I am a Mormon stay-at-home-mom of six. Yeah, I know, "that's a lot of kids"! Sometimes it truly is A LOT. Most of the time it's not. It's simply put...our normal. On my page you'll find spiritual thoughts, tales of trials, happy moments, recipes, funny stories, and more. Enjoy!!






Wednesday, September 16, 2015

What I've Missed the Most

The things I have missed the most  about Maine...

1. chipmunks - they're so cute and tiny. I love how they scurry about.
2. the sweet smell of the woods - after being in cities for several years I have forgotten how wonderful the country smells.  It's a beautiful thing!  There is actually a sweetness to the air.
3. green - it's green everywhere and I love it!
4. rocks - I love the huge rocks all over the place. And the kids love them too.  They're great for climbing on and playing on and laying on and posing on.  Now I feel like Dr. Seuss...
5. lakes - they're so pretty and clean.  That might sound lame, but if you've lived in Missouri or Texas you know that their lakes are just NOT. Add to that...the drinking water is just delicious here too.  
6. hard work - there's a lot of hard work to be done.  I believe that learning to work hard is a very important part of life.  In the city my children did not learn to do work that is as hard as work here is.  I love seeing them try and succeed.
7. NO poisonous critters, bugs, or snakes - In Texas we had brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, scorpions, fire ants, water moccasins, and who knows what else...maybe an alligator in the lake. Haha!  There was talk of one in the town we lived in. EEEK!  I never felt safe to let my kids explore.  Especially in Texas.  But here in Maine, they have found frogs, a red spotted newt (which is so stinking cool!), and harmless spiders.  I even found a really weird leaf bug on the road one day. That was a little creepy but cool at the same time.
They can dig in the dirt and not get stung by fire ants. They can lay on the lawn and roll around if that floats their boat.  Although, Colin needs to be cautious of bees now.  He got stung over the weekend and swelled up quite nicely.  Ooops!
8. Wildlife - It's everywhere.  And it's gorgeous! One day Colin and I saw a white tailed deer in the woods just watching us.  It was beautiful.
9. The ocean - It's simply amazing to take the family to the ocean to swim in frigid water, find crabs and other sea creatures, walk on the rocks along the shore, collect shells and rocks, feel the salty breeze and breath the salty air.  It's soothing for the soul.
10. Friends - There's nothing like going to the store and running into a friend you haven't seen in years. Or just being able to visit with old friends and catch up.  It makes my heart happy.
11. Family - It's an added bonus to be able to live close by to family.  They are all a blessing in our lives!

Count your blessings today.  See how blessed you truly are.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Vaccinations

Perusing a Parents magazine that arrived in the mail today I came across an article about vaccines.  I brace myself just in case.  There are so many ways to look at vaccines.  You never know what that next person you meet will think or feel about giving their child shots. It can turn into quite an uncomfortable conversation filled with differing views and opinions.
 
Unfortunately this article turned into one of those that made me shake my head.  Really?  I find it interesting that people can be so closed minded in this day and age. 

This is what it all boils down to, People, you do what’s best for your child. 

NO ONE can make these decisions for you.  Do I vaccinate or don’t I?  Are they safe?  Will my child have adverse reactions to something that is supposed to be helpful?   

The best thing I have ever done for my children is to be prayerful about what is best for them.  I do my research.  I ask questions. I talk to doctors.  I read information.  And then I prayerfully make a decision. 

I find it interesting that people get so angry at others for their differing choices. Sometimes I’d like to shake them until their vision clears and the ignorance dissipates.  Being different is what makes the world go ‘round. 

If I allowed another person to make a decision regarding my child they wouldn’t have the knowledge they need to make the most informed and best choice.  We know our own children and their needs more than anyone else can. 

If you feel strongly that your children need to be vaccinated…then you should follow those feelings.  If you feel that your child should only get certain vaccinations or should get them on a slower schedule…follow your instincts.  If you feel impressed that your children should not receive any vaccinations…hold your ground….stick to it and be firm in your choice. 

No matter how you feel about it remember to allow others the right to make their own choices for their families. Be supportive of those choices. 


Be kind and love each other.