PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES--GIVEAWAY.

To be completely honest, I am quite naïve. Call it sensitive or inexperienced, but I have never had much of a desire to do wrong. I’m definitely not perfect, but I don’t seek out things I shouldn’t.  I consider this a great blessing.

When I was a missionary in Ecuador we were allowed to use the internet to e-mail our families each Monday morning at local internet cafes. On one of those mornings I learned a very powerful lesson, that has stuck right with me.

As I was working on my weekly e-mail, I glanced up and my eye caught the screen of another computer, what I saw was graphic and completely inappropriate. It blew me out of the water. Quickly, I put my head down, finished my e-mail and we left the internet café. But, the images stuck, and they have to this day.

Luckily, the effect of the experience for me has been positive. I was disgusted more than anything, but amazed at the power of such an experience. I learned then, how even in avoiding evil, we can become casualty to Satan’s cunning tactics. I learned how readily available pornography is and I learned just how accepted it has become. I am very aware of the powerful influence of pornography.

I love the metaphor that Sister Beck made of women being the “lioness at the gate” in their homes. I gain great strength and power from that visual as I think of myself as the keeper of the gate into our home. What comes into my house, must pass through the mama.

Ever since that experience, and even more so as I’ve become a mama, I am hyper aware of the media consumption in our house. At this point Jimmy and I are really the only ones that use the computers, and we control the TV and movie selections. As nice as that is, I know that soon enough our girls will be savvy enough to navigate the internet and control the remote. As such, I want our home to be protected from anything that might be of harm to anyone of us, and that includes my and husband and myself. 

One of the things we have always had is an internet filter, where we have controlled the settings of what can and cannot be accessed on our computers. It has provided a safe guard and protection for us, providing safety as we use the internet every single day. We know that even when we don’t seek for evil, it can find its way into our homes, and a filter prevents that from happening—in most cases.

We have used a few different companies over the years, most recently using Net Nanny, and have been very pleased at the protection it has provided. I'm happy to share today, that Net Nanny has offered a few copies of their filtering system to Mamas Who Know readers. Their program, a $39.99 value annually, is available for download and will be given to two lucky giveaway winners here on the blog. They have also offered two additional copies to Facebook commenters. Even if you've got a filter, you can use this when your current subscription ends.

So, mamas, here's your chance to win a Net Nanny filtering system for your home computer. Leave a comment here for a chance to win. And, to up your chances, head over to Mamas Who Know on Facebook and leave another comment there. I'll announce the winners on Friday morning.

Quote taken from an article entitled, "The Secret Enemy", in February 2011 Ensign.

TEACHING ABOUT EASTER.

Texas Bluebonnets, fresh from the weekend.

Good morning Mamas!

It is a happy Monday indeed, here in Texas, because our house is under contract--meaning, barring any change in the buyers plans, it has sold! What a relief. We are grateful that everything has gone so smoothly thus far.

On to a new topic. Have you started thinking about Easter yet? I felt fully consumed with General Conference / selling a house preparations that I have yet to really ponder on this upcoming Easter. Even more so than Christmas, I think Easter loses its true meaning. It takes real effort to emphasize the reason for Easter and I want to make it a priority this year with my family. There are still two full weeks, so let's get moving.

Here are some of the great resources I have found over the past few days of looking:
Jocelyn at We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice shares a great list of Easter books
An Easter Tomb Craft from Sugardoodle
Another idea from Jocelyn, are paper plate tombs, I think we'll try them for FHE tonight
A neat way to incorporate eggs into learning about the life of the Savior
An article about establishing wholesome Easter traditions

What does your family do to teach your children about Easter? Any fun ideas or traditions you've started? I would love to hear your ideas.

And, our winners for the Hilary Weeks book and CD. 

From the blog, Staci who said, "Looks like such a great book! I'd love one for me and one for my mom and sister! great mother's day gift!" and from Facebook, Mariesa Morgan who said, "that book looks soo cute!"

Please e-mail me at mamaswhoknow (at) gmail.com with your address and we'll get those sent right off.

HILARY WEEKS BOOK GIVEAWAY.

The other night I was on bedtime duty alone. After getting Kate tucked away in her crib, I heard the words "one down, one to go," no one said the words, but in my mind, they were clear as day. I laughed out loud, as I realized that this is my life.

The thought made me think of Hilary Weeks' new book that I had received in the mail last week from Deseret Book called, Bedtime and Naptime and Bedtime and Naptime: Simple Joys of a Mom's Life.

In it, LDS singer and songwriter Hilary Weeks, shares some of her favorite quotes, experiences, memories, insights and recipes from motherhood. Along with the book is a CD of lighthearted songs she has written about parenting and mothering. She has shared these songs with thousands over the years and they are finally available in one place.

Listen to this song about a mama's to-do list. It is all so true.



Well lucky for you and me, Deseret Book has kindly offered a few copies of this fun new book to Mamas Who Know readers. I think this little book would make a great visiting teaching gift, or would be perfect for any Mom for Mother's Day. I love the photos and love that the message is to enjoy motherhood.

Giveaway now closed.

ONE PARENTING TIP & TWO WINNERS.

Wow, mamas, thanks for your great interest in Five Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges. I wish I could send each of you a copy. I know you'd enjoy it. Alas, maybe the Easter Bunny can get the memo and include it as part of your basket.

Our two lucky mamas are:

#5 from the blog comments, Karisa who said, "Always love inspiration from the Eyres."

#17 from Facebook, Trachelle Smith Newman who said, "I marked that to read on Good reads!"

With parenting on my mind as I'm finishing Five Spiritual Solutions, I was reminded of this quote by Elder L. Tom Perry from his great talk, "Mothers Teaching Children in the Home."

 

 Daily, persistent parenting is what our families need.

We are headed out on an early weekend. Jimmy's brother got home from a year in Afghanistan in January and we are anxious to see he and his family before we cross the big, blue ocean this summer. We fly into Nashville and will spend the weekend in Fort Campbell, KY. Should be a fun weekend with family. 

Hope yours is a good one!

To our lucky mamas, please send me an e-mail at mamaswhoknow (at) gmail.com with your shipping information and your books will be headed your way.

SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS GIVEAWAY.

I got a fun-for-a-budding-blogger e-mail last week from a nice lady at Deseret Book asking me if I'd like a copy of a new book that was recently released, entitled, Five Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges by Church members Richard and Linda Eyre.

Now, if you're a Joy School product like me (anyone else still singing "oh boy, I've got joy!"), you'll know that the Eyre's are recognized names in the parenting and family industry. As the authors of over twenty-five books, it's safe to say they know their stuff.

I was anxious for my Deseret Book package to arrive at my doorstep and I have to say, I have not been disappointed. It is always a little tricky to give reviews, and I strive to only endorse things on this blog that I wholeheartedly recommend, and this book falls into that category.

I've gotta say that I am quick to reach for the parenting book with specific things to do to improve difficult behavior or situations in my home. This book is not that. Instead it is a reminder of specific gospel principles that if applied will change your outlook on parenting and on your family.

With Solution One, "Remember Your Children's True Identity", fresh on my mind I found myself calmer and more patient with my girls this past weekend. The reminder that they are indeed my equals and are my spirit sisters pushed me to treat them as such. On occasions when I might get frustrated or raise my voice, I remembered this principle and was able to handle a few difficult situations in a more composed manner. It was a needed reminder.

The book is filled with them. And while it may speak of general principles, I love the specific ideas that the Eyre's have shared in the book, many of which I hope to implement in my home over the years.

Lucky for us, Deseret Book was kind enough to share a few more copies of Five Spiritual Solutions with Mamas Who Know readers.

If you would like to enter the giveaway for the Eyre's new book, leave a comment on this post. I've also got a copy to share with Mamas Who Know Facebook followers, so head on over to the FB and leave a comment there. Heck, enter twice!

I'll announce a winner on Thursday morning.

GIVEAWAY: PERSIMMON & PINK.

I'm sure you know by now that I love to have things in my home that remind us of our faith. That's why I'm so happy about this weeks giveaway from Persimmon & Pink. Susan, the mastermind behind Persimmon & Pink has created a wonderful line of prints that are not only graphically pleasing but are in tune with our beliefs. She has graciously offered one 8 x 10 print of your choice, to a Mama Who Knows reader.

Printed with archival ink on 100% cotton paper, Persimmon & Pink prints will last a lifetime or two--her site says. Really, you can't go wrong. I'm eying this "I Am a Child of God" print for when we move the girls into their shared room.

To enter the giveaway, visit Persimmon & Pink's etsy shop and comment as to which print you'd love for your home.

For an extra entry, follow Mamas Who Know on Facebook, or let me know that you already do.
(You must leave an extra comment to have an additional entry).

The giveaway will be open until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. and a winner will be announced first thing Monday morning.

BEING THANKFUL AND A WINNER.

Thanksgiving is on my mind. Not only do I want to be thankful and show my gratitude but, I am wondering just how I might begin to teach the principle of gratitude to my little ones over the next few weeks, and beyond. Let the brainstorming begin!

In the spirit of thanksgiving, this Mormon Message really hit home. It's a good one.

And now for a winner.

Again, I can't thank you enough for your comments on music. I have gained so many new ideas and can't wait to start implementing them in my home. 

The big #1 is the winner, via random.org. Hannah of sherbetblossom said, "music is a big part of our family. I am constantly singing, probably to my children's chagrin. We sing every night before they go to bed. We sing on road trips. I make mixes of children's hymns that I'd like them to learn."

E-mail me Hannah at mamaswhoknow (at) gmail.com and we'll get that in the mail. 

THE POWER OF MUSIC & A GIVEAWAY.

I don't have a musical bone in my body. It's sad, mostly for my children, but I really do struggle musically. Even after years of piano lessons, there aren't many songs I can pluck out on the piano. It doesn't mean that we don't enjoy music however. It's a big part of our lives.

A friend of mine recently posted on her family blog about how music has been helping them in their home. As most boys probably would, her three year-old son has recently had a lot of behavioral issues since his Dad deployed to Iraq a few months ago. After seeking help from LDS Family Services, and trying some new things, she has seen a significant improvement in her sons behavior.

One thing that that has brought increased peace to their home and to her son, is music. They now begin each day by playing music and keep it running throughout the day. The TV time has diminished and she has noticed a change in the atmosphere in their home. I was impressed.

First thing last Sunday morning I awoke and put on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I kept the hymns and Church related music running all morning. I too noticed an increased amount of peace in our home. Of course it was the home of little children,  but things did seem calmer. I want to use these tactics more.

Now for the giveaway. I would love to hear your thoughts. Is music a big part of your mothering? How do you bring music into your home and family? Leave me a comment with your ideas and thoughts about music and mothering and one lucky mama will be chosen first thing Tuesday morning to win a copy the latest Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD, entitled "Celebrating a Century of Recording Excellence". It includes two discs with all of the hits as well as a bonus DVD. Some lucky family will really enjoy it.

(this giveaway is now closed)

Giveaway ends Monday night!

CONFERENCE WEEKEND IN PHOTOS & A WINNER.

Our general conference weekend was rather unconventional. With all this talk of conference traditions and the sort, I was a little bummed that our weekend wasn't more normal.

We have had a whirlwind of a schedule and this past weekend was about the only time to get our little family and all of our belongings back to Texas after our long visit to Utah. So, right smack in the middle of the morning session on Sunday we were bouncing babies through the skies on our way home.

We did get a chance to participate on Saturday and Sunday afternoon but I'll have to listen later this week to the Sunday morning session. Unless, you all want to fill me in! Hannah even colored a few pictures from an activity packet, and she recognized President Monson, so I would call it a complete success.

Along the way, I snapped a few photos on my cell phone to share. Nothing like Jungle Jim's to burn the energy between sessions on Saturday!

On another note, thank you to all of you for your comments and entries to the giveaway. You have been so kind as I have ventured into blog land. For those who commented, and whose blogs are not private, I ventured over to see just who was reading along. I got reacquainted with some old friends and made many more new ones, so thank you.

And, now the winner of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD goes to, {Kate} who commented, "those 2 talks were my favourites too! love your blog, by the way!" Send me an e-mail with your address and we'll get that right on in the mail.

We are slowly getting back to life. Tomorrow, I'll share just what I thought of conference. I hope you will too.

GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND GIVEAWAY.

Image via picasa

Did you enjoy conference today? We made a valiant effort to listen this morning and I was able to hear a few. I especially loved Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf.

To celebrate conference I've got my favorite Mormon Tabernacle CD to give away to one of my readers. Leave me a comment here during this conference weekend, and you'll be eligible to win the CD entitled, Love is Spoken Here.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend!

GIVEAWAY: ANOTHER TESTAMENT PHOTOGRAPHY.

It's a giveaway!

A few years ago, Reflections of Christ hit the internet, and the world for that matter. Everywhere I turned, it seemed like people were commenting about the new photography exhibit by photographer and Church member, Mark Mabry.

It just so happened that our family was in Mesa to visit my husband's grandparents when the exhibit was showing at the Mesa, Arizona visitors center. It was on my to-do list during our trip.

I'm sure many of you have seen the images on the web or in his book, but in real life they were truly remarkable. They are fresh and real and are quite moving. The mood in the exhibit was quiet and peaceful as scenes from the Savior's life were brought to life.

Recently, Mark Mabry has finished another compilation of images entitled, Another Testament, which chronicles the Savior's visit to the Americas recorded in Third Nephi. It is a beautiful compilation of photographs and excerpts from The Book of Mormon. I don't think I had ever truly envisioned these scenes before and the imagery is amazing.

We have Reflections of Christ on our coffee table and I think this new book, Another Testament would be a great addition to any home.

To enter today's giveaway for a copy of Another Testament, and because I need to feel loved, please "like" the official Mamas Who Know page on Facebook, and then leave me a comment. If that's too much work, or you are averse to social networking, just leave me a comment. The most important thing is that this beautiful book ends up in the home of one of our mamas.

Good luck and a winner will be announced first thing Monday.

image via deseretnews.com