Book Review: One Lost Sheep

One Lost Sheep

By Rhonda Gowler Greene

Book  Description: Classic Bible story with vibrant art and lyrical rhyming text from established and successful author Rhonda Gowler Greene.
“Ninety-eight…ninety-nine…” The faithful shepherd realizes that one of his one hundred sheep is missing and sets out to find it. In playful rhyme, prolific author Rhonda Gowler Greene retells Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep that loses its way on the mountain side. Under brambles, behind rocks, the shepherd looks until he finds it again. Children will delight in this fun and engaging tale illustrated by Margaret Spengler as they learn that God, like the faithful shepherd, will never let them stray.
Our Thoughts: This book is so cute and a perfect story for anytime. My three children, ages 9mo, 5, and 6 years old, love this story and beg for it to be read again and again. This is one of my favorite bible stories and this book tells it in such a way that everyone can understand the parable. The easy to read pages are great for little readers who want to read along or on those nights when your just to tired for a story.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through thebooklookbloggers®.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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Emma of Aurora

Emma of Aurora:

The Complete Change and Cherish Trilogy: A Clearing in the Wild, A Tendering in the Storm, A Mending at the Edge

Written by Jane Kirkpatrick
 
 
 
Book Description: The Change and Cherish trilogy, based on the true story of Emma Wagner Giesy, now available in one volume:

A Clearing in the Wild
When Emma’s outspoken ways and growing skepticism lead to a clash with the 1850s Bethel, Missouri colony’s beloved leader, she finds new opportunities to pursue her dreams of independence. But as she clears a pathway West to her truest and deepest self, she discovers something she never expected: a yearning for the warm embrace of community.

A Tendering in the Storm
Determined to raise her children on her own terms, Emma suddenly finds herself alone and pregnant with her third child, struggling to keep her family secure in the remote coastal forest of the Washington Territory. As clouds of despair close in, she must decide whether to continue in her own waning strength or to humble herself and accept help from the very people she once so eagerly left behind.

A Mending at the Edge
As a mother, daughter, sister, and estranged wife, Emma struggles to find her place inside—and outside—the confines of her religious community. Emma reaches out to others on the fringe, searching for healing and purpose. By blending her unique talents with service to others, she creates renewed hope as she weaves together the threads of family, friends, and faith.
- See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307732156#sthash.3FF1JOjn.dpuf
My Thoughts: This book was really hard to get into but well worth the slow start. I nearly put the book down and walked away for good but I stuck through it and really loved the characters and series by the end. One thing I absolutely loved was that Emma couldn’t breastfeed her children. It showed a real struggle that you don’t often hear about and never in fiction books. I too struggle with feeding my babies and it was really a connecting point for me with the main character. Her worry that her babies would die and doing anything even letting a stranger nurse her child is something I personally connect to. I don’t want to give anything away because really you need to read this book. I love the fact that even in the time period in which this book was written you still see a very strong independent woman at the center.

Disclosure: "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Orkin Bed Bug Home Prevention Prize Pack Giveaway

Bed bugs have come back strong over the last decade, keeping more and more people from sleeping tight. Now is the time to take control with a smart action plan - before the bed bugs bite.
Bed bugs reproduce quickly, so it’s critical to detect and treat an infestation early. Take the “Don’t Let the Beg Bugs Bite” QUIZ and download the “5 Must-Know Facts” PDF for a few tips on how to spot a budding beg bug problem.
And if you suspect an infestation, be sure to contact your Orkin professional. who will inspect your home thoroughly and design a treatment that’s right for you.
Visit Orkin.com or call 877-412-6806 for a free estimate.
Check out the app below and then enter to win!
• Don’t Let the Beg Bugs Bite QUIZ: Bed Bugs have come back strong over the last decade, keeping more and more people from sleeping tight. Take the quiz to find out if YOU let the bed bugs bite!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Each household is only eligible to win Orkin Bed Bug Home Prevention Prize Pack (2 mattress Safe Pillowsafe protectors) via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

American Dream Builders Giveaway

 
The American Dream Home is something everyone fantasizes about. Whether it’s a new closet, a larger family room, or simply a place to put all your stuff, there’s always something we want to change about where we live!
What if you could make your home into your Dream Home?
AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS – a new show premiering on NBC March 23 at 8/7c – and Lowe’s want to make your dream a reality.
Hosted by famed interior designer and best-selling author, Nate Berkus, AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS follows the nation’s top 12 designers and home builders as they compete to be crowned the Ultimate Dream Builder and take home a $250,000 cash prize. It’s the home competition that will change everything!
From the producers of Survivor and The Bachelor, don’t miss AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS, Sundays at 8/7c, only on NBC.
You can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in products and services from Lowe’s and a consultation with the winner of American Dream Builders!
Enter for a chance to win your dream renovation at www.nbc.com/lowes.
And starting March 23rd you will have the opportunity to earn 5 bonus entries when you “Dream It Yourself”! Upload a photo and description of a home project you are working on and EARN 5 BONUS SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES.
Finally, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win more prizes from American Dream Builders and Lowe’s!

Check out this clip below and enter to win a $50 gift card to Lowes.

Meet Darren!
      - Darren Moore sets his sights on the top when American Dream Builders premieres Sunday, March 23.




• American Dream Builder’s First Look
      - Get an extended look at American Dream Builders, the new makeover competition show hosted by Nate Berkus and premiering March 23 on NBC.
      - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj_cMuM_qTY
• Dreaming Big
      - American Dream Builders is bigger and better than any show out there. See what the show’s designers can accomplish in just one week!
      - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Z0c0MijJo


Each household is only eligible to win One (1) $50 Lowe's Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


disclosure: NBCUniversal supplied these materials to me for this post.

Disney Side Mommy Party

 

A few weeks ago I was contacted and asked if I wanted to host a Disney side themed party. Of course I said yes, we are HUGE Disney fans here in the Russell home.

So I’m sure your asking yourself what is a Disney Side. Well this year Disney is asking you to show your Disney side. Whether it be a little GOOFY, a swashbuckling pirate, or your inner princess how does your family do Disney?

Our family was very excited to receive our disney side package so excited in fact we forgot to take a picture of the contents before we started partying! But luckily Sunrise from Crafty Fun Saving Momma was kind enough to share the photo she took of her kit and has allowed me to post it here. (I received the exact same kit shown)

Disney. Just the word brings memories back to anyone. Disney films have become timeless, with each generation enjoying the old Disney films with the new. Classic characters, unforgettable music, and far off lands are the magic of Disney. We brought our Disney side party to my daughters Girl Scout troop, and boy did we have fun!

We combined our valentines day party with Disney side and had tons of fun. Our girls drew pictures of their favorite sport on the provided ESPN poster board and we talked about the 2014 Olympics, and on the back they drew their favorite Disney characters. Minnie Mouse and Isla from Frozen featured heavily in these pictures.

They enjoyed cookies, cupcakes and the included craisins from our party kit and we played Disney character charades. We finished off the night with goodie bags/folders full of fun stuff like a Minnie and Mickey poster, stickers, balloon and a bracelet. The Moms got to bring home a package of HP photo paper and some fun Disney tidbits so their families could continue to share their Disney Side at home.

I would say this was the best way to bring a bit of Disney to New York.

		Disney Side and Girl Scouts VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

So now you have seen how we show our Disney side. I’m curious how do you show yours? You can host your own Disney side party at home with these fun recipes and downloads…

www.Disneysidecelebrations.com

www.DisneySide.com

and you can also find great ideas at

www.Spoonful.com and www.Babble.com

I was given a party pack in exchange for hosting a Disney party and all views are my own.

Veronica Mars DVD Giveaway

 Gasp, I have never watched Veronica Mars but I know the fan base is large and this is a great giveaway any Veronica Mars fan would want to WIN!

About Veronica Mars KF: On the eve of graduating law school, Veronica Mars has put Neptune and her amateur sleuthing days behind her. While interviewing at high-end New York law firms, Veronica Mars gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Logan who has been accused of murder. Veronica heads back to Neptune just to help Logan find an attorney, but when things don't seem right with how Logan's case is perceived and handled, Veronica finds herself being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind.

See it In Theaters MARCH 14 or Pre-order on DIGITAL HD

http://theveronicamarsmovie.com

@veronicamars

ABOUT HOW THE FILM GOT MADE:

Following a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that ended on April 12, 2013, Veronica Mars was shot over 23 days during June-July 2013. It will be released in selected theaters nationwide on March 14th, 2014.

Check out the app below and enter to win!

Now how to win.....
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Veronica Mars DVD via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I was given the info above to facilitate this giveaway I was in no way compensated for the post above.

Shopping Planner for New Moms from ShopperIncite And Amazon Gift Card!

Who doesn’t love coupons? I know I do!
Coupons keep more money in your pocket and let you stretch hard earned dollars to fit your budget. Nothing wrong with that right?
But they can also be a hassle! You have to spend time clipping and collecting them and you have to remember to use them before they expire. So much work!
That’s why the folks at ShopperIncite are giving away their Shopping Planner™ for New Moms – 100% free of charge – filled with great coupons moms love, all in one convenient place. And it’s small enough to take with you anywhere, so no more clipping!
But it’s really more than just a coupon book. It’s a meal planner, shopping list, and is filled with daily doses of tips, tricks and easy-to-make recipes. 
Sign up for your own Shopping planner



Share the love!
Remember, the more people that ask for free coupon books, the better the coupons will get!
Want to save even more money, enter to win an Amazon Gift Card -
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Amazon Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
 

**ShopperIncite supplied these materials to me.

Campbell's Address Your Heart!

I want our family to be healthy and one part of making that a priority is to be heart healthy as well. So when I was approached to share the Campbell’s address your heart campaign I jumped on board.
Our family has a few “Heart Healthy” rules we like to follow. We replace red meat with fish or poultry when possible. We exercise as a family, even if its just chasing after our new crawler a 100 times a day. (Seriously how are babies so fast?) And many other changes are being made to help us live better.

About Campbell's Address Your Heart

Health is foremost on people’s minds, keeping your family in tip top shape can be a challenge in these busy times. Campbell’s Soup wants you to “Address Your Heart” with Heart Healthy Tips, recipes and more!
Visit AddressYourHeart.com to get heart-healthy tips, including 21 Campbell’s recipes that are certified by the AHA and product coupons, as well as Facebook.com/campbellskitchen for the latest Campbell’s recipes and offers.
My favorite recipes from the site above are:

Yumm! Broccoli is a huge hit in our home, everyone loves it!


This one is a slight change from the pasta bakes we used to make so the change went smoothly

Check out these great Campbell’s money saving coupons and offers. - http://www.campbellskitchen.com/SavingsCenterLandingPage/CouponsAndSpecialOffers.aspx

**This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company

iparent.tv Subscription Giveaway

Do you sometimes feel like your child knows more about your computer than you do? Let me introduce you to iParent.TV…

About iparent.tv

What is iParent.TV? If your kids are awake, they’re probably on a smartphone, in front of a smart tv, downloading apps, or posting to social networks. And most likely you have no idea what they’re doing. iParent.TV will be a yearly, subscription-based website for teaching and informing parents on all things tech, mobile, devices, websites, and apps for kids so that you WILL know.
The Problem. Most parents don't have an inside track to tech or social media dangers, let alone how to safeguard their kids against them.
58% of 10-12 year old kids believe they know how to hide their online activities from their parents.
46% of them said they would change their online behavior if they knew their parents were paying attention.
Introducing iParent.TV - keeping parents ahead of the tech curve. We believe we have the opportunity to help parents understand, get involved and safeguard their children in the ever-evolving tech World. iParent.TV educates parents with all the latest trends via Websites - Social Media - Apps - Devices
The idea. It started with a group of dads who felt like their 9-year-olds knew more about tech than they did. They were right. But their idea will help change that forever for all parents. Once launched, iParent.TV will have 100s of videos and product reviews that are very current, cutting edge and trending, keeping parents who subscribe ahead of the tech curve.
How it will work? The iParent.TV website will be a subscription-based site costing $49 per year for parents to access all the videos, reviews, how-tos, and live chat support. It will be the largest site on the net helping parents understand what's safe and what’s not in the world of tech. - And we are offering it for only $29 on Indiegogo.
What you get? Articles, videos, reviews, tips, tools and expert advice on EVERYTHING like…
- Popular Apps
- Social Network Sites
- Major Websites
- Top Devices
To get started visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/iparent-tv




Want to win a year subscription? Enter below.
Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Subscription to iparent.tv via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




** iparent.tv supplied these materials to for this post.

Book Review: Whatever you grow up to be

 

Whatever You Grow Up to Be

By Karen Kingsbury, illustrated by Valeria Docampo

Book Description: From New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, a new children’s book about a very special mother-son relationship.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury explores with heartwarming clarity the special bond between a mother and her son. From birth to football games to college graduation, the mother reminds her maturing child of God’s promises for him—whatever he grows up to be.
A companion piece to Kingsbury’s Always Daddy’s Princess, a picture book about one father’s love for his daughter as she matures from baby to parent herself, Whatever You Grow Up to Be will remind young boys and their moms of all the blessings they share. Told in playful and emotive verse—with a whisper of Scripture enriching every page—children and parents will find fun and encouragement in the supportive guidance of God’s word.
Perfect for gift giving and special occasions, this book can serve as a treasured keepsake as well as a compelling reminder of the influence a loving mother can have in the life of her son.
Our Thoughts: Our family really likes this book and it has become a fixture in our bedtime book rotation. The cute illustrations are great for our non readers and the pages have just the right amount of words for our budding reader as well. I love the bible verses printed on each page that corresponds to what the story is telling. I was recently introduced to  Karen Kingsbury's adult books and hadn't realized she writes children's books as well. This author really paints a picture of gods love. I want to pick up all of her children's books for our little ones.
Find out more about Karen Kingsbury and her books at http://www.karenkingsbury.com/

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the booklookbloggers®.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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”