Mom Jillian Wolstein is working to give hope, education, love and protection to children in Malawi and inspiring her kids to H.E.L.P. along the way.

This month we are featuring strong mothers who are working for a cause or have dedicated a part of their life to helping others. Jillian Wolstein, a 40-something mom from Cleveland, Ohio has dedicated the last 3 years to starting H.E.L.P., a non-profit organization that gives hope, education, love and protection to children in Malawi and throughout the world, starting with an education and health care. Even better, she has involved her four children (all under the age of 19) through the entire process.

“I needed my life at the end of the day to have meant more than that I was married to a very successful man, living in a mansion in Cleveland, Ohio raising my four children. My husband's family has been very philanthropic, There are half a dozen buildings with their name on it in Ohio. They write huge checks, which is very important, but I come from a family of social workers, and for me something was lacking in just the writing of a check.”, Jillian said.

Jillian wanted to be hands on in helping people, seeking the human connection and interaction with those she was helping, and she wanted her children to experience it first hand as well. Jillian shared her thoughts with us on the Western culture's view of the rich and poor:

“In Western cultures we judge someone by how much they are worth financially. It doesn't matter what their character, if they are rich we idolize them. So if you are poor, you must be stupid. Why else would you be poor? I wanted my kids to understand that there are much better ways to judge someone's character than financially. For the vast majority of people in the world, one has nothing to do with the other. If your parents have died, if your government can not provide for you and you don't have access to an education, you might be the most brilliant writer, the most gifted artist, but no one would ever know.”

Jillian and her family were in the process of building an enormous new house, but it was bittersweet, because she felt before she could be worthy of living in such a place, she needed to give back. Jillian said, “I decided on the plane home from Africa that I would come back and try to make a difference. I didn't know where or how I would do it, just that I needed to do something.” That’s when Jillian began her journey to start the H.E.L.P. organization to improve the lives of children in Malawi through education and health care.

As a very hands-on mother of four (all under the age of 19), Jillian has involved her kids in H.E.L.P. every step of the way, from volunteering locally to going to Malawi and donating their time at the school and medical clinic! We asked Jillian how her children were involved and this is what she said:

“My oldest son, Harrison, is a jazz guitarist. On our trip to Malawi, Harrison spent a lot of time with Joseph, a young man who played guitar in the village band. Harrison taught Joseph how to play the American guitar and Joseph taught Harrison how to play his homemade oil can guitar. At the end of the trip they exchanged guitars. The guitar is Joseph's most prized possession and he, along with his fellow band mates, teaches music at our school. They also travel the villages teaching about HIV/AIDS through song.”

“Ilana, my oldest daughter, is a gifted photographer. She took some amazing photos on her trip over and her school did their first ever student showing of her work. She has sold her prints at our events and there are some celebrities that have them hanging in their homes. Ilana also started an organization called SWAP. (Students with a purpose). She has had a benefit for Save Darfur and one for HELP. Ilana and her committee members did everything themselves, got the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for free, sent out corporate letters, hired bands, etc. They had an amazingly successful event and raised over $40,000 for HELP Malawi.”

“Shelby, my youngest daughter, decided to ask for donations instead of gifts for her Bat Mitzvah. People were very generous and she raised $35,000 for HELP. She came with me to Malawi, with her girlfriend and my mother. They helped to break the bricks for the school foundation. The leadership of SWAP has been turned over to her now as Ilana has left for college.”

“Merrick, my youngest, volunteers everyday after school in our office. He has sold our products at his school and has done two different school supply drives at area schools.”

“All four of my kids are fully committed to our projects and talk about going back all the time. My oldest son will be coming over this next summer with his cousin. My younger two ask me all the time about adopting one of the orphans from the village. I tell them that we have already adopted the whole village and that is so much better.”

Jillian has done an amazing job teaching her children how important it is to share your life with others and help them in their time of need. As mothers, it is our responsibility to instill these values and work ethics in our kids. This week I encourage you to think about ways you can teach your children to help - whether it is in Malawi or just helping an elderly neighbor down the street. Our children are watching what we do as moms. Let’s be the example that teaches them to help others!

For more information on how you can help the children of Malawi visit: http://www.helpchildren.org/

Tina Miser is a Mom with The Greatest Job on Earth as a Human Cannonball!

When I started my search to find working moms with unique or out of the ordinary jobs, a human cannonball did not come to mind! Though many of us as kids talked about running away to join the circus, most of us never followed that dream - but this mom did!

Before running off to join the circus, Tina received a degree from Ball State University and served in the United States Air Force reserves. Her hometown is Peru, Indiana, which coincidentally is also known as the "Circus Capital of the World", because it is where the circus troupes would stay during the winter when they were traveling, in the early 20th century. Every year, Peru stages an amateur circus, put on by local volunteers. After returning from the Air Force reserves, Tina volunteered for the amateur circus in her hometown in 1999. There, she reconnected with Brian Miser, who was also from Peru, Indiana and a member of the Ringling Brothers Circus. He was a trapeze artist, but had also built the cannon that she would eventually be shot out of. He asked her if she would join him in the circus and shoot him out of the cannon, and she couldn't refuse. Little did she know that she would be running off to join the circus with the man who would eventually become her husband!

Tina really wanted to be shot out of the cannon, despite the danger that came with it. So on the 135th Edition of the Ringling Bros., the husband and wife performed a double-cannon act. Later, they asked Ekaterina Borzikova, a gymnast from St. Petersburg Russia, to join their act. Today Tina and Ekaterina, both of whom are moms, are shot out of the cannons simultaneously. Talk about Super-Moms!

It was difficult to make contact with Tina while she is traveling with the circus and in between shows, but we were able to get her to answer a few questions for us:

When you were a little girl, did you ever go to the circus and imagine it becoming your full-time job one day?

I always wanted to run away and join the circus, but I never imagined myself doing something as daring as being shot from a cannon!

You were in the Air Force Reserves prior to joining the circus. Do you think your Air Force training prepared you for the stunts in the circus?

Being a member of the AF Reserve trained me mentally for a lot of things. It taught me discipline and organization, plus many more skills that I rely on. When preparing to be shot from the cannon, there is no room for error. As with many jobs in the military, precision and accuracy is important.

What goes through your mind when you are sitting on the cannon about to be shot out?
I am completely focused on every step of setting myself up for the perfect shot. I have a routine that I follow to mentally and physically prepare myself to be shot from the cannon. I follow those steps every show.

What does your daughter, Skyler think of her mommy being a human cannonball?
I just asked her to answer this question and she said, "I like it. The Human Cannonball is the coolest thing in the circus!"

Your entire family is involved in some way or another. Your husband is the one who shoots you out of the cannon. Your daughter Skyler, who is 5, has grown up in the circus. Does she participate in any acts?
She uses some circus equipment set up inside of the trailer that we tow behind our motor home. She puts on 'shows' daily there! I think she would be a great circus performer. She has great poise and talent already, but we will just wait and see. There is no pressure for her to follow in my footsteps.

I am sure you stay quite busy with the number of shows that you do. Apart from performing and practicing, what kind of activities do you do for “mommy and me time” while traveling?
I am homeschooling her in Kindergarten right now. That is actually quite fun. It was awesome the first time she read a little book to me. Besides school, we try to find a fun tourist activity in every town. She is just 5 1/2 and has been to 40 states.

Human cannonball Tina Miser has been shot out of a cannon almost 2,000 times. Now that's what we call a unique job! Check out http://www.ringling.com/ for more info on the circus and the human cannonball act.

Busy Mom Celine Dion is Expecting!

Celine Dion is one busy woman, whose life is about to get even busier! Celine and her husband René Angélil announced this week that they were expecting their second child! Its been a long journey for them as it took 6 years for them to conceive their first child. Using the same in vitro treatment by fertility experts in New York, they are excited to be expecting #2 in May 2010.

Check out msnbc.com for more.

Nicole Stott Becomes First Mom to Live on the International Space Station!

There are some moms that have cool and interesting jobs - and then there is Nicole, a national hero and mommy to a seven-year old son.

I've been hearing about it for the last 7 years, since I first met Astronaut Nicole Stott's sister Noelle when we worked together at a retail store in Tampa Bay. Noelle, also a working mom and personal trainer for ClubFit, would say, "My sister is a rocket scientist." While in the past I may have tried to "one-up" my friends or colleagues, how could I top this? Actually, I thought it was a joke, until she showed me one of her expeditionary trainings called "NEEMO" where her sister Nicole lived underwater for 18 days, being filmed 24/7. Talk about reality TV!

Well, Nicole's long awaited trip to space is finally here! On August 25th Nicole Stott will officially launch into orbit and become the first mom to ever live on the International Space Station otherwise known as the ISS!

It will be an amazing journey, as this is Nicole's first mission to space and a day that she has been waiting for since August, 2000, when she first began her Astronaut training. The mission is called "Expedition 20 and 21". On the 13-day flight, they will deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill a.k.a. "Colbert", named after comedian Stephen Colbert (which Nicole intends to try out). Also during this expedition, Nicole will have the opportunity to participate in an "EVA" (and we aren't talking about the robot in the movie WALL-e). An EVA is an Extra-Vehicular Activity, otherwise known as a Spacewalk, to continue the assembly of the space station. Nicole will trade places with astronaut Tim Kopra, who has been on the ISS since July. Nicole will live in space for three months until the STS-129 shuttle mission arrives in November.

Nicole told Isle of Man newspapers that one of the most difficult things about the mission was being away from her family for so long. Luckily, technology has improved and they will be able to communicate from afar. She is looking forward to her first view of space and her first step. Meanwhile her family will be watching, waiting and supporting her with their thoughts and prayers here on earth.

Nicole is living proof that no matter what, you can achieve the most amazing dreams if you stay focused and work hard. Make sure you TIVO the launch to show your kids. You never know, they might decide to become astronauts one day too!

Join Nicole's Ground Support Team and go to www.nicoleinspace.com

Press Release: Florida native to live aboard International Space Station

HGTV's host, Krista Watterworth talks about working from home and gives tips on how to decorate with your kids.

Krista Watterworth is not your average mom. She is an interior designer, actress, author, HGTV host, and now she is a new mom to her son Griffon who is 1 year old. How does she balance it all? "It's been challenging in more ways than one," Krista says. Krista took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Mommy and Me Days about balancing her job as HGTV's host for Save My Bath and being a full time mommy and wife at the same time. Krista also gives us some great tips on how to spend your next Mommy and Me Day activity, by creating a theme for your kid's room and decorating together.

Being a relatively new mom of Griffon who is 1, has it been hard to balance your busy schedule as an author, television personality and interior designer?

"It's been challenging in more ways than one. We have a wonderful nanny and that really helps, but it also presents a very unique situation. I work from my design studio which is located in our home. It's a loft space so I hear everything and I often run down and play with Griffon, change diapers, feed him or watch Dora. It makes it difficult to get into a flow with work and it takes a little longer for me to get through my to-do list for the day. However, the freedom to work at my own pace and the ability to share some of the day with him makes it all worthwhile."

I saw your design of your son's room on your blog www.roomrecipes.com and notice there is a desk in the room as well. It seems to be a multifunctional room, yet at the same time it is very peaceful with its natural colors. I love the tree going up the wall and the words "grow, love, smile", etc. stenciled on the wall. What was your inspiration for this room? Does this also serve as your "home office".

"You hit upon one of my favorite recipes for design success - use a tranquil and relaxed color scheme when a space is used for many purposes. We lived in a small New York City apartment and, believe it or not, Griffon's nursery was also our home office and guest room. It was quite a design challenge. Every time someone stepped into the space they commented on how peaceful it felt."

On your blog www.roomrecipes.com you mention that kids' rooms don't always have to use the same recipe (pink for girls, blue for boys, etc). What is the most unique children's room you have ever designed?

"Mostly my clients want a clean, fresh look for their children's rooms. The only variable is what style: modern or classic. I think people are a little fearful of going overboard. But I do have a cool room recipe that I'm dying to share. I want to do an art theme with the child's name in graffiti, paint splattered curtains, an easel to inspire the artist within, and a library of kid and adult art books. It's daring but different and funky."

Working from home is many times seen as a huge advantage, and it is. I remember when I first got out of college, I had the fortunate opportunity to work from home. There is nothing like answering calls in your pajamas or working on your laptop from the beach! However, I know it can be difficult to draw the line between work and play time. How do you do it?

"Working on a laptop from the beach sounds amazing! Unfortunately the closest beach for me is Coney Island and even though it's such a cool place it's not what one may call relaxing. I am very disciplined about my schedule. I get up every morning, shower and get dressed as if I'm going to an off-site office. I go to the gym on Wednesdays and Fridays, and when our nanny leaves at 5:00 p.m. my day ends and it's full-on mommy and wifey!"

With your son at the age of one year, many days are probably "mommy and me days" already, but as your son Griffon grows up, and you continue to work, do you plan to institute a "Mommy and Me Day" on a regular basis?

"Since we live in Manhattan and are planning on moving to the suburbs in2010, I want to begin taking Griffon to do some local activities like a Circle Line cruise around the city, museum tours for kids and visiting NYC landmarks. Our first trip was a walk on the new High Line last week (an elevated train line converted into a park). But as you know when they are this little they get antsy, tired and uncomfortable pretty quickly. So we make our outings relatively short. We play and read throughout the day but it's often the business of daily life that keeps us busy like changing diapers, meal times, bottle feedings, and naps. So I love to sit at home with him and dedicate a full hour a day of concentrated reading and playing one on one. At 5:00 p.m. every day I strap him on me in his Ergo Baby Carrier and we go for an hour long walk around the neighborhood. I can't wait to be surrounded by trees and listen to the birds together."

A great "Mommy and Me Day" activity that my daughter and I are planning to do in the near future is to redesign her bedroom. She is 4 years old. Are there any fun and easy design tips that can help young kids participate in decorating their room?

"That's so exciting! I often look to my niece and nephew for inspiration when I'm designing children's spaces. Here's a good start: ask her to draw a picture of something that makes her happy. Then use the picture as inspiration for the design. Your color palette will stem from colors that she is automatically drawn to. If she makes a drawing with many colors than choose three that coordinate. Also if it's a picture of flowers, make it a flower theme. If it's a drawing of a her horseback riding, use that to motivate the room's style. From there create projects together such as stenciling her name on the wall, sewing curtains, beading or bedazzling pillows, wallpapering lamp shades, or painting a mural. Make sure you upload before and after pictures to my Room Recipes blog!"

Be sure to check out Krista's blog www.roomrecipes.com where you can share your videos, photos, and room recipe stories about your home improvement and home decorating projects! Its a great way to find ideas for decorating your own home.

Credit: Krista Watterworth, HGTV Host, Interior Designer and Mommy to Griffon Avery, www.roomrecipes.com