Happy Mommy

Ok, one of the doctors just said this, and it makes so much sense!

Store poison control number in your cell phone!

Maybe I am the only one, but every time the pedi asks me if I have emergency numbers posted, I say yes, and I am totally lying. So, now, since my cell phone might as well be an extra appendage, I am going to store all those handy numbers.

I also have not updated my ICE numbers, you may want to do that, too, if you need to!
(In Case of Emergency...ICE, authorities are able to look up ICE on your phone and immediately call you emergency contact).

Share some of your home remedies with us!

I like the show the Doctors, and if I am lucky and my kids are napping at that time, I get to watch it. They just talked about some home remedies that I thought were worth sharing.

Bee sting: NEVER USE TWEEZERS (I did not know that.) Use a credit card to scrape the area to get out the stinger. Wrap bacon (raw) on it to take out poison.

Pink eye/ eye infection: breast milk (well, if you are lactating!)

Planter's Wart: Old nail polish; cover entire area, wait a few days, and take off polish by picking at it and wart comes off, too! Little boy said it tickled when his mom did it!

Fever: Soak rag in egg whites, wrap foot, put sock on, go to bed, fever in reduced very quickly

Diaper rash: breast milk/ liquid antacid

Just thought I would share!

Today I went though all our toys we own. This is actually not the first time I have done this this year. I hate to admit that probably 6 months ago I gave a ton of toys to some friends and also to our church nursery. And still Avery had 12 baby dolls, thanks to grandmas, which is a whole other issue. In my opinion 12 is too many. She picked half to keep and we are giving away the other half. Any of you know of a good place I can take Avery to donate her baby dolls? I was actually hoping for a place that she can actually physically give the dolls to either less fortunate or ill little girls.

If I can't find a place, do any of your little girls need a baby doll??

I hate to be a scrooge but this has been bugging me and I don't know if this is how it is suppose to be or not. I kind of feel like I am the only parent who finds it to be ridiculous and honestly am ANNOYED.

Here's the thing. I signed up to be a room mom for Avery's preschool class to discover that we were going to be party planners. For some reason I guess I thought we'd be helping in other ways. So, we planned a fall party the week of Halloween...took cute picture on the play ground, moved to the class room and had four stations with a snack, game, and two crafts. The other room mom's did most of the work, not because I wasn't willing but because well...they just did. Since then we had two teachers birthdays and cupcakes for Thanksgiving. (thank goodness the other room moms agreed to not do another party or what they were calling a "feast") Now they are planning a Christmas Party in which they are asking for everyone to give $5 for a gift to the teachers and a wrapped book for a exchange. Oh, and last week I just sent $8 to school for a Christmas keepsake they are making in class.

To the point. I am paying a hefty sum of money to have Avery attend 8 hours of preschool a week. I think all the extra fluff (or parties) are totally unnecessary. Do I keep my mouth shut and go along (be a sheep) with the rest of the class? I also can't decide if I am just being sour and a little annoyed at the other room moms for taking over all the responsibilities. I finally told them, in a nice way, they could be the two room moms and I'd help only if they wanted or needed me to(haven't heard from them since). Are all preschools like this with parties and stuff?

I wanted to share this about me. This is my daughter. As you can see she is loving and wants to have fun. But, she can also make a mess. Please disregard the messy house in the background. I was trying to straighten up that day but the kids kept doing funny stuff so i just forgot about cleaning and pulled out the camera! Enjoy!

Bekah is always wanting to do everything that her brother does. She got her chance this evening. Her brother let her wear his baseball uniform. She was so cute!

But after this cute moment, we had disaster!

They loaded the bath tub and decided the toys needed a bath. I got to them just in time. Bekah was in the tub and turned the water on. Not everything was soaked, just a few things. Her pillow was also in there, she had taken it out when she realized that she did a big no-no! I think she even had the hand soap! I just had to get the camera!

I have been reading the posts about what we are "expected" to be. First off, I want to point out that I am not an LDS member. I say this only because I just want you all to realize that as a woman, mother, wife, etc., I am no different. I have been working on a Bible study with several other women in my church that focuses on the Proverbs 31 woman. Before I began this study I thought that in order for me to be "right" I had to do everything she did all of the time. This is so NOT true! Yes, she purchased a field, she made her clothes (and very beautiful I might add), she was involved in charities, she was never idle, blah, blah, blah! But one thing that stands out to me is that she feared the Lord. Not a fear that means "AHHH I am so scared!" but reverence. No where in this passage does it say that she did all of these things daily! The most important thing in her life was her relationship with her Lord, her Heavenly Father.
As women, whether we work outside the home or work inside the home (that includes raising children, cleaning house, keeping our sanity), we need to remember that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made!" Each of us have different "seasons" in our life. My season right now is trying to juggle working, keeping my home happy, and guiding my strong-willed 3 year old daughter into the woman that God intends her to be. Your seasons are different than mine. But we were all made by a God that makes only glorious creations! OK...my point? This is what God has placed in our path for right now. In a year or two it may change, but for now, we get to watch our children go through potty training, runny noses, food in the hair, and poo on the walls. All the while being thankful that they are creative, curious, loving, and energetic. We are so blessed as mothers!

Again, this is the reason that I started this blog. It is for ALL mothers, to help us make it through another day. The problem is, LDS mothers are so hard on themselves as we try to live up to ridiculous expectations. I was "blog-stalking" last night trying to get a glimpse into some other mom's days that are not LDS. I was shocked at what I found. We are all so much more alike than we like to admit. We are WAY too hard on ourselves. Here is an excerpt from a blog, I hope she doesn't mind me borrowing it.

Its 8:30pm and all the kids are in bed. Ahhhhh...
What a day! Here's a running total of what my day consisted of.
WARNING - Some parts may, well, OK, gross you out. I apologize in advance.
Now, where to start?

Slept in 20 extra minutes. Felt guilty for about 2 seconds.
Saw the husband off, and after realizing it was my fifth day cooped up in the house (with three bored kids) felt really jealous HE was going to work.
Wondered if his boss might recognize me in Sam's work attire.
First words out of kids mouths were "Moooooommm, we're hungry!"
Had to change the baby right away since our beloved (blasted) cloth diapers we've used since birth do NOT keep him dry overnight and he wakes up SOAKED each morning (still love em' but this sorely annoys me).
Walked in the kitchen, surveyed the dishes stacked up from all the extra cooking I've been doing this week (kids can only eat "soft" things like eggs, beans, soup, all things which require using every pot and pan in the house, of course) and having serious imaginations of whether or not Mary Poppins is real and how I can get her to magically appear at any moment.
(POOF! Dishes Gone!)
Decided to make pancakes - and use up another pan for me to clean later...gggrrrrrr....
Kids able to somehow choke down - (they were begging! Just how long CAN you go without any real GOOD food?)
Watched Justice annihilate his share and when he was through announce it by pummeling the remainder at our heads.
Changed Justice again.
Still had a nasty diaper rash so I let him run naked to air dry it.
BAD BAD BAD decision.
Run a bath for kids.
Come around the corner to find Justice playing with something I do not recognize. That is brown. And his pudgy little fingers are squishing. Yuck.
It's emergency bath time for Justice.
Next we have the "Moooooommmm, we're boooooored!!!!".
I have the next 12 hours to find entertaining, stimulating things for my blessed little ducklings to do with their time.
That they've already exhausted days ago.
Help.
We do a project that consists of them writing down what they are thankful for this year to be read at Thanksgiving.
Thank God my name is on it.
Oh yeah.
Clean up Justice's naked accident.
Try not to gag.
And yes- in that order.
That's what kind of day it's been.
I break up fights. Many fights. Yes, they still fight even after a surgery.
I know, I was hoping.
Bath time for girls.
Nap time for Justice.
Work out time for me.
If you can call it that.
Get interrupted halfway through by some halfway dry girls who decide to crash my exercise party.
But I tried and did get to sweat, I guess...a little...
Lunch time. More soup.
We're out of eggs. Thank God.
Put on the movie "Cars".
Girls and I seriously rock out to the song "Life Is A Highway".
I do laundry and somehow begin the process of three days worth of dishes.
You know it's bad when you have to use the word "process!"
Oh, it's 4:00pm and I'm still unshowered and in my pajamas.
REALLY hoping no one to decides to just "drop by".
Play one round of "Sorry", 6 or 7 rounds of "Guess Who", and play Hangman and Tic Tac Toe til' my eyes are blurry.
Feel guilty that Justice is spending more time than usual in the swing these days.
Bad mother. Very bad mother.
Give him another round of crackers -while he giggles at Bear In The Big Blue House - Potty Training Edition.
Hoping it sinks in.
Finish "process" of dishes.
Put Justice down for second nap.
Take my first shower for the day.
Wondering what the point is since it's already almost over.
Realize I use this excuse too often.
Reluctantly take the shower.
Thinking about what to make for dinner that is soft.
Decide on spaghetti - (will later make eggs for girls when hubby "surprises me" with more).
Still in my towel when somebody does surprise to "drop by" bearing gifts and cards for the girls.
Uh-oh.
Thank God its my neighbor, who's a mom and a woman, and sadly, this is not the first time she has seen me answer the door like this.
Face - very, very red.
Before husband comes home, I slow dance with my son to one of my favorite songs off one of my Christmas CD's.
I watch him intensely as he runs throughout the house with a huge smile sprawled across his face so proud of himself. Just learned to climb the coffee table and the couch. Naked. (I know - I'm brave).
He's growing up so fast.
Misty eyed mom.
I peer into the living room where my girls are playing quietly together singing to an old VBS CD about Jesus looking so sweet and small.
Misty eyed again.
I do a final straightening up of the house, light some candles, primp before "the man" gets home.
Hoping he thinks we all looked like this the whole day.
I make dinner and have it ready by the time he walks in the door.
We eat dinner, watch a movie all snuggled up on the couch together, eat too much Halloween candy, put kids to bed.
Now getting ready for "our" time together for the evening.
And I realize:
There is nothing else I would have rather done today in the entire world.

**she finishes with sweet pics of her beautiful children.

It's been quite awhile since I've been on here. HI to all those I've not met yet. I liked reading everyone's traditions. Sorry if my post is so long. We have a lot of wonderful traditions, but these are a few of my favorites.

Each year the kids get an ornament and we also do a family one.

We put up our Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving, though this year Bryce and I decorated the tree the monday prior to Thanksgiving, something I swore I'd never do.

Every year I hang up our Christmas lights outside and Bryce is the one that helps me.

Each year we as a family donate to various organizations who give to the needy. Usually money that we would "spend" on each other (Bryan and I) is put towards giving to others. We also get the kids involved. This is something I grew up doing and it's something that Bryce loves doing every year. We did this last week and Bryce was so excited to do this. Some organizations take gently used and new items and we also go through all the toys that haven't been played with and are in brand new condition and donate them. It's fun getting the kids involved, because even at 4 yrs old Bryce understands the meaning of giving and he enjoys it. Something we started last year was only giving the kids three gifts. Friends of ours do this w/ their kids and we liked the idea. They told their older kids that Jesus only gets three gifts, why should they get more than Jesus got. I liked the idea of doing three gifts, as the Savior received three gifts. Plus kids don't need that much stuff anyways. Mine at least don't. Limiting the gifts to three allows us to get some gifts they'll put to good use and actually play with. Plus they get spoiled by their Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. It puts more joy in the season as we're not out trying to all these little gifts for them and making sure they get everything they want.

Every year we do PJs, which is something we've already done since I was little. We all get our new PJ's on Christmas Eve.

The year that Bryleigh was born we started doing a family gift centered around the Savior. We add something Christ like to our home each Christmas. One year it was a collage of Simon Dewey's pictures framed and matted, which now hangs above our mantle. Last year it was a wonderful book and CD with songs about the Savior and this year we added some pieces that go with the Willow Tree nativity pieces we have. It's fun adding Christ like gifts that we can leave have out around our home all year long.

I know not everyone who reads or contributes to Happy Mommy belongs to the LDS church, so I am sorry if this is way off base for you, but maybe it's not? Do any of you feel a little or well a lot of expectations from life. I brought up the LDS church because for a some time I have felt bogged down and almost insanely anxious and nervous attending church and other functions. I have come to the realization that I feel this way because I feel pressure to say, do, act, and BE a certain way as a LDS member. I may be going into paranoia here but I almost feel like I am being watched and scrutinized. Watched to BE this certain way. The expectation is definitely there. An expectation to be a great faithful mother/homemaker, wife, daughter of God...

I have made some new friends with my neighbors and one particular neighbor that is becoming a very good friend. They are not LDS. Over the last week or two I have been out with them on a girls night and also on a date night for her birthday. I have noticed a huge difference when I am around them and around my church friends. No expectation. Ok, not all my church friends make me go into a anxiety attack (I am exaggerating) but when it becomes a bigger group I guard up a little. I feel an instant pressure from the expectation to BE someone. I don't even know this someone I am suppose to BE. Whoever SHE is I am not HER. If I am not HER than I am not sure what will happen.

Maybe I am just a little crazy?

My family always puts our Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. Each year we make a new ornament to put on the tree using Pete's woodworking tools and paint. I let the children hang the ornaments and take part in the holiday decorating. We also each get a "special" ornament each year to hang on the tree. I still have my special ornaments from childhood, and we want our children to have a collection of ornaments they can take with them when they grow up and leave our house. Hopefully they will serve as reminders of some particular year, like in 2000 we had a special millenium ornament. Some are picture ornaments and there are also many that they made in preschool that we still get out each year and hang on the tree. It always brings a feeling of nostalgia to us as we drink our warm apple cider and watch the pretty lights on our tree decorated with love and care.

Well my family doesn't have too many traditions but we do have a couple.

We ALWAYS set up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. I think Holidays should be done in order!!

We normally take Braydon to see Santa after Thanksgiving also but this year we had to do it a little earlier since Ryan and I started new jobs and don't know when we will both have the same day off that we can go! Braydon was actually very excited to see Santa this year! It was a lot of fun!

We also open one present Christmas Eve. Since Braydon was born we have done PJs, but I am looking for another idea for Christmas Eve. Braydon outgrowns the PJs so fast. If you have any ideas please comment!

After we have opened our presents we head over to Ryan's parents house to do Christmas with them. We then spend the day there with all the family.

We pick names in Ryan's family instead of buying a present for each person. It makes it so much easier and a lot more fun to get something big for them instead of something small. We also do this in my family but this year we are not due to hurricane Ike and the financial burden it had on all of us here in TX.

We also go out on Christmas Eve and look at Christmas lights. This is something that was passed on through my family. We always went out and you know the blinking red lights for the airplanes..well my parents would tell me it was Rudolph so we had to go home!!

I would like to start some more traditions but I need some ideas. I am looking forward to reading all the traditions that other people have!!!

For my children's first Christmas's I bought the traditional 1st Christmas ornament. It has sort of stuck. Every year I buy a new ornament for them. I try to find one that reflects what they are into at that moment. I plan on buying one for each of them each Christmas and then give them as a wedding gift when my children marry. This way they have memories and a full Christmas tree for their first Christmas!

Feel free to tell us your holiday traditions. Either as a post, or a comment to another one, and I will make it a post. It is fun hearing what everyone else does!!

We go and buy a family ornament every year, slowly our tree is fulling up. We have done this since Jess and I were engaged.

Last year was the first real year we bought everyone PJs and I want to continue doing that.

I'd like to start a tradition more centered around Jesus but have not been successful in doing so yet. With both families from each side taking our christmas eve and day we don't get that much christmas time alone.

I like yours, Amy I may need to do that.

Well, you already know our extended family traditions. When Coult and I were first married, we didn't have very many tree ornaments or much money to buy any, so we bought those really yummy candy canes (cherry, strawberry, etc) and used them to decorate our tree. Over the years we have collected enough ornaments that we know longer need the candy canes, but Natalie and Lily still insist that we buy them every year and put them on the tree. We also enjoy baking cookies together and then secretly leaving them on the door-step of some of our friends. It's so much fun trying to get away without being seen! A couple of years ago we started a new tradition. We were trying to help our family to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Mom had given us a little manger and some straw that she got from somewhere and an activity that went with it. Basically, you put out the manger and a bag of straw and as each person in the family does a good deed for someone else in the family, they add a piece of straw to the manger to make it soft for baby Jesus. I was surprised at how much even Lily got into this. Everyone in the family was constantly looking for nice things they could do for others so that we could get the manger as soft as we could before Christmas. It really helped us remember the true meaning of Christmas.

We have several traditions. We put our Christmas decor up the day after Thanksgiving (as soon as I recoup from Black Friday shopping). Shortly thereafter, we also make the trek out to visit Santa Claus.

On Christmas Eve, we open one present, which is always new pajamas. And, I make some sort of breakfast casserole the night before. We pop it in the oven as soon as everyone starts to wake up Christmas morning, and then by the time we're done opening presnets... voila! Breakfast is already ready.

We have several other mini-traditions... we always make cookies together (usually the FHE before Christmas), we go shopping together, and we always do some sort of service together (secret Santa sort of thing).

Have you ever wondered why your children go to your side of the bed at night or in the morning when they need something? Why do they pass right by their dad (even if his side of the bed is closer to the door)and go straight to mom? If you set up an obstacle course on the way to mom and left dad's way clear, they would still go to mom. LOL Well, apparently it's because "Dad is more tired than you, Mom." At least, that's what Lily told me the other morning. LOL Yep, I flat out asked her why she always comes to me and that was her answer. Out of the mouths of babes, huh? Coult really got a laugh out of that, let me tell you. Anyway, I didn't want you all to continue waiting for an answer to this age-old mystery. So I thought I better share it with the rest of you. Mystery solved.

Our little family is still fairly new, but we started one tradition last year. The Monday after Thanksgiving, all fall decor comes down, and tree and all Christmas decor goes up. I thought of waiting until after Tye's birthday (8th), but Michael loves Christmas and would probably keep decorations up all year. After working retail for so many Christmases, I am just now starting to like the season again, another reason for the early decorating (hopes that it will put me in the spirit).

What are some of your family traditions for the holidays? Also, feel free to post holiday pics of your kids if you would like!

So, somehow, I have created 2 serious "mama's babies." They love their dad, too, but it is almost out of control how much they need to sit with me, hold me, be with me. (Does that sound bad??) It is not that I don't want to ever hold my kids, but during the day, when one wants to sit with me, so does the other, and it turns into a horrible mess, with me frustrated and making them both get off of me. When I take them other places, they cling on me like someone is going to steal them away from me. We have a loft upstairs with countless toys, and a tv, yet, they still have to be where I am. Toys trickle down the stairs, blankets, pillows, and whatever else, and before I know it, the downstairs is a HUGE MESS! How can I get some time to myself?? Why do they not want to play with any toys? I am telling you, I think I am not bringing anymore toys in this house. (Ok, maybe not really, but wouldn't that be nice??)

Am I just being selfish? See, I think this is why I want to work outside the home..for me time, but then what happens when I come home after being gone all day?????????

First off, I am sorry for all the posts I have been making. All of you must think I am irritated and yelling at my kids all day. Which I do have those days and they feel often sometimes but we do have a lot of fun times too. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

This morning Avery and I had one of those mornings...again. I feel really upset about it for a couple of reasons. One, I feel bad that for some reason I just can not handle her independence when it comes to getting dressed. Two, I do feel a little irritated and justified in feeling so. Third, kids have a way of putting you in your place, innocently and then telling everyone about it.

For quite some time now Avery has been really picky when it comes to her clothing. I have come to the resort of she can dress herself because I just can't handle trying to help her and always fighting about it. I often get asked "Did Avery dress herself today?" That should give you some ideas as to what she puts on. And frankly I do not care much because I feel relieved that I didn't have to help, argue, or deal with a fit. So, I let her wear a white dress with yellow flowers that looks to fancy for the park, a pink jacket, red socks, and pink sneakers. It's all good.

I have also come to the resort that I can not shop for her either. That is just how picky she is. A couple of weeks ago I went shopping without her and bought her a sweater dress. I thought it was good because it was a dress. But nope she will not wear it. (all of a sudden she does not like the color grey-where did that come from?) Nor will she wear any of the jeans that are brand new with tags on and everything hanging in her closet. I can't return them because I bought them at the end of last season when they were clearanced. What a waste. She is going to have a reality check once we can no longer afford new clothes for her. (I know I am a little irritated with the situation, I just can't help but think she is so spoiled and we are looking into a recession that our family is feeling, frustrating.)

Back to getting dressed...it's all good...

Until we are on a time crunch. This morning I actually let her pick out Ady's clothes too. It made her happy. I did something right this morning. I have asked Avery to get dress for 15 minutes. She wants me to help. Pick two underwear's out, she picks one out of the two. Whoa, that worked, what a relief. I pick two outfits. (Jess' suggestion) Present them to her, pick one of the two. Nope, not good enough. Here comes the fit, laying on the floor, you know the drill... "I want a pink dress." There isn't one, well one that is too fancy for school, I do have to draw the line sometimes. I just get up and say "fine, dress yourself." (not all that calmly I must sadly admit) Avery continues throwing her fit and cries more. I go downstairs to do the other things to get us all ready to take her to school...make her lunch, feed Ady breakfast, ect... I am down stairs thinking... Why don't I just take her out of preschool? This is not worth it. Then I come to realize next year she'll be in Kindergarden...that will not be an option. What will next year be like at 6am!?!

Back upstairs I go. Avery is waiting for me. "Mom, you hurt my feelings." There is the innocent putting me into my place. "I am sorry." I give her hugs. We talk about it, much calmer now. I say "I feel frustrated and upset that you won't get dressed. Why?" reply "Because I don't like anyone else picking out my clothes." well, why did she ask for help? I wonder. "That is fine, I said you could go pick out your own outfit." Avery gets dressed, she does initially go for the fancy pink dress, but then picks a blue one with white polka dots. Then we go brush her hair and teeth. I put a blue flower in her hair. "I don't like blue." Breath. Close eyes take deep breaths. Avery is wearing a blue dress, what is she talking about? I say "That's fine."and she ends up forgetting about the flower by the time we finish brushing her teeth.

I drop her off at school and she tells her teacher and friend, the only ones present at the time. "My mommy was being mean to me." Again with the putting me in my place. I couldn't help but cry when I got the the car. Even now I am tearing up. What is the big deal? Why is getting dress such a big problem? Why can I absolutely not handle it? Gosh, What is wrong with me? It's not a big deal. I should be able to handle this. Why does Avery have to be so picky and independent? Why does it drive me nuts, out of my mind, pull out your hair crazy. I never thought I was bent on being in control but WOW is this something I've got to let go of. I wonder does Avery act so picky and independent because that's her personality or because of my reactions? Maybe a little of both, I know without a doubt she does have the independence trait.

I need to get a grip, that is also without a doubt.

Another little problem we are having these days are these four words coming out of Avery's mouth. "I don't love you." They are about 99.9% of the time directed at me. Pretty much anytime she gets into trouble or does not like something that is what she tells me. I remember a friend telling me about her daughter doing this exact thing, Avery was an infant at the time. Gosh, I remember thinking her daughter was so cute and funny. She told me "just wait till it's you." Man, was she RIGHT! It may seem funny and cute but it really sucks hearing it everyday and many times a day. I usually just reply "I am sorry you feel that way, I love you a lot." You would think that would change her attitude but nope usually she just tells me "Well, I don't love you." or better yet she will then add she only loves her Dad. (Daddy's girl) Jess and I have both talked to her together and individually about how saying things of this sort makes people feel sad and hurt. No luck thus far. Early this week I really was at the end of my rope with it. Trying to cook, having an 'ink incident' in full force, after asked Avery numerous times to please put the stamps and ink away, and those four words coming out of her mouth threw me right off my ledge. I was so mad..."Stop telling me that every time you don't like something I do and go sit in time out right now!" **SIGH** I wish I could cut those words right out of her vocabulary...

Our little Avery who is four has started to tell lies. We have had numerous small instances over the last month or so. Today I realized it is becoming a problem...I left her and Ady for a few minutes and when I came back Ady had marker colored all over her face and arms. I asked what happened and who colored all over Ady. Avery immediately said Ady did it to herself, but guess who was holding the open marker in her hands...Avery. Which you could say Avery took the marker away from Ady but with all the marks on Ady's face they just could not have been self inflicted by a 17 month old with no hand gripping coordination. I asked Avery again who colored with marker all over Ady? This time the answer was one of her friends, I asked a third time, telling Avery to be honest. Once again the answer changed and she actually named a friend...who unfortunately for Avery was not present at the time(we were home alone). I placed Avery in time out. I talked with Avery about not coloring on Ady then expressed that we never tell lies or make up stories. I really doubt the message got though, since for one it caught me off guard I don't think I did my best in this instance and two I had to direct Avery's attention to me talking to her a few times...I think it may be time for a FHE on lies and honesty. Any good stories or ideas to help me teach Avery about being honest.

So, I was wondering about everyone's thought on a 12 year old having an email address. I know that I tend to be over-protective of Natalie because it's hard for me to believe that she's almost 12. I'm the secretary for our ward Young Women and I've been compiling their email addresses so that the Pres. can send them weekly calendar reminders. I was shocked to find that all the Beehives (including 12 year olds) have email addresses. I always thought that would be too young of an age. I also found out that there are several 11-12 yr olds in our ward that have Facebook. And these girls are from good families who seem to be up on safety, etc. Am I being a fuddy-duddy if I don't feel comfortable with Natalie having an email address, etc at this age? She is still so innocent and I'm trying to protect that as long as I can. I know she is going to be exposed to things that I don't approve up, but the later that happens, the better. We have talked with her about internet safety and all that, but it still makes me nervous. I mean, I have the strongest filter on my hotmail account, but I still get some porno emails in my junk mail file. This whole "growing up" thing really scares me. Natalie is at that awkward age where she's not quite sure if she wants to be a child or a pre-teen. It's very confusing for her and for us. I know there are a couple of moms here that have older children or who have raised their families already. Do you have any advice for me?

I need a new blender and am not good about 'doing homework' on these sort of things. I really covet the Vitamix blender but it's WAY outside my budget. Any good reviews, ideas, or reports to help me find out what blender to buy.

We listened to this talk on CD on our road trip and I thought it was really good. Dr. John L. Lund is funny, making me laugh. He is well educated in communication, I learned a lot. It's for couples but I think a lot of the tools can be used for all relationships and having better communication.

Dr. Laura - Preschool Bad for Children

For all of those who have to evacuate, be safe and Godspeed!

To help get the juices flowing and to get a good discussion going for all of us...I want to hear you opinon on preschool.

Today I heard on the radio (Dr.laura) say that preschool was a glorified daycare. (she is a strong advocate for SAHMs) I've talked to moms who say they think preschool is important for social development and another strong agruement for preschool is that here in Texas Kinder is all day. I hear a lot of parents say they want to make it an easy transition with preschool.My pediatrician told me last year that preschool is unnessecary because you can teach them all they need to learn at home. And all they'll need to know to start school. I know moms who do preschool as young as maybe two and others who do none at all.

My personal decision was to put my four year old(who starts kinder next fall) into a two day a week program that totals 8 hours a week (4 hours a day). I try to teach her at home but feel I am not consistent. At first I wanted to do more but the cost was too much for us. Now I am glad I didn't because I want her home with me for as long as possible before sending her out into the world to be influenced by others. Another personal belief of mine is that as members of a church that has a primary with classes starting at three we are blessed to have a sturcture to help prepare our little ones follow direction in a class setting by other adults besides their parents. I am in the middle here when it comes to preschool, yes not nessecary, yes good for kids(older in my opinion), yes it's used as a daycare for some, no it won't make you kid smarter than the other kids, so I guess it's a personal parent decision.

What's you take?

Ok, so maybe not. I guess all of you are as busy as I am! Hope all of you that are getting kids ready and off to school have had a sucessful time doing it. Maybe when things quiet down, we can start to hear from everyone again. Hope all is well!

Momville is having a giveaway to win Jack and Jill shoes. Check it out.

And...

Momdot and Simply Susann are joining up for a purse giveaway!!

I read this today and so wanted to share it. I know it totally uplifted me and maybe it will uplift one of you too.

"Do not allow yourselves to be made to feel inadequate or frustrated because you cannot do everything others seem to be accomplishing. Only you and your Father in Heaven know your needs, strengths, and desires. Around this knowledge your personal course must be charted and your choices made."
-Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, May 1984, 9

We just made it through Tropical Storm Edouard, and no major damage. On the last post I mentioned Mom and Dad's generator, and thank goodness they live next door! Our electricity was out for about 12 hours, but Mom and Dad have the generator that will power the entire house, so it felt like we had electricity...it was really nice. I think I want to move that up a little on my "wish list." We did not have to use any emergency items, but it was nice to know they were there. I think it opened my eyes a little, though, because it would be really nice to be more organized. This situation was a little different, since I could go back and forth to my house if I needed to, but if their generator had not worked for some reason, I would have probably had to pack up the kids and go somewhere else. I still had to get clothes and such together, so I think I will work on that.

With the tropical storm in the Gulf, and everyone in a panic, it has made me stop and think about how nice it is to be prepared for situations like this. We have been working on our food storage, and I have now added food to my 72-hour kits, which I am sorry to say are not quite all the way complete, yet. So, I want anyone who feels like they have a handle on their perparedness for emergencies, give the rest of us some good tips~

1. I bought a plastic accordion style folder thing (that is a horrible description, I know) but I have all of our important papers in there. In case of a fire, evac, or any other emergency, Michael and I know to go for the folder...after the kids, of course!
-insurance papers, social security cards, birth certificates, immunization records and many more.

2. We drink a lot of juice, so when we finish a container (clear plastic ones, I fill it with either tap water or water out of the frig filter) and label it with date and what type of water.

3. I have gallon jugs of water next to the toilets for emergency flushing!

4. My parents have a generator. While this is not something we are looking into purchasing right now, it would be really nice to have in the case that the electricity is out for a while.

5. I keep the gas tank above half...preferably full. I like to do this all the time, but especially during hurricane season. This is nice just in case we cannot get to any, we know we have at least half a tank.

6. If you need a good checklist for a 72 hour kit, I have one, feel free to email me!

I read this on a friends blog, thought I'd share since Amy just posted about saving money at the Grocery store.

Can a family eat on $100 a week?

Thanks, Erin!!! I haven't even made it to the other 2 blogs, but Mommies with Cents is the coolest thing ever! If you want to make posts, just email me (address at the side) and I will send you an invite. We would love to hear from you! I know you are not a mommy, yet, but if you have more great ideas like this, that would be great!!

Ok, so I somehow keep coming across these blogs, call them depressing if you want, but they can also be inspirational. This one is actually a woman named Alisa who is dealing with melanoma. Currently, she just got off her meds because it was making her too sick, but they are not sure how much time she has left. She is married, has 3 sons, is absolutely gorgeous, and is trying to make the most of what may not be much time left on earth. You can check it out if you want, but be prepared to cry. joshandalisa.blogspot.com

Michael had his Fantasy Football draft tonight, so that left me with the kids from this morning until whenever he gets home tonight. I put a movie on for the kids, and I had this idea to put together a "wish" book. Basically, I get catalogs in the mail constantly (especially Victoria's Secret), and I always see things that I want, but when I have a little extra "spending money" I can't ever think of what those things were! So, I went through the catalogs and cut out pictures of the things I liked. This also allowed me to throw away a stack of magazines! I think I am going to share it with Michael, and on my birthday and Christmas, he can just look through the "wish" book, pick something out, and get it for me! We have not actually bought each other gifts in years, because we never know what the other person wants. The funny thing is, it actually satisfied my urge to shop! I love shopping, and with 2 kids, it is not always possible to do so, so I tend to end up on the internet, and will occasionally buy myself something. So, looking through catalogs, I felt like I was shopping, maybe because I cut out the pictures (who knows), and I don't feel that craving! So, I thought I would share it with all of you. It may sound a little silly, but I thought it was fun! Oh-- I think I will broaden it to a family thing, too. There are some things that I would like to get that aren't really in the budget now, but this way, I can have a goal and something to remind me of it!

I was wondering if any of you had any good tips on how to save money on groceries?!? It seems that the ridiculous rise in gas prices has affected just about everything, including groceries. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to save some money on food. It seems like I'm spending at least $15.00 more per visit to the store than I used to. Does anyone know of any websites with coupons that the stores actually accept? Any tips would be great!

Hello, happy mommys! This mommy isn't very happy right now. You know how we get when our child has been hurt, especially through the hands of a BULLY. The kids get over it much more quickly than us moms do.
Well, my middle son, Andrew (he will turn 7 next month) has a friend he loves to play with. Unfortunately, whenever he goes over to his house to play, there is not much supervision. Evidently, this kid's house is the gathering spot for all the neighborhood kids (they have a pool). One little boy that goes there to play always seems to cause my sweet, adorable son to come home in tears. Once, he pushed a kid twice his size on him in a jumping thing at a party. The other day, he tried to CHOKE him while they were swimming. I don't mean just a little hands on the neck, either. Andrew couldn't breath. When I came to get him, Andrew was playing video games inside by himself (it had happened about thirty minutes prior to the time I was scheduled to pick him up). No call from the mom in charge (she has problems of her own).
Let me make a few things clear, here. Andrew wouldn't hurt a fly. He is my sweet child, the one who notices if I am down and says, "Don't worry, Mommy," and thanks me for all I do around the house. So I know he isn't doing anything to provoke these attacks. In fact he said his friend blamed him for doing something, and that is what set the boy off. Also, I tutor this little boy (the friend whose house they were at) and have for years.
What should I do? Should I call the boy's mom who tried to choke Andrew and tell her, or should I leave it alone? I don't want this kid to bully Andrew anymore. I know all the other kids made him feel horrible for what he did to Andrew, and the mom in charge said she did say that was wrong. Please help this unhappy mommy find happiness again...

I believe Nikia brought this up before, but I know that there is at least one other person dealing with this, so if anyone has any tips, they would be greatly appreciated!

When a new baby is born, the toddler loses all sense of reason. He acts out, and often resorts back to his "baby" ways. How do you show the toddler that you love him just as much as before, and he is still important to you??

Today, I was tested. I don't like to be tested because I usually fail miserably.

My 5 year old son had is Kindergarten test this morning at the elementary school he will be attending this year. He got to meet his teacher, see his classroom, and show her how smart he is. When the test was finished, he had to sign some papers. One of them being the computer policy from the school board. In this policy it says that the signer will not go to any unapproved websites, namely pornographic websites. Now I'm thinking "He doesn't even know how to start a computer much less get on the Internet." But, because of the way this world is going and the lack of parental involvement in some children's life, this necessary.

Now on to the part where I was tested.

At work today I was discussing this with my co-workers and my boss. The boss says that it is a shame that we have come to this. I agreed with him, as did my co-workers. Now one of my co-workers lives an alternative lifestyle and said that because of pornography she could never have a boy. In her eyes, all boys grow up to be men addicted to pornography. This is where the real test began. I felt like she was attacking my son. If she would have said "some boys" or "most boys" it might not have upset me as much. Usually, when someone makes a comment that upsets me like this one did I automatically make a comment to upset them. But this one time I didn't. Here is what I told her:
"Not all boys grow up that way. When parents be parents and teach their sons to respect women there is great possibility that they will respect us. My son will open the door for his Momma because his Daddy taught him the importance of respect. I grew up in a home where my parents always told me that if I needed to talk to them about anything I always could. And I always did. I am teaching my children this. When my son reaches puberty and things start happening that he doesn't understand I want him to know that his daddy or myself will be there to explain to him what his body is going through."
My boss and other co-worker seemed to agree with me but the one to whom I was addressing didn't say a word. You see, she doesn't know what our Jesus did for us and she doesn't understand that she can be loved unconditionally. I pray for her daily.
So, did I pass? I hope so. I think I did because I didn't get angry nor did I speak before I had time to think. I have been praying about my opinionated mouth and I think that I might be getting the hang of it. The scripture that I have been using to help with this is Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips."

Check out her new post...it's lullaby they recorded for Camille, it's beautiful.

I read this quote on a blog, the Kunz Family, and thought it was very inspirational. She recently lost her son in a tragic accident where the window blinds were wrapped around his neck while in his crib for a nap.

"Each of us will have our own Fridays (referencing that darkest of Friday's when the Savior was humiliated, bruised, and lifted upon the cross) —those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.

But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.

No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come." Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 28–30

My daughter is 13 months old. She has found her voice or scream that is. I am not exaggerating she screams. She screams because she wants food, because she wants to be pick up, because she tired, because she doesn't know what she wants....now I want to scream.

Money. I am not sure how to bring this up but I felt that I have wanted to for a while. Talking about it for myself and for helping others. I am a stay at home mom. Therefore we rely on my husband to "bring home the bacon". Which he does very willingly and as far as I know he(we) wouldn't have it any other way.
I know I am not the only women who likes to shop and spend money. But it's very often that my husband and I argue about the money I spend. What I spend it on. This doesn't happen all the time but often enough that my husband feels very frustrated with me. (I know I am not the only one, many friends of ours have the same problem)
I admit that there are times I know I have bought something we didn't need. Or have just spent too much money for the month. Gone overboard.
We talk about it, ague, if I know I am at fault I say I will do better, and I mean it full heartedly. I make a conscience effort. It always comes up again. Maybe not right away but it does.
It's hard because this is just one of those things that men and women differ from. Men want to save, save, save. Maybe buy a cool computer or TV screen along the way. While women go out and buy a pair of shoes here, a book there, and Oooo...look at that adorable kids outfit...each month.
What do you do?
Our (experimental)solution(not yet in effect but will be soon) Separate accounts(sorry I know some think this is just wrong)...we are not doing this in the traditional way...not his/her...we are going to have a family account that is for saving and bill paying only. And I will have an account that is my play money(rule no asking for more money.). I know a wife on an allowance, I don't swallow that well either. But I have thought and thought about this. I need the help, it's that simple. I don't budget well or save as best as I could when it's all in one big pot to pull from. I also look at it this way, I am helping my family save. My family will benefit in the long run.
I know this solution isn't for everyone and some of you may be budget wizards, unlike me. I just thought I'd share and put it out there. For those that have this same problem. Know many of us do. And maybe you just need a little like me.

Summertime is here. Along with long, hot, lazy days comes restless, irritable and discontent kids. Put a daddy that is recovering from neck surgery on top of that and you have lots of inside time. My children would love to sit in front of the T.V. all day, but when I turn it off and encourage them to play, I am amazed each time at where their imaginations take them. I love to sit and watch them, basking in their togetherness, forgetting about their all too often bickers. One of my favorite games to play with them is mimicking. My daughter might start it at bath time, repeating every word I say and motion I make. We always end up laughing at our ape-like shenanigans. Or my son might start copying his younger brother in the car. Last night it happened with my daughter and I began saying "I will listen to you when I'm a teenager." She repeated me and we ended up laughing, knowing that time is not too far away. Suddenly I realized that this silly game might have some significance. Maybe if we repeat those words over and over they will become a mantra for what's to come. Until then I'll just continue to play with my kids and hope for the best. Thanks for letting me share on this wonderful blog.

PIR, POS, ASL, T2MD...

Any of you know what these stand for? If not, you may be missing some key things you children are typing on the internet. I read about computer language in one of Glenn Beck's newsletters. When asked what these stood for, he didn't know, either. My kids are still very young, but with the advancement of technology, I cannot be naive to think that my kids may be exposed to the world of the internet sooner than I would prefer. We agree that our kids will not have computers in their rooms, but it would be ridiculous to think that I can actually monitor every second they are on the internet...it could happen elsewhere, as well as under my nose. While I still do not know all the texting lingo, and really do not care to, I think as moms we may need to check out some of these things so that we can be aware of some key terms in conversations. It is crazy to think that the internet was barely around when I graduated high school. I remember my freshman year at college talking about buying those sites like nike.com etc, just in case the internet got big, and those companies wanted them. I cannot believe how big it actually got! We cannot live without the internet, now. Just thought I would share that with you, just in case some of you have "computer age" kids, and for the rest of us who will be there sooner than later.

Oh--
PIR: parents in room
POS: parents over shoulder
ASL: age, sex location
T2MD: talk to me dirty (if I ever see this one, my child may never see a computer screen again!)

Some of you may be familiar with this artist, but these are some neat things that she does.

www.keatonprints.com/prints_comfort.htm

Just a random question..we have been having a lot of rain here lately and I have been trying to think of things to do inside to entertain my little guy! Does anyone have any cute ideas that would be good for a 2 1/2 year old? Due to the rain he is tired of all the inside stuff we have and wants to go outside to play on his swing set but can't!! Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!!

Hello everyone! My name is Micha and I have just join. I live in Sulphur, LA. I am married to a wonderful, Godly man and I have two beautiful children. Tyler is 5 and soon to start Kindergarten. Rebekah is 2 and will be turning 22 in August! Or so she thinks! I have enjoyed reading about all of your experiences. I look forward to sharing some of mine with you!

I hope the family that this happened to does not mind me sharing it, but I thought we may all receive inspiration from the mother's strength. I found this through a friend of Amy's blogs.

On Saturday, the family buried their 1 year old daughter who had tragically drowned in the family spa...that they had only had for 5 days. I don't know this family, but I had tears streaming down my face as I read the mother's account throughout this ordeal. The daughter was on a ventilator for a short time, but never regained consciousness. The mother turned to Christ in this time of utter despair, and although she allows herself time alone to cry in the mornings and evenings, she has been so strong. She believes whole heartedly in eternal families, and knows that her beloved Camille has a higher mission to fulfill and they will all be together again one day. She has 3 other daughters that she must stay strong for, and I truly admire her. If you would like to read about her, her blog is adailyscoop.blogspot.com.

I hope and pray that if any of us have to endure this type of pain, we will have the faith to ask God for the strength to endure. Many of us have trials on all different levels, but with the help of Christ and our Father in Heaven, we will be able to endure them. That doesn't mean it will not hurt, but we know that we will feel that sweet peace when we allow Christ to carry the load.

I have been really missing work lately. For those of you that don't know, when we moved back to Beaumont, I gave up a job that I had worked really hard for and really loved...Store Manager for Yankee Candle. I think that working inside the home is so much harder, and sometimes I think it would be nice to have a "break" and work outside the home. I think if I actually did this, it would actually make things a little more complicated, and so I was wondering if any of you do anything from home to earn a little extra money. There are so many scams on the internet, so it is hard to find legitimate work at home jobs. Let me know if any of you have found anything! I think it would be nice to give me something else to focus on sometimes, and in this hard economic time, a little extra cash never hurts!

I don't know if you guys are like me, but half the time I have no idea what to do with Bryleigh's hair. She's just now letting me put things in her hair-like putting it up. She still rips the clips out. Check out this link-this lady ROCKS! She shows you step by step how she does her girls' hair and how she makes their clips and such. Wait till you see how adorable her girls' hair is! One of my friends sent this to me.....
http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/

Here goes nothing... So most of you have figured out by now that I am not afraid to put what I am feeling out there for everyone else to scrutinize. I do it in hopes that I may in fact be dealing with things that others are, and they may benefit from it, too. With that being said, I will just go for it and talk about boob jobs.

I have never been unhappy with my bust size. I am a tiny person, and have never been well endowed, but what I had fit my body...plus I was "perky!" I knew that I may not have a lot, but what I did have, was quite nice if I do say so myself. I did not have a problem finding bras to fit me, and the "uplift" ones would give me nice cleavage. I was quite content. Then, 3 straight years of pregnancies and breastfeeding later, I am barely an A-cup, and the top is flat as a pancake. So, even if I did use an uplift, there is nothing there to lift! So, I struggle now with this option of having plastic surgery and getting breasts. I already look like I am 12, and it does not help that I have a 12 year old boy's front. I am very self-conscious, and am very unhappy with them. Michael supports me in whatever my decision, but has even offered to take on a second job for a couple of months to pay for it (well, he knows he'll benefit, too...lol). Taking money out of the equation, there are so many pros and cons. I don't want people to look at me as superficial. I don't want to wake up 20 years from now and regret it. I am just really torn...so, I decided to be very brave, and share this with all of you in hopes that I can get some honest feedback. Let me know if you look at people differently that have had them done, or if you think it is just not a moral thing to do. Any feedback...good and bad...is appreciated. I am really wanting some help on this. If you don't want to comment for others to see, feel free to email me @ alisavasquez@yahoo.com. Thanks everyone and I hope you all don't think I am shallow and superficial now!

Teresa, I forgot you are a dental hygienist...I should have just asked you! (Although, you have your hands full with your newborn right now!) Thanks to all for the suggestions, and it seems to be better. The tooth has cut through, and although it still looks swollen, it is not red, and there is no scab. I am going to keep watching it.

I think that one of Kenadie's molars that is coming in may be infected. Has anyone dealt with this and have any good tips? I thought it just flared up, but my observant dad said he noticed on a picture in my family blog from a couple of weeks ago. Sure enough, I went back, and you can see it. I gave her tylenol and advil this evening and she is much happier, but I am wondering if I should take her to the doctor. Any suggestions??

I got this from my Aunt and this was too good not to pass up. Maybe this is something we should share w/ the hubbys. hahaha
The Hormone Guide
Women will understand this! Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

DANGEROUS:

SAFER:

SAFEST:

ULTRA SAFE:

What's for dinner?

Can I help you with dinner?

Where would you like to go for dinner?

Are you wearing that?

Wow, you sure look good in brown!

WOW! Look at you!

What are you so worked up about?

Could we be overreacting?

Here's my paycheck.

Should you be eating that?

You know, there are a lot of apples left.

Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?

What did you DO all day?

I hope you didn't over-do it today.

I've always loved you in that robe!

13 Things PMS Stands For:

1. Pass My Shotgun

2. Psychotic Mood Shift

3. Perpetual Munching Spree

4. Puffy Mid-Section

5. People Make me Sick

6. Provide Me with Sweets

7. Pardon My Sobbing

8. Pimples May Surface

9. Pass My Sweatpants

10. Pissy Mood Syndrome

11. Plainly; Men Suck

12. Pack My Stuff

and my favorite one.

13. Potential Murder Suspect

Forward this information to all of your hormonal friends and those who might need a good laugh...and men who need a warning.
And remember: Money talks but Chocolate SINGS !!!
If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times!!!!

My mom fowarded this to me and I thought it was cute. If any of you have not seen this, take a second and read it...it will put a smile on your face!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island
with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.There is no fast food.Each man must take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects, cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.In addition, each man will have to budget in
money for groceries each week.Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out on time--no emailing.
Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.
He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child
to the Urgent Care.
He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.
Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed.During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps,
back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings
but never once complain or slow down from other duties.
They must attend weekly school meetings, church,
and find time at least once
to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to read a book to the kids each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks,
and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height,
weight,
shoe size,
clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear
and what they want to be when they grow up.The kids vote them off the island based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over and over again
for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right To be called Mother!

I am not as brave as Alisa so I have been debating on sharing and talking about this topic. Sex. Intimacy. Alisa was brave and talked about it (Sex and Intimacy) so I figure I could do it to and not be embarrassed. Though I have to admit I still am...very embarrassed but I will just dive right in...

We all know that men and women are 'wired' differently when it comes to sex. I think we can all agree that our husbands think and want it more than we do. I am guilty of rolling over and saying "nope, not in the mood." or "hurry up and get it over with." And I am also guilty in knowing that I could probably get my husband to do anything I wanted by having sex with him more often.

So, here's the point and the embarrassing part...for the past month I have willingly and instigated more intimacy with my husband. He has been in shock, lol. But I wanted to share this because though it didn't start out as an experiment or really much of anything. I have really noticed a difference in our relationship, he has too. He is happier, making me happier. Tension between us has been almost non existent. By showing love in the form of physical contact we act more loving in our normal daily activities. We are much close and happier together. Even being more open and talking to one another is easier.

Only after this little non experiment have I realized that one common advice I hear Dr.Laura(who I listen to whenever in the car) give women who are having relationship troubles is to put on something nice and be intimate with their husbands.

Epiphany-sex is very important to men and it's absence can be detrimental to a marriage. It's more than just sex to our husbands too. It's us showing them love.

We put all this time and effort into being mom's, our church callings, possibly working too and whatever else we do. Our husbands see that and are hurt when we don't place the same effort and importance on them and their needs. (that's something I heard from Dr.Larua, it makes sense.)

My suggestion and challenge, which you probably just don't want to hear (I can hear all your reaction now in my head, thinking I am off my rocker) is to instigate some sex with your husbands as often as possible, every night would be good, for a week or longer. (I know this isn't sustainable but it's not forever, it's just one week!) And take mental notes of the changes you start to see and feel. Just a little experiment to try. I am guessing you'll have my same epiphany.

Whoa....sharing that was difficult.It feels taboo to talk about this kind of thing. I am 14 again saying 'it' for sex or spelling sex out in a whisper because I can't say it. LOL. I hope you guys don't think I am absolutely crazy! Or a nympho...

I had to share this great website with you guys. I got it from one of my friends and she loves it!
http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/

Following Mary's update, I thought I would share this. I mentioned a while back that I thought Kenadie had a yeast infection. I took all of your suggestions, and added a couple on the internet (yogurt spread in the area was one) and it started to clear up. I went ahead and called my pediatrician to get a script to help speed up the process. I went to CVS to pick it up, and it was well over $200. I had to make a decision. I hope none of you are ever in this situation by the way. I knew the infection was beginning to clear up, but at the same time, I did not know how uncomfortable it was for her. But, $200 is a lot of money, so I had to say no, and I would continue what I was doing and just watch it. It was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. It did clear up within a few days, and about a week later, I saw a commercial for the cream that she was prescribed and it said there was a way to pay no more than $10 for it. Sure enough, I went by my pediatrician's office, and they gave me a reusable card that makes it to where the medicine is only $10. I went straight to CVS and picked it up. The medicine is called Vusion, so if any of you ever need it, get a voucher from your doctor first!!!!

Back in March I asked for help with knowing what to do with my little Adyson and what our pediatricians diagnosed as mild eczema. I took some of your suggestions with creams and lotions. Since then I have taken her to see a different pediatrician and got a prescription for Elidel(expensive stuff), which you may have seen on TV, I hadn't. But after a few applications Adyson's skin had a bad reaction. I stopped using it. Jess has been really concerned so he look up a child dermatologist in our insurance network and made an appointment for Adyson.
My first appointment I felt so stupid when after telling him what I had been doing to try to help her eczema, things like only bathing her a few times a week and the many lotions and Vaseline I was applying twice a day. He simply told me to stop all the lotions and junk, to bath her everyday with a bar of soap (he gave me a sample of Dove's sensitive skin soap) and he gave me a prescription for Desoximetaone cream(so cheap) or prescription grade cortisone to apply once a day after her bath. Seriously after one day Adyson's skin was all cleared up! Her skin is still dry but no more redness or cracking. It looks ten fold better. Amazing. So simple. Why didn't I think of it? Like I said I felt pretty silly to have a doctor tell me I need to bath my baby everyday. Especially since I was putting so much stuff on her skin everyday. Common sense should have told me that you need to wash all that stuff off her skin. Nope, I had to pay a doctor $50 to tell me this.
I have been back to see him a few times and we will continue seeing him. He has since given me a few samples of lotions to try and tackle the dryness problem and another prescription for an antihistamine to help with the itching discomfort Adyson is experiencing. We have discovered that without Adyson's bath and Desoximetaone cream everyday she immediately starts to get red and inflamed eczema again. We have to be religious with the regiment.
Thanks, for all your help, Mommies and I hope some of what I learned will help some of you too.

I am sorry this is coming so late but I had really intending on doing this for Mother's Day like Alisa's post had suggested. I even tried to get a picture taken for this sole purpose but was met with resistance. This was the outcome...
This one may be a tad bit better, it's a silly picture but we are all at least happy...
There's Me-the mommy, Samantha(16)-the niece adopted daughter, Avery(3)-the boss, and Adyson(1)-the baby.
Happy belated Mother's Day!

Well, I have decided to take the plunge and potty train Tye. He has shown interest for months, and he has gone several times, but I have not really wanted to put the time or effort into it. So, I need any and all advice that you can give me to help little boys to potty train! I will continue to let all of you know how it is going!

For anyone that has a child on the medicine Singulair you might want to rethink it. My son has been on and off of it for a year( my fault for not keeping him on it the whole time or we would have found this out a year ago. There are many people that have found problems with their kids being on this drug. It has even been the cause to bring some teenagers to suicide. Scary. Well Braydon got really bad allergies not too long ago and I brought him to his doctor, who by the way is a GREAT doctor, she told me that he needed to be on his allergy medicines all the time and even sent us to a specialist who tested him. That was the worst ever. Braydon had been a the sweetest little boy. He would always listen to you for the most part ( face it all kids have those bad days) but after him being on this medicine for just 4 days he wasn't sleeping through the night, he wouldn't listen and he was just plain out MEAN. (He is only 2) My mom was the one that finally came to me and said that I needed to check out the medicine b/c there was an article about it in our local paper. I went online and found many sites about the effects this has had on lots of kids, teenagers, and adults. I took him off the medicine and have had him on Zyrtec ever since and he is back to Braydon! He sleeps through the night again and is so sweet! I am happy to have my little boy back! Please check out google for the forums on this medicine. You would be surprised what people have done while on this drug and all the side effects. It's sad.

This past Sat., went took Natalie & Lily to a local park after supper. The park has a wooded area, a duck pond, playground and a baseball field. There are several dirt and cement paths through the woods as well. Natalie wanted to play hide and seek. Lily doesn't really get the concept yet, so she asked Coult to play. They took turns for a few times. When Natalie hid the last time, I saw her walk into the wooded area where there was a little dirt path. I thought that she stopped right there, but apparently as Coult got closer to her, she moved along the perimeter of the woods further away from him. After a few minutes, he realized that he couldn't find her. So, I walked to the area and called her name and told her to just tell me where she was and I wouldn't tell her dad so that they could keep playing the game. She didn't answer me. After a few times of calling her name I told her that we weren't playing anymore and that she needed to come out. She didn't. We were really getting concerned by this point. Natalie is 11 yrs old, so she knows that if we tell her to come out and the game is over, that it's time to come out. I started thinking of the worst things that could happen. I was scared that there might have been some adult or teenager hiding in the woods. She was only missing for probably 5 minutes, but it seemed like forever. She finally came up from behind us and felt really bad about how scared we were. She had skirted around the edge of the trees and had come up from behind us. She had no idea that we were so scared. I told her that it wasn't entirely her fault. We should have been more specific about where she could hide. We didn't want to scare her about the possibility of someone hurting her, but we discussed how there are really bad people in this world who don't care who they hurt. We've had this talk before, but we really wanted to make sure that she understood the danger. After I finished shaking, I got angry at how unfair it is that our children can't even play hide & seek, ride bikes down the block or anything out of our sight because of the evil people in this world. I know there are lots of good people too, but it still makes me so sad to think of the freedom that our children miss out on due to the dangers out there. I hope that I never have that sick feeling again that I had when we couldn't find Natalie. I can't imagine what it must be like to have your child kidnapped. My heart goes out to parents who have gone through that horrible nightmare.

I don't know if any of you get these weekly newsletters from Kids Craft Weekly or not, but I love 'em! They come full of great ideas to do with the little ones. This weeks letter won't disappoint either. They have spot lighted a great blog on there called: http://artandkids.blogspot.com/
It's free to sign up and to do so go here: http://www.kidscraftweekly.com/

Happy crafting this week!!

Alisa You have done such a good job with this site! I am really glad that I decided to join you guys! It always gives me a little boost when I need it! I really enjoy reading all the posts that have to do with the church! Thank you so much everyone!

"As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes. Have joy in your home. Have joy in your children. Have joy in your husband. Be grateful for the journey."
-Sister Majorie Pay Hinckley
My Dear Sisters pg. 5

I read this quote last night and it really touched me. I just wanted to share it!! This is a great book full of great inspiration from Pres. and Sis. Hinckley. I've been have some "downer" weeks and reading this book last night really touched me and lifted me up, so to speak. I just love this quote, but especially this part: "Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes."

Alisa, Tye (2) and Kenadie (1)

Mother's Day is coming up, and I thought it would be nice for everyone to post pictures of themselves with their little ones. Email me if you have trouble posting! We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful "Happy Mommies" on our blog!

i am a recovering anorexic/bulimic. all day long all i think about is how fat i look. when i eat in public i just know people are looking at me and thinking "she should stop eating, fat slob." when i look in the mirror i see a 400 lb girl in the when i am only 150 lbs. when i got married i wore a size 3. now i wear a size 10 and can't stand to be me. when i make love with my husband i feel like he thinks about me when i was skinny or just doesn't think about me at all to get the job done, although he tells me over and over how wonderful and beautiful i am. i feel like my friends lie to me when they tell me i am beautiful. i have two beautiful children who i know are worth it all but i am afraid that they will be embarrased by the way i look. i have a daughter that i do not want to doom with this horrible fate and i don't know how to help her when i cannot even help myself. i have friends who ask how i am so normal coming from such a crazy family (literally) but they have no idea the thoughts that go on in my head. i want to be normal, in my thoughts, but i don't know how. i know this seems intense but it is me, the me i don't want to be. i want to see myself the way everyone else says they see me.

Does anyone else ever feel like hiding from the world? Knowing you are the one hiding but feeling like you are just alone. Like it's because you are alone that's why your not doing anything. You don't want to answer your phone, leave the house, or do ANYTHING!! Nothing.

An out of body experience were you are just not you. Feeling weird. Just can't put you finger on why you feel like you are not there. Together. In one piece. There are two pieces, one doing all the things you have to do to survive. The other watching the other half. Wondering what is going on. How do you pull your self out of...whatever it is. Pulling you down. Making you feel heavy and burdened from some unseen weight.

It's nonsense. Not real. You aren't alone. So why do I feel like I am? I have no new heavy burden to carry. Nothings changed from last month when I was one piece, myself. How do I pull it all back together and feel like me again?

For now I will blame it on hormones. How cursed we are to be moody and crazed women.

On Sunday morning our neighbors dog ran into the road and was hit by a car. He died later that day. We were all at home when it happened and Jess went to help, it was a very very sad day. Levi(the dog) wasn't ours but we all felt really horrible and upset. Avery has always loved Levi. We also felt really sad for our neighbors because he was their baby. He meant so much to them.

So, to the point...Avery has been asking when Levi is coming back. I explained to her that he was hurt, went to the doctor and they couldn't help him so he died and went on to heaven. Then she was asking when he'd be alive again. I tried to explain that it doesn't work that way and we wouldn't see Levi again till we went to heaven. At first she said she wanted to see Jesus too. Didn't know what to say to that. Except it wouldn't happen for a long time. Avery was getting a little upset by then. She started telling me she didn't want to die and started rattling off every family member and friend we know saying she didn't want them to die either. Of course I explained to her that no one was dying anytime soon (knock on wood) and that I felt the same way that she did.

We had this conversation a few times today. I helped her make a card and we took flowers to our neighbors. I hope by doing this it may help her understand we can lean on one another, to comfort each other.

The hardest part for her to understand is that Levi is not coming back. I really don't know how to explain it any better to her. How do you explain something like death to a child?

Hi Moms! The voting is not quite done, yet, but not too many are voicing their opinions. I did not realize that you could "turn off" the search engine thing, and that will help...thanks Mary! So, for now, we will stay public, and I will continue to monitor our visitors! I want everyone to feel comfortable to share their thoughts and feelings with us! Also, if you do not want your name attached to a post, please feel free to email me with your thoughts and I will post them under my name! That way, you can get feedback, but you still have your privacy.

Thank you again for all of your input!

Would anyone in the future be interested in purchasing a printed copy of Happy Mommy? I don't think it is very expensive, I am actually working on publishing Vol. 1 for my family. I don't know, I just thought it would be neat.

The typical mother puts in a 92-hour work week, the company concluded, and works at least 10 jobs. In order of hours spent on them per week, these are: housekeeper, day-care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, chief executive officer and psychologist. By figuring out the median salaries for each position, and calculating the average number of hours worked at each, the firm came up with $138,095 -- three percent higher than last year's results.

Even mothers who work full-time jobs outside the home put in $85,939 worth of work as mothers, according to Salary.com.

This is an excerpt from the homemaking journey blog. I had to share it, because I thought it was so sweet and inspirational. This is from a mom of 7.

If I instead wondered what would happen if Jesus Christ came to visit, what would he see? I think I'd still be just as mortified at the state of my house, but you know, HE would know my kids had a good afternoon playing together downstairs, how good I felt that I got caught up on laundry and only had one more load to fold and that little hands tried to help, but instead got caught up in the fun of wearing mom and dad's clothes and using baby blankets as capes. I think He would know and understand that today was a day that the baby needed love and comfort and extra snuggles for an upset tummy he's not quite accustomed to experiencing yet, and therefore, why I'm wearing my pajamas from last night still, and my hair was only combed by 8:00 tonight when Hannah and Curtis offered to play with it for me. I think he would understand that I just couldn't get to mopping the floor today because Joshua had a melt down about not getting a ba-ba and slipped on half an orange he dropped on the floor and then needed me to hold and kiss him until he felt better. He would be happy to be served pumpkin pancakes and sausage for dinner.

I found this site through the sitemeter. This was the referring URL to happy mommy. I think it is a pretty neat site, and they have Happy Mommy as one of their friend links!

ahomemakingjourney.blogspot.com

Okay, I'm sorry I'm making this post. I've gone back and forth on this for awhile. I don't know how many of you have been sucked into the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, and if you haven't-you will be. lol. These books are awesome! There's three right now and a 4th will be out in August.
To those that are obsessed like myself, I joined an awesome group called Twilight Moms a few months back. It's great! It's Moms from all over the world who are also obsessed. But, we talk about everything on here-family life, kids, etc. Lisa, who started it is also a member of our faith. She wanted to have a place to go to where people 25 yrs and older would talk without all the teeny drama.
When I joined the group is was like the 158th member and now there's over 2,000 members. It's a fun site to check out. If you haven't read these books yet, I highly recommend them. There's very clean and very well written. They're very hard to put down! lol. They are a quick read too.

This is so exciting! This blog has been visited over 70 times in the past couple of days! It is neat to see how many new people are checking it out, and also how many times the rest of us check it every day! I am kinda addicted to checking it. I have tried to cut it down to 2 times a day for a little while, so that I can see how many other people are stopping by! I hope this blog is helping out everyone else as much as it is helping me!

Many of us that visit this site are active Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. For those of you that are not, we would like to emphasize the importance of family here on earth. It seems as though the world would like to spend more time outside the home, rather than in the home, together as a family. When things come up about the church and the many misconceptions of it, I know that I cannot fully explain all the gospel principals to clear any of these. So, I often think that if I could only show the world how the church emphasizes the importance of having a loving family, maybe then a lot of the negative feelings would be disolved. I have never, and will never impose my beliefs on anyone, but I want to at least share a broadcast that may ease any ill feelings someone you may know has of our church.

You can visit Lds.org; world leadership broadcast (Feb 2008, roundtable discussion) to listen to the entire broadcast, or read the script. I want to post a few of my favorite parts.

This is a roundtable discussion which includes: Elder Dallin H. Oaks (quorum of the 12 apostles), Jeffrey R. Holland (quorum of the 12 apostles), Julie Beck (Relief Society General President, Susan Tanner (Young Women General president), Cheryl Lant (Primary General President).
Sister Tanner
I grew up in a home where there was a very good marriage, but I remember my mother saying over and over to me, “This is work; to have a good marriage is hard work.” She wasn’t saying that they didn’t have a good marriage, but she meant that you never let a day go by without thinking about blessing the partner in your marriage and working on this and thinking about his or her needs.

Sister Lant
You talked about being willing to do the work that it takes. Having children is a lot of work. And we have to not be afraid of that, because it’s that very element of working hard and being willing to do whatever it takes that makes us who we are. It’s the sacrifice that makes us who we are. I want to bear my testimony of the joy that comes from having families, from having children, because there’s not only the commandment from the Lord to do it, but there are great promised blessings.

Elder Oaks
While we’re talking about this, what does it mean that the family comes first? We say that, and we believe it, but what does it mean that the family comes first?
I want to use your eyeglasses to use a metaphor from Neal Maxwell. He suggested on another subject that we write something on the inside of our glasses so that whenever we looked at any subject, we see that message. And we might say that when you put your spectacles on to look at decisions about how the family will use its time or decisions about how the ward will schedule its activities, we have written inside of our eyeglasses, “The family comes first.”

Elder Holland
I love—we all love—the line from Ecclesiastes, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). We’ve only got so much time, but we all have the same amount. So I think if we work on priorities, we can make family first. I think we can do a better job.

Elder Holland
I introduced the word pattern in those brief remarks as we started. Some of these things that we almost take for granted should not be taken for granted, like family scripture study, like family prayer, like family home evening—we tend to dash those off as if they were understood by everybody, but those ought to become part of a family pattern.

Sister Tanner
One hopeful thing about patterns is that even though we sense our imperfections in trying to establish these patterns, it’s quite remarkable and fulfilling for us as we see our children then carry on those patterns, even though we didn’t feel like we were totally perfect at it.

Sister Beck
I was raised in a big family. My parents had a lot of children. And that means there were a lot of opinions and a lot of work to care for this family. But they used the tool of family home evening to really teach us. Every week we sang “Love at Home.” That was the opening hymn. And I remember as a teenager thinking it was really tiresome to sing that hymn every week.
Elder Oaks
Sometimes that hymn is sung through clenched teeth.
Elder Holland
And by assignment.
Sister Lant
Sometimes it’s the mother’s clenched teeth.
Sister Beck
It was more a belief than a practice. But every week, Dad would say, “Now we’ll sing our opening hymn, ‘Love at Home.’ ” And when I was about 14 or 15, in that age when you question everything, I asked my father, “Why do we have to sing this hymn every week? There are a lot of good hymns in the hymnbook we could sing.”
And he looked at me very sternly, and he said, “When you have learned lesson 1, I will teach you lesson 2.” And I don’t know what lesson 2 was; we didn’t ever get there, but I have to say that after the passage of many years, I look at my family, and we do love one another. We did, somehow, over the years, learn to love each other because that was lesson 1 my parents wanted to teach. They didn’t try to cover everything. They knew if they started with that, it would work. I had a wonderful young mother approach me. She had four children under the age of six, and she said, “We are being faithful in trying to have our family scripture study every morning, but it’s just a disaster. Somebody’s always crying; they don’t pay attention.” And I said, “How long are you trying to do this?” She said, “Well, we set a goal to do 10 minutes every day.” And I said, “Well, with the audience you have, you’re probably about 8 minutes too long.” She had the pattern down, and she needed to adapt a little bit to the age of her audience. Maybe start with a picture of Adam and Eve and talk about the picture and not try to help a two-year-old read the scriptures. But she was faithful, and I loved her for that.

Sister Lant
Elder Holland, I wanted to just say a word about judging other people. We look at other people, and things are not always as they seem. We think it’s one way, but it isn’t always that way.
We had a large family, and my husband was the bishop when all the children were still very young. I would work all day Saturday and all morning Sunday to get them to church, and I had to get them there early or we just didn’t even get there. We would line the whole bench—the whole center bench was filled with our children on the second row back—and we would be there before the meeting started.
I remember one day a sister came up behind me and leaned over and said, “Sister Lant, if my kids were as good as yours and if it was as easy for me as it is for you, I would have a large family too.”
Well, I started to cry, and I cried clear through the whole meeting. And my husband kept looking at me like “What is wrong? What is wrong?” I was a mess. I completely had a come-apart. And it was because it wasn’t easy.
We tend to judge one another. We judge harshly. Or we judge unfairly as we look at others—
Elder Holland
Unkindly.
Sister Lant
—unkindly. And we don’t really know what one another’s situations are. We just have to love each other.

The Six "Be's"- Gordon B. Hinckley

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