Amy in Wedding Dress

After all these years, it still fits.

We were promoting a RS Activity, and this was our marketing campaign.

Ella and Her Other Mom

Something Ella got for Christmas. Of course she loves it and is always playing kitchen. Often she says, "Mom, mom, mom," and when I respond she replies, "not you mom, my other mom."

I guess I am working myself out of a job earlier than I thought.

I should congradulate myself. 

Cutie Anna

This is my Anna, at Christmas, being cute. She is such an enthusiastic young lady.

Grandparents and Gift Giving: What Every Grandparent Should Know

Birthdays and holidays are a stressful time for me and it has nothing to do with how busy we are: I get anxiety over having too much stuff! And the thought of adding more stuff stresses me out.

So, I love Peter Walsh's suggestions in his book It's All Too Much fo what grandparent's can give instead of toys, and I agree 100%, I 've added a few of my own suggestions as well:

• Donate to a college fund
• Donate to a fund to save for a trip together when the child gets older
• Buy the ingredients and make a special family recipe together
• Buy tickets for a live performance at a theater or musical and attend together
• Show your love by experiencing something together: fly a kite at a park, go to a museum, read and discuss a book together, plant something together, do a science experiment, build something together, do a service project
• Give a magazine subscription

If you still feel the need to give a tangible gift, ask the parent what the child needs and supply that.

Children can learn early on that it's not how much stuff you have that makes you happy. Happiness comes from our relationships and how we care for one another.

It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh

Don't you love it when you run across a book that says exactly what you think!

I love the process of purging the stuff that clutters my life. It is usually man-made; and may seem important for a while but ends up cluttering a counter, box, shelf... you know what I mean.

It is also common for activities and people to clutter my life. And so a purge is also needed. Take the time to prioritize. Here's how:

• What are my roles and responsibilities?
• Whis roles are most important?
• What will help fulfill my roles?
• What specific goals to I have to fullfill those roles?

 If there is an activity or relationship that isn't helping you fulfill your roles or reach your goals - IT IS CLUTTER! You can give yourself permission to purge it.

This book specifies "How To" purge the tangible stuff that clutters your home. There are many books that help purge the stuff that clutters your life. My favorites are The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families by Steven Covey and Leadership Education by Oliver Demille. Happy Reading.

Tradition, Tradition?

 

 

 Here is one tradition that in my point of view has been taken a little too far.

Growing up, as with many families, there is the tradition of receiving new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

I am so past this tradition, merely out of practicality... my kids don't need another pair of pajamas. But Grandma likes to keep traditions alive and got each of my kids a pair of pajamas. She was trying to keep me happy and shopped the sales to get the pajamas which resulted in a compromise this year.

Anna's pajamas are a little too big, in fact, they fit Xander. Here's the proof.

We are lucky to have traditions of course. Tevya reminds us, "Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do." If we follow a tradition for that reason, alone, it's good enough for me.

Happy 10th Birthday Xander

Another birthday breakfast in bed! This year Xander enjoyed plenty of treats. 

Xander Mander w/ Cosmo Cougar!!!

We attended the BYU vs Cal State San Marcos game on 12.27.11 at the Marriott Center. We sat near the players' family section, and after the game Xander said, "Soon you'll be sitting there Dad!!", meaning he'll play for BYU one day. Confident kid.

Homeschool kids at play

 

I'm surprised that I am surprised at the activities my children choose in their play time.... Here is a pic of a play date at Alisa Summer's home one homeschooling day. After and hour or so of free play I was surprised to find the children had built a medieval village (with the guard walls and all) surrounding a  large mountain which is actually a volcano. They robbed the kitchen for all the necessary ingredients for an eruption (chemical reaction). And here Arden is sprinkling snow for the picture.

Love life and learning. And another homeschooling play date.