Pioneer Day & What I'm Reading!

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Happy Pioneer Day!
I can hardly stand waiting for Pioneer Day. July is the best month ever. Not only do we get to celebrate Our Country's Independence, but we get to celebrate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 
Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories.
My all time favorite Novel I've ready about the Pioneers is The Fire & The Covenant by Gerald N. Lund.


If you haven't read this book you MUST!!! It was SO AMAZING. Absolutely a fabulous book.
And I am currently about 100 pages away from finishing The Winds And The Waves by Dean Hughes. I am so excited to be reading this book on Pioneer Day. I was hoping to be able to finish it today, but I'm thinking that I am going to be too busy taking the kids to our Ward's Pioneer Day Celebration. I even bought a bike yesterday and I'm hoping to ride with the kids to the party.

I am enjoying this book so much, and the good news is that it is the first book in the new series called Come To Zion. The bad news is that the 2nd book doesn't come out until next summer. I hate waiting!!! Do you like reading Novel's about church history as much as I do? Seriously I can't get enough! 
I also read a great article on Dean Hughes today and you can find it {here}. The article discuses Dean Hughes research that does for writing the books, a little about the books and more about Dean. Really interesting. 
Kate and I snuggled up on the couch on Sunday night and watched 17 Miracles again together. I cry my eyes out every time I watch it, it never gets old. I feel such a gratitude for the sacrifices made by the pioneers who came before me! I am humbled so much by their faith, service and humility. I am lucky that my children have two of their own pioneers, their grandpa's, to look up to. Both of their grandpa's were converts to the church and are incredible examples of faithful, righteous priesthood holders. Love you Dad and Blake!
There is also a current DESERET BOOK COUPON CODE which is good for 30% off, so treat yourself to one of these books. 
Use code: SUMMER
Now go buy yourself something good to read!!!

How to Prevent Typhoid Fever when You're Traveling

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Typhoid Fever is a dangerous illness that can cause severe sickness and even death if left untreated. Typhoid is caused by a bacteria and is transmitted by eating or drinking something that has come in contact with an infected person. This article will tell you how to prevent typhoid when you're traveling.

Steps

Prevention

1. Get vaccinated at least 1-2 weeks before you are going to travel. There are two vaccines available in the U.S. Talk to your doctor about which one is right for you.
   • Get a booster if it has been several years since you have been inoculated. Know that the existing vaccines against typhoid are not 100 percent effective. Other precautions listed below should also be taken as well.
2. Drink bottled water (preferably carbonated) or have water boil until there are big bubbles in the pot for at least a minute.
3. Avoid ice unless you know for sure that it is made from bottled or boiled water. You should also stay away from popsicles and slushie type drinks. They could have been made with contaminated water.
4. Eat thoroughly cooked foods. If possible, they should still have steam coming off of them.
5. Avoid uncooked vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. These foods can be very hard to decontaminate.
   • Always peel raw fruits and vegetables yourself. Wash your hands vigorously with soap and bottled water first. Do not eat the peels.
6. Stay away from food and drinks from street vendors. Conditions are not usually very sanitary on the street.
7. Wash your hands frequently with bottled water or a hand sanitizer if clean water isn't available, especially before and after meals.

Symptoms of Typhoid

1. Be aware of the symptoms of typhoid fever. Prevention is the best defense, but sometimes you can get sick despite your best efforts to avert it.
   • The most common symptoms of typhoid fever are a sustained high fever between 102∞ to 104∞F (38∞ to 40∞C), fatigue, stomach pain, and lack of appetite. Sometimes a pink-colored rash can appear.
2. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect typhoid fever. If you are overseas, call the U.S. consulate to find recommended doctors in the area.

Book Review: How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family

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To give me some ideas to make it through my pantry challenge, I read How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family: So Many Innovative Strategies You Won't Have to Cut Coupons by Steve and Annette Economides. I enjoyed reading it. It has lots of great suggestions, even if sometimes it's a little on the cheesy side. I love that the authors emphasize that your time is at least as valuable as your money. They spend $350 each month feeding their large family, and they don't do it by hitting the loss leaders at 6 grocery stores per week. The strategies that they use work for them because they provide them with more time with their family. And their basic suggestions aren't new or revolutionary, but they do elaborate with lots of examples that have worked for them and other families who read their blog.

• Have a plan- plan your grocery list, plan your meals, plan your money
• Look at ads, then coupon and price match 
• Stock up on good deals
• Shop once per month
• Cook once per month & freeze multiple meals
• Get your family involved
• Organize your kitchen/pantry/freezer in a way that makes shopping & cooking efficient
• Learn to cook and eat at home
• Garden

 That's the basic premise of their book. These down-to-earth ideas are all things that we have heard before, but I think the key that really brings it all together is having a plan. This is true when it comes to most things, whether you're talking about feeding your family, saving for college or running a business. You have to decide that your are going to save money on your groceries and how you are going to do it.
 At the end of every chapter they have suggestions for which ever level you're at. If you're a beginner there are suggestions for you, there are suggestions for those with some experience who are trying to do better and then there are even tips for the experts. In one of the book reviews I read, someone complained that all of the ideas in this book were great if you have a large family, but irrelevant for most people. I have to disagree with that. They have suggestions that work for the young, old and in between. There are ideas that can work if you live by yourself or are part of a family of 12. You just have to pick out the ideas that are relevant to your situation.
  Here are some of my favorite tips from the book:

• Buy produce in bags, you get more for your money. Produce bags have to be a certain minimum weight, but often weigh more than that and are usually cheaper per pound than loose produce.
• Share recipes with friends to get new cooking ideas.
• Put a small plastic basket in your cart where you put all of your "impulse buys". Before you get to the check-out evaluate if you really need any or all of those items.
• Picky eaters can easily sabotage frugality. Find creative ways to get them to eat what the rest of the family is eating.

I've moved- Check out my new site

To contact us Click HERE
Hey everyone! Sorry I've been a little MIA. We've had a lot going on here. We had 2 funerals, my husband quit his job and got a new one, for awhile we were talking about moving and of course there's all the business that is involved with mothering three small children. The good news is that I'm back in the game and I have a new website. So if you want to follow my cooking and mothering adventures, follow me at secretsofmom.com. Tell me what you think. Thanks for reading.

The Body Diaries: While You're Exercising, Do You Constantly Wonder If You're Losing Weight?

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I hate to say it, but I do. I'm trying to get to a place where I work out just for the sake of working out, but I can't help it: As soon as I hit the treadmill or start breaking a sweat in my cardio classes at the gym, I start to think I wonder how many calories I'm burning... or If I go one more mile, that ice cream I had last night doesn't count. The only time I am not thinking about my thighs during a workout is at yoga--and I've heard that it can have a real positive impact on women with eating disorders for this exact reason.

Last night, I'd gone for a late jog outside and mapped out my route before I left my apartment. But then, typically, that body image gremlin started to rear its ugly head--so I totally switched directions and ran to the...

...GYM, to weigh myself (since I threw away my own scale many months ago when I caught myself getting on it multiple times a day--scary!).

Can anyone relate? And have any of you found a way to really keep your head "clean" about exercise? I'm spending the weekend at the beach with a few girlfriends, and already I'm thinking about how I'm going to squeeze in a workout or two--maybe a surf lesson?--because I'll be eating out at every meal (which terrifies me!).

The Body Diaries: While You're Exercising, Do You Constantly Wonder If You're Losing Weight?

To contact us Click HERE

I hate to say it, but I do. I'm trying to get to a place where I work out just for the sake of working out, but I can't help it: As soon as I hit the treadmill or start breaking a sweat in my cardio classes at the gym, I start to think I wonder how many calories I'm burning... or If I go one more mile, that ice cream I had last night doesn't count. The only time I am not thinking about my thighs during a workout is at yoga--and I've heard that it can have a real positive impact on women with eating disorders for this exact reason.

Last night, I'd gone for a late jog outside and mapped out my route before I left my apartment. But then, typically, that body image gremlin started to rear its ugly head--so I totally switched directions and ran to the...

...GYM, to weigh myself (since I threw away my own scale many months ago when I caught myself getting on it multiple times a day--scary!).

Can anyone relate? And have any of you found a way to really keep your head "clean" about exercise? I'm spending the weekend at the beach with a few girlfriends, and already I'm thinking about how I'm going to squeeze in a workout or two--maybe a surf lesson?--because I'll be eating out at every meal (which terrifies me!).

It's Great To Be 8

To contact us Click HERE
Next week is a big week for our family. Dylan is going to be baptized and I am getting so excited. I really want to make it special for him.  He is such a great kid and has such a strong desire to do what is right and to follow Heavenly Father's Commandments.
I can't tell you how many times in the past week he has told me that he is praying for me to feel better. He is really good about praying. I don't think that he and I have missed one morning this year that we haven't prayed together. Well except the one's that I was still in bed and Scott got the kids out the door. I fail as a mother quite a bit, but those morning prayer's go a long way.
Dylan, I sure love You!!!
I made these images to frame side by side for his bedroom.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 2012 General Conference idea's for Packet's and Activities

To contact us Click HERE
***Make sure to become a follower of this blog so that you can check back for Deseret Book Giveaway's, Visiting Teaching Handouts, and Free LDS Artwork!

I love using Pinterest for more than just coveting all the beautiful things that everyone else has. Look at all of these great General Conference idea's that I came across during my General Conference search.

I hope that these great idea's will help you get prepared for General Conference next week.

I can hardly wait!

 
Source: brandyscrafts.blogspot.com via Emily on PinterestSource: tipsfromatypicalmom.com via Brittany on PinterestSource: angbrimwil.blogspot.com via Pam on PinterestSource: sugardoodle.info via Brittany on PinterestSource: jmsmusings.blogspot.com via Janitsy on PinterestSource: blogmyheartandhome.wordpress.com via Thia on PinterestSource: fluffybunnyfeetdesigns.blogspot.com via Dacia on PinterestSource: cookienut.blogspot.com via Kari on Pinterest


Source: latter-dayhomeschooling.com via Marcina on PinterestSource: marcicoombs.blogspot.com via Rebecca on PinterestSource: visitingteaching.net via Jennifer on PinterestSource: beehivemessages.blogspot.com via Jasmine on Pinterest


Source: ayearoffhe.blogspot.com via Shelly on PinterestSource: alittletipsy.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: classicalchristiancuddles.blogspot.com via JoAnn on PinterestSource: beinglds.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on PinterestSource: beinglds.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

Happy Father's Day To You!

To contact us Click HERE
Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there. There are a few super special dad's that we like to celebrate at our house. I took turns asking the kids questions about their dad and their grandpa's and we have a few video's to share with you.

(Please note that my voice is super, I mean super annoying and I apologize. Hey, I'm the one stuck with it. Turn your speakers down PRONTO!*warning... screeching tones and patronizing voice may leave you slightly nauseous.)


 Happy Father's Day Scott!!! 
Happy Father's Day Papa Robert!!! 
Happy Father's Day Grandpa Blake!!!
We sure love you awesome Men
and we are so blessed
to have you for our own.

Happy, Happy Father's Day.

Pioneer Day & What I'm Reading!

To contact us Click HERE
Happy Pioneer Day!
I can hardly stand waiting for Pioneer Day. July is the best month ever. Not only do we get to celebrate Our Country's Independence, but we get to celebrate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 
Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories.
My all time favorite Novel I've ready about the Pioneers is The Fire & The Covenant by Gerald N. Lund.


If you haven't read this book you MUST!!! It was SO AMAZING. Absolutely a fabulous book.
And I am currently about 100 pages away from finishing The Winds And The Waves by Dean Hughes. I am so excited to be reading this book on Pioneer Day. I was hoping to be able to finish it today, but I'm thinking that I am going to be too busy taking the kids to our Ward's Pioneer Day Celebration. I even bought a bike yesterday and I'm hoping to ride with the kids to the party.

I am enjoying this book so much, and the good news is that it is the first book in the new series called Come To Zion. The bad news is that the 2nd book doesn't come out until next summer. I hate waiting!!! Do you like reading Novel's about church history as much as I do? Seriously I can't get enough! 
I also read a great article on Dean Hughes today and you can find it {here}. The article discuses Dean Hughes research that does for writing the books, a little about the books and more about Dean. Really interesting. 
Kate and I snuggled up on the couch on Sunday night and watched 17 Miracles again together. I cry my eyes out every time I watch it, it never gets old. I feel such a gratitude for the sacrifices made by the pioneers who came before me! I am humbled so much by their faith, service and humility. I am lucky that my children have two of their own pioneers, their grandpa's, to look up to. Both of their grandpa's were converts to the church and are incredible examples of faithful, righteous priesthood holders. Love you Dad and Blake!
There is also a current DESERET BOOK COUPON CODE which is good for 30% off, so treat yourself to one of these books. 
Use code: SUMMER
Now go buy yourself something good to read!!!

Goodbye Pajamas, We Are Back

To contact us Click HERE
Guess what? We are all feeling better. And feeling better is an amazing thing. I'm not miserable anymore. I'm not grumpy and achy and sick. I still can't hear but I'm going to shower and get dressed and accomplish something.
The first thing that I did today was write a guest post for {this lady}. If you want to read about my first fight with Scott and how he totally won...and how this sort of set up precedent for our Marriage...make sure to visit A Handful Of Peanuts. The Peanuts have been featuring different Love Story's all month. I've found some pretty great bloggers reading through her posts. Head on over there.





And just to brag about my awesome rocking dad, Here is a photo that my mom sent me of him playing with a Band at a club on Valentine's Day. How cute is he all dolled up holding that big bass guitar.
I love you Dad!!!

It's Great To Be 8

To contact us Click HERE
Next week is a big week for our family. Dylan is going to be baptized and I am getting so excited. I really want to make it special for him.  He is such a great kid and has such a strong desire to do what is right and to follow Heavenly Father's Commandments.
I can't tell you how many times in the past week he has told me that he is praying for me to feel better. He is really good about praying. I don't think that he and I have missed one morning this year that we haven't prayed together. Well except the one's that I was still in bed and Scott got the kids out the door. I fail as a mother quite a bit, but those morning prayer's go a long way.
Dylan, I sure love You!!!
I made these images to frame side by side for his bedroom.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 2012 General Conference idea's for Packet's and Activities

To contact us Click HERE
***Make sure to become a follower of this blog so that you can check back for Deseret Book Giveaway's, Visiting Teaching Handouts, and Free LDS Artwork!

I love using Pinterest for more than just coveting all the beautiful things that everyone else has. Look at all of these great General Conference idea's that I came across during my General Conference search.

I hope that these great idea's will help you get prepared for General Conference next week.

I can hardly wait!

 
Source: brandyscrafts.blogspot.com via Emily on PinterestSource: tipsfromatypicalmom.com via Brittany on PinterestSource: angbrimwil.blogspot.com via Pam on PinterestSource: sugardoodle.info via Brittany on PinterestSource: jmsmusings.blogspot.com via Janitsy on PinterestSource: blogmyheartandhome.wordpress.com via Thia on PinterestSource: fluffybunnyfeetdesigns.blogspot.com via Dacia on PinterestSource: cookienut.blogspot.com via Kari on Pinterest


Source: latter-dayhomeschooling.com via Marcina on PinterestSource: marcicoombs.blogspot.com via Rebecca on PinterestSource: visitingteaching.net via Jennifer on PinterestSource: beehivemessages.blogspot.com via Jasmine on Pinterest


Source: ayearoffhe.blogspot.com via Shelly on PinterestSource: alittletipsy.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: classicalchristiancuddles.blogspot.com via JoAnn on PinterestSource: beinglds.blogspot.com via Elizabeth on PinterestSource: beinglds.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

Happy Father's Day To You!

To contact us Click HERE
Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there. There are a few super special dad's that we like to celebrate at our house. I took turns asking the kids questions about their dad and their grandpa's and we have a few video's to share with you.

(Please note that my voice is super, I mean super annoying and I apologize. Hey, I'm the one stuck with it. Turn your speakers down PRONTO!*warning... screeching tones and patronizing voice may leave you slightly nauseous.)


 Happy Father's Day Scott!!! 
Happy Father's Day Papa Robert!!! 
Happy Father's Day Grandpa Blake!!!
We sure love you awesome Men
and we are so blessed
to have you for our own.

Happy, Happy Father's Day.

Pioneer Day & What I'm Reading!

To contact us Click HERE
Happy Pioneer Day!
I can hardly stand waiting for Pioneer Day. July is the best month ever. Not only do we get to celebrate Our Country's Independence, but we get to celebrate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 
Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories.
My all time favorite Novel I've ready about the Pioneers is The Fire & The Covenant by Gerald N. Lund.


If you haven't read this book you MUST!!! It was SO AMAZING. Absolutely a fabulous book.
And I am currently about 100 pages away from finishing The Winds And The Waves by Dean Hughes. I am so excited to be reading this book on Pioneer Day. I was hoping to be able to finish it today, but I'm thinking that I am going to be too busy taking the kids to our Ward's Pioneer Day Celebration. I even bought a bike yesterday and I'm hoping to ride with the kids to the party.

I am enjoying this book so much, and the good news is that it is the first book in the new series called Come To Zion. The bad news is that the 2nd book doesn't come out until next summer. I hate waiting!!! Do you like reading Novel's about church history as much as I do? Seriously I can't get enough! 
I also read a great article on Dean Hughes today and you can find it {here}. The article discuses Dean Hughes research that does for writing the books, a little about the books and more about Dean. Really interesting. 
Kate and I snuggled up on the couch on Sunday night and watched 17 Miracles again together. I cry my eyes out every time I watch it, it never gets old. I feel such a gratitude for the sacrifices made by the pioneers who came before me! I am humbled so much by their faith, service and humility. I am lucky that my children have two of their own pioneers, their grandpa's, to look up to. Both of their grandpa's were converts to the church and are incredible examples of faithful, righteous priesthood holders. Love you Dad and Blake!
There is also a current DESERET BOOK COUPON CODE which is good for 30% off, so treat yourself to one of these books. 
Use code: SUMMER
Now go buy yourself something good to read!!!