Insurance Company Denial of Dads injections

Today's blog is more of a bash at the Affordable Healthcare Act.  This "act" has now denied my dad multiple times for crucial health care that he needs.  I am posting a copy of the appeal that I am writing to the insurance company below.  I have edited out the personal information but left the details.  I am hopeful the insurance company will reverse their denial.

Hillsboro Rocks Game with Prizes

Hello everyone!!!!  A couple of people in the Hillsboro, IL Rocks page wanted to start a fun game for the kids.   It is easy.  They are painting rocks with letters on them.  On the bottom there is a number.  The idea is simple.  Get the kids out to find the letter rocks and form words.  Your score is the total of the numbers on the bottom.

Go to the Hillsboro, IL Rocks page and post your word and score.   Prizes will be awarded.  Since it is back to school time they decided to award some school supplies.

This game is in no way sponsered by Facebook ( they make me say that 😜 )  The prizes won't be a huge prize but I still think it is a great idea to get the kids out and active and using those brains before school starts.  The bigger the word the higher the score 😉.  Once the game is done I will add the winners to this blog post so be sure to click the follow button on this blog.

So be sure to check for clues on Facebook to see where they have hidden the rocks and as always Happy Hunting!!

Back to school

It's that time of year again!  Time to get the kids ready to go back to school.  Show of hands who is ready  ✋✋  I know for sure I am ready.  This year I have a second year preschooler, third grade, and sixth grader.   Now my sixth grader is the one with the biggest adjustment.

In our school district sixth grade you move to the Jr. High, have lockers with combination locks on them, and change classrooms.  I have come across some ideas to help our littles transition and wanted to share.

One big thing is how to use a combination lock.  I remember learning how to do this and it can be frustrating so I have found some information to help.  So run to Dollar General or somewhere close and just get a cheap combination lock for them to use to practice with.

Her is a great video I came across

Informational Video on Combination Lock

And here is a great graphic

Another big step is having a schedule to follow and remembering it.  You need to not only remember it but be sure you have your books and supplies for that class.  It can be a hassle at first to dig out your schedule every time you go to your locker but I found an awesome way to put it on your locker door and make it so that you can rearrange if it changes:

Popsicle sticks!!  You can decorate the sticks by coloring, painting, or using decorative tape.  Each stick is a class and room number and then put magnets on the back.  Tada!!  Open your door and there is your schedule.


 The next thing I came across when searching around was help remembering passwords.   I know my elementary school kid has like 4 passwords to use in school!!!!!  I know I Have a hard time remembering mine so I can't imagine with everything they have to remember it being difficult to remember.  So I found this idea:

Simple, cute, and easy.  They can stash this in their backpack and if they need it, it's there.

I found another cute idea that I think I am going to do for my step daughter as well.  Its a school survival kit.  Now I found some different ones but you need to be sure to check your schools policy on carrying Tylenol and such with them.  Most schools do not allow this. Here are a couple ideas that I am going to run with:

Basic idea is a cute little bag or container.  I have seen an altoid container used and that would be more up the alley of what a boy would want ;).  Place random things that they may need during the day.  Lotion, chapstick, wet wipe, sanitary things for girls ;), deodorant, band aids, hair ties or bobby pins, kleenex, and hand sanitizer.  I know our school is a gum free zone.  So be sure to check on gum or mints things of those nature as well.

Anything to help our kids feel a little more comfortable and less stressed I am all for it.  Do you have any other ideas let us know.  Like this blog click the follow button for more great blogs  :)

Hillsboro, IL Rocks!!!

So there is a new trend going around small communities in Illinois.  Painting and hiding rocks in local spots around town.  I the idea is to go out find the rocks and either collect or re hide them. What is this being called.........  Hillsboro Rocks or Litchfield Rocks....  Whatever your town is ROCKS!!!!!!

My kids have had a blast doing this already.  We have yet to paint any ourselves, but we have hunt and re hid lots :)  

Now rules.....  Not to many and most are obvious.   Do not place them anywhere that a lawn mower may hit them 😆  That could be very bad as some of the rocks are a good size.  Hide them in any public location.  Here are hot spots for Hillsboro where rocks have been hidden at already:

Main street Hillsboro

Old Courthouse

Beckemeyer Elementary School

Hillsboro Jr. High School

Other ideas I had was  maybe at the Public Library, Central Park, Sports Complex and maybe even the campgrounds.  The main thing is keep it safe  :)  

We are going to be making a way for everyone to publicly post when they are hiding and a photo if they would like of what they are hiding.  You can give clues, you can tell what spot you are hiding at that day.  When posting you can add the hashtag #hillsbororocks as well and then people can search that way as well.

Now the best part decorating the rocks.  You can use just about anything from paint, fingernail polish, markers, glue on jewels, etc.  If you use marker I would probably use a sealer on it.  On the back right Hillsboro rocks keep or re hide.  Here is a cute idea we have seen and started:

 Once we get the facebook page all set up and ready I will place a link in this blog so you can find it.

HAPPY ROCK HUNTING!!!!!!!

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Buy one, Get one free Oils

This week is the buy one get one free special with doTERRA.  I will spotlight each special each day.  The specials are only good for one day and you must order it the day of the special.  This is a great way to build your oils as well

7/17/2017

Buy a 15 mL Melaleuca, get a 15 mL Purify for free

Here is a little about each oil.  These are 2 of my all time favorites that is for sure.  I use Melaleuca on a daily basis almost and purify goes in my laundry :)  It helps combat stinky odors in the laundry.  Especially from my puppies.

BUY HERE

What does Animal Control Actually Do

As most of you know I was an employee at Montgomery County Animal Control.  It amazed me how many people had no clue what we did or even about calling them to check for a lost pet.  So I am going to help explain who they are and what they do.

The first thing I want to explain is the difference between them and Montgomery County Paws Care.  PAWS is a volunteer group that adopts out dogs and cats.  They do not have a facility to go and see the pets though.  They are foster based, meaning all animals are in a foster home until they are adopted.  Montgomery County Animal Control (MCAC) is a county owned facility.  They run off of county funds.  They are not able to do fundraisers like PAWS.  They are able however to accept donations that anyone is to give them.  This has got to be one of the biggest things they get asked about.  I hope that helps explain the difference.

MCAC does have a facebook page that is run by volunteers.  On this page they will post animals that they have found that do not have a microchip, animals that people send them that they have lost, and items the shelter may be needing.  So if you ever loose a pet you can check here and see if it is posted as well as calling or visiting the facility to check.  If you loose a pet send them a picture and they will post the information for people to be on the look out for your pet.

MCAC is considered a low kill facility.  They do not put down animals to make room like some facilities may do.  They will put an animal down if it is severely injured or ill and it is in the animals better interests.

Another thing that they get calls a lot for is wildlife.  Unfortunately MCAC only deals with dogs and cats.  If you have a wildlife problem MCAC has numbers on hand they can give you to call to try and receive help.  The same thing for farm animals.

MCAC does offer vouchers for spay/neuter of cats and dogs.  If you receive a LINK card and are a resident of MCAC you can go to the facility and receive a voucher that covers almost the entire cost of the procedure.  MCAC also offers a low cost shot clinic for Montgomery County residents twice a year.  Usually there is one in the spring and one in the fall.  They will publish this in the local paper and on the facebook page.  They also offer micro chipping at this clinic.

MCAC is who you need to call if you ever see a case of animal abuse.  There phone is 217-532-3334.  Anytime that you see an abused animal give them a call and they will tell you what can or will be done.  Everything is confidential.  They will never give out your name or tell who placed the call.    The only way for them to help is to call.  Be the voice for the animal.

MCAC also picks up stray animals.  They do have some limitations to this though.  If you live within city limits they need to have authorization from the city or police to pick up the animal.  If you are in the country out of city limits they do not.

If you ever have to get rid of your animal because of a move or family member going in a nursing home you can contact MCAC and do an owner relinquish.  What this means is that you sign your animal over to MCAC and give us permission to find them a loving home.  There is a $25 fee per animal to sign them over and it is up to MCAC discretion if they can take them at the time.  They have to have the room before they can accept.  The $25 fee will cover housing and feeding the animal and getting any vetting that needs to be done to get them ready for adoption.

MCAC loves volunteers.  If you love animals go down and walk the dogs or play with the cats.  The animals love it!!!!!  You must be 18 in order to get the dogs out due to insurance reasons.  If you do have kids they can come and read to the animals.  The animals love to be read to.  Not only is it great practice for the kids, it is great socialization for the animals.  There are also prize packs for the kids when they are done.  

I hope this helps a little and explains a little bit about animal control.  If you have any specific questions you can give them a call or ask me here.  

Spotlight on Wild Orange Essential Oil

Wild Orange oil is one of dōTERRA’s most popular oils—and with good reason! Not only does Wild Orange oil have a variety of uses, but its invigorating, energizing aroma is hard to resist. One of my favorite ways to use Wild Orange is to add a few drops to my drinking water for a flavorful beverage. I also love to combine a few drops of Wild Orange oil with water in a spray bottle and use the mixture as an all-purpose spray for cleaning the surfaces around my home. As a citrus oil, Wild Orange has cleansing properties that make it useful for purifying surfaces like countertops and tables throughout the home. Not only do I love having clean surfaces, but the all-purpose spray leaves behind a lovely citrus aroma! To learn more about dōTERRA orange oil, visit the Wild Orange product information page on dōterra.com.

Here is a recipe for an Orange Blossom Panna Cotta with Orange Gelee that uses the Wild Orange essential oil.  I know I love to add Wild Orange to my oatmeal in the morning or to my tea for a yummy addition to them.  

**Always remember any citrus oil is uv sensitive when applied to the skin.  IF you apply to your skin and will be in the sunlight always wait at least 12 hours after applying or cover the area.**

Spotlight on TerraShield Oil

TerraShield is my family’s favorite blend for the summer. We spend a lot of time outside and this is the magic that wards off any insects that want to join our summer festivities. This oil is safe for everyone in your family and can even help your garden flourish by giving it a protective barrier. TerraShield has recently been updated to include Tamanu oil which not only provided extra benefits for your use but is positively impacting families in Madagascar through dōTERRA’s Cō-Impact Sourcing. This blend can be diffused or applied topically using the TerraShield Spray to provide a defense against the annoyances of outdoor activities. 

• Diffuse TerraShield to protect you from insects during your summer barbeque
• Apply to kid’s arms and legs to help them get the most out of their summer vacation
• To focus on experiencing nature instead of avoiding it, apply TerraShield before a hike
• Apply topically or place on aromatherapy jewelry while camping or on a fishing trip
• Acts as an effective insect repellent
• Helps ward off insects
• Don’t let Mosquitos ruin your outdoor experience, use TerraShield

I actually ramp up my bug spray and mix a big spray bottle of it.  Besides TerraShield I will add lavendar, peppermint, lemongrass, and cedarwood.  Our bugs have been extra bad this summer but by using this spray I do not get any bites, nor do the kids.  I walked to the trash one day and got bites all over, but camped all weekend and used my spray and didn't get a single bite.  Here is my recipe I am using this year:

8 oz glass spray bottle

Filled with distilled water and about 2 tbsp of witch hazel

20 drops of terrashield

20 lemongrass

10 of lavender

10 cedarwood

5 peppermint

Shake and apply   

If you are interested in ordering the oils click HERE.

If you are interested in getting the ultimate wholesale pricing click HERE

There are no quotas to meet, inventory to keep or pressure to sell.  It is like a Sam's or Costco membership.   A monthly fee to get discounted pricing.