Nebraska Bill Would Require Governor to Use Exchange

The Governor of Nebraska, Dave Heineman, decided that Nebraska would opt for a federally run health insurance exchange. Senator Jeremy Nordquist has introduced a bill that would require the governor, and other lawmakers, to use that exchange to acquire health insurance coverage. Part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (which is also known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare), requires every state to have a health insurance exchange. The purpose of the exchanges is to enable individuals and small businesses to easily find affordable health insurance. There were three different options that a state could choose for … Continue reading

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

It’s always interesting to reflect back on the past year, to review the most significant moments, to pay special attention to those things you might have changed and to marvel at how quickly it all went by.  Some of us might get stuck in the past, while others find it easier to move on. I would have to say that without a doubt, the year 2012 was the most difficult for me as a parent.  Our family went through a troubling situation with our teen daughter that lasted several months.  All it took was one boy to enter the picture … Continue reading

Now Is A Good Time To Learn About Breastfeeding

Whether you are thinking of breastfeeding your baby or you are trying to decide whether you will breastfeed your baby, it is important to educate yourself about breastfeeding. Of course, the best time to read up on breastfeeding is while you are pregnant, so that you can be ready to nurse your baby when she arrives. It is also good to become familiar with breastfeeding resources that offer information and support. That way, you’ll know right where to turn when challenges or questions come up along the way. One great resource that I have used to answer many of my … Continue reading

Tips For Adressing Common Early Breastfeeding Challenges

Even though your baby has not made his or her arrival just yet, it is not too early to educate yourself about breastfeeding. It may come as a surprise to learn that something so simple and so natural can actually be somewhat tricky to master. Unfortunately, many new moms do not realize that breastfeeding does not always happen easily right away. Don’t feel bad if you have a little trouble getting started and, more importantly, don’t give up. If you would like to breastfeed your baby, here are two of the common difficulties that you may encounter during the early … Continue reading

The Good and the Bad of Summer

This is that time of year when I start thinking about the summer months and how my work schedule will be impacted. Because I have teenagers, I tend to have it easier during this time. For instance, I get to sleep in later. I don’t have to get up by a certain time to get my children to school. I truly enjoy the extra sleep I get during the summer. I don’t have to cut back on my work because my teens are busy with activities and friends. However, I may be called upon to drive them to where they … Continue reading

One Good Thing by Jillie

I usually review books or movies but I found a blog that I just have to share. It’s called One Good Thing and every day the author gives you one good thing. It may be a recipe, a craft or a way to do something cheaper yourself. The author of this blog, Jillie, has had some personal challenges including suffering from alcohol addiction. Her website is now her passion and she brings the rest of us something good, every day. Jillie really has an answer for everything! People ask her how to do things cheaper, how to replace store bought … Continue reading

When It’s Hard to See the Good

Have you ever been surprised by a child’s accomplishment? As parents this might sound inconceivable but I have a confession to make…I am guilty of this. Last week was the annual “Legacy Awards.” This is a special night in our church’s youth group, where teens are nominated for a variety of things. All the teens get dressed up. And those who are nominated get to take a ride in a limo and then come down the red carpet while the paparazzi (the parents) snap pictures. It is just like the Grammy’s, where someone comes up (youth sponsors) and opens an … Continue reading

Crushed

I am that mom. The mom whose heart breaks every time she sees her child in pain. The mom who feels just as bad watching another mother’s child hurt. After all, once you join the sorority of motherhood then another mother’s pain is your pain. I felt that way reading Stephanie’s blog about her daughter’s recent heartbreak. Fortunately, her daughter’s pain was temporary, but from what I could gather, Stephanie’s ache lingers. I am that mom. The mom who regularly thinks the grass is always greener in another mom’s yard. Only, after reading Stephanie’s post I was suddenly cured on … Continue reading

Fun, Frugal Challenges to Try

You can have fun and save money too, when you take one of the following frugal challenges. Jump start your frugal lifestyle or just relieve a little frugal fatigue. Track your progress and share it with others, such as on our Families Facebook fan page! Which is your favorite challenge? The Longest Lasting Challenge When you open a new bottle of something, how long do you think you can get it to last? Can you make your shampoo last twice as long? What about your laundry detergent. How far can you make the things that you commonly consume go before … Continue reading

Potential Problems of a Home-Based Business

As we are nearing the end of 2011, you might be thinking about ways to increase your home-based business or start one up. While there are many, many positive reasons to work from home, there are also potential problems that have to be realized. You may end up using this blog as a defense weapon as well, the next time someone tells you how “easy” you have it being able to work at home. No matter what your business is (inside or outside the home), there are always good and bad parts to it. One of the biggest problems you … Continue reading