Praises of a Wife and Mommy

About The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story: Brother, Sister and Honey Bear learn that there is more to Easter than chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and jelly beans when their Sunday School teacher has them sit in on a play entitles The Easter Story.    A great way to teach children that it may be OK to enjoy Easter treats but they must not forget that Salvation is much sweeter then candy. My Review: It is so easy for our children to get caught up with candy, bunnies, and eggs because of the worlds view on Easter (the malls, TV commercials, bulletin boards, and well everywhere).  I loved reading this book because I loved reading how the hearts changed in Brother and Sister Bear.  We just celebrated Easter so my daughter kept stopping me in the middle of reading so she could tell me more about Easter.  :) This story is perfect for any child so they can really learn the true meaning of Easter. About The Berenstain Bears All Things Bright and Beautiful: Brother and Sist

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  About The Princess Twins and the Puppy: Puppy is no where to be found after he is missing during teatime.   The two princesses become worried and start searching everywhere for him.  After hearing Puppy's helpless bark from the dark, scary basement, Abby must confront her fear of the dark by trusting God and asking for courage to rescue her beloved puppy friend. My Review: I have a 4 year old aspiring princess so this story was very fun for her.  She is not ready for "reading" yet but she was very cute as she "read" and was point to the words on the page.  The book was very good timing as we will be bringing our new puppy home at the end of May.  I love that the story does bring back to a serious issue for many kids, being scared of the dark.  The other night I was walking up the stairs and the lights were off and my daughter said, "Mom we don't have to be scared because Jesus is with us." My heart melted and I agreed with her!  :) About

We were out shopping the other day and we saw these adorable hats with a letter on them.  I did not buy them but I am considering going back to get them.  They are grey and pink so I am thinking my daughter could wear it with most of her outfits!  :)  My daughter was also asking if she could get her ears pierced... I am not really ready for that.  How old did you allow your daughter to get her ears done?   So sweet daughter of mine!  I love you so so much!  

Well we are homeowners and what comes with being a homeowner is... repairs!   The other night I loaded and started the dishwasher and then headed out to youth group, the kids were with a sitter.  I got a phone call from the sitter and she said she was smelling something burning in the kitchen and opened the dishwasher and found the bottom water sprayer thingy had unattached and had fallen right on the heat source...:(  I was able to later detach the piece and I am sure we can replace just that piece but I have not heard back from the place that I called??  I just needed to know how much the part was and I called on Thursday and never heard back from them??   I guess all I can do is wait for the hubby to get home and figure it out.   Also, Praise God that it only melted some plastic and no other damage occurred! 

WELCOME TO THE KITCHEN AID MANIA GIVEAWAY! We are giving away a white KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer to one lucky reader! This is a perfect Mother's Day gift to every one who loves baking or simply just being in the kitchen! This was made possible by Bay Area Mommy , American Family and some of the most awesome bloggers! KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer - Retail Value: $349.99 - Color: White - 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds; 5-quart stainless steel bowl - Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture - 1 piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients - Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip - Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches; 1-year warranty Giveaway will run from April 29 at 12AM EST to May 9 at 11:59PM EST. Open to the US only. Must be at least 18 years old to be eligible. GOOD LUCK!  So excited for one person to be blessed by this awesome prize!  :)

Titus had his second hair cut and it was a huge challenge!  He was so squirmy and whiny, but we got through it and it looks so adorable.   I have already heard from 2 people that he looks more like his daddy.   AHHHH!  :)  I really wanted him to get a hair cut since he is getting some pictures taken next Thursday.  :)   I could tell the lady cutting it was a little stressed out as she kept giving big sighs.  I don't know if she was trying to be rude or if it was just her coping mechanism to get through it.  I had Titus on my lap and had to keep re positioning him.   Any tips or advice on infant or little kid hair cuts?  

As we were leaving the YMCA this morning my daughter asked me what we were going to do the rest of the day.  I started listing everything off, go home, eat lunch, take a nap, get groceries... but she  stopped me at grocery store and said "why?"  I replied, "we need food so I can make some meals this weekend so we don't go hungry."   The best part is coming...she is going to melt your heart.   Then she looks at me in the most serious way and tells me this,  "Mom, Jesus will give us food just like he gave that boy more food who had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.  He just kept making more and more food and handed out food to everyone oh and Jesus ate and ate some too.  So we can just ask Jesus for food."   I love knowing that she is learning all these wonderful Bible stories and can recall them all on her own and tell the entire story to me!  :)  LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!   This mom is PRAISING HIM for such a sweet treat.  I pray that God would continue to g

Hi everyone! It sure has been a busy month here with moving!  I promise I will try to get some good pictures very soon!  :)  I have not taken any pictures since I haven't gotten everything they way I want it yet.  I have been on my Pintrest boards wanting to create so many of the items I pinned...it is dangerous!  :) Beyond just moving and getting settled I have truly just been enjoying the new living space, enjoying the deck and the yard.  :)   I do have a couple funny stories to share before I forget.   One happened this morning.  I sent my daughter to go get dressed and she came out of her room holding a dress she wanted to wear.  I said, "make sure you wear something on your arms and legs it is going to be a cool day."  Somehow she misplaced the dress she was going to wear and was yelling, "dress where are you, dress come out."  I told her to look some more in which her response was priceless, "mom, my dress got up and walked away, it is no where to

What is Teething Tots: "Teething Tots is a home-based, ‘mommy' run business. I’m a mom of two wonderful daughters and my interest in providing natural teething alternatives to other parents blossomed from my own experience with a teething infant. My oldest daughter started to show teething symptoms at the age of 3 months. I had been aware of Amber Necklaces prior to having my own child; however, it wasn't until the topic of teething came up at a mommy & me group that I seriously considered the necklaces as an option. In an effort to ease her symptoms without resorting to over the counter pain medication, we tried a Baltic Amber Teething Necklace. Within a day, her excessive drooling had greatly diminished and there were positive changes in her sleeping patterns. I took no chances with my second daughter and put an amber teething necklace on her when she was 3 months of age. She was showing no signs of teething but, I thought I would be preventative rather than reacti

BEEP BEEP!!!  

What is Build a Dream Playhouse: "Build a Dream Playhouses™ was founded by a Cleveland father dedicated to the futures of the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio, and the imaginations of children. To achieve that, and reflecting on his city’s hard times, he collaborated with the world famous Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, a group of 3 to 9 year old children, and the Smurfit Stone Container Corporation, Build a Dream Playhouses™ is now proud to introduce to you what we believe to be the most innovative, fresh, and fun playhouses on the market. We hope you enjoy our products and we look forward to introducing many more in the near future." The Mission of Build a  Dream Playhouse: "At Build a Dream Playhouses™, we strive to deliver safe, affordable, eco-friendly products that stimulate and encourage the endless imagination of ALL children. Our quality products offer the tangible framework for children to place their intangible dreams."  My Review

  Time continues to be flashing extremely fast but I suppose that is a normal response when talking about babies and growing.  Today marks 13 months for Titus!  Happy 13 months little boy! Ever since my little guy started walking he also started climbing, climbing on to chairs, tables, stairs, and everything and anything he sees.  I have managed to remain calm but he has a couple bruises to show from a couple little tumbles.  Many of you can probably relate to a climber, but this is new for me.  My daughter never did much for climbing.  I have just considered this one of the many things that make boys boys?  Anyone agree who have one of each??   Titus continues to show more of his personality and he is transforming into a little boy and growing out of his baby stage.  I continue to hang on tight to my little baby but I love this fun age of exploring at the same time.   I do have one prayer request for Titus: Please pray that his Iron levels raise.  They have been low for a

Many of you know I am in a wedding in June so it is time to find a good style for the hair.  This week I had this done...not sure about it yet.  I saw a similar picture on Pintrest but know I kinda want my hair half up, but I am still waiting on the Bride to give more direction on what she wants.  I am willing to bet she is not really thinking much about her bridesmaids which is fine!  LOL, I never cared what my bridesmaids did with their hair.  :) So anyone have any suggestions?  :) 

One of the many reasons we wanted a house was so we could get a family dog.  :)  We had a dog before when we lived in a house but when we found him a new home before we moved into our old apartment.  I have really missed our little Izzy!   Well, one of our students from youth group had a dog who had puppies a little before Easter and today we went and looked at all the adorable puppies, which there were 8 of them!!!  It is a blessing for us to find a cute puppy and the family is almost giving us the puppy for free so Praise GOD!  :)  We feel so blessed and we are so excited!   The dog is a mixture of Boxer, Chow, Spaniel, and Terrier.  I think they were so adorable!  :)   We have a few weeks to get everything we need for the puppy.  We get to go visit her a couple more times and pick her up to bring to her home on May 27th,  which won't be here soon enough according to my daughter. HELP us PICK A NAME!  

**I was sent a copy of The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan to review, all opinions are 100% mine.** THE GOD BOX by Mary Lou Quinlan What is the story about: "'When Mary Lou Quinlan's beloved mother, Mary Finend, dies, her family is bereft- until Mary Lou searches for her mother's "God Box," her private cache of notes to God on Behalf of family, friends and strangers.  To Mary Lou's amazement, she finds not one but 10 boxes stuffed with hundreds of tiny petitions that span the last twenty years of her mother's life. Note by note, Mary Lou unearths a treasure of her mother's wishes and worries and insight.  Mary asked god for everything from the right flooring for her daughter's home to a cure for her own blood cancer.  Her requests, penned on scraps of paper, were presented without expectation - the ultimate expression of letting go. Follow Mary Lou's emotional journey as she uncovers her mother's innermost thoughts-nostalgic, sur

Some of you have noticed that every month I post a baby picture with the age of my son.  I truly enjoy looking at all the changes he makes.  He is growing up so quickly!  (A 13 month update is coming on Tuesday!)  Well, my husband help me find this neat video portraying a girl from baby to 12 years old.  The video is just under 3 minutes and it is really fun to watch her grow up.  We notice a huge difference from 10 to 11 when she started to wear makeup.  :)  I also loved seeing all the hair styles from this little girl.  She must have had some great techy parents creating this fun video for her.  :)  ENJOY the video Lotte Time Lapse: Birth to 12 years in 2 min. 45. from Frans Hofmeester on Vimeo .

Congratulations!

Encouragement from the bible about being intentional with how we live. Seize every opportunity for the Kingdom of Christ. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

New International Version   He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I  and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we  will come back to you. The first time the word worship is used in the scriptures in Genesis 22:5.  (The word "worship" we know Cain and Able made sacrifices, and Adam spent time with God in the Garden.)  The neat thing about the word "worship" being used for the first time here is God was asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac!  Is it not strange that the first time the word worship was used was when God wanted us to get us out of our comfort zone.  Abraham waited a very long time for a son and now God wanted him to sacrifice him.  Isaac was so dear to his heart he had prayed and cried and pleaded for decades for a son an then he had a son and now God wanted him to do what!?!   The attitude of Abraham that we read in Genesis 22:5  is one of "worship."  The neat thing I thought of was, worship can h

My kids got a little Easter money from grandma, thanks Nana!  :) The chairs were the top pick from the kiddos.  :)   A few weeks ago while walking through Wal-Mart my daughter spotted these chairs but since we were moving I told her we needed to wait until we were in our new house.   Well, yesterday we had to make a Wal-Mart run to buy a baby gate and a few other items and again my daughter spotted the chairs.  My daughter was so happy to bring it home and sit in it.  At the store she wanted to buy herself a pink chair and a purple chair for her brother but I convinced her to get green for her brother.  ;)   I am positive the chairs will get a lot of great use this summer, as well as our deck will see us a lot!  Loving and feeling blessed to have a big beautiful deck to enjoy the nice weather on.  :) 

Mama to 4 Blessings, Chubby Cheeks Thinks and Rats and More along with several other wonderful bloggers are teaming up to bring you The Spring Gift Card Event (round 2/April)! For the Spring season we will be offering a new gift certificate giveaway each month of Spring! For April we are offering a $75.00 American Express Gift Card! a Rafflecopter giveaway <a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.

WELCOME to the Neighborhood!   What a blessing it was for one of our new neighbors to stop by with a little welcome basket.  I have moved a few times now and it seems the "friendly neighbor welcome" is something from the past or only seen in movies.  It was a much needed break to talk for a few minutes and eat some cake (not shown in picture)  they also brought. Have you ever gotten a welcome from a new neighbor when you move?   Have you ever given a gift to a new neighbor?   I personally cant recall a time that I have gone to a new neighbor to introduce  myself but I do remember inviting over a new neighbor for dinner and to this day we are great friends!  I really want to work on making sure to take a few minutes to be kind, introduce myself and my family, and bless them with a meal or plant or anything really.     We actually had just met them a few weeks ago as they had just started coming to our church and then what do you know we move very close to them.  HOW COOL!

Magic Plant Crystal Water Beads: Water beads are a revolutionary new and unique water conserving product for plants and cut flowers. The beads are being used in beautiful style by homeowners, interior designers and large companies alike.  Water beads change water into colorful shining beads, that resemble crystal balls in a clear glass container. Simply put the small packet of beads into water. The water beads will expand, and you pour off the excess water.  Put the remaining beads into a clear glass or plastic vase or bowl and insert your plant, fresh flowers or artificial flowers.  For added beauty many people add a submersible light to really make the beads sparkle. This amazing new product combines environmental protection and beauty. This Giveaway is sponsored by KJRamon Crafts, Freebies, & Giveaways

This mom is tired and exhausted and about to have a hot shower in our new house!  :)  YAY! Moving is hard work but is worth it!   I am so blessed and thankful for all the help we have received during the move.  We had people help load and unload the moving truck, people help clean our old apartment, and babysitters!  :) God is so good to us!  :)   GOOD NIGHT! 

“No bible, no breakfast. No bible, no  bed.” How do you ensure you make time for God each day? 

A 7th grader lept from his seat to steer the bus after his bus driver suffers from a heart attack while another boy comes to help by giving CPR.   Good job boys!  That is why it is so important for us as parents to discuss emergency procedures with our children!

I saw this video on facebook and I immediately thought, "wow, this kid is going to do something amazing when he gets older if he already made this amazing arcade out of cardboard.  He uses his imagination rather the playing video games all day."   I just love love love the creative juices and the way this see's something and then makes it himself out of cardboard.   Then when he got his first customer I was excited for him, but then the customer created such an amazing flash mob for him!  LOVED IT!   I love hearing stories like this rather then what the actual news is reporting!  :) So what are you doing to help your kids think outside the box and to be creative in their play?  :)

"Under the Baobab Tree" is written by Julie Stiegemeyer and illustrated by  E.B Lewis   I recieved a copy of this book from Zondervan Christian publishing company to do my review.    I was not paid and all opinions are 100% mine.   ABOUT THE STORY: This inspiring story is about 2 siblings who go out to gather under the baobab tree in the hot and dry African savanna with other townsfolk.  The author get us more and more excited as we turn each page with anticipation of them arriving and wondering why they are going to the tree.  Once the arrive we learn that they all met at the baobab tree  to have a community worship service.  :)  MY REVIEW: Before the story starts they have a informational page on the history of the Baobab tree and I liked starting with a history lesson before jumping into the story.  I think the author grabbed our attention by keeping us in suspense wondering what they were going to do or who they were going to meet once they arrived at the Baobab

Devotion. Recieving Christ as Lord and Savior isn't all there is in the Christian life. Christ didn't just die to purchase us for heaven, but to give us a promise as well... His Holy Spirit. Acts 1:1-5 (NIV 1984) 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

The Merchant and the Thief: A Folktake from India is written by Ravi Zacharias and Illustrated by Laure Fournier.  I recieved a copy of this book from Zondervan Christian publishing company to do my review.  I was not paid and all opinions are 100% mine. ABOUT THE STORY: Author Ravi Zacharias tells the story of two Indian men, one in poverty and the other rich.  When the poor man becomes envious of the rich man he schemes to plan a way to steal but the rich man is aware of the man's intention and is able help the poor man find a different kind of treasure:  God's Love. My Review:  As I opened the packaging the color of the book grabbed my attention immediately.  The deep red and the illustration of the two men were wonderful.  In fact all the pictures were beautiful in deep colors.  I sat down to read the book to my 4 year old and I was excited to pull out moral of the story.  My daughter caught on and realized the bad choices that the one man made and how his heart wa