12.27.07
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
In commeration of the National Constitution Awareness Week, here are some patriotic promotional products that I recommend:
USA Maraca
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.
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.
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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.
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08.24.07
Posted in Promotional Products at 10:11 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
One of the most known icons is the Statue of Liberty. It represents the United States of America and the freedom that emigrants desired. The statue was the first and most memorable introduction to the U.S. as they came through New York harbor. The promotional Statue of Liberty stress toy for your election campaign will generate community patroism like our the first emigrants had as they sought to seek and build a democratic government.
Red, white, and blue remind us of our heritage and freedom. Many American’s displayed the red, white and blue of the flag during the dark days after September 11. The patriotic feeling which comes from the red, white and blue of the USA flag is available in political campaign and election stress toys too.
USA Promotional Star Stress Toy
United States Promotional Stress Toy
Patriotic Promotional Ribbon Stress Toy
US Flag Promotional Stress Toy
Political election campaigns using these colors remind voters of their desire to maintain representatives in government that they sustain and support.
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08.23.07
Posted in Family at 9:24 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
I have felt for years that violent media is affecting children, and for that matter adults too. I was glad to see that the medical association’s studies conclude likewise.
In 2000, leaders in the United States’ medical community made the following statement:
“Well over 1,000 studies….point overwhelminlgy to a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children. The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive behavior in some children. The conclusion of the public health community, based on over 30 years of research, is that viewing entertainment violence can lead to increases in aggressive attitudes, values and behavior” (”Joint Statement on the Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children” [July 26, 2000], http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/jstmtevc.htm).
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08.22.07
Posted in Promotional Products at 9:34 pm by <ADMINNICENAME>
My husband is a guitar lover. His guitar is second to me. My husband says he has two women in his life, his soft body wife, and his hard body guitar. He says he enjoys the curves of both.
I am trying to appreciate my husband’s love of guitar music, but honestly I find it loud and interferring most of the time. At the end of the day my husband loves to sit on the side of his bed playing his guitar. I can tell it helps him to unwind so I try to be patient with the noise that he so loves.
He also enjoys collecting guitar picks of all kinds. His favorite are promotional guitar picks with logos on them:
Custom Guitar Pick
Giant Guitar Pick
He also likes guitar keytag holders.
Guitar Key Holder
Guitar Key Tag
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Posted in Family, Promotional Products at 12:56 am by <ADMINNICENAME>
I have raised four teenagers, and have two more ages 14 and 16. I continue to find the balance between “Choose for Yourself”, and “You have to do this because I know what is best for you”. Here are a couple of questions that I ask myself when deciding between “You Have To” or “Choose for Yourself” decisions.
1. How do I rate the choice my child is making: Unimportant, Kind of Important, Important, or Very Important.
For example:
If they want to wear a pink and brown t-shirt instead of a green and blue button down shirt, I could care less. Or if they would want yogart instead of cereal for breakfast, I don’t care and I consider these decisons as “Unimportant“.
They want to have a sleep over at a trusted friend’s house, but you feel they need to get a good night’s rest to compete in their track meet the next day, or they want to buy a gaming machine that I feel is a waste of money. I would consider these decision as ”Kind of Important”. Most of the time, decisions in this category have natural consequences that teach them to make better choices the next time.
I would rather work construction than go to college. I hate math and I am not going to do my homework tonight. I would categorize these decisions as “Important”. I have found that letting my children work a minimum wage job or some grungy job teaches them to quickly to apply themselves in school.
I am going to stay overnight at my boyfriend’s house. My friend offered me some cigarettes. Any decision that compromises moral values and character, I consider “Very Important”.
2. How will this decison affect them in the future? Will the natural consequences of this decision teach them a lesson about morals, responsibility, or relationships, or would it be better for them to wait a year or so to mature and grow up a little more before making this decision
3. What do my senses tell me is the best for this child? Sometimes the reason we as parents do things is “just because” we feel it is right; we don’t always need to give them an explanation of why.
I think when kids are young they need parameters, but then I think it is best to gradually modify the parameters to guidelines that give them a little added freedom each year. This added agency will give our children the opportunity to practice making decisions before they are adults facing many important, or very important decisions.
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