I'm So Blessed

Yes, it's been a really long time since I have blogged. The last part of the summer and beginning of school was so in need of my full attention. Moms, you can relate. Life is what it is and mine was busy.
I've never had much time to myself since the kids were born. Now that they are all in school full time, my life has changed. Stress levels have dropped, routines are flowing, life is good. Well, not without it's bumps and bruises- some literal.
I am a thankful person, but lately I am making a real effort to say exactly what I am thankful for in prayer. Sure saying "Thank you God for all my blessings" is good, but recounting many of the big and lots of little blessings is a great way to remember that He is with you all day long. He's with you folding laundry, packing school lunches, running errands...
Isn't that amazing! The little things that make up our day, the things that keep our family running are blessed by God.
Now on the flipside- He's with us when things go wrong too. My 7yr old son was rushed to the ER after a head injury at his school playground. God knew that would happen and placed the people in place to care for him and react in the way they all did. His teacher and school nurse especially have a special place in my heart. Both were so concerned and caring. Thankfully my little boy is fine, but you just never know what could have happened, I know that God had his hand in this situation and for that I am so thankful!

Count your blessings friends and remember "A thankful heart is a happy heart."

So, It's July...

And it's hot, muggy, and the mosquitoes are swarming. No fun. Here's a quick catch up on us.

Adam is loving his summer school class. He comes home so happy and is excited to wake up in the mornings to get going. This means the world to me!!! His speech is improving everyday :)

Travis finished up his 5 week golf session with First Tee. He loved it! Trav was so proud to get his official shirt and certificate. He's spending the days filling out his Boys Only book and making all kinds of crafty things out of paper, soda bottles. lol

Cayley is half way done with her golf sessions and is reading a lot. Right now she's reading Red Pyramid by her new fave author Rick Riordan. We had a the best time at the SE Texas Twilight Moms Eclipse event that we volunteered at. She even won a raffle prize. I handed her 2 raffle tickets to put into what ever prize jar she wanted and bingo! This girl won 2 gold passes to the Dallas Twilight Convention in November! I was so shocked and for once she was speechless.

In January, I had this weird feeling and I told Tim that this year would be different. Things are changing so fast and that I knew that positive things would be happening...so be ready. Now that the year is half way over and I've seen how much our kids have grown...it's amazing.

Thank you Lord for blessing us with these wonderful children and for allowing us to witness them growing. There's a line from a song that's been stuck in my head the last few weeks..."Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same." Isn't that true?!

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

The Summer Blogging Slowdown

Yep, it's here. Summer! I realized I haven't posted anything on here in a while and it does make me sad. This summer season is keeping me busy and way from my computer. All three kids are home and each have their own activities for me to get them too. Now toss in a case of bronchitis and you'll understand how the blogs can be lacking for good reason.

So hang in there with me through the summer and please keep my job search in prayer too.

Cayley Sings White Horse

Cayley's 3rd grade talent show performance. She loves Taylor Swift, hey I do too! She put a lot of thought into getting in character for the song. I'm one proud mommy!

The Story of Macy...

So, my friend Anna is writing this story. She recently started blogging about the characters and stories she's building . It's filled with emotion and depth. Take a minute and read what she's posted so far.

I find it very interesting to be able to see something like this in progress, to begin to understand what makes an author. Anna is a woman of faith and I look forward to reading how all different aspects of Macy's life intertwine.

Here's a snap shot:

I still have your yellow Hurley cap

It is easy to fall in love. No? You think it is hard? You're dead wrong. It is easy to fall in love. It is hard to get someone to reciprocate. Any little thing can make you fall in love with someone else. It sneaks up on you when you're not looking, Macy Schaefer. A look. A kind gesture. A night of conversation. Big things can make you fall in love with someone. A rescue from a bad situation. A night of drinking ending with holding that person over the toilet. A time when that person just takes your word for it. An all-encompassing hold of love and understanding when all you can do is cry. A place when that person has your back without question.


The Story of Macy, for more & to follow along.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

This makes a super quick, healthy after school snack for my kids. Quick is the key. On these warm afternoons, this hits the spot for them. I keep hearing how great blueberries are for us, and keeping a bag of frozen ones on hand makes it quick and easy.

What you'll need:

1 banana
1 cup or so of ice
2 cups orange juice

1 cup frozen blueberries

a sprinkling of sugar- i bet splenda would be great too. thinking we'll try this very soon.

Add to the blender:

ice
banana

blueberries

sugar

lastly, orange juice...but this could easily be any other juice too!

Blend and serve!

The pic doesn't do this justice...I had a bunch of kids just waiting for their glass :)

Need a Quick, Yummy Dessert Recipe? Here's One!

So very simple, and pretty health conscience. I love cheesecake topped with strawberries. I mean come on, it's like heaven on a plate! But I am not going to buy or make one on a whim, so to meet this "need" I came up with this recipe.

There's what ya need:

(easily doubles for a bigger dish)

1 box of instant, sugar free, fat free cheesecake flavored pudding mix
about 20 or so Nilla wafer-like cookies

1 1/2 cup milk

strawberries, slice and dusted with a little sugar to get the juices going ;)

Mix pudding powder with only 1 1/2 cups of milk... I know the box says different, but this works.

So in a dish here's what ya do with the cookies:

Crumble, crush, leave some whole

Layer cookies on the bottom

Pour pudding mix on top

Let the pudding set for about 10 minutes in the fridge

Easy, huh?

Prep your berries or topping of your choosing while waiting....

Serve it up and top it

You are done :)

Enjoy!!!

Marriage Mondays- Perfection is My Enemy

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!


You all know that song from Christian radio. "Gotta couple dents in my fender, gotta couple rips in my jeans..." Well, that's how I have felt all last week. I came down with a major case of allergy/sinus issues and was not up to much for 3 days. That's kinda just not acceptable when you are a wife and mom of 3. I pushed through with the help of my hubby. I have so many things that have to get done. They aren't even options, people.

Dinner still needs to get made, laundry washed, homework checked. I failed to get these done a couple times last week. I anxiously waited for 6pm to arrive so I could "tag" Tim. Instead of reminding me of what wasn't getting done, Tim got the kids in bed each night, no one complained that we ordered pizza one night and then had another easy, B- dinner the next. Didn't do much real cooking this weekend either. -yay for the grill!-Yes, laundry is over flowing in my bathroom and clean clothes have yet to be put away.

I never claim to be perfect, I'm just me. Full of faults, dents, rips- trying to keep the pieces together. I know that God works for the glory of His purpose and I was reminded of how blessed I am to have a "tag team partner" in this life.

Now, I do know that my 30 day Gentleness Challenge is being tested...that's a whole other blog post. Praying that with feeling mostly better, that I'll get all areas back on track :)

Marriage Mondays- I Say "Yes"

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Yay! Our 10 year anniversary has been celebrated! Thank you God for the blessing of our marriage. Tim scheduled the day off from work just to spend the day with me. Still working on Dave Ramsey's 2nd baby step, so no huge plans, but just spending the time together was priceless. After our last child left for school, we headed out to run some errands and have lunch. While driving, Tim pulls out a card for me. It was a cute, funny one. I smiled. Then I turned it over and he had written a marriage proposal to me! I was taken back by his sweetness. My eyes began to tear up. Before I could say much, he pulls out a little box. A ring! A beautiful sparkly ring that made me cry. I'm kinda sappy!

We got the ring out of the box, slipped it on my finger, then he asked me something strange. He asked if I has ever seen this ring before. Something told me I had, but I couldn't place it. He flipped the box over and it said "Bella's engagement ring". GASP! He worked with a mutual friend of ours and got it ordered without me having any idea!

I have never even spoke of this ring to him. The fact that he pays attention to the silly things I can go on about with Twilight related things is pretty special. The time, effort, & trouble is amazing to me. He pays attention! He is committed to me and our marriage through thick & thin and I say "Yes" to US each day as well. I didn't need a card or present to tell me all this...

Here it is! *sigh* Tim had his perfect "Edward" moment. I, on the other hand, had a perfectly awkward, stunned, speechless "Bella" moment.

Gentleness Challenge

If you are a personal friend of mine, heck even a bloggy friend, you probably won't guess that I can have a temper and get frustrated by being a mom to three kids. I love them so much, but honestly they can be a challenge. Why don't they just do what I say?! Crazy thought isn't! They are 9 (this Tuesday), 7, & 5 years old...and they are each pushing their boundaries in different ways.

I try so hard to encourage them to respect others and at school each do awesome!!! Now at home, they are great for daddy. When it comes to me, that's a different story. I guess I get some frustration knowing that lots of people get the best from my kids, while I get the attitudes. I feel like that's part of me being a mom- them knowing that no matter what they do or say, mom's always going to be there, so they feel safe to vent. Ok, now that's to a point. When I ask one to clean their room and I am knocked back with "I don't wanna", that's not gonna fly anymore. I would lose my temper, fuss, take privileges away, bribe even.

After reading Courtney's post at Women Living Well from a year ago, I got inspired to change my way of thinking and handling the tense situations. I have to do this. This 30 day Gentleness Challenge could be life changing.

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

I have a lot to learn and lots of praying to do to see me through the next 30 days. Summer break is coming fast and I really need you help in keeping myself accountable to this challenge. I am weak, but with Him, I am strong.

If you struggle like I do, feel free to join up to the 30 Day Gentleness Challenge. Let me keep encouraging you too. Just grab the graphic and post on your blog once a week, or why not every couple days.

So, here's my 200th post! Thanks for sticking around and welcome to the new bloggy friends I've made this year!

Wondering???

Wondering why my posts have been a little few and far between lately? Well, stop on by my other blog: Life As A Twilight Mom for some fun events & happenings I have been up to.

Marriage Mondays- Blessed By Our Differences

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Tim and I can debate anything till we have forgotten what the issue was. We are very different and it takes a real effort to make sure that we can see each others differences as strengths...and appreciate them as well. That is way easier said than done. For so long we tried to just get our own points across, to get our own voice heard, sadly- our own way. What did that get us? Nothing but hurt feelings and confusion.

Once our marriage took a shift in things, we could really see that God put us together like a puzzle. Not symmetrical or similar in every way (how much fun would that be?) but complimentary to one another to be able to draw strength and understanding from each other. What a blessing! We are different, but we serve our family with the best that each one of us has to offer. It would be like both of us liking to cook-ever heard that story of too many cooks in the kitchen? I think that's what God had in mind somehow. We are perfect....for each other. Not perfect individually, but together we are complete...insert Jerry MaGuire line here ;) lol.

We are on a super tight budget while working on our debt elimination with the Dave Ramsey program, so Tim's always on the look out for good deals. While browsing craigslist free stuff yesterday, he came across an ad for a free red grill. It was said to be in decent shape, but not working and located 45 minutes away from us. Now, I would have taken the approach of this "who knows if it's gross? it says it's not working? is it worth fixing? it's so far!". Tim on the other hand got us all in the truck and head out to get it. The lady left it in her driveway for us. We get there are it's in really good shape...only time would tell how much it would take to get it fixed,I thought.

We get home and I run to get him a lighter to see if it would at least light somehow. And it did :) Working grill that's 1 year old! Yay! The electronic igniter wouldn't work, but who cared at that point. After some Internet research, we found that the ingniter takes a AA battery...we wondered could it be THAT simple? And it was! A grill, sold brand new for over $500, new to us for a AA battery.

An Absence So Great Review & Giveaway

Book: An Absence So Great

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Author: Jane Kirkpatrick

Summary:
Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams.

Despite growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is still at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing on her dream to one day own her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep those painful memories from seeping into her heart, and the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.


Author Bio:

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

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I am really looking forward to finishing this book! (being a mom has had me busy from morning till night recently) It's like the author takes you to a totally different time with her decriptions of people and scenes. The book starts off a little slow, but hang in there...I know I am glad I did.

To get your very own copy from me, all ya have to do is leave a comment. I'll end the giveaway & announce the winner on Thursday 4/8 at noon.

To purchase this book and check out others click here.

Marriage Mondays-Musical Reminders Fill Me Up

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Always around this time of year I start listening to our wedding song...as our 10 year anniversary approaches. I love it. It speaks to me. It encouraged me through some really difficult times because I know that when we said "I do" that these word rang true in both of us. This song was a like another promise we made and when we danced closely, my sweetheart sang it quietly to me.

Now after these years, another song is also so powerful. Gosh, does music do this to you too? It can totally change my mood, be uplifting, remind me of what's important, fill me with love. This is another SCC song, and to me it just says- hey, you are together, through seasons coming and past, weathered storms together, changed into the people you have become together. It's very true, I was pretty young when we got married, but I know I wouldn't be the woman I am today if I hadn't married Tim at that time in my life. God's timing is perfect. We have grown together and I love that Tim knows me better than anyone...good and bad.

So here's the song I'll be dancing to on our anniversary. Got these off YouTube, because I didn't have time to make a video myself...but maybe there's time.

Have a happy Monday friends!

Marriage Mondays- Team Work

I'm posting this each Monday. I feel it's a great way to reflect on the the joys, troubles, funny, very relatable things that make our marriage uniquely ours. Love for you to join in and stop by to Come Have a Peace for more encouragement!

Sacrifice...a word lots of stay at home moms can identify with. As a family, I know we had to shift life styles almost 6 years ago when I became a full time sahm. I'm kinda use to the fact that I won't be driving a new car, or have the trendiest clothes for a long while. The privilage of being home for my babies when they get home from school is amazing. We will survive this season of our lives...older car and all :)

Now that said, we all need an outlet...a hobby...something! My husband is an avid hunter. He has been for years. It's something I know he loves doing and it's a huge stress reliver since he's up at 4:00am and works till sometimes 6pm every week. Well, he's giving it up. I was taken completely by surprise when he told me. It's the time of year again to renew his membership with the deer lease he's on and instead of doing that, he's putting it into our savings to snowball (Dave Ramsey.com) into our bills. We don't have a large number of bills, but school loans are crazy! We figured if we live tightly for 2.5 years, we can be completely debt free and have cash saved in the bank. Woo hoo! We are excited! I'm so proud of Tim and the husband/father he is for us.

Now for my contribution to our family cause. You all know my hobby...all things Twilight. Tim has been planning on giving me a day pass and ticket to a big event on the Saturday that Twi Tour is in Houston. Well, by the time we factor in all that goes along with it...I will have spent over $200 for a day of fun. Something that I'd love to do, but I have this great feeling knowing that that money will be put towards OUR goals.

So, Twi friends...I will miss you & can't wait to hear all about it!

No sacrifice...No victory. (ok, what movie is that from?)

I Really Promise!

I'm not ignoring you bloggy friends. I really promise to give you all the catching up you can stand...as soon as the kids are back in school on Monday. Spring break has been a wonderful time for family renewal and just good times together.

I'll leave you with a preview:

Enjoy today friends! I know I will...

Giveaway WINNER: Relationships...

Denise is our random winner!

Congrats!-You'll like these!

More reviews & giveaways soon :)

Happy Monday!

Simple Black Forest Cake

Now if you were heading to a Twilight party...you could call this "Jacob Black" Forest cake..LOL I crack myself up sometimes. But really, this cake is amazing and so simple! Trav loved it for his birthday- kid & adult pleaser, I promise!

Ingredients
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix with pudding
3 eggs
1 tablespoon almond extract
1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling (i reserved 7 cherries for garnish- by baby boy turned 7)
1 can of chocolate frosting

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Mix together: cake mix, beaten eggs, almond extract, cherry pie filling and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan or 2 round pans.
3.Bake in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove cake from oven and let cool.

I frosted with chocolate frosting, garnished the top with some melted vanilla frosting- just a little to decorate, & then added the last few cherries on top.

I wish I had a piece to go with my morning coffee today! Confession: Yes, I eat chocolate cake for breakfast sometimes.

Book Reviews & Giveaways: Relationships...

Book: Mother Daughter Duet

Author: Cheri Fuller

Summary:
When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.

Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.

The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.

Author Bio:
Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.
Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.

Peronal Review:

I read 1/2 of this book and life just got busy- you all know what that's like! I love the kind of book this is. Now, I didn't read this to "fix" a relationship with my own mom, but to better prepare myself as to handle my 8 year old- going on 17! It's like reading an honest conversation between the authors. Each has their own perspective.

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Book: Dancing With My Father

Author: Sally Clarkson

Summary:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.

In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.

Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.


Author Bio:

Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs , Colorado .

Personal Review:

I love the prayers and bible passages in the book! Very encouraging reading about how to get that connection with God back. I really took away this: He wants us to find his JOY in our everyday life. It's so much about trusting that He has a wonderful purpose for us.

These books were provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Now to the giveaway:

Just leave me a comment about how you'll be renewing yourself this spring. I love this time of year...everything seems fresh and new again. Like what you'll be doing for spring break? Doing spring cleaning? Or what you do just to renew yourself?

These books come together in the giveaway: so ya get 2 books!

If you aren't a follower, welcome! hit the button and stay a while :) you get an extra entry for that!

Repost on your own blog or Facebook for an extra entry too!

Random winner will be chosen on Friday at noon :)

8 Day Giveaway!

My friend Crystal is celebrating her bday with giveaways to friendly followers :) Drop by her blog and see what fun she has!! She's really crafty and loves Twilight!

Going in 100 Different Directions

This has been one busy week for this stay at home mom. I really do try and commit myself to staying at home and working for my family...goodness knows my home needs my constant attention :) This week was filled with crazy sinus pressure, grocery shopping, goodwill & dollar tree finds, errand running, birthday lunch & dinner, very yummy cake baking, present wrapping, dental appointment, and now it's friday. Taking one room at a time and then locking the door behind me when i'm done. My bathroom and 2 bedrooms (never mine, lol) are done and laundry is rolling.

Got some MatchBox 20 blaring while Adam and I straighten up.

Next week, I have 2 books to review and both are giveaways! Trav's birthday pics to post too. March and April are fast approaching. Seems like these two months are the busiest for us around here. I'm prepping for all that Spring has to offer, this crazy weather has to go.

Have a great weekend bloggy friends!

Avoiding a Meltdown

Yep, it was one of those weekends. And after reading This is Me, Then's blog post this morning, I was comforted to know that I am not alone...that WE moms are not alone. Saturday was a busy work around the house day...mainly outside. The weather was so wonderful! Dinner was simple and delicious...
Sunday, a long drawn out time of flipping pancakes for everyone. Then guess what happens after that...someone needs to wash all those sticky plates and forks. I get that done...off to good ol' Wal-Mart to get my oil changed. Oh the joy of waiting at WM for an hour. By the time I get back home, it's lunch time. I made this awesome pasta bake. It took a little time, but so good! Dishes did not get done after lunch...we all opted for a nap. A much needed nap. After an hour, I got up and started straightening up AGAIN before the rest were awake. So after the huge lunch I cooked, no one wanted left overs for dinner...off to make chicken strips and fries. Late dinner, late bedtimes, a glass of wine, and it's my bedtime.
I still have a huge pile of laundry in my front living area and dishes galore in the sinks.....but dirty dishes mean we were all together and ate well. The laundry means we are overflowing with blessings. I'm opting for the glass half full today :)

Stella's Turning One

This past weekend my family went to LV for my baby niece Stella's first birthday party. Though it was a quick trip, we had a ton of fun! It was all worth it to see that little girl dancing and digging into her cake & cupcakes.- blue frosting and all.

All babies & kids LOVE Uncle Tim. He's fun, he listens, it's just him...

Of course, there was a pinata...hit with a little help from her momma.

Happy Birthday Stells! We love you!

Simple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Really...these are the easiest cookies ever to make. They are really good the first day, after that they get a little too hard for my taste. Oh well, gotta eat them the day ya make them, which is no trouble here. Cayley even asked me where I bought these from!

Here's what you need:
1 box of yellow cake mix
1 (or more) cup of chocolate chips
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
2 eggs

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.Pour cake mix into a large bowl. Stir in the oil and eggs until well blended. Mix in chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls (or small melon baller) onto the prepared cookie sheets. Parchment paper is the best!

3.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks.

Love & War Winner

Congrats to Julie!

You'll love this book...and it's a good one to pass along to married friends.

I'll get it to ya this week.

Love & War Review, Plus Giveaway!!!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Author: John and Stasi Eldredge

Summary:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredge's candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together. Walking alongside John and Stasi Eldredge, every couple can discover how their individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than anything they could do or be on their own.

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This book is completely refreshing!!! I had so many "aha" moments while reading it. I love how the points of view change from John & Staci through the situations and you get to really see their perspectives. Their honest approach to romance meeting reality- with a Christian point of view is appealing. I could see a lot of my marriage in their experiences...like movie quotes, etc. I walk away from this book knowing that my marriage is a wonderful love story and a blessing in God's plan. I love that...our love story! I could go on and on about the notes I made about this book.

Though I didn't get an extra copy as a giveaway...this one is too life changing not to share it.

*To Enter:

1. All you have to do is comment with a little insight to your "love story" or what your family is doing for Valentine's Day.

2. Repost on your blog and/or Facebook and link back here. 1 entry for each

3. Make sure you are a follower here! I have several more books for review coming up soon! If you are new...welcome! enjoy an entry just for the new following :)

If you want to purchase your very own copy click here. Giveaway entries accepted through 2/14! I'll post the winner on Monday :)

Let Me Count the Ways... Day 8

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 8:

the best relationship is one in which your love for each other

exceeds your need for each other.

i love this one.

Let Me Count the Ways... Days 6 & 7

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 6:

love doesn't make the world go 'round.

love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

day 7:

love is like chocolate,

too much is not enough.

Let Me Count the Ways... Day 5

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 5:

to love someone is to see the miracle invisible to others.

individually, tim and i are very different. i'm sure people think we are complete opposites! in being so different, we truly appreciate what each other brings into our marriage. how blessed are we to have the chance to really know someone better than anyone else on the planet!

Let Me Count the Ways... Day 4

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 4:

love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.

we learned a long time ago that being on the same page means the world to us. sure we struggle to work on the everyday things, but our plans are exactly that "our" plans. not for just one of us...but things in the long term that we pray over. our lives are forever intertwined...and it's so comforting.

Let Me Count the Ways... Day 3

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 3:

love is always bestowed as a gift- freely, willingly, and without expectation...we don't love to be loved; we love to love.

ok, this took a while for me to learn how to do. expectations are always hard to handle! when i started taking this approach...everything changed.

Let Me Count the Ways... Day 2

in january, for no occasion at all, my husband brought me this special little book. "i love you because..." about 100 pages of romantic love quotes and sweet thoughts. i was so moved to tears and inspired. here's the theme for february: i'll post a new quote/thought for each day and then elaborate with a personal story. i encourage you all to do the same for your significant other. it's a great way to get that feeling of renewal. feel free to borrow the graphic and link to my blog as well. there just might be a giveaway at the end ;) i'd love for you to share your stories!

day 2:

love is friendship set on fire.

he is my best friend. the first person i want to call with good news, when i need to vent, the one i want to date!