Trouble at School?

By Rachel H

We are over halfway through the traditional school year. This is the time of year where many new problems begin to arise at school. From preschool, all the way through highschool, each of us has a child experiencing something different for the first time. Triad Smarty Pants is here to help and give some advice on how to handle some of the common problems your child may be experiencing.

One of the most common is educational concerns. The first quarter of school is a lot of review. By the time second quarter ends, most schools have conferences and parents are made aware of any problems or concerns in their child’s education. If your child is struggling academically, I think the best thing you can offer them is one-on-one instruction. This instruction may come from you, as a parent. You can help them build on the schools taught at school, or simply assist them with homework when they may be having trouble. You may also choose to give one-on-one time through a tutor. There are many agencies in the Triad that come well recommended. One of our favorites is Education Resource Group. You can read more about them here.

You also may choose to hire a private tutor. You can often find recommendations by asking your school’s Counselor or Curriculum Coordinator. If you have a degree in education and offer private tutoring, please add your information in the comments section below.

You can also help your child by building skills through games. Check out this blog, with educational game suggestions for all ages.

Other areas where TSP has some advice:

If you and/or your child’s teacher have serious concerns about your child’s education, check out Triad Academy. Their instructional program is highly individualized, research based, and designed to meet the learning needs of students with dyslexia and related language based learning.

Other schools in the Triad who offer education to children who may need individualized learning experiences are mentioned here.

What about something as simple as homework? Is it a constant source of anxiety in your home? Find out here where you should and should not step in!

Is your child being bullied? Maybe he/she is a bullier themselves. Read this fantastic blog by a local school counselor on this exact topic and what you can do as a parent to help.

If your child is in public school, chances are that they are starting to discuss the EOG Test on a daily basis. I wrote this blog last year on how to help your child prepare for this test.

Check out our Categories on the left side of our website. You may find related topics of interest under your child's age range, or under another heading such as "Education", "Raising Children", "Preschool", "Middle School", "Elementary", or "High School".

What are some other problems your child is encountering at school? Is there a specific topic that you would like a TSP Team member, local pediatrician or local counselor to write about? Let us know by commenting below. We hope today's post has directed you to some blogs that you may have read before, but now may actually be able to put to good use!

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Smarty Sponsor: ERG Kids - Education Resource Group

By Katie M

Now that school is back in session, we can all relax with confidence that our children are moving forward with their academics as expected, right? Not always so. For those of us who know our children are struggling with certain skills or test scores, the start of school can be an extremely stressful time for parents and children, alike. We send our children to schools we believe in – to teachers we have faith in – but sometimes the challenges our children face are not a result of the schools or the teachers. Sometimes these challenges begin before they enter school; sometimes these challenges continue despite the school.

That’s where ERG Kids comes in. Since its founding in 2003, Education Resource Group has been committed to improving the lives of all learners – no matter their challenges. ERG Kids focuses on students and not the teachers. From one-on-one tutoring to qualitative assessments and to its superior preschool advantage program, ERG Kids integrates the latest teaching ideas so your child can be an individual and succeed.

If you have a child who is challenged in the classroom, you are not alone. Take, for instance, Triad locals Alan and Janette Frazier. They discovered their son’s confidence in math was at an all-time low, and with their busy schedules, it was difficult to find the time – and the patience – to tutor him at home. “ERG provided our son with the confidence and the competence to complete the standard course of study taught in the schools, and his end of grade Math test was excellent!”

ERG Kids’ tutors are professional, highly qualified and easy to work with. They are trained to tutor side-by-side with students in reading and/or math. Founders Hope Reagan and Alice Oakley pride themselves on being able to meet students where they are while supporting their progress and providing consistent feedback. Their biographies, along with the bio of Erica Frost, office manager, can be found by clicking here.

The team has not only earned outstanding educational credentials, but also rave reviews from its clients. “Our daughter was a rising second grader who was testing below grade level when we began working with ERG Kids. After only one month of working with Hope, we started noticing dramatic improvement in her reading and writing skills,” says Mindy Johnson. “We have now been working with Hope for eight months, and our daughter has almost completely closed the gap in these skill-sets. Hope's extensive knowledge of how children learn and her ability to develop learning strategies to meet each child where they are has been a Godsend to our daughter. Over the time we have worked with Hope, our daughter has grown in her confidence, self-esteem, and has developed a love for reading and writing.”

Sarah McCollum, another ERG Kids client echoes the same enthusiam. “Partnering with ERG Kids for my son Tommy exceeded my hopes and expectations. Thanks to Ann (Tommy’s tutor) and all the staff at ERG KIDS, Tommy’s self confidence and test scores dramatically improved during the school year. ERG Kids promoted Tommy’s strengths while focusing and encouraging him (and me). We’re continuing our journey with ERG Kids this year, and I’m excited to witness the progress Tommy will make with the help and support of this team,” she said.

Assessments at ERG Kids cost $150, and tutoring/support sessions are offered at $50/hour. Once your child has been assigned to an individual tutor you will be provided with their contact information.

If you think your child needs one-on-one tutoring, why wait? To get to ERG Kids, take Business I40 in downtown Winston-Salem and exit onto Broad Street. Go left on 4th Street, and ERG Kids is located at 942 West Fourth Street in Winston-Salem (two houses past West End Cafe).

ERG also works with parents to help them understand what students are expected to know and be able to do in today's classroom. More information on adult learning support can be found on the main web site at www.myedresource.com.

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Smarty Mom: Ann Hawkins

By Rachel H

Welcome to another TriadSmartyPants Saturday where we are featuring a new Smarty Mom! Meet Ann Hawkins. I met Ann a few years ago when I noticed a “New Baby” bow on her front door. She lives just up the street from me, and my husband and I thought we should take a walk up there and introduce ourselves to our neighbors. Shortly after meeting Ann, her husband Adam, and their new baby boy, Dixon, we were kicking ourselves for not getting our lazy behinds up the street sooner to meet them! The Hawkins are wonderful people with good family values. Dixon is now almost three years old, and they are expecting another baby in June.

Ann and Adam have lived in the Triad for four years after having moved from Spartanburg, SC. Ann works part time at Summit School as a LD Reading Teacher. She is home in the afternoons with her son, but also makes time for some after-school tutoring. Ann is a member of the Junior League, and volunteers each year at Brenner’s Festival of Trees. She loves being outdoors, hiking, and teaching kids how to read when they wanted to give up because it was too hard!

I am thrilled to share some of Ann’s Smarty Wisdom with you all!

What are your Smarty Tips on juggling family time, career, and volunteer duties?
I work very hard on planning ahead and keeping a current calendar! I also get everything ready for the next day the night before, lunchbox, clothes, to-do list, etc.

Share with us more about Brenner’s Festival of Trees and your involvement with it.
The Festival of Trees is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with your family. Over 70 decorated Christmas trees done by various members and groups in the community, children’s activities, live performances, shopping and even a visit from Santa! It usually falls the weekend before Thanksgiving and is held at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston. All proceeds benefit the Brenner’s Children’s Hospital.

Tell us more about the business you started while living in SC. What tips do you have for other moms wanting to start their own businesses?
I started my own tutoring business for struggling readers and specifically for children with learning disabilities. I managed over 30 students on a rotating basis and worked with their families and teachers. A lot of faith is involved in taking the leap to start you own business. I began with word of mouth and connections I already had in schools. I advertised anyplace I could put a flyer that did not charge me: bookstores, coffee shops, church bulletin, the public library, etc. I learned a lot about the power of referrals and word of mouth!

As a Reading Teacher for children with Learning Disabilities, I am sure you have many Smarty Tips for moms. What are some tips we can use when working with our children on reading skills? How can we help our children enjoy reading and not look at it as a chore?
I encourage you to continue to cuddle up and read with them, even early school-aged children. I believe we start making it a chore by making them do it all. Keep playing reading-like games without books to encourage their phonemic awareness. Games like rhyming words, count and clap syllables, swap letters in words - change the /k/ in cat to a /b/. Make it light and easy without the pressure of reading out loud or silently for an allotted amount of time.

I know plenty of moms are now asking themselves if you have tutoring spaces available! If so, when are you available?
Yes, I have spaces open for more students. I tutor after school or evening and will be tutoring all summer. Email TriadSmartyPants here and we will send you Ann’s contact information.

What is your favorite aspect of the Triad since having moved here 4 years ago?
I love being able to get to almost any place in town in 10 minutes. We noticed that right away. A drive to Tanglewood - 10 minutes; a trip downtown - 10 minutes.

What is your favorite family activity?
We spend a lot of our free time outdoors enjoying the local parks. One of our favorites is a walk along the Yadkin River or a hike at Pilot Mountain.

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
Dixon and I love to get out for a walk or bike ride with our dog, Harbor, any chance we get!

Favorite place to eat out with kids?
Cloverdale Kitchen for pancakes every Saturday morning. Mayberry’s - a scoop of Cookie Monster ice cream gets us a long way. Fuddruckers has great games to play. West End Café - a hotdog and a fishpond!!

Favorite park in the Triad?
Hathaway Park off Country Club in Winston. Wonderful equipment and they have a dog park where you can let your dog run leash free!!

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
There are so many options of activities within easy distance. The mountains, the big city, all easy to get to in a short road trip.

Funniest thing Dixon has ever said to you?
There have been many - some that shouldn’t be recorded in print but my favorite at the moment is when I suggest something for us to do and I get either “That’s a great idea, sure ya sure,” or “That’s not a good idea for me.”

Best birthday party you have attended?
Any party that involves an activity where the kids can run, jump, dance and play!!

I could not live without my... Calendar!

I wish someone had told me sooner about... All the free and fun things available to moms in the Triad.

Thanks, Ann for all your Smarty answers!

We are always on the hunt for Smarty Moms. And while we've been featuring some moms who have done AMAZING things such as going above-and-beyond the call of duty for others, doing incredible work for her family, friends, or community, or has accomplished tremendous feats - we are also looking to feature moms in the Triad who just simply live the daily grit of motherhood! Please send us your "mominations" and feel free to nominate yourself (especially if you are a mompreneur with a great service or product to promote)! We look forward to hearing from you. Email us here with your “Smarty Momination”!

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Words of Wisdom on Speech and Language

By Rachel H and Guest Blogger Emily H

I would like to introduce you to our Guest Blogger today, Emily Halsey. Emily was a sorority sister of mine at Appalachian State. Six years later, we ended up as neighbors in Winston-Salem. Emily now lives in Greensboro with her husband, Scott, and two children, Emma Kate (5) and Henry (2). Emily graduated with a BS in Communication Disorders and a minor in Psychology from ASU, and then went on to receive her MS in Speech-Language Pathology at James Madison University. She has worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for the past 12 years in three different cities - Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Fayetteville, Arkansas - in school systems as well as with private speech and language centers - and with patients of all ages from children to seniors. She has also provided evaluation and remediation services for clients who had a wide variety of speech-language disorders, additionally patients whose diagnoses included autism, cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental delay, and legally blind.

I have asked Emily to share with us some of her Smarty wisdom on Speech and Language problems most commonly occurring in children.

Hi Moms! My name is Emily Halsey. I am currently a stay-at-home mom who does some part-time contract work, but long ago, in a land far, far away, I was a full-time speech-language pathologist! I was trying to think of the most common concerns that my mom friends express concerning speech and language, and I came up with three main concerns. I’ve addressed each one briefly, but as I always tell my girlfriends, go with your gut! You know your child better than anyone, and if you have that nagging feeling in your head, it certainly can’t hurt to consult a professional.

North Carolina provides free screenings, evaluations, and if children qualify, therapy services, to children who are 3 years old and over through the school systems. You would need to talk to someone who handles preschool referrals if your child. If you call your school system’s information/help desk, they can steer you in the right direction. Qualifying guidelines do differ between the school system vs. private practices. Therefore, if a problem is mild, your child doesn’t qualify by school system guidelines, and you still want to address the problem, you can contact a private practice/therapist to see if they can provide treatment for your child. There is also a great deal of information on the Internet, and I did check some of my facts with a few Google searches! I hope this information is helpful to all you Smarty Moms!

Concern One: Is my child talking as much as he/she should at this age?
By age 1, a child will typically exhibit a vocabulary of between 3-20 words for labeling familiar objects/people. They will still use lots of gesturing at this point, often combined with a word or a vocalization (ex. Uh, uh). Using sign language with or without spoken language is also an acceptable form of object labeling, although you should definitely encourage spoken language.

By age 2, children are usually using up to 50 different words, mostly nouns, and are beginning to combine 2-3 words in a single utterance. They should be able to say their own name, produce animal sounds, and use “no” appropriately. (I think they are all masters at that!) Also, a child may have a “word” for an object or person that only you understand, but if he/she uses it consistently and appropriately, it is still considered a word in their vocabulary arsenal. When kiddos are this small, they are not expected to pronounce everything perfectly.

By age 3, children can be using up to 800 words, answering and asking various Wh-questions, and can answer simple how and problem-solving questions.

One thing I often see, even in my own family, is that parents, grandparents, and older siblings often anticipate a child’s wants and needs or speak for them. It is important to require children to verbalize for themselves, even if you say the word and ask them to repeat it. Something I still do with my son (Henry, who just turned 2) is to require him to at least say and/or sign “please” before receiving the object of his desire! It won’t kill them to do without that cracker until they ask for it instead of just grunting or pointing! Another thing I wanted to mention is that I often hear parents say that their children seem to understand a lot more than they are saying, which is completely normal, especially at these young ages. Lastly, remember that all children develop at different rates, and just because you know another child who is “talking up a storm” doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is “behind” in their development.

Concern Two: My child is not pronouncing certain sound(s)correctly. Does he/she need therapy?
By age 2, you should be hearing the sounds p,b,m,h, n, and w in your child’s speech production. By age 3, those sounds are typically mastered (b may take up to age 4) and you should be hearing k,g,d, t, f, and y in your child’s speech. By 3 ½ to 4, children should have these sounds mastered as well (t can take longer).

Sounds such as r,l,s,z,sh,ch, and v generally develop a bit later, and mastery may not be seen until age 6 or later. If there is a sound you think your child should be able to produce but doesn’t, one thing you can do is to see if he/she can repeat the sound after you show him/her how to produce it (just don’t drive it into the ground!). This is called being stimulable for a sound. If your child can do this, then it is a good sign that they will probably begin producing the sound on their own sooner than later. If they cannot, it is an age appropriate sound, and the problem persists, you may want to consider consulting a professional. Also, if there are multiple sounds your child cannot produce, if they are doing things such as leaving the ending sound off all words, or if their speech is completely unintelligible even to family members, an evaluation of their speech production would probably be in order. You should remember that when children are young and language is emerging you are going to hear sound errors and most of these are perfectly normal.

Concern Three: My child seems to stutter all the time, and I’ve just started noticing it.
Most of the time, this problem is completely normal as a child’s language is developing and is called pseudo stuttering. You may hear short repetitions of words or sounds, pauses between words, or substituted sounds. This problem often comes and goes, and may increase when your child is excited, stressed, or tired. A major change such as a move or a new sibling can also trigger stuttering. Be sure not to interrupt your child when he/she is speaking to you and give him/her time to finish what he/she is telling you. Most often, this problem will improve and/or correct itself within a 6 month period. If the problem persists longer than this, if you are seeing longer repetitions or hesitations in your child’s speech that occur most of the time, and/or if your child seems nervous or anxious about speaking, it is probably a good idea to consult a speech pathologist.

Thank you, Emily for all of the wonderful information you have shared with us today. If you have any additional questions or concerns, Emily has graciously shared her contact information with us. Email us here and we will send her information along to you. Emily is also available for consults and tutoring.

And if you have a question for Emily that you can share with other Smarty Moms, please post below!

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Smarty Mom: Rachel H

By Katie M

It’s another great Smarty Mom Saturday with today’s focus on Rachel H. I can’t remember if I first met Rachel when our two oldest played on the same YMCA soccer team or if we originally met at church, but either way Rachel is the kind of person who makes you feel as though she’s known you forever.

Rachel and her husband Kevin have two adorable children, Jake (5) and Anna (3), and they live in the Triad after several years in Charlotte. For eight years, Rachel taught elementary school both in Charlotte and in Winston-Salem, and she also once managed a pool and coached a swim team for more years than she can count. But she gave all that up so she could stay at home with her children. Today, she is also a part-time math tutor for up to eight children a week, and continues her part-time Mary Kay business that she’s had for the past 10 years. Rachel is also busy volunteering for her children’s schools, her church, the KasieSmiles organization, Children’s Liturgy, as well as spending time with friends and family. All this, and she gives support when she can to her husband who recently became a business owner and now manages two restaurants.

So, let’s chat with Rachel.


How do you manage to juggle a busy household while managing your professional, social and charitable obligations?
I guess the biggest component is good time management skills. I have somehow figured out a way to always do two or three things at a time. But, I am also a person who likes to put 100% into whatever it is I am doing. I do not want to let any one area suffer, especially family, so when I decide that it is time to be with my kids, I try to really "be in the moment.” If we are playing a game, I won't answer the phone, check email, or make my little lists that I am always thinking about. I try to just play the game and that is it!

I think the other important factor is raising your children to be independent. It can be as simple as getting themselves dressed, picking up their rooms, getting out all supplies needed for a craft or activity, setting up the DVD player, getting their own snack, etc. My children are only three and five, so obviously the list of responsibilities can grow as they grow. The bottom line is that if your kids are helping themselves, they are also helping you.

What Smarty tips do you have for moms who struggle with the same busy schedules?
I think that if you can start your morning off smoothly, the rest of the day is a piece of cake! If your kids are young, one thing that has worked for me is the clothes organizer that hangs in the closet. It has five compartments with each day of the week on them. I put outfits in there for the entire week. When my kids get up, they can get dressed before they even come out of their rooms. We never have any arguments over what or what not to wear. (Don't quote me on that when my daughter is 13!) My husband leaves around 6 am, so we usually miss him in the mornings. The kids and I usually wake up at 7am, and are out the door by 7:30 am.

Another Smarty tip - the grocery express lane is great! Place your order online and pick it up without getting out of your car! Cost - $5

One more Smarty tip - I love the hourly child care drop off. Some family friends of ours run BiziKids in Winston-Salem, and it is a great service for me to use! I tutor some in the afternoons, too, so I can drop the kids off without ever having to worry about a babysitter cancelling, being late, or having to cancel my tutoring sessions due to one of these problems.

Rachel, unfortunately, you share a similar experience to those of us at SmartyPants, and that is losing a dear friend way too early in life. Tell us about your friend Kasie and how you devote your time to KasieSmiles.
Kasie was one of my BFF's since freshman year of college. We lived with each other after college for four years, we were in each other's weddings, and we were pregnant with our sons together.

She was about 12 weeks pregnant with her second child in August of 2005. I spoke to her one day on the phone and she had told me that she was having terrible headaches. Two days later, I got a call that she was in a coma in Intensive Care in Charlotte. Although I do not remember much of the drive down there, I drove to Charlotte in time to see her and tell her I loved her. After many different complications, she and the unborn baby passed away a few days later. Her son was only two. Needless to say, it was a complete shock for everyone. The result was a brain tumor that obviously no one knew about.

Kasie was in one word - awesome. Everyone knew Kasie and everyone loved Kasie. To be her friend was a privilege.

A few years before, Kasie helped start Charlotte Smiles, which was a group of lifelong friends who would help those less fortunate in the Charlotte area. After Kasie passed away, her husband, Phil, started a foundation in her name called KasieSmiles. In conjunction with both, we have started a few scholarships in her name and last year we put on a golf tournament, dinner and silent auction for over 200 people. It was a day to honor and remember Kasie, and we raised money for these scholarships at the same time. You can read more about Kasie on the website for KasieSmiles.

What is the funniest things one of your children has said?
We were in Dillard's and we had walked into a dressing room for me to start trying on bathing suits. All the rooms around us were occupied and it was dead silent except for Anna. "Hey mom, make sure no one sees your heiney." I responded with, "OK, Anna, shhh." Anna went on, "OR your wee-wee! Oh wait, I forgot, you don't have a wee-wee." I am starting to hear chuckles from all around. "But Daddy has a wee-wee and Jakey has a wee-wee. Right mom? Right? Mom, why do you keep saying Shhh?" You get the idea. I think I was crying by this time from laughing so hard. I don't think I ever found a bathing suit that day, but Anna sure made that miserable task a little more fun!

What is your favorite family activity?
Although I classify myself as pretty much "an indoor gal,” we love to be outside together as a family. Sometimes that is throwing frisbees or flying kites at Reynolda Gardens. Other times we like to go to Hanging Rock State Park and hike to the waterfalls. We love driving to Boone and showing the kids all the places we hung out while we were in college. We also love when area vineyards or parks have outdoor concerts. For indoor activities, we love the classic games: CandyLand, Checkers, Chess, Memory, puzzles, crafts, etc. We also have a family dinner EVERY night unless I am tutoring! All four of us eat together. I realize that this will become more and more difficult as the kids get more involved in sports and other activities, but my husband's family and my family always made family dinner time a priority, even into our teens, so we want to try our best to do the same. I will admit that we eat really early since my husband and I often have meetings or other activities in the evenings, but 5:30pm dinner time is a good excuse for us to have popcorn or ice cream after the kids go to bed!

Favorite “mommy time” activity?
Anything with my girlfriends! I love meeting friends for lunch or dinner, playing Bunco, going to movies, shopping, catching up on Facebook, etc. And I love reality TV. The cheesier, the better.

Favorite date place in the Triad, or near by?
PF Changs at Friendly Center or The Melting Pot – both in Greensboro.

Favorite place to eat out with the whole family?
For a low-key, quick meal, we like Qdoba or Mello Mushroom. When we want to have more of a relaxing dinner, we usually go to Chili's because they have so many options for the kids. Also, BLL Rotisserie, or Outback.

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Gazoodles in Winston - end of season clearance! Love it!!! Cute and unique clothes that will be discounted anywhere from 30-70% off. Plus, they have a playhouse that entertains the kids while you shop. Also love The Children's Place. They always run sales and honor coupons on sale items. Plus, they have a point system where you earn gift cards for each dollar spent. One more: Mini Boden End of Season Clearance. This is my favorite place to get clothes for my son.

What’s the Smartiest way you save money?
I go to so many sales, that I don't think we can afford for us to save any more money! (ha, ha)

One idea for a FREE outing for young kids - the mall! I know some people despise the mall, but I love it. We can go alone, or meet friends there. You can window shop for free, kids can ride the elevator for free, they can play with the toys outside of KB Toy store for free, they can play on the play area outside of Sears for free, there are always pretzel people handing out free samples, and the best is when we pass Abercrombie & Fitch - the kids have a huge dance party on the big floor area at the front of the shop as the store blasts their music. All for free! I will admit that now that my son is five, he is getting slightly embarrassed by the dance party, but for four-and-unders, the mall is a great outing!

Best piece of baby/kid gear?
As I think back to the baby days, I would definitely have to say the Megasaucer. Both of my kids loved it because they could sit up in it and see everything going on around them.

Favorite park?
For a picnic - Reynolda Gardens or the park at Five Points intersection in Winston. (It's actually just a big green area, but has lots of trees and room to run and play.)For a playground - Triad Park in Kernersville, or Tanglewood in Winston

Favorite birthday party venue?
I love huge birthday blowouts! I love throwing parties, attending parties, & crashing parties! (Just kidding about the crashing part.) But I also tend to go for big birthdays due to my friend, Kasie. She went ALL OUT for her son's first birthday. We all gave her a hard time about it and asked how she was going to top it the next year. Little did we know, she would only celebrate one more birthday with him. I quickly learned how precious life can be. We never know how many birthdays we will share with our children. It is only once a year, so I figure why not make it as big as we want?!?! And we don't have to necessarily top it the next year. Just whatever we have time for or are in the mood for - we do it. Luckily, both of my kids have birthdays in June, so we have been able to do theirs together. Last year was my favorite - we hired a children's band called Big Bang Boom to play in our backyard. The kids loved it and I think the adults did, too! We split the cost with another friend of ours who has a June birthday. So, we entertained 60 plus kids for only $75. What a bargain! Although, I am sure Big Bang Boom has raised their rates since then, so I would not expect to get that rate now.

Mini-van or SUV?
Mini-van.

I could not live without…
My girlfriends. ALWAYS there for me and always so much fun.

What do you like best about raising a family in the Triad?
The beach is only a few hours away and the mountains are only one hour away. Best of both worlds! Oh yeah, and we can get to the lake in less than an hour, too!

Thanks, Rachel for your Smarty answers and Smarty tips!

Do you know a mom who goes above and beyond the call of duty for others, someone who does incredible work for her family and a charitable organization, runs a company and a marathon, or is just simply living the daily grit of motherhood?! Then email me here!

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