Why Making New Mom Friends is Like Dating

Why Making New Mom Friends is Like Dating

Science of Cookie Baking

Science of Cookie Baking Science of Cookie Baking

6 Different Meal Planning Strategies

6 Different Meal Planning Strategies

Latching

Latch Tips

Why Handwriting Could Make You Smarter

Why Handwriting Could Make You Smarter

What Women Need to Say to Each Other to Shatter the Dark

What Women Need to Say to Each Other to Shatter the Dark

The Marriage Bed

The Marriage Bed

GrooveBook

GrooveBook - Worth a Try!

How We Told Our Kids About Sex

How We Told Our Kids About Sex

Losing Friends After Child Loss

Losing Friends After Child Loss

Sleep, Changing Patterns in the Family Bed

Sleep, Changing Patterns in the Family Bed

What Happened When My Husband Confronted Me

"My husband sat across from me over breakfast. Our son sat in his highchair playing and eating. It was over this morning meal my husband confronted me about my parenting.
He gently and respectfully asked,

“Honey, what has changed with you when it comes to feeding our son? We use to be on the same page, but lately I feel like you have thrown out things we have agreed on. You give him whatever you want to and disregard what I think is appropriate.”"

What Happened When My Husband Confronted My Parenting

Dear Kids, Why Wait Till Marriage?

Dear Kids, Why Wait Till Marriage?

"But there is something I’ve got to muster up some courage here to say now..."

How to Clean Your Kitchen Sink

How to Clean Your Kitchen Sink

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-your-kitchen-sink-136771

Why Fewer Toys

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/why-fewer-toys-will-actually-benefit-your-kids/

Being Called By Name

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/japanese-mothers-react-to-being-called-by-their-first-names-after-years-of-just-being-mama

Unvaccinated

Growing Up Unvaccinated

9 Thinks We Should Get Rid of to Help Our Kids

http://wearethatfamily.com/2014/03/9-things-we-should-get-rid-of-to-help-our-kids/

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

YUM! Definitely a winner. I had to bake it way longer than suggested, but it still didn't dry out along the edges. (Would be great with cheesecake flavors.)

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/03/18/chocolate-chip-cookie-cake/

Lactation Cookies

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/lactation-cookies-recipe-increasing.html

Food Tidings

For next time!

https://www.foodtidings.com/https://www.foodtidings.com/

101 Tips to Make Life Easier

101 Tips

Homemade Creamer

Homemade Creamer

5 Ways to Fold a Prefold

5 Ways to Fold a Prefold

How Food Sensitivities Affect Children's Behavior

How Food Sensitivities Affect Children's Behavior

Beautiful advice from a divorced man after 16 years of marriage

"Obviously, I’m not a relationship expert. But there’s something about my divorce being finalized this week that gives me perspective of things I wish I would have done different… After losing a woman that I loved, and a marriage of almost 16 years, here’s the advice I wish I would have had..."

Beautiful advice from a divorced man after 16 years of marriage

Gluten Intolerance

http://naturalwonderer.com/10-symptoms-of-gluten-intolerance-in-babies-and-toddlers/

12 Things no one Tells you About Babies

Dirty diapers? Yes. Sleepless nights? Of course. A pimply, pointy-headed newborn -- what's up with that? Let us clue you in on the biggest surprises about little babies.

http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/12-things-no-one-ever-tells-you-about-babies/

THE WIFE WHO BASES HER LIFE ON THE BIBLE RATHER THAN HER EMOTIONS

http://joleneengle.com/the-wife-who-bases-her-life-on-the-bible-rather-than-her-emotions/

A Better way to say Sorry

http://www.cuppacocoa.com/a-better-way-to-say-sorry/

Why do Baby's Wake up When you try to put them Down

"It’s many a parent’s frustration: finally your baby has fallen asleep in your arms, and you want to put him down so you can have a break, go to the toilet or even feed yourself!...."

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby-sleep/why-do-babies-wake-up-when-you-try-to-put-them-down#.U7J2d6q9Kc0

THM Crock Pot Menu

http://mixingwithmichelle.blogspot.com/2014/05/thm-crock-pot-cooking-menu-session-1.html

Dear Second-Time Moms...

"Several months ago, while picking up my then-infant son from child care, I exchanged pleasantries with a mother-of-two doing the same. All was well until she caught sight of my massive diaper bag...."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5526429

Raising a Generation of Wimpy and Selfish Women

http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/raising-a-generation-of-wimpy-and-selfish-women/

Why My Family Doesn't Do Sleepovers

http://www.challies.com/articles/why-my-family-doesnt-do-sleepovers

6 Subtle Things Highly Productive People Do Every Day

http://www.businessinsider.com/6-things-the-most-productive-people-do-every-day-2014-6?

Failed but Succeeded

http://vbacfailedbutsucceeded.blogspot.com/2014/04/failed-but-succeeded.html?m=1

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Fought With My Wife

Some ideas to help you move toward healthier conflict and happier resolution.

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/relationships/4-things-i-wish-i-knew-i-fought-my-wife

24 Habits of Real Life Couples

http://pulptastic.com/24-real-life-habits-actual-couples/

6 Toxic Behaviors

"In my line of work, I hear from hundreds of people a month, and connect with professionals in a more public, open way than ever before. Through this experience, I've seen scores of toxic behaviors that push people away (including me). And I’ve witnessed the damage these behaviors cause – to relationships, professional success, and to the well-being of both the individual behaving negatively, and to everyone around him or her."

6 Toxic Behaviors

Moms, put on that Swimsuit

"You've got two choices every summer -- to put on a swimsuit or to skip it.

I have a lot of friends who do the latter.

They go to the pool with their kids, but they only put their feet in the pool. They sit on the sidelines, too concerned about what they look like and what others will think to embrace the joy of swimming with their kids...."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5521937?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Are You Lonely, Mama?

http://www.whenathome.com/are-you-lonely-mama/

6 Reasons to Delay Baby's First Bath

"There are many reasons to consider not having your baby bathed in the first hours or even days after birth. Many hospitals seem to have an urgent need to have the baby bathed in the first hours after the newborn has been born, but as parents, you can make the decision on when to bathe your baby and who is the one to do it. There are several benefits to delaying baby's first bath and you may reconsider when you would like it to happen after learning about the advantages of waiting. (Much of the research on bathing newborns is related to the preterm or low birth weight baby.)"

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/hospital/ss/6-Reasons-To-Delay-Babys-First-Bath.htm

7 Crippling Parenting Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2014/01/16/7-crippling-parenting-behaviors-that-keep-children-from-growing-into-leaders/

When Toddlers Interrupt Your "Quiet Time"

http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2851

How to Raise a Low Media Child (Without Going Insane)

http://www.mamanatural.com/how-to-raise-a-low-media-child/

TO WIVES: BEFORE YOU WERE “MOMMY”

"If only our instructor had sat us down and said, “Ladies, before you were Mommy, you were his. Men, before you were Daddy, you were hers. Remember this. Hold on to this. Keep these words precious to you.'”

http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/01/24/before-you-were-mommy/

The Organizing App Store: The Best Apps For Home & Life Organization & Home Management

The Organizing App Store

The Best Apps For Home & Life Organization
& Home Management

http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/app-store.html

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO SAY OUT LOUD DAILY

"While there are requests made of us as wives, mommies, and women that we can meet, ultimately, we are not responsible for making sure that everyone is happy all of the time.  When we free ourselves from having to please everyone, we can step out from the burden of carrying the weight of everyone else’s happiness. There are some moments when contentment is the most important lesson, and the word “no” is perfectly acceptable."

http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/06/05/what-women-need-to-say-out-loud-daily/

Am I Enough?

"Every day I have this desire to accomplish something. But every day it feels I accomplishnothing. I try to clean something, but I don’t finish. I want to do a house project, make my space more beautiful, but all those gorgeous pics on Pinterest look like something from another world. Not mine. I leave to buy something, but roam aimlessly around in the store. Nothing to bring home. I try to write, but this little person cries for all of my attention when I sit at the computer. I clip coupons and price match, and still go way over on our budget. Agh. At the end of the day, there’s nothing to show for the last 9 hours of exhausting effort. Of doing what? "

http://barrentobeautiful.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/am-i-enough/

100 of the Best Restaurant Copycat Recipes

"Growing up, my mom called me "the fast food queen".  I absolutely LOVE going out to eat!  My husband and I still go out to eat about once a week (bad, I know).  I love the atmosphere of restaurants, the variety of food, and the people watching, but I especially love not having to do the dishes.  If we are too busy to go out, I will try to make a restaurant recipe at home that tastes just as good.  You may have to do a few dishes, but at least you won't have to pay a tip!"

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/04/100-of-best-restaurant-copycat-recipes.html

Adrenal Health

Great help during post-partum days...
http://www.womentowomen.com/category/adrenal-health-2/

14 Things You Need For Your Postpartum Body

"Diapers?  Check.  Onesies?  Check.  Car seat?  Check.  Things to help you take care of your postpartum body?  Umm…"

http://simplyrebekah.com/2014/03/25/things-you-need-for-your-postpartum-body-pre-baby-shopping-list-mommy/

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/12/slow-cooker-loaded-potato-soup/

It’s Tough Being a Woman; It’s Even Tougher Being a Prideful Woman

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/03/its-tough-being-a-woman-its-even-tougher-being-a-prideful-woman/

Why Are America’s Postpartum Practices So Rough on New Mothers?

"America is hyperfocused on mothers bouncing immediately back after childbirth, yet most other cultures allow for an extended period of pampering and rest. Hillary Brenhouse on why U.S. moms are missing out."

http://www.thedailybeast.com/witw/articles/2013/08/15/america-s-postpartum-practices.html

9 Things Never to Say to the Parents of a Newborn

"... it has become abundantly clear that there are times when people just don't know what to say to me."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5024417

Missional Motherhood

“I want to ‘go,’ but I’m afraid the farthest I can ‘go’ these days is to the baby’s crib and back,” one brand new mom told me with a sigh. Sometimes moms see their ministry to their children as insignificant when compared to other ministries. After all, crowds of thousands gather in open-air theaters and cheer to hear the good news.

Because motherhood is missional, there’s something of eternal value taking place in the realm of the unseen."

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/missional-motherhood 

When You’re Tired of Kids Complaining

"Perspective can always adopt gratitude — and gratitude always parents joy."

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/03/when-youre-tired-of-kids-complaining-15-ways-to-happier-grateful-kids/

How to Educate Your Child in Body Safety

"We teach our children water safety and road safety — it is equally important to teach our children ‘body safety’ from a very young age. As both a teacher and a mother, I strongly recommend to all parents that ‘body safety’ become a normal part of your parenting conversation. The sexual abuse of children has no social boundaries, and providing children with body safety skills both empowers them with knowledge of what is good and bad touch, and teaches simple but effective assertiveness — a crucial life-skill."

http://somesecrets.info/blog/2013/12/29/how-to-educate-your-child-in-body-safety

A Letter to My Friend, About to Be a Mom

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-powers/a-letter-to-my-friend-about-to-be-a-mom_b_4942250.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Clamping Down on Early Elective Births

"In the '90s it become all about convenience and schedules," Hayes said. "Patients started becoming more empowered in their care, and pushing doctors to induce on a date that worked best."

http://m.timesfreepress.com/news/2014/mar/17/labor-delayhospitals-put-brakes-on-early/

Basics for Baby

Minimized baby stuff

http://intentionallysimple.com/basics-for-baby/

What Forgiveness Is–And What Forgiveness Isn’t

What Forgiveness Is

10 Common Mistakes Parents Today Make (Me Included)

10 Common Mistakes Parents Today Make (Me Included)

Homemade Oreo Nutella Frap

Homemade Oreo Nutella Frap

Being a Mom to Little Boys

10 Things I've Learned Being a Mom of Boys

dear sweet mom who feels like she is failing...

dear sweet mom who feels like she is failing.

The 25 Best Clean Eating Crock Pot Recipes

The 25 Best Clean Eating Crock Pot Recipes

22 Things I Learned in my First Ten Years of Parenting

22 things I learned in my first ten years of parenthood

"As I was sitting here thinking of all the awesomeness that this wonderful, new, non-2013 year will hold, it occurred to me that my oldest child will turn ten this fall. Ten! I have officially been a parent for a decade now, and I’ve had six kids during that time.
When I took a step back and considered that I’ve been living in Baby Central for the better part of my adult life, it occurred to me that I must have accumulated some knowledge during that time. I mean, surely I’ve learned at least one or two things about this whole “keeping small human beings alive in your home” thing, right?..."

A Little Secret...

Try This Little Secret of Mine Instead

"Life would be perfect if everyone just did what you said (actually, it would be perfect if they did the stuff on their own without being told, since I really don’t think anyone needs to be told that a dirty pair of socks doesn’t belong in the den, for the love of all that is good and holy, but never mind that)...."

Teaching Our Kids to Lament

Teaching Our Kids to Lament

Homemade Laundry Detergent “Recipes”

Homemade Laundry Detergent “Recipes” Based on Different Water/Machine Types

Whining Whiners & How to Cure Them: A Checklist

Whining whiners and how to cure them: A checklist

20 Ways to Build a Whole Food Kitchen on a Budget

20 Ways to Build a Whole Food Kitchen on a Budget

Stop Saying Being Mom is Hard

Stop Saying Being Mom is Hard

Sneaky Spaghetti Sauce

Sneaky Spaghetti Sauce

Mommy, Somebody Needs You.

"Ever since we brought our new daughter home, her older brothers have been the first to tell me when she is crying, whimpering, or smelling a little suspicious.  “Somebody needs you,” they say.  I have no idea how this little saying started, but at first it sort of annoyed me..."

Mommy, somebody needs you!

Hello! My name is...

Things Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Your Birth Control

Things Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Your Birth Control

When Are You An Adult?

- - - When are you an Adult? - - -

7 Habits of Hot Monogomy

7 Habits of a Hot Marriage in the Middle of Monotony

The Battle for Joy

Why the Battle for Joy is Really Worth it

"Back then I said I’d never be like him.

"I slammed doors to punctuate the point and to make sure my dad knew it....."

Indoor Air Cleaners

Houseplants that Clean Indoor Air

An "Anything But Boring" Weekend

How Tired People [Make] Love &
Have an “Anything But Boring” Weekend

15 Toys for Baby's First Year

15 toys for baby’s first year

"Here were my criteria in making this list:

1. The toy must serve at least two different purposes. Toys are expensive and we want to get the most bang for our buck, right?

2. The toy must be relevant for at least 3 months of baby’s life. Babies go through phases in what catches their attention, so we want toys that will outlive those fleeting interests.

3. The list as a whole must cover all major developmental skills babies are expected to acquire in the first year of life. As a bonus, the list should also include some toys that can be used even after their first birthday. How’s that for money-saving?"

Why Miscarriage Matters

Why Miscarriage Matters When You're Pro-Life

Daddy's and Daughters

What This Dad Did Is Awesome! I'm On His Side...

Doctors Urge Patience, And Longer Labor, To Reduce C-Sections

Doctors Urge Patience, And Longer Labor, To Reduce C-Sections

Temper Tantrums, Sin, & Grace

Temper Tantrums, Sin, & Grace

"The screams of anger and defiance pierced the joyous reception happening in the church house where my husband pastors.  No amount of reasoning, threats of spanking, or bribing calmed the situation.  There were looks of awe and horror from those witnessing my 3 year old child thrashing around in my arms, screaming, and throwing the biggest fit I have ever seen any child throw...and then it happened.

 

"I officially became THAT parent. I became the parent that can't control her own children.

 

"As I made the quickest exit I could with my unruly daughter I prayed no one would be in the parking lot. I struggled to strap her in the carseat as she struggled to be free from me.  I climbed in the front seat and hung my head in shame, in exhaustion, in absolute frustration."

10 Ways to Love Someone with Depression

10 Ways to Love Someone with Depression

"If you have a partner or are close to someone who struggles with depression, you may not always know how to show them you love them. One day they may seem fine, and the next they are sad, distant and may push you away. It is important that you know that as a person who is close to them and trusted by them, you can help your friend or partner have shorter, less severe bouts of depression. Mental illness is as real as physical illness and your partner needs you as much as they would need to be cared for if they had the flu.

"Your relationship may seem one-sided during these times, but by helping your partner through a very difficult and painful affliction, you are strengthening your relationship and their mental health in the long term."

Let Them Come Home!

Let Them Come Home!

So, so, so needed!!!

Why Your Spiritual Life Needs Travel

Why Your Spiritual Life Needs Travel

15 Food Reasons Italians are Better at Life

15 Food Reasons Italians Are Better At Life

Double Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Double Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

No-Streak Homemade Glass Cleaner

No-Streak Homemade Glass Cleaner

Winston Churchill

I've been Divorced Four Times but Homosexuals are the ones Destroying Marriage

I've been Divorced Four Times but Homosexuals are the ones Destroying Marriage

"Last night, someone emailed and asked me to write about the gay marriage case in Virginia. This morning, a woman from Wisconsin asked if I would blog about the gay marriage case in her state. A few readers in Utah have also requested that I chime in on the gay marriage fight there.

"And so I was going to do just that. I sat down to type a scathing rant about gay marriage. I sat down to tell the world that gay marriage is the greatest threat to the sanctity of marriage.

"But then..."

Intentionally Building Intimacy

Ways to Intentionally Build Intimacy With Your Husband

Avocado Chicken Enchiladas

Avocado Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

Homemade NUTELLA

Homemade Nutella :)

The Unbelievable State of Parental Rights in America

The Unbelievable State of Parental Rights in America

50 Best Uses for Coconut Oil

50 of the Best Uses for Coconut Oil

52 Different Ways to Save $100 Per Year: Homemade Cleaners

52 Different Ways to Save $100 Per Year

9 Intentional Ways to Challenge Consumerism in Your Life

9 Intentional Ways to Challenge Consumerism in Your Life

"Consumerism is not a pathway to joy and meaning in life.

This is not a new revelation.

In fact, we all know it to be true...."

Truths about Coconut Oil

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

"Coconut oil has been a common sight in Asian and Pacific households for ages, but why is it that today all over the world the health benefits of coconut oil are being rediscovered? Did you know that there was a time in history when western countries, like the US and Canada, were huge consumers of coconut oil? But what happened back then?....."

How I made sure all 12 of my kids could pay for college themselves

How I made sure all 12 of my kids could pay for college themselves

"My wife and I had 12 children over the course of 15 1/2 years. Today, our oldest is 37 and our youngest is 22.  I have always had a very prosperous job and enough money to give my kids almost anything. But my wife and I decided not to.

5

I will share with you the things that we did, but first let me tell you the results: All 12 of my children have college degrees (or are in school), and we as parents did not pay for it. Most have graduate degrees. Those who are married have wonderful spouses with the same ethics and college degrees, too. We have 18 grandchildren who are learning the same things that our kids learned—self respect, gratitude, and a desire to give back to society...."

Strawberry Mint Spa Water

Strawberry Mint Spa Water

3 Natural Ways to Clean Indoor Air

Clean Indoor Air Naturally

These are great! Two of the three suggestions will last a long time and would be well worth the investment. Definitely something worth trying!!

A Battle Between Two Wolves

I Signed up for This

I Signed up for This

What to do when: Someone is Mean to your Child

What to do When Someone is Mean to Your Child

"One Mean Kid can make him feel like the whole world hates him..."

Wise Words from Yoda

Kids remember...

Why Being "Mom" is Enough

Why Being A Mom Is Enough

5 Ways to Motivate your Child to Use Pornography

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Motivate Your Child to Use Pornography

"The problem for many of us is we do not understand the insidious allurement of pornography and how our behavior, though unintentional, can help shape a child to crave something which can lead him into a lifetime of slavery..."

20 Things to Give Up for Lent

20 Things to Give Up for Lent

The Right and Wrong Reason to Give up Something for Lent

The Right and Wrong Reasons for Giving Something up for Lent

Billy Graham

Home Remedies for Sinus Infections

Inhalation with Garlic ~ Inhalation with Apple Cider Vinegar ~ Inhalation with Essential Oils 

Add Honey ~ Neti Pot ~ Elderberry Infusion

The Best Home Remedies for Sinus Infection

The Important Thing About Yelling

"The important thing is...

my mom is always there for me,

even when I get in trouble."

The Important Thing About Yelling

Great article. Great perspective and reminder.

And definitely a worthwhile blog to keep up with!

No Fuss Parenting – Teach Kids to Sit Still

Teaching Kids to Sit Still

I am so hoping there's a way to do this!

We would like our kids to worship with us in church,

without resorting to being walled off in a "family room."

Nursing Mother Tax Break!

Nursing Mother's Granted Tax Break

Red Lobster Recipes!

Make the same thing... with better quality... for less.

Red Lobster Copycat Recipes

The Difference in Organic

This 3rd grader shocked everyone with her experiment that shows the difference between organic and conventional.