Happy Kids: Mission Impossible?

You’re familiar with the saying, “Happy wife, happy life,” but have you found the key to fostering that happiness? According to a new survey, happy kids beget happy moms/wives which beget happy husbands/dads. The equation seems simple enough until you factor in life’s discomforts, hardships and disappointments. I’d love for my child to be happy 24/7.  What parent wouldn’t?  After all, nothing makes most moms and dads happier than to see their children in high spirits. My own 8-year-old would love for her entire family to be happy every minute of every day and is visibly uncomfortable when that idealistic … Continue reading

Preparing for a Mission

I went to a missionary farewell this past Sunday. This future missionary just happened to be my husband’s cousin. We don’t see them too often, so it was nice to be able to go hear him speak. I was very impressed by his poise and his ability to give such a great talk pre-mission. He hardly had any notes he was following either. I don’t think I was that well spoken before serving a mission. But, he did a fabulous job, and sounded like a young man that was ready to do what the Lord expected. I went up to … Continue reading

Mission Possible – Dining Out With Your Toddler

If the thought of dining out with your little one brings to mind images of ketchup – covered tantrums or macaroni meltdowns, know that while those things can and do happen it is also possible to have a fun dinner out with your entire family. While it is not possible to guarantee a successful restaurant outing with your toddler, there are things that you can do to increase your chances of having a good time. First, choose your venue carefully. Look for a place with gracious staff, an inviting atmosphere, and food that you know your toddler likes. Also, plan … Continue reading

Ask a Marriage Blogger – What Causes of Divorce Have You Seen Personally?

As I mentioned earlier, a friend of mine is getting married and has questions about how to make her relationship as successful as possible. She gave me permission to share some of her questions, and my answers, with you. Q. What are some causes of divorce you’ve seen personally? A. Earlier today, we saw a list of causes that can apply to couples anywhere. The causes I have personally witnessed are subheadings of each of these causes. The first and most common cause I have witnessed is pornography. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, … Continue reading

Ask a Marriage Blogger – Leading Causes of Divorce

A good friend of mine is getting married shortly, and she’s had a number of questions about marriage and how to cultivate a good relationship with her new husband. As we’ve conversed, she’s given me permission to share some of her questions, and my answers, with you. Q. What are the leading causes of divorce? A. This is a very natural question – divorce is so common these days, it’s almost impossible to contemplate marriage without wondering if it will end in divorce. As I look into it, the causes seem to largely be these. Poor communication – when one … Continue reading

The Pre-Admission Interview

As you approach your due date, your hospital may ask you to come in for a pre-admission interview. The pre-admission interview should be done early enough that you are not in danger of missing it (by having your baby a little early), and late enough in the pregnancy that you will be able to remember all the information you will be given. The name “interview” is a little misleading. Even though part of the interview involves the staff member asking you questions, a great deal of time is spent providing information and it may also include a tour of the … Continue reading

Prospective Parents Health: Possible Impacts on International Adoption

My last blog began to address a reader’s questions about whether health conditions would disqualify someone from adopting. In that blog I talked about possible impacts on domestic infant adoption and adoption from state foster care. This blog will talk about possible impacts a health condition could have in pursuing international adoption. For international adoption, someone with a serious health issue may very well be disqualified by certain countries. Other countries can set their own standards on who is eligible to adopt. They often do not have the same anti-discrimination laws we do. Various countries have set conditions that their … Continue reading

Senior Missionary Series – Doctor Visits

After talking things over with your bishop and stake president, you’ll want to schedule your doctor visits. The Church needs to make sure you’ve been given a clean bill of health before sending you out in the field. Your dentist – you’ll need to make an appointment to see your dentist. Your teeth might feel fine right now, but you may have some cavities just waiting to happen. Your dentist can tell you which teeth are starting to decay and take care of them now. It’s much better to do it this way than to get clear out into the … Continue reading

Why am I Writing this Disney Blog?

I’m a former employee of Walt Disney World in Florida. After going through the casting process, I found a great job at Walt Disney World’s Central Reservations Office. It wasn’t nearly as glamorous as playing Cinderella in the Magic Kingdom, in fact, it was considered a “backstage” position, but it was a fantastic job nonetheless! Part of my training involved touring all of the resorts/hotels on the Disney property from basic rooms to concierge level suites, exploring the vast and amazing underground and “backstage” areas, and doing considerable “off duty” research on the Walt Disney World Parks. The off duty … Continue reading

Weight Loss Blog Week in Review August 7 to August 10

This week the weight loss blog tackled more issues that affect dieters. From the controversial Kimkins diet to more Mission Possible to even ways to improve your weight loss success–we covered it here. Grab a glass of water, a healthy low fat snack and sit back and take a look at what reading you need to catch up on! August 7 Smelling Your Way to Weight Loss Have you ever considered using aromatherapy to help you achieve your goals in weight loss? While there is no magical ‘weight loss’ aroma that will suppress your appetite, aromatherapy can help with things … Continue reading