National School Choice Week Charter

This week is busy the QC. for homeschooling families and charter schools alike. I want to share the news with you regarding two awesome events in particular. Both of them are free and begins tonight and ends Saturday*. Read below for details. 

National School Choice Week Charter Fairs sponsored by Banyan Consulting Group & Northwestern Mutual Parents can learn more about dozens of local charter schools on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Nearly two hundred people are expected to attend the fair, which will be held from 6:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn- University (8520 University Executive Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262).

 

 

Teachers and student leaders from 25 North Carolina charter schools will be on hand to provide parents with more information and application instructions. The event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week. This school fair is hosted by the North Carolina Public Charter Schools Association. The Association’s mission is to grow and sustain high quality public charter schools that nourish North Carolina’s children and enrich their families. NC Public Charter Schools Association is a membership coalition of NC charter schools established to serve, represent, and advocate for the interests of the schools and their children, parents, educators, and staff. National School Choice Week is a nationwide celebration of the education options from traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, online academies, and home schools taking place from January 25-31, 2015. RSVP is not required but appreciated. For more information, contact Aletha Buck at aletha@ncpubliccharters.org

Homeschool Fair for School Choice Week

Americans for Prosperity Foundation – North Carolina presents a brick-and-mortar gathering of homeschool resources for parents and students who are interested in or currently homeschooling in the Charlotte region.

We will have leaders of local homeschool groups as well as curriculum representatives presenting information to attendees. We are also excited to feature policy updates on school choice issues at the local, state and federal level from elected officials.

Additional representatives will be availble to discuss extracurriculars, such as sports, available to homeschoolers.
Please feel free to drop in throughout the day. Lunch will be available to ticket holders (Click here– no cost for tickets!).

See you there! Please share with others……~QC Supermom

Money Saving Washing Powder Tips

OK, let’s face it, you gotta do laundry. My family runs the washing machine at least four times a week. Can you imagine the amount of laundry powder we go through?

I get so frustrated because I love the good smelling strong powders but I also want to stay away from the strong toxins many of them have while saving money. It was a few years back that I decided to learn how to make my own. Now I have the best of all three worlds. My clothes smell dreamy, feel of toxins and we save money with each load.

Try these recipes and see how you too can be toxic free like me….. well, at least in the laundry room. This mixture will wash about 60 loads.  Enjoy!

Grab

• bar bath soap, grated (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup arm & hammer super washing soda laundry detergent (a laundry booster)
• ¹⁄₂ cup borax
• hot water

Then do this:

1. Cover with water and simmer over medium heat until all soap is melted, stirring occasionally.
2. Pour into 5 gallon bucket.
3. Add washing soda and borax.
4. Add enough hot water to fill the bucket.
5. Stir  & let sit overnight to gel.
6. Use 1 cup per load.

NOTE: You can pour this into old detergent containers or leave in the bucket.  For fresh, clean laundry without chemicals, make your own powders and sprays.

Even simpler:

Mix-

16 cups baking soda

13 cups of Borax
12 cups washing soda

8 cups grated castile or glycerin soap flakes*
3 tablespoons lavender, lemon or grapefruit essential oil

Combine baking soda, Borax, washing soda and soap flakes. Add essential oil and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1⁄8 cup per load. Yield: This recipe makes enough powder to last a family of eight for six months.

*Pre-Wash Stain Spray

1⁄2 cup white vinegar
1⁄4 cup baking soda
3 cups water

Stir together and fill a labeled spray bottle. Spray on soiled spots just before washing. Always test a hidden spot first.

Bleach/Brightener Substitute

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1⁄4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
12 cups water

Store in a labeled plastic jug. Add 2 cups per load along with detergent.

Extra tips:
For extra-clean clothes, follow your detergent with 1/2 cup of washing soda, an all-natural laundry booster. Add baking soda to wash water at the same time as detergent to soften and freshen clothes and linens.
These work well for us. The children love to help with these projects, also. I allow them help select the soap pieces, pour dry items and capping bottles. It makes them happy, so have fun with it!

Okay, now here’s a little from my son’s game Monday. We had a ball! It was so clear that it’s More than just a game.

Keep it Clean, ~QC Supermom

Basketball Game Day

I love to watch my son play basketball. I do. I do. I do. He is doing what he loves. He makes us happy to see him doing something fun,healthy, positive and affords him the potential to make a living for himself via the free education and his athletic ability.

As I look at the pictures I’ve taken from his last game, I realize that it’s more than the game. It’s much much more.  Basketball is making our family stronger!

My Big Boy on a Tiny Bike…..

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I beleive that. When he is home for the summer, or a short holiday break, I can’t wait for him to leave. He just urks me after a while. BUT when he is gone…. I think of him everyday.Is he eating well, what couga will be after him now, will he continue to feed his spiritual self, the list goes on and on.

This happens after every game!

When he is home, I am even more encouraged to cook super healthy meals. Because I know he’s a crazy diet at college. The entire family benfits from my extra effort. When he leaves, the younger children call and ask him to persuade me to make it again. That’s a huge stroke to my ego. It shows me that they do appreciate my hard work after all.

 

When my son is home, he’s on a break. He loves to take his siblings to the drive up zoo, the lake to fish, even to play dates for me. When he’s gone, they tell me about all the silly things they did while I was home. My husband and dad has someone to brag on. Because honestly, too many our our boys don’t get the opportunity to actually enjoy thier youth.

What helps me sleep at night is knowing that he too his someone watching his back when I’m not there, his coach, Edward Joyner. Yes, I’m the mom of NINE, but he is responsible for 13+ boys. I honor him and thank God for that because he does take his job seriously.

Jervon is a positive role model for his younger siblings. He inspires us parents to be better parents for him and his younger siblings and at the end of the day isn’t that what all mothers/parents want. To improve themselve and their family. I thank God for what basketball has given us. Can’t wait for the game today. Families gets the best seats for free! Can you say ROAD TRIP!  SC or BUST!!!!

Hampton Pirates (8-11)

@

South Carolina State Bulldogs (6-15)

It’s always more than just a game! Let life be more than living!

QC Supermom

 

Building and Revealing Character

There is something I really want and it’s available!

I’m so anxious. My heart is about to jump out of my sweater. My little guys, are talking to me; I’m answering, but my mind is on a whole other level all together. I am fighting myself to stay calm and optimistic. Although I’ve been wanting this thing for years now. To me, my family deserves it. (DEEP BREATH) Sorry folks, I can’t tell you what it is just yet, but keep your good vibes in my favor it will work out.

Right now, I had to rush and play “What God Has For Me Is For Me” by Miami Mass Choir, to calm my nerves because Yes, dear folks, I too have to check myself at times.  

You have little power over what’s not yours. – Zimbabwean proverb

I try to live a life that reflects hope, strength, faith, and courage to my family, and friends. I never envy; and refuse to do so now, but with all of my being, I hope to get favor in this incredible desire of my heart.

God did not create hurry. — Finnish

Growing up, I learned to work for what I want. To make no excuses for myself and although taking calculated risks isn’t a bad thing, one should think things out before taking action. I have seen many people with better “things” and have wondered how they get them for myself. Thank goodness, I had a mom that taught me to pray and trust my creator to lead the way. She also told me to never drool over what others have, because I don’t know how they got it. Then she explained the many ways to get said goodies. Working hard, saving, stealing, tricking, being gifted, connections, – everything. She left it up to me to figure out which path left to sleepless nights. (Gosh, I miss my mom

 Better little than too little. – Cameroonian proverb

One thing I do when I get over eager is read, listen or write things to encourage myself. I grew up connecting on a power higher than myself when in need. It’s all I know to do, and it makes good sense to find a way to use all of the energy in a progressive way. Heaven forbids my children begin to mimic me in my anxious zone.

(YES….. today is a day I’ll need my ‘mama-only’ time. So, a nice long walk is in order)

When the shepherd comes home in peace, the milk is sweet. – Ethiopian proverb

Looking at my life journey, I think I have prepared for this opportunity. I just put my trust in God, that “my blessing “is ready for me.

 
Okay, it’s time for my little walk now; they say a talkative bird will not build a nest. So I’ll hush for now as I patiently wait. Wish me luck!

 

QC Supermom

 

 

More Quotes to inspire:

African quotes, and here

Beautiful images about patience

more wise quotes

Friday Four: Entrepreneur High Charter School closes

What a sad day in the Queen City. Just as families everywhere celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s  holiday, my family is scratching our heads figuring out what to do with our budding entrepreneur.  For four months, my daughter has been attending Entrepreneur Charter High School and absolutely loving it. She went from being a complete introvert to being on the principals honor roll, and increasing her  business, Cassie’s Sweetz (organic lactation treats for nursing moms).  That’s progress.Now that the school is closed, she has no where to go. Going to the community college seems to much for her. Going to our CMS home school is not even on the table. Someone mentioned a nearby charter school…. well, we are not sold on that option either based on the overall student demographics. They target at risk kids. Sorry Cassie isn’t one of them. We want EHS BACK!

“It’s just been a hot mess. It’s been very bad. It’s embarrassing to see a situation get here this quickly,” state board member Becky Taylor said. “I just don’t see how we can continue on with this school.”   The CharlotteObserver

The main thing I learned was that the money follows the student. It was made very clear is this experience. Entrepreneur Charter High School did not  have enough students, leading to shaky finances.

Kelle Pressley says her daughter loves the school. She’s a culinary student with strong career goals. “The concept of entrepreneurship is wonderful,” Pressley said. “I just think it should have been planned more strategically than it was.” “I think with getting the right partners, it can be resurrected,” she said. WSOC

When the students breakfast and lunch was taken away I didn’t think much of it. Then the transportation to and from school ended. My husband called it! He said, “It’s over Cassie. Your school won’t be around much longer.” But I still believed it would work out. We, parents were kept in the dark about a lot of what was going on. I did my own investigation and learned that they were advised to wait a year before opening. The time would have given them the advantage of a much needed learning curve. I wish they would have taken that advice.

“As we are able to fix the situation with the state, we’ll invite them back,” Hillman said of the students. “If we are not able to, they’re where they need to be.”-MyInforms.com

As the two- week president of the school, I’m still getting news about the school that I didn’t know before,like this one for example, via Erika Hayes, of WCNC : After reports that the school had just $14 in its bank account earlier this week, Hillman admits they ran out of money prematurely. He says the board does have plans to regroup, raise money, and hopefully reopen at a new location sometime next year. Here are four reasons to bring back Entrepreneur High School: 1.  Big businesses can improve their workforce. The school is sending out with a high school diploma and career ready skills. Their future employees will save them training dollars. UUugh, hello; Nascar, Duke Energy Center, Barrington’s Restaurant, BE&K Building Group, a KBR Company,Basil Thai, Rodgers Builders Inc.,Caromont Regional Medical Center, Cox Schepp Construction Inc.,Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Choate Construction Co.,Aria Tuscan Grill, the Sonic Automotive Inc., Bistro La Bon, CMC, Balfour Beatty Construction, Copper– (just naming a few) These children need you! 2. The community should care because of the positive transition in the students life. Rabbi Yehuda says: He that does not teach his son a trade, teaches him to rob. Entrepreneur High School teaches their students to be self sufficient. Many courses they offer will ensure that they will be able to financially take care of themselves. 3.Charlotte families should support the school because introverts, students that want to learn without behavior distractions, and have the freedom to discover what they want to do when “they grow up”  may do so in a supportive environment. 4. The State should support this because if more children had options. Tax payers would spend less on prisons. I personally would rather put my money on empowering students to become self reliant, supporting charter schools to be successful and creating learning environments that best fit each student.

Kelly Pressley has a daughter enrolled. She came to entrepreneur to hone her skills and love for culinary arts (see Cassie’s Sweetz) – one that will come to an end this week. Presley said, “She herself is trying to figure out what to do next, because she doesn’t have an option of going back into CMS or being home schooled.”

There are two things that could save this school – funding to the tune of 400 thousand dollars which would pay teacher salaries – utilities like power, heat, and water.The school has until February to get financing or be controlled by another charter school, but until then – they simply can’t afford to stay open. But that’s just my two cents…….. Have a great MLK weekend! QC Supermom More details here: WCNC.com More charter schools to open

UPDATE::::: “It may not even return as a Charter school” See video here. 

2015 Ringling Brothers in the QC: Contest time!

The Greatest show on Earth is coming back to the Queen City! Get ready for LOADS of exhilarating fun!  Because that is exactly what you will experience!

Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® brings the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages in an all-new show – – Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures of the past: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS!

I was looking for previous pictures we’ve shared and noticed that we have been doing this for a while! The reason we have been attending is simple, it IS indeed a great family outing.  

Want to see for your self? Lucky you, I have a family four pack to give-away!

Register to win a Family 4 pack of tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS by creating a raw, hand made picture of an animal you would see at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and give it a name.

ALSO

like business page on Facebook and on Google. (click the highlighted links please) That’s it!  Simple right?! Okay, get to it! One of my blogger mommie friends seen it in her home town and said: “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Legends is definitely a show you want to take your family to.

The performances were amazing and will have you sitting on edge of your pants.”

and I just heard that this year, there will be a unicorn and introduction of Ringling’s first African-American ringmaster  ??????? WOW!!!!

Ticketmaster in the picture link for information:  

Media Kit: http://feldmedia.com/mediaguides/ringlingbros/legends/

The deadline to enter the giveaway is January 30!  The winner will be drawn at random and notified via email. Don’t forget to check your inbox! Life is good, enjoy it with your loved ones. These memories are priceless! 

Good luck!

QC Supermom

Friday Four: My Monster Jam in the QC!

We made our first trip every to Monster Jam this weekend! The weird thing about it is I never – ever been a fan. Sure, I purchased the cars for my 5 sons, but I was never the mom to sit and watch it on television or insist to go see them live at a show in town.

But I’m always but for new adventures with my family! We attended opening night here in the QC and we loved every minute of it!

It was thrill after thrill after thrill! It was action packed to the max!

My tiny brain started to hurt because I was cheering so hard for more wheelies, dough nuts and jumps. Even when the trucks went over board and flipped over, it was still a thrill to see how  the crew came, and responded to the situation. My 4 year old was upset because none of them were the color red. From my husband, he went on and on about the motorcyclist and pogo guys tricks. I think everyone’s top 3 were Spike, Mohawk and as Mega Bite they were the fastest, most dynamic, most exhilarating, and fun looking guys out there!

Here’s a few of my 8 year old sons favorite shots from Monster Jam. 

This looked JUST like our last minivan.

 

4 things to consider before going to a Monster Jam:

1. Bring ear plugs and a filter for breathing. It can get pretty loud in their. Younger children I think are most disturbed by it. Because there is gallons of gas and oil, and dirt, and rubber ALL over the place, it can get toxic. Wearing a filter (I used my scarf and washed as soon as I got home) will reduce all of that getting in your skin.

2. Learn about Monster Jam. My son never said a word about a Mohawk. This morning, I woke up to seeing hair on the floor and scissors in the toilet. My son wanted his hair just like the ..   The older boys were outside this morning crashing their tiny cars….. (I stopped that really quick, as I have no time to rush and sit in the ER for hours on top of hours today.) Had I known they were so impressive, I would have warm them like a surgeon general’s posting on a box of cigarettes.

3. Always look for promo codes to make attending even easier. Get there early and consider picking up your ticket before the show. ….. You’ll thank me for that one later- trust me!TIP: I usually have fun contests for awesome family shows here in Charlotte. Now the parking, I can’t help you with.

4. Bring a camera and OR get good seats! There is nothing like having one of those huge, sweet trucks stopping smack dab in front of you and waving! I know he was waving at the kids but after watching a few doughnuts in the dirt and them virtually flying in air….. I was mesmerized. (I think I want to drive one myself now) Yes, I embarrassed my girls a few times, but it was so worth it. Family time is always a good time, and I noticed that I wasn’t alone. Families were everywhere I looked. Some were drinking others were eating, but everyone had a smile on their face!

It was so worth the trip of getting everyone ready and out the door!

~ QC SuperMom

-More about Monster Jam: Monster Jam is a live motorsport event tour and television show operated by Feld Entertainment. It is the most popular monster truck tour, performing to over 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Monster Jam® shows consist of three main fan-favorite elements – the pit party, racing and freestyle. The series is sanctioned under the umbrella of the United States Hot Rod Association and takes place primarily in the United States

Sunday Funday means MONSTER JAM is back on FOX Sports 1! Tune in at 12 pm ET to watch the FS1 Championship Series in Houston! Full TV listing here: www.monsterjam.com/TV/

Up next in the Queen City

Jan. 28-Feb. 1: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®

February 13: Family Valentine’s Day Party  in the QC!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to attend Monster Jam  for review purposes only, and there was no additional compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.  ……POW!

Wednesday WOW: Let’s Get The Kids In The Kitchen.

Involving your kids in the kitchen enhances their appreciation and basic knowledge of different foods and good nutrition. You can teach them safe ways to handle food as well as simple cooking techniques. Plus, the time spent together is invaluable family time and encourages a lifetime of healthy eating.

I like to look in various magazines, cookbook newspaper ads,, and even old menus for inspiration on what to cook. Now don’t get me wrong, I have also passed by other people and have secretly drooled at what they are indulging.

For us, not much is off limits. There are many ways to make just about everything healthier and tastier to enjoy.

Here’s how my large family create a healthy meal together.

1. We look to see what we have and note what we need. Coupons can be grabbed from the Sunday paper and online. In the fridge, we look for:

1. Freshness
2. Enough  of the ingredient for the recipe
3. Something everyone can and will want to eat.

2.We determine who will do what. This is based on each ones age and ability to safely follow directions. There are six children in the home ranging from two to sixteen; a helper or two is never hard to find.

For most children you can give the following kitchen jobs:

2-4- year olds children can stir, roll, and even mash ingredients in a large deep bowl. This age group, however, needs very close adult supervision since their dexterity and motor skills are still developing.

5-7  year olds can help with reading  recipes, measuring, juicing, and prepping, and gathering certain ingredients. They may still need reminders to watch their fingers during grating and peeling.

8-11 year olds can cut, use specialty appliances like the panini press, waffle, ice cream maker, bigger knives and maybe even able to roast veggies. Now with a grasp of some basic cooking skills and an appreciation for the rules of the kitchen, young cooks are ready to take on more complex tasks using more kitchen equipment.  Of course, close and constant supervision are required at all times.

12 & up* This group can place and remove food from the oven, and even help create a healthy menu for an entire  week.

Here’s one of our weekly meals. Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 garlic clove chopped
• 1 pound lean ground turkey* (meat is optional- we use meat alternatives)
• 2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces muenster cheese (we dice it our self to save money)
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (we dice it our self to save money)
• Sprinkles of salt, flax seeds,and pepper to taste

Directions-

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain.In a large skillet, brown onion and “crumbled meat” over medium heat. Add spaghetti sauce, and simmer 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Layer as follows: 1/2 of the pasta, mixed cheeses,1/2 sauce mixture, remaining mixed pasta, cheeses and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheeses are melted.

Tilapia and Green Tea

Why teach children how to cook?

• Cooking can be a fun time to bond with your kids, as well teach basic cooking education(importance of proper food safety practices, including food storage and kitchen hygiene ).Your kids will become more independent and confident.
• Before they leave home, they should know how to successfully cook and eat well when on their own.
• Teach them the difference between food and highly processed food items. If you don’t have a garden consider starting a container garden and shopping from a farmers market.

Get more information here;

Food A fact Of Life

Why is Farm-to-School Important?

Noodles does NOT come from a can!

ENJOY!- QC Supermom

Tax Time Momma. Here’s What to Know

January 20, 2014 will be here in no time! I have some tips to hopefully make this tax season less painful and more lucrative.

1. Keep track

If you itemize deductions, start keeping track now (or gather what you’ve already spent) of whatever they are. Whether you create a folder on your computer, in your email or have an actual envelope for receipts, start putting everything all in one place so you don’t need go searching come April. Depending on what industry you work in you might even be able to deduct things you didn’t realize. For instance if you work in entertainment, your cable bill, magazines and even movie tickets can be deducted. Work in sales? If you drive you can deduct your gas, tolls, parking, even car insurance. Be sure to ask your accountant what you can deduct for your job. And don’t forget those charitable donations!

2. Ask around

If you don’t want to do your taxes yourself, or maybe you just want to try another accountant, ask around. Talk to friends and family about who they use and why they like their accountant. This way you can get a head start. Many of them even use worksheets to track your documents and deductions so you might want to request this ahead of time. One of our sponsor brands, KP Tax Service has a user-friendly platform to help you get through it if you’re looking to brave tax season on your own!

3. Review and assess

Didn’t get a refund last year? Or did you owe more than expected? Talk to your accountant and/or review your return to see why. A few things you can look into for this year:

• Increase your withholding: Check your pay stub? Do you declare yourself as married? Change it to married but withhold at single rate. Or even just single. This means they take out more each paycheck and you owe less at the end of the year. You can also ask the state or federal government to take out extra money each paycheck. This could be as little as $10 but might mean the difference between getting hit come tax time.
• Participate in a 401K: If your company matches, this is a no-brainer. But even if they don’t, since this is pre-tax, it means you’ll be taxed on less income and again, might owe less in years to come.
• Participate in an FSA: If your company allows you to participate in a Flexible Spending Account, for either dependent care (child care) or medical, this is also done pre-tax and will help you get taxed on less income at the end of the year.
• Participate in a transit program: Here in NY we have WageWorks, a program that allows you to pay with your paycheck for public transportation, up to a certain amount. Again, this is done pre-tax and since it’s something you need to buy anyway, it pays (!) to deduct this from your paycheck.
• Open an IRA: Depending on your circumstances, you can open an IRA up until the tax deadline and may be able to claim a deduction on your individual federal income tax return for the amount you contributed to your IRA.

 

Friday Four: Kwanzaa Charlotte

Happy New Year!!! We made it! My only resolve is to a better human than I was last year! No Stress zone!

This week has been great! Seems fitting to do a Wordless Friday!

Please Enjoy!

 

We get to see this guy play in SC this weekend!

 

Guess what we’re doing this weekend? Yup, Hampton College Basketball! Have a great weekend!