tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50484670000433017272024-03-13T04:47:56.706-07:00...a heaven on earthAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-21678071085327002692017-02-17T06:12:00.000-08:002017-02-17T06:12:04.037-08:00Charlotte MasonWe are homeschooling this year. Well, I wouldn't really say we are "homeschooling." What we do encompasses so much more than "schooling." My children are learning to keep a home clean. They are figuring out how to get along and face disagreements without being (too) disagreeable. By pursuing what they are interested in, they are learning to take charge of their own education. Most importantly, they PLAY!<br />
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I've read so many different homeschooling books and about so many different philosophies that it makes my head spin. Every new philosophy seems like "The Truth"...until I read the next one. But I started reading the Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola and I've finally found my jam. <a href="https://www.amblesideonline.org/CM/20Principles.html">Charlotte Mason </a>was a 19th century educator who was concerned with what was happening in the school system. (Sound familiar?) She wrote many books about how to educate children at home and her work has changed thousands of lives.<br />
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In chapter four of this book, the author explains Charlotte's philosophy that "Education is a science of relations." When I read "Charlotte's desire [was] that all children gain knowledge about--and establish relations with--God, man, and the universe." I realized I had answered the pressing question "What is the purpose of Education?"<br />
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I still have a lot to learn. Our homeschool days are beautiful things. I enjoy <i>almost </i>every minute of being with my children. I have gotten over the first bump of wanting to threaten to send them back to school every time they don't do what I ask. I think the main reason for this change is that I've stopped comparing what we are doing at home to what they would be doing at school. This is no easy feat considering that I was trained as a public school teacher. We are finding our own way and defining education for ourselves in a way that makes sense and is comfortable to us.<br />
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To me, establishing relations with God, man, and the universe means reading quality literature, studying God's word, exploring the world He created, spending time learning together. One of the most common comments I get when people find out I'm homeschooling is "I could never do that! I don't have enough patient/my kids don't listen to me/etc..." Following Charlottte Mason's philosophy really takes all of those problems away. I'm not forcing my kids to follow a box curriculum. I'm not constraining them to do all their "learning" between 8 am and 3 pm. We are not prepping for a standardized test. We have made a complete paradigm shift and let go of what the bureaucracy says education should be. I could not be happier!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-27268698927650891902017-02-16T06:11:00.001-08:002017-02-16T06:43:25.312-08:00Black bean brownies-gluten free<div class="ingredients-section" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400; margin: 10px 0px 16px; padding: 0px;">
These low-fat, lower sugar, gluten free brownies are a delicious way to get your chocolate fix! I played around with a recipe I found at <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/">Chocolate Covered Katie </a>and I love the result!</div>
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Ingredients:</h2>
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<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well)</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 tbsp cocoa powder</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/2 cup quick oats (be sure the oats are certified gluten free if gluten is a problem for you)</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/3 cup sugar or sugar substitute (honey, maple syrup, etc...)</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/3 cup applesauce</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 tsp pure vanilla extract</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1/2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2 eggs</li>
<li itemprop="recipeIngredient" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> 2/3 cup chocolate chips. Do not leave these out!</li>
</ul>
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<div class="recipe-instructions" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
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Instructions</h3>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-quality blender and blend until very smooth. I did 3 "batters" cycles on my BlendTec. Add batter to greased 8" or 9" pan and bake 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Do not over bake. Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Adapted from a recipe at <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/09/06/no-flour-black-bean-brownies/#1GpxmQKAlD9DWmrG.99">Chocolate Covered Katie</a>.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-77886858449314841342013-09-30T14:05:00.003-07:002013-09-30T14:05:53.396-07:00A stroller for the twinsMany of you who read this blog know about my little sister <a href="http://littlebitoflytle.blogspot.com/">Whitney</a>. She and her husband Evan have been down a hard road, but we are so excited about their twins, who could arrive any time now that Whit is 32 weeks! Hopefully the babies bake a few more weeks, but the end is definitely in sight.<br />
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Now I need to ask for a favor. We have been wanting to do something really nice for them. Something that would be useful and appreciated. You see, Evan is in medical school, and funds are tight. And this is their dream stroller:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_l9J6Hjc3i8jjJTJstvcSVX5i-fYf_OIIyJt_G-T3PdT3u7rZe4P5AObIc1EC2C2TbM_KzJUR6_FreTxQd7YpbbjhD7V9hR35Y0VqKvLfS-grr74PsDX-6E0Qqk_tuoNbMtQkgFUzZo/s1600/bob1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_l9J6Hjc3i8jjJTJstvcSVX5i-fYf_OIIyJt_G-T3PdT3u7rZe4P5AObIc1EC2C2TbM_KzJUR6_FreTxQd7YpbbjhD7V9hR35Y0VqKvLfS-grr74PsDX-6E0Qqk_tuoNbMtQkgFUzZo/s320/bob1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
The only problem? This stroller is almost $500. (And that is with my REI discount!) Some might argue that they could get a much cheaper stroller, but this is a top-of-the-line stroller. It lasts decades. It is really great! And sometimes, when you have had 2 babies born still, you just want something nice for the babies that you have.<br />
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Will you help us? In essence we are throwing them an online "stroller shower!" And YOU are invited! $5-$10 would be SO appreciated in meeting our goal!!<br />
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For information on how to contribute to this gift, please contact me at crystalDOTdeardenATgmailDOTcom.<br />
Thank you!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-75171207180540728112013-03-21T20:54:00.000-07:002013-03-21T21:03:06.822-07:00Musing on MotherhoodMotherhood has been on my mind a lot lately. It's no wonder, I am a full-time mom to three little girls! But I've had a couple of thoughts in particular that I need to write down!<br />
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Becoming a mother to my first daughter was heaven! When she and I were together, I felt like I was born to mother. Every second was a fulfillment of my lifelong desire to raise children! (Well, maybe a few of those sleepless nights were annoying, but they were outweighed by the giggles, games of peekaboo, songs, and general joy a baby can bring!) I recall a specific instance of feeling proud of myself for never even feeling angry or annoyed at my child. She was nine months old or so and I felt so successful. I was so patient, so caring, so engaging. Motherhood, while I knew it wouldn't be easy, would be something I enjoyed every second of.<br />
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Now I look back and laugh at my 25-year-old self. I also feel a little pity. She had no idea what was coming. The heartache of having a child you can't comfort. The embarrassment of a child flinging herself on the floor in the middle of Hobby Lobby. The years (literally) of only a handful of nights of uninterrupted sleep. Not to mention all the "You're the meanest mom ever!"s and "I'm not your kid anymore!"s. I thought I was patient THEN!? And then people tell me it's going to get worse? My oldest is only 5!! (PS if you are a mom to teens, please don't dishearten exhausted young mommies by telling them it only gets worse! Just give them a hug and offer to do their dishes!)<br />
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It took me a while to put my finger on why motherhood has become so hard for me. Why do I sometimes have days when I wish I could be doing ANYTHING ELSE? Why do my patience and sanity seem to hang by a thread with every small trial? The answer came to me last week. My entire life, things have come pretty easy. Learning and school were simple, college wasn't bad, I felt like I was progressing in my career as a teacher and was naturally competent in that field. But nothing compares to motherhood. It's not easy for me! It is all-day, all-night, day in and day out with little thanks and rare golden moments that make it all worth it. Growing up, with a little effort I could master a skill. But just when I think I can handle a tantrumming toddler, I get thrown some major kindergartener attitude and I feel like all the skills I have developed are meaningless. <br />
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Tonight I was talking to my dad on the phone. I told him that I felt I needed to get my teacher re-certification done soon. He asked me why. The answer I gave had some weight, but it didn't really describe my true feelings. I told him that sometimes I forget that I used to know stuff. That I used to be good at stuff besides washing dishes and changing diapers. Perhaps I need to dig deeper to realize how much I know about maintaining a home, budgeting, child development, teaching, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and many other things that I could never have learned as well had I not chosen to become a mother!<br />
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Does the answer I gave my daddy make it seem like dishes and diapers are a drudgery? Motherhood is anything but monotonous to me. I mean, at any given moment I could be trying to problem solve my toddler's tantrum, while helping my three-year-old clean up the lotion she rubbed on every square inch of the bathroom (while having the chat "lotion is for grown-ups and it costs money, so you don't get to touch it, ok?"), or teaching my five-year-old how to read (and trying not to get frustrated that she still sometimes just can't tell "b" from "d". Darn those letters that mirror each other!)<br />
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When I really think about it, my life can not be called boring. It's still hard, and compounded by the fact that my husband works a lot. I won't go there in this post but if often feels like I'm the lone warrior in a huge battle. (Come to my house at bedtime if you want to see the battle in action!)<br />
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So there you have it. My meandering thoughts on motherhood. I'm more patient now that I ever thought possible, and hopefully I will gain even more patience and perspective before the "teenage years" set in. Can I be honest? I am just going to be SO excited when I don't have to help wipe bums, hold the 3 year old down to brush her teeth, or constantly get healthy snacks for hungry bodies. (Why are my kids always desperately hungry 20 minutes after dinner?!) I have hope that they'll be able to do those things on their own at some point. But will I miss the requests for more tickles, playing "I'm gonna get you!", and snuggling sweet-smelling littles while reading books?<br />
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I'll end with the words of a wise mother: "<i>Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world’s goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.</i>"<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/mothers-who-know?lang=eng"> Julie Beck</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-61413709599686690212013-02-15T15:00:00.002-08:002013-02-15T15:00:57.988-08:00Pornography is NOT OKAY!A few years ago my sister mentioned something on her blog about the harmful effects of pornography. I should go and find that post, but I don't think that was even the main point of the post. However, the backlash from some of her readers was astounding. So many people justifying the viewing of pornography! Some even tried to convince themselves that watching porn with their husbands enriched their relationship! Really? Do you really think your husband is thinking about YOU when he sees other humans objectifying themselves? <br />
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Over the last few years, I have read a lot and seen people I love being harmed by pornography use. And it isn't just men! I knew a girl in high school who was ADDICTED to trashy romance novels. I don't think it served her well. <br />
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I am SPEAKING OUT! ENOUGH! As a Latter Day Saint, I believe that one of the greatest gifts God gave us (After His Son, and agency) was a BODY! That body is the home for our spirit. Each person on this earth is a Spirit Son or Daughter of God. But the entire point of pornography is to view each other as objects that we can use for gratification. I have had yucky guys check me out. It's disgusting. I feel violated. I don't wear provocative clothing (although even if I did, I still deserve to be treated as a human and not a piece of meat!).<br />
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Pornography is NOT OK. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition is NOT ALRIGHT!! It's wrong! Women, where are our voices? Why aren't we united against this degrading mind-washing scheme! <br />
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I love the group <a href="http://www.beautyredefined.net/porn-pop-culture-a-deadly-combination/">Beauty Redefined</a>. Read their research! The things they write are SO important!<br />
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I know this post isn't the most eloquent, well-written post. Someday my kids will be older and I'll will have time to proof-read and revise my writing. But it is still important!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-52259216729064047292013-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:002013-01-09T10:04:36.197-08:00Just a thoughtSince becoming a mother almost five years ago, my life has been filled with minor anxieties about teaching my children. I believe I am equal to the task, but it seems there is a lot of room for parent failure! Fortunately, I am doing my best to seek the help of my Heavenly Parents. I have thought a lot about how Heavenly Father and Mother (I see no reason to leave her out, I feel confident that she and I were very close in the pre-mortal realm and I love her!) parent us. The Eyre's wrote a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Solutions-Parenting-Challenges-ebook/dp/B004NNV0T0">great book</a> that gives lots of lessons we can learn from our Heavenly Parents, and I won't go into those. BUT, a few minutes ago I did have a thought, and I thought I would share it and let you take it where you want.<br />
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When the <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/4?lang=eng">Savior fasted for forty days</a> at the beginning of His ministry, he was then tempted by the devil. I have borne testimony to my children many times about the reality and divinity of the Savior. But I think it's important to remind them that Lucifer is real, and that he wants to claim us. In<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76?lang=eng"> D&C 76</a>, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery bear powerful testimony of Jesus Christ. "He lives, for we saw Him, even on the right hand of God." (verses 22-24) Then, they are shown in vision the fall of Satan. (verses 25-30) "And this we also saw, and bear record." I wouldn't call it a testimony of Satan, but it is important to acknowledge that yes, he is real. And He "maketh war with the Saints of God." </div>
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So, the conclusion I draw from this is that not only must we warn our children of Satan's desire to have power over us, but perhaps one way they can combat his temptations is by using the same strategies the Savior did when he was tempted after a period of fasting. Our family will be studying these scriptures and seeking to learn how to make it through these temptations. </div>
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How do you teach your children to withstand the temptations of the devil?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-26626806690205318292012-11-05T12:39:00.001-08:002012-11-05T12:39:30.641-08:00Thanksgiving booksThanks to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>, I found <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1089.Best_Children_s_Thanksgiving_Books">a list of Thanksgiving children's books</a>. I've already put some on hold at the library. I may order our favorites through Amazon. Or maybe not. Because I just bought a Blendtec, and I'm not allowed to spend any more money for like a year. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL1JlbwfLWH2pVNudgIsQ-DjrOSrtY5dMIfOeyruhnTbuO_SE-X0ckVFkL3k4mBF36cKfcTBYolcMFuPHjZY3wXdHAoBLhGkYhlc2NU1mQf9Oy4gIvZsjPrZzCybNtXRH_EjWh7OAyFY/s1600/613TcLKyyxL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL1JlbwfLWH2pVNudgIsQ-DjrOSrtY5dMIfOeyruhnTbuO_SE-X0ckVFkL3k4mBF36cKfcTBYolcMFuPHjZY3wXdHAoBLhGkYhlc2NU1mQf9Oy4gIvZsjPrZzCybNtXRH_EjWh7OAyFY/s1600/613TcLKyyxL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
ps. If you like reading, join Goodreads. It's my favorite. :)<br />
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*Image from Amazon.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-62627272379260217202012-11-01T16:27:00.002-07:002012-11-01T20:07:10.219-07:00Thanksgiving AdventRemember<a href="http://homecanbe.blogspot.com/2012/03/here-we-go-again.html"> this little girl</a>?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXf8B7bBV-D_4u364aqCLxZF28Ih-_QcsoAXPmFHk4bDON0Z8Zlvvz1LEDpyYUcsDcvvOzt-l8jvvr3Jfe5y3GwUquth8jqXPEssekzdKPiqLv-tZ-rE6yEOju2frNb71RTZW08mFfoQ/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXf8B7bBV-D_4u364aqCLxZF28Ih-_QcsoAXPmFHk4bDON0Z8Zlvvz1LEDpyYUcsDcvvOzt-l8jvvr3Jfe5y3GwUquth8jqXPEssekzdKPiqLv-tZ-rE6yEOju2frNb71RTZW08mFfoQ/s200/IMG_0727.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNlO0y5oqCRGFlJ89jll-_pgRqsaogRRHzaAbZnHSuqHJDNlSGtu6DHHdN_74Fv8V1-wIcb8cyE4-tzq90MtbTahF-lD801WeaAGMwxckxn9tPTjGj2Hs9IvKgvvPXAnq46OBdajvW40/s1600/dearden+family+pictures+036+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNlO0y5oqCRGFlJ89jll-_pgRqsaogRRHzaAbZnHSuqHJDNlSGtu6DHHdN_74Fv8V1-wIcb8cyE4-tzq90MtbTahF-lD801WeaAGMwxckxn9tPTjGj2Hs9IvKgvvPXAnq46OBdajvW40/s320/dearden+family+pictures+036+copy.jpg" width="214" /></a>She turned one. In August. And she still doesn't sleep "through the night." I use the term "sleep through the night" quite loosely, but this babe still wakes up every three hours. After the first round of sleep training, I spent 5 months with a baby who would not be put down, nor let anyone else hold her. We've tried sleep training her a couple times, and the last time was working until she got a bunch of ear infections, and then started teething. So we're trying again. I just have to say that if I could go back to my first-time-mother self, I would tell myself to not worry about "sleeping through the night." lol.<br />
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Isn't she just a sweetie though? Love this blue-eyed darling!<br />
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Blogging has just been on the back burner. It still is, but I wanted to share this idea, even if it is a tad tardy.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving Advent:</span></u></h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU7IYUaxtYNu6xpE1Hf9xb1psXQuPd0MzdcJCYwHV5_vwoqFWNK7ryjwYkE7KJEOxVoL3H1WnjAILD2tWYHiYvtIzMc62s4apwHWyEc4Az21ZTdPAazvyb_pldiaFluKkFn8jXD_U63Q/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAU7IYUaxtYNu6xpE1Hf9xb1psXQuPd0MzdcJCYwHV5_vwoqFWNK7ryjwYkE7KJEOxVoL3H1WnjAILD2tWYHiYvtIzMc62s4apwHWyEc4Az21ZTdPAazvyb_pldiaFluKkFn8jXD_U63Q/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="240" /></a>Nov 1. Make advent activity chain and introduce gratitude to kids (hopefully they already get it!)<br />
Nov 2. Write a list of people we can thank (brainstorm, all the people who help us in our lives)<br />
Nov 3. Service project: Make a few sack lunches and hand them out to people standing outside parking lots of stores. There are always people in our area.<br />
Nov 4. Tell the story of the <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/1985/11/gratitude-and-thanksgiving?lang=eng">10 Lepers</a>. Memorize <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7?lang=eng">Alma 7:23</a><br />
Nov 5 F.H.E. (Family Home Evening) about gratitude, begin gratitude journal with each child. Each night after stories we will talk about what we are grateful for that day and write it down, draw a pic, etc.)<br />
Nov 6. Visit retirement center and sing songs, or do Thanksgiving art project. (think Pinterest)<br />
Nov 7. Read Thanksgiving books and sing Thanksgiving songs. (I'll give suggestions soon!)<br />
Nov 8. Bake bread (or some treat) to take with thank-you notes the next day.<br />
Nov 9. Write & deliver anon 5 thank you notes w/ bread<br />
Nov 10. Service project: make a baby blanket (or several) for people in need (local hospital, women's shelter, etc) This should be fun to get my kids started with some basic sewing!<br />
Nov 11. Memorize <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/37?lang=eng">Alma 37:37</a>, write a thank you note to some one in the military.<br />
Nov 12. F.H.E. Do thy alms in secret. <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/13?lang=eng">3 Ne 13:2-4</a><br />
Nov 13. Art Project with our playgroup friends. <br />
Nov 14. Write and illustrate our own thanksgiving book (I'll let the girls guide this one, they can retell the first thanksgiving, tell a story about gratitude, etc. It will be a <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/shared-writing-30686.html">shared writing</a> experience. :)<br />
Nov 15. Make caramel popcorn to take with thank-you notes the next day.<br />
Nov 16. Write and deliver 5 anon thank you notes. (Emphasize "doing alms in secret" with the kids.<br />
Nov 17. Service project. I plan on calling a local shelter to see what we can do, maybe we'll try and collect coats and shoes, or something simple my preschoolers can help with.<br />
Nov 18. Memorize <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/100?lang=eng">Psalms 100:1-5</a><br />
Nov 19. F.H.E. Love our enemies <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/12?lang=eng">3 Ne 12:4</a>4<br />
Nov 20. Act out the first Thanksgiving with costumes we made.<br />
Nov 21. Art Project: dinner table centerpiece and decorations.<br />
Nov 22. Thanksgiving day 5k as a family!!<br />
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For the last 2 Thanksgivings (is that a word?) I've wanted to do something purposeful to help my little ones really understand the Holiday! Hopefully we will stick to our fun schedule. And if not, well, I guess I won't blog about it. :)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-79357677900252108442012-11-01T15:51:00.000-07:002012-11-01T15:52:14.114-07:00Things to read Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBycMgXGJ9AZXo7aA2XAZHdt0qlxIT01-2k9Zxu-sFJN_XwXeqanUt91fNHGawxotBFk-QPPEiceMM5rwNFqTdmlzDGTHbOmlSAXNRdQUBrOW_Na-GjGRvN0xuxK_aqg8oiXqygGRPOzI/s1600/piggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBycMgXGJ9AZXo7aA2XAZHdt0qlxIT01-2k9Zxu-sFJN_XwXeqanUt91fNHGawxotBFk-QPPEiceMM5rwNFqTdmlzDGTHbOmlSAXNRdQUBrOW_Na-GjGRvN0xuxK_aqg8oiXqygGRPOzI/s320/piggle.jpg" width="216" /></a>A few weeks ago my dearest friend, Annie, mentioned that her girls were reading <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25051.Mrs_Piggle_Wiggle"><i>Mrs. Piggle Wiggle</i></a> for their K-12 home school curriculum. Because Annie knows my 4 1/2 (can't leave out the "1/2" or I get in trouble) year-old well, she suggested I try reading it to DD1. We checked it out this week and began reading it.<br />
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DD1 is fairly interested, and pays attention, although there are quite a few words she doesn't understand yet. It gives us a lot to talk about. I, however, am LOVING this book! So clever, so fun, so informative. I wish I had a parrot so I could try the "answer-backer cure." <br />
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So go read it to your kids. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-10090756084780882762012-08-04T21:46:00.002-07:002012-11-01T15:56:46.890-07:00RespectI recently came across this photo on Facebook:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSYy5adqxBg9KaUZnQn51lhLpAzhBRXv68dkj4iA-Wl6lwRgz56pDLtqgyCveQgS2YWE-c7HzDmmQqMBVVpye54ZNfFDccHnExEuejzbqy-aTPBgvU_GTwoeELeU15uWkOm_fhOhev6Q/s1600/spanking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSYy5adqxBg9KaUZnQn51lhLpAzhBRXv68dkj4iA-Wl6lwRgz56pDLtqgyCveQgS2YWE-c7HzDmmQqMBVVpye54ZNfFDccHnExEuejzbqy-aTPBgvU_GTwoeELeU15uWkOm_fhOhev6Q/s320/spanking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was appalled, for several reasons.
For the record, I'm not <b>as</b> against spanking as some people I know. But I never actually feel good about spanking. The main reason I don't spank is because I don't think it's right to treat people that way, and children are people too. Also, I know myself well enough to know that if I did totally fly off the handle, I might hurt my child. One stern pat on the bum: not too much of a problem. But that's not how I was spanked as a child. And when I got spanked, I was angry, and devastated, and hurt (physically and emotionally). I felt manipulated. Nobody should have that kind of power over another human being.<br />
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As <a href="http://mormon.org/">followers of Christ</a>, we should be especially cautious about using corporal punishment to "control" our children. <a href="http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/doctrine-and-covenants-visual-resources">Joseph Smith</a> said that “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves.” (Messages of the First Presidency, comp. James R. Clark, 6 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965–75, 3:54.)<br />
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In <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants Section 121</a> we read that those who offend littles ones would be better off with a millstone hung around their neck and drowned in the depths of the sea!
In that same section we find the formula for any stewardship, which I think includes parenting:<br />
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41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;<br />
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42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—<br />
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43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
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Wow! What a formula! So first we try to persuade. We are patient (that's the long-suffering part), we continue in gentleness toward them (I don't think spanking could be categorized as "gentleness.") and by LOVE UNFEIGNED!
Then comes the part that many misapply and misinterpret: "reproving betimes with sharpness. Sounds like spanking might be included in that. But if you look up the definitions of some of these words, you find something interesting!<br />
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<b>Reprove</b>: (1) To scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent. (2) To express disapproval of<br />
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<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betimes"><b>Betimes</b></a>: In good time; early.<br />
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<b>Sharpness</b>: There are many definitions for this word, but I don't think any of them apply in this case. You might think that "sharp" would mean "harsh" but that contradicts verse 41. I think it matches more closely to the concept of vision. If you see something sharply, you see it crisply and clearly. It is my opinion that in this verse, the connotation is "clarity."<br />
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Translation: In disciplining our children, we must gently correct early or quickly with clarity.
As disciples of Christ, I do not think it becomes us to do anything that brings harm to others. We also know that "Whosoever is angry...is in danger of the judgement of God (3 Ne 12:22)." I don't know about you, but I have never seen someone spank their child who wasn't angry. Myself included.<br />
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Now that I've explained some doctrine related to how we should raise our children, I have to refute some of the obvious fallacies of the FB picture I shared at the beginning of this post.
I take issue with the first phrase [I] "have to laugh at people who are against spanking." Really? You laugh at people with a different opinion/worldview from you? Hmmmm. Did spanking really teach you to respect others, or just to control or be unaccepting?<br />
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"I didn't hate them[parents]." Really? They whipped your butt and you weren't mad? How subservient of you. Or are you just lying to yourself?
"I sure respected them." Now it's my turn to generalize. Older people are super duper famous for forgetting how things ACTUALLY were. Trust me, I've seen it. My dad is convinced that none of his kids ever threw tantrums, and that my hellion brothers were docile and obedient. (yeah, right!) Maybe it's not just older people, all of us tend to have a less-than accurate memory, and we generally want to justify our behavior. Saying "I turned out fine" is quite the cop-out.<br />
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"This is why kids nowadays have no respect for anyone." Well, that's a gross over-generalization if I ever read one! I know lots of respectful kids. And don't the facts that kids are incredibly <a href="http://www.entitlementtrap.com/">entitled</a>, have all the gadgets they want which prevent them from actually interacting with humans, and are required to have very little responsibility have something to do with lack of respect? It's all because they don't get spanked?! Wow! I should start spanking ever day!
In reality, the fact is that kids learn respect by being respected. Call me whatever you want, but I refuse to believe that you should respect someone just because they were born earlier.<br />
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I know what you're thinking: "Respect your elders." My motto is different: "respect everyone!" That is what the Savior asked of us! And if I don't respect my kids, then how can I expect respect from them?<br />
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<u> In regards to this "spanking is the best way to parent" photo, my summary is this: </u><br />
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1. Spanking is ONE strategy. It may or may not work. And for many parents it does not work.<br />
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2. There are OTHER strategies. Some of the most successful ones I've used include:<br />
*distraction and redirection<br />
*Offering limited choices<br />
*Be sure your child isn't acting up because they are tired, hungry, or just need a snuggle<br />
*try and understand where your child is coming from. Empathize with them.<br />
*occassional rewards.<br />
*LOTS of love<br />
*prevention (eg. prevent lying by asking "why did you do this?" instead of "Did you do this?" Make sure they aren't hungry or tired, try and understand what motivates your child and what tempts them)<br />
*TALK to your kids. Build a warm, trusting relationship<br />
*Forgive yourself everyday.<br />
*Forgive your kids every day.<br />
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3. Don't judge other people's parenting. Ever. Every parent/child relationship is unique.<br />
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4. Don't tell other people how to parent.(I learned this the hard way. Trust me on this one!) You are the expert on your child. God gave you that child for a reason.<br />
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5. Do your homework. Learn as many strategies as you can and build skills that can help in tough situations.
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6. Remember that strategies aren't always helpful. Sometimes you just need to take a timeout before you hurt someone!<br />
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When the woman taken in adultery was brought before the Savior, he didn't judge her. He said "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." I sure wouldn't want someone hurting me because I make a mistake, and believe me, I make plenty! Spanking says to kids "I know what's best for your body and I need to be in control of you." I'm sure grateful to people around me who give me the benefit of the doubt when I mess up! I'm grateful to not have anyone there to yell at me or belittle me. I would like to show the same respect for my children. I will gently correct them early on with clarity. But I have committed to not spank my kids. And for that, please don't laugh. Actually, laugh all you want. I'll still try to respect you.<br />
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*I do have to admit that I have sometimes spanked. But I have never felt good about it. I also would not want anyone to feel guilty for whatever they have done with their children that wasn't abusive.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-76708331514423475922012-04-07T10:50:00.003-07:002012-11-01T16:28:26.803-07:00Easter Treasure Hunt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxhWWQ7Hx90sDaQ9WuxEGAc2MWHFX002zBSnTFau7VWNnMXjy4YUk8hdmcecAGm275Dk-cimJALNzm6nZLIEYQrckb1moiDOJVaQvbugTkTk7cU7O1aeaqqZi6M_jrBODawM9UTWuaH0/s1600/the-second-coming-39618-wallpaper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxhWWQ7Hx90sDaQ9WuxEGAc2MWHFX002zBSnTFau7VWNnMXjy4YUk8hdmcecAGm275Dk-cimJALNzm6nZLIEYQrckb1moiDOJVaQvbugTkTk7cU7O1aeaqqZi6M_jrBODawM9UTWuaH0/s320/the-second-coming-39618-wallpaper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728721046782940978" /></a><br />I LOVE Easter. Celebrating life, and especially the Resurrection of my Savior, is a wonderful reminder that death is not the end, and I am filled with gratitude for His sacrifice and the wonderful gift, given freely to all!<br /><br />After participating in several Easter Egg hunts that were over in 5 minutes and seemed to have little, if anything, to do with Easter, I came up with an Easter Treasure Hunt. The materials I use are LDS materials, but feel free to improvise. Please link back to this post if you share this idea!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Helpful tips:</span><br />*I start by talking to the kids about expected behavior. No pushing, shoving, hitting, bullying, etc. The kids are siblings and cousins, so I don't anticipate too much of a problem. Most of the clues have a "challenge" attached, which everyone must participate in. Grown-ups can help with the reading, and adult participation is required to make this go smoothly.<br />*I hide all the clues in blue plastic eggs (Blue Clues, so they can remember)<br />*The oldest grandchild participating can read. This might be too complicated for toddlers and babies. (ok, obviously) We'll see how my 2 1/2 year old will do, but I think my 4-year-old will LOVE it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #1</span>:Sing “I lived in Heaven.” <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #1</span>: The Wise man built his house upon the _________. Sing the song, the missing word is where you will find your next clue. (This clue is hiding by a big rock in the yard, they will have to run around and search for it).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #2</span>: Look up Helamen 5:12 on page 378 of the Book of Mormon, and read it out loud together.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #2</span>: Look at this picture (GAK 100 The creation) I am hiding here, Jesus created me on the fourth day. I have wrinkly, rough skin, and provide shade for you on a hot summer day. Find the next clue by finding me.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #3</span>: Jesus also created our bodies. Do 10 jumping jacks and thank Heavenly Father for your strong, Healthy Body.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #3</span>: Another name for Jesus is “The Bread of Life.” Why do you think that is? Go find some bread to find your next clue. (Next clue hiding in pantry, or bread box, where ever you keep bread)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #4</span>: Give a hug to someone you love!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #4</span>: <a href="http://www.lds.org/media-library/images/gospel-art/new-testament?lang=eng#john-baptizes-christ-39544">GAK 208 </a>Jesus was baptized to show us the way. When we get baptized, we are clean and we show that we will follow Jesus. Find you next clue where you clean your body. (Bath tub)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #5</span> <a href="http://www.lds.org/media-library/images/gospel-art/new-testament?lang=eng&start=11&end=20#crucifixion-christ-anderson-39598">GAK</a> Jesus was crucified by men who did not understand who he was. When he died, he was laid in a tomb. Find your next clue in a place where one of you lay down at night to sleep. (A bed of one of the children)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #6:</span> Sing "Families can be together forever” <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #6</span>. <a href="http://www.lds.org/media-library/images/gospel-art/new-testament?lang=eng&start=11&end=20#resurrected-christ-39608">GAK </a>Because Jesus loved us, he died for us, and then was resurrected! That is what Easter is all about! We can live together in families forever because death is not the end of life! Find your LAST clue in a place that reminds us how Families can be together forever. (hint: it’s a place where Moms and Dads can be married for Eternity!) (A picture of the temple.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Challenge #7</span>: Each person must tell one thing they believe about Jesus.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clue #7</span>: JUMP around to find a treasure for each of you! (Easter Baskets are hiding by a the trampoline.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-77566333777492441822012-03-19T21:08:00.003-07:002012-03-19T21:25:34.563-07:00Here we go again.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXf8B7bBV-D_4u364aqCLxZF28Ih-_QcsoAXPmFHk4bDON0Z8Zlvvz1LEDpyYUcsDcvvOzt-l8jvvr3Jfe5y3GwUquth8jqXPEssekzdKPiqLv-tZ-rE6yEOju2frNb71RTZW08mFfoQ/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXf8B7bBV-D_4u364aqCLxZF28Ih-_QcsoAXPmFHk4bDON0Z8Zlvvz1LEDpyYUcsDcvvOzt-l8jvvr3Jfe5y3GwUquth8jqXPEssekzdKPiqLv-tZ-rE6yEOju2frNb71RTZW08mFfoQ/s320/IMG_0727.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721827638123320962" /></a><br />If you have followed my blog for a while, you might remember when <a href="http://homecanbe.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-am-not-your-lovey.html">I was about to lose my mind from lack of sleep with DD</a>2. <br /><br />Well, we're there again. This time with my darling 7 month old, DD3. As I type, she is in her bed screaming. Because I am about to lose my mind. <br /><br />It is getting pretty bad. I taught a lesson in church yesterday, and although I'm relieved to have made it through the lesson, I was so exhausted that during the discussion I could hardly pay attention. Did I mention that I was giving the lesson? Don't tell anyone, but during parts of the discussion I was totally zoned out. I tried so hard to focus, and just couldn't. At the beginning of the lesson, I even sang in a trio. I started each verse on the wrong note and messed up the words. <br /><br />My brain is not functioning too well. My head is constantly hurting. My body is physically exhausted. <br /><br />So she is "crying it out." Call me what you will. Heartless, abusive (yes I have heard those analogies lately describing the kind of parent I have become.) But something's got to give. <br /><br />I think she'll be ok.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-2425406054569930672012-03-12T12:23:00.001-07:002012-03-12T12:25:38.260-07:00Multigrain breadThe ladies over at <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites</a> shared a fabulous <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/multigrain-bread/">multi-grain bread recipe</a>. I am in H-E-A-V-E-N! And I pretty much subbed out all the white flour for whole-wheat. Because that's how I roll. Happy Bread making!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-25708236407299613062012-03-11T21:30:00.002-07:002012-03-12T12:08:25.270-07:00WonderflourI found a <a href="http://www.chefbrad.com/grain/articles.php?qid=5">great recipe</a> that I am anxious to try...as soon as I buy me some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt">Spelt </a>(I have barley and brown rice).<br /><br />Apparently this makes great flour that is a superb substitute for white flour...even in <a href="http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2012/02/20/cream-cheese-and-jam-cookies-made-with-healthy-white-flour/">desserts</a>! I'll let you know the results when I try it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-84721457787036967742012-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:002012-03-12T12:08:33.654-07:00http://thepianoguys.com/music/<a href="http://thepianoguys.com/music/#.T00Y9JWZ5no.blogger">http://thepianoguys.com/music/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-23235710096122783982012-02-27T10:28:00.006-08:002012-03-12T12:21:42.189-07:00What God gave me time for.Before I had children, I promised myself I'd never be the mother who asked "Why did I ever want children?" but sometimes I find myself thinking "I don't want to do this anymore." It's kind of like the feeling I had toward the end of labor with my last two children. I was exhausted. Mentally, physically, and emotionally spent. That time in labor is called "transition." I also sometimes experience that feeling during a run. I just. Don't. Want. To. Keep. Going. <br /><br />But with labor, there was only one alternative: have the baby. What a glorious reward for my pain and struggle! And I know that I always feel great after a run. I feel strong. I feel like I can do anything.<br /><br /><a href="http://homecanbe.blogspot.com/2010/02/mommy-melt-down.html">Motherhood </a>is a little different. Frequently I find myself struggling along, wondering how I'm supposed to do a good job at all the necessary tasks, and I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of laundry. I used to think all the laundry jokes were exaggerated. They are not. When things get hard, when I feel like throwing in the towel, it's hard to see the silver lining. When, oh when will this end? When will my four-year-old stop whining? When will my 2-year-old stop screaming? And when will my baby start sleeping through the night? <br /><br />I've had a lot of days recently where I'm changing 4 diapers an hour, staying up all night with one child or another, and dealing with tantrums, meltdowns, kids not sharing, not to mention trying to keep up with housework (which is just not happening right now!) <br /><br />This morning, after changing yet another diaper, when I found myself thinking "I don't want to do this anymore," the next thought I had was "but what would I do instead?" <br /><br />And then I realized that I wouldn't trade all the hugs and kisses, all the smiles and giggles, or even all the mundane or frustrating tasks, for anything else in the world. After all, this is what <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank">God </a>gave me <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/children?lang=eng#7-PD50029123_000_2030">time </a>for. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">My three sweet children:</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4I18wSwxtmDogYoFl1AHSAQaSrx9XzcyN1vn182lKs23XuceH7csMwP4NfSLPFN5vHJM83_tdjd4gFqWfC0nSJFnzuGYAzoRMdc9_IfecGAmFfesBhsMUpmUTVQ-TBsjgZjxmd2uSNA/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4I18wSwxtmDogYoFl1AHSAQaSrx9XzcyN1vn182lKs23XuceH7csMwP4NfSLPFN5vHJM83_tdjd4gFqWfC0nSJFnzuGYAzoRMdc9_IfecGAmFfesBhsMUpmUTVQ-TBsjgZjxmd2uSNA/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713888733633716562" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSx1NEgaCkpdeDp8KNM4XPvrINC3uUUei_BhvxTmWxDaZ77I9NxOCIYhgm2zGioTvWMJPFfSmcBGVd4bLwM5zRzmD5cE6zWohEKaKZYO5K8GOfCReN8-AO_tUFvE8kFn2Ppe0kT8NnLg/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSx1NEgaCkpdeDp8KNM4XPvrINC3uUUei_BhvxTmWxDaZ77I9NxOCIYhgm2zGioTvWMJPFfSmcBGVd4bLwM5zRzmD5cE6zWohEKaKZYO5K8GOfCReN8-AO_tUFvE8kFn2Ppe0kT8NnLg/s320/IMG_0639.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713888727380887330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikg5LdBFVRVpfhSKoBS1NdQgBtjMfut1cn099bvdAg9fV_6PzjxZPwTTXal2PKLZEQlkwFAz2CsGy4xVMrNGhyvOCJrTK1RE3CD9RNgMAnqa0sy23aLxYlVmCl3CcmL4_5H_kaVgkSpI/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikg5LdBFVRVpfhSKoBS1NdQgBtjMfut1cn099bvdAg9fV_6PzjxZPwTTXal2PKLZEQlkwFAz2CsGy4xVMrNGhyvOCJrTK1RE3CD9RNgMAnqa0sy23aLxYlVmCl3CcmL4_5H_kaVgkSpI/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713888718311704066" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-17583714709640529832012-02-09T20:19:00.001-08:002012-03-12T12:09:25.080-07:00Teaching the Doctrine of the Family<a href="http://www.lds.org/pa/rs/pdf/CES_2009_Beck_eng.pdf">This speech</a> from Julie Beck, who is the General <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief_Society">Relief Society</a> President of the <a href="http://mormon.org/">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints</a>, is an essential read!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A few gems:</span><br /><br />President J. Reuben Clark Jr. said, “Your chief <br />interest, your essential and all but sole duty, is <br />to teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as <br />that has been revealed in these latter <br />days” (“The Charted Course of the Church in <br />Education” [address to seminary and institute <br />of religion leaders, Aug. 8, 1938]<br /><br />We know, from visiting with [the youth] and <br />conducting studies, that they show a lack of <br />faith in their ability to be successful in families. <br />They don’t see forming families as a faith-based<br />work. For them, it’s a selection process much <br />like shopping. They don’t see it as something <br />that the Lord will bless them and help them to <br />accomplish. They also distrust their own moral <br />strength and the moral strength of their peers. <br />Because temptations are so fierce, they aren’t <br />sure they can be successful in keeping <br />covenants. They also have insufficient and <br />underdeveloped social skills, which are an <br />impediment to them in forming eternal families<br /><br />A lot of the antifamily messages that you are <br />hearing are targeting young women. Satan <br />knows that he will never have a body; he will <br />never have a family. He will target those young <br />women who create the bodies for the future <br />generations and who should teach the families. <br />They don’t even know what they’re being <br />taught in the messages. It’s just seeping in, <br />almost through their pores. Because Satan can’t <br />have it, he’s luring away many women, and <br />also men, and they’re losing confidence in their <br />ability to form eternal families.<br /><br />Oftentimes with young adults I’ll tell the story <br />about the day my husband and I were married. <br />We had three dollars. Even worldwide, that’s <br />not very much money nowadays. It was a faithbased work when we got married. We didn’t <br />get married because of money, or because our <br />education was complete, or because we even <br />had a place to live. We lived with Grandpa and <br />took care of him for the first season of our <br />marriage. We went to school and worked hard, <br />but we entered that relationship as a faith-based <br />work. We knew that we had made a covenant <br />with the Lord and that He would bless us. It <br />didn’t take money; it took faith. Those are <br />messages they need to have and get confidence <br />in because of you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-80554590759701780282012-01-30T16:31:00.001-08:002012-01-30T16:36:26.452-08:00Things we do.I adore Pinterest. What a great way to find and organize ideas! The big problem, however, is actually accomplishing any of these ideas. Starting this week, my almost-four-year-old looked at Pinterest together in order to find 5 activities we could do together. I'm finally feeling like a normal human being since baby #3 was born, and we also have a computer now (YAY!), so although I'm not making any promises to myself, I want to blog about the things we do, at least so I can add them to Pinterest. <br /><br />One activity we chose was to make butterflies with toilet paper rolls. Ours turned out really cute, using some old scrapbook paper, googly eyes, and foam stickers cut to make a nose and mouth. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CG0u3EE6lnMVe9blb8Nb2ztvoZcUuq7iInLFR2-FT3Q7Np6L-uVdf6rhNS1TihpnKyA45wn7HB8MEC2jQm7FqBuHIDdzFLFkoZc6p7AL5M_f7d1As0BpwIwTxNzrraOM1vqAoBoTJYc/s1600/IMG_0514%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CG0u3EE6lnMVe9blb8Nb2ztvoZcUuq7iInLFR2-FT3Q7Np6L-uVdf6rhNS1TihpnKyA45wn7HB8MEC2jQm7FqBuHIDdzFLFkoZc6p7AL5M_f7d1As0BpwIwTxNzrraOM1vqAoBoTJYc/s320/IMG_0514%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703588179455195522" /></a> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpHUcuCV7R7OZidE8JoAkgjaGGY72rxZx4X43k1iWrer_mf-KrAjPEqryfvW92bRTAnP3gWBbIzpjMzCAwC4JFzRCgbHekqWJQ1aZ_lZIPXOG_qolZdiwsgAT5s3eUVUcOKqFPd7pFCQ/s1600/IMG_0512%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpHUcuCV7R7OZidE8JoAkgjaGGY72rxZx4X43k1iWrer_mf-KrAjPEqryfvW92bRTAnP3gWBbIzpjMzCAwC4JFzRCgbHekqWJQ1aZ_lZIPXOG_qolZdiwsgAT5s3eUVUcOKqFPd7pFCQ/s320/IMG_0512%255B1%255D.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703588183330102642" /></a>(I had to add this picture of my preschooler, in her princess attire, with her pouty face. She has been so pouty today!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-24256905299646136142011-10-29T09:42:00.001-07:002012-03-12T12:16:42.112-07:00I get knocked down......But I haven't gotten up again.<br /><br />OK, so this having three kids 3 and under is really a challenge right now. Preschool? Non-existent. Sanity? Hanging by a thread. Sleep? Yes, please!<br /><br />Blogging? NO time!!<br /><br />Yes, I'm blogging right now, only to explain why I probably won't blog for a while. I'm struggling to find joy in motherhood. I never thought I would wonder "why did I have kids?" But to be brutally honest, that thought has crossed my mind lately. This is HARD!! There are a lot of things I'm having to let go of. I realized lately that homeschooling was causing me a lot of stress deep down, even though I'm not even doing it yet. So I've let go of that. If I can homeschool later, I will. But if I need to send my kids to public school, that will be wonderful too. I'm learning to accept what I can do, to focus on my kids as much as possible, and to LET GO of things that don't matter in the grand scheme. <br /><br />Someday I'll blog again. But right now, I've got to stick with the essentials. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-79544178921823943842011-09-24T14:05:00.001-07:002012-03-12T12:16:53.686-07:00Starting preschool.All of my friend's with children DD1's age seem to be sending their kids to preschool. In fact, we are often asked where she goes to preschool. She doesn't. And she won't. In fact, she already knows everything she might learn at preschool, except for maybe following directions and sitting still, which I think are overrated anyway. :)<br /><br />BUT, I have thought for quite some time that I would homeschool my children, and after talking with some homeschooling families, and reading <a href="http://www.homeschoolingafamilysjourney.com/">THIS </a>book(which I recommend if you have even the slightest thought that you might want to homeschool), my husband and I are confident that homeschooling is a path we want to pursue.<br /><br />With that in mind, I must admit that I worry that I'll be able to be dedicated enough to teach my kids at home. I certainly don't want any major gaps in their education. And I want them to become thinkers, and to pursue what they are passionate about. I want to have adventures and to learn through real-life experiences. I want our learning to be genuine, and not forced by some politicians who know little about children and nothing about education (don't get me started on the politics of public ed right now, it's a downward spiral). <br /><br />For October, our theme is Autumn. I'm excited to see where it takes us. I do want to outline a daily rhythm that is fairly flexible, and I'm excited to see how that pans out, especially with three children. I'm trying to be organized, but not to let that take away from any spontaneity that should occur through our learning together. I am sure the only way I will survive is if I have an outline of how I'd like things to go, but I must be willing to let that go (especially due to a hungry baby, a cold, lack of sleep, or any of the things that tend to mess up "schedules" when you have three kids 3 and under.)<br /><br /><strong>The books we plan to read:</strong><br /><br /><em>Leaf Man</em> and <em>Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf</em>, by Lois Ehlert<br /><em>The Apple Pie Tree</em>, by Zoe Hall<br /><em>Leaves Fall Down; Learning about Autumn Leaves </em>by Lisa Marie Bullard <br /><br />Are there any other Fall-ish books that you suggest for my little ones?<br /><br /><strong>The songs we plan to sing</strong>:<br /><br /><a href="http://mymontessorijourney.typepad.com/my_montessori_journey/2010/08/thanks-so-much.html">My Montessori Journey</a> typed up songs that go perfectly with our theme. I'm so excited to sing these with my girls!<br /><br /><strong>Other skills we plan to learn</strong>:<br />Sight words the, a, and, see<br />Counting to 100<br /><strong><br />Gospel concepts to learn</strong>:<br />We Believe in God, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost<br /><br /><strong>Social Skills to practice:</strong><br />Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Any ideas for this one? :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-73347270182114923282011-09-10T17:52:00.000-07:002012-03-12T12:17:12.677-07:00Weary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxmfJbJOqsTzPfRZOEFo91pWGgv1OwhhEdnwlqbynUYDWTaT6e_Ym6wfchQemPkVeDCXhy-qQrECiBoa_KGv9GsduZZOx7rYLAskpGmrJi4czfbd9IYEsGj1EwgVzZLDVg7wW2xJcRbA/s1600/esther+infant+078.2+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxmfJbJOqsTzPfRZOEFo91pWGgv1OwhhEdnwlqbynUYDWTaT6e_Ym6wfchQemPkVeDCXhy-qQrECiBoa_KGv9GsduZZOx7rYLAskpGmrJi4czfbd9IYEsGj1EwgVzZLDVg7wW2xJcRbA/s320/esther+infant+078.2+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650899643362742194" /></a><br />Our sweet baby was born 3 weeks ago. We are SO in love with her.<br /><br />But we're also exhausted. It seems that adding 1 little person to our family has quadrupled our "to-do list" and exponentially increased our fatigue. <br /><br />Tonight I was preparing <a href="http://lds.org/manual/the-presidents-of-the-church-teachers-manual/lesson-36-haroldb-lee-dynamic-leader?lang=eng">this </a>Sunday School lesson for the 12-13 year olds that I teach and came across this familiar scripture:<br /><br />D&C 64:33-34<br />33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.<br /><br /> 34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.<br /><br />I needed this reminder. I may be weary as a mama of 3, but I am laying the foundation of a great work! These little people depend on me for almost everything, but if I am willing to rely on the Lord and be patient with them, and with myself, then I will see great rewards! I'm weary, but these small things I'm doing will bring about great things! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-15145241518037969182011-08-04T13:28:00.000-07:002011-08-04T13:28:00.251-07:00Things to read Thursday #5: mannersI've thought a lot lately about how to teach my children courtesy, social skills, and manners. Here are a few books I love!<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cookies-Bite-Size-Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal/dp/0060580828">Cookies: Bite sized life lessons</a> by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Make some cookies with your little ones and sit down to enjoy this book. I even have a copy if you want to borrow it! :) <br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/D-W-s-Guide-Perfect-Manners-Brown/dp/0316121061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312144264&sr=1-1">D.W.'s guide to perfect manners</a> by Marc Brown. My gals LOVE D.W.! This is a cute book that has motivated my 3-year-old to try and be "perfect." It goes over basic manners and helping out around the house! Love it!<br /><br />3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bears-Chairs-Shirley-Parenteau/dp/076363588X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312144306&sr=1-1">Bears on Chairs</a> by Shirley Parenteau A cute story about how bears work together to solve a problem. Great discussions on sharing can ensue.<br /><br />In my opinion, manners and courtesy are things that need to be taught explicitly. You have to PRACTICE and MODEL, MODEL, MODEL for your kids!! Discuss every situation and ask questions that can help them figure out what to do!<br /><br /><strong>More ideas:</strong><br /><br />Anticipate situations where your child may not act in a polite way. Birthday parties can be difficult for small children, especially siblings of the birthday kid. Some kids have a hard time when other kids are getting attention. Act it out beforehand. Play "Birthday Party" and have kids give each other "presents" (we wrap ours in blankets) and practice being glad for each other when another child gets a present. Do the same thing and have the present opener practice gratitude for the gift. We do this in a scripted way. The present opener must look the giver in the eye, say their name, and say "thank you for the gift." Practice makes perfect!<br /><br />I've started giving my preschooler "do-overs." When she speaks in a tone of voice that is not polite, I say "Why don't you try that again?" Because we've talked about it, she knows that whining or yelling is not appropriate. We don't even yell "Please get me a drink." Tone is important. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-generous-child-how-to-teach-generosity_65721.bc">A great article </a>on teaching generosity.<br /><br />Discuss actions of the characters in books you read and movies you watch. For example, Woody in Toy Story does not use kind words or a kind tone. Get your child thinking about it. Don't worry that bringing it up will make them copy the behavior. Set firm limits. "Shut-up you idiot" is not something we say to people.<br /><br />Praise! Praise! PRAISE! Try and notice every time your child uses good manners, is polite, is generous, and praise them! <br /><br />Write thank-you notes for everything! Gifts, play-dates, or other special things need to be acknowledged and is a great way to teach your child gratitude.<br /><br />Keep a family gratitude journal. Brainstorm things as a family once a week, or more!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-85812185994485802592011-07-31T13:45:00.001-07:002011-07-31T13:52:09.357-07:00Baby quilt! TADA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb1pjp1M6AYWCxrCtwLSNORi_FCG7TK_Ip6r-5W8ffMFmG0gJEurth8vKtgtKDoDGBhCv4_gCmvXlkV0z97aY9MS1FfM8W63FnaLO2v__1O-pb8DG4V-IzMp-Yq6FU85t_OQlpegubJ0/s1600/quilt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb1pjp1M6AYWCxrCtwLSNORi_FCG7TK_Ip6r-5W8ffMFmG0gJEurth8vKtgtKDoDGBhCv4_gCmvXlkV0z97aY9MS1FfM8W63FnaLO2v__1O-pb8DG4V-IzMp-Yq6FU85t_OQlpegubJ0/s320/quilt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620913867589826" /></a><br />Here is the front of my baby's quilt. Just need to quilt and bind! I love the green, yellow, and blue. <br /><br />Sorry the pic isn't awesome. Camera phone...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-57848897863233326702011-07-31T13:18:00.000-07:002011-07-31T13:52:09.363-07:00BirthIt's funny. With my first daughter, I really wanted to have a natural birth. I think I was partly scared of having a big needle stuck in my back. I also didn't want surgery. I ended up with pitocin, an epidural, pushing for two hours, and feeling oh-so-grateful when she finally came out (thanks to the doc pushing on the top of my stomach.)<br /><br />I've learned a lot since then. When preparing for the birth of my 2nd baby girl, I went a little crazy with the research. I was VERY intellectually prepared to have her. And I WAS going to do it naturally. Because that's what good moms do. And I didn't really enjoy the feeling of helplessness with DD1's birth. I wanted to GIVE birth, not just lay there feeling nothing until it was time to purple push and hopefully get a baby out! <br /><br />But then I actually gave birth. And boy, did I feel it! Labor was fine, but pushing DD2 out was definitely painful. And I remember the fantasies I had about a peaceful birth being completely crushed. No wonder most women choose not to feel it! At that point I wasn't sure I would ever have a natural birth again!<br /><br />Well, now DD3's birth is imminent! She's coming! Am I ready? What am I going to do? With this birth, my main goal is to have no regrets. I plan an unmedicated birth in a hospital. I have a great midwife who is amazing, and who has helped me prepare mentally and emotionally. (I've been prepared intellectually for a while!) <br /><br />But sometimes I still catch myself thinking that all women should give birth naturally. I know this is wrong. A woman should have a baby however she wants. I thought <a href="http://www.sweetsalty.com/sweetsalty/2009/10/15/one-day-in-a-life.html">this post </a>explained, in a powerful way, that giving birth may not actually be the defining point in a woman's life as a mother! What a great perspective. <br /><br />So I guess the point of this post is for me to share that birth is wonderful. Powerful. Beautiful. But I look forward to it more as a gateway to bringing another person into our family rather than a transforming, life-changing moment in and of itself. Of course birth transforms you, but I will not feel guilty if my birth isn't the spiritual amazing event that some women describe. I know that once I am holding my new daughter in my arms, I'll be holding a little bit of heaven. And that is enough!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5048467000043301727.post-7903808970000035102011-07-28T21:51:00.000-07:002011-07-31T13:44:27.253-07:00Things to read Thursday #4Im typing this from my iPod, so I won't be including links. <br /><br />I've been thinking about some books that have changed my life and motivated me. So, starting with the most influential, I provide you with a list of 5 non-fiction books that every person should read. <br /><br />1. The Book of Mormon<br /><br />2. Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover (wish I'd read it 5 years earlier!)<br /><br />3. Hence Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a better birth. Even if you aren't a woman, or arent pregnant, this book has startling implications for health care in America! What's that? Doctors actually perform procedures for mOney or convenience and not because it is best for the patient?! No!<br /><br />4. Taking charge of your fertility. How many people actually understand the dynamics of a Woman's cycle. Men should read this too!<br /><br />5. The China Study by Colin Campbell. Re-think everything you think you know about nutrition!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912285219129652350noreply@blogger.com0