5 Ways To Show You Care During A Pandemic

During these uncertain times, so much has changed. There's no more popping by to say hey. It isn't as easy to do small things for people to remind them that we are thinking of them. We aren't in stores as often, so picking up things that remind us of them and dropping them off isn't really happening. There are still ways to show we are thinking of our loved ones without risking exposing them to a virus. Here are a few ideas. 

1. Porch drop-off: Think grown-up version of ding dong ditch! You can drop a gift basket, cake, or even dinner on the porch. Just make sure you call to inform them that they have a surprise. 

2. Flower delivery: Seriously, who doesn't love getting a flower delivery and there are so many options now, including live plants. If you happen to be looking for a New York City florist, you are really in luck: PlantShed - best nyc florist  

3. Snail Mail: I don't know about you, but I love getting cards and I always keep some on hand to send when I think of someone. Pop a card in the mail for that friend you don't get to see as much. 

4. Send a door dash delivery

5. Pick up the phone. We live in a world of texting, but sometimes we need to hear the voices of those we love. Wouldn't your grandma love a call from you, just to chat? 

There are so many ways we can show our love, even without spending money. Just say it, and don't stop telling your loved ones that you love them. 

What are some ways you have found to connect with those you love during these difficult times? Simple or extravagant, it doesn't matter, as long as we are showing that we care and are thinking of those we love. 

Overcoming Adversity: Free Online Bible Study

 Life is hard. This is a lesson we learn pretty early. If we are fortunate enough to be a Christian, we also learn that with God, we can get through that rough life a little bit easier. However, even for us Christians, the last couple of years have thrown continuous curveballs that throw us off track occasionally. Not being able to fellowship and worship as we have in the past has definitely taken a toll on us all.

All for Jesus is an online bible study program by Living Waters Ministry. They offer several different courses for you to complete at your own pace. I have been doing the “Overcoming Adversity” course and I’m just amazed at how this bible study is opening my eyes to certain things and also makes me feel like I’m in his living room having a bible study with my friends.

What I really enjoy about the course is that the study leader and his wife are actually having a conversation with their friends that we get to be a part of. He asks questions and has everyone relate to their own knowledge and life. He starts at the beginning and we learn why adversity and hardships exist and why it is best to have them in life. Now, it’s time to learn how to overcome those hardships. WITH GOD.

When you sign up for the course, you can download a free workbook that you can print at home, or you can purchase one on Amazon. The scriptures mentioned in the study are also shared in the video and in the workbook, but I always like having my own bible to reference and to make notes in.

This course is usually $30, but with my link (https://courses.afjministry.com/p/overcoming-adversity1/), you can take the “Overcoming Adversity” course for free. This is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your walk with God and also see if you enjoy an online option for bible study, especially in these uncertain times.

I enjoy that I can do this study whenever the house is quiet and I can sit down. No need for a babysitter or arranging schedules. I can enjoy a bible study without the stresses of getting out the door. You can also download the videos so that you can watch them even without data access. Great for quiet time during a mountain getaway.

I truly have been enjoying this study. I will continue it. I am amazed that at this time in my life, this was the bible study that I really needed and God sent it right to me. Thank you All For Jesus Ministry!

If you are looking to learn more about the All For Jesus Ministry before you commit to a course, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit their website for more information. 

Financial Essentials For New Parents

 

New parents are hit with a number of life changes simultaneously. While most are exhilarating and exciting, others are more practical and prudent. For example, ensuring your finances are in order is critical for your growing family's long-term financial security. The Palmetto Queen offers the following resources to help you lay a strong financial foundation. 

Health and Life Insurance

Having health insurance is a necessity when you have a newborn, both for wellness checks and midnight earaches. According to Bankrate, life insurance for parents is also important, and a specialized insurance calculator can help you determine what you need. Many new parents opt to take out life insurance policies that would allow a surviving parent or guardian to not only raise their child through adulthood, but pay for college, and possibly even have a nest egg for the future.

Remember too that coverage shouldn’t stop at health and life insurance. Making sure you have enough coverage for your property and vehicle is also crucial. A reputable insurance agency can help you analyze the most appropriate approach to selecting the insurance products that meet your particular needs.

Wills and Advance Directives

Some people, especially young adults, put off making wills, but having a will in place ensures that all of your wishes for your child, and potentially, a surviving spouse or partner, are taken care of. A will outlines the financial provisions of the disposition of your assets, as well as designates a guardian for your minor children. This typically comes with an allotment of proceeds from the estate to support the child. As part of your will, you can also make plans for advance directives and living wills that can help a surviving spouse or other designee make tough medical decisions in the event you are unable to make them yourself. While planning a will when you’re just starting your family life feels uncomfortable for some, it’s an important responsibility and will allow you to rest assured that you’ve protected your child in the event of the unthinkable.

Savings Plans

Young families are wise to create household budgets that include savings plans. According to experts, it's advisable to have at least three months of living expenses tucked away in a savings account in the event of job loss, or other unforeseen financial circumstances. Keeping your debt load low is also a wise move, as revolving credit with high interest can sometimes get out of control, and become difficult to pay down. You might also decide to open an education savings account or a college savings plan for your child. Even adding small amounts at a young age can help ensure your kids are well-positioned to make their way in the world once they reach adulthood. Some parents even request donations to the fund in lieu of gifts when their children are very young.

Making Big Investments

Many parents realize once they have children that it's time to purchase their first home or move up from a starter house to something larger. If this is in your plans, it's important to understand what your credit score looks like and what you can afford. A seasoned real estate professional or mortgage lender can help you with these key tasks. You'll need to save for a down payment or secure a first-time homebuyer loan, which can often offer better terms and a lower down payment than other mortgages. It’s helpful to get preapproved for a loan before you start house-hunting, as sellers will recognize you’re already prepared and approved to buy.

Boosting Your Income

After a baby arrives, it’s common for one parent to leave work to stay at home, but this obviously presents the potential for financial difficulties. Depending on your situation, a side job or even launching a small home-based business can be great ways to increase your savings and your income as a stay-at-home parent. There are plenty of business opportunities that can be fairly lucrative, and it doesn’t take much to set up your business. A formation service can help you formalize your business with the state, in addition to helping you file other necessary paperwork, including registering as an LLC. If you’re wondering, “I registered my LLC now what?” all you need to do is market yourself and start looking for clients.

Getting your financial house in order is an important step as new parents. You're no longer just responsible for yourself and your spouse or partner, but for another being who is completely reliant on you. Use these tips to pave the way for a brighter future for your growing family. 

Photo by Pixabay

What We Are Loving: National Geographic Kids

 Disclaimer: I received books to review. All opinions are my own. 

What do we love in my house? Books! What kind? Educational, especially books from National Geographic Kids. 

My kids always get Nat Geo Kids books for their birthdays, Christmas, and any other event I can find to gift them. Tbomb especially loves the Kids World Atlas and gets a new one each year. Snapper loves any book with maps. 

The following are great for adventures, school, and even planning trips. Dive in and I'm sure you will find something your kids will love.

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide U.S.A.

"....a fantastic tour of parks and preserves across the United States, with striking full-color photography of natural scenes or wildlife on almost every page" - Midwest Book Review 

If you're trying to decide which of our country's amazing national parks to visit, NG Kids, together with the National Park Trust, has created National Parks Guide U.S.A. Broken down into regions of the country, this handy guide has all you need to make your visit to these treasured parks an experience your family will never forget.   Filled with color photos, information on animals, fascinating lists, fun facts, maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more -- think of this book as your trusted guide to these most majestic of places.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Road Trip Atlas

The Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas contains maps, games, interesting facts, vibrant pictures of everything from wacky road signs to national monuments, and boredom busters (who can spot the wackiest road sign??) to make your next journey an adventure to remember. Every state is featured and includes a map of the state, 5 cool things to do there, fun facts about the state and the animals that live there and even quirky roadside attractions. And, in case this comes in handy, helpful traffic laws you won't believe (who knew you couldn't drive any skunks INTO Tennessee??).

125 Wacky Roadside Attractions

"A delight that will have travelers young and old poring over the pages and planning offbeat excursions." — Booklist

 

See the silly side of travel as you explore the wackiest landmarks from around the world -- a place where you can walk in real dinosaur tracks, a hotel where you sleep in an igloo, a crazy beard festival, a UFO museum, and so much more. You won't believe our world is full of so many bizarre and wonderful places!

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2022

"...this gathering of upbeat, vividly illustrated, browser-friendly dips into topics ranging from black holes to blue-footed boobies to Bolivian street food is hard to put down, and the pop quizzes and research guides at each chapter’s end will give studious sorts a leg up, too." - Kirkus

Part trip planner, part boredom buster, the latest installment of the New York Times best-selling almanac is perfect for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything that's in it. The Almanac 2022 features amazing animal stories, explorer profiles, and outrageous attractions that kids know and love, plus tons of info on exoctic locales, fascinating cultures and an entire section on travel in the U.S. and abroad. Loaded with fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, and conservation, this book is the number one selling kids almanac on the planet.  There's a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics and the colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2022 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste.  

More Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff

Ever wonder how haunted houses got their spooky rep; where cheese originally came from; and when and where people decided hitting a tiny ball with a long stick (ahem, golf?) was their idea of fun? Prepare to be amazed by the surprising backstories behind the things you use or do every day! From familiar foods and common clothing items to bizarre beauty regimens and quirky products, this book covers all your burning questions: Who thought of that? Where did that come from? Why is that a thing?   This riveting little treasure is jam-packed with awesome facts, fun stories, and colorful visuals. Once you know all this cool stuff about the origins of everyday stuff, you can "wow" your friends and family.

Other books you should definitely check out:

Dinopedia

Kids' World Atlas

Kids' Joke book 

 

 

 

Getting It Off My Chest

 Hi, 

Today, I just want to write a letter. I don't really feel the need to explain the reasoning behind the decisions I make. What I feel the need to do is to open some people's eyes so they can realize that everything is not black and white. 

First, a little bit of a back story. 

I caught measles from the vaccination. I have not had the chickenpox vaccine, yet I've never had them. My brothers have had the chickenpox vaccine- one brother had chickenpox, the other has Shingles AT THE AGE OF 6. 

My son has ITP, which basically means that if his immune system is activated (even by allergies), there is a chance that his antibodies will act up and start killing his platelets, which could make a simple injury severe. When we caught it, his levels were at 1, and should have been between 150 and 300. He cannot have the typical meds because he's allergic, so he has to have steroids for treatment, which is an immunosuppressant. He's considered chronic because of how low his levels were and because it took 6 months to get him to 200. 

My daughter has many health problems. She has asthma, stomach issues, an immune deficiency, and is very prone to ear infections. She also catches everything and takes forever to get over it. Because of this, we had to pull her from public school, although she was getting vital therapies. She was missing 1/3 of the school days from being sick. Another thing with her is that she has had vaccine-related injuries and because we've opted to not vaccinate, I was actually bullied at the Dr's office by a nurse. Excuse me, but I saw what one vaccine did to her with lasting effects, I'm not interested in playing roulette with her future. 

This leads us to the pandemic. We have stayed at home for their and my family members' health. We have worn masks. We have put our lives on hold while we watch everyone going on vacation, having parties, and going out to eat. Now, those same people are telling me to get a TRIAL vaccine for their safety and their kids' safety, yet they were not willing to stay at home for my kids' safety. 

These people are pushing vaccine mandates even though it is not a fully proven safe vaccination. 

Guess what?!?! No! Vaccines are not safe for everyone. If you want it, fine, but leave me and mine alone. If you are worried, keep your butt at home like you were supposed to in the beginning. 

Another thing, you were not willing to keep your kid at home when they were sick for my kids' health and the health of her cancer-patient grandmother. Newsflash, you sending your sick kid to school could have killed my MIL and could have put my daughter in the hospital, if not worse. 

Now, you want to say get a vaccine for the greater good? NO! 

The Family's Favorite Read Alouds

My favorite time of the day is when we read aloud. We do this twice a day and I absolutely love it. 

During school time, we read a little of a novel, a little Bible, some history, and whatever else comes up to read aloud. In the evenings, before bed, we enjoy reading a family devotional as well as a novel for the whole family to enjoy. 

I think it's something the whole family enjoys. We even read adult books that have themes the kids can understand. It is so nice to see them grow and learn. I'm always amazed at the things they take away from the stories we read together. 

We enjoy Bible stories, fiction, and non-fiction. It is also a great way to expand their horizons and to get them reading something that they may not normally read. For example, Tbomb likes reading books about facts. Snapper likes looking at atlases and books about the human body and sharks. This gets them interested in literature and fiction books. 

Here are family favorites. We really love getting started with series, because we are never at a loss of what to read next. However, some of our favorites are stand-alone books. 

1. Little House On The Prairie (Series)

This is definitely my favorite. Not only is it wholesome and I do not have to worry about what themes are in it, but it is historical. My kids love learning about different aspects of life in the late 1800s and we have researched many things mentioned in the books.  

There is one scene in "Farmer Boy," the second in the series with violence. The violence is implied and does not describe what actually happened and it opens the door for some real-life conversations. 

2. Strawberry Girl

I had asked my MIL, who is also an avid reader for suggestions on books to read with the kids. Her favorite when she was a kid was a book called Strawberry Girl. I had never heard of it, but I found it and ordered it. 

We fell in love. The voice of the main character is amazing. It is full of history, everyday life, and culture. It is a must-read. 

3. Tuttle Twins (Series)

I love how these books explain government and economics in a way that kids can understand. It opens many conversations and we have even pulled out my copy of The Constitution to discuss issues. 

I love having these conversations with my kids. They learn so much and are learning critical thinking and learning to think for themselves.

4. Wonder

There's not much to say. It's a wonderful book with a lot of lessons. There are lessons for kids with disabilities and without. Truly amazing. Lots of tough conversations as well. 

If you haven't read it, you must. 

5. Finding Gobi

Such a feel-good book. We are a dog family and we have lost a dog and found him. During certain points, it was sad for the kids and we would read a little further so they wouldn't be stuck on the sad part. 

Great book with problem-solving, teamwork, and some geography.

6. Unicorn Academy (Series)

Snapper just loves these books. She loves Unicorns and is obsessed with proving they are real. 

These are fun books with tales of friendship and problem solving as a team. While each book is a stand-alone story, there is a background story that is woven through each book. 

7. 101 Campfire Stories

This book was actually gifted to us by my in-laws when we went camping. Each story is short- we read two or three each night. They aren't too scary, mostly mysterious. 

The kids loved it and it added to the ambiance of camping. 

8. Because of Winn-Dixie

This is such a cute story about a preachers' daughter and her dad. She feels like an outsider, but the dog she finds opens doors to conversations with members of the community. 

Great story of growing up, personal growth, community, and helping others. 

Definitely a win!

9. 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids

I just adore this book. Each day there is a simple question that is related to a child's life and a Bible answer for it with the scripture to support it. The questions are all across the board- even science and history. 

We have read through this book several times and will continue to do so because it starts such great conversations. 

10. Lake Scatter Wood Tales (Series)

This was a gift for my son and it turned out the whole family loves it. The boys in this book are at camp and have some crazy tales to tell. 

Such a fun read with the family. 

Books on our list to read:

1. Hatchet

2. Mary Poppins

3. Goosebumps

4. The Mouse And The Motorcycle

5. Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing

What books should I add to this list?