** I was sent product for the purpose of this review. I am an Art Journal Addict! Recently I have been trying to focus on connecting to my teenager. She has fallen into the habit of spending her evenings hiding out in her bedroom instead of being out with the family. I understand a teenager needing time away once in awhile but at the same time I am missing her. She used to spend every night out here with her Sister, Dad and I. I am not sure when this new habit started but I have been looking for a way to break it...and I think I finally found it! If you are an avid reader of my blog then you know that my teenager is an artist. Everything in her life is centered around her art work. Over the past couple of months I have been trying to take time out to do some art journaling with her. It is something that we can do together and it helps us to really bond. That is why I was so excited for these Ellie Claire Art Journals to arrive. The Art Journal that I opened up was The … [Read more...]
Moroni’s Guide to Surviving Turbulent Times by John Bytheway
** I was sent a product for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Moroni's Guide to Surviving Turbulent Times by John Bytheway Recently I was sent a copy of John Bytheway's book Moroni's Guide to Surviving Turbulent Times. To be honest I did not know how needed this book would be when I let Deseret Book know my interest in reviewing this title. The week that it arrived it seemed like everything in life hit me all at once. All of a sudden I was dealing with depression that I did not know existed in my oldest daughter, my toddler was potty training and getting her attitude, I was dealing with a lot of things with Primary President including my 13th member of my presidency since I was called almost 5 years ago, Stress from my husbands job and things going on there, stress with finances, stress with my blog, stress with home schooling, stress with a new baby on the way...plus my own emotional roller coaster that comes with being … [Read more...]
That We May Be One Book Review
**I was sent a product for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. That We May Be One A Gay Mormon's Perspective On Faith & Family By Tom Christofferson This week alone I have had two instances that made me cringe. First one started off talking with someone about Religion and Politics. I know, I know, those are taboo subjects in this day in age. It's unfortunate because that is NOT the way it should be. Jesus taught us to love EVERYBODY. Not just those who think and act like you. So back to my story, my friend and I got onto the subject of LGBT. She was talking to me about how badly she wanted to adopt a baby and could not seem to be able to find a child that she could adopt. But was angry that it seems (in her opinion) that every gay couple gets moved up the line and gets a baby right away. She felt that gay couples should not be able to adopt children because God's focus is on a man and women. This hurt my … [Read more...]
My New Focus on One by One!
**I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. My New Focus on One by One! I know that I am not the only one who has thought about the question "Do I really matter to God?" That is a question Elder Bednar sure answered for me in his new book One by One. One by One not only helped me to answer that question for myself but he took it a step further and helped me better understand my calling and the needs of my Primary kids. I was called as the ward Primary President 4.5 years ago. These past 4+ years have been so fulfilling, but I also feel like I am not done yet. There is still so much work to do within our Primary and there always will be. At times I am burdened because my list of inactive children is so long and daunting. I want to reach out to them all beyond the yearly birthday cards and letters I mail out to the children I have yet to meet. I have such a testimony of the … [Read more...]
Simplifying My Life with Birds……
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Simplifying My Life with Birds...... I feel like I have not blogged in years. It has been a very long time since I sat down and just started pouring my heart out in a post to all of you. Honestly I have let life get ahead of me recently. I have let myself get wrapped up in so much "stuff" from homeschooling, babysitting, being Primary President at church, being a wife and mother, focusing on my health and more! With everything on my plate I was no longer having time to do things for myself. I mean I am still getting in my daily workouts but that is about the only thing I am doing for "me". The rest of the day I feel like I am running a marathon and no longer have time to think let alone sit down for a minute. For years I have watched my husband find time to de-stress. He typically spends his stress free time in the garage … [Read more...]
Say & Pray Devotions Review & Giveaway!
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Say & Pray Devotions Review & Giveaway! My Thoughts! My baby girl just turned a year old! I can't believe that this year has already passed..but at the same time I am super happy that she is now at a stage where she is learning and growing and becoming really fun. That is why I have been reading more and more to her. She loves books and I love knowing that I am helping her build a good and strong vocabulary. Especially with books that help her learn about the items around her. On each page of Say & Pray Devotions there is a little part about all the gifts that God has made us. Like our bodies, the animals and more. It is so beautiful to be reminded about the gifts from God that we might take for granted. It has also reminded my older daughter about things that she needs to add to her prayers to Thank God for. To go … [Read more...]
The Adventures of Rooney Cruz – Esther The Belle of Patience
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. The Adventures of Rooney Cruz - Esther The Belle of Patience I love my two girls and I want to give them the best chance possible in life. I know that I am not the only Mother who feels that way about her children. It can be hard at times to know if we are doing the right thing as moms, if we are teaching them enough. Luckily we have so many resources available to us. One of my favorite ways to help teach my daughters about life lessons is through books. We are big on reading in my home. I always had a love of books and I want to make sure to pass that on to my little ones. Recently I was sent a copy of the book The Adventures of Rooney Cruz Ester The Belle of Patience. This is a great read not only because it teaches the kids about patience but also because it brings (my favorite) Bible story of Esther to life. Esther is a … [Read more...]
8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids
** I was sent a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. 8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids Great read on this rainy day #ontheblog #parentingishard #great read A photo posted by Krista (@mrs.krista.w) on Apr 15, 2016 at 8:42am PDT Recently I received a copy of 8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids. As most of you know I currently have a "tween" as she calls herself. She is just starting into the folded arms, eye rolls and back talking. It is driving me and her father insane. Sometimes it is easy to lose our temper. Especially with someone who is testing out her boundaries and just coming into her own as a pre-teen. Because of a few difficult things we have had going on with our daughter I knew that this book was for me. Honestly I did not even make it through the first chapter before I was crying. This book was filled with words that I needed to read and I honestly feel like it was … [Read more...]
Chicken Soup for the Soul Merry Christmas
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Chicken Soup for the Soul Merry Christmas Christmas is the best time of year. People seem to be more friendly and helpful. They have joy and magic in their hearts and things just seem to be more peaceful. I love this time of year and the uplifting movies and stories that go along with it. This year I was so happy to read Chicken Soup for the Soul Merry Christmas. There were so many stories that uplifted me and really helped to get me in the Christmas Spirit. I also enjoyed reading many of these stories out loud with my daughter. We started reading one each day in December to help get us in the mood for Christmas. It was such a special way to start our days. Thanks Chicken Soup for the Soul! We love this book! On The Back The elves at Chicken Soup for the Soul have done it again, with a … [Read more...]
Chicken Soup for the Soul Raising Great Kids
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Chicken Soup for the Soul Raising Great Kids Raising kids is one of the hardest things I have ever done. It is not easy being a parent and coming up with discipline methods, knowing when to discipline and when to hold your tongue. It is also not easy to teach kids the important things like stranger danger, being kind to others, staying positive asking for forgiveness or forgiving those who have hurt you. Thank goodness Chicken Soup for the Soul wrote this inspiring book to help me along my journey of parenting. Plus this book really helped to comfort me and show me that I am not alone and as long as I do my best my kids will turn out just fine! On The Back We all want to give our kids the best possible start in life, and that means sharing our values with them. Parents and grandparents teach children to become the best … [Read more...]
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities
** I was sent a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Eye-Popping Oddities My daughter loves the Ripley's Believe it Or Not books. This years Eye-Popping Oddities is no exception. It is so much fun to read and hear about the facts and oddities around the world. I love that this is a book that is not only opening my daughters eyes and teaching her things. But it is a book that she takes everywhere. Some of the weird facts you and your child will love reading about are based off of animals, the human body, pop culture, transport, art, food and more. I can promise you that your mind will not only be blown but you will say to yourself "WHAT?" and read each story in disbelief. From Monster sized earthworms ( that totally gave me nightmares) to learning about the Mega Migration of Stingrays. Each and every page is worth the read! So how did Ripley's Believe It Or Not … [Read more...]
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dreams and Premonitions Review & Giveaway
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Chicken Soup for the Soul Dreams and Premonitions Review & Giveaway My Thoughts Ever since I was a young child my Grandmother has told me about the importance of remembering my dreams. I remember that as soon as I was old enough to read she got me a dream book. I used to like reading about what my dreams meant in that book. It was neat. Now that I have grown I still believe that I can learn a lot about myself and my life in my dreams. It is interesting where your mind can go when you are asleep and interesting the things that I have learned about life. I loved reading these 101 inspiring stories about dreams and premonitions. Especially the ones about infertility. As most of you know I dealt with infertility for 10 years. I am finally going to have a baby and she is due in just 2 weeks!! One of the things that got me through … [Read more...]
Jim Henson’s 60th Anniversary!
** I was provided product for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Jim Henson's 60th Anniversary! I have loved Jim Henson since I was a little kid. I remember watching his cartoons in the mornings with my Mom and little brothers. That is a tradition that I have continued with my daughter and will continue with this baby who is set to arrive any day now. Although the cartoons are a little different today. The Jim Henson company still remains the same. After 60 years they are still making some of the best cartoons that a child can ask for. Recently I was sent an amazing package of Jim Henson products for the purpose of this review. I was able to get to know some of the Jim Henson characters all over again and I can't wait to share them with my little one. Cartoons and books like Sid the Science Kid (who was my daughters favorite when she was a toddler.), Dinosaur Train, Doozers and Pajanimals. There is even some … [Read more...]
A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller
** I was sent a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller My Thoughts I can't imagine having my life turn upside down the way that Sadie Schrock's life is in this book. What a turn of events that make her face something she has been afraid to face since she was 16 years old. I am so glad that I got to review A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fulller. It was a book that captivated my attention from the very start and I could not put it down. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing where the events in their life took them. My heart broke as Sadie's broke when she was 16. I wanted to reach out and comfort her. It broke again when she was told about her parents...and then my heart started to fall in love with Aden just as her's did. Life was not at all what Sadie thought it would be.....but could it have actually lead her where she needed to be? … [Read more...]
Diary Of A Jackwagon by Tim Hawkins + Giveaway
** I was provided with a copy of this title for the purpose of this review. However, my own opinion was used and not influenced in any way. Diary Of A Jackwagon by Tim Hawkins Ok so this is probably sad to admit...but I had never heard of Tim Hawkins before. When I first got this book I did not know he was a stand up comedian and that I was about to read some of the funniest stuff I had ever read. After reading his book I am not sure how it was possible that I had never heard of Tim Hawkins before! This man is hilarious! I could not stop laughing all the way through the book Diary Of A Jackwagon! The thing that is so funny about Diary Of A Jackwagon is how well I can relate to everything he had to say. From going down a hot metal slide to blinker fluid..yes I said blinker fluid. After reading just the first page I yelled for my husband to join me so that we could read it together. I knew that this was a book I had to share because it was so laugh out loud funny. Tim … [Read more...]