I have a scar on my abdomen. It came from an appendectomy when I was 6 months pregnant with the Queen. This scar now has stretch marks around it (thank you, pregnancy). I shudder and grin when I see that scar. It represents a hellish pregnancy. It also reminds me of my beautiful Queen.

I hope that this scar will eventually fade. I have other scars that, although they aren't facial, are more painful. These are my relationship scars.

One in particular has been on my mind a lot lately. My sister and I have struggled through the years. When she was a rebellious teenager, I hated the pain she inflicted on my parents and she hated my "know-it-all" attitude. Our tenuous relationship hasn't changed much over the years. Neither of us gives, but both of us take.

I could give you descriptions of our painful encounters, but it would be loaded with "he said, she said" crap. I could name a million offenses against me, and she could probably name a million and one. I will spare you.

I thought our relationship was nearly ended a few months ago. I had had too much.

Then the unexpected happened.

My sister saved the day when I went into labor. Her visit was perfectly (unperfectly?) timed.

My capricious sister lives in Alaska. She decided to make a surprise trip to my home state in the beginning of November. Before that date arrived, she jokingly remarked that maybe she would get to see the baby before she left. I didn't think it was that funny.

Lo and behold, I went into labor the day she came to visit us. Instead of eating lunch together, she took the Queen. All day long. Then, the next day and night. She even witnessed Manly's arrival into the world.

The unintended invitation to be present at the birth seemed like a way to patch up our threadbare relationship. It was a very special invitation, one that I do not extend frivolously. Heck, I wouldn't even let my mom come! (I know, I am cruel). Nevertheless, it seemed the right thing to do. I do not regret it. I am so grateful that I did.

I think that moment has done more to improve our relationship than anything ever has or could.

As I watch my two babies I wonder how their relationship will unfold. I hope I can impart wisdom of what not to do. I also hope they will support each other no matter what.

While I cannot make them love each other, I can share the experiences I have had and hope they learn.

--

Ambrosia is the proud wife of Mr. B and mommy to The Queen and her newest addition, Manly. She blogs so that she can remember to cherish the little moments in life. You can read more at her blog, Making the Moments Count.

I watched a show recently where a "scholar" laid out all his arguments against the existence of a God.  I felt a mixture of disdain and pity.  Throughout time, men have argued His presence in the universe, and even among believers there has been an incredible amount of disagreement about His character, His relationship to humanity, and His mind and His will.  The scriptures teach us that, "This is life eternal, that they may know thee, the only true God..." (John 17:3), and I'm afraid that mankind has greatly misunderstood how to arrive at such a knowledge.

Elder Robert D. Hales addressed this quest in the most recent General Conference.  The talk is called “Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” (read it, watch it) and is from the Saturday afternoon session of conference.  I like how this talk lays out the basic doctrines about the nature of God and His son that we often take for granted, not realizing how powerful and rarely-understood they are.  And mostly I loved his closing testimony as I felt the depth of his love for Jesus Christ, and remembered my own.

When I was 14 years old, I had my whole life planned out.


Because my family still says "I love you" every night before we go to bed. So the laundry can wait... till tomorrow.

--
 Serene is a chocolate eating, gospel loving, high heel wearing, stay at home mom of four of the cutest little monsters you will ever see. She blogs at Serene is my name, not my life!. Serene is also a talented artist; you can view some of her work here.

Another Christmas has come and gone.

Did we all survive the festivities?

I know we did....

Barely.

MMB has had a wonderful December, thanks to all of our amazing sponsors who donated prizes for our month of giveaways.

Of course, we still have to announce the winner of our first annual holiday home tour.

It was truly a pleasure to peak into all of your homes this Christmas season.




Leigh Anne's home should grace the cover of a magazine. Her trees are simply gorgeous and she has given me a serious case of wreath envy!







Lara is another favorite. From her entry table to the fireplace mantle, her Christmas decor is breathtaking.


Of course, as beautifully styled as some of your homes are, nothing brings a smile to my face more than the trees that are decorated by short little munchkins. The Lady of Perpetual Chaos' tree is beyond perfect.







Of course, I have to include a snapshot from the home of  the WINNER of the $50 Visa GiftCard....

This clever little Santa Claus hangs in the home of LYNNAE, from The Little White Attic, also know as #17 on the link list. Congratulations to Lynnae and thank you to everyone that participated.

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Our pug, Aggie, is far from normal. Most pugs are a bit eccentric but ours inherited an extra dose of personality.  For example, she has quite a vocabulary. She recognizes more words than most toddlers and she can even speak a few words. (She is able to “say” the phrase “I love you,” and she is working on mastering “happy birthday.”)

She even watches TV – golf is her favorite. She tilts her head at the whispering and then sits up on the edge of her seat to watch with anticipation where the little white ball ends up. The recent “Tigergate” scandle hasn’t seemed to impact her love of the game. She does become hysterical when images of animals appear on TV (even dinosaurs in cartoon format). A brief glimpse of Michael Jackson on TV causes her to bark frantically.

But her recent communication with us was too incredible to not share it in my holiday rhyme below.

‘Twas just weeks before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not our pug (or even a mouse).

The stockings were hung, Charlie Brown Christmas was on the flat screen,
The house was adorned in perfection – it was quite the holiday scene.

The children were upstairs playing in their room,
Except just one who snuggled up with me as if she missed the womb.

In our moment of bliss between she and me,
I turned to her and said, “Plug in the tree.”

When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter.
As Aggie leaped off the couch as if something was the matter.

She turned to give us quite the glare,
Her giant pug eyes wide, not a blink in her stare.

Between anxious spins and puggy yaps
She used her paw to give us pesky taps.

Faster spinning and jumps so lively and quick,
We thought maybe she had seen a glance of good ol’ St. Nick.

My daughter and I looked at one another in awe.
What had we done to create such hoopla?

The answer then came from the one so young and sweet:
“Mom, instead of ‘Plug in the tree,’ she thought you said, ’Pug gets a treat.’”

It. Is. Here.

The Casual Blogger Conference that was created especially for YOU.

We will provide a few updates here on MMB, but you should really follow us on the main site to stay in the know.

(You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.)

Our list of speakers and guests is growing every day, but since this is YOUR conference, we want to hear from you!

If you would like to be considered for teaching a class, reading your best post, or have another suggestion on how we can utilize your talents, we would love to hear it! You can fill out our "Call to Speakers" form here.

Thank you so much for helping to make this all possible! Now go grab a badge* and tell all your friends!

♥,

Motherboard & MomBabe


*a very special thank you to Melissa Bastow for designing the logos, buttons, and other graphics. Make sure to check out her website and the 12 Deals of Christmas!

Well, We did it. We had an amazing month of giveaways! In total, we had over 1,000 entries into the Holiday Giveaway and have given away a combined total of well over $1,700 in prizes! ! That is so exciting to see our little community become so active and grow! Thank You, amazing MMB-ers! This community would be non-existent without you!

A HUGE Thank You! Thank You! Thank You to all of our amazing Giveaway Sponsors! We couldn't have done it without them!

Here are the winners from Week 2 and Week 3 of our 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Giveaway Extravaganza! The winners have been contacted, and their information has been passed along to the sponsors. Thank you to everyone for your participation!

October 2009's General Conference has left both me and my husband, Kurt, reflecting. On our drive home from Utah, he said that the overwhelming theme to him this conference was that it was time to choose. No more fence sitting ~ you either did things or you didn't; you either chose the Lord or you chose something else.

I have a new quote (though I don't know the author) hanging by my desk. I saw it in our friend's house when we stayed over before our cruise in August. It reads:

Amen!

One of the impressions I had as the conference ended and as Kurt and I talked was that I have no desire to be mediocre. We have no desire to be mediocre. I read Kurt the experience Heber C. Kimball and his companions had the night before they baptized the first saints in England. They were shaken by demons and evil spirits and were shown just how many were working to keep them from accomplishing the work.

We discussed how the adversary's work is one of distraction. He doesn't really have to get us to do things that are bad; he simply has to keep us from doing all the good we can. He has to keep us from moving forward; keep us from making progress and gaining self-earned, God-given strength.

If he can keep us at "mediocre" levels, he will accomplish an awful lot.

And so, it is our desire to fight against mediocrity, because I have no desire to be mediocre.

And I honestly feel the potential within myself that makes me believe that I am meant for so much more than anything mediocre.

So. Much. More.

All of us have this potential, but maybe we're already convinced that we can be happy with mediocre. That mediocre is good enough. I have had thoughts that have tried to convince me of that.

I don't believe Heavenly Father created us to be mediocre. I don't believe that He saved us for this time and place, just to "get by".

We are destined for greatness, needed to stand up for all that is right, help grow and progress the Kingdom (even if that means only within the walls of our own homes most of the time), and to be "doers of the word, not hearers only."

I am not meant for mediocrity.

C.S. Lewis said, "We are half hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when INFINITE JOY is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased!"

After Heber and his companions fought off (through prayer and the Priesthood) each of the demons trying to thwart them, they received an outpouring of the Lord's spirit.

We are all entitled to such experiences, if we are just willing to get up and TRY.

I have a desire to fulfill my potential. To not look back, when my life is over, and see a series of regrets and disappointments.

Today I lift my eyes above my circumstances and search for the greatness I know is within.

---

Maryhelen is married to a Real American Hero and has 5 children, ages 14 years to 14 months, all of them boys but 4. She attended Albertson College and her resume says she is currently the CEO/CFO of her own up-and-coming family corporation, and she's sticking to that. Hobbies include talking, sitting down, breathing and eating, with the hope of someday completing a full thought in one sitting. She blogs at His Daughter First.

My daughter Blayne and I poured over the site, discussing all the pros and cons of each skirt. We needed something PINK, that would go with more than one of her shirts, and that we already had tights for.

There were a LOT of options, which made me oh so happy, and we ended up getting the patchwork skirt.


As any mother of girls knows, finding clothes can be tricky and expensive. Certain pieces can only be worn with certain other pieces.

But not so with laken & lily. Heather understands that kids clothing needs to be wearable and comfortable.

It's all about comfort and joy. You want your kids to be comfy and not fight getting dressed. You want them to love what they are wearing and you love what they are wearing. All designs are created to be simple. Simple = comfort & joy. The joy part comes from your little darlings wearing the clothes. They feel comfortable, cute and proud of what they are wearing. Who knew clothes could do all this!!!

Best of all, since every piece is custom made, you can specify lengths.Which, for a certain long-legged 5 year old, adding a few inches makes a world of difference. 

The turn around on the skirt was quick too. Within a week, I had a package in my mailbox, and a happy little girl dancing in her new pretty skirt.

Be sure to check out laken & lily's entire line in the etsy shop.

I don't generally watch Oprah. I used to, but have become a bit disenchanted as of late. I think it's the me-centered focus of the show. It's all about self fulfillment... taking care of MY needs, doing what's important to ME. But a few weeks ago, when Oprah interviewed Stephanie Meyer, I tuned in to watch.

I'm not over the moon in love with the Twilight books. I read them. I enjoyed the story. The end.  I'm not a member of Team this or Team that. I have never vacationed to Forks, Washington on purpose. I have not gone to midnight viewings, camped out in bookstores, or dressed up like a character, vampire or otherwise. But Stephanie Meyer is a Mormon woman, a mother, just like me, that I respect for doing something incredible. For that reason, I wanted to watch.

I'm glad I did.

Oprah asked her if she wrote when her children were really small, then talked about how some women sort of lose themselves when they stay at home with small children. I loved what Stephanie Meyer said in response. She said (forgive my paraphrasing) that when your children are small, you really have to lose yourself in their care, because they are so small and they need so much; they have to be your number one priority. But when they get a little bigger, you start to have more time for other things again.

Now, before I really get into the meat of this post, let me first say that I know how important it is to exist as a woman, in addition to existing as a mother. I'm a writer, for heaven's sake. I don't stay up into the wee hours of the morning to write because it does anything to provide for the physical needs of my children. I do it for me. Because I love it, need it, feel fulfilled by it.

But.

That isn't what it's all about. I think where much of the world's perspectives are missing the boat, is in the idea that by losing ourselves in mothering, in the service and care of our family, that we are doing a disservice to ourselves and our own personal fulfillment.

I think it's quite the opposite.

When we lose ourselves in the service of our families, when we serve as our Savior, Jesus Christ, would serve, I think it is then that we find our most meaningful identity of all.

We are mothers... women that sustain and lift and nurture. We are powerful, mighty in spirit, willing to risk all in order to raise up a generation of children that can and will overcome the various challenges of this day and age. We are mothers busy doing the work of the Lord.

I'd say that identity is pretty powerful all on it's own.

And yet, the world would have us think it isn't enough... that we have to take care of our own needs and think about ourselves first; that we have to accomplish something bigger, something amazing to truly feel fulfilled. I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I've ever felt more fulfilled than in those tender mercy moments when I see my children learn something important, when I hear a baby's first "I love you", or see a struggling child work hard to finally accomplish a difficult task.

As I said before, I don't underestimate the importance of having personal pursuits; dreams and goals that are important to us as individuals, outside of our children. I need time to write. I need evenings out with girlfriends, time to replenish, to fill my own cup.

I think the key is perspective. If we hurry through the day, rushing our children's lives so we can have our "me" time, so we can get to what's "really" important, I fear we may look back and realize that what's really important actually slipped right through our fingers.

One day, I might be published. Or maybe not. I may accomplish something big. Or maybe not.

But I am Mother.

And that is enough.

--



MommyJ is an aspiring writer and stay at home Mom to four children, (with number five on the way) including a vibrantly active set of 6 year old twins. She lives with her children and husband of nine years in a tiny town in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She blogs as often as her crazy children and busy schedule allow on her personal blog, www.mommysnark.blogspot.com

• The Common Sense Monitor. Disguised as one of those ‘Heidi of the Swiss Alps’ snow hats all the teenagers are currently wearing, this monitor would help explain why a certain 14-year old thought that riding a twin mattress atop a piano dolly down a steep neighborhood street would end any way other than abruptly and full of gravel and wall.

• The Self-Awareness Monitor. Resembling mirrored sunglasses but with the mirrors inside the lenses, this tool is useful for understanding that one woman in every ward who starts conversations with phrases like, “Oh, hey, your skin is finally clearing up.” If you don’t know anyone who does this, then it’s you.

• The Gas Bag Monitor. I have a couple of people in my Gospel Doctrine class who could use this. It’s worn like a surgical mask, and any time the patient clears his throat, an alarm sounds and the person sitting next to him beats him senseless with his own Blackberry.

• The Quarter-note to Sixty Monitor. This one is my personal favorite. Based on the movie “Speed”, this monitor is actually placed on the chapel organ, and when any ward organist plays “I Believe in Christ” at a tempo that has turtles checking their watches, thus turning the singing of the intermediate hymn into a three-day event requiring snack vendors and port-a-johns, the monitor would trigger an explosion blowing the chorister and the organist and the High Council speaker to kingdom come.

Writer. Author. Historian. Columnist. Headliner. Essayist. Freelancer...



This year has been an amazing one at Mormon Mommy Blogs.

In the last eight months, we've become a dot com.

We got LLC'd.

We got noticed....

I can hardly believe it's only been eight month since our initial rebirth.

Eight very full, amazing, stress inducing, and sleep depriving months.


Motherboard and I have been working around the clock.

We get hundreds of emails, and as much as we want to answer each and every one of you, it's just not possible.

Most recently, we've undergone a complete site redesign. I'm not sure how many of you understand exactly what goes on during a process like that, but it is hours upon hours of writing and building and designing and redesigning. The new look is sleeker, and easy to navigate. Even the MMB forum has undergone major revisions in the last week, and now boasts a simpler design with more features than ever before.

I'm telling you this because we want to thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us and in this site. Thank you for actively participating in the discussions. Thank you for supporting one another, and for cheering us on.

The new year is coming, and with that, resolutions. We would like to herald in the New Year with a few more changes of our own.

Firstly, the email situation. We've had one email address for far too long. From this point forward, you can contact Mormon Mommy Blogs using the following email addresses:

• To be added to the MMB directory, contact: listings@mormonmommyblogs.com
• To submit a guest article, contact: guestpost@mormonmommyblogs.com
• For pitches, PR, ad rates, sponsorship opportunities, affiliate, or giveaway requests, contact: promotions@mormonmommyblogs.com
• If you're interested in becoming a contributor at MMB,contact: editor@mormonmommyblogs.com
• For all other requests, contact: info@mormonmommyblogs.com

Secondly, we are very pleased to announce that we have assembled a Contributor* Team. We are looking forward to having regular contributors, and are so excited for all the talents that they bring.

Third item of business.

We are having a blog conference.

Hang on a second, that didn't come out right. Let me try that again.....





Phew, that's better.

We will be gathering in the Salt Lake area on May 28th and 29th for a weekend of learning. Seminars include writing, photography, internet safety, community, how to grow your readership, the dynamics of blogging, how to be awesome, and etc. etc. etc.

We are super duper excited about this (because we're dorks of that caliber) and we will be giving you more details as we know them. Details about things like....


You asked for a reasonably priced blogging conference and all we can say is, YOU'RE WELCOME.


Like I said, more details will be shared as we work them out. But for now, mark that weekend on your calendar and plan to meet our cute faces. IN REAL LIFE.

(We're not floating heads in jars! Who ever would have guessed!)

(Although that begs the questions, how does a head in a jar type?)

(With a nose!)

(dun dun dunnnnn)

And that's all she wrote.

---

*If you are interested in becoming a MMB team member, you may contact us at editor@mormonmommyblogs.com. Please include your name, your blog URL, why you want to be on the team, and a link to a recent post that you feel is in keeping with the MMB standard.

Sarah reminds us that much like these dirty dishes, the longer we take repenting of our sins, however small, the more "spiritual dirt" we have to deal with...



Heather imagines what Mary felt as she takes part in her wards annual Christmas program. Did she rejoice at the miracle of His birth? Or did her heart break when she thought of what He would suffer and what was required of Him?









Julie shares a beautiful story about a special boy in her primary class in her post, Children--What a Blessing.









Valerie shares her secret to teaching her children humor, the Sarcasm Immersion program.

2.) Call your child(ren)'s teachers early and ask what their plans are for any holiday parties.
This way you won't be surprised when they come home announcing they volunteered you to make 45 cupcakes or cut out 28 Santa hats and beards that are for the class party tomorrow. (Speaking of teachers, as a former one I can tell you that a small note of praise & gratitude will mean infinitely more than the snowman mug, the box of chocolates, or the plate of cookies. And it's a lot cheaper/ easier for you.)

3.) If there are ward/ company/ extended family/ friend/ neighbor parties that you don't want to attend, don't.
Send a card to the host/ hostess explaining your appreciation for the invite and your regrets that you won't be able to attend. If feel you need an excuse, say you have "prior family obligations" No one is going to argue that family comes first at this time of year. Do something as just a family that night instead and don't feel guilty about it.

4.) Participate in cookie exchanges for your goodie plates, or drop the tradition all together
Sub it for something easier & less time consuming like candles, simple ornaments, cards or family caroling.

5.) Simplify Santa Claus & the gift buying for you kids.
It's difficult, I realize this -and I don't even have kids yet, but I've seen a lot of different families & I know there is true wisdom and value to the "less is more" concept.

Dear MMB,

I wanted to thank you and your readers for your suggestions regarding the cultural hall decorations. I took it to heart and here is a picture of what we ended up doing. Thanks again for having this forum. It was very helpful.

Sincerely,

Brooke

That's what it's all about Girls. Helping each other out by sharing, expanding, and growing together.

It’s almost the holidays and families are preparing for their traditions, but why not mix it up this year?

Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect Local, the premiere online destination for weekly calendar events and a complete listing of family-friendly resources, reveals some of the best family activities this holiday season. Tapping its editors from coast to coast, ParentsConnect has picked events from San Francisco, CA to Providence, RI and everywhere in between.


What: The Washington Ballet: The Nutcracker
Where: Washington, DC
Description: The city's favorite holiday tradition, Septime Webre's The Nutcracker, is nuanced with hints of both American and DC history, with George Washington as a heroic Nutcracker, the villainous Rat King as King George III, and the second act set amongst beautiful blooming cherry blossoms on the Potomac. The performance is adorned with opulent scenery and glamorous costumes, and is enveloped by Tchaikovsky's elaborate, sweeping score performed by a live orchestra.
When: 12/18/09-12/27/09

What: Candlelight Nights
Where: Atlanta, GA
Description: Explore what life was like during the holiday season on an 1840s plantation, with candlelight tours of the Tullie Smith Farm and Swan House Mansion. Enjoy holiday music, storytelling, crafts, and candle dipping.
When: 12/15/09

What: First Night 2010: Wonderland
Where: St. Louis, MO
Description: The city's New Year's Eve visual and performing arts festival adopts a Wonderland theme this year and includes a kick-off parade at 5:30pm, puppeteers, magicians, storytellers, street entertainers, and activities for children, including a children's fireworks show at 9pm.
When: 12/31/09

What: Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Where: San Francisco, CA
Description: Described as a Christmas card come to life, Christmas Eve in Victorian London plays over and over during the course of five weekends. Families can visit Fezziwig's Warehouse Christmas Party, stroll the streets of London (alive with various Dickens characters), and wish a Happy Christmas to Scrooge himself. The event includes ongoing theatrical and musical performances, plenty of food, and entertainment by hundreds of costumed characters. Kids can enjoy tea with the Mad Hatter and other Alice in Wonderland characters, ride the human-powered Wild Animal Safari Carousel, try a hand at a printing press, and create their own holiday gifts such as ceramic painted ornaments and intricate brass rubbings.
When: Through 12/20/09

What: World’s Largest Menorah
Where: New York, NY
Description: The "World's Largest Menorah" is illuminated on Fifth Avenue to honor each night of Hanukkah. Jelly donuts are included! And the last lighting culminates in a celebration that includes live music, singing, folk dancing, and latkes.
When: 12/11/09-12/19/09

What: Santa Fun Cruise
Where: Pittsburgh, PA
Description: Families can take a festive, two-hour fun cruise featuring holiday music, dancing, and visits from Santa and other characters.
When: Through 12/20/09

What: Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
Where: Hershey, PA
Description: The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark with more than 125,000 twinkling lights, a selection of more than 30 rides for all ages, festive decorations, Santa and his reindeer, holiday sing-alongs, shopping in quaint village shops, and more.
When: Through 12/31/09

What: Gingerbread Wonderland
Where: Providence, RI
Description: Visitors to the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum can enjoy a huge display of too-good-to-eat gingerbread houses.
When: 12/12/09-12/27/09

What: Newport Beach Boat Parade
Where: Newport Beach, CA
Description: A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 101st year, the country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights. Boat owners are invited to join in and sail to the theme "The Joys of Christmas Toys." The parade starts and finishes off Bay Island, sailing against the backdrop of the Ring of Lights contest, in which bayside homeowners go all out with their holiday lights. Even for families on the other side of town, it's worth the drive to Newport Beach for the event the New York Times calls, "one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation.
When: 12/16/09-12/20/09

Whether traveling for the holiday or staying close to home, ParentsConnect Local offers a number of suggestions for ways to celebrate the holidays in a fun and unique way. We wanted to let you and your readers know about all these fun events; log onto parentsconnect.com to find more near you!