I love having a clean home. A clean home is more conducive to fun play time with my kids. And, I like to think that visitors feel more comfortable stopping in when they don't have to look past the mess. Not to mention, I don't have to turn into a cleaning maniac when I am expecting company. Mommy is happier when the house is clean.

Cleaning my home is not my favorite thing to spend my time doing. But having a clean home is something I value. It's rarely perfect, but I try to implement a few tricks that seem to help.

Daily

Do a little each day and you'll avoid becoming overwhelmed.

1. Tidy for 15 minutes

For me, the best time to tidy up is after lunch. (This happens to be when my kids go down for naps, but whenever works for you will do the job.) If your kids are old enough, make a habit of setting the timer and tidying up together.

In those 15 minutes grab an extra laundry basket and start at one end of the house. Put things in their place and anything that belongs in another room, put in the laundry basket. Don't worry about deep cleaning or organizing, this is just a basic tidy. Just before bed, you may want to do another few minutes of tidying. Waking up to a clean house is a great way to start the day.

Dishes and laundry are the never ending curse of keeping house. If allowed to pile up, the job can seem impossible and becomes all the more unpleasant. Here's what works for us.

2. Spend 10 minutes after each meal to do the dishes and wipe the counters

Food will wash off easier before given a chance to dry. If you have a dishwasher, teach everyone to clear and put away their own dishes after each meal. It helps things go by quickly and you'll have a clean work space when the next meal comes around.

3. Break the laundry up over the week

I tried choosing one day to do all the laundry, but I began to dread laundry day. It was all I could think about all day to get each load started, dried, folded and put away. Someone suggested doing one load a day. What a difference it made for me! Make a habit of putting in a load of laundry before breakfast. Set the timer if you need a reminder to switch it over to the dryer. Get it dried, then folded and put away immediately. And voila! Minimal time and done by lunch. If your schedule is different, just apply the same principle when you can.

Weekly

Other rooms in your home will be able to stay clean with weekly attention.

4. Assign one room to each day of the week

My week looks like this.

Monday- kitchen

Tuesday- living room

Wednesday- bathroom

Thursday- bedrooms

Friday- other

Saturday- outside

5. Do a basic cleaning of each room on those days

Focus on cleaning the floors and all surfaces. Then spend another 10-15 minutes on a "deep clean"¯ project. Maybe it's cleaning the windows or light fixtures or organizing a desk or closet. The key is that, as the weeks go by, everything will get done and be easilyĀ maintained. It doesn't need to all happen today, just keep at it.

Write it on your calendar and commit to following your plan for a month. Soon you'll see that in a little more than an hour a day, your home will be clean, you'll be at peace, others will be asking for your secrets and you'll have to find a new hobby to occupy all your free time!

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Tell others that you love them

It must be the worst feeling in the world to miss out on an opportunity to tell someone that you love them. Tell those around you how much they mean to you. Say it with words as well as actions. Express your gratitude and share with them the things that are most important to you.

Live without regrets

This is in two parts. First, ask yourself "What do I want to accomplish in my life? Is what I am doing today helping me toward my goals?"¯ This may include writing up a bucket list of things you want to do, places you want to go, skills you wish to learn or anything else you can think of. Then, work to align your daily life with those things that you put on your list. Life, lived purposefully, is much sweeter. Second, refrain from doing or saying things that you might later regret. Especially when angry or exhausted, be sure to watch yourself. Sometimes a "time out"¯ is still effective as an adult, so take one if you need it.

Learn from the lives of others

Included in many funeral programs is a life sketch. It's always fascinating to hear of the things that people manage to accomplish and the challenges they are able to overcome. I didn't know the beloved husband, father and friend for whom I attended one funeral. I knew many of his family members and wanted to be there to support them. It was neat to realize that there was much to be learned from a stranger. He was constantly studying, learning and challenging himself. It's something that stood out to all of us and will continue to inspire me.

How do you want to be remembered?

The last point is to ponder about how you want others to remember you after you are gone. I've come up with a "power phrase"¯ that encompasses how I hope people will remember me. I try to remember that goal as I go about my daily life, and have found that there is more purpose in the things that I do. When times get hard or I'm not sure how I managed to find myself in a given situation, I can remind myself of my goal and choose to act, and react, accordingly.

While death is a trying and very real part of life, a fantastic way to cope, as well as honor those who have passed on, is to learn the lessons that will make you a better person.

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Live my life without debt. Read to my kids. Write in my journal. Exercise. Build my dream house.

Some of my goals are big, some are small. I've had some of them for years, others come up each day. Goals are defined as, "the result or achievement toward which effort is directed." Setting goals gives us a direction to go, a path to follow and pushes us to improve. Maybe you have long-term goals. Maybe your goals are set at New Year's or with a new school year. Ever since I was married, goal setting, as a couple, has found an appropriate place in our home.

When you are first married, working together can be a valuable, though perhaps difficult lesson to learn. As a married couple, yours is the privilege to share your life with your spouse. It's no longer all about you, it's about us. "We" should replace "I." Even when you have children, together, you are both their parents. After decades of marriage, sometimes it's still good to have a reminder that you are a team. Talk about the hopes and dreams that you have for your marriage and for your family. Where do you see your future? Today? Tomorrow? Next year? How about in five years, or 30 years?

Make goals together

Dreaming about the future that you will have together is fun and exciting. Making goals together will ensure that you make progress toward that future. One of the number one things that can destroy a marriage, is finances. My husband and I recently read Dave Ramsey's book, The Total Money Makeover. It is a common sense plan to get out of debt, create an emergency fund, save for the future and build wealth. Story after story tells of couples who were finally able to get on the same page and make goals together about their finances and as a result, money was no longer an enemy to their marriage. Instead, it became a tool that continues to bless their lives. We are just starting on the baby steps ourselves, but I can vouch that working toward goals together is a good thing.

Support your spouse in their goals

Ask what you can do to support and encourage and help your spouse to achieve his or her goals. Maybe, it's a friendly reminder. Maybe, it's praising her accomplishments. Maybe, it's an active role in helping his dreams come true. One of the things that I love about my husband is that he dreams big. I keep him, and his dreams, in my prayers. I am interested and excited about his passions. Whatever it is, do your best to be there for your spouse. Be his biggest fan.

Include your spouse in your own goals

When you make your own personal goals, keep your spouse in mind. Goals that are meant to strengthen your marriage shouldn't be overlooked. They should be high on your priority list. Ask for your spouse's help in fulfilling your other goals too. A husband or wife can be a great person to be accountable to or to encourage you on your bad days. So share your goals and work on them together.

Remember, goals are best written down and with a plan. Margot Hovley shares some tips on setting goals the SMART way in an article titled "How to set goals and keep them." So let's make a goal to set some goals, OK?!

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Today, I find myself the mother of two young children. Overall, I love being a mother. But sometimes it's downright hard. There are so many differing opinions about everything from pregnancy, labor and delivery to daycare, diet and TV time. And people feel passionately about each topic. So how is a mom supposed to know who to trust and what to do?

Do your own research

Read opinions and gather information. The Internet provides countless resources on every topic. As you read and study, look for the things that stand out as most important and applicable to you in your situation. When you find articles you like or people who share your same opinions save them. Pinterest is a great place for collecting and organizing information that you may want to use at a later time.

Surround yourself with good friends whom you trust and can learn from

Share your concerns and questions with other mommies. Seek out seasoned moms who have similar values and priorities. Glean from their experiences. Be aware that moms often feel passionate about certain topics. Whether you agree with them or not, they are likely sharing with you what has worked for them because they care about you and want to help. Avoid being offended by zealous mothers who eagerly share their opinions.

Learn from the bad examples, too

Don't be afraid to make judgment calls about choices other people make. Recognize the behaviors or choices that you don't wish to be a part of so that you can actively avoid doing those things. This can be a tricky one. You may not know the special circumstances or reasoning behind what someone does, but you can make the call about how those decisions fit into your family's life. There is great value in identifying and learning from the decisions of others.

Talk with your spouse

Include your spouse in your parenting decisions. Ask for his opinion and respect his input. Do this parenting thing together.

Experiment and adapt

When it comes right down to it, just jump in and go for it. Some things will work, some won't. Go ahead and adapt to what is best for your family. Don't forget to look to God as you try to figure things out. Go to him in prayer, and he'll be there to guide you.

Refrain from criticizing other mothers

Motherhood (or parenting, in general) is challenging enough without creating problems by criticizing others. As moms, we can all use a little more encouragement. Strive to be a mommy that sees the good in others.

So far, motherhood has been a terrific ride. For me, it is just getting started. There's a lot to know, and there aren't many perfect answers. However, there's no arguing about one thing, love and smiles go a long way.

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Over the years there have been many different food trends. While I am certain that what you eat can indeed affect your health, it's hard to know just what to do and whose plan to follow. As a wife, mother and homemaker, I feel that my family's health is, at least in part, my responsibility. I am the one who does the grocery shopping and prepares the meals and snacks and treats. It can be a daunting task!

Whether you are preparing food for yourself or for your family, the best thing you can do is to seek for truth for what fits your family. That doesn't usually mean that it's the easiest path, but it will affect your wellness every day. As much as the trends come and go, there are many constant points that stay true. If you are already doing these, way to go! If not, choose one to work on until it becomes a habit, then move on to another.

1. Drink water

Clear and cool, water is cleansing and oh so good for you. Drink a glass in the morning before eating. Add lemon juice for an extra boost. Keep a water bottle close by as you go about your day. A glass of water before meals can also help keep your family from overeating. Opt for water rather than juice, milk or soda at least some of theĀ time.

2. Have a plan

Having a plan takes out the stress caused by last minute meal decisions. Without a plan you are more likely to reach for the ease of Mac & Cheese or grab fast food on the way home. A planned meal will almost always be more nutritious, not to mention that it will also save you money. Plan a week, two weeks or even a month ahead. Make a list of your family's favorite foods for breakfast, lunch, snack time or dinner as a reference and then fill in the calendar. Buy the groceries and do the prep. Don't worry if you can't always follow it to a tee. Life happens and things come up, but have a plan and do what you can to stick to it.

3. Keep a well-stocked pantry

Another time you will be more likely to crave and eat something less than nutritious is when you find your cupboards bare. Keeping the basic items that you use often readily available will help meal preparations to go more smoothly and successfully. You'll open the fridge or the pantry and see options and options are good to have.

4. Stock up on a variety of fruits and vegetables

We could all use more fruits and veggies in our diet, but if they're not in our kitchens and in our fridge, we don't even have the option. Fresh fruit is easy to have at every breakfast and make great snacks (or even desserts). In order to eat several servings of vegetables each day you need to make sure they are served with lunch, dinner and in between (and kudos to you if you can work them into your breakfast too!). If your kids wander in looking for something to eat before dinner is actually ready, a plate of fresh veggies set out can curb their hunger and assure that they still have an appetite come dinner time. Participating in Bountiful Baskets has been a great way to buy fresh produce for a good price and has pushed our family to try fruits or vegetables we might not normally buy.

5. Limit treats

First I have to admit that I have a sweet tooth. I love cookie dough or brownies, cakes or crisps. But I also recognize that there is way too much sugar in the standard American diet. It has worked well in my family to choose one day a week for treats. We have something to look forward to, which makes it easier to say "no"¯ at other times during the week. It's adaptable to birthdays or other special events and reinstates the idea that sweets are indeed treats and not the norm. Be adventurous and try sugar substitutes (like honey or stevia).

6. Cook in bulk

One of the hardest parts of healthier habits is that they take time. When you take the time out of your busy day to prepare a nutritious dinner, really make it count. Whenever I make casseroles, soups, lasagna or curry, I like to make enough for dinner, for lunch the next day and then two more meals worth in the freezer to eat in another week or two.

7. Choose real food

As easy as it is to grab a freezer meal or pour something out of a box or a can, these options are anything but nutritious. They are usually highly processed and include an abundance of sugars, bad fats and empty carbs. Make the choice to eat food that your great-grandparents ate and you'll be doing yourself and those you love a favor.

8. Enjoy your food

Take time to sit down and enjoy the food you eat. Taste the flavors and thoroughly chew. This will aid your digestion and can be valuable time to visit with your family or reflect on your day.

Don't let the fact that leading a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. It does make a difference and it is worth the extra effort.

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Family photo albums are a treasured keepsake in many homes. Pictures truly are worth a thousand words. They are able to capture moments and memories that would likely be forgotten otherwise. The trouble in our day of digital pictures is that they often stay in a file on our computer or are shared on the Web without ever making physical prints. Make sure all those great pictures you are taking are remembered by creating a photo book.

If being creative and scrapbooking is your style, go for it. There are so many neat options and accessories to make your album a work of art. However, for me and many others, creating an online photo album is a great choice.

There are many online photo book companies. A list of the topĀ 10 best photo book services for 2013 can be found here. You'll find a lot of options as well as tips and reviews. They are user friendly, offer good customer service and support and turn out a great product. Multiple copies can easily be ordered. Your album will be saved online should you need another print in the future. I love the option of using your very best pictures in your album and putting all the hundreds of unused pictures on a photo CD at the back of the book.

Gathering pictures and creating a book can be a daunting task. But remember that it can also be fun and will offer a great return for the rest of your life. Let's get started.

• Collect pictures. The first thing to do is collect all the pictures you will want for this album. Check picture files on your computer, on your phone, or ask friends or family to send pictures. Upload your pictures to your site of choice. I prefer to organize my pictures by month so that I can easily find the ones I am looking for and not forget any events I wish to highlight in my books. Here are 7 more ways to preserve digital pictures.

• Start at the beginning. Chronological order makes sense for most photo books, but decide on the style and flow of the book you want, then begin. A title page and introduction will set the mood. These are your pictures and your story. There are countless options to truly make this book your own. I like to include entries from my kids' journals or quote the fun things they say, even if there aren't specific pictures that go along with it.

• Some albums will only have photos, but others will want to include dates, names, locations and the stories behind the pictures. Captions and details help to fill in the blanks years down the road. Even the best of us forget details. And don't forget to include last names of friends, neighbors, teachers and classmates. Write them down.

Once your album is complete and ordered find something to occupy your time until it arrives in the mailbox. It's seriously as good as Christmas every time I open the pages of a new book. I also recommend displaying your books where they will be taken down and looked through again and again.

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With that line on my mind, I came across Stephen R. Covey's book, "Seven Habits for Highly Effective Kids." The first chapter is titled "Bored! Bored! Bored!"¯ Sammy Squirrel is bored. He goes to each of his friends who are all doing fun things, but Sammy Squirrel doesn't want to do what they're doing. He repeatedly asks, "Can't you think of something fun for me to do?"¯ Later, when he is complaining to Granny, she asks, "Well, isn't that your fault? You're in charge of having fun, not somebody else."¯

So how can you help your kids learn to use their time wisely, make their own choices, and create their own fun? And perhaps more pressing, how can you avoid being faced with your kids' boredom as if it were your problem to solve?

1. Define what is expected

Help your child understand his responsibilities while leaving room for him to make choices. Resist the temptation to nag and generously reward him for good choices. In my home growing up, we knew what had to be done before we could play on the computer or go to a friend's house. I learned that the quicker I got to work on homework and chores, the more time there was for play. If I complained about being bored, I knew that Mom would ask about those things first, and it was better to already have them done.

2. Help your kids learn to be proactive

Every day there will be opportunities to teach your child to live purposefully. Help him recognize the choices before him. Guide him to discover that different choices lead to different results. Whether there are problems with friends or an empty afternoon with no plans, brainstorm with him for solutions. Once you've made a good list, encourage him to take action. Praise his efforts and do what you can to encourage him.

3. Create an atmosphere

Kids will miss opportunities to use their imaginations and make their own fun if their days are filled from the moment they wake up. Don't view "free time"¯ as the leftover time when everything else is done. Rather create some time for free play each day. Turn off the TV or video games and stock up on books, building blocks, art supplies or an empty yard to play in. As his imagination is stretched, he'll find the hours passing.

4. Forget about yourself

Sometimes it's not all about you. Teach your child to look around him and find someone he can serve. Helping others is a satisfying and effective way to spend your time.

5. Be an example

Even as adults with seemingly endless to-do lists, we can find ourselves in potentially boring situations. Don't let that mean you are bored. Even if it's not always your idea of fun, fulfill your responsibilities as best you can. Make choices that lead to desirable outcomes. Stretch your mind and skills to become the person you hope to be and look for opportunities to help those around you.

John Spencer at educationrethink.com shares that "the goal isn't to occupy yourself with devices and keep yourself distracted. The goal is to say 'Here are my limitations. Now what can I do that is fun, meaningful or challenging?'"¯

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While my number one recommendation is to get out there, travel and see the world as you experience their unique cuisine, here are just a few ideas to bring those flavors into your life on a more regular basis and share flavors from around the world with your family. Sometimes it might be fun finding the country or region on a map, perhaps do a brief study about their culture and history, and then do what you can to experience the food.

Try a new restaurant

Sometimes it's tempting to stick with what you know and love. But there are a lot of options from many different countries, right in your own city. Some of those small restaurants in the back corner of the block may be their own sort of hidden treasure. Don't be afraid of hard-to-pronounce items on the menu or new ingredients. It's all a part of the adventure.

Invite people over

Take a look around your workplace, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, even your kids' friends from school. Is anyone natively from another country? Tell them you are interested in learning a bit about where they are from and ask if they'd be willing to share some authentic recipes with you. Invite them and their family over to cook the meal together. Ask for an ingredients list beforehand so you'll be prepared. Then spend a fantastic evening together. Take the chance to ask what life is like in another country or what traditions they have. See how many different languages you can learn to say a phrase like "thank you"¯ or "I love you."¯

Use the Internet

These days, it's easier than ever to bring the flavors of foods from around the world right into your own kitchen by doing just a little bit of research online. From blogs to YouTube, you can find all sorts of ideas and recipes to try at home. I was pretty intimidated the first time I attempted to make real Mexican tamales for Cinco de Mayo. First, I found a number of YouTube videos with all the instructions, easily laid out. Then I found a recipe with some good reviews. Often times, there are even more tips in the comments so read those, too. Sometimes you may have to find a specialty store or market to find the correct ingredients. A Mexican or Asian market is a fantastic place to find real ingredients. Some things can even be purchased online for a reasonable price. Many recipes will use foods that you already have, or that can be found at your local grocery store. Just ask around and be willing to explore new territory as you put together new combinations or use different spices than you may be used to.

I am certain that you'll find foods you love. Have some great experiences as you take your own trip around the world without ever having to deal with going through customs. Bon Appetit!

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Many people would like their children to have the experience of learning a new language. In today's multicultural world there are a lot of resources to make this goal a reality. Whether you speak a second language yourself or not, there are a number of things that you can do to help increase your child's exposure to a second language.

Make it a family effort

Language is one thing that simply can't be learned alone. Make an effort as a family to study, learn and use the language you are interested in. My toddler has learned a fair amount of ASL. I try to be there by his side learning it as well, otherwise I don't understand when he tries to sign to me. Learn and use phrases that you can repeatedly use each day.

Bilingual schools

In a number of school districts across the nation there are bilingual programs. Finding a program near you may take some scouting and include an admissions process. Spending several hours every day at school using the language to study regular curriculum is a great opportunity for your child and is certainly worth looking into. If a bilingual school is not an option, check your school for language classes or clubs. In elementary school my sister and I attended an early morning Spanish class that really helped to set a foundation of the Spanish language for me.

Encourage friendships with families who speak a different language

It's likely that your kids have friends who speak another language at home. Take advantage of that resource. Invite the family over and encourage your child to listen and try to communicate as best they can in real, everyday conversations with them.

Read books

Check out books from your local library or order books online. Some will have both the English and the foreign translation listed. If not, keep a dictionary handy and pause when you or your child don't know the meaning of a word. I like to write the translation in the margin of books we own so that I see it each time we read that book.

Watch movies orĀ TV in a foreign language

Many movies come with the option to watch with sound or subtitles in a foreign language. I prefer to change the audio to the foreign language with English subtitles. Kids' shows are especially easy as they are repetitive and use simple vocabulary. If your kids are going to watch TV, have it double as a foreign language lesson.

Learn songs or nursery rhymes in another language

The Internet (especially YouTube) is a great resource for finding songs or nursery rhymes that you can learn and memorize together.

Notice languages in the world around you

It's easy to only see the English when it's most common. Take a moment to pause and listen to other sounds and words of other languages. Both written and spoken, foreign words can be found everywhere including public signs, food packaging and instruction manuals, just to name a few. See just how many places you can find it!

Learning a language is a great experience. Keep it fun and applicable and study the culture behind the language. Buena Suerte!

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Fresh or frozen fruit

Cool apple slices, berries or melon make great snacks. I also love to freeze grapes. It's frozen, juicy goodness and so easy and healthy too! Frozen bananas are also great to have on hand. Simply slice into bite size chunks and freeze. You can even dip them in chocolate before freezing, add peanut butter or both! Any way you decide, they are almost like bites of ice cream. My kids also like frozen peaches or strawberries, so start experimenting with a variety of fruits and enjoy.

Homemade popsicles

A popsicle mold is a fantastic buy and the possibilities are endless! Without a mold you can still use an ice cube tray or Dixie paper cups. The simplest is probably just to pour in your favorite juice or soda. From there you can add fruit chunks or stir in yogurt. Speaking of yogurt, try putting go-gurt or frozen personal yogurt or pudding cups in the freezer for your own frozen yogurt at home. Even Capri-suns or other boxed juices can be put in the freezer for a quick and easy treat.

Smoothies

A good blender is a great kitchen appliance to have on hand. Vita-mix and BlendTec are the most highly recommended, good quality blenders, but most blenders that can blend ice seem to do alright with smoothies too. There are lots of recipes out there, but really you can just put together a few ingredients and get great results. Start with a juice or milk base, add some fruit (think berries, bananas, peaches, pineapple - go wild), some ice and blend until smooth!

Depending on your preferences, add a sweetener like sugar or honey, yogurt, ice cream, kefir, coconut oil, vanilla flavoring, rolled oats or milled flax seed, peanuts or almonds. Smoothies can be as sweet or as healthy as you want to make them. A handful of spinach will turn your drink green but really won't change the flavor and will get in a serving of veggies too. Also take a shot at making your own Julius drinks using 1 c. milk, 2-3 T orange juice concentrate, 1 tsp. sugar, Ā½ tsp. vanilla and a few ice cubes. Yum!

Ice cream

Ice cream is a given. Eaten by the bowl full, on a cone, with brownies or cake or cookies or fruit, an ice cream bar with all your favorite add-ins, added to your favorite sodas - you get the idea. Even better, make your own at home and the flavors are endless.

Cookie dough

We also love to freeze bite-size balls of cookie dough. Look for an eggless option or leave the eggs out and add a bit of milk if eating raw eggs bothers you.

Savory treats

Trail mixes or flavored popcorn require little or no heat to put together.

Believe me, your kids and all the kids in the neighborhood will thank you for giving any (or all!) of these treats a try. Yum!

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