01.09.08
Posted in Family at 11:42 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
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.Â
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.
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01.08.08
Posted in Family, Promotional Products at 4:51 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
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.Â
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.
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12.28.07
Posted in Family, Health, Self Improvement at 10:01 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
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. Â
“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…â€
-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.
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12.27.07
Posted in Promotional Products at 11:12 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
Â
    I have wanted a Josh Groban CD for quite some time. I finally received a Josh Groban CD and DVD from Brock. I crawled into my warm, comfy bed and enjoyed an evening of Josh Groban.Â
    If you enjoy music CD’s and would like to add your logo to the CD, choose from several choices at the following link:
American Promotions’ custom imprinted CD’s
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Posted in Family, Religion at 2:58 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
      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.Â
    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!
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10.03.07
Posted in Health, Religion, Self Improvement at 12:33 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
I don’t love fasting or fast Sundays, but I believe in them.  Have you ever heard of fast Sunday? Let me explain.Â
In my religion the first Sunday of the month is set aside to fast for 24 hours with a purpose in mind such as fasting and praying for someone who is sick or unemployed, or asking God to bless us with rain. In conjunction with the fast we are asked to make a donation for the amount we would have spent on the two skipped meals. My church uses these donations to help the poor and needy with food and clothes.Â
Several years ago, the leaders of my church asked us to ten times the amount of our fast offerings, and that if we would have the faith to give more abundantly, we would be blessed. Although our family was struggling to make ends meet, my husband and I decided that we should exercise our faith by paying a more generous fast offering.  Our financial situation did not seem to improve; however, we were able to pay all our monthly bills even though we were donating ten times more to fast offerings.
We have continued the tradition of paying a generous fast offering because it makes us feel good, and brings us peace. Today, we don’t  miss the money we pay to fast offerings because it has become a monthly habit that we do without giving it a second thought.
As I study the scriptures,  I have realized that generally most miracles come about through mighty fasting and prayer.  As I grow older, I find myself fasting and praying two or three times a month to increase my faith mostly in behalf of my children who are making critical lifetime decisions.Â
When I fast, I not only feel spiritually strenghtened, I feel better physically. I believe for optimum health that the body needs a rest from digesting at least once a month.Â
When I complete my fast, I appreciate the abundance of many wonderful foods and treats like:
A Cut Above with Beef salami, gourmet cheese spread, mustard, toasted sesame crackers and buttery brittle cookies
Cowboy Hat Gift Box with Spicy tortilla chips, salsa, red chili pretzels, jalapeno cheese tabs, plus selected sweets
Golden Trio of Treats from Maple Ridge Farms
Pecan Turtle and Cashews in a Green Box from Maple Ridge Farms
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09.19.07
Posted in Promotional Products at 5:26 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
From the time I was a baby, I loved blankets. My mom used to tell everyone that I was her best baby because I would suck my thumb and cuddle my blanket.Â
Even though I finally gave up my thumb, I have never given up my love for blankets. My husband says the reason I love blankets is because I am always cold, but I think he is always hot. When it is chilly, everyone in the crowd will be wearing a jacket or cuddled in a blanket, with the exception of my husband and a few other overheated males.Â
A fairly new trend in the blanket market is Sweatshirt Blankets. The same adjectives that describe a sweatshirt, comfortable and soft, describe sweatshirt blankets too. We offer 100% polyester, along with cotton and polyester blends. Screen printed or embroidered, we offer colors from basic black to Carolina blue.Â
There’s also traditional fleece blankets like the Fleece Throw Blanket and Classic Fleece Blanket that come in a variety of colors. I prefer anti-pill fleece blankets like the Fleece Throw Blanket because I don’t like little furry balls on my blanket. I prefer soft, smooth warmth from blankets.Â
Another top choice is the Large Oversize Stadium Blanket with whip stitching around the outer parameters and a carrying case.  Take this blanket along to outdoor plays, and of course, ball games.Â
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Posted in Promotional Products at 2:04 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
Since I viewed the educational DVD, “A More Perfect Union” Sunday, I have been feeling patriotic and grateful for my American heritage.Â
In commeration of the National Constitution Awareness Week, here are some patriotic promotional products that I recommend:
USA Maraca
Â
Patriotic Triangular Highlighter with White Body
Pro Profile Cotton Twill Washed USA Flag Cap
Patriotic Tote Bag
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09.18.07
Posted in Education, Family, Promotional Products at 1:33 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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08.27.07
Posted in Family at 9:52 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
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.Â
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