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Parenting Aug 14, 2012

Tracking with Tracey

My friend Tracey is quite the mom. In fact, she is a major inspiration for me because, well, we track. Do you know someone that just tracks with you. It doesn’t matter how long you go without seeing them because when you do you fall in immediately, as if you never had parted. That’s Tracey. We kind

Encouragement Aug 12, 2012

My Baby is a Big Girl Now! Sniff, Tears, Joy :)

Five years ago today we launched iMOM. What a journey, what a joy! I am deeply awed by the way God has brought so many women–5,000,000 this year to our site. It has been my deepest desire to find favor with Him and with moms. I am humbled by His provision of every single mom. He is good…so good.

Encouragement Aug 11, 2012

I Love MOPS Moms!

I love MOPS. I can’t help it, what is not to love? After 3 days of talking to thousands of mothers of pre-schoolers at the 2012 MOPS International Convention, one would think I would be worn out. I am the opposite of worn out, I am wound up! It is my desire and passion, as the director of iMOM, to i

Encouragement Jul 25, 2012

Cooking, Computers, Cows, Capitalism and The Constitution

I believe in the Constitution of the United States. Do you? Lately, I have been struck by the awareness that “We the People” have forgotten what “We the People” stand for. The First Amendment of the Constitution states: And Capitalism is defined as: Taking every advantage of our countries abundance

Parenting Jul 19, 2012

5 Bad Habits Your Family Should Break

It’s easy to notice bad habits during the summer when your family is home, but here are the top 5 habits that you can easily kick. Be sure to check out the takeaways below after you watch the video. iMOM’s 25-Day You Can Do It Chart is a great way to motivate your children to form good habits before

Encouragement Jul 17, 2012

The Sacrifices Mothers Make For Their Olympic Athletes

Every mom sacrifices for her child in countless ways, for countless hours and with countless tears. To sacrifice is part of the privilege and joy of motherhood. This video by P & G passionately captures the sacrifice and joy that make being a mom the best job in the world. For more real life inspira

Encouragement Jul 5, 2012

Independence Day Games

The 4th of July is a great time to teach your kids about America’s Founding Fathers. Check out some of iMOM’s Independence Day Games to make this holiday fun for you and your family. Test your knowledge with our 4th of July Trivia game. Share this delicious and festive American Flag Cake with family

Encouragement Jul 2, 2012

Four 4th of July Games – Print & Play All Day

3 Great 4th of July games you can print and play all day–and they are free! Another favorite, Independence Trivia, free also! Happy 4th of July!

Encouragement Jun 11, 2012

JUMPING for JOY!

I finished! Finally, finished! The book is done or at least the first draft. But still, it is a HUGE relief because my deadline is July 1st. Everyone is pretty much jumping for joy. I have been cranky, teary, difficult to live with, short, and definitely not myself. Emily is jumping for joy because

Parenting May 31, 2012

Complimenting Your Children the Right Way

It’s easy to compliment your children for good grades and appearance, but encourage them by complimenting their character and obedience. Here are some great iMOM resources for complimenting your kids! Phrases for Praises 10 Compliments Your Kids Need to Hear

Parenting May 28, 2012

Teaching Kids Responsibility

Teaching responsibility at every age and stage in your child’s life is very important. Check out all of iMOM’s contracts that can help you establish clear boundaries and expectations. Pet Care Contact Cell Phone Contract Driving Contract

Encouragement May 24, 2012

A Sweet Memorial Day Reunion

I was talking with a friend of mine, who’s also a mother, about whether she would let her children go into the military. “No! I would never encourage that,” she said. She went onto explain that she just couldn’t bear letting her child go into harm’s way, even if he wanted to. I understand the fears

Parenting May 10, 2012

Pros and Cons for Redshirting Your Kids

Reshirting children is becoming more common for parents trying to give their child an academic or sports advantage. What do you think about this practice?

Parenting May 3, 2012

Building That Mother/Son Relationship

Mothers and sons sometimes speak different languages.Here are a few tips on how to build and strengthen that mother/son relationship.

Encouragement Apr 15, 2012

Do You Need a Tutorial on Pinterest?

I love Pinterest! I love that I can look up recipes for my family and the pictures make me drool! I love that I see adorable, easy crafts for every season. I love that Pinterest has made my home remodel easier. If you aren’t familiar with Pinterest, here is two minute overview that will help you get

Parenting Apr 8, 2012

How to Communicate With Your Kids

As kids enter their school years, they become increasingly independent, spending much of their days outside the home in school and with peers. Talking with your child is essential to bonding, so share ideas, opinions, and information. Watch the video below for a few tips on pushing through common co

Parenting Mar 29, 2012

The Dangers of Pushing Your Child to be Popular

We never want our children to feel left out, but pushing your child to be popular has many dangerous outcomes. Here are some ideas for encouraging your child to strive for greatness, not popularity. With 5 kids, I have had children on all sides of the popularity spectrum. Need more on why it’s ok fo

Marriage Mar 28, 2012

30 Day Marriage Challenge

I am declaring April a month of spring fever for my marriage. 30 days of thinking about Mark instead of being consumed by the kids, work, the book, the house renovation, the move in July, the dog’s scratching allergy, etc, etc, etc. I am hoping the 30 Day Marriage Challenge will shower him with so m

Encouragement Mar 26, 2012

How Quickly the Years Go By

Where does the time go? One day, my girls were playing dress up and having tea parties. The next, or so it seemed, they were grown women. In this really beautiful video, Michael W. Smith asks, “How did tomorrow turn into yesterday?” How did our little children grow up, so… very… fast?

Encouragement Mar 19, 2012

Every Life Is Beautiful In The New Film “October Baby”

I love watching movies, but sometimes the choices can be ugly. So when a movie comes out that has meaning, gives understanding and depth to life, opens up opportunities for discussion and reflection, I am all over it. October Baby is such a movie and it releases in theaters on Friday. In October Bab

Encouragement Mar 18, 2012

How To Get Organized This Spring

We are kicking spring cleaning into high gear at the Merrill house! Here are a few suggestions that help keep me organized. iMOM’s iSpecialist, Kathy Peel, helps moms get their spring cleaning done in just one weekend…YOU CAN DO IT!

Parenting Mar 13, 2012

How to Help Children Cope With Anxiety

Walt Larimore is an amazing Doctor, author and insightful parent. We love having him as a resource on iMOM.com. Walt gives some great advice in this video about children and anxiety. If you child suffers from anxiety we have a couple great resources on what to do. Does your child have anxiety? Here

Parenting Mar 11, 2012

Creative Consequences for Disciplining Children

Disciplining your children can be a little daunting. Here are some creative consequences to implement the next time your child misbehaves. To see more, read iMOM’s Creative Consequences list.

Encouragement Mar 5, 2012

Out of Sorts

Do you get out of sorts? How do you sort it out when you do? I feel like this tree. Kind of scraggly. Kind of confused. Kind of hoping that the stuff sprouting is the promise of something better to come. But I’m not quite sure. But I am trying to look up. When I look up I feel better. When I look do