Captain America: The Noblest Avenger

“Avengers, Assemble!” With these words, Captain America calls together the many scattered members of Marvel Comics’ crime-fighting squad. It’s appropriate, then, that Captain America is the subject of Marvel Studios’ last superhero flick before next summer’s “Avengers” ensemble piece. When first perusing the list of this summer’s comic book films I figured I’d give “Captain America” a pass. The straight-laced always-been-a-do-gooder Steve Rogers (the Captain’s alter ego) has less character development than some of his more conflicted counterparts, and thanks to an overabundance of History Channel specials on the topic I’m currently experiencing a little of World War II-era ennui. … Continue reading

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints View of Family

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its own view of what a family is. This is described in a proclamation to the world that was issued by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles in 1995. Here is what it said: We, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit … Continue reading

Insurance Podcast Roundup – Week of May 7, 2012

Once a week, the Insurance Podcast Roundup brings you brand new episodes of podcasts that talk about topics that are related to insurance. Listening to these episodes is a good way to stay on top of the news that could affect the insurance policies that protect your family. NPR has an episode of “Weekend Edition Saturday” that was released on May 5, 2012. This episode is called “In New Orleans, A Health Clinic for Working Musicians”. Many of the musicians who are preforming at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival do not have health insurance. The New Orleans Musicians’ … Continue reading

Special Needs Podcast Roundup – Week of April 9, 2012

Once a week, the Special Needs Podcast Roundup brings you brand new episodes of podcasts that discuss issues and topics that are relevant to parents of children that have special needs. These episodes could range from autism, to allergies, from special education to health insurance issues that affect families that have a child who has special needs. The Parent’s Journal has an episode that was released on April 9, 2012. The episode topic is: “Books to Help Preschoolers Who Worry”. It features Jacqueline Golding, who is a psychologist, and the author of “Healing Stories”. Special Chronicles released episode 34 on … Continue reading

Special Needs Podcast Roundup – Week of February 27, 2012

Ready for more podcasts? The Special Needs Podcast Roundup brings you brand new episodes of podcasts that discuss topics that are relevant to parents of children who have special needs. This is the easiest way to find out about when your favorite podcasts update, or to find brand new podcasts. Mayo Clinic has an episode that was released on February 24, 2012. This episode is called “Treating Fuchs’ Dystrophy”. In this episode, Mayo Clinic Dr. Keith Baratz talks about treatment options for this eye disorder, which is a progressive disorder that can cause a hazy deposit to build up over … Continue reading

The Parent Precipice

My period was a day late this month. I know that shouldn’t be a big deal at all, but I’m prone to worrying about the littlest things, so yeah, even though the rational part of my brain knew I was overreacting – it was only a day – I couldn’t help but fret. I’d sort of asked for it; a small part in the back of my brain wanted something to go wrong with my pills, so the decision of whether or not to have kids yet would be taken out of my hands. In the first two years or … Continue reading

Insurance Podcast Roundup – Week of January 23, 2012

Each and every week, you can check out the Insurance Podcast Roundup in order to find brand new episodes of podcasts that discuss insurance related topics. This is a good way to stay informed about any new changes that could affect your insurance policies. NPR has an episode of “All Things Considered” that was released on January 20, 2012. This episode is called “Administration Stands Firm on Birth Control Coverage”. This episode mentions that the Obama administration did not back down to a lobbying effort by the Catholic Church, in regards to the requirement that all health insurance plans must … Continue reading

Beware the Green Eyed Monster: How Jealousy Can Impact Your Blended Family

I tiptoed up to the topic, believing that most of us are pretty sensitive about it: “Sometimes step parents feel…I don’t want to call it jealousy, but…” at which point Kelly, eight years into her step mom experience, interrupted, “Oh, you can call it jealous! I was definitely jealous!—of a six year old, no less!” We were talking about what can often become a defining dynamic between children and step parents, and consequently, a divisive issue for a biological parent and their spouse. It’s not an emotion many of us are willing to cop to, especially if the trigger is … Continue reading

Inexpensive books for teens

Is your teen an avid reader? Keeping a prolific reader stocked with plenty of reading material is no easy task. Many teen books are written in serial format, and it may seem like there is always just one more that your teen simply must read. In general, it takes a long time for these new books to appear in local libraries, and that means that if your teen wants to read them, someone must purchase the books. If this describes your teenager, you can get a great deal on books for teens right now, at Barnes & Noble. Check out … Continue reading

Balancing Mulitple Ages in Your Homeschool

Homeschooling moms of multiple children face a unique challenge. These homeschooling moms need to manage multiple ages and stages of children under one homeschooling roof. Basically, she needs to learn the art of a one room schoolhouse or a juggling act. Each option comes with its own challenges yet each can be successful. A mom must decide for herself how she will balance her day and her children’s education. There is no right way but oddly enough there are plenty of wrong ways. For example, if your home is a source of stress or children falling behind in their studies … Continue reading