The Mediocre Mom's Guide to Greatness

Monday July 5th, 2010

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Today’s Activity:

Invite some family or friends over for dinner and/or dessert.

Note:

Little ones love having friends eat over at their houses.  I remember eating at my friend Brooke’s house once for dinner and we ate cream corn.  I’d never had cream corn and it became my new favorite.

Evaluate:

My in-laws came over for dinner and then Stevens brother and his family came over for dessert.  It was nice to just visit while the kids played with their cousins.  I have to admit though that the best part was after they left and my little family sat together and watched Wall-E, ate popcorn, snuggled and laughed together.  There’s not doubt that I’m blessed with the best family ever.  Sorry but it’s true, don’t take it personally and I won’t take it personally when you disagree. 

Tags: dessert, dinner, family, friends, movie
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Friday May 28th, 2010

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Today’s Activity:

Make your children feel important today.

Note:

There are several ways you can do this.  You can look them in the eyes when they tell you their crazy stories, set aside something that is important to you to do something that is important to them, show them empathy if they are sad, or simply tell them that they are important to you.

Evaluate:

Lately I’ve found myself saying things like, “Max, I can’t do that right now.  This is more important than what you want right now.”  “Max, we can visit later it is more important for you to finish lunch so you won’t be late for school.”  I’ve been realizing how BAD this must make my poor boy feel!  So today as I was dropping him off at school he asked that I take his stuffed animal into Grandmas so that he wouldn’t have to get it out of the car after school.  Then I did it again, “Max, see all this stuff in the car, I have to take all of that into Grandmas today so I will try but this stuff is more important.”  UGH, I’m such a jerk!  So, I decided to take his stuffed animal in.  As I was walking him home from school he said, “Mommy, did you take Yukon Jax into Grandma’s?”  Rather than just saying yes I said, “Yes I did because I knew it was important to you.”  He had the BIGGEST smile on his face after I said that!  Only moments later Max said, “Mommy, I know what is the most important to you.”  As I waited to hear what he had to say I sort of panicked fearing he would say the dishes or laundry or something but he said, “Me and Elese.”  Although I don’t always act like it my children and their amazing father ARE the most important thing’s in my life and I need to be better about showing it.

Tags: children, family, Important
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Saturday November 7th, 2009

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Click here to vote for our costume contest.

Today’s Activity:

Take yourself out of the picture today.  Visit a friend or family member in need.  Take them some of your leftover cookies (if there are any left) or just stop by and say hi.

Note:

While your there don’t be afraid to ask if they need anything or if you see something that needs to be done like shoveled walks or raked up leaves then take it upon yourself to do a little service.

Evaluate:

I didn’t really dare take my kids out visiting because they’ve had a cold for almost a week now and I thought it would be best to not share it with those that are in need.  So instead we raked my mom’s leaves.  It sounds great but we actually live with her so in a sense we raked our leaves but either way it was a service to her (and to me).  The kids had fun jumping in the leaves and I practiced patience by trying not to yell at them (emphasis on the “try”) when they would jump in just as I was filling a bag with leaves.

Tags: family, friend, leaves, service, visit
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Things to Talk About

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

A while ago I made a journal jar at church.  Basically it gives you suggested journal topics.  While looking over it recently I realized that a lot of these topics are great things to talk about with a spouse.   Some of these may be things you already know about each other but who knows where the conversation will lead you.  Also, read the entire question, you may have disused the initial question in the past but not the follow up questions.

Discussion Topics:

Your family

How did your father spend his days?  Did he have a job away from home? What did he do?  Did he like his job?  Did he spend special time with you?

Do your brothers and sisters names have meaning?  If so what is significant about them?

Has a tragedy ever struck your family?  Describe it and how it affected you.

Describe some favorite memories about each of your children.

Where did your maternal grandparents live when you were a child?  Did you visit them often?  Why or why not?

Where did your PATERNAL grandparents live when you were a child?  Did you visit them often?  Why or why not?

You

Have you ever been really, really sick?  What kind of sickness?  How old were you?  Tell about it.

Describe your first “real job” or any interesting jobs you have had.

When did you first learn to drive?  Who taught you?  Describe an early driving experience.

How old were you when you met your spouse?  What were you attracted to?  Share an early experience you had together.

Childhood

Did you get an allowance when you were growing up?  How much? Were you required to do chores for your allowance?  What were they?  What do you think the pros/cons of allowances are?

Did you have a favorite toy when you were a child?  Stuffed animal? Game?

What was it like when you left home for the first time?  College?  Marriage?

What would you do differently in your life if you could go back and change anything?

What books do you remember reading as a child?  Did you have a favorite?

What things from your childhood are you thankful for?

Describe mischievous events from your childhood.

Describe your best talents.  Did your parents encourage you to develop them?  How?

Did you spend time as a teenager as a member of a club or youth group?  What were your favorite ones?  Describe some of your experiences.

How did you spend your leisure time as a child?  A teenager?  A young adult?

What do you remember about your birthdays?  did you have parties?  Which was your favorite?

Did you have a faborite Christmas tradition when you were growing up?

How did you feel about school as a child?

Describe your first date.  How old were you?

Spiritual Topics

What spiritual strengths would you like to pass on to your children?

Where you baptized?  By whom?  What church?  Where?  What do you remember about it?

What is your earliest memory of God in your life?  When did you first realize that he loves you?  That you are his spirit child?  That he desires the best for you?

Who is your favorite person from the scriptures (bible or otherwise)?  Would you have liked to live when they lived?  Why?  Would you like to meet them?  Why?

Tags: childhood, discussions, family, Marriage, spiritual, strengthen, you
Posted in Marriage | No Comments »

Utah Events

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Misc. November Events (scroll down to see Dec. events)

Thanksgiving Point November Activity
2009
Eat Like A Pilgrim

November 20 – 23, 2009
Thanksgiving Point Show Barn
3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043
801-768-4900
Hours of Operation: Doors open at 5:30pm; 6;00pm dinner
Price: See below Website Add to Trip Planner
Join us and ye shall partake of our plenty as the Show Barn is transformed to immerse ye in the culture of the pilgrims with the sights, sounds and foods of the 17th century.

Prominent pilgrim figures, played by actors, will be donned in breeches and petticoats to take you back in time.

Guests will be furnished with snippets about pilgrim characters and encouraged to step back to early America. Young ones will delight in traditional games and activities and barnyard visitors.

Pricing:
Adults in advance $25.00*
Adults day of $30.00
Children (ages 3-12) $15.00*
Children day of (ages 3-12) $20.00
*Thanksgiving Point Property Members receive a 10% discount on advance tickets.
-For special seating requests please purchase your tickets by calling or visiting our ticket office
-Entrance is on the south side of the Show Barn
-Guests are invited to dress in 17th century period clothing
Checkout their website for more information:
www.thanksgivingpoint.com

Fall Theater

It’s that time of year when all the high schools start putting on their fall musicals.  If you enjoy theater, and even if you don’t, get out there and support your neighborhood teenagers and their schools.

Brighton High School

Hello Dolly

November 12-16

matinee on November 14th at 1:00pm

7p.m.

Tickets

$7  Students

$8  Adults

Cottonwood High School

Secret Garden

November 19-23

7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

$7 Advanced

$8 at the door

East High School

Once Upon a Mattress

November 12-14

7p.m.

Tickets

$7

Murray High School

Wizard of Oz

November 12-14 & 16

7 p.m.

Ticket Prices

$7 for everyone

$6 for students

SLAC (Salt Lake Acting Company

168 West 500 North
Salt Lake City, UT 84103-1762
Phone: 801-363-7522

Go Dog Go

In the run up to Christmas, the company will make history with its first play for children, GO, DOG. GO! Adapted from the book by P.D. Eastman that has charmed children for nearly 50 years.

3 pm

7pm

Tickets $26 adults, and $16 for children.

December 2 – December 27

October 2009

Novemberfest

Arts and Crafts Fair

November 27-28

10 am – 6 pm

$1 Admission (children under 5 are free)

Logan Community Recreation Center
195 S 100 W
Logan, UT 84321

Family Christmas Show

November 13-15

$8.50 Adults (Children under 13 free)

Sandy

South Towne Exposition

Christmas Gift and Craft Show

November 27 & 28

500 S Main

Spanish Fork, Utah

10 am – 8 pm

www.christmascraftshow.com

Admission is FREE

Christmas Time Events

Lights On!

Lights On! Holiday Kick-OffFriday, November 27, 2009
Gallivan Plaza – 239 South Main St.
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Lights On! an annual celebration of the illumination of the downtown holiday lights and spectacular showcase of the downtown holiday season!

This year we will be Jazzin’ up the Holidays with a special appearance by the Jazz Bear and performances by Elvis and One Voice Childrens Choir and, of course, Santa will be there.

Enjoy shopping and activities throughout the day and then join us at 5 pm as we get ready light up the night. The event combines three downtown venues: the Gallivan Center, Temple Square and Broadway Boulevard. Be among the first to see the brilliant lights downtown and on Temple Square.

FREE PARKING!
Come down and be a part of the festivities and see all that downtown has to offer. Take TRAX or take advantage of FREE 2 hour parking available at all Salt Lake City parking meters.

Lights on Runs November 27-January 1 Midnight!

The Nutcracker .
Ballet West

December 4-December 31, 2009

Ballet West will be performing The Nutcracker with choreography by Willam Christensen and music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

Tickets prices range from $17-71

Evolution of the First Night

Dec. 29, 30, &31st

Go here for more information.

2nd Annual Old World Christmas Market

The Union Pacific Depot on the upper level of The Gateway Mall located in the heart of Salt Lake City along 400 West and South Temple.
When:
Saturday, November 21st – Sunday, November 29th, 2009
Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, 12 pm – 6 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day

For more detailed information check out this website.

The Christmas Carol

At Hale Center Theater

November 27 – December 23, 2009
Hale Center Theater Orem
225 West 400 North, Orem, UT
801-226-8600
Hours of Operation: 7:30pm
Price: Weeknights $13.50-$15.50; Weekends $15.50-$17.50

Spanish Fork Festival of Lights

November 26, 2009 – January 1, 2010
Canyon View Park
3300 East Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork, UT
801-804-4500
Hours of Operation: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Price: $5 per car, $15 per van, $25 per bus Website Add to Trip Planner
Enjoy a favorite local tradition as you drive through the animated Festival of Light’s displays. You will see Santa waving, a pink tree, a sea serpent, geese, and much more.

The Polar Express Christmas Train Ride

November 21 – December 23, 2009
Heber Valley Historic Railroad
450 South 600 West , Heber City, UT 84032
435-654-5601
Hours of Operation: Departs at 5:00pm, 7:30pm
Price: $32 Adult, $17 Child, $25 Senior

Tags: christmas show, Events, fair, family, lights, theater, Train ride, Utah
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