Saturday Quotes-Love and summer

Friday Favorites-relaxing summer days

In order for me to enjoy summer and have had my fill of it, so I'm ready for Fall, I need to be outside.  But I burn easily, so one of my favorite things to do is lounge by the pool in the shade and read.  For some reason, the sound of the water is soothing, even if there are lots of kids around.  (Teenagers and rowdy adults are a different story).   But I enjoy just being outside with an occasional dip to cool off and sometimes I don't even get in at all or put on my swimsuit.  My favorite book to read by the water is Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, which I'll talk more about next Friday.

Thursday Tips & Tricks-snacks for the day trip

Whether you're going hiking, to the pool, beach, baseball game or theme park, you'll want to pack some snacks.  You want something you'll actually eat, nothing that will melt or get smashed, doesn't need to be refrigerated, lightweight, and disposable.  Here are some ideas:


1.  Buy some Snacks you don't normally have in the house-those are boring and you (especially the kids) will probably opt for the great-smelling popcorn or $12 candy.  It's okay to splurge on a treat, but if you have snacked well, you won't need to spend as much because you're hungry.  Maybe the pouch applesauce (it's fun to suck from the pouch) or character snacks (Angry Bird shaped crackers or Mickey Mouse fruit snacks)
2. Make your own trail mix.  Use Reece's Pieces instead of plain M&M's or almonds instead of peanuts.  Try adding dried coconut or your favorite cereal.  Use dried cranberries instead of raisins.  Letting the kids mix their own will help them be more inclined to eat it.
3.  Be sure to hydrate.  The powder add-ins will be a lot cheaper than buying soda or juices.  I love the Vitamin C packets.  They actually taste pretty good too.
4.  Energy Bars or cereal bars.  Cliff bars and Lara bars are my personal favorite.  Also, the Golden Graham cereal bars are pretty good.
5. I heard this tip about Disneyland, but it could be adapted for other places-at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, you can get the biggest Waffle Cone and ice creamless cones and scoop from the giant waffle cone for the kids.  Sharing a treat is a fun way to enjoy and try things.  At a baseball game, it's easy to share peanuts and popcorn.  Pack some baggies so everyone gets their own.

Wacky Wednesday-Poor grammar

There are so many things wrong with this.  It's painful, but hilarious.  I am one of those people that cannot repin something on Pinterest if it's grammatically incorrect.  I don't judge people (especially if it's accidental), but it's like nails on a chalkboard.  

Tuesday miTunes-Shine Your Way

My new favorite song.  This is from the movie "The Croods" and my son sang it with the choir at his HS graduation.  It was awesome.  The words are what I really love.  It reminds me to shine (think positive, do good, have faith) even if it's dark and soon you will find your way.

Monday Messages-Truth, Lies and Your Self Worth

Found on lds.org

Lie: Your worth is determined by looking and acting in the world’s way.

Truth: Following the Lord’s way builds a sense of eternal worth.

Lie: Your worth comes from how you compare to others.

Truth: Everyone has different gifts. You can feel good about yourself and be grateful no matter what your talents are.

Lie: Self-esteem comes from worldly success.

Truth: God’s view and expectations are what matter.

Lie: Good self-esteem is all about building me.

Truth: You’ll find joy in serving God and others.

President Thomas S. Monson has taught: “Your Heavenly Father loves you—each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. … God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there”

Sunday Blessings-Blessings for others

I am grateful today for the blessings granted to my family members.  My son got his first job after many hours of online and in person applications.  He had a tough time even with fast food places because he has no experience and said he was not available on Sundays.  I was praying that someone would be willing to hire him despite those 2 things.  I pray for family members and their specific needs every day, some of which have not happened yet, but I know that if we are patient and if it is a good thing for us, it will happen.  I guess agency has a part in it too.  I can pray for my children, but if they makes a poor choice, my prayers cannot override the consequences of their actions.  Luckily, my children are currently making wise choices, so that is a blessing to me as well.  But I do believe that prayers on behalf of others have power, so I will continue to pray for them.