I was listening to a great podcast by Malcolm Gladwell called, "The Obscure Virus Club."  He talked about 3 different men in the field of science and research who were dismissed by their colleagues because they believed something different from the accepted scientific theories.  They felt there was an error in the way the scientific … Continue reading Confidence in Your Path →

Yesterday I was at church and had some thoughts that moved me.  In my church, we partake of the sacrament each week.  Bread and water are blessed and given to everyone in the congregation to remember the sacrifice of Jesus for us and encourage each person to commit to more fully follow Him. The sacrament … Continue reading Simple Offerings →

One of my daughters is a lead in a school play.  In the past, she has been very private about all things involved in acting.  She would practice her auditions by herself, learn her lines with no help, and only practice her songs when no one could hear her.  I would show up to the … Continue reading Acting →

My daughter decided to try ballroom dance for her first year at junior high.  They had a competition last night against other schools.  She had been very excited about it...until she realized it conflicted with another event she had been looking forward to.  We found out the night before that the etiquette dinner with her … Continue reading Let Her Be →

One of the things we do in our family is something called pillow talks.  We wanted a scheduled time when we could talk more deeply with our kids individually, a time where we were intentional in talking about how they were doing.  Once a month, the kids take turns talking with us.  It's usually on … Continue reading Pillow Talks →

I took an intentional break from writing everyday in order to prioritize something that needed to get done. I had told myself that I wanted to be done with my applications for graduate school by the end of November. I had been working hard on my essays, but they were hard and frustrating for me … Continue reading Prioritizing →

Yesterday I had the thought that I should invite someone over for dinner.  I wasn't too thrilled at the prospect since I was scrapping the bottom of the barrel-I haven't restocked the fridge lately.  Spaghetti with no bread or fruit, and a salad consisting entirely of lettuce.  Not the kind of meal you are eager … Continue reading Focus on the Gift, Not the Wrapping →

I have to write an essay as part of my application for graduate school.  It has been anything but fun.  The marriage and family therapy program is competitive, and I feel like the essay is the one thing that will get me in since I haven't been researching with professors and don't know any that … Continue reading Understanding and Articulating Why →

My husband is a pretty calm individual.  His emotional state is fairly constant and steady, regardless of what is happening.  I grew up with parents that were a little more emotionally reactive.  If the car broke, it seemed like a stressful, big deal.  If kids were doing things they shouldn't, it seemed like there were … Continue reading You Have to Figure it Out, But You Don’t Need to Freak Out →

I warned my family before leaving for our trip that we would be going on a hike and everyone would be required to attend.  Let's just say that some people in my family are less than enthusiastic about hiking.  My sister and I had a hike in mind, but as soon as the kids heard … Continue reading Ignore the Complaining and Do it Anyway →