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Working on getting this image back on my signature line in Gmail. Hopefully this will make it work!

New Favorite Things

Used my Christmas money to buy two of my new favorite things. Red Toms:

And a Flip camcorder. Here's the first video to be shot on the Flip. Quality is so awesome. Gonna be great to have this for videos of Baby K. And these two crazy characters.

A Billion Reasons Why - Kristin Billerbeck

Kristin Billerbeck has been a favorite author of mine for the past five years. I was introduced to her by a friend in St. Louis. I was excited to have the chance to review her most recent book, A Billion Reasons Why. BookSneeze® provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. This book is about Katie McKenna, a spunky special education teacher who receives a blast into her past when a former boyfriend asks her to sing at his brother's wedding. Although engaged, she agrees to sing and finds herself back at home, confronted with a life and a relationship she ran away from.

Overall, this book was an excellent read. It was apparent that the author researched the history and culture of New Orleans - which I loved to learn more about. The only area that this book fell short for me was in the writing style. And it was really only because of my past experiences with the author. Nearly all of her books have left me laughing out loud with the honest humor of her characters. I was anticipating that same type of writing style for this novel. I didn't laugh quite as much with this book. Regardless, it was a great story with great characters. There is no question, Kristen Billerbeck knows how to tell a story!

Sun Stand Still - Pastor Steven Furtick

Without question, it was an honor to be able to write a review of my Pastor's book, Sun Stand Still. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. At a basic level, this is a book about audacious faith. But digging in, making personal application, and praying your own Sun Stand Still prayer, gives the reader the opportunity to experience and live out the faith of the Bible's greatest characters - Joshua, Moses, and the disciples to name a few.

One of the things I love about this book is the way it is written. The style it is written in, makes me feel as if I am having a conversation with Pastor Steven. My vote for favorite chapter title? Pray like a Juggernaut. Simple, yet challenging. He speaks truth in a way that is easy for anyone to understand. This is a book for everyone - for the jr. higher who is just beginning to walk with Jesus to the seasoned pastor. My children are preschool age, and even we have had discussions about what it means to believe God for the impossible.

As I think about the impact this book had on me, there is one chapter that sticks out like a sore thumb. Hear. Speak. Do. This chapter contains twelve audacious faith confessions to speak over my life. Growing up in a conservative Grace Brethren church, I didn't learn how to speak biblical truth over my life. That was something they did at the pentecostal church down the road. Now, when I feel worry creeping in I speak #3: "I have no fear or anxiety; I trust in the the Lord with all my heart." When I question whether or not I have what it takes I preach #5 to myself: "I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do." And the best part... Each audacious faith confession comes with at least 3 verses of scripture to back it up.

If you read this book, I promise it will change the way you think about faith. It helped me tap into the power of God -- available to me as a believer in Jesus Christ. This book isn't just about the major life events that require believing God for the impossible. There is application for the stay-at-home mom pouring into her children on a daily basis. It is for the high school student who's Sun Stand Still prayer might be staying pure. It is for the couple who is about to call it quits after years of marriage. It is a book for people who want to change the world.

One more thing I love about this book: The vast amount of FREE resources available to individuals, small groups and churches. Check it out at: www.sunstandstill.org.

One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado, Illustrated by Gaby Hansen

I am thrilled to review this children's book, One Hand, Two Hands by Max Lucado. It is beautifully, detailed illustrations and rhymes that make it so fun to read with children. When it came in the mail, the kids and I tore open the package and plopped right on the kitchen floor to read it. It teaches toddler and preschool children all of the special ways they can use their hands.

One of my favorite things about this book is that it was relevant to both my 2 year old and 4 year old. Sometimes we find books that are good for one or the other -- but this one spanned both the toddler and preschool age levels. We made up motions as we read through it. Kaiya and Kaleb absolutely LOVE this book. And what was so precious to me was, several days after reading through it, Kaiya asked after helping me with something, "Those were helping hands, right mama?" Yep -- so thankful for teaching truths that come from books that are fun to read! Definitely put this one on your Christmas list! It's a keeper.

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 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews is a great book to give over the holidays. It would be a perfect host/hostess gift for the holidays! The main message of the book is that everything we do matters. The Butterfly Effect tells the stories of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and Norman Borlaug.

I enjoyed reading this book -- it was a relaxing read. The format of the text makes it enjoyable to read, with different sized font and colorful graphics and images. I read it in one sitting, which was perfect! The author does a great job at inspiring his readers to examine how they are making a difference. I found myself reflecting about the people I come into contact in my life and what type of impact I am making.

I have to admit that I find myself fairly skeptical of "gift books." I don't know what it is exactly -- many I have read are fluffy and "feel good." I was impressed with the historical content of this book and the challenge that it leaves with the reader. I would recommend it! Put your preconceived notions of gift books aside and give it a try.

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 255.

Shoes & Answered Prayers

We went on a shoe hunt adventure last week. Kaleb needed a pair of tennis shoes since we are starting to move into fall weather (umm... I think anyway...). We decided to check first at Once Upon A Child. On the way there I told the kids that we should pray that we find the perfect shoes at the perfect price. So we did. Then we went to the store and started digging through the bins. Found these Transformers shoes that light up. Just his size, and just the right price ($2.50). I examined them and saw that the velcro was starting to peel off -- not a dealbreaker for me, but thought I would check to see if they could be reduced further. Sure enough -- these sweet little shoes were $1.35. Just like God to care about the little things! :) And I was so thankful that I could teach my kids a valuable lesson. To sweeten things a bit -- my mom was able to tack that peeling velcro right back where it belonged w/ her super duper sewing skills!

And this picture is just cause Kaiya felt left out while I was taking pictures of Kaleb's feet. These sandals were a great deal at Target too though -- $3.74. So I guess she was onto something bloggable afterall!

Getting Along... ahhh...

I love when this happens without any prompting from me. Couldn't find these two rascals the other night while I was finishing up the dishes. Went upstairs and they were quietly snuggled in Kaiya's bed reading a book. Peaceful. Getting along. Ahhh....

Trip to Charleston part 2

A few more pictures from day #2 of our trip. We enjoyed a little bit more time at the beach.







After packing up and getting ready to head home, we made a stop in downtown Charleston to visit The Market. Each of the kids were given a $5 allowance to spend however they chose. Kaleb chose a Spiderman pillow and Kaiya got a headband.

Trip to Charleston

Not too much to say... just a little peek at some pictures from our trip to Charleston in September. The water was perfect, the kids loved playing in the ocean and sand. We had beautiful accommodations! And some great quality family time...which was desperately needed.

Kaiya's Prayer

Read with dramatic pause between each sentence.

I - uh - please help Aunt Bekah not to be sea sick.

So... we had a super wonderful day.

I'm so glad Jesus that You are in my heart now.

God, I know You are our Savior, so...

I really love You so much.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

She looks at me, quite proud, because I think she knew that she prayed really good. :) I told her that I can tell her prayers have changed since asking Jesus in her heart. She smiles and agrees. Then, laying in bed, she looks down at her feet and says, I'm getting longer too. :)

I know sweet girl. Do you have to grow up?

The Boy Who Changed the World

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews is a fantastic children's book. It is a true story that teaches children that everything they do matters. It begins by telling the story of Norman Borlaug who grew up to create a variety of corn that was planted in other countries and saved over 2 billion people from starvation. As you move through the book you are introduced to individuals who had major impact in the previous individual's life. Demonstrating that we all have impact and can make a difference in the world.

I sat with my 4 and 2 year olds reading through this book for the first time. They were so incredibly captivated by the illustrations. It is colorful and beautifully illustrated. At the end of the book, when I asked their favorite thing, both said that the pictures were their favorite.

Another part of the book that they liked were the transitions in between the "boys" who changed the world. I was impressed with the concept behind the book. It would be excellent for elementary school aged children -- great for a book report! And it would be so fun to look a little more in depth to each character through some research. This book is an excellent tool for educating and inspiring children.

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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Words I don't ever want to forget

Tony and were talking the other day about how as the kids get older they will stop saying their funny little phrases that we love. I thought it would be fun to jot down as many as we can remember so that we would have it forever documented before our memories wear out. Here's the list so far...

• pall nailish (Kaiya's word for nail polish still to-date)
• cash tran (Kaiya's word for trash can every once in awhile still)
• What me tinkin' in my bain? (a phrase Kaiya said from about 21 months - 2.5 years old)
• ting! ting! (Kaleb's request to Daddy each night for a song before bed.)
• Allah (what Kaiya called Kaleb for the first 10 months of his life.)
• Yai-yah (what Kaiya called herself from about 13 months-2.5 yrs. old. It had many different meanings, depending on how she would enunciate it.)
• I so escited! (Kaiya)
• bramember (Kaiya -- remember)
• openmeal (Kaiya's word for oatmeal - still to-date)
• Oh Bappy! (what Kaiya would call Money Bags)

Those are a lot of Kaiya. I'm sure Kaleb has more... just gonna have to think on it. To be continued...

Sunday walk on the Greenway.

Mimi and Papa take the kids bike riding really often. Kaiya's gotten to be quite the little speedster on her bike. Balancing fairly well for her age - might just lose the training wheels sooner than I would have expected.

This kid is about the cutest thing you have ever seen on his little trike w/ his helmet and those little legs pedaling as fast as he can. He just has a hard time keeping up with Kaiya!

Little Mechanics

The kids had fun on Sunday "working" on the car with Papa. Big things to do like fill up the antifreeze and messy stuff like that. It was fun sitting on the swing watching them use their tools to do the work. They thought they were big stuff. I hope they learn a few things... mechanics are expensive -- might be nice to have one in the family. :)

I love my blue-eyed babies. And what about Kaiya's haircut! :) I don't think I had posted a picture of that yet. She has a friend that she wanted her hair to be like so we made the big cut. She was pretty cute about -- very concerned about what Daddy would think, since she knows that Daddy likes his girls to have long hair. And then the day after it was cut she looked in the mirror with a very serious expression and asked if I thought it grew any overnight. It's been a good summer cut and she loves that I don't make her pull it back much.

Back to Blogging. Serious this time.

I've said it before... but I have really let this blogging thing go. My main excuse is that my digital camera has been broken for nearly a year. And after my most recent call to Canon technical services support line I decided to bury the camera. Minimum service charge for the camera is $150. Now... we used some Christmas bonus money from back in the day to purchase the camera five years ago -- and it wasn't cheap. But $150 minimum to get it fixed! Not a chance. They don't even manufacture the camera anymore. Less than a week after I made the decision to start shopping for a new camera, I saw an ad in a Staples ad for a Kodak Easy Share w/ a 10x optical zoom for $99. I had kissed all my dreams of a zoom over 4-5x goodbye because they just weren't in my price range. So I ordered it right away.Let's be honest -- a picture-less blog is just no fun. So I'm ba-a-ack!

Good night. Sleep Tight.

Last night I went in to check on the kids before I went to bed and noticed that Kaiya was practically falling off of the bed. When I looked closer, this is what I saw. :)

I assure you... this is not how we put them to bed. Sneaky little boogers.

Wordless Wednesday - Pouting

July 4th

We got a great tip from one of our patients about a rodeo in the area. We decided to head out to it on Saturday, the 3rd. It was so much fun -- loads of bull ridin' and muttin bustin'. And the infamous "Ring of Fire" that Tony said he would have done if he hadn't been wearing flip flops. It goes something like this: 10 foot chalk circle drawn in the ring, whoever wants to volunteer gets a chest guard and stands in the middle of the ring. And then they turn a bull loose. Last person standing in the ring wins $200. Let's just be honest. There is no way in heck I would allow him to participate in that. The bull picked one guy up with his horns and tossed him out of the ring. They shot off some fireworks at the end, and they were just good enough that we were able to pass them off to the kids as the "real deal." Which meant that we got to stay home on the 4th. We bought some small stuff to shoot off for the kids... I love the expressions of my dad and Kaleb in the picture below! Wonder what they are looking at.