I Love...Motherhood

Today I Love That I'm a Mother!

Because it's the last day of my Month of Love, I couldn't think of anything I love more.

But, I haven't always been a mother.

I remember being a little girl, sitting in my class at church and when they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, I remember responding, "I just want to be a mom." And that was the truth. I didn't want to be anything else. I didn't have any grand plans for my life...except to be a mom. And I started getting it all planned out in my head at a very early age.

It started with my dolls. I played with my dolls like CRAZY! I named them and took them everywhere with me. They were my babies and I loved them. As I got older, I planned my 20+ children's names. 

I still remember Tiffany and Tyler were my favorites for a long time!

Then the plans for exactly HOW MANY kids I was going to have. Again, I had it all planned out. 

I even had a set of twins planned in there somewhere! 

hahahaha!

Yes, I was one of THOSE crazy girls.

When I first got married, I thought, "Here we go!" and I was so excited that I would finally get to have the one thing I had been dreaming about my whole life.

But, there was obviously a different plan for me. 

And it was very painful and extremely difficult to accept that.

To have to come to grips with the fact that I would never have children of my own seemed like some nightmare that I just wanted to wake up from. How do you make sense of that? How do you learn to be ok with that? 

For me, it took a lot of tears. It took a lot of prayers. 

It took a lot of encouragement. and it took a great deal of faith.

I feel like I finally was able to let go and trust that Heavenly Father was in control of my life and knew what was best for me. I learned to trust Him and His timing.

But, it was so hard.

Now, I look at my crazy life and there are days 

that I don't know what to think. 

I feel like it has been this whirlwind of unexpected miracles.

To be a mother is something I cherish.
 It's something that I try really hard not to take for granted.

It's something that I find great joy in. 

In my opinion, there is no job more noble than that of a mother.

Warning: 

Too many photos of me ahead!

But, this is my way of kind of scrapbooking my life as a mom, 

so just scroll through them quickly if you would like!

I'm not a perfect mother.

I never will be.

To be a mother doesn't mean you have to be perfect. 

It doesn't mean you aren't going to be tired. 

It doesn't mean you won't be overwhelmed.

It doesn't mean you won't be cranky.

To be a mother, means you get up every day and you keep trying. You keep loving your kids. You keep giving it everything you can that day. It means you do your very best, and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest. 

Today, I love being a mother. 

Not because I'm super-terrific at it, but because it's something that I have to work really hard at. 

And because I work so hard at it, I find great value in it. 

I'm very grateful I have such forgiving and loving kids.

They see my imperfections every day.....and they love me anyway.

Today, I love them.

I Love...Love Bombs

Today I Love Dropping Love Bombs!

What is a "Love Bomb"?

I ran across this website and was instantly intrigued.

Every week, people are nominated to receive "Love Bombs". 

These are people who are struggling with 

different challenges in their lives. 

And each Thursday, you receive an email with an introduction of the recipient of that week's "Love Bomb". 

They share a link to this person's blog, and all you have to do is go leave an uplifting and encouraging comment. 

I LOVE IT!

Last week, we were sent to a blog post that was written by a 20-something young lady who just learned that her mother had days to live. Her blog post that day was a very touching letter to her mom.

So, we all dropped our "Love Bombs".

Hundreds of comments of love and support 

were left on her blog page.

And the best part was that she had no idea it was coming.

The week before was a young mom who was trying to stay courageous and strong as she helped her young child battle a horrible disease.

So, we all dropped our "Love Bombs".

I believe that life is short.

And I believe that any little thing we can do to make a difference really does matter.

The best thing about dropping a "Love Bomb" is 

that it literally takes less than 5 minutes.

We all have good intentions.

And yet this is so simple and easy.

You can do it!

Lives are changed, spirits are lifted and people are encouraged, 

one "Love Bomb" at a time!

Interested?

It's so easy.

Go to this link and sign up.

Drop a Love Bomb!

All they need is your name, email, city and state.

I don't believe that any of my "Love Bombs" make any grand difference on their own.

But, combined with hundreds of others, I believe it can.

Today, I love that I can get involved.

Today, I love that I can try to make a difference.

Today,

I love "Love Bombs"!

I Love...Gummy Bear Competition

Today I Love Gummy Bears!

With this many kids, sometimes you have to get creative.

With everyone involved in different things, you don't have the luxury to do big, time-consuming activities all the time. So, sometimes we come up with quick little things to have fun as a family.

My kids love competitions.

ANY kind of competition.

And Ricky is right there with them.

It really is one of our favorite things.

The other night, right before bed, I gave them all a plastic cup and had them stand together.

Then I started tossing gummy bears.

And the competition began.

Arms were flailing, gummy bears were flying and kids were laughing.

It doesn't take much to have fun with these guys.

And today, I love that!

I love that something as simple as gummy bears 

can bring so much joy into our home.

Simply Sunday: I Love...Say Something Nice

Today I Love People Who Say Kind Things!

Tonight's post is short and sweet. 

I love kind people. 

I love people who take the time to say something kind.

And I love the difference it makes in my life when they do so.

To say something kind requires such little effort on our part, 

but has the potential to be powerful in the life of the person on the receiving end.

I went in my bedroom tonight and found a very touching handwritten letter, from an incredibly sweet child. 

No big fancy words were used. No beautiful stationary.

But, what that child expressed to me touched my heart in a way that's hard to describe. 

He has no idea.

And I don't know how to adequately let him know what that note meant.

I've had other kind words expressed this week 

by friends who took time out of their lives to do so.

And it has meant so much.

So, today I love kind words.

I love the power that lies in kind words.

I love the thought behind those words.

And that sweet boy?

I love him dearly.

I Love...My Ninja Warrior

Today I Love My Ninja Warrior

See this face?

Isn't it a sweet little angelic face?

He really is the cutest little thing.

But, take one more look at that face.

Because at some point during the night, 

he becomes this.....

Our own personal ninja warrior.

I never thought I'd be a mom who had kids sleeping in her bed with her. But at some point during the night, Luke stealthily makes his way downstairs and climbs in my bed. I would correct it and take him back to his bed.....if only I heard him or felt him get in bed. Most times on those mornings, you can find him with his legs all over Ricky, or sometimes even laying on top of his head. He's a CRAZY sleeper. I just usually sleep through it. 

Well, very early this morning, I was shown just what a powerful ninja warrior he is. 

I awoke to Luke talking in his sleep. 

He was making all sorts of funny sounds. 

He was having a sweet little conversation with Lucy.

Then, he said, "Come on Lucy! I'll get him!"

And with his best ninja skills, 

he kicked a mighty kick.

Right into my face.

I laughed and then realized how much my cheek was hurting!

So, today I love that when my little ninja warrior wakes up,

he'll be back to this.

My sweet little angelic Luke.

No more karate chops.

Just my bruised little cheek.

I love him.

I Love...Random Things

I Love All Sorts of Random Things!

I was sitting here today and thinking about what I love.

So many things came to mind.

Most of them are little things.

I love the way Luke and Lucy smell after a bath.

I also love the smell of my big boys.

.....well, most of the time.

I love that when I tell those big boys to go do their homework, 

they can't help but wrestle and attack each other first.

And I love the girly yells that make their way downstairs.

I love my college kids.

I love the little texts I get from them.

I love that Moses comes home when he can.

And I love waking up to see him sleeping. 

I love that Hannah makes such an effort to 

stay connected with home.

And I love that she values her relationships with 

each one of us individually.

I love that I live close to Sonic.

hee hee hee

Now, only if I lived close to my mom 

so she could have a soda with me.

I love that Keely and Charity have a special relationship.

I love that they need each other.

I love that they enjoy being together.

They have all sorts of funny inside jokes and it makes them close.

I love that.

I love Skinny Cow Sugar Free ice cream sandwiches. 

Yummmmy.

I love Resinol diaper rash ointment!

If you are a mom of a baby.....THIS is for you.

You have to ask for it from the pharmacist, 

but it's worth the extra effort.

I love the phone call I got yesterday from my sister Jenny.

She's having another baby......and I'm so very happy for her.

And yes, we laughed.

I love that I have good friends, who I know would do anything for me if I needed them.

I love that they can make me laugh when I really don't feel like I can.

I love my sister Britney.

She is beautiful and talented.

But, best of all she almost always answers the phone when I call.

She always has the best ideas and is always willing to share.

And I love that my sister Lori calls me every morning on her way to the gym.

Except this morning!

Where was my phone call Lori?

I love that Ricky buys me flowers.

And I love that they aren't roses.

Nothing against you "rose" girls, but I'd much rather have these.

Flowers make me so happy.

And when you combine them with anything chocolate-raspberry, 

Well, that's just amazing!

Today,

I love all the little things that make life wonderful.

They help the not-so-wonderful things seem a lot better!

I Love...These Fighters!

Today I love these fighters!!

They are my heroes.

Facebook has been an amazing thing. 

It has brought me back in touch with so many people who have touched my life at some point. 

It has also made it very easy to follow

 the challenges that many of them face.

The people in this post have all faced,

or are facing, some really tough things.

And I love them so much for the example they are to me 

of courage, faith, determination and strength.

They are fighters. I have watched many of them tackle these hardships head on. I have watched their heartache, yet have seen them turn that heartache into courage. I have seen them have really tough days. Days filled with fear, with sadness, with discouragement, with pain and with unanswered questions. Some live with chronic illnesses, while others fight to live. Some have had to endure heartache that is intense and painful beyond what they could probably explain.

Yet every single person you see, has made a choice to be positive, to have hope, to trust in things unseen, and to make the most of every day.

Because of them, I am stronger. 

I have had only but a small glimpse into many of their challenges, but it has been enough to change me and to make me more grateful for the blessings in my life.

These are my family and my friends. 

Look at their faces. 

Not a sad one in the bunch.

They are inspiring. They are powerful examples.

They are what the human spirit is all about.

 

Today,

I love them.

I love them for enduring life's trials so well.

Thank you, my wonderful friends and family.

You make me want to be better.

I Love...Mr. Pig

I Love the Newest Member of our Family!

This is Penelope, Gus, Charlie, Porky...

Mr. PIG.

We can't agree on a name yet, but he is the newest member of the Blaylock family.

I got this idea off Pinterest.

And if you don't know what Pinterest is.....boy, are you missing out! 

I do believe Ricky is preparing to stage an intervention,

but, so far, so good!

My kids will be able to tell you many of my funny quirks.

But, one of my pet peeves that they would all talk about
is when they smack their food.

You might as well put bamboo under my fingernails.

I don't know why, but that sound makes me crazy.

I have taught, I have reminded, I have come close to begging at times.

But, these darling kids get so excited to eat my delicious food that they can't help themselves!
hahahaha!

Well, I was browsing Pinterest one day and found this idea. I've tried to find the original link, but couldn't find it again. It reminded me of my own mom when I was growing up.

I remember one night, some of the kids had horrible table manners. My mom reminded, she asked, but it continued. So, my mom took charge. She made the guilty ones (I won't say any names, but I'm sure it wasn't any of us refined and perfect girls) get up from the table, get down on the floor and crawl around the table oinking like pigs.

h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s.

Needless to say, I'm pretty sure we all made an effort to improve our manners.

That leads me to our pig.

hee hee hee...

I let my kids know that Mr. Pig will be joining us. If they get caught by someone using bad manners, they get to enjoy the company of Mr. Pig. To get rid of the precious pig, someone else has to be caught using bad manners. If you have Mr. Pig at the end of dinner, you get a little extra chore to do. I haven't even had to make the chore really yucky. Just the fact that they have to do ANYTHING has been enough of an incentive to make them stop and think.

It's a MIRACLE!!

This silly little plastic pig has done more for improving the manners
in our home than years of teaching, asking and reminding.

All of a sudden, mouths are closed, and I am a very happy mom.

So, today
I love my precious little pig.

Simply Sunday: I Love...This Too Shall Pass

I Love That This Too Shall Pass!

This is my mother's favorite saying!

I love it, but it also makes me want to punch someone!
hahahaha!

Sometimes, I don't want to hear it. 

I want to just enjoy my pity-party for a moment.

But, I know she's right.

darnit.

My heart is full as I write this post.

Sometimes life can be so hard. 

And right now life is really hard for some very special people I love.

It's so hard to sit by and watch people I love struggle.

They have been in my heart today and it has made me think about 

some of my own challenges that I have been through.

I believe that life is meant to be joyful.
I believe that there's happiness always within our reach.

But, I also know that life will be hard at times.
There's no escaping that.

Challenges and trials are never fun. 

Matter of fact they just down right STINK! 

They can weaken the strongest soul 

and darkest the brightest spirit. 

I've had some doozies, and I've had to figure out 

my own way of dealing with them. 

I will never claim to have dealt with all of my challenges perfectly. 

Matter of fact, none of them. 

But, I've had to deal with them in spite of 

my weaknesses and shortcomings.

I have been discouraged, lonely, heartbroken, afraid,
lacking answers and guidance, and frustrated.

At the time, those feelings have been very powerful and very real.
When I have struggled, I've always known I'm not alone,
but sometimes at the moment, it has sure felt like it.

I have wanted answers that didn't seem to come.
I have wanted to have a crystal ball to see
exactly HOW it would all magically work out.
And I have wanted to have those moments of
discouragement and despair just disappear.

But, just like any other normal person, those things typically don't happen.

Just like everyone else, I've had to struggle through dark moments.
And through my struggles, my faith has been tried and tested.

To me, faith is very real and hope is a must.

I was taught at a very young age that faith was absolutely necessary in this life. My parents taught me to trust in a loving Father in Heaven who knew me personally. They taught me that He was aware of my fears, my weaknesses and knew the things that were very important to me. And that He cared about those things. No matter how insignificant those things were, He still cared.

And I'm very thankful they taught me that.

Because THAT is how I've made it through every trial, 

every heartache and every challenge in my life.

I believe that!

I believe that this life will never be without heartache or challenges. And I believe that there's a purpose for that. I believe that when we go through these things, it makes us stronger. It refines us. It teaches us that we are capable of great things. I believe that our challenges keep us humble and they help remind us that we really do need help. I'm thankful for that too. Because I tend to try to do things on my own sometimes. And with just me running the show, it can get kind of scary!

I love the people in my life. 

I believe they are capable of great things.

They have great strength and faith.....especially when they don't feel like they do.

Today, 

I love my brave friends.

I love them for enduring their challenges well.

I love them for their humility, for their strength, for their faith and for their goodness.

May you find the peace and strength that you need.

Until then, eat some chocolate. 

Have a good cry.

Punch your pillow hard.

And keep moving forward.....one step at a time.

I Love...Those Who Serve

I Love Those Who Serve!

This is Jason.

That's Lieutenant Colonel Jason Evenson to you! 

He's unbelievably amazing.

He's talented.

He's kind.

He's intelligent.

He has a good heart.

He's loving.

He's very wise.

And best of all, 

he's my brother.

Did I say handsome?

Incredibly funny?

I can't even tell you how much I love this man.

I have always loved him.

This is his equally darling wife Angie.

I think she is one of the greatest women I have known.

It's an equal match for both of them.

Separately they are wonderful, but together they are untouchable.

This is Jason and Angie.

 I love this picture!!

Jason serves in the United States Air Force.

It's something I admire him for and I'm very grateful.

Recently he returned from Iraq and Kuwait.

He worked alongside General Handy in coordinating 

the efforts in sending the Air Force troops home.

Why do I love him for serving?

Because he took an oath.

And that oath has required great sacrifices at times.

He, like others who serve, has taken that oath very seriously. 

He has served with no conditions and has given what was required.

And I love him for that.

His wonderful family has also made great sacrifices.

I'm very grateful for them.

They have loved him, supported him and have done what was 

required to hold their family together when he hasn't been around.

I am so proud of them.

There are families everywhere who have loved ones who serve.

And I love them for the sacrifices they make.

I know first hand from watching my brothers' family,
that it is very hard.

And my heart is full of gratitude for them.

So today, 

I love my brother.

I love his family.

And I love the many who also
faithfully serve to protect my freedoms.

Thank you Jason.

I love YOU!!

I Love...Charity's Smile

I Love This Smile!

This is Charity.

She is an absolute cutie-cutie.

I will do a whole post on her soon.

Every day I get to drive Charity to school.

And I LOVE our time together.

We do a lot of laughing on our way to school. 

When I drop Charity off, she always waves goodbye and smiles as she walks away.

And I wave and smile back.

Then, right before Charity gets to the door, 

she turns around one more time....

and waves and smiles again.

She does this every single day.

Without fail.

And today, when she did it,

I realized how very much I love this little routine of ours.

This is so true.

Charity's smile makes ME smile.

Oh, how I love her smile.

I Love...Small Accomplishments

I Love Accomplishments!

No matter how small!

But, THIS is no small accomplishment! 

Let's face it.

As a mom, our lives are filled with many accomplishments.

But, many of them are small.

The world would tell you that what you do is no big deal and
that there are so many other things that are more important.

But, I think the world is a big fat liar! :)
heeheehee!

I can't tell you the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish all of my laundry.

I seriously feel like I have done something great!!!

This is so true in my house.

Whether it's camping, playing outside covering themselves in mud,
splashing in the rain or just coming home at the end of the school day.

Those really are the most memorable days.

It's CRAZY to me how much laundry we go through.

The other day I enjoyed a minor triumph when I realized I was DONE!

So, I went about another chore.

Came back.

The laundry hampers were full again.

...ugh.

TODAY? No such surprise! I truly am done! :)

WOOHOOOO!!

So today...
I really do love my precious, darling,
and ever-so-empty laundry baskets.

They make me very happy.

I Love...To Create

I Love to Create

To create a beautiful life...

well...

that's a beautiful thing!!

There are so many things about my life that make me happy. 

But, one thing that makes me REALLY happy
are the amazing people who have touched my life.

There's a saying that I love.

I've always felt that. And there are many who have felt it too.

My life has been surrounded by others who have felt that desire...

and then they've actually done something about it!

These are people I admire and love. 

They have been examples to me and have taught me 

that life really is what you create it to be. 

They have been full of surprises and have strength, 

courage, determination and have not been afraid to work hard.

Today...

I love THEM!

My Creative Friends!!

I'll just start at the top and work my way from left to right!

Rebecca: My dearest friend from childhood, and one of my dearest friends today. A fantastic artist!! She shows every day that even when life is really hard, you still can create beauty in each day.

Annette: Author of "Class Collision", but has a multitude of musical talents as well. She has created a beautiful life for her family and for every life that touches hers. 

Angela: Owns a darling boutique called Lavender, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. You can check it out at www.lavenderessentialsonline.com. GREAT STUFF!

Heidi Grace: For anyone who scrapbooks, those are the only two words you need to hear. She is unbelievably talented. She's just released a new signature line called Clever Handmade. She's as cute and as talented as they come. www.cleverhandmade.com

Jerod Tate: Ahhhh...my buddy from high school in little ol' Laramie, Wyoming. He's now an Emmy Award winning classical composer and I am so very proud of him. His talents go beyond composing, and it's been fun to see him excel. www.jerodtate.com

Tasha: She is a very talented friend who has an etsy shop called www.etsy.com/shop/alittlesweetness. You have to look at the cute things she has! So talented! From paper, to embroidery and now she just introduced a new fabric line.....which I LOVE! Her blog: www.tashahorsley.typepad.com.

Lori: My incredibly talented sister, who can do anything she decides to do. Along with working, she also does catering and started a new business called DeVour Cupcakes. She has been one of my greatest examples of never giving yourself the idea that you can't do something. I'd give the link, but she just got hired on as a flight attendant, so cupcakes are on hold!

Melissa: Creativity just ooooozes out of her. She's a beautiful singer, a FANTASTIC hairdresser (I still have not forgiven you for moving away.....and neither has my hair), and she's now busy at work creating beautiful jewelry for her store www.themuffincupboutique.com.

Mary: She was also bitten by the music bug and creates beautiful sounds. She released another album back in September and I couldn't be more proud of her. Her music makes me so happy. You can take a listen at www.marylydiaryan.org.

Julie: Another darling singing friend. I love the sound of her voice and I love her. She's talented and beautiful. I still listen to her first cd and love it. She is a cherished friend.

Braden: Author of "The Road Show". He's very talented and a great man. He has the ability to create things using words and I love listening to him speak. He impacts lives every day as the director of theater and choir at a wonderful school. www.bradenbell.com

Alicia: My friend who recently decided to get into the business of creating really yummy things that are really bad for you! She is funny, creative and is a hard worker! I'm proud of her for having a dream and going for it!

Nathan: He is a dear friend. And he is CRAZY CREATIVE. He's an animator for Disney and could create happiness in anyone by just being around him long enough. He's also a very good man and a great friend.

Brittany: Another beautiful singing friend. It's amazing what these people can create with sound. She's got a great voice and a dynamic personality. She's also a drama teacher and in her spare time makes her rounds around Nashville singing her little heart out. She's darling!

John: A good friend and an incredible artist/designer. He's a good man and creates amazing things. He's created a good life and enjoys it with a great family.

Mari: She's very creative, but sometimes I think we look at creativity as being in the arts. She does well in that area, but what she is able to create with people is what has been impressive to me. I love her. She has the ability to bring out the best in anyone she knows. She also just got engaged. I'm excited to watch her continue to create a beautiful life for herself.

Kerri: Isn't she cute? She owns a unique boutique of designer and Japanese fabrics. She also loves to create the most darling projects with just her hands and her sewing machine. Who knew all that creativity was in that tiny little body? I love her! You can check her out at www.etsy.com/shop/sewdeerlyloved

Melissa: She has created an amazing family. The most important thing there is!! She has worked hard as a mother and has amazing kids. I love and respect her so much for that. She truly has created a beautiful life for her family. And it will have rippling effects for generations.

Why do I love these friends?

Because they have created beautiful lives.

And my life has been touched by each of them.

They are such great examples for our kids. They, and many others have shown that with a little effort and hard work, you can create amazing things if you want. I want our kids to create beautiful lives for themselves. I want them to set some high goals and I hope they'll work hard to reach them!

I will never be an award winning composer and 

I will never be an animator for Disney.

But, in spite of that, I CAN create a beautiful life 

for me and for my family. 

And I can do that using the strengths and talents that are mine. 

Even though they may be somewhat average, 

it's what I have to work with, 

so it will be enough!

Today I'm going to think about some 

fun new ways to keep doing that!

I'm going to continue to create a beautiful life!

I Love...Valentine's Day

I Love Valentine's Day!!

Of all the days of the year, this is one of my favorites.

I'm a firm believer that the world would be a
better place if we all could be more loving.

I've thought a lot this month about what it means to love.

Love is respect.
Love is kindness.
Love is listening.
Love is forgiving.
Love is giving.
Love is sharing.
Love is being concerned.
Love is being humble.
Love is seeing the best in someone, and overlooking the flaws.

I don't love perfectly, but I love deeply.

Today I love Ricky.
And I will love him every day of my life.
He is my whole world and makes me feel complete.
I love him for how he loves me.
I love him because I know that if I can go through this life with him, I can make it through anything.

I love my kids.
They make my life whole and they make me feel joy every single day.
I love that they make me a better person because of who they are.
I love their determination to do what's right, regardless of what it takes.
I love their deliciously funny personalities.
And I love that they love me.

I love my parents.
They taught me how to love.
And they have loved me.....unconditionally.
I am grateful that even though I'm an adult, they still love me as their child.
They have been, and always will be two of the most influential people in my life.

I love my siblings.
I love that they are more than family. They are my best friends.
I love who they are and am grateful for their examples.
I love that I have the amazing blessing of sharing my life with them.
I love them for still making time in their lives to stay close and keep our family strong.

I love my friends.
I am grateful for good friends, who choose to love me, in spite of me.
I love them for their examples, for their kindness, and for the way they bless my life.
I am so very blessed to go through this life with friends.
It makes it much more fun!!

I love my Father in Heaven and my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I love that I know they are real.
I am grateful to know that they know me and love me.
I am so thankful for how happy my life is because of them.

Thank you to all of you for
making my "ride" so worthwhile.

Happy Valentine's Day!
I LOVE YOU!

I Love...Chocolate

I LOVE CHOCOLATE.

Need I say more?

I mean, COME ON! 

Tell me one woman whose existence on this earth does not require a healthy dose of chocolate?

I'm sure she's out there. But, it's not THIS girl!

I love this chocolate.

And I realllly love THIS chocolate. 

Just thinking about it has kick started the drooling.

HE also loves chocolate.

HAHAHAHA!!

Sorry Noah!

I couldn't resist!

In our home chocolate means many things. 

To me, it means sanity, comfort and pure joy.

But, to some of my kids, it means something oh so very different.

The "Chocolate Talk"

When you have nine children, you get the wonderful blessing of having "THE TALK" many times. You always get a variety of "those" questions that require some private conversations. 

Ricky and I have gotten quite good at these "talks". 

Years ago, we were having one of these talks and decided chocolate would make it much more fun for all involved. We sat and chowed down on chocolate while talking about some tricky little things. 

Thus, the "Chocolate Talk" was born.

Our kids now know that if they have an uncomfortable question, all they have to do is say "I need a chocolate talk". It's become a fun way for our kids to approach us about things that would otherwise be really uncomfortable sometimes. 

Plus, we get to eat chocolate!

Everyone wins! 

Did I mention that I love chocolate?

Must go have some.