Prayers for the People

I am a rescuer, a fixer. It has been both an incredible blessing in my life, but can also be my downfall when I take on too much. My husband and I have used our passion for helping others to teach our kids to serve. No child is too young to learn compassion towards others. 

When the Indian Ocean tsunami happened in 2004, my husband and I used that as a great opportunity to teach our very young children, then 6, 5, and 2, what it meant to really serve. We talked about the event, in childish terms, then talked about ways we could help. The boys all donated their savings (a total of $20) to send to the aid of the tsunami victims. 

Just like many others in our country, when the September 11th attacks happened, I felt helpless. So desperately I wanted to help, but did not know what to do. We were living in St. George, UT- a long way from New York City. I went to donate blood, but because I was pregnant, I was not allowed. So we made up flyers, put the word out, and gathered as many First Aid items as we could. After a few days of neighbors and friends donating, we took them to the Red Cross to use wherever they were needed. we found a ways to help, even if the items never reached New York. Those of us in the community that felt helpless found a way to reach out and do something. 

Right now, in the wake of the Nepal earthquake that hit a few days ago, I am feeling that same, helpless feeling. There have been times in my life I wanted to be a rescue worker so I could go and help in crisis such as these. This is one of those times. We had even talked about being a family that traveled the world in order to help serve those in need. However, God has laid a different path for me and I am where I need to be. Yet, sometimes I feel like it is not enough. What can I do for the people of Nepal? As I have pondered on this, the thought that comes to mind is to pray. 

Sometimes, praying seems like not enough. However, I have witnessed first hand how prayers of is enough- especially if that is all you can do. 

others lift the ones in need, helping bring them peace, or guiding them to answers. Praying is one of the most powerful forces in this world! Think about it. When we take even a moment to lift someone up in prayer, we are literally talking to God, our creator, and asking Him to bring comfort to one (or more) of His children. Although He can help them anyway, when we ask Him for extra help or comfort on their behalf, He is taking our love, along with His own, and distributing it to those who are hurting. He does this though His angels, be they be heavenly or earthly (you and I). Our love is lifted up to the heavens, magnified to countless degrees, then sent to the soul in need. Perhaps that prayer brings a moment of comfort, or maybe it brings a new idea of how they can help themselves. We may never know. Realize, though, that when you pray, sometimes it is enough!

Today, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I urge you to stop, and take a moment to say a prayer for the people of Nepal, a loved one hurting, or a stranger you saw on the side of the road. Your prayer is an act of love and it may be that exact moment that you pray that the recipient needed your love the most. That is what we are here for- to love one another through this life. Let us love through acts of service, through moments of prayer. 

Praying daily-
Mama Dragon

Do All Things in Love

The first time my children and I decided to argue at their great-grandmother's house, she asked us to leave. I was absolutely shocked, and a little irritated in my grouchy state-of-being. When I asked her why she would have us leave, she said we were welcome to stay in her home as long as we did not argue in any way. It was her home, not ours, therefore it was her rules. She told us how years before, when Grandpa was still alive, they had decided that contention would not be allowed in their home, and the rule still applied, even years after he returned to his heavenly home. "You are welcome to stay here, but if you are going to have contention among you, take it outside." We learned very quickly how serious she was when she walked to the door and opened it. Grandma may only be about five feet tall, but she has more spunk than anyone I know. After that, we avoided arguing anytime we were at her house.

It got me thinking, what about my own home? What do I allow there? What do you do about your own homes? How do you deal with sassy mouths, arguing lips, contentious attitudes? Here are some ideas that have taken me years to learn, develop, and are still far from being perfected but getting there.

- Set the guidelines with your partner. Make sure that disciplinary actions are agreed upon and when one of the parents forget (and they will), the other is willing to kindly remind them of what was decided in the first place.

- Make the guidelines clear to the children. "This is what is expected of you" is not a ridiculous statement. When there are clear cut expectations, children know their boundaries and yours, and they thrive! In my experience, when my husband and I have followed through with rules and discipline actions, there is less rebellion and more peace.

- Wait to throw out punishments. What? Why? This is so very important! When we are in the heat of the moment, we say- and do- things that we absolutely will regret later. When tensions are running high, take a step back, send a child to their room or a corner, or you go to a room or corner, to cool off! Then, when things have calmed down a bit, sit down and (ready for this??) talk to your child! Use statements such as "When you do this ____, I feel _____." Encourage them to do the same. Communication is the saving grace to all relationships (along with forgiveness and trust). It is amazing how naturally trust and forgiveness come along when there is communication put into place first. The punishments cannot always be decided beforehand, but sometimes can be. However, decisions need to be made in advance on certain methods of discipline, such as: will we spank a child, washing mouths out with soap, time-out corners, etc.

- Be consistent. This can be a tough one at times. When the kids are screaming they want a cookie and you have already told them "no" at least five times, don't you just want to give it to them to have them stop fussing? I have given into the temper tantrums more times then I care to admit. However, I learned that the more I give in, the more I am breaking those boundaries we worked so hard to establish, and the more disrespect I am welcoming into the home. Consistency is another key to the success of a functioning home. If you have a rule that there are no snacks within an hour of dinner, stick to that rule. If there is a rule that says no tv until all homework and chores are done, then follow through with that. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being consistent in how you run your household. When you are feeling a bit tired, lazy, or busy, remind yourself that spending that extra ounce of energy to stand firm in your decisions benefits everyone in the long run. You've got this! Say no and maybe once in a while, when they are least expecting it, say yes, not because they are crying about it, but because it is a nice surprise when they are being so good.

- Whatsoever ye do, do all things in love. My kids have been through some very difficult challenges, some no one knows about except their dad and I. When they are grown (which is happening way too fast with our eldest graduating next month!) and they look back on their lives, I want them to recognize that although there were tough roads to go down, although there were challenges we never desired them to go through, above all, we did all things out of love. There have been more than dozens of occasions where people question our decisions in moving, or educating, or job changes. We have been questioned more often out of anger and irritation than care and understanding, which is too bad. What they have very rarely asked us to share is our why. Had they only asked, we would have shared. When all is said and done, the reasons we do what we do, is out of love- love for each other, love for our children, but most important, love for our Father in Heaven and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We strive diligently to live our very best lives, to walk and talk as the Savior would. We are far from perfect, oh yes we are, but we never give up. We fight the good fight and will fight to the finish. We only have one life to live, one chance to make our mark on this world. By taking the contention outside, and leaving it outside our homes, it is a great starting point for the greatness that awaits! When we get rid of the negative energy, we have room to fill up that space with love and light! How much more beautiful life will be when we choose to do all things in LOVE!

Loving Life-

Mama Dragon

Tui's Treasures

Tui was my buddy, my friend. I had many opportunities to hold him, read him a story, and rock him to sleep. My favorite memories with Tui are laughing with him. His laugh was so contagious! One month and two days ago, Tui left this world to join his Heavenly Father. It has been heartbreaking to say the least, as all of us who knew this little boy wonder miss him terribly.

To celebrate Tui's life, his parents have set up a really wonderful opportunity to share his favorite things- SUPERHEROES! You can go onto Tui's Facebook page, print out the labels with his story, then attach it to a toy. Take the toy and hide it anywhere where a child can find it. This can be at a park, while you are hiking, in a restroom at an airport- it does not matter. Just place the item there for someone to find. They will then be able to read about Tui and his laugh and life and memory will be passed on. Then, they can pay it forward by doing the same thing. It is a gift that keeps on giving. 

Join us in celebrating this little boy's life. He may be an angel now, but his impact will be forever felt here on earth. We love you, Tui! 

Celebrating Tui-
Mama Dragon

More Than Meals

Many times over the past couple of years, I have had friends wanting me to blog about menu planing, freezer meals, share recipes, etc. Since this blog is about defending and fortifying our homes, I feel like these requests can be granted here. One of the privileges of being a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) is to be a homemaker- literally to make my house a home. For me, this is partly done by doing what I can to cut down costs of living, and that includes menu planning and making meals from scratch. My favorite part about this is that I do it out of love for my family. 

Recently, I taught a class on menu planning and today I am going to post my notes here. Since I am not a techie guru, sharing documents on a blog is a bit foreign to me. However, I will certainly do my best to also post some of these items in printable formats.

NOTES

Budget & Shopping
- Stop overthinking! This is easier than you think and you really can feed a family on a budget- even without couponing! We feed a family of 6 on $200/month. That includes all three meals and snacks.
- Shopping no more than once a week saves on the budget. If you can get it down to 1 or 2 times per month, that is best.
- Shop according to the ads and when there are bargains, stock up where you can.
- For healthier eating, shop on the outside of the store and avoid the aisles.
- Canning your own food not only saves money, it helps with healthier meals and saves trips to the store!
- Bountiful Baskets Coop- $15/basket but there is never a guarantee for what you will receive. If you choose to participate in this, make sure you plan flexible meals. This is easiest for side dishes and veggies. Can get extra food items as well. I will do a post on this at a later date. 

Organizing & Time:
- When typing a menu, pick a font you like. Seriously. If you are disgusted when you look at it, then you are not going to want to make food.
- A month of planning takes 2 hours maximum of my time. Usually it's closer to an hour. This includes writing out the items needed to buy for meals. (Ok, for March it took me a little longer. I think I got TOO into it!)
- Having a movable meals option makes it easier for weeks that might not go as planned. I use a magnetic white board with movable magnets: 

It was really easy to make these menu magnets. I just printed out the menu items (I am up to 60 dinners now. I started with 30.) I then cute them out, used a glue stick to tack them on paper I liked, then used a cut up magnet and attached it to the back with hot glue. I made a little pocket for dinner items (and later the breakfast items) by cutting, folding and gluing coordinating paper. . When I need to switch out the menu, I take it off my board, dump the items on the counter, and pick something! 

   

- Cook for the seasons! Crock pot meals, soups, chiles, casseroles in the fall/winter. Pastas, salads, veggie trays, and sandwiches in the spring/summer!
- Have themes: Souper Sunday- Tomato soup and grilled cheese, Marvelous Mondays- Shepherd's pie, Taco Tuesday- tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Although I do not always do themes, it saves my sanity when I am planning!

Food:
- Plan/buy in season (I will post below. For a cute printable, check out Living Richly on a Budget.)
- To make your produce last longer, do a wash on it when you get home. Fill your sink with cold water. Add ½ cup vinegar. Soak for 10 minutes then air dry. I have found my produce to last about 3 times longer than usual. Note: I have done all produce except bananas. 

- Bulk does not always mean more frugal. Price compare!
- Be willing to do a little bit of work. (Ex: Cook and de-bone a whole chicken to get broth and chicken for multiple meals.)

- Use homemade mixes! For example: biscuit mix (I use the extension printout.) & instant oatmeal packets save time and money.
- Buy meat in bulk and divide it between meals. Cut up your own roast for stew meat. Section out your own ground beef for casseroles or burgers.

- Our monthly meal planning always includes a new menu item. This gets kids used to trying new foods. We give them two choices for dinner: Eat it or be hungry. (They usually eat.)

Summary: 
Menu planning is very helpful in saving time and money. Feel free to ask me questions about planning. I will do another post on freezer meals at a later date. 

Grocery Sale Cycles

January
National Oatmeal Month: QuakerDiet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, YogurtSuper Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, WingsSeasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, SpinachClearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins

February
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, SalmonNational Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, SyrupValentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etcChinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water ChestnutsSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach

March
Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, PizzaSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine

April
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake MixEarth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable TotesSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, RhubarbClearance: After Easter sales

May

Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad GreensPaper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, SunscreenCinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillasSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries

June

National Dairy Month: Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool WhipEnd of June is Fourth or July Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, DipsSeasonal Produce: Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes, Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Tomatoes, Watermelon

July
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, DipsEnd of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersSeasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August
Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, LunchboxesDisinfectant: Clorox, PurellClearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, CharcoalSeasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomato

September
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersDiabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna CerealSeasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Winter SquashBaby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety

October
Halloween: Candy, Fresh PumpkinBeginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking ChipsDaylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke DetectorsNational Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, PurinaSeasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams

November
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake MixesCanned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceThanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, MarshmallowsSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, YamsClearance: After Halloween Sales

December
Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, HamBaking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped creamCanned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales

Mama Dragon

I am a Mama Dragon. Throughout history, we learn of the mythical creatures that many deem as invaluable or unlovable. I believe differently. I believe there is good in all of us, that we each have value. While I will not pretend to be a dragon expert, because I certainly am not, I do know a few things about these creatures of fantasy, which I will share below. The scripture and idea for a website about being a Mama Dragon was inspired when I took a class from Dr. Maurice Harker in 2013. He is a therapist that not only knows how to combat addiction, but is also an expert at understanding the war strategies of Satan, who of course, wants to destroy all of those following our Heavenly Father. Dr. Harker shared the chosen scripture and also talked about the "Mama Bear" qualities that are of a divine nature in women. We are protectors of our children. We are nurturers. We will do what it takes to protect our families. 

 

What I Believe About Dragons-

Dragons are real. As a practicing Christian, I believe that indeed, dragons are real. If they are currently extinct, that means they lived at one time. The scriptures refer to them multiple times. Many cultures celebrate dragons, including my own Welsh ancestry. I can comfortably say that in my opinion, dragons are real. I remember an episode of Little House on the Prairie where Mr. Ingalls explains to some children that lizards are baby dragons. I love this idea! Do I believe that dragons flew around, lighting everything on fire when they were angry? Not really. What I do think is that the mother dragons would do anything, anything, to protect their young. Aren't most mothers that way in general?

Dragon Kids

Dragons are courageous. I have some dear friends who are undergoing challenges with one of their children that, to me, seems more difficult than any other parenting challenge I have ever heard of. Because of the difficulties with their son, they will have to put him in the care of the state so he can get the help that he needs. I have sat and wept with the mother, who loves her son so much that she would do anything to protect him, as well as her other children- even to the point of letting him go. Isn't she an admirable mother dragon? She is doing whatever it takes to make sure all of her children are taken care of. She is exercising faith and courage. That is the quality of a true Mother Dragon!

My youngest dragon and I

Dragons have integrity. In the story of King Solomon, he has to decide which of two acclaimed mothers gets custody of a baby. Each has their own story. Although he knows which one is truth, he wants to give these women the opportunity to let their integrity shine. King Solomon then says he will have the child cut in two, giving each mother half of the baby. The impersonated mother agrees to having the child killed. The real mother, of course, cries out to allow the other woman to keep the child, in order to protect him! Who is the mama dragon? The real mother, of course! She showed strength and integrity in a time of crisis- admirable qualities of a Mama Dragon. 

This blog will not be about protecting our families in the "I'm a packin' mama" sense (although that could be a delightful post). It will be filled with ideas of how to make a house a home through projects and creations. We (because you are a part of this journey) will share ideas on simplifying life through menu planning, chore charts, and the like. We will discuss parenting skills: teaching children responsibility but also finding time for fun. We will share ways to uplift and inspire within the walls of our home. Send us your stories, your experiences. Join us here as we teach principles of becoming a Mama Dragon and fortifying your home with service, courage, integrity, and love.

Courageously fighting-

Mama Dragon

Notes of Service

How often are we recipients of service and we just do not realize it? How often do we do things for others that go unnoticed and allow ourselves to feel down because of it? If we kept track of both giving and receiving service, how would it make us feel? Let's do an experiment, shall we?

I came across this cute notebook a few months ago at a bookstore and purchased it.... for only $2.99!

Youth Journal from Deseret Book

As an experiment, my family is keeping track of outgoing and incoming services this year. On one side of the opened book, we write services rendered and the other side, we right services received. Everything is dated. It will be fun to look back in a few months and see how service (which is love) has filled our lives.

To keep a journal of service this way makes this Mama Dragon happy; not to sit down and say, "We are super cool for helping out lots of people" but to sit down and have a tangible list of some of the love in our lives.

Serving 'cuz we love it-

Mama Dragon

Compassionately Yours

Last week, I was in line at Smith's and heard the cashier ask the customer in front of me if she wanted to donate to Primary Children's Hospital. Without hesitation, this young mother of maybe 30 said, "Yes. How about $20." I immediately choked up and could not even talk. After about a minute had passed, and she was about to leave, I touched her arm and said, "Thank you. I can barely talk right now. I want to tell you thank you for your donation. It really matters." The customer as well as the cashier both got choked up. She expressed a "you're welcome" and I explained that I belong to a heart family and there are many children in our heart family that are at that hospital everyday. I told her about Owen and what a warrior he is, just as one example. She gave me a hug as the cashier reached over to clasp my hand, an offer of compassion. A bit teary-eyed, the customer said to us, "You never know if something like this makes a difference and here is a real life example of making it a difference. Thank you. And I wish your little friend well." Oh what a tough world we belong to, but what a great one, because we have the opportunity to share compassion with so many! My heart shall not weep when there is so much love. May we pay it forward to the next soul in need.

Compassionately Yours, 

Mama Dragon