A couple weeks ago Russell M. Nelson gave a talk entitled “Becoming True Millennials.” I loved his message to the youth of the millennial generation—a generation people typically think of as being entitled, lazy, and hopeless. Elder Nelson said, “Many people refer to you as Millennials. I’ll admit that when researchers refer to you by…
One of the categories I chose for a book challenge this year is: “A book that will help you achieve one of your goals this year.” I didn’t want to read just any self help book, I really wanted to think about a particular goal I have set for myself and find a book that…
“Your youngest daughter is sure a little spitfire!” That is what one of the leaders in our church told me after our first or second Sunday living here in Michigan. My youngest daughter was newly three years old and “spitfire” was a word that described her well. This is a child who craves her independence…
January is here, and with it comes a new theme for visiting teaching messages. I have really, really enjoyed studying the roles and attributes of our Savior in the past two years. Coupled with teaching the new cornerstone course in Institute this year (Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel), I have loved learning more about…
I absolutely love setting goals for the new year. It’s a time that’s full of self-reflection and optimism for me. Even though I have plenty of experience with totally failing at my new year’s resolutions, I have also been very successful with them. Depends on the year, and the goal, I suppose! I always want…
Decorating for Christmas is the best! It takes me about three days to do my house, and I’ve amassed a huge assortment of random decorations and ornaments over the years. But absolutely nothing beats hauling up all the bins from the basement, drinking egg nog, listening to our favorite Christmas music, and turning our house…
My 9-year-old daughter LOVES to do arts and crafts projects. She is very creative (and messy) and I love seeing the amazing creations that come out of her head! She’s made a wonderful list of things that she would love to have in her creative arsenal. If you have a creative kid who loves making…
I love to find new Christmas activities that help point towards Christ and an attitude of service. But I also like those traditions to be easy to do and not cost a lot of money. Those are the best kinds of traditions! I recently read a beautiful new Christmas book called Christmas Wonders by Robyn Buttars….
It’s 4:00 pm, you just got home from work and the kids are getting off the bus any minute. You’re hosting book club in three hours and the house is a wreck. Plus, you still have to run your kids to their after school lessons and make cookies! How will you possibly be able to…
The Visiting Teaching message for December is Divine Attributes of Jesus Christ: Compassionate and Kind. When I saw it, I smiled. I wonder if they saved the very best for last? Because, to me, kindness and compassion are the ultimate Christlike attributes. As you are well aware, in the past month there has been much…
I am a busy and often overwhelmed mom. With three kids in three different schools (high school, middle school, and elementary school), I often feel like all I ever do is manage their schedules and chauffeur them all over the place. Which doesn’t leave much time for cleaning the house, cooking, or working. I know…
Advent calendars are a fun way to countdown to Christmas, but parents might not love all the sugar! Here are 4 great non-candy ideas to put in your advent calendar instead! Last year, I splurged at Pottery Barn and bought an amazing advent calendar. I’d actually gone 14 years of motherhood without ever owning one!…