Dec. 16, 2007 - Business Etiquette Question: Email or Mail Christmas Cards

Sep. 24, 2007 - It's National Dog Week - Who's That Doggie In The Window?

Check out Homeschooling About.com's activities and craft ideas, to help celebrate this whole week.  How about making some homemade doggie treats?

Also, consider taking the family on a tour of your local animal shelter.  Many shelters offer free tours.  Older kids might be interested in volunteering opportunities. 

Jul. 29, 2007 - It's Back to School Time! New Changes in Our Household

This year, we've enrolled our sophomore into the Connections Academy program.  Since moving from San Diego to Las Vegas, we knew that we wanted to continue with a home based learning program that was recognized by the state.  My husband and I also wanted assistance with his math and chemistry. We also realized that it would be helpful to find something that would provide balance for schooling and his personal schedule. 

Jul. 19, 2007 - Article: Homeschooling Through the High School Years - Your Teens Need You Too!

Stop by the Company Porch blog to read Deb's article Homeschooling Through the High School Years - Your Teens Need You regarding her feelings on why our teens still need to be homeschooled. 

We actually started in the second semester of 7th grade with Marcus.  Our son was failing at the charter school and was suffering with stress disorder.  We originally thought we would finish with the year but because his scores and attitude had improved we continued.

He's now enrolled in Connections Academy, for his sophomore year.  We plan on continuing till he graduates from high school.

And even though we only been in Vegas a week, he's already a member of the local Boys and Girls Club and is looking forward to joining the church youth group. 

I love that he's able to expand his horizons and follow his other passions like volunteering, tennis and culinary classes. 

Jul. 19, 2007 - I'm Bored! Okay, Let's Take a Swim

Yes, I also hear those words.."I'm bored!"  And now, I get to respond with "Okay, let's take a swim".  Marcus is grumbling as he changes into his swim trunks and flip flops.  But, something magical happens when our kidlet hits the water, he actually is smiling and having fun. 

It's a refreshing way to cap off our busy, hot day. 

Jul. 13, 2007 - We're Have Arrived in Las Vegas!

Jun. 12, 2007 - Listen to This Week's Parenting My Teen - Cindy Rushton Speaks About Homeschooling Your Teen

Jun. 4, 2007 - Moving Out of State

May. 15, 2007 - May 15 is National Chocolate Chip Day!

It's time to get your flour, milk and eggs out because we have another great reason to be baking. It's National Chocolate Chip Day!

Here's some kid friendly recipes that will keep everyone busy today! So get your aprons on and get baking.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate Chip Muffins

Award Winning Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

May. 15, 2007 - Helping Your Teen Find a Summer Job by Aurelia Williams

Summer break for most students is not too far away. In fact, many teens will be looking for a way to earn extra cash. As a parent, there are things you can do to help your teen find summer work.

Thinking back to when we were teens, it was a given that summers would be devoted to finding a job to help with family finances. Today, the same holds true for some teens, while others simply want to find a way to earn additional cash for expenses they may incur over the summer.

Having a job as a teen is important in that it teaches responsibility at an early age, but more importantly, prepares them for when they become full-time members of the work force. More importantly, developing a worth ethic can be immeasurable. Along with learning to work along with others, understanding what is expected of them, and given the opportunity to work in different types of businesses can make all the difference in ascertaining their field of endeavor.

In order to help your teen find a summer job, perhaps the place you work in may need someone to help with filing or other office duties; or if your teen is pursuing a specific area of interest you can contact many companies in that particular field who are seeking interns; you can ask your teen’s counselor if there are any corporations who are hiring teens as part of a school-wide program; contact local department stores, small boutiques, or stores within malls who need assistance during the summer. You can also contact your local state and city government to determine what summer jobs they have available. In fact, some of these jobs may be out door related, which your teen may find more suitable.

As a parent, you can also contact your friends and family members who may need additional help in their respective companies. In addition, there are plenty of jobs offered at summer camps where your teen can apply for a position as a counselor.

For a teen, working a summer job brings a certain amount of experience they could not obtain anywhere else. Understanding how specific businesses operate, the ability to take orders, and establishing a foothold in one area or another gives them the opportunity to decide what field of endeavor they may want to pursue in college.

As parents, we want the very best for our teens. Helping them to find a summer job is the first step on their path to learning the rules of the game. Moreover, the benefits are invaluable in helping them think about their career choices. The more teens are exposed to, and become part of, the work force – the easier the transition will be when they graduate from college.

Article by:

Need more tips on parenting your teen? Visit Parenting My Teen for free tips, resources and a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to helping you parent your adolescent.

May. 12, 2007 - Open Forum Teleseminar - Urban Homemaker.com

The next phone seminar will be an Open Forum, Thursday, May 17, 2007, 9:00 PM EDT. Be sure to adjust for your time zone.

This is your chance to ask all the questions you have been saving up about cooking on a budget, lacto-fermentation, the two stage process, menu planning, health beginning in the kitchen, training children, cleaning and organizing, homeschooling, getting started with whole foods cooking and any other topic on your mind that is appropriate for a "Homemakers Forum."

You can email questions ahead of the seminar to marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com.

Marilyn will also be giving more details about the upcoming afternoon seminar series called Learn to Feed Your Babies, Toddlers, and Children for Better Health.  Here are the details:

Contact Information:

Date: Thursday, May 17, 2007

Time: 9:00 PM EST (8:00 CST, 7:00 MST, 6:00 PST) Adjust for your time zone!

Dial In Number: 1-620-782-8800

Participant Code: 754074

If you have never participated in a phone seminar before, here is how it works:

1. Dial in the phone number above to the seminar. (You pay only for the phone call.)
2. Key in the seminar access code.
3. Introduce yourself, it you wish
4. Bring a notebook to take notes, a cup of tea, and have your questions ready.
5. Don't worry about background noise, we will mute that out!

May. 8, 2007 - May is Moms are Marvelous Month ! "You're Just Marvelous"

I know that Sunday is Mother's Day but did you know that the month of May is Moms are Marvelous Month? And why not have the whole month focus on moms.  Whether you're an Work Outside of the Home, Work at Home, or Stay at Home Mom, your main job...being a mom is never far from your mind. 

Recently, our son, asked me about multi-tasking.  I gave him the example of when I'm working a phone shift, reviewing your daily schedule, reminding myself to make that doctor's appointment for you and that I still need to pick up some peppers for tonight's soup, in one sitting.  He looked at me with a confused look and said, "Wow, and Dad just has his one job.  You sure do alot in one day. You're pretty cool." 

So, I guess I really don't need to know that I'm marvelous just one day or a month  ladies.  I would say that all moms are just marvelous all year long!  Now, where did I put my super cape?

May. 8, 2007 - 'Catch the Sewing Bug, 25 Fun & Simple Sewing Projects' - Homeschool eStore

As many of us are now counting the weeks to the end of the school year, it's also marks beginnings for new hobbies and crafts.  If sewing is on your summer to-do list, than check out this ebook, 'Catch the Sewing Bug, 25 Fun and Simple Sewing Projects' at Homeschool eStore, for only $7.95! 

This book offers very basic, easy projects and requires a very minimal amount of supplies.  You'll also receive patterns and instructions.

May. 7, 2007 - Nobody Outcleans the Maids Instant Win Sweepstakes - Deadline May 31, 2007

May. 7, 2007 - SpouseBUZZ Live at San Diego Convention Center for Military Spouses - May 12, 2007

Come join hundreds of Military Spouses on May 12th, 2007 at the San Diego Convention Center for SpouseBUZZ Live, a free event. Enjoy morning discussion panels followed by an afternoon of informative, entertaining break-out sessions and pampering services designed to offer you a relaxing, enjoyable day.  There's free childcare, parking, giveaways and prizes!

Spread the word to  San Diego Military Spouses!  This will be a fantastic event.

May. 5, 2007 - Kid Entrepreneurs: 5 Great Kid Business Opportunities that Won't Break Your Budget by Susan Whitehead

I’ve heard several successful entrepreneurs refer to themselves as serial entrepreneurs. I would have to say that I fall into that label. As a child, I was always coming up with different ideas of how to separate my Elementary School friends from their allowance…in a good way!

Now, my oldest, who is in Elementary School, is following in her mother’s footsteps. She’s been begging me to put her old Easy Bake Oven on eBay in hopes of making boat loads of cash. Unfortunately, I told her it doesn’t quite work that way, but I have come up with a few ideas she, and your Elementary School aged child can do, too!

1. Selling water bottles and drink mix at yard sales. We’ve actually already tested selling ice cold water bottles and soda at yard sales, but if you buy some of the drink mix “singles” that can be mixed right in the bottle, you have a great “upsell” after your yard sale shoppers buy the water. Be sure your child is out there selling it. People are suckers for helping out kids.

2. Cutting out coupons to sell on eBay. Believe it or not, people actually buy your Sunday paper coupons on eBay. Now, you will have to put a note in your auction that says you aren’t selling coupons, but the labor it took to cut them out. My daughter cuts them out and I list them and she keeps the profits. Makes a good math lesson, too!

3. Pet sitting. This is a classic kid job that works well if you are in a neighborhood. Just make all arrangements before the family needing a pet sitter leaves and your child will go over to the house to feed and play with the pet while they’re gone. I would advise that you go with them, just to make sure the child doesn’t get nosey or get into trouble.

4. Plant watering service. Some people really love their plants, so what better service for a child to provide to traveling families than a plant watering service? Keep the same principles in mind as the pet sitting, but the service will be much less intensive since plants don’t need as much attention as pets.

5. Mother’s helpers. For older Elementary and Middle School age children who love babies and toddlers, but are too young to babysit by themselves, a mother’s helper might be the perfect job. The child would just play and entertain the baby or toddler while the mother worked on other projects around the house.

All of these ideas have little to no start up costs and can help foster the entrepreneurial interests of your child!

Article by:

The best way I have found to nurtue your children's entrepreneurial interests is through live events with other entrepreneurial people! My favorite "family friendly" entrepreneurial event is www.EntrepreneurConference.com, a place to network with other entrepreneurial minded families. Now, if you'd like the support of an ongoing mentorship program, www.ChristianEntrepreneursUnite.com is a great community and the whole family is invited.

May. 4, 2007 - National Arthritis Month - May 2007

May is National Arthritis Month.  Arthritis affects all ages, genders and races.  It's one of the most common causes of disability.  I have been dealing with multiple arthritic conditions for the last 6 years. 

Visit Arthritis Foundation website for ways that you can volunteer, donate or receive information.  In many locations, the Arthritis Walk, is being planned. 

If you have arthritis or have a family member who does, let them know about the website and the Arthritis Today magazine.

May. 4, 2007 - Alex's Lemonade Stand - Fighting Cancer One Cup at a Time

The fundraiser is named for Alexandra 'Alex' Scott, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma just before her first birthday.  Before her death, she hosted lemonade stands annually to raise money for the hospital that cared for her.  She died in August 2004 at age 8, and her parents carry on her work.

Visit Alex's Lemonade Stand website for more information on making donations, lemonade stand fundraisers, in your area and much more. 

This is such a worthy fundraiser that all of us should support. 

May. 3, 2007 - Mother's Day Giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom

May. 2, 2007 - Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night Tonight - 5 pm to 10 pm