03.20.08
Generous
Never suppress a generous thought. - Camilla Kimball
03.01.08
Be Kinder than is Necessary
In church a couple of weeks ago, my neighbor shared a quote that I would like to share with all my readers:
“Be kinder than is necessary because almost everyone you meet is fighting some sort of a battle.” -Unknown
02.02.08
7 Things to Say to Kids
The February 2008 Reader’s Digest included 7 things to say to your kids that I feel would be beneficial to positively reinforce anyone, not just kids, when correcting them.
A better way to say, “You’re the best!” is “You should be proud of how hard you worked.”
A better way to say, “Watch your language!” is “I’m so glad you came to talk to me, but I have one request for the future. I find that word offensive, so please don’t use it.”
A better way to say, “We can’t afford that.” is “The store is filled with great things today, but we’ve got lots at home already and we’re not going to bring home anything more.”
A better way to say, “Don’t worry-it’ll be okay.” is “I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it.”
A better way to say, “Don’t talk to strangers.” is “Don’t talk to people who make you feel uncomfortable.”
A better way to say, “Make sure you share.” is “Jesse would like to play with your race car for a while, but it’s still yours and he will give it back.”
A better way to say, “Why did you (miss your curfew, hit your sister, etc.)?” is “My guess is that you missed your curfew because you were having fun and didn’t want to come home, but that’s still not okay. ”
01.26.08
Online Journaling with Pyxlin
When my children were young I would bribe them with a treat if they would write in their journal. My oldest son would wine and complain about writing, but he knew he had to write in his journal to get a treat. He messily fulfilled the bare minimum requirements to get his treat. Now when my son expresses his enthusiasm for journaling, I ask myself, “Can this be my son who hated to write in his journal.” I am so pleased to watch how he enjoys keeping an online journal with Pyxlin . His increased vision of the importance of recording dates, interesting information, experiences and memories that he and his posterity can later read and refer back to will someday be priceless.
Even though I would like to take credit for my son becoming an advocate of journaling, in all reality the advancement of technology is what converted my son to journaling. I must admit, writing in a journal the old way is not near as enticing as the versatility and convenience that is offered with online journaling. You can quickly type an entry that can be edited or changed, load photos with ease along with your written entry, and if you choose, the ability to publish a hard bound journal.
For years, I often wanted to add photos to my journal entries, but I usually didn’t have the picture(s) developed yet, and by the time I got my film developed, I had added more entries and forgot to leave a space to add a picture. Most generally, my good intentions to add a photo went unrealized, and when I did tape a photo in my journal, it would later fall out, and have to be retaped in. With Pyxlin you will never have to worry about saving space for, or losing a photo again. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” is now a convenient reality that can happen frequently and easily.
The internet is an amazing tool that has changed our lives. Each week you read about new technology that has been released improving the ease of normal daily tasks. Although I am 48 years old, I am learning not to be afraid of taking advantage of advancements in technology, and I am actually finding out that most new technology is user friendly and EASY. Try writing in your journal with Pyxlin, I think you’ll love it.
01.09.08
Jobs are Confidence Builders for Teenagers
After raising four teenagers and in the process of raising two more, I have concluded that one of the biggest confidence builders for teenagers is getting a job.
I have noticed that my children receive more feedback and attention from their employers than they do their school teachers. I feel that most of the time kids are meshed together as a group at school. On the other hand, most of the time in the work place, they are recognized as individuals, and often receive compliments for being prompt, honest, responsible, or for a job well done.
When payment for their work hours is received, they feel a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, and that they are capable of taking care of some of their expenses like clothes, activities, and gas. Breaking the cycle of asking mom and dad for money makes them feel more independent, and gives them the opportunity to save at least 10% of their earnings. Working a job also gives them the opportunity to apply some of the skills they are striving to master at school, and helps them to realize that they need to strive to improve and increase their skill set so they can rise above working basic, menial jobs.
Anytime you can guide your teenager to situations where there is positive, complimentary reinforcement like working a job, you will see an increase in their confidence.
01.08.08
I’m Going to Be a Grandma
I was sworn to secrecy on Christmas Eve that I would not tell anyone for a month or so that I was going to be a grandma. My son and daughter-in-law have now decided to let me share this wonderful news because a few of the people they swore to secrecy spilled the beans.
On Christmas Eve, Ben and Brittany gave my husband and me a gift. When I opened it, I squealed in delight when I saw baby shoes and baby food. It has been fourteen years since we have had a baby to love at our house. I can’t wait to cuddle and love him, of course, until he cries, or needs his diaper changed, then I will enjoy giving him back to his parents.
I can’t wait to start buying baby stuff again. I’ll let you know as soon as I know whether we will be welcoming a boy or a girl.
12.28.07
Remembered Quote from Hope Floats
I am not the type that remembers dialogue from movies, but this quote at the end of the movie, Hope Floats has stayed in my memory.
“Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That’s what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will…”
-Birdee from the film Hope Floats
I sure hope I can make the middle count, and with any luck maybe the ending won’t be sad.
12.27.07
Spending Christmas with My Family
I decided to bring in the New Year by adding a couple of blog entries to show my recommitment to blog more regularly. I also committed not to eat anymore chocolate after Christmas, but watching Brock eat chocolate was too tempting for me to resist, so I am eating chocolate as I write this blog.
The last few years I have tried to simplify Christmas menus, and gift buying to lessen stress and to enjoy what is really important, my family.
The best thing about Christmas this year was talking to my two children who are serving missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My son who has been serving for nine months in Mozambique, Africa has struggled without running water for extended periods of time, language barriers, difficult companions, and teaching morality to a people whose traditions have not included morality and marriage. As I spoke with him on the phone, I noticed that he has developed more appreciation for his family and his blessings. I would definitely categorize this phone conversation as a memorable mother’s moment.
My daughter is serving in an affluent area in California. She tracts day after day in Irvine without smiles, warmth or response. At first she was distraught about being rejected all day every day, but since she found Roxanne who listened and responded to the gospel message of Jesus Christ, she feels renewed strength to endure daily rejection to find the few who will listen to a gospel message of hope through Jesus Christ.
My other favorite part of Christmas was our traditional candlelight dinner on Christmas Eve. It was a relaxing evening of good food, visiting, exchanging of sibling gifts, and giving thanks to God for our blessings.
Christmas evening, the whole family went to the movie, National Treasures II. I like the feeling of being together as a family more than I like seeing the movie itself. I sure love spending Christmas with my family. Happy New Year!
09.18.07
Constitution Signed 220 Years Ago Today
Two hundred and twenty years ago today, the Constitution of the United States was signed by all eleven states that were in attendance at the Congressional Convention in 1787.
My nephew, Jordan, chose to educate some of his neighbors, associates, and relatives about his studies of the U.S. Constitution for his Eagle project. This is such a unique idea that it took months for the Eagle project to be approved, but I am glad that Jordan and his mother persevered because I have certainly been enlightened by the information my nephew shared with me.
Did you know that this week is National Constitution Awareness Week? Neither did I and most everyone I spoke to about Constitution Awareness Week had never heard of it before either. Jordan provided me with a PBS documentary called “A More Perfect Union” along with a small study guide to enhance my learning experience of the circumstances that surrounded the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
Jordan challenged me to share my experience with others, and to consider passing it on to my children’s school teachers and administrators. I didn’t hesitate this morning as I took this educational DVD to American Fork High and Jr. High Schools. Both principals were receptive to the idea of showing the DVD in history classes. It is not only legal to do so, it is encouraged by George W. Bush to teach about the U.S. Constitution. There is not a curriculum in place to teach about the Constitution so these five 30 minute presentations were welcomed as a possible teacher’s aids.
This documentary depicts James Madison the author of the Constitution, small in stature, but a brilliant, educated mind. Thomas Jefferson, who was serving in France as an ambassador, supplied Madison with a continual flow of books about past governments, many of which failed. James Madison devoured the information in these books prefatory to writing the Constitution.
Madison intended to amend the Articles of Confederation, but it didn’t take him long to realize that the Articles of Confederation needed to be abolished and so he began drafting the Constitution that has so magnificently served our country for over two hundred years………………….. For the rest of the details, consider purchasing or arranging to view this DVD.
08.27.07
Connected with Cousins
Last night my son went with his cousins to an outdoor semi-formal dance. They had such a great time dancing and getting to know each other. After the dance, one of his cousins stayed overnight with us, and I noticed how relaxed their conversation with each other was as they reminisced about the previous evening’s fun at the dance.
Each year that passes, I gain a stronger conviction that spending time with immediate and extended family brings deeper meaning and purpose into our lives. I know my son will remember the evening he spent dancing with his cousins throughout the rest of his life. Friendships that are built and continually nourished will remain intact for life even if distance separates us; phone and email can always keep us connected with our family and loved ones.