BYU Women's Conference! So Fun!

Last week I went to BYU Women's Conference where they teach classes about raising families!  Can you see me in the picture?  Just kidding.  I am in that picture somewhere, though!  I had a great time signing books and also going to the classes.  My favorite class was called, "Honestly Acknowledge Your Questions, but first Fan the Flame of Your Faith."  The rebroadcast dates are here if you want to watch it.  I hear John Bytheway was awesome too!  Also, if you have time, check out my book review on Kim Thacker's book review blog, here.  Hope you have an awesome day! 

We've all got one of these!

(babyblueline.com)

Moms and Sports

(image: velcrobelly.com)

I know some moms love sports, but it's all greek to me!

(kudofoo.com)

Spring Break!

Sorry it's been a week since I've posted, but we went to Arches National Park for Spring Break.  It was so fun!  Here's a picture of the family under one of the beautiful arches.  There is some beautiful country in Moab, Utah.

I love family vacations for the way it helps our family bond together.  This creates a family culture that helps build resistance to peer pressure.  It's so important!

Humor

What to Do if you Make a Parenting Mistake

legacyproject.human.cornell.edu

You are not alone.  We all make parenting mistakes.  Often.  Don't beat yourself up.  Just learn from it.  Try to do better next time.  Forgive yourself.  You will find your children are very forgiving.  I can't count how many mistakes I have made, but when I apologize, all is forgiven, and we even laugh about it together.  Often the conversations that happen after the apology are very precious and build your relationship even stronger.  If you keep making the same mistake over and over, just keep trying.  Do not give up.  You will get stronger over time and as you get more sleep.  I remember I would sometimes get grumpy at my kids when they kept getting out of bed at night.  A short fuse from little sleep.  But all that has gone away.  I got better over time....and you will too.  Forgive yourself.  You will get stronger and your parenting skills will grow with time and experience.  I know this from my own experience.  Today I found myself not getting angry when my child made unreasonable demands in a rude voice.  I calmly told her the right way to ask me, and she immediately fixed the problem with no drama.  I thought...boy I've come a long way, to be able to do that.  And you will to.