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The Forum
PTA Moms
Active in the PTA at your kid's school? (Or multiple PTA's for multiple kids!) Share your ideas, thoughts and frustrations that surround life as a PTA mom and volunteer.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla S"When test scores seem too good to be true" ...I can't believe this actually happened! What a story. MILFORD, Ohio — Scott Mueller seemed to have an uncanny sense about what his students should study to prepare for upcoming state skills tests. By 2010, the teacher had spent his 16-year career entirely at Charles Seipelt Elementary School. Like other Seipelt teachers, Mueller regularly wrote study guides for his classes ahead of state tests. On test day last April, several fifth-graders immediately recognized some of the questions on their math tests. The questions were the same as those on the study guide Mueller had given out the day before. Some numbers on the actual tests were identical to those in the study guide and the questions were in the same order, the kids told other Seipelt teachers. The report of possible cheating quickly reached district officials, who put Mueller on paid leave. He initially denied any wrongdoing. Ultimately, investigators concluded that Mueller had looked at questions for both fifth-grade math and science tests in advance — a violation of testing rules — and then copied them, sometimes word for word, into a school computer to develop his study guides. The 50-year-old teacher resigned. He signed a consent agreement with the Ohio State Board of Education admitting that, by looking at the 2010 tests in advance to prepare study guides, he had "engaged in conduct unbecoming a licensed educator." His teaching license was suspended for three months. Read how the school is dealing here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-03-06-school-testing_N.htmViewMarch.7th.2011
Forty and Fabulous
A circle for 40ish moms or moms flirting with forty.
LATEST POSTED BY: robinI am thrilled to announce that I will begin hosting new episodes of this innovative radio program created by Dr. Lauren Artress beginning on Thursday, May 13, 2010! I hope you will tune in...Peace for your Path! Robin http://labyrinthwellnessllc.blogspot.com/2010/03/listen-to-wisdom-of-labyrinth.htmlViewMarch.26th.2010
Home School Moms
This is a circle for Moms who are currently homeschooling, have been homeschooling, or are considering homeschooling. Join in to share ideas, successes, failures, ask questions, give advice, and hopefully learn more about homeschooling. We hope to have a nurturing circle encouraging Moms who are part of the adventure!
LATEST POSTED BY: Brandie'Unschooling' Gaining Popularity, Allows Children Alternative Learning Tools By LEANNE ITALIE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/29/unschooling-gaining-popul_n_940770.html -- School's never out for 14-year-old Zoe Bentley. Nor is it ever in. The perky teen from Tucson, Ariz., explores what she likes, when she likes as deeply as she chooses every day of the year. As an "unschooler," Zoe is untethered from the demands of traditional, compulsory education. That means, at the moment, she's checking out the redwoods of California with her family, tinkering with her website and looking forward to making her next video on her favorite subject, exogeology, the study of geology on other planets. "I love seeing the history of an area," Zoe said. "Maybe a volcano erupted and grew taller over time, or wind eroded rock into sand dunes, or a meteor hit the ground and made a crater. Finding out how these and other formations formed is something I just really like." Zoe's cheer: "Exogeology rocks!" Unschooling has been around for several decades, but advocates say there has been an uptick as more families turn to home-schooling overall. Reliable data is hard to come by, but estimates of children and teens home-schooled in the U.S. range from 1.5 million to 2 million. Of those, as many as one-third could be considered unschoolers like Zoe, meaning their parents are "facilitators," available with materials and other resources, rather than topdown "teachers." There's no fixed curriculum, course schedule or attempt to mimic traditional classrooms. Unless, of course, their children ask for those things. click the link above to continue reading!ViewAugust.31st.2011
The Motherhood Book Club
A book club group for the members of the Motherhood. Each month we will pick a new book to read and discuss! (For more book talk, visit the A Good Read circle!)
LATEST POSTED BY: gottalovemomAre you an e-book or paper book reader?ViewDecember.18th.2011
Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012
Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012Giving Back
We like to live by the saying, "Leave everything a little better than you found it." How do you make the world a little bit better? Share here what you know about making a difference and making the world a better place.
LATEST POSTED BY: UncoolMomdotcomMy daughters and I joined a national mother-daughter organization a few years ago called National Charity League, Inc. (NCL). They have a chapter in our community. At first I was hesitant, because the dues were a bit high and it has a bit of a "junior league" feel, but it has been worth every penny. To be a member, you and your daughter(s), from the time they're in 7th grade until 12th, put in a required number of hours each year volunteering in the community. NCL sets up ties with a variety of organizations and you and your daughters "go and do". The teen years have been turbulent in our household and some of the only really good "mom and daughter times" for us have been when we're working side by side, volunteering. It's win-win-- we help make the world a better place and bond with each other. We've helped out at such organizations as Special Olympics, the animal shelter, a food bank, and a center for abused children. One of my daughters always says, "Well, we could always volunteer at those places without being a member of NCL" but having to "report hours" to the organization keeps us doing it-- I know we'd probably let life make us too busy otherwise!ViewFebruary.15th.2012Vent Here: Sometimes You Just Need to be Heard
Vent - it's the first step in feeling much better. We've all been there - you'll find some shoulders to cry on here too if you need them.
LATEST POSTED BY: BrandieI'm SOOOOO tired of spam. I get it on my blog. I get it on twitter. I deal with it on facebook. And now here? Ugh. Why do people spam? I don't get it. It's so annoying. It is definitely not a good way to make friends and all it does is annoy people.ViewJanuary.3rd.2012Twitter
Are you pregnant or a current mom who uses Twitter or a blogger? Let us know who you are so we can all follow you! I'm a huge Twitter fan and just reached 5,000 followers yesterday!
LATEST POSTED BY: tahoecaleWant 1000s of Linkedin shares, Facebook likes, Twitter followers, or Google +1s Check out http://socialmedianetworkexchange.comViewJanuary.8th.2012
The Pantry Challenge
Do you know what's in the back of your freezer or pantry? Do you often buy stuff because you can't remember if you have it (or can't find it) at home? Join us as we challenge ourselves to use up the good food we have (and save a few dollars!)
LATEST POSTED BY: BeckiWe've been trying hard not to waste food here. I'm so proud of managing to a) finish off a bunch of leftovers and b) satisfy various picky appetites without having to cook three different meals that I had to post. Last night we had marinated flank steak. There was some of that left over, but not enough to make an entree. There was also some baby carrots, spinach and mixed greens left from last week's salad ingredients, along with bleu cheese bought for our Valentine's dinner. Last but not least, there was half a bag of corkscrew pasta--again, not enough for an entree for the whole family. Here's how the meal shook out: South Beach Dieting Mama: Mixed greens salad with sliced flank steak, bleu cheese and balsamic vinaigrette Picky Vegetarian-wannabe Girl: Pasta and baby carrots (with some cheese for protein) Eat-anything-except-most-vegetables growing boy: Sliced flank steak, pasta, and baby carrots Hard-working Dad: Pasta tossed with sauteed spinach, sliced flank steak, and bleu cheese. Nobody's dinner is actually all that interesting except for my husband's, but I was still pleased that everyone got a dinner they liked, the fridge got cleaned out, and I didn't have to do any extra work.ViewFebruary.15th.2010
Moms to Teens (or preteens)
You love them--these little strangers in your house. But now that they are older, you are finding less support online and with websites. Let's figure out these wonderful (and at times difficult) strangers in our house together. Advice, hints, tips or vents. We can handle it.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SStudy finds 10% of tweens, teens have 'sexted' (CNN) -- "Sexting" -- the practice of taking sexually explicit photos and sending them to peers via cell phones or the Internet -- may be less common among U.S. adolescents than previous research and media reports have suggested, according to a new nationwide study. In contrast to a widely cited 2008 survey in which 20% of teens reported sending or posting sexual pictures of themselves, the new survey -- in a younger group of Internet users, some as young as 10 -- found that only 10% of teens and tweens had done so. And just 1% reported sending or receiving nude or partly nude images. "It's still something that we need to talk to kids about, but not all kids are doing it," says Kimberly J. Mitchell, Ph.D., a study coauthor and a research associate professor of psychology at the University of New Hampshire, in Durham. "It's a bit reassuring, because a lot of the other studies about this have come up with much larger numbers." The new findings, which appear in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics, shouldn't be interpreted to mean that sexting isn't a serious problem, says Amanda Lenhart, a senior research scientist at the Pew Internet & American Life Project, in Washington, D.C. "Even if you look at 1% or 2% of kids in a high school of a thousand kids, that's 10 to 20 kids, and that's plenty of people for whom this is a big issue and for whom this is a troublesome problem in their lives," says Lenhart, who has researched teen sexting but was not involved in the new study. Continue reading: http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/05/health/teens-sexting/index.html?hpt=hp_bn10ViewDecember.5th.2011Shortcuts to Dinner
We all want to feed our families great meals. We all want to save money, and be healthy. But sometimes, you just don't feel like cooking. This circle is devoted to shopping wisely and planning ahead so that a good meal can be ready quickly when you need it to be.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SInstant-read thermometer a must have USAToday.com - What's the best present to give the cook who has everything? The one thing they don't have, and the one thing both chefs and food safety experts say they desperately need — an instant-read thermometer. "It's something you can be pretty sure most people don't own, or if they do own one, they don't own a very good one," says Jack Bishop of America's Test Kitchen, a popular cooking show on PBS. Old-fashioned meat thermometers rely on metal actually expanding and turning the temperature dial. Digital instant-read thermometers use electronics and are faster and generally more accurate. The instant-read digitals use slightly different technology than a regular digital thermometer, so be sure to look for ones that say they are instant-read. Older dial thermometers take "forever" to register the temperature, says Bishop. And they're not always accurate. But a quick-read thermometer can make your food taste better and help you avoid killing your guests from a food-borne illness. Caroline Smith DeWaal, food safety director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, has "a drawerful" of food thermometers because they're always being handed out at conferences she attends. One night she decided to test them all "and the only one that gave me a meaningful reading was the instant-read," she says. Asked if she actually uses them, she says "of course I do. The other night for dinner we were making New Orleans Cajun Whiskey Sauce for bread pudding, so we had to make sure it got up to 160" to kill any possible salmonella in the egg yolks. Out came the thermometer and the dinner party finished with a flourish and no worries that anyone would end up in the hospital. The thermometers, costing anywhere from $20 to $89, pay for themselves, says Bishop. "If you buy a 50 lb. roast for the holidays, do you really want to overcook it?" he asks. Continue: http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/safety/story/2011-11-29/The-perfect-gift-for-any-chef-an-instant-read-thermometer/51473068/1ViewNovember.30th.2011Moms in Social Media
Mothers have taken to social media in a big way. Are you participating in online social networks? Do you want to get more involved in social networks? Need an excuse to spend more time in social networks? Join our circle.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SGoogle search undergoes 'most radical transformation ever' (CNN) -- Google search is about to get way more personal. In a change that's been called the "most radical transformation ever" to Google's search engine, the Mountain View, California, company on Tuesday announced an update called "Search, plus Your World," which causes Google's robots to incorporate data from its social network as well as the public Internet when delivering search results to people. "Search is pretty amazing at finding that one needle in a haystack of billions of Web pages, images, videos, news and much more," Google said in a blog post on Tuesday morning. "But clearly, that isn't enough. You should also be able to find your own stuff on the Web, the people you know and things they've shared with you, as well as the people you don't know but might want to ... all from one search box." The company added: "Search is simply better with your world in it." On the prominent blog Search Engine Land, Danny Sullivan writes that the updates fundamentally change the way Google's search engine functions, calling it the "most radical" change ever. "The new system will perhaps make life much easier for some people, allowing them to find both privately shared content from friends and family plus material from across the Web through a single search, rather than having to search twice using two different systems," he writes. "However, Search Plus Your World may cause some privacy worries, as private content may appear as if it is exposed publicly (it is not). It might also cause concern by making private content more visible to friends and family than those sharing may have initially intended." Keep reading: http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/tech/web/google-search-plus/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6ViewJanuary.11th.2012New websites, coupons, samples, etc... FREE!!!
I don't know about you, but I love free stuff!!! This circle keeps you posted with coupons, samples, free stuff, and websites that I think everyone will love!
LATEST POSTED BY: CanadianNannyLooking for child care in Canada? Skip the agency fees and try www.CanadianNanny.ca. Low cost to register and no additional fees once you've found someone.ViewJuly.26th.2011
Mindful Moms
Hi, CityMom and BurbMom here. We are writers juggling family life, work and friendships. With similar philosophies but divergent lifestyles (one of us lives in the burbs, the other in the city), being mindful is sometimes a challenge. But we try. Jump in and join us!
LATEST POSTED BY: DeborahDr. Gary Neuman's 4 types of toxic people to avoid..... Dr. Gary Neuman, a family counselor and mediator, helped Jennifer and her daughter Alyssa understand the toxic functions of their relationship, and offered advice for how the two can mediate their differences. Not all toxic relationships are repairable, however, and Dr. Neuman believes there are some people who can be cut out of your life completely. "You either have to avoid them, confront them, or get help in changing the relationship," Dr. Neuman says on the show about the toxic people in your life. "You cannot continue to allow it to happen to you." Read more: http://www.andersoncooper.com/2012/02/13/dr-gary-neuman-4-types-of-toxic-people-to-avoid/#ixzz1mUF9ryhLViewFebruary.15th.2012
Get Organized!
I'm not a fan clutter (literal and mental), but sometimes (especially with children) it's unavoidable... or is it? This is place to share ideas on how to conquer that seemingly impossible clutter in our lives (and help our kids do the same).
LATEST POSTED BY: Erin OThis web page has some great tips for staying organized! They include... - store bedlinen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match. - re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags. - use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the floor. - use magnetic strips to store bobby pins (and tweezers and clippers) behind a vanity door. More here: http://www.thedailybuzz.com.au/2011/11/25-clever-ideas_household-tips_storage-ideas/ViewDecember.14th.2011
Raising our Kids & a Garden Too
Welcome to The Motherhood Community Garden! Every year I learn a little more about gardening. Would love to connect with other moms who also like to dig in the dirt and make things grow.
LATEST POSTED BY: Kayla SFirst Lady writes book on edible gardening Washington (CNN) – First lady, wife, mother, careerist, fashionista - Michelle Obama can now add "author" to her list of credentials. Obama has written a book that highlights one of her most visible initiatives as first lady: promoting better nutrition and edible gardening as a means for Americans to get and stay healthy. "American Grown: How the White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities" aims to explore "how increased access to healthy, affordable food can promote better eating habits and improve the health of families and communities across America," according to a press release issued Monday by the Crown Publishing Group. "Mrs. Obama will describe how her daughters Sasha and Malia were catalysts for change in her own family's eating behavior, which inspired Mrs. Obama to plant an edible garden on the South Lawn - the first since Eleanor Roosevelt's "Victory Garden," planted during World War II." The first lady did not accept an advance for the book and will donate all proceeds to a charity to be revealed later, the statement says. Random House Inc., Crown Publishing Group's parent, will also make a donation to a charity. The book will be on sale nationwide starting April 10. Original article: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/24/flotus-writes-book-on-edible-gardening/ViewOctober.26th.2011Contests and Giveaways!
So many great give aways and contests on the web! This will be a great way to round it all up =) Please note, all off topic posts will be removed! Also, if I can keep up, I will remove posts from contests and give aways that are over already!
LATEST POSTED BY: bloggerdiseGot some giveaway sponsors for your blog (go on, take 'em) Hey all. I run a community site called bloggerdise.com. Essentially we link up bloggers with businesses and artists that are looking to be reviewed, do giveaways or promote their offers. Our site is totally free to register and use. We have over 800 businesses to choose from. Though I figure I'd offer up some of my personal picks on this thread. Again, to actually view all the business contact info you just need to register on bloggerdise.com first, for free. Ok, here's my first batch ... [oh, and if you have any questions you can reach me @ jesse@bloggerdise.com] Awesome popcorn company that is into sampling. Love their caramel corn ! http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=501 Novelist with a quirky sense of humor... http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=982 Skincare brand that is in to doing sampling of different kinds of products. http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1422 Eco-lips (premium lip care) open to giveaways – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=531 About Abby (award winning web series) looking for interesting promotional ideas – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1263 Vegan Web series starring Eric Roberts http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1206 Marcal tissues (open to giveaways and reviews) – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=872 Delicious Tea co. Open to sampling – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1319 Charitable search site – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1207 Applegate Farms (open to couponing) – http://www.bloggerdise.com/offer/?offer_id=1233 I got a bunch more, but interested to get your feedback (like if you want me to keep posting these.) Best, Jesse Bloggerdise.comViewSeptember.21st.2011
S.A.H.M. IS a job!
For Stay at Home moms or moms that are thinking about becoming SAHMs.
LATEST POSTED BY: jnovelloHi Everyone, I am new to the Motherhood site and soon to be a SAHM. I have 2 girls age 7 and 2 and daughter number 3 is due at the end of March. I am finally going to be able to be a SAHM due to the fact that i found a way to make an income from home and not have to put my girls in daycare. Any tips? A lot of people i know say that staying at home isn't easy and that its a lot of work. I am looking forward to it and can't wait but can understand what people mean. I am sure there are times when you just need some mommy alone time but my kids are my world so I am sure I am going to love it! Counting the days down until i can be a SAHMViewJanuary.8th.2012Mommybloggers
For Moms who blog ... whether you call yourself a mom blogger, mommyblogger, mother who blogs -- you are welcome here. Share your URL with us and say a little about yourself!
LATEST POSTED BY: MomwichHi, I'm Momwich - I've been a mommy blogger since my gorgeous daughters were 6 and 2... fast forward a few years and several thousand dollars in girl scout fees, cheer uniforms and orthodontics and they're now 16 and 12 - and I'm still blogging about my parenting fails :) http://www.momwich.netViewMay.2nd.2012
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