Knowledge is Power!
Remember that phrase? It still rings true.
I would like to pose a challenge to all of you.....
I've never been interested in politics. I hate conflict and debate and have no desire to be a part of it. I figured, there are plenty of people who are smarter than me, I'll just let them make the decisions and trust their judgement. And that worked okay for awhile. I was blissfully ignorant. But then I got older and started raising a family. I started recognizing how all of those decisions affect my life every single day, and more importantly, how they affect the lives of every person in this country. And I realized something.....They're getting it wrong.
Those 'smarter' people whom I was allowing to make my decisions for me were making the wrong decisions on my behalf. But I can't even blame them for it, because I'm the one who gave them that power. It was easier than learning, and trying to understand complex issues. It was more comfortable than sharing my views and facing criticism. It allowed me to be complacent.
It was selfish.
There are many people who are just like I was. Who hear the word 'politics' and automatically tune out. I've been there, I know.
We can't do that!
Why not?
Because 'politics' isn't just about Republicans or Democrats (don't even get me started on the two-party system) .... To vote or not to vote .... 'Politics' aren't only important every 2 or 4 years .... 'Politics' is about LIFE. Your life! .... It's about FREEDOM. Your freedom! ....It's about LIBERTY. Your liberty! .... It's about what our country once was, what it is now, and what it will become in the future.... And if you decide that you don't care one bit about 'politics', then you don't care about those things either. Not in the way you should.
I know that those are strong words, and they are not meant to offend. They are meant to open our eyes to what our responsibilities are as citizens of the greatest country in the world.
So, here is my challenge..... I have a video that I would like you to watch. It's basically the United States of America in a nutshell - Where it started and where it has come. If you are willing to put aside 90 minutes of your time to watch a movie (and how many of us can say we never do that?), and accept this challenge, I promise I will not ask you to participate in any other 'political' activities ever again. (Or at least not for awhile, 'wink')
I want to be clear about what I am asking from you. I am not asking you to agree with anything. I'm not trying to force you to believe in anything you're against. This video displays history in our country and people who have contributed to that history. All I want you to do, in this order, is.....
1) Watch it with an OPEN MIND. That sounds simple, but it's really not. We are all preconditioned to certain ideas and feelings that can affect how we assimilate information. Try to push those things aside and just listen without judgement.
Watch the video by clicking HERE.
2) Decide if it's true.
Do this while remaining neutral. DON"T think about right wing or left wing, liberal or conservative. Just follow the history and decide for yourself if it is true. If it is not true, it has no relevance. If it is true, go to the next step.
3) Decide if it is right or wrong. Do you think the country has gone the way it should? Or not? Regardless of how you may feel on stand-alone issues (i.e. feminism, abortion, etc.), how do you feel about the direction AS A WHOLE? Be honest with yourself. I'm not going to test you later. If you truly believe that it is right and good then you are now confident in what you believe, you know what it represents, and you are happy. If you think it is wrong, go to the next step.
4) You are now also confident in what you believe, and you know what it represents. Decide what you, personally, can do to change it. It can be so hard to figure out ways to facilitate change.....especially on a grand scale. My advice is to start with the little things.
*Speak up when you normally wouldn't.
*Vote
*Write a blog.
*Change your Facebook status.
*Read. Study. Learn. Get informed and become educated so you know more of what you're talking about.
*Stand up for what you believe. Others will see your example and have the courage to do the same.
*Write letters to your local representatives and let them know what you expect from them.
We are only individuals, small and seemingly ineffective. But when single individuals come together for a common goal we gain power as a group.
Things can change.
Thursday, April 18
Friday, October 5
Ode To The Birthday Girl!
Oh, my sweet Emma! I can't believe how big you've gotten! I love you more than words can say. HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!
This Is Only A Mountain...
I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately..... well, more than a bit
actually. Some people thrive in an overwhelming atmosphere, sadly I am
not one of those people. I am more likely to just shut down completely.
That's how I roll.
I've been listening to a song lately that helps me remember that with faith we can move mountains. Not only do I think about myself when I'm listening to it, but I think about others close to me and some of the things they are going through. I hope this song might be as helpful to them as it is for me.
I've been listening to a song lately that helps me remember that with faith we can move mountains. Not only do I think about myself when I'm listening to it, but I think about others close to me and some of the things they are going through. I hope this song might be as helpful to them as it is for me.
Tuesday, September 18
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your.....Apple?
Molly is in preschool now. Every afternoon when she gets home I have her pick out a book to read for her reading club. Today she brought me the book Rapunzel. But it wasn't your ordinary Rapunzel. It was a book that her sister, Emma, had made when she was in preschool about 5 years ago. Emma had drawn the pictures and told her teacher what to write in the book. So, this is the book Molly and I read for her reading club today. I wanted to share it with you because it's pretty much hilarious! I wish I could show you the pictures that go with it, but you'll have to use your imagination.
Rapunzel
by Emma Shumway
Once upon a time there was Rapunzel.
The wicked witch locked her in a tower.
This is the tower she was locked in. (Insert a big square with a naked stick figure 'laying down' inside.)
The wicked witch gave her an apple.
She was poisoned by the apple.
The wicked witch had another apple that wasn't poisonous.
Rapunzel left her mouth open and the wicked witch woke her up and she told Rapunzel to eat the apple.
And she ate it.
She said that this apple is not poisoned.
The prince came and took away the poisoned apple.
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" the prince yelled.
They lived happily ever after.
The end.
Rapunzel
by Emma Shumway
Once upon a time there was Rapunzel.
The wicked witch locked her in a tower.
This is the tower she was locked in. (Insert a big square with a naked stick figure 'laying down' inside.)
The wicked witch gave her an apple.
She was poisoned by the apple.
The wicked witch had another apple that wasn't poisonous.
Rapunzel left her mouth open and the wicked witch woke her up and she told Rapunzel to eat the apple.
And she ate it.
She said that this apple is not poisoned.
The prince came and took away the poisoned apple.
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!" the prince yelled.
They lived happily ever after.
The end.
Friday, August 31
Won't Back Down - Review
Last night I had the opportunity to go to a pre-screening of the movie Won't Back Down. This movie won't be released into theaters until September 28th. So I thought I would just share my opinion of the movie for anyone who might be interested in checking it out next month.
After seeing the preview I knew this was a movie I wanted to see for one simple reason. It's rated PG. How often these days do we get the opportunity to go see a movie on the big screen that isn't bombarded by swearing, sex, and violence? Ummm...pretty much NEVER. So, I like to take advantage of that opportunity whenever I can. I will let you know, if you are thinking about taking your kids with you, there are one or two minor curse words, as well as some scenes of adults drinking in a bar. Those two things aren't anything I would worry about too much for my kids, but all parents are different, so...there you have it.
The movie is about an elementary school that is failing miserably. The majority of students do not even have basic reading skills by the time they leave the school. Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a young, poor mother working two jobs to try to afford a better school for her daughter, who has dyslexia. Viola Davis plays a teacher at the failing school who is also having issues with her son. Together, the two women decide to take on the school board and the teacher's union to make a better school and a better future for their children.
The story was good and the actors were good. I think Maggie Gyllenhaal did a fantastic job with her character. I haven't seen all of her films, but in the ones that I have seen she has never played a character quite like this. She is optimistic, bubbly, and a little quirky while also being involved, serious, and tough. I liked her character a lot. Viola Davis, whom I loved in The Help also did a great job with her character; A teacher who at one time was passionate but got swallowed up by the doom and gloom of a public education bureaucracy, and who is racked by guilt from past choices that might have affected her son's ability to learn and succeed in school. Holly Hunter and Rosie Perez also gave good performances in supporting roles.
I really, really enjoyed this movie. There were parts that made me laugh, there were parts that made me cry, there were parts that made me angry, and there were parts that made me feel all warm and gooey inside. I think if you're looking for a nice feel-good movie that the whole family can enjoy, then this is a great option. I give it two thumbs up!
So, there you have it. I'm not a professional movie reviewer by any means and I'm sure I didn't do this movie justice. Quite frankly, I'm just hoping this review made sense. Here's to good movies!!!
Tuesday, August 28
"Mormon in America"
(*The statements made in this post are my own beliefs and opinions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.)
This past week there was and interesting program on TV about the Mormon faith; Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC.
Here is the program in it's entirety if you are interested in watching it.
Overall, I think this story was well done. They did a great job showing the efforts the church puts into helping the poor and the needy. I think they also successfully showed that we Mormons really are just normal people who are quite happy living our faith. I do think there are points where they over-emphasized parts of the religion that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things, or that may seem controversial to the outside world. I also didn't love their interview with Ms. Huntsman, but I'm sure they tweaked a few things. And she is obviously entitled to feel however she wants to about the church. People within the church are still individuals,their understanding of church doctrine and policies can vary and they may feel differently about any number of topics. That is normal and as true in our religion as it is anywhere else in the world.
The only part of the story that I felt really needed to be corrected, at least from my point of view, had to do with the use of one simple word that really makes a HUGE difference when it comes to understanding the beliefs and practices of the LDS church.
The word is EQUALITY.
At one point toward the end of the story Brian Williams states, "...kids grow up in a church where the two genders, male and female, are not equal. That is one tradition among many that has survived despite all of the changes going on in the world outside the church."
I'm sorry to tell you this Mr. Williams, but that statement is WRONG. It may be an accurate way of depicting what some people may think about certain things, but it certainly is not the truth.
Being equal and being the same are two very different things. The church absolutely believes that men and women are equal. We are of the same worth and value to our Heavenly Father and to the world. But, the church also recognizes that men and women are not the same. They never have been...they never will be...and they are not intended to be. Ask any modern-day scientist and they will assure you that men and women are simply 'wired' differently.
As members of the church we understand that men and women are inherently different. They have different strengths and weaknesses.These differences allow us to compliment one another. They allow us to give and take here and there working together and making up for each other where we fall short. This is what makes a thriving family unit possible. We don't need to be the same, and we recognize that, as with all of God's intents, this is for a wise purpose.
I, personally, have no problem with the fact that my husband holds the Priesthood and I do not. And just so you know, those feelings are not at all based upon the fact that I can bear children and my husband cannot. I don't think that makes us 'even'. But the fact is, this is not a competition, as many seem to think it is. The whole issue has been turned into something as silly as "He got more ice cream than I did!" or "He got the bigger half of the cookie!" It seems to me that this fight over who should have 'rights' to holding the Priesthood shows nothing more than a desire for power.
The Priesthood is partly defined in the church as being "the power of God upon the Earth". Anyone, man or woman, who thinks they should have the 'right' to hold the power of God is horribly mislead and arrogant. God chooses whom He will allow to use that power on His behalf. He knows all things and leads and guides us. For us to think that we would know better than He does, that we would know better what is fair and acceptable in regards to this issue is ridiculous!
But even more to the point, is the idea that women somehow miss out on blessings because we do not hold the Priesthood. It is simply not true. Men do not use the Priesthood as a way to bless themselves. The Priesthood is used to bless others. It is a tool for them in their stewardship over their families. It is we, the women and children in a home, who are most blessed by our husbands or sons or brothers holding the Priesthood. One of the main reasons men are given this charge is to help and bless those around them. When we understand that, we can recognized that men having the Priesthood is quite literally a way that God blesses women. It's not about having a 'right', it's not about a selfish desire for power, it's not about bragging rights or being 'higher up the chain of righteousness' or having a 'better' position in the church. The Priesthood was given to bless us and to ease some of life's burdens. To make temporal things eternal. To allow love and relationships to last forever. To bring peace. It is a magnificent gift from God, and He absolutely has the right to decide whom He will allow to use it.
Men and women in the church are absolutely equal. We are both of great worth and have much that we are able to accomplish in this life. But we are not the same. And the fact that we, as members, understand that and are okay with it, does not mean that we are settling for less than we deserve. On the contrary, it allows us to understand our strengths and use them to better our own lives and the lives of our families. And I believe that having that understanding, in general, makes us more successful in this life.
This past week there was and interesting program on TV about the Mormon faith; Rock Center with Brian Williams on NBC.
Here is the program in it's entirety if you are interested in watching it.
Overall, I think this story was well done. They did a great job showing the efforts the church puts into helping the poor and the needy. I think they also successfully showed that we Mormons really are just normal people who are quite happy living our faith. I do think there are points where they over-emphasized parts of the religion that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things, or that may seem controversial to the outside world. I also didn't love their interview with Ms. Huntsman, but I'm sure they tweaked a few things. And she is obviously entitled to feel however she wants to about the church. People within the church are still individuals,their understanding of church doctrine and policies can vary and they may feel differently about any number of topics. That is normal and as true in our religion as it is anywhere else in the world.
The only part of the story that I felt really needed to be corrected, at least from my point of view, had to do with the use of one simple word that really makes a HUGE difference when it comes to understanding the beliefs and practices of the LDS church.
The word is EQUALITY.
At one point toward the end of the story Brian Williams states, "...kids grow up in a church where the two genders, male and female, are not equal. That is one tradition among many that has survived despite all of the changes going on in the world outside the church."
I'm sorry to tell you this Mr. Williams, but that statement is WRONG. It may be an accurate way of depicting what some people may think about certain things, but it certainly is not the truth.
Being equal and being the same are two very different things. The church absolutely believes that men and women are equal. We are of the same worth and value to our Heavenly Father and to the world. But, the church also recognizes that men and women are not the same. They never have been...they never will be...and they are not intended to be. Ask any modern-day scientist and they will assure you that men and women are simply 'wired' differently.
As members of the church we understand that men and women are inherently different. They have different strengths and weaknesses.These differences allow us to compliment one another. They allow us to give and take here and there working together and making up for each other where we fall short. This is what makes a thriving family unit possible. We don't need to be the same, and we recognize that, as with all of God's intents, this is for a wise purpose.
I, personally, have no problem with the fact that my husband holds the Priesthood and I do not. And just so you know, those feelings are not at all based upon the fact that I can bear children and my husband cannot. I don't think that makes us 'even'. But the fact is, this is not a competition, as many seem to think it is. The whole issue has been turned into something as silly as "He got more ice cream than I did!" or "He got the bigger half of the cookie!" It seems to me that this fight over who should have 'rights' to holding the Priesthood shows nothing more than a desire for power.
The Priesthood is partly defined in the church as being "the power of God upon the Earth". Anyone, man or woman, who thinks they should have the 'right' to hold the power of God is horribly mislead and arrogant. God chooses whom He will allow to use that power on His behalf. He knows all things and leads and guides us. For us to think that we would know better than He does, that we would know better what is fair and acceptable in regards to this issue is ridiculous!
But even more to the point, is the idea that women somehow miss out on blessings because we do not hold the Priesthood. It is simply not true. Men do not use the Priesthood as a way to bless themselves. The Priesthood is used to bless others. It is a tool for them in their stewardship over their families. It is we, the women and children in a home, who are most blessed by our husbands or sons or brothers holding the Priesthood. One of the main reasons men are given this charge is to help and bless those around them. When we understand that, we can recognized that men having the Priesthood is quite literally a way that God blesses women. It's not about having a 'right', it's not about a selfish desire for power, it's not about bragging rights or being 'higher up the chain of righteousness' or having a 'better' position in the church. The Priesthood was given to bless us and to ease some of life's burdens. To make temporal things eternal. To allow love and relationships to last forever. To bring peace. It is a magnificent gift from God, and He absolutely has the right to decide whom He will allow to use it.
Men and women in the church are absolutely equal. We are both of great worth and have much that we are able to accomplish in this life. But we are not the same. And the fact that we, as members, understand that and are okay with it, does not mean that we are settling for less than we deserve. On the contrary, it allows us to understand our strengths and use them to better our own lives and the lives of our families. And I believe that having that understanding, in general, makes us more successful in this life.
Friday, March 9
Choice and Consequence
I'm gonna go out on limb here and talk about something that is getting a lot of attention in the state of Utah right now.
But before I do that, let me share a little bit with you about what I believe.
I believe that one of the absolute most important lessons we will ever learn in this life, is the correlation between choices and consequences. The greatest gift God has given us is the gift of choice. It is balanced out by consequences. The two always go together...Choice and Consequence. It is something that is repeatedly discussed in my home. It is one of my greatest focuses when it comes to teaching my children. When we make a choice, the following consequences help us to learn. They teach us things about the world, about God, and about ourselves - who we are and who we have the potential to become. They also act as a motivation to make the right choice. The more right choices we make, the happier and better off we will be.
Consequences are an important part of our lives. They serve a purpose. I find that it is becoming a growing trend for people (parents, society, government, etc.) to try to remove consequences from our children in order to "protect" them or to keep them "safe". I think this is incredibly dangerous and stupid.
Let me share an example here. Lets say I tell my daughter that she should not play with matches. I explain to her the dangers involved, how badly it would hurt if she were to burn herself, and that even worse things than hurting herself could happen as a result - like burning the house down. If she chose to play with matches she could affect not only her life, but the lives of others as well.
Her reaction would likely be, "I will NEVER play with matches."
Now lets say I follow up with that conversation by saying...."but, there is a likelihood that you may find some matches someday and you will want to know what it's like to start a fire. Even though I've already told you that you shouldn't play with matches, let me tell you a few things you can do to play with matches more 'safely'." Then I tell her things that may make it less likely for a complete disaster to be the result of her playing with matches, like "Only play with matches in an open space, where you are less likely to catch surrounding objects on fire."
What would her reaction likely be then? Probably something like, "I can see that playing with matches can be dangerous, but I also now know of ways to try to prevent those things from happening. So it's probably not such a big deal if I light a match or two just for fun, as long as I'm being 'safe' about it."
What's just happened here? She is no longer afraid of playing with matches or the possible consequences that could follow because she has been taught to do it 'safely'. The likelihood that she wouldn't worry too much about playing with matches just increased ten-fold. And it did so because the consequences of doing it were just taken away.
So, if I teach my daughter not to play with matches, I don't want anyone else to swoop in and teach her about how she can do it 'safely' if she ever wants to. It diminishes the dangers involved, undermines my teaching as a parent, and makes her more likely to find herself in bad situation.
Get my point?
Okay, so now I will tie this in with what is being talked about in Utah right now. Utah legislation just passed a bill called HB363. This bill states that when it comes to sex education in our schools, our children will be taught from an abstinence-only standpoint. A petition is going around urging the Governor to veto the bill immediately.
As you can imagine, people have many different views on this topic. But the one that I keep hearing over and over again goes something like this, " Let sex education stay and give our students the information they need. Many teens are going to have sex anyway and telling them, 'just don't do it' isn't going to stop them. Give them the knowledge they need to stay safe and avoid STD's and pregnancy." ( I actually got that quote from an online discussion board today.)
I'm sure you can probably see where I'm going with this. In our home we teach our children, or will when they are old enough, that abstinence before marriage is the only option. Obviously they will choose one day whether or not they agree with that, but we will never teach them anything differently. We will teach them the purposes of sex that we believe are dictated by God, not by man. We will teach them of the dangers and consequences that could follow if they abuse that God-given gift, including unplanned pregnancy and STDs. BUT we will not teach them how to avoid those consequences. They will be much more likely not to be concerned about them if they know a way around them. They will be much more likely to make the wrong choice if they can do it without worrying about what may result from that choice.
I want my children to fear those consequences! I want my children to fear God and follow His guidelines! Those are the things that will keep them safe!
So, just as with the matches, if I teach my child that she should not have sex outside of marriage - I demand that no one else (including well-intentioned and educated adults in the school system) swoops in and 'saves' her by teaching her how to have sex without consequences. If she makes the choice to have sex, she will deal with the consequences of that choice, however harsh they may be, because that is how God intends it to be. That is how we learn, grow, and change. It is how we become stronger people. It is how we gain integrity.
Do not steal my daughters innocence! Do not steal her integrity! Do not try to 'save' her by making dangerous things seem more doable and appealing! That is counter-productive. And DO NOT undermine my ability as a parent to decide what is best for my child!
I fully support HB363. I hope it is not vetoed. Saving our children starts in the home, not in our schools.
But before I do that, let me share a little bit with you about what I believe.
I believe that one of the absolute most important lessons we will ever learn in this life, is the correlation between choices and consequences. The greatest gift God has given us is the gift of choice. It is balanced out by consequences. The two always go together...Choice and Consequence. It is something that is repeatedly discussed in my home. It is one of my greatest focuses when it comes to teaching my children. When we make a choice, the following consequences help us to learn. They teach us things about the world, about God, and about ourselves - who we are and who we have the potential to become. They also act as a motivation to make the right choice. The more right choices we make, the happier and better off we will be.
Consequences are an important part of our lives. They serve a purpose. I find that it is becoming a growing trend for people (parents, society, government, etc.) to try to remove consequences from our children in order to "protect" them or to keep them "safe". I think this is incredibly dangerous and stupid.
Let me share an example here. Lets say I tell my daughter that she should not play with matches. I explain to her the dangers involved, how badly it would hurt if she were to burn herself, and that even worse things than hurting herself could happen as a result - like burning the house down. If she chose to play with matches she could affect not only her life, but the lives of others as well.
Her reaction would likely be, "I will NEVER play with matches."
Now lets say I follow up with that conversation by saying...."but, there is a likelihood that you may find some matches someday and you will want to know what it's like to start a fire. Even though I've already told you that you shouldn't play with matches, let me tell you a few things you can do to play with matches more 'safely'." Then I tell her things that may make it less likely for a complete disaster to be the result of her playing with matches, like "Only play with matches in an open space, where you are less likely to catch surrounding objects on fire."
What would her reaction likely be then? Probably something like, "I can see that playing with matches can be dangerous, but I also now know of ways to try to prevent those things from happening. So it's probably not such a big deal if I light a match or two just for fun, as long as I'm being 'safe' about it."
What's just happened here? She is no longer afraid of playing with matches or the possible consequences that could follow because she has been taught to do it 'safely'. The likelihood that she wouldn't worry too much about playing with matches just increased ten-fold. And it did so because the consequences of doing it were just taken away.
So, if I teach my daughter not to play with matches, I don't want anyone else to swoop in and teach her about how she can do it 'safely' if she ever wants to. It diminishes the dangers involved, undermines my teaching as a parent, and makes her more likely to find herself in bad situation.
Get my point?
Okay, so now I will tie this in with what is being talked about in Utah right now. Utah legislation just passed a bill called HB363. This bill states that when it comes to sex education in our schools, our children will be taught from an abstinence-only standpoint. A petition is going around urging the Governor to veto the bill immediately.
As you can imagine, people have many different views on this topic. But the one that I keep hearing over and over again goes something like this, " Let sex education stay and give our students the information they need. Many teens are going to have sex anyway and telling them, 'just don't do it' isn't going to stop them. Give them the knowledge they need to stay safe and avoid STD's and pregnancy." ( I actually got that quote from an online discussion board today.)
I'm sure you can probably see where I'm going with this. In our home we teach our children, or will when they are old enough, that abstinence before marriage is the only option. Obviously they will choose one day whether or not they agree with that, but we will never teach them anything differently. We will teach them the purposes of sex that we believe are dictated by God, not by man. We will teach them of the dangers and consequences that could follow if they abuse that God-given gift, including unplanned pregnancy and STDs. BUT we will not teach them how to avoid those consequences. They will be much more likely not to be concerned about them if they know a way around them. They will be much more likely to make the wrong choice if they can do it without worrying about what may result from that choice.
I want my children to fear those consequences! I want my children to fear God and follow His guidelines! Those are the things that will keep them safe!
So, just as with the matches, if I teach my child that she should not have sex outside of marriage - I demand that no one else (including well-intentioned and educated adults in the school system) swoops in and 'saves' her by teaching her how to have sex without consequences. If she makes the choice to have sex, she will deal with the consequences of that choice, however harsh they may be, because that is how God intends it to be. That is how we learn, grow, and change. It is how we become stronger people. It is how we gain integrity.
Do not steal my daughters innocence! Do not steal her integrity! Do not try to 'save' her by making dangerous things seem more doable and appealing! That is counter-productive. And DO NOT undermine my ability as a parent to decide what is best for my child!
I fully support HB363. I hope it is not vetoed. Saving our children starts in the home, not in our schools.
Sunday, March 4
Wedding Cake Baking Time and Batter Amounts - 2 in. Deep Pans
So, here it is!
(The underlined numbers on the chart separate the different pan shapes, i.e. the round pan sizes end at 16". The 7 x 11" underneath that is the first size of the sheet cake.)
The chart below is based on baking recommendations from the Wilton Test Kitchen; your results may vary depending on oven performance or altitude in your area. For large cakes, always check for doneness after they have baked for 1 hour. For pans 10 inches and larger, we recommend using a heating core to insure even baking.
Use this chart as a guide when baking wedding cake tiers. Batter amounts for the 2 in. cakes on the chart are for pans 2/3 full of batter. An average 2-layer cake mix yields 4 to 5 1/2 cups of batter.
Icing amounts are very general and will vary with consistency, thickness applied and tips used. These amounts allow for top and bottom borders.
Serving amounts are based on wedding-sized portions of approximately 1 x 2 in. Cakes from 3 to 6 in. high, baked in the same size pan, would yield the same number of servings because they follow the same pattern of cutting. Cakes shorter than 3 in. would yield half the number of servings indicated for that pan. Number of servings are intended as a guide only.
The number of servings listed are intended as a guide only and offer a small portion of wedding cake. If cake is the only dessert and/or portions larger than 1”x2” are served, then you will have less servings than the chart indicates.
| Pan Shape | Size | Number of Servings (2 Layers) | Cups Batter 1 Layer, 2 in. | Baking Temperature | Baking Time Minutes | Approx. Cups Icing to Ice & Decorate 2 Layer Cake | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 6" 7" 8" 9" 10" 12" 14" 16" | 12 24 32 38 56 78 100 | 2 2-1/2 3-1/2 5-1/2 6 7-1/2 10 15 | 350° 350° 350° 350° 350° 350° 325° 325° | 25 - 30 30 - 35 30 - 35 30 - 35 35 - 40 35 - 40 50 - 55 55 - 60 | 3 3 1/2 4 4 1/2 5 6 7 1/2 9 | ||
| Sheet | 7 x 11" 9 x 13" 11 x 15" 12 x 18" 14 x 22" | 32 50 74 98 | 5-1/2 7 11 14 16 | 350° 350° 325° 325° 325° | 30 - 35 35 - 40 35 - 40 40 - 45 45 - 50 | 5 6 8 10 12 | ||
| Square | 6" 8" 10" 12" 14" 16" | 18 32 50 72 98 128 | 2 4 6 10 13-1/2 15-1/2 | 350° 350° 350° 350° 325° 325° | 25 - 30 35 - 40 35 - 40 40 - 45 45 - 50 50 - 55 | 3 1/2 4 1/2 6 7 1/2 9 1/2 11 | ||
| Heart | 6" 8" 9" 10" 12" 14" 15" 16" | 14 22 28 38 56 72 74 94 | 1-1/2 3-1/2 4 5 8 10 11 12 1/2 | 350° 350° 350° 350° 325° 325° 325° 325° | 25 - 30 30 - 35 30 - 35 30 - 35 45 - 50 45 - 50 40 - 45 40 - 45 | 3 1/2 4 1/2 6 8 1/2 9 10 11 12 | ||
| Petal | 6" 9" 12" 15" | 8 18 40 64 | 1-1/2 3-1/2 7 12 | 350° 350° 350° 325° | 25 - 30 35 - 40 35 - 40 50 - 55 | 4 6 9 11 | ||
| Hexagon | 6" 9" 12" 15" | 12 26 40 70 | 1-3/4 3-1/2 6 11 | 350° 350° 350° 325° | 30 - 35 35 - 40 40 - 45 40 - 45 | 3 5 6 9 | ||
| Oval | 7-3/4 x 5-5/8" 10-3/4 x 7-7/8" 13 x 9-7/8" 16 x 12-3/8" | 13 26 45 70 | 2-1/2 5 8 11 | 350° 350° 350° 325° | 25 - 30 25 - 30 35 - 40 40 - 45 | 3 4 5 1/2 7 1/2 | ||
| Paisley | 9 x 6" 12-3/4 x 9" 17 x 12" | 13 38 56 | 3 7 10-1/2 | 350° 350° 325° | 35 - 40 45 - 50 55 - 60 | 5 6 8 | ||
| Diamond | 10-1/4 x 7-1/3" 15 x 11" 19-1/4 x 14-1/4" | 18 32 66 | 3-1/4 7-1/4 13-1/4 | 350° 350° 350° | 20 - 25 40 - 45 65 - 70 | 2-1/2 5 8 | ||
| Pillow | 6-3/4 x 6-3/4" 10 x 10" 13-1/4 x 13-1/4" | 19 40 88 | 5 11 19 | 350° 350° 350° | 33 - 38 34 - 39 42 -47 | 3 6-1/2 9-1/2 | ||
| Note: For pans 10 inches and larger, use a heating core when baking. Use 2 cores for 18 inch pans. | ||||||||
Monday, January 2
Our Homemade Christmas
This year we did something a little different for Christmas. We had a homemade Christmas.
Santa brought the kids 2 gifts which obviously were not homemade, but the rest of the gifts were.
I spent the entire month of December, pretty much every day, working on projects. I helped the kids make their gifts for each other and for Daddy. It was really fun to watch the girls have the experience of Christmas from this perspective. They had each spent their own time and come up with ideas that they really thought their siblings would like. They were excited to give their gifts. And they were excited about the gifts they had received, because they knew that the same effort had been put into those gifts. It is quite a different experience to give a gift that you put personal time and thought and effort into than to just go spend some money. My girls got to learn what it's like to experience the joy that comes from giving to others. It was a special experience.
As part of our Christmas tradition, the kids all got pajamas on Christmas Eve. All of the pajamas were made from old clothes that were headed for DI or the trash. It's amazing how much fabric you have to work with when you just use clothes you don't wear anymore!
Now on to the other gifts:
Santa brought the kids 2 gifts which obviously were not homemade, but the rest of the gifts were.
I spent the entire month of December, pretty much every day, working on projects. I helped the kids make their gifts for each other and for Daddy. It was really fun to watch the girls have the experience of Christmas from this perspective. They had each spent their own time and come up with ideas that they really thought their siblings would like. They were excited to give their gifts. And they were excited about the gifts they had received, because they knew that the same effort had been put into those gifts. It is quite a different experience to give a gift that you put personal time and thought and effort into than to just go spend some money. My girls got to learn what it's like to experience the joy that comes from giving to others. It was a special experience.
As part of our Christmas tradition, the kids all got pajamas on Christmas Eve. All of the pajamas were made from old clothes that were headed for DI or the trash. It's amazing how much fabric you have to work with when you just use clothes you don't wear anymore!
Now on to the other gifts:
Emma -- *A heat-able bean bag (I made one for each of the kids with their initial on it)
*2 bean bracelets from Allyson
* A guitar from Molly
*A ring from Bridget (which you can't see in the picture)
*A paper doll kit from Mom and Dad (the coloring and cutting took hours, but it was worth it. She loved it!)
* A baby doll and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Bridget -- * A heat-able bean bag
* The Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly book with accompanying old woman from Allyson. (The book has the words and each animal which can be placed in a pouch on the old woman's stomach as you sing the song.)
* A purse from Molly made out of Daddy's old jeans.
* A cute flower pin made by Emma
* A teddy bear (which she named Belle) from Mom and Dad (made out of pink hooded baby towels that we no longer needed. The dress and bow were made out of an old shirt)
* A barbie and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Molly -- * A heat-able bean bag
* A rope-braided necklace from Emma
* A heart pin from Bridget (not shown) made from salt dough and painted
* Matching game cards from Allyson
* 3 homemade puzzles from Mom and Dad
* A barbie and a scooter from Santa (not shown)
Allyson -- * A heat-able bean bag
* A rope-braided necklace from Bridget
* A baby cradle from Molly (the baby was from Santa). The cradle was made out of a rolled oats container and construction paper.
* A Tweety Bird pillow made by Emma from old clothing (She even did most of the sewing and has been asking for more sewing projects.)
* Fairy wings from Mom and Dad made from a hanger and leftover fabric from Emma's baptism dress.
*The phone she's holding was her other gift from Santa
Charles -- Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of Charlie with his presents. We let him sleep past 6:00 so his schedule wouldn't be too messed up. So he didn't open his presents until after church that afternoon and I was out of camera mode at that point. But I'll still tell you what he got.
* A heat-able bean bag
* A stuffed ball
* A drum made out of a used formula can with a drumstick made from and empty spool of thread and a wooden skewer
* Rattles made from small yogurt cups with beans inside
(These homemade gifts were a group gift from the whole family)
* Some cars and a 'punching bag' type penguin from Santa
*Charlie also made a group gift for the whole family (with lots of help from Mom). He gave us our family game, which was a Bean Bag Toss. The girls really like it.
Daddy -- * His Christmas Eve pajama T-shirt, colored on by the kids. The front of it says "This is the Dad of Awesomeness!" It cracks me up!
* A book the kids made for him, "25 Things We Love About Dad" complete with pictures for each thing drawn by the kids. So cute!
* Felt slippers from Mom
We had a lovely Christmas and we hope you did too!
Monday, October 10
So Happy Together
Tonight we started dinner off by teaching the girls how to hang a spoon on the tip of their nose without holding it. The first few minutes were spent with all of us laughing at each other as spoons hung on our noses (or were held, by the smaller ones). They were so fascinated and proud of themselves. I wish I had a picture to share with you. It was a priceless moment.
Ahhhh.....Those small moments.....Giggling, joking, having fun, simply enjoying our time together..... They sure do make all of the other moments worth it, don't they?
What a great plan.....The Plan of Happiness.....It really is.
It's so simple. Sharing sweet moments with amazing people while we're here, and sharing many more of those moments with the same amazing people for eternity. What could make any of us happier than that?
Ahhhh.....Those small moments.....Giggling, joking, having fun, simply enjoying our time together..... They sure do make all of the other moments worth it, don't they?
What a great plan.....The Plan of Happiness.....It really is.
(God gave me my family + My family makes me happy + I will be with my family forever = Happiness Forever)
It's so simple. Sharing sweet moments with amazing people while we're here, and sharing many more of those moments with the same amazing people for eternity. What could make any of us happier than that?
Monday, September 5
Rollin' On The Floor!!!
"She doesn't give me peas all day yet because I don't like them yet, that's why she doesn't give me them all day yet!"
If you have not yet seen the 'Kid History' videos
you definitely should!!!!
Seriously, Jarom and I laughed harder than we have in a long time! Thanks to my friend, Miss Eva Aurora for getting us hooked!
Here is a sample of one of my favorites.....I hope you enjoy!!!
Wednesday, August 31
A Lullaby Fit For Eternity
The other day I was listening to the song 'Lullaby' by the Dixie Chicks. Here's a video if you want to listen.
I have talked about this song before and how much I love it. I don't think there is a better lullaby in all the world. It speaks as if from my own heart. When I was listening to it the other day it struck me in a way it never had before. Specifically the chorus lyrics:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? Is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? 'Cause I'm never, never giving you up."
Not surprisingly, I always think of my children when I listen to this song. As I thought about them this time I thought about the eternal perspective that I have as I listen to those words. Forever means something different to me than it does to many others because of my beliefs about eternal families. I believe that because I was sealed to my family by proper authority in the Temple of God, my family will be mine long after death. Forever, to me, does not mean until this life is over. It is eternity; Time without limits.
What an amazing blessing it is to look into those precious little faces and know that they are mine forever. They will always be mine. I never have to give them up, not even to death! It gives this song a different perspective, and makes me grateful for the amazing blessings that I have been given.
If you are not familiar with my views on eternal families and/or would like to learn more, you can read a short article here or you can click on the 'I'm A Mormon' button at the top of my blog.
I have talked about this song before and how much I love it. I don't think there is a better lullaby in all the world. It speaks as if from my own heart. When I was listening to it the other day it struck me in a way it never had before. Specifically the chorus lyrics:
"How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? Is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved? Is forever enough? 'Cause I'm never, never giving you up."
Not surprisingly, I always think of my children when I listen to this song. As I thought about them this time I thought about the eternal perspective that I have as I listen to those words. Forever means something different to me than it does to many others because of my beliefs about eternal families. I believe that because I was sealed to my family by proper authority in the Temple of God, my family will be mine long after death. Forever, to me, does not mean until this life is over. It is eternity; Time without limits.
What an amazing blessing it is to look into those precious little faces and know that they are mine forever. They will always be mine. I never have to give them up, not even to death! It gives this song a different perspective, and makes me grateful for the amazing blessings that I have been given.
If you are not familiar with my views on eternal families and/or would like to learn more, you can read a short article here or you can click on the 'I'm A Mormon' button at the top of my blog.
Tuesday, August 30
Good...Great...And Beyond.....
Last week was my birthday.
It was stupendous!
I got to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (The Olive Garden, MMMMM.....) with my entire family! (Which hasn't happened in a very long time.)
And
My sweet sister gave me.....
THIS.......
I have no words.....
It was stupendous!
I got to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants (The Olive Garden, MMMMM.....) with my entire family! (Which hasn't happened in a very long time.)
And
My sweet sister gave me.....
THIS.......
I have no words.....
Friday, August 19
Emergency Essentials Food Storage Giveaway
Here is the add from the website:
This supply includes baking and cooking essentials, providing the versatility for cooking your own meals. It also includes fruits and vegetables, milk, garden seeds and more.
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the winner will be posted on our blog, Preparedness Pantry, during the month of September 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.
All entries will be verified. We welcome emails and entries from everyone; however, free shipping of the Traditional 2000 Year Supply is included for the winner to the 48 contiguous United States only. For any locations outside this area, the winner is responsible for arranging and paying their own shipping costs. If you purchase a Traditional 2000 Year Supply during the giveaway and win, we will send you an additional supply or issue you a refund for the supply you purchased - whichever you prefer.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Your entries are going to Emergency Essentials and not to Facebook.
Facebook is in no way responsible for any part of this giveaway.
Traditional 2000TM Year Supply Giveaway
This supply includes baking and cooking essentials, providing the versatility for cooking your own meals. It also includes fruits and vegetables, milk, garden seeds and more.
- Approximately 2000 calories per day for 375 days
- 126 - #10 cans total
- 120 dehydrated and 6 freeze-dried
- 64 different varieties
- "Like" us on facebook. Send an email to social@beprepared.com with "Traditional 2000 Giveaway" in the subject line and let us know that you are one of our fans on facebook. If you already "Like" us, send us an email and let us know. Click here to go to our facebook page.
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel and receive an automatic bonus entry. If you already subscribe to our YouTube channel, you will receive an automatic bonus entry. Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
- Follow our blog, Preparedness Pantry, and receive an automatic bonus entry. If you already follow our blog, you will receive an automatic bonus entry. Click here to go to the Preparedness Pantry blog.
- Sign up to receive our email newsletters on the top center of this page. After signing up, send an email to social@beprepared.com with "Newsletter Bonus Entry" in the subject line and let us know that you signed up. If you already receive our email newsletters, send an email to social@beprepared.com with "Newsletter Bonus Entry" in the subject line and let us know that you already receive the newsletters.
- Share this giveaway with your friends (on facebook, on your blog or website, send them an email, etc.) and receive an additional 5 bonus entries. After sharing, send an email to social@beprepared.com with "Share Bonus Entries" in the subject line and let us know how you shared.
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the winner will be posted on our blog, Preparedness Pantry, during the month of September 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries.
All entries will be verified. We welcome emails and entries from everyone; however, free shipping of the Traditional 2000 Year Supply is included for the winner to the 48 contiguous United States only. For any locations outside this area, the winner is responsible for arranging and paying their own shipping costs. If you purchase a Traditional 2000 Year Supply during the giveaway and win, we will send you an additional supply or issue you a refund for the supply you purchased - whichever you prefer.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Your entries are going to Emergency Essentials and not to Facebook.
Facebook is in no way responsible for any part of this giveaway.
Sunday, August 14
The Old Violin
"Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile:
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?
Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?
Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three—” But no,
From the room, far back, a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loose strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”
And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?
Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?
Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,
And going, and gone!” said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not quite understand
What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of a master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,
A game—and he travels on.
He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,
He’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand."
This poem was shared at a session of our Stake Conference this weekend. It spoke volumes to me. I have seen with my own eyes the difference that can be made in a person with the touch of The Master's hand. I know how much those souls are worth.....how precious they are to me.....and how grateful I am that the world gets to hear the pure and sweet melody that they have to share.
If you would like to read an article by President Boyd K. Packer that this poem is shared in, you can click here.
Sunday, August 7
Party In The House!
Yesterday I helped throw a party for my 2 adorable little nieces, who turned nine years old this week. My totally awesome sister planned a 'Candyland' themed party. The kids had to defeat a number of challenges to defeat the evil Jalapeno Pepper and get back to the castle! I got to be Queen Candy and, of course, anything that allows me to be Queen I'm all in for! My sister is very creative and came up with some really fun games and it was completed with a hotdog barbeque and a Candyland cake, topped with all sorts of candy, of course. The kids had a fantastic time! I would say the party was a success!
I'm thinking it would be fun to have a themed party like that for my birthday. How come the kids always get to have all of the fun? Any theme would do...Chocolate...Harry Potter...Twilight...The color yellow...Crazy hair...Crazy clothes...whatever! I think we adults sometimes need an excuse to just let it go and remember what it's like to be a kid....you know, when the worst thing that ever happened to you was that your best friend wanted to play barbies when you wanted to play house, and you were mad at each other for 5 whole minutes! Wasn't that the worst? Or your mom wouldn't let you have that 4th scoop of ice cream! She was soooo mean!... And the simplest things in the world brought numerous moments of joy...like playing with boxes, or running in circles, or giggling because someone said a gross word (poop...sshhh), or going down a slide and really conquering it by climbing back up.....
Ahhh...those were the days...
I'm thinking it would be fun to have a themed party like that for my birthday. How come the kids always get to have all of the fun? Any theme would do...Chocolate...Harry Potter...Twilight...The color yellow...Crazy hair...Crazy clothes...whatever! I think we adults sometimes need an excuse to just let it go and remember what it's like to be a kid....you know, when the worst thing that ever happened to you was that your best friend wanted to play barbies when you wanted to play house, and you were mad at each other for 5 whole minutes! Wasn't that the worst? Or your mom wouldn't let you have that 4th scoop of ice cream! She was soooo mean!... And the simplest things in the world brought numerous moments of joy...like playing with boxes, or running in circles, or giggling because someone said a gross word (poop...sshhh), or going down a slide and really conquering it by climbing back up.....
Ahhh...those were the days...
Tuesday, July 26
Dream A Little Dream.....
One night last week Emma came into my room upset about a bad dream she'd had. We talked about it for a bit and she decided to watch a movie instead of going back to sleep and she later fell asleep on the couch. The next night as we were getting everyone into bed Emma started crying. She didn't want to go to sleep. She was scared that she would have a bad dream. We ended up having a very interesting discussion.
Every night during our family prayers my girls make a point to pray for good dreams. We discussed bad dreams when they were very small and how they could ask Heavenly Father to help them sleep good without having any bad dreams. A lot of times this helped them. Emma said she had prayed for good dreams and help sleeping and it didn't work. She was confused about why her prayers weren't working. I explained to her that almost everything that happens to us in life gives us the opportunity to learn something. Sometimes Heavenly Father allows them to happen so that we can have that learning experience. I asked her what she thought she could learn from the bad dream she'd had the previous night. Together we came up with a few ideas. We decided our dreams could teach us what's real and what's not real, what is important and what is not important, what is good and what is bad, and how we can react in a situation that might be scary. I'm sure there are other things our dreams might teach us, but that was our list.
This seemed to make sense to her and she seemed a bit calmer, but she still did not want to go to bed. She was still scared of her dreams. Then and idea popped into my head. I told her to think of her dreams like they were a movie or a book...an interesting story that she could watch in her sleep. Doesn't that sound fun? Sure, some movies are scary. She thinks Harry Potter is scary, but she still likes to watch it because it's a good story and it's interesting. I told her that her dreams could be like Harry Potter. She could pay attention to the story, and maybe she'd be scared for a minute...but she would know it's not real and that it's part of an interesting story.
This brought us to the idea of making a dream journal. I told Emma that she could look forward to her dreams, good or bad, she could watch and enjoy the 'movie' in her sleep. Then when she woke up she could write her dreams down in a dream journal and turn them into stories that she could share with other people. We talked about Twilight (one of my favorites), and how the author came up with the story and characters in a dream, then she wrote it down and turned it into books. Emma thought that was pretty cool, and the idea of keeping a dream journal became exciting to her. She went to bed after that without any problems. The next morning I asked her if she'd had any dreams, and she hadn't. She actually seemed disappointed. But over the next couple of days she started her day by writing her dreams down.
This morning I woke up from a very strange and vivid dream. I decided to write it down before I forgot it. It really seemed like something that could make a good book one day. Maybe one day I'll pretend I am talented enough and have a good enough imagination to fill in the blanks and I will try to make it into a real story. Who knows...Emma came into my room as I was writing. She had just finished writing down her dream and so we sat together on my bed and read our dream stories to each other. It was a really sweet moment, and I love hearing the things that go through her mind! She is a funny little girl! She is also very smart and very observant.
I think the dream journal was a good idea. I'm sure we will have many entertaining mornings going over the stories that serenade us in our sleep.
(*By the way, Emma's dream last night had to do with an old lady riding down the street in one of those motorized shopping carts looking for Coke and waffles! Hahahaha! It made me laugh!)
Every night during our family prayers my girls make a point to pray for good dreams. We discussed bad dreams when they were very small and how they could ask Heavenly Father to help them sleep good without having any bad dreams. A lot of times this helped them. Emma said she had prayed for good dreams and help sleeping and it didn't work. She was confused about why her prayers weren't working. I explained to her that almost everything that happens to us in life gives us the opportunity to learn something. Sometimes Heavenly Father allows them to happen so that we can have that learning experience. I asked her what she thought she could learn from the bad dream she'd had the previous night. Together we came up with a few ideas. We decided our dreams could teach us what's real and what's not real, what is important and what is not important, what is good and what is bad, and how we can react in a situation that might be scary. I'm sure there are other things our dreams might teach us, but that was our list.
This seemed to make sense to her and she seemed a bit calmer, but she still did not want to go to bed. She was still scared of her dreams. Then and idea popped into my head. I told her to think of her dreams like they were a movie or a book...an interesting story that she could watch in her sleep. Doesn't that sound fun? Sure, some movies are scary. She thinks Harry Potter is scary, but she still likes to watch it because it's a good story and it's interesting. I told her that her dreams could be like Harry Potter. She could pay attention to the story, and maybe she'd be scared for a minute...but she would know it's not real and that it's part of an interesting story.
This brought us to the idea of making a dream journal. I told Emma that she could look forward to her dreams, good or bad, she could watch and enjoy the 'movie' in her sleep. Then when she woke up she could write her dreams down in a dream journal and turn them into stories that she could share with other people. We talked about Twilight (one of my favorites), and how the author came up with the story and characters in a dream, then she wrote it down and turned it into books. Emma thought that was pretty cool, and the idea of keeping a dream journal became exciting to her. She went to bed after that without any problems. The next morning I asked her if she'd had any dreams, and she hadn't. She actually seemed disappointed. But over the next couple of days she started her day by writing her dreams down.
This morning I woke up from a very strange and vivid dream. I decided to write it down before I forgot it. It really seemed like something that could make a good book one day. Maybe one day I'll pretend I am talented enough and have a good enough imagination to fill in the blanks and I will try to make it into a real story. Who knows...Emma came into my room as I was writing. She had just finished writing down her dream and so we sat together on my bed and read our dream stories to each other. It was a really sweet moment, and I love hearing the things that go through her mind! She is a funny little girl! She is also very smart and very observant.
I think the dream journal was a good idea. I'm sure we will have many entertaining mornings going over the stories that serenade us in our sleep.
(*By the way, Emma's dream last night had to do with an old lady riding down the street in one of those motorized shopping carts looking for Coke and waffles! Hahahaha! It made me laugh!)
Wednesday, July 6
I See a Blockage In My Future....
You may or may not know that I have written a children's book. I sent it into a publisher some time ago, but have not heard back from them yet. These things take time, and I am in no hurry. I definitely don't expect to be some big-time author or anything. I just think it would be nice to have a book on our shelf that my children can read, knowing that it was written specifically for them by their mother. I want it to have bright, exciting pictures and make them laugh and bounce and have fun!
Anyway, I suffer from writer's block quite often. That book took me 2 years to complete. Before I finished it I started on an idea for a second book. I've been throwing around ideas for the second book for about a year, but have only managed to write down a few actual sentences. The other night I felt a sudden urge to really put some genuine effort into finishing that book. So, now comes the hard part....
Making my brain think about what I want it to think about, rather than the random nonsense that fills it on a regular basis.
Sometimes my imagination just stalls. I wish I could remember the types of things I used to think about as a child. Thankfully, I have my own children to observe and learn from.
Even though writer's block will likely be a struggle...I enjoy writing. That's why I do it. Eventually I'll finish the book, and published or not, I will be happy with it - and hopefully my kids will too!
On to the challenge!!!
Anyway, I suffer from writer's block quite often. That book took me 2 years to complete. Before I finished it I started on an idea for a second book. I've been throwing around ideas for the second book for about a year, but have only managed to write down a few actual sentences. The other night I felt a sudden urge to really put some genuine effort into finishing that book. So, now comes the hard part....
Making my brain think about what I want it to think about, rather than the random nonsense that fills it on a regular basis.
Sometimes my imagination just stalls. I wish I could remember the types of things I used to think about as a child. Thankfully, I have my own children to observe and learn from.
Even though writer's block will likely be a struggle...I enjoy writing. That's why I do it. Eventually I'll finish the book, and published or not, I will be happy with it - and hopefully my kids will too!
On to the challenge!!!
Monday, June 27
You Are Special
Sometimes (actually most times) we worry too much about what other people think of us.
Last night my daughter read to us from this book:
It is one of my favorite books to read to my kids. As it was read to me by my daughter I realized that I need to apply it's message to myself more often.
You may think you know a lot about me, and some of the things you think you know, you might be right about. You may not recognize some of my good qualities. I may not always recognize them either. But my 'woodworker' sees all of them. He knows how every notch and divot makes me unique and special. He sees the beauty in me, even if you don't...even if I don't. He helps me turn my weaknesses into strengths and teaches me how to be all that I was created to be.
I am special....and it doesn't matter if you know it or not, your dots won't stick to me....because my Heavenly Father knows it, and (sometimes) I know it too.
Last night my daughter read to us from this book:
(Read the story by clicking here.)
You may think you know a lot about me, and some of the things you think you know, you might be right about. You may not recognize some of my good qualities. I may not always recognize them either. But my 'woodworker' sees all of them. He knows how every notch and divot makes me unique and special. He sees the beauty in me, even if you don't...even if I don't. He helps me turn my weaknesses into strengths and teaches me how to be all that I was created to be.
I am special....and it doesn't matter if you know it or not, your dots won't stick to me....because my Heavenly Father knows it, and (sometimes) I know it too.
Wednesday, June 22
My World - And So Much More
Every time I write something I try to use the perfect words. I don't think that there are any words that could describe properly what I want to write about today. You see, today is my anniversary! 9 years ago today I married a very charming and handsome man! We were sealed in the Bountiful temple. We knelt across the altar, looked into each others' eyes, and knew that our lives were intertwined, not only for the rest of this life, but for eternity. We looked forward to our future together and the joy in our posterity that is always mentioned.
Here we sit, 9 years later. We recognize that joy in our posterity -- 5 children who belong with us, who complete our family unit and make us whole. Today we celebrate the day we took that first step, and we also celebrate the innumerable days that will follow that we are overwhelmingly blessed for making that decision.
I just want to share a few thoughts about my precious husband.(I know that doesn't sound very manly, but he is absolutely precious to me in every sense of the word.)
My husband is AMAZING! Just the fact that he puts up with me on a daily basis should probably earn him some kind of an award. But he doesn't just put up with me. He cherishes me. He offers me his unselfish service on a regular basis. He is gentle with me and my tender heart, respecting my emotions and all of the hardships they may stir up.
He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He not only allows me to be my ridiculous self, but he loves me for it.
He is chivalrous, in fact, I could probably count on my fingers how many times I have opened a door for myself in the last nine years. He always does that for me, not because I lack the ability to do it myself, but because he believes I should not have to. He is an absolute gentleman, and he shares this example with my children. Because of this my daughters will know how they deserve to be treated, and my son will know how he should be treating precious daughters of God.
He has NEVER yelled at me...ever. He cares about my feelings more than his own pride.
He has a knowledge, understanding, and testimony of God and his role in God's plan for our happiness. He holds the priesthood, and I know that because of that our entire family is blessed on a daily basis.
He is incredibly good-looking! This is not because of his bright blue eyes, or his rosy cheeks, or the way his muscles bulge from his arms while he is playing guitar hero -- though I do LOVE all of these things. He is so good-looking because his countenance shows through all of those things. Because the person that he is is no less than astounding!
These examples only demonstrate a part of who he is and what he means to me. Nearly everything that is good about my life can be attributed to him in some way. I am more grateful for him than words could ever describe.
*Oh, and did I mention that even now, 9 years later, he still gives me butterflies in my stomach? I would definitely call that a successful marriage!
Happy Anniversary Love!
Here we sit, 9 years later. We recognize that joy in our posterity -- 5 children who belong with us, who complete our family unit and make us whole. Today we celebrate the day we took that first step, and we also celebrate the innumerable days that will follow that we are overwhelmingly blessed for making that decision.
I just want to share a few thoughts about my precious husband.(I know that doesn't sound very manly, but he is absolutely precious to me in every sense of the word.)
My husband is AMAZING! Just the fact that he puts up with me on a daily basis should probably earn him some kind of an award. But he doesn't just put up with me. He cherishes me. He offers me his unselfish service on a regular basis. He is gentle with me and my tender heart, respecting my emotions and all of the hardships they may stir up.
He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He not only allows me to be my ridiculous self, but he loves me for it.
He is chivalrous, in fact, I could probably count on my fingers how many times I have opened a door for myself in the last nine years. He always does that for me, not because I lack the ability to do it myself, but because he believes I should not have to. He is an absolute gentleman, and he shares this example with my children. Because of this my daughters will know how they deserve to be treated, and my son will know how he should be treating precious daughters of God.
He has NEVER yelled at me...ever. He cares about my feelings more than his own pride.
He has a knowledge, understanding, and testimony of God and his role in God's plan for our happiness. He holds the priesthood, and I know that because of that our entire family is blessed on a daily basis.
He is incredibly good-looking! This is not because of his bright blue eyes, or his rosy cheeks, or the way his muscles bulge from his arms while he is playing guitar hero -- though I do LOVE all of these things. He is so good-looking because his countenance shows through all of those things. Because the person that he is is no less than astounding!
These examples only demonstrate a part of who he is and what he means to me. Nearly everything that is good about my life can be attributed to him in some way. I am more grateful for him than words could ever describe.
*Oh, and did I mention that even now, 9 years later, he still gives me butterflies in my stomach? I would definitely call that a successful marriage!
Happy Anniversary Love!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)