A Father's Love

I just finished watching last week's Oprah's Where Are They Now? broadcast on my DVR.  One of the segments was an update on Matt Logelin and his precious daughter, Madeline.  I remember seeing them on Oprah when Madeline was just a baby.  Although I cannot totally relate to his story, I felt a distinct connection with his struggles as a former widow myself attempting to raise an infant and 2 preschoolers.  I found a short video on the AOL online series You've Got.... that gives a glimpse into their life that I thought I'd share.  Their story is so touching, you can't help but be moved by it:

Shoparoo Fundraising

This year I've decided to partner with Shoparoo to leverage their hassle-free approach to raising money for my daycare.  I'd really like to replace our outdoor play equipment and Shoparoo seems like the easiest way to do that!

 

With the free Shoparoo app, all you have to do to raise money for Christina's Corner Daycare is take pictures of your grocery receipts with your phone!  Shoparoo does not require any buying, selling, collecting, delivering, etcetera… and, it works no matter where you shop or what you buy!

Yes, it really is that easy.  My daycare receives a donation for every grocery receipt picture taken through the free Shoparoo app.  There is no limit to how much can be raised with Shoparoo, so please download the app and start taking pictures today.  Also, each of our first 20 participants will earn a guaranteed $1 donation for their first receipt!

1. Download the free Shoparoo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

2. Once it’s downloaded, select Christina's Corner Daycare as your cause and take pictures of receipts!

3. Invite other friends, family and community members to participate in this simple fundraiser.

Thank you for your support!

My Weight Loss Journey

Four ounces. Four lousy ounces. Such an insignificant amount, but that's what kept me from qualifying for Dr. Oz's Million Dollar YOU Challenge. Of course, I had no delusions of winning the thing, but I did want the personal satisfaction of at least qualifying. The worst part is I did qualify about one month ago, but it wasn't time to officially weigh in. Unfortunately, all it took was a trip to Disneyland to undue my hard work. And maybe a funnel cake and pizza. Or was it the jambalaya? I don't know.

When I began my current weight loss journey, I thought it would be a fairly easy trip. I’m a former Weight Watchers member who had lost 29 pounds the first time around and I was familiar with the Points Plan. I set a goal to lose 40 pounds in 5 months. Piece of cake(excuse the pun), right? Absolutely not. Little did I realize how much my body has changed in 5 years.

Every week has been a struggle at the scale, some more than others. Sure, at first, I saw consistent results because I knew I needed to stay within my daily points budget, limit the use of my 49 “extra” points allowance and get my body in motion. As I experienced some weight loss and even non-scale victories, i.e. fitting in my older, smaller jeans or needing to punch new holes in my belt, I think I got a bit cocky. Tracking every single day…do I really need to do that? Those BLT’s(bites, licks, tastes) don’t really need to be tracked, do they?

So, not surprisingly, my weight loss began to stall. It seemed like no matter how many Zumba classes I took, the scale and I couldn’t see eye to eye. Unfortunately, within the last month I’ve actually regained 3 of my lost pounds!

However, not to be deterred, I decided to purchase the P90x program. Although I realize I’m not physically capable of completely committing to such a regimented program, I know I can put forth my best effort. So even though I only made it half way to my goal with a 20 pound weight loss thus far, I’ve gained the knowledge and confidence necessary to continue on with my journey. Plus, I simply keep repeating my mantra to myself: “Slow and steady wins the race. You got this, Christina.”

Bridging the Financial Gap

Have you ever been asked the question- what do you do? Oftentimes, when people find out that I work from home they naturally want to know what it is that I do. I could give them the long-winded version, but who really wants to hear that? That's just about as appealing as listening to someone rattle off a list of their different health ailments. It makes me think of my dad's saying: "I smile and nod with a grin rather than tell you 'bout the bad shape that I'm in." His point? Keep it short and sweet!

So, in keeping in line with what my dad would do, I stick to a very simple answer: I set up new customer accounts for my partner company, either by phone or online. See, simple, right? For those dying to know more, it's really simple, too. They attend a webinar where a trained presenter gives them all the details of the day-to-day activities I engage in. I simply let someone else do all of the talking. Can't get any simpler than that. Wow....how many different ways can I use the word simple in one paragraph? I don't know, but it is pretty simple!

This is a home business opportunity that allows you to:

• NOT keep inventory or take orders.
• earn monthly RESIDUAL income with EXECUTIVE income potential.
• set your own hours and work when it’s CONVENIENT for you.
• give yourself raises, when YOU feel that you’ve earned them.
• partner with LIKE-MINDED individuals who are highly motivated.
• work home-based from ANYWHERE in the world!

I really like the fact that I don't have to worry about being a salesperson or a telemarketer. Those two jobs go completely against who I am as a person; I never want to pressure anyone to do anything they don't want to do and I hate to bother other people. On the other hand, if you're requesting something of me and I'm certain I can be of benefit to you, then I have no problem sharing what I know.

So, now that you know what I do, what's next? Once again, very simple! You can schedule yourself to attend a complimentary webinar here. You will get a complete overview of ExecsWithMoxie which includes an awesome online slide presentation. Only then will you be able to determine if this is something that's right for you- after you get all the details. I would be honored to be the one to show you how everything on the list above can be YOURS. If you're going to work hard for someone, why not work hard for yourself!

Do You Want To Be First?

So, you want to be first, huh? First for what, you ask? To get a FREE classic Swiffer Duster^® from Vocalpoint! It's designed with Dust Lock technology so that even very tight spaces can get really clean. I can't wait to try mine out!

Simply request your FREE SAMPLE by clicking here. Quantities are limited, so you need to act fast! You will receive your Swiffer Duster^®within 5-7 weeks. Request yours NOW!

Christina's Corner

Finally! I can't believe the day has arrived- I have my official child care license in my hand! It has been a LONG road to get here, but it was definitely well worth it. I began the process almost 1 year ago so I thought this day would never come!

There was so much work leading up to this day...loads of paperwork, background checks and TB clearances for five different individuals, home repairs, retaking a Health Certification class(that shouldn't have had to be done), buying supplies and toys, purchasing a mini van, not to mention installing a new bedroom window(to comply with pool regulations). For most future providers, the headache of it all would have been enough to stop the project altogether. Not me, though- I saw each challenge as a reason to continue, not give up. I've never seen myself as a quitter; never have, never will. So what how long it takes me to get there...at least I get there!

Several years ago I completed a marathon in Hawaii to raise money for the American Stroke Association. The course took me almost 9 hours to complete. Yes, 9 hours to walk 26.2 miles. Most people don't usually take that long, but I became discouraged at the halfway mark(that's a whole other story, ask me about it one day). I seriously considered giving up around mile 21 since I was mentally and physically exhausted. However, I continued on and around the 24th mile I spotted my trainers rallying for me on the side of the road. One of them joined me and gave me an awesome pep talk. My zeal was renewed and we jogged in the last mile together, straight to the finish line. I had not given up; I made it!

Now my daycare journey has begun. I'm looking forward to helping families who are in need of reliable, quality care for their children(I don't take sick days; once again-never have, never will!). My program is designed to allow children choices about their activities and provides opportunities for them to explore their environment. I enjoy watching them play and grow and consider it an honor if parents choose to leave their children with me.

So, if you or someone you know(in the Sacramento/Elk Grove CA area) is looking for a preschool program and daycare in a family home environment, please don't hesitate to look me up! Christina's Corner can be found here, here, here and oh, yeah here, too!

**Sorry for the shameless plugs, but if I don't do it, who will?!**

Michael's Official Kindergarten Graduation Announcement

I just wanted to share this with everyone!
See Him Go Graduation Announcement

Shutterfly graduation invitations and gifts.

View the entire collection of cards.