Single Dad Laughing

Have you checked out Single Dad Laughing at Danoah.com? It is one of my favorite daily blogs. He is funny, witty (NO they are NOT the same thing!) and a really good writer. This is one of my favorite posts, light hearted, honest, and a good example of his personality. He is not afraid to also write what he calls "power posts," gritty, honest, and powerful, the writing leaves me literally breathless. (Check out an example here .) It is refreshing to read a blog that is not always positive; "I love my life. I love everything. I am happy happy HAPPY DAMN IT!" but always "real." He is having a huge, NAY MEGA giveaway, check out how to enter here. I really recommend you check out the blog. There are lots and LOTS of amazing, funny, honest, heartbreaking, and amazing posts.

We won! We won!

One of our real moms won the 2nd place prize in the Blissdom contest. (Registration to the conference and workshops.) BUT since the conference is in Nashville, she has to sell her prize (can't afford airfare/hotel/transportation.) So anyone looking for tickets to Blissdom? I have a full conference registration PLUS a Wisdom Workshops registration! It is a $500 value, I would be willing to sell it for $300. Leave a comment if you are interested!

Calling all bloggers!

The Great BlissDom Conference Package Giveaway One2One Network is kicking off a HUGE contest to bring you bliss! We are going to be giving away conference passes to three lucky One2One bloggers for BlissDom'11 inNashville, TN January 27-28. There are three levels of prizing and all include a full conference pass ($399 value). BlissDom is the premiere conference for women who find and express their bliss by publishing online. Speakers and panels feature the best blogging,public relations and social media pros gathering to mentor new and old friends alike. This is Blissdom’s most exciting year, with even more incredible content, events, networking and surprises scheduled than ever before. This year's mantra - Think Big. Be Bold. Create Your Bliss. Whether you are a blogging newbie or maven, BlissDom'11 is designed to superserve everyone! Check out this video highlighting the experience at last year's BlissDom. You won't want to miss it! Keep reading to find out how you can enter the contest and win a trip to BlissDom'11.

"Heaven is For Real" By Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent

The tag line on this unforgettable story says "A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back." Astounding does not begin to cover it. This story is amazing, I could not tear myself away from it, reading it cover to cover in one sitting. Regardless of your Religion, belief system, or convictions, this story will touch you. Colton Burpo was three years old when he spent his "three minutes" in Heaven. He came back with amazing details, information, and a testimony of God's love for each of us. There were many times while reading this story that I literally felt the Holy Spirit testifying of it's truthfulness.

It is interesting to read Colton's description of Heaven, God, and Jesus Christ and see it through his eyes. His words are those of a child who knows the truthfulness of what he is saying. He is not concerned with "making sense," or explaining in theological terms, because he is simply stating facts. There is no doubt in my mind that Colton saw Heaven- From his accurate descriptions of things and people he had never seen, to his ability to articulate things he could not have understood. I feel blessed from having read this story. It is amazing to me that our Heavenly Father loves us enough to provide these kinds of glimpses at eternity. I would recommend this book for anyone and everyone on your Christmas list.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"Really Woolly Bible Stories" By Bonnie Rickner Jensen

"Really Woolly Bible Stories" by Bonnie Rickner Jensen is an adorable children's book of Bible Stories. I really love how the simple rhymes flow so well while reading out loud. There are several poems, each giving one Bible story. For example, Noah;

"His name was Noah, his heart was good.

He built an ark of solid wood.

The animals entered, two by two,

The cockatoo, the kangaroo.

For forty days the rain came down,

Then God sent wind to dry the ground.

He placed a rainbow in the sky,

His colorful promise, way up high!"

Each poem is short enough to keep the attention of even the littlest listener. Each is also accompanied by colorful, beautiful, and sweet illustrations of the story. I also really liked that under each illustration, there is a little blurb that tells you where to find the story in the Bible.

The book itself has chunky "board" pages, and a sturdy but padded cover, making it appropriate for babies or toddlers. It is a very appropriate gift for children or parents for any occasion.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

KT Tunstall's newest album "Tiger Suit"...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I have always been a bad news first kind of girl...so here goes. The thing I really liked about KT was that she is very "folk-pop" which is refreshing in this era of synthesizers and limited singing ability, a la Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus. I love her sultry voice coupled with her amazing composing and writing ability. Unfortunately, with this album, KT has gone the way of Jewel with "Intuition." This album is more "pop-folk," which to me, is an utter tragedy. I disliked that on this album, the sound is much more "electric" than her previous albums.

HOWEVER, even though I did not love this album as much as the previous ones, it is still phenomenal. I love KT's unique writing style. Her rhymes are not forced, and not always obvious. A good example of this is the chorus to the song "Lost."

If I choose to go with the way I'm feelin

Does it really mean that's the way it is

Is it just a trick that my eyes are

playing on my mind

Following the passage of least

resistance

Following the pack just to pass the gate

It's a little late for a change of plan

Don't you think

I got lost following you

KT also has a unique perspective and an interesting way of expressing this perspective. She can put into words things that we have all felt. An example of this comes from "(Still A) Weirdo."

I'd always thought

It was automatic

To grow into

A soul less static

But here I am upon the same spot

Attempting to lift off

Into space

I don't always get it right

But a thousand different ways

And I just might

I continue to be impressed with KT's writing and composing style and talent. Her songs, especially the US single, " Fade Like A Shadow," are catchy and memorable. Preview the album here, http://bit.ly/KTpreview

Overall, I enjoyed "Tiger Suit." If you like KT Tunstall, you will probably like this album. I would like it to be a bit less "commercial" feeling, but you can't deny that the girl's got talent. I have been listening to it again and it is growing on me more and more. If I had never heard of KT Tunstall previous to hearing this album, I would have been thoroughly impressed and not had a negative thing to say about it. It is only because I had a preconceived notion of how I thought this album should sound that I am being super critical. I am not unhappy with this album, I honestly enjoyed it. I just hope that with her next, KT returns to her more "folky" feel. Ready to check it out for yourself? Order it here... http://amzn.to/KTamazon

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this album for free from One2OneNetwork in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

12 year old boy to his mom: I want to start shaving.

Mom: Well you don't really have any hair to shave yet.

Boy: Maybe if I shave it, it will grow.

Mom: It doesn't really work like that.

Boy: Oh, I just thought...well...because your legs are so hairy all the time and you always say "I just shaved!"

Fall recipe!

Is it seeming like fall at your house yet?? If not, you need to try this delicious Butternut squash and apple soup. Even if the weather hasn't turned chilly yet, your house will smell so good and your belly will be full of warmth and yumminess, you won't mind the weather!

*Butternut squash soup

2 butternut squash 4 Tbs olive oil

8 cups broth 2 small onions, diced

3 small apples, peeled and cubed 2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp ground fresh ginger

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cut the squash in half lengthwise. (Microwave whole squash for 2 to 5 minutes on high to soften skin first.) Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Brush olive oil on inside of squash and roast in the oven cut side up at 400 for 15 minutes, or until skin peels away from the flesh. Meanwhile, plug in slow cooker and turn onto high. Add broth, onions, and apples. Stir in the salt, pepper, and spices. Cover to let heat. When the squash has finished roasting, add to the pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 hours. Carefully transfer to a blender and blend, or blend in slow cooker with an immersion blender.

Want more great fall recipes?? Check out Gooseberry Patch for their fun and yummy recipes, and their simple and beautiful crafts. Their cookbooks are fun and casual, making you feel like you are reading a note from your grandma. This recipe is from my head, but they have several that will leave you wondering why you haven't been making them all your life!

Wednesday Wit

3 year old: What's Hawaii?

Daddy: Hawaii is like Alaska....only...completely different.

Gettin' into the scrapbooking craze?

It used to be you had to go to a specialty store and spend a fortune on the right "tools." Now, the brands we've used for years, like Elmer's and Xacto are getting into the scrapbooking game. I received some of these new products from BzzAgent.com, I tried each of the items I received in the Elmer's/X-ACTO Bzz Kit, and I love each one! The products work just as well as the pricier "scrapbooking" brands, but are much more reasonable priced. I especially LOVE the Elmer's CraftBond clear glue pen, the Elmer's CraftBond permanent tape runner, and the X-ACTO corner rounder punch. The adhesives work so well! They are acid-free and photo safe, and inexpensive enough that I don't worry about "rationing" them so that I don't run out. The clear glue pen is repositionable until it dries, so you can get your picture or paper craft on exactly right. I was sent these items to try, however I was not asked to give a positive review. . . but how could I not? I LOVED them! I will continue to use them in my every day crafting!

Can't wait to hear KT Tunstall's new album "Tiger Suit"

If you aren't familiar with KT's music, you definitely remember one of her previoushit songs - the Grammy-nominated "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," "Suddenly I See," Other Side of the World" or "Hold On".

Tiger Suit heralds the beginning of a new musical adventure for KT. Organic instrumentation is blended with dance-friendly textures, the results of which she has dubbed “Nature Techno” to encapsulate the album’s collision of raw, upfront rootsiness and sleek electronic textures.

The album's rollicking first single, “Fade Like A Shadow" is available at digital retailers now and is already at Top 20 hit at radio. Check out the video here.

I remember the first time I heard "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree." It was so original and cool that I had to find out who KT was. I really enjoy her music, and CAN'T wait to get the new album. Once I've heard it I will post a review so check back!

I am a member of the One2OneNetwork, which is where I heard about the new album, but as of this posting, I have not received any incentive to post about or review this album.

"A Christmas Prayer" by Amy Parker

"A Christmas Prayer" is a sweet poem about a child who goes through each figure in the nativity and give thanks to God for their role in the birth of Christ. It is perfect for smaller children, with its soft pastel illustrations, simple rhymes, and inspiring message.

I really liked how this book puts emphasis on the truly important gifts of Christmas, something all parents have struggled to reinforce in their children.

My son liked how the figures in the story (Mary, Joseph, the angel, etc) were represented by toys. He wanted to get his toys and act it out as well. My son is 3, and after reading through it with me a few times was able to remember enough to recite parts with me, which I really enjoyed.

We plan to make this story a new part of our family traditions at Christmas time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

I was carrying my baby girl on my front (wrapped) and a lady said "oh, look at the bamboo...the baboon...the vamoose." I said "you mean papoose?" and she said "yeah the man-moose."

New Yoplait Splitz are YUM-O! GIVEAWAY

WANT TO TRY NEW YOPLAIT SPLITZ for free??? Leave a comment below with your first name and last initial. A winner will be chosen to receive a coupon for a free sample of new Yoplait Splitz as well as a prize pack that includes an insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket. (Winner will be chosen using random.org on 9/26 at 12:01 am, and will have 24 hours to respond, if no response, a new winner will be chosen.)

Now you can drive past your local sweet shop without looking back. Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves.

For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet, Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more.

My family tried the rainbow sherbet flavor, and we all really liked it. It is a little thicker than regular yogurt, more like a custard. But, it tasted EXACTLY like rainbow sherbet. It was so yummy. It really was a treat! My son tried it frozen in his lunch. It was almost thawed by lunch time, so when he ate it he said it was exactly like eating ice cream. (But with less calories than most ice cream!)

Don’t forget to visit Yoplait on Facebook or Yoplait on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with the latest news on your favorite Yoplait products.

Visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz today!

Yoplait Splitz, the prize pack, information and the prize package for giveaway were all provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark

"Outlive Your Life:You were made to make a difference" by Max Lucado

Are you having "that kind" of day? Week...month? The kind where you feel like you can't do anything right, you are insignificant, and no one cares about you? Max Lucado uses his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his ability to write "to" the reader, and explains in this book that you, in fact, are one of the most important people to ever live. The author uses true stories as examples of real people making a difference, as well as examples from the life of Christ.

Each chapter ends with a scriptural reference and a prayer, showing us how we can make a difference in the lives of others.

I am constantly amazed at Max Lucado's ability to cut through the worldly insignificance, and speak directly to my heart. I truly feel like he wrote this book for me, and I'm sure you will feel the same. Mr. Lucado uses this book to teach us that there is no reason to be discouraged or disheartened, because Christ uses you to spread His gospel. Really, how could a person be more important? This would be a wonderful gift to give to high school seniors, new parents, any one really. I love how Mr. Lucado uses parables to teach, mimicking our Savior's way of teaching. Mr. Lucado is eloquent and well-spoken (written) and really teaches through his writing. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling like they need a little reassurance of their significance in this world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of theirBookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts" By Max Lucado

Have you been looking for a gift to say thank you to someone who has made difference in your life? This book could be what you have been looking for. This is kind of a "Best Of" collection of stories from Max Lucado's books. There are stories of kindness, love, making a difference, and pure joy. Max Lucado is a pastor and Christian writer, but these stories transcend religion. They are stories of real people showing amazing kindness and love to others.

This collection of stories made me laugh and cry, often at the same time. Max Lucado has an ability to write as if he is talking directly to you, the reader. I would recommend this book as a gift for a special occasion or just because. There is a dedicatory page where you can write to the recipient how they have changed your life. There is also a dedication from the author that says to the reader that the book is for them because it has been given to them by someone who thinks they are special and amazing. I have seen a lot of books on making a difference lately, and it is a message we all need to hear more often. Each of us is special and important, and this book illustrates how that is true. By using real stories, it shows the reader that, like each of these stories, ordinary people can make extraordinary differences in each other's lives.

You could read just a few stories and set it down until another time, but if you are like me, you will not be able to stop until you have read it cover to cover. We can all use a little bit of uplifting, and I found that in this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" By Andy Andrews

Have you ever thought to yourself "I just don't matter?" Do you sometimes feel like no one cares what you do? In this beautiful story, Andy Andrews tells us why every one matters. Decisions you make today will affect generations to come. You can be a positive force in the universe.

"The Butterfly Effect: How your life matters" gives some real life examples of how one action affects every thing else. It is truly inspiring to read. I love how the author keeps reaffirming that you matter, that each of us makes a difference, and that we can all be remembered by our actions.

The story begins by explaining what the butterfly effect is. It explains how a butterfly flapping it's wings causes a perpetual motion that could in theory start a hurricane thousands of miles away. Just as one action today could cause a revolution tomorrow.

This is a wonderful book to give to your loved ones. It is reaffirming, uplifting, and inspiring. I love how it gives examples of real people to show that this is not just a theory, that each of us really does matter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews

Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews tells the story of Norman Borlaug; a name you probably don't know. But, young Norman spent time playing with his sisters in the cornfield. As an adult, Norman used his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. One little boy grew up to change the world. Or maybe it was Henry Wallace who changed the world. Henry Wallace was the US Secretary of Agriculture who hired Norman to help figure out how to feed the hungry. So it was Henry Wallace who changed the world. Maybe it was George Washington Carver, or his father, Moses Carver. You'll have to read and decide for yourself who it was that changed the world. Or, maybe every one changes the world in their own way.

I love the message of this story....that everything we do matters. Every action we make has a consequence, whether it be good or bad.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful. Rich colors add beauty to the beautiful story. Though kids may be to young to understand the concept, this book is based on Andy Andrew's "The Butterfly Effect." Thus, a theme of butterflies runs through the illustrations.

This book has the important lesson that each of us is important. I think it is a great way to tell your children that they can be and are important. The story closes by telling children that they can be the kid who changes the world. It would be a fantastic birthday gift, because it reinforces the importance of the individual who is reading it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

Today I was waiting (not so very) patiently for Grandma Moses to cross the street. I said out loud "move it folks." My 3 year old piped up from the backseat "Use your manners Mama!"

Summer sweetness

This summer, my family and I have spent a lot of time on the beach. We had a picnic dinner the other night, sitting just past the tide line. My son kept his feet in the water while eating his dinner, and told me the "cold water makes me such a cool kid." It is a sweet memory that still makes me smile. For dessert, we had Milano cookies, and I just saw that they are now offering Strawberry Milanos. What a sweet way to savor summer! If you'd like to try them (I know I'm gonna!) click here for a $1 off coupon, or check out their Facebook page.

Beth Webb Hart's "Love, Charleston"

When I first started reading "Love, Charleston" I did not expect to be impressed. On the surface, it looked like a love/family drama story with a little Christianity mixed in. Once I began reading, I could not put it down. While the story does follow the basic pattern I expected, widower pastor finds love at the church he wasn't sure he wanted to preach at, the story also brings in some real world, and unexpected, concerns. As a mom who has struggled with post-partum depression, I was brought to tears by one of the character's harrowing experience. The story also finds several characters dealing with the repercussions of adultery. While the characters are good citizens and fine Christians, they become "real" to the reader, because they are not perfect. Their struggles ring true and there is something we can relate to.

In the story, Pastor Roy Summerall leaves his small town church to be the pastor of a major Charleston congregation. He is a widower who has been raising his daughter alone for five years. He is not sure he will "fit in" in Charleston because of his "good ole' boy" country ways. In Charleston, he reconnects with sisters Anne and Lish, and their cousin Della, whom he knew as a child. Anne is a never married bell ringer at his church in Charleston, Lish is a doctor turned stay at home mommy blogger, and Della is a struggling writer who makes ends meet by teaching English at a posh all girl's school. The characters become real through their struggles. Roy must learn to love the congregation he had resented as a youth. Anne must question her faith and the promise she received from God that she would find a husband if she would just "stay and wait." Lish, who by all accounts, is a perfect super-mom finds herself in a battle with severe post-partum depression bordering psychosis, and a philandering husband. Della, who thinks she can provide a better life for herself and her daughter by leaving her husband for her former fiance finds that love and faith can truly conquer all. Roy and Anne find themselves falling in love through a series of letters and emails, while they both help Lish with her mental problems. I enjoyed seeing the characters evolve and grow, however the story feels unfinished. The end leaves us still wondering about Roy and Anne's future, about Lish's recovery, about Della's new book. The story is strong until the last chapter, which feels as though it was rushed for resolution. Overall though, I enjoyed "Love, Charleston."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

My 6 year old son told me recently that though he loved me and wanted to continue living in his bedroom, he thought we should "see other people." I asked him if he knew what that meant and he said "yes, it means I can have play dates, but you still make my dinner."

Wednesday Wit

Walking in Costco the other day, I heard a tween girl tell her mom ‎"Let's ROCK like its 1995...or something like that."

Too good not to share

Wednesday Wit

Seen in a newspaper "corrections" column;

"Correction: Instead of being arrested, as we stated, for kicking his wife down a flight of stairs and hurling a lighted kerosene lamp after her, the Rev. James P. Wellman died unmarried four years ago." OOPS!

Percy Jackson and the Olympians:The Lightning Thief

I did not read any of the books, but this movie looked cute and my kids begged me to watch it, so we got it from the RedBox. today. I did not expect to be impressed, but it was actually very entertaining. The movie earned it's PG rating because of some scary elements (Medusa, Hydra, hellhounds...) but all of the kids LOVED it, even the 3 year old. Cute idea for a story, and it touches on a lot of Greek mythology. Percy Jackson is accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, and finds out he himself is the son of Poseidon, making Percy a demi-god. He meets the offspring of other gods, and ends up having to go down to the underworld and then to Olympus. It is appropriate for younger viewers, no sex or swearing. Violence is limited to some battle scenes with other mythological creatures.

Wednesday Wit

My friend has 10 kids raging in ages from 6 months to 18 (all living at home.) The other night we were over there for dinner and got to visiting, until it was the younger one's bedtime. My friend was wrangling her kids for prayers, the older ones were sitting in the living room, but the youngest 3 or 4 would NOT sit down. Eventually the older ones started grumbling and getting up. Finally my friend yelled "Sit down and be reverent DAMN IT!"

100 Prayers God Loves to Hear/100 Praise Songs by Stephen Elkins

100 Prayers God Loves to Hear/100 Praise Songs is a very cute book/cd gift set for little guys and girls. It is appropriate for children of all ages, (I would recommend 0- 10 years,) and fun for parents to read aloud.

Each page gives a different prayer, along with a little synopsis of where the prayer came from. Each page also has a quote or "prayer reminder." The illustrations are fun and relevant to each prayer.

I enjoyed that the prayers come from all different sources. There are some directly from the Bible, some from religious leaders and examples like St. Francis of Assisi and Martin Luther, and also some from historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Robert Louis Stevenson. Each page also features a little picture that tells you which CD and which track number the prayer can be found on. The songs are sweet, and helpful to teach children how to develop their relationship with God through prayer.

This would make a great gift for your children or grandchildren. I am going to give it to mine for Christmas, though it is appropriate for any occasion, or no occasion at all! I would give this book 5 stars for content, illustrations, and relevance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

Overheard at a restaurant

Preteen boy: Would you eat shark?

Teen girl #1: No, I'm a vegetarian I don't want to hurt animals.

Teen girl #2: It's already dead it isn't like it will jump up and come back to life because you didn't order it for dinner.

Fearless by Max Lucado

"A father and his two small daughters are at play. He's in the water; they jump into his arms. Let me restate that: one jumps; the other ponders. The dry one gleefully watches her sister leap. She dances up and down as the other splashes. But when her dad invites her to do the same, she shakes her head and backs away.

A living parable! How many people spend life on the edge of the pool? Consulting caution. Ignoring faith. Never taking the plunge. Happy to experience life vicariously through others. Preferring to take no risk rather than any risk. For fear of the worst, they never enjoy life at its best.

By contrast, their sister jumps. Not with foolish abandon, but with belief in the goodness of a father's heart and trust in a father's arms. Such was the choice of Jesus. He did more than speak about fear. He faced it."

(Max Lucado, Fearless, pg. 81)

Max Lucado's understanding of the gospel of Christ, and his ability to make it relevant to our lives never ceases to amaze me. In "Fearless" Lucado is able to preach without leaving the reader feeling "preached to." Lucado mixes scripture references with his own thoughts and experiences, helping the reader to better understand how Christ's teaching apply to us.

"Fearless" teaches the reader how to let go of the things we can't control, and give our fears to God. There are rational fears that we will experience, but when we let our fears overtake our faith, we do ourselves a disservice. Lucado uses parables to teach, following the example of our Savior.

Max Lucado asks us to imagine our lives without fear, and then explains how that is possible. I am giving "Fearless" 5 stars, because it left me feeling inspired, uplifted, and hopeful. It helps me to remember that God loves us and will not abandon His children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Wednesday Wit

3 year old: "Knock knock"

Mom: "Who's there?"

3 year old: "Toy store."

Mom: "Toy store who?"

3 year old (thinking really hard): "Oh forget it."

Mom: "That's your joke?"

3 year old: "I was trying to trick you."

Mom: "Into what?"

3 year old: "Buying me a Happy Meal."

Wednesday Wit

Overheard at the library...

Little boy (in loud voice ) "Mom, if they want us to be quiet, why do they make the books so GOOD?!?"

I will remember "Remember Me"

It's been a long time since a movie has left me breathless. This movie did. Tyler (Robert Pattison) is reeling from a tragedy that has strained his already dysfunctional family. Though he is not looking for love, he meets Ally (Emilie de Ravin) who is still dealing with a tragedy of her own. Their relationship grows into love, though neither of them meant for it to. There is an amazing twist that literally took my breath away. It is a real look at the complexity of human relationships that made me want to immediately call those I love and tell them. This movie earns it's PG13 rating, and I would even think twice about letting a 13 year old watch it. It is not overly sexual or graphic, but deals with adult emotions. Go out and rent it now...you won't be sorry.

Wednesday Wit

My 3 year old son and his daddy were changing in the locker room of our community pool, when my son asked "I have a wiener?" Daddy said "yes, you do."

Son asked "Daddy has a wiener?" Daddy said "yes, I do."

Son asked "Mommy has a wiener?" Daddy said "no, she doesn't."

Son got all indignant and yelled "Yes she does! MY MOMMY HAS A WIENER!"

Which all of us sitting outside in the waiting room could hear.

Way cute!

Need an "I'm the big brother/sister" shirt? Want cute matching shirts for family pictures? Check out the "Pecking order" shirts from Zoey's personalized gifts here http://www.zoeyspersonalizedgifts.com/ . I bought one for my son to wear when his baby sister was born, and it was so cute I had to get her one too! You can choose from a variety of sayings such as "big sister," "littlest brother," etc. The birds come in different colors and are arranged accordingly on the shirts. (If it says Big brother, the blue bird will be first and biggest, if it says Little sister, the pink will be first and small, etc.) You can personalize them with the child's name or whatever you want, and they are seriously the cutest things my kids have ever worn!

Yummy new snack

We just tried Funky monkey fruit snacks and they are fabulous! They are crunchy and airy, not at all greasy. They are 100% organic fruit that is freeze dried, which leaves it a wonderfully crunchy texture. They are raw, vegan, gluten free, and kosher, so pretty much everyone can enjoy them. There are lots of flavors, though I must say our favorite was pineapple lime. Check 'em out on line at http://www.funkymonkeysnacks.com/ or in your grocery store.

Wednesday Wit

Every Wednesday we will post a little something to make you smile.

This week I was behind an old guy at the supermarket. The checker asked "paper or plastic?" To which the old guy responded "Oh, I don't care honey, I'm bi-sack-tual." Funny stuff.

Toothfairy

"Toothfairy" starring Dwayne Johnson is a great family movie. I know a lot of people have been giving "The Rock" flak for doing this movie, but I am glad that he is more than an "action/adventure" actor. The plot is a bit predictable, but not so much so that you want to turn it off halfway through. Dwayne Johnson gives a believable performance as a disillusioned semi-pro hockey player who is a good guy, if sometimes a little clueless. Julie Andrews makes a delightful head toothfairy, and Bill Crystal is entertaining as an inventor, reminiscent to his performance in "The Princess Bride." There was nothing unsavory about this movie, no swearing, no superfluous violence, no nudity at all. It was a sweet story and our whole family enjoyed it.

Thoughts? Comments? Do you think Dwayne Johnson made a mistake in doing this movie?

Toy Story 3

I did not love Toy Story 3. The first two were sweet and wholesome. I did not feel this one lived up to that. The toys introduced in this movie (not the original characters) are sadistic, unpleasant, and even scary. The new toys torture other toys for information (more than once.) They call each other names, they gamble, they are shown doing and saying things I do not want my children to emulate. There were several parts that terrified my 3 year old, who LOVES the other two movies. He was crying, hiding his face, and asking to go home. I was really disappointed. I expected this movie to be phenomenal. The ending was outstanding. The last 20 or so minutes of the movie, I loved. It was sweet and emotional. That, to me, however did not make up for the fact that the remainder of the movie was upsetting to me. I seem to be in the minority here though. Everyone else I know who's seen it liked it.

What are your thoughts? Have you seen TS3? Do you want to? What did you like/dislike about it?

Welcome!

Welcome to Real Moms/Real Kids! We are 3 ordinary real life moms trying to find what's best for our kids... just like you. We will post honest reviews of products, movies, snacks, anything that our kids use/try/see etc. Every once in a while we'll give away prizes, conduct polls, etc. Thanks for dropping by!