Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Showing posts with label and. Show all posts

Monday, August 7, 2017

Broccoli and Ice Cream


Tonight we made a delicious dinner.
Chipotle breaded salmon, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. I have to brag on my husband for a small second because he makes fantastic mashed potatoes. The entire meal was wonderful. However, while we all chowed down happily, Simon sat quietly. He barely picked at his broccoli.
Normally Simon loves broccoli. Vegetables are a major source of his diet (thank goodness!)

But not tonight.

No matter of pleading or bribery could entice him to eat more of his food.
And then Johnny offered the ultimate prize - ice cream.
Johnny announced, "If you eat all your broccoli, you can have ice cream!" Grace happily announced she could eat ice cream because she had eaten all her vegetables. But Simon still sat in unwavering non-compliance. He wasn't going to eat any more broccoli.

After a short Family Home Evening lesson and singing time, we came back to the kitchen for our ice cream treat. Three of us happily sat down with ice cream, but Simon did not. His plate of broccoli was still at the table, and we reminded him that as soon as he ate the broccoli, the ice cream was his! He fell on to the floor in frustration, asking for ice cream. We aren't the type of parents to give in to a tantrum, so we continued to encourage him, "Just eat your broccoli. As soon as you finish you can have ice cream. We want to you to have ice cream, so hurry and eat your broccoli, and it's yours!"

Simon decided to go and play instead. He chose to forgo the sweet treat of ice cream because he was not willing to finish his broccoli. As a mother, I was sad. I know how happy he would have been, and I know that our request was simple and easy. He likes broccoli, and we wanted to reward him, but we couldn't break our word and reward his poor choice.

Afterwards I wondered if this is how God feels when we choose to ignore His commandments. I believe in God, and I believe He is our Heavenly Father and that He loves us as His children. How His heart must ache when He sees us make choices that have negative consequences on our spirits. The scriptures are full of examples where our loving Father encourages and pleads with us to follow His commandments. His commandments, much like our request for Simon to eat his broccoli, are given for our benefit. Broccoli will help Simon grow healthy and strong, just like God's commandments help our spirits grow faithful and strong. But our beautiful reward for following God's commandments is eternal glory and eternal joy - way cooler than ice cream! (he he, like my pun? Ice cream and cool?)

There will be many distractions in life that could be more tempting than following the commandments. Much like Simon's toys, other things, people, or ideas will entice us to stray from the path of safety that God has outlined. However, in order to nourish our spirits, we must choose the broccoli. We must choose to follow the commandments. Our Heavenly Father is rooting for us, hoping that we listen to His words, and qualify for our eternal rewards.

So there's my spiritual thought for the day. Enjoy!


He normally loves broccoli!


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Saturday, August 5, 2017

Stare into his eyes and he will eat your soul


It's true. That is how insanely cute Henry is in the rest of our pictures. Don't say I didn't warn you!

The fam: me and Nate cheesing for the camera while Henry looks a bit apprehensive. I think when Andrea pulled out her treat bag he was a goner. Hence, the look of intensity seen here.

I believe in Santa Clause. Do you?
The award for the most ticked off Santa goes to....Henry! Best.picture.ever.
Chilling with the fam yet again, while Henry peers at an interesting leaf or something.
See? And please notice how snugly his costume fits his bulging pectoral muscles. I mean he was basically busting out of this bad boy due to pure strength.
Fa-la-la-la. Here we are skipping along like a happy family while Henry drags us by his throat. Coughing and gagging are included for free:)
This one is a fave. But I shall not mention which one is chosen for our cards. The suspense must be killing you, right?
Um, Henry.....the camera is that way.
And now for the soul-snatching eyes:

Click on the pictures if you really want to feel yourself squeak with admiration. He is really that cute and Andrea is really that good at capturing crazy little furballs like this.

And there you have it. Multiple pictures of our little family for your viewing pleasure. If only we waited one more day [or one more week] and our pictures could've included magical snow in the background. But then again, it was nice to preserve a time before all this whiteness took over the earth. We got another decent downfall yesterday which always makes for a fun morning commute. Did I mention that Mother Nature hates me? Probably because she's jealous of my cute dog.
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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Difference between potty training a boy and a girl


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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Potty training toilet seat and step


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Tuesday, July 18, 2017

The difference between Hearing and Listening


Earlier this year I gave a presentation to a group of teenagers. After deliberating the best way to teach them how to communicate, I decided to take an alternate route by teaching them how to listen. After all, if you listen ineffectively, you’ll communicate ineffectively. The quote “we have two ears and one mouth for a wise purpose” comes to mind – because it’s true! We should spend more time hearing others than running our own mouths. Truly listening (which I’ll explain further down this post as hearing) can bind broken hearts, solve problems, and keep relationships strong. The teenagers at my presentation learned the difference between hearing and listening, and I hope you can learn that skill after reading this blog post too.



Merely Listening

“Are you even listening to me?”
“Did you listen to me earlier?”
"You just don't get it."

How often do you hear these phrases in your relationships? Either a task was not completed, a response was off-base, or a message was not received correctly when these phrases are uttered. You see, listening is simply the physical sensation of sound ringing in your eardrums. Everybody listens. Soundwaves travel; we hear a sound. But with mere listening, the message is not always understood. 

Think of the childhood game of Telephone, where someone tries to send a message down a row of giggling kids. Usually the message is altered in some way before it reaches the end of the line, and the initial message of “Hi, my name is Nicci, and I really love to dance in the rain,” becomes the awkward “Hi, Mamie, Nicci really wants to see acid rain?”

The reason the Telephone game is famous for hilariously failing is because people always listen, but they seldom hear. I define hearing as “listening with the intent to understand.” Hearing is the conscious choice to direct your attention to a noise. Merely listening with the head bobble of “uh-huh” while our kids chatter on about dinosaurs and rocket ships is unhelpful communication. Hearing is more involved. Hearing means you actually take note of the dinosaur species, plus you know which planet the rockets are flying to visit. See the difference? Hearing also means the cell phones are put away, the TV is turned off, and the speaker has your full attention.

Hearing

“I felt understood.”
“You get it!”

Hearing is the skill everyone needs to develop. Hearing goes beyond simply regurgitating the words back in the same sequence, but it involves genuine concern and a desire to understand. Hearing your children talk about dinosaurs allows you to grow closer in your relationships, as it is hearing that leads you to say helpful phrases like, "Wow, you've really been paying attention at school to remember all those dinosaur names. I'm so proud of you." As you hear, you can respond in ways that build up a conversation and the people you communicate with. Through genuine hearing, you understand the speaker and their topics. You might discover the source of your kiddo's rocket ship fascination, or pick up on hints for birthday presents for your spouse, or hear the underlying tone under your wife's statement of "I'm fine." (Because we all know that when your wife says she's "fine," that's a lie.)

The consistent pattern of compassionate hearing allows you to really know someone. You'll hear their words, but you'll also see their body language and facial expressions. You'll notice changes in their tone of voice or if they are fighting back tears. Hearing someone is more work than merely listening to words, but you'll gain so much from the person you choose to hear.

How does hearing build relationships?

Hearing people means you want to understand them. Everybody likes to feel heard and validated. You'd be amazed at the power that focused listening has on a person! One of the most common complaints in couples counseling is a lack of helpful communication. I teach couples how to hear with the intent to understand, rather than with the intent to respond. Hearing is a valuable tool for combating conflict. Think how your heated conversations would have been different had you stepped out of your own thoughts of how you were going to respond with the perfect argument as soon as the other person takes a breath - and instead listened to the message they were saying. What words did they use? How was their posture? What emotions are they describing? As you hear them, you'll recognize the bigger picture of their message. Having love and compassion on them enhances relationships. Seeking to understand others is a hearing trait. Quickly responding to secure your opinion is a listening trait.

May we listen twice as much as we speak, and may we hear their whole message so we can truly understand. 






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Friday, June 30, 2017

Christmas in July and RFGoNaked


Today is an exciting day....July 25th!
That means 2 things!
First, it is the start of my Christmas in July Special 
AND
Secondly, it is #RFGoNaked Day!

Who doesn't love a Christmas in July Special?
And, it's a GOOD one!

If you become a Preferred Customer today July 25 through Thursday July 31, you will get a $25 gift card to either Target, Nordstrom, Starbucks or PayPal Cash!
AND I will pay for your $20 PC Perks cost.
This is an amazing deal! 
Plus, you get 10% off your order AND Free Shipping!
If you have ever considered purchasing Rodan + Fields, this is a great time!
We have products for ALL skin types!
Anti Aging, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Sun Spots, Age Spots, Melasma, Acne, Acne Scaring, Sensitive Skin, Rosacea, Eczema and MORE!
What is your biggest skin concern? 
We can help  you love the skin you are in.
Want to know what products are best for you?
Answer these 5 questions {HERE}
Email me at melissa_larson17{at}yahoo.com if you have any product questions or if you want to claim this Christmas in July Special!

Today July 25th is also #RFGoNaked Day!
One of the things I love most about Rodan+Fields is the company's dedication to their motto "Prescription For Change". 
They aren't just changing people's skin, they are changing people's lives through their foundation BuildOn. 
BuildOn is an organization working to break the cycle of poverty, literacy, and low expectations through service and education, read more about it here: www.BuildOn.org
 
Our goal at R+F is to raise $30,000 today to build a school for students in need. 
Every makeup free selfie (guys included) posted today, July 25th, with the hash tag #RFGoNaked earns $1 for BuildOn. Probably the easiest fundraiser EVER. 
All you have to do, is literally lift your finger and snap a selfie and hashtag #rfgonaked. 
Here is my #RFGoNaked Selfie. 
No make-up, No filter. Yikes!
 
Your make up-free selfie equals $1, which will be donated to educate and empower students in need through the collaborative work of the Rodan + Fields® PFC™ Foundation and our partner, buildOn. 
Post your no-makeup selfie using hashtag #RFGoNaked on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

 I hope you join us in #RFGoNaked Day!
If you tag me with your no make up selfie on Instagram today, I will send you a free R+F mini facial!
Let's help Build a School!
What would you change about your skin?  
I am not wearing makeup all day so I hope I don't scare too many people while I am out & about running errands :)

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Sunday, May 28, 2017

Here Quick and easy potty training tips


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The Highs and Lows of Day Care


The hardest part about going back to work is being away from Bradley (obviously).  Like, really hard.  Really really hard.  Ok, you get it (and most of you deal with this same issue).  My first two weeks back at work my mom came up to watch Bradley, so of course his care was immaculate.  That made it SO easy to go back to work.  The week after that was quite possibly the worst week of my life, and if you followed along on Instagram you already know about this.  

Photo before his first day at day care

Long story short, I went to feed Bradley on his first day at his day care and I was APPALLED by the treatment and care (or lack of care) that the babies received.  Every baby was left to "cry it out" and not even glanced at, all had bright red/tear stained faces at all times, they weren't spoken to, acknowledged, etc, let alone things that were advertised to us like using sign language or even getting a snuggle here or there.  There were other things I noticed too, but you get the point!  

I brought up my concerns to the manager and she was a nice lady, but was super defensive and had an excuse for everything.  I knew this was NOT going to work.  There are very few things that can make you feel more helpless than knowing your child is not being cared for well.


I continued going each day that week so he would have at least 30 minutes of love and attention in the day and my final straw was coming into the building, hearing him crying (more like screaming) from the hallway, and seeing him flat on the ground in unassisted tummy time with his face smashed to the floor because he wasn't strong enough to be left alone.  I grabbed him and they said he "just started crying" (obviously a lie by the state he was in).  I left bawling because it took every ounce of me to not leave with him but I didn't know what to do about work.


I pretty much spent every waking moment researching and frantically touring other facilities since I knew he could not stay there.  I didn't know what to do and was about to quit my job and just stay at home with him but LOVE my coworkers, boss and job, and didn't want to lose that as well!  Plus they were beyond supportive of my hot mess self.  That Thursday night, one of the facilities I toured said we could bring him in that Friday for a test day so he was out of the previous center after just four days.  

When I picked him up after his "test" day at the new center he was all smiles, bright eyed, and loving life!  I knew it was night and day from his time at the first place.  They also created this sweet poster of all the fun he had!


We switched him right away to the new center and it has been the best decision!  Granted, I will never be totally at ease being away from him but know they are loving him as much as they can, and I LOVE THEM for that!  I think it helps that they all happen to be super sweet moms, too, so they get it.  It is super close to my work as well, so since I EBF (exclusively breast feed) and barely pump enough, I am able to go feed him over lunch every day which uses one less bottle (and I get some snuggle time).

How cute are all of his little welcome signs?



They also had us make a sheet with some fun facts so his new friends could get to know him. :)



I'm pretty sure all of this drama caused some PPD for me (I did NOT handle it well), and I do worry that I am semi still struggling with that, but not full blown.  I have to deal with it until I know if I can ever be a stay at home mom or if working mom is the life for me!  For now, we are so grateful for our new center!  

Here are some more cute pics they have taken of him. :)





Anyone else have as big of a constant struggle/inner conflict as me, or am I just a crazy new mom (or both)? :)  And BELIEVE ME, I know that being a SAHM can be even MORE difficult!  

I also feel like I am in a constant state of rushing around, not getting everything done, not spending enough time with him, while at the same time not getting enough "me" time but that is a whole other issue.  The struggle is real, fellow moms!  So glad we are all in this together!!

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Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Stitch Fix 9 Tops and Accessories Only


It's been awhile since I requested a Stitch Fix box, and I figured that since it's sufficiently winter here and going to be a looooong season, I could use a few new pieces to get me through. I also just peeked and have done a total of six fixes this year, but two of those were in January, so it feels like it hasn't been too often. I forget how quickly you have to decide on what to keep in your box and as I'm writing this, I have to check out by tomorrow. I'm hesitant about what to keep and could use your help!

This time I asked my stylist, Kelley, to focus on flowy tops, long necklaces and booties. And she totally nailed it, as usual.

IMG_6096

IMG_6098


1. Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top | $68

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Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top | $68

First thought: love the gray, love the drapey front, vneck, and the length.
Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top | $68
At first I wasn't sure if I was supposed to keep the neck line as is, like this....
Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top | $68

But I'm pretty sure you are supposed to fold it down a little, like this....right?
Market & Spruce Henri Ruche Sides Knit Top | $68

It's soft and casual but a little different. It's nearly $70 which is not cheap for a light weight shirt, but it might be special and long enough that I can overlook the higher price tag. It could be dressed up or down. I wore it with the pearls and tall brown boots above to show it dressed up, but I bet it could be cute with a pair of lighter wash jeans and flats, too. I think it's just very 'me' and the 3/4 sleeves don't bug me like they sometimes do. I mean, they ARE a nice cop out for getting sleeves that are long enough to pass my wrists!

Verdict: likely a keeper

2. RD Style Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho | $68

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RD Style Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho | $68

First thoughts: I like the chunky fabric, cool cowl neck and shorter sleeves, but the hemline seems odd on me. Maybe the shortest part is just to short on me?
RD Style Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho | $68

I mean, I know it's a poncho and this how how they are cut, but it just makes me laugh when I strike this amazing pose. You're welcome.
RD Style Jessika Cowl Neck Poncho | $68

I took a few other pictures that really showcased the questionable torso length on me but I started losing light RAPIDLY. Who knew that at 4:10pm, it would be nearly dark in December. Lord help us all. Anyway, feeling 'meh' about this one although it had potential and I wanted to like it.

Verdict: probably returning.

3. Romolo Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace | $28

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Romolo Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace | $28

I pinned this baby and Kelley said it's super popular and always sells out, so she grabbed me one while they had them. Chevrons are kind of 'out' but you know what? Long necklaces for me will always be in. This one is nice and heavy and the chevrons move a little against each other. I really love it.
Romolo Genevieve Stacked Chevron Pendant Necklace | $28

It will go with a lot of tops I already own. Sneak peek of the next one in the box, too:
Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68

Verdict: Keeping

4. Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68

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Q: Can a person ever have too many open front cardigans? A: Nope. (not in my opinion, at least).
Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68

I especially love this merlot color and the different scallop/see-through pattern around the front. Also, it's pretty heavy and a great length.
Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68

Pretty! Not too 'Mr. Rogers' for me, either. Sometimes my open front cardigans are too grandpa-ish but this one is definitely more feminine.
Skies are Blue Caspian Scallop Trim Cardigan | $68

I could see this going with a number of tank tops and jeans, booties or tall boots. I even think it could go with a button up shirt but is a little bulky with all of that material. I love this color for fall and winter and don't already have a sweater this color. It is nearly $70 which isn't cheap for a cardigan, but I don't think you can find similar weight, length, and extra frill at a place like Target. Also, I own about 5 of the Target cardigans that are similar and do like them, but every.single.one has shrunk over time and is much thinner. I think I will just hand wash this like I do with most of my Stitch Fix items.

Verdict: keeper

5. Steve Madden Tobii Bootie | $90

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Steve Madden Tobii Bootie | $90

I requested a bootie almost exactly like this on my Pinterest board and was excited to put these on. I didn't expect a black suede, thinking they'd be a brown or gray. Black seems dressy but I didn't think they'd look good with my Just Black skinnies from Stitch fix (they are actually navy, pictured in the first few photos). So I paired them with a lighter wash and then felt like the booties made my feet look even bigger than my size 9.5s.
Steve Madden Tobii Bootie | $90
Really, really struggling to get pictures with the dwindling light here, as you can see. BUT the booties are comfortable, have a low heel which I always prefer, and feel fairly luxurious for $90.
Steve Madden Tobii Bootie | $90

At the very end of my shoot I tried on some black pants and a button up denim shirt and liked the booties a LOT more with darker pants. They would be cute with tights and a skirt or dress....if I ever did that sort of thing;)
Steve Madden Tobii Bootie | $90

Verdict: torn, I think I really like them, but need time to really ponder if I'll wear them much.

Opinions? Suggestions? I feel like my style is super predictable by now and I'm okay with that. :)

As always, if you haven't already tried Stitch Fix and you want to give it a try, I'd love it if you used my referral link found here. And thanks to those of you who have already used my link, I hope your fixes turned out well for you. Not so well that you are struggling to justify 5/5 boxes to your husband each time, but good enough for whatever you want in a fix. I personally like getting about 2 pieces in a box---feels like a reasonable amount of new items without going totally nuts.
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