Mormon Mommy Blogs

How To Set New Years Resolutions (In which I become your Life Coach...)

2010-01-01T05:00:00.005-05:00

Okay, so 2010 is upon us! Deep down, in the heart and soul of all of us, we want to be better people this year. Right? RIGHT!

But how?

Well, I’m with the "secret to being a better person" people. And the secret is simple. It is ageless. It is…

THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION!

(insert applause and wild screaming here.)

I know we all MAKE New Year’s Resolutions only to break them at 8:58am Jan 1^st. Then we spend the whole of January cursing ourselves and the natural man in all of us. Then come February, we pretend like we never made them in the first place.

It’s just so hard to change. It’s danged near impossible.

Not this year!

This year, you’re going to be successful. Your goals for the New Year will come to fruition.

Here’s How:

Keep it small, folks. Just keep it small.

Banish thoughts of “I will run a marathon in March.” Try, instead, “I will get off the couch and go up and down the stairs 8 times today.”

See? Small, attainable goals are the way to go. And most likely you go up and down the stairs 6-7 times each day already, simply because you have to get a diaper, or find socks. Throwing an extra set or two in there is TOTALLY doable.

Then, the next day, set a new goal. “Today I will take all the laundry off the treadmill.” (Please note: I said NOTHING about putting the laundry away.)

Slowly but surely, you’ll build up to “Run a mile today.” Then perhaps, “Run two miles.” I’m telling you, that marathon will practically run itself.

Seriously, I can pretty much guarantee that before 2011 hits, you’ll have attained your goal.

Running isn’t your thing? Finances got you down? Don’t say, “Pay off the credit card by September!” You’ll just get mad when you fail to make triple payments. Instead try, “Don’t upsize my value meal today.” Or perhaps, “Buy generic cereal this week.” At some point you’ll be saying, “Save $200 a pay check” and before you know it: no more credit card debt.

Sounds simple right?

A disclaimer though: It only works if you KEEP doing it. If you only buy generic cereal ONCE or promptly put all the laundry BACK on the treadmill, you’re going to be your same old, unchanged self come New Year’s Day 2011. Then you’ll blame me, and that’s not cool.

---

Morgan Ing is a mom of three boys, and wishes there were more hours in the day. She blogs enthusiastically at www.ingfamily.blogspot.com.

*Photo Credit Istock Photo by Jfairone

Scars and Sisterhood

2009-12-31T05:00:00.003-05:00

Awhile back, I read a post about sisterhood.... which got me to thinking about scars.

I have a scar on my abdomen. It came from an appendectomy when I was 6 months pregnant with the Queen. This scar now has stretch marks around it (thank you, pregnancy). I shudder and grin when I see that scar. It represents a hellish pregnancy. It also reminds me of my beautiful Queen.

I hope that this scar will eventually fade. I have other scars that, although they aren't facial, are more painful. These are my relationship scars.

One in particular has been on my mind a lot lately. My sister and I have struggled through the years. When she was a rebellious teenager, I hated the pain she inflicted on my parents and she hated my "know-it-all" attitude. Our tenuous relationship hasn't changed much over the years. Neither of us gives, but both of us take.

I could give you descriptions of our painful encounters, but it would be loaded with "he said, she said" crap. I could name a million offenses against me, and she could probably name a million and one. I will spare you.

I thought our relationship was nearly ended a few months ago. I had had too much.

Then the unexpected happened.

My sister saved the day when I went into labor. Her visit was perfectly (unperfectly?) timed.

My capricious sister lives in Alaska. She decided to make a surprise trip to my home state in the beginning of November. Before that date arrived, she jokingly remarked that maybe she would get to see the baby before she left. I didn't think it was that funny.

Lo and behold, I went into labor the day she came to visit us. Instead of eating lunch together, she took the Queen. All day long. Then, the next day and night. She even witnessed Manly's arrival into the world.

The unintended invitation to be present at the birth seemed like a way to patch up our threadbare relationship. It was a very special invitation, one that I do not extend frivolously. Heck, I wouldn't even let my mom come! (I know, I am cruel). Nevertheless, it seemed the right thing to do. I do not regret it. I am so grateful that I did.

I think that moment has done more to improve our relationship than anything ever has or could.

As I watch my two babies I wonder how their relationship will unfold. I hope I can impart wisdom of what not to do. I also hope they will support each other no matter what.

While I cannot make them love each other, I can share the experiences I have had and hope they learn.

--

Ambrosia is the proud wife of Mr. B and mommy to The Queen and her newest addition, Manly. She blogs so that she can remember to cherish the little moments in life. You can read more at her blog, Making the Moments Count.

Discussion Wednesday - What time is it?

2009-12-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again.

You know....

New Years.

That means that all sorts of people all over the world are going to make resolutions.

That most popular being

"THIS IS THE YEAR I WILL LOSE THE WEIGHT!"

So.

Besides THAT, what are your resolutions for 2010?

General Conference Discussion: Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ

2009-12-30T04:00:00.002-05:00

Twice a month, we invite you study a talk from the most recent General Conference with us, and hopefully join in on discussion about the principles taught.

-----

I watched a show recently where a "scholar" laid out all his arguments against the existence of a God. I felt a mixture of disdain and pity. Throughout time, men have argued His presence in the universe, and even among believers there has been an incredible amount of disagreement about His character, His relationship to humanity, and His mind and His will. The scriptures teach us that, "This is life eternal, that they may know thee, the only true God..." (John 17:3), and I'm afraid that mankind has greatly misunderstood how to arrive at such a knowledge.

Elder Robert D. Hales addressed this quest in the most recent General Conference. The talk is called “Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” (read it, watch it) and is from the Saturday afternoon session of conference. I like how this talk lays out the basic doctrines about the nature of God and His son that we often take for granted, not realizing how powerful and rarely-understood they are. And mostly I loved his closing testimony as I felt the depth of his love for Jesus Christ, and remembered my own.

“The light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God.”

“With your own testimony of God, you will be able to bless your family, your posterity, your friends, your own life—all those you love.”

We lived with God and we already know Him intimately, but due to conditions of mortality we don't remember. He is not a mysterious being that we have to scientifically research in order to even begin to comprehend. I noticed that many of the paragraphs of Elder Hales' talk began with the words, "We know." Our spirits know God.

The key, then, I believe comes from this piece of counsel: "I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, is a personage of spirit. His work is to “testify of [God]”19 and to “teach [us] all things.” It seems to me that when we strive to keep the commandments of God, we invite and qualify for His Spirit, which in addition to the things Elder Hales already testified of, also "brings all things to our remembrance" (John 14:26) The Spirit simply reminds us about the loving Father we already know deep inside. Our love for him is part of our nature. The Holy Ghost helps us to feel, remember, and recognize His love and His reality.

Elder Hales confirms this in his testimony: "Brothers and sisters, you may already know, deep in your soul, that God lives. You may not know all about Him yet and do not understand all His ways, but the light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God and the Light of Christ, which you are born with."

How has knowing the doctrine of a Heavenly Father helped you to have a relationship with Him?

When you have felt the Holy Ghost, what have those feelings and experiences taught you about the nature of God?

I am Black. I am Mormon.

2009-12-29T05:00:00.004-05:00

If you were to meet me out at the store, or at a social event we’d probably hit it off and I’d be talking your ear off, but if you were to happen to meet me at church… It would be a different story. It’s the one place I close up like a clam and avoid eye contact, conversation and answering questions that are asked to the group. I’ve never been sure if this is because I’m usually the only black member in the ward, or because I’m a convert… For me, I think it’s a little of both.

My family and I started going to the LDS church when I was about 9 years old. My parents took the discussions and were baptized, but we soon became inactive. When I was about 11 we became active again and I took the discussions, and was baptized. It didn’t take long for us to see we were a rarity in the LDS church. It was years before I met others.

When it came to activities and dances on days other than Sunday I was able to open up and make friends, despite looking different. Dating was a different story. When friends told me they “had the perfect date for me” I knew it meant they had met a black guy at some multi-stake dance and thought we’d automatically click because we shared the same skin tone.

As I got older I became more confidant in my faith, and in my testimony, and good thing, because that’s when the questions came.

One of the first things people ask me when I tell them I went to BYU or lived in Utah is “You aren’t Mormon are you?” in a laughable tone.

I’ve had a range of responses when I tell people I AM in fact LDS. Most people don’t believe me at first and ask “Really?” a couple of times before realizing I’m not joking. Once a man even took a photo of me because he couldn’t believe he had met a Black Mormon.

“I thought Black people couldn’t be Mormon,” some people ask me. “I thought they weren’t allowed to join the church?” I then try my best to explain that the priesthood ban was against Blacks having some privileges in the church but that no longer exists.

It’s hard to explain the details I don’t understand myself, to people who hardly know anything about the LDS church. I try my best to explain things were different then than they are now, as it is for a lot of churches.

While I was at BYU I met so many other Black LDS members and even joined the Genesis Group. It was nice to be surrounded by people who looked like me, and who had a lot of the same questions and concerns I do. One being about the issue with dark skin being considered a “curse.”

BYU offered a sort of devotional course on Blacks in the Scriptures, and it was a great experience. It was wonderful seeing a mix of people… Black, white, Asian, Hispanic… All types of people, LDS and non, looking for answers to the same questions.

I’m not sure how long being a Black member of the LDS church will be considered a rarity. In the ward I’m in now I’m one of many. In many countries it’s not unusual, which to me, is beautiful. Across the world our members are of all shapes, sizes and shades, but the gospel is the same. Over the years I've learned to appreciate that fact the most.

Jennifer, also known as Future Mama, started as a wanna be mom blogger rambling about pre-mommyhood on her blog BabyMakingMachine. September 2009 she decided to make it official, turn the machine on, and she now has a baby on the way. She graduated from BYU and she now works as a journalist in Texas and lives with her husband of five years and their dog Snoop.

Plans Plans Plans

2009-12-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

When I was 14 years old, I had my whole life planned out.

I knew where I was going to go for college, what my major would be, and when I would graduate.

I planned to have a large family with my kids close together because I knew pregnancy would be so easy for me. I loved growing up in my big family where we were all so close in age so it only made sense. I even had a guy in mind.

I would be the best mom ever because I would have boundless energy and would play with them all the time. We would cook, and clean, and make crafts together too. I would always be patient and never get mad.

I knew I would be the perfect wife. The kind of wife that would "wow" her husband everyday for the rest of eternity. I would maintain my clean house and cook yummy meals for my family every day, all with my hair and make-up perfectly done.

But a lot can happen in 12 years.

I did indeed go the college I wanted but did not major in my originally planned occupation, nor did I finish anywhere near when I had planned.

I met my husband after I had sworn off men for all eternity.

After nine solid months of pure torture, misery, and nausea, I couldn't understand why girls talked about pregnancy like it was a good thing. I was pretty sure I would never have another one. I have since forgotten what having boundless energy means. Cook, clean, and make crafts together? Hahahaha... ha... ha. Too often I opt for the easy road and do it all myself instead of taking the time to let my kids join in, because it's easier.

I'm lucky my husband hasn't left me by now, as my mood tends to change depending on the weather and/or how long I got to stay in my hot shower. (Of course, I blame all of that on the pregnancies.)

Cleaning gets so very, very old and I can't keep up with it all anyway. I do try to cook but sometimes pancakes for all three meals of the day are in order. I confess I do do my hair and make-up most days but that is simply done for my own sanity's sake and not with the intention of impressing anyone because half the time I don't even leave the house.

I still plan. I plan how my life will be tomorrow, and the next month, and the next year. But my plans never, ever seem to work out the way I planned them too. I can't even seem to make it through the first hour of my planned morning because someone will have decided to wake up earlier than usual, cranky of course, and mess it all up.

Everyday I plan to be better with my kids, with my house, with my art, with my husband. But I still have to lock myself in my bedroom once in a while to get a grip on myself before braving the four screaming voices that come seeping through the door.

The Cheerios still crunch under my feet as I walk through the kitchen, and sometimes the clean laundry sits in a pile on the floor. I still have half-done drawings and half completed books. And I still struggle to understand how my husband managed to get here from Mars or why I get all miffed if he looks at me the wrong way after I've had a bad day.

Everyone knows life never goes according to plan. Yet, I tend to think that I will be the exception. It hasn't proven true yet but I'll keep planning. It gives me focus, goals and direction.

Even if the cracker crumbs on the floor are relentless.

Even if my bed only gets made three times a week.

Even if I read a book instead of clean my house.

Because my family still says "I love you" every night before we go to bed. So the laundry can wait... till tomorrow.

--

Serene is a chocolate eating, gospel loving, high heel wearing, stay at home mom of four of the cutest little monsters you will ever see. She blogs at Serene is my name, not my life!. Serene is also a talented artist; you can view some of her work here.

Sunday Devotional

2009-12-27T09:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Santa,

2009-12-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

I post this exact same letter every year on my blog. Someone sent it to me in an email YEARS ago, and I love it! I actually really mean it too. Especially the last line.

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my four children on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my son's boy scout uniform with staples and a glue gun. (really. I did!)

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month two pregnancies ago.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with three kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season.

Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely.

It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,

Motherboard

P.S. One more thing...you can cancel ALL my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

Holiday Home Tour Winner

2009-12-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Another Christmas has come and gone.

Did we all survive the festivities?

I know we did....

Barely.

MMB has had a wonderful December, thanks to all of our amazing sponsors who donated prizes for our month of giveaways.

Of course, we still have to announce the winner of our first annual holiday home tour.

It was truly a pleasure to peak into all of your homes this Christmas season.

Leigh Anne's home should grace the cover of a magazine. Her trees are simply gorgeous and she has given me a serious case of wreath envy!

Lara is another favorite. From her entry table to the fireplace mantle, her Christmas decor is breathtaking.

Of course, as beautifully styled as some of your homes are, nothing brings a smile to my face more than the trees that are decorated by short little munchkins. The Lady of Perpetual Chaos' tree is beyond perfect.

Of course, I have to include a snapshot from the home of the WINNER of the $50 Visa GiftCard....

This clever little Santa Claus hangs in the home of LYNNAE, from The Little White Attic, also know as #17 on the link list. Congratulations to Lynnae and thank you to everyone that participated.

Ed Herman with Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2009-12-25T18:10:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:10-14

Home

2009-08-10T02:01:00.001-04:00

My life consists of many significant days. My first day of college, my wedding day, the birth of both my children, our first house, that one profound conversation with a friend that lasts a lifetime. Some days are significant to others as well as myself, and yesterday was surely one of those days.

My dear friends lost their son shortly after he was delivered. Yesterday I attended his graveside memorial service, knowing that what I was about to witness had broken my heart long before the service began.

My other photographer friend and I had asked whether or not they would like us to take pictures during the service, and with a swift "yes--please", I prepared my lens and camera more carefully than ever before. It was my job to capture the details and record that day--to somehow gather those moments of reflection, sadness, and eternal hope so that they could have something to hold onto. From the words of the babes sweet mother, "we want as much of him as we can get."

The moment I walked up I began to survey the situation to figure out where to photograph first. I scanned the crowd of people and noticed many of those who I was already familiar with as well as those I recognized to be the extended family. I crept around as carefully as I could so that my shutter's "click" would not detract from what was being said. Finally, I got close enough up front to see the tiny white casket. A blue blanket lay over the top, a bouquet of flowers adorned the edge, and his picture, during the last few minutes of his life, sat framed right beside. There was no doubt as to who we were mourning. As I crept closer with my lens, I was overcome by the scene that went on before me.

There his mother sat with white roses on her lap, and his daddy spoke of him with such courage that I stared in awe. His love and humor in such a dark hour was astonishing to behold. The click of my shutter seemed wrong somehow. How dare I detract from this moment? My eyes were blurry and I could not focus. There was laughter, there were tears, there were thoughts reflecting a somber yet eternal outlook on what had transpired. Plans that would never fall into place. Arguments between little brothers that would never be. Exhaustion felt by a mother of two would only be felt as exhaustion for one. My heart lept in confusion. How would I deal with such a tragedy? An expectation of life for nine months suddenly torn away without notice. I dare not ask.

A sweet tenor voice began in song and I realized that it was an opportune time for me to walk around the hedge with Brianna so that I might get a different view with my camera. I walked on tip toes so my heals on the pavement would not be heard and shushed Brianna to do the same. The song was gorgeous, a more perfect singer and a more perfect song could not have been sung. Suddenly in the middle of the verse, the singing stopped. My eyes darted to where he stood and I realized he could not go on. How could he? How could anyone? How could this family that I loved keep going after such a loss? How could I go on...knowing the suffering of another? I bent down below the hedge as the singer mustered enough courage to continue with his song. It was there that I wept. I held my daughter in my arms and I wept.

As the song finished I moved yet again and found myself viewing everyone that was there. I was behind the hedge of those who were speaking, and I witnessed more emotion than I dared prepare for. As his mother stood up to speak, she could not, and his father quickly removed himself from his chair to stand beside her. He held her, and they embraced as she spoke of her lost son. The spirit was overwhelming as she spoke of the day that she would see him again, and in that moment, I knew she would.

I was one of the last to leave. I didn't want to go. I glanced back at the tiny white casket searching for something more, something else to record with my camera that I must have missed. Wasn't there one more shot I was to get? Perhaps the symbolism of only the white casket--alone. And then I felt a wind, somehow warmer than the rest, and I realized he wasn't in that tiny casket. He was in God's House, with Him...and he was Home.

Carrie lives in Florida with her Husband of 9 years, daughter Brianna (7), son Kai (3) and Spike the Bulldog. Her passions are motherhood, her photography business (carriestroudphotography.com) and trying to make the perfect chocolate chip cookies. She tries to be exceptionally good at atleast one of those things. You guess which one! Writing has always been a passion for her and she comes from a long line of published authors. She is often very real in her approach, and although some might find her expressions too "raw", they are honest and reflect her life as is. Carrie is a bit dramatic, loves household design, and if anyone has that perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, please be a dear and pass it along! You can read more of Carries adventures at The Rowdy Stroudys.

Not Exactly What I Expected . . .

2009-06-19T02:01:00.002-04:00

I never quite know what to do on Father’s Day. It’s pretty clear what needs to happen on Mother’s Day. That’s the one where I pretend to be able to cook things and I dress the kids for church, but I’m banned from doing ANYTHING with my girls’ hair. The last time I tried my daughter actually cried when she looked in the mirror. Also, I’m in charge of shushing the kids while the mommy takes a nap. And I have to make sure that the house looks like it wasn’t invaded by a roving mob of toy-obsessed grizzly bears (this is harder than it sounds). There’s also the gift thing. On bad years I’m that guy at the grocery store on Saturday night looking at the 2 cards that are left. (I once considered the “Get Well Soon” card . . . but that may not have gone over well) But most years I do marginally ok in the gift department.

I’m not nearly as good as I should be at gifts for my dad on his day. The first gift I remember giving him was a pencil holder (cuz I guess he had a lot of pencils or something). It was a tomato can – I had rinsed out the big chunks. Then I covered it with a piece of blue construction paper and for some strange reason wrapped the whole thing with a bunch of rubber bands. I tried to write something on it with glue and glitter, but you know that never works. (or maybe it’s just me) Anyway, that year my dad had a sweet place to put his pencils. By now he probably has more pencils, so maybe I should make another one . . .

No doubt that my four kids will deliver similarly useful gifts this year. All of my kids are under the age of 10, so I’m certain to score big in the homemade gift department.

Someone asked me a while back if being a father is what I thought it would be. Prior to actually having the kids, my thought(s) on the subject were limited to this (verbatim):

“Cool, I’ll have someone to play ball with, . . .who I can beat.”

Needless to say I have a few more thoughts on the topic now that I’m a decade into it. Fatherhood is (check out the use of ‘er’ words):

- Stinkier than I expected: If you don’t understand, hang out with a six-month-old for a day. Or hang out in the bedroom of a nine-year-old after he’s had football practice and was too tired to shower.

- Louder than I expected: When do kids develop volume control? Cuz from moment number one they seem determined to make sure you know they’re around. Unless they’re sneaking a chocolate cupcake that was hidden on top of the fridge for tomorrow’s birthday party.

- Messier than I expected: My wife and I once woke from a nap to find our entire first floor covered in glitter. No vacuum will clean all of that up, particularly after the kids tried to clean it up with a wet wash cloth.

- Bizarre-er than I expected: I once found my son eating a stick of butter in the middle of his room. Another son wore his Jedi costume to school for no apparent reason. And although I have less hair than a peach my daughter insists on “brushing” it before I go out with mommy.

- Time-consuming-er than I expected: Bedtime chews up like 3 hours of every night, soccer, baseball, homework, consoling hurt feelings, mediating fights over small toys, cooking meals you know they won’t eat, trying to convince the girls that dead worms don’t make good house pets . . . etc.

And last…

- Way better than I ever expected: I get massive hugs just for coming home from work; we have dance parties in the kitchen to avoid doing dishes; a smile from my daughter can make me forget everything that might be wrong; and as great as the other 6 billion or so people out there might be, there’s nobody I’d rather be with than those 4 goofy kids and their mommy.

Henry The Frog is a lucky father of four living in Seattle. He currently plays the piano in primary and works for Microsoft in Finance. A native of Kansas City, he loves the Chiefs and the Jayhawks and misses the thunderstorms. HTF has been making readers laugh through his blog since 2004.

Families Are Forever, so take a picture. It lasts longer.

2009-06-19T01:59:00.002-04:00

Our family recently had these beautiful family portraits taken by Ann Montgomery of Anniemations Photography. Everything you need to know about Ann can be summed up by a trip to her website, Anniemations Photography. In addition to examples of her beautiful photography, make sure the volume on your computer is turned up. I dare you not to sing along!

It took two attempts to meet with Ann because of all the rainy weather we have had recently in northern Utah, but this week we spent an hour with her in Ogden. After flirting with my grumpy children for a few minutes, she had us all won over. My kids responded to Ann naturally. She had them laughing, playing, and posing in short order. Even Moxie got in on the fun. I could not have asked for a better family portrait experience than what we had with Ann of Anniemations Photography.

I will admit I was nervous on the way to our appointment. The kids were grumpy, and grumpy kids make grumpy parents. Prior to our meeting, Ann wanted to know our "style". I looked at my husband, he looked at me, and we each wondered whether "harried" or "jumpy" counted as a "style". We wanted nice photos of our kids, and this was the first time we had attempted to have a family photo taken in nine years.

Using the examples from her website for ideas, we decided to try portraits with an industrial theme. We met Ann in Ogden near the Union Station, a historic train museum. We quickly found that Ann has a way of catching the spontaneous, natural smile of her subjects, and of focusing on the most beautiful parts of the human face. I knew my kids were cute, but I have fallen in love again after seeing Ann's photos of them! The combination of poses, lighting, and sensitivity to my children's personalities made for truly beautiful portraits. I have new appreciation for the azure blue and deep brown of my children's eyes, thanks to the amazing talent of Ann.

I never write about anything unless I love it. I never recommend things unless I love them. I am now doing both. If you need family photos - and let's face it, who doesn't - you should make an appointment with Ann Montgomery of Anniemations Photography. Ann is creative, friendly and skilled at what she does. She will capture your family and just how amazing you really are. Give Ann a try, you will not regret it!

Now, come here.

Closer . . . no, closer.

{Shhh . . . don't tell anyone I told you this.}

I will let you in on a little secret. MMB is having another HUGE monthly giveaway on June 22, and Anniemations Photography has donated a wonderful photography package for us to give away. The person that wins that package will be one of the luckiest winners we have had yet! Make sure to check out the contest and enter. Good luck!

Sunday Devotionals

2009-09-20T06:35:00.001-04:00

Migillicutty Speaks

2009-09-21T11:09:00.006-04:00

Migillicutty is 12 years old and lives in Las Vegas. She loves reading, Star Wars, singing, babysitting, history, science, blogging, and being obnoxious (ha ha ha, just kidding). She tells us she has a fantastic mom, an overprotective dad, and three little brothers. She has her own blog at sarsahm.blogspot.com, where she tries very hard to be funny. She also writes much older than her years. Thanks for sharing your talents with us, Migillicutty!

The first thing I want to say is, it's not like you think. Mormon teens are supposed to be totally different form everybody else, totally "I hold to the standards of the Church completely and totally every single second of every day." I'm certainly not like that, I don't know anyone, teen or adult, who is THAT good, not all the time.

We have a framed poster in my house that says what the youth of the church are like. ARE like, not SHOULD BE like. Some of the things on that list are, "Sound in Thought and Spirit", "Hungry for Things of the Spirit", "Seekers after the Truth", "Crave the Faith their Parents have in Simplicity and Purity", "Want to be Beneficiaries of this Faith and Call it Forth to Work", etc, etc, etc.

Where do they get that from? What do they mean by that? If they mean want to increase their faith, but can't or don't always remember that they do, that's how it really is. They should say what they mean, though. If they mean ALWAYS Sound in Thought and Spirit, like ALWAYS, then most youth of the church - at least most of the ones that I know - aren't really like that. Neither am I. I guess a few are, sometimes, but some, for example:

I went to a teeny-tiny almost all Mormon private school last year. At the beginning of the year I was looking forward to going to school with kids of my faith, who would respect me for my values, etc.

There were 14 kids in that class, and the only two kids besides me who were not in a relationship (at some time or another) were both Catholic.

Dating is probably the biggest issue for Mormons my age. Most of the girls in my beehives class are dating, too. Profanity is sometimes an issue, too, along with suggestive jokes and the constant rudeness that you always get from popular girls. If you asked any one of them what was the right age to date, they would all say 16. If you asked them about appropriate topics for conversation, how to treat their parents and siblings, etc, they would give all the right answers.

It's not like they don't know when something they are doing is wrong, they just don't think they will get caught. And they usually don't get caught. And I couldn't figure out why. I mean, I could tell why, but... I couldn't see why they couldn't just be friends with the boys they were going out with.

That was really hard for me last year, because I wanted to be able to go to my friends for help, when I needed it, but I knew that I couldn't rely on them, because I could see the choices they made were not good. But I'm not saying that they were like that every second of every day; at church, and girls camp, and testimony meeting etc., we could all really feel the spirit. When we are at meeting like that I really feel a... closeness..or similarity... or something... with the other girls, like we are all trying and having a hard time getting back to heaven, or whatever. But at mutual and other times, I didn't feel that.

So when I had a problem, I had to go to my mom. And do you know what? I think she had some pretty good advice, usually. She went to 7th grade once, and it sucked for her almost as much as it did for me. So she knew what to do more than I did. Once I asked her why those girls date when they are 12. She said it might be because they need someone to make them feel confident in themselves. She thinks they really are trying to get back to heaven, but they are having a hard time, just like I am. That they really do want to Increase their Faith, but they struggle with it, like everyone does at times.

One of the things she always told me to do was pray. I prayed almost every night for my classmates, and I prayed for myself even more. I think it helped, at least some of the time.

I threw myself into Personal Progress, too. One of the things I had to do was read the Book of Esther, in the Old Testament. I remember I was a little incredulous when I learned I had to read that whole book, just for one experience. I gritted my teeth and read it, though. And it was really cool. Esther was so brave. She could've died, just for being a Jew, but she stood up had held her head high and did what had to be done. And she fasted for three days before she did it. Wow. I can really respect how hard it is to stand out from the crowd.

As well as personal scripture like that, I also read with my family every day before school. I didn't actually get that much out of it, but it was good to be with my family, doing what the Lord wanted me to do.

I mostly felt more peaceful when I was either at church or with my family. Mostly. There were still YW lessons that doubled the strength of my eye-rolling muscles, and there were still times when I wanted to rip my brother's hair out, but at least 80% of the time, I felt that with my family was the best place I could be.

And Church? If you really want to feel the spirit,that's the second best place in the world (since the first is the temple).

We're More Alike Than Different

2009-09-22T06:24:00.001-04:00

Heather has two small boys, a husband, a dog, a minivan, a fence, and a weird sense of humor. She writes about her days as a SAHM and whatever else randomly closes in on her mind. Blogging is what keeps her focused on the extraordinary gifts that are all wrapped up in the everyday ordinary. And so she loves it, even more than she loves marshmallow Peeps. You can read more from Heather at her award winning blog,
The Extraordinary O

One of the questions I'm asked (in the blogging community) more than anything else is whether or not I'm Mormon. In person, it usually takes some time, but then the inevitable curiosity gets the best of the person and they just have to know.

"So...are you Mormon?"

"No, I'm not."

"Oh...so...how come you have so many Mormon blog friends/readers then?"

And then I explain, as best I can anyway. I never know exactly how to do that. There are some obvious reasons, like that fact that I'm on the blogroll here at MMB. Then there's also the inevitable web effect (pun intended) that branches itself across the blogosphere when one person links to someone and then another and another and another...

In my case that webbing started with Kimberly of Temporary?Insanity. We connected and really enjoyed reading each other, then we linked to each other and all that good stuff. I was introduced to other bloggers I love from her blogroll and visits from her readers and well...you get the idea.

(I wrote a post about this some time ago on my personal blog, so those of you that read that are snoring right now. Sorry.)

Let's get to the good stuff then, shall we?

What do I think about Mormons? I've been asked that question by many of my Mormon friends too.

Let me start by saying that I did have some knowledge about the LDS church before all of these bloggy connections. One of my best friends grew up in a Mormon home, and her background has been something we've talked about at length over the years. Because of this I've done some reading, simply because I have a curious mind and like to know a lot about something, rather than just making assumptions.

I grew up in an Evangelical Christian home, and like anyone else, I've had to choose how I'm going to live out that faith. One thing that's important to me is that I work really hard on refraining from judgment. The damage slanted judgment can do in and outside the church hurts my heart, and I also simply do not think it's my job to judge.

My point? Please know that when I approach you (or your blog), or any person for that matter, I'm not seeing labels, I'm seeing you. I think a common thing that happens is that once a person finds out that someone is Mormon, that's all they can think about. They see a label. They see rules. They often don't see a person.

I try not to do that. For example, when I spent the weekend with Kim of Prairie Mama at BlogHer this last summer, I knew beforehand that she's Mormon. But that weekend, I didn't get to know a Mormon, I got to know Kim, who's Mormon. To get to know her and her beautiful heart, sense of humor and adventurous spirit is completely an honor. She's an absolutely lovely person. That's how I think of her. We talked about our faith when it came up because it's the very most important thing to both of us, but it wasn't the only thing we focused on. We did what I think we're called to do, and we focused on each other with unconditional love, and found we have much more in common than we do not. (She had to be unconditional with me. I'm weird.)

Lastly, let's just cut to the chase shall we? I'm not Mormon. It's obvious that if I had absolutely no thoughts or beliefs that differ from yours, I would most likely be Mormon.

But I do, so I'm not.

Sure, I could make a list of all the things I do that you could never and would never do, or things you do or believe that I don't, but I don't want to do that. While I respect you more than I can say, I'd rather focus on what we do have in common.

That, my friends, is Jesus Christ. (And the love we have for our families, and our humor, and our love affair with blogging...)

And our desire to live in service, with humility, forgiveness, justice, love...

We have all of those things and so much more in common because we seek to know this Jesus of Nazareth, the One who totally rocks the friendship party, and so much more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. Please feel free to comment, saying what you think or asking questions. When Motherboard asked me to do this post, the only thing I was nervous about was the possibility of offending anyone. That would never be my intention, so if I did, let's talk about it. Most likely, I didn't mean the thing that seems offensive the way it's perceived. Cause I've got nothing but love for ya. Just saying.

Discussion Wednesday - the Sex Files

2009-09-23T04:26:00.001-04:00

SEX.

{nervous laughter}

I know that it's not something that is discussed much among the Mormons.

On the other hand, it's too important to NOT discuss.

Because I get the impression from other women that it's more of a duty than a joy.

And I, honest to goodness, don't think that's the way God intended it to be.

So I'm going to say it,

I ENJOY MY HUSBAND AND MY SEX LIFE.

But what about you?

Do you enjoy being intimate with your husband?

What have you learned along the way?

The 5 Love Languages of Blogging

2009-09-10T03:52:00.002-04:00

Alright, alright. so there's 5 love languages in life, blah blah blah.

But do you know about the 5 love languages of BLOGGING?

That's right. I believe there are 5 love languages in this crazy blogging world...

The thing is, we all speak a different language. And we go through phases, where sometimes one is more important than another. Most of us speak all the languages, but it's the order that can get us into trouble. Not every blogger is going to speak your same language. And feelings can get hurt when our blogging needs are not met by the people we blog with.

So to shed a little light on the situation, I give you:

*Lurkers

Lurkers: (def.) someone who regularly reads your blog, but does not participate.
(They're just like secret admirers.... kinda)

Some lurkers have blogs. Others do not. Some may subscribe to your feed, others have no idea what a feed is. But they come. Every day. For you.

In real life, a lurker may be "delurked" through routine conversation. Because they may mention something that you wrote about, but did not receive this information from you. This is when you call them out and demand them to comment. (Because we know you're there, PEDER.)

Lurkers generally admire the bloggers they so quietly stalk. Sometimes, lurkers may be your ex-boyfriends wife. (Hi.) Sometimes they're people you've never even met. (Hi.) But they stumbled onto your blog, and they are here to stay.

Lurkers are nervous about leaving comments. Sometimes they feel like they do not have anything witty to say. Or they disagree with you. Fear not, dear lurkers. We would probably love to hear what you have to say. But you don't have to say anything. You have permission to lurk as long as you like.

*Commenting

Bloggers have egos. Egos need to be stroked.

Comments are a wonderful way for bloggers to interact with their readers. And as any blogger will tell you, they read each and every comment, and appreciate each and every word. Commenting provides feedback for the author; it lets them know if their words encouraged you, inspired you, touched you, made you mad, made you laugh.... Your words offer perspective, and help build confidence which in turn inspires the blogger to write more.

Other considerations: every blogger loves comments, but not every blogger leaves comments. Some comment religiously, even when they have nothing to say, while others never comment, though your words have touched them on some core level.

Besides, every blogger I've ever met is a comment whore. ♫ They want it, they need it, they gots to! gots to! gots to! have it...♫

*Hyperlinking

hyperlink: the text that you can "click" on that will take you to another web page.

Hyperlinking is a simple service that shows you care. A link to another web page or site is exhilarating. It's like finding a hidden treasure. There are SO. MANY. GREAT. WRITERS. And most of them blog because they love it. And we would never have found them, if it wasn't for you, you hyperlinking fanatic.

Hyperlinking also lets the other bloggers know you love them. It physically shows them that you are a fan. That you notice what they say. That you think they're brilliant. Or funny. Or awesome. Hyperlinking is a recommendation. It's as if you're saying, "Hey, if you like me, you'll LOVE this guy!" It's the ultimate compliment.

Hyperlinking makes the world go round. I would have never found girls like this , if not for the hyperlink.

*Blog Rolling

There is no greater gift than to be added to someone's blogroll. (except for commenting...)

Blogrolls are delicate things. People pay great attention to who IS and who is NOT on your blogroll. It directly affects their self worth. (Especially if you know you used to be on someone's blogroll, and now you've magically disappeared.) ahem.

And while some of us may feel the desperate need to be included on the blogroll, we need to understand that they are beastly things and most are not updated regularly. (Even though after announcing you have updated and we're still not on it, we get our cyber feelings hurt and we try not to dwell on it, but for the love! What do I have to do to get on your stupid blogroll already?!?!?!) ahem.

*Subscribing

These are the serious blog readers.

Subscription to a feed makes bloggers feel warm and cozy. Especially when we see the numbers rising. (and falling. stupid unsubscribe button. grrrrr.)

And although subscription numbers may not match up to comment numbers, and may leave us wondering, who the heck is reading this anyways, we feel secure. Because while you may not publicly declare your love for us, you subscribe to our feed, because you have to read us. It's a simple act that declares your love. And you do subscribe out of love, and not obligation. Because people that have aggregators like Bloglines and Google Reader, are serious blog fanatics. They simply do not have the time to comment on every blog they read. But they are reading.... oh yes, THEY. ARE. READING.

*****

So there it is. The Five Love Languages of Blogging according to me, the MomBabe.

Which is your primary language?

Discussion Wednesday - Eating and Wishing

2009-12-23T08:00:00.003-05:00

Christmas is such a magical time.

For parents and children alike.

What are you wishing for this year?

And more importantly, what are you eating for Christmas dinner?

’Twas the Pug Before Christmas

2009-12-22T05:00:00.005-05:00

Our pug, Aggie, is far from normal. Most pugs are a bit eccentric but ours inherited an extra dose of personality. For example, she has quite a vocabulary. She recognizes more words than most toddlers and she can even speak a few words. (She is able to “say” the phrase “I love you,” and she is working on mastering “happy birthday.”)

She even watches TV – golf is her favorite. She tilts her head at the whispering and then sits up on the edge of her seat to watch with anticipation where the little white ball ends up. The recent “Tigergate” scandle hasn’t seemed to impact her love of the game. She does become hysterical when images of animals appear on TV (even dinosaurs in cartoon format). A brief glimpse of Michael Jackson on TV causes her to bark frantically.

But her recent communication with us was too incredible to not share it in my holiday rhyme below.

’Twas the Pug Before Christmas

‘Twas just weeks before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not our pug (or even a mouse).

The stockings were hung, Charlie Brown Christmas was on the flat screen,
The house was adorned in perfection – it was quite the holiday scene.

The children were upstairs playing in their room,
Except just one who snuggled up with me as if she missed the womb.

In our moment of bliss between she and me,
I turned to her and said, “Plug in the tree.”

When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter.
As Aggie leaped off the couch as if something was the matter.

She turned to give us quite the glare,
Her giant pug eyes wide, not a blink in her stare.

Between anxious spins and puggy yaps
She used her paw to give us pesky taps.

Faster spinning and jumps so lively and quick,
We thought maybe she had seen a glance of good ol’ St. Nick.

My daughter and I looked at one another in awe.
What had we done to create such hoopla?

The answer then came from the one so young and sweet:
“Mom, instead of ‘Plug in the tree,’ she thought you said, ’Pug gets a treat.’”

---

Ann Springer is a published writer living in Southern California. She’s the mother of three daughters and her pug, Aggie. (Hence the name of her blog – www.3girlsandapug.com – where she posts tips to save time, money, and sanity to find more joy in the journey of motherhood.) Someday Ann’s tombstone will read, “Killer of Plants,” with a quote beneath it reading, ‘If you don’t bark or cry at my house, you don’t eat.’”

Holiday Photo Fever

2009-12-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when everyone is booking their favorite photographer, throwing kids in matching outfits and sending out glossy covered picture cards to their friends and families. I love getting those cards in the mail, don’t you?

My older sister, Amy, is a professional photographer. Every year, I hire her to take our family pictures. I say hire, which would intend that there was an exchange of money for her service, when really it’s mostly just a hug and a, “You owe me for all the years you beat me up and wouldn’t let me borrow your Doc Martins.” It works for us.

Amy deals with thousands of clients a year and I am BY FAR, the worst client she’s ever had. No really, she’s told me this. There’s just something about family photos that makes me have massive anxiety attacks, I seriously go IN-SANE.

The planning starts months in advance.

Outfits: Should we do all white shirts with khaki bottoms? How about black tops and jeans? Or color? I love color. Let’s do color. Fall colors? Muted? Bright? Matching? Different? Girls in red, boys in blue? And shoes, should they match? All black? All brown? Flip-flops for everyone?

Location: Industrial? Country? Indoor or Outdoor?

Hair: All the boys need haircuts. I go over the instructions with my husband a million times before he leaves to take them. “High Reg (military terminology) and blend in the sides real good. Keep the sideburns, but trim them up. Make sure the top is medium length but don’t let them use the clippers, I want to still be able to spike it so it needs to be scissor cut on top. OH, and don’t let the barber cut the front straight across like bangs!!” My daughter will need a cut but she’s going to be a fight because she wants to grow her hair long, I’ll have to bribe her with something. And then MY hair? Ugh, what a pain. Should I keep my bangs down or pin them back in case it’s windy and they flyaway?

When we FINALLY arrive at the location and are ready for the photo shoot, you’d think all my troubles would be in the past.

No. I wish.

This is where the anxiety induced sweaty pits start. Kids are crying, screaming, laughing, and whining all at the same time. My Lover is rolling his eyes and keeps glancing down at his watch asking, “Aren’t we done yet?” I want curl up in the fetal position and rock myself to a happy place where family pictures turn out perfect every time. Am I the only mother who goes through this torture?!

Thankfully, I have the greatest sister on the planet and somehow, we always manage to survive each years’ shoot by her encouraging words. She’s also a master at Photoshop so that helps. She magically works her wonder by switching heads, airbrushing fly away hairs, tears and red blotches on the kids’ faces from me strangling them (I’m kidding) so the final product is…

PERFECT.

This year, given the SURPRISE addition of a 5^th child, I surrendered to the idea of family photos. I decided it was more than I could handle at the time. So when we went to our ward Christmas party in mismatched outfits, old tennis shoes, hair that hasn’t been washed in days, snotty babies and dirty faces you’d think I’d pass on the family portrait booth that had been set up for the members to use.

But no.

I decided to let go of my fears and JUST. HAVE. FUN.

So we did. And I’m proud to say that I think we’ve started a NEW family tradition. One that is much more memorable and WAY less stressful.

Merry Christmas 2009!

Love,

The Lowe Family!

Jessica, Austin, Jakob, Kora, Jeremiah, Isaak and August

---

Jessica is a TEXAN. BUT…she’s also a mother of 5 (4 boys and 1 girl) who has been married for 11 years to a super hot US Marine that she likes to call, “Lover.” She and her family live aboard Camp Lejeune in NC and they fantasize about the day they can move back home to the great state of Texas and build their dream home. She writes on her personal blog about other crazy adventures at www.thelowefamilynews.blogspot.com

In case you missed it...

2009-12-20T22:26:00.004-05:00

This week in the MMB Bloggernacle....

Jesslyn shows us one of her tricks of mastering modesty when it comes to those skirt slits.

Stacy has us cracking up over her year in FB updates.

Ericka shares her recipe for a braided sweet bread. *Warning: may cause salivating*

And this is your last week to enter to win a $50 VISA GiftCard. Show us your holiday home, and be entered to win.

And that's what you missed.

Sunday Devotional

2009-12-20T01:24:00.000-05:00

Casual Blogger Conference

2009-12-19T11:01:00.001-05:00

It. Is. Here.

The Casual Blogger Conference that was created especially for YOU.

We will provide a few updates here on MMB, but you should really follow us on the main site to stay in the know.

(You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.)

Our list of speakers and guests is growing every day, but since this is YOUR conference, we want to hear from you!

If you would like to be considered for teaching a class, reading your best post, or have another suggestion on how we can utilize your talents, we would love to hear it! You can fill out our "Call to Speakers" form here.

Thank you so much for helping to make this all possible! Now go grab a badge* and tell all your friends!

♥,

Motherboard & MomBabe

*a very special thank you to Melissa Bastow for designing the logos, buttons, and other graphics. Make sure to check out her website and the 12 Deals of Christmas!