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the grommom

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5 Ways to Keep Your Life Balance in Check

by Monica 3 Comments

We all want to live a balanced life, right?  But how do we even know if we're balanced?   Sometimes it's hard to see the proverbial forest for our own little trees.Today I am sharing five things I have found helpful in keeping my life-balance in check. I hope a few of these are helpful to you, too!{Click to catch up on: the intro and part one of this mini-series.}1. Know your priorities. We can't do it all.  We know that.  But we can do a few things.  And I think we can all

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Parenting and Family

A Golden Rule to Simplify Decision Making

by Monica 17 Comments

Last week I announced that I would be sharing a little series on the topic of LIFE BALANCE... You know, that elusive ideal that we all talk about but never seem to get a grip on.  The metaphorical pot of gold at the end of the crazy rainbow.But the concept of life balance is a worthwhile pursuit, and while we may never master it, I do think we can find some strategies to help us move closer to the center. (or let me believe anyways.)To kick things off I thought I would share a little

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Categories: Miscellaneous, Parenting and Family

My Amazing Week at The Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga Retreat at Turtle Bay.

by Monica 10 Comments

Hey-- It's my birthday!Well, I didn't plan on this post coming on out on my birthday, but it is happening that way and now I can't imagine a more appropriate time.  Because if I've ever felt truly spoiled, it was on the retreat I get to tell you about today.Last week I was invited to spend four nights at Turtle Bay as part of a small group for the Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga retreat.  Though the week is now over, my heart will be full for a long time.Most of you know, I've always

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Surf

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal {The Perfect Fall Breakfast}

by Monica 18 Comments

Anyone need some fresh breakfast inspiration?  Maybe with a hint of fall in there? Well I have something just for you... With four growing boys, I'm constantly trying to start their day with something other than cold cereal (which they would gladly have every day if I let them.)  The problem is, my mornings are busy too, so I only have time to make a hot breakfast a couple times a week.  Other than that, everyone is usually on their own. That is one of the reasons I love oatmeal.  I can cook a

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Categories: Breakfasts, Desserts, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Teen and Pre/Teen Boy Q and A {All of the Things}

by Monica 8 Comments

Hey guys!  So, we've had a lot of fun talking about teen and pre-teen boys, and today is the final post in the series!   {Catch up on all of the posts here:  INTRO, Preparing for Puberty, Kids and Porn, What to Expect When Puberty Hits, Teens and Dating, Teens and Peers.}I want to thank my boys for being such great sports about this, and Dave for being the true voice of reason in this  family.  (So much of what you read from me could really be tracked by to the wise counsel of my

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Categories: Miscellaneous, Parenting and Family

What My Boys Have Been Reading…

by Monica 16 Comments

We all know that reading is super important for kids, but it isn't always easy to get our kids to read, right?  We are competing with so many demands on our kids' time, and we are especially competing with all of the digital things (yes, books can be digital too, but most often that isn't what we're competing with.)When we first started homeschooling, I used Sonlight Curriculum, which (at least in the early years), is pretty much ALL reading aloud.  I love that in theory, but somewhere

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Categories: Encouragement and faith, Miscellaneous, Parenting and Family

What I’ve Been Reading {With a Favorite Book Giveaway!}

by Monica 56 Comments

Hey, here's something fun/different.  Let's  talk books!Are you a reader?  Do you love books?I love to read, but like a lot of busy people I know, I don't get to read as much as I'd like to.  And I think I get intimidated by the real readers out there...You know, people who are completely up to date on the latest books, and talk about reading a few books a week. (and still have a clean house and well-behaved children.  What!?)But I always have a stack of books by my favorite red

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Categories: Miscellaneous

7 Ways Regular Exercise Will Improve Your Life {Besides the Obvious.}

by Monica 7 Comments

We all know that exercise is good for us.  Exercise burns calories, will give us a greater chance at fighting diseases, and...Hello:  Exercise makes us live longer?!  That ought to be enough to motivate us to workout regularly, right?But it's still hard for a lot of people to motivate.  Working out takes time.  It makes you sweat.  Then you have to shower.  And that takes time.  Then you have more laundry.  And...yes: Time.Seriously, life is busy, I get that.  And we all have plenty of

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous

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