THE CONFERENCE ENSIGN.

Did this gem show up in your mailbox this week?

As a missionary the arrival of the conference edition of the Ensign was akin to Christmas. Seriously, I remember devouring it. And, almost as exciting was looking at the photos taken during conference weekend. I always hoped to recognize someone.

Did you notice that the photos are a bit different this time? Color. I love it, it seems happy and fresh. When we subscribed to the Ensign when we got married we selected the option of having two conference editions delivered. So, this copy here, is all mine. Can't wait to dive in.

BREAKFAST WITH THE ENSIGN: TEACHING OUR CHILDREN.

Editors note: I have recently discovered a quiet moment in my home. I feed my girls their breakfast, and then they seem anxious to get playing for the day. That gives me a moment to eat breakfast myself, and on occasion read for a minute. I've started leaving the Ensign on my counter so that it's available if a free moment arises. Thus originated Breakfast with the Ensign. Do you have a favorite breakfast recipe you'd like to share? If so, contact me at mamaswhoknow (at) gmail.com, I'd love to feature it here. 

Did you get a chance to read "Teaching Our Children from the Scriptures" from the August issue of the Ensign? Immediately, I thought it was right up my (our) alley. And, the more I am searching the more I am realizing that the Church has so many wonderful resources for us as we raise our children.

Our children are young so it has only been in about the past six months or so that we have really introduced our oldest to scripture reading. It's safe to say though that some days are more successful than others. She did tell her grandpa last week that Abinadi had been sunburned so I  know we are making strides.

We have done the majority of our reading from Book of Mormon Stories that the Church has produced for kids. I think it is good, but I think we will soon start to read a few versus from the actual books of scripture.

I really liked the points made in the August article by Sister Cheryl Lant about teaching the doctrine to our children. Often I find that we are quick to get the reading done without so much as teaching something. I think even my two year-old could learn some of the doctrine of the Book of Mormon if we took the time to teach her. Principles such as honesty, service and love are easy to teach.

If you haven't had a chance to read Sister Lant's article, I highly recommend it, especially if you've got small children in your home.

If you need to subscribe to the Ensign or other Church magazines, that can be done here.

Now on to breakfast.

Protein Pancakes (adapted from this recipe)
My daughter will eat anything with syrup. This recipe is a great way for her (and me too) to get a little protein in the morning, instead of regular pancakes or cereal. They are a little different than regular pancakes, but we love them.

1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup oats
2 eggs
1 egg white
2 T sugar (I have used 1/2 banana to sweeten it)
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. cinnamon
pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Cook on a hot griddle, sprayed with non-stick spray.

Enjoy!

BREAKFAST WITH THE ENSIGN: ROAD WARRIORS.

A few weeks ago during breakfast I was thumbing through the July issue of the Ensign and came across an article entitled "Road Warriors and Strong Families". Normally, I would have just passed right by it, but, our current situation probably classifies us as a "road warrior" family.

Currently, my husband is away from us for some extended job interviews. Because this is not a recurring thing, my daughters and I will be staying with family for help and support while he is gone for ten weeks.

Our separation is mild compared to what some families endure on a daily basis. Military deployments, jobs out of town and graveyard shifts all make normal like difficult at times. Many families out there are faced with keeping their families strong during times of separation. 

The article got me thinking of how I, as the mom and wife can keep our little family strong. A few of the points that stood out to me were:

- Keep consistent with family prayer, family scripture study and family home evening whether Dad is home or not. 

- Faith-building experiences can be shared regardless of distance.

- Communicate daily. Webcams, text messaging, e-mail and phone calls all make communication possible.

- Be positive and grateful for the current situation of your family.

- Include your husband in important family decisions.

- Take advantage of every moment that you do have together. 

We are learning as we spend time away from each other. Although it is not ideal, I have felt a greater appreciation for my husband and for the important part that he is in our family.

If you haven't had the chance, check out the mentioned article on page 54 of the July Ensign. The following article entitled, "Spiritual Safety Tips", is also a good one. If you don't subscribe to the Ensign, it can be downloaded here. 

Are you a "road warrior" family? How have you dealt with times of separation?

Stay tuned next week for an interview with Erica Holland, a mama to three and wife of a military husband. Erica and Brad were a "road warrior" family during his year-long deployment to Iraq.