Book Giveaway!

Any mom's out there struggle to find a moment for yourselves? Rarely find a calm moment to sit and reflect, think or even go to the bathroom by yourself?

I have stumbled upon this wonderful woman, Kristen Welch and her Blog.  After browsing and reading for a short time, I was hooked and so inspired and entertained by her stories, advice and authenticity.  She writes of the everyday 'mom' stuff, personal struggles, fashion, faith, marriage advice/stories and her involvement with 'The Mercy House' a house they built in Africa to help reach out and give hope to pregnant women. 

I came to realize she had written a book.  A book of true-life stories and inspiration for the mom (newbie or not!) that could use some!  It's titled Don't Make Me Come Up There! : Quiet moments for busy moms.  I ordered it right then and there and have so enjoyed reading it!  She is so raw, real and human in her stories and truly helps you realize you are not alone!  Those struggles us mom's have that Satan uses to feed us lies and doubts about ourselves---she writes about it all and gives hope and a scripture verse to reflect on.  There are 52 reflections and while you could probably read one a week....or a day, I've read like five a day :)

"A calm moment is rare in a mom's chaotic day.  But she needs it.  She needs the inspiration to find God in the mess and the mundance that often defines her.  She needs to laugh and remember why she loves being a mom" (Don't Make Me Come Up There.)

I encourage you to check out some videos about this book as well as her blog to learn more about her and the cool things she is doing!

I am also so excited to offer a GIVEAWAY of her BOOK! :)  One lucky commenter will win a copy of her book Don't Make Me Come Up There.

***To enter, please leave a comment and tell me why you love being a mom.

Winner will be announced Tuesday March 6th!

Eternal house.

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV) Are you looking forward to your eternal house or are you content in your tent?

Ask Mom: The Working Mom

So, something I have been struggling with lately is trying to spread my passions for my job as a school counselor and my job as a mama evenly.  I feel like they are both so important to me, that it is not fair if I put more effort towards one or the other.  Obviously, being a mom is the best job in the world hands down and I would LOVE to be able to do that full time, but at the same time God gave me the skill and passion to work with students in a counseling role and by doing that I am doing His will for my life--I am sure of it.  Being a perfectionist, I like to, well---try to do it all perfectly, but it has just been hard to get myself to give 110% in both of my "jobs".  So to all you working mom's......

How do you spread your energy and passion evenly between the job you love and the love(s) of you lives?

To bang or not to bang.

Goodness....get your minds out the gutter!
I'm talking about BANGS!
I am contemplating this hairstyle.  It is already about that length and the color is not too far off.  Those bangs are a big commitment though!  What do you think?

DIY- Race Bib Coasters!

I saw this idea on Pinterest and knew I had to do it!  I have a plethora of race bibs from when I pretended to be a runner and this is a much more fun way of keeping them as memories than in a shoe box in my basement.  All you need is your old bibs, tiles, foam brush, mod podge and some felt circles to protect the surface you put them on.  See another fun DIY coaster idea here.

Happy Presidents Day!

Minnesota winter = not so bad afterall!

So, I'm not sure if you heard, but Minnesota apparently forgot it was winter and we have been blessed with some pretty decent weather compared to past years!  I mean, it's the middle of February and it's in the mid forty's!  Today Everett and I took advantage of the mild weather and sunshine and went to the park!

Though the pictures below convey a less than thrilled expression, we had a wonderful time! :)

Have a stellar weekend!

Fun Find!

Ok, Everett would totally love this---I think I've gotta buy this!  Plus it's personalized! He "talks on the phone" all of the time---remotes, blocks, cups, food....everything is a phone to him!

Find more pictures and details HERE!

Gotta love Etsy :)

Found any good finds lately?

Ask Mom: Toddler Diet

As Everett is experimenting with more and more foods, I want to make sure that we are still being mindful of what we are putting in his little body.  I don't want to fill him up on chemical induced processed foods if I don't have to.  With our budget and just time in general, I sometimes find it hard to go the 'all natural' or organic route, but I DO want to make sure he is getting all of the things he needs in his diet that taste good to him.  Obviously I know vegetables and fruits are a must, but what else should I know about?  I want to limit sugars and processed 'mystery' foods.  God knows that I don't watch what goes into my body---I can only imagine the damage I've done!  So, I want to educate myself now so I can start fresh (literally!) with Everett. :)

What are some budget friendly, healthy/natural/organic items and brands we can add into our toddler's diet to ensure his body is getting what it needs?

Valentine's Day.

Did you know that St. Valentine was a priest that was put to death for performing secret marriages, which opposed the emperor's law that banned marriages in hopes of creating a larger army? Whodathunkit.

Here's how we spent our day.

Everett got his hair cut while flying an airplane.  He got rave reviews for being the best and happiest client!

Went to Bennihana's for lunch (first timer) and tried Sushi for the first time ever!  I was skeptical, but it wasn't half bad!

Sorry to the people I captured in photo across from us.  How awkward.

My love gave me a sweet card and I'll finish up the night by reading our book for small group!

My little heartthrob!

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's day.  May you feel loved and romanced by The Father and those around you!

Ask Mom: Toddler Essentials

OK friends, mom is tired over here so it's gonna be short and sweet!

As we are entering Toddlerdom, I am finding myself wondering what 'essentials' I need---in public--at home---everywhere!  Goldfish crackers have become our best friend in public lately and I kinda (ok--really) hate to say it, but Barney on demand gives us 25 minutes to collect our thoughts, make dinner and relax before nighttime playtime with Everett!

What do you think are some toddler must haves that you have used or are using?

Ask Mom: Temper Tantrums

First order of business---I pride myself in being a good 'gift giver' so I thought I'd direct you to my new friend Hannah's blog so you can see all the fun treasures I found her!

Check it out here!

And now, for the main reason you clicked to read, another Ask Mom question.  This one is becoming all too familiar to me nowadays and I am struggling!  Everett has started throwing these fall on the floor, flailing arms and legs, screaming fits that last the better part of an hour.  An HOUR!  Tonight he had another one and he was inconsolable.  He didn't care for anything---nothing---nada---zip---zilch----zero!  Being that he is not even one and a half I am struggling with what to do when this happens.  Do I treat him like a seizure victim and just ride it out and hold his head while he flails about on the floor.  I finally just scooped him up and put him in his crib until he settled down. Seriously, you should see this kid.  He'll be walking and then in a split second he crumbles in mid stride and starts rolling around screaming and banging his head.  Um, is this normal!  Thankfully, it has only happened a few times over the past couple months, but I am fearing for the worst!  I definitely see timeouts and toys being taken away in the future, but for a 17 month, what can I do?  I just wish the little guy would use words to let me know what he wants instead of knocking his sweet head around on the floor!

What are the best strategies for dealing with temper tantrums in children under the age of two?