Visiting Friends

I had the joy of spending a weekend away with some friends. We stayed at another friends house and it was wonderful. My friend knows how to prepare for house guests and made sure that we had everything we needed while we were there. The beds were made with soft sheets, the bathrooms were stocked and the kitchen had plenty of water and snacks so we could just grab something whenever we felt the need instead of asking her for things. The first thing she did when we got there was give us the tour and show us where we … Continue reading

Visiting Teaching Guidelines

Did you know that the visiting teaching guidelines changed a bit with the new leadership handbook that was written not too long ago? My Mom was recently visiting me, and she told me about some changes that had been made. I didn’t really know what she was talking about, but then she pulled out my March Ensign and showed me this article. The biggest change? Ministering. It used to be that we were caught up with numbers. We had to report numbers to the Relief Society president or visiting teaching coordinator and let them know how many of our sisters … Continue reading

October Visiting Teaching

Tonight I’m going to visit some of the women in my ward for visiting teaching, and decided to sit down and read the message for this month, titled, If we do not doubt. Sister Beck speaks of the importance for the women of the church to keep our covenants, and not doubt, and then in turn, the promise is made to us that those around us will not doubt either. I love this paragraph in particular, “When we honor our covenants, Heavenly Father can prepare the way for us. We are to live our covenants with precision. We can, for … Continue reading

Visiting and Helping an Animal Shelter

We love animals. My daughter would like a dog, but I think that we are full at the moment. With fish, two pet rats, and four – ack! – cats, the ark is definitely not taking any more animals at the moment. She would also like to be a vet (and a sushi chef, and a doctor, and a …). She likes to pretend that she is rescuing animals. If you have a child who also loves animals, visiting or helping an animal shelter or rescue center is one way to encourage their interest. If you can visit the shelter … Continue reading

Things I Love About Visiting Teaching

Visiting teaching is such a blessing in so many different ways. Although it can be difficult to set up the appointments or to schedule a time to receive your visits, there are so many benefits when you do make the time. Here are my five favorite aspects of visiting teaching. First I love the friendships that happen as a result of visiting teaching. I have made friends with those who visit me, and the sisters that I visit. The great thing about this is that often I would not reach out to these sisters on my own, because they are … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: June 2008

June was my first official month posting for the Baby Blog. It has been a great experience. I love learning new things about babies and sharing it with friends. Of course, I could use your help. Whether you are a first-time mom or an experienced mom of a large family, I want to hear from you. Please share your advice, your questions and your comments. On which topics would you like to see more blogs? Meanwhile, take a look at all of the articles we had in June. June 2nd Introducing Babies to Birds Perhaps it is the fact that … Continue reading

Relief Society: Visiting Teaching Less Active Sisters

Visiting teaching is one of the most important functions of Relief Society. It allows friendships to be built, but it is also a system for the president to be sure that individual needs are being met. It fosters close ties and makes it easy for people to reach out and offer service to those around them. If you are visiting teaching a less active member you may need to treat the visits differently. First it is important to follow the sister’s lead. She may not be comfortable with a gospel message, but be open to visits on a regular basis. … Continue reading

Meet a Families.com Blogger – Kori Rodley Irons!

Today I am joined by one of our most prolific bloggers here on Families.com, Kori Rodley Irons. Kori, thanks for visiting with me today. How long have you blogged for Families.com? Since December of 2006, 1 year and 3 months, I suppose. What topics do you blog about? Parenting, Single Parenting and Home Business. What is your favorite thing about blogging for Families.com? I enjoy the discussions and comments, and the fact that we touch on so many different subjects and interests here. What do you like to do when you’re not blogging? I work a lot! When I am … Continue reading

Blogging: An unconventional writing curriculum

A recent conversation between my two oldest girls: “What are you going to write about on your blog today?” “I’m going to post my story about the purple penguin.” “Cool! I’m going to list some of my favorite books. Do you think you’ll get any comments?” “I hope so. I love it when Daddy leaves me a comment.” “Me, too!” Our “living is learning” lifestyle incorporates a lot of real life and everyday activities as part of our curriculum. Andrea wrote about exactly this kind of thing here and here. When you homeschool, it just makes good sense to “count” … Continue reading

Getting a Good Deal Locally by Bartering with Friends

I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. Always. This includes when visiting with friends, or at the various clubs, meetings, and activities my children attend. All of these people are potential bartering partners. It can take pushing aside your shyness or natural privacy instinct to get bartering going, but it’s well worth it! We have an informal group that looks out for each other. Nothing in writing, no rules like the barter exchanges that are businesses. Instead we are friends who realize that everyone has something to offer. One of my friends sells honey as a side business. … Continue reading