Becoming financially responsible has been a huge topic in our home recently. With two older kids we want to make sure they are fiscally responsible and we know it’s our job as parents to make sure they are ready for the real world. We have set up budgets and jobs for all of our kids, but it can be difficult to distribute that money to them. Gone are the days of a piggy bank. In this day in age with so much technology it just seems so antiquated.

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Whether you travel around the globe (like our family) or head out short trips or “staycations” it can be hard to know what to pack. We have been circling the globe for almost two years now and it can still feel like we just aren’t quite packed right or that we are missing something. Over time I have become a much better packer though and as a mom I am apparently pre-programmed to make sure I have every possible necessity for any possible situation (you just never know when you might need to MacGyver something out of two pencils, a baby wipe and your kids chewed up gum they handed back to you).

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It all started with a weird feeling… did I eat too much for dinner? Did I eat something bad? Oh… this doesn’t feel good, I need to lie down, never mind I need to get up! Porcelain GOD here I come, and here comes the stomach flu! One by one my family members are dropping like flies; everyone is being hit, but wait--two days later they are coming back from the dead yet here I lie on my deathbed and it’s been almost a week! When will the torture end? When will I have the strength to move again? And when will my caffeine withdrawal headache cease?

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There are many benefits to learning a foreign language. For me the two biggest benefits are that first, learning a foreign language helps organize the brain in the same way that learning math does. Secondly, knowing more than one language helps open doors to communicate with more people. As much as I want these benefits for myself, I want them even more for my children. 

This is why I love Little Pim so much!  If you haven’t heard about Little Pim yet, you are in for a treat! They are a company that introduces little children between the ages of 0 and 5 to foreign languages in fun engaging ways using DVDs, music CDs, flashcards, and books. They are just awesome!

With the Holiday season just around the corner, Little Pim has started a Kickstarter campaign. They are trying to raise the funds to create a special Holiday e-book! In this e-book the adorable Panda, Little Pim will embark on an adventure around the world. As he travels to Mexico, France, China, and Brazil he will learn new languages, sample yummy foods, and join in cultural holiday traditions! Doesn't that sound exciting! I know that my kids will LOVE having my husband and I read it to them.

Here's the thing. I don't know how  familiar you are with how Kickstarter works, but Little Pim only gets to keep the money if they reach their full goal in the stated time. This is why they need our help.

Every donation counts. Even if it's only a dollar. That's why Little Pim is offering a special thank you reward. These rewards range from your name in the Thank You section of the book ($1), to your own e-book ($10), a panda plush ($25), Little Pim product ($100), your child's photo featured in the back of the book ($300), and your child being drawn into the book as a character ($1,000)!

In addition to donating, you can help spread the word like I am so more people can get involved and make this happen! If we all give, even a little I know we can make this happen. Here is the url for those who want to share it with friends: 

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/959449941/around-the-world-with-little-pim-a-holiday-ebook-f

I know that when most people hear about Hooked on Phonics they think of the original commercial over a decade ago with the little kid that says, "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!" Well I'll let you in on a little secret. Hooked on Phonics did work for me. When I was in the 3rd grade I really struggled with reading. By the time summer break started I was 2 years behind in reading. I hated it. I found out my mom had gotten this for my older brother (who couldn't care less) so I borrowed it, and every day I would quietly go into my room and use it. By the time school started again I was over 2 years ahead in my reading ability. This is a fun easy to use program that REALLY WORKS!

Right now at Plum District as one of their everywhere deals you can get the Hooked on Phonics: Teacher's Choice Reading Program for Pre-K to 2nd + FREE shipping for ONLY $139. Trust me that is a killer deal!