Ellis (reviews & life)

Book Review (Kids)- Noah's Ark Playtime Book with stickers

2013-06-10T08:30:00.000-04:00

This fun activity book includes on-the-page puzzles, games, and stories—all based around the story of Noah. There is also a page of stickers for completing the activities. The cute and colorful illustrations jump off the page and keep children engaged with the activities. There's plenty for children to do, on their own or with an adult, and this handy book can be used during the holidays, on journeys, or just to fill the time on a rainy day.

I sat down with my two year old son last night to read this book. It is an activity book based around the story of Noah. Hayden loves animals and has recently discovered the love of stickers! So, needless to say, we had a blast reading through the poems and short stories. We did not do the activities, although they be great for rainy days or 'travelling in the car' games.

My daughter who is 7 was reading over our shoulder and she immediately wanted to do the activities. We will attack some of them later this week.

I was pleased with this book of activities and stickers. The sticker quality is something that always surprises me in sticker books. Most of the time they are cheaply made stickers and you have a really hard time pealing them away from the paper. These stickers nicely pealed away from the paper and Hayden had a grand time sticking them in their places.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes from Kregel. THANKS!!

If you would like to purchase a copy for a little one in your life please click the link above which will take you directly to the Amazon purchase page.

ENJOY!!

Adventures in the Park

2013-06-08T03:00:00.000-04:00

Scientific Detectives.

A few weeks ago we went to a local state park for a nature walk, or so I thought. After we sat for about an hour learning how to identify animals by their SCATS (poop), food prints and skulls we went out for our walk. Infinity was thrilled to be a detective and had a grand time looking for evidence of animals along the path.

The first thing we found was a baby snapping turtle and red eared turtle. The guide then let the snapping turtle back into the lake where people SWIM! I know one thing for sure...I won't ever be going there to swim.

Hayden found a stick and then promptly found ANTS. That boy, can't seem to get away from finding ants, at least these ones didn't bite him to pieces.

Infinity's proud moment, she was the only one out of the entire group that found animal SCATS. We couldn't determine what animal it was exactly but we narrowed it down to a small herbivore. Probably a small dog or racoon.

The big girls of our group...

and the little kids of our group

Hayden was wacking this rock...don't know why but it made him happy so we let him wack away!

All of the kiddos we had at the park. The kids who are not mine are our carpool friends from school. We look forward to doing lots together throughout the summer.

The following pictures are cute and I love the expressions on the two goonies faces. It was like they were having a conversation without saying a word.

until next time...

Ballet---a little late but better late than never :)

2013-06-07T16:29:00.004-04:00

So, our Ballet experience is over. Infinity had a grand time but does not want to do it again next year so, we have sat through our only Ballet Recital.

Hayden picked the Yellow rose and he wanted everyone to know about it

Infinity's teacher is on the very right of this picture in the front.

Infinity is the second one from the left, she followed the girl in front of her most of the program.

Showing off some of their skills

Jumping like a jelly bean and flipping their feet like a duck (at least that is what I called it :) )

Running and jumping across the stage

Getting her trophy for completing 1 year of Ballet

Proud little girl with her roses, trophy and stuffed animal.

Next year I think we are going to try Gymnastics...at least that is what the plan is this week :)

An evening of fun or two...

2013-05-23T09:21:00.002-04:00

Family time has become more precious lately with all of the travelling I have had to do for my job. When we have time we definitely take advantage of it. So, the other night we went out for dinner and walked downtown for a while. Infinity is thrilled with statues lately and wants her picture taken with them. Hayden just looks at her like she is weird :)

We have little mice statues all down main street and Infinity and Hayden found one. Hayden screamed MOUSE for about 5 minutes straight after they found it.

Hayden petting a 'frog' statue in front of my office building.

A few days later we took a walk around a 'lake' near our house. We walked for about 30-40 minutes and never once saw the 'lake'. We saw a swamp, snake, cricket, caterpillar, and lots of other little bugs but no 'lake'. Maybe we will head back and see if we can find it another time.

On the way back to the car, everyone had to have a walking stick. Hayden's lasted about 10 minutes and then it snapped in two and he would then stop and beat the ground like a drum about every 10 steps...needless to say, it took us a lot longer to get back to the car than it did going.

Enjoy your family and make sure you take lots of pictures to capture life's simple moments.

Book Review (kids)- Imagination Station's Hunt for the Devil's Dragon

2013-05-21T13:50:00.000-04:00

If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.

I started to read this book one night before bed with my 7 year old and 2 year old. The 2 year old was excited to read a book that had a dragon on the front. The 7 year old was excited because it was an Imagination Station book, we have listened to many of their stories on CD.

We read a couple of chapters and then it was time for bed. I thought the book well written and it definitely caught and kept both kids attention. The story follows the Legend of Sir George, or at least one of the them, with a little bit of time travel mixed in.

My 2 year old came to me the next couple of days on a regular basis asking to read the 'gon' (dragon)story. My 7 year old was not so thrilled but she likes to listen to stories being read aloud so she joined us until our book was finished. My 7 year old actually asked if we could get another book in the Imagination Station series so that she could read it on her own.

We really liked the book and will pick up another book in the Imagination Station series soon, especially since school is letting out for the summer in a week or two :)

Book Review -- Get off your Donkey!! Help Somebody and Help Yourself

2013-04-26T15:10:00.002-04:00

Jesus had little patience with institutional religion that cared for its own needs while neglecting the plight of ordinary people. In one of his most famous parables, he sets up as a model of Christian behavior a man who, unlike some religious folks, actually gets down off his donkey and helps a person in dire need.

With energy and enthusiasm, Reggie McNeal calls believers to dismount, get down and dirty, and live a life that makes a difference. He shows readers how to recalibrate their spiritual efforts to move from church-centric service to greater community engagement in order to do their essential part in creating a world worth living in. McNeal also shows readers that helping others actually helps the one doing the service just as much as the one being served. In fact, serving is the very best way to learn about yourself and grow spiritually.

Anyone who longs to have the impact on the world that Jesus did will love this provocative and inspirational message

WOW!! I am impressed with this book!! I was excited to read it to find out how we can be better people and better Christians in our community. I had no idea how bold Reggie McNeal would be and how frank his discussion throughout this book would be.

I think a simple definition of the book would be to act as Jesus did. Seek out those who need your help and don't let anything get in your way.

I was encouraged to reach out to those in my neighborhood, church and community at large; seeking out those who need help and to give them genuine help, not what I think they need but actually what they need.

Reggie McNeal in his bold, frank way through humor and stories gets his point across quite effectively. I enjoyed this read, learned a lot and am motivated to help at every turn.

I received a free copy of this book from BakerBooks! Thanks!!

To purchase your own copy (please do!!) click the link above.

My little bug boy

2013-04-26T15:02:00.000-04:00

A few days ago, we were outside enjoying a "pick- pick" as Hayden calls it when we found a "piller" My little boy decided that this "piller" was going to be his friend and enjoyed playing with it for the next 45 minutes. He picked it up, threw it, squished it and watched it crawl on his hand, shirt, leg and foot.

What a delight to see Hayden enjoying God's creation around us and at every opportunity that he can.

Book Review- (Mom's) Be the Mom overcome attitude traps and enjoy your kids

2013-04-10T08:37:00.001-04:00

The role of mom is often described as the most important job in the world. Rightly so, for so much is at stake during children’s early years and moms are central in shaping character and personhood. However, when the going gets tough (the endless diapers, the continual messes, the endless conflict resolution, the complete lack of personal time, etc.), moms are often tempted to quit their “mom‐job”. While few would endorse an outright abandonment of motherhood, others may recommend that a woman treat her role as secondary to personal desires in order to combat feelings of discouragement and/or unfulfillment. The enemy has laid intentional traps cleverly designed to discourage and redirect a woman towards self rather than family. Moms need to know how to recognize these traps . . . and avoid them. Be the Mom: Overcome Attitude Traps and Enjoy Your Kids explores and validates the life of a mom who makes her family a priority and introduces the reader to seven Mom Traps that may be preventing them from a full, joy‐filled life

I was really excited to read this book as I am a mom of two and am always looking for ways to be a better mom. As I started to read, I thought, I have nothing in common with this woman. Then as I continued to read I realized that we did have things in common...all of the struggles with attitude, time and 'traps' as she calls them. I really enjoyed reading how she over came these 'traps' or how she placed things in her way to avoid them all together. I think we as moms (and dads) face a number of challenges and Tracey Lanter Eyster has some really helpful things to say about them.

I am passing this book along to another friend who is excited to read it because of the things I have shared with her about the book.

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale, Thanks!!

You can purchase your own copy or a copy for a mom in need by clicking the link pictured above!

Enjoy!!

Book Review- You're Made for a God-Sized Dream- Opening the Door to All God Has For You

2013-03-21T14:11:00.001-04:00

We all long to live with more purpose, passion, and joy. Yet in the middle of our hectic lives, the God-sized dreams that have the potential to lead us into all God has planned for us are the ones that tend to get lost. With her intimate, approachable style and constant encouragement, popular blogger and author Holley Gerth invites women to rediscover the big dreams God has given them--and then dare to pursue them.

With the enthusiasm and honesty that we all want from our closest friend, Holley encourages women to overcome excuses--too busy, too late, too far out of my comfort zone--and believe that their God-sized dreams can become reality. She takes readers by the heart and says, "Yes! You can do this! Let's go!" and then guides them forward with a loving hand. A licensed counselor and certified life coach, Holley insightfully combines inspiration with practical application in this positive book.

As I began to read through this book. I kept thinking, "so you are telling me to live the life God has planned for me" over and over again. She worded it differently but that was the over all message. Stop living the life you want to live or "think" you should be living and live the life that God has planned out for your life. As mentioned above, Holley takes away excuses that we come up with because of our sinful nature and encourages us to live!

The book is well written with study questions/ digging deeper questions at the back of each chapter. This would make a great womans bible study book as long as you were using it in conjnction with the Bible passages that are mentioned throughout the book.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes. Please purchase your own copy by clicking the link/picture above or searching it out at your local distributer of Revell books.

Remembering Grandpa

2013-03-08T08:25:00.000-05:00

Last night my grandfather went home to glory.

I am thankful for the many years that my grandpa was given on earth to grow in grace. I am thankful for the Godly heritage that I have because of God's working in his life many many years ago. I have many fond memories of my grandpa from getting his ears boxed because of something he did (that Grandma didn't like) to sitting around the living room listening to him sing and play his omniharp. He was a hard worker, working a large farm for many years and after that working in his garden and yard to make it beautiful. His life long partner, Isabel, right there beside him every step of the way. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in December (picture above) and we thank God for every year of it!

Please pray with me for my grandma and the 7 kids as well as 19 grand kids and I honestly don't know how many great grand kids.

Quilting projects #2 and #3

2013-03-05T09:12:00.000-05:00

So, quilting has kind of taken over my life. :) I have enjoyed the whole process of hand piecing and hand quilting baby blankets together. I have recently finished quilting Hayden's baby quilt and another one for a friend's baby that they recently adopted. Infinity picked out the colors for Hayden's blanket, and they are some of my favorite. I am going to have to use some of those same colors for another much larger quilt.

Haydens Quilt...I love those blues and greens together!!

The picture above is the baby blanket for our friends and pictured below is my next big project. It is a twin size quilt, or it will be for Hayden. I really like the Cheveron pattern but am still working on a color to put between the cheverons. I don't have any more of the white that I used so I am not sure what it will be yet.

If you have a color suggestion for a center strip please post in the comments. The whole thing is taking me longer to put together than I thought it would so you have pleanty of time to make a suggestion. :) If I use your suggestion...you just might get a prize :)

Book Review- J.R.R TOlkien: The Making of a legend

2013-01-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

Long before the successful The Lord of the Rings films, J.R.R. Tolkien’s creations, imagination, and characters had already captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth? Tolkien had a difficult life for many years—orphaned and poor, his guardian forbade him from communicating with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he also suffered through the horrors of World War I. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent more than 50 years working on the languages, history, peoples, and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations.

As I began this book I was thrilled to read about Tolkien's childhood, his family and the events of life that made him into the man that he was. This book is well written, easy to read and full of information about the great Tolkien. It was neat to read the 'inside story' of how Tolkien came up with so many of his great ideas, characters, languages, and locations for many of his stories.

I really enjoyed the pictures in the middle of the book that showed the different locations that were highlight points or influential in his life. From homes he lived in, other family members lived to places he met together with the Inklings to scenic places that influenced his writing. The book is filled with facinating aspects to a man who has influenced so many other writers.

If you enjoy The Lord of the Rings books, or any of Tolkiens other writings, I encourage you to get a copy of this book to learn more about this fantastic writer.

I was given a free copy of this book by Kregel Publications, Thanks!

You can click the link above to purchase a copy of your own.

Book Review (kids)- Nutcracker

2012-12-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

Maurice Sendak designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker and created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book. He joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

The world of Nutcracker is a world of pleasures. Maurice Sendak's art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann's story in this rich and tantalizing treasure

The story of the nutcracker has been one that I have enjoyed for a long time. I was excited to see Maurice Sendak and Ralph Manheim's new illustrations for this beloved tale. I was delighted when I received the book and have spent lots of time looking through just the pictures! It has also been a delight to read through the book with my 7 year old daughter. She has seen the story portrayed in cartoon versions on TV but this was the first time we read through the story. She as well loved the illustrations and enjoyed the story!

I really like that this book is in a hardcover format. I hope that it will last for years to come as we read through it every holiday season.

I received a free copy of this book from BloggingforBooks.com, THANKS!!

You can purchase your own copy by clicking the link above...and I recommend that you do :)

Thanksgiving 2010

2012-12-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving in Indiana. We had a great time this year spending Thanksgiving with John's family in Indiana. All of the kids are getting bigger which makes everything easier.

Hayden explaining the game of basketball to his cousins, Melia and Andrew

Kasey winding up to throw the ball in a game of 500...

Infinity and John catching the ball....

and John being the thrower of the ball for another game of 500

The day after thanksgiving we headed to Bloomington Square to do some shopping and found all of the trees around the square wearing scarves! We thought they were pretty cool so we took a few shots with them

My little model

Saturday after Thanksgiving we started a new tradition...going to play laser tag. I did not get one picture of us in our laser tag get up but we had tons of fun playing in the game room before it was our time for laser tag.

Madison and Infinity playing "Deal or No Deal" (this was our biggest ticket winner)

chilling on the couch playing iPad. Landon, Hayden and Melia

Madison and Infinity putting together her new sticker book.

Madison and Infinity asked Gamma to make another Chocolate cake after the first was was devoured in just a day and a half. The girls frosted the second one quite well.

The girls playing a game until Hayden decided it was his turn...then the whole things was over. :)

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving too!

Hayden's birthday!!

2012-12-04T11:47:00.002-05:00

So a little while ago, Hayden turned the big 02!!! We are excited to share his special day with friends but were unable to because everyone in our house was sick. Hayden had a cold with a mysterious fever, Infinity had bronchitis and John and I had colds. So...we had to settle for celebrating with just us in our pj's :)

He wasn't to sure about opening the presents. It took him a little while to get into ripping the paper off.

He was thrilled with his pirate ship that shoots 'water' from its water cannon. He also loves "Jake" from Jake and the Never Land Pirates (Disney) that came with the ship.

There were cars, cars and more cars!!

...and a ramp.

Infinity had to get in on the fun of the ramp. It came with a truck that has a plane on top of it. When the truck gets to the end of the ramp it makes the plane fly off across the room! This provided hours of entertainment. :)

the cake...Hayden didn't care about the cake he just wanted the car that was on the cake.

Infinity had to help him blow out his candle because he didn't understand what we were saying ...or something like that.

We are so thankful for our little bug! We praise God that He has given Hayden to us and look forward to many years more of celebrating his life with him.

Fall at the Farm

2012-11-29T12:47:00.000-05:00

So I am really behind in my posting...sorry. A few months back now we took a trip out to a local pumpkin farm where they have TONS of activities to do for the kids, they have the largest corn maze around and a bouncy real hay ride...(those are actually really hard to come by around here).

Here Infinity is trying to convince Hayden to stand up on the "pillow" to jump. He never actually did. He did crawl up it and slide down the sides two or three times before he was completely finished with this activity.

Then we were off to the hay barn. Hayden had a great time climbing up in the hay piles but the only way down is the rope swing (below) and that wasn't happening so I handed him off to one of the workers so that I could get down too...we had great fun watchin Infinity run up the hay piles and swing down the rope.

The kis went on a cow train ride. Hayden liked the idea of getting in the cow but promptly wanted out of the cow once it started to go around the track. Infinity did her best to concol him but he screamed "help" most of the time he was in the cow.

Hayden was quite thrilled with the corn sand box...and of course the truck!! :)

I was trying to take cute fall photos of each of the kids and Infinity got the giggles and I couldn't get a 'nice' shot of her. I like this one though, she has a great laugh!

and...she helps Hayden sit right so that I can get a nice picture of the two of them :)

Then we were off to the maze. It is a 10 acre maze. We let Infinity lead us, Hayden was second in line most of the time and John and I had fun just walking, following our two munchkins!

We then took a hayride. It was a beautiful day and we ended up in the pumpkin patch. Hayden couldn't keep his eyes open for the bright sunshine. We ended up getting two great pumpkins that I have now made into pumpkin bread and had lots left over to freeze for future loaves of pumpkin bread or cake or something else :)

We did manage to get a family shot thanks to a stranger who saw us taking shots of each other with the kids. Thank you stranger!

An the only competition of the day...Water Pump Duck Races. John beat Infinity twice and he wasn't even trying! We had a blast and made memories for years to come!

Happy Fall...sorry its a little late :)

Graceful (For Young Women): Letting Go of Your Try-Hard Life

2012-11-01T12:28:00.000-04:00

You know her--the good girl. She's the reliable one who shows up every week at youth group wearing a purity ring and a smile. She gets good grades, makes the team, and doesn't need to be told to come home on time. But deep down she is crushed by the weight of the responsibility to be the good one, the smart one, the one who never messes up.

With the same candor and gentle spirit she showed women in Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman now gives young women what they need to be free on the inside, no matter what's going on outside. Through an honest look at the roles girls play, she helps them learn to stop trying and start trusting that the Jesus who came to save them also comes to live with them, right here and now.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I have not had the chance to read Grace for the Good Girl, but would love to after reading this edition for a younger audience. She makes it very clear throughout the book that the only one that we need to please is God. Growing up in a Pastors home, I often faced some of the issues that Emily Freeman faced and deals with. I was impressed with the way she continually points young women back to Christ and keeping Him at the center of their lives.

She makes it okay to be real, honest and vulnerable. These were character qualities that I didn't learn to be okay with until I was a grown adult. I hope that this book will lead me in my parenting of our children to keep them real, show them that it is okay to admit fault and be truly honest with themselves, us as parents and their friends.

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Thanks! I will definitely pass it along to some of my "young" friends!!

If you have not purchased a copy of this for yourself please click the link above or find it at your local Revell Distributor.

Book Review- The Radical Question/ A Radical Idea

2012-10-29T08:10:00.000-04:00

The Radical Question offers a compelling introduction to Radical’s challenge to the contemporary church. In this concise message, Platt asks, "What is Jesus worth to you?" Then he explores what a commitment to Jesus would actually look like in action.

The Radical Idea extracts key passages in Radical Together, the follow up to Radical, to show readers that church is not built on places, performances, programs, or professionals, but on people. Platt argues that those of us in the pews are meant to be active and intentional in spreading the good news of the gospel because when ordinary believers mobilize in everyday ministry, communities and church families change dramatically

I requested this book as a complement to the initial book by David Platt, Radical. I would consider this book to be a coffee table book as the two books included are quite short and can be read rather quickly. Platt very clearly makes sure that all readers of this book question the value of Jesus in their lives. He poses the question, "What are you willing to give up for Christ?" He gives examples of what Christians all over the world are doing just to meet together as believers and compares that with Christians in America and how much they have.

Over all both of these books focus on Christ and what he should be in our lives and in our churches. We are not the point...Jesus dying on the cross for our sins is the point.

I received a free copy of this book from Multnomah. Thanks!

Please purchase your own copy by clicking the link above

Fall Festival 2012

2012-10-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

Infinity's school had Fall Festival last Friday night. We headed off with a friend, Katherine joined us for the fun and festivities. Both girls were dressed as fairies and they had a blast trick or treating and playing on all of the bounce houses. I think they squealed and laughed most of the night.

They were good helpers to get Hayden up and over the obstacle courses which made him very happy. He was thrilled to be included with the girls.

We took a break for some Icies which turned the girls mouths bright red. Strawberry was the only flavor that either of them wanted. Hayden didn't want to touch it, apparently it was an odd texture and cold.

Then we were off to cookie making at the Publix table. They had a blast decorating and putting more than enough frosting for a cake on one cookie :) Not to mention the sprinkles!!

All in all they had a great time and we still made it home in time for Hayden to get to bed at a normal time. The girls on the other hand, stayed up for a while as it was a party night :)

Thanks Katherine for joining us for a fun filled night!!

Quilt No. 2- Infinity's

2012-10-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

So late last night I finished Infinity's baby quilt. She picked the colors and pieced the 2x2 squares in the pattern that she liked and I set off to put it all together. I don't have a sewing machine so I pieced it all together by hand, which I actually enjoyed.

Infinity has been watching it get closer to being finished and has been anticipating its completion for about two weeks. This morning when she woke up with it on her she was needless to say quite excited!!! She pranced around the house this morning with it on as a cape until it was time to get ready for school.

I am glad it is done, now on to Hayden's. I have his almost half way pieced together and am excited that it has much fewer pieces than Infinity's did :) I will post pictures of it when it is finished. Hopefully I will get it finished before Christmas.

Book Review -- Clean House

2012-10-16T09:11:00.000-04:00

Is Your Home Out of Order?

Do your kids expect clean folded clothes to magically appear in their drawers? Do they roll their eyes when you suggest they clean the bathroom? By racing in to make their lives easy, have you unintentionally reinforced your children’s belief that the world revolves around them?

Dismayed at the attitude of entitlement that had crept into her home, Kay Wyma got some attitude of her own. Cleaning House is her account of a year-long campaign to introduce her five kids to basic life skills and the ways meaningful work can increase earned self-confidence and concern for others.

With irresistible humor and refreshing insights, Kay candidly details the ups and downs of equipping her kids for such tasks as making beds, refinishing a deck chair, and working together. The changes that take place in her household will inspire you to launch your own campaign to dislodge your kids from the center of their universe.

I read this book in the hopes to begin our children on daily chores in which they can learn how to keep things clean, and learn new life skills along the way. I was impressed with the way Kay Wyma methodically approaches the topic of teaching skills as well as keeping her house clean. Each month she approaches a different chore and gives them that month to get used to doing that chore and doing it well. I have begun to do a similar patten of events with my oldest, although she is not getting financial compensation for her work. We believe that there are jobs that you do just because you are part of our family and these are the jobs that I am working with her on currently.

I am hoping that when Infinity graduates from highschool she will know how to clean, cook and take care of a home and herself and not feel abandoned because I am no longer there to do these tasks for her.

I received a free e-copy of this book and recommend that you click on the link above and purchase your own copy!

All opinions are my own

Date night

2012-10-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday John and I were able to go on a double date with some dear friends. It was a great time away without kids. We enjoyed our time very much so with Court and Lori as we always do. We went to the Martin Luther King Center, watched a video and toured the exhibits telling about King's life.

Then we walked across the street to see the church where King preached with his father and grandfather before him. The ceilings were amazing. It was neat to be in a place of history.

After we toured the church we went outside to find some dinner. John asked one of the locals where a good place to eat was, he mentioned a few places within walking distance. A lady that was standing nearby told us about a place that her church owned a little bit away. She had their menu and the more we looked at it the more we all wanted to go check it out. The food was AMAZING! If you are ever in Atlanta you need to Google "The Beautiful Restaurant" and go there!! You will not be disappointed. You can't see John's plate very well but he has Ribs, Collard Greens and Mac 'n cheese. The ribs took up half of his plate!! We all got their famous Banana pudding and were all pleased. It was too much for me to eat so I took my left overs home.

After dinner we headed to a comedy club that John and I have been to before.It was the first time Court and Lori had been to a comedy club and we laughed for a good hour and a half!

Thank you friends for a good time. The memories will be cherished for years to come!

Hayden Quinn.....

2012-10-11T11:37:00.002-04:00

Hayden decided that he needed some face makeup today...John just sent this pic to me a few minutes ago. He apparently was really pleased with himself :)

App Review- The Beginners Bible App

2012-10-09T12:20:00.000-04:00

The Beginners Bible has a new iPad app. This app is an interactive app where your children will hear or read the bible stories and be able to interact with the characters on the page. Each page has an animal or character that, when touched, does something. The stories are each a few pages long and and each story also has an interactive activity in it. From puzzles to coloring sheets to a game similar to Fruit Ninja the activities are another way for your children to interact with the Bible story.

You child can choose to read the story themselves or to have them read aloud. If your child chooses to have them read aloud there are different voices for each story. The characters in the story also have their own voice. This makes it more entertaining and alerts the child to when the different characters are speaking.

I have not seen the physical copy of The Beginners Bible but assume that the pictures are similar to the ones provided on the App.

The App is available for free on iTunes currently and has 6 stories included.

Click here for more information about The Beginners Bible.

Family Pictures 2012

2012-09-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

A while back a friend, Krista Ruse took some family pictures for us. Hayden was a little pickle so we didn't get to many of just him but we got some great family shots and some really cute ones of Infinity.

This is our favorite family pic.

I really like this one of the two kiddos even though you can't see faces.

My only face shot of Hayden...little bugger.