Susan Merrill's Blog, page 31

Confession: I Stifled My Child’s Creativity with Correction

I believe I am the director of iMOM just to have a platform to share all of my mistakes in the hopes that you won’t make them! So here I go again with another confession. This confession is along the same lines as my confession last weekabout expecting too much from my children.

I have a creative child–an artiste, with an artist’s temperament. Ever since she was a child I have been correcting her on how to clean/arrange/organize her room. She often drove me crazy with her collections of stuff....

Hearts At Home

Hearts at Home — I can’t wait!

Are You A Jiminy Cricket In Your Marriage?

Do you remember Pinocchio’s little friend? The one the blue fairy sent to watch out for him? The one that sang, “…and always let your conscience be your guide!” His name was Jiminy Cricket.

I’ve got a tough question for you today–are you a Jiminy Cricket to your husband? I’ve realized that I assume that role quite a bit. It’s never my intention, nor do I believe it’s my job, but I do it anyway. Do any of you find yourselves doing the same thing—being your husband’s conscience?

I’m learning that...

Confession: I Expected Too Much of My Kids

Expectations.

They can disappoint, discourage and totally deflate a mom. Here is my theory about why we are at a disadvantage when we attach ourself to expectations.

Expectations are not well thought out and therefore often unrealistic.
Expectations do not provide for unforeseen circumstances.
Expectations are based on our control but we are not in control.
Expectations most often err on the side of being to high.

I err. Often.

I expected too much.

To convince you of my guilt I would like to present...

8 Things a Mom Should Teach Her Son to Look for in a Girl

One day my son is going to fall in love, leave us and cleave to his new wife. Until then I have the opportunity to teach him to think before he gives his heart away. The girl he loves can either be a distraction or she can be the wind beneath his wings–encouraging and inspiring him.

Here are my thoughts on 8 things I want my son to look for in a girl. You may want to add more ideas in the comments for other moms to think about. There has to be at least a dozen that I didn’t think of! If you ha...

Suddenly Single

Christy is a dear friend of mine. I was with her on the night she lost her husband. She was suddenly, without any warning, the single mom of three of cutest pea-pops, ever . Her walk since that night has been nothing short of courageous and inspirational to me. She has been a beautiful picture of contrasts: vulnerable yet strong, crushed yet hopeful, exhausted yet persevering. She recently reached a point in her journey where she is ready to share. And I am deeply thankful for the opportunity...

14 Different Ways to Make a PBJ Sandwich

Are you tired of the same old PB&J sandwiches already? It’s only the beginning of the school year, so here are a few ways to vamp up the lunchboxes for your kids. And while you’re at it, why not make one for your lunch! Click on each sandwich for instructions on how to make it.

1. PBJ Granola Wrap

2. Banana Bread PBJ

3. PBJ Pastry Pockets

4. PBJ Kabob

5. PBJ “Sushi” Rolls

6. PBJ Banana Dog

7. PBJ Waffle

8. Grilled PBJ

9. Hold the Jelly, Add the Fresh Fruit PBJ

10. Apple Slices PBJ

11. Watermelon Wannabe...

Serving Family Meals with Laughter And Love

I have to smile inside every time I think about Family Week. It makes me smile to think of how I would explain this to my grandmother. She would look surprised and, in all honesty, probably confused too. I chuckle because my grandmother would not understand why there is a family week. Both of my grandparents on my dad’s side emigrated from Italy with their families. Each of my grandparents had nine brothers and sisters; their life was family.

Every Saturday, my grandmother and her sisters woul...

10 Ways for Busy Women to Make and Keep Friends

I missed a college reunion. It killed me, it still does. It was my fault. I had plans to go. I had a reservation, I had roomies from college to go with and I paid. But I didn’t go. I didn’t get organized enough to get my kids ready for college early, I didn’t get ahead at work and I didn’t allow any time for the unexpected. And the unexpected happened. My dog broke her leg and I ended up on the seriously short side of a packed schedule. I choked and I cancelled. And all weekend long I watched...

8 Things a Mom Should Teach Her Daughter to Look for in a Boy

Every young girl dreams of a fairy-tale romance. So what kind of prince should I be teaching my daughters to look for?

1. Lookfor a Gentleman.A young man should open the door for you, stand when you sit at a table, and carry heavy bags for you. Polite gestures like these reflect an inner dignity you’ll want in a husband.

2. Lookfor Honor.Be sure to observe the way a young man treats his parents. He should always honor them not because of their performance, but because of their position as his...