Aster Paredes Morales - Momivate

Elisabeth Balderree

Former Director of Music, Inspiration, and Laughter

Hello there!

A little bit about me…I have been involved with music for most of my life, specifically singing in choirs while growing up, playing piano, and all things artistic or spiritual that bring cheer to my heart. Although I earned a vocal scholarship to attend college, I eventually changed degrees and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Family Life Science from Utah State University. This education has helped me in countless ways as a mother, specifically as I combine that knowledge with seeking daily inspiration from God, to raise our four sons to be the warriors of God they are intended to be.

My husband and boys are my greatest source of fulfillment and are my favorite people to spend time with. That being said, becoming a mother has also been my greatest challenge. Among many personal difficulties and obstacles, I’ve been able to overcome severe postpartum depression and a near-death experience with the birth of our last son, which has enabled me to have great compassion and a true desire to extend empathy and support for any mothers/people who experience challenges of their own.

When I’m not in the middle of housework, cooking, cleaning, or calming the crazy antics of kiddos, I play piano, guitar, and sing. My craft table is also a favorite place for other hobbies where I sew, paint, draw and create. Curling up with a cozy blanket to read a good book is a luxury I indulge in whenever possible. I also enjoy connecting with loved ones, trying foods from around the world, traveling, sunshine and exercise. Pink and purple are my favorite colors, and anything floral sparks my interest.

I look forward to becoming friends with you through Momivate!

PERSONAL PAGES!

As a thank you to those who donate $30 or more to Momivate, we designate a personalized page to the person whose name they submitted to the Wall of Honor. It can include a photo and bio, and visitors to the page can post comments, sharing memories and celebrating this mother!

One for the Money, Two for the Show, Three to get Ready, Four to go

By Leigha Westover

This past week I began listening to Every Day Millionaire by Chris Hogan, a book my daughter recommended from her Finance class. In it, Hogan corrects some myths many believe make a millionaire. Using the old nursery rhyme, here is a little something I have taken from what he said:

One for the Money
Money is a tool, not the means, to becoming financially successful. DISCIPLINE and CONSISTENCY are the key ingredients.

Two for the Show
The purpose of having money is not showing off what you have. Money is for spending wisely on your needs, not trying to keep up with the neighbors.

Stay out of debt. Don’t get loans.

Three to get Ready
Hogan says, “We are only young once, but we are also only old once.” Preparing for the future starts today. You do this by saving wisely and not spending everything you get.

These are some other things to remember:
1. Take advantage of any matching funds your employer offers.
2. Most people don’t earn their money by taking high-risk investments; most people lose money by taking risks.
3. Know what your net worth is. Take all your assets and add them up. Being a millionaire does not mean you have millions in the bank.

Four to Go
Know what you want when you are 50. Do you picture yourself working, or spending time with your family and doing things for others? Make a plan and set some financial goals. Having a plan makes it possible to reach your destination.

The next book I plan to read is The Cheapskate Next Door by Jeff Yeager.

If you have any suggestions on books or ideas that have helped you, please share through our instagram or facebook!

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Linley Baker

Linley is a native of Massachusetts, where her ancestors arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. She is a mathematician, musician, and mother. She has a business degree from Wharton, a music degree from Ball State, and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. She raised 6 children while living in Japan, China, France, and the US. She has 8 grandchildren, all in Utah. Linley is the author of the book, Don’t Be Afraid to do What You Really Want to Do. Visit her website to purchase it!

PERSONAL PAGES!

As a thank you to those who donate $30 or more to Momivate, we designate a personalized page to the person whose name they submitted to the Wall of Honor. It can include a photo and bio, and visitors to the page can post comments, sharing memories and celebrating this mother!

Thanksgiving in November and Always

By Stephanie Simmons

As Thanksgiving rolls around, it is always a time when I am redirected to my ever-present, yet often forgotten, goal to be more grateful and help my children to be more grateful as well. I think we all know that when we focus on what we have, we are happier and by extension, more giving of ourselves.

In my efforts to be a better person in general, I decided to start a gratitude journal. That evolved, or downgraded, to an app that I downloaded to my phone that reminds me each day to enter what I am grateful for on that day or moment. I set a low standard of listing at least three things each day. The app includes quotes on gratitude which I have enjoyed reading to help me remember and reflect on the importance of gratitude. I have been doing it for over 1000 days! I know that because the app encourages me every so often by updating me on how long I have been doing it. 🙂

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash

We have done a few things as a family to help us be more grateful. As a parent, the hope is that this will help my children feel less entitled and more appreciative of what they have….

Here are a few ideas we have tried:

Go around the table at dinner and say three things we are grateful for.
Make a paper tree on our wall, and add leaves(write the thing we are grateful for) that we stick onto it. In the spring we switch to flowers.
Make a gratitude jar with a container of paper next to it. Whenever, or when asked (usually that is when it was actually done), write on the paper and add it to the jar. Our family has filled the jar a couple of times and when we do, we read them all together.
Model gratitude by expressing my gratitude aloud, or to my kids.

You can see the list isn’t very long, and often those ideas fall away and are forgotten, replaced, or resurrected. It is nice to have a month out of the year that reminds us to get back on track and focus on our many blessings.

QUESTION: What other ideas do you have to help you and your family to be more grateful throughout the year? Have you found gratitude to help you or your family?

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Looking for ways to implement an attitude of gratitude with your children? Check out this list of Gratitude Practices for Children:

Annette Ahlstrom

Annette is the mother of 10 children, 6 sons and 4 daughters and currently 9 grandchildren. She loves to create and does this in her yard and home. Her family likes to tease her of being addicted to paint fumes since she loves painting everything! She loves creating an inviting atmosphere for those entering her home. She loves to make others feel needed and important and reaching out to those in need. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loves paying attention to the beauties of God’s creations and the tender mercies He sends everyday.

She spends a lot of time learning about growth mindset and creating calm and peace and joy in the journey through life. She loves sharing the awesome things she’s learned with others. She has been married to her amazing spouse for over 35 years. They work side by side raising and caring for their family.

PERSONAL PAGES!

As a thank you to those who donate $30 or more to Momivate, we designate a personalized page to the person whose name they submitted to the Wall of Honor. It can include a photo and bio, and visitors to the page can post comments, sharing memories and celebrating this mother!