Praises of a Wife and Mommy

THE ULTIMATE SUMMER READING KIT FOR KIDS Get  FREE fun printables : parent/teacher resources, reward charts, stickers, reading log, games, and more! “I can read! I can read!” are empowering words for a child to shout. You can keep your kids reading all summer long with the FREE Readathon resources from Zonderkidz and I Can Read! -- the perfect way to develop a child's reading skills AND nurture their spiritual development. In these free downloads you’ll get all the materials you need to start an I Can Readathon: tips and activities, reading logs, reward charts, certificates of completion, and more! HEAD ON OVER HERE to sign up and get some free downloads that your kids will stay focussed and driven to read all summer long!   HOW EXCITING!   I can't wait!  

I’m always amazed at the number of women who line the walls of the nail shops I visit.  No matter where in the country I am, from here at home to Las Vegas , I’m sure to see certain types when I enter a shop.  Actually, with such updated techniques and amenities, it’s not even chic to say shop, is it?  Nail spa seems the correct word, and rightly so.  I just love diving into the warm waters of the spa chair when I go for a manicure and pedicure.  When I see that the owners offer such a comfort, it makes me think they really take the client’s relaxation seriously.   In Las Vegas you’re likely to see anything, and the nail salon is no different.  But what’s cuter than the Mommie and Me day?  It’s so cute to see mothers and daughters dressed alike.  You’ve heard the expression dressed to the nines?  Well, these pairs were twinned to the tens!  Pink bows, glitter and tutu’s all over the place.  It really helps a young girl to s...

Being a mother isn’t always easy. Life calls on you to accomplish a lot in a small amount of time. Between obligations at home, work and everywhere in between, there isn’t always a lot of time left for you to focus on yourself. This hurts especially if you are trying to lose weight and have an overall healthier life. If you are serious about losing weight and becoming more healthy, there are a few tips that you can consider to help you along your way. Designate Workout Time: If you are going to be serious about losing weight then you know that you need to dedicate some time in the gym. While life may be hectic, an easy way to keep your gym time is to schedule it in advance. Carve out an hour in your planner for the gym and treat it like an appointment that you have to keep. If you treat the gym like a business meeting you won’t be able to push it off for anything else. Clean Up Your Diet: This may be more tricky than scheduling gym time, but if you want to see the pounds come o...

Description: The Land That I Love Book series will show little ones how God crafted the nation and each state for you and me. In God Bless America, children will enjoy learning about America’s landmarks and cities and how God made a wonderful place for us to live. My Review: As I started reading this fun rhyming board book I had a really neat thought pop in my mind, the thought was, "what if we could take one big road trip to each of these places?"   The book takes kids on an adventure to see Stature of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, Texas to remember the Alamo, Hollywood California, and the National Mall. I know it is a crazy idea to go from coast to coast but I think it would be cool to see all those places with my children... even if it was several trips.   With the 4th of July right around the corner this is a fun book to bring to your party for your kids or others kids!   The book retails $9.99 on Zondervan.    Thanks Zondervan for sending me ...

I am probably going to sound a little too proud but oh well... Lord keep me Humble My daughter is 8 and has been continuing to show us that she enjoys and is good at running!   We signed her up to run my hometowns 5K.  I was excited for her and didn't really know what my expectation should be... I just wanted her to have fun... Well she ran it, she ran the entire thing!   She ran 3.2 miles in 26 minutes and 50 seconds!   26.50 that is like 2 minutes better than the 5K I did a couple years ago.   I am so glad I told her to just go and run and that I walked with my aunt... I would have slowed her down a lot!  She placed 25th overall and took 2nd place in the 15 and under category.   I AM SO THRILLED SHE LOVES IT AND IS GOOD! 

I had one proud and excited boy when he won 3 of the 4 big wheel races here in town.   He got a medal and the Big Wheel.   I love that my little town has fun events like this for kids! All the businesses jump in and donate money to making them fun and making them happen!  

Time after time the Living Lights, Berenstain Bears series has attracted young readers through creative and engaging stories that not only entertain but teach values and life lessons. Now, five of the series’ most loved books are available in a comprehensive bind-up. This Living Lights collection Back to School is sure to be a popular choice for Berenstain Bears readers who have enjoyed the series in the past. This collection includes: -        Jobs Around Town -        Get Involved -        Love Their Neighbors -        The Biggest Brag -        Gossip Gang My Review: You all know I love these books and this is a great deal!   5 books in a hard cover book and on Zondervan it is only $10.99!   That is a great price!   What a deal!!   Thanks Zondervan for sending me this book free of c...

Do you ever feel like it's more fun to exist in the computer world than the real one? Is that the only place you can control your destiny? Well, God is the original great world builder, and he gave us the power and the skills we need to make changes in the real world. The Minecrafter’s Bible, NIrV contains the full text of the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) as well as 24 color tip-in pages featuring full-color illustrations in the style of wildly popular virtual-world-building games. Featured stories include the days of creation and great builds of the Bible. My Review: Kids getting too much screen time?   I know with computers, phones, tablets kids and adults are attracted to those items.  Anyone have a boy or girl into Minecraft?   Then here is your next Bible to get for your child.   This is a full NIrV Bible but it has lots of fun colored pictures of Minecraft that helps retell the story on the p...

I don't even know how it is possible that I had to go to my nephews graduation party last weekend!   Seriously I still think of him as being like 10 years old!    While celebrating I had to get a fun picture of a few of the cousins!  

Missy Franklin is one of the most talented swimmers in the world. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and currently holds the world record in the 200-meter backstroke and American records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. She was Swimming World’s World Swimmer of the Year and the American Swimmer of the Year in 2012. This story tells of her rise in fame and humbleness in the sport. My Review Any other parent out there trying to find positive sports or other famous influences for their children that will still portray Christ's qualities?  This is a great read that will encourage young and old readers alike. This true story is a quick read that will catch your attention quickly.   I like that this female encourages not just girls but all who will read her book.  She will helps us realize that no matter what we need to not be shy and continue to do things well and give all the glory to God!   What a great role model to kids but to any christ...

How come people lived so long back then? Why did God allow the flood? Is Jesus real? Kids have LOTS of questions about the Bible and God. The  NIrV Kids’ Quest Study Bible  is a great resource for kids eager to learn more. Features include: Over 500 questions and answers for kids Book introductions help explain what each book of the Bible is about A dictionary and subject guide help kids find what they’re looking for Fresh, colorful design makes the Bible fun to look at and use The complete NIrV translation, the steppingstone to the NIV! Isn’t it exciting to discover the world, ask how things work, and learn about God and the Bible? With a bright, colorful design, reading and using the Bible is fun. My Review: Do you have a child that likes to ask a lot of questions?   This Bible has 500 questions with great answers inside it!   I know many parents can get overwhelmed with the questions but if you are like me then you want to  make sure ...

Owlegories!!! ABOUT OWLEGORIES Owlegories is a new animated series and interactive digital app that teaches kids about God through the amazing things found in nature and revealed in God’s word! You can tell a lot about artists by what they create. That is the premise behind Owlegories, the animated series. Owlegories explores the nature of God as the creator of the universe through this new, fun-filled, animated series.  OWLEGORIES VOL 3 Owlegories Vol. 3 - The Fire, The Duck, The Seasons. Owlegories follows a group of student owls as they travel on adventures learning about nature, faith, and God. Each lesson focuses on an element of nature that helps teach children about the nature of God and the truths found in His Word. In Owlegories Vol. 3, families learn about the refining fire, the greatest gift, and God’s sovereignty!  Here is a link to our blog post about the announcement:  http:// owlegories.com/blog/ announcing-owlegories-vol-3/ ...

Bacon and watermelon in the same bite= AMAZING!!!  Seriously don't roll your eyes at me and think I am crazy!   I really thought the flavors were amazing... I think I at like 8 slices of watermelon with like 4 pieces of bacon!!!!   It was that good!  I literally was cooking some bacon wrapped chicken and had a few more pieces of bacon and thought I might as well cook them up.  Then started cutting the watermelon and then the idea hit me... try it together.    My friend Vanessa thought I was crazy at first but tired it and enjoyed it as well!   SO GO TRY IT!