tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:11:19 +0000ChangesSpouse AppreciationIntroduction"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" DiaryShow and TellAngerDr. Gary ChapmanFamily FunBlog DesignFamily Home EveningRecipesChallengesGiving Blog IdeasPhoto ContestSharing ideas. Creating memories. Fostering love. Uniting families.http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jenn)Blogger104125TogetherWeLearnhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-7885751389584319017Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:50:00 +00002009-09-29T14:54:42.970-05:00Spouse AppreciationDon't worry! There's nothing too explicit in this post. I am nearing the end of The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. The last love language he explains is physical touch. I wouldn't say that's my primary love language, but I definitely enjoy cuddling with my husband or giving him random kisses. Below are a couple of articles I found about little ways you can show appreciation to your http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/lets-get-physical.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-6491657243590149397Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:15:00 +00002009-09-24T14:20:43.088-05:00ChallengesThere is some controversy over whether children should be spanked. Some feel it is more appropriate when children are a little older (beyond toddler age); others don't feel it is appropriate at all. Then, there are those who feel it is a good "last resort" for discipline. A recent article on the subject is below.Spanking Detrimental to Children, Study SaysAs much as we try to give our children http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/to-spank-or-not-to-spank.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-4800958224247843192Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-22T09:00:03.886-05:00Spouse Appreciation Last week's Spouse Appreciation was about serving your companion. This week, I wanted to take that idea further to discuss ways couples can serve their community together. Service is wonderful in so many ways. It brings joy to those who are serving and to those who are being served. As you and your partner do something to better your community, your relationship strengthens; nothing unites quitehttp://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/serve-your-community-together.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-4729685540280777362Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:10:00 +00002009-09-21T14:13:29.129-05:00IntroductionChangesThere is going to be a change in Together We Learn's posting schedule. Blogging, as it turns out, can take a lot of time (or be a full-time job), especially if you are posting once a day and trying to market the blog to your target audience. As I have considered my priorities, I realize that spending time with the kids, being with my husband, and keeping a clean, orderly home are the most http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/change-for-better.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-163179426917038056Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +00002009-09-17T15:02:38.501-05:00ChallengesMy son was sick last week. For 5 days, he had a roller coaster ride of a fever, breaking during the night but returning again the next day. After consulting with our doctor, my husband took him to the hospital to get some blood tested. Turns out he's anemic, meaning he is low on iron. One great source of iron is green leafy vegetables. Well, we all know how hard it is to get our toddlers to eat http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-get-children-to-eat-vegetables.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-681032920886624685Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:12:00 +00002009-09-16T16:31:09.354-05:00Spouse AppreciationOne of the love languages in Dr. Gary Chapman's book (The Five Love Languages) is acts of service. I just read about it, and I'm pretty sure that's my love language. When I take the quiz at the end of the book, I'll be sure then. But for now, if you know your spouse loves it when you do acts of kindness for them, try the below suggestion. One day during dinner together or on a date, give http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/acts-of-service.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-6267377027160183230Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:15:00 +00002009-09-15T16:18:29.072-05:00RecipesThis recipe for cinnamon rolls is amazing! They take awhile to create, but it is definitely worth the wait! Enjoy!Cinnamon Rolls1 1/2 pkg. (1 1/2 tbl.) yeast1 tbl. sugar1 cup luke warm water1 cup milk6 tbl. melted shortening or oil1/2 cup sugar1 tsp. salt7 cups flour2 eggsMix 1 tbl. sugar, yeast, and water in a 2 cup container.Scald milk, and put in large mixing bowl. (I scald milk by heating it http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/cinnamon-rolls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-927764542642475965Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:29:00 +00002009-09-14T23:44:57.925-05:00Family Home EveningTeaching your family about faith is one thing, but it is also important to teach that our faith in Christ should grow. Our faith may be as a mustard seed at first, but it's purpose is not to stay that small. We need to grow our faith just as we need to build our testimony. We live in a world where our religion is bombarded with distractions, doubts, and questions that can take us down the wrong http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-faith-in-christ-can-grow.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-1857671816540446936Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:19:00 +00002009-09-11T15:30:47.999-05:00AngerDr. Gary ChapmanLast Monday's Family Home Evening post was about controlling our anger. I came across a good message on Dr. Gary Chapman's blog about getting rid of bitterness in your marriage. I wanted to pass the information along hoping it will help you.http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/dealing-with-anger-in-your-marriage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-8672759027558291860Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:20:00 +00002009-09-11T14:36:22.081-05:00Show and TellThis picture was entered in our first photo contest by Terry, a co-worker of my husband. It was taken last July at Disney World while his daughter was on vacation with her mother for several weeks. Spending time with her mother and going to Disney World almost every day for 5 weeks really made her summer!Terry is a proud father, and he had mentioned how he is grateful that his daughter is at an http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/mickey-and-minnie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-5896903893292000057Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:22:00 +00002009-09-10T14:37:51.533-05:00"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" DiaryScheduling my priorities as Dr. Stephen Covey suggests has been very helpful. I started trying it out for the first time this week, and the past few days have been successful as far as getting things done and keeping my priorities in check. Below is yesterday's schedule.9:30-12:30 Play with kids2:00-3:00 Together We Learn & On-line stuff3:00-4:00 Clean bathroom9:00 Balance checkbookTo-Do List:http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-7-habits-progress.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-6825820040040809181Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:15:00 +00002009-09-10T14:19:50.634-05:00ChallengesIn a previous Family Home Evening post, I presented a lesson that teaches children about sharing. That lesson was based off of Behold Your Little Ones, a manual used in the Latter-Day Saint church to assist nursery helpers teach 18-month to 3-year-olds. As I was looking through the manual, I came across a section that counsels the teachers about sharing during class time. It says, "Many http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/teaching-your-children-to-share.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-3964986285108949663Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-09T09:00:01.092-05:00Spouse AppreciationIn a past Spouse Appreciation post, I have mentioned how we should sacrifice our wants for our companion's desire every now and then. However, if you both talk about things you are interested in learning, you may find that you have something in common. If there is something you both would like to learn, then do it together!Chris and I both realized on a date recently that we both like bluegrass http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/learn-something-new-with-your-spouse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-3230501093217408898Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:30:00 +00002009-09-08T14:36:21.572-05:00RecipesMaybe it's weird, but I really like tuna. I like to have tuna sandwiches for lunch. Below is an easy recipe for tuna salad to serve for lunch and even possibly dinner.Wonderful Tuna Salad 1 12-oz can tuna, water packed solid white, drained⅓ cup (3 oz) fat free plain yogurt1 4-oz can crushed pineapple, drained1 celery rib, finely chopped¼ cup sweet pickle relish¼ cup chopped pecans1 tsp yellow http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/wonderful-tuna-salad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-1441122163597708247Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:39:00 +00002009-09-08T00:47:16.626-05:00Family Home EveningWhen I presented the "Slow to Anger" lesson to our family and some friends last year, it facilitated great discussions over the material I taught. As children of God, we have strengths and weaknesses. One very common weakness, I believe, is being easily provoked, angered, and unnecessarily defensive. The lesson below is based of off President Hinckley's talk "Slow to Anger" presented in the http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/slow-to-anger.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-7867308125552216724Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-04T09:00:00.910-05:00Show and TellThis photo was also an entry in our first photo contest. Vanessa and her family were camping at a beach near Sydney, Australia a few months ago. (That alone sounds really awesome!) While playing at the beach, her son, Jonas, was "tackled" by the waves. He then went to his mother to warm up from the surprise attack.Vanessa picked this picture, because it seemed to her that her son looked so http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/wet-but-thoughtful-little-boy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-4969759870490083549Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-03T09:00:02.289-05:00ChallengesIn one of my earliest Challenges post, I mentioned one way to control your toddler's undesirable behavior is to give them opportunities for more positive behavior, such as household chores. I have since then thought about what an appropriate age is for actually giving our kids official chores.Below are some really good articles from helium.com. From what I can tell, many agree that teaching a http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/chores-and-teaching-responsibility.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-5281265185963160498Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-02T09:00:02.354-05:00Spouse AppreciationOne day during the week, you and your spouse should grade each other in the following categories: Now, the best way to grade would probably be to use the A-F scale since that is the most familiar. But, if you want, you can use a different scale, like 1-5 or 1-10. Also, if there are any other areas you want to grade each other in, go for it. Make this a good opportunity to really be honest. http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/romantic-report-card.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-2625224096409686696Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-01T09:00:02.924-05:00RecipesMy sister-in-law, Jeni, gave me this recipe. It is so easy, and it doesn't require a lot of ingredients. The meal was well received by my family; even Paige (my 14-month-0ld) ate every bite!Rotel Chicken Over Rice4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts2 cans Cream of Chicken1 can RotelCook the chicken in a skillet on medium-high heat until done.Pour the Cream of Chicken and Rotel in the skillet and http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/09/rotel-chicken-over-rice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-3342702848858305048Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:29:00 +00002009-08-31T21:39:19.517-05:00"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" DiaryI thought more about my roles to include on my personal mission statement. I believe I will add these two: church member and blogger. Both require separate responsibilities that I feel don't belong with my other roles.Well, since I didn't write out my schedule yesterday (like I should have,) I'm playing a little catch up right now. But, I can't be discouraged. I just need to try harder next time http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-7-habits-progress.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-294288788198096375Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-08-31T09:00:02.324-05:00Family Home EveningThis Family Home Evening lesson is one of my absolute favorites. I don't think I would have prepared this one had it not been for the time our family spent living in my in-laws basement when we first moved back to Missouri. The original lesson I had prepared was based off of an August 2008 article in the Church News magazine for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. For some odd reasonhttp://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/lifelong-learners.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-8734893331785109336Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:50:00 +00002009-08-29T14:57:05.563-05:00Family FunOur family went to a non-for-profit event at a local park today. They had inflatables, food, music, face painting, and some other fun activities for children. It was an enjoyable family fun event my husband found out about through a co-worker. That got me wondering, Is there a website(s) where parents can go to search for family events in their area? I was able to find such a website called http://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/find-local-events-for-family-fun.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-6359669502708261369Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:32:00 +00002009-08-28T23:46:43.714-05:00"7 Habits of Highly Effective People" DiarySo, far I have come up with just a few ideas on what I want in my personal mission statement.My RolesChild of God: doing my best to be my best; as a child of God, I know my potentialSpouse: supporting, loving, and helping my husbandMother: nurturing and teaching my childrenDaughter: strengthening my relationship with my parentsFriend: being aware of the needs and desires of those I care about andhttp://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-7-habits-progress-day-11.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-158236368250411359Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-08-28T09:00:01.108-05:00Show and TellThis picture was an "honorable mention" in our first photo contest. It was provided by Lisa, and she titles this picture "Well Worth It."Her husband took 5 semesters of chemistry straight with no breaks in between. She and her son, Parker, didn't see him a lot, but they cheered him on through it all. When he finally graduated from BYU-Idaho, Parker was so excited for his dad that he jumped in hishttp://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/it-is-well-worth-it.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129696848377346445.post-6674635355087587708Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:34:00 +00002009-08-27T15:43:56.088-05:00ChallengesA man by the name of E. M. Gray wrote an essay titled "The Common Denominator of Success." Gray researched most of his life to find one thing that all successful people share. That one thing he determined was putting first things first.Independent will is a powerful thing. It allows us to keep commitments or reach a goal in spite of the difficulties of doing so. But, the power of independent willhttp://together-we-learn.blogspot.com/2009/08/habit-3-put-first-things-first.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jenn)0