Thursday, September 15, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Fresh Brewed Life Giveaway
I recently posted my review of Fresh Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson. And, because I loved this book I want to give away a copy.
Here's what you need to do to enter:
1. Become a follower of my blog (required)
2. Write a comment telling me why you'd like the book (if you're having trouble leaving a comment please email me)
Winner will be picked at random on September 24th.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Are 2 better than 1?
I'm a mother to 1. Multiple people have tried to convince me that now is the time to have a 2nd child. And, yes, I hear them out, but my husband has health concerns in regard to another pregnancy. I've learned to listen to my husband! And, I've also have many people make it more than clear to me that I have a much easier life than them because I only have 1 child.
I'd really prefer to be treated as a parent instead of being marginalized because I only have 1 child. The fact is, parenting is HARD no matter how many kids you have. Yes, my life is different with 1 child, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm a parent. And, I realize that having multiple children adds extra craziness to life. I obviously haven't lived it, so I really don't understand, but I can only imagine.
Recently, at the park I had a refreshing conversation with a mom that has multiple children. She was quick to include me in her circle of friends. This mother observed that I'm a mother of 1 and ya know what she said, "I feel sorry for you because you have 1 child. I have multiple children and all of them play together. You are your daughter's playmate, entertainer, and everything all in 1." I don't think this lady realizes how much this conversation meant to me.
All the sudden I had a fellow parent validating my position as a parent. So, I felt encouraged and refreshed. It lifted my spirits in a week of letting go and dropping my child off at preschool. It also allowed me to reflect on the opportunities I have as a parent.
I have a friend with multiple kids down the road. We had an accidental meeting at the library today and I offered to bring her toddler home with me. She needed some rest and it is always fun having a playmate for my daughter at our house. My friend was well composed, but she has a lot going on in her life and I'm pretty sure she felt like this:
When these kids are together I see the benefits of having multiple children because there's so much laughter and joy in playing together as children. And, then, it frees me up to get some neglected housework done!
Someday I would love to have another child, whether biological or adopted, but it isn't the right timing. So, at the moment I'll enjoy lending a helping hand to those friends that God puts in my life and enjoy the time I have with my daughter.
I'd really prefer to be treated as a parent instead of being marginalized because I only have 1 child. The fact is, parenting is HARD no matter how many kids you have. Yes, my life is different with 1 child, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm a parent. And, I realize that having multiple children adds extra craziness to life. I obviously haven't lived it, so I really don't understand, but I can only imagine.
Recently, at the park I had a refreshing conversation with a mom that has multiple children. She was quick to include me in her circle of friends. This mother observed that I'm a mother of 1 and ya know what she said, "I feel sorry for you because you have 1 child. I have multiple children and all of them play together. You are your daughter's playmate, entertainer, and everything all in 1." I don't think this lady realizes how much this conversation meant to me.
All the sudden I had a fellow parent validating my position as a parent. So, I felt encouraged and refreshed. It lifted my spirits in a week of letting go and dropping my child off at preschool. It also allowed me to reflect on the opportunities I have as a parent.
I have a friend with multiple kids down the road. We had an accidental meeting at the library today and I offered to bring her toddler home with me. She needed some rest and it is always fun having a playmate for my daughter at our house. My friend was well composed, but she has a lot going on in her life and I'm pretty sure she felt like this:
When these kids are together I see the benefits of having multiple children because there's so much laughter and joy in playing together as children. And, then, it frees me up to get some neglected housework done!
Someday I would love to have another child, whether biological or adopted, but it isn't the right timing. So, at the moment I'll enjoy lending a helping hand to those friends that God puts in my life and enjoy the time I have with my daughter.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Am I normal?
My baby started preschool this week. Tuesday was her first day. I came home and cried. Letting go and letting her grow up is hard. My mom told me I'm normal and that was so good to hear! So, I must be doing something right then??!!!
The 2nd and 3rd days of preschool drop off were easier. Plus, my daughter is quite enthusiastic about school right now. Not sure if this will last, but it is fun to watch her excitement along with talking about the new friends she's made.
I've been using the the Duggar family liquid laundry detergent for about 3 weeks now. So far I like it, but would like it to be a little more fragrant. So, I may add some essential oils like they suggest. And, since my body likes to sweat (i know, maybe TMI?) I'll be interested to see how this detergent continues with long term use on my sweaty clothes.
Stay tuned for a book giveaway soon...off to vacuum the house before I pickup my sweet girl!
The 2nd and 3rd days of preschool drop off were easier. Plus, my daughter is quite enthusiastic about school right now. Not sure if this will last, but it is fun to watch her excitement along with talking about the new friends she's made.
Can I go back on vacation???!!!
I've been using the the Duggar family liquid laundry detergent for about 3 weeks now. So far I like it, but would like it to be a little more fragrant. So, I may add some essential oils like they suggest. And, since my body likes to sweat (i know, maybe TMI?) I'll be interested to see how this detergent continues with long term use on my sweaty clothes.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Journey to Women of Faith....
Friday was a day of excitement for me! Went to the mailbox to find my Women of Faith tickets waiting for me. I've always wanted to go to this conference, but either timing or finances just haven't worked. Well, I've been given tickets to blog about the conference....
WHEW! Since all of this was so difficult, I'm wondering what obstacles will come up before I'm actually sitting in my seat at the conference. And, believe me, you'll hear about it!
The most familiar names to me that will be at the conference are: Amy Grant and Sandi Patti. Other than that I'm not familiar with the lineup of speakers. I'm definitely a first timer and am so excited to hear what God has to teach me.
The road hasn't been easy to try to get there and I haven't made it yet!
*I had tickets to the Portland conference, but with my daughter in preschool and my hubby's work schedule it just wasn't going to happen.
* Got Spokane Women of Faith tickets instead
* It just so happens that my hubby has a conference the middle of that week and will be coming home the day I'm heading to the conference.
*Asked multiple people to attend with me, most couldn't make it.
*Thought I was going to attend by myself, which I was okay with.
*I found a dear friend to attend with me and be my ride(since my hubby will have our 1 and only vehicle).
*Found a babysitter for the gap of time that I'll be leaving and my hubby will be on his way home.
*Lastly, I have a place to stay Friday night.
WHEW! Since all of this was so difficult, I'm wondering what obstacles will come up before I'm actually sitting in my seat at the conference. And, believe me, you'll hear about it!
The most familiar names to me that will be at the conference are: Amy Grant and Sandi Patti. Other than that I'm not familiar with the lineup of speakers. I'm definitely a first timer and am so excited to hear what God has to teach me.
"God loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He's unrestrained... excessive... outrageous... Over the Top"
Fresh Brewed Life
Fresh Brewed Life, a stirring invitation to wake up your soul, by Nicole Johnson came at the right time in my life! Honestly, as I'm reading some of these chapters, I was thinking: "Wow, was this book written for me?!!" Obviously, it was written for women in general, but it really got me thinking about my life and helped me dig deep emotionally. Since this book has become my favorite out of all the books I've read recently, I want to give you the topics for each chapter:
Chapter 1:Surrender to God
Chapter 2:Encounter your journal
Chapter 3.Listen to your longings
Chapter 4: Embrace your beauty
Chapter 5: Interview your anger
Chapter 6: Savor your sexuality
Chapter 7: Celebrate your friendships
Chapter 8: Change your world
Chapter 9: Enrich your relationships
Chapter 10: Enjoy your freedom
Nichole shares honestly and openly about her life and what God has done to give her a fresh brewed life. How he's changed relationships and given her new opportunities for growth. She encourages journaling, which I love, as a way to get emotions out on paper. She approaches subjects that sometimes aren't focused on in churches today, but are necessary to further understand the way God made us as women.
I will be looking at more of her books in the future. This one was therapeutic for me, giving me so much to think about and to be thankful for in my life. I will most definitely be reading it again.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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 25
Friday, September 2, 2011
Welcome...
...to my innermost fitness geek! I haven't discussed fitness much on this blog and something new is coming out that I'm excited for! First of all, I'm a fan of exercise and find it necessary in my daily life. It is my quiet time where I pray and reflect on my day. However, when I do a Jillian Michaels workout I'm definitely not praying...oh wait, maybe I'm praying I will survive the torture! I have been doing her 30 day shred workouts for a while now and need to get back into a routine. What I like about her workouts are the fact that they are short enough to fit into a busy schedule and they work every muscle, sometimes muscles you didn't know you had.
Anyway, she has a butt and thigh workout coming out on September 6th and I just found out about it! Ok, I've decided I MUST have this dvd(insert excited voice)!!! Since I've taken some time off working out(due to some shoulder issues), I've noticed that my body needs those Jillian Michaels workouts to stay firm...
Check it out: Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs I think I'm sore already
Anyway, she has a butt and thigh workout coming out on September 6th and I just found out about it! Ok, I've decided I MUST have this dvd(insert excited voice)!!! Since I've taken some time off working out(due to some shoulder issues), I've noticed that my body needs those Jillian Michaels workouts to stay firm...
Check it out: Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs I think I'm sore already
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