Even though you seem to be in sync most of the time, there are times when it seems both of you are just a little off the norm.  This can be rather aggravating when you normally are in sync.  It rattles the nerves.  It is frustrating.

For instance, why is it when you want to talk to or text someone, it seems they are not available? You send a txt and wait and wait.  You say to yourself, that is it…I will not send another one until I hear back.  But, after a time, you find yourself becoming impatient and sending another txt.  This describes me so well.  I make myself mad by letting it drive me crazy.  Maybe there needs to be a support group for the impatient. 

Try Outer Banks vacation rentals for your next vacation.  Spring  is coming up!

But, unfortunately, some are not able to be upgraded with additional memory.  It is always best to over buy what you think you might need in memory when purchasing a computer.  That way you will not run out of room.

When you have had your own home for 15 years and you suddenly find yourself homeless with two kids, it is pretty scary.  This economy has not been kind to anyone except the gasoline companies.

We are at the exciting part of building…picking out the colors of the walls and flooring.  Hopefully everything will be complete in a few weeks.  We made the entire attic living space.  It is a 20×30 foot space from which we will have a mastersuite with a bedroom, bath, small living area/kitchenette and a bathroom.  The kids will get a bedroom of their own downstairs.  We will finally have a bit of space and some much needed privacy.

My mom had her garage turned into a master bedroom suite to give some much needed living space a couple of years ago.  Craming an entire house of stuff into someone else’s house is not an easy task and unfortunately, some stuff you really didn’t want to get rid of has to go for lack of space. 

I guess you never realize how very little you need to actually make it in hard times.  We have learned that stuff just gets in the way.  We have been able to donate a ton of things to the needy.  I think this has certainly gave us a new perspective on the important things in life — each other.   We are very thankful this year to have our family, health, and a roof over our heads!

A parent told me of an incident that had happened to her daughter on the elementary playground of the school my children were attending.  What alerted her to the problem is a sudden unusual outburst and behavior by her daughter that happened at home.  The problems included some molestation issues of younger children by older children (thankfully my daughter was not involved – thanks to her older brother looking out for her).  When the director was informed, she told my friend that her daughter had learned the suddenly exhibited outburst and behavior at home.  Both my friend and myself were shocked that the director would even insinuate such a thing. 

 Once I learned about what was going on with what was dubbed “the cool girls”, I immediately spoke to my son who was 12 and asked if he knew anything about the happenings on the elementary playground.  It is a small school and between two buildings houses preschool through 8th grade.  He informed me that he indeed had and immediately told his sister to stay away from the playhouse no matter what.

If my son and his friends in middle school knew what was going on, it showed it actually was happening even though the director refused to acknowledge it.  My husband and I immediately decided it was time to get them out of that school as soon as possible.  The problem with that lies in the fact that my daughter has learning difficulties and cannot go to school just anywhere.  That is why we were at The Montessori School in Chattanooga to begin with.  My daughter’s physcial therapist had highly recommended the school to us based on my daughter’s learning needs. 

My son at the time of this recommendation was happy and thriving in 4th grade as an honor student at an altogether different school in which my daughter would not be adequately accommodated — Silverdale Baptist Academy.  When I toured The Montessori School and spoke with the director she assured me that she could help my daughter.  Once she learned I had another child, she then emphatically informed me that if I didn’t transfer my son to The Montessori School, that she would not take my daughter.  I was very angry at the thought of being forced to move my son from his environment.  We didn’t have a lot of options available to us and it seemed that the hands on learning would best suit my daughter at the time as this is the only Montessori school in this city.

 After my husband and I discussed this unhappy turn of events, we then spoke to our son to see what his reaction might be.  He was very mature to be a 10 year old and said, “I know my sister really needs this and cannot go to my school, so I will move to The Montessori School.”  We talked with him at great length making sure he was really ok with the move.  He was unhappy to leave his friends with whom he had been with since the beginning, but wanted to make sure his sister had what she needed too.  With heavy hearts we spoke to my son’s principal who is an amazing Christian woman.  She was shocked to learn of such barbaric practices for a director to pad one’s pocket so to speak instead of wanting what is best for a child.  She told me that SBA would never insist on a family placing all their children at one school because one school does not necessarily fit all.  She asked if I wanted her to call the director and speak with her.  I told her no, that we had spoken to our son and he was ok with the move to help his sister (something that the director should never have even asked us to do).  As they say, hindsight is 20/20. 

Here it was February already which would make it most difficult to find another school that would be able to help my daughter with her learning differences.  Also, my friend moved her children immediately into the public school in their area.  Although her daughter does not have learning problems and was supposedly working and mastering things at a second grade level, once tested in the public school system, she was found to be very deficit in things that The Montessori School had said she had passed and mastered.  This really alarmed me as my child had learning issues.

I was not able to really get anywhere with her teacher and even had brought in her physical therapist who specializes in children with learning differences.  She sat in on a meeting at the beginning of the year to set some guidelines and make some suggestions on how to best help my daughter in the classroom.  This was a big expense for me to have her at school for the meeting. 

My daughter who was finishing up 2nd grade had been at a standstill on the learning curve this year.  After having several meetings I was still frustrated with the current school.  The pushed independent learning.  That is great if you can learn on your own which she cannot.  She needed modifications which were not being done according to what our therapist had suggested.  This other issue of the molestation was the last straw…the thing that told me there HAD to be something better for my daughter and my son.

My son really wanted to go back to SBA where he had moved from.  We scheduled testing.  The testing showed he was very far behind from where he should be and we were told that it would be difficult for him to succeed there now.  That was a big blow to us.  We hadn’t realized how far my son had fallen behind.  He was passing and making good grades at The Montessori School so there was no reason to believe he would be or could be behind.  Afterall, according to the director, The Montessori School is far superior in academics to traditional private schools.  HA! We certainly knew that was far from the truth.  SBA asked us if we had any other schools we were applying to and we mentioned Hickory Valley Christian School.  The principal said that they have no difficulty taking students from Hickory Valley.  Well, that was definitely all I needed to hear to speed up the process of getting my kids out as fast as I could.

I ended up calling the principal at Hickory Valley Christian School that I had spoken with a couple of years earlier to see if they had openings for their school.  She told me they did and that I could bring both in for testing.  After the testing, I asked her if she could help my children.  She said she knew they could.  I felt so much relief!

Once they had gone through the testing process, I was told that Cameron had done well enough to go on into the 7th grade but did have some serious math deficits that would have to be worked on.  As for my daughter who was finishing up 2nd grade, she did not fair nearly as well.  She had tested as barely being on a 1st grade level.  We decided to hold her back in 2nd grade and tutor her during the summer to bring her up as much as we could before the fall.

I am happy to say that after only two tutoring sessions my daughter finally “got” math! I mean she could add with no problems because of a program called Dots and Spots math.  She was able to do subtraction after the 3rd session with a program called Punch Math which adds a bit of kinetics to the math and makes it easier to remember.  I was simply amazed. 

The reading tutor is trained in the LIPS (Linda Bell Mood) phonics program.  After 2 sessions, my daughter was reading much better.  She was actually stopping at the end of each sentence instead of going nonstop. 

Since we are now into the 4th week of school, my daughter’s self esteem continues to climb as do her academics.  In math, although still behind where she needs to be, she is now carrying and borrowing with no trouble at all.  The reading has really taken off.  Now she cannot wait to go to the library to bring new books home to read.  She is taking AR tests on the computer and passing them.  She loves to read.  I know by the end of the year she will definitely be ready for 3rd grade.  These teachers at Hickory Valley Christian really care about the students.   If one method does not work for a child, they use another until they find what works.  The environment is so loving and kind.  The teachers hug and love on the kids and they kids reciprocate.  It is such a nice change.

We have finally gotten to a point where my daughter is not crying at homework time.  She can actually do her homework.  She feels successful.  She now knows she can learn and succeed.

Oh, and another great thing about HVCS, they have an occupational therapist on staff who teaches Neuronet to the students in grades K – 3 during physical education.  What in the world is Neuronet you might ask?  Click on the link above to learn all about it.  Neuronet instruction is VERY expensive and can only be given by someone specially trained to use it.  This is INCLUDED at HVCS!

My son? He is loving school.  He is really working hard in math and has really impressed his teacher.  He says he has learned more in 3 weeks at Hickory Valley Christian than in 2 years at The Montessori.  I am so happy.  The teachers cannot say enough nice things about my son’s work and his character. 

 My children have found many others who have come from The Montessori School.  No wonder HVCS knew they could help my kids.  They are used to picking up the pieces and putting them back together again as a whole successful academic picture. 

The principal is the just the sweetest woman in the world.  My kids love her as do all the children.  They all make a beeline to her whenever they see her.  I cannot say enough good things about the school my children are attending this year!  We could not be happier. This is the school that will bring out all of their hidden potential to prepare them for high school. 

I am here to say that HVCS is the best kept secret in Chattanooga! It is a goldmine of educational techniques and resources.

Always remember you are your child’s best advocate.  If you feel something is not right, go with your instinct and investigate.  Today it is imperative for us to take charge of our child’s educational needs.  If you do not, no one else will. 

I also heard that yet another molestation issue has occurred in that playhouse on the playground with two young boys this time.  Oh, and by the way, that playhouse, where the molestation supposedly “never” took place, has been torn down all of a sudden.  Interesting huh?  Yeah, I thought so too. 

Each basket is labeled for that specific decade for instance,  “Do Not Open Unless You Were a Child of the 70′s.” 

Here is a rundown of what is included for each decade:

~1940′s~Decade Box Gift Basket

This Retro Candy Gift Box is full of favorite nostalgic candy. Contains Abba Zabba, Beemans Gum, Bit OHoney, Bubble Gum Cigars, Candy Buttons, Candy Cigarettes, Chuckles Jelly Candy, Cow Tales, Giant Smarties, Jujubes, Jujyfruits, Jumbo Mint Stick, Oh Henry, Pearsons Salted Nut Roll, Red Hots, Rock Candy Crystals Box, Sen Sen, Sugar Daddy Pops, Teaberry Gum, Tootsie Pops, Bulls Eyes Caramel Creams, Chick O Stick Nuggets, Necco Assorted Wafers, Root Beer Barrels, Black Taffy, Tootsie Roll Midgees & Walnettos. Contains 60 or more pieces (a mixture of small, medium & full size candies) & weighs between 2 – 2 1/2 pounds. Box size approx. 8″x5″x8″. Some items may be substituted when necessary.

~1950′s~Decade Box Gift Basket

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Chuckles, Charms Ass’t Squares, Candy Buttons, Necco Wafers Chocolate, Cherry Mash, Necco Wafers Ass’t, Mary Janes, Zagnut Bar, Sno-Caps, Violet Scented Gum, Charms Pop Sweet, Walnettos, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Bubble Gum Cigars, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup,Teaberry Gum, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Oh! Henry Bar, Gold Mine Nugget Gum, Wax Lips, Sen-Sen Breath Refreshment, Skybar, Chocolate Moon Pie, Black Licorice Pipe, Abba-Zaba, Slo-Poke Jr. Sucker, Vanilla French Chew Taffy, Cup-o-Gold, Chocolate Cigarettes, Slap Stix, Chick-o-stick, Butter Rum Lifesavers, Clark Bar, Goetze’s Cow Tail, Haviland Wintergreen Patty, Vanilla Bun Bar.

~1960′s~ Decade Box Gift Basket

Jiffy Pop, Cup-o-Gold, Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Wonka Bottlecaps, Pixy Stix, Goobers, Boston Baked Beans, Chuckles, Charms Ass’t Squares, Candy Buttons, Necco Wafers Chocolate, Cherry Mash, Necco Wafers Ass’t, Razzles, Oh! Henry Bar, Bubble Gum Cigar, Charms Sweet Pop, Zotz, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cups, C Howard Violet Mints, Marshmallow Cones, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Gold Mine Nugget Bubble Gum, Wax Lips, Goetze’s Cow Tail, Fruit Stripe Gum, Sen-Sen Breath Refreshment, Cherryheads, Black Licorice Pipe, Skybar, Slo-Poke Jr. Sucker, 5 Flavor Lifesavers, Big Hunk, Vanilla French Chew Taffy, Clark Bar, Chocolate Cigarettes, Maple Bun Bar.

~1970′s~Decade Box Gift Basket

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Wonka Bottlecaps, Pixy Stix, Goobers, Boston Baked Beans, Sen-Sen Breath Refreshment, Charms Ass’t Squares, Candy Buttons, Necco Wafers Chocolate, Andy Capp Hot Frieds, Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Rocky Road Milk Chocolate, Laffy Taffy Strawberry, Lemon Mints, Black Licorice Pipe, Razzles, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Bubble Gum Cigars, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Oh! Henry Bar, Gold Mine Nugget Gum, Wax Lips, Cherryheads, Clark Bar, Chuckles, Goetze’s Cow Tail, Slo-Poke Sucker, Sweetart, Caramel Bun Bar, Vanilla French Chew Taffy, Freshen Up Gum, Strawberry Pop Rocks, Zotz, Hershey’s Special Dark Bar, Super Rope, Chick-o-Stick, Skor Bar, A&W Root Beer Barrels,Gobstoppers.

~1980′s~Decade Box Gift Basket

Nik-L-Nip Wax Bottles, Pixy Stix, Bit-o-Honey, Laffy Taffy – Watermelon, Jawbusters, Lemonheads, Rainbow Coconut Bar, Flicks, Lotsa Fizz, Atomic Fire Balls, Jolly Joes, Wonka Bottlecaps, Wax Fangs, Lifesaver Pops – Swirl, Bubble Gum Cigarettes, Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup, Zours, Wink Soda, Goetze’s Cow Tail, Candy Stix Cigarettes, Sweetarts, Zero Bar, Charleston Chew Chocolate, Now & Later – Grape, Candy Necklace, Now & Later Cherry, Bubblicious Paradise, Freshen-Up Bubble Gum, Jungle Jollies, Good ‘n Plenty, Saf-T-Pops Swirl, Tiny Chiclets, Strawberry Pop Rocks, Big Roll Smartie, Nerds.

~1990′s~Decade Box Gift Basket

3″ Whirly Pop, Bosco Blue Berry, Wonka Chocolate/ Graham Bar, 100 Grand Bar, Whatchamacallit, Laffy Taffy Sparkling Cherry, Ice Cube, Smoothie bar, Black Forest Gummi Bears, Nerds Rope, Now & Later Green Tingleberry, Hershey Special Dark Bar, Candy Cigarettes, Smarties, Tootsie Roll Twisties, Wonka Runts, Big League Chew, Bubblicious Paradise Punch, Rock Candy, Candy Stampers, Cry Baby Tears, Jolly Rancher Cherry, Lotsa Fizz, Wonka Gobstopper, Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip, Candy Lipstick, Intense Fruit Chews, Pearson’s Nut Roll, Double Lolly, Whistle Pops.

 These awesome Decade Gift Boxes were voted “Best Overall Value” by the Wall Street Journal’s Catalog Critic. 

I already know some family on my Christmas list I will be ordering these for!

We would all agree that a big hairy monster in your house would be a bit unnerving, but you do know what you are dealing with.  That is why identity theft is so frightening.  Many people don’t know they’ve been victimized until their credit report is so damaged that they’re rejected for a credit card, car loan, or home mortgage.  It takes months or even years to repair the damage. 

A thief may not use your stolen information right away.  The problem is that they have the information and may use it at any time.  Federal authorities have prosecuted thieves who have used stolen passwords to filch credit reports and steal from thousands of consumers.

While identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the USA, obtaining credit reports is particularly scary.  A credit report is the mother-load of information.  Access to a credit report gives thieves access to existing credit card accounts, individual’s date of birth, Social Security number all which can be used to open fraudulent accounts.

As a victim of identity theft, let me tell you firsthand that it is a total NIGHTMARE that keeps going and going for years.  I have been dealing with this for more than 2 years.  What irks me is that even with a fraud alert constantly on my credit report this piece of crap is still able to keep opening accounts in my name with my Social Security number and driver’s license number.  Mind you this is not even happening in the same state as my driver’s license.  Unfortunately, a college I attended a few years back had several computers stolen from the admissions office which held thousands of students’ information.  So, I have no idea exactly when it happened, but believe me I am still picking up the pieces and mess this person has wreaked on my life.  I have had tons of creditors calling me and attorneys sending me threatening letters to pay up or else. 

I filed a police report as soon as I realized what had happened.  I notified all 3 credit agencies.  The problem is that you cannot get an new Social Security number.  I have changed my driver’s license number.  Fortunately there was no banking information or credit card information stolen.  The person still is able to open accounts in my name which just totally boggles the mind.  Can it ever be stopped? I honestly don’t know.  Maybe if it were a credit card or bank account it would be easier to stop by cancelling the accounts and getting new ones. 

I recently joined LifeLock through Sunshine Rewards.  I received $9.00 cash backfor trying LifeLock through Sunshine Rewards.  I must say that thus far I am very happy with their service.  They keep a fraud alert on my whole family’s credit file without me having to do a thing.  I just notified them yesterday that I had received yet another letter from an attorney threatening me for payment on a fraudulent account.  I am anxious to see what will be the next step LifeLock thinks should be. 

information found:  http://www.hairpedia.com/beauty-tips-secrets/skin-care-2.php

A major key to having younger looking skin is weekly exfoliation.  With so many exfoliants on the market, how do you know what’s right for your skin?

There are 2 classes of exfoliants:  Mechanical and Chemical.  Mechanical is when there are scrubby particles (usually synthetic beads or ground nuts/pits in a liquid gel base, that when rubbed on, physically break the bond between the old skin cells that need to go and the rest of your skin.  Chemical exfoliants are compounds that dissolve the “glue” that holds the old skin cells on so that they can slough off on there own.   

Mechanical exfoliants are great for the body.  In MOST cases (not all) they can be too harsh for delicate facial skin. Mechanical exfoliants can cause microscopic abrasions that can allow bacteria into the skin, which can result in acne.  If mechanical exfoliants cannot be avoided, try to use one created with synthetic beads.  Synthetic beads are perfectly round and less likely to cause damage.  Try to avoid exfoliants made with nuts, pits, or shells unless it is a very high-end product because otherwise they are roughly ground with extremely rough edges.

To try a high end mechanical exfoliation, check out Artistry’s Microexfoliation Cloth.  It works great and is gentle on my sensitive skin.

Artistry^® Microexfoliation Cloth

Experience dramatic results and youthful radiance without risk.

Made of ultrafine fibers, the MicroExfoliation Cloth gently polishes away dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, improving skin clarity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – resulting in a dramatic youthful radiance.

For all skin types.

The next major category of home exfoliation is chemical.  This category tends to be most confusing of the two categories.

Chemical

• Glycolic Acid:  from sugar cane, good for most skin types, except for very sensitive skin – most common AHA on market
• Malic Acid:  from apples, not often used alone, often used in an AHA blend of 3 or more acids
• Lactic Acid:  comes from milk, a favorite, has all of the bond braking goodness of other AHAs but has the added benefit of being moisturizing, used in many treatments – great for sensitive skin
• Citric Acid: from citrus fruits, can be very irritating if not in low concentrations or blended with other acids
• Tartaric Acid:  will not see this unless it comes in a blend
• Beta Hydroxy Acids:  another common exfoliant, is a salicylic acid

But when to use what?????

AHAs are water-soluble which means, they don’t really absorb into the skin (since one of the skin’s function is to keep water out), they do their work on a surface level only.  If you have mostly clear skin, but are concerned with fine lines and sun damage, use AHAs.  Please note that in order to work best, these acids need to be in the correct concentration of 5-8 % and at a pH of 3-4. This usually is not stated on the bottle. If the AHA is listed as the 2nd or 3rd ingredient, it’s usually in the proper concentration.  Artistry^® Alpha Hydroxy Serum Plus

Salicylic Acid is lipid (oil) soluble. This means that it can get into the pore and clean out the sebum (oil) and dead skin cells inside. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the BHA is the one to use.

clear.now™ Skin Care System         

Enzymes:

There is a third type of chemical exfoliant – the enzyme.  Enzymes work to dissolve the top layer of dead cells (unlike AHAs that just eat up the bond that holds them on).  Not all enzymes do the trick.  They must be in a class known as Proteolytic Plant Enzymes.  The ones normally used in skin care are Papaya, Pineapple, and Pumpkin.  Enzymes are great for sensitive skin.

IMPORTANT: Enzymes are what women and men of color should be using for exfoliation. Mechanical exfoliation can damage the skin causing dark spots. Acids can cause discoloration (lightening of pigment). Enzymes are safe and very gentle.

When using any exfoliant, it is imperative to keep up with the sunscreen/sunblock. Exfoliation can make skin more sensitive to the sun and can cause some nasty burns. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every 2 hours of sun exposure and certainly after being in water. Don’t forget your lips!!

Don’t let your skin become dull and flaky! Show off the healthy skin that’s just one little layer away!

Artistry^® Microdermabrasion Therapy      Artistry^® Lip Care Kit

                                                                                                                                   Revitalize, hydrate, and pamper your lips.  

Try the Artistry^® Spa Collection for extra pampering!

Artistry^® Sugar Scrub                                       

  Artistry^®  Moisture Souffle

                                                                                                Artistry^® Foaming Bath Wash

Artistry^®  is one of the world’s top five lagest-selling prestige brands of facial skin care and colour cosmetics.  From the high standards for research and development to state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the ARTISTRY brand is an industry leader.  All ARTISTRY products are dermatologically and allergy tested. 

Healthy looking skin – guaranteed, with clinically proven skin care.I proudly feature Artistry^® skin care products, used workwide for radiant, glowing, healthy-looking skin. Artistry Skin Care and Cosmetics, a top prestige brand of facial skin care on colour cosmetics, is clinically proven, high-performing skin care, combining the very best of art and science. 

from:  http://www.hairpedia.com/beauty-tips-secrets/skin-care-2.php