Author: Lil Dino Mommy

What is the purpose of dating?

Published: 14 February 2026
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage

In our society today, it isn’t popular or even considered appropriate to be considering marriage as early as the first date.

Many of my friends, relatives, and acquaintances who are not yet married and even some who have been divorced or widowed and are considering starting again, are feeling the pressure of what it means to be in a new relationship in this social climate.

While few Christians would say they aren’t looking for their lifelong mate and companion, few are ready to admit to their first date that they have marriage on the mind.

Our society has classified marriage as a trap for women in a nation where hurtful terms like “toxic masculinity” are the norm. Marriage has been redefined to legitimize a lifestyle which the Bible makes clear is sinful. Marriage is a legal status as long as it’s convenient rather than something to be cherished. Children are termed as “oops”, “accidents”, and “life ruiners”.

The truth is marriage provides safety and freedom and a bond of companionship favored by God. It’s within the design of marriage with a father and a mother that children thrive and grow. Marriage teaches people to mature, to think of others before yourself, to be truly tolerant of another’s shortcomings, to focus on the good things in life. Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment. Marriage nourishes faithfulness and trust. Marriage allows for experiencing life together in harmony where children are longed for and cherished.

So what’s the problem? Why are single people finding it difficult to speak up about wanting to find this special partner, even as early as a first date? Why is it that faith, core values and beliefs are left on the table while sex and intimacy are expected. People are made fun of for wanting to remain virgins until marriage, bringing up such “serious” topics “too early” in a relationship.

May I suggest society has it backwards?

It’s ok to protect your family

Published: 4 February 2026
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

My Heart is Heavy Over This Topic

As a new Mother of my 15 month old son, I have come to realize that my responsibility is first to my family: my husband and my child.

Living in a Bubble

I was recently told that I and my family live in a bubble and don’t have a grasp on reality.

This is not the first time I have been accused of not recognizing “reality” as it pertains to not wishing my family or myself to be around those who consistently have a negative impact on us. It is these same people who justify their negative impact claiming that is just reality. I beg to differ…

Guarding Hearts and Minds is a Biblical Concept

A big part of my role as a parent is to train my son yes, but also to protect him from outside influences that could harm his development.

There are some really bad situations kids have to deal with in our society today, like abuse, neglect, and more, all of which can negatively impact a child, both emotionally, physically, and mentally. No one would question blatant protection from these circumstances, at all costs.

However, what about the impact of negativity? What about the impact of dishonesty or false perceptions? I don’t think anyone would disagree that a person’s worldview and self-image could be very impactful on a child.

Blood is Thicker than…

It’s not a popular response to distance oneself from well-intentioned family members who bring negativity or harmful perspectives into your home, especially if you were once a part of that person’s immediate family as a child.

Should we protect our children from these, even though they are “family”? Even if they express love for us? Or should we expose them to these people and situations because “well, you can’t be over-protective” or “they need to be prepared for the “real world” anyway”.

My answers in short: Yes, we should protect our children from negative people and situations, even if those people are well-meaning members of our family. No, it’s not being over-protective or unrealistic to put this protection in place over your children and your family.

It’s not a question of if they love us or our children. The concern lies in the harmful impact they may have on our children. Here are a few personality or behavioral types that many people may come across. Every situation is unique, so you will have to choose what is right for your family.

Undermining Authority

Are these people constantly undermining your role as a parent in front of your children or do they support your decisions and your disciplines even if they disagree with them? Are they disrespectful of your and/or your spouse in front of your child? Children, even very young children are very observant, and they are taking in everything. Rest assured if they are consistently exposed to someone who questions you or disrespects you, your children will pick up on that.

Negative Nancy

Sorry if your name is Nancy, but you know the type. Is there a person who never has anything good to say…ever? You know who I mean. With these people, each story, each answer drips with anger, disparity, tension, distain, aggression, intensity, and attitude and once they have left your presence, the air immediately feels lighter and you feel like you can breathe again. If you can feel it, so can your children. It can be difficult to distance yourself from people you care about who are like this because oftentimes they need help. But there is a heaviness and a sadness that can be difficult to handle for an adult, let alone a child, so try to limit these exposures to your kids.

Lifestyle Justifiers

Our first responsibility is to our families.

Let’s Talk About Preganancy – 1st Trimester

Published: 23 October 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

Announcing # 2 is on the way!

I’m very pleased and feel very blessed to be announcing that we will be adding another Baby Dino to our fall this fall! I’m dully excited because I have wanted to write a series of posts on pregnancy, and this one gives me an opportunity to do that, as now each experience can be relived and written as it’s fresh on my mind.

Morning Sickness – You are NOT alone

While I’m in my first trimester, this ugly beast is rearing its head once again. And no, it’s not specific to morning time. Sometimes I feel nauseous all day long, with my worst bouts being in the afternoon. According to americanpregnancy.org, more than 50% of women experience morning sickness, and of those women, about 30% experience vomiting as well.

 

Brighten Up a Dreary Rainy Day with These Fun Online Activities

Published: 4 March 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

Before your child even gets a chance to utter those annoying “I’m so bored” rants on rainy summer days, be sure to prepare yourself with some options. Visiting local children’s museums, indoor trampoline parks, or your local library to join the summer reading club are all great options, but you can also create plenty of fun right in your dry, cozy home. Try tapping into your child’s love of technology, and use a tablet or computer to enjoy these great online activities.

Make a Personalized Recipe Book

Pick up a colorful three-ring view binder. View binders have a pocket on the front that can display artwork, so you can use the computer together to create a personalized cover. Next, search together for kid-friendly recipes that your child likes. Cooking with your child is a wonderful way to work on both reading and math skills. You can read the recipes together, teach counting, weighing, measuring, and even fractions when you show children how to half a recipe, for example. Teaching children to cook also has lots of other benefits, like family bonding time, enhanced communication skills, nutritional eating, and the art of patience.

Introduce Your Child To The Cat In The Hat

No one can turn rainy days into fun (with a side of mayhem) quite like Dr. Seuss. Check out the online Cat in the Hat book video and introduce your child to the creative genius of one of the greatest children’s authors of all time. They’ll enjoy seeing just how crafty one crazy cat can get on a rainy day. There are also plenty of other Dr. Seuss classics online for viewing.

Take Online Music Lessons

Introducing your children to musicology on a rainy day is a great way to turn idle time into something fun and productive. Do you have an old woodwind stashed in the attic or basement that could use a little love? Order a batch of reeds online to breathe new life into that old instrument, one that your kids can quickly learn and enjoy with some patience and a little help from YouTube. According to Parenting magazine, learning an instrument can help children in numerous ways, such as developing social skills, boosting self-esteem, learning discipline and patience, improving academic performance, and honing physical skills.

Get Scientific

Most children love hands-on learning. If your child enjoys building things, there are lots of projects that will teach math and science skills to kids of all ages in a fun way. If your child is curious about the natural world, take a concept like volcanoes and teach your child how to gather information online. Read details together about how volcanoes form and erupt. Find and view recent news stories and images from a volcanic eruption. Next, amp up the fun by making a cup of lava, and finish off the project with some volcano coloring sheets.

Do a Fun Workout Together

One of the most powerful things you can do for your child’s health is to be a role model for good physical health. One way to go about that is by introducing them to exercise. Exercise for children doesn’t have to be the old humdrum of sit-ups and jumping jacks, though. Head online together and find some fun online routines that include activities like dance and yoga.

Teach Your Child the Value of Volunteering

When children learn to volunteer, they’re also learning valuable skills. They learn what it’s like to have less, and the immense privilege of having everything they do. They can learn new life skills. They can understand the emotions that arise out of volunteerism like feeling appreciated and making a difference for someone. It’s also a great chance for children to develop valuable communication skills. Common Sense Media lists a range of apps and websites that children and parents can visit to find a volunteer project that would be meaningful for them.

Rainy days can provide excellent parent/child quality time. They allow time for you to talk and share, and give you wonderful opportunities to serve as a good role model. You get a close-up look at what strengths and weaknesses your child has so you can offer help. And best of all, you’ll become closer to your child, and they’ll feel your love and support.

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My Two Year Old’s 1st Dentist Visit

Published: 25 February 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

First Official Dentist Appointment

Well, today was a big day here for us in the Lil’ Dino household. All three of us, (Lil’ Dino, Lil’ Dino Daddy, and myself) had dentist appointments.

Now technically my son has been to the dentist twice before. Once to have his lip and tongue ties revised and once soon after his first birthday for what we thought was a tartar problem (it wasn’t…we just needed to brush his teeth. duh! *rolls eyes* Apparently, the rule is if one has teeth, brush them. Haha!).

Ever since we went to that pediatric dentist and started brushing his teeth, it’s been a daily battle to brush his teeth.

Picture this: our Lil’ Dino family is getting the little one ready for bed. “Ok, son. Let’s brush your teeth.”

“Noooooo!” Lil’ Dino exclaims as he runs wildly in the opposite direction adorned in naught but his adorable cloth diaper.

Dino Daddy and Dino Mommy smile wearily at one another as one of them holds the tooth brush and both follow in hot pursuit of the resistant toddler.

Dino Daddy wrestles him into his arms and onto the changing table and holds his arms while Dino Mommy smiles and sings happy teeth-brushing songs and tries to get Lil’ Dino to open his mouth.

“Say ahh,” Mommy prods.

Toddler then shuts mouth tightly with a most serious face.

“Please son, it’s time to brush your teeth,” Mommy assures. “Mommy will be very gentle.”

Toddler still refuses and begins (or continues) to squirm.

Mommy uses a freshly washed pinky to create an entry into toddler’s mouth followed by the tooth brush. Toddler seems to comply for a moment before quickly sucking off the strawberry flavored toothpaste, then closing his mouth tightly again.

Mommy wiggles the toothbrush into Toddler’s mouth and begins to scrub gently. Toddler whimpers. Both Daddy and Mommy feel terrible and pray he’ll still trust them when this is all over. Mommy keeps brushing softly and Toddler wails (which admittedly and horribly makes it easier to get the whole thing over with because now his mouth is at least open).

“It’s ok son,” we reassure. “We’re almost done.” “We’re doing this because we love you and we don’t want your teeth to fall out!”

Then it’s over. Whew! (Now were all ready for bed!)

End scene.

This has been every evening for nearly a year, with very few exceptions.

Needless to say, Lil’ Dino Daddy and I were skeptical about how this trip to the dentist would go. However, both of us felt it necessary since teeth-brushing is such a struggle and because Lil’ Dino chipped one of his teeth chomping a rock and we wanted our family dentist to check it. (*another eye roll and a big sigh* Boys will be boys?)

Scared Little Boy

So we arrive at the dentist and I fill out the “new patient” paperwork for my son which is kind of exciting.

Soon two dental hygienists arrive to take back my husband and my son (with me). One of them tells Lil’ Dino, “Can you believe your Daddy was your age when he started coming here?” Pretty neat, right? We really like our dentist.

So, my husband heads back with the hygienist who spoke and my son continues to play with legos and completely ignore that he’s being spoken to. (My son is actually very friendly and polite for a two year old. We had just woken him up from his nap and he was a little shy and moody.)

So, I illicit Lil’ Dino’s help in picking up the legos and then I pick him up and we walk back to whatever the dentist equivalent is to an exam room. We talk to the hygienist. Let’s call her Ms. Hattie. She’s so sweet and friendly.

She shows my son the “special cushion just for him” and I go to set him in it. He raises his legs into the air, refusing to sit, and clings to me as tight as he can. He was terrified! My son is typically fairly fearless. He has a wonderful sense of exploration that sometimes borders getting into mischief. He’s not really afraid of new people or new things.

We talk up the chair, as well as the movie he can watch while he sits in it. No go. In fact, I told my husband I’m pretty sure he suspected trickery once we offered the TV freely and he didn’t have to request it.

The more Ms. Hattie speaks to him – the more I try to convince him – the more his grip tightens around me and his head buries into me. Soon he begins to sob that panic sob I so rarely witness. It’s not only heartbreaking but I know it means he’s had enough. He’s scared.

I tell him, “Oh honey, it’s ok. You don’t have to do anything today.” I smile at Ms. Hattie and take my son into the lobby. As I carry my frightened son, I notice the warm colors of the lobby contrast greatly with the cool colors, bright lights, and shiny instruments of the exam room. He immediately relaxes but continues to cling to me. The sobbing stops.

I remind him he is safe. That no one will hurt him. Everything is ok.

It dawns on me, that although he was a baby and it had been a year since he’d had a bad experience at a different dentist’s office, he probably remembers it. At that time, and at the time of the lip and tongue tie revision at three weeks old, it was a forced situation. Both times he cried and was held down. It truly breaks my heart to write about it. Something triggered a panic response for him.

All this time we’d been brushing his teeth almost the same way because, well, we had to. We had to take care of his teeth. The only time he doesn’t mind his teeth being brushed is when he does it himself. Of course, he doesn’t do it very thoroughly which is why we have kept doing it for him.

Our story continues, and my son soon crawls off my lap to go back to the legos. I have told him that soon we will go back into the room, “but it will be to help Ms. Hattie clean Mommy’s teeth. Won’t that be fun?”

Ms. Hattie comes out and kindly hands me the paperwork I hadn’t quite finished. As I scribble down the requested information, she kneels down and asks if Lil’ Dino wants to play legos with her. He was so excited. He laughed and joined her in playing. They chat a while about colors and block sizes and how high they can stack them.

I complete the stack of papers and walk it up to the office assistant. I return to Ms. Hattie and Lil’ Dino and ask him if he wants to go see Daddy get his teeth cleaned. He agrees and we go to his exam room.

Let’s Watch Daddy…and Help Mommy

My husband’s dental hygienist was a hoot and also friendly. She was wearing specially designed glasses that had a light on them and commented first thing that she was a robot. My son loves robots, so we chatted about that for a bit and she showed him the tools that were cleaning Daddy’s teeth. “Daddy’s teeth are so shiny now,” she explained. His curiosity was sparked but he remained solemn.

We headed back to my exam room with Ms. Hattie, and I sat down on the special chair with my son on my lap. I pointed out the TV and the current scene playing in “Finding Nemo”. Ms. Hattie brought him a Lil’ Dino sized chair and he giggled and sat in it joyfully.

Becoming comfortable in this new environment, he exclaimed, “Daddy is?” and stole out of the room and down the hall to check on his Daddy. Thirty seconds later he was back with Daddy right behind him, and wanted up on my lap. I encouraged Lil’ Dino Daddy to stay and to let Lil’ Dino watch so he’d become more comfortable.

With Lil’ Dino on my lap, Ms. Hattie told us we were going for a ride, and I excitedly exclaimed “Whee!” as the chair moved back at a snails pace. Lil’ Dino giggled. Maybe this place wasn’t so bad after all.

I have to admit, as someone who has had a chipped tooth, braces, and headgear, and a retainer, I’ve had many experiences with people working inside my mouth. Nothing was more eventful than this simple cleaning I had today!

Lil’ Dino stayed on my lap the entire cleaning. He “helped” and bounced, and exclaimed, “Ah-uh-uh-uh!” as he did so. He smile and laughed and talked about “Mommy mouth” “Mommy teeth”. He watched and then wanted to touch the tools (but only did so with permission from Ms. Hattie which was impressive I thought). She handed him his first dental tool. He held the circular mirror up to his face and scrutinized it thoroughly. He grabbed the “sucky tube” that was in my mouth and tried to push it further into my mouth and down my throat. (Ok, that one wasn’t with permission.) “Touch it,” he said and then touched the green paste that was polishing my teeth.

What a Turn Around

He continued to watch in fascination, get excited, then lay on my tummy and hug me tightly. He even told me “tank tou, Mommy” a few times for getting to do something with my teeth. He was so distracting and truly very sweet. What a turnaround from the terrified little person thirty minutes previous in this very room. It was certainly the most fun dental cleaning I’ve ever had.

Ms. Hattie was able to get him to smile here and there and check out the chipped tooth. They use a really neat camera tool with a light on the end that goes in or near the mouth and he tolerated that a bit so she could get a good picture for the Doctor. Lil’ Dino was positioned just right that he could see the screen that showcased him as she took the pictures. He liked that too!

Ms. Hattie was even able to polish Lil’ Dino’s teeth with a toothbrush by letting him do it and rubbing his teeth with her blue-gloved hand where she wanted him to brush.

Lil’ Dino even let the Doctor look at his chipped tooth for about a nanosecond, but it was just long enough to know that everything was ok.

When it was all said and done, we all three were given a clean bill of dental health and Lil’ Dino left with a bright smile and a prize from the toy chest.

He said thank you and bye bye to everyone, including the doctor. He said a special goodbye to sweet Ms. Hattie and reached out to her to hold him. He really liked her. 🙂

Before we left, our favorite office assistant from the front desk came around to take Lil Dino’s picture with a big white camera that prints the photos instantly. His photo was placed on the “No Cavity Kids” board, of which I took a picture to send to his “Nama” and “Nana”.

When I showed my husband the picture of the picture I took, I warned him beforehand that if we weren’t his parents, we wouldn’t know this was a two year old. He saw the picture and agreed. He looked like an older child. A big kid. And for the moment, that suited him well, because he did a big, brave, big-kid thing today and overcame a fear that we didn’t realize he had.

Now that we know our son has a healthy mouth, we are going to take a couple weeks to change his teeth-brushing routine. We’re going to let him do it all by himself, with direction. We’re going to take our cue from Ms. Hattie and show him where to brush by rubbing his teeth. He’ll be standing like a big boy over the sink. Maybe Lil’ Dino Daddy will teach him to spit like a man. (Ew, what am I saying?)

Grandparent Pride

Upon receiving the picture I sent of our very own “No Cavity Kid”, my mother-in-law admitted that she is resisting the desire to go to the dentist’s office tomorrow just to talk to them about how cute her grandson is. “Grandparent pride is a real thing!” she explained proudly.

What about you?

 

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6 Tips for Teaching Children to Listen

Published: 8 January 2019
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

How many times do we wonder, “Is this kid even listening to me?” When my first child was on the brink turning two, I was asking myself this question. It wasn’t until he was nearly three that I finally found a solution that worked!

I’ve read and searched and studied the answer to this question and it didn’t take me long to realize, that it starts with me. I have to “train my child in the way he should go”. This includes teaching him how to listen, and how to respond to my expectations of him.

It also is something I need to be modeling for him, which brings up another question…”Am I listening to my husband?” Definite food for thought there…

If you’re finding parenting a challenge, you’re not alone, but don’t let yourself fall into a “victim” mentality. Take action!

God has created a perfect model of what parenting should look like. Training is really all about teaching consequences to our children. What better way to set a young person up for the “real world” than to teach them from their little bitty youth, that every single action has a consequence?

1. Set Expectations. When it comes to teaching young children to listen (the first time!), we parents have to enforce the rules accordingly. If you have said or requested something of your child and they are not responding, enforce the consequence of breaking that rule.

2. Start Early. It is easier to train a young child before bad habits are formed, than to retrain old and bad habits. However, don’t lose heart if your child is older. You might explain to your child that things are going to be different now. You didn’t understand before, but now that you know better, you’ll do better and it’s all because you love them dearly.

3. Act Swiftly! Don’t let it fester. If you are to the point of frustration or anger, you have waited much too long to act. God rebukes and chastens us in love. We are to guide our children in the same loving way. We want to respond, not react, to our children’s behavior.

4. Be Consistent. This is the key to having peace in your home as quickly as possible. It is confusing for a child to “get away with it” the first three times you said it, and then get a swat on the fourth time. Now you’ve trained your child to obey on the fourth request, rather than the first.

5. Keep Trying. Don’t let failures set you back or keep you from trying again. Ask for advice from godly friends and take it all with a grain of salt against what God outlines in His word. It was a friend who recommended a book to me that helped tremendously. Her children are older than mine and they are all loving, respectful, and smart. I wanted that for my children.

6. Diligently Seek Wisdom and Discernment. Pray about your parenting. None of us are perfect, but when we allow God to lead us by studying His word, we gain knowledge and a better understanding of how we are to behave.

If you have questions or comments, please share below!

“Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

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These Hobbies Can Help Your Kids Put Down Those Screens

Published: 2 November 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
1 Comment
Categories: Parenthood

Here’s another great article from our guest poster Maria Cannon. To read more from Maria, go check out her website here. It’s “Your Place for Hobbies”!

Do your kids spend their weekends staring at screens?

Well, you may be surprised to know that too much screen time can actually be bad for their health. That’s one of the reasons it is so important for children to spend time discovering new hobbies. More than just a way to burn time, hobbies can provide stress relief, help little minds develop and even be beneficial for their health. Need some ideas to get your kids started? Here are some hobbies guaranteed to get them away from those screens and having actual fun instead.

Make New Friends With Play and Sports

If your children are glued to the couch too much, it could have a major impact on their overall health. Studies show that teenagers these days tend to be less active than seniors, and that means more instances of obesity and related health issues. Keeping your children active, whether it’s by encouraging them to play or try a new sport, can help prevent some of those problems from becoming major issues. Play is also a great way for your kids to connect with other children their age, so try to schedule some play dates with friends or other families that you know. You can also encourage your child to get involved with organized sports. Basketball is a great sport for kids to try and keeps them moving the entire game. Before your kid hits the court, look online for the best basketball shoes that offer comfort while staying affordable.

 Connect with Nature and the Outdoors

Want to improve your child’s self-esteem and help them relieve stress? Get them to take their hobbies outside. Spending time outdoors can help children in several key ways. Kids who spend more time outside tend to have improved vision quality, better social skills, and more focus than those who do not. Exposure to sunlight can also increase vitamin D production, as well as decrease stress and feelings of depression. Wondering what hobbies you can do outside with your children? The possibilities are endless. You can start simple by planning some backyard bird watching, or you can teach them how to garden. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even take your family for some hikes or other excursions into nature. There are also scouting groups that can help your children develop a love of nature, as well as other essential life skills.

Unleash Their Creativity on Arts and Crafts

Did you know that the arts can aid development in your children? By practicing arts and crafts as a hobby, your kids are enhancing their fine motor skills, learning to make decisions and developing visual-spatial skills. The arts are also a fun and creative way for kids to explore other cultures. So encourage your children to put down their tablets and pick up a paintbrush or some clay instead. Visit a local arts and crafts store to pick up some basic art supplies, or look online for budget-friendly starter kits that have all budding Bob Rosses’ need. Children benefit the most from art when they have the space to create freely, so let them have fun and keep the experience positive from start to finish for everyone.

Boost Self-Esteem by Baking for Others

When you think of hobbies your kids might enjoy, you may not consider cooking and baking. Studies show, however, that baking for others can have some very positive impacts on self-esteem and mental health. Putting together a meal or baking a cake can help your children practice creative expression, an important element in nurturing positive mental health. You can get your children started by planning a family baking session. Select a kid-friendly recipe and try to keep things simple at first. Depending on your children’s ages and abilities, you may even want to pick up some kitchen equipment that can make the experience safer for little hands.

Kids need hobbies to keep them healthy. So, give your kids a break from those screens and encourage them to explore a new passion. Their bodies, minds, and health will thank you!

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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Counting My Blessings…Yet Again

Published: 25 October 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
No comments
Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood

Counting Ones Blessings Can Never Be Overdone

My son is almost 2 years old now, and I am feeling extremely blessed for a variety of things.

I could go on and on about how intelligent my son is and praise God he is hitting every milestone. I am thankful for his very life! Which, admittedly, he challenges me to save nearly every day as he tests out his ever growing strength and physical capabilities. And I’m so very grateful for my husband, with whom I am privileged to call mine. It’s such an honor and brings me so much joy to stand by his side and raise our son together.

What a Journey!

I want to highlight another blessing that I have been reminded of. It’s a portion of Lil Dino Daddy, Lil Dino, and my journey that is looked back upon as a very vivid, bittersweet time.

I’m thankful to still be breastfeeding my son. I have posted before on the benefits of breastfeeding. (I want to also write soon about the benefits of breastfeeding a toddler.)

Let God Lead – Be Prayerful

But today, what I want to highlight is the importance of bringing God unto your decisions, and very specifically the importance of doing so through prayer. You know, the more I read the Bible, the more it makes sense to me. Reading through the Psalms and Proverbs and seeing exactly what God says about how to deal with life is incredibly helpful and practical.

Although, there are days when I don’t read God’s Word (and severely regret it as it is the ultimate way to “think on good things”), there are days when I don’t pray as I should. It’s becoming more habitual as now my son is the one holding me accountable at meal times. 😉

Prayer is Easier When I’m Desperate

My prayer life was never as strong as it was when I was struggling to breastfeed my son. In those early days that turned into weeks, and then turned to months, I just kept asking God for this “good gift” for my baby.

Over the past several years, beginning with my pregnancy, my husband and I have been striving to get back to the basics of life and nature and the way God designed things to be. (For instance, how food is not only life giving, but healing as well!) We’re learning to be more frugal, to waste less, taking steps – baby steps – to be healthier and be more cautious about what we put in and on our bodies. To us, breastfeeding was the natural extension of that lifestyle that we are gradually moving towards. It was the healthiest, most natural, most nutritious, way to feed our child. It was right in line with how God designed it and I was failing!

However, with the support of Lil’ Dino Daddy and others, and through much prayer and petition to our Abba Father, we were successful!

Take Heart! Ask for Help. Rejoice in the Lord!

So please let me encourage any of you new (or seasoned) Mamas who might be struggling with feeling like a failure in some way. Lean on God. Reach out to Him and ask Him for your needs. He wants to help you and guide you. He wants to hear from you, (just like you would want to hear from that tiny baby in your arms once he or she has grown up!).

Also, look around you and ask others for help. Many people want to help, but do not know how unless you tell them specifically.

Remember, no matter how a situation turns out, to worship God. I took many an opportunity rocking my baby to simply sing and pray OUT LOUD.

James 5:11

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”

May we pray for you?

Feel free to comment what’s on your heart below. I would love for this to become a community and a safe place for all Mamas to share and learn from one another.

Have a story to share?

Email me your story and we’ll work together to post it on the blog.
Contact me at LilDinoMommy@ourlittledinosaur.com

Need Breastfeeding Help?

I used this resource many times in that early stage of breastfeeding. I reference it even now as we are thinking of night weaning. Thanks KellyMom for being an online support for me and a place for me to find answers to what I thought were unlikely questions.

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8 Simple Steps to DIY Storage Bins

Published: 6 August 2018
Written by Lil Dino Mommy
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Categories: Marriage, Pregnancy and Parenthood, Parenthood

Organized Decor

A couple years ago, while I was pregnant, I had a strong urge to nest and prepare for the arrival of my baby. One of the ways I wanted to prepare was by decorating the nursery.

I wanted to take a practical, cost-effective approach to setting up the nursery, starting with organization. There are so many cute and unique ways to decorate and organize at the same time! (Just look at Pinterest!) One of these ways is by using fabric storage bins to put on shelves, in closets, or even in drawers (hey, baby clothes are tiny!).

Fabric storage bins help to add color and life to a bookshelf or hutch. I knew I wanted to get some to decorate with, but when I priced them out, I quickly decided I wanted to try my hand at making my own.

How to Create Your Own Fabric Storage Bins – No Sewing

Here are 8 Simple Steps I used to create fabric storage bins for my son’s room:

  1. Collecting Boxes – We order from Amazon (more often than I care to admit), so I started collecting boxes of various sizes based on where I thought I might use them. I save a couple medium size boxes for toys and other baby shower gifts that were coming in. (I also wanted a few small ones to put in the drawers of my son’s dresser, so I saved Kleenex boxes. These I lined with twine, which was a very tedious and completely separate project!).

    Fold the fabric under to create a clean edge.
  2. Picking out Fabrics – Next up, my husband and I went to Hobby Lobby to my favorite section in the store! FABRICS! We picked out a pattern for the outside, trains, as you can see, and an off-white color to line the inside.
  3. Cutting the Boxes to Size – As I was using shipping boxes, I wanted to cut the top flaps off. I also trimmed a couple taller boxes to fit on the shelves I knew I wanted to put them on.
  4. Taping or Gluing on Sheets of Paper. (Optional) – I did this because my fabric pattern had enough light spaces and I didn’t want the text from the box to show through, so I used the paper to help even out the tone all over my box.
  5. Cutting the fabric to size. – Admittedly, this took some trial and error for me, but the best way I found is to lay the fabric on the box and wrap it around and then cut it accordingly. I did a separate piece for the bottom. Leave some fabric to overlap the top and into the box.

    Use a hot glue gun to attach the fabric
  6. Gluing the Fabric on the Boxes. – Ideally, I would have liked for the cloth to have been removable instead of permanent for cleaning purposes. But in the spirit of a no-sewing project, I used hot glue instead.  I glued the bottom piece first so that I could hide the rough edges when wrapping and gluing the final piece. It is best to hot glue a couple inches at a time because the glue cools too quickly to do a large area. (If the glue dries too fast, you can peel it off, but it does waste the glue sticks.) When you get close to an edge, fold it under to create a cleaner look.
  7. Gluing the Inside Fabric. – Now it’s time to glue the fabric on the inside of the box. Start with the bottom and work your way up the sides. Once at the top, fold the edges at the top to create a clean look.
  8. Use the Bins! – Start storing and decorating at the same time! Now your box is complete, and you can start storing things right away.

    DIY Fabric Storage Bins

Still Practical? Absolutely!

These bins are still being used in my son’s room to hold toys, clothes, diapering supplies, crafting supplies, and socks! The best part is, my son noticed the pattern I picked out just the other day. He crouched down and looked at his toy box, and exclaimed, “choo choooooo!”

What about you? What practical DIY projects have you found the most useful?

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do…”
Proverbs 16:3a

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