Answers

I love that this is a gospel of answers. You or I can go to our Heavenly Father at anytime about anything. Isn't that marvelous? Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to go it alone! I heard Sister Wendy Nelson speak a few month ago. She spoke of the importance of asking the right questions. She spoke of the power that the right question can have, both spiritually and in all other areas of our lives. She also gave us somethings to try.

• For thirty day go to your scriptures with a question. Start with prayer and you will find an answer. (Every time I have tried this, it has worked)

• Pray each day to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and then really see and believe that He is there with you. In each situation you face in your day rely on that companionship. She said to try it for five days and the we would beamazed by the difference it makes in our lives.

I Sea-Gal would like to take a moment to tell my audience that I am very grateful for the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful I have a source for all knowledge and power. I am grateful for the Divine truth it provides, and that any humble seeker can find that truth and a wittiness of all truth. I am grateful you don't have to take my word for it. You can ask Him yourself. I am grateful that as unprofitable a servant as I am He loves me as his child and is always there for all of us.
If you have any questions please visit mormons.org

I Love How Equitable...

The full Gospel of Jesus Christ is.
Case in point, See Alma (in the Book of Mormon) Alma 32:23.

23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned.

It is gratifying to know, that God see value in each of us. That He loves his daughters and the precious children he entrusts in our care, as much as any man.

A Share Worthy Blog

I came across this blog yesterday. It is stuffed with how-to's.
It's a must visit.
http://www.littlehouseinthesuburbs.com
Go learn something new!

I'm a Crafty One.....

I made it yesterday with branches I had picked up on a walk the day before.

I used brown sewing thread to bind it together and blue ribbon to hang it.

I had both in my sewing drawer. So it cost me nothing to make it.

I have been meaning to make something like this for so long.

I felt so proud of how it turned out I had to share.

Earth Hour

8:30PM local time, wherever you live on planet earth. Saturday 28 March 2009

[In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.] Taken from http://www.earthhour.org/

Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told

This was the headline I saw on Yahoo this morning:

"Why Toddlers Don't Do What They're Told"

When I say it I thought, "Umm because they are thinking, feeling, autonomous beings; who have needs and desires of their own." I would also like to know how many adults actually do as their told. None of us do all the things we know we should do. But anyway the article was interesting. The main point being that they think differently than adults or even older children. I also like that they were able to document the mental effort toddlers go through. I try to tell people all the time, that being little is hard. The lack of empathy and compassion most people raise their children with is shocking. For a prime example see this fairly good article about stemming tantrums and the disgusting comments section. I wish I could convey to those commentors and all parents like them, that you take so many risks by parenting that way. I'll admit their children may behave better than mine at times, but I'm not willing to pay the steep prices they are and will pay.

And while I've brought up the topic of tantrums check out this must read article:

Cry for Connection: A Fresh Approach to Tantrums

Now my daughter had a meltdown while I was writing this very blog post. I tried giving her affection, but that wasn't what she needed. So I took her to our bed, shared a snack and a picture book with her and she calmed down. At the moment she is nursing because the snack was homemade rice crackers and almond butter, as in very dry. I find that she is very logical and tries very hard. She gets hurt, confused and frustrated. I don't think of her tantrums as her trying to get her way, I think of them as her trying to cope. I let her express her feelings, and I try to comfort her. It has nothing to do with her getting her way. I don't understand why this whole my child has to learn they can't get their way is so important. Sometimes she can have what she desires and sometimes she can't. But her emotions are always ok. She can always find love, safety and acceptance with me. For me that makes it all worth it.

Finally...

I've made a good flaky biscuit. I used my usual baking powder biscuits recipe, but took the tips from this recipe and article: Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits and How to Make Flaky, Buttery Biscuits

My biscuits turned out amazing.

What I did:

• I thinly sliced the butter, using about a quarter cup.


• I separated each slice and then tossed them in the flour mixture.


• I added a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in addition to my baking powder.


• I used sour heavy cream and milk instead of buttermilk. I'll use buttermilk next time, but sour milk and buttermilk are interchangeable.


• Here is the best tip of all, fold your dough. Fold it over and over, before rolling it out. That is how you get those delightful layers


• I cooked my biscuits on 400, but I would imagine high heat and then low heat would brown them better. Mine were a little pale on top.

Okay people now go make some amazing biscuits!

An Artist Discovery

I just came upon this artist's work today.

It is so beautiful, inspiring, and even thought provoking.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5899985
http://www.paintingmotherhood.blogspot.com/
http://www.kmberggren.com/index.htm

Now how am I decide which one to buy, her shop is so full of such beautiful paintings....

All of The Things I've Wanted to Blog About...

But never seem to get around to.

I thought the whole "Don't Tase Me Bro" incident was abominable, not amusing.
It inspired this interesting blog

My daughter has been trying to learn to use the potty, and it was really her idea.
When she's at home and naked we have almost total success when we're out and about not so much yet.

If like myself you are resistant to purchasing plastic toys, you may find this helpful:
My daughter has desperately coveted a baby doll of her very own. Fortunately for her I found this site, and subsequently this toy store site. From them I purchased a rubber playground ball and this doll. For now her life is complete ;)

I thought this was a beautiful news story.

I read one news story, can't find the link, that mentioned that it is illegal for youth to run away from home in some states. In fact some of those states have gone so far as to incarnate youth for running away from home. Sick, sick, sick. I had no idea.

I've also learned that recycling in Provo is not that hard, even for us apartment dwellers. Thanks to this helpful blogger, I have been saving my recyclables and have taken them to the drop-off twice now. It's quite easy. It's only a few blocks behind Good Earth.

These bloggers are looking for birth stories.

I found this tutorial very helpful, if only I had found it before my fresh coconut had gone bad.

I adore this magazine I found at the library.

This was a very tasty dish I tried recently.

I wish I was this brilliant on my own, without fabulous blogs like this to help me out.

3 Things I Struggle With:

One. I hate how it feels like there is only one way to be a "Good Mormon", those of us who are unconventional (for Utah), but still keep the commandments are constantly made to feel like we don't belong. I feel perpetually uncomfortable. I have been repeatedly chided for being myself. So now I'm nervous and distrustful. I certainly don't feel safe around my fellow sisters. Fortunately I know that this is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, just some people trying and making mistakes. It still stings though...
I especially struggle with how some of the "Mormons" around these parts will harass the unconventional ones, saying we make the Church look bad. NEWS FLASH: Being a mean and narrow minded person is what really reflects badly on the church. It's not pretty and it's defiantly inappropriate behavior for a disciple of Christ.

Two: I don't like feeling uncomfortable around formula feeders, and it's NOT because they use formula, but because of their bizarre ideas about modesty and animosity towards successful breast feeders. Note: Formula manufacturers that cheat and trick new mothers and their sweet babies out the experience they deserved, deserve our animosity, not fellow mothers.

As a third and final rant why don't more pregnant woman inform themselves. As in read, research, and seek out information. I just don't understand that....
As a by the way, dear readers, I am always happy to help with that. :)