WHAT I TEACH MY KIDS

Remember: "A mistake is only a mistake, if you make it twice!" Even though there are times in life we make poor choices, bad decisions, you must learn from it and move on. If you don't learn from it, well then, you've got a problem. But just know that as long as you acknowledge you made a mistake and do everything you can to correct it, then you will be just fine. We learn and grow from our mistakes. No one is perfect and no one should judge. Just learn, grow and let live.

Peace! ❤

#lifelessons #wordsofwisdom #mommywarrior #thepowertobehappy #liveandlearn

SUPER SMART 3-YEAR OLD

It’s Incredible the Things This 3-Year Old Girl Knows!

Three-year-old Brielle, is wise beyond her years. She knows all her States and Capitals,  all the countries in Europe and Africa, she can name all the Presidents and she knows the entire Periodic Table and facts that most adults don't even know!

Incredible!

 

 

 

FAMILY MUST COME FIRST

It is amazing to me how people are shocked at how screwed up the world is. (Terrorism is a whole other subject.) I am talking about home-grown craziness, lack of respect, lack of values, lack of work ethic, and apathetic generation that is up & coming.

We as a country, as people, as parents, need to focus more on the family unit. More family time is needed. Whether you have an average family, blended family, divorced family, single parenting family, time with your kids/family is essential! Of course, there are cases where you have delinquents who were raised in nice happy homes, and they still turned out to be losers but you all know exactly what I mean! 

For the most part, having structure and a stable family environment is beneficial to all - whether it is with both parents, mom alone or dad alone, mom & mom, dad & dad whatever! It is about communication and stability as a "family."  Family dinners, Family trips etc, even if that trip is together to the supermarket! 

Recently, I was at my grandmother's funeral and the sermon that was given was beautiful. It focused on the 3 F's:  Faith, Family, Friends.  If we invest time, love and effort on these three things, we can't go wrong, especially with family.

Take the time to find out what your kids are doing, or not doing...what they are up to. I am not saying don't party or have fun as adults, but family should come first, especially when it comes to the well-being of your children! It may not be the solution 100% but, it's a darn good start!  Cherish your children and spend as much quality time with them as you can.

Family Over Everything   #foe

OUR NEW REALITY

It is so hard to go about life and not feel concerned with what's going on in the world today.  Terrorist attacks, suicide bombings, domestic terrorism, shootings at malls and theaters. It is a world gone astray.

It is so frustrating to feel so helpless and worried at the thought, that at any moment, some extremists/fanatics can come and wreak havoc here in the US.    I never worried before about letting my teenager go with friends to the movies (not in that kind of way,) or worrying about our older children getting on an airplane or letting my younger children go enjoy a hockey game in an arena filled with thousands of people.  I use to worry, they might get lost or talk to a stranger, at the very worst. Now, thoughts of strangers with suicide vest, sneak into the very corners of my thoughts, despite all my positive thinking.  How can I not, (how can we not,) face the fact that this is a whole new scary world.

How do you manage living your life as "normal" vs. living with genuine fear of things that are now very plausible?  I most definitely, know that anything can happen to anyone at any given time but this my friends, is a whole new scary reality we are living.

I mean, we are living in a world where TSA is taking a away toys from a 5-year old at airport security!  We have lost all common sense, mostly because of the fear that has been inflicted upon us by these so called extremists, whose only goal is world domination.  Sure, it sounds like a plot from a movie but this is our new reality!

As I write this, in a (cathartic) attempt to address my concerns, I recognize that there truly is not much we can do, other than to teach our children to have the foresight to recognize when something seems "odd" or wrong, to implement an emergency plan as best we can, as I would if we were preparing for a natural disaster, like the hurricanes we have endured here in Florida. And to teach my kids to be good to people, to learn to live with people and teach them tolerance. Ultimately, the real problem stems from children who are not taught love and compassion. Hate stems from children who are brought up and bred in a world of hate and intolerance of others.  

What I can do, what we can do, is the opposite! Teach Love. Teach Compassion. Teach Tolerance.  We have to do our part, even if now it may seem fruitless.  "It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness, meaning, in the face of bad times or hopelessness, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response than to complain about the situation."

And ultimately, we must pray or send positive energy into the Universe- so that somehow, our world will rid itself of such hate and evil.

One of my favorite quotes is: "The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." ~ Albert Einstein.

What we can do, is continue going to the theater, the arenas, the restaurants, the malls etc...and simply being aware of our surroundings, while continuing to have a good time for whatever time we have here on Earth because we all know, time is promised to no one!

My wish is that my children will have health, love and peace in their lives and that they live in a world that seeks longevity, not annihilation. With all my heart & soul, I pray for God to watch over me and my family and all of you and for strength and courage. I pray to live a life with passion, faith, tolerance and enthusiasm. I pray for the health of this world and that we may all live in peace for a longtime to come!

So despite the fact that I do have genuine concerns, I guess I, and all of us, must ultimately continue living our lives as best we can, fighting evil with love and compassion with this, our new reality.

~LR

COOKIE LOVERS ART

What a cool idea for Oreo-loving people.  Now you can custom design your own packing by coloring it how you like and Oreo will send the package for you!

RECIPE FOR BLT STUFFED AVOCADOS

Simple and delicious new way to eat avocados, especially if you love bacon.  Watch this video to see how to make BLT Stuffed Avocados:

And while you are in a cooking mode, check out these personalized aprons available:

PERSONALIZED APRONS

THANK YOU!

Thank you to ALL the readers of the Mommy Warrior Lady blog! We have reached 30,000 Views! Very much appreciated!
Like & Share: http://mommywarriorlady.blogspot.com/

BANDANA BIB FOR BABY

If your child is teething, you know that means lots and lots of drooling.  I remember when my kids were teething they would go through so many bibs leaving them drenched.  I could never find just the right bib to keep them dry.

Now there is a great solution to prevent your baby's clothing from getting wet.  It is called "Bandana Bib" by Drool n' Dribble.

Drool n' Dribble offers bibs that imbue quality, comfort, function and style (patent pending) bib design.

The Bandana Bib is functional, stylish, comfortable and absorbent and even has a convenient *pacifier holder.

 Drool n' Dribble in style.

The Bandana Bib is sold exclusively through Amazon.  Click on the link below to order yours today.  Comes in a variety of colors. 

*This bib is perfect to keep hold of baby's toys, like "Sofie the Giraffe" for example, a rattle or anything you need to keep near baby that needs to be readily accessible.   Also, the stitching on the Bandana Bib is inside all around the bib therefore bibs last longer.

You can use them in your diaper bag or hand bag to hold keys or other items for convenience! 

 5 Top Reasons to Have a Bandana Bib:

1) Helps with drooling
2) Holds pacifier
3) Holds a baby's toy
4) Last longer than most bibs
5) Stylish

Perfect for your teething child or makes a great unisex gift set.

Bandana Bib, each with Pacifier Clip for Teething and Feeding Babies,  by Drool n' Dribble.  Order yours today: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B012REIBQG.

20% off promo code for use on Amazon: 4CAT2YE7  (offer valid for a limited time.)

Below you will find a demonstration videos.

WATCH VIDEO: 

 

 

 

Also, on a very positive note, Drool n' Dribble donates a portion of all sales to www.childrenscharities.org    A Mommy Warrior thumbs up for Drool n' Dribble!

HANG IN THERE

 Whether you feel weary or like a warrior - remember you are not alone! There are hundreds, thousands of moms dealing with the same daily stressors. 

Some are better than yours, some are worse but we are ALL moms, who understand what it's like to be the CEO's of our families. 

Hang in there! You are doing a great job! You are awesome!❤ ‪#‎mommywarrior‬

BUILD A LEMONADE STAND

When life gives you lemons, build a lemonade stand and profit!

 Sometimes life throws us some serious curves.  The best thing we can do is learn from the obstacles that are placed before us and try to grow as human beings, as moms, as business people.  Always try to look for the bright side of an uncomfortable situation.  Sometimes, we are steered off of our path, so that we can go onto a better , brighter path, even though we may not realize it while it is happening.

Don't suck on the lemons!  Build a lemonade stand and make the best of it! 

HELPING OUT A MOM WITH A GREAT IDEA

Hannah Harris is a Pennsylvania mom of 3 kids, who came up with the idea of opening an indoor play-place for kids made up of luxury playhouses.  As of right now, she simply wants to purchase ONE playhouse, to rent out to parties so she can raise enough funds to start her business. 

As moms and "mompreneurs," we are all here to help each other.  This is the perfect opportunity to help out a mom who has a vision to create a happy place for kids.   All it takes is a group of like-minded moms to get the ball rolling and support her idea .  By obtaining just a few people to help her build equity in the business she can purchase the one luxury playhouse.

Her vision of Tiny Town - the coolest playground in America - is a great concept!

It will consist of 12 luxury play homes with ALL the accessories. We want to create something for kids in the coolest small town in America - Lititz, Pennsylvania.

An amusement for not only local families but a DESTINATION for families in the tri-state area! A truly magical place where children will beg to come back!

You can read my more about the "Tiny Town" kickstarter campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1313028949/tiny-town-fire-station.  

Sponsor a Playhouse today!  Sponsoring a playhouse is a great way to market your business to many different families in the area.  Your sponsorship will give you an opportunity to customize a playhouse and brand it with your company/business logo.  Read more on how to sponsor a playhouse here:  http://www.tinytownpa.com/sponsors.html 

Here is how YOU can help:   http://www.tinytownpa.com/funding.html

THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA (Child Predator Social Experiment)

WATCH THIS VIDEO WITH YOUR KIDS!  I just made my tween sit and watch this video with me!  At the end she was more concerned with "why the faces were blurred?"  Really?!   As parents, we all think, "No, my kid would never..." but they just might!   We just have to keep pounding and bombarding them and explaining the dangers.   I explained why to my kid, and reiterated the dangers of such actions.   I pray that it sinks in.  Not only do we have to constantly teach our kids and talk to them, we have to pay attention to what they are doing on social media, have their passwords etc...

  

MOMMY WARRIOR RULES:  As long as our kids are under our roof and we are paying for their cell phones, they will be sharing passwords and have time limits on social media!

I recognize it isn't always easy, but a good place to start, is to not allow a 12, 13, 14-year old to have cell phone and or computer access after a certain time. Let's say maybe 10p.m., 11p.m. cut-off time.

Danger can arise at anytime and anyplace but the more you teach your kids and have rules in place, the more helpful it will be to try to avoid horrible situations such as those in the video above.

It is a whole new world out there with technology and we must continue to teach our kids and empower them to make the right decisions!!!!!  Like I always tell all my kids...."Be Safe & Be Smart" and "Do the right thing, even when NO one is looking!!!!" 

God bless!!!!  

MAKE MONEY RECOMMENDING BRANDS

Do you love to shop and be online?  I know I do!  Imagine if you could earn money just by recommending a brand to family and friends? I know that every time I make a purchase from a store that I love or get a great deal, I share it with my friends, except, I never got paid for the recommendation.  Well, now I will and you can too, with a new website called Yazing.com! 

Yazing is a new platform giving you easy access to the same coupon codes and deals, but now you earn the commissions for both the purchases you make online as well as those who make purchases after coming through your shared links. 

 

All you have to do is sign up (join) for FREE, then share your personalized link to the Brand's Yazing coupon and deal page anywhere - your blog, tweets, texts, emails, etc...

Then, if anyone makes a purchase,  you earn Cash Rewards when people click through and make a purchase!

Check out how it easily it works!

I am very excited , that as a "Mommy Blogger"  I can now recommend brands and get cash rewards for it. You too, can make money on referrals on Yazing.

Here is an example of one of the brands I use, Vistaprint.  I love this company because making business cards, flyers,marketing materials, signs, posters, clothing and other promo products is so easy!  Well, if you used my link, for example to purchase something, then I would earn cash referrals for your purchase.


If YOU sign up for FREE, you can start earning your own commissions, simply by refererring/recommending the brands that are listed with Yazing and there are plenty! Take a look at some of the list of brands you can start recommending like: Angie's List, Babies Online, Brookstone, Cafepress, ChiccoShop, The Cute Kid, Home Away, Vistaprint and more.

Join today:  Yazing.com!

 

FREE TEXTING & FREE CALLS - YABB

Imagine an app where you could have FREE TEXTING and actually place a call for FREE, yes, I said it "FREE CALLING!"  I know I love it!  I am so over phone companies these days the way they charge obscene amounts of money for some cell phone plans but I know we are trapped in a world where communication is key and we can't live without our texting.  My daughter, who is almost a teenager, is definitely obsessed with texting, so having this feature is a top- priority in our phone plans. And of course, her little brother wants to follow in her footsteps as well, and be cool and text, but I won't let him have a "real" working cell phone!  He just has one of my old ones to play games.  And I, well, yea, I also love to text and I especially love to take pictures, but my phone bills are through the roof, even with a shared family plan, and let's not even mention my house phone, which I barely use but is still ridiculously priced.  All of it is just crazy but recently a friend told me about a free app called, Yabb Messenger.  I keep saying free, I know!  That's because it is ALL free!

Yabb Messenger is a FREE texting, photo editor and group chat service complete with animated stickers and emoticons, maps, and everything you need to connect faster with your family and friends. Now you can share videos, send photos and make local and international calls and texts from any country - totally free!  This is perfect for my family! I decided to try it and I love it. I am even thinking of installing the app on my youngest child's phone, just to have the "free texting and free calls!"  I know he is young but it's a whole new world we are living in and I love being able to stay in touch with my kids, especially when it is for free.

Yabb Messenger Features Free Text Messaging and Calling

- Text free with Yabb Messenger, and never worry about strict carrier plans again
- Free calls made right through the app to anyone with Yabb!
- International text connects you with other countries - for FREE
- International calls FREE for all Yabb users
- Voice messenger sends FREE voice messages
- Free chat with anyone, anywhere, at any time
-Private Texting Keeps Your Texts Safe
- Yabb Messenger supports both public and private messaging
- Private messenger makes texts visible only to those involved
- Delete messages you no longer want
- Disappearing texts can be timed to automatically delete from your recipient’s device
- Hide texts with Shout Out messages - recipients of your messages can’t see others you sent the same message to, and can only reply to you

Animated Stickers, Emoji and More
- Apply stickers or an Emoji in any message for any situation
- Animated stickers show off your unique personality
- Emojis for every emotion! Show off your mood while you chat
- Add custom backgrounds for your texts

Start saving money today and keep making your phone calls and sending texts but for FREE!  Try Yabb!  Yabb Messenger is the fast and fun way to share and edit photos, call and text free, and share videos and maps with friends. Keep your private life private while you share photos and videos, and make new friends.

FANTASY CHILDREN'S BOOK - ANNI MOON & THE ELEMENTAL ARTIFACT

Have your kids been reading this summer?  Do they complain there are never any good books to read?  If your kids are anything like mine, they always have their head in an electronic gadget. It is so frustrating how they are always using an iPad or iPhone. I know it's out own fault but it's a whole new world of technology.  However, my husband, who is "old school" is always trying to get our kids to read and I always tell him, the problem is that they can never find a great book they love.  Well, now I have found one for them!  It is Anni Moon & The Elemental Artifact,  a Fantasy Adventure for kids, probably best for middle-school aged children, by author, Melanie Abed.

It is a beautifully-written fantasy adventure book about Elementals, Funk, Zephyrs, excited talking Bat-Rat creatures, Dragons and a girl named, Anni.   When her best friend, Lexi is kidnapped, both she and her friend are pulled into the Elemental world where all this is normal. In a race against time, Anni must master this new world and save Lexi, all while knowing there’s no return to her old life. But saving her friend could cost Anni more than she’s bargained for.

Anni must uncover secrets and discover the unofficial truth behind an Elemental legend, while confronted by a dragon intent on testing her nerve and strength, not to mention an occasional monster and human generated Funk! Funk? Yes, Funk, the sticky, invisible slimy stuff that you humans cannot see!

(GETTY IMAGES)

Anni Moon & The Elemental Artifact  - if your kids love adventure, they are sure to love this book.

Transport your kids into a magical world and take advantage of the free download from iTunes!






Anni Moon & The Elemental Artifact: An Elemental Fantasy Adventure: Anni Moon Series Book For Kids Ages 9-12



VISIT: MELANIE ABED

iPAD, COVER & HEADPHONES FOR YOUR CHILD - READY TO TRAVEL

"LIKE A BOSS"

If you have to go on an airplane or long car ride with your little one, like many moms, you probably take your iPad and/or iPhone to entertain your child on the long ride. Here is a great cover that you can purchase that is very child-friendly for your iPad and your child can hold it himself/herself.  

The HDE Kids Light Weight Shock Proof Handle Case for Apple iPad 2/3/4 (Green) is a soft-protective carrying case that is made from high-quality, non-toxic EVA foam material with rugged surface for a firm grip.  You can find it on Amazon on sale for only $17.95. You can also purchase the LilGadgets Connect+ Volume Limited Wired Headphones for Children (Green.) 

The headphones include a a microfiber carrying pouch to hold your fold-able Connect+ headphones and a detachable 52" 3.5mm audio cable to allow for greater range between your children and their device. The cable is covered in a nylon braided fabric to increase durability and decrease tangles!  


According to Amazon,  these LilGadgets Wired Headphones "also have our brand new SharePort feature which sets them apart from other wired headphones available on the market. With a 3.5mm port on each ear, your child can use one port to plug into their device and the other to share their sound! A friend can simply connect their own headphones into the port on the other side to immediately start listening in. No need to purchase or carry an extra splitter! The Connect+ is a stylish, practical, rugged, and comfortable pair of headphones for children ages 2+. Through some nifty engineering and rigorous testing, you can rest assured the ear pads won't fall off through the inevitable pulling, throwing, and dropping. Finally, the speakers in the headphones are as high quality as you'll find in most top of the line adult headphones. Every headphone comes with a matching 3.5mm cable, a microfiber travel pouch, a detailed instruction manual and user guide, our 100% LilGadgets Satisfaction Guarantee, and a 1 year limited warranty."

So, whether you are going on an airplane ride or just taking a long road trip, the combination of this cover, which allows your child to easily hold the iPad, together with the headphones, makes for a perfectly quietly car ride.  Now it's up to you to provide something child-friendly to watch or play.

Enjoy!

(affiliate links)

A MUSICAL COMPANION FOR YOUR KIDS - LULLAPETS

Do your children loved stuffed animals? I know my little ones love them. Recently, my youngest daughter saw the commercial on TV for her new favorite stuffed animal/toy, a LullaPets and begged me for her own.  If you haven't seen the commercial on TV you are probably wondering, what in the world is a LullaPet?

No, it is not a real pet.  It is the cutest stuffed animal/toy that talks. LullaPets come in a variety of different characters (animals) and each one comes with an MP3 Player/Voice Recorder, Remote Control and a Voice Recording App. Your child can save their favorite recordings to their LullaPets MP3 player  (which is removable.) The MP3 that comes with the LullaPets can hold up to 300 songs. It is great "musical companion" for your kids.

Kids love them because they are cute and cuddly and they can record their own personal messages and even record their silly voices and keep it in their "pet."

One of the best things about the LullaPets toy is that family members can record special messages for your child. For example, grandma (nana, meemaw, grandpa etc...) or any other loved one can record a few words or a special song that your child  listen to and enjoy over and over.

Whether they choose the monkey, dog, bunny or any other of the adorable characters, this musical companion can help your kids fall fast asleep by listening to their favorite song or favorite story via their LullaPets.

Check for yourself as seen on TV:

ALMOST TIME TO GO BACK TO "WORK."

So my time is getting closer - closer to going back to the "real world" that is.  The world of working 9-5p.m, which I absolutely dread! It's been a wonderful year and half on hiatus (actually, closer to two years!)  I never went back to work after my brain surgery (craniotomy)  in November 2013.  I mean, I still write/blog and do some social media work from home on the side, but I have not been back in the "real" (corporate) world for a while, and I have to tell you, I do not miss it one little bit!  But times are tough, the economy is rough, and "you gotta do what you gotta do."



I will tell you though, if I could just stay home writing and taking care of my family, I'd be a very happy camper!  During my hiatus, I have written tons of blog entries, designed many items on my MiaMoon Designs website, done social media work for a few companies and I have even created a new blog/website in the hopes of it developing into a book some day.  (A girl can dream, right?)

But with all that being said, sitting at home is still not cutting it in the middle class suburbs in today's economic turmoil.  It is a luxury to stay home with the kids, one that I am infinitely grateful for but I know the time has come to do more on my part to help the family financially.  So until, I get that big book deal or write a ground-breaking blog entry, or sell thousands of my adorable designed t-shirts or mugs, the reality is that I must get ready to go back to "work."  It's not going to be easy!

I had an initial phone interview today for a marketing job with the possibility of a face-to-face interview next week, so it is beginning to look a lot more realistic now.  I have been holding out for that "perfect job" with great hours, maybe even a part-time but, now-a-days, getting any job is a blessing!  I have to appreciate the good offers that come my way and stop passing them up.

As I write this blog entry I realize, once I get a job out in the real world, I will not have the luxury of writing at 11 o' clock in the morning in my pajamas or picking up my little guy in the school car line at 2:00p.m., or running to the grocery store on a whim or driving my daughter to theater camp during the summer.  Those are the "little things," that I will truly miss, that I do not take for granted!  It will be back to fighting early morning traffic, listening to the morning radio shows and watching the clock tick down to 5:29p.m.

Hmm, I know more and more now this is not what I want to do for the rest of my life!  The finding a job, just to make ends meet.  No!  I want to write and blog and do social media and spend time with my kids and drive them to hockey and theater camp and be active in their daily lives, not just after 6p.m. during homework and bath time.  I know it won't kill them if I go off to work again, but it might kill me, from unhappiness. A little dramatic, I know but the last time I spent 4 years at a job I did not like, I ended up with a brain tumor!  (Yikes!)  Related or not, I do not know.  What I have learned from my experiences is that life is too short to be unhappy.

How does one find the balance between doing what you really love to do in your career, make money and balance your life as a mom?  I guess I will continue my search for something I will really enjoy doing for a living! If you have any great suggestions, please share!

For now, I am off to take my rink-rat to hockey practice!

I know in the end, everything is going to be alright. It might not be the same, but it will be alright!

WHEN HE STARTED TALKING ABOUT HIS MOM, I BROKE DOWN

Beautiful speech by ex-WWE wrestler, Marc Mero, as he gives kids a speech about life and loving your mom.

Visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mommywarriorpage

BREAK OUT THE TISSUES - Johnny Depp Visits Children's Hospital Dressed as Jack Sparrow

What an amazing display of compassion and empathy! Johnny Depp, went into full character mode as 'Captain Jack Sparrow' as he took time off from filming the latest "Pirates Of The Caribbean" to visit a children's hospital ( The Lady Cilento Children's Hospital) in costume. The children, who were mainly pediatric cancer patients, were beyond happy!

He hugged and even took selfies with the kids.

"One of the children, who got to meet Depp, Max Bennet, 7, was having dinner with his mother Rachel when a black helicopter landed at the hospital, according to ABC.net in Australia.

"He was going from room to room seeing all the kids who couldn't get out of bed," Rachel told the outlet. "We waited out of the front of one of the rooms, and he came up to us and had a really good chat to Max."

WATCH: Capt. Jack Sparrow himself takes a break from filming to surprise children at this children's hospital -- http://abcn.ws/1gm0DAr
Posted by ABC News on Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Thumbs up for Johnny Depp, who is not only a wonderful actor, but with this gesture, he is up there in the category of wonderful human being, according to this Mommy Warrior!  Wish we had more people like him in the world!

(Ref. abcnews.go.com)

WHY HUSBANDS DO WHAT THEY DO & WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY DO IT

Need a professional to help you deal with your husband?  Well, now there is an app that will help you with that!

Women often wonder why husbands do what they do and how they should react when they do it.  Are you currently married to a man and not known either what to say in a difficult situation or wondered why your husband acted the way that he did? Well, millions of wives feel the same way but do not have the opportunity or resources to seek professional advice. This new  app available on iTunes, Why Husbands Do What They Do and What to Do When They Do It, offers sound advice on many common crises, situations, conflicts and interactions that wives encounter every day in their marriages with their husbands.

Advice on dealing with lack of confidence, sex, assertiveness, hostility or shyness, aggressive husbands, husbands who constantly need to be the center of attention, and much, much, more is included in this app.

Check it out today:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/practical-therapist-why-husbands/id980743665?mt=8

(Sponsored post)

3 KIDS LOCKED UP FOR REFUSING TO HAVE LUNCH WITH THE DAD

Is this REALLY happening?! Is this the United States of America?  How can this be true? How can these innocent children have been sentenced to "juvie" simply for not associating with their father.  Oakland Circuit Judge, Lisa Gorcyca, declared the three children of Maya Tsimhoni in "contempt of court" last month and ordered them held at Oakland County Children’s Village until they attempt to have a relationship with their father or they turn 18!  Gorcyca ordered the siblings from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to apologize and have a nice lunch with their dad. The children refused.

The three — ages 9, 10, and 15 — have been incarcerated for more than two weeks.

The children’s parents, Maya Eibschitz-Tsimhoni and Omer Tsimhoni, have been involved in a bitter divorce battle for six years. The Bloomfield Hills couple, who married in 1995, have made dozens of court appearances concerning parenting time, therapy, schooling and other issues — but have never reached a common ground.

Our court system and judges are expected to uphold the law, not be a moral compass for children caught in a nasty divorce.  What the hell is wrong with the world today?  This is wrong in EVERY way.  How in the world could anyone possibly think that sending innocent children to juvenile detention would benefit them in any way?  Stubborn or not, these children are going to be deeply affected by their sentence.  In my opinion, this  judge, Lisa Gorcyca, totally and completely over-stepped her bounds and took advantage of her power with her actions and snide comments to these children, especially to the older boy.  I mean really, she even compared the kids to cult leader Charles Manson.  It does not matter if she feels the kids were brain-washed, she is not a doctor, nor the moral police!  She is confused by her authority.  

As you read the details of the story http://www.dailytribune.com/general-news/20150708/judge-compares-bloomfield-hills-children-to-charles-manson-sends-them-to-childrens-village-for-refusing-to-speak-with-father  and read the actual comments made by this judge you will see that this story seems like it came right out of a bad fiction novel.  Sadly, it came right out of a court room in the U.S.A.

I pray that this enormous wrong-doing will be corrected, for the sake and sanity of the children.


(ref.  www.theoaklandpress.com
http://detroit.cbslocal.com
www.opposingviews.com) 

A CHILD SEAT CONCEPT CAR

Volvo just debuted the “Excellence Child Seat Concept” for their 2016 XC90 SUV.  The company has removed the front passenger seat and placed a raised platform that holds a swiveling infant and toddler car seat in its place. Parents can turn the car seat counterclockwise to place their child in the seat and then lock it in place in the rear-facing position. The concept allows children to make eye contact with passengers in the backseat of the car, as well as the driver.

“Being able to maintain eye contact with your child from the rear seat… would go a long way towards making life easier for parents taking their small child on a trip," says Tisha Johnson, Volvo’s Chief Designer of Interiors.

Volvo cites three main benefits for the new child seat:

1)The automaker says it allows parents to get their children in and out of the car more easily, while opening up more storage space for diapers, bottles, and other essentials. 

2)It also allows for eye contact between the child and either the driver or rear passenger. 

3)When placing the child in the seat, the parent can swivel it counter-clockwise for better access, as well as lock it in a rear-facing position.

(Note: The seat is designed so children can safely lean back and go to sleep.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/1507_volvo_debuts_child_seat_concept_on_2016_xc90.html#ixzz3fLZqZWir

I think this is all very innovative and trendy-looking but honestly, I am not at all comfortable with this idea, of an infant being placed that close to the front of the vehicle and what happens if you have twins or for that matter, what happens if you have more kids?  Where will they sit?

The whole concept is a big surprise to me, especially with what parents have always been taught about the safety of car seats and their placement.  I feel like this goes against all of it.

What I also find surprising is how this idea could possibly have been passed and accepted by the U.S. and International safety standards given the fact the children are banned from riding in the front seat of cars due to safety issues with air bags. But according to Volvo, “from a safety perspective there is no difference between the rear seat or front seat, given that the airbag is disconnected.”

I know Volvo is one of the safest cars on the market but would you buy a car with this concept and place your infant in the front?

In my opinion, ultimately, the public and the actual sales, of the 2016 XC90 SUV (if manufactured)   will be the determining factor of the success of this vehicle.

(PERSONAL NOTE:  Independent of the child seat concept I LOVE the 2016 Volvo XC90! Check it out:  http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1502-2016-volvo-xc90-review/)

MONSTER MATH - A MATH APP FOR KIDS

If your children are anything like mine, they can always use some extra Math help.  This great new app called MONSTER MATH is the perfect tool to help your kids with the basics of math. 
Take your kids on a wonderful math-filled adventure and learn common core math standards with Maxx, the mighty monster in Monster Math!  Have your child be the best in their grade and practice addition, subtraction, multiplication or division with this fun free math game. Help Maxx save his friend Dextra, explore new worlds, battle enemies and find allies.

 Monster Math is available via iTunes and features:

- Tons of Adventure

- Common Core Math Standards

-Multi-player Mode

- Practice Mode

- Challenging Gameplay

By using Monster Math your child can learn the following:

 Addition & Subtraction
- Addition up to 5, 10 and 20
- Subtraction up to 5, 10 and 20
- Two-digit addition without carry over
- Two-digit subtraction without borrowing

Multiplication & Division
- Tables of 1 through 10
- Divide by numbers 1 to 10
- Multiply single-digit numbers by multiples of 10

Feed your child’s imagination with Monster Math, the best fun free math game available for children.

Download now for free and watch your child practice arithmetic for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd grades in a simple and engaging game!

Mommy Warrior gives "Monster Math" a thumbs up!

BE A LEADER, NOT A SHEEP

It is amazing to me that every time the media harps on a topic, then everyone jumps on the "bandwagon" and has to follow like a herd of sheep, who are just being pushed and directed towards the path that the sheperd wants !  Stop being followers people, and letting the government and media dictate how you feel and think!  I don't give a crap if they fly the confederate flag or not, but something as STUPID as removing re-runs of a TV program that has been airing for 36 years because of the "confederate flag hoopla" is just plain stupidity!!!!

Quote: Because of the Confederate flag painted atop the General Lee from "Dukes of Hazzard," TV Land has decided to pull the show from airing on its network. Over 100,000-strong have signed a petition in the show’s defense." 

I am not upset about the damn show, it is about how EASILY people are influenced and how easily rights and tradition are taken away!  No I do not like slavery, or anything that flag literally stands for, but let's get real. People are upset because the media tells them to be!

As we celebrate Independence Day today, July 4th, let us not forget the key word, INDEPENDENCE, which = freedom!!! Let us not lose either one because the media and government dictates it is so. It is not really, about Democrats, Republicans or Liberals, it is about being smart enough to make choices and stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.  It is about not letting the media, dictate what is right and wrong now.  Come to your OWN educated conclusions.  Just like Facebook had everyone change their profile pic colors to support marriage equality, well guess what people, they were doing a survey to see how many people would follow and change their profile pic and then surveyed to see how quickly they would change it back.  I am ALL for equality, not for being a sheep. Show your support in your OWN way! 

Learn to lead, not follow. And if you are going to follow, do not be apathetic or complacent. Be smart enough to have a voice and be heard!

This meme sums up all you need to know…

STRANGER DANGER - WOULD YOUR KID DO THE RIGHT THING?

This video I saw on Facebook is just another reminder of the huge dangers are children face every day.  Yes, child abductions have always happened, I guess now that social media is so prevalent, we hear about it more an more every day.  I talk to my child ALL the time about safety strangers but sadly, after watching this video, I am afraid, that they too, would walk away with the guy and the puppy!

It never hurts to have another conversation with your kids about "Stranger Danger," even if you think they are old enough to know better, or would never walk away with a stranger! A cute puppy and a handsome friendly guy can equal just as much danger to your innocent and vulnerable child!

Child Abduction Social Experiment (One Share Can Save a Life)
Posted by Joeysalads on Saturday, May 2, 2015

CAN CELL PHONE USE CAUSE CANCER?

Be aware of the possible harmful effects of cell phone usage. 

I am a middle-aged mom who was diagnosed 2 year ago with a brain tumor.  They do not know what caused it or how long it had been growing, only that it was the size of a lemon and was causing massive swelling in my brain. The doctors did not know how I had been walking around with this lemon-sized tumor for so long.  I may never know what actually caused, but I can share some tips with you and this video is one of them. 

If you can do something to avoid unnecessary exposure, do it!  Especially with your kids!  Personally, I have to get my kid an earpiece, although, with teens it's all about texting.  We won't know the true harmful effects of cell phone usage until years from now.  Just be aware.