Image by Michelle Meiklejohn /FreeDigitalPhotos.net I had the chance to go away by myself for three whole days to speak at a conference for teenagers. It was a completely new experience! Rarely do I get on an airplane without a bag of toys, drive a rental car without a carseat in the back, eat...
My children will only be young once and summers don’t last forever. This summer I am committed to 'treasure the doing’ of the ‘little things in life.’ I’m determined to make it a summer to remember.
My life is crazy. And if I think too much about how crazy it is I might actually go crazy. But I don’t. (Think about how crazy and hard it is.) Most of the time. I just do. And do some more.
DIY expert and blogger Ana White tells a charming story about being careful what you wish for...
I love catching my children in quiet moments, showing affection for one another. It’s a moment I will never forget, and I hope they will remember as well.
I now realize I don’t give my kids my full attention as often as I should. Yes, as a benefit of working from home, I see my kids much more. And most of that time is still spent doing other things. When did my life get so busy that my kids have to tug on...
How do you develop the confidence to teach your children well? How do you help your children develop the characteristics that are important to a successful life? And where do you start if you feel like you’re failing miserably? Join April Perry, Co-Director of The Power of Moms, and Tina Marantette, of www.raisingyourchildren.net, as they...
Whether consciously or not, mothers are always teaching their children. Join us in this podcast as we discuss ways to make great teaching in our homes a reality.
Maybe it's the Japanese in me. Having lived there for a couple of years, I find their New Year's traditions quite refreshing; two in particular. Since New Year’s is their biggest holiday, December is a busy month for them as well but, in a very different way.
This is what I’m trying to focus on this season. The moments (the good ones).
If we don't consciously choose our focus, we might miss some of the best moments our lives have to offer. But if we pay attention, our golden years will be full of treasured memories.
The other day we were going to the store to buy garland for our banister. I wanted to make our home look homey and festive…so my children would feel the “holiday spirit” in our home. However, the children had other ideas in mind.
We often think that an over-scheduled holiday season that veers away from the true meaning of Christmas is a modern-day problem. But apparently, over a hundred years ago, moms had the same nostalgia for a simpler time.
Close your eyes and return to a moment from your childhood, whether it be an important event or a casual Monday afternoon. What is the story being told? And will your children remember the the lessons you taught?
We always tell ourselves, “I’ll never forget this moment.” But memories are fragile and time is fleeting. I often find myself looking back at pictures of my children and wondering what we talked about that day. I wish I could remember all of these things, but I can't, or can I?
My days were a blur of breastfeeding, dressing, bathing, feeding, dirty diapers, laundry, and little messes. I had never been busier in my entire life, and yet I had never felt more unproductive. Where were my glory days?
Katrina Kenison is a mother of two sons. Over the course of year, she wrote down her reflections on trying to live life simply. The result is a wonderful collection of thoughts, stories and suggestions for enjoying motherhood, moment by moment.
Raising boys is not my forte .Many nights I lay in bed, looking at the ceiling, confiding to my husband that I have no idea what I'm doing
...until I pray with Parker.
Not everyone has the choice to be a stay-at-home mom, but for those who do, and for those who feel like everyone's asking them "what they do all day," here are some ideas from two moms who know that they are more than "just" a mom.
I love being a nursing mother (well, most of the time). It became a very special time between my baby and myself. I admit, however, that one drawback to nursing remains: the hours.
I look at my sweet children, with their sleepy eyes, and smile at how God has blessed me. I spend a fair amount of time complaining and whining about the hardships of motherhood. I realized tonight, I spend too little time on its joys.
In the spirit of celebrating The Power of Moments, I would absolutely love to do a post compiling some of our readers’ simple philosophies, traditions, or systems that help them to enjoy the magical moments of the holiday season with their families.
I was washing the dishes one evening, and turned on the television for a distraction. The screen was suddenly filled with an array of beautiful young women. They waltzed across the stage with huge smiles, gorgeous hair, and stunning evening gowns. Then the audience grew by four when my four young daughters caught a glimpse...
Have you ever heard a child say something that made you stop and think? I'm sure you have. Children just always seem to see things in the simplest ways.
The breakfast cast-off's and dishes are piled by the kitchen sink so everything is touching but, nothing is actually stacked. It is an elaborate display left in the wake of kids rushing like a cresting wave out the front door for the last day of school.
My sweet, darling baby boy has recently learned the words "NO!" and "UUGH!" and "MINE!" To his credit, he applies them appropriately. Just at inappropriate times. So, after going through this phase multiple times, here's what I've discovered.
I remember it very clearly-it was my day off from work and I was making dinner when I heard my husband enter through the front door. That's when I saw it in his hand....
You can’t force a moment. I know this but sometimes I still try. Yesterday there were lots of not-so-good moments. The kids were cranky and needy and I worked hard all day but didn’t feel like I got much done. We were late to everything because of domino effects of dumb little things that kept...
A few days ago, I received a call from my teenage daughter. She was taking a break during her afternoon shift at her part-time job. It was not unusual for her to call home during her breaks, but this call was different. Her voice had a ring of excitement and urgency as she said, “Mom,...
I know many families (and retailers) have already moved into the Christmas season, but we are still enjoying the benefits of Thanksgiving. I can’t think of a better segue into the Christmas season than that of expressing gratitude for blessings.
Discovering the power of moments is about learning to "live in the moment" — to recognize and make meaningful those brief moments in time with our families, especially our young children who grow up so fast.
My friend is a new mom and it has not been an easy road for her. She is doing great but, she's been having one issue right now and it's been a big concern to her. So, I gave her the best advice I could.
What does "home" mean to you? Beauty and peace and harmony - that's home (in a good moment like this one).
When I first became a mother, I never planned on looking like a mother. Reality set in after two or three weeks with my first child, but I have still tried to keep a relatively clean appearance--just so I still feel like a person.
Do you want to be sure that the time you spend with your children is quality time? Whatever the ages and stages of our children, our time together matters.
I have been inspired to try harder to live in the moment with my kids.
“The biggest mistake I made as a parent is the one that most of us make. . .I did not live in the moment. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get to the next thing. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a...
Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religions (and for mothers who are not necessarily religious). Each Sunday, we post a spiritual essay, and we would love to gather a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Our goal is to be respectful of all beliefs while simultaneously offering opportunities...
One of the goals I have been working on, as a stay-at-home mother, is finding the joy my daily activities. Somehow, my life has become, dare I say, monotonous. Of course it is not that I don’t have enough to do, just that I often feel under-appreciated, overworked and that my efforts often are not...
I didn't realize how much I would grow as a mother, but as I reflect on my life now, I see that many of the lessons I have needed have been learned from my children.
What's your favorite color? What's your favorite flower? What's your favorite holiday? It all sounds like a note you would send to your best friend in elementary school doesn't it? These were all questions that I was just dying to know the answers to. The only way I could get those answers though was to...
They grow up. They leave home. And then, of course, they come back. They return bearing bags of dirty laundry, stray socks, T-shirts you’ve never seen before, strange cords for charging various digital devices. They are different, in a way you can’t put your finger on. Taller, yes, but that’s not quite it. Bigger in...
Submitted by Christa Johnson: I have a hat on in this picture not just because it was cold but also because I’m bald now. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer recently, I really took a step back and looked at my life. All of a sudden, the little things were what mattered...
Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religions (and for mothers who are not necessarily religious). Each Sunday, we post a spiritual essay, and we would love to gather a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Our goal is to be respectful of all beliefs while simultaneously offering opportunities...
I am a closet worrier. I try to keep my worries hidden, to act nonchalant, but in truth, I worry about everything. I come from a don’t-run-with-scissors and motorcycles-will-kill-you-early kind of home; it’s genetically ingrained in me. So worrying became Worrying when I had children. My WorryList starts with the basics: Are they eating enough?...
I have gathered a list of things I am realizing daily…whether I want to or not. I am at an age where I should never jump on the trampoline without first emptying my bladder. Ever. Never glue on Boy Scout patches with the magic sticky stuff from the Scout shop if you ever intend on...
Blemishes. Going to school with one was like wearing my own blinking light that announced a dork was coming up the hallway. I couldn’t cope with that. So, I’d miss the bus in hopes my mom would be too busy to drive me to school. Flames the length of dragon breath seemed to emit from my mother’s hair whenever she found...
Down the street lives a family with a couple kids who’ve grown up and left home and one little three-year-old boy – it seems they had a nice little surprise there on the end. I don’t know this family very well but I see the dad, I’ll call him Jim, and his son, I’ll call...
Dear Esme, Something’s changed. I used to dread seeing your face inches away from mine in the pre-dawn light. “Mommy. Mommy. Is is morning yet?” You’d whisper, so I was unlikely to bolt out of bed from a shock, but the whisper was full-bodied enough so you were sure I’d wake up. Now, while the...
Let us enjoy the art of living.” -Maya Angelou Not too long ago, I was out with my children running some errands. I’m not sure that I looked frazzled or weary, but because I was out and about with four children, it’s probably pretty safe to assume that I did. A stranger approached, and...
Submitted by Aubry Tenney: I was not prepared to be in any pictures the day this was taken. My hair wasn’t done, I had no makeup on, and definitely not a cute outfit! When our photographer suggested I be in the picture with him, I protested…but obviously lost. I’m so glad I did, because this...
I know every mother understands how frustrating a trip to the store can be with children in tow. Our excursion last week wasn’t really that terrible, but I was suffering from a head cold and needing some serious sleep. Somehow all the chaos seemed to be magnified ten-fold. My oldest daughters wanted to visit the toy...
Isn’t it amazing how much advice you get when you are pregnant? I never realized until I was pregnant with twin girls that EVERYONE has an opinion about EVERYTHING when it comes to a baby. We were so excited when we found out that we were having twins! Being my first pregnancy, we were...
Last Wednesday, I discovered that advanced parenting classes were being held at my local McDonalds. Who knew that hidden among the greasy fried food, sugary fountain drinks, and cheap happy meal toys, was an opportunity to develop some parenting skills? The morning started early as I planned to meet a cleaning crew at our rental...
In her defense, my lovely 9-year-old daughter, Sarah, is one of the most loving people to ever have walked the earth. Her style of losing her patience is to tenderly whine and bat her long eyelashes and stare pitifully up at me with her giant, puppy dog eyes. It is nearly impossible to be upset...
I have been touched by a story of a young mother with four kids, almost the ages of mine, who was in a plane crash and has been in critical condition for several months with over 80% of her body burned. She had been keeping a blog for several years and had quite a following...
Editor’s Note: The Power of Moms is a website for mothers of all religions (and for mothers who are not necessarily religious). Each Sunday, we post a spiritual essay, and we would love to gather a wide variety of perspectives and ideas. Our goal is to be respectful of all beliefs while simultaneously...
My college self would be disappointed with my life today. Back then, I had it all mapped out: graduate in three years with a B.A. in English (check). Serve a mission for my church (check). Get an M.A. in English Literature (check). Okay, here’s where I start to go off course: Get a PhD (ummm....
How grateful I am to be a mother and a grandmother. Because of all that is required of a mother, I feel that I have walked, and continue to often walk, through the “refiners” fire.There have been those late nights attempting to get a new baby back to sleep and late nights waiting up...
About three weeks ago, I’d about had it with the bickering, the mess, and the endless list of tasks. Sometimes it feels like motherhood is all work and no rewards (you’ve been there, right?). That afternoon, my nine- and seven-year-old daughters gave me an invitation to a “Love You Festival” at 4 o’clock in their...
Each Monday in my daughter’s first grade class, the teacher hands out a paper with, “A Snapshot of my Weekend”, written across the top. The children are supposed to write a few sentences about what they did over the weekend and draw a picture to go with it. I always look forward to going through...
My husband and I arrived home from a viewing, dressed in our ‘Sunday Best’. We were greeted in the garage by our eldest son, Luke, who beamed at us with his big, toothless grin. He proudly held out a five gallon bucket with six tiny fishes that he had just caught during a fishing class....
Have you ever had “one of those days” where you are on the verge of tears every time you turn around? Well, today is one of those days for me, and even though I know it will get better tomorrow, I wanted to put it in writing here on the website so that you...
Who doesn’t enjoy the wonderful magic that Disney brings to everyone’s heart, both young and old? Our family loves to visit each time we have the opportunity. I enjoy everything so much I feel like I transform into a little girl again. It’s funny how I am affected by that “Disney Magic” even after going...
Two amazing things happened yesterday. One, I let my almost six-year-old daughter make muffins by herself while I made dinner. (That’s a lot of mess potential, but I was feeling generous.) Two, my almost six-year-old made muffins! I just thought it was cute at first. First, she poured some milk into a bowl. Then...
It is foolish to pretend that one is fully recovered from a disappointed passion. Such wounds always leave a scar.” –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I’ve had quite a few surgeries – a benign tumor, the size of a tennis ball, removed from my neck and a cesarean section to deliver my daughter just to name...
After the whole summer of trying (often very unsuccessfully) to make grocery shopping with 5 kids a somewhat pleasant “field trip,” it got pretty old. Yesterday, I dropped all 5 kids at school (the twins just started preschool) and headed to the grocery store and Costco all by myself for the first time in a...
I had some expectations for my life, and my life isn’t turning out as expected. I expected I’d go to college, serve a mission for my church, maybe attend graduate school and then get married, work for a while and have kids. That all happened. Perhaps not in the same way or as quickly as...
Little things make me smile. And sometimes (well, most of the time) I forget to write them down. Like how Lucy straightens her legs and points her toes (smooshing her totally chunky thighs together) when I lay her down to change her diaper or how Grace just has to do a little dance in front...
I LOVE having “big” kids. What’s funny about it is that I never knew to really look forward to this phase. All my life I just dreamed babies. And from the time I held that first sweet newborn cuddled in a ball on my shoulder and listened to his sweet breathing in my ear, I...
So there I was—8 months pregnant, home making dinner, and my 5 year old daughter asks me, “Mom, do you ever wish you were a daddy so you wouldn’t have to make us dinner?” I must have looked pretty tired, so to that question I immediately tried to perk up, and I responded, “No way,...
When Real Estate Agents show a home, they frequently leave their business card on the kitchen counter to let the homeowner know who had entered their house that day. Last night when I got into bed, I felt Grace’s “calling card,” a little baby doll in a green outfit with the word “May” (her...
I tucked my little boy into bed a few minutes ago—he turns four years old tomorrow, and although he is the youngest of three children, he is no longer my “baby.” For some reason, I didn’t have the power to leave his room after I got him settled underneath his beloved purple blankie (the one...
So my son is now 3 months, and the past few months with him have been a mixture of exhausting and wonderful. He is the third child to join our family, and some days I am just trying to figure out how to juggle the three little kids who often seem to need me...
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