A Joy Full Home

Christmas Letter

2012-01-03T19:58:00.001-08:00

Campbell Family - May 2011

December 4, 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

This Christmas we just wanted to let you know how thankful we are for the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this year, we are so thankful for the steadiness of the church, and the foundation that we have. The world is going through tumultuous times, and we are seeing difficulties on every side. But all of the fury of the storms around seem to fade away as we focus on the town of Bethlehem and on the quiet of the stable, and on the wonder of the baby boy who had just been born.

This year has been very eventful for our family, with two big vacations, one to California and one to Mexico, which for many of the children, was their first time out of the United States.

Joe had viral meningitis, the worst illness he has ever had, he promised never to get it again! He has worked with EMI Health (formerly Educators Mutual) in Salt Lake for 17 years. He finally got to see the Grand Canyon!

Julie started a licensed, at home preschool, Alphabet Adventures. She still teaches La Leche League Mtgs. (breastfeeding) and Nursery with Joe. She celebrated her 20th High School Reunion this past summer. Hannah, 13, is still attending the advanced PUPs program in Eighth Grade at Provo High School. She is learning Russian, was accepted into the High School play, and is on the Junior Team of Ballroom Dance.

Rebekah, 11, is in Sixth Grade and an artist! She won awards in Art and Photography in Reflections. She also had a Harry Potter birthday celebration, re-did with the extended families at Halloween this year.

Jonathan, 8, is in Third Grade and got baptized this year! He also started Cub Scouts and got eye glasses.

Susannah, 4, is doing very well, and often reads, yes really reads the words, of books to her little sister Eva. She has done very well reading the scriptures on her own as well. She loves all things Princess.

Eva, 18 months, is more a little person than a baby day by day. She says many fun things, learns new words daily, and is also the first to volunteer to pray. One of her favorite expressions is "read-it!" She loves to read books with Dad each night.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love,

The Campbells

P.S. For more family happenings, see www.julieandjoesblog.blogspot.com or www.alphabetadventures1.blogspot.com

This Christmas Could Change Your Life

2011-12-20T23:22:00.000-08:00

LIFEadvice: How this Christmas could change your life

By Kimberly Giles, ksl.com Contributor

December 20th, 2011 @ 8:33pm

The Christmas season always encourages more loving thoughts – at least for a few weeks. I’d like to share an idea that might make your “Christmas attitude change” last a little longer.

I encourage you to take a closer look at the story of Christ’s birth this year. Even if you are not religious, there was an important message delivered that night in Bethlehem, which you may have missed.

The moment Christ was born the angels appeared to shepherds watching their flocks by night. The angels delivered this often overlooked message of Christmas in the first two words they said.

They said, “Fear not… For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

What you may have missed are these words: “Fear not.”

It is only when you have no fear that the best you can show up. Love happens when you stop worrying about proving your value and focus on edifying others instead.

I used to think the angels said “Fear not” because the appearance of Heavenly personages may have startled the poor shepherds and they were worried about frightening them — but now I think the words have deeper meaning.

Our journey through mortality is a scary endeavor. Before the Savior's birth and subsequent sacrifice on the cross, it was also a journey without hope. We had no hope of returning to live with God. Life was a testing center and even one mistake meant failing the test.

We had much to fear.

The angels, because they understood this concept, knew that Christ’s birth marked the end of that fear. Mankind was now safe. Christ and his sacrifice would change life from a testing center into a classroom. Now we could approach life without the fear of failing.

Think about what that means.

How would your life be different if you had no fear?

Because of Christ, your journey is now a safe one. When you make a mistake (which happens daily), you can repent and try again. You can keep repenting, trying, learning and growing throughout your life with no fear about not making the grade. Your life is a classroom.

Now, you can focus on the lessons each experience is here to teach you and know your value is not on the line. You have nothing to fear about not being good enough. You are good enough right now, through Christ.

Whew.

Even if you don't believe in Jesus Christ, this can completely change your attitude toward every part of your life because, as it is, you spend way too much time worrying about not being good enough.

All of your immature or selfish behavior is tied to this fear. This fear is the reason you lose your temper, say unkind things or decide to protect yourself instead of serving someone else. Fear is involved in all of your problems.

When you are afraid you’re not good enough, your focus is on you. You are worried about getting love and validation. This insecurity is a selfish place to live from. In this state you cannot build healthy relationships because you can’t really focus on other people.

If your marriage is struggling, fear is most likely the problem. Both parties may be focused on getting love instead of giving it. If your marriage is drowning in fear, there can be no love.

You cannot have love and fear at the same time. They are opposites. You can either feel scared and focus on you, or you can feel safe and focus on others. It’s an either/or situation.

Who do you want to be? A scared person or a loving one?

It is only when you have no fear that the best you can show up. In a state of no fear, you can genuinely love and serve other people. Love happens when you stop worrying about proving your value and focus on edifying others instead.

My wish for you this Christmas is that you will accept Christ and do as the angels said and “fear not.”

Go forward into this New Year with confidence and peace. You have nothing to fear.

Your value is infinite and absolute. You don’t need attention or validation from others. You know who you are. Focus on giving love and validation to others and edify people wherever you go instead.

Stop trying to earn your value through your appearance, your work or the things you own. These are not who you are. Focus on being the love in every room instead. Your love for other people is who you are.

Everywhere you go, look for opportunities for random acts of kindness. Make this year the year you lead with love. Let this Christmas message change your attitude all year long.

This one change could change your life.

Merry Christmas.

Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of www.ldslifecoaching.com and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach and speaker. Watch her LIFEadvice segments on KSL TV Monday mornings at 6:15am

Oh, Blog! I've been Neglecting You...

2011-12-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is so easy to get hung up on everything else that has been going on--I forget to focus on the truly important things in my life. I had a chance to look through some pictures...and I missed the extended Blog2Print sale. (I am three years behind in printing out our family blog). It did get me looking back at this past year and wonder where it all went and how Baby and the Kiddos grew up so fast!?

Favorite picture from last Christmas:

"Say, who is this fat man in red and why is he holding me!?..." 2011 Update "Get me off this strange man, Daddy!" "Oh, and Santa--I want a playhouse and a baby doll and..." (Shy Princess isn't shy this year) And brother had all kinds of requests...like a self-portrait of Santa put in his room, along with a few small gifts (put in his room-NOT by the fireplace, Lego Heroes, etc.)

Mom, You Got it all Wrong!

2011-12-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

"Mom, you got it all wrong! These flip flops are perfect for winter! I just went outside and checked it out, "says Princess (in her almost five but thinks she's twenty-five voice). There you have it folks. Parents--YOU ARE WRONG! Flip flops are perfectly acceptable in the Rocky Mountains in mid December in below freezing temperatures but with no snow, especially--if they match a headband and flower bag...

What Your Teenager Asked Me to Tell You

2011-12-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

What your teenagers asked me to tell you

By Brandon Comstock, ksl.com contributor

December 16th, 2011 @ 10:53am

Let There Be Christmas!

2011-12-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Anonymous donors pay strangers' layaway accounts

By Margery A. Beck, Associated Press

December 16th, 2011 @ 9:34am

Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The young father stood in line at the Kmart layaway counter, wearing dirty clothes and worn-out boots. With him were three small children.

He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn't be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter.

"She told him, `No, I'm paying for it,'" recalled Edna Deppe, assistant manager at the store in Indianapolis. "He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if it was a joke. I told him it wasn't, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears."

At Kmart stores across the country, Santa is getting some help: Anonymous donors are paying off strangers' layaway accounts, buying the Christmas gifts other families couldn't afford, especially toys and children's clothes set aside by impoverished parents.

Before she left the store Tuesday evening, the Indianapolis woman in her mid-40s had paid the layaway orders for as many as 50 people. On the way out, she handed out $50 bills and paid for two carts of toys for a woman in line at the cash register.

"She was doing it in the memory of her husband who had just died, and she said she wasn't going to be able to spend it and wanted to make people happy with it," Deppe said. The woman did not identify herself and only asked people to "remember Ben," an apparent reference to her husband.

Deppe, who said she's worked in retail for 40 years, had never seen anything like it.

"It was like an angel fell out of the sky and appeared in our store," she said.

Most of the donors have done their giving secretly.

Dona Bremser, an Omaha nurse, was at work when a Kmart employee called to tell her that someone had paid off the $70 balance of her layaway account, which held nearly $200 in toys for her 4-year-old son.

"I was speechless," Bremser said. "It made me believe in Christmas again."

Dozens of other customers have received similar calls in Nebraska, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana and Montana.

The benefactors generally ask to help families who are squirreling away items for young children. They often pay a portion of the balance, usually all but a few dollars or cents so the layaway order stays in the store's system.

The phenomenon seems to have begun in Michigan before spreading, Kmart executives said.

"It is honestly being driven by people wanting to do a good deed at this time of the year," said Salima Yala, Kmart's division vice president for layaway.

The good Samaritans seem to be visiting mainly Kmart stores, though a Wal-Mart spokesman said a few of his stores in Joplin, Mo., and Chicago have also seen some layaway accounts paid off.

Kmart representatives say they did nothing to instigate the secret Santas or spread word of the generosity. But it's happening as the company struggles to compete with chains such as Wal-Mart and Target.

Kmart may be the focus of layaway generosity, Yala said, because it is one of the few large discount stores that has offered layaway year-round for about four decades. Under the program, customers can make purchases but let the store hold onto their merchandise as they pay it off slowly over several weeks.

The sad memories of layaways lost prompted at least one good Samaritan to pay off the accounts of five people at an Omaha Kmart, said Karl Graff, the store's assistant manager.

"She told me that when she was younger, her mom used to set up things on layaway at Kmart, but they rarely were able to pay them off because they just didn't have the money for it," Graff said.

He called a woman who had been helped, "and she broke down in tears on the phone with me. She wasn't sure she was going to be able to pay off their layaway and was afraid their kids weren't going to have anything for Christmas."

"You know, 50 bucks may not sound like a lot, but I tell you what, at the right time, it may as well be a million dollars for some people," Graff said.

Graff's store alone has seen about a dozen layaway accounts paid off in the last 10 days, with the donors paying $50 to $250 on each account.

"To be honest, in retail, it's easy to get cynical about the holidays, because you're kind of grinding it out when everybody else is having family time," Graff said. "It's really encouraging to see this side of Christmas again."

Lori Stearnes of Omaha also benefited from the generosity of a stranger who paid all but $58 of her $250 layaway bill for toys for her four youngest grandchildren.

Stearnes said she and her husband live paycheck to paycheck, but she plans to use the money she was saving for the toys to help pay for someone else's layaway.

In Missoula, Mont., a man spent more than $1,200 to pay down the balances of six customers whose layaway orders were about to be returned to a Kmart store's inventory because of late payments.

Store employees reached one beneficiary on her cellphone at Seattle Children's Hospital, where her son was being treated for an undisclosed illness.

"She was yelling at the nurses, `We're going to have Christmas after all!'" store manager Josine Murrin said.

A Kmart in Plainfield Township, Mich., called Roberta Carter last week to let her know a man had paid all but 40 cents of her $60 layaway.

Carter, a mother of eight from Grand Rapids, Mich., said she cried upon hearing the news. She and her family have been struggling as she seeks a full-time job.

"My kids will have clothes for Christmas," she said.

Angie Torres, a stay-at-home mother of four children under the age of 8, was in the Indianapolis Kmart on Tuesday to make a payment on her layaway bill when she learned the woman next to her was paying off her account.

"I started to cry. I couldn't believe it," said Torres, who doubted she would have been able to pay off the balance. "I was in disbelief. I hugged her and gave her a kiss."

___

Associated Press writers Michael J. Crumb in Des Moines, Iowa; Matt Volz, in Helena, Mont.; and Jeff Karoub in Detroit contributed to this report.

Found this Funny--(Don't Take it too Seriously)

2011-12-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Prospective student asks about USU's 'Mormon problem'

Published: Thursday, November 3, 2005

Updated: Monday, August 9, 2010 14:08

Editor's note: This is an actual letter that was sent to a Statesman editor. It is printed below exactly as it originally appeared. Following the letter are some of the statements two of our columnists responded with.

Hi, I am a student looking at Utah State University as my college of choice. Right now I am a senior in highschool. I am looking into a major in engineering. I have visited the college and I love the campus, but my main concern is something you cant exactly take a tour of ... Mormons! I live in a very Mormon town in Idaho. I am not Mormon my self. I personally do not care for them, and sometimes get very annoyed at their goodie-goodie ness. Maybe you could answer a couple questions about USU? Please understand I am not trying to offend anyone, I just want some straight answers. I have heard USU is a second BYU Provo, is this true? On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is the most) how 'Mormon' is the student body? What is the party life like? Are the parties ever very big? Are any of the frats considered wild? What is underage drinking like? Are Mormons in your face all the time? Are you going to get weird looks on campus if you are doing something Mormons wouldn't agree with? eg a short skirt on a girl. What are the ladies like - be honest, are they typical stuck-up Mormon daddies girls? Do girls try to pressure you into getting married, should one date a Mormon girl? Are there any big rivalries in football/soccer or other sports? I don't play to major in partying, I just want to have the old college experience of attending my fair share of parties, and getting plenty drunk along the way. Thanks, Steve ps I got your email through a google search, i'm not a stalker or anything.

Steve: We think you've touched on some very important issues. Mormons, as a whole, are a huge concern around thse parts. Check the nooks. Check the crannies. Check under every rock in the riverbed. There are Mormons there. They are everywhere. You cannot escape them. To answer your questions ...

I have heard USU is a second BYU Provo, is this true?

• Sadly. No. USU is the first BYU Provo. Founded by Wilford Woodruff in the late 1890s, USU is funded entirely by a Mormon polygamist splinter faction. Besides, we're actually more like BYU-Hawaii, only replace the beaches of golden sand and clear water with a valley filled with fog, smog and trog and replace the the BY with US.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 is the most) how 'Mormon' is the student body?

• The hot Mormons usually rank around a 10. The ones with "sweet spirits" are usually more around a 2 or a 3. We usually add an extra point if she has red hair but that's just us. That's the coolest thing about USU; we let you come up with your own system to rank other students' Mormon bodies.

What is the party life like?

• There are plenty of opportunities to "cut loose" and a "have a good time" while remembering who you are, choosing the right and returning with honor. Still, ever seen "Animal House?" Ever seen "Johnny Lingo?" It's pretty much a cross between the two.

Are the parties ever very big?

• No one rocks harder than God.

Are any of the frats considered wild?

• Nah, they used to be but they started coming closer and closer to town, and folks started feeding them people food. Now they can't fend for themselves in the wild. It's kinda sad but we are setting up a reserve for them.

What is underage drinking like?

• A lot like drinking when you're of age, only illegal. It's also like driving when you're fourteen. You think you're cool, but every one older thinks you're a dork.

Are Mormons in your face all the time?

• As a non-Mormon, you will probably have to fight a few off. But don't worry, they're generally not physically strong and can be taken down with a simple punch to the throat, or kick to the groin. Also, holy water and garlic can fend most of them off.

Are you going to get weird looks on campus if you are doing something Mormons wouldn't agree with? eg a short skirt

• Steve, we don't care where are in the world. You shouldn't be wearing a short skirt. Come on man. You're better than that.

What are the ladies like - be honest, are they typical stuck-up Mormon daddies girls?

• Some girls come from polygamist households, which can result in the most serious of daddy issues. But the remainder of ladies (Mormon or not) ... that's a subject we are experts on. The ladies talk a lot. We're not sure about what. We also know they smell better than guys, have curves where we don't and get lost easily. They usually have soft hands.

Do girls try to pressure you into getting married, should one date a Mormon girl?

• Don't you watch sitcoms or read the funnies? Women are always tyring to get you to marry them. This is just part of life you're gonna need to get used to. Once chicks graduate high school they instantly begin looking for the ring. They that their hotness only lasts for so long and are looking to wrap you in while they can.

Are there any big rivalries in football/soccer or other sports?

• Football and soccer hate each other. It dates back hundreds of years to the time when what we call football s ole the name from what we now call soccer. Soccer's been pissed about it ever since. As for other sports: hockey hates basketball, wrestling hates boxing and lacrosse pretty much hates everyobdy else. What's with the off topic questions? Let's stick to stuff about USU.

As far as not wanting to major in partying, you should major in Spanish and minor in partying. And keep in mind your "fair share" of parties is two. Anymore than that and you're just being greedy.

Good luck, Steve, and godspeed.

Aaron Falk and Steve Shinney are both editors and columnists at the Utah Statesman. Comments, as well your own responses to Steve, can be sent to acf@cc.usu.edu, steveshinney@cc.usu.edu.

Artuist Girls Win at Reflections Contest

2011-11-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

Artist Girl at the recent PTA Reflections Contest 2011 Assembly.

(Yes, that is a food bribe in the babies mouth--long assembly)

Self Portrait by Artist Girl

2011-11-15T23:08:00.001-08:00

We have been weathering one sickness after another around here since I "tricked" on Halloween with walking pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Stomach bug has brought more unpleasantness. 6 down so far, 1 to go. Artist girl has not and claims she will not fall victim to the bug. She has been working on the above self-portrait sketch. What do you think? (She is 11)

10 Ways Moms Can Boost Self-Confidence

2011-11-10T20:51:00.001-08:00

10 ways moms can boost self-confidence

By Tequitia Andrews, ksl.com contributor

November 9th, 2011 @ 7:33pm

Page 2: Motherhood Matters

Facebook: Motherhood Matters

SALT LAKE CITY -- Being a mom is hard work. And, unfortunately, moms are their own harshest critics. Feelings of inadequacy or attempting to keep up with societal demands can lead to depression and low self-worth. By incorporating a few new habits and developing a different perspective, moms can feel more confident — and enjoy the journey.

1. Dress the Part

Mom and frumpy does not have to be synonomous. While it isn't necessary to get a total makeover, it is a good idea to take a little pride in your appearance.

2. Eat Healthy and Exercise

A poor diet and lack of physical activity can put a strain on the body and your mood. Moms who eat healthy and exercise regularly feel and look better.

3. Ignore the "Joneses"

Constantly comparing yourself to others can lead to depression and feelings of inadequacies. Make realistic goals for your family based on your circumstances and needs.

4. Create a Mantra

Find a quote, scripture or affirmative statement that embodies how you want to be. Look at it or repeat it in your mind every time you feel inadequate. What we think about ourselves can have a positive or negative affect on how we live. Think confidently, live confidently.

5. Celebrate Your Successes

No matter how small the success may be, celebrate. It's easy to dwell on how much of the to-do list is still left undone. Instead, celebrate the accomplishments that you have achieved.

6. Focus on Your Strengths

As in number 5, it's easy to get caught up in your weaknesses. Focus on what you're good at and pace yourself to improve in the areas you're not. Don't beat yourself up over it. Accept who and where you are.

7. Pursue Personal Interests

Take some time during the week to do something for you. It can be taking a class, reading a book or a hobby.

8. Help Others

No doubt about it, helping others feels good. It also takes the focus off ourselves and our perceived inadequacies.

9. Avoid Negativity

Avoid negative people and negative media that foster feelings of inadequacy. Surround yourself with people and media that are uplifting, inspiring and encouraging.

10. Enjoy Life

Enjoy your family and everyday that you have together. Seek out opportunities to have fun and create meaningful memories.

Tequitia Andrews has written about parenting and family issues for several newspapers, magazines and websites.

Disaster Supply Car Kit

2011-11-06T21:43:00.001-08:00

How to make a disaster supply car kit

By The Provident Princess, ksl.com contributor

November 6th, 2011 @ 9:49am

10 Comments

Post or read comments

SALT LAKE CITY -- The probability of a disaster happening while you are away from home is very high. So an important component of any emergency preparedness plan would include having a well-stocked car.

There are also times when you may need to evacuate or be stranded in your car. Having your car stocked to help you survive will give you a lot more peace of mind and help you stay calm and focus on the important things in these situations.

Prepare your car now by keeping your gas tank above half-full, always check the weather and road conditions before a trip and keep up on your car's maintenance.

Since you may not be at home and may not have the chance to go back and get your disaster supplies kits (72-hour kits or grab bags), you will want to keep a smaller version in the trunks of each of your cars.

Car Kits might include:

First aid kit and manual

Flashlight and extra batteries

Cellphone, charger

Roadside assistance card

Portable radio and extra batteries

Fire extinguisher (five-pound ABC type)

Extra fuses

List of important phone numbers (local and out-of-town)

Detailed maps

Waterproof matches and candles

Whistle and small mirror

Pen, pencils, paper

Cash (bills and coins)

Flares or hazard reflectors

Jumper cables

Properly inflated spare tire

Jack, lug wrench, tire gauge

Basic tool kit

Windshield scraper and brush

Small folding shovel

Duct tape

Sand for traction

Rags, paper towels, wet wipes, and diapers if you have small kids

Water (for drinking and in case your car overheats)

Bleach

Nonperishable food (focus on high energy) also you may want a bottle and formula if you have a baby

Hand can opener

Medications

Toiletries

Emergency blankets, hand warmers

Extra clothes, gloves, hats, sturdy shoes

Perhaps some of these ideas get you thinking about what you might need to prepare your car for emergencies and disasters that could happen.

I would love to hear about any ideas you might have in addition to what I have listed.

A great resource to review is FEMA's website you can find it at http://www.fema.gov/

You can find more information and tips about food storage, emergency preparedness and provident living by visiting my blog at http://providentprincess.com/< a=""> src="http://beacon.deseretconnect.com/beacon.gif?cid=14593&pid=4" /><>

Crack Brownies

2011-11-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Another recipe to try: Crack Brownies You can find the original entry here.

Turn your oven to 350 degrees.

In a 3- or 4-quart saucepan, melt a stick-and-a-half of butter with 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate. Since these are The Best Ever Brownies you should use the highest-quality chocolate (and butter!) that you can find, though I’ll whisper to you behind my hand that a batch I made using Baker’s, which is basically the Alpo of the unsweetened chocolate world, was met with oohs and aahs and a whole lot of paws surreptitiously darting toward the plate for just one more, I swear this is my last one OH MY GOODNESS, I CAN’T STOP, WHAT IS IN THESE THINGS?!?

Once those two things are melted, turn the heat off and move the pot to a cold burner to let it cool down for a spell.

Now stir in the following things:

A heaping ¼ cup of cocoa powder 2 cups of sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup flour

When that’s all nicely mixed, pour the batter into a 8”x8” square pan that you’ve lined with greased foil such that the foil drapes over the edges of the pan.

That’s pretty much it, except for the secret part. The crack part. Have you guessed yet what it is?

It is salt.

But not just any salt. Maldon salt. Himalayan pink salt also works, as does Sel Gris. Kosher salt does not work; neither does table salt. You need rocks, Jenny from the block. About a teaspoon of ‘em, but kind of eyeball it, giving the top of the brownie batter a pretty good coating with the stuff. Once you’ve done that, put the pan in the oven, let everything bake for 30-35 minutes before cooling for one hour at room temperature, followed by one hour in the refrigerator. Cut them into 16ths.

Self-esteem

2011-11-06T19:56:00.000-08:00

Self-esteem can be fleeting, but it's worth the pursuit

By Roger Stark, ksl.com contributor

November 3rd, 2011 @ 8:04pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The great American psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “Self-esteem is the greatest sickness known to man or woman because it is conditional.” Indeed, the finding of a healthy self- esteem is the greatest mental health challenge many face in their lifetime.

Individual worth (and the self-esteem that is harvested from it) is not situational and should not be established by comparison, evaluation or an individual's last great or terrible accomplishment. Those are the conditional elements Ellis was referring to. They are often not within an individual’s control.

“Life happens,” as the street therapist would say, prompting many to throw up their hands and accept whatever fate they're dealt without fighting for a happier life. But experts say creating lasting self- esteem is possible and worth the effort to build. These experts offer guiding principles for those struggling to understand and foster their own sense of self-worth.

Self-esteem in a dog-eat-dog world

In a world that is quick to remind us of our faults, and even capitalize on them, we need to find ways to strengthen our self- esteem and to guard carefully the self-esteem of others. We can so easily damage another person's self-esteem, in this dog-eat-dog world. But instead of tearing others down, we can focus on building them up. In turn, this builds up our own personal feelings of worth. CLICK HERE to read more from therapist and Studio 5 relationship expert Matt Townsend.

Russel Seigenberg, Ph.D., of Logan, suggests, “The ideal state is to have a sense of self-worth based upon the universal worth of mankind, an appreciation of our own strengths and progress and acceptance of our earnest efforts to walk a good walk in life.”

W. Tim Gallwey authored “The Inner Game of Tennis” outlining just how players could get their mental and emotional selves out of the way, freeing the player within to compete at the highest possible level.

He used the following metaphor: “When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but do not criticize it as 'rootless and stemless.' We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don't condemn it as immature and underdeveloped; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change; yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly right as it is.”

Gallwey wanted his clients to learn that in the big picture, their flaws did not define them or represent failure. He also wanted them to celebrate (and use and focus on) their strengths.

In his years of coaching, Gallwey observed that physical talent levels often did not dictate winning results on the court. He would say to his players, “Learn to trust yourself on the court. Find the state of 'relaxed concentration' that allows you to play at your best” and “Focus your mind to overcome nervousness and self-doubt.” His directions are not only valuable for tennis players, they are great life skills.

10 statements you should never think

In the rose metaphor, Gallwey takes the long-term, big-picture view, as does Seigenberg. He suggests human beings have value simply because they are human beings, whatever their stage of development. He describes it as “the universal worth of mankind.”

In the world of living things, humans are the pre-eminent species, combined with individual “strengths and progress.” each soul has unique value and ability to contribute to making his or her part of the world a better place. Their contribution would be missed if they were not there. If one chooses to earnestly make an effort to walk a good walk in life, individual worth is greatly enhanced. There is much to appreciate, celebrate and admire.

Even when the individual struggles, self-worth need not be diminished. An individual's worth remains constant. Mistakes and failures -- the stages where the human seedling is not particularly beautiful -- are part of being human, and often provide the greatest learning experiences. These are the moments of potential growth and nurturing. Painful as they can be, they serve to move the individual along the path of maturation. A child should not be shamed by his or her mistakes; they are often just benchmarks of growing up. So it is for adults.

Remember the rose. It is not very handsome as a scraggily root, but it is exactly as it should be.

In the process of recovering from addiction Roger Stark became a licensed addiction counselor and wrote the LDS recovery guide, “The Waterfall Concept, A Blueprint for Addiction Recovery.” He blogs at his recovery website, www.waterfallconcept

Tweens and Teens Halloween Parties

2011-10-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Just Dance 2.

Drama Queen, Tori, and Emma.

Tonight our teen, Drama Queen, and her younger sister, Artist, held simultaneous Halloween Parties at our house. (Joe and I are new to this scene.) Drama lit candles and tea lights (hundreds!) all over the house. She had a couple of friends come and watch Vanhellsing, a vampire movie. Artist had four close friends come and watch Goonies, paint fingernails like Jack-o-Lanterns, glitter nails, or in neon, and putting in long hair feathers.

We provided the Papa Murphey's pizza, bread sticks, pumpkin punch (pumpkin, apple and white grape juices, spice, and some Sprite Zero), and caramel apple supplies.

We used the recipe from Our Best Bites. You can find it here: Gourmet Caramel Apples

Little Baby said her first Family Prayer aloud tonight. It went mostly like this: Say Dear Heavenly Father. Dear. We thank Thee. Say Thank you. Thank you. For Daddy. Daddy For Mommy. Mommy For Hannah. Hannah. For Rebekah. Bebah For Jonathan. (Nothing) For Susie. Susie. For Eva. Evie. Baby. Baby. Amen. (Silence. Big smile).

Halloween Pizza Fondue Recipe

2011-10-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Halloween Night Pizza Fondue Recipe ½ cup finely chopped onion ¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper 1 Tbsp butter 2 ½ cups pizza sauce 1 cup (4 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup finely chopped pepperoni ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 tsp Italian seasonings Breadstick or bread cubes Small (4 lb?) Sugar pumpkin In a small sauce pan, sauté onion and green peppers in butter until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until dip is heated through and cheese is melted. Serve with breadsticks or bread cubes. Yields: 3 cups. For a fun twist, serve in a pumpkin. Buy a pumpkin pie pumpkin. Cut off the top and remove the seeds. On an ungreased baking dish, bake the pumpkin, with the lid on, in the oven at 350° for about 20 – 25 minutes, or until hot. Then spoon the pizza fondue into the pumpkin. Replace the lid and serve! I watched this video on FB posted by a cousin and friend, Jodi Clayton. It is done by some friends of hers, Becky Jenkins Wursten and you can watch a video-mercial on how to make it step by step here. The ingredients look like something my children would eat and have fun with.

Picture Day

2011-10-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

This morning was school picture day. Actually, it was Retake day. It brought up bad memories of your own school picture day, didn't it?! Anyway, it entailed me getting four little ones dressed in something clean and somewhat similar, washing faces, doing hair, finding the lost hair flower, finding the lost picture packet, etc. You get the idea. Speaking to my scout, "It's school picture day. (I am helping him take off the dirty knit shirt he has on and putting another clean shirt on over his head while saying this)." "Please just wash your face and your glasses, and fix your hair and you'll be done!" I say. His response, "Whaaa-ht!? I don't want to wash ALL that!" *Sigh*. After getting back from the school I am out $86 for two children's school packets and a simple head shot of the other two preschoolers. Princess smiled, even after practically crawling into my pants while waiting for her turn in front of a line of students, for a piece of bubble gum I had promised her she could chew after her photo. Too bad gum bribes don't work for baby! (Or maybe they would--no, I won't even go there yet!) Baby sat with trepidation and the guy waited so long to say anything (insert "smile!"?) that she got scared and then teared up until the lights flashed. Her photo is of her looking up-not smiling-not bawling either. Ahh--what $20 will buy! Reflecting on this day, I hope looking back at these school photos in frames on the bottom of the bannister, it will all be worth it!

Two Dollar Tuesdays

2011-10-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Will be posted (8/30/11)

Do the Campbells (and some cousins) weigh as much as a Dinosaur?

BOYS! Have you met our new puppy? She loves her leash!

Free baby cone is just right!

Amy invited us up to Thanksgiving Point again this year because in August each event is only $2. on Tuesdays. We met with Joe and tried our hand at Trilobite hunting (the "big" kids that is) and did quite well. Amy took the younger ones (Princess and Baby) to the Petting Zoo and Farm part. They had fun! Jonathan and Rebekah, meanwhile, found some great trilobites (and some found by others might have been "rediscovered" in our shared bucket of treasures). Joe found some unusual ones that had one of the female workers there asking him questions as to where he found the ones he uncovered. We met back together with Amy and the younger children and had a picnic dinner on the grass under a tree shade canopy. Of course, we toured the Dinosaur Museum and then had a quick stop to get ice cream to make it a great family experience.

Peek-A-Boo!

2011-10-08T00:23:00.000-07:00

5 Family Night Movie Ideas

2011-10-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

5 family movie night ideas

By Nicole Pollard, ksl.com contributor

October 7th, 2011 @ 1:19pm

SALT LAKE CITY — If the man of the house quotes Clark W. Griswold on road trips and your toddler runs around shouting, “To infinity, and beyond!” it’s likely your family has their own list of top 5 movies.

A great family movie has endearing characters, humor and a life lesson, all rolled into an original and memorable story. When an entire family can sit down and enjoy the same movie together, it’s a cinematic success.

But you need more than a great family film to have an enjoyable movie night. Choosing a theme and adding a little extra entertainment can go a long way. Here is a list of five more current family films, and ideas for snacks and activities to make movie night more enticing.

"Enchanted"

1. Fairytale Night

"Enchanted" is a fairytale gone awry. In the movie the evil queen, Narissa, pushes the beautiful princess, Gisele, out of the animated world of Andalasia. The princess finds herself in modern-day New York City, communing with street rats and dirty pigeons instead of animated forest animals.

The fairytale feel and catchy soundtrack will appeal to younger family members, while mom and dad will appreciate the playful jabs at traditional happily ever after stories.

Since the evil queen’s henchman (the fabulous Timothy Spall) spends the entire film trying to trick Gisele into biting the poisoned apple, it’s only fitting to serve candied apples with this movie night. An easy recipe for Pip's candied apples can be found at www.mommybistro.com.

For an older fairytale classic, “The Princess Bride” is another family favorite worth watching.

2. Superhero Cinema

“The Incredibles,” one of Disney-Pixar’s most original animated movies, is the perfect choice for a superhero movie night.

After the Superhero Relocation Program forces the supers into hiding, Mr. Incredible finds himself restless in suburbia while working as a disgruntled insurance salesman. But he’s called back into action and duped by the evil villain Syndrome. His family of supers comes to the rescue, and they pull together to show how incredible they really are.

“The Incredibles” is devoid of princesses or talking animals. It’s rare when an animated film has characters with real depth, as well as hilarious dialogue that adults and children can both enjoy. The computer graphics are great, but they’re nothing compared to the smart humor and story that makes this a stand out family movie.

Parents may find themselves identifying with this line from Mr. Incredible: “No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel like the maid; I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for 10 minutes?!”

What are you favorite family movies?

What movies are your families favorites and what do you do to make family movie night more fun? Tell us on the comment boards and on Facebook.

Even though the seamstress to the supers, Edna, declared, “No capes!” after many death-by-cape mishaps, it’s probably safe for your family members to sport one on the couch. Recycling old t-shirts into a superhero cape is fun and easy. You can find simple instructions at the Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs website. Decorate them during the movie while munching on a superhero sandwich from allrecipes.com.

3. Bon Appetit Theater

While most family films put a lot of emphasis on big laughs and musical numbers, "Ratatouille" has subtle charm and wit.

Remy, a rodent with a passion for the culinary arts, prefers French cuisine over garbage. Determined to be more than the average sewer rat, he leaves his family and follows his nose to Paris where he hides out in Gusteau's Parisian restaurant. He becomes an unlikely team with Linguini, an untalented heir to Gusteau's legacy, by manipulating his every move in the kitchen with a pull of his hair.

"Ratatouille"

The moral of “Ratatouille” is voiced by Peter O’ Toole, the feared food critic: “Not everyone can be a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.”

Remy's ratatouille fondue is délicieux. Follow an easy recipe at Mommy Bistro's website.

Having paper toques (chef hats) for the family to color and decorate is an easy activity for young chefs.

Food-inspired films like “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs” also hold a lot of potential for a fun movie night.

4. Sports Night

What better way to kick off fall than by having a football-themed movie night?

Mark Wahlberg stars in “Invincible,” the true story of Vince Papale, who went from being a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles to an actual team member. In the spirit of “Rudy,” “Invincible” is all about an underdog who achieves his dream through pure grit and determination; the perfect recipe for a family sports movie.

“Invincible” is rated PG and has a moving story, but it’s probably best suited for audiences 12 and up.

Providing game day snacks can make this movie night feel like a Super Bowl party. Follow the recipe for twice “blitzed” potatoes or kick-off kabobs with easy instructions from pittsburgh.about.com. Wearing your faorite team's football jersey only adds to the fun.

“A League of Their Own” or “Rudy” could be great picks for future sports-themed movie nights.

"Invincible"

5. Fright Night

This theme can be tricky, so take into consideration the age of your family members and plan accordingly.

It might seem like a safe choice, but “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” would make for a great movie night. There are so many recipes and activities on the Web that would add to the fun of the film that it shouldn’t be passed up.

The third film in the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is a bit darker in comparison to the first two films. The plot revolves around Sirius Black, an Azkaban escapee who was blamed for the death of Harry’s parents and who is now hunting down Harry. New characters and creatures are introduced, like Professor Lupin and Buckbeak. The dreaded Dementors add to the suspense and fright factor making, it just scary enough but not too scary for a family movie night.

There are some bloody brilliant recipes on the Web for foods inspired by the Harry Potter films. Serve up Butterbeer in about 3 minutes by using the recipe from food.com. The site also hosts a recipe for Cauldron Cakes, a Hogwarts favorite.

Jelly beans can be set out as Berttie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and acid pops are easy to duplicate with lollipops and Pop Rocks. Try the easy recipe www.britta.com.

Other fright night movie contenders are “Monsters Inc.,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” or a great '80s classic like “Ghostbusters.”

No matter what the theme, you can also hand out invitations made from free templates at Invitations and More, so family members will set aside time for movie night.

Nicole Pollard currently resides in Canyon Country, Calif.

From Ashes to Eternity

2011-10-02T00:26:00.000-07:00

Today Later-day Saints all over the world listened to General Conference. General Conference is a semi-annual series of meetings on a Saturday and Sunday where we listen to the Prophet and apostles and leaders of the Church as they give us counsel and direction. Today, President Thomas S. Monson announced the building of six new temples. One of those will be in the restored Provo Tabernacle in down town Provo. (Last December, we awoke to this beautiful building on fire...an electrical fire had started in the attic destroyed much of the interior of the building). It is wonderful to know that a special, gorgeous, old building from pioneer times will be renovated once again and become an even more sacred House of the Lord where families can be seal for all eternity.

The original Tabernacle had a center spire.

When it was later renovated, the center spire was removed.

December 2010 (Tiffany windows shattered)

Artist drawing of the new Provo LDS (Tabernacle) Temple

Currently on the Bookshelf:

2011-09-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Currently on our bookshelf is Ree Drummond's bestseller,

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story

I have loved reading her love story and would love to write my own...someday. Hope you are enjoying a good book! Any suggestions for the next good read?

My Sweet Little Guy

2011-09-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

My sweet little guy went out into the yard today and brought in a Sunday surprise! I love roses and the baby roses from which this little bunch were gathered are my Wedding Roses, bought in pots and used to line the steps up to the Art Museum where we held our reception.

Around the glass he has written a note with his creative spelling: "Mom is vary good. To mom. Moms make kids hapy. I love Mom. Mom makes me hapy (smiley face)." I have been serving in the Nursery of the ward for four months now. I enjoy playing with the little ones but find it an isolated, invisible calling. Being a stay-at-home full time mother I miss the Sunday adult interaction and spiritual messages from Sunday School and Relief Society.

Joe has been adrift (without a calling) at church and was pulled aside today by a member of the Bishopric and asked to join me in the Nursery. I couldn't stop embarrassing tears and so I ran to hide out in the nearby bathroom until they passed. How ridiculous. Crybaby. Of course we will serve the Lord among the little children He loved so much.

(This day was so reminiscent of us, in this ward, a decade ago, being called to be Nursery Leaders.) I am surrounded by little people whom I am learning to love and nurture all morning long, all week long--now on Sundays, with Joe, too.

Bloom Where You are Planted

2011-09-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Joe and I were walking among the rose garden and found a beautiful pink opening bud...the last of any this season. He suggested picking it and we brought it inside and put it by the sink and loved watching (and smelling it) blossom! (Can we enjoy a rose for it's beauty and sweetness even though it has thorns?)

The Scout and His New Glasses

2011-09-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are exploring new worlds--cub scouts and wearing new glasses. Third grade is Great!

The Little Princess and Her Funny Sayings

2011-09-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Little Princess has been saying funny things lately... Sunday morning she came into my closet where I was putting on Nearly Black nylons. "What are you doing?!" "I am putting on nylons. They are like tights or leggings for older girls." "Really?" She continues to stare and watch. "Seriously--that really creeps me out!" "Creeps me out!" she whispers under her breath as she exits the closet. (Later at church in Nursery a visiting girl named Coco sits next to me during the Lesson. She reaches down and pulls on my nylons--again and again, stretching out the gray spandex-like skin, a befuddled expression on her face). Earlier in the week, Princess is sitting at the preschool table eating snack with her other class mates. I look back. "No! I am not your girlfriend!" She jumps up from the table and stand behind the table--her hands out in front of her looking shocked. "Don't you know I am only four years old!? I am NOT seventeen. I am too young to have a boyfriend!" She sits back down. Drama Queen! I come over to the table and sit beside her. "Susie. Preston and Nathan are boys and they are your friends, so they are boy friends. You are right. You are too young to have a boyfriend but you can have girl and boy friends." Everyone goes back to eating snacks.

Am I a Good Mother?

2011-09-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Kind of pathetic--to buy blueberry Kefir instead of the strawberry that was in my hand because I loved the art on the bottle of the blueberry (and it was the only one like it left). What would you do? I've been thinking a lot about the kind of mother I am lately. Things have been rather stressful with schools starting, extracurricular and church activities, making up my own preschool curriculum and teaching preschool to Princess and baby. I have wanted more, more TIME, more patience, more knowledge, more spirituality, more of me to do the incrredible and unrealistic tasks that I expect of me. How do you do it? How do you cope? I began with an extra long prayer this morning, extra early and then began running. I think it helped. (Pictured above is Strawberry yogurt drink and a bottle of Blueberry Kefir. Different pre and probiotics in each, I figured. Thanks to my great sister-in-law I have Kefir starter and have been culturing this sour milk and bought yogurt and store bought Kefir to dilute mine and make it more drinkable.)

How Do People Stay Positive When Things are Really Tough?

2011-08-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

LIFEadvice: The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off until further notice

By Kimberly Sayer-giles, ksl.com Contributor

August 26th, 2011 @ 10:40pm

Question:

How do people stay positive when things are really rough? I know we can’t be the only family struggling to keep our heads above water. Could you give us any tips for getting through the discouragement? How can we stay happy in the face of huge setbacks and problems?

Answer:

I’m so glad you asked this question because you are definitely not alone. Most families are experiencing some fear and stress about their situations right now.

Here are nine tips for surviving rough times with a smile.

1. Understand that even if you can't control outside circumstances, you can decide how you want to experience them. Since negativity will get you nowhere, choose a positive attitude even if it’s ridiculously optimistic. Refuse to dwell in fear.

Consciously choose to trust that you will make it through and gain strength and wisdom from this experience. Every situation makes you a better person and this one will serve you in some way. Choose to believe good things are coming. They might be – you don’t know what’s around the next corner and it’s more enjoyable to expect the best than the worst.

2. Remember this won’t last forever. Life is cyclical and you will always have your ups and downs. Life is a beautiful mix of blessings and challenges. Whether things are good or bad, it won’t last forever. Decide to accept the impermanent nature of life. Those who expect it to always be easy will always be disappointed. Try to embrace the difficult times as a perfect and inevitable part of your journey.

3. Hang out with positive people. Avoid negative people who wallow in their stories of woe. Misery loves company but it doesn’t have to be yours. Choose to associate with people who think positive. Make friends with people who are problem solvers and motivated to create good things in their lives. It will rub off on you.

4. Read encouraging, uplifting books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Choose books that give you a fresh perspective on life and music that makes you want to dance. A library card and listening to the radio are both free. The personal development author and speaker Og Mandino wrote about the night his life fell apart. He thought about killing himself but decided to go to the library instead. He read every book he could find on positive thinking and it changed his life. It could change yours.

5. Start a gratitude journal. Focus on what you do have. Enjoy even the smallest of blessings and treasure every simple happy moment. Take time each day to write down five things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at how blessed you really are.

6. Work on your spirituality. Research shows that those who practice faith and maintain a relationship with God live longer and more satisfying lives. Turn your worries over to a higher power and practice faith.

7. Laugh as much as possible. Laugh together as a family. Watch funny movies, read joke books and keep your sense of humor alive. Watch "Wipeout" or "America's Funniest Home Videos." For some reason watching other people fail really cheers you up. When we were struggling we often laughed about just how bad off we were. We had nothing more to lose so we just had to laugh at it.

8. Reach out to others who are worse off than you. Get your focus off your own problems. Perform acts of service. Find a place to volunteer. Service will change your perspective. You will feel better right away.

9. Get some help. A little professional help could make a huge difference especially if you are feeling depressed. You are in charge of your destiny so get some help to change the course of your life. There are many life coaches, counselors and therapists in your area to call on.

"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change. Our attitude toward life determines life's attitude towards us." - Earl Nightingale

Kimberly Giles is the founder and president of LDS Life Coaching and www.claritypointcoaching.com. She is a sought after life coach who has a popular radio show LIFEadvice on Utah's AM 1430 Saturday Mornings at 8 a.m. MST

Our Mexican Vacation (Part 2)

2011-08-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

On the road again! Still heading south through Arizona...cactus forests, swirling dust devils, sand, weeds, different little roadside alters and grave markers (which I had trouble getting a picture of!). Joe fills up for gas and gets ice creams for the kids in the balmy southern Arizona heat. Bubble-blowing contest or "Bored Kids." The U.S. Border from the Arizona aide.

Our Mexican Vacation (Part 1)

2011-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Joe has listened to a friend at work rave about a place called Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) Mexico for a few years now. Our vacation week was coming and we had planned to take the children to Lake Powell for the Meteor Shower in mid August. We looked at places to stay and found a good deal on a two bedroom condo with a pull-out sofa bed with ground floor access to the pool and beach and we began to dream...

It is 15 hours or so by car from here to there (in addition to stops which our family needed lots of). Some funny memories of the trip down...We passed 4 semis of chickens not long after crossing into very hot Arizona. The white chickens feather blew around the road like it was fulfilling the phrase, "When it snows in ____________" We enjoyed listening to an audio book when the Veggietale movie did not hold the driver's interest any longer. Everyone from our four year old to our thirteen year old listened (without getting bored!) to Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt.

In Arizona, we neared Flagstaff at twilight. Joe was hoping to push on to Phoenix or even Gila Bend. We had no reservation and I was tired and so we found a Rodeway Inn. We should have been clued in by the security man walking the parking lot, or the sign below in the sparsely furnished room, or the moldy smell and the squishy carpet right out of the bathroom. We stayed in probably an unsavory part of town. Still, we had real beds to sleep in, we ate a simple breakfast of muffins and got back on the road fairly early the next day.

Temple

2011-08-04T23:23:00.000-07:00

Funny?

2011-08-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

"So what I'm gonna do now is freak the freak out!..." We pass this sign every day. Bekah is taking a two week guitar workshop. Don't forget to "freekit!"

Nonfiction Fiction Fans Will Love

2011-08-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Book Matters: Nonfiction fiction fans will love

August 3rd, 2011 @ 7:40pm

By Teri Harman, ksl.com contributor

SALT LAKE CITY — Many readers don't even realize that they have fallen into a rut.

Many get comfortable in one or two genres and never think of branching out. If you are in a fiction-rut, then it's time to pull out and read some nonfiction. Not all non-fiction is academic, dry or difficult to finish. These real-life stories are as well written, moving and memorable as the best fictional novels. And it's a wonderful way to learn something new and enhance the reading experience.

Reach up, climb out and grab one of these unbelievably good books:

1. "Shadow Divers" by Robert Kurson

Imagine strapping on an oxygen tank — life in a bottle — and diving to the undiscovered depths of the ocean. Imagine swimming through the ghostly skeletal ruins of a sunken submarine, moving an inch a minute to avoid stirring up too much silt, and praying that the deteriorating structure around you does not collapse. Imagine risking your own life and watching fellow divers die, all in the name of discovery.

For John Chatterton and Richie Kohler that was life. That was how they uncovered the answer to one of the last mysteries of World War II. This book is their story. It's riveting, beautifully written and quite simply one of the best nonfiction adventure stories out there. Read it!

This one is good for guys.

2. "The Man Who Listens to Horses" by Monty Roberts

One Sunday afternoon a couple years ago, while visiting my parents' house, I was lazily browsing the bookshelves and came across this book. It had been sitting on that shelf since Christmas of 1997, as the inscription from my mom to my dad read, but I had never before bothered to look at it. I turned to the first page and soon could not put it down. I would never have guessed that I would find such depth, such tenderness, and such perfection in the pages of this humble book.

Monty Roberts is the real-life horse whisperer — a man with a rare and miraculous ability to relate to horses. Roberts' gift, afforded by a rare kind of color blindness and hours of careful observation, allows him to communicate with horses and other animals with body language and unique techniques. His journey from rodeo rider to revolutionizing the horse-training world is a gentle, inspirational and unforgettable story.

Absolutely amazing. This one is also good for guys.

3. "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" by Aron Ralston

If you've been to my blog recently, you may have noticed this book. I read it a few months ago and my book club just finished our exciting exploration of it. I picked it up expecting to find a harrowing survival story, but instead I found a physical, mental and spiritual journey that has forever touched my soul. It's a surprise so deeply human and so beautifully written, that I can't say enough about it.

Ralston was forced to cut off his own arm after it was pinned by a large boulder while he was hiking in a southern Utah slot canyon. The intriguing thing about the story is not that he cuts off his own arm, but the thoughts, emotions and experiences that led up to that incredible act.

This one is also good for guys.

4. "The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" by Ree Drummond

Drummond, a city girl turned rancher's wife, started blogging in 2006. Her humorous observations and accounts of ranch life soon earned her a loyal and large following. One morning, unsure of what to post on her blog, Drummond wrote a short blurb about how she and her husband, known as Marlboro Man, met and fell in love. Readers went nuts, and she wrote more. Soon that one short story turned into a published memoir.

This humorous telling of her love story is a delight to read. I constantly forgot that the story was real. It reads just like a fabulous southern novel.

5. "My Life in France" by Julia Child with Alex Prud'Homme

After seeing the movie, "Julie and Julia,” which is now one of my favorites, I picked up this book eager to know more about this fascinating woman's life. This memoir, completed by her nephew after Child's death in 2004, tells the story of 6 foot 2 inch tall woman from Pasadena, Calif., who was out of place but looking for a purpose in France. Her journey from bored housewife to culinary genius is remarkably endearing and entertaining.

Child's story proves that if you love something and work hard, then you can be successful. She forever changed the way Americans cook and pioneered the way for TV chefs.

I find myself in the fiction rut on a regular basis and am always looking to break up my routine with unforgettable nonfiction. What is your favorite nonfiction book? Share your picks on the Comment Board or on the Book Matters Facebook page. You can also send me a tweet at @bookmattersblog.

About the Author: Teri Harman

Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children. For more book reviews and book fun, visit her blog at book-matters.blogspot.com You can also follow Teri on Facebook (Book Matters) or Twitter (@bookmattersblog)

Harry Potter Party (Part 2)

2011-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Party-going "First Years" turn the magical brick and enter Diagon Alley to purchase their school supplies: black work robe, caldron, wand, quill, various spell books, pet (cat, rat, owl, toad, etc.)

Posted notices about Sirus Black, escaped serial killer from Azkaban. A gaggle of giggly First Years at Hogworts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Bekah with best friend Abby (Can you guess who she is? Rita Skeeter, of course!) All the Hogwort's students push their things past the 9 3/4 sign at King's Cross Station to board the train. (Minus the pesky wind, with the door open, the children liked the pathetic attempt at a magical brick wall.) The Moving Staircase that leads to the Main Hall at Hogwort's has "moving pictures" on the walls. (We found these at the local dollar store--they are a little "Dark Artsy.")

Harry Potter Party (Part 1)

2011-07-21T23:12:00.000-07:00

When our second daughter informed us that she would like to have a Harry Potter Party for her Eleventh Birthday, we were a little overwhelmed and hesitant because we had around two weeks to pull it off. I began ordering some "essentials" from Amazon (Sorting hat, Platform 9 and 3/4 sign, a plastic brick wall, a Hogworts Banner, a smoking cauldron, etc.) so they would come in time.

We gathered supplies we would need, loaned library books on hosting a party and magical cooking, and made a cool Hogworts invitation and hand delivered them. We used green wax and an old seal. We individually addressed each child "student's invitation to attend Hogwort's School." Joe made up a Marauder's Map with a map to our house we included in the invitation. The night before the party, we made candy, decorated, and tried to set up all we could. I hope the pictures below will help to "say a thousand words" so I won't have to. "Princess," Joe, "Party Girl" and LavonAlise are gathering around our double broiler making the filled Chocolate Frogs for the party. On the table shown are Cockroach Clusters (left), Peppermint Toads (shown upper right side; dipped half way Haribo gummy frogs with crushed peppermint sprinkles), Wizard Hats (dipped Bugles), Chocolate Frogs (center), candy "Warts," and the Snowballs that Joe scavenged from all the gas stations around here for the "Pygmy Puffs." The Library table is filled with Harry Potter Party Props..."Funkins," Changing Pictures (from the Dollar Store), cauldrons, a metal spider, brick wall plasstic, things for our "Potions (Science experiments) and bags of Dollar Store Candy for our "Honeydukes Candy Shoppe." Joe's Sister, Lavonalise, and Bekah are making the favor bags (broomsticks with Quidditch Mix inside and large Pretzel stick handles." The Quidditch Mix (made up of Caramel Chex Mix, gummie frogs and worms, wizard hats (Bugles), mint chocolate drops--instead of red and yellow M and M's).

Manners?

2011-07-20T00:43:00.001-07:00

Does your child have proper manners? Check the checklist

July 19th, 2011 @ 6:30pm

By Brooke Walker

SALT LAKE CITY — Recently, Dr. David Lowry published an online article that had parenting circles abuzz. He outlined 25 manners every child should know by the age of 9.

Some were obvious, like please, thank you and excuse me. But just how on track are most 9-year-olds? We went straight to the source to test it out.

25 manners every child should learn before age 9 Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.

We clued in early on an "easy bribe" for our group of 8- almost 9-year-old test subjects: Buy them a McDonald's Happy Meal, and they were more than willing to talk — just not with their mouths full.

"Don't slurp," Maddy Hansen warned emphatically. "It will annoy other people who are trying to eat."

Her friends had other offering of good advice.

"Answer the phone politely, don't yell at people," said Greta Asay.

"Don't put your elbows on the table," cautioned Zoee Perry.

Rex Bell had a reminder for anyone enjoying a performance: "If you're phone is ringing, you should turn it off or not answer it."

While they were right on in their interpretation and comprehension of manners, etiquette blogger Janine Ottley says there are many people still playing catch up.

Want to teach manners?

If you're looking at David Lowry's list of 25 manners and thinking your child could use some help, here is a list of children's books written to teach manners:

"Time to say Please" by Mo Willems
"Mary Louise Loses her Manners" by Diane Cuneo
"Manners Can be Fun" by Munro Leaf
"Dear Miss Perfect" by Sandra Dutton
"365 Manners Kids Should Know" by Sheryl Eberly

"Our culture forgot that these things are important. We're now playing catch-up because there is a whole new generation out there that does not have good manners," she said.

After reviewing Dr. Lowry's list, she felt a few points really popped to the top.

If a door is shut? Knock.
"I think it does show respect when. If a door is closed, they know there is a reason for that door being closed," Ottley agreed.
Answering the phone politely.
Ottley helps her kids learn the drill by signing them up for "Grandma Phone Camp."
"My mom will spend the day for each particular child calling and training my kids to answer the phone properly," she explains. "And so for my household, they will call and my kids need to say, ‘Hello. Ottley's. This is 'so-and-so' speaking.'"
Sitting through a performance.
Barring any physical or emotional issues, Ottley says most 9-years-olds should be able to stick it out. "I think taking them out or making excuses makes it a lot more difficult to teach that."

More than just providing parental satisfaction, Ottley believes these simple skills will translate into life success.

"These are skills. No one will have to teach them, and I know will be impressive in the workplace and everywhere else they are," Ottley said. "I'm raising young ladies and young men with manners. It makes a huge difference."

Email: bwalker@ksl.com

25 Manners

2011-07-19T00:44:00.000-07:00

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

by Parents.com, on Tue May 3, 2011 1:21pm PDT

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons. By David Lowry, Ph.D. Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.- Manner #1 When asking for something, say "Please." Manner #2 When receiving something, say "Thank you." Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

To Spank or Not to Spank?

2011-07-19T00:39:00.000-07:00

'One Dad's Perspective:' To spank or not to spank?

July 19th, 2011 @ 7:56pm

By Eric Sachs, ksl.com contributor

SALT LAKE CITY — How were you punished as a child? Spanking is one of the most common methods, used by more than 90 percent of American parents at some point and condoned by more than 70 percent of the population, according to Scientific American survey data from 1995 and 2005.

I never understood spanking because, barring unfortunate sounds made at the dinner table in front of guests, I have yet to see a person’s gluteus maximus do something deserving a smack. I believe the punishment should fit the crime.

"I never understood spanking because, barring unfortunate sounds made at the dinner table in front of guests, I have yet to see a person's gluteus maximus do something deserving a smack."

Spanking, as a form of punishment for children, is not a new concept. It has been used since biblical times and probably even before then. Whatever and whenever the origin of spanking, using it on a child as punishment can cause long-term effects that may be unknown to parents:

Spanking is normally targeted at the buttocks, but that is an area we try to teach our children is off-limits to other people. This can confuse children and, as they grow up, they may associate pain with intimate encounters.
Hitting a child teaches them to become hitters. Children will learn their parents resolve conflicts with physical attacks, so when someone does something your child doesn’t like, their first response may be to hit.
Physically harming your child can cause a serious rift in the parent/child bond. It’s difficult to feel love or even affection for someone who hits you.
Spanking does not correct the behavior; it merely teaches the child to fear making mistakes.

A group of 15 experts in child development and psychology found correlations between physical punishment and an increase in childhood anxiety and depression, an increase in behavioral problems including aggression, and impaired cognitive development, even when the child’s pre-punishment behavior and development were taken into consideration, according to psychologist Sandra Graham-Bermann of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She provides a wealth of information on her website at www.SandraGB.com.

Some parents may feel spanking is OK because they don’t spank hard, or they spank only once or twice a week, or any number of other reasons. No matter how we try to minimize a spanking, the bottom line (no pun intended) is spanking is still hitting a child. In fact, the definition of spanking, according to dictionary.com, is "(used with object) 1. To strike (a person, usually a child) with the open hand, a slipper, etc., especially on the buttocks, as in punishment." I can't see how striking a child could ever be considered beneficial.

Children learn one of two ways: being taught by someone or making mistakes. They are new to this world and do not understand how everything works yet.

As adults, we often take our hard-earned knowledge for granted and fail to teach our children everything they need to know before they need to know it. By the time we reach adulthood, most daily things come naturally to us because we have been doing them for years and often forget our children haven't.

"Since it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children how to deal with life, it would behoove us to find a more positive means of instruction than hitting them."

For example, if we tell our child to sweep the kitchen floor, but they have never seen anyone sweep, they will have no idea how to do it. They know it's done with the broom, but they don't know how to hold the broom or how to move it to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Since it is our responsibility as parents to teach our children how to deal with life, it would behoove us to find a more positive means of instruction than hitting them. The first thing we should remember to do is explain to children what they did wrong and why it is wrong. Knowing the reason why something is wrong can be almost as important as knowing it is wrong.

Contrary to popular belief, using “because I said so” is not going to help the child understand.

If punishment is required, there are many options that don't involve physical violence. If you are having difficulty coming up with a suitable punishment, try sitting down with your children and asking them. Give them a few options and let them choose. It is much easier for people to accept, understand and learn from a punishment when they were involved with the decision.

Think of it this way: if you were at work and made a mistake, would you want your boss to come up to you and explain the right way to do it, or would you want him or her to come over and paddle your bum?

Eric is the father of three and recently became a grandfather.