So... I've started the Total Transformation! (Part 1)

I just might be the latest skeptic turned convert!  So far I am liking what I see/hear.  Can't say I've done anything to really utilize the program, but I am learning.  I told a friend at church yesterday that if this program really works like they say it will, I will be out spreading the word like an evangelist.  We shall see! 

I have watched the Jump Start DVD and have listened to most of the first audio CD.  I've also checked out the first lesson in the workbook.  My biggest trouble is that I have to try to "sneak" around to listen to the CDs so that my kids don't catch on to my little secret.  LOL 

The first week is really mostly all about understanding the "why" behind your child's behavior issues.  I know it's supposed to be serious, but I actually have to say I had a few giggles over how well they know my children without having even met them!  They sure have them pegged.  One of my kids seems to have just about every issue they talk about.  I joked to Sane Man that we should pass out a copy of the CD to everyone who meets him.  LOL

I seriously am very pleasantly surprised so far.  I really thought it was a gimmick and wouldn't work.  Now, I still can't say it works, as I haven't implemented it yet, but it is no gimmick.  The program is very well thought out and organized.  And it is readily apparent when you look at it that it's going to take some work on the part of the parent(s).  Honestly, I think if I were the one marketing the program, I would do it differently.  Every time I heard the infomercial it sounded too good to be true, so I always assumed it was.  I think it might have actually been more believable to me had it been more obvious that it wasn't a quick fix, but a tough but workable program that works. 

I'm glad to be doing this for a review because it will keep me more on track with it.  My plan is to try to blog each week after listening to each CD.  I'm hoping to get to the second one today before the kids get up.  It always gets so crazy, busy, and LOUD around here that it's really difficult to find a few moments of peace to actually listen.  Perhaps this will change once I finish the program.  :)

Here is a link to the program:

Child Discipline Methods – http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/

Here's where you can get a free parenting newsletter:

http://www.empoweringparents.com/parenting-newsletter.php

I hope you follow along with my progress as I work through this.  Since I have eight kids (and yes, technically two of them are now "adults" but...) I'm not going to try to focus on all of them.  It would be too overwhelming for me.  My idea is to pretty much focus on one of them and then as I get used to it, my hope is that it will just come naturally to use the ideas with the others.  Again, we shall see. :)

Movie Review: The Mighty Macs



The Mighty Macs opens today in theaters across the U. S.  I got to pre-screen it yesterday as part of my affilliation with Propeller.  Check out this press release and then read my thoughts.

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them.

From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

My thoughts:

Well, first of all, I think it's way cool to be able to see a movie before it even comes out in theaters.  Makes me feel so "plugged in."  LOL  Anyway, I did enjoy the movie.  Admittedly, it was pretty much the classic feel-good underdog sports team does good story.  Also, it seemed to have more of a TV movie than a theater movie feel.  (Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  I have always said that I tend to prefer TV movies over theatrical releases.)  There were no real surprises, and it all worked out in the end.  However, I still got into it and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Yes, even the moments of suspense when I pretty much knew the outcome.  :)  Compared to what is normally out there, this movie is a winner.  (No pun intended.)

I do have to give a bit of a warning.  For those of us very conservative stay-at-home mom types there is an overt femininst message.  You know, like follow your dreams, and don't waste your life as a homemaker.  I mean, they didn't come right out and say that, but there was that implication.  However, this wasn't even a full time job, and Cathy and her husband (who you might recognize as Booth if you're a Bones fan) didn't have children, so I didn't find it especially troubling.  Just wanted to get that out there in case this is something your family wouldn't be comfortable with.  Oh, and I should mention, this is based on a true story.  :)

Anyway, overall, I did enjoy the movie, and it did inspire me.  Okay, so for me, I was inspired to be a better wife and mom (and blogger?) and that's a good thing!

Want to know more?  Check out these links!

Website: http://www.themightymacs.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themightymacs

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MightyMacsMovie

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/MightyMacs1

New Review and Giveaway! Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games

Contest Closed.

I just got another package from propeller which contained Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games.  I honestly didn't even know what I was getting.  I half expected an online game, or perhaps a board game.  It was neither.  This is several cards on a ring with different games on each card.  A description from the company follows, but first I had to share a little classic Crazy Mom funny.  One of the games is about matching.  It starts out by telling you to seperate some pairs of matched socks.  Okay, that's hilarious!  Matched socks!  Here?  At my house?  I was just glad none of the games involved clean underwear!

Okay, moving forward...  ;)  Here's what the makers of this product have to say:

Carlito the Catepillar's Math House Games is based on a 20 step sensory math teaching system, which teaches kids math in a fun way! Early childhood development professionals note that young children are most open to learning when they play. Thus, they have created activities and games for parents to play with their children. The material is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering quantity, numeration, and operations.

Now, here's a letter to moms from the creator:

Dear Mom,

Most parents know the importance of math but many are unsure of how they can help their young children learn the fundamentals of math. There are so many questions. "How early should I start? What does my child need to learn? What concepts are most important? What do I do if my child has more trouble than other kids their age?" Often times the answers to these questions are not clear or consistent.


The c3pla Sensory Math Teaching System was created by Domenico Marcario, M.S., a retired math teacher and loving grandfather, to answer those questions. This system utilizes the natural way children learn to teach them math skills. We have built the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM from this system and are excited to offer you a chance to receive a copy of the Games Pack to review and a copy to offer as a gift to one of your readers. The Game Pack is presented in 3 stages, with a total of 20 steps and 2 games in each step covering the math skills of quantity, numeration, and operations.


You are a mom and understand the importance of learning. We value your feedback about the product. We want to help kids learn math and we want to help parents to have the resources they need to make that happen. Thank you for your consideration of the Carlito C. Caterpiller's Math House GamesTM.


Sincerly,

Bill Haljun
Co-Founder, Director of Creative Development

So now you might be wonder what I thought of the games.  (Well, I hope you do!)  Anyway, first of all, my youngest is now eight (sniff, sniff) so he is beyond these games, so I really wasn't able to actually use these games with any of my kids.  I did do some of these kinds of things with my kids just sort of naturally.  Well, I did with the older ones, because, well, I wasn't quite so overwhelmed with life at the time.  I have often thought that I wish I could have done more with the younger kids.  I admit that I did far less with them just due to the fact that I was also teaching their older siblings, and cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for ten.  Soooo..... yeah, I did struggle to find time to work with them doing fun little things as the day went on. 

Perhaps having something like Carlito C. Caterpillars games could have helped.  It's all planned out sequentially.  (And if you know me, you know I am totally sequential.)  Being honest, I doubt even with this product I could have squeezed in a whole lot more time out of my schedule, but I could have put an older child in charge of playing these games with the younger kids. 

So, I have pondered this, and here is what I have come up with.  I think most parents with just one or two small kids probably wouldn't need something like this necessarily.  However, I know a lot of parents like to get started "schooling" at the preschool level because, let's face it, it is a huge undertaking to homeschool a child.  So, for the parent who is either very structured, or just feels he or she needs something tangible to use for early math, this is great.  My philosophy is to hold off on things like worksheets as long as possible becasue most kids, especially boys, just aren't ready for it.  However, what kid wouldn't love to spend time playing games with Mom or a big brother or sister?

I think Carlito C. Caterpillar's Math House Games is also be a great idea for a preschool class or co-op.  I mean, it is all logical and thought out, and even though my kids just did fine as we did it my way (all of them, even the younger ones who didn't get my full attention) I know there are folks out there who love things like this.   As always, my suggestion is that you check it out for yourself. 

Website: http://www.c3pla.com/products.shtml

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlito-C-Caterpillars-MathHouseTM-Games/190370157687889

How would you like to win one of these games?  It's easy!  All you have to do is leave a comment either here on my blog, or, if for some reason that doesn't work, leave it on my facebook page.  (Under the contest post, please or I might miss it.)  I have had several people tell me they tried to comment, but couldn't, plus I know some others actually read my posts via facebook, so I am trying out this option.  Please don't comment in both places as I am trying to keep it fair.  ;)

For each of the following you can gain one addtional entry.  You must let me know either here or on facebook under the contest post with a seperate comment for each thing that you do for a total of five possible entries. 

Like me on facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
Become a Google Friend Connect friend.  (See sidebar.)
Subscribe to my posts via Feedburner.  (See sidebar.)

NOTE!!!  I have changed up the rules a bit!  For this contest you must be at least 13 years old, and not a member of my immediate family to enter.  More than one person per household may enter, but please do not enter as an individual more than the five possible entries.  Make sure you leave me a way to get ahold of you if you win!!!  THANKS!!! 

The contest will end at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2011.  I will draw and contact the winner sometime on Monday, October 24, 2011. 

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it

on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

______________________________

Happy game playing!!!

Total Transformation Review: Coming Soon!

We've all heard the informertials, right?  The Total Transformation Program is supposed to take even the most stubborn rebellious child, and turn him or her into an obedient, loving child who is a joy to have around.  Skeptical?  Well, I am.  I mean, a few of my kids can be rather, um, let's just say "not-so-compliant." 

Still, I hear these commercials and wonder.  Would it work for MY child?  Well, guess what?  I am gong to find out!  My little package is on the way and soon will be dropped off by the UPS man on my doorstep.  I cannot wait! I mean, I AM skeptical.  However, there's a part of me that holds out hope.  I honestly don't think I'll have perfect children once I am done with the program.  However, I'm really hoping for a least some improvement. 

I know you are all dying to know, Does this program really work?  Keep tuned, and I'll let ya know!  Now, I tend to be a sporadic poster, but I am hoping to be a bit more regular when posting about this program.  I would suggest that if you don't want to miss any of my reviews that you either subscribe to get my posts via e-mail, or follow my with Google Friend Connect, facebook, or Twitter.  Just check out my sidebar. 

I'll let you know when the package arrives!