We Won 4th Place Last Year, Make Us #1 This Year!
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 Cathy, a mom to 8 and a certified nurse midwife, is one busy mama!
This week’s Featured Mama of the Week is Catherine K. Tanksley MSN, CNM, DNP(c), a busy working mom. She is the mother to five children, Tamica (27)/(Tamica’s fiancé Tim), Tasha(26)/(Tasha’s husband Jon), Tia(20), Kia (14), & Devon (13.) Timothy, her fiancé has three children; Travis(29), Marcus(28), & Candace(26.) She said, “so, we actually have eight children, one son-law and one son-law to be, a grandchild to be (Tim’s daughter Talia (9) and a grandchild on the way (Tasha and Jon are expecting in February!)” What a busy family!
Cathy is a certified nurse midwife in a busy NY hospital and she loves what she does. She mentioned that she is also finishing up her doctorate in nursing practice degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Regarding her work, Cathy said, “It would be the perfect job if babies would come into this world between 9AM-5PM, but that’s not the case. Lucky for me Timothy is able to work from home as an IT consultant and that makes life a whole lot easier when it comes to childcare. Even though our two children at home are older, sometimes that means they need more supervision and the older children including the ones in college also need our attention when they visit. Timothy’s flexible schedule makes a big difference in our children’s lives. Even if my job responsibilities take me away from the children it is comforting to know that one parent can be there.”
As if her work doesn’t keep her busy enough, this coming Fall Cathy and Timothy are opening Beckley Nursing Prep, LLC in Bellmawr, New Jersey. “Beckley will provide tutoring services for LPNs, Paramedics, Respiratory Therapists and other qualified paraprofessionals who are seeking a Registered Nurse degree from Excelsior College. Beckley Nursing Prep, LLC is a unique educational program that will allow you to become an RN in as little as one year and for only a fraction of the cost. Beckley Nursing Prep, LLC utilizes the typical classroom environment which makes all the difference in the world. If you can dedicate just two days or evenings a week/ five hours each day/evening an RN degree can be yours. Just minutes from Philadelphia, Beckley Nursing Prep, LLC is affordable and convenient. The first one hundred students to register receive a free notebook computer! Call (888) 552-1117 for more information.”
Cathy mentioned that one of her parenting challenges is to give everyone the attention they deserve. “There is only one of me and I would love to spend more one on one time with each of my children. So, I do the next best thing and have as many family gatherings as possible….Birthday celebrations, graduation parties, and big holiday diners.” There are many joys in parenting and Cathy mentioned that she enjoys watching her children grow and learn to be responsible adults making wonderful career and life choices. She has taught her children to work hard in school and to always be the best that they can be. ”And, when things don’t go just right always remember that “this too shall pass” and there will be a better tomorrow,” she tells them. She has focused upon teaching her kids responsibility through assigning chores to her kids and by teaching them to be accountable. She also mentioned that the responsibility of owning a pet is a rewarding way to teach children about responsibility.
Cathy’s tip for new parents is that “there are some things that just don’t matter. Remember to cherish the important things in life and don’t get upset about the small things. Don’t strive to be perfect, strive to be happy.” Great advice from a mom who knows! The best advice that Cathy received about parenting came from her mother-law. She said, “It’s ok to let the child get dirty, she’s just having fun.” Wise words, indeed!
If you would like more information about Cathy’s Beckley Nursing Prep, LLC program, please contact her via email, info@beckleynursingprep.com or by phone at (888)552-1117.
Thank you Cathy, for sharing a bit about yourself, your family and your business with Mama’s Little Helper!
 Catherine K. Tanksley MSN, CNM, DNP(c)
Today while exploring the Please Touch Museum, my son and I had the chance to explore the newest visiting exhibit, Access Ability, exploring the ability in disability. This exhibit will be at the museum until April 24, 2011 and is included with your admission to the museum. My son at age three was a bit young to completely interact with and understand all of this exhibit, but I was able to relate some of the things we saw there to our life. I have two dear friends who are disabled and rely on their wheelchairs to get around 99% of the time. My son is familiar with power wheelchairs because of them, so he was curious about the one on display. Kids can try out a wheelchair and maneuver through an obstacle course to get a feel for what it is like to use one.
There was a hand pedaled bike that kids (and adults) can try out. When pedaled, the video display in front of the bike moves based on the speed that is pedaled so that it looks like you are traveling a bike path. My son got a kick out of it, although he thought going “backwards” was really funny! The display explained that the bike was for people who are unable to use their legs to pedal, so that they too can ride a bike. I wasn’t able to capture a photo of it, but it was a great hands on experience for even my three year old to understand.
Another display explored how inventions to adapt everyday things to make them more useful for disabled people. There were a series of mini doors with different knobs/handles on them. The traditional round knob can be very difficult to impossible for someone who has trouble using their hands, or with a prosthetic. Door handles that are levers are much easier to use. There was an example of a lever door knob and a round door know with lever attached to it to show how to alter an already existing door knob. This was easy for my son to understand, as little hands also have trouble opening door knobs, but the lever was easy.
There was a display of prosthetic legs and arms along with photos of people using those devices to improve their functioning. I loved the photo of the little girl who had a prosthetic forearm and hand and was painting. Other exhibits included sign language and braille displays. This is a great opportunity for children to be exposed to disabilities, ways things are made more accessible, and to understand differences when meeting others who have disabilities. My son is sometimes afraid of my friends’ wheelchairs, so I used this opportunity for him to explore the exhibit at his own pace to help diminish his fear. Seeing an empty wheelchair was easier to explore than when someone is in it. It is a great way to answer kids curious questions to help them understand that there are all different types of people who function in all different ways, but we are all still people. I highly recommend checking out this exhibit when at the Please Touch Museum. It is just one of many amazing exhibits that help kids learn about their world.
The Please Touch Museum is located in historic Memorial Hall at 4231 Avenue of the Republic (formerly North Concourse Drive,) Philadelphia, PA 19131. It is is beautiful Fairmount Park, not too far from the Mann Music Center. Parking is available on site for $8, free with membership. Free street parking is also available along Avenue of the Republic. Admission to the museum is $15 per person, over age 1. Family memberships are available at different levels and seem to pay for themselves if you visit the museum about three times a year. From Montgomery County, it takes about 45 minutes to get there, depending upon traffic. Mondays are the least crowded days to visit, and most weekday afternoons seem to be quieter, if your kids can get by without a nap! The Please Taste Cafe offers many choices for lunches, or bring a bagged lunch with you and sit at one of the many tables sprinkled throughout the main level. Sitting by the carousel is one of my favorite spots for lunch!
Mama Diane
Congratulations to Megan W! Random.org has selected you as the winner of the gift basket. Be on the lookout for an email!
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In honor of back to school, that time of year that excites parents, kids and teachers, Avery Dennison has announced a sweepstakes to help out dedicated teachers.
The “Avery Celebrates Teachers” Sweepstakes honors U.S. teachers and all that they do for our children on a daily basis. Avery, the school and office supply company, is sponsoring this wonderful sweepstakes to help out our great teachers. Due to budget cuts and the economy, many teachers and students go without even the most basic school supplies. Studies by the non-profit organization World Vision show that teachers spend on average at least $500 of their own money each school year on supplies for their students. This sweepstakes aims to alleviate some of this financial burden, as well as pamper a few lucky teachers. (Note: homeschooling parents are eligible to win as well!)
This sweepstakes is open to those who are currently working in the teaching profession: teachers, administrators, student teachers and homeschooling teachers. Please see the official rules of the sweepstakes for more complete rule information.
The Avery Celebrates Teachers Sweepstakes runs until September 15th, 2010. Teaching professionals may enter once daily to win one of these fantastic prizes:
- One Grand Prize Package, which includes: a goodie bag of Avery products valued at $500; a SpaFinder gift card valued at $350; and a Starbucks gift card valued at $150
- Three (3) Second Prize Packages valued at $200 each
- Five (5) Third Prize Packages valued at $80 each
Did you know that Avery is the only school and office supply manufacturer that participates in Box Tops for Education? When you purchase select Avery school supplies for the new academic year you also receive Box Tops coupons to clip and return to participating schools to be redeemed for cash. Each school then uses the cash at their discretion to purchase new supplies, fund programs, or buy much-needed equipment, computers, etc. To learn more, visit www.avery.com/btfe.
Spread the word about this wonderful sweepstakes by sharing this information with anyone in the teaching profession you know!
For Mama’s wonderful readers, Avery has provided a special gift basket prize full of Avery Dennison school and office supplies such as Avery NoteTabs™, Label Pads, HI-LITERS®, Glue Stics, Labels, Binders, Dividers, Markers and more—a retail value of $50! To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment below and tell us a favorite back to school memory you have! This gift basket giveaway will end on September 13th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be contacted by September 15th. The gift basket will be mailed to the winner by Avery-Dennison.
Disclosure: Avery Dennison and Mama’s Little Helper have a working relationship in promoting this sweepstakes and giveaway. Avery Dennison will provide the giveaway prize and a similar basket to Mama.
Congratulations to Heather Ludwig! Hope you and your toddler enjoy the Creative Parenting classes! Look out for an email soon!
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Looking for a wonderful activity for your toddler? Have you heard about Creative Parenting classes?
Creative Parenting is an interactive, hour long class, filled with crafts, music, play, exercise, bells, bubbles, parachute, finger plays, snack and story time, for moms and tots 16 months through 3 years. Classes are held weekly and parents and toddlers both participate and interact in the classes. Your toddler will learn important skills that will help him or her with preparation for preschool and kindergarten. During each eight week session, your child will interact with peers, spend quality time with you, and you will meet other parents and learn new ideas regarding parenting.
There are locations in Newtown, Yardley and Huntington Valley. Classes for the next session start the week of September 13th. For more information, please see their website.
Would you like to try out an eight week session for free? One lucky Mama’s Little Helper reader will have the opportunity to enroll in the next session, starting the week of September 13th for free. To enter, please leave a comment about your favorite activity to do with your child. This giveaway includes enrollment in one 8-week session of classes at the winner’s choice of location, based upon availability. This giveaway ends on September 7th at 9:00 pm EST. The winner will be contacted by September 9th. The winner’s email address will be forwarded to the coordinator of the Creative Parenting classes. Classes begin the week of September 13th.
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We Won 4th Place Last Year, Make Us #1 This Year!
Voted NJ #1 Consignment Sale!
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