Good, Better, Best

I was viewing a blogger friends blog, Chrissy, and I came across this link Good, Better, Best by Dallin H. Oaks. I enjoyed the article so much and it was just what I needed this morning as I prepared my kids for the day.

Here are some quotes from the article that I enjoyed:

**We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families. **

**The number of those who report that their “whole family usually eats dinner together” has declined 33 percent. This is most concerning because the time a family spends together “eating meals at home is the strongest predictor of children’s academic achievement and psychological adjustment.” Family mealtimes have also been shown to be a strong bulwark against children’s smoking, drinking, or using drugs. There is inspired wisdom in this advice to parents: what your children really want for dinner is you. **

**The amount of children-and-parent time absorbed in the good activities of private lessons, team sports, and other school and club activities also needs to be carefully regulated. Otherwise, children will be over scheduled, and parents will be frazzled and frustrated. Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth. Parents should teach gospel priorities through what they do with their children.**

Cupcakes For A Cause

So, I am at work and busy with needy parents and kids, but I really want to let everyone know about this: (and yes, I did copy and past this article. Sorry guys I am a busy lady!)

Cupcakes, Kids, and Cancer...Which one doesn't fit? Cancer. That's why CancerCare organizes Cupcakes For A Cause which is a sweet way to help kids affected by cancer. During the week of October 20-October 26, some of the best bakeries all over the country will team up with CancerCare for the Fifth Annual Cupcakes for a Cause. The sweetest thing of all is that proceeds will benefit CancerCare for KidsR, a program that provides free professional support services for children affected by cancer.
Cupcakes will be available in all flavors and sizes and decorated with the
smiling-face logo of the CancerCare for Kids program. Participating bakeries expect to sell approximately 75,000 cupcakes during the week-long fundraiser. Over 130 participating bakeries and in-store bakeries such as Baked, Crumbs, William Greenberg Jr. Desserts, Whole Foods, Amy's Bread, and more.
Parents and kids can help raise awareness and additional
funds for the program by visiting the official Cupcakes for a Cause website,where they can decorate and send their own virtual e-cupcake.

If you can't get to one of these locations maybe you could just spend a little extra time with your kid or kiddos and enjoy some homemade cupcakes.

Happy Eating!

Halloween Fun

HALLOWEEN IS GOING TO SUCK THIS YEAR!!

a day at the park

Today, Dusty and I took Caroline and Jake to the park and I must say we had a great time! We walked 3.5 miles, pushed the double stroller and had our ice cold water bottles in tow. It was nice to get out and exercise as a family (minus our 1st grader) and enjoy the semi-fall weather. Here are some pictures of our adventure.

CC has mastered the slide concept. She is becoming a pro!

Hey, look who can play with the rocks now and not put them in her mouth...BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!

Time to leave the playground and hit the walking trail again. As you can tell someone was pretty upset about the idea!

Angie, if you are reading this DON'T FREAK OUT! Yes, this was a real snake. In fact it is a water moccasin. Jake was thrilled to actually see a snake and seeing the snake made the trail walk well worth it.

Look at this armadillo shell we came across....

The best part of walking the trail was looking for pine cones.

Happy Fall Everyone!

Picnik

I just wanted to share a new site that I found that I absolutely love!!!! It is called Picnik and it is a great website especially if you don't have Photoshop. I am just learning how to use it, so please excuse the HUGE size of my intro picture! I hope someone out there can benefit from it just like I have.