Busy Mom Blog

My Gut Response to the Study Released About Daycare and Behavioral Problems in Children

2007-03-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

As a licensed childcare provider for nine years, I can tell you first hand that the number one influence in a child's life is the child's parents. The behavior problems I have come to me that way. How would you behave if you were a small child and knew you were at childcare so your mom didn't have to mess with you? Remember, any attention, even negative attention, is still attention to a child.

Some parents expect childcare and schools to raise their children while they chase careers and cars. Then there is the flip side. The children who are here because the state pays their tuition to encourage the parents to get a job and take care of their families themselves. I have three children like that right now.

Everyday they come to daycare. Every day mom stays at home, goes running around with her friends, or heaven only knows what(I do because the woman is nuts enough to tell me). She doesn't look for work, hasn't for two years. She's not an exception to the rule. I deal with it all the time. People have children and then don't want to be responsible for them so I am a state paid surrogate parent to children who are still influenced more strongly by their home life than any effort I make to try to be a positive influence on their futures.

Yes, there is bad daycare. But I want the world to wake up and realize there are two sides to every story. I want people to realize that most of us do our very best for children who come from bad situations. Just because someone is a parent does not mean they are a saint and daycare is evil. I see plenty of parents who's children are better off with someone else during the day. Are these the children that researchers are blaming childcare for their behavioral problems?

I have seven children in my daycare right now. Of those seven, four of them have parents who bring them to me on the taxpayers' dime and go home, go to the movies, go tan, or worse...........get high.

Never ceases to amaze me when a parent brings their kids to me while they are on vacation because they just can't get anything done with their kids around. I've had affluent parents go boating for the day, to the beach, etc and bring their kids to daycare. I've had parents who just can't go to the store or do the laundry and handle their children. I kid you not. Lets start putting some of this blame back where it belongs. I give them guidance and structure but am the bad guy in the children's eyes because there are no rules or guidance at home.

I can't save every child that comes through my door, but I try. And as a mom, my kids were never, ever an inconvenience like a lot of the people I deal with. I can do my laundry with my kids around. I can buy groceries. And I spend a lot of time in tears of hurt and frustration at the situations these children are in, the selfishness of some parents, and my inability to make things better.

O.K. This is getting out of hand.................

2007-02-05T07:27:00.000-05:00

The drain pipe freezes in this house because the heat is run overhead and not under the house any more. Don't ask.

I thought the drain was starting to break open. When I woke up this morning there was no water left in the sink. I filled a big pot up with water and put it on the stove to warm it up, thinking if I dumped that down the drain, it might get rid of whatever frozen matter was left that was keeping it to a slow drain. Dumped the water in the sink, and it came gushing out from under the cabinet and out onto the floor. After running for every towel in the house I could find and sopping the stuff up I look under the cabinet. The drain pipe came off the sink. I guess the expansion of the pipe from it freezing from the -8 my weather bug shows right now was just enough that the hot water I poured down it knocked the pipe off.

I guess I'll get some Teflon tape from the hardware store and try to put it back on myself before I call my dad's house for help. Bet the stupid thing still won't drain. Anyone want to loan me their husband for about an hour? This is one of the few times I wish I had one around.

No rest for the wicked, heh?

frustratedly yours,

Busy Mom

This Drafty Old House

2007-02-04T03:32:00.000-05:00

It's minus one here right now. One of the things I can count on when it gets this cold is a clogged up kitchen sink. I don't have frozen pipes. The crazy sink drain freezes. I can't use the sink. I can't use the dishwasher. All I can do is wait it out. I've been digging in my closet to see if I have a space heater. I wanted to set one near the pipes and see if I could hurry the process. I can't find those heaters anywhere! How does something that big hide? One of the very few times I miss having a man around is when something goes wrong and I need help fixing it. I can't wash dishes in the bathroom, because ever since the plumber fixed(actually disconnected) the leaking ice maker line, I haven't had hot water to the tub or sink. Thank goodness the kids are both old enough to use the stand-up shower.

I love old houses. They have character and history. You can feel the life in them. The structure holds energy from past residents. But they are drafty, quirky, and cold. This one is no exception. I think I'm nuts because my dream is to own one of the huge, two story Victorians on Washington Street. One with big rambling rooms, little nooks an cubbies everywhere, and big wrap-around porches. I want a second story porch outside the master bedroom. And a room to use as a library with one of those ladders. A room for my art studio. A room as a game room for the kids. Don't want much, do I? And when I get my gas bill for heating my 1500 square foot bungalow type old house, I'll rethink my dream. But I'm an eccentric, so it won't change my mind one little bit.

Everyone send thawing thoughts to my kitchen sink, O.K?

Safe Sleeping Practices

2007-01-10T14:49:00.000-05:00

A post on another blog I was surfing, http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/, brought to mind the training I had to take as a licensed childcare provider on SIDS prevention. In her post she reminded me about placing infants on their back to sleep as recommended by pediatricians. Most moms will tell you, it's hard to get a baby to sleep on their back. As a childcare provider, I have to place the child on her back, and if baby rolls, I have to roll her back until she is old enough to roll both ways on her own.

When my daughter, who is 14 was born, it was side to sleep and the nurses in the hospital rolled up recieving blankets and wedged them by her tummy and back on each side to keep her in that position. It was theory then that if a baby was on her back and spit up, she could choke and stop breathing. Things change, don't they?

Here are a few other tips from my Safe Sleeping Class. Don't put anything in the crib with the baby. Stuffed animals and heavy quilts are a suffocation hazzard. If your baby needs a blanket, they recommend using wearable blankets. These have no sleeves or hoods, and zip across the bottom. You should be able to find them at any store that carries baby stuff. The facilitator gave a few away as door prizes.

Never use bumper pads. Not only are they a suffocation hazzard, but a choking hazzard as well. Babies can easily get under them and get tangled. Don't use the foam wedges designed to keep an infant sleeping on their side or back. If the baby manages to move, their face could get wedged into the foam causing suffocation.

Don't use the chords that attach a pacifier to the baby's clothing while they are sleeping, or attach the pacifier to her clothing in any other way, such as a ribbon and safety pin. (Hey, in my business, I've seen it all.) Strangulation and choking hazzard.

Infants should not sleep on couches, in bed with others, or in a water bed. Again, suffocation hazzards and......I have a family in my childcare right now that both parents are police officers. The father took a call when his daughter was an infant to the scene of an infant death. The cause: the young mother had the baby in bed with her and rolled over on her while she was sleeping causing the infant to suffocate. It really hit home for him, since he had a new baby of his own at the time. I know that's a difficult subject for those who practice attachment parenting, but it happens and the tears in this man's eyes when he tells the story of responding to that scene are proof.

Always make sure the bed you are using is safe, not on the recall list and that the slats are a safe distance apart so that baby's head can't fit between them. The mattess should be firm. Soft mattresses pose a suffocation hazzard.

A few misc. facts from the class: SIDS is more common in babies of moms that smoke, are very young, babies with low birth weight, and male infants.

Disclaimer: I am by no means a pediatrician or safe sleep expert. Be sure to ask your doctor for guidelines and do the research on SIDS. Being a well informed parent is the best thing you can do for your child.

2007-01-07T04:09:00.000-05:00

I've been very lax with my posts here in the past month. The holidays got the best of me, I guess. That and adding a very stressful family to my daycare and terminating them(their child was stealing from me--even took my cell phone!), my dryer dying a painful death right before Christmas, the mad rush to buy my kids presents the Wednesday before Christmas(the only paycheck I could buy with and keep the lights on), and lots of other single mom misc, issues.

Christmas parties, ball games, practices. Ugh! Then during the week between the two holidays, I had the holiday blues, and well, you know how that is. Hopefully I'll do better now.

Fugly Yarn

2007-01-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

Here's my fugly yarn, handspun single that's on my spindle. Don't laugh!

Recipes for Making Herbal Vinegars

2006-11-25T18:07:00.000-05:00

Whichever steep method you use, the following recipes will provide aDelightful herbal vinegar for a variety of uses. We’ve selected baseVinegars which we have found work well with the herbs in each individualRecipe. But once again, let your palate be your guide. The recipes are all for two cups of vinegar, and may be increased for larger batches. All of the herbs must be fresh, not dried.
Bouquet Garni Herbal Vinegar–Use this vinegar to deglaze a pan after sautéing meats, in a saladDressing, or in a marinade for any type of meat.¼ C. Rosemary¼ C. Thyme¼ C. Parsley6-8 fresh Bay Leaves2 C. White Wine Vinegar
Fines Herb’s Herbal Vinegar–This light vinegar gets its flavor from the four fine herbs of classicFrench cooking. It gives a nice flavor to sautéed or steamed vegetables,And makes a nice salad dressing.¼ C. Parsley¼ C. French Tarragon¼ C. Chives¼ C. Chervil2 C. Champagne Vinegar
Lemon Herbal Vinegar–Use this tart vinegar to give a zip to vegetables, in a refreshing saladDressing, or in a chicken marinade.¼ C. Lemon Thyme¼ C. Lemon Grass¼ C. Lemon Balm¼ C. Lemon Verbena1 T. Lemon Peel2 C. White Wine Vinegar
Provençal Vinegar–The flavors of Herbes de Provence are excellent for marinating pork and lamb, and a light touch pairs well with seafood.¼ C. Thyme¼ C. Basil¼ C. Summer Savory¼ C. Sage2 T. Rosemary2 T. Lavender Blooms6 Fresh Bay Leaves
Salad Herbal Vinegar–Use this tart vinegar alone as a light, fat-free salad dressing, orCombine it with some olive oil,salt and pepper to make a mellowerDressing. It also make a great red meat marinade.¼ C. Thyme¼ C. Greek Oregano¼ C. Marjoram¼ C. Chive Blossom (or Chives if not in bloom)½ C. White Wine Vinegar½ C. Red Wine Vinegar
Use your imagination to create your own herbal vinegars. And don’t be afraid to add spices to the vinegars. We’ve added peppercorns, cardamom, whole allspice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and crushed red pepper. You can use dill, caraway and celery seeds. And blooms make delightful vinegars and a beautiful presentation in the bottles. We’ve used sweet violet, lavender, nasturtium, society garlic, dill, chive, and Spanish tarragon blooms. Keep experimenting! Your personal creativity is where the fun begins in making herbal vinegars.
Additional combinations we’ve used:For Pork: Sage, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Pepper CornsFor Fish: Dill, Tarragon, Lemon Thyme, Parsley, Lemon PeelFor a beautiful rose colored vinegar: Opal Basil, Chive BloomsFor a spicy vinegar: Cilantro, Savory, Marjoram, Thyme, Crushed Red Pepper
Classic Tarragon Vinegar: French tarragon in champagne vinegar.
From Lingles Herbs

Toy Recall-Important, please read==Polly Pockets

2006-11-24T04:43:00.000-05:00

These toys are very popular. Please be careful. And I'd like to add this as a word of warning:

Please arm yourself with information! Be sure to research toy recalls before you shop for your children for the Holiday Season. Not all recalled toys get pulled from the shelves in a timely manner. You could inadvertently purchase a recalled/dangerous toy! So be sure to do the work before you shop. Better safe than sorry, as the cliche goes.

Gayle

Trouble in Toyland
Magnetic building sets, toy guns deemed dangerous in annual report
By JENNIFER AMY MYERS, Sun Staff
Article Last Updated:11/22/2006 11:53:42 AM EST
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MASSPIRG's Sam Elsner, left, reviews hazardous toys at the Children's Corner Learning Center in Lowell, with help from director Sandi Garafano, center, and State Rep. David Nangle, right. SUN PHOTO / BOB WHITAKER
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LOWELL -- Ear-damaging noise, exposure to toxic chemicals, choking hazards, and powerful magnets that can wreak havoc inside the human body.
According to MASSPIRG (Massachusetts Student Public Interest Research Group), those are just some of the dangers lurking on toy store shelves this holiday season.
"While we can report substantial progress in the past 20 years, we still have found trouble in toyland," MASSPIRG campus organizer Sam Elsner told a group gathered at the Children's Corner Learning Center yesterday morning. State Rep. David Nangle, D-Lowell, and administrators from Community Teamwork, Inc., were also on hand to hear the results of the group's 21st annual toy safety survey.
One of the major culprits of avoidable toy-related injuries is everybody's favorite party decoration -- the balloon, which accounts for half of all toy-related choking deaths, Elsner said, holding up a pink "Happy 1st Birthday" balloon.
Parents unsure if a toy includes pieces that are small enough to lodge in a tot's throat

Acetaminophen Recall

2006-11-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

I know most everyone has seen this by now, but it bears posting again. I have some of this. It came from WalMart in a two-pack. I took a few of them before the recall was announced and haven't had any problems. But I haven't tried to go through a metal detector yet, either.

Check your lot numbers against those on the site. It's worth your piece of mind.

2006-11-07T11:16:00.000-05:00

Technorati Profile

Sweet Little Sunday Excursion

2006-10-31T12:24:00.000-05:00

The weather yesterday was great. It hit 70 here in Indiana and the sun was shining. My son and I couldn't resist a chance to get out and take pictures of the fall foliage.

We had quite an adventure! First we tried to get the foliage and an old barn that sits off the highway, but the only spot you could see it well from was on a bridge and there was way too much traffic to stop and get out.

I turned the car around and tried to head out a country road called Maple Turn, only to find out the state police had the road blocked for some reason. I'll have to check the paper today and see what happened. Our town is pretty boring, so anything like that is sure to make the front page, right beside the 12 year old who grew a monstrous pumpkin in his back yard or the guy down the street's multi-point buck score on his hunting trip.

We finally settled for the city park, and took many pictures of the little pond that's there. I liked this picture, mostly because of the kids walking the trail on the far side of the water. The park was full of families, and each shelter house was taken for a birthday party, reunion, or end of the season cookout bash. One shelter house held kids in Halloween costumes. Skeletons and witches were playing on the swings. It made me think about how, in today's society, moments like this are far too few. When was the last time you can remember trudging around a little pond, exploring the trail around it that leads through the woods? Ducking to avoid that low branch that will snag your hair or your shoe slipping off the path into the mud. When was the last time your kids had the opportunity to have that kind of adventure?

Seems like parents are busy working overtime, and shuffling the kids back and forth between dance, soccer, and music lessons. Free time at home is usually after dark and spend on the computer of playing video games. I'm glad I took the time to give my son a little adventure this weekend. I'll leave you with a shot of my son taking his own pictures.

Halloween Coloring Page Creator

2006-10-26T19:54:00.000-04:00

Your kids can create their own halloween coloring pages here. You get to choose characters, backgrounds, and even add your own message, then print it out and color away! I spent about a half hour here playing, so I can only imagine how long my son will spend.

Equal Time for Equal Parenting Duties.......A Stay At Home Dad Speaks Out

2006-10-22T13:27:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love this entry! A stay at home dad keeps this blog, and in this post he talks about the five hardest things to deal with while staying home with the kids. None of these will come as any suprise to us moms, though. But it's funny and refreshing to hear a dad with the same complaints as us!

He talks about not being able to keep up with the housework, about things getting broken around the house, lack of adult conversation, no time for himself, and the dreaded 30 minute-get-ready-to-go times, even if it's just a trip around the corner to pick up one of the kids.

Of course, as moms, we already knew all this, didn't we? Maybe he should try doing all of the above while holding down a full time job outside the home? But then again, would we really put that off on anyone?

Frugal Tip - Hiding scratches in furniture

2006-10-21T14:42:00.000-04:00

Scratches in wood furniture:

Mix oneteaspoon of instant coffee with two teaspoons water to make a paste. Apply to the scratch or scuff with a cotton ball. The more you dab the darker it gets.

The World Can Wait.........

2006-10-20T14:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, it can. The world will wait. The dishes will wait. The laundry will wait. And it did. All week long.

While I took my daughter and three of her best friends to the mall and dinner in celebration of her fourteenth birthday.

While I went to soccer practice with my son and cheered from the sidelines just as enthusiastically as I would have if it were a game. It all waited while I watched my daughter cheer for her last football game as an eighth grader.

While I helped my son pick out a movie and other goodies with his birthday money at "the department store who shall not be named."

It was still there when I finished checking homework and discussing with my son how his anxiety attacks have really lessened over the last month or so, or when my daughter's best friend brought over her homemade birthday gift(a wonderful collage to their friendship).

And it's Friday now. I've packed their bags to go to their dad's house. My daughter will celebrate her birthday there this weekend. As I finish up working for the week and start to close up shop-so to speak-I take a quick look around. Yep, it's still there, the laundry, vacuuming, this morning's dishes. It all waited. But my kids wouldn't have. They would have gone on, with or without me there. So now, while they are gone this weekend, I'll get it all caught up, and take a little time for me. Rejeuvenate. Rest. Be an adult. Because Monday starts another week full of times with them that just won't wait, and I wouldn't want them to.

"The work can wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work."
~ Patricia Clafford

Bright Blessings,

busymom

Interactive Community Exclusively for Moms' Groups

2006-10-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

www.mothersclick.com

Now, my kids are beyond the age of playgroups and with my schedule I couldn't be involved in a co-op, but this site looks good and might just work for organizing car pools from cheerleading and soccer practice to games, etc. Anyway, its certainly worth a check out! Here's an excerpt below from the press release.

Inspired and co-founded by first-time mom, Andra Davidson, MothersClick is a dynamic and interactive community designed exclusively for busy moms and mothers’ groups. MothersClick provides the tools and services for organizing and managing group communications, events and activities, such as playgroups and co-ops, and it helps maximize the value of moms’ time spent online by sharing knowledge; asking questions and finding answers to the experiences of motherhood and parenting. MothersClick is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, visit www.mothersclick.com.

As I dug around a bit, you can find other's in your area and join an existing group, start a group, ask questions, etc. If you're going on vacation, ask the locals what the good places to stay with kids are.

And then there are blogs to read. Yes, blogs. Mommy blogs. Need I say more?

signed,

your blog and internet addicted friend,

busymom

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI

2006-10-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb. Angel hair pasta
1 can Cambell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 lb. Mexican or regular Velveeta Cheese
1 can Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chiles)
PREPARATION:
Boil chicken breasts in large pan adding a pinch of salt to water. Remove chicken when completely done. Boil noodles in remaining broth, drain after done. Cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Cut cheese into small chunks and combine in your crock pot: chicken, noodles, cheese, soups, and Rotel. Cook on medium heat until cheese is all melted.

WHOLE BAKED GARLIC WITH TOASTS

2006-10-11T17:35:00.000-04:00

1 large head of garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
ten 1/3-inch-thick diagonal slices of Italian or French bread
Cut off the top quarter of the garlic with a sharp knife to
expose the cloves, set the garlic in the middle of a large
piece of foil, and drizzle it with 2 teaspoons of the oil.
Crimp the foil around the garlic to enclose it completely
and bake the garlic in the middle of a preheated 425 degrees
F. oven for 40 minutes. While the garlic is baking, brush
the bread slices with the remaining oil and bake them on a
baking sheet in the lower third of oven (below the garlic),
turning them once, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are
golden and crisp. Unwrap the garlic and put it on a serving
plate surrounded by the toasts. To serve the garlic: Remove
the softened cloves with a knife or fork, or turn the head
of garlic upside down and squeeze out the cloves, and spread
the garlic on the toasts.
Serves 2 as a first course.

Boy,this is a mother's dream.........

2006-10-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

A flying car! Now, imagine how much time this would save us between dance and soccer and cheerleading and music lessons.

Does it come with a nice looking driver so I can read while we fly?

Sloppy Joes

2006-10-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

serving size 6-8
2 lbs hamburger
1 onion, diced
10 oz tomato sauce
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vinegar
2/3 cup catsup
2 teaspoons chili powder
salt and pepper
1/2teaspoon mustard (optional)
1-2 teaspoons steak sauce
1/3 cup chili sauce

Brown hamburger and onion.
Drain out grease.
Add with rest of ingredients to a crock pot. Cook on low about 6 hours.

Slow Cooker Pizza Casserole

2006-10-05T14:43:00.000-04:00

serves 6-8 for less half all ingredients.
4 (14
ounce) jars pizza sauce
1 1/2
lbs ground beef, cooked and drained
1
lb sausage, cooked and drained
1
lb corkscrew macaroni, cooked and drained
2
cups shedded mozzarella cheese
2
cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 (4
ounce) cans mushroom stems and pieces, drained
2 (3
ounce) packages sliced pepperoni
1/2
cup finely chopped onions
1/2
cup finely chopped green bell peppers
1
garlic clove, minced

Combine all indgredients in slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours.

RECIPE: BEEFY FIESTA CASSEROLE

2006-09-30T18:27:00.000-04:00

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound lean ground beef
salt & pepper, to taste
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup dairy sour cream
2/3 cup mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
2 teaspoons onion, finely chopped
2 cup Bisquick baking Mix
1/2 cup water
2-3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
3/4 cup green bell pepper,chopped
paprika
DIRECTIONS:
Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook and stir the meat in
a large skillet until brown. Drain off the excess fat.
Season the meat with the salt and pepper, then set aside.
Mix the cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and onion and set this
mixture aside. Stir the baking mix and water together until
a soft dough forms. With floured fingers, pat the dough in a
greased 9x13 baking pan, pressing the dough 1/2 inch up the
sides of the pan. Layer the meat, then tomato slices, and
green pepper onto the dough. Spoon the sour cream mixture over
the top and sprinkle with the paprika, if used. Bake uncovered
until the edges of the dough are light brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes and then cut into squares.
YIELD: 6 servings

CHEDDAR AND STILTON DROP BISCUITS

2006-09-27T17:38:00.000-04:00

The biscuits have a crisp crust and tender texture, despite
requiring no kneading, rolling or cutting.
2 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch
pieces
1 cup (packed) coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese, chilled
1/2 cup coarsely crumbled Stilton cheese (about 2 ounces),
chilled
1 1/4 cups chilled buttermilk
1 large egg
Position 1 rack in bottom third and 1 rack in top third of
oven and preheat to 400°F. Butter and flour 2 large baking
sheets. Whisk first 5 ingredients in large bowl to blend
well. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture
resembles coarse meal. Add both cheeses; rub in with
fingertips until cheeses are reduced to small pieces. Blend
buttermilk and egg in small bowl. Add to flour mixture,
stirring just until dough is evenly moistened.
Using 1/3 cup dough for each biscuit, drop 6 mounds onto
each prepared sheet, spacing 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake
biscuits 10 minutes. Reverse positions of sheets. Bake
biscuits until golden brown and tester inserted into center
comes out clean, about 10 minutes longer. Place biscuits
in basket; serve warm.
Makes 12 biscuits.

Pizza Potatoes

2006-09-25T20:47:00.000-04:00

8 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
2 large onions, chopped
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon salt
2 (8 ounce) cans pizza sauce
Place potatoes in crockpot. Place smoked sausage on top of potatoes. Sprinkle onions over the sausage. Pour pizza sauce on top. Cook on LOW until potatoes are tender.

Lego Truck Recall

2006-09-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and LEGO are recalling toy trucks due to a puncture hazard.
The plastic wheels on the LEGO EXPLORE Super Trucks can detach, exposing a metal axle. LEGO Systems, Inc. has received 10 reports of a wheel detaching. Two children received serious puncture injuries resulting from the exposed metal axle.
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The toy, designed for children ages 18 months and up, sold at various retailers nationwide, including Toys 'R' Us and Wal-Mart, from August 2002 through August 2004.
Children should stop playing with the trucks immediately. You can contact LEGO for refund information.
LEGO Consumer Contact:(800) 718-1858 or http://www.LEGO.com

Look! A Mommy PodCast!

2006-09-18T10:32:00.000-04:00

Podcast advertisers have traditionally targeted young, tech-savvy men. But the tables are starting to turn; and, two northern Virginia moms are reaping the financial benefits.

Now, why didn't I think of this? You can bet I'm adding it to my iPod. Maybe I should start my own. Nah, I'd probably be a bit too snarky and opinionated for most mommy's liking. After all, we are supposed to be June Cleavers arent' we? teehee. not..............

So anyway, I'm going to give it a listen today at nap and I'll give you all the full review as soon as I have a moment.

Housekeeping Hint

2006-09-15T13:49:00.000-04:00

Just got this little jewel in my inbox from Handy Hints. You should join. Lots of good tips will come your way!

Dusting Made Easy:
To create a dust cloth that leaves a shine, soak your
normal dust cloth in a mixture of two cups water, two
tablespoons vinegar and four drops lemon oil. Once the
cloth is soaked through, remove it and wring it out,
then store it in a glass jar with a lid until you want
to use it.

If you haven't seen this yet.........

2006-09-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

You need to:

A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to bagged spinach has spread to a ninth state, with Ohio officials reporting seven cases, The Associated Press reports.

Cnn.com has some pretty good articles on it. No affiliation, it's just where I get my news from.

Inquiring moms should wanna know.

RECIPE: CHICKEN N' CHEESE CHOWDER

2006-09-14T07:36:00.000-04:00

RECIPE: CHICKEN N' CHEESE CHOWDER

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

INGREDIENTS:
4 c Chicken broth
1 1/2 c Diced potatoes
1 c Diced celery
1 c Diced carrots
1/2 c Diced onions
1/4 c Butter or margarine
1/3 c All-purpose flour
3 c Milk
1 tb Soy sauce
8 oz Processed cheese spread, cubed (1 loaf)
2 c Chopped cooked chicken (or use canned if in a hurry)

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth and the vegetables in a large sauce pan.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes or until the
vegetables are tender. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over
low heat. Add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1
minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in the milk and
cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened
and bubbly. Gradually stir in the vegetable mixture, soy
sauce, cheese and chicken. Cook until the cheese melts and
the soup is thoroughly heated.

Yield: 2 1/2 quarts

Anxiety in Children Links

2006-09-10T23:05:00.000-04:00

My son has been having some issues lately, with what I think are anxiety attacks. I’ve started to do some research to see if that’s true, and if it is how I can help him with it. I’m sure I’m not the first or only mom to deal with this, so I thought that as I went along, I’d make note of the links that were helpful, and pass them along to you here on the blog.

http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/disorders/anxiety_disorders_in_children.htm

http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?section=Facts+for+Families&name=The+Anxious+Child

http://www.panic-attacks.co.uk/anxiety-children.html

Hope they help someone else out there tonight!

2006-09-08T08:54:00.000-04:00

National Fire Prevention Week/Month

It's time to check those smoke alarms, charge those fire extinguishers, and make sure everyone knows the quickest way out of the house and where to meet. Here are some links to help you get ready:

http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1194&itemID=28246
http://www.sparky.org/
http://voxcom.ca/fire-prevention.html

Sparky the Fire Dog is my personal favorite.

2006-09-06T08:49:00.000-04:00

This building block castle is brought to you by my darling, four-year-old niece, the number seven, and the letter J. More creative preschool goodness is sure to follow for your viewing pleasure!

2006-09-06T00:03:00.000-04:00

Gifts That Keep on Giving

My son got a drill for his birthday. Yep, you read it right. My nine-year-old got a drill. He only has the screwdriver tip, though. So I was faced with a dilemma: Take away his favorite birthday present for his safety and my sanity or be the cool mom, teach him to use it safely, and monitor him very closely while he does(how long could his attention span be, anyway?). So what did I do?

I went for the cool mom. What little boy doesn't have a fascination for tools? And most of the stuff he gets keeps his interest for ten minutes or so and then gets pushed aside for the next thing. So tonight we sat on the porch and for TWO HOURS, I kid you not, he screwed and unscrewed the very same screw into the very same piece of scrap wood into the very same spot. The person who got him that is so getting a drum set in return.

He did a good job. Wore his safety goggles and I supervised very carefully. But I am going to be hearing the ringing of that drill in my ears all night long.

2006-09-02T18:53:00.000-04:00

Busy Mom's Top Tips for Surviving The Morning Now That Schools In

Sort of like Ned's Declassified Schools Survival Guide, but not really....

Do as much as possible the night before! Make sure homework and library books are in the backpacks before bedtime. Try to pack as much of your child's lunch as you can.
Set out their clothes the night before. Make sure you both agree on the next day's outfit. It eliminates the inevitable fight the next morning. Nothing is more irritating than fussing with a still sleepy child because he doesn't want to wear what you picked out for him. A big struggle can ruin the whole day for both of you.

Get a routine that works and stick with it. Around here, the kids come home, have a snack, and then do their homework before they play. It eliminates that last minute, "I didn't do my homework!" panic that will certainly happen just after lights out at bedtime or five minutes before time to leave for school in the morning.

Set aside a certain spot for all those papers that come home in their backpacks that you need to see. I've spent way too many mornings searching for the field trip permission slip or the picture form that has to be turned in that day. When the kids do their homework, they empty out the papers they brought home and lay them in a certain spot on my desk. Then when things quiet down for me for the evening, I go through them, sign what needs to be signed, and stick them in their packs. Of course, we still have those days when they swear they layed that paper on my desk and I must have lost it, only for them to find it in their rooms or some remote pocket on their backpack. And you all know, we moms would NEVER misplace anything, so they surely must always have forgotten to put them where they were supposed to. ahem..........

And finally, a safety tip. Please don't hurt yourself doing the happy dance as the bus drives away and you can finally get all that laundry caught up because no one is standing behind you saying, "Mom, I'm bored!!!"

Too bad for me my job is as a daycare provider and I don't get to be childless during the day.

What's wrong with this picture?

2006-08-20T18:39:00.000-04:00

Taken from an article on cnn.com:

Now as a mom, (hell fire as a decent human being) especially the mom of a daughter who is just a couple years younger than JonBenet and just as beautiful I might add
(with the usual dose of mommy pride but not to take away from the poor baby who's life ended much too soon, does this seem a little wrong? I can'taffordt pate or champaing, prawns, or French chardonnay. Being in custody isn't supposed to be luxurious. And since this man has a bench warrant out for his arrest forfailurer to appear at his trial for possession of child pornography, wouldn't bread and water be more appropriate? Of course, my redneck ways come to the surface and I'm inclined to think instead of business class a cage in the cargo area would be more fitting, like all the other animals travel on an airline.

I'm just sayin..............

2006-08-12T20:53:00.000-04:00

I'm spending way to much time reading other people's blogs when I should be cleaning. Way too much time. Blatant avoidance issues here, ladies and gentlemen. I am not Martha or carol or Betty Crocker. I wish I was. I wish I was compulsively neat. I wish there weren't a thousand other things I'd rather be doing than putting the laundry away or loading the dishwasher.

Especially reading the blogs of other moms whom I sure keep much neater houses than I do. ahem.........

I'm devising a plan though. Not a schedule, because my right-brained system will never allow that. I plan. It sounds less harsh, less complicated, less set in stone. It's just a housekeeping "P_L_A_N" after all.

I pick up my kids from their dad's house tomorrow at 6 p.m. That gives me till 5 p.m. to get the house cleaned from top to bottom, including all those little tedious little things like sorting all the socks out I keep tossing in the basket on the dryer. We match them up as we need them. Like I said, I'm not the Beav's mom.

Then, hopefully maintenance each day won't take nearly so long. I'll do a quick straighten up each night as the daycare kids leave and run the sweeper. Then, in the mornings as they come in and some of them who get here early go back to sleep, I'll do a load of laundry, the kitchen and bath. Shouldn't be that hard, right?hmmmm.....

You can sure bet if I fail, I won't be admitting it here. I'd hate to publicly humiliate myself.

Why don't I start cleaning now? Cause there are so many good blogs I have to read tonight and Spongebob comes on again in a couple minutes. I have to have my priorities.

2006-08-08T23:18:00.000-04:00

Here's a great newsletter and website I came across. This description is right from the site.

If you're looking for fun and educational ways to keep your kids occupied then you've come to the right place! kids craft weekly is a free email newsletter that features original craft ideas and fun activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

www.kidscraftweekly.com

This weeks theme is pirates. Needless to say, running a daycare from my home and all, I'm quickly becoming a big fan of theirs. You can never get too many free and fun ideas.

2006-08-03T00:39:00.000-04:00

I always post gratitude reminders on my yahoo group, journalwriters. I'd love to see it become a movement. We call it Thankful Thursday on the group. We always list ten things we have to be thankful for, no matter how small, and share it with the other journal keeprs. So in honor of journalwriters and their faithfulness to gratitude and encouraging abundence in their lives, I'll try to remember to post mine here each week, if not more often. Being a struggling single mom, sometimes it's hard to see all the things I do have to be grateful for when there is so much more I see families with both parents giving their children. So without further delay:

Thankful Thursday--the innagural version on Busy Mom

I am thankful for:

my children
my extended family
that we have a roof over our heads when so many don't
that I don't go to bed each night fearing bombs falling from the sky
for the laundry once again piled up because it means we have plenty to wear
for the dishes sitting in the sink waiting to be loaded into the dishwasher because it means we ate well tonight.
for that one matchbox car that didn't get picked up that I stepped on making my trip in the dark to the bathroom--because it means little man has toys to play with
for ice cold coke on a 100 degree day
for air conditioning-although I can tell ya'll right now I won't be thankful for the bill next month
for those popsicles in the little plastic bag that are so cheap but the kids see as delicacies(and they don't make much of a mess either)

So there's my ten. It came pretty easily today. Some days it's a struggle. But the kids didn't fight a whole lot today, so it left some of my nerves in tact-which helps with the concentration levels.

I thought with them being five years apart they wouldn't fight as much as siblings who are a year or two apart. Buddy, was I wrong! And I'm reminded of it each day as I ring the bell and separate them into their corners of the ring.

2006-08-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

The kids are gone with their dad for a couple of hours. I think I'll jump on the furniture, stay on the phone the whole time with my friends and not click over if a call comes in while I play my stereo so loud the neighbors and hear it, and have ice cream for dinner.

This concludes my mommy moment of madness. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

2006-07-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

My son is trying to suck his ear up in the vacuum cleaner hose. Where did this kid come from?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming...............

2006-07-01T23:50:00.000-04:00

I am thankful......

for three new artsy acquaintances I made today
for my family, kiddos and extended
for the roof over my head
for my health, it may not be the greatest, but it could be a lot, lot worse
for the money I had as extra to spend on paper punches today
that I don't live in California or NY where I'm sure it would have cost me twice as much to fill my tank today.(I'm trying to find the bright side to these gas prices"
for one more day to myself
for the piles of laundry to put away because that means we have plenty to wear an I don't have that much to wash still
for the dishes that need to be washed because we have food for the table
for the lack of air conditioning in my car because it makes me appreciate the air at home that much more

2006-06-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

What Day is it Again???

I got up this morning secure in the fact that I could make it through two more days and then reward myself with two days to myself.

I was just paging through email headers and kept getting pages and pages of Wednesday mail. I panicked. Page down page down faster and faster. Surely it's not Wednesday. I know it's Thursday. It has to be. Where the heck is my Thursday mail. It has to be here. I know it's not WEDNESDAY. I just got off the phone with my son's guitar teacher and he was supposed to call me on Thursday! I can't take another day in this week.

Control/page down. Thank goodness. There's Thursday email. We will now return to our original programming.

2006-06-27T17:52:00.000-04:00

My kids just left to be with their dad for a few hours tonight. I think I'll jump on the furniture and eat in the living room!

2006-04-09T13:49:00.000-04:00

Become a Mompreneur: 10 Money-Making Ideas for Moms at Home
by Stephanie Chandler

Many moms struggle to find a way to earn some extra income and still have flexible time to devote to family. Whether you’re interested in part-time work or want to start a full-time business at home, here are ten business ideas that can fit into the busiest of schedules.
1. Virtual Assistant – Virtual Assistants provide administrative services to small businesses that don’t have in-house staff to handle these duties. A variety of tasks can be offered at an hourly rate or on a per-job basis ranging from contact database management and writing and sending business letters, to designing brochures and newsletters and coordinating mass-mailings. Realtors and small business owners make good target clients for these kinds of services.

2. Freelance Writer – Freelancers write articles for newspapers and magazines. Most articles require research, must be well-written, and suited to the style of the publication. Pay can vary widely from $.10 - $2.00 per word. Businesses also contract freelance writers to create reports, press releases, advertising copy, and other special projects.

3. Computer Tutor – Computer tutors teach students how to navigate the internet, access email, set up a new computer, and use programs like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Quickbooks. These services can be delivered one-on-one or in classes held at local adult learning campuses, retirement centers, and churches. Tutors can charge by the hour or a fee for class registration.

4. Pet Sitter – Pet sitters provide in-home pet care while pet owners are on vacation. Typical service offerings include feeding and playing with the animals, yard or litter box cleanup, and dog walking. Pet sitters usually charge a per-visit fee.

5. Infopreneur - Infopreneurs sell information in the form of books, e-books, special reports, teleconferences, seminars, workbooks, and video programs. You can take advantage of your expertise in business, hobbies, or virtually any subject matter by hosting a website to sell your information products.

6. Ebay Trading Assistant – Trading assistants provide a service to members of their community by acting as sales brokers on eBay. These brokers contract with clients to list items for sale, collect fees from buyers, ship the items and then keep a percentage of the profits—usually between 30-50%. This is an excellent service to offer people who are not computer savvy yet have items they would like to sell online. EBay offers a complimentary directory where trading assistants can promote their services.

7. Knitted Creations – Knitting is a hot trend with plenty of opportunities for generating income. If you create hand-crafted scarves, blankets, sweaters or hats, you can sell them on eBay, consign them with local boutiques or set up a booth at a local crafts fair. You could also teach knitting classes in your home, through local adult learning centers, or at craft stores.

8. Kid Taxi – If you’re already taking your own kids to and from school, why not get paid to taxi other people’s kids? Many parents would be happy to spend some cash to make sure their kids get to and from school safely.

9. Resume Designer – Resume designers help job seekers by crafting professional resumes and cover letters. Resumes can be created using special software or with templates and a basic word processing program. This service is in demand with college students and all kinds of job seekers. Fees range from $50 - $250 depending on the level of work involved.

10. Custom Recipe Books – Every family has sacred and favorite recipes that deserve to be preserved for future generations. Creating a custom recipe book involves compiling recipes in a keepsake book using a word processing program and your creative skills. These books make great gifts and could potentially be ordered by everyone in the family tree. Books can be printed at a local copy shop or through an online publishing service such as www.lulu.com.

If you decide to start your own business, contact your county business license department and apply for the necessary permits. Fees range from $50 to $200 and the application process is relatively simple. There can be many tax advantages with a home-based business so be sure to save receipts, track any business-related mileage, and develop a solid system for accounting. Soon you could find yourself enjoying the financial and emotional rewards of business ownership—all on your own terms.

Keywords: work at home moms, wahm, stay at home moms, business ideas

About the Author
Stephanie Chandler, Sacramento, CA
Stephanie@BusinessInfoGuide.com
More Details about work at home moms here. Stephanie Chandler is the author of “The Business Startup Checklist and Planning Guide” (Aventine) and “From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money With Books, E-books and Other Information Products” (Wiley, coming Fall 2006). Visit http://www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs.

2006-04-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

5 Energy Boosting Tips for Busy Women
by Diane Randall

Have you lost the energy that you once had in your life? Are you feeling drained at the end of the work day? I know firsthand that women need to increase their energy levels in order to get more of what they want out of their lives. Lack of energy is the number one complaint I hear from every woman that I speak to.
Years ago I taught a software training class for five consecutive days; at the beginning of the week I had high energy levels. However, by day 5, my energy was depleted—mentally, physically and emotionally. It took me two weeks to replenish my energy. Today, I use energy boosters interspersed throughout my day to help me reclaim the energy expended so that I feel revitalized throughout the entire day. According to authors, Jim Loehr, Ed.D and Tony Schwartz who wrote the book entitled The Power of Full Engagement “managing energy, not time, is the key to enduring high performance as well as to health, happiness, and life balance...We must learn to live our lives as a series of sprints – fully engaged for periods of time – and then fully disengaged and seeking renewal”. In other words, if you identify and reduce stress triggers, learn to pace yourself, take excellent care of your body, set boundaries around your life and create a support system-- your energy levels will increase and remain high daily.

Identify and reduce stress triggers. Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Identify the cause or circumstances of stress — where you were or your physical and emotional state. Life events such as traffic, work and family increase stress. Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Recognize that stress depletes energy but your reaction to it helps you minimize the impact.

Learn to pace yourself. Determine what makes you happy and give yourself what you need. Pay attention to the parts of your life that are most important. Create daily practices that nurture your ability to build energy levels---take breaks, eat healthy snacks, listen to music, focus on the present and what’s within your ability to control.

Take care of your body. Make yourself number one as a priority; spend your energy maximizing your health and wellness. Try mind-body exercises, such as breathing, meditation and yoga. Be physically active everyday and get plenty of rest. Take time to nourish your body with a massage, which releases tension, revitalizes energy, and helps you increase vitality.

Set boundaries around your life. Say “no” to things that don’t support your overall priorities. Only accept requests that support you at home and in the workplace. Learn your limits--pay attention to what you can and cannot do to reduce the stress of excessive demands on your life. Make the choice not to overload your schedule.

Create A Support System. Partner with a wellness coach who can create a structure of accountability and support as you find ways to boost your energy everyday. Remember, life can drain your energy, it can steal it and suck it away-or, you can take steps to boost your energy. It's kind of like putting up shields for the Starship Enterprise. When the shields are up and the armor plating is on, your energy levels are stored-and you're fueling yourself. Take three actions this week to boost your energy. Email me at Diane@LifeAccelerated.com to share with me personally what has worked for you. I'd love to hear about your energy boosting success!

About the Author
Diane Randall, Chicago, Illinois USA
Diane@LifeAccelerated.com
More Details about personal life coaching here. Diane Randall is a Certified Wellness Coach who helps women in technology reclaim what they want out of their lives. A wellness expert and media resource, Diane speaks and writes about a variety of health and wellness related topics affecting women. Visit her online at www.LifeAccelerated.com or email Diane@LifeAccelerated.com for more information.

2006-03-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Here are some money saving recipes for wipes I've collected over time. The directions are the same no matter what kind you make. Cut the roll of paper towels in half. Mix the ingredients well in the plastic container(I like to recycle emptied baby wipe boxes), soak the towels in the ingredients. When the towels are well saturated, the cardboard in the middle shoud come right out. Pull from the center so you can use the wipes from the center out. Pull your center wipe through the hole on the recycled wipe box.

Use a brand name towel because the cheap ones will fall apart on you as you try to take them out of the box.

Baby Wipes
1 roll bounty paper towels
2 tablespoons baby bath soap
1 tablespoon baby oil
2 cups water (you can use distilled or nursery water if you'd like. I just use it from the tap) Warm water will help the ingredients mix better

Multi-Purpose Wipes
1 roll bounty paper towels
1/4 cup multi-purpose cleaner
2 cups water
Car Cleaner Wipes
1 roll bounty paper towels
1/4 cup armour all cleaner
2 cups water

Window Wipes
1 roll bounty paper towels
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cups water

I'll add more of this type of thing as I find them.

2006-03-05T15:55:00.000-05:00

FDA issues alert for recall on powdered infant formula
Springfield News Sun (subscription) - Springfield,OH,USA
... purchased the formula, has pulled the product from its shelves. The US Food and Drug Administration issued a public alert last week to a recall by Mead Johnson ...

2006-03-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

The Job Jar
By Francine Larson

When my four daughters were young, Saturdays became unpleasant and I faced them with dread. Since I worked outside our home, on Saturday, each child would have an assigned job to do. All kind of groans and gripes would surface. “I’m tired of dusting” or “The bathroom tub is the hardest job of all” to “I have the hardest job.”

My friend, Nancy suggested the “job jar.” It had worked in her family when she was a child. I listened to her description of the “job jar” with my ears perked. I was willing to try something different.

Nancy said that on the designated work day, her mother had “jobs” written on little pieces of paper and folded up so that no one could peek. Each child would draw the little folded paper out of the jar and that was that. That was their job. If they wanted to trade with another, that was OK.

All kinds of thoughts ran through my mind: Maybe they are tired of just one particular job. Maybe one job really is harder than another. Maybe they think I am not being fair.

Saturday rolled around and I explained to my girls about the “job jar.” They thought it would be fun, so that’s what we did. I used a small fish bowl. They each drew a job. Sometimes they would trade with each other or sometimes they were satisfied with their job that they drew out of the fish bowl. They got their particular job done faster and with much more pride.

There was no more bickering or wondering if everything was fair. It was all up to fate and a little “job jar.” They still remember the “job jar.”

I would recommend this to parents of young children.

Francine Larson

Has an AA Degree From St Petersburg College.

Taught Nursery School, Children’s Choir,

Paraprofessional for First Grade

Co-Author of Character Keys to a Bright Future.

Writes poetry, short stories and articles.

Unlimited Minutes published by Taborri.Com

Zach and the Wishing Well by Just for Moms.com See Zach’s story at: http://www.justformom.com/articles_full_text_page.php?article_id=927

Personal: Married, four daughters

Her web site is: http://mysite.verizon.net/reso4qht (Three Teacher Press)

Are your teens being bullied? Have peer pressure? See our book at: http://www.pcpublications.org/products.php?cat=15

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francine_Larson

2006-03-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

I've looked and looked for good advice on working from home, and found an awesome site! I'd like to share with you an interview with the owner of this site!

Alyice Edrich is the author of several work-from-home e-books. She’s worked out of her home since 1991 and has dabbled in many different careers over the years. In 1999, she finally found a niche that kept her waking up excited about her business. Today, she’s an online editor of an award winning publication, the author of several e-books, and a ghost writer for small businesses.

Here are my questions for her and her answers:

1. What tips do you have for making ends meet while waiting for your home business to take off?

I always tell people that if they cannot afford to quit their day jobs while building their home businesses then they need to work their home businesses around their day jobs. It is unwise to quit your job before you have a stable income to replace it.

Quitting your job too soon could cause undue stress on your marriage, in your family, and with your business. Not to mention jeopardizing your health.

That being said, let’s say that your husband makes enough to pay the monthly bills but it leaves you very little for emergencies, to build your business, or pay for “extras.” After discussing the matter with your husband, he feels it’s worth the risk for you to quit working so that you can be readily available for the kids and he believes it will allow you to have more time to devote to your business.

There are things you can do to cut corners. Obvious things like:
getting rid of cable or dropping it down to the very basic,
firing the housekeeper or gardener and doing the work yourself,
using coupons when shopping,
buying large ticketed items when they’re on sale and always turning in those rebates,
consolidating your bills,
selling things you no longer use and using that money to either fund your business or pay off current debt,
eating out only once a week or once a month and sticking to low cost alternatives like eating out during lunch or at your favorite fast food restaurant, and
buying non-name brand items if they’re cheaper than the name-brand items when they’re on sale.
As for your business expenses, there are several ways you can make ends meet:

Barter your services for the services of another entrepreneur.
Hire an intern to learn the ropes and help you run the office. Interns do not cost you a dime, but you may be required to meet certain criteria developed by the high school or college you choose to hire an intern from.
Negotiate better deals when paying for advertising. Some publications offer deals if you buy so many spots in advance.

2. How do you keep on track getting business tasks done with kids under foot and children to take to activities?

The best way to stay on task is to write out a daily “To Do List” and crossing off things as you complete them. If you don’t finish a task, just move that task to tomorrow’s “To Do List.” Some people prepare their “To Do Lists” first thing in the morning. I prepare mine the night before, when I close my office for the evening, that way I know exactly what I am doing when I wake up.

Also keep an up-to-date calendar. When you make appointments, immediately input them into your calendar. That way, you don’t overbook yourself.

3. What are a few good ways to get the word out that you are in business with a minimal advertising budget?

Advertising is probably the most important aspect of your business. If people do not know you exist, you won’t be in business long. Here are a few ways to get your business out there:

Place a regular ad in your local paper. By doing so, you can usually negotiate a better deal.
Barter with other businesses. You agree to place one of their coupons in every outgoing package if they agree to do the same.
Send out press releases to publications that would be of interest in your product or service. Sometimes you’ll hear back right away, other times, they’ll hold onto your information until there is a spot to fill (one lady I wrote a press release for heard back from her local media a year after she delivered the release), and sometimes, they simply toss your press release.
Find publications willing to review your product. Many publications include “hot lists” about the latest products, trends, etc. Your product could be listed in those lists.
Donate your product or service to highly visible contests.
Write quality articles related to your business, but articles that match the needs of other publications. Distribute those articles through free content groups or submit them via writers guidelines and get paid for the article.
Make yourself known in your community by joining the local chamber of commerce.
You can visit Alyice Edrich at The Dabbling Mum Press to order a work-at-home e-book, or visit her online publication for BUSY parents at The Dabbling Mum.
Catch up with Alyice by making another stop on her blog tour…

2006-02-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

Control Freak? No, not me. O.k., well, maybe. I've been thinking a lot lately about the busy schedules moms have and how to simplify them, or at least get the laundry done and dishes put away while keeping up with it. While going over my own schedule and chores to be done, I have to wonder how much of this I bring on myself? How much more would get done if I would let just a little control go?

Maybe instead of sitting at open tumbling on Saturday for two hours with my 13yo, I could let go a little, and leave her there with her very capable instructor and get a load of laundry done and the floor vacuumed? Does being a good mother mean I have to be there every moment of the day?

Maybe, instead of sitting in the waiting room at karate while my 8yo son practices, I could run to the grocery and pick up those few items I need to finish dinner? If I did, I'm make it home at least a half hour earlier in the evening and have time to unload the dishwasher.

And then there is delegating chores. Does it really matter if the dishwasher isn't loaded perfectly? Why can't I delegate that to my kids? Is it really quicker just to do it myself, or am I cheating myself and the kids here?

And maybe, just maybe, if I'd quit spending time overanalyzing myself and my life and spend more time living, I could really get more done? Hmmmm........maybe.

2006-02-09T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been at home with my kids for almost 8 years now. I've decided it's time to re-enter the workforce. I want to work eight hours a day, and leave work at work. I'm tired of 16 hour days and the non-stop flow of people in and out my door. We have no privacy. We have no life. Our furniture and carpet are in ruins. But, I don't like daycare. Isn't that strange coming from a daycare provider of 8 years? I worry about putting my eight-year-old son in daycare.

I know my house will be cleaner. How could it not? I'll have more time to actually spend with MY children. No one peeing or puking on the floor any more. No kids sneaking into my children's rooms. No kids stealing from us. No more parents who won't pay. No more parents poking their noses in my life. Nothing is private here. Sounds pretty good.

But it will be a major life change. From a work-at-home mom to a working mom. I should learn a lot. I'll share as much as I can.

2006-01-21T19:38:00.000-05:00

Google Alert for: product recall
Tortilla Company Recalls ProductCBS2 Chicago - Chicago,IL,USAIllinois schools have also been directed to stop using the product. Del Rey Tortilleria has agreed to recall and stop shipping the tacos, and will adjust its ...

2006-01-20T13:26:00.000-05:00

I came across this site today while researching ebaying and running an online business. I am sure some other busy mom out there can use it.

www.betterbudget.com

They have a FREE newsletter. You can bet your bananas I subscribed to it.

2006-01-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Fisher-Price Musical Chair RecalledWashington Post - United StatesFisher-Price, in coordination with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, has recalled ... has posted a photo and recall details to help people determine if ...

2006-01-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

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