Treating Kids as they Will Be, Not as they Are

One thing about summer vacation is that it puts in the limelight behavior problems your kids have, among other things. You become acutely aware that you can't parent all your kids the same, and they don't respond to punishments or incentives the same way.

Road Trip Notes

The past several years we've made very long road trips a part of our summers. Ben's parents live in Ohio, and mine (usually ;)) live in Idaho, and with four little kids, this is how we make it work.

The Great Road Trip Part 3: Grand Canyon, Colorado, and Arkansas

The Great Road Trip of 2018 Part 2: St. George, Utah

The Great Road Trip of 2018 Part 1: Bountiful, Orem, & Payson, Utah

June Days

9 Years of Marriage

A while ago I met a young married couple. She was young, outspoken and a little brash, he was laid back, happy and quiet. It made me wonder what he saw in her. And it also made me wonder if people thought the same of Ben and me when we first got married.

If not you, then who?

It can seem "part of parenting" or "part of marriage" for your children and spouse to bear the wrath of the mother. Sometimes we don't even realize we have a "wrath." Kids do things they aren't supposed to sometimes, don't they? And men intentionally leave their stuff everywhere just so you will be bugged, isn't that right? And they know I love them even though they drive me crazy, right??

Innocence

No, it's not Cheyenne's birthday or any type of special occasion, I just loved the way she looked on Sunday and I wanted to always remember how pretty she is. She has beautiful clear eyes and golden hair. Her skin is smooth and she has a beautiful smile. She looks innocent and wholesome, happy.

What a gift children are. I'm so grateful to have young children in my life. They offer a gentle reminder about what we are trying to be, and the One we are trying to be like.  I think the adult form of innocence is purity. We may not be able to turn back the hands of time and un-live the experiences of our life, but we can, through our choices, decide to make our own thoughts and actions pure.

Social Media Free Summer

A few Sundays ago President Nelson asked the youth of our church to take a 7-day social media fast. I decided to join in. I wanted to write down what I learned and what I've decided to do next.

My Dad as a major influence

A while ago I was asked who one of the biggest influences in my life was. I had to say my dad.