Saturday + Math Support = Academically Strong Children

Today, I'm not heading to the YMCA to work out nor am I attending any events. This Saturday is strictly set aside for math support for Lady Clara and Sir Isaac. So, we're assembled at the dining room table so that my sixth grade daughter and 4th grade son can practice problems on their respective level. They both have benchmark tests coming up in two weeks so I not only want them to be prepared for that but to also participate in overviews so that they stay on point. I took it "old school" with Sir Isaac and made up multiplication and division problems on loose leaf paper. Lady Clara has her school math book so I assigned her problems from it. After I check their work and corrections are made (if necessary), I'm going to let them do additional math problems at www.ixl.com. This is a fun, engaging and interactive math website with problems that range from Pre-K to geometry. The monthly fee for this service is $9.95 or $79 for the year. Sir Isaac is blessed to have this resource available for free through his school. I would pay for it if it wasn't, though, because what he is gaining by doing the exercises is well forth the cost. Math is his favorite subject so I definitely want to support him and his sister in excelling. Lady Clara and Sir Isaac have both shown an eagerness to do the math problems given. That's what I like to see! And, while some of the work has challenged them, but they are pressing through it. I encourage you to take time this weekend(as well as daily) to support your children in practicing for their school subjects. The time spent will be so beneficial as they do their classwork and homework as well as take school and state exams. FYI: In this photo posted, Sir Isaac got 17 multiplication problems right out of 18. He wanted 100 percent correct. I am still very proud of him and completely understand his academic desire. Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life. Love you, Feona Sharhran Huff. P.S. Be sure to leave a comment on the blog posts. Stay connected with me on Facebook. Request to join the "Living the Solo Mommy Life" group. Follow me on Twitter @ solomommy.

And the winner is... CLARA HUFF!

This past Friday evening, my darling daughter received the prestigious "Move Maker 2012" award from Teens With a Purpose at the youth organization's 15th Gala Awards program held at The Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA. Teens from the Hampton Roads area could either nominate themselves or someone could submit an application on their behalf indicating how they have persevered and risen about the odds over the course of the year and in the process grown and evolved in one of six areas. Celebrated New York journalist Al Roker of NBC's Today Show was on hand to deliver the keynote speech and bask in delight with my aspiring actress as well as the other teen member of TWP who was honored. Clara walked away from the gala awards program with a gorgeous (and heavy!) award, an even higher self-esteem, connections (including a teen who started an organization to collect blankets for the homeless) and another worthy program to join. I want to thank everyone who helped to make the even possible for my AWARD-WINING daughter including my sorority sister LaJuan Hines-Rome (who encouraged me to submit Clara for the award), Genevieve Cromwell (who designed Clara's Asian-inspired dress), Tammy from Smarstyle Salon inside of Walmart on Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake, VA (who worked Clara's 'do), Hines Transportation (who provided car service to and from the event) and of course Deirdre Love (founder of TWP). More photos will follow in the days to come of Clara with Al Roker, 2012 Olympiad Gold Medalist Francena McCorory and her dear mommy (ME!). Congrats Clara! I love you! There is NO limit to what you can accomplish if you set your mind to doing it and put GOD first.

Publisher of Solo Mommy Magazine Set to Empower Parents at NSU Family Enrichment Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Feona Sharhran Huff Powerhouse Media Group Powerhouse4ever@gmail.com (757) 202-3264 Magazine Publisher Returns to College Alma Mater to Empower Single Parents Feona Sharhran Huff Will Offer Savvy Strategies, Solutions and Hope at the Norfolk State University WoMEN’s Economic Development Center’s Annual Family Enrichment Conference

(Tuesday, November 13, 2012) – When Feona Sharhran Huff was a journalism student at Norfolk State University, it was very clear to her department heads, professors, the campus’s newspaper editorial team and fellow Spartans that she not only has a mighty gift of empowering people through her locally and nationally published articles but by speaking from the heart at various university events and around the Hampton Roads area. Many of the people she personally touched through her encouraging words were single parents. After graduating cum laude with a B.A. in journalism in June 1997, Feona would go on to continue her work and passion for inspiring others, particularly moms raising their children alone, by conducting workshops and publishing Solo Mommy Magazine (www.livingthesolomommylife.com). And, this Saturday, November 17, 2012, she will return to her collegiate home to bring sound advice, savvy solutions, help and hope to fellow single parents at the NSU WoMEN’s Economic Development Center’s Annual Family Enrichment Conference. She will sit on a panel specifically speaking to the needs of single parents. This conference’s theme this year is "The Family Reunion: Reconnecting Vision, Values and Victory". It will take place from 8:30 am to 1 pm inside of G. W. C Brown Memorial Hall. “It is a real honor and a blessing to be able to pour positive messages into my parenting group,” says Feona, who is the single mom of talented tweens Clara Huff and Timothy Isaac Huff. ”When I was asked to be a part of the single parent panel and overall conference, my heart said YES then my mouth followed with a confirmation. This is what my life’s calling and passion is all about: Giving, serving, leading, restoring and empowering.” Feona moved back to Virginia a year ago after having called New York City her home for 14 years. She has been conducting workshops ever since she unpacked her luggage. Some of her workshops include: “I’m Writing My Vision and I’m Making It Plain (goal setting/vision board), “Find YOUR Voice” (discovering passion) and “Be There” (parent involvement). Currently, Feona serves as Media Director of the natural hair care documentary “Ms. Nappy Comb: Her Hair Her Journey”. She is the communications and marketing liason for She’Matters G.I.R.L.S. LLC and an advisory board member of the national women’s business organization Real Sister’s Rising. Additionally, she is proud member of the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals and the spokesman for a single mom book project slated for 2013 release. Feona encourages all parents to come out and not only hear her presentation but enjoy the other festivities that the day will offer. For more information and to interview Feona, please contact her at powerhouse4ever@gmail.com or (757) 202-3264. To get a full listing of Saturday’s happenings, visit http://www.nsu.edu/womenscenter and/or call (757) 823-2650.