Double Portion Inspiration

My oldest son is in middle school (7th grade).  Does anything really prepare you to deal with middle school boys? I remember classes to get  me ready for childbirth and infant care.  But there is nothing to help me deal with my soon to be teenage son. For instance, it is getting close to Christmas and I don't have a clue what to buy as a gift for him.  It used to be so easy to run into Toys R Us and buy Legos or a new truck but not anymore. One thing I've learned over these past two years, is that middle school boys love-girls, sneakers and mirrors.  Once they realize that a "girl" might be interested in them, they spend a countless amount of time looking in the mirror .  They also spend and save their money to buy expensive sneakers that match every outfit. By the way, his hearing is also not the same as it used to be.  I need to ask 2-3 times for anything to get accomplished.  Anyway, I could go on... As we grow older, our time spent in ...

Many of us did a great job yesterday "gobbling" as much turkey as we could for Thanksgiving dinner.  The holiday season is officially here.  Today, kicks off one of the biggest selling days of the year.  Many people will line up, dash in and save tons of money. Here are  few Black Friday Survival tips: PREPARE Start researching online, in the newspaper and also your mailbox.  Review what the average price is for the item you really want, and then see what stores has the lowest price.  Most retailers also have free shipping this time of year.  No need to stand in a long line, have it delivered right to your front door. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET You do not need to go into a huge amount of debt this Christmas.  Make a plan, set a budget and stick to it.  You will find some of the lowest prices of the year.   NEVER buy anything regular price! The savings are plentiful this year as retailers try to persuade and woo you into the...

Just a few days ago, I was confined to the pediatric unit of a local hospital because of my son's health concerns.  What I believed would be a quick trip to the emergency room soon lead to a four day stay.  It was one of the hardest experiences for us because our son is only four years old and it's difficult to see your children (at any age) in pain or discomfort.  Sleeping in a chair, holding down my son for daily sticks to draw blood, and frequent nurse visits became the norm.  At times I would try to hide my tears because I didn't want him to see me upset.  It was his first time ever being in a hospital and at one point, all he could say was, "Mommy, I'm scared".  A part of me felt helpless because you must depend on the medical professionals to provide the care he desperately needs.  This time, a kiss on his "boo-boo" wasn't going to help. On the day we were released from the hospital, my sister asked me a simple ...

The journey of life is filled with ups and downs.  One moment we are gliding along at a steady pace. The next moment life can quickly be turned upside down.  The victims of Hurricane Sandy know exactly how fast life can change.  The "Superstorm" of our decade has claimed many lives and left a terrible amount of destruction in its path. There are times when we can feel like "Hurricane Sandy" swept through our life.  Everything that was normal is now in disarray.  We are shaking our heads trying to figure out, "How did I get here"?  We must take comfort in knowing certain situations are out of our control .  We can make plans for our lives, but God can supersede those plans at any given moment. Marco Island Sunset You must not wait until the storm comes to anchor yourself in God's truths.  Start now, reflecting and thanking God for every moment of life.  Living water from within nourishes our souls.  Get away from the "...

The General Election is finally here on Tuesday, November 6th .  The anticipation and expectation in the air is thrilling.  Most people have stood in long lines to VOTE early.  I love living in a democracy where we can have freedom of speech, ideas and thoughts. Double Portion wants to inspire you to VOTE on this Tuesday.  Stand up and be counted.  Some people believe it doesn't matter.  This will be a close election and every VOTE will matter.   My oldest son is currently taking a Civics class and he is constantly reminded by his teacher the privilege we have to VOTE in an election.  It is awesome to know within a few short days we will all be glued to our televisions watching the election results come in. VOTE as if your life depended on it!   VOTE to change your community!   VOTE to make a difference and be heard. Get to the polls on Tuesday, November 6th !(Posted by Roslyn)

The gift of time that God gives is a precious commodity.  You only have 24 hours in a day.  No more, no less.  Once a second ticks away, you can't get it back even if you wanted to.  We often wish we had more hours in a day but it just won't happen.  Whether you are working, playing, or at rest, time ticks away.... This weekend will give you an opportunity to "fall back" and enjoy one extra hour .  It only happens once a year so what will you do with it? In case you were wondering, I plan to enjoy the sunshine outdoors. (Posted by Renee) Don't forget to like us on Facebook  or join the conversation on Twitter .