Tag Archives: blogging

Need to get out more?

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Personally, I go back and forth between needing to get out more and wondering if we should go in public less.

But that’s not the point of this post.

I just wanted to remind you of a really cool, legitimate reason to get out and mingle with, you know, adults.

All of my grandparents have passed away.  (I know it seems like I just abruptly changed subjects, but stick with me.)  I have a book about their lives that was written from memories of their children– my dad and his siblings.  I am amazed by their lives, but there’s one part that always makes me get a little choked up when I read about it.  My grandparents had nine children and not a lot of money.  I bet it was a hard living, and it must have been, because at one point my grandma had what was called at the time a “nervous breakdown.”  She was temporarily institutionalized and received the modern treatments that were acceptable then, like electro-shock therapy.  (Have you seen A Beautiful Mind? The thought makes me shiver.)  No one knows much about what that was like for her.  She returned home and resumed all her responsibilities and life went on.  I knew her as a loving, talented, spunky grandmother that made great pies and good hugs.  I loved her and I miss her.

And now here I am, two generations later, raising three little children of my own in the suburbs.  And some days I feel like I might “lose it” too.  The noise, the to-do lists, the finances, the responsibilities, the laundry, the cooking, the carpooling, the [fill in the blank with etceteras… you know what I’m talking about].  I think of her often and how much better I have it than she did, and I wish, just wish I knew more about her real feelings and what life was like for her as a young and inexperienced mother.  How did she make it past those dark moments and just move forward and become so . . . majestic and wonderful?

And in part, my friends, that’s the reason I blog.  I hope that by writing down my stories, my own truth, that someday my daughters or granddaughters will read it and sigh.  Sigh for relief, sigh for camaraderie, sigh for hope.  You know, feel a connection that gives them strength.  I really believe that stories have that kind of power.

So. (Tangent complete.)

There’s this conference coming up that celebrates the power of story.  Even simple stories, like the day-in-day-out details of our families and our ideas and our feelings.  Like our BLOGS.

It’s called the Story @ Home Conference, co-sponsored by FamilySearch, Cherish Bound, and the Casual Blogger Community. The conference is March 9-10, 2012 at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.  Two days of workshops, lectures, and entertainment, all about telling your stories, tracing and creating your family history, and all the wonderful technologies available to make it easy and fun.  And the December discount package is still available!  Some people I know and admire will be presenting there, so I know it will be worthwhile. Check out the website, and make yourself a date to get out of the house and learn more about telling your own story.

Facebook link
Conference link
Conference registration link

The Power of Story, or the Day My Journal Heart Died.

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I had a Hello Kitty Diary when I was 10.  I wrote in it on and off until I graduated from high school.  When I got to college, I was a little better about writing stuff down because I think I began to realize that I was at an age where all the little details of my relationships and activities had possible implications for my future. Once I started getting ready for my mission, my journal became more important.  I had excitement and fear and lots of fun going on in my life, and I wanted to capture it.  I was a meticulous journal-writer during my 18 months in Argentina.  I was having the time of my life, and I didn’t want to forget.  When I got home, I was involved in so many things, and my life felt so busy, but the mission habit was still there, and I kept a detailed record of the ups and downs of friendships, college living, school and work responsibilities, but especially dating.  There was much drama to behold.  I met Matt (almost 5 years later) and my journal was a place to capture all the magic of the miracle called falling in love.

I love– really, really love— these journals.  I pull them out and reread them on occasion, and sometimes that results in several nights of marathon reading my life, chapter by chapter.  I started a new journal when Matt and I got married, and it included our life as newlyweds, my first real job, his graduation followed by job offers, our move across country, our first house, and a couple years later, the news we were expecting our first child, Grant.  I wrote about my transition into motherhood and all the adventures and adjustments, and tried to capture the essence of our little family’s life.  18 months later we welcomed baby #2, Clark.  I was really busy now, the kind of busy that rarely allows you to sit down and write it all out, but I tried. Almost 2 years later, I was expecting again, this time with our little girl, Natalie, and we moved from North Carolina to Minnesota.  Amidst all the boxes and unpacking, I put my journal and my scriptures on the bed in our new master bedroom, thinking it would help me remember where they were and find a special place for them.  I do not know what happened, and I still don’t until this day, but my journal disappeared.  I can only imagine that it somehow got tossed out with some packing materials.  I just don’t know, but, oh, how I mourned it.  It had my entire married life up to that point.  My journey to motherhood– lost.  The story of my boys’ births– gone.  I was sooooo sad.  And bitter.  And my journal heart died.

I didn’t even try to write anything down any more.  It was spite.  Natalie was born.  She sat up.  She crawled.  Almost a year had passed, and still no record-keeping.  Then I went to a sacrament meeting where the speaker was talking about Elder Ballard’s mandate to use technology for good, and I got stabbed with a message for me.  I could do that.  I should.  So I called up my brother-in-law, who is a graphic designer, and he walked me through the step-by-step of creating a blog and how to interact in an online blogging kind of world.  I was very, very green.  And on August 17, 2008, I wrote my first blog post, and by default, my first journal entry in over a year.

   So my oldest child, Grant, just lost his first tooth and I’m thinking to myself, “It wasn’t that long ago that he got his first tooth!  And he’s already losing them?!”  Other moms (the ones who had toddlers and preschoolers a long time ago and actually lived to talk about it) always say, “they grow so fast.  Enjoy it while you can,” and you know how inside you say stuff like “yah, whatever…  I’ve already planned in detail the first 3 weeks of activities once my youngest gets into school, and don’t even get me started on retirement…”?
Well, this tooth thing has made me think that maybe I do want time to slow down a little.  I mean, come on, kids are just never as cute once those big ol’ crooked horse teeth start growing in.  And now he’s starting kindergarten in a few weeks, and even though I’m thrilled about the tiny dose of “freedom” it might offer me, I dread the influence of “bad kids” and elementary school Darwinism once he’s out of my watchful eye.
I find comfort in the scripture in Ecclesiastes that says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  Then it talks about things like dancing, crying, etc., but I think that it really does mean every thing, like losing teeth, going to kindergarten, and retiring.  I can’t help but think that God wants me to take in each season and actually live it through, the same way I must live each season of the year . . . I can’t just skip ahead or pause or rewind the calendar.  So, I’ll just start to enjoy the toothless years in one child and the teething years in another and just take the moments as they come.  (But, seriously, don’t you think God must laugh a little when he puts those ugly big adult teeth in little kids’ mouths?)

So Diapers and Divinity was born, and the rest is history…. actually herstory, or MY story.  It is a record of my family, my feelings, my testimony, and the things that matter most to me.  My blog is the continuation of my Story, and it made my journal heart live again.  In the last general conference, Elder Bednar testified of the wonderful marriage of technology and family history.  I like to imagine that someday, my children’s children and theirs, too, will click through the pages of my blog and meet me… hopefully even like me, and learn what makes them who they are.  I hope something I’ve said or written will help them understand their own testimony and challenges even better, and give them courage to fight the good fight.  I’m a little ambitious, perhaps, but I want to be a piece of family “scripture” someday.

So, with all this in mind, I want to personally invite you to what should be a fantastic, meaningful event: The Story @ Home Conference.  It is an event to help all of us create stories in the spirit of family history in our own way– whether it’s a high-tech blog with ads and polls, or a pile of family group sheets and name extraction cards.  All of it creates a story about who we are and where we came from.  Here’s some more info:

  • The dates are March 8-10, 2012.  I think you can do the whole thing or pick and choose the dates and times that work for you.
  • The event will be held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building  and the LDS Conference center, both in Salt Lake City on Temple Square.
  • This is hosted by FamilySearch, but this is not a strictly LDS event.
  • Presented by Cherish Bound, a company that helps people create stories.
  • Tickets are just $79– quite reasonable, folks.
  • Go “Like” their page on Facebook so you can stay apprised of developments and enthusiasm.
  • FamilySearch has pre-reserved some tickets specifically for bloggers, because we are, after all, a very special kind of story makers.  There’s even a special conference track for bloggers.  Go grab your tickets soon, before they get released to the general public.  How fun would it be to have a little army of us mommy bloggers there, just giggling together on the back 10 rows?  🙂

Above all, keep writing your story somewhere.  And don’t leave it sitting on your bed while you’re moving.  Just sayin’.

Dear cool people, I like you. Love, Stephanie

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Sometimes when I do dumb things like read the news or people watch too much, I start to lose my faith in humanity.  I want to create this little vacuum for me and my children to live in so that they don’t grow up and become idiots.  However, then I get the chance to interact with wonderful people and it restores my hope in mankind.  Actually, it’s usually womankind, but we all know that’s what makes the world go around anyway.  (Note to suspicious readers:  there is no secret agenda in that previous comment.  I’m just feeling a tiny bit snarky.)  That is what happened this last weekend when I got to go on my long-awaited girls night out.  I loved it.  It made me happy.  And, of course, I will tell you why.

This was such a modge-podge of good people:  some I’ve known for years, some I’ve just met since I moved here, some I’ve met through blogging, and some I had never even met before in my life.  And guess what they all had in common?  Awesomeness.  They are just straight up good women.  See, look at them:

Oh, gee.  It looks like even though I took two cameras with me, I TOTALLY FORGOT to take a single picture.  I’m not sure I can forgive myself.  Just trust me.  They are all VERY lovely.  Here’s a list of the remarkable ladies that came and I tried to make a link to their blogs (if I know it) so that they can visit each other now too.  Because, of course, we all made new friends.  If I didn’t add your blog link and you want to share it, leave it in the comments and I’ll add the link.

Cheryl , Heidi, Maria, Lisa and Madison, Kim, Amber (and a friend), Cathy, Amy, Julie, Sidnie, Ashley (and her two sisters.), Karen (private blog, right?) , Chelley, and Gentrey.   There were others slated to come who didn’t make it, and we just want to let you know we REALLY missed you and hope you can come next time.  I’m pretty sure there will be a next time because it was some much-needed fun.

We met up for dinner and had some lovely chats about stuff down in our hearts like family, adoption, goals, challenges, etc., and you’d think we’d all known each other for decades.  Let it be noted that I ordered a piece of cake that was bigger than my head.  Even with the help of several generous volunteers, I was not able to finish it.  Then we went and saw the play Persuasion at BYU, which was really, really fun to watch, despite the awkward man seated behind us who laughed way too often and way too loud.

Overall, it was a very charming night.  There are some people who I didn’t get to talk to and visit with as much as I would have liked, so I hope we can get together again and “catch up.”

Anyway, this is a big thanks for being great people and reminding me how much good there is out there in the world.  And that’s true too for those of you who did not come, but still drop in occasionally on this little ol’ blog.  I’m amazed by the extraordinary power of a collection of ordinary people out there who just do good and live life the best they can.  We rock.  What can I say?

Find-a-Friend Friday: Meet Amber

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Today I’m happy to introduce you to Amber.  She and I have not met in person (yet), but I’m excited you get the chance to meet her today the same way I did– through her writing.  Amber is a kind blog friend who always drops by and leaves nice comments, and whenever I visit her blog, I’m impressed with her candor and her “voice.”  She’s been very open about her struggles and personal challenges and I believe her readers feel safe with her.  Without further ado, here’s Amber.

Before I begin, I want to thank Stephanie profusely for allowing me to introduce myself to all of you.  Stephanie is a wonderful writer who often reminds me to look at the Eternal perspective of motherhood rather than the rather dreary aspects.  Thank you, Stephanie!  (You’re welcome, Amber.  Aw, shucks.)

My name is Amber.  I am 23 and married to my high school sweetheart.  (Granted, I was in high school and he was, ahem, graduated when we started dating, but I still think it counts.)  We married shortly after he returned home from his mission–in which we kept up a correspondence–and made sure to keep things busy from the beginning by having 2 kids within 14 months of each other (Emily, 2 1/2, and Andrew, 15 months). And we were both in school.  Trial by fire? We’ve got that covered. As crazy as it can be, I would do it all over again in an instant and we both hope to add more to our brood in the coming years.  Right now we hail from the great desert of Utah but will soon be relocating to the Midwest for the wonderful, new adventure of medical school (my husband, not me).

I am from Boise, originally, and came from a large family: I am the second of ten. I was–and am–probably the most motherly of our clan.  As soon as I reached a mature age, I was taking care of the little ones as much as I could.  I suppose my most positive attribute, then and now, was my ability to put work first.  My mother often recounts stories of me cleaning up after both my sisters when we shared a room.  Even as I grew older, I would try to complete my chores before reading my books or doing my homework unless my mother excused me from these duties.

As my parents had not considered college, they felt it pertinent that their children not follow in their footsteps and greatly encouraged us to prepare for college at a young age.  I knew exactly where I wanted to go by the time I was in 4th grade: BYU.  I accomplished this dream and graduated with a BS in Marriage, Family, and Human Development shortly before Andrew was born.  Even though it was difficult being a student, mother, and wife I knew I needed to complete my education–no matter the sacrifice.

This attitude of perseverance has helped support me as I support Ben in his school and work aspirations.  Though I know our road is a long one, I do believe that in the end it will be worth it if my husband is doing something he really loves.

1.     What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

Waking up with daily affirmations that I am adored by my beautiful children when I hear these cries from their room: “Mommy!  Mommmy!”  Despite my many imperfections, Emily will inevitably give me her most dazzling smile even after I’ve muddled things up horribly.  Andrew wants me to hold him constantly.  He is my snuggly bug and I wouldn’t trade it for an instant.  I suppose my favorite thing, then, is the sweet and tender love I have for my babies.

2.     What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

This is a tough one.  I’ll have to go with cooking.  I would provide the menu if someone would cook it for me.  I can even taste the delicious meals they would prepare: Fettucine Alfredo, Spinach Ravioli, Carne Asada tacos, a variety of Thai dishes.  My mouth is watering as I type.

3.     Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

I would like to continue on with my education by getting a Master’s degree in social work followed by a Ph.D in therapy.  Then I would like to open a non-profit clinic and serve the needy populations: immigrants, minorities, and women.  Finally, I would like to serve medical missions with my husband to different third-world countries.

4.     Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I am very disciplined.   For instance, at the beginning of the year I set a goal to exercise 3-5 days a week.  Because of my husband’s very busy schedule, he is not home long enough for me to exercise without the children.  So, I strap my children into our double jogging stroller and run with them. When the weather turned frigid and I couldn’t run outside anymore, I found something I could do inside: Workout programs on Netflix instant play.  Depending on the day, I workout to them either when the kids are awake or when they are asleep.  This allows me to keep my body fit and show my kids how fun exercise can be.  My Emily often asks to do “Pilates” with me.
I am also good at changing my parenting methods when I see something isn’t going well.  Though it requires patience and sacrifice, I try to cater my parenting to fit the needs of my kids rather than doing what is most convenient.  Mind you, I am not perfect but I am more flexible than not.

5.     What are you loving lately?

Listening to my kids’ laugh.  Snuggling with my husband.  Waking up to a clean kitchen.  Folding and putting away laundry while watching a favorite movie.  Listening to Stuff You Missed in History Class podcasts.  Reading Love and Louis XIV by Antonia Fraser.  Taking walks to the library (when the temperatures are above freezing) and bringing back new kid’s books to read to Emily.

6.     Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

“Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.  May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.” President Thomas S. Monson, Relief Society broadcast in October.

I believe that as women, within in the church or without, have the ability to strengthen each other.  Often, though, we resort to judging and criticizing others in areas in which we feel inadequate.  I think about this quote often when I think about other women and mothers and try to apply it to my own thought patterns.

7.     What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

What is this “unscheduled time” you speak of?  Unscheduled time is a luxury that I do not have yet!  But, that doesn’t mean I don’t do fun things during the day with the kids.  Rather than stay cooped up inside the house, I try to take the kids on walks to the library.  This provides me with a chance to check-out new books for me and the kids to enjoy, teaches them how joyful reading can be, and gives us time to enjoy nature while exercising (the library is a twenty minute walk from our apartment).  Also, I enjoy watching documentaries while folding laundry.  This way I am entertained while completing necessary chores.

8.     Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

Emily is two and very, very moody.  When she hits her brother more or has frequent melt-downs, I try to think about what could be causing this and how I can ease her frustrations.  Sometimes it can be hunger, exhaustion, or sickness. Other times it is a change in our routine or in our schedules.  When Ben needed to pick up a second job, Emily became very very grumpy.  It wasn’t until a week into his new schedule that I realized her grumpiness came from missing her daddy so much.  Rather than reacting to her melt-downs, I would hold and comfort her so she knew I understood her pain.

9.     What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

First, I am very socially conscious.  I often take the perspective of someone who has grown up in different circumstances and with different values when engaging in a serious conversation.  I am also very scientific in my conclusions so will poke holes in theories often postulated in the media.  Many people find my beliefs “liberal” or “unconventional” but, as cliche as this sounds, I try my hardest to use Jesus as an example for how I think about issues.

Second, I laugh.  A lot.  Especially when I am uncomfortable.  So if we do engage in a serious conversation, I will most likely insert quite a few self-deprecating jokes and laugh at things in a slightly awkward manner.  In some ways, this can be very offensive to people.  But I am not making fun of other’s opinions when I laugh, it is a nervous habit I’ve developed.

10. If you were in charge of a girls’ night out, what kind of activity would you love to plan?

Planning? Me? I prefer to attend activities that someone else has planned.  Ha!  So, I’ve never actually been on a “girls’ night out” and I feel very out-of-touch with this type of thing.  I suppose good food and conversation would be a good start.

11. Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately?

Having my husband work two jobs.  There are so many days that I would love to have him home to chat about our  kids and other little things from our day.  Right now, when he finally gets home–very late–we are both too tired to do anything but conk out.  It can be really lonely after an exhausting day!  And I would love to have a little help when it comes to household chores.  I spend at least 3 hours after the kids are in bed cleaning and folding laundry.  This leaves very little time to do anything else.

12. What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

Emily’s favorite song is “I Love to See the Temple.”  It has become a favorite of mine as well.  After I had a recent miscarriage, I took comfort in listening to Emily sing this song over and over again.  I know with all my heart that families can be together.

I also know that Heavenly Father cares for each and every one of us. No matter how simple our problems might seem he wants us to come unto Him.

Tell us about your blog:

I blog at Making the Moments Count.  I write about my struggles with anxiety and depression; about my intense love for my husband and children; and occasionally about social issues.  I also do a weekly meme in which readers are encouraged to write about their triumphs in parenting–whether in philosophy or in specific moments–during the week and link up so we can support and build each other.  My main purpose is promoting a community of understanding and support in parenthood so that we can see how various methods work for different people and that there is not one particular way to parent children.

Thanks, Amber! Wasn’t that great? Next week, we’ll meet another new friend. Watch your email inbox; it might be you! If you want to get in on the fun, add a comment on this post. I’ll do a random selection from there every week.

Find-a-Friend Friday: Meet Jocelyn

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Ladies, meet Jocelyn. I first “met” her several months ago when she and Chocolate on My Cranium were co-hosting a month of celebrating the proclamation on the family.  I quickly recognized her as a great mom, good writer, and a downright quality person.  I’m excited you can get to know her now, too.



Hi!  Nice to meet you! My name is Jocelyn Christensen.  I am a 33-year-old wife and mother of three children, ages 5, 3, and 2.  My family and I live in Central Pennsylvania in a small town called Lewisburg.  Honestly, I am at a loss for what to tell you about  myself, since I am way more comfortable being the one asking the questions…but I’ll give it my best shot!  I am excited to be here to kick off Find-A-Friend Friday on Diapers & Divinity!  Thank you, Stephanie, for hosting this fun way to get to know other awesome women out there!

A few things that make me…Me: I am the middle child in a family of five children.  I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland.  My parents taught me the gospel, and the importance of standing by my convictions.  According to legend, I didn’t speak a word until I was three years old.  About that time, my great-grandma came to live with us.  I became her shadow, and under her loving companionship I finally found my voice!  Since then, I have certainly made up for lost time.

I have been accused (by my own sister) of having the sense of humor of Elaine on Seinfeld, the personality of Leslie Knope from Parks & Rec, and that I bear an uncanny resemblance to Giada De Laurentiis, the cook from Everyday Italian (*In my dreams!…although I do wear an apron just about EVERY day!)

In high school, I played just about every sport possible.  I was also a band-geek and a cheerleader.  When I am really happy, I do back hand-springs in my dreams, and for a moment, I can feel the thrill of flipping again!  Dreaming is really important me.

I have always loved to write.  Before becoming a stay-at-home Mother, I worked as a guest booker for CNN, which means that I met, worked with, and interviewed tons of celebrities and politicians on a daily basis.  It was awesome.  I think Motherhood is even more awesome.

I have been truly blessed by the Lord in my life.  In the process of making my dreams come true, he has also given me many opportunities to serve him and others, and for that I am forever thankful.  I believe that the Lord will use each of us to do great things if we let him.

1.     What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of motherhood so far is the growth and changes that I have seen in myself. My children have helped me to reach heights that I never imagined, explore talents that I never knew existed, and brought me more of a creative outlet than I have ever experienced before they came along.  Many people have asked me how I could leave my “dream job” behind to be a stay-home Mom.  What those people do not understand is that because of my children and my choice to stay home with them, I have been able to live my life to the fullest.   Motherhood, like any other job, is what you put into it.

2.     What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

I would hire someone to do my laundry in a heartbeat…also someone to clean my floors! It would sure take the load off of my butler…aka my husband! 🙂

3.     Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

1.  Publish a book
2.  Overcome my carb addiction
3.  Serve a mission in Brazil

4.     Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I am pretty good at telling bedtime stories.  I never imagined that I would be, because frankly, I’m self-conscious about looking foolish!  But just the other night, I was totally cracking my kids up with a custom-made story.  My son was laughing so hard.  He begged me to tell it again and he said, “Mom, I’m laughing so hard, I think I am going to throw up!”  Making my kids laugh so hard that they think they are going to blow chunks.  That was truly one of my proudest moments! 🙂

I think that I am also good at finding joy in the  journey.  I want to enjoy Motherhood, so I try to enjoy it, even when it’s a crappy day, and nobody’s lining up to give me an award for being good at my job, I still try my best to find the good.  It’s not always a bed of roses, but I do believe that attitude is everything!
I also LOVE teaching my children about Jesus Christ and his gospel.  This is very, very fulfilling for me…and empowering.

5.     What are you loving lately?

Sitting outside for 10 minutes (at least) a day…searching the sky for the smallest HINT of SUNSHINE.

My nightly bath.  I cannot go to sleep without a good soak.  Even if it only lasts five minutes, this is my Me Time.

The blog Scriptorium Blogorium.  She’s one smart, insightful lady.  I really hope to understand and apply the scriptures someday as well as she does.

6.     Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

I live by a few unwritten rules.  One is “Once a friend, always a friend”.  Once you are on my “friend list”, you can’t get away very easily.  I consider everyone who has ever helped me, worked with me, cared for me, mentored me, taught me, or known me to be a friend.  I genuinely care about all of these people in my life.  Once I consider you a friend, it’s hard to shake me!  I once ran against my best friend for class president and won.  Over 20 years later, she and I are still very dear friends.  I try not to let little things get in the way of friendship and loving others.

Another thing I say is “Everyone has their thing…” This is my way of stopping myself when I feel like criticizing something that someone does that I think is lame!  I think everyone has their “thing”…the “thing” is basically their own personal idiocyncracies…and I have them too.  So when I say, “Everyone has their thing,” I am acknowledging that I have some dumb things that I tend to do just like everyone else, so I should shut my mouth about it! 🙂

I have a long-held policy against “Unnecessary Risk”…that is doing anything that could possibly result in bodily injury…especially paralysis.  My sister used to laugh at me, because I wouldn’t even run down hills.  Not that I’m not athletic.  I’m just really careful with my body.  Weird, huh?  I do however take risks when it comes to social situations or professional endeavors.  I think taking risks, such as sky-diving, is selfish and I would NEVER do it!

I could probably go on and on about this question…but instead I’ll refer you to a book that really lit my fire about 10 years ago called Magic Words: 101 Ways to Talk Your Way Through Life’s Challenges by Howard Kaminsky and Alexandra Penney.  It’s a good one!

7.     What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

Writing…conspiring…blogging, and planning my next big project.

8.     Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

Slow down.  I came from an industry that measures time in seconds.  Everything happens so fast that they have even adopted a language of communication that conveys meaning in the briefest possible time.  Instead of saying, “Please save that story to run another day,” we’d say, “Kill it”.  Instead of saying, “Please wait, I need to answer this question,” we’d say “stand-by”.

In Motherhood though, you must slow down long enough to really hear and listen to your children.  There are no short-cuts in good communication when you’re a Mom.

9.     What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

In addition to being a loud-talker (especially on the phone or when I am excited)…I tend to interrupt a lot in conversation.  It’s soooo rude, but I get really excited when I’m talking with a friend.  I usually interrupt just to AGREE with the person talking.  (I know it doesn’t make sense!)  I rationalize it by saying that I am being an “active listener”.  I TRY not to do it…but it’s a hard habit to break!  I am embarrassed by this habit, but if you are going to be my friend, you need to be aware of it and hopefully understanding of it!!

10. If you were in charge of a girls’ night out, what kind of activity would you love to plan?

I would plan a volleyball tournament…but I’d have to have girlfriends who know how to really play.  I am itching to hit a volleyball really, really hard.  That is something that I miss, now that I am a Mom.  I hate running on a treadmill.  It seems like a ridiculous way to exercise, but that’s what I have to do, since I don’t know that many people who share my love of bump, set, spiking!

11. Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately?

My eating habits.  I am completely addicted to carbs and sugar. I also LOVE to bake for my children…ahem…and for myself.  It’s fun and tasty…and totally counter-productive!  hee hee!  It gets me through stressful days and is a fun bonding activity to do with  my kids.

12. What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

I am most sure of the fact that families are forever.  I love the truths found in the Family Proclamation.  Every time I teach the principles found in this inspired document to my young children, my testimony grows.  I am also sure that the world needs good women who are willing to walk away from the world’s expectations and be the Mothers that our children and families need us to be.  Knowing that the Lord will help me do this is very comforting to me.

Tell us about your blog:

I blog about my life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the ways that I teach my children about Christ, and what the Spirit teaches me through experience at “We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ”.  (http://beinglds.blogspot.com)  I share ideas about teaching children about Christ and strengthening the family.

Currently, I am hosting something that I call Service Boot Camp.  Service Boot Camp is a call for women every where to join together in serving a specific cause.  In past Service Boot Camps, we have raised money for Haiti, made  journals for grieving military widows, and spent an entire month serving others daily.  This month, we are on a mission to write letters thanking people who have helped us or had a positive influence in our lives.  There are giveaways every day, so please join us!

Thanks, Jocelyn!  Isn’t it fun to meet new people? Next week, we’ll meet another new friend.  Watch your email inbox; it might be you!  If you want to get in on the fun, add a comment on this post.  I’ll do a random selection from there every week.