Katie Holmes Files for Divorce – Part 1

I enjoyed a great lunch with my family today and when I got in the car to return to work, I checked CNN as I often do. I was shocked to see the headline “Katie Holmes Files for Divorce from Tom Cruise,” then I was shocked at the fact that I was shocked. It’s not like we haven’t been through this before. Cruise married his first wife, actress Mimi Rogers, in May 1987. I think Rogers was the one who introduced Cruise to Scientology…unfortunately. Sorry, I am, just not a fan of Scientology. Those two divorced in February 1990. Cruise … Continue reading

Co Sleeping with Baby Number One Part III

While I was pregnant with our second child we really tried to transition our son into his own bed. He did not have a problem falling asleep on his own but he needed a warm body next to him to feel safe. First we converted the crib into a toddler bed so that he would have easier access to it and not feel imprisoned. He would not sleep in the toddler bed at night very well and usually ended up in our bed at some point during the night. Knowing that at some point we will convert the crib/toddler bed … Continue reading

My Mini Zoo – New Pet Blogger Intro

As a new pet blogger here at Families.com I felt I should write an introduction post and share the story of my mini-zoo with everyone. I’ve had pets ever since I could remember. In fact, none of my homes have felt complete unless there was at least one four-legged furry critter running around. About ten years ago this love for all things feathered, furry or finned hit a high point. My second daughter worked at Petsmart at the time so she always had some tale of woe about a guinea pig, hamster, snake, fish, or other animal that had been … Continue reading

Religion in Genealogy Part 1: Quakers and Shakers

The role religion plays in genealogy is quite pronounced. In this blog I will be detailing two major groups: Quakers and Shakers. Quakers Quakers (also called Friends) are members of a Christiandenomination, called the Religious Society of Friends that was formed in England during the mid-17th century by George Fox. Fox believed that it was possible to have a close connection with Christ without formal preaching by clergy. Quaker beliefs are different between individuals based on each follower’s personal relationship with God. Traditionally, Quakers attend congregational gatherings, referred to as Monthly Meetings, where they sit in silence, waiting for the … Continue reading

A Unit Study Starter on the Vikings

The Vikings are a very interesting people to study in part because so much of their history is related to them pillaging and thieving from other peoples. They were particularly fond of picking on monasteries–presumably because monks were not so feisty. However, if you read extensively on the Vikings, what you discover is that they were a deeply family oriented people. They were also fairly religious although it’s notable that they stopped raiding surrounding areas when they converted to Christianity. Here are a few ideas for studying the Vikings. Geography Vikings, as you probably are aware are from the Northern … Continue reading

Young Women: “Stand as a Witness”

In “Stand as a Witness” Sister Susan W. Tanner speaks to the young women of the church. Sister Tanner opens her talk by sharing an experience her daughter had on her mission. She wanted tot each about the Holy Ghost, but when she planned the lesson, it did not feel right. Instead they taught about Jesus Christ, when the investigator felt the Holy Ghost witness about the truthfulness of their message, they were able to teach about the Holy Ghost. Sister Tanner goes on to tell about King Benjamin and how he bore his testimony of Christ to his people. … Continue reading

Remote-Controlled Toys and Air Travel—What You Need To Know

Talk about timing. Last month my 3-year-old daughter was invited to her pal Chris’ birthday party. A few days before the party we went shopping for a gift. After 2 hours contemplating what constituted as the “perfect” present (for Chris… and my daughter’s next 7 birthdays) we settled on a remote control Jeep. Believe it or not that Jeep turned out to be the hit of the party. Chris ripped it open and let it fly through the backyard. For the next hour or so party guests lined up for their turn to take the Jeep for a spin. That’s … Continue reading

And When Thou Art Converted . . .

As Miriam points out in her blog “The Process of Conversion,” it doesn’t matter if you’re born into the Church or join later. You will need to come to a point where you have decided for yourself that the Church is true. It’s not enough to lean on your mother’s testimony or your father’s conviction, or your spouse’s faith – you have to know it for yourself, independently. However, knowing that the Church is true doesn’t necessarily mean that you automatically accept every principle of the Gospel. For most people, there will be one or two things that don’t make … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits—Healthy Amusement Parks and Happy Hybrid Owners

When you think of taking a trip to an amusement park what comes to mind? I think of rides and games, but mainly it’s the thought of sinking my teeth into cotton candy, hot dogs, gigantic soft pretzels, slushies, and ice cream that really gets me going. If you are like me and love to gorge on fair food you may want to ponder what some amusement park owners are doing at their sites this summer. They’re going healthy. When Rye Playland in New York opens this week guests will be seeing some drastic changes—the introduction of a healthy menu … Continue reading

What is the Tribulation? Part 1

The Great Tribulation is a period of time, most Bible students say a period of seven years, in which the world will see the greatest destruction, turmoil and death of all time. It is a period of God unleashing His wrath on the earth for all of those who have rejected Him. His ultimate purpose in the tribulation is to bring His people, Israel, back to Himself through His righteous judgment. Many Protestants believe that the Great Tribulation could begin at any time, and that it must be accomplished before the Millennial Reign of Christ. Some view these events as … Continue reading