Praises of a Wife and Mommy

Titus just started playing tball this summer.   It is always funny to watch all the kids chase the ball and kinda fight to get it because they don't know the teamwork behind the game and just the game in general.   My son and another little boy sent us parents a reminder during their first game.   Titus and one of his teammates truly showed teamwork and sportsmanship in a way that melted my heart.   After my son had stopped a grounder and threw it his new friend stopped and gave him a high five and a pound and then after they exchanged a few words you could see them exchange a "Big Hero 6" handshake!   It was the best part of the night!   Seeing my little boy and the other boy display such love was an important reminder that it's not about winning or losing but having fun and cheering each other and celebrating with each other! 

Thank-you Learning Resources for sending me the " All Ready for Kindergarten " readiness kit and the "Picnic Party" early math game to review.   All opinions expressed are 100% mine and I was not paid for this review.   Learning Resources will also allow one lucky reader to win one of their new kits choosing from the preschool, kindergarten, or first grade levels.   My son will be starting preschool in the fall but I also wanted to really work on the kindergarten skills all year so I asked to review the Kindergarten level.       Right away we opened the package and he started working on his alphabet letters and the string to lace them.   Sadly we were bummed because our package did not have the letter "v" but had two "t's."  I will be letting them know and I am sure they will make it right!  They do have a 365 day guarantee .   We also did not get the die/number cube in the kit but I will also let them know...

Overview As children imagine the sights, sounds, feelings, and tastes evoked in To The Sea, they can take part in one boy’s adventurous day there, with its surprises and rewards. In Graham Blanchard’s Learn, Absorb & Praise™ Collection, To The Sea is a Praise book, which wonders at the amazing miracles found in everyday life and praises the God who made them. Meet the Author Callie Grant founded Graham Blanchard Inc. to create children’s books for growing up in God by working with an extensive network of artists, parents, pastors, teachers, and children. The company, which release its first titles in 2013, is the culmination of her experience in the publishing industry paired with a strong calling to help families know God’s love and nurture their faith through reading together. A life-long lover of the sea, Jeremy Tugeau decided to become an artist while playing on the beach as a child. Tugeau also illustrated Graham Blanchard’s All of Me That You Can’t See rel...

We finally went to "The Faithful Pilot" in town.   It is a pretty expensive place so we just have never been there before.  Since my husband helped a friend lay a floor down she got us a nice gift card to the place and we enjoyed it on our 9 years!   I also had fun surprising my husband with another coffee brewing system, the Chemex.   I found it at a coffee shop and knew I needed to get it for him.   He loved it!    

CAMP HICKORY- 2015 I had the honor of taking the above group of kids to camp this year! I had an awesome time with each of them!   The camp had us so busy doing so many fun things from chapel,  tie-dying, group sports, big ball fun, neon dance party, and dress up nights... oh and a pool luau night with belly flop and limbo contest.   Our theme this year was "Next Level" and they had different video game activities before chapel.   We also used scripture John 17:16-18 for our memory verse for the week.   It was put together very nicely and everything was wonderful and fun!  We may have gotten some clothes very muddy... Sorry mom's and dad's but it was all in good fun!  CRAZY HAIR night was awesome! 

Come and CELEBRATE with The Beginners Bible as they have been around for 25 years!     You can get your own ideas to celebrate The Beginner's Bible by having your own party.   Their website has so many great tools from  party invites , to  coloring printables ,  to  snack ideas !  To celebrate my kids and I colored the placemats, made bracelets, and made some salt dough keepsakes! My daughter also got to take one of her " Beginner's Bible " to kids camp.    Happy 25th birthday "The Beginner's Bible!"  The first activity we did was print a few of the placemats off of "The Beginner's Bible."  M daughter picked the picture that went along with Jonah and the big fish and she was able to tell me the story.     My son picked the Noah's Ark story and as you can see we are still beginners at coloring... I am trying to get him to hold any writing utensil the corr...

The most advanced Electric Pepper Grinder offered, the new Ozeri Savore features a new front-side adjustable ceramic grinding mechanism with 3 preset grind levels so that you never have to invert your grinder again. The Ozeri Savore Electric Grinder is the ultimate accompaniment to any dinning setting where a touch of fresh pepper (or salt) goes a long way. Designed to operate effortlessly, the new Savore combines a new front-side adjustable ceramic switch with a battery powered motor for push-button effortless dispensing of pepper (or salt). Marketed almost exclusively by word of mouth, the battery powered Savore consistently wins applause with its ability to grind peppercorns, salt and spices. The Savore Electric Grinder by Ozeri also boasts an ultra-soft non-slip grip with a finger-print resistant coating. The Savore requires no assembly, and runs on 6 AAA batteries (not included). My Review: Thank-you Ozeri for sending me this pepper mill and grinder for free in exchange fo...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! Father's day snuck up on me this year!  Since I was at kids camp the entire week I had to get creative on a dad's day present.   So the kids went outside and found a big rock to decorate.   We used tissue paper and glue and then sent dad a message on it, "DAD YOU ROCK!"  The activity was simple and easy for all ages!   After church we rushed over to the River Bandits baseball game!   It was the first time we had gone to one of these games and we had a great time.   The weather was nice and we relaxed and enjoyed the game.   Sadly, my dad and father in law live in a different state so it is hard to make memories on these days.   Cards were sent... late but we are going to see each of them this summer!   Can't wait to see them and spoil them then! 

Have you heard of Dapper Box yet?   Yes, it is another cool monthly subscription with unique items for men.    Each month great designers find new trends for men and get them the looks they need to be "dapper."   FAQ Each box comes with 4 - 5 Dapper Items worth up to $96 New members ship within the same week Shipping is Free within the US 100% Money Back Guarantee. Cancel anytime. My review: Thanks Dapper Box for sending me a box to give to my husband.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions are 100% mine.   Our favorite thing in the box this month was the socks!   Each pair has great color and are very soft.   The poker hand cuff link is very cool but my husband and I are not very formal in our dress, we tend to be more casual.  So we might have to make some plans for the tie and cuff links and get all fancy.   Overall the concept is very cool for guys, and especially guys who like to dress ...

I had a mommy son date after coming home from being gone all week at kids camp with my daughter.   It is so convenient to live in my small tow that has many car shows scattered throughout summer.  Thanks Le Claire for keeping our town so fun! 

The Summer started off with a camping trip to the Mississippi Palisades in Illinois.  What a beautiful area with awesome walking trails and cliffs with amazing views.    This trip we also brought our interns.   They are always fun to have around and sometimes getting out of town helps us connect with our maker especially in his beautiful creation.   The campground was very affordable and the views are breathtaking!   It sure is worth the drive to enjoy this area!  

  These superheroes will be diving into good books all summer long!   Our library summer reading program has so many fun activities to do all summer long!   We are proud of our little towns library and how much they help in our children's lives.  We have these cute photos but they also had many games for us to play on this summer kick off night!   YAY!