Top Business Cities

Here is something that really fascinates me from time to time,I love finding out what are the best cities to do business in. As someone who runs a small homebased daycare,I always wonder about expanding my business one day. Since I live in the Atlanta area its always fun to see where Atlanta ranks business wise.

Atlanta is a great convention city,but how do we far as a city doing business?

There were many surprises on the list and some not so surprising. I was truly surprised with #1 on the list. Check out the article and see if your surprised by the list.Yahoo!

-peace-

Hope Everyone Had a Great Holiday

I celebrated Christmas with my immediate family,at home,sitting in our PJ's until noon. Then I had to get down to business and hit the one only grocery store in my area up,so I could make my famous Spinach Beef and Mushroom lasagna. Yeah I know,why in the world would I wait to the last minute to make my Christmas dinner.....Well, my husband and I became consumed with finding a game called Pop the Pig, for our youngest daughter, and the Wii system for the whole gang,that we kept waiting to finish up our grocery shopping. I knew this would be a big mistake,but some days I just wanted to go home and rest,get warm or just eat.

We never did find that Pop the Pig game;it was always advertised on t.v.,but every time we went to a toy store,no one ever heard of the game.

My husband eventually found the Wii system, and I was glad he had found the system because we had already picked up a few games that were on sale a while back.

So, we found the Wii and now we're trying to figure out how to give the gift to the kids. I had already wrapped the Wii games with a bundle of movies that we bought the kids. We wanted the kids to unwrap this gift all together. The kids decided that they wanted me to unwrap it,so I did,and I took each movie out one by one as the kids read each title. Then I came to the middle of the movie pile and showed them the Wii game-and they didn't get it at first. Their first response was,"We don't have a Wii,that's for the Wii system." Then my husband said,"Oh you don't?" He told our oldest son, Rico(Brother) to go and check for another box in our room.

This is when pandemonium hit our living room. I wished our camcorder was still working because that was one of the best reactions I've ever seen. There was jumping,hugging,and screaming,you would have thought we'd hit the Jackpot. Well,I guess we did...from their point of view.

So, pretty much it turned out to be a fun filled day; everyone got pretty much what they wanted and needed. We had lots of fun playing the array of new board games,the Wii system, and made jewelry from a jewelry kit. All in all it was a pretty fun day minus the shopping for groceries on Christmas Day and spending way too much money on a few little items. Oh, well, it was a good meal that lasted for three days.....can't beat that,can you?

-peace-

Chocolate Rain Guy Does it Again

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This song is perfect for his voice,this guy is awesome. I also enjoy hearing him read poetry, a truly unique voice and more power to him.

Last night I went to my first hockey game thanks to my 10 year old son,Rico. He received a voucher ticket from his school for his excellent grades. It was the first ever attended hockey game for both of us,and man what an experience!

The game was fast paced,exciting and the crowd was awesome. Oh, did I mention we had great seats.....No nosebleed seats for us and I'm glad that my son got the chance to see the action up close the way he did. Just to see the sheer excitement in his face made my night.

I wished I had a camera to take pictures,but my camera is still broken. Hopefully, Santa will have one for me.

Man, I just lost a lot of my thoughts because I'm trying to type this on a Sunday afternoon while the kids are doing chores and they keep on talking to me. I knew I should have written my thoughts down,but I wanted to wing it!

Well, I just have to say,if you haven't been to a hockey game,what are you waiting for?

I've always enjoyed watching hockey now and then on television but there's nothing like hearing the cracking of the puck,the sounds of the skates sliding on the ice,the bodies banging against the glass as the players scramble for the puck,and of course.....the fights!

Hockey what a game,what an experience! I definitely would love to attend more games. I've always been a big college basketball fan (let's go Duke!),who knows,hockey might become a sport I truly follow now. I know my son can't stop talking about the game and the experience either and he wants to attend more games. He couldn't stop going over the program from last night's game. I'm glad we both had a great time and hopefully we can do this more often with each other.

-peace-

The Banking Game

A few nights ago,my husband and I had to make a quick late night trip to the grocery store. We went to pick some lettuce,bread,eggs and milk. We probably picked up a few more items,but those were the main items we needed to get. So, anyway my husband and I are ready to check out and decided to use the self check out lane at our local Kroger's. We made our purchase using his debit card.

The following day he also used his debit card to put some gas in the car. Now mind you, he uses a debit card because it supposedly posts immediately;however,our bank didn't get the memo about this issue and lately hasn't been taking our purchases out immediately. Instead they wait 3 to 4 days to take money out of your account and also have been waiting 2 days to post money that we put into the back.

I mean come on now, if I deposit a certain amount of money into the bank before 2 p.m.,I expect to see my money in that bank account the next evening,don't you?

I see what these banks are doing now and it's not funny at all. They're waiting to deposit money to bank accounts and waiting to post your debit card purchases immediately because they know they can get many people with overdraft fees. Your account can be overdrawn by $9 and they charge you $35 for being overdrawn. This is what happened to my husband,his account was overdrawn by $9 four times,I guess in the past 2 weeks,I don't know,but the bank charged him $140 in overdraft fees.

Now this all started with us going to buy a few staple items at the grocery store (which added up to $13.00),and him having money in his account already before we made the purchases. In fact, he had made a call to check his account because he wanted to see if the money he had deposited earlier that day had posted yet,but it had not,and we were trying to figure out why the money hadn't deposited by now.

When I found out about him being charged $140 in overdraft fees,I was pissed,but I also realized this is how these banks make their money. Banks know that majority of Americans don't carry cash and use their debit cards on a regular basis. They know many people don't keep up with their account and go over budget,and not to mention the fact that many of these banks are struggling right along with many Americans.....what better way to make a profit. So, instead of immediately withdrawing money from a person's account they wait a few days and then, WHAM...... They've got you!

The banks can't get me because I use the cash in my hands. If I don't have the cash in my hands to buy something then I don't buy it. I know having a debit card is basically cash on hand,but I've never trusted that system. There's something about not knowing exactly what's in my account and,I don't know....I've just never trusted paperless,cashless,plastic card carrying system.....Believe me, there were times where I wanted to switch and be like everyone else,but couldn't because I kinda felt like I would become powerless for someone reason.

So, when my husband told me what happened,I said,"basically you need to carry some cash on you. " He said,"Yeah!"


-peace-

P.S.
Now we know the game,and we're ready to play too.

CPS, You Can't Be Serious?

This morning I was going through some news articles and found an article at http://wsbtv.com/ about Child Protective Services being called to Tiger Woods' home. I'm just wondering who called CPS on them and why? Or maybe CPS didn't receive a call from any outside source(maybe the hospital called,I don't know)and decided to do their own investigation because of "alleged" domestic violence on behalf of Elin Woods.



Personally I was over this story when I found out that he wasn't seriously hurt and would be okay. But, no the media kept on talking about it and I kept on turning the channel so I wouldn't have to hear this irrelevant news. I mean wake up people, unemployment is over 10 percent,people are losing their homes as we speak,more and more families are on food stamps,hell,in some parts of the country we have people living in tent cities........and what was the round the clock coverage on cable news...........Tiger Woods and his car accident!



But wait- then the story changed from car accident, to Tiger and his mistress, that he might of had..........Hmmm, a little different,but it still doesn't deserve around the clock media coverage. Apparently when I was taking my Tiger hiatus,eleven other women have claimed to be his mistress too. I guess we're still on eleven......I'm not really counting though.



My main reason for writing this post wasn't to talk about Tiger and his harem of women,but to vent about the government workers called CPS,DFACs or whatever they are called in your neck of the woods. These people can and do save many children's lives on a daily basis,but there are far to many times where this agency has torn up families and destroyed people's lives.

I have read far to many stories of children getting lost in the system,dying in the system,oh I'm sorry, I mean getting killed in the system because CPS is understaffed and can't get a case worker out to visit the foster child and foster parents,to see if this a good fit. Here's another thing that happens far to often with many of these cases.....there is no thorough investigation done. You can't just rely on a anonymous phone call to a hospital when a child has a broken arm to sway your investigation. That phone call should be one part of the investigation,but not the whole, because believe it or not,people do lie and will try to get your children taken away. I know that sounds cruel,but I have heard people get mad at each other and blurt out,"I should call CPS on you!"

One summer when my family and I lived in this apartment complex,my husband suggested that I call CPS/Dfacs on this family because their son didn't have shoes on his feet. I told my husband I couldn't do that because: first its summer and what kid doesn't love the feel of the sand or grass in between you toes(I know I did),my second reason was, he's a six year old boy and he might of left the house with shoes on his feet,but took them off while he was outside,my third reason was,he looks well taken care of i.e. dressed appropriately,looked healthy weight wise and parents seemed very attentive. I just couldn't image picking up the phone and calling CPS/Dfacs on this family. I know a social worker probably would have shown up and did an investigation of the home and that would have probably been it,but what if that investigation called for the children to be taken away from this family(there were 3 kids in all in this family)for a week or two weeks until the investigation was over. Do you know how traumatic that would or could have been for a child? It doesn't matter if its a week that you're gone from your family or 1 day.....the fact is some comes into your home and takes you from everything you have ever know and places you with people you don't know. Its kinda like legal kidnapping,I guess...I don't know,but I do know you can't play around with people's lives like that.

I understand why you can be an anonymous caller to the child abuse hot line,but at the same time,I am starting to see/hear a lot of false calls and this has to stop. People are wasting their time and lives on petty issues and in the mean time,there are real cases of neglect and abuse done to children in this country on a daily basis. Sometimes, I checkout http://parentsbehavingbadly.com just to see and hear the sorry excuse of a parent some of these children have. These are the parents that need to be locked away and many of them need their parental rights taken away.

Tiger Woods maybe a cheater,but having CPS come out to their house......come on now.
I do know however, that many times CPS will step into family situation because of a domestic violence issue in the family,which is understandable. But did you know if you argue(just words now) in front of your children,that's considered child abuse( law here in GA). So, even if Elin really did use the golf club to save his life from the accident and not to kill him;CPS could have a legitimate reason to go into the home and investigate because of the heated argument which could fall under child abuse(if FL law is like Ga law). Personally I think CPS is wasting their time and effort....these children are not being abused and neglected. They really need to focus their time and energy on helping children and families who are in need of help. I'm not saying that just because the Woods family is rich,that there is no possible way they can be abusive or neglectful,sure they could be,I guess I should say,go ahead an investigate,just don't drag this matter out like the media has. No family should have to go through this because of some spiteful person (I'm hoping this isn't the case).

-peace-

Parents of toddlers....this is for you.

If you are parent or childcare provider of a toddler or preschooler then you might want to check out . Tots radio has many of the hottest musicians and songs that toddlers enjoy. You can even make requests and listen to story time. Many of the stories aren't in a storybook format,like many other storybook websites. Personally, I like the fact that the stories are told through a podcast. I remember when my older children(who are now 13 and 10)were 7 and 5 years old, I bought them their first book on tape and they loved it. I found that having books on tape helped foster their imaginations. My kids would always tell me they could really see the pictures in their heads, and enjoyed the fact,they could picture the story. Whenever we would go to the library they would check out books four to five regular books,but always wanted at least one book on tape. That was a proud moment for me as a mom,I brought something totally different into their lives and they loved it.

If you're a busy mom like myself,who loves dancing and a good story to relax then check out (they also have coloring pages). Many of the stories on tots radio comes from a site called ,so go and check them out for more stories. Let's continue to encourage a children's minds,imagination and creativity.

-peace-

Most hated chore for me

If there is a household chore that I can't stand,its got to be dusting. You would think it would be laundry, with the large family that I have,but its dusting. Dusting.....that dull job where I pass it off to my children every chance I get. Thank god its the weekend and I don't have to dust at all. Mom's little helpers have been trained very well and know the routine.

What household chore do you hate doing?

-peace-

Shelly

I'm back on this blogging grind once again and I'm glad to be back. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving because I know I did. It was just a nice family get together that was the perfect size to me. It wasn't tooo crowded at all. I really can't enjoy myself when there's no place to sit or eat. Have you ever attended a Thanksgiving dinner where there's just to many people for the space the dinner is held at? I know I shouldn't be concerned about it being to crowded and just thankful for family and friends,but I can't help but feel smothered.

Well, anyway I just wanted to post something since I haven't posted anything for a while. I hope everyone had a wonderful time eating good food and being with family,I sure did.

-peace-

Shelly

Sorry

I recently did a post on my blog idol,Carrie Lauth and I didn't realize her website wasn't included. So,if you're interested check Carrie out at naturalmomstalkradio.com,you'll love it.

-peace-

My Blog Idol

There are many blogs that I enjoy and love,but there is only one blogger that I consider my blog idol. This blogger has inspired me as a mother of five to become a blogger myself. I have been an avivid reader of her blog for 4 1/2 years now,and love to tell as many people about her site that I can.

The blogger I speak of is Carrie Lauth of I remember finding her through a Wahm talk radio site.It was a site full of podcast shows all hosted by mothers,who all want the same thing,to be at home with their kids and make a living too. I remember going through the podcast line up and seeing a holistic,attachment parenting,homeschooling view and I thought,cool! Even though I'm not a homeschooling or attachment parent, I have always been into holistic medicine,green living,I teach my kids along with sending them to public school,and I'm a very frugal momma. Carrie's blog focused on a lot of these aspects and she has always encouraged women and mother's how to profit from blogging.

Some of the things that I love about the blog is: Carrie writes and talks about raising her large family(she has 4 kids)holistically an on a budget. She is an avivid reader and encourages her children to become avivid readers. Her blog and radio program is fresh unique,educational and just plain fun.Oh yeah, did I mention she's from Atlanta too!

Carrie is a hardworking,newly married wife and mother to four kids and stepmom to one. She has built an incredible internet business and helps other women realize they too,can build a business from the internet.

So, if I could have a blog idol, it would be,Carrie Lauth. Do you have a blog idol or just a blog you enjoy to read and why?

-peace-

Shelly

No Electronic Crack

Just recently,I decided to take away all electronically devices from my children. Now,we're not a family who has to have the latest gadgets and gizmo's,but my children do love video games,(they have the XBOX)along with my darling husband,who by the way introduced our children to this wonderful past time. Don't get me wrong,I've played my shared of games too and still do,but it's not my whole life. I have other things I enjoy to do also,like reading a book,gardening,writing,cooking,taking a walk and exploring.

I have spent the last five days watching my children literally go through withdrawal from not having the television,video games and computer(unless its school related). It hurts my heart to see them not knowing what to do with themselves. The first day I took everything away,I noticed how all five of my kids wanted to go to sleep. They just couldn't stand being in a house that didn't have fun at their finger tips(i.e.game system, t.v.) They kept asking,"When can we play with the game?" All of my kids had very short tempers too. They just blew up at each other over anything(this is why I took the game to begin with,did I make a mistake),and honestly I almost cracked,but I made it through.

We haven't always been a family that lacked creativity. I say lack because whenever you depend on something or someone else for entertainment on a regular basis then you lack creativity. In fact,when my three older children were younger,I would only allow television on every other day and only for an hour. I always thought that was reasonable for a 4 year old,a 2 year old and 1 year old at that age. Instead of plopping my children in front of the tube,we would spend our days in hours of imaginative play:building castles,tents and boats out of boxes,tables & chairs,and of course,the many layers of sheets and blankets. Our days were spent fighting imaginary villains,and saving the world.

Most days we would venture out to the playground for hours of uninterrupted "free" play.When the weather wouldn't permit,we would open a book and begin a new journey.We always laughed,we always talked,and sometimes we even fought,but we could never be to mad because we had so many thoughts of what to do next.

Those were the days when my children and I had endless amounts of creativity,joy and true peace. Our days weren't bombarded with countless commericals of sugary drinks and cheaply made over priced toys. My kids found what they wanted to do and did it. They never waited for someone to tell them,who they were and what they should be doing. They were just themselves,loving being free. T.V. and video games weren't as interesting as creating their own fun.

As my family has grown over the years,I continued to encourage a limited t.v. lifestyle,but I also began to allow a little more t.v. time as my oldest entered 5th grade. I thought what harm could come,if they could watch at least an hour of TV during the week.At first, no one really watched t.v. or played games,but after a few weeks all hell broke loose. The siblings started fighting over what to watch,the remote,where to sit and chores (no one wants to miss a show).

It's sad to see how game consoles,computer and television have had such a negative effect on my kids. My husband felt like,since their Honor students,I shouldn't take items away from them. But my point,isn't about if your a good student or not. It's about the bad behavior and having a lack of interest in hobbies that made them happy.

As I said before,it hurts to see your children wanting and craving something so bad. But it also hurts to see your children sit in front of a box like a zombie while all of their creative energy goes to waste.

Since we started this TV Free challenge(I don't know how long it will last),my kids are focusing on projects that they once enjoyed. Our household is back to normal,as normal as a household of seven can be,but it's not chaotic,thank the heavens.

-peace-

Shelly

U.S. residents fight for the right to hang laundry - Yahoo! News

Here is an interesting article,I think its utterly silly to argue over. We get a little education,a little more money and BAM!!! Everything we once grew up doing(that doesn't cause any harm)is suddenly low class and wrong. Why spend money unnecessarily. Just read the article for yourself and tell me what you think.

-peace-

U.S. residents fight for the right to hang laundry - Yahoo! News

Uniforms helpful or Not?

Do your kids attend a school that requires a uniform and how do you feel about that.
This school year all five of my kids have to wear uniforms. The middle school has decided to hop onto the bandwagon this year. Personally, I don't blame them for putting the uniform thing in place because some of these middle school girls (7th graders) have lost their minds,wearing scantily clad clothing. My daughter Kennedy told me that girls came to school wearing leggings and short tops,so I don't blame the school for wanting to enforce some kind of dress code. But do you think this uniform thing is helpful to parents,or does it keep kids from being creative and unique. I only ask this question because my nine year old daughter,Brooklyn loves being able to be different and unique with her clothing and I can see her point,but as a parent I like having a lower clothing bill for the school year.

-peace-

A Masterpiece

One of the many things that I love in this world is the artwork of a child,and I highly enjoy hearing little ones talk about their masterpiece. Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to find out the inspiration behind this work of art,but I do love the colors of this masterpiece.

-peace-

School Sucks!

I hate to say this,but I'm already tired of the school year. I'm tired of all the back to back social studies and science projects(that require me to buy supplies,remember we're in a recession/depression),the tons of homework,the endless request for fundraiser money everytime I turn around. I don't know,maybe I'm just being lazy and cheap right now,but winter break can't come fast enough for me right now.I'm literally counting day the days until break. Do you ever feel this way about the school year?
I'm one of those parents who loves spending time with their children and I honestly miss them. But for me this isn't about missing them,its about becoming completly drained out by the end of October. For me the school year doesn't bring freedom and relaxation,it means trying to stick to my daily routine,but at the same time working within the school's schedule. So basically,my life feels like its being controlled by the school system and I can't take it anymore! I Need a Break From My Children's Schools and I need it fast!

-peace-

Which Party are you?

I just want to pose a question for you,are you a Democrat,Republican,Independent,Green or other? Then tell why?

If you're wondering which one I am,I'm an Independent and proud of it.
I probably lean more Democratic because I do believe in social programs,but at the same time,I don't want government getting too big and sticking their nose in my life. I support the Troops,but not the Iraq war,but support the Afghan war.I believe in education reform.We must do away with No Child Left Behind,open more Charter Schools and I support homeschooling families.I most defintely don't believe in Universal preschool as the next step in education reform and I didn't like the idea of bailing out the banks. I know Obama didn't get us in this mess,but there is no such thing as to big to fail. Noone bailed the American people out of their troubles,but we can bail out greedy bankers and investors. Shame on President Bush and Obama for starting this TO BIG TO FAIL CRAP. I'm proud to be an Independent and proud to keep the politican on his or her toes.

-peace-

The guilty pleasure

I must admit, I the Real Housewives series is a real guilty pleasure of mine. I never thought the women of the O.C. could be topped,but the Housewives of Atlanta and New Jersey have proven me wrong. I've never gotten into the New York cast at all,but I need to go back and re-watch them,maybe I missed some juicy tidbits. There's just something about watching these rich women(looking fab,I might add) acting like narcissistic,catty,materialistic backstabbers and American people wonder what's wrong with the young people of our society today. Well, there's your answer America.....the parents! But like I said, this is my guilty pleasure and I get sneak peek into wealthy women's lives. Bravo, to the Bravo channel for this truly entertaining series. Do you have a guilty pleasure series you enjoy?

P.S. The housewives I could be friends with....
Kandi(Atl housewife)
Lisa Wu (Atl)
The older sister in the N.J. series
These women are classy,real and seem to truly care for others,not self.

-peace-

Who said the recession is over,not I?

I don't know how this recession is treating you,but it is kicking my families butt right now. One thing I can truly be thankful about this "recession" is how more families are embracing frugality. I personally have always lead a frugal life,but my husband on the other hand always seemed embarrassed by my frugality at times. For years,it seemed like he was embarrassed or frustrated about me using coupons(it takes to long),he just wanted to go into the store,and buy whatever and leave. Using a list always helped me stay within budget and allowed me to know where money was being spent and where the real savings were made. I married a man who had a champagne taste on a beer budget and it has been a real struggle over the years to help him see that we have to take care of business first and then have fun. Anyone out there,like us at all and is the recession/depression over? I say it isn't over because the media is saying so.....it's over when millions of Americans can find work!


-Peace-

It's here,It's here

Kidzola is finally building up a Southeast consultant team,and I'm truly excited to be apart of the Region 7 team. It's always exciting to start something new and be apart of something in the beginning stages. I have been a Kidzola consultant for a few months now,and I have to admit, I really believe in this business idea and want to see it grow to the umpteenth power.

Kidzola is an online children's consignment place where parents can sell or buy new or gently used items. However, if you're like some parents who have a very hectic schedule then you could hire an Kidzola consultant,who will take all your pictures and post all the ads for you. When your consultant makes a sale,they would receive 35% of the sell and you the seller will receive 65% of the sell and 5% will go to Kidzola.

I really want to get some clients,but I also want to see the Kidzola Region 7 team expand. I hope I have some recruits out there,this is the perfect work at home job.

Go and check out the site at http://kidzola.com

Rain,Rain,Go Away

I hate to say this,but I really want this rain to stop. I just can't take anymore flooding in my basement. I love rainy days,but this is really starting to get on my last nerve. I'm trying to de-clutter my house,and do my laundry over the weekend. I'm happy to report, that I de-cluttered,but sadly my chance to finish up on the laundry was ruined because of a flooded basement.

You know what! I don't even want to talk about this anymore. I can't really complain,I'm healthy and my family is healthy and that's all that really matters.

Well, how was your weekend and what did you do?

Word of Advice....

if you live in the Atlanta area.....look both ways when crossing the street. I can't tell you how many times, I saw several grown adults look left,but not right and then proceed to walk into on coming traffic. Hellooooo!!!! There's traffic coming in the other direction! No wonder our city was consider one of the deadliest cities for pedestrians.

Do you try to buy American?

I'm reading the Wisebread article on needing a job.....consider China. Our country has just completly crumbled over the years. Jobs are closing left and right. Businesses are leaving and many have or are going over seas. Where will this country be in the next 10 years? What do you think we can do as a whole to keep businesses here?
This might not be the solution, but I try to buy American when I can. I want to support American businesses,but it can be so hard at times. Just recently, I bought some school supplies for my kids, and I needed to buy a couple of pencil sharpeners. Every pencil sharpener I found was made in China and very inexpensive,mind you. But I was determined to find a pencil sharpener made in the USA, and after much digging and searching I found some. You're probably saying,big deal its just a pencil sharpener,but to me,I'm supporting American products that I can believe in and a American family.

I truly want to support GM and Ford,but honestly I am highly disappointed in the quality of there product. For me, I'll support a lot of handmade items because for one: the people who create these items,have extreme pride in their work,quality is usually exceptional, and its simply beautiful. I know handmade can be quite expensive at times,but I think you get more bang with your buck.

So, I know I won't buy everything American,but I sure will try, and I'll try to buy handmade as much as possible. What about you?


-peace-

The Bull is Out

Whoo Hoo!!! It's a Saturday night and the kids and I have the whooooole house to ourselves. My hubby(DJ Taurus the Bull) has a big party tonight and I'm excited for him,but I'm really loving having some QT for myself. Don't get me wrong,I enjoy my husband,but sometimes he can be a bit needy/clingy an it gets annoying. It's flattering to know that he enjoys my company, and I, as well enjoy his company,especially our intense Scrabble games;however, everyone needs their own private time.

I'm truly proud of my husband for following his passion to DJ House music and making it happen....but sometimes,I don't want to be interrupted from a good book, to hear a mix you put together. It's like I have a 6th child at times and I feel conflicted: should I stop reading or should I continue reading? Whew! Sometimes I just tell him like it is....................

I need......

time to read
time to work in the garden
time to write
time to work on my business
time to just be...........

and sometimes, I don't say a thing!

I truly know one things for sure,and that is I'll have the whole bed to myself tonight,YES!


-Peace-

Movies! Movies!

Yesterday, my family and I went to the movies, and saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,which was awesome, I might add. I have always enjoyed the books,and there's nothing like the book,but there's just something about seeing a brilliantly written story come to life,not just in your mind,but on the big screen. As a reader,I feel the joy and the excitement of knowing that a wonderful piece of art will be shared with countless others; I can only imagine how the author feels about this,if I,a mere reader feels this way.



When we entered the theater to buy our tickets for our 11:00 a.m. showing(at Magic Johnson's tickets are $5 before Noon)I noticed this poster for a children's movie called Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,and I couldn't wrap my finger around the title,but it sounded familiar. So, the whole time we're in line for popcorn and drinks,I'm like,Cloudy With....Cloudy With...Cloudy With a Chance....and still nothing! So, we get our refreshments and head toward our movie,and then I spot the poster once again for this movie and I just can't stop looking at it. As I am walking along, I study every detail of that poster and then it hits me.......this was one of my favorite books as kid!!!!!!!!That was the first book I ever checked out of the school library and one that I checked out over and over in 2nd and 3rd grade. Unfortunately for me,through the years it became a favorite of other children at our school,thanks to the program Reading Rainbow,(it was mandatory for grades 2 thru 7 to watch the program before going to the library for your weekly class visit) the book was recommended by one of the kids on the show and I never checked it out again. But over the years,I've thought about that book, remembering the title was long....and something about spaghetti, butter,and meatball. I never could remember the title,but whenever my children would ask me about some of my favorite stories....I would always tell them a little about that book. Now, a book that meant so much to me as a child,will be coming to the big screen(I'm about to cry) and now my kids will see why this book touched me. That was the first book where illustration fascinated me. I really can't wait to see this movie and Where the Wild Things Are a truly beautiful timeless classic. Now,lets see some movies!!!!!

When I grow up....

I want to be a teacher.
I want to be a herbalist.
I want to be a midwife.
I want to have my own business.

These are just some of the things I want to be. What about you?

Our Summer Reading List

Hello World by Manya Stojic-This a book that teaches you how to say Hello in 42 languages around the World. The pictures are bright and all of my children enjoy this one.



Big is Big (and little,little)-This is a book of contrasts, and a total favorite of my 5 year old son. He got this from the library last year and has never forgotten it. Personally, I don't understand the hype of this book,but if he loves it.....it doesn't matter what I think,does it. I'm just glad he loves reading and has favorite books.



Valentines Are for Saying I Love You by Margaret Sutherland: This book was picked up by my 7 year old daughter who just loved the cover of the book. This a simple picture book told from the point of view of a little girl of what Valentine's Day is all about. It's a short story about love.



The Rescuers- This is a Walt Disney Book, about two mice from the International Rescue Aid Society,who decide to help a little girl,after recieving her a message in a bottle. This was a cute book that had a great message about faith in it.



Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren- Pippi is one of my all time favorite characters growing up, and whenever I can share a book from my childhood with my children I always do. All I can say is.....A true Classic!

The Jeweler's Directory Of Gemstones- This is a book about appraising stones,discover their origin, and learning how to select raw materials. My 13 yr old daughter can't seem to put this book down. It's like the gemstone Bible, I guess. I find myself looking at the pictures a lot,but I haven't actually read this one yet.

My 10 year old son loves informational books and got a book about Volcanoes,a book about the history of the computer and how they work, and his third book is a book on the history of baseball. I read the computer book, haven't read the volcano one yet, but I must say, I am surprisingly enjoying the baseball book.Did you know in the early years of the game,all of the pitches were thrown underhand, and a hitter could request a high or low ball from the pitcher? That sounds like my kind of game right there!!!!

What's on Mom's Nightstand: Well, I have two books on my nightstand right now;one is called Unfinished Business by Dr. Julianne Malveaux and Deborah Perry in which a Democrat and a Republican tackle the 10 most important issues women face. In this book the two women give their views on issues like the environment, abortion, and work and family issues and give examples of what can be done about these issues and why we as women need to get involved. After each issue has been dissected and commented on, the reader is given information on how to get involved in any organizational cause of your liking.
The other book I'm reading is called The Jungle Effect by Dr. Daphne Miller. I'm in the early stages of this book,but I can give you the gist of the book so far. It's about a doctor who is on a quest to find out why modern chronic diseases plague Western civilization and not traditional (indigenous) societies.Could the food of the Western culture be the culprit,and if it is,how do we bring traditional foods home to us and make them work? As I said earlier, I haven't finished this one yet,but it's already a real page turner.

-peace-

P.S. Now go get some books!

AAHHHH!

For me the title says it all......we finally got some needed relief in this house in the form of A/C. I just want to send out a shout out to Bruce, my next door neighbor for selling us the A/C unit and installing that bad boy. My whole house feels a thousand times better and I can finally get back to cooking a real meal for my family. I hated being in that kitchen sooooo much, I even told my kids,"I want to cook for you,but it's to hot,so let's eat a sandwich,or salad for dinner. There's only but so many sandwiches a person can eat before it becomes physically repulsive. Imagine,being stuck in a hot house at night knowing you only have a limited amount of food choices and you become sick just thinking about those choices because of the unlimited number of times you've eaten it. All I have to say is, "I'm glad it's all over and I don't wish that experience on no one.

-Peace-

Hotlanta

Wow! I know today is the first day of summer,but damn, mid-nineties already? Last month we were in the mid to low 70's,and now we just skipped over the low 80's and jumped right into the upper 90's.......Wait a minute, wait a minute, I think I just saw the devil himself trying to cool off.....oh, no, it wasn't him....my mind's playing tricks on me,but it does feel like an inferno in my house right now....Our A/C is on the fritz and we're using fans in the windows to cool off. I'm so miserable right now that I just want to run outside naked (in my backyard of course). I don't want any clothes on at all, and I don't care about any mosquitoes(well, I say that now)either. Well, it's been a day filled with lots of water,juice,ice and ice cream in the "A." Hopefully, real soon, we'll have some A/C up in here again.


-Peace-

Happy Father's Day

I just want to say,Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful men involved in a child's life.

Welcome to Atlanta

Hello everyone, my name is Brooklyn and I'm 9 years old, and yesterday I went to Conway.Wow, It was big in there. There were so many things in there I couldn't hardly walk. There were like poles, trashcans,clothes,clothes,and more clothes my favorite thing about the mall. We saw so many things there I just kept picking out clothes. Conway has some cute clothes and,sandals.

Bye,Bye Everyone

First entry

I'm sorry for the long title of this blog. I really didn't know what to name my blog. I really wish I could've been a little more creative with my title and a little less long winded sounding.....I mean who wants to type a long title like that,but then again my title does sound a lot like a book title. Well, anyways this is my first entry on my new blog,and........I, I don't have anything to talk about(LOL!!!). Well, I guess I'll be signing out!

Peace-