a different normal

The Character Builder's Bible

2017-09-24T19:09:00.001-07:00

I honestly love love children's books. My house has them all over the place. I love to review Tyndale Houses Children's Books because they are so well done. I don't think I have had one I did not like. This one however, in my current season on parenting, may quickly become my favorite.

This book is so on point for what I am working hard to instill in my own children at this time. I want to really focus on them learning godly character traits. This beautiful book will help me to do this in a way my children can easily understand and it even ties it into everyday life for you. I love when you can link Biblical stories with today it really helps children to see why these traits are so important.

I love how large the book is, it makes it easy to use as a family time together. Both of my children can see it while I read it with them. I love how the title draws you into the story, then the statement to follow the story helps tie it up well. Then, you get to read and see the cute little comic style everyday life application of the trait. This will be a nice part for my child who doesn't understand abstract well. It will show her a way that is true to what she sees weekly.

I am looking forward to using this book for a long time to come. But if you don't trust my opinion then please go here to read mine and more reviewers opinions of this beautifully done book.

Thank you Tyndale house for allowing me to have a copy of this book for my honest opinion of the book in a blog review.

Wow The Good News in Four Words

2017-08-22T18:41:00.001-07:00

Dandi Daley Mackall and Annabel Tempest did an amazing job bringing the story of salvation to life for kids and parents alike.

In the words of my six year old : "It is about Jesus and is so awesome". "My favorite part was the pages with the animals. I liked counting them". He really enjoyed this beautiful book. He is a very visual person and was drawn into the pictures and the simple layout of the words.

I would totally recommend this to any christian family to add to their collection. It lays the salvation story out in a way any child could hear and understand. It shows how Adam and Eve sinned, how Jesus came to save us, and how the fruits of the spirits will grow in you when you accept Christ in your heart. I also love that it had scriptures to help parents dive deeper into the meanings of each section of the book. Which brings me to the fact the book is laid kind of out into four sections.

Wow- God loves us

Uh-Oh -We sinned

Ahh- Saying yes to Jesus

Wow!- Growing in faith

The back of the book goes deeper into the scriptures that are laid out in story form for the children in the book. It all together works well to teach the gospel on whatever level your child is on at the time.

I can not wait to share this amazing book with all my christian friends.
Check out more reviews here: Amazon

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion of this book. Thank you Tyndale House for allowing me to give my free opinion on this book.

Do Baby Bears Have Mommies?

2017-05-29T20:16:00.002-07:00

Thank you Tyndale house for a copy of this super cute children's book. I am so glad to give my honest opinion on this cute book.

My son saw this book and started looking at it right away. The sweet bears on the cover really got his attention. The drawings are so adorable in this book. The illustrator did an amazing job making them appeal to kids and adults alike.

The book is a great little question and answer book. The words rhyme in a simple fashion that makes it easy to read aloud to your question hungry child. It makes a great read aloud with a great message of God's love and amazing skills in creating the amazing world around us.

This is simply a sweet book any child will love. Thank you Tyndale House again for allowing me to give my opinion about the book.

Check out mine and other's reviews on Amazon here!

Bible Promises for Parents of Children with Special Needs Review

2017-04-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

I do not know about you guys, but parenting is hard. However, parenting a special needs child is really really hard. I have been looking for a long time for a short and easy devotional to help on those really tough days.

I found it in this sweet little Bible Promise book. They have scripture verses and short messages for almost any topic. I love how I can just got to the topic that fits what I need or feel that day and be uplifted. Time is precious but so is refueling our souls. Being surrounded by God's word is so key in keeping yourself from losing your mind. This little book will allow you to find a few quiet moments and regroup with words spoken by God. I will be carrying this book everywhere with me from now on.

Thank you Tyndale house for such a great product for parents like me who need a quick word to refresh our souls and allow us to carry on the important work set before us.

I was given a copy by Tyndale house in exchange for an honest review. Go to Amazon to read my review and other reviews about this simple but meaningful book.

Peace Where You Are

2017-04-02T19:33:00.001-07:00

Thursday evening found me in my kitchen preparing dinner like most nights. I had turned on the Moana soundtrack, and my son and I were singing along. He was at the table working in a search and find book, my daughter was getting ready for a shower, and my husband had just gotten home. Life was just good and normal. However, I was suddenly struck with a light bulb kind of moment while listening the the song "Where You Are".

You see for the past few months I have really struggled with how life was currently going. I think I always thought at this point in my life I would be in a different spot. Do not get me wrong I have always wanted to be a wife and mom, I played house for hours everyday growing up. However, I also had other dreams and thoughts on how that would look. God's plan and mine did not and do not always line up together. So, I have been struggling lately with finding peace in the season of life I currently find myself. It is funny how God can use a Disney song to help me find that peace. Just a silly little moment of singing with my son, can be powerful.

I actually heard the words Moana was singing about "finding happiness where you are". And it was like God said really loudly, "Hey why isnt this enough? Why do you need more?" I looked around with new eyes and realized my heart was happy and my anxiety was gone. I was so happy to have spent the day with my kids in our pjs playing. I was so thrilled to be making them a good dinner. It was enough. My life is more then enough. It is blessed beyond my wildest dreams. I never imaged how wonderful being a mom is and how being married to the man you love for 13 years and still loving him is amazing. My heart is fully at peace now. God has me where I am for a reason right now. I may not understand but I do not have to. I just have to Trust that He has a better plan. Happiness if being at peace with who you are. I am a wife, a mom, and a friend. But most importantly I am a daughter of the One True King!!

Who knew a Disney song had so much power in it! Life is good! Go and Love!

Be Bold Review

2017-03-05T16:43:00.001-08:00

This is the coolest devotional I have seen in a long time. This feeds my need to reflect on God's word in a fun and creative way that also feeds my creative side. The coloring pages are beautiful and easy to color. The devotions that go with each coloring page are relevant and easy to understand. This is a great book to give to anyone who loves God and loves to express themselves through color. I can not wait to spend more time exploring this unique devotional.

Ellen Elliot did a beautiful job making this book so user friendly. The devotions are on topics that will speak to most people, and are easy to follow and understand. Then, the coloring page will allow you to reflect and memorize a scripture while you color your stress away. So grab your favorite coloring supplies, go to a nice quiet spot and allow God's word to flow over you as you enjoy Ellen Elliot's beautiful devotional Be Bold!!!

To check out my Amazon review click Here!

Thank you Tyndale House Publications for sending me a free copy in return for my true opinion on the book.

2017-02-20T18:57:00.001-08:00

I woke up today tired and sore from working hard last night setting up for the kids consignment sale I consign and help at three times a year. It is a very physical four hours of set up and I love it. However, it leaves me sore more times then not. I would have loved to do nothing today, but since the kids were out of school that was not an option. After doing a few chores, we decided to load a picnic up and head to a local park. I am pretty sure so did all of the town. It was busy but it is beautiful today in Nashville.

We ate by our favorite pond. Taylor and I spent a lot of time kneeling by the pond and looking for tiny fish and some kind of swimming lizard thing. We had so much fun just staring into the water. I love precious time like this with him. Emma was slower to eat so she sat at the table finishing while we inspected the pond. Which reminds me he wants a pond book from the library to learn more about ponds. HE loves to read nonfiction books about water and animals.

After we were all done eating, we took a little hike. We found an amazing trail that had tons of yellow buttercups growing and blooming. It smelled heavenly and the cheerful yellow flowers were dancing in the slight breeze. I of course had to put the kids in the middle and take a few photos. Well Emma and my TMNT who came along:)

We also found the story walk and read the winter book about what insects do during winter. It was a cute book and a nice little trail hike for the kids. I never get tired of watching Emma walk and read. Every now and then it just hits me how amazing that is, she was so physically delayed for so long. Not too mention she is deaf without her devices. So watching her walk along the path and stop and try to read to us the book pages, took my breath away. Emma was getting tired after the few hills we went up, so we headed to the dirt park to let Taylor play a little and us rest.

We were surprised when Daddy stopped by on the way to his next location. He went back to the pond with us and saw some fishy. Then we surprised him with a Starbucks treat after we left the park. The kids and I also enjoyed a treat on our drive home. Where we spent three more hours outside in the warm winter air. They are both snoring in their beds and I will be soon as well. Today was beautiful and precious.

This is love

2017-01-18T09:38:00.001-08:00

I am not sure how I got so lucky to be a part of this family. It is not always easy, but it is always love. I am never bored, and I am normally laughing. I feel so blessed to have been married 13 years to Daniel! I am even more blessed that almost 11 years ago we became parents, first to Emma and five years later to Taylor. Life is not perfect, but it is an adventure. May 2017 find us stronger and full of adventure.

Where Does Love Hide Review

2017-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Check out my review on Amazon or any of the other great reviews about this super cute new board book by Tyndale Kids! I am so blessed to have been given a copy for an honest review by Tyndale House Publishing. It is so fun to read all types of new books for them. This board book will quickly be a favorite to share with my nieces and nephews when they visited. My kids enjoyed me reading it to them but they are a little bit old for the book. It is geared for around 1-4 I would say.

It is so cute, has great big flaps to lift and see under. I loved the bright illustrations and the simple words for young children to understand. I also like how it had the scripture references for parents to dive deeper into the scriptures the book was based on.

This cute book is a great way to work on young children learning how to show love in everyday situations. From how to help at home, in the community and out and about in town. Each page shows a new way, and has a fun flap to lift to reveal what to do. I would suggest bending the flaps a few times before reading it to your child to make it easier for your child to lift.

I hope you enjoy this cute book!!

Beyond Suffering Bible Review

2016-11-13T19:19:00.004-08:00

I was so excited when this new Bible came in the mail last week. The past year or so we have really struggled with Emma's medical conditions. We have had many many set backs and ups and downs. We are also currently facing two major surgeries in the next few months with our brave girl. This all takes a toll on the caregivers as well as Emma. One place I like to look for renewed strength is to my God in heaven. This beautiful Bible is going to be my new bedside best friend as it guides me through rocky days ahead.

This Bible is not only beautiful, but it has many many great extras to help those who suffer or care for those who are medically sick or injured. There are special reading plans, devotions, insights from Joni, profiles of real people to teach us, connection points to help you apply verses to your everyday life and so much more. The word of our amazing God is brought to life with emphasis on how to help us on those dark days full of questions and doubt. It is geared for those struggling with Why questions and how to pull themselves or their loved ones up out of the pit.

I can not wait to dive into these Bible More and more and learn and grow based on what is able to show me. I pray that it helps me be a better mom to the one in my life that lives in pain and faces more and more medical days then most adults have in their lives. She is my hero and I need to remember that our God is amazing and to share that with her in a way she can understand and gain power from. I am thankful for the awesome team that brought this Bible to be for all of us who need some help.

check out my review on Amazon here

God bless you all!!

Fuzzy and Small Girls Bible Review

2016-05-31T19:58:00.002-07:00

Emma loves when I get to review books that are for either her or her brother. I also love when I get to review a book and pass a quality book on to my kids. This month I got a new girl themed Bible for Emma. It came in the mail when she was home and she was thrilled when she saw it was girl themed and for her. She carried it for two days before allowing me to really look at it for a review.

Emma really likes that is is small, which is key for her since she cant carry heavy things. It is also a Big Girl Bible which makes her really happy to take it to church on Sunday. She loved how soft the cover is, and really loved the bright colors. The bright blue background with the lime green out lined to the hot pink word Love is really catching as you can see from the picture below.

She loves how soft the cover is and how shiny the silver is around the edging. Ten year old girls like sparkles and bright colors. This Bible has both just on the front. She also loved the hot pink inside cover with the pretty quote from Ephesians on it. I loved that it has a place to write her name, the date given, who gave it to her, and a note from that person. That makes it a keepsake in my book and gives me a spot to remind her I love her daily when she sees. There are a few colorful maps in the back for reference and a 365 reading plan to follow as well. I really love that there is a dictionary/concordance she can learn to use as she learns to read and study the Bible more on her own.

This Bible is done in the New Living Translation, which I am not as familiar with yet. However it seems pretty easy to follow along with. Emma is not a great reader yet and struggles to read but she can follow along okay so far with some help by an adult. I wish the font was bigger for a younger reader to read easier but then I guess it would not be slimline.

All in all it is a great first big girl Bible. I think my daughter will enjoy growing into in the next year or so. She is just not quite ready for this much of a grown up Bible. She will be soon though with her reading continuing to get better. I feel good about the quality of the product and feel it will uphold to a young girls carrying of it. I am happy to see her growing and learning in her faith with such a fun and colorful tool to help her as she moves from a kids Bible to a more grown up Bible.

Here is my Amazon review and you can check out other's as well.

Thanks Tyndale House for my free copy in return for my honest review of the product.

Not what you plan

2016-05-12T20:26:00.001-07:00

This week has been a mess.

A beautiful mess

I had two work functions at the start of the week, they went fine. And then I planned to sleep and rest a few days gearing up for summer about to start. Well, then Taylor spiked a fever on Monday night that lasted till this afternoon. So instead of naps after the kids left for school, I watched cartoons, went on long strolls and did knock knock jokes. We spent most of the week in PJ's and yoga pants and you know what, I loved it all. Emma also spent yesterday at home, well actually at VCH having her hearing aid tested and upgraded. That is about a two hour adventure in craziness and to top that off she went to an hour of speech. She is a rock star! Lea her American Girl doll also attended and helped picked the new colors for her new hearing aid mold. Look out world she will be sporting glittered pink, purple and white molds soon!

Today I picked Emma up a little early and headed home. A storm had passed through town earlier and I already knew we had no power at home. However, I was surprised to find we had power but had lost half a tree while I was gone. This afternoon became operation cut the tree up. My dad came to help Daniel. We spent a little time cutting and dragging it to the curb. It became a great afternoon in the yard as a family working together. Now, I could have lived without the downpour that occurred in the middle of cutting it down, but the rainbow Emma spotted was worth the soggy sports bra and shirt. We had a dog come hang out that was not ours but we found it's owner about the time we dragged the last limb off. He had gotten out of a fence up the road. Emma did get her India Spice Cookies cooked in the middle of all this craziness and they are ready for food day tomorrow at school. She had to choose India:) Cardamom cookies are actually pretty good FYI:)

My women's group is studying a great book right now called Wonderlife by Mike Foster. It is so good! One of the key points I have taken away so far, is being happy in the season you are in. Life is full of seasons, some good and some not. Life for our family has been hard lately, but we have each other and the wonderful memories we strive to make each day. Things do not have to be perfect for you to be okay with life. You have to find peace in what is here and now. God has a plan, I just need to trust and love! Today did not go as planned, but tonight my house is still standing, my kids are happy and healthy in their beds, and my husband is relaxing while watching TV before bed. God is Good !!

He Called Me Daughter

2016-04-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

Run not walk and get this book! Especially if you are a lover of Christian Fiction. I have never read a book by Tessa Afshar before I received a copy of this book by Tyndale house to review. It looked interesting so I choose it for my next book to review. Honestly, it might have been because my small group/Bible Study had just done a study on the unnamed women of the Bible, and I became interested in the women who had the bleeding disease. I remember wondering when we were studying her, what was her life like, what were her dreams and fears? What drove her to have the courage to touch Jesus without Him seeing her?

Tessa takes what little we know about her for real, and creates a heartbreaking but beautiful story of hardships and healing. Even though the book is a work of fiction, I truly felt like I walked the streets with Elianna. I felt her pain when her dad turns from her, I wanted to yell at her when she loses the man she loves, and I rejoiced out loud when she found healing in Jesus.

Read the book, engross yourself in the story and be reminded that Jesus forgives and heals us from the inside to the outside. Elianna had a hard life, but when she learns the true meaning of being a Daughter of God, her life is never the same.

Read mine and many other's reviews on Amazon here

Thank you to Tyndale for my complimentary copy of Land of Silence, which I received in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review

2016-03-19T19:54:00.005-07:00

This is a book that has arrived at my door during a crazy time in my families life. It is a book I need to dive into and camp out with for the full 31 one days that it is written to cover, and I plan to do that as soon as my daughter's medical life is not so crazy. I have spent some time reading and exploring the amazingly written book by Sarah Mae. It is a must read for any Christan Wife or Mother.

I constantly struggle with balancing my time of being in the moment with my kids and cleaning the house. This book is about finding your balance with God and business of cleaning. I think it will also help you focus on the more important aspects of life, God, your family, and cleaning. I love that the author realized that women need help finding the peace in being a homemaking. We need to learn how to take care of our spiritual life and our home too.

I love how the book is laid out to have a "Mary Challenge" that focusing you on God, and then you get to the "Martha Challenge" that focuses on a part of your house. You start with what is most important, which is God, and then you look towards your home. I have read through a lot of the book, but have not had a ton of time to follow the plan, due to my current out of control life. But I plan on starting this in April when I can focus better.

I am looking forward to following this awesomely laid out plan for all of us frazzled mom's. I highly think all mom's should check out this book and dive deeper into our Lord and our cleaning:) And like it says in the preface: "I want you to love who you are and yet be able to let Jesus into the hard places. I want you to sit with Him and let Him heal you, so you can be whole."- Sarah Mae

I long for that and it touched deep in my soul. We all need healing!

If you dont trust my aw ha moment quote check out my review and many more on Amazon!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.https://www.amazon.com/review/RY860A1US30Q3/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

The Big Pig Stampede Review

2015-09-28T20:05:00.001-07:00

The number one question I seem to be getting lately at work is, "What is a good young boy book to read that is not science fiction based?" I honestly have gotten that several times in the last month. It is harder to find good, well written books for boys. (it might be why boys tend to read non fiction). I now have a cute and fun book to offer them, and an added bonus in my eyes is that it is christian based!!

The "Big Pig Stampede" by Bob Hartman, is a well written book. It has some cute pictures to help with context clues, which I really like for younger readers who are still learning. I also love that it is told from the boys point of view. I think that helps young readers as well.

The whole book is about this boy who just happens to be in the right place at the right time to see many of Jesus miracles. He often winds up involved in them as well. It is definitely a new way to look at the miracles Jesus preformed. You see it from a child's point of view and that is awesome. I think it is not only a good book for kids to read (boys or girls) but a great read a loud for the whole family. You can never hear the miracle stories too much in my opinion.

I do feel the book seems geared more toward boys, but that girls could really enjoy it as well. It is just a fun and easy to read and follow early chapter book. I think the "Goat Boy" stories will keep you turning the pages and looking forward to the next story/chapter. You will quickly start to love the "Goat Boy"!

You can read my Amazon review here!

Thanks Tyndale House for the copy of the book to review. They did not influence my review of this book in anyway. I look forward to reading this book with my kids very soon. I think that they will both enjoy it and so will I.

The Zook Two Take on Gower!!

2015-08-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school! My two little ones were so excited despite being up about two hours earlier then they had been all summer. Taylor was so excited to finally be a gator! We all ate breakfast and got dressed and headed out early to get to park and walk the kids in. Our school does not have a ton of parking and we had to park at a business next door so we left about thirty minutes earlier then normally.

All smiles!!

This mom is not so sure how she feels about having two kiddos in school and none at home during the day. I think it will not really hit me till next week when he goes all day. I was so excited today I didn't even tear up, but I think it will happen next week when they are both gone.

Daddy got to take the morning off and be with us for the first day. We even sneaked in a coffee date while they were at school:) Gotta make it work when you can!

His first official first day of school picture. He has always been with me or my parents and not in school. So, he went today for his first time. He did an amazing job. Walked in and did not cry or fuss. He owned it and did great. He earned eight points for being on task and respectful (the earn points for following rules etc). He was so proud of those points, and also the smiley face and sticker her got. He told us a few things about his day and seemed to already be making friends with a few girls of course:) My ladies man!

He loves this backpack and asked me to take a photo to show everyone. He picked this out too!

This girl was a little bummed to not have her best friend in her class, but was still excited to be going to school for her fifth year at Gower. She is thrilled to have gotten the teacher she wanted!! She decided to go purple this year for the first day, down to her shoes and nails. She changed outfit choices twice:) She also wanted her Anna braids. I was so impressed on how long they now are when I braid them. She was all smiles this morning and had a great day too! She even tried the brunch they had in the cafeteria and said it was good. I was shocked, but maybe she is finally branching out. She got to set by some friends and already made friends with a new girl to the school. I love her heart.

Walking to school!

Waiting for the doors to open, with their presents for their teachers. I had fun making them for their classes.

Meeting his teacher, who was Emma's teacher in Pre K as well. She has known Taylor since he was less then a year old. I was so happy to have her again!

Emma loves Mrs. Armstrong, we went to her animal camp this summer.

After, the half day, we went to Mexican to celebrate with some cheese dip and chips. We got to talk to the kids about their day and talk about the exciting things that are going to happen in the weeks to come. Both kids are bummed school is out tomorrow for election day. But they go back on Friday and they both want to, which is good. We all took a nap while daddy ran to work for a few hours this afternoon. It was a great first day for both kids and I am excited for a great new year for them both. Life is changing and I better hang on and enjoy the ride.

The Night Before School Starts

2015-08-04T19:32:00.001-07:00

There are bags of school supplies, two sets of uniforms picked out and waiting, new backpacks waiting to be worn, and two little kiddos are sound asleep. Normally I am freaking out by this time, the night before school starts back up. But I am working hard on not doing that this year. I would normally have sent a few emails and a text to Emma's new teacher with pointers etc. This year I have decided to let the first day or two happen and then talk to the teacher. Let her therapy teachers come and meet with the teachers and help her before overwhelming or over worrying. Emma's teacher this year already knows Emma some and has been around Emma before. Many of her support staff is the same and have worked with her before, and honestly the school loves and supports Emma so well. I am not as worried this year. We will talk to her new aid in the morning and go over a few key points for Emma's best care and then we will let things settle in and get grooving. I honestly have just decided that this year I cant be anxious about what could happen. I have to trust the people who have proven more times then not, that they will do amazing work for Emma and with Emma. I am trying to pray way more and stress way less. I feel things seem to be falling into place for a great school year for her. She is excited and already changed her outfit choice twice before going to bed. Her nails are painted, her bows picked out and her new flower backpack is ready to go. God will protect my sweet Rose and He has a great plan for her I just know it.

Now, I also have another little one joining the Gator family this year. Taylor will be joining the Pre K program there. He is so excited to finally be a Gator! He has Emma's pre k teacher and I am thrilled. I think it will be really good for him to get to experience school and make friends. I am sad to see my last little one become a big kiddo who goes to school, but realize that as hard as it is, it is a good thing. I know longer have babies in my house, I have school kids. He will be in school five days a week 8-2. I will miss my little sidekick and our special trips to Cheekwood and our little hikes into the woods. He is so ready and cant wait to wear his Batman backpack. I just hope my mommy heart can handle the change.

So, this night before school starts I will pray more and stress less. Or go workout and try not to focus on the fear!! Dear God, protect all the staff, teachers and students as the prepare for another great school year. Amen!!!

A book review for "Where Treasure Hides"

2015-07-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

Check out my review of "Where Treasure Hides" by Johnnie Alexander here before reading this blog review if you would like.

I was not too sure when I signed up to review this book for Tyndale House, if I would like it or not. The cover was beautiful and I love historical romance books, but I still was not too sure about it. However, from the first chapter I was drawn into the story and fell in love with the main character, a young artist from which the story evolves around. The author's beautifully written story makes you stay up way to late seeing what happens next. I was totally enthralled with the story and could not read it fast enough to see what happens next.

The story is set during the days of Hitler. The main characters are an artist and her family who owns a gallery, a solider who loves the artist but is part of Hitler's army, a young solider who she meets at a train station and falls in love with right then, and beautiful pieces of art and young children (both of which they have to hide to keep safe). Art, war and love beautifully blend in an intriguing first book by this talented author. I could tell you so much more, but I honestly think you should just read the book.

I highly recommend the book and look forward to whatever else Johnnie Alexander writes in the future. She has a fan in me for sure.

I was given a copy of this book by Tyndale House but the review is my honest thoughts.

Cuddle nights

2015-07-21T20:46:00.002-07:00

Emma is my quality time child. She loves to get time with anyone she loves. It can be just as simple as coloring at the table with her to taking her on special little trips without her brother:) She craves that time and blossoms when she gets it. Her favorite thing is to get to fall asleep in my bed on the weekends. We hold hands and she falls asleep. She only gets to do that on the weekends. Then, we move her to her bed after a little bit. That part is getting harder as she is getting bigger and harder to carry across the house to her room, but we still do it.

Tonight is a Tuesday, but she got to hold my hand tonight and fall asleep on daddy's pillow. She earned that right for sure today. Today Emma had to go through a medical test that she does not enjoy at all. She has had it a few times in her lifetime, and she really hates it. To be honest, I really don't blame her, it is not the funnest test. Well, one of her doctors needed the test redone from last year to see what it showed now. We are working on some future medical plans for a few of Emma's medical conditions and this test would tell us which path we would be starting on.

Which meant early this morning we headed to the fourth floor medical tower of Vandy Children's and had the test. I went alone with Emma, while daddy had Taylor, this was a first of me going alone with her. But we did a great job, well once she quit screaming and let the tech do her job. Luckily it is not a long test and really lucky for us, she stopped screaming once we got started. However, it did take me and another nurse holding her down to get the prep stuff done. No mom should have to do that, but sadly it wasn't the first time I have held her done for a medical procedure.

So, yes when she looked at me at dinner tonight and asked can we cuddle tonight, I said yes. I would do anything to help wipe the tension of the morning from her face. So, I held my sweet nine year old's hand, while she fell asleep in her princess gown and clutching her duck in her arms. That sweet duck as been in her arms since her NICU days. She maybe getting older but she will always be my baby girl. I just hope I have another year or two of her wanting cuddle nights, minus the morning of medical test for sure however!!!!

Fourth of July

2015-07-05T21:10:00.002-07:00

Our fourth of July started on the third, with a trip to Mexican to help celebrate a friends birthday and then fireworks at a local church. The only photo on my camera was before the fun because it looked like rain and I left my big camera in the car at the church. But here is my family before our July third fun!!

We had a great time playing on bouncy houses and watching fireworks with friends. We were also so happy the rain waited till we got home before starting. I did however get my flip flops stuck in the mud on the way back to the car:)

July 4th we woke up, ate some breakfast and got dressed to head to a family fish fry for lunch. It was really yummy and so much fun to see family and catch up!!

The fryers!

family!

one of the little cousins drew this and I was so impressed!

Emma was thrilled that Cousin Brian also fried french fries, her favorite!!

Then, after heading home for a nap and to finish making cupcakes we headed to a friends house for dinner, music and fireworks. Emma made a new cupcake recipe she got out of the American Girl magazine she now gets in the mail. They were so good and we had a good time making them for the party.

The rain earlier in the day made things a little muddy, but some wood to form a walkway helped.

Emma helping Mr. Kevin in the grill master tent

sparklers are a lot of fun with friends

muddy toes

Playing games with Mrs. Rosanne

clapping to the awesome music on the screened in porch

despite the fact that it had been raining pretty hard for an hour, Kevin decided to see if we could shoot the fireworks off still. It worked! So five men, an umbrella and a arsenal of fireworks headed out to the field while we watched from the cover of the porch! It was a great show! The kids sang Baby your a Firework and clapped after each one:) Good times! Great friends, yummy food and wonderful memories!!

Today maybe the fifth, but we still had a few fireworks so we sat them off before bed tonight! The kids clapped and yelled bravo at Daniel every time it was so cute!!!

Sparklers!!

Batman/shark with his sparklers!

Fireworks!!

parachute went way up and came back down this year, last year it landed in a tree and caught on fire:)

holding the parachute

It was a great few days despite the rain and mud! Memories to last a lifetime!!

Animal Camp

2015-06-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

This past week I got to be Emma's aid while the kiddos attend a three day animal camp on a teacher at Emma's school farm. I took my two kiddos and my nephew as well. We had a great three days, well one day Daniel was the helper while I worked. It was fun getting to experience all the cool animals and get to watch the kids have so much fun. I was there to help the camp staff and Emma as needed. Emma and Taylor found their love of animals and Taylor found his love of creek play. I enjoyed learning about all kinds of animals and exploring the creek as well. Well, besides the lizard I accidentally touched when flipping rocks for my nephew to find craw daddies:) I may have squealed really loudly then. Anyway, check out some of the fun we had during the camp.

My animal crew for the three days. So much fun being apart of their fun week.

How often do you get to get that close to a wallaby?

Austin and Roscoe hanging out.

Taylor liked the little donkeys

hanging with the animals

No these are not llamas wearing red pajamas they are actually alpacas.

Billy Goat Gruff

chasing cousins:)

The tire swing was a big hit all three days!!

learning to care for the animals

helping serve dinner before leaving each day was so cool

Me and the lemur who hangs out in their kitchen.

Treble the singing dog was so cool! He is a wild dog but he will let you pet him and he sang for us one day.

The animal guard dog Lilly, she keeps an eye on all the animals

Pig!!

Creek time with his girl friend of the week:) She is a much older lady too:) They were so cute all week.

The creek was not Emma's favorite part of the day, it was hard for her to get down and up from the creek. I did help carry her some. Also it is scary for her to be walking on slick stones and in the water. However, by day three she was a little more into the creek and even sat in the water to look under rocks with us. Big steps for her.

Hudson loved creek time. He can catch almost anything he found. I enjoyed helping him look under rocks on the last day. We found a salamander and a few craw daddies.

At the end of day three they got to choose an animal for a picture. Taylor wanted a chicken, it took three workers and a few scratches to Mrs. Armstrong, but he got his pic with the chicken!

Emma wanted a bunny, she wasn't so sure about holding it all by herself.

Patrick the baby goat!

We really had a lot of fun. It was hot, but the farm is mostly shaded by trees and we went in to the house as needed. The creek was cool and the water felt so good after a fun morning of meeting animals and learning all about them. Thanks Armstrong Animal Adventures for a great three day camp. We look forward to next year already!! I am also thankful for allowing me to stay and help Emma have a good and safe experience. She loves when she gets to be included in fun things like this. Many memories were made, lots of sweat was sweated and we all went home tired and happy. Win Win for all!!

Childrens Bible Song Book Review!

2015-06-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a fun way to teach your kids some Bible stories, then I have the book for you. My Sing-Along Bible 50 Easy-Read Stories*50 Fun Bible Songs created by Stephen Elkins is so cute and fun. The book itself, is a soft-padded cover, easy to hold for young children, and full of beautiful drawings for each story. The story is kept short for young readers, and is stated in words easy to understand. Every story also includes a little lesson side note to drive home the message. The songs that go with each story are so catchy and easy to pick up by young little singers.

My four year old son is in love with this CD and gets mad when we talk over the songs. I also have been enjoying the upbeat songs, that honestly dont drive a parent crazy hearing on repeat:) My nine year old is enjoying reading the stories and helping my son follow along with the CD and the book together.

I find this book to be a winner on all accounts. I would highly recommend it to any of my friends who have young children and are seeking to help them learn about the Bible in a fun and colorful way. It would be great on any road trip this summer!!

Check out my review here or any of the other reviewers who have read and listened to this book.

I received this book free from the Tyndale House Publishers. 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

Field Day Post

2015-06-05T20:55:00.001-07:00

Two weeks ago Emma' school had field day. It was a cool, sunny day and everyone had a really good day. It was a great day in Emma's book for sure. I will admit field day is not my favorite day of the school year. You take a physically challenged child and a day full of physical activity and things normally do not go well. Last year Emma wore herself out and left at lunch after a bad fall. But this year she was a trooper. She sat out a few activities that involved jumping etc, but for the most part she was part of the class and had fun. Her class was the sweetest class. They always included her and helped her along. No one was rude or hurtful and I love that about this class. They all encouraged each other and just had fun. Taylor attended with Daniel and myself and ended up just becoming one of the class. He loved getting to be apart of all the fun!! He thinks he is in second grade:)

Here is a glimpse into our fun day!

Emma and her friend!!

the water race is Emma's favorite each year!

Scooter fun!

Taking a break after jump roping

her cheering squad

A rare couple shot

jump jump jump

I really dont know why she sticks her tongue out when she is working hard:) Must get that from her daddy

They had a long lunch break and got to enjoy some down time on the school's laptop

bean bag toss

friends make the world go round

my favorite part of the day, was when this sweet friend stayed at the top of the bouncy to help Emma get up and to yell at anyone who tried to come near her. She did it all four times Emma went. My heart was so full. She has been a good friend all year to Emma. Emma talked about getting to do the bouncy course for days. She normally gets scared of bigger kids and doesnt do it at school. This was her favorite part of the day.

I love Emma's school and am so thankful for such a loving supportive place.

Taylor tries soccer

2015-05-24T20:44:00.001-07:00

So about a month ago, Taylor had his first soccer game! I have not had time to blog about it yet, but want to make sure I don't forget such a big first in his life. He has been waiting for weeks for his first game. They were suppose to have started a week before this Saturday but it got cancelled due to rain. It was a chilly morning, but we were all excited to head to the soccer field!! Well excited we could be so early in the morning:)

Singing in for his first game and for Daniel to get his team list. Yes Daniel is his head coach! Taylor calls him Coach Daddy!! So cute and Daniel is enjoying getting to coach again.

Can you tell how excited he was!!

Getting his jersey!

So handsome in his first sports gear!! Love it!!

Sissy was dancing on the sideline I believe in this photo. She has not been as happy having to sit and watch Taylor get to do something. But after four years of it being the other way around it was way past time for him to get to try something fun. She luckily has become a "big" sissy to a players little sister and they play and watch the game together.

this was during the little skills practice they have before they play a short game. I love that they do practice and games all in one day. This kids are young and they are focusing more on teaching basic skills and how to be a good sportsmen as well. I love this about this league. We are wanting him to learn, to grow and to have fun.

sitting out so some other friends could play

proud of both of my boys!! Week one down! We have a few more games left and looking forward to them as well! I loved that their second game was mother's day weekend and they gave all the mom's flowers from their players. It was so cute when he handed me the white flower. I loved it!!

There is a cool park right by the field and since they both behaved we headed to play for a little while after the first game!

Sweet Moment

2015-05-06T20:30:00.002-07:00

These two photos made my heart sing today. This month is one of those crazy months were I swear Emma has more appointments with doctors then play dates set up. Next week we see two different doctors and then face major dental surgery at the hospital on Friday. So, needless to say we are all a little stressed and medically over it all. But then today a sweet neighbors little girl came over with her American Girl dolls and played with Emma and her new Our Generation doll. They sat in her room and brushed their hair, talked about the dolls, outfits and books. Then, they carefully brought their dolls out to have a tea party under the tree in our yard.

Honestly, sometimes I get bogged down in the medical part of managing Emma's care. I forget how much of a typical child she really is. She just wants to sit and have a tea party with her friend. She was so happy today and cant wait till Friday when they can hopefully play again. I sat back and watched them and was once again reminded of how far she has come. There were days when she was little that I fell to my knees and prayed she would be able to walk with her friends and play with dolls. God is Good! And I am so thankful for sweet moments like these where Emma is just a kid having fun with her doll.