Technology | One Moms World Mom Blog

Why do we pick up technology before the Bible?

January 26, 2012 By Jen Leave a Comment

Each morning, I check my e-mail first thing. You would think I would wake up and go take a shower, eat breakfast and get dressed before I hop straight onto technology? That would be a negative. I am a tech geek, always have been and sure always will be if I continue this same route. I am a computer information technology student afterall. Being addicted to technology though has really started bothering me. This morning, I opened up an e-mail from Proverbs 31 Ministries. A sentence in the e-mail said to the effect, why is it easy to pick up a tech gadget but not easy to pick up a Bible instead? This really hit home to me so much.

I have a super busy semester this time. I am on campus unfortunately 4 days out of 5. All my classes are on campus this semester and it has tossed my routine out the door. I feel like I am always on some type of technology device lately. I am doing homework with my graphing calculator, I am checking work e-mail and keeping tabs on all work’s social outlets, I am blogging, I am checking personal e-mail and the cycle just continues.

I put off getting a smart-phone for so long but finally mid 2009, I could not put it off anymore. I knew if I got a smart-phone I would always be glued to the device so I put it off for as long as I could. Now I need the smart-phone for work. I just wish I could tell myself to turn the device OFF. I wake up in the middle of the night checking work’s social outlets to make sure all is okay. Do I get paid for those hours? Well, no but it just worries me that something will happen if I am not continuously checking. If I am so worried about picking up the phone, why can’t I be so worried about picking up my bible. I read my devotions each day, but do I pick it back up any other time during the day? The answer would be no. This troubles me.

I don’t want this addiction. I love technology, believe me, I am head over heels in love with technology. Family and friends from all over, call me, e-mail me, or text me to ask my opinions about technology or how I can fix their technology device. I enjoy that so much, but I don’t want to do that 24/7. I need the break. Instead, I want the addiction and to be head over heels in love with my bible and Jesus Christ. I want the girls to know that they are more important than a technology gadget.

Prayers work wonder and I am going to pray for peace in this situation. God I need your direction and your strength to turn away from the device. Life will be okay and I will not hyperventilate if I don’t have my smart-phone beside me. Instead, I want you and your word always beside me, my husband and our beautiful girls.

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Filed Under: Faith, Technology

Finding Nemo is coming in 3D

January 23, 2012 By Jen 1 Comment

We are so excited. One of our favorite movie’s Finding Nemo is coming in 3D to theaters in September of this year. We have a sneak peek for you right here at One Moms World. Enjoy!

Tags: Finding Nemo 3D

Filed Under: Disney, Family, Technology Tagged With: Finding Nemo 3D

Stop before you hand down that gadget

January 12, 2012 By Jen Leave a Comment

The internet has been fast and furious this week with updates from the CES Technology Conference. Technology is constantly changing and it is not a surprise that companies are captivating the CES audience with all the upgrades.

When parents do upgrade their technology, what happens with the old technology? You can either donate it to a worthy cause or hand down the gadget to your children. I will not lie, I have no shame in giving my girls technology and old technology at that. Let’s face it, the future is technology. Kids need to be up on their game but with limits of course. We need to be sensible about technology and not just let kids have a party with the gadgets.

PBS released tips this week on how parents should prepare the gadgets before passing them down to their child.

1. Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.

2. Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.

3. Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.

4. Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.

5. Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.

Here are some of PBS KIDS’ recent top apps for mobile devices which can be found on pbskids.org/mobile:

- FETCH Lunch Rush for iPhone/iPod Touch, Free (PBS KIDS First augmented reality app)

- SUPER WHY Alpha Boost for iPhone/iPod Touch, $2.99

- SID Science Fair for iPhone/iPod Touch, $2.99

- LITTLE PIM French and Spanish for iPad, $2.99

My girls have used all of these apps except for the LITTLE PIM. I trust PBS and love how they encouraging learning and fun with all their apps.

Tags: CES, handing down technology, kids technology, old technology, pbs apps

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: CES, handing down technology, kids technology, old technology, pbs apps

Wireless tips when preparing for a hurricane

August 25, 2011 By Jen Leave a Comment

Much to our dismay, a hurricane is approaching the NC coast this weekend and headed straight up the east coast.

Picture courtesy of USA Today

As you prepare your emergency kit with the help of Molly Gold from Go Mom!, I wanted to help you with wireless tips courtesy of Verizon Wireless. Most people don’t think about all their wireless needs when preparing for a hurricane, but it actually is a very smart move. Our cell phones can be a definite need in the midst of a crisis. Use these tips while preparing, you will be thankful I am sure.

1. Weather widgets and local TV stations’ apps for smartphones and tablets can keep people update on what the weather is doing if they’ve lost power in their house and can’t watch the news.

2. Limit non-emergency calls to conserve battery power and free up wireless networks for emergency agencies and operations.

3. Send brief text messages rather than making voice calls for the same reasons.

4. Don’t leave the house without car-chargers to ensure you have back-up power.

5. Keep phones, laptops, PDAs, batteries, chargers and other equipment in a dry, accessible location.

6. Forward your home phone calls to your wireless number if you have to evacuate.

Stay safe everyone and please listen to authorities when they say evacuate, please evacuate!

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Filed Under: Family, Featured, Technology

T Rowe Price and Disney launch the Great Piggy Bank – Giveaway

July 25, 2011 By Jen 202 Comments

Congratulations to Comment #33 Charline. Check your email to claim your prize.

Did your parents talk to you about money and ways to save money growing up? I believe the numbers can be all over the board when it comes down to yes or no. I would be in the middle. My parents very rarely talked to me about money, but I paid attention to their money habits. We were not rich at all means, but I was provided for. I knew that I wanted to be better with money when I was an adult and I feel like that I am. Thinking back though, I do wish that I would have had more conversations around money.

This is why I want to change things with my girls. My husband and I are very open about money and all the reasons we need to save. For instance, when we go in the store and the girls really want that toy hanging in the aisle, I remind them that if I gave into every toy want, our family trips would not happen. It helps to educate them one-on-one with parenting advice, but having a back-up helps strongly.

Thanks to T. Rowe Price and Disney, we now have The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. T. Rowe and Disney are committed to helping families talk about saving and spending money wisely. The online game will give kids the knowledge they need when it comes to money, all the while making it fun. Another cool feature is the kids getting to experience the interactive experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® directly online. While The Great Piggy Bank Adventure® is designed for kids from ages 8 to 14, fun-loving adults are encouraged to play with their kids and get involved in their financial education. The girls and I are having fun playing. It is so cute seeing the girls asking more questions about money and understanding why mommy has to say no sometimes.

To help kick-off this fun and interactive game, T. Rowe Price is offering one lucky reader here their very own Flip Cam!

To Enter:

1. Visit The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

2. Leave a comment below on who you plan to introduce this new adventure to.

Extra Entries:

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Make sure to leave an additional comment for each extra entry.

Contest ends 11:59pm ET on August 1, 2011.

Disclosure: I am working on a campaign with T. Rowe Price. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

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Filed Under: Contests, Featured, Mom Reviews, Technology

Verizon’s Cell Phone App Helps You Keep Track of Your Kids

June 23, 2011 By Jen 3 Comments

Most families now have several cell phones in their family. When is the right age for a child to get their first cell phone is a decision only your family can make. It will take lots of family talks and discussions to come up with the right age, but just make sure to make it a joint decision instead of the children making the decision for you. After having several discussions with my husband and I, we are going to give our oldest daughter a regular flip phone. She will only get the phone though when she is at a friends house, school event, or an event where my husband and I are not present. With today’s society, you can just never be safe enough, and we want to know she has a outlet to call us if anything ever happened. We are hoping nothing ever will happen though, but you can never be too safe.

Since, we are on Verizon, I was on the look-out for apps that will help keep her cell phone safe and secure. There are many apps that can be installed on your child’s cell phone, but one app I recommend is developed by Verizon. It is call the Family Locator. Listen up moms and dads at what all this app will allow you to do with your child’s cell phone.

You will always know where your child is either by using your cell phone or the web. The family locator app provides very detailed information, right down to the specific address where your child is. Also, it will allow you to follow them using turn by turn directions of where they are going. A parent is able to get a notification once they arrive at a specific location such as soccer practice and then another notification once they leave that specific location. The parent is able to set-up times throughout the day where the Family Locator will automatically update you where your child is at that specific time alert you set-up. If your child is not where they are suppose to be or you just need to message them, this app allows you to send a SMS message to their phone or to multiple phones.

This app really helps put parent’s minds at ease. This app will allow me to have much less anxiety attacks. There is a charge for this app, which is $9.99 for each phone that you install this app on. Honestly though, $9.99 is so cheap for all the features the app allows the parents to do. Technology is changing everyday, so I am sure we will be seeing even more apps like this launched across all cell phone companies.

What are your thoughts? Would you use this app on your child’s phone?

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Filed Under: Family, Featured, Technology

The Coolest Mom Android Apps

June 21, 2011 By Jen 7 Comments

I have had my Droid for almost two years now and I seriously do not know how I lived without it? I know I am such a geek, but I cringe on the craziest days that I happen to leave my Droid at home when I have to run errands. I feel so lost without it. Please tell me that I am not the only one like this? Wait, maybe I have gone crazy… HAHA!

I have the Droid X

Over the time that I have had my droid, I have found some apps that I use on a daily basis and wanted the chance to share them here with you in case you were looking for some great apps to install on your Droid.

In no particular order… here we go!

1. AroundMe – Now this is one of the coolest apps ever. Another mom blogger let me in on this cool savvy app. By using the Droid’s GPS, it will locate the nearest Bank, Gas Station, Hospital, Hotel, Movie Theater, Restaurant, Supermarket and Taxi around you. Select which one you want and it will use the GPS to take you right to the destination. I use this app A LOT every time we go out of town.

2. Calorie Counter - Tool to find all the calorie and nutrition facts for the foods you eat. The app has ever restaurant listed you can think of and all their menu items. Also, it comes with a barcode scanner to where you can scan the barcode on a certain item and automatically receive the nutrition info on the item.

3. Cardio Trainer – This app is listed as the training partner for running, cycling and other cardio fitness activities. I use this app while I am walking and it tracks my distance and my route. At the end of the exercise it will tell me how many calories are burned. Super cool!

4. Compass – Have you ever been camping and tried to figure out what direction you are in? Now, all you have to do is hold your Droid in the air with this app and you will automatically know. Sweet!

5. First Aid – As a mom, I panic at the least very things that happen to my girls. This app is a dream come true for this mom. As told on the app, First Aid is designed to help follow the right procedures in a stressful situation or if you need to help out someone else. The tool uses illustrations, videos and short texts that show you how to take the necessary action step by step.

6. Color Flashlight – Have you ever tried to unlock your door at night or tried to walk down a dark hallway and not wanted to turn on any lights to wake up your children? Say hello to the Flashlight app. I love this app and use it pretty frequently. It literally turns your Droid into a flashlight. Pretty nifty tool also if you would like to read in the car while your husband is driving on the ever so long night road trip.

7. Hoot Suite – Attention all the Twitterholic Moms out there… you have to install this Twitter App that you will love! You can manage multiple twitter accounts, upload photos, receive notifications, view click stats and even shorten URLS. It also lets you schedule your tweets in case you will be out of touch for a bit and want to still keep your twitter stream live.

8. Facebook – Definitely a must have App… right moms? I think this explains itself. It really is much better than the mobile web version.

9. Kindle for Android – You don’t want to throw down the bucks for a Kindle, but you really really want the Kindle… well you need this app! Read more than 620,000 Kindle books on your Droid including thousands of free books. No Kindle required

10. OI Shopping List – Have you ever got to the store and then forgot what you were actually there for? This neat app lets you keep track of your shopping items with quantity and price. Shh… I use it for my To-Do list as well!

Do a search on Android Marketplace for these apps and install them. You will be glad you did. Now do you see why I love my Droid and it is totally a part of me now?

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Filed Under: Featured, Technology

VeggieTales Twas the Night Before Easter Plus Giveaway

April 10, 2011 By Jen 38 Comments

Congratulations to Comment #3 and Comment #29. You both should have emails!

For the first time in 7 years, VeggieTales has released a new Easter show – “Twas The Night Before Easter.” As you all may know, we are huge fans of VeggieTales around here. My girls have grew up with VeggieTales and were so excited about the new DVD. As soon as it came in the mail, we had to pop it in the dvd player right then. Over the past few weeks, the DVD has been on constant replay in our car dvd players.

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage and make a difference through the power of musical theater. With a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit – “Up With Bunnies” is hatched! There’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When news spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee gets worried. Concerned about the competition, she schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?

The girls were very excited about the new character Cassie. Cassie Cassava, inspired by the cassava root, which is a primary source of food for developing nations in Africa and South America. This vegetable was suggested by World Vision, and it’s been fun to see Cassie come to life! Her character is a singing sensation with a golden heart, who returns to her hometown to perform at an Easter service, but instead ends up getting roped into all sorts of veggie silliness and antics. You’ll have to watch the DVD to find out what happens!

I asked my girls what were their favorite parts – in their words:

M: “Larry makes a big bunny and he pushes the red button. The big bunny carries the bus over the big snow hill”

L: “The VeggieTales rising up on the stage. I loved the songs too as I keep singing along to them all now.”

What did the DVD teach you?

M: “Mommy, the DVD taught me that I shouldn’t just care about chocolate bunnies but more about Jesus.”

L: “I learned that Easter is about Jesus and not just the Easter Bunny.”

Do you know how much this warms my heart? I was smiling ear to ear and I couldn’t be more proud. This is what the DVD is all about thanks to World Vision. The show is dedicated to showing the children the real meaning of Easter and how to help others. VeggieTales partnered with World Vision on the release of this DVD. In the extra features section you can find all-new animation featuring Bob and Larry encouraging child sponsorship through World Vision! Will you help please?

WalMart has the “Twas the Night Before Easter” on sale in stores now for $11.96.

We have also been jamming out in the car to the VeggieTales Hosanna! The girls and I sing as loud as we can to this DVD every time we get in the car. Shhh… I play it when the girls are not even in the car with me too and still sing loudly. The songs are just so inspiring and uplifting to me even as an adult.

The Hosanna! CD includes ten all new easy-to-sing worship favorites made popular by some of today’s top worship artists – sung by beloved VeggieTales characters and kids just for kids! Amy Grant sings the title track, “Hosanna,” and lead vocalist Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, named Billboard’s No. 1 Top-selling Christian Band of 2010, lends his voice on the group’s No. 1 radio hit, “Who Am I.” Also included are Veggie arrangements of Israel Houghton’s upbeat “Just Wanna Say,” Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone,”) Hillsong LIVE’s “Mighty To Save” and Brenton Brown’s “Everlasting God,” to name a few.

WIN BOTH!

That is right, my friends. Thanks to VeggieTales, I am able to offer two luck readers a VeggieTales Easter Giftpack including the “Twas the Night Before Easter” and a CD of VeggieTales “Hosanna.”

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment on who you would gift this awesome gift pack too.

For Extra Entries:

Join One Moms World on Facebook

Join VeggieTales on Facebook

Tweet About This Contest

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Make sure to leave an additional comment for each extra entry.

Contest ends April 13, 2011 at 11:59pm ET so I can ship it to you in time for Easter!

Disclosure: VeggieTales provided copies of the DVD and CD. All thoughts and opinions are of our own.

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Filed Under: Contests, Featured, Mom Reviews, Technology

Moms Are You Addicted To Your Smartphone

April 6, 2011 By Jen 4 Comments

The word is out on the street and it has been confirmed that moms are addicted to their smartphones. I knew that I could not be the only one with this addiction. I was getting worried as I combed google to find an addiction support group and could not find one in my area at all.

Photo Courtesy of Janice Croze from 5MinutesforMom.com

According to BabyCenter.com, 76% of moms sleep with their smartphone by the bed; nearly half have fallen asleep cradling it. Hanging head in shame. My beloved Droid is right by my side each and every night. Yes, I have awoken in the middle of the night just to check my phone. It’s an addiction, I’m telling you. 45% of moms say their smartphone decreases their stress levels; 27% feel a sense of calm after using it. My phone is a huge support to me and if I don’t have my phone by my side, then I get all anxious.

I held out for the longest time of upgrading my simple cell phone to a smart phone because I was afraid that I would become addicted. I was right, as soon as I upgraded, I was hooked. Life has not been the same ever since. It’s a shame, I tell you. BabyCenter.com goes on to say that 43% of moms bring their phone into the bathroom with them — the only place in the house where a mom can find privacy. Stop it! BabyCenter is really stepping onto my toes. I am totally one of those 43%. I even lock the door and go into the bathroom to escape for quietness for a few minutes.

The survey says that 75% of moms let their children play with their smartphone and nearly 25% of the apps they download are specifically for their kids. Guilty! The girls are always playing with my Droid and have become quite the Angry Birds players. It keeps them quiet in doctor offices, long car rides, and even letting me grocery shop in peace. What have I done? What am I creating? This is really eye opening, seriously!

My phone is my lifeline to the world and I think it will take a lot of counseling to break this addiction. I am just glad that I am not alone in this addiction. 62% of moms say they love their smartphone because it’s their lifeline to the world beyond their kids.

Thank you BabyCenter.com for making me feel like I am not a black sheep in the mommy world. Now where is my Droid?

Read more on BabyCenter’s Mobile Mom Report: A Smart Phone is a Mom’s Best Friend

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Filed Under: Featured, Mom Reviews, Technology

Verizon Has A New Baby iPhone

January 11, 2011 By Jen 2 Comments

The rumors that have been swirling around for months are finally put to rest as Verizon announced today that they will now be a carrier for the iPhone. Starting on February 10, 2011, if you are on the Verizon network, you will be able to get the iPhone 4. Prices will start at $199 with a 2 year contract for a 16GB iPhone 4 if you are a new customer or are eligible for your new every 2 upgrade.

If you are are not eligible for an upgrade, then you will have to pay full price for the iPhone 4 in order to qualify for the new phone. Also, AT&T customers don’t plan on bringing your current iPhone 4 over to the Verizon network. If you change over to Verizon, you will have to purchase the Verizon version of the iPhone 4.

You can pre-order the iPhone 4 with Verizon online only as early as February 3, 2011. Starting on February 10, you will be able to purchase the iPhone 4 from Apple stores to use in conjunction with your Verizon account.

As for me, I just purchased the Droid X last month and I am very happy with my purchase so I do not plan to change over to the iPhone anytime soon. I do have to say though that if you are an iPhone user, that I do recommend changing over to Verizon as they have excellent coverage here in NC.

So who will be upgrading?