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Welcome to HighCountryMommies!
As part of The Mommies Network, HighCountryMommies.com is a free community for moms in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties. We realize that all moms need local support -- and who can't use another friend? HighCountryMommies.com offers a simple way to connect with local moms for friendship, support and fun. Members meet on our private discussion forums to share information on everything from where to get the best haircut to tips on transitioning to a "big kid" bed. Each month, we also offer many face-to-face events for our members, their children and their families. Register today to access our discussion forums, events calendar and more! It's free and we'll keep your info secure and private.

Planning a Successful Vacation with Children
by Tonya Goodbrand



As a mother of four- two toddlers and two teens, I completely understand the challenges of traveling with children of all age groups. Too many family vacations turn into stressful events; however, this can be avoided with proper planning. Here are some tips that should help you bring the fun out of your vacation:

1) “Planned-Flexibility”- The most important part of planning your trip is to allow for flexibility. We often try to fit too much into one vacation. This can create exhausted children who are away from home and nothing good can come of that. Plan one event a day, and leave the rest of the day open for whatever feels right at the moment.

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Top News Headlines from CNN

Celebrating the Fourth without a bang
What's July Fourth without fireworks? Many cities across the U.S. will find out Saturday. Expensive pyrotechnics displays are becoming victims of the recession. "I think there's going to be a lot of people complaining about it," said Terry Mertins, whose city, Tuscon, Arizona, is forgoing fireworks.

Friday Jul 3rd, 9:07 AM

Jackson memorial may be world event
Thousands of fans are expected in Los Angeles on Tuesday to mourn Michael Jackson and some are predicting it could be one of the most-viewed events of all time. "This will obviously be a huge media event," said Toni Fitzgerald of Media Life.

Friday Jul 3rd, 8:00 AM

Marines targeting Taliban in Afghan push
U.S. Marines on Friday continued to lead a major push against militants in southern Afghanistan in an attempt to rout the Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand province, Marine Capt. William Pelletier said.

Friday Jul 3rd, 7:20 AM

High-ranking British soldier dies in Afghanistan
The commander of a British regiment has become the country's highest ranking soldier to be killed in action since 1982's Falklands War after a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Friday Jul 3rd, 7:54 AM

Toxic air sickened flight attendant, suit says
The last time Terry Williams can remember being headache-free was in December. A chronic migraine has plagued her ever since. So have balance and vision problems, a tremor in her left arm, a prickly sensation in her feet and a loss of childhood memories.

Friday Jul 3rd, 8:10 AM


Food from NPR

Georgia Peaches: A Ripe Legacy
Some have tried to challenge Georgia as the "Peach State," to no avail. For Duke Lane Jr., who runs a 100-year-old peach orchard in Fort Valley, it's hard to beat the taste of a Georgia peach. People just know to look for Georgia peaches, Lane says.
Friday Jul 3rd, 6:14 AM

How To Make The Perfect Burger
Barbecue chef extraordinaire Adam Perry Lang teaches NPR's David Greene how to grill that ultimate burger. The recipe is complex, but Lang says barbecue novices need not be concerned. The trick, he says, is to get organized and be prepared.
Thursday Jul 2nd, 8:49 PM

A Peachy Rivalry Stews In Alabama
Like football, peaches down South are serious business; state bragging rights are on the line. So whose peaches are more delicious – Alabama's or Georgia's? One grower argues that the tree-ripened variety in Alabama's Chilton County is better.
Thursday Jul 2nd, 8:10 PM

Nigella: Inspired By A Coke, And Pasta In A Pinch
Lawson urges home chefs to follow their instincts and get a sense of their own palate by experimenting with recipes. She took a chance and evolved her mother's ham and hard cider into ham and Cherry Coke.
Wednesday Jul 1st, 8:15 PM

Pluots And Apriums: The Best Of Both Parents
Demand for these hybrid fruits, especially pluots, has skyrocketed. Pluots now make up a majority of the plum market. In fact, you might be eating a pluot or an aprium and not even know it.
Tuesday Jun 30th, 8:49 PM

 
Today's Latest from Entertainment Weekly

Michael Jackson's final rehearsal
Simon Vozick-Levinson: Clip obtained by CNN both reassuring and more than a little sad. Your take?

'Bachelorette': Tuning out Wes?
Michael Slezak doesn't get it: After watching him with Jillian, is any viewer really interested in his music?

Harry Potter: Not sexy enough?!
A commentator says J.K. Rowling is ''really awful'' at writing relationships; Jean Bentley says, Uh...wha?

Michael Jackson: A life in pictures
From the Jackson 5 to his 1988 book, key moments from his first 30 years (see Part 2 on Monday)

Michael Jackson: 10 top videos
From ''Billie Jean'' to ''Scream,'' Michael Jackson set the standard and changed the game. We pick his best


Working Parents from BusinessWeek

Elder Care and the Generational Squeeze: High-Stress?and Welcome

Call it the generational vise: canceling Father?s Day with my fast-declining 93-year-old dad because my 11-year-old came down with the flu. Stressful, definitely. Heart-wrenching, yes. Welcome? Of course. Despite all the juggling and hard choices that have to be made about competing demands for care, I?d rather be stuck in this vise than face the void of the alternative.


Thursday Jul 2nd, 11:45 AM

Our Kids Keep Getting Fatter. What to Do?

More grim news on the obesity front. An annual survey of obesity in America found that adult obesity rates increased in 23 states last year, and did not fall in a single state. Adult obesity now exceeds 25% in 31 states, and two-thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese. Worst of all, the survey also looked at children age 10-17 and found that 30% or higher are overweight or obese in 30 states. 30 states! The rate of obesity in US children has more than tripled since 1980.


Wednesday Jul 1st, 1:49 PM

How Would You Ration Health Care?

As the debate over health care reform heats up in Washington, the rhetoric around health care rationing grows more vitriolic. Conservative commentators, such as those writing op-eds for the Wall Street Journal, paint a frightening picture of the world under "Obama-Care," a world where we would all stand in long lines to get whatever care the state deems reasonable. At the other extreme are the advocates for a massive healthcare overhaul who insist that a single-payer system would end the waste and inefficiencies now rife in our present system, leaving more than enough money to provide optimal care to all the people, all the time.


Tuesday Jun 30th, 3:12 AM

Perfect Babysitter? When Granny is the Nanny

Do you wish your parents would help with babysitting, financial support or even picking up your dry cleaning?


Monday Jun 29th, 2:04 PM

Why Working Mothers Face a Pay Gap

When the subject of motherhood is combined with work, the conversation can get nasty and divisive as evidenced by the comments to my recent post The Motherhood Penalty: Working Moms Face Pay Gap Vs. Childless Peers.


Friday Jun 26th, 11:30 AM


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