Search Results for: blog saying no to family and friends

How to Talk to Your Kids about the Economic Crisis

“How can I talk to my kids about the economic crisis?” It is a common question that most parents face today. As prices on consumable goods rise, from food and gas to the cable bill, and families feel themselves pinched, even the youngest children are starting to notice that things around them are changing. Neighbors and friends may be moving away, favorite stores and restaurants may be closing, and everyone seems to have to sacrifice something they enjoy just to get through this time. Parents should see this time in our history as a teaching moment, but the lessons should … Continue reading →

Timberlake and Biel’s Wedding Video

As you probably know by now, one of the most anticipated weddings of the year took place last weekend. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were married last Friday at the Borgo Egnazia Resort in Puglia, Italy before family and friends. The couple, who have been dating on and off since 2007, reportedly called their wedding “magical.” Now you may be thinking I have confused my pop culture blog with my green blog, but wait, let me explain. This wedding is thought to have cost $6.5 million. Now, I know Biel and Timberlake are young, beautiful, talented, and earned every bit … Continue reading →

Parents and TMI

Want to know what happens when parents can’t control their loose lips? Turn on the TV or surf the World Wide Web and see the backlash Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Ryan Lochte’s mom–a.k.a. the queen of loose lips–is enduring right now. Not that she cares. But, hey, I do… and so do millions of others of parents who are often tempted to spill TOO MUCH INFO about their offspring with family, friends, and (sometimes) perfect strangers. Shortly after Ryan made history at the London Olympics, Ike Lochte told NBC that her golden boy gets around… and not just in the … Continue reading →

A Growing Family

My daughter recently got married, I think I’ve touched on it before. It’s a new world for me, this empty nest thing. Hailey and I have been alone for such a long time, a little family island unto ourselves. Now, I have a son in law and she has a husband. Our family is pretty spread out, we are in Utah and most of our relatives are on the east coast. Holidays are usually spent with friends. Now Hailey’s family has expanded in ways I never even thought about. Today we went to a baby shower for Hailey’s sister in … Continue reading →

All in the Family

I just received a tip from a lovely reader who recently completed her own family reunion scrapbook. In response to my mom’s humble page design ideas, the reader advised creating an “In Memoriam” layout to pay tribute to family members who’ve passed away since the last family reunion. I love that idea! What’s more, you can make the spread as simple or elaborate as you wish. If you are blessed to have only a few deaths in the family since your last reunion, then design your page(s) accordingly. For example, in addition to adding a photo of the deceased loved … Continue reading →

Co Parenting- The Right Thing, But Not The Easiest Thing

Today, more and more, divorced parents are working really hard to co parent their children. Even if we don’t particularly like our ex we realize how important it is for our child to have both parents in their lives. So we co parent, and it really is the best thing for our children but it doesn’t just magically happen. You have to work at co parenting, with someone you couldn’t work at marriage with. Initially it’s important to sit down and talk about your co parenting strategy. This may be hard, but it is necessary. Remember, this is about the … Continue reading →

Irish Sayings, Phrases, Prayers, and Curses

Posted on by

It has been said that the Irish have a way with words. If you have Irish heritage then you probably grew up hearing certain phrases, sayings, or even curses, that came from the mouths of your Irish relatives. Here are a few that you might recognize. Last year, I went to my sister’s wedding and was able to visit with family members that I had not seen for years. Two of my Irish great-aunts spent some time talking with my husband, whom they had not met before. He said that some of the turns of phrase they used made him … Continue reading →

The Controversy Over Changes at 23andMe

You may have heard of a company called 23andMe. It is one of the few companies that sell personal DNA testing kits to consumers. To use the kits, one must also purchase a subscription to 23andMe. Recent changes in some of this company’s policies have caused a controversy. Want to know more about your own genetic makeup? Have you been wondering if you carry a gene for a certain kind of cancer, for diabetes, or for other diseases? Maybe you are a genealogist who is interested in locating some of your ancestors based on how closely their DNA matches your … Continue reading →

Are You Ready For A Multi Racial Family

If you are considering adopting a child or children that are not part of your own race there are a few other things that you need to take into consideration. If you are considering it you are willing to welcome a child into your heart that does not look like you, great we did too. Have you considered that when you do welcome that child into your hearts that you will no longer be like the majority of other families? Are you ready for that? Have you given any consideration to what your friends and extended family may think? Think … Continue reading →

No Impact Man

No Impact Man was written by Colin Beavan. It’s one man’s journey to try to lessen the impact that he and his family have on the planet. The thing that makes it even more interesting is that they live in New York. Colin tells the tale of the year that he, his wife and their small daughter tried to have no impact on the planet. Along the way he tells the story of lessons they learned, how they reconnected as a family and also with their friends. When they could no longer eat at restaurants or pick up fast food … Continue reading →