The P Word

Pornography. There. I said it. In my community it is kind of a dirty word and most of us don't talk about it in polite company. I'm going to go there today. This past week I saw an Oprah show about women and pornography. The program said that one in three women viewed pornography. I'm not sure about the accuracy of those statistics but it alarmed me. As human beings sexuality is a part of us but I don't believe it defines us. I also disagree with the assertion that viewing pornography as a couple can help a marriage. Pornography is like a drug. Highly addictive. Whenever we become addicted to something we hand over our control. It becomes difficult to break away and we often hurt the ones we love by putting our addiction first.

Pornography also creates unrealistic expectations about sexual relations. I believe that sex is something that should be enjoyed within the bonds of a loving marriage. To take it out of that context trivializes it. It becomes too casual. Meaningless and carnal.

There are a few sources that make very good cases against pornography. If you would like to read about the LDS church's stance on pornography click here. If you would like to the opinion of a Jewish Rabbi click here. I highly recommend both.

Virtuous Life

I enjoy listening to the talks by the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on my I-Pod. These conference addresses help to give my days clarity and inspiration. Today I listened to a talk by Bishop H. David Burton titled Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts.
Here is one of my favorite passages:

We need to stand tall and be firmly fixed in perpetuating Christlike virtues, even the “ity” virtues, in our everyday lives. Teaching virtuous traits begins in the home with parents who care and set the example. A good parental example encourages emulation; a poor example gives license to the children to disregard the parents’ teachings and even expand the poor example. A hypocritical example destroys credibility.

I agree and I am working towards this. BUT it is hard. I know that the days that I abstain from yelling or raising my voice go much more smoothly. I am endeavoring everyday to live the kind of life I would want my children to emulate. I can always to better though. I also think about this in my church responsibilities too. Who is looking at me for an example? If I follow the ultimate Example then I will be a good example to those following me.


That is what I am working towards everyday.

Beautiful Food

Why does it feel so good to create something? I have to admit that cleaning my house doesn't give me as much satisfaction as making something. I suppose I live for the challenge. I want to do something I've never done before. I don't always do it well, but at least I try. For the past few months I have been a bit obsessed with food blogs. I just want to share a few that I have really enjoyed. The best thing about creating something with food is that you get to eat it.
Here is my top five food blogs (for now). Enjoy! (But please shield your eyes if you are on a diet)

1.Picky Palate - Warning there are an inordinate amount of desserts on this blog.

2. Pioneer Woman - This really is a beautiful blog and she often gives step by step picture directions.

3. Bakerella - Take a look at her cake pops - amazing!

4. Hot off the Garlic Press - I figured out that this is the lady that demos the food for Shelf Reliance.

5. Closet Cooking - The blog itself isn't as impressive looking as the others but the food is.

My search for the perfect baby carrier

I recently ordered a new baby carrier. It is only my fifth. What is also odd is that my baby is 11 months old. Would not you think that I am past the baby carrier phase. Not so. My little guy is small and we are about to enter the holiday travel season. I can use a versatile carrier that allows me to hold my baby with no hands. Here is the saga of the baby carriers:

1. The Dr Sears recommended sling NoJo (not the one askdrsears.com recommends now).
Pros: Affordable, I liked it when my first baby was a newborn. It was like a little cocoon.
Cons: Not easy to adjust. Not attractive, okay it was ugly and gray.
This sling was not all that I was hoping it would be.

2. Moby Wrap. Loved it!
Pros: Comfortable, baby can face forward or you. It was like being pregnant without the heartburn. Great for getting your baby to nap while you shop. Completely machine washable.
Cons: Can't easily use it as a backpack. Can't really put it in your purse.
Seriously this wrap saved my life with baby number one. He always wanted to be held, 24/7. I just need a good back pack carrier.

3. Hiking backpack.
Pros: Structured, good for hiking.
Cons: Comforatble for the first 20 minutes then kills my back. It is only a backpack.
So, we don't hike that much. Someone recommended it for doing housework. Seriously? No.

4. Hotsling. Loved it!
Pros: Small, you really can fit it in your purse. Cute. Great for carrying toddlers and infants on your hips.
Cons: Not my favorite for little babies. Can't use it as a backpack and it isn't always hands free with infants.
The sad things is that I can't find my Hotsling. I really do miss it. It was really handy to put in my bag.

5. Kozy Carrier. Can't wait to try it!
Pros: Very versitle. Backpack, front carrier, hip. Soft. Cute.
Cons: Can't really fit is in your medium or small purse. We'll see.
A friend recommended this one to me. It is made here in Virginia. I'm excited to try it.

Why I decided to start a new blog.

Don't get me wrong, our family blog is great. I enjoy posting pictures of my kids. They are a huge part of my life, but I am more than a mother. I am an information junkie. Books, blogs, magazines, podcasts, you name it I soak it up. I just can't choose one. I love food blogs, craft blogs, spiritual blogs. This blog is my attempt to let the thoughts and inspirations that I have into the great unknown. I hope it amuses you. Feel free to leave comments or not. I know these things will not interst everyone, but they are the everyday delights (and sometimes frustrations) of my life.