Christmas Cards This Year?

Hi everyone! I know I was pretty lame last year, but with being so pregnant and already having three kids I had NO motivation to send out Christmas cards. This year Shutterfly is doing a promotion and I can get FREE Christmas cards customized by me!! So now all of you can see how much my kids have changed in two years.

These are the two designs that I am contemplating:



They have about a million more Christmas photo designs that you can see here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

I love the top card because I have so many kids and pictures! Then I don't have to just choose one. However I love the outline and and text on the bottom card...

As I'm blogging this I'm finding more that I like. Check out this one:

How cute that my pics can be in Christmas tree form? If I use this one I can put a bunch of different pictures of my kids and it's got all the text so all I have to do is address the envelope, put on a stamp and drop it off at the post office. Simple and easy!

This cute card is shown on shutterfly here: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/flat-photo-cards. They've got a ton of cute designs. They make it quick and painless to add your photos too.

Expect one of these cute Christmas cards from me this year (I really think I'll use the Christmas tree one) and I'll expect one from you. :)

Mom and Dad, don't look, but I think I just found the PERFECT Christmas present:
I can put all our important dates! They have a few more designs that you can see here: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars.

Okay, so now that I've given you some ideas for Christmas cards and gifts go get designing @ Shutterfly!!

Kylan's a Natural

When Jaida started running around the house on all fours like a dog I knew right away that she got it from me. However she didn't start doing it 'til she was a little older. Kylan is a natural. Instead of crawling on his hands and knees he goes on his hands and feet and boy can he go fast when he wants something. It is so funny to watch. I'm glad I finally captured it on video. Now if I could just video him taking his first steps...

Celebrate Holidays Whenever You Choose

When I was little and we celebrated holidays on Saturday instead of Sunday I just went with the flow and was happy to be having fun. When I got older, I thought, "Why do we celebrate Halloween, 4th of July, etc. on Saturday instead of Sunday? That's dumb."

Now that I am even older and have kids I really could care less what day a Holiday is celebrated on. However I read an article today that I enjoyed.

Celebrate holidays whenever you choose

For those who criticized those who hold their celebrations on a Saturday instead of the Sabbath: Celebrate any day you choose. This is still the United States, land of the free.

We also have that right. We choose to keep the Sabbath day holy. We were told this by God, one of the commandments in fact.

Why would you want to gripe about people doing what they were told by God? Some have their Sabbath on Saturday, some on Sunday. If you choose not to care, by all means hold your celebrations on the Sabbath. God said if you love me keep my commandments.

I have heard it said by some they will slam the door in the faces of children choosing to trick or treat on Saturday. That's your right also, but shame on you. For me I choose to serve my God. What a wonderful place Utah is, full of different faiths and beliefs. Please try to respect what others hold dear.

Call me a crazy Bible wielder, but I love my God and am grateful that I live in a country that allows us to celebrate holidays whenever we choose!

Parenting Advice

I am ALWAYS looking for good parenting advice. I found this article this morning:

To set the stage for discipline success, here are the bottom-line rules many experts agree on:

1. We're all in this together. Right from the start, teach your kids that your family is a mutual support system, meaning that everyone pitches in. Even a baby can learn to "help" you lift her by reaching out her arms, says Madelyn Swift, founder and director of Childright and author of Discipline for Life, Getting It Right With Children.

2. Respect is mutual. One of the most common complaints parents and kids have about each other is "You're not listening." Set a good example early on: When your child tries to tell you something, stop what you're doing, focus your attention, and listen. Later you can require the same courtesy from her.

3. Consistency is king. One good way to raise a child with emotional strength? Be consistent and unwavering about rules and chores, says Harvard professor Dan Kindlon, author of Too Much of a Good Thing. Even if you pick just one chore to insist on, your child will be better off, Kindlon says. "Being firm and consistent teaches your child that you care enough about him to expect responsible behavior."

4. Life's not always fair. We're so afraid of disappointing or upsetting our kids — too afraid, say some discipline pros. "If a child never experiences the pain of frustration — of having to share a toy or wait their turn in line — or if they're never sad or disappointed, they won't develop psychological skills that are crucial for their future happiness," says Kindlon. So if your child's upset because a younger sibling got a different punishment, for example, it's okay to say "I understand that this seems unfair to you, and I'm sorry you're upset, but life isn't always fair."

It's quite a large article, so you can read the rest here if you are interested.