Monday, May 14, 2012
The first time I set my feet to the pavement during my weight loss journey, I made it barely half a mile walking. I felt so discouraged. I remember my younger brother who has always been an athlete telling me that this was just the beginning of my change that there was a long road ahead and not to get so disheartened after one day. That was what scared me; I wanted instant satisfaction.
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
With Mother’s Day this Sunday, I cannot help but reflect on my parenting years thus far. It makes me think back to when my oldest was born. I had these unachievable notions of the perfect mother. I would do everything right and she would be the perfect child. Naively, I believed I had it all figured out. I see many first-time moms do this. There is nothing wrong with it; they are excited and take their new role as “mommy” seriously.
Monday, April 30, 2012
I actually love working. I love the reward of a job well done. But when that job is so tedious and it is daily, I get so frustrated that I let the chores go too often. Today, I am turning over a new leaf. I am grounding myself to do this housework. I will not allow my laundry to sit in a pile and my dishes to overwhelm my kitchen sink. I am vowing to clean my car daily and to keep my things in places where I can find them.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Children stretch the truth. Often they will use their imaginations to create games, stories and situations. However, when your child stretches the truth and it hurts someone, it is time to teach them about honesty. Some children have amazing abilities when it comes to creativity. My oldest daughter is one. She loves to use her imagination. Lately, her wild imagination has been more harmful than innocent.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
As long as there have been women in the workforce, the stay-at-home mom vs. working mom debate has been alive and well. For more than seven years, from the beginning of my first pregnancy until just recently, I was a stay-at-home mom. Everyone has a different experience as a stay at home mom, but I can tell you that going to work has been a huge blessing.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christian believers. Celebrating the resurrection of our Savior and the atonement of our sins is an exciting time for us. But, it is hard to explain this amazing story to children, especially when there is a bunny hopping around in their minds. The Easter Bunny who brings candy and treats distracts children (and adults) from why this holiday is important.
Monday, March 26, 2012
What do you do when your child does not like school? My youngest daughter struggled with going to preschool from the start. I eventually removed her from the class because it seemed more like torture than fun. We are planning to place her in another school. Still, I can’t help but think maybe she is just not ready.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Each of my children have vastly different personalities. They surprise me sometimes with their individuality. I have blogged many times about my youngest daughter Myley; she is a very strong willed and complex child. My cousin has a child very similar to her. Recently, we were discussing how some days their personalities can be the ultimate test in parenting with patience.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Peer pressure and bad influences are not just a part of growing up. As adults, we face many of the same obstacles when it comes to our choices in friends and lifestyles. Lately, it has become clear to me that I am still just as vulnerable to influences. We all make mistakes; and it can become very easy for us to get lost in a bad crowd.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Yesterday, I ran in a half marathon. It all started nine months ago, when I first got the idea to do it. The only problem was that I was a hundred pounds heavier last May. I know God commands us to respect our bodies; and the fact that I overate and was so heavy bothered me. It also upset me that my children were learning bad eating habits and also seeing their mom very unhealthy.