We all know childhood is beautiful and fleeting, but sometimes in the midst of the mayhem that our precious children create, it can be hard to really love the current age and stage of our children. At our Power of Moms Retreats, one of the favorite topics is finding more joy in motherhood. As mothers discuss what brings them joy and how they can feel the joy more often, one of … Continue reading
I had the opportunity yesterday morning to discuss the points of this post on KSL’s “Studio 5″ program. If you don’t have time to read the post, just scroll down to the bottom and watch the interview! Learning to live in the present and appreciate the now is not as easy as it sounds. We live in a culture that is performance and success obsessed, causing many of … Continue reading
Recording this podcast with Katrina Kenison was honestly adream come true. For years, I (April) have read her books, followed her blog, and taken courage from her wise, wise words. She’s helped me to slow down, to see the value of my work, and to experience true contentment in motherhood. Now, in her brand new book, Magical Journey, she shares deeply and vulnerably about this new stage of her life. … Continue reading
For some unexplainable reason, I woke up this morning thinking about an old blogging friend. Friend, because we got to know each other on a personal level, blogging, because it was through blogging, and old, because I stopped reading her blog about two years ago. In fact, I stopped reading all my favorite blogs about two years ago. I didn’t have that many to begin with — somewhere … Continue reading
My kids were happy to oblige when I asked them to pose for some “misbehavior” photos. I dearly love my five wonderful children (ages 8-13) and feel so blessed to be their mother. I think they’re generally really great kids. But lately these precious children have been giving me a serious run for my money. Have you noticed that sometimes all of your children seem to be having … Continue reading
Maybe you’ve experienced a scenario like this before: After knocking yourself out to plan a special event for you and your children to enjoy in a fun and meaningful way, they’re not responding quite as you had hoped. Instead of cooperating, expressing gratitude and looking on with wide-eyed interest as you guide them through this much anticipated experience, they are either whiny and uninterested or hyper and fighting about … Continue reading
Note from The Power of Moms: We have just launched a fantastic, complimentary Power of Moms Disney Guide, and this post features just one great idea that is part of that resource. Disneyland is such a fun place to take children, but in the midst of all this fun, we want them to really appreciate the experience. Have you ever wanted to help your children really appreciate a special outing? We … Continue reading
Like many mothers these days, I have a bit of a “Downton Abbey” addiction. In case you aren’t familiar with it, “Downton Abbey” is a British period show about the Granthams, an aristocratic family who live on their country estate (Downton Abbey) in 20th-century England shortly after World War I during a time when the British social hierarchy is changing. I enjoy the show partly for the acting … Continue reading
Note from April: When I saw Alisha Gale’s home library and spoke with her children about their love of books, I knew this was something we needed to share with our Motherhood Matters community. Thank you, Alisha, for inspiring us all with these practical, replicable ideas! At any given time of the day, if my children are awake, chances are at least one of them has his or her nose … Continue reading
Patience is a topic we usually reserve for our relationship with our children. Developing patience in the face of screaming babies, whining toddlers, dawdling preschoolers, forgetful grade schoolers and headstrong teenagers can be considered the tour de force of motherhood. Once you’ve mastered patience, so many other things fall into place. Not only can you enjoy peace amid the insanity as the “eye of the storm,” but you … Continue reading