Is Your Life Too Noisy?

We had stake conference this past weekend, and as usual, my husband and I were dreading going with our three small children. It is always difficult to keep them quiet and happy for two straight hours. But, they did great, and I actually heard some of the talks! Our stake president spoke last, and I really liked what he had to say. He shared a story about his teenage niece. He said that at a family Christmas gathering, his kids, and lots of their cousins were hanging out together in the front room of his house. He wasn’t sure what … Continue reading

Are You Ready For Your Kids’ Winter Break?

With winter break just around the corner, home – based professional parents everywhere may be both excited about the opportunity to spend time with their children and anxious about whether they will be able to keep up with their workload while the kids are on break. Whether your kids are on break from day care, pre school, grade school, high school, or college, you probably want to spend more time with them than you normally have available during a typical work week. If at all possible, try to plan ahead so that you can lighten your workload during their vacation … Continue reading

Enjoy a Taste of Thanksgiving Genealogy

This month, add a touch of Thanksgiving flavor to your genealogy research! Thanksgiving is a great time to collect family stories from your relatives. There are lots of genealogy resources that can help you learn more about ancestors who were alive around the time of the first Thanksgiving. November is a good month for a Thanksgiving related genealogy trip. Plimoth Plantation is a great place to visit if you are interested in seeing what life was like for your ancestors who were alive around the time of the first Thanksgiving. Climb aboard the Mayflower II, a replica of the original … Continue reading

Teach Your Children Before It’s Too Late

We all have things we wish we would have done differently., especially when it comes to raising our children. If I could do things over again I would have made Hailey do more chores, take more responsibility around the house. When I became a single parent it just seemed easier to do things myself. The time it would take to teach Hailey was time we could spend doing something we enjoyed, so I didn’t teach her. Now she is an adult and is missing some very important life skills. If you think it’s hard to teach a ten year old … Continue reading

Planning For A Vacation With Your Toddler

In about a month, my husband and I will be taking our sons on our annual vacation to Cape Cod. My dad has a time – share week there, and we go there to stay with him. Last year and the year before that, we had a great time vacationing with Dylan. This year will be the first time that Blake goes to Cape Cod. While I am not worried about our vacation, I do want to prepare myself (and my husband) for our first lengthy excursion with a two and a half year old and a baby who will … Continue reading

Finding Family History In Children’s Books

Sometimes, getting a glimpse of what life may have been like for your ancestors is as simple as turning the pages of a book. Surprisingly, even some children’s books can take you on a journey back in time to the places where your ancestors lived. Last week, I randomly happened upon a book which transported my son and I back to 1920’s England, to the world that his paternal great – grandmother may have known during her childhood. When Dylan and I go to the library, we randomly select five or so books from the children’s area. Usually, he grabs … Continue reading

Loving Your Toddler On His Terms

Did you know that even though you do many things every day that express your love towards your toddler, he may not always perceive himself as being loved? Things like home – cooked meals, nice clothes, and fun toys are some of the things that we strive to provide for our children out of love, in addition to hugs and kisses. Our toddlers are unique individuals, and each of them needs us to express our love to them not only on our terms, but on their terms as well. How are we to know what kinds of things will show … Continue reading

Life With Toddler And Baby – It Gets Easier

It has been about three and a half months since Dylan’s little brother Blake was born. In some ways it feels like it was just yesterday, but in other ways it feels like it has been much longer than three and a half months. Perhaps that is because things have gotten much easier with time. Life with a baby and a toddler is never exactly easy, but when I compare what our days feel like right now to what they felt like when Blake was just a few weeks old there is a huge difference. It is only natural to … Continue reading

Help Your Child Relax

In a recent study researchers found that over half of 7 to 9 year olds were feeling stressed. Those with divorced parents experience additional stress as they are going between homes and trying to balance all of the other little things in their young lives. As parents we want our children to be happy and enjoy life without getting bogged down by the pressures of everyday life. We need to create an atmosphere in our home that encourages our children to relax and enjoy being little. Don’t overschedule your children. While you want your children to stay busy and be … Continue reading

Remaking Yourself

This past Sunday my church hosted its annual “Graduation Recognition” night. I really appreciate the fact that they honor our high school graduates. It is yet another way they invest in the lives of the children and youth. In addition to uplifting music, a time of prayer, a reception and other enjoyable aspects, the youth pastor gave a great sermon on “remaking yourself.” He talked about how these graduates have the opportunity to start with a fresh, clean slate. They can be whoever they want to be. Oftentimes in high school you get labeled. Or you are seen as being … Continue reading