less.  Take that 15 minutes (or whatever your skin can handle) and multiply it by the SPF.  That's the average number of minutes the SPF will offer protection.  So, if it takes me 15 minutes to burn normally, an SPF will offer (15x15= 225 minutes or 3 hours and 45 minutes) of protection.  

If you're doing errands and won't be out in the sun for extended periods of time, consider a lower SPF.  Don't forget there are advantages to sun that us Seattleites can forget after 9 months of grey.  If you live in predominately overcast climates, chances are you're lacking this vitamin.  If you're going to the beach or sunbathing, go higher.  Remember that as the SPF increases, so does the amount of chemicals in your sunscreen.

How high should I go?

• Research has shown diminishing returns on SPF's higher than 30.  Some studies have shown only a 1%-4% increase in protection between an SPF of 30 versus one 40 or higher.

Now, don't forget that sunscreen isn't really waterproof.  Resistant?  Yes.  Not waterproof.  Researchers say that if you're in the water for 40 minutes, it's time to reapply.  In the water for 15 minutes?  You can take 2 more 15 minute dips before the sunscreen has likely worn off.


UVA/ UVB and Broad Spectrum:

• You can get bogged down in detail on this so I'll keep it simple.  UVB rays burn (B=Burn).  UVA rays are not to be ignored as they can also lead to skin damage and cancer.  UVA will also add a few years to your skin so be sure to get a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  To protect against skin cancer, premature aging and other harm, buy sunscreens labeled "Broad Spectrum."  This means the product blocks against both UVA and UVB rays.

Is there a difference between sunscreen and sunblock?  

• Cosmetic physician Dr Jamuna Pai says, "Sunscreens allow a little filtering of UVB rays in the skin,      whereas sunblock contain zinc oxide that deflects the UV rays from the skin altogether."  
• Conflicting information says that no product will actually block sun rays 100%.  According to a recent Marie Claire article, companies are banned from calling their products "sunblock" for this reason.

REAPPLY!!! 
My poor daughter looked like a tomato when we went to Cabo.  We couldn't figure out why an SPF of 60 wasn't sufficient.  The trick is to reapply every couple hours, even more if you're in the water.  For the average adult, a shot glass amount will usually suffice.

The little things matter!
Talk to any dermatologist and he or she will tell you the most common places for skin cancer are on the lips, nose and the tops of the ears.  Why?  People forget to apply sunscreen to these areas.  My dad had his entire bottom lip removed because of normal sun exposure to his lips.  It doesn't take much!  Buy a lip balm with an SPF of 30 to get the most protect.  Reapply consistently as it will wear off quicker from eating and drinking.


Happy Summer!

 

Dishonest pricing practices

A recent article on Komo uncovered dishonest pricing strategies by Kohl's.  Apparently, Kohl's has been raising prices before placing items on sale.  While you're still getting a discount from the original price, the savings are inflated.  Many readers commented about similar prices at grocery stores and other clothing retailers.  I though it was common knowledge that these sorts of practices are used everyday but apparently some are still quite surprised by these findings. 

It's all a mind game.  Companies spend millions on pricing strategies.  That's why colleges offer degrees in marketing, advertising and supermarket science.  What it really comes down to is the intelligence of the consumer.  Sales encourage impulsive behavior. 

So many people fall victim to these sales traps:

1.  "It's such a great deal, it would be a shame to let this go.  What if I need it someday."
2. " This must be a good deal if it's on sale.  I don't need to compare."
3.  "I must buy this now before the sale ends.  I can't afford to take time thinking about it."

I imagine stores are getting more creative and dishonest as cellphone technology emerges.  A simple bar code scan or amazon search often tells you if the product is a good deal or not.  Furthermore, that cheaper priced product is a click away. 

To avoid these traps:

1.  Think about it.  If you still want it in 24-48 hours, it might be worth it.
2.  What is the genuine value of this product?  Think about what you would pay before even checking the price.
3.  Will you genuinely use this product?
4.  Do you need this product right now?  Can it wait?  How will it impact your current cash flow?
5.  How else might you use the money you're spending on this sale item?  Do you really NEED it?
Emotional buying is rarely a good idea.  Putting it on your credit card is never a sale... it's usually 15% more expensive.

We all know credit cards use the same games to encourage spending and debt building.  So many people, sometimes myself as much as I hate to admit it, brag about the miles they're racking up by using their credit card.  Other companies offer rebates, points, etc.  My husband and I used to buy into this strategy, paying off our credit card every month.  The problem started when unexpected expenses hit us one month and we weren't able to pay off the entire balance that month.  Debt builds quickly and before you realize it, it gets out of control.  Most of the time, using a debit card will offer many of the rewards that a credit card will.  There are some situations that a credit card MIGHT make sense.  A call to your credit card provider will help clear these up.

1.  Does your credit card offer extended warranty protection?
I've taken advantage of this service 3 different times and have been very glad to have it.

2.  Booking a hotel or car?  Does the rental company deduct additional funds to cover accidents, cancellations or other unforeseen events? 
I've heard of more than one person having their debit card frozen by a rental car company.

3.  Are you purchasing from someone you fear might take advantage of you? 
The simple answer is to not make the purchase.  If it's unavoidable, a credit card might give you recourse if you are the victim of fraud.

4.  Will you be reimbursed before your bill is due?

It's very easy to become obsessed with saving money, budgeting and debt pay-off.  While it's important to plan for these things and be responsible, it's also important not to obsess.  Idolizing material goods or money is sinful.  Idolizing your debt pay-off strategies and budgets is also sinful.  Remember balance in everything you do.

What if it's cancer?

I've been known to play "google-a-disease" fromtime to time.  You might too if you werein my shoes.  My mother died at age 56from stomach cancer (originally diagnosed at age 14), her mother died at age 57from ovarian cancer and her mother's sister died at age 57 from uterinecancer.  My maternal great grandmotheralso died of some kind of female cancer but I've lost track... According tothese odds, I'm in the golden years of my life. That's one of the reasons I'mwalking in Relay For Life this June.

A few months ago I started having strange symptoms... I'llspare you the details.  I went to mydoctor and she said it was likely stress from the fundraiser I had just beenworking on.  I absolutely loved my last fundraiser and I have experienced episodes of far greater stress and have beenjust fine.  She ran blood work, did sometests and everything was fine.  Then thenext month rolled around and more symptoms. I went back in for follow-up last Tuesday and the doctor started to getworried.  She performed a uterinebiopsy... a blast let me tell ya, and said it would be up to a week before Iknew the results.

A week?!  Wow... I didnot know how I'd get through that.  Sheoffered up a bottle of xanex which I quickly accepted.  I couldn't stop thinking about my husband and my kids.  My kids are 6 and 8... nowhere near raised.  It's them that Iworried about.

My mind started racing and my fingers flew as I sped throughevery internet site out there.  I learnedone of the first places uterine cancer spreads is to the lungs.  Yikes... I had pleurisy this past January...could it be?  Then God spoke to me andsaid to get off the internet and into His Word. To stop talking to people that "knew it all" and to talk toHim.  I immediately turned to the book ofJonah and started working on my current Bible study.  I got a pencil and started to write.  Here's what came to me:

Slow Down! Listen.  Study the Word.  Simplify. Calm Down.  Limit the noise andinput in my life.  Serve as  Christian example in everything I do whetherby faith, action or Word... a tall order I know!  I continued to read and came across a pieceof scripture I've never read before.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power ismade perfect in weakness.  There for, Iwill boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power mayrest in me.  That is why, for Christ'ssake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutors, indifficulties.  For when I am weak, then Iam strong."

It's easy to praise God during the good times.  Do you praise him the bad times too?  Do you see a storm approaching in your lifeand wonder what great purpose God has in store or do you get on a boat and sailas far away as you can?  We may neverknow why we face the difficulties we do. It still leaves me completely speechless when I see a baby on chemo,when I see marriages end, when I find out a loved one is seriously sick, whenthings like 9-11 happen or why I had to lose my mother at such a youngage.  Nothing that we can imagine makesany of this okay... our thoughts are not His:

Isaiah 55:8 ""For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."

As I read the story of Jonah, it was incredible to readabout the pagans that turned into believers when Jonah told them to throw himinto the ocean because God's storm was for Jonah and not them.  They told Jonah to pray to his God so theirlives might be spared.

Who is watching you?  What are you going through right now?  Are youhandling it with grace or are you running scared?  Are you listening to God... slowing down,studying and waiting?  Are youconsidering those around you or just yourself?

Facing a death, a serious illness, injury or other difficulttime may cause you to turn inward and think of only yourself.  It's natural and not something to feel guiltyabout.  However, think for a moment aboutthose that love you.  Those that supportyou.  Have you thanked them?  Have you dropped a note in the mail to tellthem how much they mean to you?  Have youresponded to the emails and phone calls of those reaching out to you?  Are you concerned with their well being orjust your own?  Are you taking more thanyou're giving?  Are you acting in a waythat you want to be remembered, living or not? 

What will you do today thatwill shape the way you are remembered?

This experience was scary and stressful.  I am incredibly grateful that it's over andthat I am healthy.  Those that reachedout to me and offered up their prayers mean the world to me.  Thank you!

Teacher Appreciation week sweet treat ideas

My daughter's teachers listed jelly beans and dark chocolate with almonds as their favorite treats.  Rather than give them a boring candy bar or bag of beans, I thought I'd dress things up a bit.


Teacher Pills

Supplies:

Small jar with a lid (Target).  Try to get one with a smooth finish.

Candy filler

Shipping Labels (3 1/3 x 4 works well)

Publisher or other program to make labels and import clip art.

On the back of the jar, attach a fun label listing active ingredient, directions, uses and warnings.

Directions:  Turn your back to kids, shove into face

 

Active Ingredients……………………………….Jelly Bellies

Uses:  Temporarily relieves aches and pains due to: Whining, crying, pouting, drama, Mondays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter and the days following, separation anxiety, difficult parents, headache, paper cuts, field trips & conferences.

Warnings: Run and hide if symptoms persist.

I also added "Brought to you by the co-creators of (Insert child's name here)."

Here's what I did for the chocolate lover.  It's silly but fun and memorable.

These were easy to create in publisher.  I measured the candy bars and sized my document accordingly.  Next, I printed them off, cut them to size and ran them through the xyron.  I stacked 3 Godiva bars and wrapped them in plain white computer paper, placing the stickers/ label on either side. 

Teacher Appreciation Week made simple

Teacher appreciation week is upon us once again! It's time to show our teachers how much we love and appreciate all the work that goes into teaching our children.  If you're asked to chair this week, it can seem quite daunting and overwhelming.  Here are some important things to consider when planning your week:

 

1.   Delegate!

2.  Will you do one large event or something little every day?

3.   How large is your child's class, grade and school?  What are the cultures and demographics of your school? What is reasonable to complete?

4.  What are your teacher's favorite things?  What would mean the most to him or her?

5.  Change is good.

6.  A proper tool box makes all the difference!

Delegation is key.  I'm not saying this to be lazy, it really does make for a special week.  If the entire class is involved, the end result will mean more to your teacher.  Not only that, parents are more likely to take on small tasks rather than being the chairperson.  Combining ideas results in a more creative and diverse experience.  Here are some ways to delegate the week:

Have a different theme every day of the week.  Have children bring in a special item relating to the theme each day.  Here are some ideas: 

• Flower Day (one flower from each child makes a nice bouquet)
• Fruit Basket (combine to make a nice fruit bowl or basket)
• Something sweet 
•  Feed the teachers/ BBQ (have a sign up sheet for each item needed)
• Raffle
• Take the day off or have a quiet lunch to yourself: parents volunteer to supervise during the teacher's time away.
• Small gifts or combined class gift
• Class craft for the teacher: quilts, painted chairs, ceramics painted by the student, gardening stones, apron, flower pot filled with colorful flowers or plants (also good for flower day), cook book filled with family favorites and accompanying photos of the kiddos, photographs, picture frames, mural, tiled tables or trivets, posters, scrapbook, stationary.
• Themed baskets
• Books (for the teacher or the classroom).  Have your child sign the book.
• School supply restocking
• Handmade card or craft
• Recipes
• Interviews: Ask each child questions about their teacher and record them.  Their answers can be quite funny depending on their age.

Plan several events and have different parents help with each one.

Have each parent contribute money towards the event if you will be doing it by yourself.  Be sensitive to financial hardships.

Preparing food?  Consider hiring a caterer that will cut you a deal.  Go through the PTA to give a tax deduction to those businesses wishing to donate food, services or other products.  Most businesses ask for a formal request written on letterhead.  Be sure to include the 501 C 3 tax ID number.

Ask your school for help with advertising.  Try to keep it a surprise if possible.  Use their paper (if allowed), email resources, etc.

Don't take on too much.  Really... your teacher will be happier if you don't spread yourself too thin.  Doing too much one year might discourage parents from chairing or contributing in following years because the task will seem too difficult.  Keeping things simple will be easier and most appreciated.  It's also important to consider what your students are able and willing to contribute.

If your child attends a public school, consider financial hardships!  Our local public school has a large percentage of free and reduced lunch families.  Many aren't able to donate money or special items.  I couldn't figure out why I was getting tons of Papa Murphy's gift cards donated for teacher appreciation week.  There were so many of them!  A few weeks later, I drove by the pizza chain and saw a sign that said "Now taking food stamps."  Duh... I was humbled by the number of families that gave even though they didn't have much. Be sensitive to financial hardships!  If your school has their fair share of poverty, base your themes around class crafts, handmade items, food, etc.  Make sure you allow families to donate items and not just cash.  I learned that lesson the hard way.

A great way to make the week special and personal is to create a staff questionnaire.  Find out what your teachers' favorites are:  hobbies, stores, restaurants, foods (breakfast and lunch), fruit, flower, color, scent, book, candy, Starbuck's order, game, movie, way to relax, symbol of significance (cross, rainbow, butterfly), season, etc.  Don't forget to ask about allergies, dietary restrictions and foods the staff doesn't care for.  Consider the surprises you have in store for the week when making your questionnaire.  It's best to do this a few weeks ahead to allow for proper planning and consideration.

Change is good!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "It has to be that way because it's always been that way."  I love tradition... I really do.  However, if the way it was done in the past is too big, too old or doesn't really fit your staff anymore, consider something new.  A lack of volunteers, or lack of volunteers that aren't burned out, might indicate a need for change.  Don't compare what you're doing to what others have done in the past.  Change can be scary but things can get pretty boring if they're ALWAYS the same.  Thanks to Pintrest, change is easy!

Over the years, I have found that a collection of tools makes chairing Teacher Appreciation week so much easier.  Here are some lifesavers in my toolbox:

• Publisher/ excel/ word
• Catering/ chaffing dishes with sterno
• Cooler
• Bulk envelopes
• 2 reams of computer paper hidden in my underwear drawer where my kids can't find them
• At least 1 extra ink cartridge (black and colored)
• Brightly colored copy paper and cardstock for fliers and signs
• Cheap vases
• Baskets (thrift stores are great for this)
• Disposable table cloths
• Napkins, disposable plates and utensils
• Digital camera
• Thank you notes.  Always thank your volunteers no matter how small the job.
• Class lists with email, phone and addresses
• Individual photos of each child in the class.  Digital format.
• Donor lists (Create a master spreadsheet of local businesses that might donate goods and services).
• Learn mail merge!  Great for asking for donations for food, raffles, gifts, etc.
• Pintrest... who didn't know that?
• Your sense of humor!!!

Have fun!  This week doesn't have to be stressful if delegated and planned properly.  Your children spend a significant amount of time at school.  A good teacher can feel like part of the family. Show them how much you care!

Easy Squeegee Window Film

Being the daughter of a father in law enforcement, I grew up quite paranoid.  My Dad always told me how dangerous it was to have glass in your front door or anywhere near the door frame.  I remember staying at my Uncle's house and I was absolutely sure someone was going to break in because there was a window right by it.  Unfortunately, that did happen a number of years later.

When we were building our home, I asked the builders to adjust the door frame so we didn't have windows anywhere near it.  They weren't able to make the changes so I've learned to live with the windows.  Surprisingly, I really enjoy the light that comes through and I'm glad my builders didn't cooperate with my original request.  Still, I do wish I had more privacy.

I ran some girl scout cookies over to my neighbor yesterday and noticed she had changed the glass in her front door to a more smoked texture.  I was surprised to learn that it was a large window film that can be easily applied and removed.  I'm sorry Jennifer but I copied you!

Home Depot carries a line of widow decals and textures called "Light Effects." 

I ended up paying about $20.00 for this product.  It came in a 36x24 sheet with instructions and a squeegee.  The instructions were wrapped in with the product itself so I didn't see them right away.  The process was fairly simple:

Tools needed: 

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Cutting Surface
• Exacto Knife/ Scissors work too
• Yard stick or metal ruler
• Spray Bottle with water and a couple drops dish soap
• Included Squeegee

1.  Measure the window you wish to cover.  A 1/16 inch margin will insure your window film doesn't become bunched up.

2.  Using a yard stick to mark the size of your window on the film's paper backing.

3.  Cut the film out, leaving the paper backing attached.

4.  Prepare your window by washing it to remove and debris or lint. 

5.  Spray a light mist of the water and soap onto your window.

6.  Peel away one corner of the backing from your window film and apply it in the upper corner of your window.

7.  Work your way across the window, peel gradually and press the film onto the window.

8.  Adjust as necessary to remove wrinkles and to position it properly on the window.

9.  Spray the newly attached film with your water mixture to allow the squeegee to slide easily.  Use the squeegee to remove any bubbles.  Be sure to check both sides of the window for bubbles.

I love how the window looks.  It's not solid coverage but enough for some privacy.  It will be very obvious now if someone is deliberately trying to see into my house. 

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive when compared to glass replacement
• Easy to install and remove
• No glue
• Reusable
• Easy to reposition

Cons:

• A YouTube link for installation would be very helpful
• Odor when you first put the product on your window
• Somewhat difficult to place on the window because it rolls up
• No grid lines on the paper backing
• Would love to find one that was completely opaque

Suggested uses:

• Decorative touches
• Bathroom windows where privacy is necessary
• Apartments and dorms
• Doors and surrounding windows
• Offices
• Classrooms

I rate this 5 stars for the finished product.  4 stars for ease of application and 3 stars for provided instruction. 

Inside the mind of a Stay at Home Mom... read at your own risk!

Inside the mind of a Stay at Home Mom... read at your own risk!

"I don't know how you do it! Being a stay-at-home mom is the toughest job in the whole world!"

These words, sometimes said with the best of intentions, have been said to me SO many times.  Usually, they come from women that have never had children or stayed at home. I used to think it was patronizing but now I know it's often an attempt to relate.

I recently read an article that talked about the hot buttons for mothers. "8 Things You Should Never Say to a Mom," by Charlene Prince Birkeland, reminded me of my early days of motherhood. These were the days when I was absolutely convinced that I was the only mother out there that didn't have it all together. I felt like Cinderella... just without the mice and birds.

Birkeland's first hot button is, "You look so dressed up!" Wait, what??? Don't tell a mom she looks nice?  She goes onto explain that this might make the mother wonder if she is normally viewed as a slob. Hold it... I don't know about you fellow SAHM (Stay at home moms)but I usually do have something spilled down the front of my shirt. My hair is often pulled back in a ponytail and there are at least a dozen grey hairs poking out here and there (Birkeland's 6th point: never ask why a woman went grey). Hopefully I've managed to slap some concealer onto the bags under my eyes.  They're a result of late hours of volunteer work or from worrying whether or not I put the right time on my daughter's birthday invitations. Some days, I look tired... because I am! (Birkeland's second point).

Early on in my career as a mother, I wouldn't dream of leaving the house unless I had on decent clothes and makeup.  I wouldn't even cross the street to get the mail to be quite honest. As time went on, I realized that it didn't really matter to anyone but me. If other mothers had a problem with the way I was dressed, how my hair was done or if my lack of makeup caused me to be mistaken for the yeti, big deal! Some might say this is letting yourself go. I say, it's about priorities and being realistic.  I'm not about to step on stage for the Miss America contest and I'm fairly certain ABC's talent scout isn't waiting outside my door.  I can dress up, do my makeup and hair or whatever else I decide, when I want to.

When I first started staying at home, I was consistently asked by friends and family when I would return to work. I've never really had any intention to do so because my kids need me and I'm lucky enough to have the option not to work. I used to be defensive but that's because I had no idea how busy my days would be as a SAHM. Now I hear, "Wow, you do a lot of volunteer work. You should do that professionally and get paid." Thanks. That's a compliment. I get paid by the people that benefit from my volunteer work. I've had the honor of raising money for a fantastic school, a charity that saves lives.. literally by bringing teens to Christ, and other charities that help sick children. That's a better paycheck than I ever brought home. If the right opportunity comes my way, I'll know and it likely won't be about money then either.

Birkeland continues to explain that asking another mother for a play-date might indicate that you want free babysitting or you expect her to host. If someone wants a play-date with my son or daughter, that's awesome! It's wonderful for my kids to have friends. It's even better if those friends come with a mom that wants to hang out for an hour or two. If my house is a disaster, we'll go to the park or McDonalds. I'll even admit that a tornado named Nicholas and Natalie hit late last night and there is no way I'm going to open my door... even if it was possible. My dear friend recently became a mother and nearly died of embarrassment when a neighbor stopped by unannounced.

"I was in my pajamas, my hair was a wreck and the house was a total mess. I was so embarrassed!"

I told her not to give it another thought. It was his fault for dropping unannounced and if he had a problem with the house, he could offer to clean it. In fact, if I ever comment on her house being a wreck, I've given her permission to remind me of the words I just wrote.

I must say I do agree with Birkeland about some of her points. I don't ask when a woman is due unless I see the baby crowning or she has just told me about how great, or awful, it is being pregnant. I cringe when I see a new mom, carrying her baby in the infant car seat and someone says, "Oh wow, when is your baby due." DUH! Seriously?! Even worse was the guy in this situation who said, "Dewwwdd... your babies are going to be like twins.  A newborn and another bun in the oven." I didn't know whether to slap him, get him professional help or go hug the mother that was on the verge of tears. I ran the other way. Quickly.

Finally, the "It's okay, he'll grow out of it" comment that can send me over the edge quite quickly. When my son was diagnosed with speech apraxia, it meant lots of hard work for him and for me. Hours of speech therapy, special classes for socialization, books to be read, meetings to attend and a constant fear that the boy might not ever speak a normal sentence. Now we fear he might not ever stop talking. God has a sense of humor and answered our prayers for Nick to speak.... every single prayer! Thank you God!!! I'd hear from so many people, "Oh Lisa, you just need to give it time. Kids need to be kids and he will grow out of it."

REALLY?!!!

A top Pediatric Neurologist as well as several other medical professionals don't seem to think so but let me take your expert opinion. Can you say that again slowly so I can take notes? I wish you had written a book because that's just wonderful advice.  A mother and father know their children better than anyone else. If your gut instinct tells you something is wrong, get it checked out. If you don't trust what one doctor has to say, ask another. You'll live with the doubt until you do and the fear can be paralyzing. It is reassuring however to hear that eating nothing but Cheerios, dropping things on the floor to see if you'll pick them up and an irrational fear of closets is just a phase. Please continue to tell me that. I'd also like to hear that forgetting to lift the toilet seat when you're a boy is just a phase... it is, right?

I supposed I should wrap up this rant with a point.  Stop worrying about whether or not you're doing it right.  Stop worrying if you really are cut out to have the title of MOM.  When you see your children walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, you won't be crying because the house isn't clean or the bake sale didn't yield a high enough profit.  It won't be about the promotion you didn't receive at work or the crayon on the wall.  It will be because your baby has grown up and you are proud.  You will wish for more breakfasts at home, homework to complete and soccer games to attend. 

I write this article because a friend of mine, and someone I greatly admire, confessed that she is insecure as a new mom.  I was blown away to hear her admission.  This woman is young, beautiful, confident, successful, has incredible discernment and a true heart for God.  She has nothing to be insecure about.  I read Birkeland's article and suddenly, I remembered the insecurity my friend is feeling right now.  To her I say, "You were made for this."