Family Volley

Finding Ancestors - Join Us!

2016-07-15T23:34:00.001-06:00

About two years ago our family found a new pastime. We were introduced to indexing. It was our son who learned first and then brought the new found passion home and taught my husband and me.

Indexing lets you type names from old records into a database that people worldwide can use to find their ancestors. It is so fun! It is like a little puzzle. We look at birth certificate and census records and type the names and information we find. The process is so simple that my husband and I and our two oldest children can do it together from the comfort of our home, whenever time allows. It has been a great activity to bring us closer together. If you wonder if you should participate in indexing, here are 8 great reasons.

As you can imagine, when we heard about the upcoming "Worldwide Indexing Event" we got pretty excited.

From July 15-17, FamilySearch International will sponsor the third annual “Worldwide Indexing Event." The event will bring 72,000 people from around the globe together online during a 72-hour event to save the world’s records by making them searchable to the public.

During the 72-hour indexing period, volunteers participate by downloading the FamilySearch software and completing as many names as they would like. Anyone with a computer and internet connection can join. Volunteers have made over one billion historic records searchable online since FamilySearch introduced online indexing in 2008. The demand for indexed records continues to grow as millions of historical records worldwide are added every year.

To join 72,000 teammates in saving the World’s records, visit https://familysearch.org/worldsrecords.

FamilySearch International is the largest genealogy organization in the world. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch and its predecessors have been actively gathering, preserving, and sharing genealogical records worldwide for over 100 years. Patrons may access FamilySearch services and resources free online at FamilySearch.org or through over 4,921 family history centers in 129 countries.

Our family will be participating this year and would love to have you join us. Click here for all the info you need and to get signed up.

How To Be A Low Maintenance Mom

2015-10-06T21:26:00.002-06:00

After running across a blog post on Mom Explores Michigan, KSL Studio 5 asked me to tackle a segment on how to be a "Low Maintenance Mom." Give it a watch. By the time you are done you will know that your kids need a "good enough" mom more than a perfect one.

Utah Event: "Once I Was A Beehive!" Movie Release and PARTY!!!

2015-08-03T12:24:00.003-06:00

With 5 Girls at home, my husband and I are always on the look out for wholesome shows, events, movies and music for them. It is not everyday that a great event, and movie comes along that we know we can trust taking them to!

Well look no further. Do you live in Utah? Are you looking for a great new movie to take your girls to?

We are excited to announce that we (the Co-hosts) of The Living Room, our new online podcast, will be hosting and emceeing two screenings of the new film, "Once I Was A Beehive!" From those who brought us "The Saratov Approach" comes a sweet film based on hundreds of true stories about Girl's Camp, the campers, the leaders and the experiences at camp. Experiences that last a lifetime! I clearly remember each and every year I attended camp, and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. You can rest assured that this will be a great movie for your daughters, and for you.

The movie isn't released until August 14th, but you can see it early, meet some of the cast and crew, win prizes and of course meet us! It is a PARTY and we hope you will come. If you are interested in attending, please do the following.

1. Check out the Facebook group and RSVP https://www.facebook.com/events/100279866991871/

2. Purchase your ticket! Simply RSVP'ing does not assure you a seat....be sure you follow the links and buy your tickets. THEY WILL SELL OUT, so don't delay.

We will be at the following events. WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2015 @ 7pm

Megaplex Pineview 10

St. George, UT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th, 2015 @ 7pm

Cinemark University Mall

Orem, UT

We are excited to be co-hosting this awesome movie! We are excited to meet you! Don't miss it!

Getting Your Kids To Listen To You!

2015-07-26T23:00:00.002-06:00

(A version of this post originally aired as a guest post I wrote for TheIdeaRoom.net)

Do you have a child who doesn't listen and has to be reminded numerous times before they will do what they're asked? Of course, we all do! Every once in a while all of our children will tune us out.

When everything seems to be going in one ear and out the other, here are 6 tips for getting your words to stick.

1. Don't start talking until you have your child's attention.
Get down on their level opposed to hovering above them, expect distractions to be turned off or paused, be sure you are making eye contact, and then talk. It is also okay to ask for their attention. "Please look
2. Get to the point.
As parents we tend to use too many words and explain too much when we are talking to our children. All the extra words give our children time to tune us out. Keep it short, simple and to the point.
3. Don't repeat yourself
The first thing most of us do when our children don't listen, is to repeat ourselves. And then repeat ourselves again, and again. (Followed by telling our children we are tired of sounding like a broken record :)) Don't! Saying things over and over teaches our children they don't have to listen because they know we will say it again and they can listen another time. Stop repeating yourself and just say things one time. If they don't listen the first time, make sure you had their attention to begin with. If you feel you had their attention and they still didn't listen, then let the consequences follow. This will take some practice for us, and for our children. It is hard at first to not repeat ourselves.
4. Be Reasonable.
Put yourself in your child's shoes for a minute. Imagine if we were right in the middle of doing something important to us, or doing something we love. And all of a sudden someone came in and demanded that we immediately get up and do what they say. How would we feel? We wouldn't want to listen, we would be frustrated and irritated! It isn't any different with our children. When a child is involved in something else, be considerate with the requests. Sure there will be times when we need immediate action, but for the most part, we can think ahead and cushion our requests. Think of it as warning them about what it coming up. It gives them time to finish up what they are doing and prepare for what is next.
5. Uphold consequences
When children don't listen, we need to uphold the consequences. If we don't, then it sends our children the message that is is okay to ignore us because we won't follow through anyway. We can set general consequences that apply to not listening. Such as "If you don't listen the first time, you have to go to your room. We can set consequences that are tied to the request itself. "If you want to play outside, please finish your homework." And/or we can let the natural consequences take their course. Such as when a child doesn't get their shoes on and get in the car when asked, then they don't get to go. The key is to be clear with the consequences before hand and to make sure we follow through. Even if they come to you and say they didn't hear you. Don't back down. Just invite them to do better next time.
6. Establish Schedules
Want to save yourself the stress of constantly reminding your kids what to do before they go to bed? Create a schedule or routine and your kids wont have to be told what they need to do because they will already know. Why, because you do the same thing every night. These routines can be established for everything. Getting ready for school, what to do after school, household chores, etc... I know for our daughter, she does better when the schedule is written down. So we write down the order of what needs to be done and she refers to it when needed. Instead of constantly nagging her, I just reminder her to check her schedule.

A few simple changes to the way we talk to, and handle our children, and you should see huge improvements in their listening skills. Just remember that along with the above suggestions, we have to be good examples. When they talk to us we need to put away our distractions and listen with full intent. Children will do what we do, before they do what we say, so set a good example and they will learn from the best!

Do you ever find it hard to listen to your kids?
Do you have a chronic non-listener? How do you get through to them?

Tips for a SUCCESSFUL Summer Break!

2015-06-24T23:33:00.002-06:00

School's. Out. For Summer! Woo Hoo! This is a great time of year (although Utah is really really REALLY hot right now), but can also be overwhelming for families as they navigate the next two and a half months. Here are three tips that will help make your summer, the best yet.

First, SET GOALS.
I know what you are thinking, summer should be carefree, goals are for the school year. That is not the case. Now that summer is here, take a few minutes to sit down together and talk about what it is you want to accomplish this summer. Get an understanding of what each of your children hopes to have happen over the summer also. Everyone sees this time differently and without discussion and goals, the new school year will start before we know it, and people will fill dissatisfied and disappointed. For example, our son sees summer break as a time to relax. He wants fewer responsibilities and more down time. Our daughter on the other hand sees it as a time to "do more stuff." Always wanting to go and see and do. I see summer as a time for us to be together and catch up on all those things we can't get to during the school year, like cleaning out closets. Take time and set some goals that help each person feel heard and needs met and then decided on a daily/weekly basis how you are going to meet those goals. Not only will it give your family a direction, but everyone will feel included and satisfied.

Second, KEEP A ROUTINE.
Again, I know what you are thinking, summer is a time for no schedule and no routine, but that is not the case. Although it is a time for more exceptions, keeping a schedule most of the time will keep everyone happy. Keep bed times, meal times, and nap times consistent. This will make everyday life much better as children will not be overtired or ornery and it will cut down on "melt-downs." It will also make for children who are better mannered and more happy when you do head out for those fun summer activities. This doesn't mean that kids can't stay up a bit to enjoy the long summer nights, just don't abandon your routine altogether. Plus, it will make the transition back to school life so much easier. Getting up won't be such a shock to their little systems.

Third, RELAX, BE FLEXIBLE, DON'T OVER SCHEDULE.
Summer break goes by so fast! Before we know it the calendar is overflowing again and we are scrambling to keep up with the day-to-day. Be flexible and let your family feel you relax also. Allow for laughter, fun, spontaneity, and let your own guard down. Say "yes" more and worry less. Put less on the calendar and don't over schedule. The worst is going back to school exhausted because the summer has not allowed for any down time. Use it as a time to bond and rejuvenate and relax. Everyday doesn't have to have a major field trip or play date. It can if you want, of course, but consider a little more down time. More legos on the floor and less time racing around town from one museum to another. A good rule of thumb might be one "big" activity or adventure each week. Then let the other 6 days of the week "just be." It will be amazing to see what your kids come up with.

Summer is a magical time of year and looks different for every family. By setting some goals, sticking to a routine, and not over scheduling our families, it can be even better.

What are your goals for summer break?

This post first appeared on TheIdeaRoom.net where you can find me guest posting twice a month.

HUGE General Conference Giveaway

2015-03-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's spring time which means General Conference will be here before we know it. Seventeen LDS Bloggers are joining me to share a few of our favorite things. We are so excited to be giving away over $400 in prizes. It's been a treat to work with so many talented women to spoil our readers with products that strengthen the family and make our lives a little easier, too. We as bloggers are so thankful for you - our readers! Thank you for your encouragement, comments, and time that you take out of your busy day to check in with us. We appreciate how you #sharethegood with us and hopefully we can share some with you as well! Meet the bloggers who are taking part in this giveaway: Now for the giveaway! If you are anything like me, your wish list for Deseret Book is a mile long! We are excited to send two of you some fun money to spend there. We hope you love the recipes from the Six Sisters as much as we do and that Nicole Carpenter's 5-minute messages will make family devotional more manageable! From bulking up your food storage with Thrive to the cutest projects by Fizzy Pops - there are so many wonderful prizes. Check them out and ENTER TO WIN below! There are TWO rafflecopters so be sure to enter each one!

Prize Package #1

$85 Gift Card to Deseret Book

$50 Gift Card to Sweet Salt Clothing

Fizzy Pops Young Women Zipper Pull Kit ($50 value) with

YW Value Bottle Cap Printables from My Computer is My Canvas

Six Sisters Stuff Cookbook

52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family from MOMentity.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize Package #2

$85 Gift Card to Deseret Book

$75 value Food Storage Package from Thrive

Six Sisters Stuff Cookbook

$50 Gift Card to Sego Lily Soap

Doodle Journal for General Conference by A Lively Hope

Pink Star CTR Necklace and I am a Child of God Pin from Ringmasters

a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be announced and e-mailed April 2. We've compiled a few of our favorite General Conference Activities, Recipes, and Ideas. Comment with your favorite traditions or add a link below! [inlinkz_linkup id=509188 mode=1]

52 Weeks To Fortify Your Family GIVEAWAY

2015-01-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

This year our family has started the new year with a renewed focus on studying the scriptures together. With children from the age of 12 down to 1, it can be difficult to find a way to strengthen and uplift everyone at the same time. Not to mention, hard to find a time when everyone will sit and listen.

After much thought, we decided that right after dinner was the best time for us. (While everyone is already sitting at the table). And thanks to Nicole Carpenter, we have found a new approach that has made the first month of scripture study a fantastic experience for our family.

52 Weeks is a theme-based approach to daily deotionals for Latter-day Saint families. The book offers an assortment of topics from kindness and citizenship to prayer and repentance.

Each week has a different topic and then each day of the week has a message already prepared for you. Scriptures and quotes are included. BUT....it is not overwhelming. Last week our family talked about Happiness. We love being able to talk about things for 7 days. It allows us to really cover the topic. And it lets our children think about things each day.

Another thing I love about the book is the section at the back that focuses on holiday devotionals. Love and Valentine's Day, Easter and the Atonement, our Nation and Independence Day, Fear and Halloween, Graitude and Thanksgiving and the Nativity and Christmas. The perfect way to keep the spirit in the holidays, year round.

"52 Weeks to Fortify your Family" has completely changed our families scripture study experience. It has taken so much stress out of it for my husband and I. And our children love sitting around the table after dinner and talking. They grab the book each night and bring it to the table with willing hearts and minds. Your family will LOVE this book.

"52 Weeks" is already a #1 bestseller on Amazon. If you want your own copy you can grab one online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or in Desert Book or Seagull Book.

You can enter to win your own Autographed Copy of "52 Weeks" RIGHT HERE!

The giveaway will end in one week, on Tuesday February 3rd.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas SALE!-Family Fun Friday Book!!!!

2014-12-18T22:33:00.000-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As a thank you for all your support and friendship, Family Fun Friday Game and Activity Book (pdf version) is on SALE for $4.99, from now until Christmas. That's 50% OFF. Featured on KSL Studio 5, The Matt Townsend Show, and numberous blogs and websites, families rave about Family Fun Friday's.

$4.99 for over 90 pages of unique fun for your family. And remember, most games and activities use supplies that are already in your home and are perfect for families with members of all ages. Even your little ones and your teenagers will not only be able to play, but they will WANT TO PLAY!

The sale is for the digital download which is perfect because it means you will have your book and all the amazing games and activities in time for your holiday celebrations with family and friends.

Family Fun Friday's has never been sold for this price, so grab it quick and start playing with your family TODAY.

Click here, or click on the red BUY THE BOOK tab at the top right of the page. Simply choose the pdf download version of the book and enter familyvolleyfun in the Discount Code box in the bottom left corner of the screen and the book is all yours.

You and your family are going to love playing together!

Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt - Happy Halloween

2014-10-30T22:08:00.000-06:00

Tonight is the night! The costumes are ready and the kids have laid them out at the foot of their beds. We will be trick-or-treating with Maleficent, Doc McStuffins, A French Artist, Steve Jobs, and a little 10 month old flower. The kids are excited, and I am still in awe that it is the end of October.

Twice a month I have the chance to post over at TheIdeaRoom.net. If you haven't stopped by, you MUST. Amy has the most amazing, fun, projects, Printables, holiday fun on the net. Plus, she is one of the most amazing women I have met.

This Week I shared a Family Halloween Scavenger Hunt with her readers. I know it is something your family will love to. Simply print it out and take it with you as you go trick or treating tonight. Your whole family will love it!

We are going to use it for our 3 year old, who will trick or treat, but likes to take her time, and will ask to get in the stroller after about an hour. It will be around that time that she is looking for something to do, and this Scavenger Hunt will be the perfect way to keep her occupied will her older siblings keep knocking doors.

I hope you and your family can use it tonight also.

Happy Haunting.

Tell me, who are you trick-or-treating with tonight?

Bed Wetting Help!

2014-10-30T12:22:00.000-06:00

There is hope that this sponsored post for GoodNites*TRU-FIT* machine washable underwear, will make life easier for families dealing with bedwetting.

When my husband and I started our family, we tried to consider many of the challenges we might face. Despite our preparation, bedwetting was not a challenge we anticipated. Only one of our children has dealt with bed wetting, but we quickly learned that it was not just physically draining, but emotionally draining too!

According to a GoodNites® brand study, it is estimated that 1 in 6 children between the ages of 4 and 12 (in the US) suffer from bedwetting. Also know as nocturnal enuresis. We might think that bedwetting doesn't affect other areas of our children's lives, but the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that psychologically, children who wet the bed do not want to participate in fun activities, such as sleepovers, because of their fear and embarrassment. And, before you think your child is the "only one", know that bedwetting is a fairly common condition.

Kids wet the bed for many different reasons. The first, and most important thing to remember if we have a child who wets the bed, is that we have to be patient. We should never punish our children if they wet the bed, or shame them if it happens. Threatening and demeaning is also out of the question. They are not doing it on purpose.

For me, the best way to avoid the negative thoughts and frustrations, especially amongst the extra laundry every single day, was to put myself in our child's shoes. Yep, I would constantly ask myself how they must feel. Cold, wet, stressed, tired, embarrassed, nervous about parental response, nervous about their friends finding out... the list goes on. These thoughts and understandings made it so much easier to be patient.

We also did the following....

Eliminated an excessive amount of liquid within two hours of bed.
Woke our child up and took them to the bathroom right before WE went to bed.
Analyzed any physiological stresses they might be dealing with. Like a recent move, a new school, an unsettled family life, divorce...anything that might be taking an emotional toll.
Committed to spend more one-on-one time with our child, to strengthen our relationship and to make sure they weren't wetting the bed for attention.
Took our child to the doctor to make sure there wasn't a medical condition.
Gave ourselves permission to use protective bedding and protective underwear. Giving myself permission was a big deal. It eliminated shame and blame. It also gave our child the power to "clean" themselves up if they wet the bed.

If bedwetting is something you are dealing with at your house, don't wait to protect the bed or the pjs. The GoodNites*TRU-FIT* Underwear are a perfect solution.

They are real, machine washable underwear, you can purchase them at Target, and they wash and wear just like real underwear. They have a disposable liner that keeps pj's and sheets dry.

Don't forget to use the 2 dollar off coupon that is "on package."

Make Bedwetting easier and less stressful on everyone.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of GoodNites* TRU-FIT*.

Studio 5 Today! 1pm MST

2014-10-24T10:07:00.000-06:00

Hey Utah Friends, be sure you tune in to Studio 5 on KSL today at 1pm MST. I will be chatting with Brooke about what to do when we disagree with our spouse on parenting decisions.

Great tips to make parenting easier for you and your spouse.

See you at 1.

p.s. If you miss it, I will post the video on FamilyVolley as soon as it is available.

Thanks for watching!

Best Tips for Parenting Teenagers - Part 1

2014-10-16T22:38:00.001-06:00

Teenagers! Agh, a stage that every parent worries about. It can be a huge challenge to navigate these critical years in our children's lives. Our son just turned 12 this summer, and although he isn't an official "teenager" yet, we can already see changes in the way he thinks and acts. Not bad, just different. He has more need to spread his wings, find himself, and is looking to establish his self esteem.

The teenage years are a time of huge change for our kids. They are trying to figure out who they are, what they like, and where they are going. Plus, they want to be accepted by not just us, but by their peers also. It is a time of soul searching and identity building.

We talk a lot about infants and toddlers, but our toddlers are growing up and it is time to talk tips for our teenagers.

Today, let's start with our first 6 tips for parenting teenagers.

1. Don’t survive the Adolescent years, THRIVE the Adolescents years.

Stop labeling and get rid of the stereotypes. We shouldn’t expect the worst during these years. Not all teenagers become monsters. Most teenagers are great. Give them a chance. We live in a universe of attraction and what we focus on and put our energy on is what will become our reality. Focus on how great it is that you have children who are learning who they are and developing their identity.

2. Love them from the inside out.

We respond to people, primarily by how THEY feel about us on the inside, not by their behavior. As parents, we can make right choices with our teenagers, but if on the inside, we are irritated, feel they are irresponsible, disappointed in them and their decisions, then that is what they will respond to. That is actually how they will behave. We will bring out in them, the exact behavior we say we don’t like, when we see them as objects that are making our lives miserable. Praise them, compliment them stop nitpicking them.

If they know we love them, above all other things, it allows us to discipline, communicate, be honest and open, and they will accept it.

3. Communicate. It is the Golden Rule of raising teenagers.

We have to keep the lines of communication open. We have too!

There are two times when teenagers want to talk.

When we are driving in the car with them. (Don’t have to look at one another, know there is an end so they are more likely to talk.
Before they go to bed. (They are tired and willing to let their guard down and chat)

Be available during these times to LISTEN, and instead of telling them things, ask questions so they can discover answers on their own.

ANOTHER GREAT PLACE TO COMMUNICATE is over common activities. Find something that you and your teenager can do together AND DO IT. It takes all the stress out and you will find that while you are sharing something enjoyable, they will want to talk and open up. They feel you understand them because you both share joy for the activity.

4. Understand teenage time zones.

We need to recognize that our teenagers naturally, work in a different time zone than we do. This is not bad, or wrong, just different. We don’t get mad at people in NY because they work in a different time zone! When we ask them to do something, and they say “sure, “in a bit” or “yeah, give me a while.” Instead of being irritated because they are not doing it immediately, or on our time zone, let’s be glad they have said YES. They said YES!!! If we respect that, they will not only actually do what we have asked, but they might even do it sooner. If we know this is how they work, we can ask sooner, explain better. Instead of insisting immediately.

5. Be a Consultant, not a Manager.

Up to this point in our children’s lives, we have been the manager of their lives. We manage all the aspects. Then, our children hit the teenager years and they fire us as their managers. So parents usually do one of two things.

They either abandon their kids…"good luck with everything, hope you make it."
They become extra controlling and try to force their kids to do what they want.

Neither are the right way to go. (We are trying to relive our childhood, safeguard them from what we know is out there, etc…)

Being a consultant is more about influence and less about control. Consultants share their expertise and knowledge to help attain goals and solve problems.

One way we can do this is to…

ASK, don’t tell.

When we speak to our children we need to ask them for help, ask them for their ideas and opinions, rather than telling them what we believe they should think or do.

“What do you think about that.” “How do you think we could handle that.” Etc…

This can be really hard because we have been there, we know what the future holds if certain decisions are made, or not made, but it is their time to learn for themselves. That is our job, to help them do that.

6. Don’t get lost in the consequences

When we are parenting teenagers, it can be very easy for us to get caught up in the consequences when our children make mistakes. Now, there does need to be consequences. Absolutely, BUT…. A few things to consider.

Consequences should fit the crime and they should have kids DO SOMETHING, opposed to taking something away. Mow the lawn, opposed to loosing their phone.

BUT it is the follow up that we as parents usually forget. AFTER the consequence, sit down with your child and ask them “was there any part of you that thought you should call home when you were going to be late for curfew”? OR, did the thought ever cross your mind that maybe you should have left earlier so you were home on time”?

They will say yes! They will, and when they do, ask them…”WHAT DO YOU THINK STOPPED YOU FROM LISTENING TO YOURSELF?” “WHAT GOT IN THE WAY OF YOU LISTENTING AND TRUSTING YOUR THOUGHTS”?

They will come up with some sort of answer. When they do, go on to explain that “you know what is right, Listen to yourself. You have all you need to make right and good decisions. “

Then, move on, don’t’ lecture. And don’t get lost in the consequence. It is over and done.

Do the teenage years worry you?
What worries you the most?
What tips can you add for parenting teenagers?

Don't miss Part 2 of our Parenting Teenagers Series. By the time we are done, you will have all you need to tackle the stage in your child life.

TEEN WEEK: Raising Teens- "Age of Opportunity"

2014-10-13T00:35:00.002-06:00

It's TEEN WEEK here on Family Volley! All week we will be talking about those tough adolescent years, with tips and tricks to not only surviving, but THRIVING! You don't want to miss it!

Just when we think the "two's" are terrible, a parent will argue that it doesn't hold a candle to a 15 year old in the middle of puberty. And with adolescence lasting longer than ever before, it's time to give this stage of life more attention.

To kick off Teen Week I want to introduce you to the best book I have read on the subject. If you have a teen, know a teen, will have a teen one day, or work with teens, you need to read "Age of Opportunity" by Laurence Steinberg.

The book, filled with years of research and findings, clearly explains how the adolescent brain works, which is a necessary place to start if we want to know how to parent them during those years. Steinberg explains that most of our understanding about adolescents are incorrect and gives us the truth about this time in life. By the time you are done, you will have a wonderful understanding of teenagers, how they work, why they do the things they do, and what you need to do to help them become successful adults. Not to mention what we should do in the heat of raising them when we don't think we can survive one more day.

There are solid reasons to be concerned about our adolescents.

American adolescents continue to underperform teens from many industrialized countries that spend a lot less on schooling.
The US once boasted one of the the world's highest college graduation rates. It now doesn't even make the top 10.
One in 5 American high-school seniors abuses alcohol at least twice a month.
Nearly one third of young women in the US will get pregnant at least once by age twenty. The US leads the industrialized world in teen pregnancies and STD's and ranks near the top in adolescent abortions.
In 2011, nearly one-third of the women who gave birth had never been married.
Twenty percent of all high-school-aged boys in American take prescription medication for ADHD
Adolescent obesity is three times more common now than it was in the 1970's.

The findings go on and on. All leading to the understanding that American teenagers are among the world's most miserable. (Steinberg, 2014)

You will not only find solid research, but solutions.

As we head into Teen Week, here are a few understandings that you need to start with. Keep these as your foundation. The rest of the week will build on, and add to them. By the time we are done, you will have a game plan to use for your teenager.

First, adolescents is just as important as the early years in terms of the potential impact of experiences on the brain. A teenagers brain is plastic (Steinberg, 2014). It can be altered by experience. What happens during these crucial years will affect the rest of their lives.

Second, children are maturing earlier than ever before. As parents, we have to be prepared before they are.

Third, we want to be authoritative parents. Demonstrating a good mix of warmth, firmness, and support.

Forth, we can't love our children too much. There is no harm in telling them we love them EVERY day, in showing affection to them every day, in praising them every day.

Those four truths will be the foundation for all we do here during Teen Week. Get ready to take some notes so you can strengthen the relationship with your adolescent.

If you want to get your hands on the "Age of Opportunity" (and you do), you can find it on Amazon, IndieBound, and Barnes and Noble.

What is the hardest part about raising a teenager?

Improving Family Communication-Does Your Family Like the Way You Communicate? Take a Test.

2014-10-08T14:05:00.001-06:00

When it comes to learning to communicate, family is the school room. The way we communicate with our children and our spouses, teaches our children how to communicate. If we sulk and pout, raise our voices, ignore and hold grudges, we are teaching our children that that is the way to do things. Which sets them up for trouble as they get older. They will take those same bad habits into their future relationships.

But...if we work to model healthy communication, listen more than we talk, rarely use sarcasm and insults, say what we mean, practice empathy, and ask questions when we have them, we send our children out with valuable tools to use in every area of their lives.

The funny thing is, how we see ourselves communicating, is not always the same way our family sees things. Time to take a step back, be honest with ourselves and with one another, and take a little communication inventory, to see how well things are going in our homes.

Take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Then, cover up your answers and have your family answer the same questions about you. (You can print the inventory right from this post.) Obviously you want to answer true to all of them, and you want your family to do the same. But chances are, that won't happen. Be open to the constructive criticism and evaluate what each person in the family can do better.

You will love what an activity like this can do for your family. Let me know how it goes!

Back To School Time Capsule (With Printable)

2014-08-19T00:08:00.001-06:00

Here from Studio 5, looking for the Printable? Just scroll down and you will run right into it!

Today is our children's first day of the new school year. We have had a great summer, although way to short, and the kids are ready for school to start. I am glad they are so excited.

This is a big year for the kids, but also for us as parents. Our son will be starting 7th grade. Yikes! Junior High School? Were those years really good for anyone? On top of that, he will be attending junior high at the local high school. Not part time, but full time, just like if he was in 10th grade. I am nervous for what he will be exposed to. High school is a very big place for a barely twelve year old. Fingers crossed we have done our part to prepare him.Our 9 year old daughter is starting 4th grade. She is in a French emersion program and spends half the day speaking English and the other half of the day speaking French. No English allowed. She has loved it up to this point and am guessing, that although I took a lot of French in high school, she has the potential to pass me up this year.

Our 6 year old is going to be in 1st grade. That means she is starting the French program also and will be in school all day. I don't know what I am going to do without her around during the day.

I am going to miss them. A lot.

With all the changes, and the fact that I feel like I can't keep up with how fast our kids are growing up, we decided a few years ago to start documenting all the fun changes that take place each school year. The Back to School Time Capsules will help you keep track of your children's growth, without taking a lot of time or resources. And your kids will love it. Don't worry if school has already started. There is plenty of time and your kids will still be very willing.

The idea is to document the small things about your child that will change over the next school year. Things like height, weight, likes and dislikes, even handwriting.

You don't need much.

A container

Rope or string or ribbon

Paper

Pens/Pencils

Camera

First...decide what you want each child to keep their capsule in. Mason jar, #10 Can, She Box, anything will work.

HEIGHT

Have your child stand up against a wall and lightly mark how tall they are. THEN...take your rope/string/ribbon and stretch it the length of your measurement. Cut the string to the right height length, and put it in your time capsule. They will love getting it out at the end of the school year and seeing how tall they have grown.

WEIGHT

Write down how much your child weights. If you don't know, don't worry, skip this one.

LIKES/DISLIKES

On a piece of paper, have your child write down the following...

favorite color

favorite meal

favorite fruit

favorite vegetable

favorite activity

least favorite food

favorite TV show

favorite movie

favorite book

favorite subject in school

favorite friend

favorite snack

favorite shirt/pants/shoes

favorite toy

You get the point. Add your own to the list.

Here is a Printable you can use for your own Back To School Time Capsules. Simply click on the picture, download, and print out one copy for each of your kids.

GOALS

Have your child write down 3 goals they have for this school year. At the end of the year you can see if they accomplished those goals.

HANDWRITING

Have your child write their name. For even more fun. Have them write it on a piece of paper/chalkboard/whiteboard and then take of picture of them holding the piece of paper up. This way you will have a picture of them and see what their writing was like. It will be fun to see how their writing has changed at the end of the school year.

TRACE HANDS/FEET

Trace your children's hands. Include the tracing in the capsule. Your kids will love to see how their hands have grown. We like to include feet also.

PICTURE

If you took a picture of your child holding up their name, then you can use that as your picture. If not, you probably took a picture the first day of school. Add a picture to the time capsule and you are set. If you are not really great at getting pictures from your camera/phone to the print shop, you can always wait until the school pictures come home and add one of those to the time capsule.

Once you have everything filled out and gathered, put it in your container of choice and seal it up. Bury them in the backyard, put them on a high shelf, under the bed, anywhere. Just tuck them away until the end of school, or the beginning of the next school year.

It will be so fun to have a special BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY next year when we open them up and see how the kids have grown and changed. And then start the tradition all over again for the new school year.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL

We have decided that we are going to do this every year until they graduate from high school. Each new school year, as we go through last years contents to see the kids growth and development, I take the contents of the capsules and put them in a regular old legal size envelope. I hole punch the envelopes and put them into a three ring binder for storage. Each child has their own binder, and that is all we have to store until they leave for college or get married and want to take their time capsules with them. What a great way to quickly and simply document all the growth and development that is happening.

Simple, fun, and memorable. It doesn't get better than that.

How do you keep your memories?

How do you ring in the new school year?

Anyone have kids in an emersion program? What language are they learning?

3-Night Hotel GIVEAWAY in California!!!

2014-07-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

What a fun week! I hope you had an opportunity to get to know the creative, awesome, talented and beautiful contributors in the Contributor Q&A Blog Hop! I know I did. I love getting to know people and learning more about what they love to do, what they love to eat, and how they like to fill their time. If you hopped around, I hope you were able to make new friends, find new ideas, and gather new recipes. Everyone loves new recipes! How many times, in your stressful life, have you dreamed about laying out on the beach with a great book? 'Or so she says...' to the rescue! So, to further expand on our favorites, all of the OSSS contributors got together to give away their favorite books, perfect for summer reading! The coolest part is, one person will win EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. That's right, the whole bundle! That's 15 books, yo. Oh, but it gets better. Get Away Today, the greatest travel agency ever and 'Or so she says...' contributor, offered another winner a 3-night hotel stay in Anaheim or San Diego (winner’s choice) with their choice of two adult theme park tickets... PLUS, they get the 15 book bundle too!

Lets go over those prizes again:

Grand Prize Winner: 15 'Contributors' Favorite Books' Bundle PLUS a 3-night hotel stay in Anaheim or San Diego (winner’s choice) with their choice of two adult theme park tickets! Vacation courtesy of Get Away Today. Runner Up: 15 'Contributors' Favorite Books' Bundle (details of books below.) Ready to enter? So, all we ask is for you to follow 'Or so she says...' and the contributors on Pinterest. We are all pin-maniacs and know you'll love the great ideas we send your way. After you enter, be sure to scroll down and check out all the books included in the giveaway. It's so fun to see what each contributor picked as her favorite book! a Rafflecopter giveaway Want to know which books are included in the bundle?? What are the contributors' favorites?? Check 'em out! . 1. Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley ~ "This book was not what I expected...it surpassed what I was hoping for. Mystery, romance and intrigue. Great characters and an interesting plot. It was a great read and perfect for summer reading!" Jana of Double the Deliciousness 2. Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin - "This book is a favorite because it teaches how to not only how photograph food, but how to do it beautifully!" Gina of Kleinworth and Co. 3. These is My Words by Nancy Turner "While I'm a country/ farm girl at heart, I can't even begin to imagine what the early settlers went through! I love how they worked the land, built their own homes, and made everything from scratch! And I'm always up for a good love story! Jack and Sarah's won't disappoint!" Brooke of Blissful Roots 4. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino - "Aw, I love this book! It's a super unique book, in that it's a parable, teaching you how to be a better person, but also an activity book. Each chapter, you read over and over, until you master the character trait. It's a great story with lots of great thoughts. I think I highlighted half the book!" Mariel of 'Or so she says...' 5. Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray "Eat Cake will make it's way into your list of favorite books, it's a quick and enjoyable read. I love this book for more reasons than the fact that the main character shares my name! It'll have you laughing and crying- all at the same time! If you're like me and have a unexplainable urge to bake... you'll totally connect with Eat Cake!" Ruthie of Cooking with Ruthie 6. Wonder by RJ Palacio - "My 9-year-old daughter recommended Wonder to me and I enjoyed it just as much as she did. This is a compelling novel that is fun and easy enough for summer, but also intelligent and thought-provoking. Share it with your family when you are finished!" Allison of Tips for Family Trips 7. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - "I love this book because it is getting me to think deeper about what I do to bring happiness upon myself. I am a happy person, but am loving the new outlook and am loving making new goals to make myself really live a happy life." Kiki of Kiki and Company 8. Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar - "It's easy to think that once a certain thing happens, I'll be happy. Well, this book provides little life secrets to be happier each and every day. It is applicable for every life stage. It has changed my way of thinking about happiness." Melissa of So Festive! 9. Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson - "Sometimes a mom just needs a good, quick, easy summer read to distract her from doing more laundry or to keep her busy during swim lessons. If you love a good Jane Austen romance, you will love this book! Set in Jane Austen's English countryside of 1820, this romance will keep you quickly turning the pages as you watch Kate's struggle to learn to follow her heart!" Veronica of Lolly Lu Designs 10. Leadership and Self- Deception - "Do you want to know the secret to having a happy and successful family and marriage? Want to know how to have successful relationships with anyone you come in contact with? Leadership and Self-deception holds the key to mending, strengthening and flourishing in all of your relationships. This book is a life changer- Promise!" Heather of Family Volley 11. Surprise Inside Cakes by Amanda Rettke - "It's a beautiful book of cakes and it's full of cake decorating tips for the everyday bake. Amazing cakes for every special occasion, all with a little surprise on the inside." Zainab of Blahnik Baker 12. The Child Whisperer by Carol Tuttle - "It taught me how to parent my very determined toddler (at the time) based on her personality type." Amy of The Connection We Share 13. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaleo Hosseini - "I read this as part of a book club and it has stuck with me ever since. It is a beautifully written, emotionally gripping story of two Afghan women's suffering, strength, and resilience. What I love most about it is the way it celebrates the strength of the human spirit - a beautiful thing!" Cathy of Lemon Tree Dwelling 14. I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella - "A light, charming book by the author of the popular Shopaholic series. This clever romantic comedy makes for a fun and easy summer read, by the pool or on the beach!" Samantha of Five Heart Home 15. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale - "I loved this simple story that has some fun little twists. My favorite part is that my daughter loved this book as much as I did. I love being able to enjoy the same books as my daughter. This is one that was enjoyable for us both!" Holly of Bits of Everything Longest post of your life? Maybe! But, it's worth it. Good luck to you!

Fine print: Must be U.S. resident and 18 years or older to enter. Vacation package must be booked at least 60 days in advance and is subject to availability and some blackout dates. This post contains affiliate links.

Are you an Overly Protective Parent?

2014-07-17T23:01:00.000-06:00

Do you constantly monitor your kids every move. Is the day filled with warnings and cautions, "be careful" and "don't touch that"?

Naturally, we worry about our children and don't want anything bad to happen to them. But... being overprotective is not the best route to take. In fact, it actually does more harm than good. When we overprotect our kids we keep them from learning the key skills they need to handle the challenges they will face in life and keep them from becoming self sufficient adults.

This week I had a chance to talk "Overprotective Parenting" on Studio 5 with Brooke Walker.

Want to know if you are an overprotective parent?

Want to know how to stop overprotecting your kids?

Take a few minutes and watch the segment. I share the key to knowing if you are overprotective and some great tips for not being too overprotective. It's a good reminder for all of us.

Getting to Know...

2014-07-14T00:25:00.002-06:00

This year I have had the opportunity to regularly contribute over at "Or So She Says.". It has been such a positive experience. If you don't already make the site a daily stop, you should. The contributors are amazing and their ideas are fantastic. Today, all the contributors are participating in a blog hop. We all answered the same 10 questions. You can hop around, meet each of us, and get to know us a little better. I hope you will play along. And stay tune, because coming up is an amazing giveaway. Think family vacation and taking a trip. Stay tuned.

What inspired you to start your blog (or shop?)
Starting FamilyVolley wasn't my decision. There was a much Higher Power in control. It hit me one day that it was something that I HAD to do. The material I was able to learn in graduate school, and was teaching at BYU was changing lives, and the feeling kept coming that more people needed to hear the message I was sharing in the classroom. I would lay in bed every single night, unable to sleep, and unable to shake the thought that I needed to start blogging. There was hesitation. I didn't know anything about blogging. I knew it would be a time commitment, and with small children, I didn't have free time. The list of "why not's" went on and on. Regardless of the excuses I came up with, I couldn't shake the promptings. Finally after months and months of no sleep, I brought it up to my husband and asked what he thought I should do. He gave me the obvious look. He said, "You know what you need to do. I can't believe you waited this long to start." He gave me a big hug and that was that. We laid in bed each night trying to come up with a name. You can read about my very first choice for a blog name here. And why I didn't use it. After much thought, FamilyVolley was it. "Family" because it is all about family, and "Volley" because I played lots of tennis in high school and loved to play the net.

Our last formal family picture. Two years ago. We really need to get a new one.

Our newest edition. Born last December.

What's your favorite and least favorite thing about blogging?
My favorite thing about blogging is getting a comment or email telling me that something they have read on FamilyVolley has helped them, and their family. That makes all the long nights worth it. Making new friends is a very very close second place.

My least favorite thing about blogging is the guilty feeling when I am not blogging regularly. I feel guilty when I don't post, when I don't attend events, pretty much all the time. I used to stay up all night if that is what it took to publish. When it started to take over life, I had to scale back. And now, even though there is still constant guilt and nagging in my head, sometimes a few weeks will go by when I don't post. I have had to get over it. The constant guilt is my least favorite part about blogging. The pressure I put on myself. Yuck.

Tell me with only 20 words, 20 things you love.
God, Husband, Children, Parents, Brothers, Beaches, Lemon, Tennis, Golf, La Jolla, Sewing, Cooking, Reading, Teaching, Speaking, Laughing, Crossfit, Date Night, Smoothies, Learning

What is the one recipe you are most often asked to share? Please share it with us!
There are a couple recipes that come to mind, but whenever I take my Lemon Cookies to any get together, I am always asked for the recipe. The easiest cookies you will ever make and perfect for summer. You can find the recipe here.

5 favorite beauty products, right now... what are they?
Bare Minerals Makeup: Anything and everything from this company is perfection. It is all I use.

Hair Spray: I have tried ALL of them. Expensive and cheap, and this is my favorite. You will love it.

Big Sexy-Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing and Texturing Powder: This will not only volumize your hair, but it will give you a perfect day two AND three, when washing your hair is out of the question.

Sensationail-Best manicure EVER. Will last for weeks and weeks, and weeks. And you can do it yourself.

Nail Nippers: Can't live without these. The link is to a really fancy pair, but I get mine at the local drug store.

What's your personal mantra(s)?
Always take the high road and treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Something you tell yourself on a regular basis?
Have Faith, it will always work out.

What movie made you laugh more than any other?
I am going to have to pass on this one. Nothing is coming to mind.

Our family at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club a few years ago.

If you could recommend one family vacation, what would it be?
Hands down, the best place to vacation as a family is The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club in La Jolla California. Our family has been going there for years. You can read more about the resort and our vacations there. If you need the best place to go if you want to take a Family Ski Vacation, you MUST go to Deer Valley, in Park City, Utah. You will not be disappointed.

What goals are you currently working on?
1. Get Control of the Laundry: After adding our 5th child, 6 months ago, the laundry has officially taken over my life. I am always behind and have set a major goal to stop the invasion.

2. More Speaking Engagements.

3. Sew More. I love to sew. Love every single thing about it. Plus it is rejuvenating and my favorite way to create. I have goals to make coordinating dresses for our four girls this summer and shorts for our son.

Please share links to 3 blog posts (or items from your shop) that are special to you (or favorites of yours), and explain why.
The Day I Got My Groove Back: Reading this post still makes me cry every. single. time. And women and mothers who are lost, still email me about its message on a weekly basis. It describes the day I found myself again, and I am most grateful for it. Plus, the pictures are awesome.

How to be a Happy Mom and How To Be Fun Mom. These two posts still bring in the most comments, Pins, and emails. I love them. I know they are true, and I have both of them printed and posted above my desk where I see them and read them every single day.

A True Valentine: The story of the first Valentines Day my husband and I spent together. My husband is air for my soul. He was then, still is, and always will be.

Family Fun Friday's Game and Activity Book: A labor of love, the book is filled with the very best games for families and friends. The games are fun, original, and will take all the guess work out of what you and your family can do together. Promise, you will love it. Just click on the red "Buy the Book" button on the top right of the screen.

Help me out here. What is your favorite funny movie?

Get to know my fellow contributor friends too! They have fantastic blogs that will keep you pinning all day. (There are just a couple that couldn't participate in the blog hop, but pay them a visit anyway. You'll be glad you did! :))
Packed with Fun
What's Cooking with Ruthie?
Blissful Roots
Darling Darleen
Prepared Housewives
Lemon Tree Dwelling
Tips for Family Trips
Five Heart Home
Double the Deliciousness
Nine a Plenty
Kleinworth & Co.
Creative Carmella
So Festive
Blahnik Baker
Shopgirl
The Connection We Share
Bits of Everything
Kiki and Company
Or so she says...

Bed Time Snacks with Brummel and Brown

2014-05-14T23:19:00.001-06:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brummel and Brown.

Does anyone in your family ever want a little bedtime snack? My husband has taught our kids that toast with butter makes for a great snack before bed. :)

The kids don't worry about what they are eating, they just know it tastes good, but as a mom, I worry about too much butter, too much sugar, you know, the usual unhealthy stuff. We have tried different sugar substitutes and even a few substitutes for butter, but I can't ever get my hubby and the kids to give up the butter.

Our kids love yogurt, so when I recently learned that Brummel and Brown was a butter substitute, made with nonfat yogurt, I hoped I had a good shot at getting the kids to give it try on their toast.

I did my research. The spread has 50% less fat than butter, zero cholesterol and 0 grams of trans fat per serving. Plus, you can use the spread alone, or cook with it in recipes.

Instead of telling the family that I was going to make the switch, I loaded up their toast with Brummel and Brown spread and stood back to see what they said. "Yum, can I have more", was all I heard. No complaints, no concerns, no questions about where the butter went. They loved it. Hubby included.

I did a little more testing and tried the stir fry recipe on their facebook page. Delicious! After a week of using the spread, the kids have decided their favorite is to have it on waffles in the morning before school.

The family enjoyed the taste the most. I loved the texture and how easy it was to spread. Much easier than a cold stick of butter out of the fridge.

It has been a long time since I have found a product that does what it says, but our entire family was really impressed with the Brummel and Brown spread. Given how much my husband loves butter, that is saying a lot. Want to learn more ways to use the spread, be sure you visit the Brummel and Brown facebook page. Not only will your food taste good, but it will be good for your family too.

Do you have any food substitutes that have been successful in your house? What do you switch out to help your family stay healthy?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf or Brummel and Brown.

6 Tips For Helping Your Children Make Healthier Food Choices.

2014-04-21T12:38:00.001-06:00

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Facts Up Front program.

My husband and I are always trying to make healthy food choices for our family. As the primary cook in our home, I feel like it is my responsibility to help our children develop healthy food habits and positive feelings towards food. But, it can be really hard.

After my daughter asked why I was “reading the back of the box” while grocery shopping not too long ago. I showed her how to read labels. She thought it was fun, but had a hard time with all the info and the small print. While reading a cereal box during breakfast, she pointed out that the box nutrition info on the front that was much easier for her to understand.

And that was the first I heard about Facts Up Front. Facts Up Front aims to help families (consumers) make informed choices about food, by putting the nutrition information on the front of the packages where it is much quicker and easier to read.

I have noticed that since our kids have started paying attention to nutrition labels and especially the Facts Up Front, they are much more conscious about the food choices they make. I have loved the quick reference it provides me as I am working to make wise choices for our family.

Here are 6 tips for helping your kids make healthier food choices. I hope they help your and your family.

1. Stop restricting Food. Restricting food, leads to a higher chance of eating disorders and negative feelings towards food. It can also promote binge eating and sneaky eating. When kids do get their hands on the restricted food, they tend to overeat it, and even sneak around to get it. We are friends with a family that doesn’t allow one drop of sugar in their home. No candy, cookies, not a single sweet of any kind. Recently, their 6 year old has been stealing candy from his friends, and hiding it under his pillow to eat at night when no one is around. This can be a result of banning, or restricting food. Instead, talk about healthy food choices and don’t loose site of moderation. Teach kids to look for the Facts Up Front label on food for a quick look at what foods are healthy for their bodies.

2. Don’t use food as a reward. Argh, this one can be so hard as parents. It seems to make things so much easier to be able to bribe with a lollipop, or promise a treat if our daughter does well on her spelling test. But, using food as reward often leads to weight problems, as our children get older. Instead of using food as a reward, reward with fun active things like going for a bike ride, or having a play date outside with friends.

3. Don’t label food as “good” and “bad”. Labeling food as good or bad teaches our kids to feel guilty as they get older about the choices they make with food. Stop labeling and start teaching. Teach your children how food affects their participation in the activities they like and how it makes their bodies function and feel. This will teach them to make decisions based on what is best for their own bodies. And use words like healthy and unhealthy instead of good and bad.

4. Stop constantly pointing out unhealthy food choices our children make. Instead of always pointing out the unhealthy choices our kids are making, praise the healthy choices. And don’t hesitate to suggest healthier choices like pretzels over potato chips and fruit over candy. Need help figuring out what food choices are best for your family? Take the Interactive Nutrition Quiz.

5. Let kids choose. It is empowering when we get to make our own choices. It lets us feel like we are in control. We make so many of the daily choices for our children. When they sleep, what they get to do, what they get to put in their mouths. It can be stifling to them. So, let them make some of their own choices. Before a meal, explain that you are going to have a vegetable, and then let them choose between carrots and green beans. Simply letting them choose will make them more likely to eat the veggie. We tend to own our choices and follow through with things when we are the ones deciding. When your children choose healthy foods they like, serve those more often.

6. Eat dinner together as a family. This one is really important. Children who eat dinner with their parents are less likely to make unhealthy food choices and are also less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. If you want to read more about the power of family dinners, check out this post. You can also use the Shopping and Meal Planning Tips on the Facts Up Front website to help your family overcome common obstacles for getting from the grocery store to the family dinner table. If you are not eating dinner together now, this can seem overwhelming. Start slow with twice a week and then increase until you are sitting down together as many nights as possible. Utilize resources like the Facts Up Front recipe section for help with what to cook your family.

The Facts Up Front label is becoming much more prevalent in grocery stores around the country. Go on a little scavenger hunt and have your kids see how many products they can find with the new labels. Couple that with the six tips above and start talking about good nutrition with your kids today.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Facts Up Front program.

A New Baby! AND Listen To Your Mother!

2014-04-15T23:54:00.001-06:00

WOW! The last few months have been busy busy busy. No different from your lives, but it has forced me to take a step back from something, and FamilyVolley is always the first thing to take the hit. So, what has been keeping me up at night? Besides the laundry, cooking, cleaning and general mom stuff... Well, two things.

First, we had another baby. The sweetest little baby girl. That makes one boy and four girls for our family. She is the perfect addition and everyone adores her. She is also our first baby to sleep more than three hours at a time, at night. Heaven sent is what she is.

Second, it is LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER Season and the show must go on. If you will recall from last year, I produce and direct the Listen To Your Mother Show. It is one of the most rewarding projects I have ever had the opportunity to be involved in. The show is a celebration of motherhood, giving Mother's Day a microphone. It is a 90 minute show filled with a series of monologues by some of the biggest bloggers and writers in the Northern Utah area. The audience will laugh and cry, often at the same time. The show sold out last year. So this year, we have a bigger venue and we are hoping to fill the house. If you live in Northern Utah, you should join us. Come, bring your mom, girlfriends, sisters, neighbors, ward friends, even your husband will enjoy it, and celebrate motherhood together. The show is in 32 cities this year and it is a big deal to host in Northern Utah.

The show is Tuesday April 29th at 7pm on the University of Utah Campus in the Union Building Ballroom. Tickets are only 10 dollars and are well worth every cent. Promise. The cast will knock your socks off. Join us, and be sure to come and say hello. Click here for tickets and click here to watch my monologue from last years show. It is the most vulnerable I have ever allowed myself to be in public. I apologize in advance for the crying.

What have you been up to the last few months? Anything new in your house?

Tips for Keeping Your 2014 Family Resolutions

2014-01-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

New Year's Resolutions aren't just for individuals, they're for families too!

I know what your thinking. It is hard enough to keep my own personal resolutions and goals. Why would I want to set goals with my family too? Why? Because setting goals together, and working towards those goals, brings us closer as a family. It builds trust, unity, and is a great opportunity to teach our children values and skills. Research shows that by the first week of February, only 50 percent of us will still be keeping our resolutions. Don't let your family become a statistic.

Whether you have a word of the year, make New Year's resolutions, or just have a few goals you want your family to work on this year, here are a few tips to help your family stick with those resolutions so you can grow and improve together.

1. Make your resolutions something that YOUR FAMILY really wants. Your family's goals and resolutions should NOT be something you think you should do as a family. Or something that you are doing just to keep up with what you see on Pinterest, the internet, or that your neighbors are doing. Honestly evaluate what is best for your family. One of the biggest mistakes families make is making resolutions to keep up with "the Jones' " Don't worry about what other families are doing.

2. Make sure your eyes aren't bigger than you stomach. AKA, don't set too many goals. In fact, two or three is perfect for your family. Too many and they get hard to keep and focus on.

3. Goals should be specific. For example, "Save money", is a good goal. But it is not specific. "Save 5 dollars a week" is a better goal. Being specific makes the resolutions more do-able and makes it easier for everyone to understand what is expected.

4. Leave room for forgiveness. No family is perfect and there will be many times when we falter on our resolutions. That is normal. The difference between those families who reach their goals and those who don't, is the way they react to set backs. Instead of throwing in the towel, problem solve. Then you can rebound and get back on track.

5. Include the entire family. It is easy to think that successful family goals are only achieved by the parents. But family goals should include the entire family. Including our children provides opportunities for us to work together, hold one another accountable, allows us opportunities to teach our children, and gives our children the chance to see success and failure. Not to mention, each member of our family has great ideas. I can't tell you the number of times that our children have come up with the solutions to family situations. Including them also lets them know that they have a voice in your family. Knowing that they are heard makes them feel loved, important and understood. (Which also leads to kids being better behaved.) Not to mention that kids are great at keeping us accountable. :)

6. Create short term goals to keep you accountable. We hear this all the time, because it is true. As a family, set a resolution, and then set short term goals to help you along the way. Your family will be much more likely to achieve your goals that way.

7. Make it fun and celebrate! Whoever said resolutions have to be boring? Find fun ways to achieve your goals and celebrate your milestones along the way. This also helps to keep it fresh in everyones mind. Because a year can seem like a really long time.

Looking for a fun way to set resolutions for your family? Create a vision board! Have each member of your family sit down with old magazines, newspapers, markers and crayons, even the computer. Have everyone cut out or print off pictures, words, phrases that represent what they see for 2014 for the family. Put them all on a big piece of cardboard. Then, step back and evaluate the themes that are most prevalent on the board. Use the common themes to create two or three resolutions to best benefit your family this upcoming year.

And remember, everyones resolutions look different, just like our families. And that is okay.

I would love to hear what your family resolutions are for this year?

This post was written by me, and was originally posted as a guest post on TheIdeaRoom.net.

Elf on the Shelf-Ideas for Where to Put Your Elf (Week Two)

2013-12-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

Time for more Elf on the Shelf Ideas for you to use at your house. Remember, if you are following along, Family Volley is taking the guess work out of where to put your elf this holiday season. Here are 7 more ideas for the upcoming week.

1. Set your elf up to have a snow ball fight with another toy. Use blocks or lego's and make two little walls and have the elf and the other toy stand behind their respected walls. Then, scatter some mini marshmallows around the scene.

2. Photo Booth: make a few tiny photo booth props. A mustache on a stick would do the trick. Then have your elf posing with the prop. You could make a few extras and have your elf posing with a few stuffed animal or Barbie friends.

3. Set your elf up holding a small pair of scissors, cutting a snow flake out of paper. Be sure you put another finished snowflake next to him too.

4. Using candies or cereal have your elf spell out a message to for your kids. "Be Good", "Happy Holiday's", etc...

5. Set your elf up working on the computer.

6. Set your elf up doing a puzzle.

7. Using big Marshmallows, have your elf building a snow man. They make jumbo size marshmallows now also. Those would work even better.

I would love to hear your favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas. Share it with us in the comments, or email me, and I will include it next week with a shout out to you.

Elf on the Shelf-Ideas for Where to Put Your Elf (Week One)

2013-11-30T21:02:00.001-07:00

December 1 is here, which means many houses will start their Elf on the Shelf tradition this week. (If you are unfamiliar with Elf on the Shelf, see this post to tell you more about it and give you some fun modifications you can use in your house).

One of the biggest complaints from parents is that they want to do Elf on the Shelf, but they run out of places to put him. Which seems pretty normal seeing as how you have to come up with 24-25 ideas. That can be a lot. Especially will all of the other responsibilities that come with the holiday season.

Well, look no further. Family Volley is here to help. Every Saturday I will post a weeks worth of locations for your elf. This will take all the guess work out of your tradition. If this has been a tradition that you have wanted to start, now is the perfect time. Even if you don't start December 1. Just start. You kids will love it.

Get ready to have some fun!

1. Let your Elf arrive in style. Use a Kleenex/ paper towel/ or small scrap of fabric and some string to make a parachute for your little elf. Hang him from a ceiling fan, light, hook, any where. Tuck a little note in his arms announcing his arrival for the season.

2. Place your elf next to the calendar. Give him a pen and have him circle Christmas Day. You can include a little note about how "he will be watching over everyone for the next few weeks."

3. Prop your Elf up and have him reading the toy catalog.

4. Put your Elf in the bathroom, wrapped up in a pile of toilet paper.

5. Set out the cereal bowls and cereal and have your elf eating some breakfast.

6. Set your elf up in the bathroom, getting ready to brush his teeth.

7. Place your elf next to other friends in the house. Have him join other stuffed animals and action figures, "Toy Story" style. They can be having a little tea party, playing a game, or building a tower together.

Does your house celebrate with the Elf on the Shelf?

Bringing Books to Life with Netflix #StreamTeam

2013-11-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

As a Netflix Ambassador, it is really fun to be able to share the exciting things that Netflix is doing each month. This month is all about bringing books to life on the big screen, and our family had a blast reading and watching together.

Here's what we did. Each of our kids looked at the Netflix list of movies based on books.

"13 Great Titles Based on Children's Books on Netflix"

Our eleven and a half year old son choose to read "Hugo." Our 8 year old daughter choose "Charlotte's Web." She even read my original copy that I read when I was a young girl. Our 5 year old daughter choose "The Little Engine that Could", and our 2 year old wanted in on the action and choose "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

The plan was that when they were done reading their book, we would sit down as a family and watch the movie version of the book together. Family movie watching complete with popcorn and treats.

We had so much fun talking about how the movies where similar and different from the books.

These are books that many of us grew up reading ourselves.

This time of year, when our families are working to spend more time together, these Netflix movies are a great resource. Regardless of if you watch TV a lot, or a little. There are so many ways to use Netflix at your house.

p.s Next on the "to watch list" is Babysitter's Club. Did any of you grow up reading that series of books? They were my favorite! Especially the "Summer Specials" because the books were always longer. I still have all of my old books. Just waiting for our daughter to get a little bit older so she can start reading.

Big Kids
1.Hugo
2.Escape to Witch Mountain NEW!
3.James and the Giant Peach
4.The Baby-Sitters Club
5.Goosebumps
6.A Wrinkle in Time

Little Kids
1. Charlotte's Web NEW!
2.The Velveteen Rabbit
3.The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Stories
4.The Magic School Bus
5.The Little Engine That Could
6.Stuart Little 2
7.Tall Tales: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, The Snowy Day, I Stink! and Trashy Town