Learn Your Teen’s Love Language

One of my favorite books that I have read more than once is “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. This book talks about the different love languages that we have. They are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Most of us enjoy all of these love languages but we tend to especially appreciate one or two more than the others. By reading this book not only do you discover what your primary love language is but you also realize that it’s usually the love language you show toward other people. The problem … Continue reading

Why You Should Wash Your Kids’ New Clothes

My 5-year-old daughter is notorious for telling my mom not to get her new clothes as gifts. “Clothes don’t count, grandma,” she bluntly reminds my mom when asked what she wants for a special occasion. Well, apparently, our other relatives didn’t get the memo because my daughter received a boatload of new outfits for Christmas (along with a ton of other requested playthings). And when I say “boatload,” I’m not exaggerating. Seriously, my kid scored enough clothes to easily fill a regulation size double scull. Her pile of new apparel was so large it wouldn’t fit into her hamper or … Continue reading

Easy Homemade Father’s Day Gifts

FOX News recently ran a story on how dads typically get the shaft on Father’s Day. According to those interviewed for the story (mainly bitter fathers), when it comes to showing dad how much we love him, neckties, paperweights, and key chains, usually say it all. Conversely on Mother’s Day, mom is showered with flowers, jewels and trips to the spa. Growing up, my dad insisted that all Father’s Day gifts be strictly homemade. He didn’t want any money to be spent purchasing him presents, so my brothers and I were forced to hone our craft skills and create paper, … Continue reading

LDS Mother’s Day Gift Suggestions

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and you may be wondering what you can get your mom, wife or other loved one for Mother’s Day. I think it is important to remember all of the women in your life on this special day, even if they are not mothers. Any woman who reaches out to bless the lives of those around them deserves to be remembered. Here are five Mother’s day gifts for LDS women. First the Worldwide Ward Cookbook would make a great gift. This is a compilation of recipes from members all over the world. There are … Continue reading

Your Dad’s Photo on the Cover of a Magazine

If you are looking for the perfect Father’s Day photo gift then you’ve come to the right place. While some men are more willing to admit it than others I doubt there are many dads out there who haven’t dreamed of seeing their photo grace the cover of a magazine. Some dads would kill to see their faces on the cover of Sports Illustrated or Golf Digest (or in my brother’s case—-SURFING Magazine). Heck, I know some dads who wouldn’t mind seeing their mugs on the cover of GQ magazine. Regardless of your dad’s preference in periodicals there is a … Continue reading

What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Digital Photo Frame for Mother’s Day

According to the cashier at my local Kohl’s department store, digital photo frames are the hottest buy this Mother’s Day. (The woman in front of me in line was purchasing one for her mom hence the info from the store employee.) I believe it. In fact, I wasn’t at all surprised by the claim given that just this past Sunday Circuit City held digital photo frame demonstrations at its stores nationwide. And it’s not just Mother’s Day. People are snatching them up to give as graduation gifts, for Father’s Day, birthdays and as wedding presents. So what do you need … Continue reading

Heirloom Holiday Gifts

This holiday season is presenting some real opportunities, despite the less optimistic appearance of the gift giving season in some regards. The opportunities for getting back to basics, giving simple toys as gifts, is one of those opportunities. Handmade gifts that may well become heirloom pieces is another. Create beautiful elements to go with existing toys. A patchwork quilt or handmade doll furniture are items that can be passed from generation to generation. Baby doll clothes or hand stitched outfits for Barbie may well inspire you to explore your inner fashion designer, while at the same time giving your little … Continue reading

The Pets Blog Week in Review for Aug 20-26

This week Aimee and I were joined by guest blogger Valorie Delp here in the Pets Blog. Here’s what we covered on: Monday, August 20 Aimee noticed something amiss with Lally’s neck so she referred to her pet first aid training in neck sores to tend to the trouble. Tuesday, August 21 Not to be one upped by his sister, Moose had to have a blog about him too. Aimee described his newest bad habit, which is a mighty yucky one indeed. Wednesday, August 22 In a three-part series, Valorie shared her Turtles in the ‘Hood experience, starting with how … Continue reading

Mothers and Daughters – Shelley Klein

So, what did you get for Mother’s Day? I got three paper crowns, a picture of my son playing in nursery (from his nursery teachers) a back rub (it doesn’t get any better than that) and a really nice nap (okay, that was pretty good too.) And my mom gave me a gift book called “Mothers and Daughters: More Than 150 Heartwarming Quotes, Poems, and Anecdotes” compiled by Shelley Klein. The author has gone through volumes of journals, novels, letters, and interviews to pull out quotes from women (and a few men) throughout the last two centuries who have had … Continue reading

Happy Mother’s Day

Is it really Sunday? I’m exhausted today. I’ve got a ton of work to do and all these end of the year functions going on with our daughter. (Excuse me, I have to giggle over the thought of saying I have ‘functions’ to attend, but I do). Today is Mother’s Day and it’s a day that we honor the mothers in our lives. I like this day, of course, I’m a mom now and even though I’ve been a mom for years and I still have a hard time remembering that today is Mother’s Day. First Thing This Morning I … Continue reading