Find your ZING!

Hi Friends -

I love it when the simple act of going to the movies with your kids, brings about more than one lesson. Such was the case with our rain day choice, ""Hotel Transylvania."

In the movie, we learn about feeling that spark - or *zing* that was once felt between the Vampire parents and now between their 118 y/o daughter, Mavis and the human, Johnny. Of couse, we all have stories of the *zing* we felt with our partners, but I can save that for another day. However, I will say, literally there was a spark on the first time my husband and I went on a group outing together. I won't say it was a date... because it wasn't. It was a group of us racing Big Wheels- see I told you it was a story for another day.

The *zing* made me think about following anything that sparks life for you! When you feel that excitement.... in love, career, adventure. To paraphrase the movie, "you only feel that zing once." And for me, the *zing* is the thing! To me, the *zing* has been my love with my husband, which created the love for our kiddos - and when our family felt complete... but the *zing* I feel passionate about is our network markering career with SendOutCards. Where else can you be your own boss and create your own legacy? Where else do you control your schedule and income? We are blessed and it is so exciting to now see others on our team succeed.

So if you read this - whethere on our CardsAndMohr team, searching for a company or already affiliated with another company, I encourage you to go find your ZING. What do you have to lose? You may just end up changing your life by following that feeling... that what-if.

Shoot for the moon!

Hugs, Danielle

New Gratitude Challenge Participants

My heart is sooo happy? Guess who is doing the Gratitude Challenge? Yep - our boys! The big boys pooled their money together and are sharing the 30 days to send cards to their teachers, coaches and friends. They are loving it and while I know how I feel and have read your messages, to see my children participate is unmatched.  Take a peek as they show you how easy it is to be part of the challenge by clicking here!

Make someone's day.... What do you have to lose..? That is right - absolutely nothing. Hugs, Danielle

"Dates" with Your Kids

It's been a long time since grad school and I would never consider myself a parenting "expert," but I do want to take a moment to share a couple of ideas. 

If your is like our  house, it is busy - no matter how many children you have... there are school, events, extra-cirriculars, meals, shopping, playdates, doctor appointments and the list goes on and on. Sometimes, you may find it hard to slow down and just "be" with your child in that moment. There are two ideas I'd like to share that make a difference in our house.

(1) Stagger Bedtimes

(2) Take Your Child on a Date

Let me write some details. We have three kiddos (3-6-9 y/o) and bedtime for Mom/Dad takes about an hour a half - you might be thinking, what? Basically each night, each kiddo gets about 30 minutes with Mom and/or Dad. The preschooler starts first - it's bath, then 1:1 time - it varies: snuggles, TV time, reading, quiet game... things to get ready for bed. When he offiically goes to bed, it's one book, prayer, and hugs/kisses.  Then our 1st grader gets his solo time, followed by our 3rd grader.

I LOVE these quiet times - the focus is all on that child. It allows us to return to anything touched on at dinner (that'll be another entry), relax, chat about school, subjects, friends - make small talk and address anything that comes up or use it as a teaching lesson while they are young. The boys each have their favorite things to do and it varies - I love it because even as fast as my 3rd grader wants to grow up, he still wants his time with Mom/Dad.

It is my hope to always keep the lines of communication open - for big or small concerns. Even if I get the 'oh mom' plus a sigh, I'll joke about that I always hope he'll come to me for any questions. The boys really love it because instead of having to 'fight' to get a word in or feel like someone stole their thunder at an announcement, the focus is all them.  And the boys are respectfuly to each other during their bedtime snuggles/routines - even if one of the big boys comes in for a question while I'm with the preschooler, I say (and my son hears me say) "That will have to wait, I'm spending my time with L. I'll help you once he is in bed."

Another great way to give your child that special one-on-one time, is to "date your child." HA! Not the "date - date," which the kids laugh about; however, you do want to make a point to do something special with each child.  Something specific to that child - their likes, their personalities, their dream.  We've done everything to sushi (ok, sushi rolls - but not bad for a 9 year old) taking them to basketball game to movies to bike rides to ice cream to arcade places to Legoland Discovery Center to playing at the park, feeding the ducks, and each kiddo gets a solo trip to San Antonio with Daddy when in Kinder or 1st grade to experience that for themselves.

The "date" doesn't have to be elaborate - it's about the quality of time. And you might find out a lot more about school, friends, concerns, fears, ideas and much more than in the one question "how was school today?"

Always wishing you the best in all of life's adventures -

From one momma to another, Danielle

Thank You for MY Card

As THE card sender, I was floored today to receive a SendOutCards "big card" in the mail. WOW - I'm speechless.  Take a peek at my Thank You video.

I am blessed!
xoxo, Danielle

Living Life Now

Thanks for the compliments on the photos. I got a couple emails asking for the Video - so others could feel the moment and be there.... So click here and you'll see the video footage from my Skydive.

What I love the best from the experience was having my kids there - and in the video. I am blessed with an amazing husband who supports me in all my decisions and our children who inspire me as much as I inspire them.

Know your WHYs in life and you'll find a HOW. I will always share my gratitude to SendOutCards & Kody Bateman for what our 'little card busines' has afforded our family to do... the memories and legacy we are making compare to no other.

Always here to help you create your own SOC-cess and make a diffference in someone's life -starting with your own.

Hugs,
Danielle

Do you still believe?

Wow! I knew I was struggling to write since tragedy took a friend in November, but I apologize for my absence.  Well, a full day (from 12-8pm) free of technology and filled with great fun. Returned from morning sports and put our pajamas back on.  Ordered pizza, made popcorn, and settled in for a holiday movie marathon.

The movie watching concluded with "The Polar Express."  And I want to leave you these words as you think about 2012... what are your goals... where do you want to be... what is your dream....

From "The Polar Express"   One thing about trains... It doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on."

Do you still hear the bell ring? Do you still believe? This Christmas and always, don't forget to DREAM! ♥

A Reminder to Act of a Prompting - You don't get a Second Chance

Thank you Denai for your friendship - you are a gem who will be missed by many. I opened my heart and may look vulnerable in this video, but didn't want another friend to miss an opportunity to listen to that little voice... I didn't want another friend to live with the regret of waiting on that voice (aka: prompting) as I did with my trip to see you. May your passing remind us all to act on our promptings. Here is my video - I won't waste another opportunity.

I will forever keep your words from your Grief Blog Radio show on Monday as your lesson and God's preparation for his plan to send an Angel home.  It was a year almost that you opened up to us to share your pain when losing three friends in a blog/you-tube post.

Our family prays for Tim and Tori and all the family and friends who miss your sunshine here! I will never hear a "WOO HOO" without thinking of you.  You leave a legacy and definitely exemplified your quote, "Live A Life... That Out Lives Your Life."  Now those are some words to live by!

Lots of love,

Danielle

Millionaire Todays... Your Choice

Quick Facts for Today...  Did you know that in in the US there were:

3.6 million millionaire families in 1991
7.2 million millionaire families in 2001
10 million millionaire families in 2011

In the 1990's the best way to make money was to make things. Today the best way to make money is the distribute things. This is the age of the home based business.

The millionaire population exploded. And all Millionaires MAKE a CHOICE. What choice will you make today?

Of course, we favor our business with SendOutCards as there are no home parties, inventory or pressuring friends to buys items they may not need. We all have a need to send cards and gifts - we might only send approx 10 a year, but have a need for at least 70.  We've shown that with the ease of SOC's system - it is now affordable and convenient.  We all missed the opportunity with Netflix, but we are beyond thankful for all the blessings SendOutCards has provided us.

Make your choice for you and your family. It's not a get-rich path, but there is so much freedom within 2-5 years.  Shoot for the Moon and make your Dreams a Reality. --Tim & Danielle

30 Minutes for Progress

Although the photo for this blog seems to be referencing physical activity, I want you to think about taking 30 minutes each day for you.  It doesn't have to be the same task or activity.  Take 30 minutes today (yet) or start tomorrow and do something "better" in your life.  Take 30 minutes and make progress towards something.


Think about how powerful 30 minutes will be over one month?  When you add up the 30 minute "investments" for thirty days, that is 900 minutes... that is 15 hours of progress.

And 15 hours of progress is better than 15 hours of regret... or 15 hours of not doing anything. Maybe your 30 minutes is physical activity/exercises, maybe it's meditation or time to journal, maybe it's time to read a couple chapters of a personal development book, etc.

What area(s) in your life are you going to tackle in 30 minutes blocks.  It's a retorical question, but if you want to share - we'd love to hear about it below in the comments or in a email message.

Cheering you on.... because what is 15 hours for one month, will soon be approximately 19 days of progress in one year.  That is nineteen more days of progress than you had last year.

Thirty minutes a day changed our lives!  We are cheering you on!  --Danielle & Tim

Be The Boss Interview

WOW!  This magazine is a must for any of our readers to check out: Be The Boss. 

Although I'm biased to the Interview on Page 12, I am posting this magazing and all the interview in hopes of making a difference for YOU.  I want you, our followers & friends looking for opportunities to be their own boss...

While I cannot comment on all the companies or speak for the reps, I would tell you to look at the companies, the Whys and find the best choice for you. Contact the reps listed, check out websites, and learn more.   Of course, there are numerous companies not listed, but this is a good start. Look at the companies history, investment, risk and future - look at the needs of your family, time committment, and goals. 

Always here for you & cheering you on - Danielle

Say What You Mean... Today

The month has just begun and we've already had the need to send sympathy cards to Friends for family losses.  My heart aches and I will never know what our Friends are feeling, nor will we have the "right" words when we send a heartfelt note.  But we do just that - we sit down and send a heartfelt card with our own sentiments.  Forget that it is in our handwriting and signatures, but just think about the impact that our Friends feel with this gesture of love.

We're blessed to use our SendOutCards system/tool so we can immediately act on our intention.  Too often we have the intention, but due to time or money we may not act on it.  Although are words won't be the "right" words, they will be there for Friends to read and re-read for comfort.

Don't be afraid to express yourself. We share so much admiration and praise for others in their eulogies.  We want to provide you a system/tool to act on your intention and celebrate those around you TODAY!  We encourage you to reach out and tell someone what they mean to you. 

If you love someone, have praise/admiration or the need to say thanks - do so today.  Seize the day. Never have regrets. And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family. Reach out and tell them TODAY because when you decide that it is the right time it might be too late. 

Have the thought to send a card now? Click here to send greeting card for FREE! 

Hugs, Danielle

Take Time for Your Mate & You!

For those of you who follow our blog, you know that my husband & I were MIA for a couple weeks with trips to Nashville and Las Vegas. Those two weeks were amazing and I gained so much insight, appreciation and fresh perspective for myself and my roles in family and business. I have a list of items/blog entries I want to write about from these moment.  And even though my girlfriend thinks I’m nuts “put [my]self out there," I thought this would be a good start...

Although it is one of those things you know, your closest relationship is with your mate.  And such is true for me, as my relationship with Tim. We’ve been married 12 years and counting and as you know the husband & wife relationship changes when you become father & mother.  In writing this, I don’t mean to imply the change is negative – it is just different.  And for us, it is exciting and fun to experience our adventures, vacations, life lessons and more as a group of five than solo.  I will be the first one to admit that we don’t take the dates and time away as a couple (as all the “experts” advise); however, we make other “dates” and prioritize our couple time over family time occasionally.  We don’t choose couple time over family time to be selfish, we chose it to flourish & strengthen our family time.

Since we don’t always make the true date (restaurant, movie, etc) out in the community, one thing we do is plan a date for a late dinner together at home.  We do this with take-out dinners (yep, even our favorite Hibachi restaurant creates meals for us) or late dinner for us when the kids go to bed.   I am a huge component of family meals, so we still sit/snack with the boys during their dinner to continue conversation, but save our dinner & dialogue for a little later in the night.

How do we have dinner or this quiet time? We’ve been lucky to have good sleepers, but we also encourage bedtimes around 8 pm +/- 30 minutes depending on the kiddos’ age.  Your ‘in-home’ dates don’t have to be perfect or expensive… perhaps it’s sharing a TV show, playing cards, dinner, looking at photos or just the simple conversations without being interrupted. 

Don’t let your business or outside stresses separate your relationship with your spouse. A great book is When Husband and Wife Become Mom and Dad by Elisa Morgan & Carol Kuykendall in which they share, “Hope comes in realizing that the chaos you’re experiencing in your marriage is perfectly normal.” And that is a reality.  In a life with kids (I’d never change that), we are rarely going to FIND time with our partner/spouse – we have to MAKE it. 

One thing I’ve enjoyed doing these last two years (and my parents are spoiling us) has been taking a solo (aka couple’s) trip with Tim for a couple of days.  We have no immediate family around us to call for a weekend sleepover or a quick babysitting favor, so true dinner and movie dates are far & few between as we’ve already stated.  My sister doesn’t know how good she has it w/ both sets of grandparents within a 1-3 mile radius. *wink-wink*  Our parents have been kind to offer up their time while visiting us in TX to stay with the kids so we could take simple, 3-day trips ALONE.  We’ve have been blessed to do this the last two summers as a couple… no parenting, discipline, cutting up meals, etc.  In 2010, we went to San Francisco & Napa Valley.  We spent time on the Pier, toured Alcatraz, and bicycled 16 miles around the wineries.  This year we went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.  Both trips were amazing!  Yes, the sites were great; however, it was a time for us to reconnect, pretend we were newlyweds and reminisce our adventures – from courting in college to parenting. 

Both of us will tell you it has been the best thing we’ve done.  The memories of the trips are vivid in my mind.  If I close my eyes, I feel like I’m standing on the bottom of the Grand Canyon with the same overwhelming and child-like awe as I did that day.  Even after the trips are over, we chat about our time together, joke about the community pool’s similarities to the Venetian Hotel in Vegas (not!) or figure out how to buy another case of wine from our favorite Napa Valley Winery.  While I am enjoying these memories, I can’t help but let my mind wander for the ‘where’ of next summer. (Thanks Mom & Dad for the offer. This is the best gift ever!)

You may be thinking 3-days are still too much – for expenses or trust of another.  Again, you could do this with an overnight… maybe you go somewhere locally to stay overnight or maybe you schedule sleepovers for your kiddos and trade the favor with friends.  No matter what your budget allows, I guess the lesson of today’s blog entry is to find time for your mate!  I bet you are working hard at maintain your (girl) friendships; now just make sure to put the attention on your closest relationship with your mate or spouse.

You know me… your biggest cheerleader.  Sending hugs - Danielle

Vacation - Return to Blog

My Fans and Friends,

My sincerest apologies as I log in today to share my many insights and reflections from the past month.  I cannot believe it's been almost a month since my last entry.  (Guess it proves I blog 'live' and nothing is prearranged.) I never intended to be MIA for that long and leave you without word; however, with summer vacation with the kids and two trips my time to blog has been minimal.  But I'm back and have so much to share.... from looking forward & not back, gambling, reflections of sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon, relationships and so more. I almost don't know where to start, but to just share and embelish on my journal entries. I'm looking forward to continuing our relationships and stories here and on Facebook.

Hugs, Danielle

Our Definition of Freedom

Here is just a sampling of what the word freedom means to us:

• The ability to work for myself. ;o)
• The ability to travel - locally and other far-off, fun locations.
• The ability to do business on my schedule where I choose.
• The ability to give my time to friends and family with out worrying about going to work and asking for permission.  This means being present for our boys' school events, fieldtrips and more that I may have missed with a j-o-b.
• The ability to wake up in this great country and choose what I want to do becaus of those who serve & sacrafice... so that we all have these choices and freedoms. 

Have a safe & blessed holiday from our family to you!