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  1. Pingback: Stroller Fitness Craze Part 1 | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  3. NURSING IS NOT NATURAL: I totally agree………believing that nursing is a natural instinctive process, and my heart goes out to you experiencing such an unfortunate set of circumstances, including the fact that your milk was ‘skim’ as it were.

    I tried to nurse my first son and ended up with excoriated painful nipples, and a dread everytime I took him to my breast…after a week of discomfort, anxiety and pain, I switched to the bottle. All my births were by vertical c-section, so it seemed easier to forgo the added pain and stress of nursing. With my next 2 babies, I easily gave up nursing for formula. By my fourth pregnancy, however, I was in the mindset that I would try harder, because I really do believe breast is best. Success….it was still painful initially, but I endured and my son nursed well until he weaned himself at one year. With my final baby, I suppose because I now knew that the pain and discomfort of breastfeeding can be temporary, and I was now ‘experienced’, he nursed and comfort nursed until he was 3 and a half years old. I so enjoyed breast feeding, however, it took 3 babies to finally succeed.

    I remember thinking way back then, hell no, nursing is not so natural that baby just latches on and drinks and voila, baby thrives… Yes, I did feel bad that I switched to the bottle and envied all the nursing mothers I saw…. In a way, I think that I made up for my earlier ‘failures’ by allowing my 5th son to nurse as long as he wanted; of course I didn’t tell anyone that I was still nursing a toddler+, as raised eyebrows were the norm, when I was nursing a one year old. I hear that now there is much more support for the art of breastfeeding…. But it is still, for many women, not so easy and natural, and this fact should be addressed for new mothers that it is not a personal failure.

    Reply

  5. Beautiful post! I so should have read this when I couldn’t nurse my son seven years ago. There was just no milk. I was devastated, and the nurses and doctors made me feel awful. I finally decided that what he needed more than breastmilk was a happy mother. So, I quit trying and moved him to formula only. When my daughter was born last year, I just knew I wouldn’t nurse her, but life is funny… her nursing experience turned out the exact opposite. She was a champion nurser and ten months later I’m still doing it. Even then, it took SIX weeks for it not to be painful for me. The first two or three weeks, I cried every time I fed her because I hated it, but kept going because she loved it. Ten months later, I enjoy it. She’s been on formula during the day while I’m at work since she was 12 weeks old, but I never felt guilty for that because my son is the smartest kid I know and he never had a drop of breastmilk.

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  6. Sandy, your story reminds me that God really does work all things together for our good. Sometimes it is hard to believe that, but seeing what He had done in your life helps me to trust this truth about His character. Thank you for being willing to share.

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  7. Thank you for writing this, Sandy. You have a grace about you that is inspiring, and it comes out in your writing, too! This is a beautiful account of the way your Father carried you through your heartache, and used your kids to get you there.
    Anna

    Reply

  13. hello… number #165 says Prompt 5…but I meant to put #Prompt 9-Rule of Thirds on that one. i have it labeled on my blog post, but i couldnt change it here. i dont know if there is anything i can do about that…
    Reply

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    • julie I will look into it right now. thanks for the heads up. What you need to do is just go to picture 165 and click on the red X that shows up beside it and it will ask you if you want to delete it. Delete and then link it up again with the correct info.

      Reply

  14. Pingback: Psalm 45:11 Printable — Printable Decor

  15. Pingback: Yes, That’s My Son | Inspired By Family Magazine

  16. I understand! My daughter is adopted. She is Korean and Hispanic and doesn’t look like us. We’ve gotten a lot of stupid comments but she’s prepared for them all. I love to stand back and watch her defend us as her real family!

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  17. Sandy, even back in high school you had such a sweet, sweet spirit. I am so glad that God made His presence so known in your life, and has carried you through all of the heartache into a new and joyous present. I thank God for you and for Neil, and for your willingness to serve and to sacrifice for God’s glory. I wish that my hubby and I were going to be able to make it out to the reunion this summer, but I hope that you are able to make it and that so many people will be able to love on you that may not have had a personal chance since 2004. Thank you for your openness and honesty in writing this. Much love and many prayers, Dena (Wood) Brown, FA class of ’92. *HUG*

    Reply

  18. I’m so sorry you had such a rough time. Thank you so much for sharing though. It’s definitely something that everyone needs to keep in perspective.

    Reply

  19. I get stupid comments and advice and my kids look just like me. Some people just can’t help themselves.

    Reply

  22. Pingback: Creative Mother’s Day Cards Part 2 | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  29. In that photo you posted, he actually does look a bit like Dan, lol! My kids are bi-racial (white and Japanese) and my daughter didn’t quite get the Asian eyes. Even though she had a very Japanese name, her friends all think she is some other race. She hears Latina and Filipino a lot. She pretends to be completely exasperated but she really enjoys keeping them guessing and seeing their reaction when she tells them what her racial background actually is. We don’t pretend to be color blind in our home and have fun enjoying each other’s differences. I can see that you do too 🙂

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  30. Wow! That story was beautiful! We would love to adopt a baby someday. You are a faithful child of the Lord and your parenting shows this.

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  35. Pingback: What I Wish I Could Say To My Mom | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  38. I completely agree! And, it’s funny because I tend to do the opposite. I rarely comment on Mrs. 2000 followers’ blog, because, hey, she already has tons of people and my comment means nothing to her. I’m more likely to comment on fledgeling blog (like mine) because I feel like my encouragement will likely mean more to her. Great thoughts!

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  39. Pingback: Lovely Handmade Mother’s Day Cards | Inspired By Family Magazine

  41. I am so sorry that you had to experience this! My first child was in the NICU for 8 days when he was born. He was bottle-fed during that time while I pumped religiously. It took weeks, and weeks, and weeks, to get him to nurse well and I always felt such trepidation each time I got set up with my boppy and would try to feed him. I was scared of the rejection. My second son nursed like a champ for the first 9 months. One day he bit me and I screamed. Not at him, just in pain. He never would nurse again. It was devastating. I tried several times a day for the first few months and then continued to pump for another 10 months. I did the best I could and so did you. Thank you so much for sharing your story at Mom On Timeout.

    –Trish

    Reply

  42. What a beautiful post. This will actually be my 8th Mother’s Day without my mom, too! I miss her so much. I said most everything I wanted to say, but when I think of something I just say it out loud in hopes that just maybe she can hear me. Even if she can’t, it makes me feel better!

    Reply

    • Virginia, I know exactly what you mean! I’ve been known to talk to the empty room for just the same reason. May you be blessed to be surrounded with people who love you on Sunday.

      Reply

  47. Pingback: Paper Flower Wall Art | Inspired By Family Magazine

  53. Pingback: Feasting in Fellowship Link UP

  54. This was lovely and made me cry.

    I am not commenting just to tell you that, though. I wanted to add that I met my husband when I was 32 (almost 33) and we have been together for 12 years and have three kids. You’re probably right about the timing.

    Reply

    • Grumplestilskin, this is the ONLY encouraging “it could still happen” statement I have ever heard in my entire life.

      [you know, as opposed to “I know a lady who got married when she was 78!” What single 32 year old is encouraged by the idea of waiting another 46 years to get married!?!?]

      You’re my hero. 🙂

      Reply

  56. Pingback: Mommy Moments Photo Challenge Update! | Inspired By Family Magazine

  61. These are too cute and they look delicious! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday 🙂

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  62. Hi Mari, this looks sooooo good. I love anything with coconut milk! I’ll be featuring this Monday night at the Highlight Party. Thanks so much to ALWAYS sharing at Project Queen!

    Reply

  63. Pingback: Mommy Moments Photo Challenge Winners! | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  66. Wonderful post. I appreciated it because my husband and I also adopted two sons who are bi-racial, black and white. I am repeatedly asked, “Who’s mom are you?” at parent conferences. Especially if they have already met my equally white husband.

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  67. I am so excited to have participated in this photo contest. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful photos all the ladies took of their families! 🙂

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  69. Oh Cool! Really fun to participate, awesome to win! Thanks for hosting this great contest! So many wonderful photos!

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  70. Mari, the collage at the top with all the captions and the final “good picture” is just wonderful. The captions make it absolutely hilarious in my opinion (though I’m sure it wasn’t at the time)! I love it. I just love it.
    I only laugh WITH you (I hope) because I have been there… we do not have tripod and remote, but I have done lots of pics of just our boys, and boy oh boy(s), I get where you’re coming from. Great little piece with great reminders to try to enjoy each moment. Love you!!! and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

    Reply

  71. These are awesome. I am past the stroller stage of life but am glad you shared these at WJIM for those mommies still living through their baby making years. :o) Thank you.

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  74. Oh thank you for this! It gave me my first smile and laugh this early monday morning. So very true – family pictures, especially with boys, just never seem to be right.

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  76. Pingback: 4 Tips for writing a “Pinworthy” DIY blog post « Write on the World

  78. Pingback: Link Party Highlights #30 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

  81. Haha great post! Makes me feel better too! Thanks for being so honest and sharing your pics, looks like it was fun actually 🙂 Happy be-lated Mother’s Day!

    Found you via I should be Mopping the Floor’s..linky 🙂

    Reply

  82. Pingback: Don’t Parent Out of Pride | Inspired By Family Magazine

  83. That’s funny. Years ago we didn’t have any better luck when we had a pro do it. The kids were upset, the (ex) husband yelled at them, as if they are going to stop crying and smile because he is yelling…..but I did get some great photos out of that session!

    Reply

  84. ” I watched the temper tantrums that occurred in grocery check-outs over skittles and lollipops and vowed that my child would be well-disciplined, respectful, and obedient.”
    That was so me. Now I realize that I can’t control my child and he will have a tantrum if he wants but it’s my job to figure out to help him see this behavior is not okay. That’s the hard part, lol.

    Reply

  85. Looks like fun! I know stressful too. You have a beautiful family, so celebrate that!
    Karen @ ItsAllGoodHome.com

    Reply

  88. Beautiful! This was my 27th Mothers Day without my mom and I still miss her a lot. Talk to empty rooms (at least other people think they are empty-I know Mom is there), oh yes! Ask advice about a purchase–definitely (freaks sales people out and they look at you funny!) Always remember your mother sees you and is very proud of you and the person you have become. (and she is still giving you sound advice-sometimes you just have to listen closer)!

    Reply

  89. We kiss on the lips in our family. My two boys (14 & 7) I still kiss on the lips. Been doing it since they were babies so I see nothing wrong with it. Now my 7 year old will only kiss me. Period. No one else gets kisses at all. He will hug his Dad, his brother and his grandma. No one else. The 14 year old kisses his Dad, brother and grandma on the cheek.

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  92. My daughter is 29 months and we kiss on the lips. Half of my husband’s family is Basque and it is customary to greet family and friends that way. Her affectionate nature has converted several of my family members to kissing on the lips, though she understands that some people prefer a kiss on the cheek or a hug instead. I had to adjust to being kissed by my husband’s relatives, mostly seniors, but our daughter knows she doesn’t have to kiss ANYONE hello or goodbye if she doesn’t want to.

    Reply

    • Lynette, I am always fascinated by others cultures and customs. We live in Ecuador though we are not Ecuadorian and the custom here is to greet with a kiss. My boys had to get used to that when we first moved here.

      Reply

  93. lol…this is a funny topic. My mom would always kiss us on the lips, but I always thought it was kinda gross because I equate that to a husband/wife type of relationship, so I never intended to kiss my kids on the lips, but when a 2 year old comes over to love on you and goes for the lips…who has the heart to say “No, not on the lips.”? Not me. So, yes we do kiss on the lips in our family 🙂

    Reply

    • That’s how I feel! My little boy is less than a year and when he gets older (like 7ish) I will probably stop. I say that now but who knows what will really happen! You said it perfectly so I had to reply to your comment, but this is a great post!

      Reply

  94. Mari, this is so funny! Funny, because this was my life with 4 kids years ago!!! We just had my dtr’s sr. portraits done on Tuesday and I was stressing out over that… I was telling her about how I needed a drink before we used to take family pics ha! I wanted to ground everyone by the time they were done…. oh the memories. Thank you so much for sharing this at Project Queen’s Link Party. It’s nice to know that other mother’s go through the same anguish! 🙂

    Reply

  95. Stopping by from the terrific Tuesday’s link party and we do not kiss our kids on the lips. My husband’s family likes to kiss the kids on the lips but i have forbidden them from doing it. I think that we carry too many germs in our mouth to pass them down to our kids by kissing them in the mouth but that is just my opinion. Great topic

    Reply

  96. I love the collage at the top, these pictures are priceless. We are getting ready to do a family shoot next weekend it is going to be interesting to see how it goes. Stopping by from the polka dots on parade link party

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  98. ABSOLUTELY… until they decide they prefer not to kiss on the lips. I come from a family of kissers. My parents and grandparents always kissed us on the lips. My parents still do. Heck my mom even kissed one of my hubby’s friends on the lips back in the dating days. I thought it would give hubby’s friend a heart attack but now he gives her a great big smack on the lips every time he sees her and would have it no other way.
    I have to admit though that I’m not quite as free with the kisses as my mom. She’ll kiss everybody. I’m more of a selective kisser, but definitely always kissed my kiddos and especially those sweet kisses from my granddaughters who are 5 and 2. MUST HAVE THEIR KISSES =)
    I have friends that don’t kiss their kids on the lips though. It’s become a joke with us. They are the same friends that would NEVER let someone take a drink out of their cup, not even their kiddos OR hubby.
    Great topic. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Melissa,
      That is hilarious, that your mom kissed your hubby’s friend on the lips. Priceless! My mom is a cheek kisser so when she sees my husband she grabs his face and gives him a big smooch on the cheek.

      Reply

  99. Once my kids get to the point where they can respond to “can I have a kiss?” instead of just me puckering up, I start transitioning to kisses on the cheek. When they’re little, I think there’s nothing sweeter than little baby kisses! But I also remember seeing my dad kiss HIS dad on the lips when he was alive and thinking it was a little gross. So for me, there needs to be an end point. But for me, that’s when they can understand it. My older kids give me kisses on my cheek and my youngest, who’s 1, still does kisses on the lips. He’s starting to be the one to initiate the kisses, so when he does that, I turn my cheek towards him so he has started to get the concet.

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  100. I make a very similar mac and cheese recipe and my kids love it (well, so do me and my husband). It is totally a guilty pleasure.

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  105. Hilarious! That would be the best scrapbook page! We can all relate. Maybe that’s why we don’t do family pictures very often.

    Reply

    • Rachel,
      We sure don’t do them often but maybe if we did our kids would be used to it. I had a friend who LOVEd taking pics of her babies by the time they were 2 as soon as they would see the camera they would look up and smile.

      Reply

  107. This is a great post! I love how open you are. It gives me a lot to think about! I also sometimes discipline because the kids are annoying me in some way, instead of because they are doing something wrong.

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  109. What a interesting post! My son is now 14, so the cheek. He actually started the cheek vs lips at about 8. I do miss those sweet little baby kisses!!!

    Reply

  110. Pingback: Wasted Thoughts On Dissatisfaction With My Body | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  116. Beth – I weigh about 20 pounds more than I did when we were married 17 years ago (remember that I am shorrrrrter than you), and now at age 43 I can honestly look at my body and say “HEY! You look GOOD!” I don’t want to be a bag of bones like I was when I walked down the isle. (I’m sure that’s what Kurt was thinking as I walked down the isle…”here comes my bag of bones”. HA HA! He did actually used to call me “Bones” when we were dating – I forgot that until just now. Pardon me while I think/write outloud.) I feel pretty good about how I look with my “curves” but it has taken me these past four years since our return to the States to work that one out (I don’t know how much weight I put on in our first year back as I never owned a scale in Ecuador and didn’t get one here until my pants didn’t fit – HA!). Anyway, after taking off 13 of those “re-entry” pounds and now just realizing that I simply am not able to weigh 105 anymore, I am happy to look like a mature woman, comfortable in her soft skin that my kids and hubby like to love on. 🙂 On to bigger and better things! 🙂

    Peace to you,
    Lisa

    Reply

  118. Thank you. I try so hard to be the perfect parent raising two perfect boys that I end up spending more time failing than suceeding. It’s been hard for me to let go of others’ opinions and just do what is right for our family. Your post is beautifully written.

    Reply

  119. I am glad you didn’t say “just focus on your inner beauty”, sometimes that cliche comment gets old. I am glad you ended with “More important than a beautiful body, I want an entire life made beautiful by God.” lol, on the cartoon!

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  120. Okay, so I just hopped over from reading the article on body image and now I am here wanting to make these. LOL

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  121. Well, I’ll step in and be the out-of-place one here – I don’t kiss anyone but my husband on the lips! I respect that every family gets to write its own rules, but I’ve always felt that lip kissing is an intimate act and should be respected as such.

    That said, we have a border collie who likes to give sloppy kisses and I know not everyone is okay with that, so each their own! 🙂

    Reply

  122. In reading this piece, I related to nearly every word. Lately, I have been struck by the idea (not my own for sure, but taken from those with deeper spiritual development) that we are all divine because we were made by God. I lose pieces of my spiritual self when I focus on too much junk in my trunk, etc. I think it is being conscious of those spiritual gifts that are truly God-given that help me readjust my focus and thinking so that I am thoughtful about what truly matters in this life. If I am not aware of the joy, love, compassion, truth, goodness, equanimity, harmony and beauty I do possess, I am apt to use my energy and creativity to try to attain a truly elusive ideal of beauty. Thank you for writing this. I have printed it for it is beautiful, like you. Thanks, Beth. Karen Dempsey

    Reply

    • How big do you want to print them, and how much money do you have to spend? Are you primarily prtiinng B W or color? Will you be prtiinng massive quantities for sale or just a few?There are far too many options for a simple answer.

      Reply

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  133. my daughter is 23 years old and yes, we still kiss on the lips. She kisses her dad, her nanny, aunt and me on the lips. Her brother gets a cheek! Boyfriend, well…we don’t talk about it!!! LOL.

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  134. That is such a cute picture of your son pukering up! It is quite a dilema but you had good ideas there. Fun moment.

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  135. Pingback: DIY Camera Strap Cover | Inspired By Family Magazine

  136. We go for kissing on the cheeks, chubby toes and necks and elbows, ears…you get the picture…when they’re babies, but really would prefer not to do the lips. I feel like it’s transferring “adult germs”–is there such a thing? to these precious little ones. So lots of kissing going on with them, just not on the lips. 🙂

    Reply

  139. Pingback: beYOUtiful Mom | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  141. Pingback: Pride « My Pathetic Attempts At Love

  145. Pingback: A Savvy Grandmother turned Author | Inspired By Family Magazine

  146. I kiss my little boy (4 months) just about every where and will probably continue to do so until he asks me not to. I do not kiss my own parents on the lips and do not even remember a time when I did so. I also don’t really like when anyone other than my husband or I kiss my son on the lips (only grandparents, aunts, etc. I’m not talking about strangers trying to kiss my baby)- mostly because of germs but also just feeling its a little gross.

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  147. Pingback: taking the next step «

  148. What great words. I love the concept of a “first-world” problem…how true. And sad. Congratulations on all the milestones you have conquered!

    Reply

  151. I love the concept of taking all the time we spend lamenting physical attributes and replacing them with efforts we actually consider worthwhile. Honest and beautiful post!

    I’m new, btw, visiting from Better Mom. I’m off to check out more!

    Reply

  156. It’s amazing to see how God uses our life, our experiences and it doesn’t matter how old we are or our past but how we are obeying Him when He says rise up and do this….. Blessings!

    Denise

    Reply

  158. This is so cool. Now, if I only had a camera with a camera strap….lol. It may be time to upgrade from my 10 year old digital camera. 🙂

    Reply

  160. We let everyone do whatever is comfortable. My husband’s family is pretty much all kissers – mostly on the lips. My family are more huggers but kiss the kids – mostly on the cheeks. We kiss our kids on the lips and other kids on the cheek unless they are uncomfortable – the boys tend to barely tolerate hugs once they are past about 6. 🙂 We encourage our kids to hug teachers and friends but not kiss because of the rules in the school system and trying to teach about inappropriate touch. We also start teaching young to only kiss on lips/forehead or not kiss at all when sick. When the kids get to a certain awareness they tend to only kiss us on the lips on their own. We never “make” them hug or kiss anyone so its what they are comfortable with – if it feels weird to them they shouldn’t do it. Even grandma’s and grandpa’s understand that they are learning how to distinguish what’s appropriate and sometimes just don’t feel like a hug or kiss and go to a high five or fist bomb in our family. Its a good example to use as a lesson to teach the kids to listen to their instincts without going into a lot of detail. My 8 year old knows the difference between a mommy-daddy kiss and a family kiss – she figured that out at about 2 watching the princess movies, lol.

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  162. We kiss on the lips! My boys are 5 and 3 and I honestly haven’t thought about it until just now! Thanks for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

    Reply

  163. Nice tips!! Stopping by from No Minimalist Here… I’ve got a few “fancy” dresses that I’d love to wear during the summer, but haven’t because they’re “fancy,” lol. Now I can wear them all!

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  166. We “peck on the lips” ( a dry quick kiss) with our girls, but they are only comfortable doing it with us, so it is not a problem. However, their older (girl) cousin kissed them on the lips the other day and they did not like it. So some people do, but I’m just not comfortable with a sloppy wet kiss.

    Reply

    • Tammy, Thanks for stopping by and telling us that you made it. We always love to hear when our readers try one of our recipes, crafts, etc… Yay, I am so glad that you loved it!

      Mari

      Reply

  176. I’m right there with you…30 lbs. more with marriage, kids, a career change, multiple moves and such and still often feeling…well, feeling the weight. Thank you for the encouragement and reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus rather than my belly. Right on! I would love to have you link this up to Titus 2 Tuesday next week on Cornerstone Confessions.

    Hopping over from Mom on Timeout.

    Kathy

    Reply

  177. Pingback: 21 Summer Projects to Make This Weekend!

  181. Mari…this is a thinker. My children are older and kiss me on my cheek or forehead. Its still precious to me and says “I Love You” just fine. Thank you for a thought provoking post and linking up at WJIM.

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  185. You know you’re a blogger when you have been away from the computer for 1/2 the day and you can’t wait to read the comments people have left you.

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  186. Pingback: Why are more and more resorting to the Blogging Habit? | Long versions.

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  191. Those are hilarious!!! I totally do most of those. I would say, “You know you’re a blogger if you constantly think about how this could become a blog post…” I now take way more pictures (and different pictures) so that I can use them on my blog.

    Reply

  192. We tell our littles that kissing on the lips is for babies and sweethearts…. when they’re not considered babies anymore then they get their kisses on the cheeks (around age 2).

    Reply

  195. Oh that list was funny! Have me cracking up. And that is a great tip! I’ve gotten into the habit of right clicking and “open in a new tab” because I know people that don’t do that. 🙂

    Blessings,
    Nicole
    workingkansashomemaker.com

    Reply

    • Nicole, I didn’t realize you could do that. I will have to try that b/c sometimes it’s annoying when I do want to go back to that persons blog but I have to keep hitting back on my browser or typing the address again. Good to know.

      Reply

  201. What a fun way to add some personality to your camera! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

    –Trish

    Reply

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  205. Love this! such great ideas! and those dresses are fabulous! Thanks for sharing your ideas on “Strut Your Stuff Saturday!” We’ll see you next week! -The Sisters

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  214. It’s just so funny because it’s just so true. Especially the one about waiting to go to the bathroom because “I’m just about to his PUBLISH.” Yep. (Oh, the shame.) 🙂

    Great list!

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  227. Omg! I am a new blogger and I thought it was only me:) Lol Love these:) Just popping over from One Artsy Mama to check this out:) I would love for you to share this at Freedom Fridays. So hoping to see you and you there!
    PS Still enjoying following you.

    Reply

  228. How funny to see so many of those instances are very true for bloggers! You know you’re a blogger when your family asks when you’re going to blog about a recent project..thanks for continuing to link up at Sunday Blog Love, this will be featured as one of my favorite posts for the week!

    Reply

  237. Pingback: 28 Summer Recipes to Make!

  240. Pingback: Make This Summer the Summer to Remember with These Great Ideas!

  242. I disagree a bit- nursing is natural for some.
    But for others, like you and me, it isn’t. In my case, I don’t have enough milk glands (IGT). I had signs of this starting in puberty and when I had questioned my pediatricians or various ob/gyns over the years I received an overwhelming, “Oh, it’s just normal.”
    It wasn’t until I failed at breastfeeding my second child that I realized my problem. It was so disappointing and disheartening… quite a big blow!
    Well fast forward to now… my babies are all beautiful. (Baby2 has made a full recovery from her mommy starving her.) I am expecting Baby4 soon. I will nurse her a little bit, like I did with Baby3. But for her to actually get nutrition, I’ll bottlefeed.

    Thank you for sharing this post! You are honest and brave! I have been thinking about doing a similar post on my own blog or otherwise starting a whole different blog of my breastfeeding struggles. I just haven’t had the courage to do this yet.

    God bless all of your babies!

    Reply

  246. Pingback: Father’s Day Gift Card Holder | Inspired By Family Magazine

  247. Pingback: Father’s Day Room Service Printable | Inspired By Family Magazine

  248. Pingback: Father’s Day Gift Card Holder | Inspired By Family Magazine

  250. Pingback: Link Party Highlights #33 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

      • Sorry BryanA few things might help:Make sure you are using the laetst version of the plug-in.Make sure you have activated the plug-in after installingWhen you add the shortcode, use the HTML tab in your dashboard (as opposed tot he Visual tab) to be sure you don’t have any invisible code within it. Copy and pasting from this site may result in extra code being pasted in!If it still doesn’t work, and you have a URL of the page you are trying to add, lest me know and I will try to look at it.Good luck

        Reply

  261. Pingback: Camping with Toddlers- Tips I Have Learned | Inspired By Family Magazine

  263. Thanks for sharing your camping gear. I really want to get that hobo gadget for my camping hubby for Father’s day!

    Reply

  265. Such great themes! I especially like the daddy little monsters theme can’t wait to see the activities and food you will share.

    Reply

  266. Pingback: Camping with Toddlers- Tips & Tricks | Inspired By Family Magazine | Camping Tips

  267. Mari, I love your magazine, you have a true gift in showing God’s love thru this site. Keeping you all in my prayers and hope you get back to Georgia soon. Love you all very much. Aunt Vickie

    Reply

  268. Thank you for all of the awesome tips and gear! They will come in handy for me on my family’s next camping trip. One thing that was really helpful for me a few weeks ago was the Tailgater. It is a small box that connects to the HDTV in my RV and it kept the kids busy watching cartoons while we were making dinner outside. I was planning on watching a bit of ESPN while the kids swam in the lake, but they wore themselves out riding bikes and hiking, so it was relaxing for them and that’s all that matters. I will miss the silence when I return to work at Dish, but I know I’ll have another trip to look forward to this summer with my family!

    Reply

  269. this is helpful! we are headed to cabins soon (not tents, but rustic–no heat/ac) and I’ll look back at your tips when I’m packing!

    Reply

  273. I love all these ideas! We are planning on taking our kids camping this year and I love all your ideas to keep them entertained! Thanks

    Reply

  275. This is such a great idea! Our kids will LOVE this! Thanks for sharing on “Strut Your Stuff Saturday!” We hope to see you this friday! -The Sisters

    Reply

  277. Pingback: How to Make Father’s Day Gift Card Holder

  281. Pingback: Ricotta and Ham Calzone | Farm Boy City Girl

  284. Pingback: Are you smarter than……..a donkey? | My 2 Centz

  285. SO true man…every question you raised put up in my mind as well. I was found that I was more shocked at Balaam’s response to the donkey talking as I was to the fact that the donkey was actually talking. I learned some other lessons from the story that I wrote on my own blog! God’s word is simply amazing though

    Reply

  286. Pingback: 20 Father Day Gift Ideas!

  288. Such an awesome project! And you did it on the cheap too with the goodwill cases! Perfect for summer days outside. Thank you for sharing!

    -Kylie
    absolutelyarkansas.blogspot.com

    Reply

  289. This is the SWEETEST! You have the best fathers day ideas on your blog. Thank you for sharing, I love a good “pun on words”!

    -Kylie
    absolutelyarkansas.blogspot.com

    Reply

  291. Pingback: 25 DIY Outdoor Decorating Ideas and Activities!

  292. Pingback: 25 DIY Outdoor Decorating Ideas and Activities!

  295. I am loving this idea, books and summer just go together for me. I don’t have any little ones at home any more but I am grabbing your button and posting it on my side bar! I do what I can to still promote reading for kiddos:) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays!

    Reply

  297. I wasn’t able to grab your button. If you could send it to me, I would be happy to try to post it again:)

    Reply

  298. This is just too cute, when my kids were teenagers they would have loved it:) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays. Have a super terrific week!

    Reply

  299. Lol! I am loving this! What a cute idea:) And teaching children the gift of giving of themselves:) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays and have a super terrific week!

    Reply

  300. Loving these pictures, yes we used to go camping with our pack and play:) Our kiddos grew up in a tent! Thank you for sharing these great ideas at Freedom Fridays. Have a super terrific week!

    Reply

  301. What a great idea. I’ve never seen anything like this, but I think my girls would love it. It’s a simple enough project that with my elementary sewing skills, I believe I could do it.

    Reply

  302. This came out just too cute:) Loving the cute pun:) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays. Have a very “vestest” week ever!

    Reply

  303. Pingback: Chocolate Bundles with Ganache « normalcooking

  308. Pingback: 6 Week Summer Reading Adventure! | Inspired By Family Magazine

    • Thank you! I know it’s hard when I think the $ per wipe, but we’re on vacation and my sanity is worth the $5 😉

      Sent from my iPhone

      Reply

  316. What a FUN idea! Sorry things got so crazy with getting back from vacation that I wasn’t able to participate! Thanks for sharing on TGIF! Look forward to seeing you again later today =-)
    Beth

    Reply

  317. Pingback: beYOUtiful Mom | Inspired By Family Magazine

  318. Pingback: Picnic Parade Party: DIY Watermelon Napkins | Inspired By Family Magazine

  319. I especially liked the diy dyed luminaries article from baby food jars! Genius! So glad I stumbled upon your publication.

    Reply

  320. Pingback: You Are More Than Your Blog | Inspired By Family Magazine

  322. Pingback: Summer staples: The maxi dress « Librarian for Life Style

  323. Pingback: the activity of God, including the activity of language « power of language blog: partnering with reality by JR Fibonacci

  324. Thanks for linking up with Deidra today. You make a good point. When we get too immersed in the ‘doing’, we sometimes forget about the ‘being’. It’s important to remember both who we are and Whose we are.

    And BTW, that ‘state of blah’ when you’ve completed something is very common in most artistic endeavours. After a span of concentrated creative effort, the conclusion usually brings a let down. While we’re glad to have reached the desired goal, there is a strange sadness at ending the process. Writers talk about it all the time and say the only cure is to begin something new.

    Blessings to you.

    Reply

  325. Thanks for stopping by my blog and letting me know about your link up; this is great! Unfortunately, I put my name (in the name box) rather than the activity title on your link up. The activity is Sensational Sensory Bins and several books are included in the activity. I look forward to seeing more posts!

    Reply

  327. These are just too cute! I love the summer time theme and how easy are these napkins to make. I am pinning them. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays

    Reply

  328. I loved the grilled pizza’s of course the jars in the trees were totally awesome:) Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  329. This looks just too fun:) I know my grandsons would love it. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  330. What a fun book:) I love when books lead us into other directions of interacting and learning. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  332. I just had to pop over from Flamingo Toes & see what this is about. Thank you for this important reminder. I have been having some trials lately & it has so made me loose my mojo! I’ve gotten discouraged sometimes because I don’t have anything fabulous to blog about & I’ve been stuck at the same amount of followers. But . . . LIFE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BLOGGING! And many of successes are more valuable than lots of hits or followers. Thanks for the reality check!

    Warmly, Michelle

    Reply

  333. Thanks for inviting me to link up. I added quite a few as tying fun and learning into books is something we love! I hope you don’t mind.

    I love the fun activities you used with this book…monster food and crafts…how fun!

    Reply

  338. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure & Book Link Up: Week 1- Tickle Monster | Inspired By Family Magazine

  340. I love this verse. It was actually the “theme verse” for our wedding. We had it written on the programs and read in the service. In fact, instead of doing a unity candle or the sand thing, we had 3 ropes (one symbolizing myself, another my husband, and the third one representing Christ) and we braided them together. It was awesome because it’s something unique and meaningful, AND it’s now a keepsake in our house!

    Reply

  348. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure- Week 2- The Rainbow Fish | Inspired By Family Magazine

  349. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure- Week 2- The Rainbow Fish | Inspired By Family Magazine

  351. Pingback: Hookin Up with HoH #105

  352. Hi, I just found you from another blog and wanted to say that your picnic photos, specifically the napkins would be perfect for my GRILL,BBQ and PICNIC PARTY. The party ends Sat. night so there is still time if you are interested. I think your watermelon table is just the cutest!!———- Shannon

    Reply

  353. Love the idea of the distilled vinegar/orange peel cleaner and the swim noodle race track – two things I’ll be trying this summer!

    Reply

    • jacqueline, nope. i served it at a mother/daughter luncheon and it worked fabulous. the apple serves as bowl so you just hold it and dig in and enjoy! when i did it by BAKING the apple cups it was a little messy. ENJOY!

      Reply

  357. Love the analogy and thanks for the tip. I am trying to learn more about how to use my camera to do all those fun kinds of things. can’t wait for the rest of your lessons 😉

    Reply

    • Thanks, Jennifer. I can’t take credit for the photo, though. I believe it’s Mari’s, since it’s her husband and son.

      Reply

  366. Pingback: Outdoor Movie Party | Inspired By Family Magazine

  367. Pingback: Outdoor Movie Party | Inspired By Family Magazine

    • Aw, I’m sorry you’re missing your dad. I’m thankful to finally be in the same part of the country as my dad is again, but my mom passed away 7 years ago, and I miss her everyday- I understand the feeling 🙁

      Reply

  373. Thank you for all of these awesome ideas. We were recently given this book as a gift and LOVE it! I blogged all about our week with this book and linked up! Thanks for the tips and ideas!

    Reply

  374. Thanks for making my vases a part of this wonderful issue! Only thing that wasn’t working for me is the link for the detailed tutorial. So many wonderful ideas in the issue!! Loving the picnic parade party.. and going to have make those frosted cake in a cone:D

    Reply

  380. Mari, they just look soooo good!! I would NEVER have thought of doing this. YUM! Saving the recipe!

    You are planning on sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality… right? 🙂

    Reply

  382. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure: Week 3 Skippinjon Jones | Inspired By Family Magazine

  383. What a delicious recipe! I can almost taste it 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

    Reply

  384. Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing it with us! We are so glad that you linked up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday”. Please come back again really soon! Thanks! -The Sisters

    Reply

  386. These are the cutest party ideas! Outdoor movies are so fun! We are so glad that you linked up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday”. Please come back again really soon! Thanks! -The Sisters

    Reply

  391. Pingback: DIY Aluminum Star Napkin Rings & No-Sew Napkins | Inspired By Family Magazine

  392. What a great party idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing with us at our Pinteresting Party. Hope you will come back and share again this week.

    Reply

  393. Beautiful post. Love that photo too. Thanks for sharing with us at our Pinteresting Party. Hope you will come back and share again this week.

    Reply

  394. Pingback: 21 Fourth of July Ideas -- party ideas, recipes, printables, decor and more!

  398. Pingback: Patriotic Confetti Bunting | Inspired By Family Magazine

  399. Pingback: Patriotic Confetti Bunting | Inspired By Family Magazine

  401. Pingback: Add color and some debate. « Sprinkle of Honey

  404. I love this idea! The only thing that struck me as odd is the examples….Most of them are common manners, not kindness. Saying “thank you” to anyone who deserves a thank you and greeting another person is something that should be expected rather than rewarded.

    Reply

    • Malina, I am glad you stopped by, I can see what you are saying. Though I think that in each persons home the list will look different esp. when you take in age and culture. Here where we live, you greet cashiers, anyone and everyone that you encounter in a one on one situation(strangers included). That is not always the case in other places. You go pay for your item and you walk out the door, the end. I don’t think people are necessarily trying to be rude or unkind when they do that but they are in their own world and in a hurry and it’s not done. For example, in our home manners and kindness go hand in hand. It’s expected, it’s encouraged and it’s praised! I did add more examples! Enjoy your journey, thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  405. Pingback: Star Spangled 4th of July crafts and treats | TidyMom

  407. Beautifully said! Sadly manners and common courtesy seem to be fading away as face to face interaction is replaced with social media. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE social media and I truly believe it enriches out lives, but this is a wonderful reminder that there is a human being at the end of that post/tweet/share/pin. Great post!

    Reply

  408. Sometimes I have trouble remembering that I am supposed to be a reflector. There are days I feel more like the light absorber. Thanks for reminding me that I’m supposed to be reflecting!

    Reply

  410. This is just too cute!! I also love little finger foods. And I am a big lover of BLT’s. Thank you for sharing this just way too cute BLT at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  411. I have always wanted to host an outdoor movie night. This looks so much fun and amazing. Thank you for sharing these awesome plans and recipes at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  416. Pingback: Wk 4 Summer Reading Adventure- A Bad Case of Stripes | Inspired By Family Magazine

  417. Pingback: A Bad Case Of Stripes: A Summer Reading Adventure - Narrow Paths to Higher Places

  418. My story is sad. My parents always kissed me on the lips, but after I got married (at 18) I remember my mom giving me a kiss goodnight when I stayed the night with her when my hubby was out of town, I kissed her cheek and she said to give her a kiss on the lips. I said moooom, I’m too old for that. That was the last night she was alive. I still cry when I think about it and when I see other parents giving their kids kisses. I have 2 kids now, 1 year old and3 year old and I kiss them as often as they’ll let me.

    Reply

    • Stacy, That is so very sad thankful you got to kiss her one last time though whether on the cheeks or lips. ~mari

      Reply

  422. I love this idea! I hope you will link this up to the CSI Project. The challenge is Summer outdoor decorating and parties. These would be perfect. You just might win or be featured!
    Come on over! http://www.thecsiproject.com
    The challenge ends Friday at noon.

    Reply

  423. Pingback: Great Shots Take Time- Photography Tip | Inspired By Family Magazine

  424. Pingback: Great Shots Take Time- Photography Tip | Inspired By Family Magazine

  428. Great idea! I just made magnetic spice jars out of baby food jars to hold my various sprinkles (I think they are too pretty to be locked up in the cabinet!) I would love to try this too

    Reply

  431. Thank you for reminding me I do need to be still and wait. I am not very good at that and I have always prayed for patience. You gave me another reason to be patient and wait. Yes, with kids we all need a round the corner telescopic anything to keep up with them. Thank you for sharing this lesson (and message) at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  432. Lol, You will be the coolest dad ever again. When my children had children, they were amazed how hard it was to be a parent. I not only became cool again, I became very wise. Lol Now I have awesome grandchildren that think I am the coolest ever. Thank you for sharing this cute story at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  433. Oh, you are very sneaky, hehehehe! Great idea and I laugh because that is a “old school” sling shot just like I had as a child. Great post! Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  434. I am loving this! I have a huge box of baby food jars for ???? which would be perfect. Also it would let my hubby know I did save them for a reason, lol. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.
    ps I am pinning them so I can make them

    Reply

  435. What fun to turn a much loved book into a funner (is that a word?) activity. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  436. What a cool way to design your own personalized cake stand. Very clever and very easy, I love it. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  441. OMG! This is so heartfelt.. I have a toddler and my mom always tells me even when it gets really hard to enjoy this phase, because you’re going to miss it when they grow up. 🙂
    This is such a cute story.

    Reply

  444. Pingback: 6 Week Summer Reading Adventure! | Inspired By Family Magazine

  445. Pingback: 6 Week Summer Reading Adventure! | Inspired By Family Magazine

  446. Pingback: 6 Week Summer Reading Adventure! | Inspired By Family Magazine

  447. Beautiful. Timely. True. May your words hit home with many who read your story. And I, like you, believe in stealth photography. It is definitely the best way to capture those moments. I bet Lorraine at Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart would love to have you share your post at her “Think on These Things” link party if you haven’t already. I hope you check it out.
    Liz

    Reply

  449. Pingback: Great Ideas -- 25 Superb Summertime Ideas!!

    • Daniela, Yay, I love to hear that from readers! Let me know how it works for you. The dressing is key but since it’s cooked in broth it’s still has a yummy flavor w/o it but the dressing is what makes the dish come together.

      Reply

  453. I am so going to make these … they are darling! Found you on the weekend link up. Following via twitter.Would love a follow back!

    Reply

  454. Pingback: Keletas vasariškų dekoravimo idėjų • Eitnė.lt

  456. Pingback: Make a Difference: Bags of Joy

  457. Pingback: Card Creations: Focus on the Sentiment | Inspired By Family Magazine

  458. Pingback: Card Creations: Focus on the Sentiment | Inspired By Family Magazine

  463. Love your ezine! Wow! So many ideas I want to try them all! Thanks for all your hard work 🙂

    Reply

  466. Pingback: shaming shame « power of language blog: partnering with reality by JR Fibonacci

  467. Pingback: Lil Luna Link Party 85

  470. Pingback: Make A Difference Bucket List | Inspired By Family Magazine

  478. Pingback: The Little Engine That Could | Inspired By Family Magazine

  479. Pingback: The Little Engine That Could | Inspired By Family Magazine

  480. Pingback: The Little Engine That Could | Inspired By Family Magazine

  483. I saw a slingshot and just had to click. TOO MUCH FUN Mari. TOO MUCH FUN! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with the Weekly Kid’s Co-op. I’m Pauline and I blog over at http://lessonslearntjournal.com. I will feature this post as part of my roundup of this week’s linky party and also pin a picture from your post onto our very popular Weekly Kids’ Co-op Pinterest board :).

    Reply

  485. Pingback: The Weekly Kids' Co-op: Let's Play; Rain, Hail or Shine | Lessons Learnt Journal

  491. Ok Mari, you have my heart! We LOVE this book and my boys love trains! I can’t wait to make this sandwich as a surprise for them! 🙂 Thank you! Also, I read your little Cafe con Leche comment…LOVE! 🙂 My husband grew up in Venezuela and we make Cafe con Leche all the time in the winter!
    Mackenzie

    Reply

  492. Mackenzie,
    Yes, Trish did a great job on this. I also loved here sandwiches.

    Venezuela that explains some of your latin american recipes I have seen on your blog that are not your typical taco, enchilada recipes.
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Mari

    Reply

  497. Thank you for writing this. I thought ours was the only family to have this discussion!:-) My husband grew up in a kissing family: mine was more of hugs and constant I love yous.We do both with our kids (ages 4 and almost 18 months). As for the extended family, we do whatever the individual feels comfortable doing. We do cheek kisses or hugs when someone has a cold. 🙂

    Reply

  499. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  500. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  501. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  502. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  503. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  504. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  505. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  506. Pingback: Jump Into Summer | Inspired By Family Magazine

  508. Pingback: Playing Favorites

  509. Pingback: Valentine Message Pillows Tutorial

  510. How funny. I have three little ones and the last is very very active. I am grateful for the times when others have helped me entertain the children.When I had my first child I thought for sure I would have well behaved children in church. I have since settled down and realized that life gets in the way of perfect. But children are perfect in Gods eyes.

    I remember one day getting a look from an older gentleman. The look said “not in our church” I was hurt. Then I realized that We need church because we are all sinners. Church is not for the perfect, but for those who are willing to come unto christ and be perfected in him. Thanks for the story.

    Reply

    • Melanie, I like how you put it “life gets in the way of perfect,” most definitely. Yes, sometimes the elderly have little patience for that kind of stuff, I think it’s generational. (maybe).

      Reply

  511. love these pics! pinning this article 🙂

    found you on creative christian mama’s linky party 🙂

    amber from ithoughtofitsecond.blogspot.com

    Reply

  513. Great idea! Oh yes, little boys need some help and you made clean up so easy:) Thank you for sharing this at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  514. OK! I am pinning this because I just love this idea, So different that just plain old corn dogs. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays!

    Reply

  515. Pingback: Dyed Glass Luminaries from Baby Jars | Inspired By Family Magazine

  516. I have been wanting to make something out of a cereal box. We throw so many away (well they are recycled, so that’s not too bad). Making a basket is a great idea as they are very pricey, but always come in handy!

    Reply

  517. Funny! I love the way you responded to him. I also agree with you, the army crawl probably tickled the Lord too…its too bad the older gentlemen forgot what it was like to be a child, he missed a great opportunity there. Thanks for sharing, I loved this little story.

    Reply

  519. What a great article! Thank you for sharing your heart. My friend shared this with me to read. I am pregnant, and he will be our first-born. The moment I announced we were pregnant, “Congratulations!” followed by what to do and what not to do came out of the mouths of well-meaning people. Most people are insecure, so if they can “get you on their side” it gives them a false sense of confidence. I definitely agree that you have to pray about it and do what’s best for you and your baby. My mom only nursed me for 3 months, and I’ve been healthier than most of my friends, whether they were breast-fed or not. My grandma had eight healthy children and couldn’t breastfeed. She said her doctor told her she was a dry cow, and she can even laugh about it. 😉 Your sons are so handsome!

    Reply

  521. Such a fun time:) Another just too simple way to have loads of fun from you. Thank you so much for sharing at Freedom Fridays. Have a gruuurrr (that’s a pirate sound, lol) week!!

    Reply

  522. What fun these are to make and how special it would be to receive one:) Just so clever to continue the sentiment or to block parts of it. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  523. Wow! This is very different but every so healthy. Sounds wonderful:) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  527. Pingback: DIY Basket From Cereal Box | Inspired By Family Magazine

  528. Pingback: DIY Basket From Cereal Box | Inspired By Family Magazine

  529. Pingback: DIY Basket From Cereal Box | Inspired By Family Magazine

  531. Great pictures and love the whole “changing our perspective” photography lesson and especially how it applies to life! We too often see things from one angle, “ours”!! Thanks

    Reply

  532. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure: Cook-A-Doodle-Doo | Inspired By Family Magazine

  533. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure: Cook-A-Doodle-Doo | Inspired By Family Magazine

  534. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure: Cook-A-Doodle-Doo | Inspired By Family Magazine

  535. Pingback: Summer Reading Adventure: Cook-A-Doodle-Doo | Inspired By Family Magazine

  536. Hello,
    Funny 🙂

    I am of two minds with kids in church.
    Older kids,, grade school age, should learn to be respectful of others, in or out of church.. parents that won’t use the childrens church each week , where they can learn, play games & have a treat, should then expect their kids to be somewhat quiet.. with that said, when my grandson (9) visits, he gets bored.. our church has a kids section printed in the bulletin 🙂 so that keeps him busy the 20 min. the minister speaks 🙂

    on the other hand. I LOVE to hear a baby cry in church,,( w/o babies , the church will die.)
    I always make a point to assure the mothers the baby was ok.. :-[)
    Hopefully the mother herself was taught manners 🙂 & will take the baby out if it goes on a REALLY long time 🙂

    SO………….teach respect.. always.. never should a child disrupt ANY service , be it church , or a concert for too great a time..
    but also be mindful of the young mothers & the work & effort it took for her to bring her kids to church.. 🙂 not an easy thing at all ! 🙂

    you certainly handled the little boy in a loving manner 🙂

    God Bless..
    Lisa
    PS . some churches offer kids bags at the entrance.. filled with a color book, small toys & colors.. 🙂 returned OF course at the end of service 🙂

    Reply

    • Gracie, That is so great what your church has set up for kids. We usually take them books, coloring books….. I was in church one day and a baby started crying and the pastor said “can someone please help this family (pointing to the ushers).” Since then my husband has been paranoid about our baby crying.

      Reply

  537. Maybe I’m still half-asleep, but did you use black or brown contact paper? Or did you paint the paper? when you said contact paper I was thinking the clear stuff…

    Reply

  538. Marissa,
    Such a great question. I will make sure to also clarify it above. It’s black contact paper. I only painted in the birds. You can also use the clear stuff on glass to make designs but if you used clear contact paper on a wall I am not sure how that would turn out.

    Reply

  543. There are some really great tips here. We have just done the day time potty training journey (well we are at the tail end really, still a few accidents). So I am starting to contemplate when to start the staying dry at night operation!

    Reply

  546. Tee Hee – love how polite your pirates are! Also loving the chalkboard sign – I have just painted my son’s closet in chalkboard paint, I am definitely putting this quote up!

    Thanks for stopping by The Sunday Showcase – hope to see you there again this week!

    Charlotte
    makedoandfriend.com

    Reply

  554. Pingback: Kid’s Co-op | Glittering Muffins

  555. I am very fortunate that we haven’t had any night time problems, but I’m glad to read that you learned to not treat it as a discipline issue. One option for cash strapped parents who have an older bed wetter would be to use woolies or cloth pull-ups created for older kids. They are easier on the skin than disposables and aren’t any harder to wash than sheets!

    Reply

  557. Pingback: Camping with Young Kids

  558. Pingback: Friday’s Favorites!

  559. Wonderful advice – we’re day dry and have been since January – but not attempted night time yet – we really need to get prepared as J is waking up in the night and asking for the potty

    Reply

  561. Pingback: Blur Technique- Photography Life Lessons #5 | Inspired By Family Magazine

  562. Pingback: Blur Technique- Photography Life Lessons #5 | Inspired By Family Magazine

  563. Pingback: Blur Technique- Photography Life Lessons #5 | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  565. Thanks for sharing your exp. My son is having a hard time going potty during the day at 3yr and I have to remind myself one day at a time_ FSPDT

    Reply

  568. Our toilet training experience was harder than I’d imagined. Realising that this skill is completely unrelated to their intelligence helps. lol. Here’s hoping it’s easier with our son. hmmm lol

    Reply

  570. wow, that would b e hard.. To have been called out like that.. My huby would prob say.. guess we won’t go there anymore 🙂
    it’s always a fine line.
    I like how our church offers a great children’s church & also a great nursery close by.. always well staffed with other mom’s from the church.
    you just have to have a heart for children ..

    Reply

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  574. I agree, we should all ask ourselves if our actions would please God. That is what is all boils down to. I am very thankful that our church welcomes children and families. Of course as a parent of four it is my responsibility to teach them appropriate behavior, but I also appreciate that it is understood that kids are kids, and you can’t “control” them. Life happens, run with it! I want my boys to look forward to going to church each week and not think of it as a stuffy, strict atmosphere. I want them to see GOD, not a list of rules and regulations. Thank you for linking up to The Sunday Showcase.

    Reply

  575. Gorgeous photos! Very powerful words. I appreciate the reminder to look at life from a different perspective to become more empathetic and less judgmental. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

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  581. We are hoping to start potty training our son soon, so this will come in very handy. My daughters were never big bed wetters, but I have a lot of friends who struggled with it, so I know I could be facing it with my son. I love the advice about keeping perspective. Such a good thing to keep in mind.

    Reply

  590. Wow, that’s beautiful Mari. I really like the idea of wall decals but I’ve never found one that I truly loved and they are so pricey. I never thought of making my own. I’m off to check out the link for the chandelier tutorial!

    Reply

  592. This is such a great list of advice and ideas. I love that you talk about changing perspective and noting that a child is aware they may be behind their friends is managing this. Such a sensitive and caring perspective.

    Reply

  595. This is such a great details post, great tips.. My son is 2 and half and I am finding it hard to train him to go to the bathroom, I had no idea about the struggle with bed wetting! I am surely keeping this bookmarked for reference.

    Reply

  598. -.- I hate you. LOL!

    I just got done turning a canning jar into a soap dispenser. Then I find you, with this. And I just so happen to have a decent sized box of baby food jars tucked away somewhere. I also have a few boxes of old canning jars too… Hmmmm… Wouldn’t those look lovely as centerpieces?

    *sigh* ;P

    Reply

      • Kms,
        They did great for our shindig but my problem was I left them out and it rained. That ruined them. I mentioned that above in the article but my SIL just told me you can bake them to keep them from ruining. I have never baked them so I don’t know if it that works. If you try it let us know. For the soap dispenser from canning jar all you need to do is make a hole on top the the canning jar lid and insert the pump and glue(good craft glue) the pump to the lid.

        Reply

    • Sarah, Great question. It really depends on your paint and the contact paper you use. I would try it in a corner first and see how it does. I had to reposition the branches tons while I was putting it together and my wall paint was fine.

      Reply

  607. Thank you for another great lesson! These have been very interesting. Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  608. I love this book, I believe this is my favorite so far. I am pinning this post so I have ideas for birthdays and Christmas for the grandbabies:)
    Thank you for sharing this series at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  609. I love when someone uses something so common to make something so unusual:) This is just too sweet. Great idea! Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays.

    Reply

  613. Beautiful. Great post. I found you via the Tuesday Talent Show from Chef in Training
    I have linked a pizza I did with leftover roast chicken. Have a good week.

    Reply

  615. Great post, Mari! It’s a great reminder to me to be more intentional in saying these things to my husband as well. I often praise my kids throughout the day but I need to work on encouraging my husband more!

    Reply

  620. This is very interesting to me! I would love to learn more about photography. Thanks for taking the time to share that great tip, and it looked like a beautiful wedding!!

    Reply

  631. So true! I try to remember these when I’m feeling down. God wouldn’t give me anything he didn’t know I could handle. Talking to God always makes me feel better…the good & the bad! Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party!

    Reply

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  647. Your list is amazing, you are so right – silence is not always golden! Thanks for sharing this at Sunday Blog Love. This will be featured as one of my favorites, wishing you a wonderful weekend!

    Reply

  651. Pingback: Great Ideas -- 15 Festive Olympic Projects and Activities!!

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  660. Pingback: Clear the Clutter- Practical Photography Tip #6 | Inspired By Family Magazine

  662. wow.. This is one heck of a fantastic evening of Olympics for kids. I love the fun happening!
    Thanks for linking up at Friday Fun Party. Have a nice weekend! 🙂

    Reply

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  673. I’m a newbie follower … and I love your blog. I enjoy reading your posts and admire how you take everyday life and find a biblical truth to relate to us. Thanks for posting!

    Reply

  678. Pingback: Round up of Olympic Activities and crafts | Rainy Day Mum

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  706. Thanks for sharing, I love the picture of you and the 2 boys. Pricless. What a great looking family! I will soon have 3 boys too:-) More fun for picture time,lol. FSPDT

    Reply

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  716. Oh my goodness! These are perfect for my son! He’s for sure to be the next Jim Carey with all his goofiness and humor. He’ll love these! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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  747. I love making cards but haven’t done so in a long time. I really like your ideas on how to change it up and make them more unique! I pinned this article so I will remember it for future use. Thanks!

    Reply

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  754. love it!, my boys are not olde enough for this but I will pin and fb share for my readers with older kids. Thanks for sharing- FSPT

    Reply

  755. Pingback: Dr. Suess Lunch Notes | Inspired By Family Magazine

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  761. THank you for sharing this wonderful list! never realized there were so many parties! 🙂
    would love you to pop over to my blog, I host a linky party every week, Inspire Me Fridays!
    all the best…

    Reply

  764. Caroll,
    Thanks so much for taking the time to write this sweet note. I am so glad it has encouraged you to come back for a visit. If you are here and are wanting more resources for organizations to do some outreach with your children send me an email and I can put you in touch with lots of great people with fabulous organizations. Blessings on your journey and thanks for encouraging my heart.
    Mari

    Reply

  765. Found you via the blog hop and this looks so amazing!! I’ll have to do something like this to impress my friends. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  769. Mari I love your website and your beautiful article above! You put into words so well something I feel in my heart! So glad you created this online magazine and site. It is just wonderful! And I am grateful for my friend Kelly whose Notable Nest site sent me here to browse!

    🙂 Jill / Seattle, WA.

    Reply

  771. Your baked oatmeal looks delicious Mari! Always looking for new breakfasts recipes to entice my kids to eat in the morning. They’d sometimes rather skip breakfast 🙂

    Reply

  772. Pingback: Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal | Inspired By Family Magazine

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