Are You Too Critical?

How often do you start the day with a morning lecture? My 8-year-old daughter’s answer:  “Too many!” She’s probably right. If she asks for help locating her backpack, I spend five minutes “suggesting” that she hang it in the back hall where she can easily find it. If she complains about taking the same home lunch to school every day I “propose” that she expand her palate because there’s only so much I can do with strawberries, crackers and plain chicken. When she whines about not having enough time to eat a leisurely breakfast before school I “recommend” moving up … Continue reading

The Importance of Listening

How could I possibly resist listening to this adorable angel? My daughter’s smile can light up a room, but her insanely long recaps of lunchroom drama between five girls, a shoe, a note and some other item that I have no earthly idea about, are far from illuminating. In fact, her convoluted conspectuses often make my ears burn, though the pain could actually be my brain frying, as I try to decipher what green socks and Eggplant Parmesan  have to do with how she fared on Friday’s spelling test. I try to make sense of it all, but I’m old. … Continue reading

Weaning to Formula-Part 3

I’ve always known that my hormones in general were through the roof. I am a woman, and I am hormonal! But, in all seriousness, this last pregnancy, and recent birth of my son have put me through the ups and downs of motherhood like I never thought possible. This experience of deciding whether or not to stop breastfeeding due to the food sensitivities my child is suffering through has been a heart-wrenching one to say the least. I now understand better than ever when people say it is a personal choice. Because, this time around, I did have to make … Continue reading

A Reformed Mama Bear

Michele Cheplic recently wrote a blog in which she addresses the mama bear that can come out. She shared the story of her daughter getting bit by a younger boy and the feelings that stirred up in her. I could totally relate to her blog. In fact, that mama bear in me has sometimes been an embarrassment for my children. Take the time my now 18-year-old son was in the 5th grade. As a regular volunteer at his school, I happened to come onto the playground during their lunch/recess time when I witnessed another boy pushing him. Knowing my son … Continue reading

Fitness Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day around the corner, it might be the perfect time to give her the gift of health. Why not encourage her in the way of fitness? Of course, you have to be careful about this. You don’t want to hurt feelings. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to only give a fitness gift if your mother truly has a desire to make changes in her life or has already started to exercise. One of the best gifts you can give is a pedometer. It’s a great way to keep track of your steps and set goals. If … Continue reading

Your Baby Wants You!

There is always a recurring theme in my blogging it seems. I am a Mom. And, I often feel inadequate. Today has been one of those days. I woke up super grouchy due to my baby waking me at 4:15 am, the toddler waking me at 5:45 am, and my “big girl” waking me up at 6:45 am. Needless to say, I was not happy with anyone. I managed to get my girl out the door to Kindergarten and gave her a big hug before she left and told her I loved her. I hope she remembers that instead of … Continue reading

Do You and Your Spouse Compete?

We’re human, so it’s only natural that we have a little bit of a competitive streak in us, right? I have to admit, I do enjoy beating Matt at a game of Words with Friends or Phase 10. He would definitely beat me in any kind of physical race or competition, so it’s only fair that I hold my own with board games, right? See, I knew you’d understand. But what about the need some husbands and wives have to constantly one-up each other? I’ve seen this happen, and it’s not pretty. Husband: I have a headache. Wife: Me too! … Continue reading

Slow Down for the Holidays

I’m always trying to look on the bright side, even when it comes to being divorced. I never imaged that I would be a single mother but I have to admit that I’ve grown in to it and I’m actually enjoying it, most of the time. One of the joys of being divorced is not having to make two families happy for the holidays. I remember the days of going to my parents house and then going to his families for dinner later. All this really meant was that we ate way too much and everyone was cranky, including Hailey. … Continue reading

Working Together as Husband and Wife

Do you and your spouse work at the same place? This can be a lot of fun, or it can cause complications at work and at home. Let’s take a look at both sides of the equation. On the plus side, working at the same location gives the husband and wife the chance to spend more time together during the day. Even if they don’t work in the same department, chances are their paths will cross frequently throughout their shift, and they can eat lunch together and take breaks together. Working in the same facility also gives them something in … Continue reading

Teaching Your Kids to be Good Sports

Last night was our biggest football game of the year here in Utah. It’s something fans look forward to all year long. It is jokingly referred to as the “Holy War” around here; BYU vs. Utah. Fans banter back and forth about who is better constantly and believe it or not it can become quite heated. This used to be an exciting time at our house. The whole family would get together to watch the game. My entire family bleeds blue and always has (roots very strongly for BYU for those of you not familiar with the lingo). When my … Continue reading