Take an Online Genealogy Course

Would you like to learn more about a particular aspect of genealogy? There is probably an online course that you can “attend” that will teach you what you want to know. Many of them do not require you to apply to a particular college or university in order to take the class, and some of them are offered for free. Family Tree University is not, technically, an accredited university. It is the name that Family Tree Magazine has given to its learning center. The online classes that genealogists take through FTU will enable them to learn a lot about a … Continue reading

Read Your Way To A More Successful Writing Business

One of the most important things that a home-based professional can do to ensure the success of his or her business is making professional development an ongoing activity. No matter what type of home-based business you have, there is always something more that you can learn about it. By regularly taking time to read books or attend classes, you can keep current with the latest news and information about your industry while you learn skills that can help you with every area of your home-based business. Personally, my favorite type of professional development activity is reading books. I like reading … Continue reading

Something You May Not Have Thought About

Today I’m going to talk about something you may not have thought about as affecting your marriage, but it is something I suspect a few of us are guilty of. I know I am. The issue is negative self talk. This was something that came up during marriage preparation classes for a young couple I know. When I talk about marriage preparation classes I’m not talking about those quick fix couple of hour’s courses that are supposed to give all the answers to how to prepare you for marriage or solve any problems in your marriage in one easy lesson. … Continue reading

Ideas for keeping homeschooling fun: Prioritize your field trips

Homeschoolers know that the word “home” in homeschooling is hardly descriptive. We spend a great deal of time driving around to different activities for sports, enrichment activities, co-ops and more. To our surprise, we sometimes become focussed on creating a wealth of well rounded classes and activities, that we actually forget to schedule field trips. In my case, you would think that seeing my daughters interest in theater that we would have seen several plays. We have not. This past year she has participated in two plays, and that and her academics have taken up so much time that we … Continue reading

Why Can’t all Homeschoolers Get Along?

There’s nothing about a group of homeschooling mom’s getting together to discuss homeschooling their kids. Often it is a source of encouragement and a much needed time of connection with people who are like minded. Sometimes however, such meetings can get contentious. Not all homeschoolers see eye to eye. This is of course, because there are many different types of homeschoolers. Classical homeschoolers with a regimented college bound course, can be dismissive of unschoolers, who let their children lead the way, whether it means college or not. Textbook-based homeschoolers, feel that Charlotte Mason type homeschoolers are missing out on technical … Continue reading

Why Cash Strapped Families Should Vacation in Canada this Summer

Who says the only way you can get your hands on a spectacular summer travel deal is to travel down south? On the contrary, Canada is just as eager to lure travelers to their neck of the woods while the temperatures are mild. To get families to visit the sprawling region numerous local lodgings are offering outstanding summer travel bargains. Take a look: Prince Edward Island The popular island is helping travelers celebrate a major milestone this summer—the 100th anniversary of “Anne of Green Gables.” You and your family can join in the festivities by booking a room at Kindred … Continue reading

Sometimes, Encouragement is the Best You Can Offer

As parents, it seems to be in our nature to want to do something tangible to help our children. The tougher the time they are having, the more we may want to jump in and save the day or at least ease some of their discomfort. It can be incredibly frustrating to stand by and not do anything at all. I find, however, that there is generally always something we can do—even if the best we can do is offer empathy, understanding and encouragement… It may feel like you are doing very little but there are times (increasingly more as … Continue reading

When a Stalker Intrudes on Your Relationship…

…it can be really uncomfortable. First let me define what I mean by “stalker.” I’m not talking about the crazy knife-wielding, if-I-can’t-have-you-no-one-can kind. (I imagine it’s a lot more than just “really uncomfortable” dealing with that sort.) No, I’m referring to the kind of people who take a sudden and very keen interest in you or your mate and are conveniently everywhere you are at the same time, or call all the time, or email…you probably get the gist. This thankfully hasn’t happened to Wayne and me in a while now. But he and I have both had a stalker … Continue reading

Does Your Husband Support Your Dreams?

There are many, many writers’ forums out there. I have noticed a huge amount of women who aspire to one day be the author of a book. I wonder how many of these women have the support of their husbands? In many of Courtney’s articles, she discusses the support that she receives from her husband. He supports her ghost hunting interests as well as her career as a writer. Other women may not be so lucky. One very important part of marriage is to accept each other as themselves. When accepting your mate, you must also accept his or her … Continue reading

The Best of the 2007 Baby Blog

It has been an exciting year in the baby blog with a few changes in bloggers, several news stories, a few series started, and of course lots of information and reflection. This is a list of the best of the best. . .the best news, the best advice and the best of my personal favorites. With that I wish you all a Happy New Year, and look forward to an exciting year in 2008! Ask a Baby Blogger Series–This, in my opinion is one of the best things the baby blog has to offer. Granted, it’s my advice which I … Continue reading