• Book: “Gregory the Terrible Eater” by Mitchell Sharmat

    Brina and Karlie recently received Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat from Uncle Paul, Aunt Mirm, Noah, Noelle and Nadia.  The girls loved reading about Gregory the goat.   Gregory’s parents were concerned because he wanted to eat eggs, vegetables, fruit, and fish when “normal” goats eat tin cans, tires, boxes, clothes, and other garbage.  His parents take him to see Doctor Ram to find out how to help Gregory eat more like a goat.  This is a silly story that makes our girls laugh. If your kid like animals or have spent some time around goats they will probably enjoy reading this story as well.

  • Book: “Money Savings Mom’s Budget” by Crystal Paine

    I had the privilege of reading a preview copy of Crystal Paine’s first book “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year” which will be released on January 10, 2012!  I have been following Crystal’s blog Money Saving Mom for several years now and was thrilled to receive a copy of her new book to review.  As I expected the book was full of practical advice on life, home management, and finances.   Crystal discusses tips and resources that have worked well for her family as well as some of the challenges she has experienced along the way.

    In the book Crystal shares a step by step process to financial success through seven rules:

    • Rule #1 – SET BIG GOALS AND BREAK THEM DOWN INTO BITE-SIZED PIECES
    • Rule #2 – STREAMLINE YOUR LIFE AND CUT THE CLUTTER
    • Rule #3 – SET UP A REALISTIC, WORKABLE BUDGET
    • Rule #4 – TAKE THE CASH-ONLY CHALLENGE
    • Rule #5 – USE COUPONS
    • Rule #6 – NEVER PAY RETAIL
    • Rule #7 – CHOOSE CONTENTMENT

    She has these rules broken out over 12 months so you can focus on one at a time and within a year you may see amazing results in your personal life as well as with your family finances.   I like that Crystal gives manageable steps for someone starting out and challenges to those who are already practicing some of the principles in her book.  In the back of the book she gives worksheets to help get you started on your goals, priorities, budget, and more.  By making just a few changes you may start seeing positive results in your life right away.

    I wear many hats throughout the week, however, if my priorities and life are a mess I will not have any time or resources leftover to help others.  This book helps you streamline your life, household, and finances so you can be a blessing to your family, friends and to the people around you.  Her quote “Stop trying to do it all” rang loud and clear when I read it.  As women for some reason we feel like we have to be SuperMom or Superwoman yet we often fail because we cannot do everything.  When our priorities are in order we will have the time to focus on things that truly are important.

    Crystal wraps up the book perfectly by addressing her final rule, “Choose Contentment”.  This chapter was my favorite, it is a good reminder to practice contentment in all areas of our lives.  No matter what the circumstances are there is ALWAYS much to be thankful for in my life.  “Choose to bloom where you’re planted – even if it seems like it’s among thorns.”

    I am super excited to see how implementing a few key rules can make a positive impact in my family and hope to share them with you along the way.  The Money Saving Mom’s Budget is a practical, encouraging, and motivating book.  It would be a perfect gift for your Mom friends, graduates, or as a wedding gift.

    The best part…..is that all the profit for the sale of this book are going to Compassion International.  Compassion International is an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the world.  You can pre-order The Money Saving Mom’s Budget by Crystal Paine now at Amazon it’s $11.09 right now, with a price-guarantee that if the price goes down any between when you order and the release date, you’ll get the lowest price. Plus you can get free shipping with your Amazon Mom account.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Book: “One Month to Live” by Kerry & Chris Shook

    I recently finished reading “One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life” by Kerry and Chris Shook.  All of us only have a certain number of days to live yet what if you recently found out that you only have 30 days left?  Would you live life differently?  What areas would you change in your life?  The authors suggest that even though we may have more then 30 days left we need to consider what truly is important to us and live our lives like we would if we only had a short time of life left on this earth.  We have the opportunity to make an positive impact on the people in our lives everyday.

    The four principles they covered in the book were:

    1. Live Passionately
    2. Love Completely
    3. Learn Humbly
    4. Leave Boldly

    This was a great book for reading during devotions because the chapters where only a handful of pages long and were broken out into 4 life principles.  Instead of chapters they go by days (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and so forth up to 30 days).  Each day begins with a couple quotes on the topic they are covering followed by a story to illustrate the point they are trying to drive home.  Some of the stories painted powerful visual pictures in my mind of areas I have been struggling with and would continue to think about for several days after reading them.  The authors discussed a variety of key topics such as health, relationship with God, forgiveness, integrity and relationships with family, friends and more.  Each day includes:

    • Make It Count Moments
    • Make It Last for Life

    The Make It Count Moments and Make It Last for life sections contain a series of questions regarding the topic they are discussing to help you take a closer look at your life.  You may see areas that you need to shape up, take action to correct, or areas you need healing.  For example, on the chapter of Forgiveness one of the Make It Count Moments is “If you only had one month to live, what would you ask forgiveness for?  From whom?  Whom would you need to forgive?” 

    I was pleased with this book and look forward to sharing it with others.  It helped open my eyes to some heart issues that I need to work on and maybe it will do the same for you as well.  Life is short and we each have the opportunity to live a life to our fullest potential; a life of passion and purpose with no regrets.

    Rate my review & be entered into a giveaway: I reviewed this book for “Blogging for Books.”   By rating my review, it allows me to choose another book and enters you in a GIVEAWAY!   The rating is a two step process.

    Step 1:  Rate my review below (select the number of stars, enter your email, and hit submit).

    Step 2:  Check your email account for a message from Blogging for Books and click their link to verify your email.

    Once you rated my review AND confirmed your email, you will automatically entered in a giveaway for this book by WaterBrook Multnomah!!!  They will pick one person to receive a copy of the book for themselves!  WaterBrook Multnomah will contact the winner directly.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher through the Waterhouse Multnomah.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Yard Sale Deals: Children’s Books

    I only had the opportunity to go to a few yard sales this summer with all the traveling, however, a couple of the ones I went to were awesome!  Our family LOVES books!  I have always encouraged the girls to read both with us and without us.  They enjoy reading and we do our best to read to them every day as well.

    One Saturday I went to a yard sale that was being given by a retired elementary school teacher.   I didn’t get there until about mid-morning and she still had a couple big boxes of books.  I picked up 49 children’s books for $3.50, making them 7 cents each.  Most of the books were paperback, one was a Veggie Tales Devotional, a few hardbacks, and several beginning readers ones that are perfect for the girls as they continue to improve their reading skills.

    The girls were VERY excited about the book on top, “Apple Trouble” because it was a book we read together a couple years ago from the library that they really enjoyed.  Of course it was the first book I read to them when we got home from the yard sales.  Other than removing the stickers with the teachers name on it and a few disinfectant wipes the books were as good as new.  I purchased a couple crafts and some brown paper bags for activities from that yard sale as well which have come in handy over the summer with the girls. What great deals have you found at yard sales recently?

  • Book: “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell

    The girls are super excited to read their new book with Daddy “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell.  The book is part of the “Treasury of Illustrated Classics”  book set which we are reading to the girls.  They recently started this book and are already hooked.  On one of our recent road trips they watched a mini series DVD on “Black Beauty” so they have been very excited to read the book.  One chapter at night is not enough for them, they keep begging Daddy to read more!  This book is about a spirited horse named “Beauty” who has had a challenging life as a horse.  The book teaches about empathy and kindness towards animals.

     

  • Gift Giving: “The Graduates Survival Guide” by Rachel Cruze (Dave Ramsey)

    Do you have a family member or friend who is graduating from High School this year?  Are you looking for a unique gift for a reasonable price to give them that can help for many years?  You can order “The Graduates Survival Guide” for $19.95 on Dave Ramsey’s website.

    “The Graduates Survival Guide” includes:

    • Quick Reference Book (132 pages) – Question & Answer Format that includes information and resources about:
    1. Balancing a Checkbook
    2. Credit Cards
    3. Debt
    4. Part-Time Jobs
    5. Collision and Liability Insurance
    6. Student Loans
    7. Giving
    8. Compound Interest
    9. Saving
    10. And Many More Valuable Resources
    • 4 Track DVD – information and discussion on college topics:
    1. College Life
    2. Marketing & Debt
    3. Practical Saving
    4. Navigating Academic – schedules, classes, internships, and goals.
    5. And More!
    • Commemorative Gift Case – that holds all the goodies for your graduate

    Description:

    “The Graduates Survival Guide” is designed to prepare graduating seniors for college.  Rachel Cruze’s “The Graduates Survival Guide” is for graduating High School Students as they step into the next phase of their life as a freshman in college.  The guide is humorous and informative.  The DVD about college life has helpful tips and stories (regarding schedules, finances, eating out, college life, roommates, and more) from Rachel Cruze, Christy Brown and Jon Acuff.  

    More about Rachel Cruze:

    Rachel Cruze was taught the basic principles of money at an early age.  She is part of Dave Ramsey’s team and has traveled across the country to speak to young adults at high schools, colleges and youth conferences about finances.   Some of the topics she discusses with teenagers is how to budget, save for cars & college, and giving.

  • Book: “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney

    I was thinking about some of my favorite books I enjoy reading to the girls.  The book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is one I have read to our girls many times.  It is a great book for parents to read to little ones.  The book is about a small rabbit who is asking how much he is loved and comparing the love to things / objects around him.  It helps put “love” in a perspective that our children can understand.  The book is a good reminder to the kids and parent both.  It is important that we show our love and appreciation for our children not only by reading the book to them but in many other ways throughout the week – a hug, listening, spending time with them, and just appreciating them for who they are as individuals.

  • Tips on Flying with Kids

    AirTran inflight picture taken earlier this year!

    I have the opportunity to travel with our girls over Spring Break.  Thankfully they are wonderful in the car and LOVE to fly in the airplane.  A couple months ago we told the girls that we would be visiting family over Spring Break and they have been looking forward to this week every since that day.  After we first told them about our little trip almost every day they would ask me how many days until Spring.  It wasn’t until a couple weeks later that I realized that they thought that as soon as Spring arrived they would get a break (aka “Spring Break”) and we could go on our road / flying trip.  I had to explain to them that their School Spring Break did not always start on the first day of Spring.  They have been counting down the days and have been encouraging me to pack our suitcases.   Last week we were coming home from Church and Karlie told me to drive faster, when I asked why she said “we need to get home so we can start packing for our trip.”  Even though we were not leaving for several days I let the girls get started.  I had them find their travel backpacks and to start laying out a few items that they want to pack in their backpacks.  After only a few minutes they had a whole pile of items and they felt better about getting started.

    Traveling with kids can be a wonderful and fun adventure.  Adding special activities while traveling can make the trip even more exciting and memorable for the kids.  When the kids are happy it makes the whole trip go more smoothly.  Here are a few items we have used on our trips with the kids:

    • Special Backpack – whenever we travel, fly or spend the night somewhere the girls pack their travel backpack full of goodies just for them.  They have had the same backpacks for the last 3 to 4 years.  It has been a great investment and each girl is thrilled to pack items they enjoy in their own backpack.  Plus they proudly carry their treasures through the airport themselves.
    • Books – our girls love books so they pick out a couple small books to take in their backpacks.  We read the books as we are waiting to board the plane, quietly on the plane or whenever we have some downtime.
    • Educational Items – in the backpack we pack a pencil and crayons along with a small notebook, coloring book, and workbooks for them to do on the trip.  They enjoy doing “school” work for fun and it makes me feel good about them practicing their writing, numbers or other practical skills.
    • Snacks – before a big trip we will take the kids to the grocery store and have them pick out one special treat to take with them as a snack on the plane.  For this trip Brina picked out Blueberry Muffins and Karlie picked out 100 Calorie Snack Cookies, makes me laugh and proud to see what they chose this time around!
    • Creative Games – on the trip we come up with games to play with the girls
    1. What shapes / animals / objects do you see in the clouds?
    2. Name everything you see that is ___________ (red, a circle, silly, etc…)
    3. Find every word that contains a ____________ in it (a letter or set of letters like any word that contains a “b” in it or “th”)
    4. Count the number of steps it takes to get to the _______________? (to the terminal, bathroom, seat, baggage claim, etc…)
    5. What is your favorite __________? (memory, food, color, place to visit, etc…..)
    6. Card Games – “Go Fish”, “Old Maid”, “Uno”, and more!
    • Surprise Gifts – inside the girls backpacks we wrap small gifts for them to open up at random times throughout the trip.  Most of the time they are so involved and excited about the adventure that they don’t even open the gifts or only get to 1 or 2.  Although, they are quick to remind us once we have arrived at our destination and have fun opening them while we are visiting or vacationing.
    • Postcards – are fairly inexpensive souvenirs and the girls enjoy picking out and receiving postcards.  They will put them in their special drawer and keep it for many months.  They will pull them out and go through them to remember the special trips together.
    • Mind Your Manners – discuss appropriate manners, rules and guidelines for traveling (especially in a busy airport).  This is important to do at the beginning of the trip.  You can even make a game out of it.
    • Bright Matching Outfits – dress the kids in bright matching outfits so it is easy to see them in the airport.  Even if they are right next to you they are easier to see.
    • Gum – when the plane is ascending or descending it is smart to have your kids chew on some gum to help relieve any of the pressure especially if they have a cold or stuffy nose.  If you have an infant it would be a good time to give them their pacifier.  For a toddler a lollipop or a crunchy snack works well.
    • Rest – Allow the kids to sleep on the plane if they want to rest.  The girls have taken several naps on airplanes.  It gives them an extra boost of energy and helps them relax.  One time all three of us took a snooze on the flight, we were exhausted!

    Keeping the kids entertained is a great way to make the trip enjoyable.  For the parents I have a few more ideas of what to do during the  flight to help it go by quickly and smoothly.  The girls are excited, however, we are traveling after a full day of school and we’ll us arriving at our destination the early part of the next day.  I am looking forward to creating more positive traveling moments with the girls and praying that the trip is smooth for everyone driving, flying, and traveling with us.  Do you have any tips for flying with kids?

  • Audio Book: “The Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer (Volume 1)

    After a friends recommendation we got the first CD set of The Story of the World: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor by Susan Wise Bauer and read by Jim Weiss.  The girls LOVE listening to audio books and have thoroughly enjoyed these ones as well.  As a Mom I am thrilled about it because it isn’t just an audio book they are listening to but history.  It is amazing how quickly kids will pick up on bits of history just listening to the audio books.  I have been very impressed with it and glad the girls are captivated by their stories as well!  They do a wonderful job keeping the kids attention.  If you have a young child that loves to read this may be a wonderful addition to your home library.  I have even learned new stuff listening to the CDs with the girls.  We look forward to listening to the first set several times and hopefully getting the next Volume in the future.