Stay Cool Summer Kids' Craft

Okay folks!

Want something else fun to make with your kids? How about spicing up an old dud that your kids can even help with??? do i sound like an informercial yet???

This is so easy! And for the get-stains-out-of-laundry-impaired Mom like me, it's perfect! I did this for Father's Day just this weekend! (don't worry, I didn't make my Dad a butterfly t-shirt, I made a BYU scrub cap for him to operate in!)

All you need is cute fabric, a cute tee, preferably one with stains that you want to hide :), stitch witchery or something like unto it, and an iron and off you go!

Parents for Free!

That sounds funny!  

But really, go to this blog for an offer to get Parents Magazine for two years for free!  

I had a free sample when I had my first baby but didn't subscribe so I'm excited! It looks like there are no strings attached.

Enjoy!

Pop Star

Has anyone else heard that Michael Jackson passed away today? My husband and I like a lot of his music. I'm not sure if I have a favorite though. Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song?

Wednesday Weekly

Better late than never, eh? Sorry I'm posting this so late. I remember all week to do this and then forget today.

Are you an early riser or a night owl?

Potty Training Manipulation & Pacifiers

Okay, so blessed, blessed day: my daughter is potty trained. It is glorious. It is wonderful. I am so happy. And yet.....all of a sudden, my daughter has control over me (she learned on her first day of being potty trained). Whenever its time for her to go to bed, she always has to "try one more time.." Or whenever we're leaving a store/playgroup/anywhere...we always have to go back because she "really has to go potty." Does this happen to any of the rest of you? How do you keep yourselves from being manipulated without just saying, "Oh well...I guess you're going to have to pee your pants."

Also, I still let her wear a diaper for naptime and bedtime b/c I've heard that's normal and its a lot harder to potty train for sleeping times. Do/did any of the rest of you do that? When did you switch to underwear all the time?

On to my second subject: pacifiers. It is time for my daughter to get rid of hers. She is fully addicted. It is not healthy. A year ago we made a "pacis are only for bedtime" rule and she's done fairly well with that, but lately she's been trying to sneak them all day and when I take them away she has a total breakdown. So...we're getting rid of it. But, do any of you have any suggestions on how you got rid of your children's beloved pacis? (I know that its gonna be rough no matter what...I just figured I'd ask to see if there's any suggestions to make it a little easier...)

Stay Cool Summer Kids' Craft

Are you guys as hot as I am????

The heat index today for my town is 110 degrees!!! Augh!!!!

I would love to embrace the outdoors during the summer but 110 degrees is a bit much for me!

So... here is a cute idea from Martha Stewart.

I love the shells idea, it's creative, it's easy, it's cheap and it's green! But hey, give me a pot and a glue gun and I'm thinking buttons all over or put the shells on and then paint them, or heck, let 'em loose with a bunch of stickers! One of my favorites was covering a 10# can with scrapbook paper and mod podge and going to town!

What do you want to make???

Do you want to post Wednesday Weekly?

Would anyone like to post Wednesday Weeklys this summer?

Hot Topic

What are your thoughts on the Jon & Kate Plus 8 saga? Do you follow the show? Do you believe that the kids are being exploited? What are your predictions for their marriage and/or the children's future?

Spotlight Tiffany

My husband and I in December 2007. We had just seen Blue Man Group for free by being ushers.

My girls and I on Mother's Day.

Basics

1. What is your age and physical description? I am 26, 5' 10", brown hair and brown eyes. (I've secretly always been jealous of blue-eyed people)

2. Where were you born and where are you now? I was born in Naperville, IL and now I live in a little town near Seattle, WA and we're moving to Provo this summer for my hubby to get his MBA.

3. What do you do for a living? I am a mother! :) I taught 2nd grade for a year and plan to go back to doing that once my kiddos are in school. I would like to start a "learning to read" class from home one of these days, I just need to get the gumption to go for it and do it.

4. What is your favorite and least favorite color? Favorite: blue, Least favorite: ? I like most colors.

5. Did you go to college and get a degree, If so, where & what? I went to BYU (Go Cougars!) and got my BS in Elementary Education.

6. How many children do you have? How old are they? I have two beautiful little girls. Megan is 2 1/2 and Emily is 7 months.

7. What’s your favorite and least favorite food? Favorite: apples, spaghetti, most fresh fruit, Quaker Oatmeal Squares, and Chipotle burritos. Least favorite: tomatoes (I like them cooked, but not raw), brussell sprouts, and olives

8. Are you right or left handed? right

9. Do you play any instruments? I wish. I took piano for a long time and never practiced and so I can't play well at all. Someday I'm going to buy a piano and take lessons again! I like to sing though.

10. What are your hobbies? I love to read, play board games (the German ones), go on hikes, go on bike rides, dance (I can't dance well, but I like to do it), and take naps (when I can...is that a hobby?)

Make You Think...

11. What did you want to be when you grew up? A mom, a teacher, or an actress/model

12. What is your biggest fear? I am constantly worrying about something happening to my husband or my children....or me. As shallow as it sounds, I often worry that I'll die and then my husband will get remarried (which I would want him to) but then my kids will forget me and love their new mom better. Good thing I have the gospel and know that everything will work out like its supposed to no matter what happens...and I'll be happy no matter what. That doesn't stop me from worrying though....

13. Who has touched your life and influenced you the most and why? Probably my firstborn daughter. My life completely changed when she was born and I have grown so much since then. Plus she's constantly teaching me new things every day. Being a mom really taught me how much Heavenly Father loves His children and how much I need to rely on Him and trust in Him.

14. If you could accomplish just one thing with your life, what would that be and why? To teach my children how to obtain their own testimonies and to build and strengthen that testimony every day of their lives. I would love to have my whole family in the temple together someday.

15. What is your worst habit and if you could quit it, would you? My worst habit is probably my love for sleep. It tends to make me lazy during naptimes... I probably should quit. I'm currently working on it.

16. Who would play you in the movie of your life? Who would play your husband? I know its been said before by other people, but I think Sandra Bullock would play me pretty well. I feel like I can relate to certain characters she's played and I've been told before that I look like her. I just asked my husband who would play him and he said, "Based on looks alone: Brad Pitt. Just kidding...I would probably be played by Screech." So..there you have it.

17. What songs would make up the soundtrack of your life and why? This is the question that I was most excited for b/c I constantly think about stuff like this. (I'm sort of crazy about music...) I actually made a soundtrack of my life in college b/c I thought it would be fun. So, sorry, but I'm actually listing a bunch of songs. :)
"Baby Mine" from Dumbo b/c its my daughter's song, "Snuggle Puppy" by Sandra Boynton b/c its my other daughter's song, the Jem theme song b/c I wanted to be Jem when I grew up, the Book Report on Peter Rabbit song from "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to represent my school days, "Have You Ever?" by Brandy to represent my emotional/drama-filled teenage years, any Backstreet Boys song b/c I was obsessed, "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago b/c my husband sang that to me when he proposed, "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge b/c I love it, "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds b/c I danced with my husband to that song for our wedding reception, "Always" by Atlantic Starr b/c I'm cheesey and want my life to be like that, any High School Musical song b/c I love them all (yes, I'm 16 at heart), "Stacy's Mom" b/c it reminds me of college, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw, and "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" from the EFY cd. There would be more...but I should stop.

18. If you could meet any one person in history, who would it be, and why? I would really like to meet Joseph Smith (and Emma) and George Washington (and Martha). I also just re-watched The Testaments recently and I think it would be pretty awesome to be in the Americas when Jesus came and to meet him and hear his teachings in that context. I would prefer that over Jerusalem I think.

19. If you lost everything you have tomorrow, what three things would you save and why? My journal with my memories of Megan and Emily (the cute things they've said and whatnot) b/c otherwise I know I would forget those little things; Megan's blanket (she cannot sleep without it); my laptop (it has all my pictures on it)

20. What is your favorite quote and why? In General: "Don't worry, be happy."
Churchy: "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It all works out in the end. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." President Hinckley
Motherhood-wise: "Cleaning and scrubbing can wait for tomorrow, For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep." --Author Unknown
From the Twilight series ;) : "Could a dead, frozen heart break? It felt like mine would." .... "Could a dead, frozen heart beat again? It felt like mine was about to." -- Midnight Sun and "'Oh, and also, I'm wretchedly in love with you.' Keep it light." -- Midnight Sun
From a Movie: "I don't even own a gun, let alone many guns which would necessitate an entire rack. What am I gonna do with at gun rack?" "You don't like it? Fine. You know Wayne, if you're not careful, one of these days you're gonna lose me." "I already did lose you...two months ago. We broke up. Are you mental? Get the net!" --Wayne's World

Just For Fun

21. Do you sleep with the closet door open or closed? Open. My husband actually took the doors off b/c they were the sliding ones and they drove him nuts.

22. What is your biggest pet peeve? When people smoke around children. It makes me so sad for their young, impressionable lungs.

23. Where are the top three places you'd like to travel to? Cancun, Chile, and Hawaii

24. Do you ever dance for no reason even though there’s no music playing? ALWAYS. There is always a song in my head and I'm always dancing to it. :)

25. What size is your bed? King. My husband and I cannot sleep on a queen b/c we cannot touch each other while sleeping. We discovered that right away after we got married. :)

26. What do you drink with dinner? Water, but my husband drinks milk. It's pretty funny.

27. What movies could you watch over and over and still love? 13 Going on 30, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, all of the High School Musicals, Hairspray, Newsies, most Pixar movies... (once again...I think I'm 16 at heart...)

28. What was the first concert you went to? I think Anita Baker or Yanni, randomly enough (my dad got free concert tickets through his work). Favorite concert: Tim McGraw (or maybe the Backstreet Boys... ;) )

29. What is on your perfect pizza? Its a Papa Murphy's stuffed pizza with Canadian bacon, pepperoni, pineapple, and mushrooms with green peppers and roma tomatoes on top. It is the best. pizza. ever.

30. What's the most exotic place you've traveled to?I have never been anywhere exotic. But one of my favorite trips was to Havasu falls in Arizona. It was beautiful!

Spotlight Member: June 15th

This week we will be learning more about...

Tiffany!

Tiffany, click here to find the Spotlight Member Survey. Copy, paste it into a new post and fill in your answers. If possible include a recent picture of yourself. We're excited to learn more about you.

Keeping the bugs away

My daughter has a really severe reaction to bug bites. I need help! What are your best ways to keep the bugs from your kids (aside from staying inside which isn't a bad option in the south in summer)?

Thanks!

Wednesday Weekly

What did you have for dinner tonight?

(Can you tell I'm having a hard time thinking of a question tonight?)

Picky Eater

We've probably had similar posts before, but the answers change with different ages. So I'm asking again for advice about my picky eater. She's about 3 1/2 mos. shy of turning 3. And somehow, despite the fact that my husband and I are not picky eaters, she has become one. The problem is, she won't try anything that isn't one of her norms. What I'm wondering is how forceful I should be at this point. Is she young enough that it's a stage she may grow out of, or is it one of those things that if I don't crack down now, it'll only get worse? My husband and I have learned the hard way that certain habits are harder to break the longer they go on. For instance, we used to be lax about her sitting at the table with us for dinner, until it got out of control and she would take one bite and then run around. So now, dinner time is full of time outs and warnings (so enjoyable) as we undo that damage.

I don't necessarily make her a separate meal. But I do modify what we're having. For instance, if we're having tacos, she might get a plain cheese quesadilla. Or if we have a casserole with chicken in it, I set aside plain chicken for her before I add it to the casserole. Should I just be saying, "You eat what we eat, or nothing at all" instead? It seems harsh at her age, and I worry about her going hungry, because she is incredibly stubborn. But I want to do what's best for the long run, so HELP!

A little child Psyc...

Two of my friends received degrees in psych and couseling and began a blog where they can give all their unsolicited advice and pass on what they know to other moms. They give the "science" behind different discipline techniques, address problem behaviors and give ways to be better parents overall. It is very interesting to read! And they list some great sites to visit on all topics along with some helpful books and activities for kids. The site is:

theycomewithoutinstructions.blogspot.com

cameras

So my daughter has finally managed to break our digital camera. I have been wanting a better camera, so I guess this is sort-of a blessing. I wanted to know if any of you had any tips on what cameras you like best, or what features you really love. Also, have you found any stores that tend to have better deals? Any tips would be great!

Strawberried Peanut Butter M&M's

So these look so nasty to me, but I am curious if they appeal to anyone else?

Wednesday Weekly

What is something on your "to-do" list this summer?

Spotlight Member - Heidi's Answers

Basics

1. What is your age and physical description?
42, I'm short, blue eyed, dark blond/light brown hair, freckled (that sounds so much better than blotchy) complexion, not thin (that sounds so much better than overweight), usually smiling.

2. Where were you born and where are you now?
I was born in Missoula, MT and now live in Alabama. I've also lived in AZ, ID, UT, NH, and OR

3. What do you do for a living?
I am a full time, stay-at-home mom. Before I married I was the Registrar at Utah State University.

4. What is your favorite and least favorite color?
Favorite: Red
Least? I honestly don't have a color I don't like.

5. Did you go to college and get a degree, If so, where & what?
Yes. I got a BS from Utah State University and an MA from Montana State University (both in History - I studied American History, especially Black History).

6. How many children do you have? How old are they?
One - she is 2. We'd like to have a bigger family but I'm a little old for that (but not necessarily too old) so we're interested to see how our family will grow.

7. What’s your favorite and least favorite food?
I love Indian food and Thai food and Italian food.
I HATE, HATE, HATE all kinds of seafood/fish. YUCKO!

8. Are you right or left handed?
Right

9. Do you play any instruments?
None well but I took Violin and Piano lessons when I was a kid. I still play the piano a bit but the violin playing never made it past the painful scratching-sound phase.

10. What are your hobbies?
I love to cook, sew, crochet, blog, find ways to teach my daughter, support my husband in his art and music, and serve in the YW program.

Make You Think...

11. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Shirley Temple. If I was younger I would have wanted to win American Idol (but it didn't exist way back then).

12. What is your biggest fear?
Not living up to my divine mission/potential/worth.

13. Who has touched your life and influenced you the most and why?
"Most" is a huge word. Phil, my husband, has influenced me greatly. We are truly best friends and I've learned so much about faith and sacrifice and obedience from him. My mom has also been a huge influence on me. Both these people are always progressing, learning, becoming better and I think that is awesome.

14. If you could accomplish just one thing with your life, what would that be and why?
Live my life in a way that Heavenly Father is pleased with my contributions to His Kingdom. This includes being a good wife and mother as well as whatever else He has in store for me.

15. What is your worst habit and if you could quit it, would you?
Indulging my sweet tooth. Obviously I wouldn't because I could quit and I haven't.

16. Who would play you in the movie of your life? Who would play your husband?
I had no idea how to answer this and so I asked my husband and here is his answer:
Meg Ryan (me)
Tim Robbins (him)

17. What songs would make up the soundtrack of your life and why?
Currently the soundtrack of my life consists of lots of Primary music, Kids Stuff (by Voice Male - my husband's group), and Miss Melody's Sing Along. Why??? Because I have a two year old.

18. If you could meet any one person in history, who would it be, and why?
Jesus Christ - if I really only get one. I think the "why" is obvious. Aside from Him, I'd love to meet several Book of Mormon prophets, Abraham Lincoln, Susie King Taylor, Anna Julia Cooper, Charlotte Forten Grimke, Samuel Willard, Joan of Arc, Socrates, Zoroaster ... It isn't fair to ask a historian this question. These are all people I've studied and found fascinating and I'd love to really meet them and learn from them.

19. If you lost everything you have tomorrow, what three things would you save and why?
Computer - it has so much documentation on it.
Box of Historical Writings - I worked hard on those and I want to keep them.
Artwork - created by my husband because he worked hard on those and I want to keep them.

I'm sure I will think of a different list tomorrow though...

20. What is your favorite quote and why?
"In matters of preference, bend like the willow. In matters of principle, be firm as the oak." - attributed to Thomas Jefferson (although I haven't been able to verify that).
I just think this is good because so much of life is preference and we needn't get all fussy and rigid about it but when it comes to things that really are principle, we need to be willing to be uncompromising.

Just For Fun

21. Do you sleep with the closet door open or closed?
usually closed.

22. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Poor grammar, but I'm getting less peeved about that all the time (a toddler will do that for you).

23. Where are the top three places you'd like to travel to?
Greece, Israel, South Africa.

24. Do you ever dance for no reason even though there’s no music playing?
Definitely!

25. What size is your bed?
Queen.

26. What do you drink with dinner?
Water. Once in while we'll have "Kissing Juice" (which is generic Crystal Light with two flavors mixed making it tart and therefore creating a pucker - see, "kissing juice" - my dad made that name up).

27. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Most old time musicals, Princess Bride, Charade, One Fine Day.

28. What was the first concert you went to?
John Denver (don't think less of me)

29. What is on your perfect pizza?
It depends on the day. I love traditional pizzas like Hawaiian but I also like BBQ Chicken or Spinach Alfredo.

30. What's the most exotic place you've traveled to?
Probably Italy but Switzerland is a close second.

Spotlight Member- June 1st

Sorry I've been such a slacker when it comes to posting Spotlight Members! To say life has been hectic lately would be an understatement! But I'm back with this week's Spotlight Member...

BamaMoma!

Heidi, click here to find the Spotlight Member survey. Copy and paste it into a new post, fill in your answers and if possible include a recent picture of yourself. We're excited to get to know more about you!