tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92077314297879360652024-03-13T10:23:04.289-04:00Sheran MemoriesStriving to craft a remarkable life that brings glory to God through family, work, leisure and service.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-57532966874300242492015-06-09T22:38:00.000-04:002015-06-09T22:38:27.782-04:00A New Adventure Begins<div>
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After several years blogging here at blogger, I have decided to migrate the blog over to a self-hosted site on WordPress at SheranMemories.com. I hope you will join me over there as we begin our new family adventure - renovating a home..</div>
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Over the next several months we will be doing an extensive renovation and I invite you to join along as we chronicle our experience. Learn all about it on my new site <a href="http://sheranmemories.com/wp/index.php/2015/06/10/a-new-adventure-begins/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-38624325553391699742015-04-29T10:12:00.000-04:002015-04-29T10:12:07.020-04:00Irene Hannon thrills again with Buried SecretsI love a good crime novel and <a href="http://www.irenehannon.com/" target="_blank">Irene Hannon</a> does not disappoint in her latest novel <i>Buried Secrets. </i><br />
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Part crime solver, part romance <a href="http://www.irenehannon.com/buriedsecrets.html" target="_blank"><i>Buried Secrets</i></a> introduces us to Lisa Grant, a former Chicago Homicide detective looking for a change of pace as police chief of a small town and ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor getting a new start as a county detective. The two meet at the scene of a decades old murder when a body is found by a construction crew.<br />
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We also meet three adults trying to put a teen mistake behind them and face the aftermath of choices they made one fateful night. Central to this trio is ambitious go-getter Jessica, who is now next-in-line to run a prominent Christian PR firm and will do anything to keep the past in the past. (I found this ironic as I used to work for the country's first and most prominent Christian PR firm. There were some similarities in the book, but the author was definitely off when she referenced high dollar expense accounts and clients expecting the best in dining and travel, etc. I have been to client meetings where you are lucky to get anything to drink aside from water).<br />
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Nevertheless, the characters are well developed and the plot is full of twists and turns as Jessica plots and ploys to cover up her misdeed with Lisa and Mac closing in on her. It ends with a dangerous confrontation that kept my heart beating with suspense. Thumbs up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-20216094790309994172015-03-27T16:25:00.000-04:002015-03-27T16:29:55.909-04:00Move Over American Girl, Jesus Sees Us Doll Teaches More Important Lessons<div class="p1">
Kids love dolls. So, I can't believe it took this long for someone to come up with a doll for Jesus but two mothers of preschool- aged children, have produced the new Jesus Sees Us doll and book for families who want to start or continue the conversation about Jesus and Faith with their little ones. <span class="s1"></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqKZgTfHSIQ/VRW4SIK5ybI/AAAAAAAAYxc/uwWVcY1PC-w/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqKZgTfHSIQ/VRW4SIK5ybI/AAAAAAAAYxc/uwWVcY1PC-w/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a>With Easter Sunday just a week away, Jesus Sees Us could be a great Easter basket surprise. Just as American Girl dolls set out to teach girls about how girls lived in different periods of history, the Jesus Sees Us doll is a way for children to connect to Jesus in a most engaging and relatable way. The doll serves as a reminder for children that Jesus is always with them, comforting them when they are struggling and celebrating their victories!</div>
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I have been searching for tools to assist us in teaching our two youngest children about Jesus on <i>their level. </i> My youngest certainly does not have the attention span for verbal lessons or books alone and animated and visual options come up short when communicating the true message of Christ’s presence in our lives. <span class="s1"></span></div>
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I'm hoping that having the Jesus Sees Us doll around to play with will help them interact with our Savior in a more personal way.</div>
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<span class="s1">The creators encourage Jesus Sees Us to sit with us at dinner, say </span>evening prayers with us and even be a sleeping companion. Kids can even re-enact the Biblical stories with their Jesus Sees Us doll. </div>
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<span class="s1">The doll has </span>a soft body Doll with a hard molded head, a warm and loving face and inviting, open arms. It is accompanied by a hard cover lesson book, appropriate for kids ages 2-6 that includes illustrated Biblical stories of Jesus with Scripture reference and correlating lesson on how we can model our behavior like Jesus today.</div>
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<span class="s1">Jesus Sees Us Website <b><a href="http://www.jesusseesus.com/">www.JesusSeesUs.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Available through website and Amazon.com with link: </span><b><a href="http://www.jesusseesus.com/buy-now/">www.Jesusseesus.com/buy-now/</a></b></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>$10 OFF COUPON CODE JSBlog10</b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-70560333982704194022015-03-25T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-25T09:30:01.483-04:00Stories that Bring Home True Meaning of Easter<div style="font-family: Helvetica; widows: auto;">
I admit that I struggle with keeping the focus on Christ with all the fuss about the Easter Bunny. The kids are looking for baskets of candy while I try to direct them to the gift we will receive at the Resurrection. This season of Lent has flown by me. Literally every week so far this year, at least one of my family members has been ill. Dealing with that added chaos amidst our typical chaos of two working parents, three kids, therapy, activities, and school, I haven't done the Lenten journey I had hoped. That is why I am glad I have the book Easter stories to help bring the messages of Easter and the Resurrection home through nightly bedtime stories.</div>
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The stories would make great post dinner time reading followed by discussion of the meaning each story holds. You might also enjoy reading them at bedtime. There are stories within the anthology that are appropriate for all ages and they can be told year-round. This is one book to keep on the family bookshelf and enjoy throughout the years.</div>
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So, while I have not done a Jesse tree or Lenten calendar filled with daily crafts and Bible lessons for the kids, and I haven’t even done the best job with my Lenten sacrifice, I am thankful for this tool to share classic, scripture-based messages with my family.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-16517438923089033312015-03-24T09:26:00.000-04:002015-03-24T09:26:22.668-04:00Clean Eating Made DeliciousI have been trying some new recipes from the cook book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dashing-Dish.../dp/0718021614" target="_blank"><i>Dashing Dish</i> by Katie Farrell</a>. It includes 100 recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts featuring fresh, whole ingredients.<br />
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Most of the recipes are kid-friendly, with fresh twists on old classics such as mac and cheese, waffles, and cookies. There are also great protein-based recipes for every meal and snack, including Italian-style stuffed red peppers and slow cooker honey sesame pork.<br />
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Portion sizes are always a difficulty for me, so I really like the fact that many recipes are portioned in muffin cup sizes and mini cups. These cute entree's make them more appealing to the kids as well.<br />
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Frankly, I want to try every recipe. </div>
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So far, I have tried the Cinnamon Bun for One and Peanut Butter Protein Breakfast Bars-yummy! The kids agree! The breakfast bars are so much more economical than store bough protein bars, chemical free too.<br />
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There are no white sugar, white flour, white pasta, butter or processed food ingredients included in the recipes. Instead, recipes include oat flour, almond flour, coconut flour, honey, greek yogurt, quinoa, unsweetened applesauce, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, almonds, chick peas, vegetables and fruits. Most of the recipes are gluten free and sugar free too.</div>
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The book also includes a guide to clean eating, a grocery list, list of pantry staples, and tips for eating whole foods while dining out on a budget.<br />
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The only thing I would caution is if you have troubles with a sweet tooth, you may be too tempted by all the whole food alternatives to sweeter breakfast foods, snacks and desserts (note my first recipe choices). You still need to be careful that those choices only reflect a small portion of your diet and the rest of your meal plan is made up of high quality protein and fruits and veggies.<br />
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You can get <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dashing-Dish-Simple-Delicious-Recipes/dp/0718021614" target="_blank">Dashing Dish </a></i>on Amazon for around $19 hard back and $15 on Kindle. Bon Appetit!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-71179622986823796492015-03-21T08:16:00.000-04:002015-03-21T08:16:02.007-04:00Equal Rights for Persons with Developmental Disabilities No Walk in the Park<div class="p1">
Only a short walk from my home is <a href="http://dunwoodyga.gov/index.php?section=for_residents_find_a_park_or_park_facility_brook_run_park" target="_blank">Brook Run Park</a> , a beautiful green space that is a highlight of the city of Dunwoody. Kids play in the park. Teens defy gravity in the skate park. Families gather eagerly for Food Truck Thursdays where they break bread with their neighbors. It is a place my family enjoys. </div>
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<span class="s1">But, when I take a walk with my son, the irony does not escape me that we are treading the same grounds where people who share his same genetic disorder where once institutionalized (the park is the site of the former Georgia Retardation Center). </span></div>
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<span class="s1">On March 21, we mark <a href="https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/wdsd-2015" target="_blank">World Down Syndrome Day</a>. March is also Disability Awareness Month. In the past 60 years, we have made great strides to achieve equal rights for individuals with developmental disabilities. </span>Because of early intervention programs, medical innovation, the passing of the <a href="http://www.ada.gov/" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a> and the <a href="http://idea.ed.gov/" target="_blank">Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,</a> my son will travel a much different journey than he would if he had been born 25 - 30 years ago. But the journey will not be without its struggles. We still have far to go. </div>
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We haven't traveled very far from the mindset that sent thousands of individuals to institutions to live out their lives.</blockquote>
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<span class="s1">When it comes to persons with disabilities, we still see separation rather than inclusion, we still hear language that is hurtful and demeans and we still label individuals with disabilities as “less than” or “other."</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We need to educate people with developmental disabilities based on their individual abilities, and not on stereotypical perceptions of a diagnosis or assumptions on what they “can’t" do.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We need medical schools to incorporate curriculum on disabilities, providing doctors and nurses with updated information so they can properly inform patients on all aspects of a disability diagnosis and allow expectant parents to make informed choices.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">And we need our legislators to increase funding for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities budget to provide more supports so these individuals can lead more independent and meaningful lives in their communities. For example, we should be funding employment support programs that help them find meaningful work. Georgia sadly ranks last in the 50 states in this area.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The good news is that this is a movement in which we can all make a difference. We can support businesses who hire persons with disabilities. We can join together across the state and country to advocate for change in our communities, schools, medical institutions, and government. We can give to organizations that are leading the way in these endeavors. And most importantly, we can notice the families in our own neighborhoods who need our understanding, support and friendship. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Our walk with Joey will, in many ways, be uncharted. We will have to work diligently to get the supports he will need to live an independent life. A life that includes the things everyone wants for their own children— a job, relationships, a home and hobbies. But as we walk in the shadow of Brook Run, we are reminded it is a journey worth undertaking. Will you join us? </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Georgia Retardation Center the original site of Brook Run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today it is a community green space called Brook Run Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master plan for the park which includes playgrounds, skate park, dog park, walking trails and community garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joey having fun at the Brook Run playground</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-3831017936607552292015-03-06T11:04:00.000-05:002015-03-06T11:04:31.204-05:00Reflections on 15 Years<br />
This week, my husband and I marked 15 years of marriage, which I consider an accomplishment in today's society but is a drop in the bucket compared to the 50 years both of our parents have shared.<br />
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The years we have shared have not been easy, some have flown by and some seemed to never end. Some years we were fortunate, and others it seemed we could not catch a break! We have faced nearly all the major stressors of a marriage and so far have come out together. It has not been easy.<br />
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Why has it worked so far? Our upbringing, our nature, our faith.<br />
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My husband and I are complete opposites in many ways.<br />
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I am a planner. He cannot plan beyond the current week. I love to make holidays special and feel loved by gifts. He doesn't like any attention on himself, has very few needs for "stuff" and thinks its silly to celebrate birthdays and such. I'm the nurturer. He is the disciplinarian. I love to read. His idea of reading is The Daily Racing Forum. </div>
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Sometimes these differences make life interesting, sometimes exasperating and sometimes they provide just the right balance. </div>
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One quality we both have in common is tenacity. We are both hard working and committed. When things go wrong, we don't let them get us down. We "suck it up" and make a new plan. Maybe it's the Irish in us or the Midwestern heritage in me and the New Englander in him but it works. </div>
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We also have an innate attitude that you do what you need to do to get the job done. We understand sacrifice, as modeled by our parents. </div>
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Life has dealt us its share of struggles, but we always seem to land in our feet (by the grace of God).<br />
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We share a same faith and belief that our vows mean something. We take the whole "for better, for worse, in sickness and health, for richer and poorer, in good times and bad, until death do us part" seriously. We know it won't all be as exhilarating as our dating period was. We know marriage takes work and we are learning what that means every day. Sometimes we are doing well, and sometimes we struggle. Through all this we hold onto our love, our faith, the belief that we are each other's "person" and we are in this life together, wherever it may lead.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-44331148932473090282015-01-29T09:56:00.003-05:002015-01-29T09:56:31.047-05:00Cauliflower Goulash MashupIn my efforts to eat more whole foods, I am always looking for ways to still have the recipes I love without the refined carbs. I have found that vegetables can be used in replace of bread, rice and pasta in many dishes such as: spaghetti squash in replace of spaghetti noodles, zucchini sliced longways to substitute for lasagna noodles, zucchini sliced in half lengthwise and covered in sauce, cheese and toppings in replace of a french bread pizza, cauliflower riced and used in cabbage rolls, cauliflower mashed to replace potatoes and cauliflower "potato" salad.<br />
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So, when my husband asked for one of our favorite family recipes - Hungarian Goulash, I decided to try to find a way to replace the macaroni noodles.<br />
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Cauliflower - Goulash Mash up</h3>
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<li>I began by making cooking up about 1 cup diced onion and 1 cup diced green peppers in a stock pot with some coconut oil. </li>
<li>Once the onions were translucent, I added in about 1-1/2 lbs ground turkey. </li>
<li>Once the turkey was cooked through, I drained the excess fat and then separate the mixture into two pots - one for the traditional recipe and one for my mashup. </li>
<li>I added to both pots a 16 ounce can of diced tomatoes and two 16 ounce cans of tomato sauce with about a 1/2 can of water. </li>
<li>I added into each pot salt and pepper (to taste)</li>
<li>Next, I added about 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil and 1/4 cup Parmesan-Romano cheese to each pot.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, I boiled two pots of water and added the macaroni noodles to one pot and chopped, fresh cauliflower in a steamer basket to the other. </li>
<li>When the noodles were soft, I added them to one pot.</li>
<li>When the cauliflower was tender, I drained the basket and added it to the second pot.</li>
<li>After letting each pot cook for 10 minutes on medium, dinner was served!</li>
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<h4>
The verdict? </h4>
A perfect mashup. I got all the yummy flavor of the goulash without the refined carbs.<br />
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What are your go to mash ups?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-63102512723534849392015-01-17T17:34:00.001-05:002015-02-13T11:01:12.032-05:007 Tools to Help Keep Your Diet Resolution<h3>
We are at that point in the New year when 50 percent of people have, by now, ditched their resolution. </h3>
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How are you doing? </h3>
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Did you have a diet or exercise related resolution that you may need some help sticking too?<br />
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Well, if you have fallen off the wagon it really is not too late. Making an investment in your health is a lifelong journey. And for those who particularly struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, the journey is often one of two steps forward, three steps back. The key is getting back on the trail no matter how long or how far the detour.<br />
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This year, my health related resolution is consistency. Consistency is my downfall. Having been on a diet of some sort or the other since I was NINE, I really do know what to eat and what not to eat. I know 80 percent of success is in nutrition. I know my specific health issues require me to eat a protein based diet and to stay away from sugar, soy, gluten and non-food ingredients like caramel color and HFCS. It really is just a matter of me consistently putting my knowledge in to practice.<br />
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I have fallen to the "all or nothing" trap so many times. I have gone deprivation or glutton and every step in between. All this yoyo dieting the past four years has resulted in my scale going up and down the same 20 pounds, with each cycle netting a softer, more squishy physique. I am now dedicated to a sensible, primarily clean eating, protein-based, sugar-free lifestyle. I have a food formula that I know works. I will allow myself planned treats and not go off the deep end, throwing all my progress down the drain, when I have them. I know the 20 percent part of the equation is still important and am committing to consistent exercise with a HIIT program to help blast the fat and replace it with muscle. I will take daily, small positive steps toward change and keep my eye on my goal of losing 30-40lbs by summer. The number is variable because muscle weighs more than fat, and I am more interested in how my body looks and feels and my clothes fit than a certain number on the scale.<br />
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Below are 7 Tools to Help You Stick to a Diet Resolution:</h3>
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The Why Bracelet</h4>
I wanted to have a visual reminder that will keep my reasons for getting to a healthy weight and shape in front of me at all times to help me resist temptation and get over the deprivation I feel sometimes when faced with foods I love but know are toxic for me. I decided to create my own bracelet using the popular snake chain and beads. I chose beads that had personal meaning to my health goals:<br />
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<ul><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjMErTygWtk/VLrd3T3r74I/AAAAAAAAYDM/HyQ_vKywR6U/s1600/Dietinspirationbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjMErTygWtk/VLrd3T3r74I/AAAAAAAAYDM/HyQ_vKywR6U/s1600/Dietinspirationbracelet.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>
<li>a bead with the faces of children</li>
<li>two beads that say family</li>
<li>a red dress to remind me of the great clothes awaiting me in my closet when I trim down</li>
<li>a bead that says "live, love, laugh" to know I will do that longer when healthy</li>
<li>a red heart to remind me that I need to reduce my risk for heart disease</li>
<li>a bathing suit to inspire me to feel better on Spring Break and at the pool</li>
<li>"Best Mom" bead because I am a better mom when I am a healthy mom</li>
<li>a sneaker to remember what it feels to be an athlete</li>
<li>a heart that says "wife" because I want to be a sexy one</li>
</ul>
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The bracelet costs me approximately $55.</div>
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<h4>
Bikini Body Mommy 3.0 Challenge</h4>
<a href="http://www.bikinibodymommy.com/" target="_blank">Bikini Body Mommy</a> is an online workout program developed by a mom who lost 100 pounds. She films her challenge workout videos in her home with her child beside her getting in the way just like mine and my dog do. She is relatable, open, and real and thousands are following her challenges. On Jan. 5, I joined her 3.0 Challenge. The workouts are about 20 minutes a day and I am committed to getting them in every day for 90-days. I joined a Facebook group of others going through the challenge and have an online accountability partner to stay encouraged.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xofM06H0Qw/VKPuuj9tqJI/AAAAAAAAX8c/m5MRe7ZYC8s/s1600/Planner%2Bcover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xofM06H0Qw/VKPuuj9tqJI/AAAAAAAAX8c/m5MRe7ZYC8s/s1600/Planner%2Bcover.png" height="200" width="154" /></a><br />
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Purpose and Pause Planner</h4>
The <a href="http://www.sheranmemories.blogspot.com/2014/12/purpose-and-pause-planning-for.html" target="_blank">Purpose and Pause Planner</a> is a planner I designed because I wanted one place to go to set my yearly, monthly and weekly goals, track progress, plan my month/week/day, journal and track my food. While I do use My Fitness Pal, I cannot always log it immediately on the phone app. I like to have a place to write it down first.<br />
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4 Key Apps</h4>
My favorite fitness apps are <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> to track my overall goal (weight, nutrition, exercise, etc), <b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pacer-pedometer-plus-weight/id600446812?mt=8" target="_blank">Pacer</a></b> to track my daily steps (and it syncs with My Fitness Pal), <b><a href="http://moveitmove.it/" target="_blank">Move</a></b> to remind me hourly to get up and move with suggested activity prompts and <b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daily-workouts-free-personal/id469068059?mt=8" target="_blank">Workouts</a></b> for a quick video-led workout I can do on the go with whatever time I have.<br />
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Sunday Prep Day</h4>
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Fail to plan and plan to fail. Sunday is my day to plan the week's menu and prep food from breakfast and dinners to snacks. Consistently setting this prep time ensures I can make good choices when busy, tired and stressed during the work/school week.<br />
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What tools for success do you use to keep you on track? </h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-23064226150040088492014-12-31T07:43:00.000-05:002014-12-31T07:43:16.766-05:00Purpose and Pause: Planning for a Remarkable Year<h4>
Happy New Year! </h4>
I love turning the page on a new year with the promise of new beginnings ahead. It is that time of year to assess where you have been and make adjustments for the year ahead to get where you want to be. It is also the time of year where good intentions are likely to fade within a few weeks. So how can you act now to set yourself up for success?<br />
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As the old adage goes, fail to plan and you plan to fail. Setting a little time aside to reflect on your goals and make an action plan to meet them will go along way to increasing your odds for success. Returning to those goals and working your plan consistently is where true success is realized.<br />
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I have created the <i>Purpose and Pause 2015 Planner</i> as a tool to do just that. Crafting a remarkable life takes both purpose and pause, my multi-functional planner serves as a tool to visualize your ideal life, set goals to achieve your vision, layout a healthy living strategy, plan for daily work and play, track your progress, and capture your most memorable moments along the way!<br />
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I am excited to be testing this planner with a few friends this year and plan to have the 2016 version ready to go to market by end of summer. To help you plan a remarkable 2015, I am sharing with you my goal setting tools for a remarkable 2015! Download your free 4-page goal planner <a href="http://sherancommunications.com/sheran-memories-planner-download/" target="_blank">here</a>. I would love your feedback!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-43008220449746397832014-12-08T10:37:00.001-05:002014-12-08T10:37:59.818-05:00Crafting A Remarkable Advent Season<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_mf11Mz8f0/VIXCyn-kDlI/AAAAAAAAXm0/pyeZIWWb1BE/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_mf11Mz8f0/VIXCyn-kDlI/AAAAAAAAXm0/pyeZIWWb1BE/s1600/IMG_9799.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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The season of advent is upon us. </h4>
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I think mothers are given a unique understanding of this season. this period of waiting of anticipation of a birth. the Christ child. We can put ourselves in Mary's shoes. Imagining what it would be like to be carrying our Savior. Anticipating his coming with the understanding there will be the struggles ahead but to hope in the promise of a new born child who would be King.<br />
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As a mother to a child with special needs, I can imagine how Mary felt knowing he would not be accepted by some, that the world may not understand the potential of a baby born in a manger to a women from Nazareth. Yet, Mary always believed that God would show the world the true worth of his Son and the world would come to love Him.<br />
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As usual, this season is busy and full of opportunities to craft special memories with the kids and teach valuable life lessons of faith, hope, charity, temperance and self-control. As we run from holiday gatherings, to birthday parties, to holiday dances, open the boxes of our Advent calendar, go to Mass, make Christmas crafts, bake goodies, shop the malls for the perfect gift and bring our lists to Santa, I try to find ways to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas and bring anticipation for the Christ child.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVn7uUFF1vA/Upn2UwyXsyI/AAAAAAAABkA/ommJtvlvOMQ/s1600/Advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XVn7uUFF1vA/Upn2UwyXsyI/AAAAAAAABkA/ommJtvlvOMQ/s1600/Advent.jpg" /></a><br />
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This year, we are adding a cradle to our Christmas tree to serve as the manger awaiting the Christ child. We will fill it with "hay"and on Christmas morning find the baby Jesus laying in it in swaddling clothes. We will also have a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas day.<br />
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Here is a link to <a href="http://www.sheranmemories.blogspot.com/2013/11/harvest-happy-advent.html" target="_blank">last year's Advent post</a> with several ideas for marking the season and to a recent review I did of <a href="http://sheranmemories.blogspot.com/2014/11/saving-christmas.html" target="_blank">Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas</a>, if you are wondering how to reconcile Santa and Christ.<br />
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Another project I am working on this busy season is developing the <i><b>Sheran Memories Purpose and Pause Daily Planner</b></i>. It is an all encompassing planner/food journal/diary/memory catcher for the busy mom with versions for working moms and bloggers. It addresses all areas of one's life and is a guide to help you purposefully craft the remarkable life you desire.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XY3PbvGdYU/VIXC2X1AfzI/AAAAAAAAXm8/PbeGvRZ7L90/s1600/IMG_9784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XY3PbvGdYU/VIXC2X1AfzI/AAAAAAAAXm8/PbeGvRZ7L90/s1600/IMG_9784.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
I developed this planner because I got tired of having multiple calendars and places to log the important things in my life (daily food and exercise, diary, goals, to do lists, etc). While I am a person who loves all things digital and have used several apps for organization and planning (I still use my ical and Trello in conjunction with the written calendar), I found I wanted everything in one place. Additionally, I was having trouble remembering to log my food on My Fitness Pal each day and then my go-to journal entry app closed down. Finally, I am making an effort to spend time away from my digital devices.<br />
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I find it somewhat therapeutic to actually write things down during my planning and reflection time. I still use my phone/tablet as a source and these devices are the things I turn to when on the run. So, I have been self testing and developing my planner for the past five months and now I am finishing up the 2015 inaugural edition. I'm excited to have friends test it this year so I can go to market completely for 2016. It is a fun process. Stay tuned for how you can get your copy.<br />
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In the meantime, enjoy the season.<br />
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Merry Christmas!</h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-78117831326444325052014-11-19T10:20:00.001-05:002014-11-19T10:30:17.980-05:00Is a digital device on your kids gift list? How to handle growing up social.It's that time of year when our kids are shouting from the other room when the commercials come on "Mom, I want this!"<br />
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It is the time we begin to organize our Christmas lists and prep for a big week of sales, Monday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Tech Tuesday! Phew!</div>
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I've been putting careful consideration into what I get our kids this year. I am concerned that they don't get enough active play, so I want them to get something that encourages movement. I want to encourage hobbies. I want to get them reading print! (<i>Book/print reading, as opposed to reading on a digital reader promotes focus and creativity, it is calming and relaxing and is linked to increased intelligence and brain activity.)</i> And then there is this issue of technology. </div>
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At our home my husband, teen, and I have smart phones and I have an iPad. Increasingly, my four and six year olds are taking over our devices! Now filled with their apps, my storage is low, the power is always running low and they are sticky (if I can get a hold of one). I believe that technology has a lot of positive benefits. I can see it in my son, who has Down syndrome. He is a visual learner and these apps have helped him learn words and colors. But research shows that too much time can actually be detrimental to brain development. Not to mention other dangers involved with social media I must consider for my teen. </div>
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I recently read <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2014/09/29/parenting-as-a-gen-xer-what-its-like-to-be-the-first-generation-of-parents-in-the-age-of-ieverything/" target="_blank">this post</a> pointing out that as GenX parents, we are the first to face this parenting dilemma and straddle the divide between traditional media consumers and digital natives. So what are we to do? How do we handle this territory that is relatively untested? How will our decisions impact our kids' futures?<br />
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I've considered getting each their own devices this year. <a href="https://www.nabitablet.com/" target="_blank">Nabi</a> has child friendly tablets with great parental controls such as time limits, Internet blocking, etc. They even have versions for ages 4-6, 6-12 and teens at reasonable prices between $99-$200. But how to make sure I put the right controls in place to reap the benefits and limit the negatives?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k70rnaRDIsk/VGyxOseRjSI/AAAAAAAAXTU/YFkQF1ZN5TA/s1600/3D_GrowingUpSocial_Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k70rnaRDIsk/VGyxOseRjSI/AAAAAAAAXTU/YFkQF1ZN5TA/s1600/3D_GrowingUpSocial_Final.png" height="320" width="197" /></a>Fortunately, I have a guide. Dr Gary Chapman and Arlene Pellicane have written a guide for us called <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/growing-up-social/" target="_blank"><i>Growing Up</i> <i>Social</i></a>. In <i>Growing Up Social,</i> Chapman and Pellicane acknowledge that we all want to equip our children to show affection, appreciate others, deal with anger, learn to apologize, and pay attention. Through research and stories, they illustrate how screen time can affect our ability to equip our children in these areas and give us strategies to work around the negative aspects of screen time, such as:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Reduced attention span</li>
<li>The need for instant gratification</li>
<li>Lack of patience</li>
<li>Overstimulation</li>
<li>Not able to relax</li>
<li>Sleep issues</li>
<li>Poor concentration</li>
<li>Lack of empathy</li>
</ul>
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<i>Growing Up Social</i> addresses how the digital world has affected the A+ skills of affection, appreciation, anger management, apology and attention and provides solutions for ensuring these skills are taught and embraced. The book also addresses the affects of screen time and brain development, shyness, security, parental authority, single parenting and us! The authors point out obstacles and challenges and provide sound advice. The authors are not preachy and fully accept the fact that the digital world is here to stay. They want us to be aware of the affects and consequence and have tools and skills to work around these to provide a right balance for our families.</div>
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So, I will likely go ahead and get these devices for our kids fully using the time limit features. I plan to set up a system to earn screen time and to lay a few ground rules:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Must read printed words for at least 20 minutes before screen time</li>
<li>Must have active play for 40-60 minutes per day</li>
<li>No screens while doing homework, unless needed for research</li>
<li>No screens during meals</li>
<li>Screen time daily limits according to age</li>
<li>Devices must be checked in and out by parents in order to use</li>
<li>Teen phone must be on charger upstairs by 9 p.m. each night</li>
<li>App purchases must be pre-approved</li>
<li>Must have all usernames and passwords</li>
<li>Teen must review and sign agreement to social conduct/safety standards</li>
<li>People first, tech second</li>
</ul>
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In the people first, technology second arena, we will make sure that face time takes precedence in the areas of affection, appreciation, anger management, apology and attention. If you are concerned with how screen time can affect your kids and your family and what you can do to minimize the negative affects, pick up a copy of <i>Growing Up Social,</i> or comment with your family tech tips/guidelines below for a chance to win your own copy!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book by the publisher for an honest review.</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-14539732638498040712014-11-13T18:31:00.002-05:002014-11-13T18:31:40.796-05:00Saving ChristmasI don't know about you, but when the Christmas decorations started popping up before Halloween, I became really annoyed. It is not even Thanksgiving and we are already seeing Christmas ads on TV and hearing carols on the radio!<br />
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Then there's all the drama in Christian circles about what is okay and not okay to observe and do: Santa or no Santa? Elf on the shelf? Jesse Tree? Is the Christmas tree a pagan symbol? On and on...<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAyvv95F46E/VGU-jVOmFjI/AAAAAAAAXTA/Mrl-st2Ibis/s1600/Kirk%2BCamerons%2BSaving%2BChristmqas.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAyvv95F46E/VGU-jVOmFjI/AAAAAAAAXTA/Mrl-st2Ibis/s320/Kirk%2BCamerons%2BSaving%2BChristmqas.png" width="223" /></a>Well, Kirk Cameron (a childhood crush of mine), is out to save Christmas and make it a little less stressful for us all in his new movie <i><a href="http://www.savingchristmas.com/" target="_blank">Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas</a>. </i>Although a little corny in its execution and acting (I think intentionally so), the message is one I was grateful to hear. Cameron explains to his scrooge of a brother-in-law who has determined Christmas should be done away with altogether, how the symbols and traditions of the holiday are all a part of and reflect God's story and ours. He illustrates Biblical foreshadowing in the manger and the tomb, the swaddling cloths and burial cloth, in the tree and the cross. He shows how Santa is really a defender of the faith and gives us all permission to embrace and take back the holiday once again to let the light of Christ shine in each of the lights that we hang this season.<br />
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Now, I have already seen the haters online accuse Cameron of trying to make money off of Christmas himself and bowing to pagan traditions. The extreme Protestants that hate anything coming out of Rome are online saying he has been duped by the antichrist. They prove his point exactly. All of that criticism, division and bickering about Christmas and its origins does nothing to shine a light on Christ and the fact that God came to earth as an infant to eventually die for us all.<br />
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So, if you are struggling with all of the confusing messages around this holy season, take a break and visit a theater near you this weekend (<a href="http://www.savingchristmas.com/theaters" target="_blank">check for a theater near you</a>). You just might join Kirk Cameron in saving Christmas.<br />
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Disclosure: I was given the opportunity for an advance viewing of this film in order to give an honest review.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-22652097750435419362014-11-10T18:26:00.001-05:002014-11-10T18:26:06.721-05:00Their Name Is TodayLast month, my 13 year old asked to go trick or treating with some friends in the neighborhood. They wanted to leave from school and go to a kids house and leave from there. I have never met these kids or their parents so I had cause to be concerned. Truth be told when I was her age, in the same neighborhood, I had a group of girls meet at my house to get ready and roam the neighborhood on. Halloween, but today is so very different.<br />
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I ended up not allowing her to go and she had friend come with us. They did go out on their own, but just on the few streets near our house and we were nearby. Call me protective but the dangers of things such as sex trafficking, sex offenders and reckless/distracted drivers just scare me. Halloween is a night that has unseen dangers if not careful. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x3WIjMRq8o/VGFIhc-MHBI/AAAAAAAAXRQ/O73afTn6sUs/s1600/Their%2BName%2BIs%2BToday.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x3WIjMRq8o/VGFIhc-MHBI/AAAAAAAAXRQ/O73afTn6sUs/s1600/Their%2BName%2BIs%2BToday.png" height="200" width="146" /></a>It's sad that so much has changed since I was a child. In the book <i><a href="http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/t/their-name-is-today" target="_blank">Their Name Is Today</a></i>, Johann Christoph Arnold talks about the need to reclaim childhood in a hostile world and I agree much has been lost. But, he claims that parents and teachers can turn the tide by giving children the time and space they need to grow.<br />
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"I am getting older; my life is coming to an end, but I still have a great urge to use my remaining strength to help anyone within reach, especially children. Working in schools for forty years, counseling many struggling families, as well as veterans and prisoners, I have seen much human need and tragedy. So often, the roots of this suffering began in childhood."</blockquote>
At the root of it is a need for cultural change in the way society views and treats children. We have <br />
become a society that:<br />
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<li>pushes children to the edge of our busy schedules</li>
<li>is always striving for overachievement</li>
<li>does not allow enough time for play</li>
<li>relies too much on screen time</li>
<li>focuses on material rewards over true signs of affection</li>
<li>is slack and inconsistent with discipline</li>
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Arnold writes this guide book for parents and teachers to offer insights into how to raise and influence a new generation of children to be more compassionate, considerate, courageous, bold, independent, secure and thoughtful. His perspective stems from the premise that children are to be cherished and every child has a right to joy and wonder.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcUi_qCkrUg/VGFIeR77VOI/AAAAAAAAXRI/gYauSPeGk_o/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcUi_qCkrUg/VGFIeR77VOI/AAAAAAAAXRI/gYauSPeGk_o/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>"For whatever else may define childhood, one thing is constant: it is the gathering place of life's first and most indelible memories- the unalterable frame for all the experiences that accompany us through life. And this in the end, the task of bringing up children is not only a question of effective parenting, and even less one of educational insights, theories or ideals. It is, first and foremost, a matter of the love we give them, which has the power to awaken more of the same, even years down the road."</blockquote>
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If you struggle to keep up and wonder if your priorities are right or if you are an educator wondering if you are really making a difference, grab a copy of <i>Their Name is Today - Reclaiming Childhood in a Hostile World.</i> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-12712612505019205582014-11-03T09:40:00.000-05:002014-11-03T09:40:15.430-05:00Homemade Halloween MinionsThis Halloween, my gang decided they wanted to be Minions. After a Pinterest search, I came up with a plan to make our own costumes and set out to find the various components: yellow shirts, overalls, yellow hats, black gloves, goggles and a Minion logo. I knew the cheapest place to find the clothing items would be The Goodwill so I searched high and low and fell a little short. I only found overall dresses for me and Annie ($5.60 each).<br />
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The next stop was Walmart where i scored two adult yellow shirts ($7 each), black gloves ($1x4), and two pairs of kid size overalls ($8 each). However, I could not find yellow hats or yellow shirts for my little people. My solution was $1 white hats (x4) and two white long sleeve shirts ($4x2) that I would dye yellow.<br />
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The dye project was only partly successful. The yellow shirts took perfectly to the RIT dye ($3) and matched the other yellow shirts exactly. However, the white hats did not take at all. Time for plan B. I tried yellow craft paint that I had on hand. The paint covered the hat but did take a while to dry. Because I was running out of time, we decided to try spray paint ($4). I put the hats over cans outside and sprayed them all around. It worked and by Trick or Treat time, they were dry.<br />
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Finally, we needed the tell-tale goggles worn by the little Minion creatures. I was fortunate enough to happen upon some clown sets at The Dollar Tree that came with black coke bottle glasses and clown noses ($1x4). We used the glasses and a silver paint pen ($3) to make them look like Minion goggles.<br />
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To finish off the outfit, I found a Gru Logo print out online and used double stick tape to adhere them to our overalls. I think we made for a cute bunch of Minions at approximately $52 for four costumes with the shirts, gloves, hats and overalls all able to be worn again.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-2365237189941099062014-10-27T15:42:00.001-04:002014-10-28T10:51:20.972-04:00Discontent at AllumeAfter a very busy fall, I had been looking forward to an upcoming trip to Allume, a Christian bloggers conference which I have twice attended before. I was looking forward to connecting with other like-minded ladies and learning from authors and publishers to improve my writing. As I drove north toward Greenville on Thursday morning, yawning and eyes involuntarily shutting, I realized how dog tired -mentally, physically, end of my rope tired-I was. The tires I had been running on were going flat and I had been riding on the rims.<br />
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Stress, lack of consistent sleep, over extended "to do" lists and a life out of balance, had taken its toll. Instead of being excited about Allume, I found myself longing for deep, restful sleep.<br />
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As I sat in session after session, my brain could not comprehend much of the information being shared. I did not have a desire for worship and fellowship. I could barely register the themes of the keynote speakers. I wanted to gain new insights, be inspired, share more stories and grow in the craft of writing, but the spark of inspiration was dying out within. I even skipped the dance party to retreat to my room. This was not like me at all. The Type A, love to party and be social person had fallen to a level of exhaustion only to be matched by the first weeks after a child is born.<br />
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Sitting there, reflecting on life, I realized I'd slipped into a state of constant production mode. I had become a soldier constantly on a mission and fighting on too many fronts at once. I could not recall a recent time I could just be still, rest, and remain in the moment and be with my people. Instead, I have been rushing through interaction in order to take care of the business at hand. The list.<br />
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My desire for sleep and rest, is being battled by natural tendencies to "do." I think to myself, "maybe if I plan each day right, I will find the margin I need for adequate rest, exercise, prayer and connection and get everything checked off the list."<br />
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In that moment I began to understand that this constant state of alertness and action and performance is wreaking havoc on my body, my soul and my relationships. Something has to change.<br />
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I need to learn to love and depend on moments of freedom again. I need to be present, to make a connection with my children, my husband, my parents, my neighbors without internally obsessing about what needs to be done. I need to soak in the life that is passing by without feeling guilty.<br />
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However, work does need to be accomplished, things need to be taken care of for school and child activities, the house needs cleaned, meals need cooked, financial obligations need to be met and the kids need coached in reading, sight words, letters and handwriting. Weight needs to be lost, so exercise and meal planning needs to happen. Is it possible to get it all done and not come undone? Can there be margin? I have not yet figured that part out.<br />
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Maybe I was at <a href="http://www.allume.com/" target="_blank">Allume</a> this weekend to hear the words of <a href="http://www.leeanatankersley.com/" target="_blank">Leanna Tankersley</a> speak about our need for <a href="http://www.leeanatankersley.com/breathing-room/" target="_blank">Breathing Room</a>. Maybe I was just there to get a few night's sleep with no little persons waking me to play musical beds. But all weekend, I was in a state of discontent and searching for the answer to balance.<br />
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I was also a little disappointed with the conference this year. In the past three years, Allume has gone from blogger conference with lots of sessions related to all aspects of blogging and writing, to spiritual conference with blogging almost as an afterthought. Additionally, the order of the sessions did not seem to be organized with much thought to what attendees might want to get out of the conference. For example, there would be several writing specific sessions at the same time slot rather than spread out throughout the day. I would suggested that each session time have at least one writing choice, a technical/blog choice, a marketing choice, and a life balance/spiritual choice.<br />
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And while they answered our request for more free time, Saturday was almost a waste with only one session in the morning and lots of eating (early lunch, panel, tea time, dinner, after party) and a gathering event with the sponsors in the afternoon. Even the sponsors began packing up by lunchtime.<br />
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I was happy that my friends at <a href="http://www.shazzyfitness.com/" target="_blank">Shazzy Fitness</a> seemed to have a good conference and a good response to their awesome dance fitness DVDs. And working out with them twice did a lot to help increase my energy level for sure.<br />
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While the women behind <a href="http://www.allume.org/" target="_blank">Allume</a> have big hearts for God, and are seeking to do mighty things, I think I will next invest my professional development time in a more traditional writers conference or a content marketing conference because I really want to take my writing to the next level. However, if you are looking for a place to be spiritually challenged and uplifted among women who have a heart for God and love to write and be creative. Allume is worth it for sure.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-88096465043485131292014-10-24T22:34:00.000-04:002014-10-25T08:03:51.004-04:00Five Minute Friday: Dare<span style="background-color: #f6f2f9; color: #3f0072; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200"></a></span><br>
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<span style="background-color: #f6f2f9; color: #3f0072; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Dare to love big. This summer as I embarked on a new leg of my career journey, the Lord prompted me to love big when he expanded my heart beyond the love for my son who has Down syndrome, and even for other individuals with Down syndrome, to encompass a desire for dignity, justice, meaning for all individuals with developmental disabilities when I went to work at All About Developmental Disabilities. </span><br>
<span style="background-color: #f6f2f9; color: #3f0072; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br></span><span style="background-color: #f6f2f9; color: #3f0072; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have met amazing individuals with a strong spirit who seek inclusion in a world that still wants to exclude them. These people seek employment, desire community, want to be known and most importantly have immense worth. I am so honored to come alongside them and, with my words, help the world know that they matter. To encourage people to fight for inclusion, support and acceptance. I hope you'll join me and dare to stand up, include others and exclude the "R" word from your vocabulary.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-74500385087281048752014-10-20T12:26:00.001-04:002014-10-20T17:12:33.682-04:00He Did It<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This month we celebrate Down syndrome Awareness month and Developmental Disabilities Month. We honor the month by walking in Buddy Walk Atlanta put on by the <a href="http://www.dsaatl.org/" target="_blank">Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta</a>. (You can still support our <a href="http://www.ds-stride.org/atlantabuddywalk/profiles/team/70" target="_blank">team</a>!) </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day is like a giant family reunion of the close community of people who know what it is like to love, care for, be challenged and inspired by a person who has Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21. We walk in support of our son, Joey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each year, I learn more about life from my son. It was the day before Buddy Walk this year when I had an occasion to observe the sweet tenacity that I know will help my son achieve great things in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tenacity, or sticktoativeness, is a character trait I admire a lot and I believe it can have a huge impact on how your life turns out if you don't have it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was late in the day, and the crowds had thinned at </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at our church fall festival</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. We wanted to have the kids expend some energy, so we went to the bouncy houses. They all love them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They immediately gravitated to one that had an obstacle course, climbing wall and slide. My son made it through the obstacles, but I was worried he would not be able to climb the ladder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, people with Down syndrome have lower muscle tone. This means they often have to work harder on physical tasks and it may take longer to learn physical skills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when it came to the climbing wall, Joe had a challenge. He faced it head on trying several times to get past that first step, each time with determination and hope. After getting a little help by his sisters, Joe was eager to try again, on his own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He climbed without worrying about who was behind him, who was passing him (accomplishing the task better than he) or who was watching. When he slipped, he started climbing all over again with a big smile to boot! It did not take him long to literally learn the ropes and soon he was climbing all on his own. As he neared the top, he turned and said "I did it!" Yes, buddy you sure did!!! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-88045930414808442402014-10-18T21:39:00.000-04:002014-10-18T21:39:55.725-04:00Bouquet of Love Smells Sweet<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">As a Revell book review blogger, I had the opportunity to review a light-hearted Christian romance by Janice Thompson titled <i><a href="http://smile.amazon.com/dp/0800721551/ref=rdr_ext_tmb" target="_blank">A Bouquet of Love</a></i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Set in Galveston Texas, it is the story of a Greek family, led by a patriarch who moves his family and business to the island to open up a second family restaurant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Already entrenched in the island is a large and vibrant Italian family who owns the pizzeria across the street.</span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Conflict ensues when Pappa Pappas decides he will steal all the customers away from the popular Italian restaurant across the street and declares its owners, the Rossi family mortal enemies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Cassia Pappas is s dutiful daughter who followed the family to Galveston even as she should be embarking on her own course. With a desire to go into the floral business, Cassia's dreams are poised to come true when she is asked to help out at the local floral shop. It is here she meets and befriends several members of the Rossi family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">A third source of tension comes from the budding romance between Cassia and a Greek nursery owner who supplies flowers to the shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">A sweet romance, with plenty of tension and comedic undertones, the book explores themes of independence, following self or staying within family expectations, friendship and family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">The book was engaging and reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It would also be appropriate for teenagers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Have you ever taken a path different from what was expected of you? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-52672052280651960292014-10-15T12:31:00.001-04:002014-10-15T12:31:36.128-04:00The Blessing of Allume<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">
Wow. I have taken a break from my blog routine these past months because of major changes in our life at home. In May, my husband went back to work full time and I left the PR agency I thought I would be at until I retired for a new opportunity God had in store. I launched <a href="http://www.sherancommunications.com/" target="_blank">Sheran Communications</a> with a focus on helping causes communicate and within two days I signed my first client working as a contractor 20 hours per week managing web and social communications for <a href="http://www.aadd.org/" target="_blank">All About Developmental Disabilities</a> (AADD)<span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">. Now, you may know this subject is near and dear to my heart as I have a son who has Down syndrome. </span></div>
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I cannot tell you what a blessing it was to spend the summer working part-time for AADD and having so much home time with my kids. As summer ended, I began to take on more clients and more responsibilities. I recently went on board as an employee with AADD as its director of marketing and communications, and with a flexible schedule, I am able to keep my business going to and have been learning to juggle my work responsibilities <span style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">and all the kids activities. Needless to say, the past nine weeks have been a blur of activities, deadlines and craziness! </span></div>
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I am writing a lot! But I haven't been able to nurture this blog or my business blog or quite honestly myself and my family. With change, comes chaos as we figure out how the new pieces all fit. While it seems to be coming together, I am really looking forward to next week, when I leave for a three day Christian blogger conference called <a href="http://www.allume.com/" target="_blank">Allume</a>. It will be my third time attending and I'm really looking forward to the friendship, teaching and challenge I will experience over the weekend. </div>
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I know I'll be refreshed, inspired, I'll meet amazing women and make new friends, I will grow in my writing, I will be challenged, I will find great causes to support. These are just some of the things I am looking forward to about Allume. This year I am attending with my friend Kristy McCarley, founder of <a href="http://www.shazzyfitness.com/" target="_blank">Shazzy Fitness</a>, a Christian Hip Hop Dance DVD series and the lead choreographer of the series <a href="https://twitter.com/Apollo_Levine" target="_blank">Apollo Levine</a>. I am ready to get my groove on with them and share the hospitality of fitness with the women of Allume.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77gwKZPni2w/VBRlGLZdAcI/AAAAAAAAWck/cJguN8IhQm4/s1600/in-the-beginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77gwKZPni2w/VBRlGLZdAcI/AAAAAAAAWck/cJguN8IhQm4/s1600/in-the-beginning.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a>For my Allume friends who are packing, here is a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2XyrM4BAIQmT212TXlXWlpGUUk/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">packing list </a>that should help you out. And don't forget to pack your dancing shoes and follow #ShazzyFitness for pop up fitness opportunities during Allume.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-24506441141901706052014-09-16T16:19:00.000-04:002014-09-16T16:19:52.870-04:00September is Build A Better Breakfast Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
September is noted as "Build a Better Breakfast Month." Since we are also back into a season of hectic schedules and I have embarked on a 90-day fitness challenge, I thought I'd share one of my breakfast secrets. I like to make egg muffins in advance on Sundays so that I have a protein-packed, quick breakfast for us to grab and go on hectic mornings.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWflFMYsFt8/VBhp8QLZi4I/AAAAAAAAWdg/XQYRLmXbYLc/s1600/IMG_8833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWflFMYsFt8/VBhp8QLZi4I/AAAAAAAAWdg/XQYRLmXbYLc/s1600/IMG_8833.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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First, I combine eggs, a little water (some use milk), salt, pepper and whatever veggies I have on hand that I can dice and chop. Whisk until blended. I sometimes include some ham, turkey or bacon as well and sprinkle cheese on top (Feta is great). </div>
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Pour mixture into a liquid measuring cup and then pour into muffin tins (I like using silicon muffin cups). Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes.<br />
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The egg muffins just pop right out. Store in fridge and they are ready when you need a quick breakfast or snack.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-25136377249070378342014-09-13T11:44:00.000-04:002014-09-13T11:44:09.579-04:00I'm Going to Allume with Shazzy FitnessI am very excited that I get the opportunity to go to <a href="http://www.allume.com/">Allume</a> again this year through my sponsor <a href="http://www.shazzyfitness.com/">Shazzy Fitness</a>. I have posted a <a href="http://sheranmemories.blogspot.com/2013/11/harvest-healthy-life-fitness-dvd-review.html">review</a> on the Shazzy Fitness Christian Hip Hop DVDs previously. You can learn about its creator Kristy McCarley on the Allume Blog this week.<br />
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I recently began two 90-day fitness challenges (any help I can get right?). One challenge is through my work and I have teamed up with a co-worker. We have the incentive of the opportunity to win cash if we are a finalist. The second challenge is the <a href="http://bikinibodymommy.com/">Bikini Body Mommy</a> 90-Day Challenge. Bikini Body Mommy sends 20 minute workout videos via email everyday that I am committed to doing but for fun and stress relief, I am adding in some Shazzy dance sessions, as well as yoga, to the mix.<br />
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I'll share more about my diet plan in an upcoming post. The holidays are coming. Time to get your groove on!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-91228542006451288352014-09-03T13:48:00.000-04:002014-09-03T13:49:38.949-04:00September Date Night Idea: Go See The SongSo, I haven't been blogging here as much during this busy season of launching my own business and transitioning to working from home and taking over the after school duties with the kids. I have so much I want to write about, such as my experience at the National Down Syndrome Convention this summer and reviews of all the products I brought home with me. So, please stay tuned.<br />
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In the meantime, I thought I would share about a movie I had the opportunity to preview earlier this summer called <a href="http://thesongmovie.com/story">The Song</a>. It is a real and gritty film about love, passion and getting lost in ambition. It is also about brokenness and restoration. True to its title, the film is a bout a singer/songwriter, Jed King, who finds sudden fame and all that comes with it. In the process, he loses himself and drifts far away from those he loves and the promises he made to them.<br />
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Filmed on location in Nashville and Kentucky, the movie showcases a strong musical score to guide us along a moving and at times haunting storyline. This film was really well done. It opens in theaters September 26. Find a location near you <a href="http://thesongmovie.com/theaters">here</a>.<br />
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On the <a href="http://www.thesongresources.com/for-churches/">movie website resource page</a> there are small group and church study kits for further exploration of the movie's theme, based on the Song of Solomon. The studies explain God's plan for relationships, love and marriage and explores dating, romance, intimacy, conflict, restoration and commitment. A personal journal is also available. There is also a <a href="http://www.thesongresources.com/for-couples/">six-week devotional available for couples</a>.<br />
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I encourage you to plan a date night on September 26 and go see The Song then plan to go get drinks or coffee afterward and check in with each other after the film. May you have good discussion. Come back and tell me what you thought of the movie!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-56473161434252826172014-08-12T07:30:00.000-04:002014-08-22T13:07:19.963-04:00Lost in Time with In Perfect Time<i>In Perfect Time </i>by Sarah Sundin is a brilliant tale of romance on the front lines during World War II. Sarah blends true to life historic events with multi-dimensional fictional characters to paint a captivating picture of romance during wartime in the 1940s in and around Italy.<br />
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It is the story of a young, troubled flight nurse searching for redemption and finding true love in the process and of a young pilot trying to escape his past by sitting out future possibilities whose defenses are shattered by true love.<br />
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I have read two other books in this series and am left wanting to know these characters even more. I was excited to get the opportunity from the publisher to receive a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.<br />
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<i>Writing:</i> Sarah's writing is descriptive prose, blended with action, humor, compassion and romance. <i>In</i> <i>Perfect Time</i> is no different.<br />
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Sundin explores the struggles her hero and heroine have in truly accepting the gift of faith and overcoming internal struggles while on the front lines of WWII.<br />
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The prose and dialogue are very well balanced and engage us deeper with the story. Through alternating chapters that focus on each character, Sundin tells us the stories of Kay and Roger with a pace that makes it hard to put down. Each character has a complexity that make them seem like real people. Flawed and wounded by what life has dealt thus far, both Kay and Roger put up defenses to control who they let in. Kay, who has a reputation of being a loose flirt, searches for acceptance through her relationships. Roger, who doesn't trust himself, puts walls of defense around him to keep from finding his true passion.<br />
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The backdrop of the war and the internal struggles each character faces provide plenty of tension. The romantic angst, however, is off the charts as each character becomes so handicapped by own inner battles they nearly miss the gift of love and acceptance in front of them.<br />
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Sundin brings back the characters from her two previous novels and helps tie up some loose ends. I am glad I got to know this group of nightingales and their men.<br />
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<i>Historical significance:</i> Sundin's immense knowledge of both World War II and nursing brings much credibility to the storyline. The settings are so vividly described I felt transported to an army base in Italy or a remote German cave. Sundin depicts 1940s culture, and as such, some of the characters smoke and drink and defy the traditional views on sex before marriage. The war scenes include descriptions of dog fights, bombings, plundering and injury. In Perfect Time, as well as the entire series, offers a unique look at the contributions of women on the front lines during that time.<br />
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<i>Spiritual themes</i> of redemption, assurance and grace are strongly highlighted throughout. Each of the characters, as do many of us at times, have a difficult time understanding and fully embracing forgiveness, the free gift of God's grace and newness promised to those who have accepted Christ.<br />
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<i>Audience:</i> This book would appeal to women and men who enjoy historical fiction. With strong, but not pushy, spiritual overtones, both Christians and non-Christians will enjoy the entire series, which I think has a broad appeal with enough action and romance to be a feature film.<br />
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You can get In Perfect Time at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-Perfect-Time-Novel-Nightingale/dp/0800720830">Amazon</a> and book retailers near you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07464611437544487815noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9207731429787936065.post-48419311952219659402014-08-10T11:48:00.000-04:002014-08-10T11:48:45.880-04:00Reflections on Summer at Home & Why I'm Ready for Back-to-school<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some 11-12 weeks ago, I left the agency world to set out on my own as an independent contractor in the field of marketing and public relations. This change solved an immediate family challenge regarding childcare for the summer and revealed a greater need than I had thought for my presence to be more fully, and more often, at home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I reflect on these past weeks, I have come to realize that this transition has been more radical for me than I thought it would be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My oldest will soon be 13. Since she was born, I have worked outside the home full time. I handled the morning duties and returned for dinner and bedtime. Weekends were sacred, but in which I squeezed quality time, cleaning, errands and activities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would get the kids off to school and turn off the mom switch and turn on the professional switch as I drove to work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Focused on the day ahead, I would walk into my office high rise, take the elevator to the tenth floor and enter my clean, orderly, mostly quiet and serene office space. I would then spend 8-10 hours in my private, even quieter office where everything was in it's place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neatness and order we're highly valued at my place of work. So much so that we once were given a keynote presentation on expectations for the cleanliness of the break room sink with photographic examples of what was and was not acceptable (not kidding). Colleagues were called back via loudspeaker, to our casual conference room if they had forgotten to fluff the pillows upon exiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the evenings, I would have time to transition between professional and mom/wife on my drive home. Once home, I would have family dinner and put the kids to bed. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBeSOAQHFDQ/U-WRK_J_o7I/AAAAAAAAWOo/oQMu_1n-Yqg/s1600/IMG_8085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBeSOAQHFDQ/U-WRK_J_o7I/AAAAAAAAWOo/oQMu_1n-Yqg/s1600/IMG_8085.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCtM-aZ2d3U/U-WPZfOXfDI/AAAAAAAAWOU/1UjGEI-5lsM/s1600/IMG_8177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCtM-aZ2d3U/U-WPZfOXfDI/AAAAAAAAWOU/1UjGEI-5lsM/s1600/IMG_8177.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, not so much. My work space is opposite land. Here, instead of fluffed pillows, we have pillows strewn all over the living room floor. A perfectly clean sink is a significant, and short-lasting, accomplishment. Dishes pile up as soon as I can clear them. I manage a team of demanding little people who often resort to bribery, whining, tears and total meltdowns to try to get their way. A closed door or a phone to my ear has no meaning whatsoever. Interruptions are constant. My private office is my bedroom. There is no transition time. Multi-tasking takes on new meaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over these past weeks, there have been numerous times I thanked God for the blessing of being home with my kids, out of the rat race of agency life, still contributing to my family finances and enjoying the challenge of launching my new business. We have had nature walks, days at the pool, food truck Thursdays, some craft projects, and plenty of cuddles. I have gotten to know my children much better and see issues confronting them I would otherwise not have had the time to discover. I feel truly best to be where I am, doing what I am doing now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, as a working out-of-the-home mom, I never understood the memes highlighting the happiness mothers feel at the end of summer and the prospect of sending kids off to school again. I mean, when I was working in the office and consequently saw my kids so few hours a day, the idea of twelve whole weeks together doing fun things, going to the pool, doing cute craft projects, visiting local attractions and endless cuddles, was very attractive. I couldn't understand why any mom would be excited for it to end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Ten Things I'll be Happy There Is Less Of When The kids Go Back to School</u></b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Endless questions all day long</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mom, I'm hungry"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never-ending dishes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Constantly being on alert to be sure my little escape artist hasn't gotten out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cleaning a room, only to return to a mess minutes later</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rise in grocery and water bills</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sibling bickering!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An audience every time I go to the bathroom (including "yea! Mommy, did it")</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That's so unfair!"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Disney Channel, PBS and NickJr shows</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The summer overall has been good and I am thankful that this new gig seems to be working. I'm glad we are entering a more structured (and yet even more hectic) part of the year. </span></div>
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