... a good day to fly your flag!

Today is the 235th birthday of the American Flag. In 1777 John Adams presented the first version of our shared symbol to the Continental Congress and the first Flag Act passed.

The flag now consists of thirteen stripes (7 red, 6 white) representing the original 13 colonies and 50 stars for each state of the Union. The colors of our flag also hold meaning:

1) Red = hardiness and valor
2) White = purity and innocence
3) Blue = vigilance, perseverance, and justice

Happy Flag Day USA ~

(this article was posted earlier today on Caron's Studio22 Blog)

Parent Involvement in Student Success - Just 3 More!

My daughter attends Peoria's Frontier Elementary School and while Frontier was recently a Highly Excelling school under the old system, Frontier earned a B rating through the new school evaluation program. To get an A, Frontier needed only 3 more points.

So, dedicated parents led by Cory Underhill are now working with the school administration, PTSO, teachers, and students on the Just 3 More campaign to help students improve performance and earn an A for their school. Engaging more people in campus initiatives and classrooms, encouraging students, supporting teachers, decorating the neighborhood with signs of support, providing incentives, increasing tutoring, and raising expectations are all part of the vision. What are your best ideas for improving education? Is there a student or a school you could assist in some way? Students and schools need caring adults willing to share time and talent.

While some are content talking about what is wrong with our schools, this is a great example of individuals getting involved, taking action, and making a positive difference. Here is a link to Channel 5's coverage of this GOOD NEWS story:

http://www.kpho.com/story/16997034/parents-organize-motivational-campaign-to-encourage-school

A quote to share:

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove . . . . but the world maybe different because I was important in the life of a child." -- Kathy Davis

Free Coffee at McDonalds through Jan 22

Have you tried McDonald's coffee? Would you like to sit down for a few minutes while your children happily play a few feet away? This may be a good day to take your little ones to McDonald's so that they can run, climb, and play while you sit, sip, and relax.

Free small coffee
100% Arabaca beans
no purchase necessary
(and it's good coffee!)

Gosh, this weekend you could even take an Arizona road trip and enjoy free coffee around the state. Participating locations through January 22nd, include the following Arizona counties:
Maricopa, Pinal, Gila, Yuma, La Paz, Mohave, Coconino, Navajo, Apache and Graham.

Thank you, McDonald's!

2012 is here!

Is it really already 2012? Yes! Happy New Year ... more to come (soon) from Fun Moms!

10-10-10

Make today a ... 10 !

The current answers about well-being

The people of Gallup Press keep giving us what I consider the best of popular, strength-based non-fiction and they have done it again. If you wonder about "happiness", I still recommend reading Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman and if you want to learn about how you can increase your sense of "well-being", then the new book by Tom Rath and Jim Harter is a must read, too.

The title of the book is Well Being: The five essential elements. Those elements include: social, financial, career, physical and community well-being. I often make the comment that some authors turn what-should-be-a-brochure into a book, but this book makes the most of every page so all of the text is likely to be worth your time.

As with others in the StrengthsFinder series, each book comes with a code so that you can access the online Wellbeing Finder. After answering a series of questions, you will receive summaries of your current levels of wellbeing based on this model. You can continue to retake the Wellbeing Finder for six months and you are offered options for reminders that can help facilate your action plan for improved wellbeing. Is this of interest to you?

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

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Lunch with Lita

Today I enjoyed lunch with Lita ~ and because she is so inspiring to me, I want to make an initial introduction ...

Lita is vivacious (understatement!) and she has many talents that she generously offers in matters of faith and through a variety of humanitarian efforts. Lita works for the Arizona Ecumenical Council (AEC): a "collaborative coalition of Christian churches and religious organizations who pray, worship and study together in order in order to discover ways to express unity and not division" (http://www.aecunity.net/).

One story that Lita shared with me today comes from her son's childhood; I think it can be viewed as faith in action demonstrated through love in action. When he was about eight, his classroom had a tradition of sitting in a circle and telling stories about what happened over their weekends. The children passed around a stuffed animal to signify who was speaking ~ the other children were to stay in their places and listen.

On one Monday morning, the class was sitting in their circle when a little girl began to cry. She told the group that her step-mom had died; the family woke up in the morning and her step-mom remained motionless, lifeless. All in the circle sat stunned in collective silence ~

all except for one little boy who got up,

moved across the circle and

comforted the crying young girl by

putting his arm around her shoulder.

That is love.

Thank you, Lita, for your son's story and thank you for the work you do in our community and through the AEC ~

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set a good example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1st Timothy 4:12

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To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

Save the date for Westgate (July 27th yogurt bargain)

On Tuesday, July 27th pay-by-the-ounce-yogurt will be 1/2 price all day at Ocean Blue Frozen Yogurt in Westgate - near the University of Phoenix stadium where our Arizona Cardinals play. The calories and fat content are low and the topping choices are vast. Fresh rasberries and kiwi? Chopped walnuts? Crushed Heath bars or Oreos? What sounds good to you?

* Save the date for Westgate ~

Tuesday, July 27th ~ Ocean Blue Frozen Yogurt

* you may also want to save the date August 14th for the Arizona Cardinals' first home game!

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

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Did you read The Help yet?

Two weeks ago, I was at a meeting with 8 women and 3 of us were reading The Help by first time novelist, Kathryn Stockett. It remains on all of the bestseller lists for many reasons.


If you have not already enjoyed the book, I will not give away its content or the possible messages that you may take away from reading it but I will tell you that it is entertaining while it also immerses you into our recent American past. Then, ideally, it will challenge even your present worldview.

Kathryn 'Kitty' Stockett was born in 1969 and grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended the University of Alabama where she earned a degree in English and Creative Writing. Kathryn and her family now live in Atlanta.









To contact Caron:
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Mom and salesperson of the world - a message from Ali

As an independent sales representative for a multi-national corporation, last year Ali A. sold more new business than any other salesperson or office ~ so I enjoy referring to her as "salesperson of the world". And, I know that Ali is an outstanding mom as well as being a high achiever outside of her home.

Wouldn't it be great for women to receive more encouragement and recognition as moms? Although I know we appreciate the implicit rewards of motherhood, an occasional bonus check or an awards ceremony with a meal cooked by someone else (and no dishes to clean) would be ... nice. Until these gestures become new family traditions and then social norms (be patient!), we can still find ways to encourage and recognize each other today.

How? Some simple ways to recognize and encourage each other include listening to the stories of the women who surround us, offering words of support and sharing our own stories. Since part of my mission is to give moms a public voice and to develop understanding among women who are living similar and different life circumstances, I asked Ali for a "message to moms" based on her perspective of the life she is currently living.




Here is what Ali wrote ... in her own words:

I always picture myself wearing 2 distinct hats. The domestic (taking care of household, kids, husband) hat and the professional/career hat. I remind myself that if you are wearing two hats at once you look really silly and accomplish nothing well. But if you take the time to separate the times you wear each hat, you can wear them proudly and be successful.

I make conscience decisions daily, weekly and sometimes monthly about which hat I am wearing and when. And to help with the guilt when I wear the professional hat more...I remind myself that I am even doing that part for the kids. There is the obvious that the paycheck is a great benefit to the kids and family as a whole but also by demonstrating a strong work ethic, showing them that I can be successful in my career, I teach them such important values they will use as they grow. I also get to look forward to summer when I can spend extra time with them! They know I work hard because I love them and want to take care of them and I know that is 100% the truth. It is what drives me.

I was still in high school when I was working as a nanny. The children's father told me I was going to be a great mother, I asked how he knew that and his answer was so simple, "all you have to do is love them and you are so good at that." When I have a tough day I hear those words..."all you have to do is love them"

Thank you, Ali, Mom & Salesperson of the World, for sharing your perspective and encouragement ~

To contact Caron:
caron@studio22azwa.com

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Boredom prevention ...

In our district, the school year ends next week. The first few days of summer vacation will be experienced as no-homework-euphoria but soon it will happen ... kids will get bored.

The following advice is based on recommendations from the Search Institute (www.search.org). One possibility is to collaborate with your kids and create a list, or box, full of ideas for the onset of "bored" moments ~ with older children, this approach provides an opportunity to be self-responsible and replace their boredom with fun and/or engagement in meaningful activities.

Some more specific ideas:

Birth to age 5

Spend time with your children if they are bored.

Keep kids stimulated with ordinary household items.
Visit the library to find books and participate in activities.

Ages 6 to 9

Invite your child to help with chores.
Introduce kids to new activities (pictures).
Visit some of your child's favorite places.

Visit places that your child with soon outgrow (e.g. children's museum or petting zoo).

Ages 10 to 15
Introduce young teens to new interests.
Monitor what your kids do when they're bored.
Develop a kid-friendly-home where friends can visit and be active together.

Find volunteer activities and create your own service-learning program.

Ages 16 to 18
Help teens find a balance in their daily schedule.

Help teens pursue their interests.

Offer teens opportunities to dream about their futures and take action steps.
Nurture your child's sparks.
Ask your teen about their friends.

Be a great listener (from birth through adulthood!)

* photos: a "new activity" for two 7-year olds ~ making candy covered pretzel sticks with white frosting ... for a healthier alternative, try celery sticks with cream cheese & craisins :)

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To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

Baskin Robbins - 31 cent scoop TONIGHT !

Tonight from 5-10pm, you can visit participating Baskin-Robbins and select your favorite of 31 flavors for 31 cents! My friend Debbie D. told me about this so I'm sharing the tasty information with YOU.

The Baskin-Robbins foundation is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). While you and your fellow-ice-cream-eaters select your ideal scoop, you may be able to make a donation to your local fire charities.

A good cause.

A good deal.

A good idea for tonight ~

Thank you Baskin-Robbins!

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To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

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Earth Day Anniversary

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. While there is more carbon dioxide in our environment than in 1970, we are breathing cleaner air and swimming in cleaner rivers.

Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day in the spring of 1970 and Congress passed legislation creating the The Environmental Protection Agency that December. The EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970 the organization has been "working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people".

In 1995 President Clinton presented the former Senator with the Presidential Medal of Honor. Senator Gaylord Nelson passed away in 2005 at the age of 89.

As my daughter has taught me ...

Recycle

Reuse

Reduce

and Remember !

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Pass this book on ... need a passport?

For my birthday, my Texan sister-in-law sent me Half the Sky: Turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide by Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. For us in the United States who are not (yet) world travelers to Africa and Asia, this book is one that has a chance to broaden your worldview and move you to action.

The real-world content includes graphic & disturbing examples of how girls and women are treated in some cultures and it also shares stories of heroism and the commitment of individual aid workers in remote villages. As you read this text, you are likely to gasp with horror and then cry with hope and inspiration - I did.

After completing the book, I know that many of you will want to make a difference and the authors make it easy by providing you with a list of aid organizations to support. Since the authors also challenge us to visit villages of the world so that we can understand and serve more effectively, now is an ideal time to get a passport. In May prices go up by $35 per person.

My family is currently focused on serving members of our local community but I believe that globalization has already made us part of a global community; isolationism is no longer an option. As members of that larger community, we ought to do something.

I am only one, but I am one.
I can’t do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
And, by the grace of God, I will do.
- author unknown

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

Make a Difference Locally

http://www.trendsettersthrougheducation.org/

support service learning and leadership in an after-school program (my mom and I are part of this)

http://www.affcf.org/

support foster children by providing them grants for things that the government cannot provide/show them that caring adults really are thinking of them (Raoul is part of this)

Make a Difference Internationally

http://www.ijm.org/ support International Justice Mission ~ this Christian-based organization fights sex trafficking

http://www.kiva.org/ support an entrepreneur in a developing country through Kiva ~ you can even give someone a gift certificate as a gift!

http://www.penniesforpeace.org/ Greg Mortenson's group that provides education in Pakistan and Afghanistan - some of the Trendsetters (Trendsetters through Education above) are collecting pennies to help build schools and purchase school supplies

To return to Studio22:

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Celebrate Easter .....

Happy
Easter
to you ~





...did you make it to a sunrise service?
......did you find some eggs?

Enjoy your celebration !

Discount at Wet N Wild ends tomorrow

After Waterworld closed in North Phoenix, we all seemed to wait ... & wait ... & wait until Wet N Wild finally debuted during the summer of 2009. This year they opened early for Spring Break and they will remain open on weekends until the official summer season and daily schedule begin in May. Water excitement like Maximum Velocity, Monsoon Bay and Raging River awaits you!

Tomorrow is the last day to purchase discounted season passes for $59.99 per person plus tax (children under 2 are free). To purchase your tickets, visit Wet N Wild on-line at: http://phoenix.mywetnwild.com/

This is definitely a fun place and it is a bargain right now, too.

World Wildlife Zoo in Green

For our neighborhood of children, this week includes Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day. Schools are closed and kids are looking for fun things to do. With these truths in mind, we wore green (early) and enjoyed a day at the World Wildlife Zoo.

The World Wildlife Zoo sits between Luke Air Force Base and the White Tank Mountains - two other Arizona attractions. In the last several years, the zoo has undergone significant improvements such as adding a log ride and aquarium; if you have not been there recently, it may be time to return!

One of the most fun activities at the zoo has to be feeding the giraffes. For 50 cents, you can purchase food pellets and see a giraffe tongue up close! Is that too close?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Remember to wear your green tomorrow ~

To return to Studio22:

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To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com

Your Career Vision Workshop - Saturday, April 3rd

You are invited to ...

Enjoy a morning focused on you and the rewards of a fulfilling career. This workshop will help you identify meaningful next steps on your career path by reminding you of your personal strengths and interests. Whether you are in a well established career or considering a career transition, this workshop will give you an opportunity to:

* determine your work related values
* explore your personality strengths
* categorize your interests
* identify your motivated skills (and your burnout skills)

When:
Saturday, April 3rd ~ 9am to noon

Where:
Corner Bakery ~ 16222 N 83rd Ave, Peoria AZ
(south of 83rd Ave/Bell Rd)

Included:
*continental breakfast
*upbeat & interactive workshop
*assessments & portfolio worksheets
*take-home materials

Tuition:
45.00 (after March 27th/at the door, if space is available)
29.00 (if payment is received by March 27th)

mail check or money order with your name and phone number included:
Studio22
20783 N 83rd Ave #103-278
Peoria AZ 85382

Space is limited so please RSVP/submit your payment to hold your place. You will receive a confirmation call once your payment has been received.

Depending on the response, there may not be opportunities to sign up at the door so check your calendar and sign up today!

*** PREWORK --- Take the True Colors Career Assessment (http://www.truecolorscareer.com/) and bring your printed results with you to the workshop. If you do not complete True Colors prior to the workshop, you may be able to take it on-line the day of the event but you will not have an opportunity to print your results.

When you take the True Colors Assessment, answer based on YOU as you prefer to be (not what is expected of you by your family, friends, peers or community).

**** OPTIONAL -- If you have a resume or career assessments you have previously completed (Myers-Briggs, Strong, PSI, DISC, Kuder etc), feel free to bring them with you as they may provide added insights as you experience the workshop.

For information regarding Caron Sada:
please visit www.studio22azwa.com or www.funmoms.biz


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Free coffee March Mondays at Dunkin' Donuts

I missed it last week, but for all Mondays in March ... Dunkin' Donuts is offering FREE coffee! After my class this morning, I'll be stopping by the Dunkin' Donuts at 67th Avenue & Beardsley - should I have hot or iced?

Enjoy your coffee today ~ for freeeee !

Fresh Start Women's Foundation

There is an amazing place ... a place just for women in the center of Phoenix. Fresh Start Women's Foundation and the Women's Resource Center is available for any woman ready to improve an aspect of life; whether you are surviving or abundantly thriving, this organization may offer just want you want or need.

Here is a list that summarizes what Fresh Start offers:

Personal Development

Education Series (e.g. financial fitness, life skills, personal growth, relationships etc.)

Family Law Support Services

Library Services

Career Services

Self Esteem

Support Groups

Mentoring

If you are looking for a place to volunteer or make a donation (money? professional clothing?), please also consider Fresh Start. One of the things I love about this organization is that it provides us with local opportunities to both serve and grow. I learn on many visits to Fresh Start and I also volunteer once a month as a Career Coach.

How can you assist?

What do you want/need?

To find out more about Fresh Start Women's Foundation and the Women's Resource Center:

http://www.fswf.org/

To return to Studio22:

http://www.studio22azwa.com/

To contact Caron:

caron@studio22azwa.com