Recommendations
Free Audio Book: “The Brotherhood” by Jerry B. Jenkins
For the month of September Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is The Brotherhood by Jerry B. Jenkins.
Boone Drake follows all the rules – as a cop, husband and father. But when everything in his personal life is destroyed, he buries himself in guilt. His faith is rocked when he questions why God would allow this to happen to him. When it appears that it can’t get any worse, he’s accused of police brutality and suddenly his career is at risk. The possibility of being promoted to the Organized Crime Division is slipping from his hands. His life is spiraling out of control. But while protecting the leader of a Chicago gang, Boone comes to realize that God can change the hardest heart…and forgive the worst of crimes. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in September. Make sure to submit your order by September 30, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Book – “Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know” by Kate Boehm Jerome
On our last trip to Charleston, South Carolina we picked up a fun book to read with the kids during our stay called Charleston, SC: Cool Stuff Every Kid Should Know by Kate Boehm Jerome. The book is short, sweet, and entertaining. The first section of the book is on Charleston, but the rest of the book talks about the state of South Carolina. We enjoyed it because it highlighted one of our favorite places to visit Charleston and it gave even more details about our state. The only drawback is if you are looking for a book only on Charleston this has parts that cover other areas of South Carolina as well. The book is only 30 pages long but it does have some neat tidbits about Charleston and South Carolina with colorful pictures.
Another awesome book that I highly recommend on Charleston is the Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler.
Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love (part 2)
A package of candy buttons for each girl hanging up on the towel rack
Two Cabbage Patch Kids Books
I left two Cabbage Patch books standing up on our dresser for the kids to find. The note says:
Be good!
Have Fun!
Obey Grandma!
I love you so very much!
Love,
Mom
Writing books for the kids
On the computer desk I left two writing books so the girls could take the time to practice writing their letters neater. The note read:
Brina (or Karlie) – Work on your letters! Love you, Mommy
Two surprise books waiting for the girls in the storage room
In the storage room I left two books for the girls to read:
- I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
- I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
Note reads: Brina and Karlie, These books are to remind you that your Dad & I love you very much. We look forward to seeing you soon. Love, Mom
Heart and flower shaped marshmallows
I left the girls a package of pink and white hearts and flower marshmallows. They loved eating these delicious treats.
A couple new books for the kids
Note reads: Brina Bee! have fun and enjoy your time with Grandma! Look out for Karlie, Skipper, Shipwreck and OverBoard! – Mom (Karlie had one as well but it fell off the book.)
I Wonder Why Books little gifts for the girls
Note reads: Karlie & Brina, I saw these books and thought of you. Hope you learn lots and do well in school! Hugs and Kisses coming your way. – Mom
Left these books for the girls. They love them and enjoy learning about various facts. Books are one of the girls favorite goodies!
Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love
Our girls love horses!
When I travel or am away from the girls for more than 24 hours I try to do something special for them. Many times I write a note and put it on their car seat or pillow or a place I know they will see. However, when I go on longer trips or happen to be away for several days I try to leave little gifts of love to remind them that I am thinking about them even while I am gone.
I left this Horses! by Kathy Wilmore book for them to read while I was away on a trip earlier this year. On the book was a bright orange flower sticky note that said:
Brina and Karlie, This is a book that both of you will enjoy about horses! I love you and think about you everyday. Looking forward to showing you pictures of our trip. Love , Mom
I wrote the note following the circle shape of the flower so the girls thought it was fun to spin the note as they read it. They love this book and pull it out often to look at.
Ice cream cone bubble gum holder!
Two little ice cream cone bubble gum holders were left hanging off the piano for the girls to find. Another little gift of love and special treat for my sweet girls.
Easy craft gift of love left for the girls – Pooh Paint with Water Book
I found this Pooh Paint with book at Goodwill for 25 cents so I picked it up for the girls. It was a great simple craft that didn’t make a huge mess for those watching the girls while we were away. The yellow heart note reads:
Brina and Karlie, Here’s a “fun” water painting book for you to enjoy while we are away! Love, Mom
Each girl got a cool new cup with a note inside
One of the little gifts of love I have done is get them a cute cup with a note inside for each girl. This is a picture of one of the cups I gave them this year. They both still use these cups. The notes inside read:
I LOVE YOU KARLIE KOOL KAT!!!
I LOVE YOU BRINA BEE BEE!!!
Little bucket full of goodies
I hung one cute little bucket with a necklace, silly bands, a popup balloon message and a note on each of the girls dressers. The girls still have those buckets on top of their dressers full of items that mean something to them. It was a lot of fun putting these together for girls.
God gives us Courage book
On Karlie’s pillow I pick a book called God Gives Us Courage. In the note I wrote:
Karlie, I know how you love books. Here’s a new one for you. Remember God is always with you and we are praying for you! Love, Mom
Book – God Gives You Patience
On Brina’s pillow I put a book called God Gives You Patience. Her green heart sticky note said:
Brina since you enjoy books here’s a new one for you! Remember God love you and we are praying for you everyday! Love, Mom
Song: “Strong Enough” by Matt West
I had a day late last week when I got slammed with a bunch of stuff and felt overwhelmed with everything going on. It was one of those days you wanted to crawl back in bed and start over again. Thankfully I don’t have to fix everything or depend on my own strength to solve all the problems that hit me because God is right there alongside of me helping. He is not surprised by the extra challenges that come into my life; in fact He uses them to reveal Himself even more in my life.
You must
You must think I’m strong
To give me what I’m going throughWell, forgive me
Forgive me if I’m wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own,I know I’m not strong enough to be
everything that I’m supposed to be
I give up
I’m not strong enough
Hands of mercy won’t you cover me
Lord right now I’m asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of usIntentional Living: Weekly Goals
This past week the girls started school again and yes Mommy shed a few tears. I had a blast with the girls this summer, it went by too fast (my babies are growing up). They both were excited about starting school and had a great first week. I was able to go on a “big” girls weekend away trip to hear Beth Moore speak in Charleston. Thankful for the opportunity to get away with friends and be refreshed spiritually. Thank you Jake for watching the girls while I was away this weekend, your the best.
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
Read regularly to the girls and have them read to meParticipate in at least 2 fun Summer Activities with the Kids– we squeezed in a couple more before school beganGirls Packed and Ready to Start School on TuesdayGet into the School Routine– its started but not sure if we are completely adjusted yet, ha
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this weekAttend a Beth Moore Conference with friends– great weekend trip!
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu & Schedule planned out for the week– got it planned out but had a make a couple alterations during the week- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule – it was a crazy busy week didn’t get it done
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchPrep for upcoming Alms & Legs Meeting
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over budget as I stocked up on school lunch food
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – on hold
- Car Fund – save money for another vehicle to replace the one that was totaled – we found a car! WooHoo!!!!
- College Fund – put cash aside for 1 year of Jake’s College Classes – on hold temporarily
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read regularly to the girls and have them read to me
- Greenville Drive Baseball Game with Family
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Doctor Appointments
- After School Activities
- ENT Surgery & Recovery
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Finish reading Our Boys by Joe Drape – I started this one a couple years ago and never finished so starting over. It’s about the Smith Center, Kansas football team (it has been interesting reading the book so far because I know some of the people in it since my parents live near Smith Center)
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Prep for my Fall Organizational Schedule
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Get caught up on blog items
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Team Meeting Notes
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Book: “Very Charleston” by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler
Our family loves traveling together and whenever Jake goes to Charleston for work we try to tag along (works better when schools out). We have a lot of great memories in Charleston, South Carolina. Over a year ago we got the book Very Charleston: A Celebration of History, Culture, and Lowcountry Charm by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler. This book has been a huge hit especially with the kids. It is packed full of great information about Charleston. The illustrations are detailed in beautiful watercolors.
- Historical facts – Civil War, Citadel, Slavery, Crafts and more
- Places of Interest – Forts, Beaches, Churches, Museums, Plantations, Shopping and more
- Popular Local Festivals
- Interesting People from Charleston
- Famous Places to Eat & Traditional Charleston Recipes
- PACKED full of great tidbits of information about the Charleston area
This is an excellent book if you are planning on traveling (or moving) to Charleston. It’s enjoyable to read and you’ll learn pieces of history too. Every time we go to Charleston we bring this book along to read together. Our kids LOVE it!
Song: “Grace” by Laura Story
This is a great song by Laura Story. At times I find myself weak, discouraged, unfocused, and stressed. It is especially during those times that I am thankful that I have a Savior to pick me up and give me the strength I need to get through each day.
My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.
And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me.
And hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.I ask You: “How many times will You pick me up.
When I keep on letting You down.
And each time I will fall short of Your glory.
How far will forgiveness abound.
And You answer: ” My child, I love you.
And as long as you’re seeking My face.
You’ll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace.At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged.
Knowing that someone, somewhere, could do a better job.
For who am I to serve You, I know I don’t deserve You.
And that’s the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.Book: “Super Red Racer” by Dave Ramsey
This is one of Dave Ramsey’s kids books that the girls enjoy – The Super Red Racer The story is about a boy named Junior who really wanted a red bicycle. He learned that by working hard for several weeks on a local farm rather than expecting his parents to just give it to him was a rewarding way to earn enough money to purchase the bike for himself. The story carries a great lesson for children about working hard, earning money and patience.
If you are trying to teach your children more about finances, including working hard to save so they can buy something big this is an excellent book. Our girls have both read and listened to this story several times over the past few months. It has helped encourage them to save more too!
Song: “You Keep Givin Me” by Brian Littrell
There are so many reasons to be thankful in my life. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, two kids, my health, extended family, friends and so much more. Many times its easy to look at the little stuff that drives us crazy but when we take an honest look around us we really have a lot to be grateful for in our lives.
So many reasons to be thankful
So many blessings that I can’t repay
And I never would’ve made it here without You
Sending angels to guide me on my wayYou keep givin’ me joy
You keep givin’ me happiness
You keep givin’ me hope
You keep givin’ me everything I wish
You keep givin’ holding me
When I’m about to fall
And if even all of that was not enough
You keep givin’ me loveI know that I’m not always easy
And I know I put You through some trying days
But in spite of all the worries that I gave You
You never let my Angels get awayHave I told You lately
How Your love has saved me?
It takes me to place I’ve only dreamed
I’m so thankful, Lord, for sending me angels