A-Tisket A-Tasket

Serving with Creativity - A Giveaway - Free e-Book

2013-06-17T19:40:00.000-04:00

Theme: Imagine creative and fun ways to serve using your unique gifts!

Unleashing Imagination

Children are spending more and more time in front of TVs, iPads, computers, and video games. That doesn’t leave much room for kids to dream up their own visual images—like the ones that fill their minds when they hear a great story! Rather than passively receiving images, kids actively engage in making images themselves when they hear a good story. Their imaginations are enriched and stimulated, and the material becomes more personal and memorable.

Adventures in Odyssey is all about great stories—and the power of the imagination. The beloved audio dramas are heard on over 700 radio stations, and AIO has recently expanded to books and devotionals—including The Imagination Station series, a fast-growing line of early chapter readers. You can check them out by downloading a FREE e-book of Imagination Station #1: Voyage with the Vikings!

This summer, Adventures in Odyssey encourages kids to write their OWN stories, as they join in ACTS: A Call to Serve! AIO is helping children use their imaginations to serve their family, community, and world this summer—maybe by sending a care package to a missionary or baking cookies for the local fire department. Check out www.whitsend.org/acts for details and a chance to win fabulous prizes, including a mission trip with a parent to Costa Rica!

More important than prizes are the stories your child will tell about the creative ways they served others, and how they grew as a result. And what they come up with really might change the world!

A Creative Story of Service

Fourteen-year-old Matthew, a dedicated Adventures in Odyssey fan and natural tech whiz, was inspired by a trip to the Apple store to create a smartphone app for his church. Since then, he has created 21 apps for different ministries, including his local pregnancy resource center, Joni and Friends (an international ministry for people with disabilities), and even an “Adventures in Odyssey Fan News” app! Matthew used his God-given talents and imagination to bless others through technology. Which of your kid’s unique gifts are waiting to be unleashed for God’s use?

The Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win a copy of Imagination Station books 1 - 3

Book # 1 - Voyage with the Vikings

Book # 2 - Attack in the Arena

Book # 3 - Peril in the Palace

We thoroughly enjoy this wonderful series in our home. Good luck to all!

To enter please leave a comment sharing how your family has or plans to serve others. (one entry per person)

Winning comment will be drawn from a hat. Please include an email or link to your blog if an email can easily be found on there. This giveaway is open through July 12th 5:00 PM Eastern standard time. This contest is open to U.S. residence.

One more Free item:

· An ACTS “Summer of Service” kit, available for download by clicking here

A.C.T.S. summer of service with Adventures in Odyssey

2013-05-13T12:19:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to join a 3-post tour promoting the Adventures in Odyssey's A.C.T.S. call to service this summer. Each post will be focused on a specific theme as we learn the joy of service. First up is the theme of Discover. Check back as we cover the themes of Imagine and Grow in upcoming posts. There will be a giveaways and more ideas as we Discover, Imagine and Grow in service.

So let'start by Discovering a heart of service this summer!

Join Adventures in Odyssey this summer to discover how fun it can be to serve others!

Adventures in Odyssey, the beloved audio series from Focus on the Family, has encouraged kids toward a stronger faith for 25 years. Whit, Connie, Eugene, and the other loveable characters from Odyssey have shared countless adventures with kids across the world in the classic audio dramas, books, videos, and devotionals, fulfilling the AIO promise to help kids discover, imagine, and grow.

This summer, Adventures in Odyssey is joining with Christian bookstores across the country, inviting kids to participate in a Summer of Service. They’re promoting the biblical message, “When you serve, everybody wins,” encouraging kids to serve their families, their communities, and their world. Whether it’s baking cookies for an elderly neighbor or putting together a care package for missionaries overseas, kids will discover that serving can be a blast!

How the A.C.T.S. (A Call to Service) challenge and contest works:

Kids who join A.C.T.S. can pick up a service log and collect fun character stickers for hours served at participating bookstores throughout the summer, or download a serving log online at whitsend.org. At the end of the summer, kids can record and upload a short video telling how they serve and why they’d like to become an Adventures in Odyssey Ambassador.

A hundred winners will get the brand new AIO Album, and after online voting, two grand prize winners (one boy and one girl) will get to travel on an exciting Good-Goers Mission Based Adventure trip to another country with a parent! The out-of-country destination will be announced on a live podcast May 22—hosted by AIO actors Katie Leigh (Connie) and Chris Anthony (Chris)—which you can watch at whitsend.org/acts. You don’t want to miss it!

Why serve?

Our culture puts an extravagant amount of energy into raising kids who will grow up to feel good about themselves. In schools, clubs, homes, and even at church, adults have made a decided effort to bolster children’s “self-esteem” –not by actually encouraging kids do something that’s worthwhile, but by simply telling them they are important and valuable.

At the turn of the century, researchers predicted that the next generation would respond to these efforts of raising self-esteem by being filled with optimism and civic duty. Unfortunately, recent research shows the opposite. Kids coming of age today are more self-centered, disrespectful of authority, and depressed than ever before.

In a very real way, then, the best path toward building selfless, confident children is to help and encourage them toward a growing and thriving faith in God. And that includes obedience to what God teaches—not because it makes kids feel good, although it often does—but because they’re following God’s instructions to love Him and serve others. That builds a faith they can count on and carry with them into adulthood—which is the greatest gift any parent can bestow on their child.

Weekly service ideas are available

Click here to access a free MP3 of the Business of Busyness to listen to with your children and to also download a PDF of Weekly Service Ideas. I love the suggestions for weekly service ideas. I meet so many Moms that are looking just for this. I know many of you are looking for ideas to help you teach your children the joy and importance of service.

Hunt for the Devil's Dragon

2013-04-29T18:26:00.000-04:00

The Hunt for the Devil's Dragon by Marianne Hering, Wayne Thomas Batson and illustrated by David Hohn is the 11th in the Imagination Station series. I've got to repeat once again how much I really enjoy this series. I can't believe there is only one more to go! This is simply a refreshing series for young readers. These books are filled with learning, history, values and excitement. This one has a real dragon in the story; I know my kids are excited about that. The Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon deals with the topic of bullying and more specifically standing up to bullies. It's a tough subject and too many of our children face bullying in schools. This would be a great read to share with a child that is dealing with this issue. It would be a great starting point to open up the discussion with your child. It gives many examples of bullies/bullying and reinforces that you should always stand up for yourself, your friends and for what if right. This series keeps surprising me. I love the wealth of time periods and cultures that we’ve traveled. The books are filled with Biblical truths. All this packed into the adventure of a good read!

I received a copy of the book for the purpose of this review from Tyndale Publishing.

Humble Heart: A Book of Virtues

2013-02-22T08:48:00.000-05:00

Humble Bumbles' Humble Heart a Book of Virtues by Amy Meyer Allen is a collection of nine stories that teach children about the Biblical virtues of; humility, love, thoughtfulness, faithfulness, mercy, encouragement, comfort, courage and joy. The stories are bright and simple and the illustrations follow suit. They are understandable and relatable for young children. They are also charming and enduring for older children to enjoy and learn from as well. There is a definition of each term at the beginning of each story and an applicable scripture verse at the end. My children loved going through this book of virtues with me. We read one a night during our devotion time. There are fun features too that many children books have. Humble honey bee can be found on each page and there is a highlighted item from the illustration on the opposite page of text like a hat or a flower which can then also be found in the illustration. They loved playing this game as we went through the stories. This is definitely a book we will read time and time again.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of this review.

Challenge on the Hill of Fire, Book 10

2013-01-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

Book 10, Challenge on the Hill of Fire from the Imagination Station series is out! Authors Marianne Hering, Nancy I. Sanders and illustrator David Hohn have given us an suspense filled story focusing on a bit of the history of St. Patrick's Day. Personally I love that they are covering the Holidays in this series. This is the second time they have focused on a Holiday, the first was with Book 6, Problems in Plymouth. I have not started reading this series to my children as I think they are still a little young for fully understanding some of the historical context of these stories but when I do I will plan the reads to correspond with the right Holiday. I am very excited to be able to add a fun story, with Historical context and Biblical truths to help us celebrate the different seasons! This book has been one of my favorites so far. I've never really studied this time period and am intrigued to learn more about Bishop Patrick. I also appreciated the tie in with the St. Patrick's tradition of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and comparing/relating it to something that's even more valuable to a pot of gold, the knowledge of God. I hope you'll check out this fun series! I received a copy of this book from Tyndale publishing for the purpose of this review.

Imagination Station - Books 8 & 9

2012-10-24T08:43:00.000-04:00

The Imagination Station series is back! Battle for Cannibal Island by Marianne Hering, Wayne Thomas Batson and Escape to the Hiding Place by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger both illustrated by David Hohn are books 8 and 9 of this 12 book series. These books are part of what I consider the second part of the series. Books 1-6 follow a continuation of a plot line working to return a lost ring to Mr. Whittaker. Books 8 & 9 while they continue the familiar framework of cousins Patrick and Beth going on adventures with the Imagination Station are written so each book can stand alone and could be read in any order. The authors continue to work through history picking pinnacle times and people for Patrick and Beth to travel to and encounter. In Battle for Cannibal Island the cousins travel back in time and meet the missionary James Calvert who ministered to cannibal tribes in Fiji in the 1850s. The cousins find themselves aboard one of the Queens ships just off an island inhabited by cannibals. This story has a strong message of missions and gladly following God's will for your life. In Escape to the Hiding Place Patrick and Becky find themselves in Holland during World War II. The cousins get to help out in a big way and learn that there are lots of ways to help God's kingdom. These are quality books for young readers. They are filled with adventure, danger and lots of learning moments. They show character, humility, bravery and many other redeeming qualities. I'm very happy to have fun and positive books to share with my two emerging readers. I received copies of these books from Tyndale publishing for the purpose of this review.

Adventures in Odyssey Devotional

2012-10-02T08:37:00.003-04:00

Adventures in Odyssey: 90 Devotions for Kids is a wonderful new devotional for kids. The familiar characters from the Adventures in Odyssey series fill this book sharing story examples that reinforce the devotional topic. There are 13 themes each with 6-7 devotions per theme. The devotions are short, about two pages which is a perfect length for this age but they are packed with information and Biblical truths. There's a daily challenge with each lesson and a memory versus. I'm planning on using this for our next family devotional. The themes covered include: Salvation, Learning about Jesus, Discipleship, Prayer, The Bible, Exercising Faith, Forgiveness, Giving, Witnessing, Worship, Going to Church, Serving Others and Overcoming Sin. It's a great line-up that I can't wait to share with my kids. I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review.

For your young naturalists!

2012-07-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

Jim Arnosky an author of many wonderful nature books has an absolute gem of a series with his lovable character, Crinkleroot. These books are sure to awaken the naturalist in all readers both young and old alike. Join the jolly nature lover Crinkleroot as he shares all about the great outdoors. There are all kinds of guides like knowing trees or birds or a guide to tracking. There's even a nature almanac in this series which all books offer an engaging overview of nature. The detailed illustrations are charming and my two enjoy looking for Crinkleroot’s pet snake sassafras on each page. My two have learned so much from this series and even more they have retained so much of that information. Sadly several of these books are out of print but hopefully your library has a good selection available to choose from as ours does. Join Crinkleroot on one of his walks through nature and let him show you all the treasures there are to be found. Some of the titles in this series include: I was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees, Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees, Crinkeleroot's Nature Almanac, Crinkleroot's Guide to Walking in Wild Places, Crinkleroot's Guide to Giving Back to Nature, Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Birds, Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitiats, Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Butterflies and Moths, Crinkleroot's Guide to Animal Tracking, Crinkclerott's 25 Birds Every Child Should Know, Crinkleroot's 25 Mammals Every Child Should Know, Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac and several more.

Summer with Tiny Prints

2012-06-20T15:32:00.001-04:00

Summer is almost here and that means the Fourth of July and Summer Parties! OK, so you have an All-American menu ready, a guest list in mind and the grill is already warming up. That’s a great start. Now it’s time to invite some folks over! There is no better place to order your summer party invitations than Tiny Prints. They are the leader in all things invitations. You can choose from over 100 designs, including some specifically for July 4th. These are not your run of the mill, off the shelf invitations, either. They are seriously classy…and you can customize everything. The process could not be simpler:

1. You choose from one of over 100 of their summer party invitation designs.
2. You personalize them. Change the font, change the text colors, upload a picture, etc.
3. You approve them and use promo code 15INVITES when you checkout to save 15% (ends midnight Pacific Time June 26).
4. They send them for you (this only costs the price of a stamp).
5. People come over to your house, blow some stuff up, and everyone eats way too much food.
6. Everyone wants to come back next year. You are a local legend.

It’s time to order, so check them out today. Don’t forget the 15% off sale ends at midnight June 26.

2012-05-31T17:21:00.000-04:00

Hope For Parents of Troubled Teens by Connie Rae. This is an informative read for anyone with kids teen years and younger. It is very comprehensive about different struggles that you and your teen might go through and how to handle them. It also is a great proactive resource helping you build a relationship with your children and prepare you for what teens may go through as they grow. I know I will reference this book in throughout the years as it is packed with useful advice and ideas. It's centered on Christian teachings and truths. There are scripture references and prayers as well as lots of ideas on actions you can do to help take a look at the bigger picture during these sometimes trying adolescent years. It's well written, very conversational. The author, Connie Rae is counselor, mom and also a parent that went through a tough time with her own son as a teenager. She openly shares and draws from her own personal experience. This book is a great resource and help. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of this review.

Tea Collection Liking Contest

2012-05-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

Due to the popularity of the Liking Contest, Tea Collection has added more styles! Be sure to check out Tea Collection's Facebook page and vote for your favorite girl dresses and/or boys tops. Once an item has received 1,000 Facebook Likes, it will go on sale--$15 dresses and $10 boys tops! It's so much fun! Browse the new styles today and be sure to vote for your favorite girls dresses and boys tops to ensure that those items go on sale. Happy Liking!

K5 Learning

2012-05-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

We've just completed our free blogger trial with K5 Learning and I'm excited to share about this great site. I let both my children, preschool and early elementary ages, try out this site. Both were engaged with the activities and both would ask if they could play on the site without my prompting. I think that speaks volumes when the kids actually enjoy doing educational games and activities. For those not familiar with K5 Learning it's an online site that offers reading, spelling and math skill building for levels K-5 though I must say my preschooler also found lots to do while on the site. I can see so many applications that this site could help with like; for kids that might be struggling in these areas, for keeping learning activities going throughout the summer months, for a fun but educational outlet for kids to enjoy some computer time after school and as a supplemental to a homeschool curriculum. They also offer an assessment which both of my kids took. It was great to see where they are excelling, on target or where they need a little more help in an area. You can sign up for a free trial to see if it's right for your family and there is also lots of information and resources for parents on their blog.

I Couldn't Love You More & a Giveaway!

2012-05-09T15:46:00.002-04:00

I Couldn't Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt with illustrations by Polona Lovsin is a simple read to share with your little ones. There's very little text on each page but there's a powerful message in those words. This story shares two amazing truths of how God is always with us and while we parents couldn't love our children more Jesus loves them even more. It's a wonderful reassuring read, a perfect way to wind down the day with these promises from God. The illustrations are of sweet animals playing or cuddling with their parents. They are vibrant and fun. Matt Hammitt is the lead singer of the band Sanctus Real and wrote these words originally as part of song with the same title that can be found on the album, Every Falling Tear. Here's a link to a video of Bowen and his children sharing about the inspiration behind this book.

I also have the chance to send one lucky reader a gift certificate good for one free copy of this book. The certificate can be redeemed at any local Christian bookstores or through Tyndale via mail. It expires on Sept. 1 2012. To enter simply leave a comment. Please be sure that your email is easily findable or leave it in your comment so I can contact you. If I am unable to contact the winner I will select another. This is open to anyone in the US. The giveaway will end on May 21st. Thank you!
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of this review.

Tea for the Summer

2012-04-30T16:18:00.001-04:00

Now is the perfect time to shop for your family for those upcoming summer vacations and family reunions. Tea Collection has the most adorable and unique outfits for kids that are perfect for summer! The Starling Batik Playdress and the Jaya Peak Playdress are sure to have the little girls in your life running around showing off their new look. The Ticking Stripe Shorts and the Roll Up Safari Shirt are too cute for words and are perfect for boys playing on the beach or in the backyard. I'm excited to share with you that Tea Collection is having a 4-day sale and if you shop 4/30 through 5/3, you'll receive an extra 20% off already-marked down sale items with promo code EXTRA20!

For Busy Moms

2012-04-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Paul C. Reisser, M.D. has put together three guide books for busy moms. They are Busy Mom's Guide to Parenting Young Children, Busy Mom's Guide to Parenting Teens and Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition. I'll start and focus primarily with the one I enjoyed the most which was the Guide to Parenting Teens. I think I enjoyed this one the most as we are not anywhere near the teen years so much of this was new information for me to consider as my own teen years seem far behind me. I thought the book did a great job covering a wide range of topics that will impact our teens at various levels. I am certainly glad I read through this book and feel that I am more equipped with information for those teenage years and the best part is I have all that information at my finger tips to reference again and again as needed. It covers the topics of potential teenage struggles from trying to assert their independence to teen sexuality, to drugs and alcohol to the ever imposing technological world of internet and social media. It is a Christian world view to these issues which is what I am seeking. I appreciated the organization and breakdown of each section and new topic making it an easy to access quick reference guide. Key concepts/questions are highlighted through out the text as it moves from one area to the next. The other two guides follow the same suit and are equally packed with useful information. They also have the same organizational breakdown making them quick easy reference guides as well.

The Guide to Family Nutrition was a little bit too nuts and bolts for me though. It looks at the science and nutritional side of foods and their makeups which was interesting and informative but not something I think I'll pick up again and again to reread. In chapter 4 it delves into the matter of controlling our weight and problems that may be faced with eating and diet. This chapter and chapter 6 on diet for children that weren't so scientific in their presentation. As a mom I was most hoping to get more of the practical application of all these facts, maybe in the form of recipes, or a list format of foods to avoid, what to look out for on labels, substitutions you could make. The information is in there but it is presented in such a way that I feel this book is probably the least successful in being a quick and easy go to reference. I feel like I would have to read through parts to find just what I was looking for or to even figure out what it is I'm looking for.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing for the purpose of this review.

Summer Wardrobe

2012-03-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

Tea Collection has some great pieces for your summer wardrobe. Tea's women's collection is authentically inspired with a fundamental artistic interpretation of the global destination. Their clothing is made with graceful, light weight fabric: perfect for coming warmer spring weather and vacation summer beach days. Tea's pieces have a flattering fit but are easy and comfortable to wear. You will find distinctive, versatile pieces that are fresh and fun. And be sure to check out their prints which are on trend for this season.

Here are some of my favorites:

Tea Collection Artisan Ikat Tunic
Tea Collection Ubud Ikat Embroidered Top
Tea Collection Ocotlan Printed Silk Dress
Tea Collection Pretty Pintuck Top
Tea Collection Corzo Chambray Tunic

Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site

2012-03-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I've slowed down to take the time to share one of our favorite picture books but I've finally have got one to share with you all today. It's called Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. If you happen to know my little guy you probably know he's all about things that go so this was the perfect read for him. We see different rough and tough construction trucks as they work during the day but then each one settles down at the end of the day for a good night's rest. The story is just a few lines of rhyming text on each page just the perfect length for little ones. The illustrations are so charming and you'll find some surprising bedtime favorites that you might not expect being part of rough and tough construction trucks' bedtime routine. It's a very fun read but also a great wind down read to a busy day. I'm sure this will become a bedtime favorite for many!

My Own Worst Enemy

2012-03-28T14:34:00.000-04:00

My Own Worst Enemy by Janet Davis caught my attention because I'm sure like many of you I hear those discouraging voices in my head when I'm about to embark on a new direction, adventure, goal, job whatever it may be. This book offers many insights into this occurrence of self-doubt, lack of self-worth, self-sabotage or whatever it is that holds you back. But we were created for a purpose and to ‘shine’ as Davis puts it. We've been given talents and abilities to use and to succeed. Davis shares many examples from her life and those that she has met as well as Biblical looks at women in the Bible. Each chapter in fact has at least one real life experience to share, then moves into a Biblical example, and then summary. Some chapters share multiple examples from each. It was for these reasons that I begin to find this read somewhat formula drives, I knew the basic framework to expect. This book also became overwhelming at times especially when multiple examples were used to illustrate the same point. While there is a lot of great and useful insight to be found in this book it really could have benefited from better editing. I got the point of the chapter and then found myself not pulled back in to continue through more of the same. It was not a book I couldn't put down or wait to get back to but I did want to complete it because there were moments which I knew I was getting something for my efforts. If you do struggle with self-doubt it is probably worth the read, I just wish it would have been more concise in its presentation. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of this review.

Tea Collection 3-day Sale Starts Today!

2012-03-27T11:11:00.001-04:00

I was amazed to find out there are approximately 490,000 babies born per day! That's between 323 and 358 births per minute. Which means there is a lot of time and thought going into selecting a perfect and unique baby gift. Browse Tea Collection to find adorable outfits inspired by various cultures and keepsake boxed gift sets. The Chinese Jacket and Pant Set for girls is too cute for words and a baby boy would pull the heart strings of every nurse wearing the Moon Jacket and Pant Set. Be sure to browse Tea Collection today and receive and extra 30% off with promo code BABY30 only valid until Thursday, March 29th. Happy Shopping!

K5 Learning

2012-03-26T17:08:00.001-04:00

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you many want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program. I've heard buzz about this site before from some of my homeschooling friends and I can't wait to check them out!

God Gave Us Love

2012-03-16T15:42:00.001-04:00

Well love is in the air over here at A-Tisket A-Tasket. Weddings yesterday and today I have God Gave Us Love by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant to share with you. I've shared other titles from this wonderful children's book series with you before and am so happy to tell you about another great book in this series. This story as the title indicates is all about love. During a fun outing with her Grampa, Little Cub learns all about love. And this book does a beautiful job of explaining the wonderful gift of love that God has given to us. I really appreciate the tempo of these books. They so thoughtfully unfold God's truths in a way that little one's can understand and grasp. It touches on the different kinds of love that there are, how God always loves us and how sometimes we have to choose to love even when it's not an easy choice. Like when you're upset with a brother or sister, you can still make the choice to love them. I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of this review.

Weddings!

2012-03-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

A bit off my normal topic but one of my affiliate sites is Wedding Paper Divas and just had to share about it. Do you need a wedding website? Would you like one that matches your Save the Date cards, invitations, etc.? How about getting one for free? Wedding Paper Divas has what you need! A free wedding website to go along with over 40 of their most popular wedding invitations. This means that you can now easily create an ad-free personal wedding website complete with online RSVP capabilities and more—and keep it FREE for one year! Some of the features of the free wedding website include: • Match your site to over 40 of Wedding Paper Divas bestselling invitation designs. • Easy to design. You don’t need to be a programmer to do this! Just point and click at anything on the site to customize. • Custom Domains. You can truly customize your site with a domain that is just for you like ourwedding.com. • Unlimited Photos. • Guest comments • Music and Video • Online RSVP, Blog, Password protection, guest list manager, and much more. Get started now to ensure that everything will be beautifully designed and perfectly coordinated as you prep for your big day.

When Work & Family Collide

2012-03-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

When Work & Family Collide by John Maxwell deals with a conflict most families can relate to, the use of time. In particular time spent at work versus time spent at home. When did life get so busy? I can find endless things to fill my time with. Work in particular is a tricky one, a very demanding one. One that supports your family, so in theory you do it for your family but it can also hurt your family. Balance is key for work and family. Andy Stanley walks you through finding balance. He does a great job in helping you see the priorities before you and the choices there are to be made. You do have the power to make a change; He shares how God wants you to make a change if work is cheating you of family life and God will and is able to help you. This book is filled with Biblical insight, real life experiences and sound advice. It is such a relevant topic in our fast paced, more is more culture. If you feel that work dominates your life and decisions, if you feel that you are unable to make changes in regards to this, if you see trouble in your family life you will want to check this book out. Maybe it isn't work that but a hobby or a friend or something else, this book touches on that and the principals learned can be applied to any number or time stealing areas of your life. This book doesn't pretend that the changes will be easy but it does help you see very practical steps you can take to start redirect your time to your family. I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah publishing for the purpose of this review.

Spring Tea Collection

2012-02-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

Spring is right around the corner and Tea Collection has put together the most adorable Spring 2012 Collection designed and influenced by the island of Bali. Shop the new collection now and take advantage of Tea Collection's 10% off coupon (no minimum required) with promo code SS12SAS valid through 3/31/12. Although I love the entire collection below are a few of my absolute favorites! I absolutely adore the Dancing Fern Dress. The colors and design make this the perfect dress for a school picture or a casual family gathering. Boys will love the Monkey King Tee inspired by the Ramayana Monkey Chant dance in Bali. Don't worry moms! Tea Collection has even designed a Bali collection for women and I love the Artisan Ikat Tunic. It's lightweight and goes perfect with a pair of jeans. Be sure to check out the entire Bali Collection. Happy Shopping!

Groundhog Day and a fast forward to April Fools

2012-02-01T10:38:00.004-05:00

Well, I've got a girl power Groundhogs Day read for you all here today. It's the story of Punxsutawney Phyllis by Susanna Leonard Hill and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. Phyllis is a young groundhog with a gift. She's also part of the famous family lineage of Punxsutawney Phil. The gift that she has is the family's weather predicting skill. Only problem is that this job has always been done by a boy family member not a girl. Phyllis does not let anyone hold her back though. She's determined to prove that she's got what it takes to be the next Punsutawney ~~Phil~~ Phyllis that is. It's a really well written story with lots of heart. The illustrations are bold, colorful and wonderfully detailed.

When I discovered Punxsutawney Phyllis at our library I also noticed April Fool, Phyllis also by Susanna Leonard Hill and Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler and decided to get them both even though April Fools is a ways a way. I'm so glad that I did. My two loved both these books and getting to know little, determined Phyllis. In this book once again Phyllis is putting her weather predicting skill to good use but her family thinks she's trying to pull an April Fools joke on them. It's one of the best and quite honestly only April Fools day reads I've read. The family of groundhogs have fun pulling pranks on one another throughout the day leading to their annual Spring treasure hunt. The pranks are quite clever and gave my two some fun insight into this odd little Holiday! I'm not much of a prankster so April Fools is usually a passing day but I think Phyllis and her brothers just may inspire me this year to have a little more fun!