My Precious KidŽ - Precious Kids Newsletter -
March 2005

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Subjects: Homeschool / Adoption / Parenting / Work at Home
Our past newsletters http://www.mypreciouskid.com/newsletter/index.html
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Thank you for subscribing. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/preciouskids/

My Precious Kid understands the importance of child safety. Kay inspires parents to take a time out for their children's safety. In just a few simple clicks of the mouse, moms can order ID cards and finger print kits that will ultimately add to the safety of their children.br> Kay's ID cards can include the most recent photo of your child, fingerprint, allergy information, medication requirements, and contact information for you, your spouse, and the doctor! You complete them in the privacy of your home. Order at http://www.MyPreciousKid.com  The child you SAVE may be YOUR own!

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SPONSORS

WORK FROM HOME - Join our team & make a difference. Only $50 to get started? Buy wholesale. Up to 50% off retail. Do fundraisers for schools and organizations. Teach our Safety Classes. Get online help, training, materials, and support to help you run a successful business. http://www.mypreciouskid.com/wholesale.html Once Upon a Family - Would you like to learn some simple traditions to strengthen your family ties? Inspirational ideas and heirloom quality products make it easy to enrich your family life today! Visit us at http://www.onceuponafamily.com/YourLegacy

Bright Minds teaches children how to think, not what to think. If you want independent children who can articulate their beliefs backed up with facts, you will love our books and software. Looking for some extra income? Call me. Consultant Manya Hozen manyajhozen@netzero.com  503-873-4429

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RECIPE

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

1 can Pillsbury refrigerated breadsticks
Splenda or Equal for baking
Cinnamon
Pam butter spray

Mix sugar substitute with desired amount of cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar. Separate breadsticks. Spray each with butter spray, then coat in cinnamon sugar. Roll into a cinnamon roll, and put in a baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden.

Serving size - 2 rolls - Points per serving: 3 Weight Watchers

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Brand New Product Feature
Custom Photo Tiles/Coasters

Mother Day is around the corner, SURPRISE your loved one with a custom Photo Tile, trimmed in gold leaf. It sits upon a nice stand for display, using your favorite memory photo.

Mothers, Grandmothers, love to show off their children and grandchildren. What better way, than a long lasting memory that can be shared by all. For the Month of March and April you can get a custom package for only $9.95. http://www.cc-coasters.com/special.php
PARENTING

Call me Mama
By Kay Green, www.MyPreciousKid.com 
Copyright 2000-2005

I have always known I was meant to be a mom. As soon as I was big enough to pack a baby on my hip I borrowed babies anywhere I could find. At age 10 I started baby sitting. I cared for my niece and god-daughter whenever possible. At age 23 my husband and I had our first child. That beautiful baby girl made be know even more that I was destined by God to be a mother. Oh the joy of holding that precious bundle.

I was also blessed to attend the birth of 7 other precious babies over the years. Those children even though not birthed by me, became special children in my life. What a gift to be able to be present as new life emerges from within. The marvel of what God has created in us, through us.

God blessed us with 2 more children (a boy then a girl) in the next 5 years. I delighted in loving them, training them, teaching them, investing in these precious lives. MY precious husband continues to give me so much help and support in being the parents our children need. I LOVE being a mother. And my three precious children have taught me so much about love and joy.

Twelve years after the birth of our 3rd child we adopted a new born. That baby girl taught me even more about mothering. I learned that mothering is not about blood tie but about heart tie. I learned that I could breastfeed an adopted daughter in the same way I nursed my birth children. I learned that through prayer and careful watching I had the insight on how to parent this child, who was so different than my other three.

I learned that I can be an advocate to get the medical help needed for my child. I knew this child had an issue I could not put my finger on. I was certain something was out of alignment for her. I prayed and watched and pressed for information. I finally asked my doctor for testing to rule out some sensory issues. That testing brought the key to this child that I had been looking for. Through the process we gained so much wisdom and tools for being even better parents to this precious child.

I thank God everyday for the privilege of being mama to 4 incredible individuals. And I thank God for a husband who treats me with such respect and support. My family has given me so much joy and love in life. They have taught me things about myself. They have stretched me and caused me to reach farther than I knew possible. They have challenged and encouraged me. I am the person I am today because of these 4 people who call me Mama.

by Kay Green of http://www.KayGreen.com
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Bear Family Gifts, LLC - Need a gift that will touch someone's heart and last indefinitely? Teddy bear gifts are the new, lasting alternative to flowers. Send a teddy bear instead of flowers for any occasion! Mention this ad and receive 10% off your first order. http://www.bearfamilygifts.com

Christian Work at Home Moms - For over 5 years, Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, has been providing resources to help moms find a great work at home career and to help current work at home moms market their businesses. http://www.cwahm.com

Child Organics - Nurture your family naturally! Offering the finest organic diapers, wooden toys, toddler jewelry & more. Join our newsletter this month and you are entered to win a wooden child’s puzzle. You will also find information relating to natural childbirth, attachment parenting and breastfeeding. www.Childorganics.com 

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ADOPTION

Happy Birthday Haley
by Kay Green, www.PreciousKids.org  
Copyright 2001
Happy 1st Birthday Haley!

Hard to believe a year has passed since the day Haley was placed in my arms for the first time. It was 48 hours of such great emotion. We fell in love with Haley and also with Mike & Connie and their families. We felt such anxiety waiting to be sure that Haley was to be forever our daughter. She smiled, laughed, cried, wondered, worried, prayed waiting for the signatures that would make her our daughter. We grieved with them at their loss of her. We gave her to God as they gave her to us. We dedicated ourselves to loving her, to teaching her to love God, to making sure she always knew of the great love her birth family had for her.
 
Hard to believe 8 years have passed since I first felts God's direction that there was another child still to come in our lives and I began praying. This has been a year of loving her, rocking her to sleep, nursing her, changing her, bathing her, teaching her and watching her. A year of tremendous memories I will hold dear in my heart. A year of all her firsts: smile, rolling over, crawling, teeth, words, standing, walking, climbing and signing. This has been a year I will not forget. See her photo chronicle at http://www.preciouskids.org/haley.html 

When I began the journey to Haley I had no idea what it would really hold. I did not know about the whole world of adoption friends that I would find online. Open adoption was a scary unknown thing that became a delightful gift to us. We gained new family in Nebraska that will always be a treasured part of our lives. http://www.preciouskids.org/  was birthed in the journey to Haley. I get to help other families everyday to find their forever children. My life is incredibly richer by having Haley as my daughter but also my being part of the adoption world. 

Adoptive breastfeeding has also enriched my life and Haley's. She has gained her mama's precious breast milk full of antibodies, enzymes, nutrition and much love. This year has seen us go from a 20% milk supply to a 100% milk supply with no drugs, only herbs, and prayer, and love. I have also been able to help several other adoptive moms to discover the wonder of nurturing their new adopt child at their breast. Haley and I also got to be part of a TV show on adoptive breastfeeding with Discovery Health Channel. http://www.preciouskids.org/adopt/adoptnursing.html 

I need to thank the many people who helped to make this dream a reality. First I thank God for placing in my heart 8 years ago the desire to mother another child and for making it possible. I am still amazed at how He brought us all together half way across our nation. Secondly thank you Mike & Connie for your selfless gift of life you entrusted with us. Thirdly I thank my husband for believing in me and the dream of my heart for this child he named Haley Elizabeth. Thank you Melissa, Jordan, & Allison, my teen children for embracing and helping with their new sister. Thank you Nebraska Children's Society for doing all the legal work, Interstate Compact paperwork and birth parent counseling all for free. Thank you to our social worker Lynn Schwab for the hours put into our home study and post placement visits. Thank you to our family and friends who help us love Haley even more.

2005 PS - Just this last week my little girl turned 5 year old. She got her ears pierced and is attending a Christian Pre-K class. She loves Jesus and recently asked HIM into her heart. What joy this little girl has brought into our lives. Thank you God for Haley *************************************** BOOK REVIEW

ADOPTION STORIES - A support group in a book. People share personal adoption stories to help others. The book informs, inspires, gives hope, and provides options from adoptive parents, birthmothers, and adoptees. Covering: international, single parent, special needs, open, and adoption by couples; the book explores the process and the emotions of adoption.  http://www.apersonaltouchon.com/adoption/bookdetail.asp?refsite=PK


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SPONSORS CLAYGROUND - There's nothing like the warmth that comes from a lovingly handcrafted gift. All of items featured in the "Clayground" are personal and specially made just for YOU! A variety of items are displayed and updated periodically. Visit the different "Galleries", each with its own unique set of clay art. Peek in on your favorite Gallery, or browse them all. There's something for everyone at the "Clayground". http://www.debbiesclayground.com

TUPPERWARE - Do you like surprises? If so, be sure to get our $100 Surprise pack from Tupperware for only $30! ***Limited time only--now through 4/29/05.*** Contact Geneen Seal at (845) 728-1594 or order online at http://my.tupperware.com/geneen  *************************************** CHILD SAFETY

Car Seat Sharing Safety
Can I pass my child's car seat on to a friend?
By Kay Green, www.MyPreciousKid.com 
Copyright 2000-2005
Your daughter has outgrown her car seat. A friend is in need of a car seat. Can you safely pass it along? What things should you look for?

"If the car seat was made in the last 7-8 years, there should be an expiration date on it. My daughter will be 6 in May, and her car seat expires in October of 2005. That was the date imprinted on the car seat." says Cris of http://phoenixcandlelites.com/cimfundraiser.htm 

"Always ask if it has ever been in a car when there was an accident (sudden force can damage the plastic even though it is not noticeable to the naked eye) and is it less than 6 years old. The plastic does deteriorate over time, and 6 years is the longest you can use a car seat. We had car seats for my oldest granddaughter, who would have been 7 last Sept., and we couldn't use them for the newest baby because they were too old." Says Anita of http://www.blessedenterprises.org 

THE TEST - These are both valid points.
Before passing on a car seat I like to do the following:
1. Be certain the seat was never in a car accident
2. Check the age of the seat
3. Check with the seat manufacturer for recalls
4. Check for any breakage or tearing

If the car seat is free from accident, recalls, and breakage and the seat belts are strong then you can pass the car seat onto a friend. If your seat does not pass the test then please do not pass the car seat along.

IN AN ACCIDENT - If you own a car seat that is ever in a car accident please mark the plastic of the frame with a permanent marker "IN ACCIDENT - DESTROY" then break it down and put it in the garbage. Your own car insurance will almost always pay for a replacement car seat after a car accident. Call them to request this. Do not risk putting your child in a car seat that could have underlying damage that puts your child at risk.

RIGHT SIZE - Be sure your child is in the RIGHT size car seat. Every car seat comes with weight and height requirements for that seat. Please follow them. I have often seen children riding in car seats clearly not the right size for them. I saw a 15 month old child in an infant carrier car seat. The mother insisted that because he was under 20 pounds she could not move him to a front facing. She was right. BUT what he needed was a rear facing convertible car seat made for a child of his height and weight. His legs were hanging over the edge putting him at risk in an accident.

CAR SEAT ID CARD - Always have an car seat ID card attached to your child's car seat. This card should have your child's name, age, weight, height, medical info, 5 contact numbers for family members and a medical release signature. This card can make the difference in getting quick care or finding a family member to come get your child in an accident where you can not care for your child.
Available at http://www.mypreciouskid.com

We as moms love to share our baby items with friends. With car seats it is very important that we carefully look at all the criteria before passing along car seats to be certain the child we want to share with is safe as well.

by Kay Green http://www.mypreciouskid.com *************************************** SPONSORS Handcrafted rustic wooden signs & magnets that will make you chuckle. Personalized prints & letters. Stationery & cards. Give your family the unique gift of a Name Origin or Coat of Arms print. Social cards & address labels, too. http://www.countrycardsandcrafts.com 

Learn How to Work From Home Free!!! Melody's Mommy is packed with the largest free lists of work at home jobs, home business opportunities, paid survey opportunities, mystery shopping sites and so much more! We have everything you need to learn how to work from home, Free! Visit us today, You've got nothing to lose! http://www.melodysmommy.com

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BOOK REVIEW HOMESCHOOL - A  New Beginning

by Kay Green
http://www.preciouskids.org/hs/book.html

This is the homeschool resource guide that you've been waiting for. It is for those just starting out as well as for veterans home school families.
It includes:

Getting Started
Schedules & Organization
School Style
Learning Styles
Choosing Curriculum
Record Keeping
High School Options
Home School After Public School
Curriculum Sources
School Supplies Sources
Educational Internet Sites
Reproducible Record Keeping Forms

Kay has been a home educator for 10 years and helps many parents start home schooling.
She lives in rural Oregon with her husband Russell and their children
Melissa (22), Jordan (19) and Allison (17) and Haley (5).

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SPONSORS

Every Woman is a Busy Woman - Whether you manage a work schedule, a business, a family and home, or any combination of them all... let us help you get organized! Day Planners, purses, car & home organizers and MORE! Call for your FREE consultation today! 800-848-7715 www.thebusywoman.com

PARTY PLAN COMPANIES - Find a work at home career that fits your personality and lifestyle. Search our online directory of over 300 direct sales companies. Advertise your business, prices start at $10! We do the major advertising for you in Family Fun, and Home Business Magazine. www.PartyPlanCompanies.com  

Crystal Peace Studio offers custom hand painted wooden letters, oval stepping stools and more to match your child's room theme. Visit our site and sign up for our newsletter and a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. www.crystalpeace.com

The Greeting Cake Co - Greeting Cakes are a fun way to send the perfect sentiment for anyone on your list! Why send a card when you can send a cake?! It is a gift they never will forget. www.deliciousgreetings.com

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HOME BUSINESS

WAHM What is it?
By Kay Green, www.MyPreciousKid.com
Copyright 2002

I am a WAHM (work at home mom). I am not sure when that really happened. I was a SAHM (stay at home mom) for years. I am blessed to have 4 awesome children from 19 months to 19 years old. I homeschool the middle two.

It started when I took a class and made a soft sculpture doll for my daughter and my hair dresser wanted one for her niece. That began the process of making and selling 50 dolls and their clothes in the era when Cabbage Patch dolls could not be found in the stores.

Through the years I have done a variety of other things at home: bookkeeping, child care, making Christmas Wreaths and 5 years as a freelance florist doing weddings and craft shows from my home.

In 1994 I started homeschooling my children. Every year more families came to me asking me to tell them how to get started and how to find curriculum. I started a notebook that turned into a resource manual. Someone I met online offered to help me make a web page for my book. That began by journey into learning html and web design.

In 2000 we adopted our 4th child. I started an online registry to help others who wanted to adopt, I also began making web pages for these same families. The adoption registry continues to be active. About that time I moved both the homeschool and adoption resources to http://www.preciouskids.org  This site is very active with lots of weekly hits. I added a free e-course on How To Adopt earlier this year.

In 2001 I began producing ID cards for kids. I had worked on designing a homeschool ID cards years before but could not get the software to do the template correctly. My son started doing graphic designs and showed me how to solve this. I love color and design so he and I created many colorful options for the cards. I opened http://www.MyPreciousKid.com

I wanted medical information on my daughters car seat in case of an accident so created a card that VelcroŽ’s onto her car seat and can be easily changed or updated. I wanted the information on her back pack diaper back so made one that attaches to it. She has food allergies so wanted her play group leader to have a wallet ID cards with that information and mine and my husbands cell phone numbers.

I am providing a fundraising option for day care centers, preschools and other children’s organizations. Their families get the ID for their kids and the organization makes a commission. I just started providing the ID cards as a gift certificate wholesale to baby gift basket companies. In fact we are being featured in Gift Basket Entrepreneur Magazine.

Being a work at home mom has challenges and blessings. The biggest challenge is not having uninterrupted time to work and complete tasks. The biggest blessing is I can stop in the middle of the day and read a book or snuggle with my daughter.

In the process of working at home I have learned how to make web pages, read html, write articles, do press releases, market my product, and finding the right niche for my product. I have also made numerous friends online with other WAHM’s. Now that my kids are growing up and leaving I look back with no regrets that I chose to be home with them each and every day!

In 2003 I created a new web site to help others who want a successful home business. http://www.123HomeBusinessGuide.com  


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SPONSORS Free Baby's First Website - just a few minutes from now, you can share the joy of your newborn baby or older child online with family and friends regardless of where they live: beautiful, unique, creative Baby Web Pages and Blogs. http://www.babys-first-year.com/babys-first-website.html  

Top Line Creations is a rapidly growing direct sales company, providing hundreds of exciting scrapbook products. TLC http://www.tlc-consultant.com/  also provides opportunities for Consultants to receive discounts up to 40% and profits from sales volume and down-line associates. Contact lisa@tlc-consultant.com  me today!

Nogginworks - Creative Kids Toys & Play for your Creative Kid! A one stop shop featuring personalized ceramic piggy banks, kids toys, furniture and gifts that encourage a creative environment for your child. Stop by to see all our great products. http://www.nogginworks.com/

KEY FINDERS - NEW Fumble-Free way to store your keys - Finders Key Purse is not only a beautiful ornament for your purse, briefcase, or backpack, but also a convenient way to locate your keys fast. Mention this ad receive 20% off two or more! http://www.finderskeypurse.net
************************************* "SEE YOUR BABY ON TV"

The Oxygen Network is producing a new TV series "Oh Baby, You're On TV!" featuring HOME VIDEOS of sweet, precious, and funny moments with kids (ages 0-4). Even if your child is out of that age range by now, we'd still love to use home videos of their younger years.

what kind of home videos are we looking for exactly??? We're not only looking for the funny stuff - we want everything! Cute, tender, funny, candid moments and everything and anything in between. On each show, the home video segments will be themed: birthdays, road trips, play dates, firsts (crawls, steps, words, foods), dress up, messy eaters... see where we're going with this! Overall, we're looking for the moments that every parent can relate to. The attached video clip will give you an idea of the style and tone of the show... hope that helps.

WHEN:  Right away! Yesterday! ASAP! Really, as soon as possible

WHAT:  Anything. VHS, DVD, SVHS, 35mm... whatever you have. But please send copies, because we don't want anything to happen to your precious originals. If you're not sure how to transfer them or don't have the time to do it, call Kemba directly at 212-651-4128 or toll free at 866-894-4149 to leave a message or e-mail kbloodworth@oxygen.com  Tell her My Precious Kid sent you.

WHERE: Baby Videos
c/o Oxygen Media attn: Kemba Bloodworth
75 Ninth Avenue - 7th Floor
New York, NY 10011

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My Precious KidŽ Child Safety Products
http://www.mypreciouskid.com
Home Business Resources
http://www.123homebusinessguide.com
Homeschool / Adoption Resources
http://www.preciouskids.org
FREE Xerox Printer
http://www.123homebusinessguide.com/free-printer.html


Join 1ChristianWAHM at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/1ChristianWAHM/