Friday Four-Homeschooling In N.C.; Startup 101

87,978 students are homeschooled in North Carolina! Yes, my friends. homeschooling in is on the rise. We don’t stop at the basic curriculum because the world is our classroom!

GENERAL FACTS, STATISTICS, AND TRENDS

  • There are over 2.3 million homeschool students in the United States.  That is, there were an estimated 2.3 million in spring 2016, and this was up from one estimate of about 2 million home-educated children (in grades K to 12) during the spring of 2010 in the United States (Ray, 2011). It appears the homeschool population is continuing to grow (at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past few years).
  • Homeschooling – that is, parent-led home-based education; home education – is an age-old traditional educational practice that a decade ago appeared to be cutting-edge and “alternative” but is now bordering on “mainstream” in the United States. It may be the fastest-growing form of education in the United States. Home-based education has also been growing around the world in many other nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom).
  • A demographically wide variety of people homeschool – these are atheists, Christians, and Mormons; conservatives, libertarians, and liberals; low-, middle-, and high-income families; black, Hispanic, and white; parents with Ph.D.s, GEDs, and no high-school diplomas. One study shows that 32 percent of homeschool students are Black, Asian, Hispanic, and others (i.e., not White/non-Hispanic) (Noel, Stark, & Redford, 2013).
  • Families engaged in home-based education are not dependent on public, tax-funded resources for their children’s education. The finances associated with their homeschooling likely represent over $27 billion that American taxpayers do not have to spend, annually, since these children are not in public schools
  • Taxpayers spend an average of $11,732 per pupil annually in public schools, plus capital expenditures. Taxpayers spend nothing on most homeschool students and homeschool families spend an average of $600 per student annually for their education.
  • Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity among minorities. About 15% of homeschool families are non-white/nonHispanic (i.e., not white/Anglo).
  • An estimated 3.4 million or more U.S. adults have been homeschooled for at least one year of their K-12 years, and they were homeschooled an average of 6 to 8 years. If one adds to this number the 2.3 million being homeschooled today, an estimated 5.7 million Americans have experienced being homeschooled. [note 1]

Now my question to you is this? Are you prepared to dedicate 75% of your day to teaching?

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  • group field trips,park days and/or p.e. days – ( join QCSAHM; we might change the name if you join!)
  • organized clubs such as geography club, 4H, chess, robotics, etc.
  • book and curriculum exchanges- You will save SO much money by sharing resources!!! Here is video from homeschool graduation last year. Click Here! Many of the parents in this group share resources and community goodies.
Places like Home Depot Kids Workshops offers free instructions and play on building motor skills and creative engineering. And it’s free 1st Saturdays of the month!
  • dedicated email loops or Facebook groups for sharing information (join my newsletter – HERE! in the subject line type Charlotte Homeschool News)
  • organized athletic opportunities. (the YMCA is great for this)
  • the opportunity to make new friends!! (Join my Facebook page. We gotta stick together- QCSupermom )

Contact the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE)

The key requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina include:

  • Parents must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).
  • Families must file a notice of intent to homeschool with the NC Department of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE) between July 1st and August 15th
  • Families should keep attendance and immunization records on file for each homeschool student.
  • Homeschooled students should take a nationally standardized test each year and keep the results on record for one year.
  • The homeschool should operate on a regular schedule for at least nine months of the school year. (Don’t worry, it’s easier to do than you think!)
  • Families should notify the NCDNPE when closing their homeschool

For a full explanation of each of these regulations, including forms that will be helpful in staying compliant, visit the NC Home School Information Portal.

Homeschool Record keeping in North Carolina

The records that homeschoolers are required to keep in North Carolina do not have to be submitted to the NCDNPE unless specifically requested. However, it is a good idea to keep a detailed, accurate, and professional homeschool portfolio of items for each student. Information that you might want to include in your homeschooler’s portfolio could be:

  • Subjects covered each school year
  • Parent-administered or online school report cards or assessments
  • Yearly standardized test scores
  • High school transcript for any student in grades 9-12

Let Me Just Say This: Well Homeschool Children are SMARTER – Just kidding a bit here, but most tend to have more time to focus and recite things like this from Collin K.

We have been homeschooling since 2005. Here’s 4 Ways It Works For Us:

  1. Flexibility – I don’t like getting up early on cold mornings, and sometimes, I like to go to the zoo in the middle of the week. To do that, I need my kids to go with me. lol. Seriously, the flexibility is a blessing! If my dad needs us to come to SC for his care, we can just jump up and go. And yes, spontaneous field trips are pretty cool too!
  2. Protection– I know that anything may happen anywhere at anytime. But I’m sorry, some public schools are like Sodom & Gomorrah. The schools in our area are very rough. Having them with me in controlled, safer environments makes me stress less. At least I don’t have to worry about any teachers or other kids pinning them up for rape, bullying or anything else deemed ill favored. (Even the food at basic schools suck) And we can’t afford private school for 4 boys right now.
  3. Diversity– I want my children to really be prepared for their future. There are so many topics not covered in public school that children need. For example, basic finance, urban horticulture, Real World cultures, home economics, Africa:pre slavery, and mechanics -just to name a few.
     So in short, our more tailored social interactions, support our values.
  4. Empowering – I trust myself to do this. I honestly feel that they are thriving better with me as a teacher. And because I have my husband to help financially support us. I want to continue putting them first so that when we are older, they will be more inclined to take care of us, if needed.

Here’s a tiny clip from a trip to Discovery Place. (I can show you how to save a lot of money on local admissions through my coaching sessions)   

 

Disclosure: I am resourceful. Not the smartest. My husband, older children, wise friends, and technology helps educate our four young ones. When/if the time comes and proves our system no longer serves our best interest, they’ll go to public school with the quickness.

As a homeschool coach, I can hold your hand as you get started. It is time consuming. It requires organization skills. It requires patience. It also requires research. I’ve done a lot of that so you don’t have too. Hire me to help get you started and to be available for coaching sessions. Inbox me at
QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com for more details.
Please use in subject line (The HomeSchool Coach ). I’d love to help navigate you through this new chapter of life.

To all my friends and family that refers people to me for home school coaching, thank you. I really appreciate that!

Get more statistics here on homeschooling.

In home music class snippet- here!                                                       

Play time with Chubby!

Showing manners with Rachel the Raccoon

Great Wolf Lodge: Dual Reviews

This past weekend, we went back to the most kid friendly place in the Carolinas during the winter. {Drum rolls please} It’s Great Wolf Lodge, a kid friendly,highly animated, festively decorated and huge resort in Concord NC. It is without any doubt the place where kids are free ranged!

For the children it went like this – “We had a great time playing in the amazing indoor pools and throughout the kid friendly lobby”. My daughter added, ” I hope the next time we run into Fantasia, I hope she takes a picture with me.” The End.

Me: I which I’d used the $400+ differently for a one night 2 day stay. Or at least got a better deal. Our rate covered the standard room, and 4 kids waterpark passes. No meals. No extra passes or birthday door decorations or anything. In 2016, we were able to purchase a $15.00* package that covered milk & cookies being delivered to our room by a costumed character. This year it wasn’t even an option. Also in 2016, the Great Wolk characters came down during the dance party right after story time (or was it before)to get the dance party going. But nope- it didn’t happen this weekend either. I can not express how badly I wanted my money back. 

Here’s my advice if you plan on going for your child’s birthday:

  • Locate the Dollar General and Walmart. Get your cupcakes and rooms door birthday banner before arriving.Since you can get in the pool as early as 1 pm , send the kids to play and hook the room up yourself.
  • The one in Concord is surrounded by great family and small business owned restaurants. These are cheaper than the ones inside Great Wolf Lodge, by far.
  • You can have fun without purchasing any add on packages. Tell your kids what I tell mine, “We came to swim and play around in the lobby; that’s it!”
  • This really should have went first but- hey, you’re still getting the good stuff- right? Ok, here it goes—> grab a lower rate from one of those 3rd party online websites. I seen the same room we got for almost $100 dollars cheaper! (And I used a coupon saying that our rate was 40% off)
  • Last but not least, If you run into Fantasia, and she says” I’m mommy today,” respect that and keep it pushing. Childhood must be protected by all mommies!

Next time we go, YES, I said next time. WHY? Because my children ARE the boss of me and two of them are winter babies. So as I was saying, the next time we go……       

👀 I’m going on the day of their birthday, assuming it’s a weekday. Being a homeschooler, this will work. 

👀  We will arrive right at 12:30. This way we get to unpack, check in and still be one of the first people in the waterpark. On our check out day, because they check you out automatically*. We will pack and load our things, then head back into the pool until dinner time.

👀 Because each room has a microwave and mini fridge, there’s no need for  restaurant visit. Pizza- sure, and they can deliver that!

👀 Use the activity sheet. There’s plenty of free planned fun available.

👀  I’m bringing an airbed. These kids sleep wild and the rooms are pretty big!

👀 I will again refuse Magic Quest, Scoops spa, and an arcade (it’s open 24/7).  

Homeschooling with Hurricane Florence

First off, let me just say, “I survived Hugo”!Hurricane Hugo damage totals.

Hugo was scary. It was loud. It was confusing. And it was destructive.

I remember following it’s path. Noting what it was doing in each town it touched. My parents did everything they could, from boarding up the windows, getting tons of supplies, and even waiting in a gas line for 3 hours only to get 5 gallons. As it was the limit per car.  Then Hugo hit. We all slept together in our parent’s bed and oddly enough, we siblings fell asleep till the next day. That morning we woke up to many disasters. Starting with a big hole in the roof of our back porch and a fallen tree in the front yard. My dad wanted to go out to see what damages occurred in town.  And boy it was a mess!! Our little town of Hemingway is still recovering. From that experience, I’ve learned to be mindful but not fearful.

So when I heard about hurricane Florence, I knew what we needed to do, and what nonessentials to remiss

My husband purchased a generator months ago. That was the best investment yet. We purchased 2 cases of water, fruit, rice, beans and ordered pizza. We knew we wouldn’t get over a category 1 effects of Florence and that wasn’t enough for us to leave our home.    https://www.facebook.com/clt.stories/videos/729447094062156/

So it’s Sunday and Florence has done her damage, as she approaches Charlotte!!!!! Screenshot_20180916-102307.png

Florence weakens to a tropical depression but flash flooding is far from over

Although flooding is still possible, I can take the rain. Heck, I LOVE the rain and wind flow. No problem there. But the kids are a whole different story. Sure we could have just cuddled up and watch movie galore and played a few cards games but we’re extra. lol

  1. We did container gardens with our worn out Nike sneakers.
  2. Played card games.
  3. We cleaned up our closets
  4. Researched hurricanes. We learned what causes them, what it is, and how they end.

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My message is this, you control their world. Make it scary or make it empowered.  The difference is information and creativity. Neither of them are expensive. Okay, gotta go hide and take a nap. (((Hopefully)))

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Florence Notes:

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Check out these checklists while you have power/ WiFi -( click here! https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan  )1537109464577_411.JPEG

 

And we have a little stupidity (opportunist) Just read it.

Friday Four: Halloween Savings, Snacking and Satisfaction!

Halloween is supposed to be fun, mysterious, and yummy! I for one have seen a spectrum of Halloween scenarios and today, Ias I type I am a born again Halloween worshiper! LOL! No More white sheets and plastic pumpkin bowl filled with sugary Kiddie Crack! pppp

As a parent no one wants to go in the hole while celebrating this amazing holiday, there are a few ways you can get the kids looking great, save money on treats, and have loads of fun together as a family.

Okay, I kinda understand that not everyone gets excited about Halloween, but let’s just think for a minute…..with everything going on in today’s world, a light-hearted, healthy, progressive, fun, mental adventure here and there in a safe environment is a needed perk! Any chance you can give your child to enjoy childhood, go for it! It will only give them more fond memories of you and extend their childhood a little longer.  It also tells them, that they are special enough to you to make it happen. Why not?IMG_20171028_204910671.jpg

For those who do, allow me to give you a hand with this. Because, you know, October is “MY MONTH!” It’s the month I was given to our Earth.  I will be turning 24 years old! (Just flip those numbers around -okay)  (Cake below by vegan teen baker, Cassie, of Cassies Sweetz)cake

octHomeschooling parents, this is for you! Make it a Science Day! I have put together a few ideas here on Pinterest for you!  Everything is affordable, easy and not too messy to try! Follow THIS ONE other boards over there and thank me later!

2. For my children, I have gotten some really nice costumes from friends kids, thrift stores, my closet. Yes, I’ll go to a local department store but only after I luck out at these other options. Shopping early is never a bad thing either. I get some of my most favorite event wigs -BRAND new from outlet stores for dirt cheap! If you are hitting the bottom of the barrel with costume options, just click here for fresh ideas!

3. Do you really want to go door to door or to a boring party JUST to get candy and watch your child play? NO, you don’t. Skip it all and mark your calendar for the next BooBash! I The only thing scary about it the idea of you not voting! Yes, it a family-focused- free, Early Voting  Halloween parade and party! It’s sponsored by Momsrising, Queen City Stay At Home Moms and other amazing community partners. It’s on the lawn of Beatties Ford Road Regional Library. It nonpartisan and low candy. distribution. YES!!!! Find out more about Momsrising here. CLICK HERE. 🙂

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4.I have a friend that is a merchandiser for Family voteDollar. Right now all of their candy is buy 2 bags of candy and get 1 for free! While I’m NOT an advocate of any (non-chocolate)) candy, that is a pretty good deal.

Alternatively, offer clementines. They look JUST like tiny pumpkins and they have their very own packaging. IMG_20171025_131842610.jpg

 

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So my question to you is, are you ready for some not so scary good times?

 

In Total Wellness,

QC Supermom  – (Jabela)

Disney On Ice FROZEN 2017 – Ticket Contest

Disney On Ice is back! And I’m not sure who is more excited. The children or myself! It’s my opportunity to take the kids back to my childhood. A time of low stress and all fantasy!

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Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen.  The heartwarming Academy Award-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.

Love Is Putting Someone Else’s Needs Before Yours- Frozen

My children always focus on the colorful excitement, costumes, and funny lines, I take in the lyrics, perfect moves on ice and the light-hearted storylines. For 90 minutes, there is nothing but excitement, fun, and a carefree childhood! If you have gone before, you understand my excitement. If not, make plans to go this year!

Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.” Here’s how to get your tickets. Buy them via the link below or win them!

I’m giving away four tickets for the opening night show on 

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Thursday, October 5 at 7:00pm. To win them, be sure to like us on Instagram and Facebook. Then tag me in your favorite Disney meme. Simple right? I posted one of my favorite Disney memes below.

 

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of them all; Mulan

 

Last year we invited Zianna Oliphant, she and her family had a ball!

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Bringing Beloved Disney Characters to Life on Ice.

Location:        Spectrum Center

Show Dates:   Oct 05, 2017 – Oct 08, 2017

Purchase Tickets Here

I’m All For Gun Safety

You know a lot of people don’t understand the importance of having a gun control laws but I do. When I was 17 a lot of you may not know this, but I was a really hip young lady. And I went to a party at a local Club and this young man asked me to dance with him and I refused him.

It happened in 1992, I went to a party at Club 261, local club back home to celebrate much anticipated ‘Summer -Sum-mer, Summer -time Season. I guess we weren’t the only ones, the place was crowded with folks.  Out of the blue, this young man asked me to dance with him and I refused him. gun

A Dangerous Trend: North Carolina Considers Weaker Gun Laws

Who knew that he would take it so hard? But then, I am Kelle! Lol, so going back to my fun time, I soon heard a loud, frustrated voice behind my head. It was the same guy, asking the same question, only to get the same answer. He was .”BIG MAD”  Minutes went by, and then the voice return it was like deja vu because everything happened again, but to my surprise, he came with a little package. Yes, a gun and he shot the gun towards my feet. Thank goodness no one was hurt. He lost all self-control. I went home that night and the next day we went to press charges on the guy. Come to find out he had no permit to carry. He failed the required testing to carry firearms. What if I was fatally shot? What if a bystander was fatally hit? and couldn’t return home that night? I know my parents love me. Other parents must love their child as well. What if This sick guy had no business with a gun.

It’s for these reasons we need real regulations and accountability for everyone that desires to carry a firearm. Even on the side of the state, there are perks to ponder. Can you imagine how much money there is to be made from people that just can’t pass the test?  If you feel the same way I need you to join Momsrising today. I’m with them.

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Moms vs. The NRA: The Force Awakens!

We, the moms, dads, family members, and leaders of the United States, pledge to continue to fight for gun safety reforms to protect our kids our familMomsrising Karen and QCSupermom kelleies, and our communities, including

  • Criminal background checks for all gun purchases, including at gun shows and on the Internet.
  • A ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
  • A federal anti-gun-trafficking statute with real penalties to crack down on straw purchases.

We also support funding for evidence-based community anti-violence programs that have proven to reduce the risk of gun violence in highly impacted communities. We support repealing Stand Your Ground Laws, common in many states, which facilitate racial profiling, casual gun culture, and are a huge step backwards for civil rights. We also call for federal, state and local reforms to curb police shootings of civilians with transparency and accountability. Beth NC Guns safety appeal

Here’s how with your help we can send an even louder voice saying we want our children and loved ones to be safe we want to be safe we want accountability to let’s do it together Take the PLEDGE here and read on…..

Dear blog readers, rise with me for families scarred by gun violence. Support commonsense gun reform with a gift of $5 or more to MomsRising.

Friday Four: Homeschooling Shortcuts

I confess. I did NOT like  homeschooling at first.Even now, I do it out of necessity. We live in a unfavorable school zone and I refuse to send any of my  children to the designated schools. It would be five steps backwards, educationally, mentally, socially, and physically. Homeschooling has proven to be a asset for our super busy life and a way to give my children what I think they need in this world.learn.JPG

Oh, and it can be very expensive with four boys in four different grade levels. Thank goodness for short cuts and other resources to help us along the way. Maybe you can use a few.

Here’s 4 of my top online resources for home learning. Enjoy! 

1.Push them off on a smart friend. 

 Tech-Talent-South-New

My guys learned -HTML, CSS, and  RUBY in  5 WEEKS  for  FREE!

Kids Code is offered in 5 week stints, and occurs on Mondays or Tuesdays, depending on each location. Kids Code is from 4:00pm – 5:30pm, and doesn’t cost a thing!

2. ONLINE 

Khan Academy tutorials have revolutionized the way that people think about teaching and learning online. This non-profit educational website was started by MIT grad Salman Khan. He began using the internet as a way to tutor a young relative and people found his video tutorials so useful that he quit his job and began making educational resources full time. The site now provides more than 3,000 free educational videos on a range of topics including mathematics, economics, history, and computer science.

Duck Duck Moose is now part of Khan Academy – qcsupermominfo@gmail.com

We’re excited to announce that Duck Duck Moose, an award-winning developer of children’s learning apps, is now part of Khan Academy!

Since we believe every child should have access to the best learning resources, we’re making all 21 of Duck Duck Moose’s apps FREE.

Getting online is a part of our day! It allows me to homeschool four children at a time, clean the house and return business calls. We have just 2 laptops, 1 Ipad and 2 phones available for the kids. Including technology helps me stay organized and on track all day long!

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3. In The Community

We have:

lkDiscovery Place is a science and technology museum for visitors of all ages located in the Uptown area of Charlotte, Address: 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 372-6261 Founded: 1981

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ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center is a collaborative venture of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and the Children’s Theater of Charlotte. Address: 300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202  Phone: (704) 416-4600

IMG_3846The Charlotte Nature Museum features interactive nature exhibits and live animal displays, including a butterfly pavilion, and more. Address: 1658 Sterling Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209 Phone: (704) 372-6261

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Queen City Stay At Home Moms-  It’s what you get when you combine a group of moms from different backgrounds with the same common goal; to navigate through motherhood with amazing support.

We get together and share the joys, adventures, burden and unseen blessings  of mothering.  Some are former teachers, current students, grandparents, chefs, coaches……  and everything in between. Each of them have something to share with our children . .  Everyone brings their own strengths to the group for all to enjoy. It’s like having  the privilege to pick your family and selecting only the smartest, sweetest, most resourceful and creative members.

4. Local Stores

Lakeshore Learning– The BEST Spot EVER! They have EVERYTHING  for education.    SEE their YouTube Channel: Click here

They have been in the education game since 1954. They were also major gifters for our last Total children’s wellness Fair. We got to see so many of their awesome manipulatives and other incredible mental enhancers.

Five Below – If we are traveling and I have forgotten to bring their workbooks, I make one stop at my local Five Below and pick up just what I need for the trip. They never disappoint!
The Dollar Store is a great resource as well. 5 below

Homeschooling is an adventure you do not have to take alone. I hope this helps!

Wednesday Wow: TCWF 2016

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Thanks again to The Preparedness Consulting Group, Utz chips and Keith Clinic for being our top sponsors. 

The 6th annual Total Children’s Wellness Fair is off the ground.And We Are Off To EXPLORE!

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Every fair has a theme and target market. We don’t want to be like the “Southern Women’s Show” or “For Sister’s Only”.They are both great fairs., but it’s not what we are best at,.

At the 6th Total Children’s Wellness Fair you won’t see high priced celebrities, or preservatives loaded popcorn. But you will discover real solutions for average families by amazing vendors, local entertainers and delicious clean edible treats.

 

This fair is a direct representation of our diverse city, it’s mom powered by Queen City Stay At Home Moms, – moms of the QC!

We know our audience,and the people we see everyday: other parents, the unborn to the college student. The mission is to provide  fun atmosphere where the family can affordably, easily and quickly find local holistic services and products that will enhance their wellness on all seven (7) levels {Socially, Spiritually, Environmentally, Educationally, Physically,Nutritionally, and Financially.}

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We do this by practicing collective efforts. Our vendors pay a tiny fee to help cover space rental, marketing, decoration, refreshments and other administrative expenses. . We hire community teens to greet, direct and engage during the event to help keep the energy family friendly and happy. We have a Re-Fashion Show, Cooking With Kids Challenge, a live DJ, and a professional fitness coach to give everyone a fun workout. It’s always free to enter, shop and enjoy.tcwf01

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We have been copied but never duplicated. Why? Because we use the experience and connections of mom power.! Our moms come from every level of motherhood and educational background.

I’m sure one day this fair will travel and empower more mothers and teens to invest in their financial future, but for now we  are enjoying  building it here  in our amazing Queen City.  Our passion is true. Help us spread the world. Vendor and sponsorship packets are available.. To join us, please fill out this vendor packet. HERE. (For Sponsorship or other questions message Kelle  at QCSupermomInfo@Gmail.com )    

This years fair will be on November 19, 2016 from 11am -6pm. Rocky River High School. Come out! tcwf big

 

 

Fade Away Sleep Sounds WORKS!

Do you have a fussy baby or a busy mind?

(Yes, keep reading) (No, you will if you’re lucky, so keep reading) I have found the complete solution to them both. It’s a company called Fade Away Sleep Sounds.

Ultimately it’s has been a God send for me more than for the children. When it rains here in Charlotte unlike others, I don’t try to hide from it. I do the opposite. I open the window and may even go sit on the porch. The sound of rain, thunderstorms, wind chimes just soothes me. It’s the same sounds I can listen to everyday via Fade Away Sleep Sounds.

Have you heard of white noise /sounds? I’ll explain, White noise is a type of noise that is produced by combining sounds of all different frequencies together. If you took all of the imaginable tones that a human can hear and combined them together, you would have white noise.

I love the way Fade Away Sounds explains it: See below. https://www.facebook.com/fadeawaysleep/videos/10154432454291052/

 

When asked my moms friends of Queen City Stay At Home Moms how they enjoyed it I got responses all across the board. Since we have 5 babies aged 10 months and below, we thought it would be cool to try the white sounds on our little ones.

But after 4 weeks of consistently using the Fade Away Sleep Sounds, the common response was “it works!”  The babies love white noise. And it makes sense. They’ve just spent their entire life in the womb. And the womb is deafeningly loud. I guess you can say White noise sounds like “home” to a baby.

Here’s what my mom friends have shared:

Kim said she was able to do laundry, and have an uninterrupted lunch date with her husband while the baby slept soundly in the next room..

Tina shared, “As a homeschooling mom, having her little one nap at a certain time every day makes life much easier.”

Lisa messaged me and said the she wants to try more. She wrote, ” It helps not only her twins, but her husband too!”

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These sounds are  a way cheaper  and less toxic option than running your actual water or burn gas driving in circles till Little Bruce falls asleep.

They have so many sounds. Don’t miss any of them.

Follow them on twitter () and Facebook ().  and  thier YouTube Channel () –

Also, Fade Away Sleep Sounds are available on most all of the streaming and music download sites, listen in at  Spotify!

and Apple Music

Personally I suggest you  buy and download the sounds (as opposed to online streaming), from their  the website ()

Parents, you are gonna LOVE this. Be sure to share it with you baby for a full night sleep.

Enjoy!

Jabela

Oh, also see- 10 Facts About Baby Sleep You Never Knew You Knew   

 

 

Disclosure: This has been another honest but paid review by the moms of Queen City Stay At Home Moms. The opinions are all ours.

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

Continuing from my last post on

Wednesday Wow: Paying Your Doula .

Here’s how to file your paper work to get your doula fees paid.

The fact that their insurance company might reimburse at least some portion of the fee for your services might make you attractive to a group of potential clients who might not have been interested before. Getting reimbursement for doula services requires patience and persistence, but it can be done. If you are going to offer this as a possibility for your clients, you will also need to be willing to offer some guidance and, most likely, a fair amount of support, as they attempt to get reimbursed.

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How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

___     Pay your doula in full.

___     Get an invoice from her which includes the following information:

  1. The doula’s name and address
  2. Her social security number/taxpayer ID number or NPI number
  3. The date and location services were provided
  4. The CPT code for the services provided
  5. A diagnosis code
  6. The doula’s signature

___     Submit the invoice with a claim form to your insurance company.

___     Within four weeks, expect a letter telling you either that

  1. They need more information before they can process your claim.
  2. This is not a covered expense.

___     Ask your Doula to send you the following:

  1. A copy of her certification (if she is certified)
  2. Other credentials or relevant training
  3. A letter detailing her training and experience and what she did for you

___     If possible, ask your obstetrician or midwife for a letter explaining why a doula helped you, was necessary, or saved the insurance company money. (Did you have a high-risk pregnancy? Did the doula’s suggestions appear to prevent complications or help your labor to progress more quickly? Did the doula’s presence decrease your need for expensive pain medications?)

___     Write a letter explaining why you felt the need for a doula and how you believe the doula was beneficial to your health.

___     Submit to your insurance company: the doula’s letter and credentials the letter from the doctor your cover letter

___     If they refuse it, write a letter to Health Services requesting that they review the claim, as you feel it was a cost-cutting measure and they should cover the cost.

___     Follow up by telephone if necessary.

___      If they refuse, write a letter to the CEO explaining why you feel that doula care should be a covered expense. They may not pay your claim, but they will consider it for the future. (Kelli Way, ICCE, CD(DONA) 1998.

 

doula2.jpgNotes:
If you are a doula, I suggest you click over and read the guide to getting a National Provider Number and helping your clients get reimbursed.

Also, here is a pdf from DONA with several FAQ’s on insurance reimbursement

And here’s how to contact me for my birthing services:

The Pink GrassHopper Birth

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