Curt had over 70 standardized tests in middle school! He has often reminded me to help him reach his goals, because the schools aren’t doing it. I recently read The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley. It was very telling. The U.S.A. school system and culture leaves
Some Current Trends in Education Read More »
One of the questions I ask my clients a lot is, “What’s wrong with disagreeing?” Disagreeing is essential in Duncan and my relationship. It has reduced our arguing by miles and miles. For us, it is okay to agree to disagree. Natalie Clay says, “This relates to all sorts of different things: “I don’t want
Introducing Natalie Clay: Great Couples Coach Read More »
Dunc and I have gone all over the place with our kids, mostly via camping because it is more affordable. In fact most of them have been to 49 of the 50 states (we still need to visit North Dakota), including many state and national parks. You have GOT to try out the Jr. Ranger
Traveling with Kids Read More »
I just read this in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” this morning. I paraphrase: Figure out what is most important to you. In other words, what do you want in “The End?” Plan how you will achieve “The End” in your mind and on paper. Work forward with this “End in Mind.” “The
Start With the End in Mind Read More »
Parenting Tips are all around us, but which ones can you trust? Trust this book. Lorraine Alldredge compiled her best advise in this parenting treasure. These tried and true ideas if you are: Frustrated by bored children watching too much on Netflix? Upset because your kids are spending too much time on video games? Looking
Parenting Tips and Tools Read More »
0-6 MONTHS Speech: Baby coos, gurgles, babbles, responds to voice Signing: May recognize and respond to signs, Babbles and plays with hands, Might make first sign 6-12 MONTHS Speech: Has increased range of vocalizations, Mimics sounds (Lyla does this already at 5 months) Signing: Recognizes your signs, May make 1-10 or more signs 12-18 MONTHS
Baby Language Milestones Read More »
My friend Sarah has taught her 3 young children sign and Spanish while keeping their primary language English. Her middle child is the best talker and singer in my nursery class at church! All three of her littles seem to be ahead of their peers in many ways. It is a handful, but teaching sign
Baby Sign Language Read More »
You may have to be old to appreciate this kind of humor, but have you heard of Jeanne Robertson? She is a white-haired Southern comedian who calls her husband “Left Brain” and wears sequins. My mother introduced her to me and I can’t help but share it. CLICK HERE for one of her many hilarious
I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I have been cutting out dairy and sugar. I also try to eat meat sparingly. You can see that my husband and kids still want milk for their addiction to cold cereal. You can ALSO see my almond milk (that I made) in the jar at the top
Vegetable Rich Recipes Read More »
My kids are the best! That is what every parent should say. I am sure there are more “perfect kids” out there just like there SURELY are more “perfect moms” out there, but my kids are the best for me and I LOVE THEM TO PIECES! Families are an important part lasting happiness that we
My Kids Bring Me Happiness Read More »
How can I help you understand how I feel? I am special! I think about it every day, many times every day. I am special and nobody knows it. If I am so special there should be something to show for it, but there isn’t, so maybe I am not doing what I am suppose
I am Amazing, so Why am I Washing Dishes? Read More »
“Pure love is the true sign of every true disciple of Jesus Christ.” – Elder Massimo De Feo Greg Trimble, an LDS blogger and author says that the culture of Mormonism needs to bust. We need to be full of tolerance and love in order for the crowds of people that need the fullness of
My blog is full of the ordinary, to bring some reality to the media. I am a great mom who makes mistakes, avoids cleaning, and can’t get-it-all-done, like most people I know. LIKE YOU, I am extraordinarily blessed with a great family, and opportunities to make a positive difference in this world, one day at
Parenting Your Best is Good Enough Read More »
We all make mistakes or loose motivation to keep going. Laugh about it and start fresh.
Wednesday – Discuss HARD topics with me, even Politics and Religion. – I am blessed to be able to discuss politics and religion (I have a lot to learn) with people from both sides. Sometimes the discussion doesn’t go very far because of, what Amy Wax calls, enforced orthodoxy. Her recent article “Are We Free
Discuss HARD topics with me, even Politics and Religion Read More »
It is easy for every parent to wonder, “What is my purpose?” as I did yesterday for example … and this morning, come to think of it. I have received a few answers that I would like to share with you because they will help you too. As a parent, my ultimate role model is
My Purpose as a Parent of Older Children Read More »
– Upon calculating we haven’t had a stay-at-home, traditional family home evening for over 2 months! – So, yesterday (we usually try to have FHE on Monday nights) we didn’t let anything get in our way, arranging other important visits and obligations around an evening together as a family. – Agenda: Opening song (Adam chose
Family Home Evening Read More »
Kay, my oldest child and only daughter, has been a wonderful gift to me. My recount of Kay’s birth story left off with Duncan and I walking around the mall, since the nurses at labor and delivery said my contractions had to be strong enough that I had to breathe through them and 5 minutes
Kay’s Birth Story – Final Chapter Read More »
When Duncan and I saw each other for the first time I was 23. Duncan was 26, a TA at ASU and about to get his masters degree in geography. I had been ward hopping, which you were allowed to do back then, and prayerfully settled in on University 1st Ward. As is customary, I
When I Saw My Husband for the First Time: 25 Years Ago Read More »
Remember by Claudia Goodman Who will raise their voice for the family? Who’ll defend the rights of our liberty? Come preserve your own, in the srength of God and home. All who will rejoice in this privilege Let them now maintain freedom’s heritage Come with fervent zeal. Join us on the battlefield. CHORUS: Remember our
Remember the Value of Family Read More »