Posted By CCOAF on March 15, 2010

Our Team Shirts!

I’ve always been a big giver and volunteered for charity fundraisers, and now I’m getting my family involved and teaching my boys how to give as well.  I’ve learned the best way to teach children is by modeling the behavior yourself and I’ve done that with not only Renee during our mentoring years, but now also with my boys.

Unfortunately one of our close friends has a son that was diagnosed with Autism.  You don’t really know how to support a friend in that situation other than to be there and continue to be a friend.  A couple of years ago a fundraising walk was organized in Cincinnati and I knew that was the best way to help support our friends and show them how much we care.

On May 22nd of 2010 we will be walking in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Coney Island in Cincinnati to support our family friends.  I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to help us reach our fundraising goal of $150 by clicking on the link above or the picture.  Donations will help to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism.  Thank you so much for your support!

What fundraisers do you support and why?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 12, 2010

Now that I look back and reflect on my childhood I learned a lot from those around me and I’m not just talking about awesome school teachers.  I’m talking about the other adults that were a part of my life that helped form who I am as a person.

Yes, my parents where a huge influence and I learned a lot from them including life and social skills, but I also learned a lot by just watching when they weren’t even saying a word.  Parents are our  first teachers and role models, and we all strive to be like them & constantly seek their approval.

The many leaves of a Sassafras Tree!

Other influential people in my life were:

• My Grandmother who taught me crafts and how to make something with your own hands to show someone they are loved with a special gift.
• Gramps taught me about nature by taking my sister and I to the parks and teaching us about types of trees, birds, and so much more.
• My Aunt who spent quality time with my sister and I a few times a year and taught us how to make zucchini bread, chocolate candy, & always made us feel special.
• Friends & neighbors whom I became close with and I was able to see how other families lived and loved.
• Co-workers in my late teen and young adult years who took me under their wing and shared what they had learned with me.

Dayton Dragon's Game w/Aunt Shell

Of course these are only a few examples of my childhood mentors that I think about occasionally.  These mentors also remind me that it’s good for my kids to spend time with others because hubby and I can’t teach them everything.  So far here are some childhood mentors that my boys will have other than us:

• The sisters love sports and they can take the boys to baseball, basketball, and football games.
• My in-laws enjoy boating and take us and the boys when they get a chance to a lake close by.
• My sister-in-law and her family love boating and share their houseboat on Cumberland Lake.
• Hubby’s love of farming and oh the many things the boys will learn from him!

There will be many, many more mentors in their lives and I can’t wait to see who they are and what the boys learn from them.  I have to admit though it is hard to let go and allow my kids to have special bonds with others, but I realize they will be better for it and learn things during that quality time.  I hope though that when my boys open their heart to let someone in that their innocence isn’t taken advantage of, because that’s no price to pay for knowledge.

My mind continues to wonder what type of influence I will be for my three nieces.  I hope I create positive memories for them, and I’m able to teach them something that will be beneficial to them in the future.  Only time will tell, but I hope it’s a memorable experience either way. 

Who were your mentors when you were a child?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 10, 2010

I’ve always loved Math, I learned now to keep records by working for the government for 11 years, and my Accounting classes in college I believe prepared me for the future I had ahead of me.  I currently do the bookkeeping for our farm, hubby’s concrete business, my Longaberger & blogging businesses, and not to mention the normal household finances.  So I guess it’s safe to say I’m more of a work-at-home Mom than a stay-at-home Mom.

In the years I’ve been doing the bookkeeping I’ve learned a lot of ways to stretch the income and pay less taxes.  Not only do you have the normal deductions, but there are also ways to write off medical expenses, and many others 100%.  In order to do all of that though you have to be disciplined enough to keep accurate records.

I highly suggest anyone that’s self employed to become a member of the National Association for the Self Employed (NASE).  They taught me how to save thousands and they are a good resource for all small businesses.  Yes there is a small membership fee, but it’s been well worth it.  They are a wealth of information and help with tax tips, insurance worries, marketing help, organizing ideas,  and so much more.  To top it off they are the advocates for us entrepreneurs and meet with members of Congress on issues important to the self-employed and micro-business on a daily basis.

With our membership fee we receive a newsletter with a wealth of information that sometimes pertains to our business and sometimes it doesn’t.  For example articles on:

• How to make the most of social media tools.
• Steps to protect your money.
• Update you on mileage rates
• and so much more

I could go on and on explaining all the programs and discounts that the NASE provides for the self employed.  Instead I’ll assure you that it’s worth your money, you won’t be disappointed, and the best thing for you to do is check it out yourself.  I wish you the best of luck in your business!

What assets have helped you with your business?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 8, 2010

I’ve been doing this blogging thing for over a year now and let me just say . . . . I LOVE IT!!!!!!  I love writing, even though I my need a brush up on basic grammar and English lessons.  I love adding pictures I’ve taken or finding pictures to add to my posts.  I love connecting links that take the reader on a journey to other sites, blogs, or even to another post here on my site.

According to my stats I’ve had over 10,000 viewers and I’m not only humbled by the number but also the positive feedback I’m getting from friends, family, and readers.  I’m amazed that anything I have written has been read and may have  brought a smile to someone’s face, helped tackle a challenge in ones life, or just been a moment of relaxation for the reader.

This site has brought together my love of computers, my need to share, and my helpful heart, and my love to connect with others and meet new people.  I sincerely hope what I’ve written has helped someone in some way even if just for a second.

I’ve received over 200 comments from readers and those are nothing but a gift that makes my day.  Knowing someone read what I wrote and took the time to leave a comment is a gift of time from a reader that I may or may not know.   So for those who have left comments I thank you for such a wonderful gift because that’s the most precious thing anyone can give another.

Well reader friends I hope you continue to enjoy my thoughts as I share them with you here on my site, and please don’t hesitate to leave a comment whether it be good or bad.  I sincerely appreciate your time and hope you “are doing” or “find” whatever makes you happy in this thing we call life.  I have! 

What do you LOVE to do?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 5, 2010

I believe it’s only here in the Cincinnati area where The Kroger Company updated their fuel reward system, but I could be wrong.  Anyway I’m trying to utilize the rewards as much as possible to get the maximum fuel discount and free groceries allowed.  Here’s  the reward programs & my strategy. . .

Kroger Plus Rewards (discounted fuel)

First of all you get points for the amount of groceries you buy, which is a given, and they give you bonus points for buying gift cards & prescriptions.

• Gift cards are 100 points for every $50 spent for qualifying cards.
• Prescriptions are 50 points for every script filled.

I do my weekly shopping at Krogers so the points are racking up quickly just on groceries alone, but to get even more points I’m buying one gift card a week for a restaurant or store that I will need to shop at in the hear future.  For instance, I frequent McDonalds at least once a week so I always make sure I’ve got a gift card on hand to pay for lunch or my breakfast before my grocery shopping on the weekends.  I also hit Krogers on Black Friday before doing my shopping for the day.  I was planning to stop at Kohl’s, Bass Pro Shop, and many others that day so by buying the gift cards at Krogers I also earned free gas as well.  By doing this I rarely pay the retail price of gas as long as I plan ahead and utilize the program.

Yes I do use gift cards for gifts as well so don’t think I just buy them for myself. 

Kroger Master Card Rewards (free groceries)

If you happen to have a Kroger Master Card not only are you getting an extra 5 cents off a gallon when you pay for your gas using their Master Card, but points accumulate towards free groceries.  So by being a loyal Kroger customer you accumulate points for two different programs within one shopping trip.  That is great!!

The points you accumulate on the Master Card turn into free groceries.  So about every three months they not only send me coupons for things I buy,  but I also get between $70 & $90 Kroger checks to use in their store.

If you look at the rewards programs in depth it’s a constant savings and here’s why:

• Upon checking out I use my Kroger Shopper Card to get the sale price, and hand over any coupons.
• Depending on what my total is I get points towards fuel.
• By using my MasterCard points are accumulated on it for free groceries.
• When fueling up I scan my ShopperCard, which is on the back of my MasterCard, to use my points to get discounted fuel.
• Then I use my MasterCard to pay for the fuel, which in turn helps be accumulate more points for free groceries.

Talk about an awesome loyalty shoppers reward system!!  I love my Oxford Krogers!  Cheezy I know, but true!

What grocery store do you shop at the most and what shopping program do they have?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 3, 2010

After having my first son I went back to work part-time and in those months it drove me nuts that I was missing that time with him.  Thankfully our financial situation was stable enough for me to quit my job, and become a stay-at-home Mom.  I knew subconsciously though that I would have to do what I could to make the transition from being at home with me all the time to being ok with being away from me when the school years came upon us.

Once at home I knew it was healthy for him and I to get out and meet other Moms and kids so we ventured to the local library and they had storytime.  It was a great program that not only taught the kids a lot, but also allowed them time to play together in the  safety of the library.  Also storytime for my son was the first step in getting him ready for preschool, which was the second step of the weening process.

Also during the two years of storytime I took him to “Toddler Gym” that was offered in a neighboring county.  It was an open gym with tumbling mats, balls, and various things to play on or in.  It lasted for a couple of hours and allowed him to run and play.  I sure miss watching him waddle around and learn how to take turns with other little ones. 

The local preschool offers a 1 or 2 year program, and I thought it was best for him to take the two year not only for the time away from me but for the learning and social aspects as well.  The schedule was Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday mornings from 8:45 to 11:30, or an afternoon class with the same amount of time.  I remember like it was yesterday the first day I dropped him off.  He was perfectly fine and I was a complete mess.  I was leaving my first baby out in the world without me so to comfort myself I stayed next door at the library until it was time to get him.  Yes, you’re probably right this weening process was more for me than it was for him, so I’ll admit it now. 

I was truly hoping that storytime, toddler gym, preschool, and play dates with new friends was all he needed to get ready for Kindergarten, but only time would tell.

After the two years of preschool it was time for Kindergarten, which happened to be a full day.  In my opinion a full day is a lot for a 5 year old, and thankfully they had the half day option if needed.  I ended up sending him the full day, because that’s the schedule all the other kids do and I didn’t want him to miss out on anything.  Yet again I was a mess the first week I put him on the bus, but we both ended up doing fine. 

I would like to suggest to any stay-at-home Mom to do what you can and get out with your little ones to prepare them, as well as you, for the school years to come.  I’m currently watching a daughter and Mom struggle who didn’t think to do that, and now her daughter is really struggling and the Mom’s heart breaks for her everyday.  My heart goes out to both of them, and hope they make it through this trying time.

What did you do with your kids to get them ready for the school years?

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Posted By CCOAF on March 1, 2010

Thank God I was born after the invention of the microwave!  I bitch about cooking constantly and I’m sure my Grandmother shakes her finger at me in heaven and says, “Be thankful for not having to make things from scratch, sister!  You’ve got it good compared to me back in the day!”

Yep like I’ve said in previous posts I come by not liking to cook honestly, because from what I’ve been told even my Grandmother didn’t like cooking.  I really feel for her!  She was definitely born in the wrong period of time.  I on the other hand have it good compared to her, and I should be thankful.  I am, but I’m sure not as much as I should be.

I’ve been watching the show “Worst Cooks in America” on the Food Network lately, and I hope to God no one nominates me to be on the show.  I know that’s what some of my family and friends have been thinking.  First of all I definitely have no interest in learning how to make gourmet foods, and I know I would definitely crack under the time pressure.  If there was a show however that taught you how to make normal meals for your family then count me in, but please no time limit. 

I felt so sorry for those contestants on the Worst Cooks in America show.  First of all they obviously didn’t cook well, but they were expected to prepare gourmet meals with very little instruction.  Why humiliate someone who can’t cook and expect them to prepare gourmet within a time limit.  I realize it makes drama that’s needed for a show, but come on.  If you’re going to have a competition such as this then at least have them learn something they can feed their family for Pete’s sake.

I totally realize the catch of the show is to see if expert judges, at the end of the competition, can tell that the entrees were prepared by someone who can’t cook, which creates the drama at the end.  If you would have a competition where bad cooks would learn how to prepare family friendly meals then a couple of families could be the judges.  Just a thought.

What cooking shows do you watch, if any?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 26, 2010

Research consistently shows that kids benefit from relationships with caring adults in addition to parents. A study of 1,000 young people for Big Brothers Big Sisters showed that, compared to other groups, children with mentors were 46 % less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 53 % less likely to skip school, 33% less likely to engage in school violence. They also showed improved peer and family relationships.

The day we met.

I can honestly say that statistics isn’t what lured me into becoming a Mentor.  It was more my helpful personality, giving heart, and volunteering spirit that sparked when a new friend mentioned she had been a “Big Sister” in her early 20s. At the time I was 24, and had been on my own and supporting myself for 5 years.  I realized I had the extra time to take on a commitment like mentoring a child so I called the Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization.  After doing all the paperwork and background checks I spoke with a BBBS Counselor, whose name was Neal.  Neal’s job was to match me up with a “Little Sister” so I made sure he knew I wanted the youngest one available.  I had decided this wasn’t going to be “just a mentoring” relationship, but instead a life long friend.

On August 16, 1997 I met Renee who was 7 years old, younger than BBBS’s 8 year old requirements, who had 3 older sisters who were already matched up with “Big Sisters.”  The girls’ Mother, in my opinion, gave her girls the best gift she could ever give them, especially since she was terminally ill.  They each had a “Big Sister” Mentor.  We were all set!

In the years to come not only did I help her with homework, take her places, make special projects, but I also made sure I got to know her family to help her understand and manage the relationships she had with her Sisters, Mother, and Step-Father. Other than always touching base and becoming a part of her family I made her a part of mine by taking her to all the family functions over the years.

Graduation!!

Like I said before my relationship wasn’t going to be just a mentoring one, and we’ve created something amazing over the years.  She was there when I got married, had my first two sons, and she was close enough to experience the pregnancy with my third son on a daily basis.  Yes that’s right!  We filed for custody of her due to her Mother’s illness and she became a permanent part of our family prior to having our third son.

As you can see this relationship has gone above and beyond any mentoring relationship that I know of, and for that we are so proud.  I can honestly say though that I’ve learned just as much or more from her as she has learned from me.  Now that I look back on the experience, while she was young ,it seems to me that I was a “parent-in-training.”  A lot of the things I did with her I’m also doing with my own kids.  Wow!

Have you made a difference in a child’s life?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 24, 2010

I’ve always felt sorry for farm animals because they seem so lonely out in the pasture by themselves and they always looked dirty.  Since I met my husband I’ve heard tons of stories about farmers neglecting their live stock, and I’ve also seen the nastiness of confined animal operations.

My hubby is an exception to the rule when it comes to raising farm animals.  He checks and counts the cattle daily to make sure all are accounted for and healthy.  He checks and maintains the fences on a regular basis to not only keep his herd together, but also keep them safe and off the country roads.  He religiously cleans the barn floor and spreads the manure on the fields.  Last but not least he feeds them around the same time everyday.

There are times when they need medical attention, and he’s on top of it.  Whether they are bloated and need relief, a cow needs help having her calf, or whatever the case may be he does what he has to do to keep them healthy.  Thankfully the cattle and pigs are taken good care of so they don’t get sick and need medicine, which makes for healthy beef and pork for us later.

The animals get a good mixture of feed which includes grain (field corn), & supplement that contains vitamins & minerals with a little molasses to make it sweet.  From what I remember hubby told me the molasses helps to get the cattle hooked on the grain so they eat that more than just feeding off of the pasture so they get the vitamins & minerals they need.  They also get a bale of hay that he previously cut from the hay field, which is also better for them than what they get from the pasture.

I honestly don’t understand how he doesn’t get attached to the animals to where he can’t eat the beef or pork later since he takes such good care of them.  Thankfully he does though and we enjoy the fruits of his labor, or should I say the meat of his labor at our supper table.

Do you have a farmer story?

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Posted By CCOAF on February 22, 2010

I’m not one to bash a company, and really this post isn’t going to be a bashing but a way to get my point and opinion across.  So here it goes . . .

I’m a consumer that promotes and brags about products I like or that work well for me just like everyone else, in hopes for it to help someone else out as well.  When I find that perfect product I also use it to it’s fullest advantage.  My promoting & bragging use to just be to my friends or family, but now that I have this platform (my blog) it can reach so many more people.

Palm Z22

Ever since I’ve been on my own, which was the age of 19, and had two jobs to keep me busy I relied heavily on a pocket calendar.  The pocket calendars were nice until I was introduced to the Franklin Covey,  then moved to Calendar Creator (printable computer software), and finally in 2005 I longed for a handheld electronic calendar.  Low and behold I found the Palm Z22 with the Palm Desktop software, which allowed me to have my calendar at my fingertips, sync it with my computer, and still print it out if needed.  I was set so I thought!

Palm Centro

At this time the PDAs & cell phones hadn’t merged into one, if I remember correctly, but when they did the Palm Treo was born.  At that time the Palm Treo, even though it had the calendar & cell phone all in one, were to pricey for me.  I continued to hope that Palm would come out with a smaller version of the Treo and to my surprise the Palm Centro hit the market.  I was VERY VERY pleased  with my awesome calendar that was color coded per family member, my grocery list in my memos, scheduled tasked to remind me to do things I shouldn’t forget, and the list goes on.  I boosted about my phone from day 1, and now some of my friends have one too.  I love sharing!!

Palm Pre

Just recently Palm came out with their Palm Pre & Pre Pixi Plus with Verizon Wireless, which is the service that I use and love.  I was ready to graduate to the next step and not only have a cell phone, but also my calendar & internet connection all in one.  Even though the Centro had the capability I wasn’t ready to pay for the extra charge to have the internet on my phone, but now I am.

So I upgraded to the Palm Pre Pixi Plus ready to transfer my calendar, contacts, menos, and tasks without skipping a beat, but unfortunately I was stopped dead in my tracks.  I spent a weeks worth of extra time trying to get my calendar, memos, tasks, & contacts to transfer to the Pixi, but to no avail.  Unfortunately Palm has done away with the one thing that separated them from all other Smartphones, which was the unique customizable calendar that I grew to love and rely on daily.  Why Palm?  Why?

At this point I’m soooooo disappointed with Palm!  They have become another Smartphone  like all the rest with nothing that makes them unique.  Why Palm? Why?

What was your “WHY” moment?  Do please share!!

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