Friday, March 28, 2014

22 Things I Learned in my First Ten Years of Parenting

"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...

"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)...."

Monday, March 24, 2014

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..."

Hello! My name is...

Photo: How one family welcomed their newborn. Best. Pic. Ever. Don't ever forget who's child you are.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

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

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

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

"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."

Friday, March 14, 2014

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

husband

Monday, March 10, 2014

Truths about 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




Wednesday, March 5, 2014

5 Ways to Motivate your Child to Use Pornography

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

"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..."

Monday, March 3, 2014

Home Remedies for Sinus Infections

Inhalation with Garlic ~ Inhalation with Apple Cider Vinegar ~ Inhalation with Essential Oils 
Add Honey ~ Neti Pot ~ Elderberry Infusion

The Important Thing About Yelling

"The important thing is...
my mom is always there for me,
even when I get in trouble."


Great article. Great perspective and reminder.
And definitely a worthwhile blog to keep up with!

No Fuss Parenting – Teach 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!


Red Lobster Recipes!

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


The Difference in Organic