Your Turn to Speak

As Jack and Carly set out to find redemption, every turn’s going to be filled with drama. Will Jack return? Should Carly follow? Share your thoughts with other moms about everything As the World Turns.

©2009 Procter & Gamble Productions

Last Post: I have not watched a soap opera in about 20 years.

Keeping in Touch with Your Siblings-Thru Thick and Thin

In many families, moving away is a common part of growing up. How do you stay close with your siblings when you don’t live near them. How do you deal with siblings who leave you out or don’t visit when they’re in town. A Vocalpoint member wants to know what to do!

Last Post: Denise,I can totally relate to what you are saying - but as hard as this may be - and believe me - I know from first hand experience just how hard it is!  (Long story on my own history, but I'll skip it!)  I too am supposed to try to be as 'unstressed as possible' - for me, it was a daughters wedding - and old "friends".Let me just say - although you don't have to "forgive" this cousin - though ideally you should - not so much for them as for you - I will tell you, if you can at least 'Let go, and Let God' - or at least make peace with this person and the family in whole, you will not only be taking the higher road, but also reduce your stress level as well!Don't carry a grudge or plan 'revenge'.  And - do NOT hurt the innocent (your niece and other family members) by letting this hurtful incident divide your family.  Inevitably, no one will 'win' in this situation - though you will do a lot more for creating family unity if you can just let it go, and make peace.  Let go, and let God (or your own 'greater power' if you will) take care of the judgements.  In my case, I called the people whom I'd had the falling out with, and told them, that I was just calling to let them know that I was making peace with the situation.  I ended up calling my older son (who felt responsible for much of the conflict) and just told him, that I had already called the people and had made peace with our past.  He was stunned.  He then called his sister (who had refused to talk to me - as had her husband-to-be) and passed along the events that had unfolded.  They then called me, to express their amazement - and pride in my taking not only a higher road - but going beyond their wildest dreams, of a possible 'future outcome'.  At the bachelorette party, I met up with my former friends - and we hugged.  Our friendship is not what it once was - I don't think it ever will be, but at least there is a far more 'friendly' relationship in place.  We even talk on the phone sometimes now - where we didn't speak to each other for many years before.Does their previous behavior still hurt me? - Yes.  Do I let it bog me down? - No.  Have I really 'let go, and let God'? - Yes, I believe I have.  I do care about my former friends, and their kids, and more than that, I care about my own kids - and carrying a grudge around is a heavy load indeed.  Let go of the grudge, let God take that burden from you.  Make peace.  It will all work out much better than you can imagine!

Share Your Pearls of Wisdom

We’ve all had people who’ve inspired us with their life experiences or advice. Honor them by sharing their story and their wisdom with the Vocalpoint community.

Hi Vocalpoint moms! This is Kim. While we’re looking forward to hearing the wisdom you have to share with us, I wanted to let you know that we have some wisdom to share with you as well. This message board was inspired by a book our friend, Roger Fishman, wrote called ‘What I Know.’ By meeting with 100 year olds and 10 year olds across the country, Roger compiled an enlightening and refreshing collection of wisdom from both ends of the life spectrum. To hear more about Roger’s story, click here. If you’d like to go out and record wisdom that you can share with others, here is some helpful advice.

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• anonymous said:

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  • Patti said:

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    Always remember that a smile can change, perhaps save, someones life.One day while my daughterand I were shopping, there was a lady checking out in front of us. When it was time to pay for her items, she pulled out a bunch of change, dropping alot of it on the floor. I picked it up, handed it to her and she was short by .25. I fished around, found a quarter in my purse and gave it to the cashier. The lady had tears in her eyes, she was so grateful.We got done checking out and the woman was parked by my car. I smiled and told her to have a nice day, daughter blew her a kiss, and said dont be sad. She blew kisses to everyone at that age LOLThe lady then told me that I changed her mind about what she was going to do.
    She was going to drop off the groceries, then take her life. Just like that *poof*. She said how it touched her heart what I did in the store, then especially my daughter smiling and blowing kisses.So, whenever I am out, I always make it a point to smile at people. I may have it tough, but others have it tougher.
    My Grandma always said, remember, we are all fighting our own battles. So, if someone seems rude to you, grouchy, smile- it may change their life...and will make you feel great!
    

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  I always try to be nice to people everywhere I go. I may feel miserable , but I feel better when Im nice to someone else. We may be entertaining angels unaware.

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I Talk With My Kids. Do You?

How do you get your kid's to open up and talk to you?

Last Post: All the time.

On the Road Again

Jumping in the vehicle heading to see family or friends this holiday season? What tips do you have to save money along the way and keeping your sanity in the car?

Last Post: Audio books & music make the miles fly. Bottles of water & homemade trailmix are great for munchies. Even though it makes the trip a little longer, you've got to get out & move around for a few minutes every couple of hours to stay healthy - keep the blood flowing!

Have Your Kids Outgrown Their Room Design?

Their bedroom themes of trucks and princess are in the past. Now they want to redesign the room to be “their” room. How much decision authority do they get? Does their age make a difference? How do you come to a reasonable agreement regarding the changes?

Last Post: I have had more fun changing my daughter's "theme" than in any other room in the house.  Paint is cheap and I find dressers and headboards to refurbish.  With a few new colors, a rug and a new bedspread, she is thrilled!  Now that she is twelve, our colors are the turquoise, brown and green with lots of furry pillows.  We receive comments all of the time from her friends about "what a neat bedroom Emily has".  She takes great pride in keeping her room clean (which makes my life a lot easier as well!)

Storage and Usage Tips When Buying in Bulk

Catching the sales and buying in bulk can save money as long as you don’t let items go to waste. What do you buy in bulk and how do you manage your inventory of bargains? Do you have special tips for storing and using your bulk items?

Last Post: When I was growing up, it was just my mom and me - so I was raised on a lot of "Depression Stories" - plus Mom gardened and canned for most of my life.  She always told me to have a 2 YEAR supply of food on hand - plus fabric, sewing notions, patterns (stick with classics that never go out of style!), paper products, etc.In addition to my vacuum sealer, I also do dry pack canning - very easy and cost effective!  I buy my grains (whole wheat, etc.) from Lehi Roller Mills - and as much as possible as close to the orginal source as possible.  I also have a wheat mill/grinder - so I can actually grind any grain to as fine of a powder as I desire.  Whole wheat has an indefinate shelf life - provided you keep bugs and pests (mice, etc.) out of it!Then just grind small batches - and I even recycle the wheat germ and hulls into homemade breads for additional fiber and nutrition.  Don't make a sudden transition though, from processed white flour to all whole wheat - your system won't handle it, and you can have some severe dehydration problems.  I generally mix my homeground with unbleached, white flour.Also, there are a few project boards, that provide simple construction plans for building shelves that will automatically rotate your canned goods (I do NOT recommend putting glass bottles in these, however!!!)  Simply load the new purchases in the slot at the top, and get the cans you currently need from the bottom.

I’m Coming Back Home

Once, they were on their own, but now things have changed. Your child calls to let you know they need to move back home. What do you do? Do you charge rent? What if you’ve remodeled their room? How would you handle this situation?

Last Post: Very interesting posts.  Do you notice that "adult" and "child" really refer to much more than age?  The "adults" returning home to live with parents accept the expenses as well as the benefits of thier actions.   The "children" feel that it is the parents OBLIGATION to give them anything they desire without cost.   I feel that it is a parent's duty to teach thier children responsibility.  I think so few parents manage this because they feel guilty about so many things..one-parent households, being away at work so much, etc.  It's so hard not to try to GIVE your children everything you can, the things you always wished you had...It takes hindsight to realize that if everything is handed to them on a platter, they really don't have any appriciation for it. 

Potty Training Time!

How do you tell when it is time to start potty training? What was your secret to help your child succeed?

Last Post: The pediatrician told me they have to be ready physically and emotionally. Sometimes the emotional is easier as it can just take a while for their body to do what they tell it. I found it true. We waited longer to even try with our little boy. He has been so much easier than his sister was.

How do You Make Halloween “Fun?”

What are your plans for Halloween? Parties, decorations, treats, and costumes – how do you make it a special spooky day? Share your ghoulish ideas.

Last Post: We have decorated the house some, and the yard.  We "boo'd" the neighbors the other night too.  And my little guy has been wearing halloween themed shirts for the past week or so.  We're having a halloween party/lunch with his playgroup over to our house on Friday- and all the kids will wear their costumes.  Our trick or treat-ers are going to get balloons and candy (we got orange and black balloons and will use those party size helium tanks to inflate them on Sat).  And our street is having a block party.  We can't wait!

Best Kept Garden Tips

How do you know when to plant bulbs, trim shrubs or cut back flowers? What fall gardening tips do you have that everyone should know about?

Last Post: I love my garden. I raise any vegetable you can name and then I start canning. I love popping open a jar and knowing exactly whats in it. I also have an orchard with about any fruit you can name and berry bushes galore. I'm going to try the newspaper to keep weeds down that I read on here. That may save me some work. Thanks for posting the tip!

Adding a New Hairy Member to the Family?

Whether you’re considering a first pet or thinking about getting another, the choice can be a difficult one. It can be especially hard if you’ve recently lost a pet. What should you consider when thinking about getting a pet?

Last Post: People please lets help stop ANIMAL CRUELTY.....God Bless

Daytime Activities for Children and Their Parents

Playgroups for smaller children exist in many neighborhoods. What other types of groups have you found to be fun and enjoyable for you and your child? How did you learn about these groups?

Last Post: check out Meetup.com for all kinds of groups gathering locally near you... I found a terrific playgroup here!

Share Your Ideas on Opportunities For Others

Times are tough and members are asking for help finding opportunities to make money while at home. Do you have ideas? Please let us know, but keep in mind that this is not for recruiting – just looking for some guidance to help others make cash for their families.

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• Geneca said:

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  • Linda said:

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    I have worked from home for years and there are a lot of real jobs out there that are not scams.  There are phone and non-phone jobs.   Hirepoint.com was hiring customer service reps a few days ago.  The jobs go quickly so I dont know if they are still available.  Do not pay for any job!  I also do surveys, sweeps, coupons, and other things on line to make extra money.  If interested email me at Lindad4@cox.net
    

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  i am a nurse that has had back surgery, looking for something at home because I am limited now, I love to make things can you point me in a direction? please email to kdt13157@yahoo.com

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