Generation Clean

They are a blessing and a curse. Screens everywhere: phones, tablets, games, televisions, and computers. Many things we find on them are good, clean, and fun. However, kids are able to find trouble or stumble across things that are not good for them too. As interactions with electronic devices increase, so does the risk of exposure to the trash that is floating around out there as well. There are numerous ways kids can see inappropriate things. Unfortunately, much of it is inappropriate for adults as well. It can seem so overwhelming- like there is no way to have control over what they find. Here are some ways that we deal with it in our family. We have only one computer in the house which is out in our main living area. We also only have one television in our house. I know, it’s shocking. It has always been very important to us that our kids be out where we can see them and not holed up in their rooms watching who-knows-what. But it’s getting harder to keep that up. ...

I have a friend named Marilyn who is a professional story teller. I think that is just about the coolest job there is. She has such a talent. I believe it is a real blessing to be able to tell a story that is meaningful, interesting, imaginative, and teaches something. Entertainment is often noisy and visually over-stimulating, so it is a relief to quietly sit and listen to a story being told or read. And if there is beautiful artwork to go with it, that makes it even better!  Marilyn recommended that I look at  Barefoot Books , and I'm so glad she recommended it!   The next time I'm in Massachusetts I would love to go experience their studio with my kids. Their website is wonderful, and even offers podcasts featuring some of their stories, which are great for older children who are able to focus a little more and use their imaginations to create the pictures in their heads. For younger children, there are also some fun videos featuring book illustrations and so...

I'm always on the lookout for fashionable, modest clothing. I came across this company Diviine Modestee and they have some really great things. I have not bought or been given any of their clothing, but if the quality is as good as it seems, I would shop here. Below are my favorites from each of their three sites. DiviineModestee : Tees and Camisoles. The Ruched Satin V-neck Tee is my pick on this site. I really like how the ribbon and the ruched high v-neck, dress up the shirt and make it more stylish and figure flattering. It also would help keep you covered without the tugging that can come with some lower cut tops. DivinitaSole.com : Swimwear. You can design your own swimsuit by scrolling through their tops, bottoms, and skirts. The tops are nice and long, the bottoms are flattering with good coverage, and the skirts help hide my flaws. I love being able to mix and match because I rarely find a one piece suit that works well on both the top and bottom. My favor...

My sister-in-law gave me the album Anchor , by Mindy Gledhill, for my birthday. I love it! Each song has great lyrics and the music is fun and upbeat while still feeling sophisticated. There is an airy, happy feeling to her music (the ukulele is super fun!). I especially like the song California. You can listen to a sample of it on her website . Mindy sounds like she's smiling as she sings, and my kids like her too, so I can get a break from the "kiddie" music once in a while we're driving about. Rating: Squeaky

Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. I haven't heard much about it before today, but it is a celebrated holiday around the world. "The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. ( internationalwomensday.com )" I'm mentioning it because it seems relevant after reading an article my cousin sent to me from CatholicMatch.com . This article addresses the importance of modesty for women. It quotes another article by Viviana Garcia that was quite compelling. Ms. Garcia writes of a lecture she attended by Dr. Pia de Solenni whose topic was The Quest for Identity Through Beauty . The following quote states so well what I have long believed: It is... of supreme necessity, especially in the world in which we reside, that a woman do everything wi...

I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off A Little Self-Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis I love this upbeat picture book! It's a great one to read with little ones, and even the big ones like it. There are lively illustrations, and it shows kids that it's ok to like themselves even when they make mistakes or don't quite fit in. There's also a helpful PDF for teachers that parents can use to reinforce the message of the book. And here's a mini printable version you can have them fill out about themselves. Have fun! Rating: Squeaky

Now would be a great time to get some modest swimwear! I know it's January, but hear me out. We all know it's hard to find modest swimwear in the stores, and that means that unless teenagers want the same swim suits their grandmas wear, they will be looking for more stylish ones. There's a great sale going on for the next two days at Lime Ricki . This cute suit is normally $60.00 and is now just $25.00.