Drama, whose life isn't full of it? Just when I thought my blogspot problem was fixed something else would happen and I would lose my post for this book again. You would think after typing and losing it three separate times I would have gotten smart enough to forgo the drama involved and type it in Pages and then copy and paste. Oh no, not I. I hand wrote it at lunch one day and guess what? I can't find it.
I've always had drama in my life but I really think it's getting much worse. Maybe it has to do with working with middle schoolers everyday, cause I'm sure having four children of my own has nothing to do with it (insert big smile).
Well, now for what you came here for. "Cliques, hicks, and ugly sticks," is a wonderful middle school aged book about the drama that unfolds in the life of April Grace Reilly. This is the second book in the "Confessions of April Grace," series. As if junior high or middle school isn't bad enough throw in a selfish neighbor, a love triangle involving your grandma, "the snotties," and the news that your mom is pregnant and the drama that ensues is enough to keep you in stitches.
K.D. McCrite has hit right up the alley of most girls this age who can relate to April Grace and the drama that she is involved in. Finding out that at the age of 11 you're going to be a big sister is a huge surprise. Most small children don't take it well, but imagine what April Grace must be thinking. I won't tell you, you'll have to read to find out.
I see the drama that "the snotties" at my middle schools cause everyday and I remember those who could have been a "snottie" when I was that age. Oops, I hope none of them read this post. This is a must read for any tween girl or her mommy that grew up in the 80's. If the cover picture doesn't draw you in the story certainly will.
Click here to read the first chapter! Then come back and let me know what you think.
There are several ways to enter the contest to win your own copy of the book, "cliques, hicks and ugly sticks." Do the things below and come back here and leave a different comment for each. I will choose a winner on Valentine's Day night to win the book.
Good luck!
Here are your 5 ways to win:
1. Share an instance you or your child had that was difficult at the time, but now you can look back and laugh or learn from it.
2. Friend April Grace Reilly on FaceBook and come back and comment below and let me know you did.
3. Like mommyto4mjs on FaceBook and let me know. If you already do let me know that too!
4. Follow mommyto4mjs on Twitter and come back and let me know.
5. Read the first chapter of the book and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: As a Tommy Mommy I am able to review this book that was sent to me. The opinions are mine and I am not paid to write this post.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Bible Islands Free Pass--Educational Christian Website for Kids
I'm so excited!! I have been selected to stay on as a "Tommy Mommy" with Tommy Nelson Kids. That means I get to give more books away to you my readers.
This month I have a giveaway for everyone. Tommy Nelson and the new faith based Bible Islands have teamed up to provide a website for children. The website characters teach the Bible, Math, Reading, Hebrew and other subjects using a Christian worldview through educational games.
This month I have a giveaway for everyone. Tommy Nelson and the new faith based Bible Islands have teamed up to provide a website for children. The website characters teach the Bible, Math, Reading, Hebrew and other subjects using a Christian worldview through educational games.
My kids have been checking this website out the past few days and really like it. Now your kids can share in the fun. Click here Bible Islands Free Pass and sign up for your Free Pass. It's simple and fun for kids of any age. If you can get your computer away from your kids, come back and comment below and let me and Tommy Nelson Kids know what you and your kids think!
Look for another giveaway this week, for Tween girls!
Have a great week!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
2012 Week 1
Welcome to those of you who are new to our family blog!
As the New Year has been around for 8 days now, I've procrastinated about updating the blog. Actually and honestly work and life has gotten in the way and I haven't had time. Anyhow, as it rains outside my dining room window, Mikie is at drill and the kids are in the basement watching a movie and taking naps, I decided to take a few minutes and check in.
I am going to attempt to do better this year in succeeded at my goals. I don't make resolutions because I know I will break them. I set goals, that way I don't have to feel as guilty for not completing them. Not that I feel guilty over much of anything anyway.
My goals for this year, 2012 are,
1. Blog at least once a week. Even if it's an update on our week.
2. Exercise everyday physically and spiritually. So far so good!
3. Send at least one card or letter each week. (I'll be sending 2 tomorrow :)
4. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Too much stuff gets in the way of serving God and others.
5. Keep the house company presentable at all times. (Yea, I know that lasts about 15 minutes with 4 kids.)
There they are and other than the cards I haven't failed yet.
So now for this weeks update. During Christmas break Mattie, Maggie and I had some doctors visits.
Mattie's heart murmur was heard by the doctor again a few months ago. She had an echocardiogram and it was discovered that she does indeed have a small hole in between the 2 upper chambers of her heart. She has an appointment with the cardiologist at the end of the month and will most likely have a TEE--trans-esophageal echocardiogram sometime soon. Basically a scope down her throat to make sure there is nothing else going on. At that time will know what we need to do about it.
Maggie visited the allergist for a peanut butter tasting test and PASSED! No more food allergies in our house. Of course she still doesn't like the taste or texture but the pistachios fear her when they see her coming.
I have an abnormally enlarged goiter which is pressing on my vocal cords. It has given me problems since the summer and I couldn't figure out what was causing me to be hoarse and not able to sing. I see the doctor next week to find out what we are going to do about it. Obviously my constant talking wasn't the cause. It was nice to know that my husband was WRONG for once, it's not all in my head.
We've enjoyed time with family and friends throughout the holiday season and look forward to a wonderful year of fun.
Mattie and Maggie have participated in the Director's Writing Contest at school and have placed. Mattie placed third in the poems category and Maggie first in non-fiction. There writings will move on to the next level of competition.
Rec-ball has started and Mattie and Maggie both are looking forward to getting to play this year. Michael and Mollie are justing hoping Paw comes to some games so they can buy some stuff at the concession stand.
I am gearing up for nine weeks of drama. My afternoon school is doing Alladin Jr. My morning school is still in deliberations with me as to what we are going to do. We don't have an auditorium there so staging logistics for a full drama is hard.
Mikie is working all the time either at the air guard or in the workshop or folding clothes. Usually folding clothes. :)
Kellie came over Saturday and played. The kids enjoyed a picnic in the rain in the backyard. It was a day of missing kids and runaways but all is well now.
I'm sure there are really more interesting things I could tell you about our week, but I can't think of any right now.
I'm glad you stopped by and will be praying that you have a fun and blessed 2012!
As the New Year has been around for 8 days now, I've procrastinated about updating the blog. Actually and honestly work and life has gotten in the way and I haven't had time. Anyhow, as it rains outside my dining room window, Mikie is at drill and the kids are in the basement watching a movie and taking naps, I decided to take a few minutes and check in.
My goals for this year, 2012 are,
1. Blog at least once a week. Even if it's an update on our week.
2. Exercise everyday physically and spiritually. So far so good!
3. Send at least one card or letter each week. (I'll be sending 2 tomorrow :)
4. Simplify, Simplify, Simplify! Too much stuff gets in the way of serving God and others.
5. Keep the house company presentable at all times. (Yea, I know that lasts about 15 minutes with 4 kids.)
There they are and other than the cards I haven't failed yet.
So now for this weeks update. During Christmas break Mattie, Maggie and I had some doctors visits.
Mattie's heart murmur was heard by the doctor again a few months ago. She had an echocardiogram and it was discovered that she does indeed have a small hole in between the 2 upper chambers of her heart. She has an appointment with the cardiologist at the end of the month and will most likely have a TEE--trans-esophageal echocardiogram sometime soon. Basically a scope down her throat to make sure there is nothing else going on. At that time will know what we need to do about it.
Maggie visited the allergist for a peanut butter tasting test and PASSED! No more food allergies in our house. Of course she still doesn't like the taste or texture but the pistachios fear her when they see her coming.
I have an abnormally enlarged goiter which is pressing on my vocal cords. It has given me problems since the summer and I couldn't figure out what was causing me to be hoarse and not able to sing. I see the doctor next week to find out what we are going to do about it. Obviously my constant talking wasn't the cause. It was nice to know that my husband was WRONG for once, it's not all in my head.
We've enjoyed time with family and friends throughout the holiday season and look forward to a wonderful year of fun.
Mattie and Maggie have participated in the Director's Writing Contest at school and have placed. Mattie placed third in the poems category and Maggie first in non-fiction. There writings will move on to the next level of competition.
Rec-ball has started and Mattie and Maggie both are looking forward to getting to play this year. Michael and Mollie are justing hoping Paw comes to some games so they can buy some stuff at the concession stand.
I am gearing up for nine weeks of drama. My afternoon school is doing Alladin Jr. My morning school is still in deliberations with me as to what we are going to do. We don't have an auditorium there so staging logistics for a full drama is hard.
Mikie is working all the time either at the air guard or in the workshop or folding clothes. Usually folding clothes. :)
Kellie came over Saturday and played. The kids enjoyed a picnic in the rain in the backyard. It was a day of missing kids and runaways but all is well now.
I'm sure there are really more interesting things I could tell you about our week, but I can't think of any right now.
I'm glad you stopped by and will be praying that you have a fun and blessed 2012!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Giveaway: Heroes and Villians of the Bible
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. As we have been packing up Christmas and decluttering and reorganizing the house for the new year, I realized I have a book from Tommy Nelson to give away.
Michael, our 6 yr old, really likes this book. I'm sure the girls will too when he gets finished.
Michael has been using Heroes & Villains of the Bible for his daily bedtime devotion. Each of the 50 stories includes an introduction to the story, Bible text and then a section to think about. It's geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. It is very appropriate for our six year old though.
One of my favorites is the story of Miriam and Moses. It begins by telling about the mean king, and uses Exodus 1:8-2:10 to tell the story. At the end there is a something to think about section. This one tells that heroes aren't always warriors, anyone can be a hero. This one touches my heart because it says, "Heroes know that they must stand up for the weak." Michael is a hero because this is his nature. His closet friend at school is a little boy who no one else will play with, he smells and often fills his backpack with the left over milk and cereal at breakfast. But Michael doesn't care he wants this little boy to have a friend.
If your looking for a new bedtime book or devotional this would be a great book. You can purchase it on Amazon or you can leave a comment below for a chance to win.
Enjoy this book with your children and learn more about how to be a hero not a villain.
How to win 2 chances:
1. Leave a comment below and tell me who you would read this book with.
2. Like my Facebook page mommyto4mjs. Then come back and leave me a comment. If you already like it just leave a comment saying so.
Contest will end at midnight New Year's Day. So while you're trying to keep your eyes open New Year's Eve come on over and enter.
Disclaimer: As always Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson Kids supplied me with a copy of the book to review and share with you.
Michael, our 6 yr old, really likes this book. I'm sure the girls will too when he gets finished.
Michael has been using Heroes & Villains of the Bible for his daily bedtime devotion. Each of the 50 stories includes an introduction to the story, Bible text and then a section to think about. It's geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. It is very appropriate for our six year old though.
One of my favorites is the story of Miriam and Moses. It begins by telling about the mean king, and uses Exodus 1:8-2:10 to tell the story. At the end there is a something to think about section. This one tells that heroes aren't always warriors, anyone can be a hero. This one touches my heart because it says, "Heroes know that they must stand up for the weak." Michael is a hero because this is his nature. His closet friend at school is a little boy who no one else will play with, he smells and often fills his backpack with the left over milk and cereal at breakfast. But Michael doesn't care he wants this little boy to have a friend.
If your looking for a new bedtime book or devotional this would be a great book. You can purchase it on Amazon or you can leave a comment below for a chance to win.
Enjoy this book with your children and learn more about how to be a hero not a villain.
How to win 2 chances:
1. Leave a comment below and tell me who you would read this book with.
2. Like my Facebook page mommyto4mjs. Then come back and leave me a comment. If you already like it just leave a comment saying so.
Contest will end at midnight New Year's Day. So while you're trying to keep your eyes open New Year's Eve come on over and enter.
Disclaimer: As always Thomas Nelson/Tommy Nelson Kids supplied me with a copy of the book to review and share with you.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
5x7 Folded Card
Merry Doodle Dandy Christmas Card
Quick and easy: Christmas photo cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Christmas Picture Fun -- With a Giveaway!
Sometimes we need friends, sometimes we need mentors, sometimes we get both in one person.
Back last winter Maggie found herself with a new best friend, Kellie. Their friendship started in Girls in Action at church. By summer break they were inseparable, spending several days and nights a week at each other's houses. They are so funny together and love hosting tea parties, luncheons and teaching all kinds of things. Through their friendship God has blessed me with a friend and mentor her mother, Wendy.
While Kellie is Maggie's age, Wendy's oldest three are college age, so when I say friend and mentor she has been there done that once already and now we get to do it together. I love the idea of having a friend who has experienced things with her kids before and then we get to experience them together with these two spunky girls. I know where Kellie gets her caring, loving heart from. (Sorry Greg.) Both of these Gals are a blessing to our family.
Wendy has started her own photography business, Wendy Iven's Photography this past year and I am obsessed with her photography skills. She is an amazing photographer. Last Saturday evening she came over to the house to shoot our Christmas card pics. We had scheduled and rescheduled on both ends for several weeks and finally got an hour that we could do them. Kellie came along to help and spend the night and we were keeping Ty that night so we had extra hands to help with all the animals.
I decided this was an us picture night, nothing fancy, no matching outfits, just us and some fun. I had put greenery on the mantel and a cheesy Christmas tree. I had wanted to finish it but it didn't happen. Nonetheless, we shot. For an hour we laughed, we cried, we laughed, we were scratched, we laughed, we heard sounds from the cat we had never heard before, we laughed, we were licked by the dogs, we laughed, we chased the bunny, we laughed, forgot the fish, moved the furniture, did I mention we laughed? We had an awesome time!
As Mikie went out to bring our almost one year old dogs, Maximus a Great Dane, Blue Healer mix and Lou Lou an English Mastiff up for their part in the pictures, Wendy asked if Mikie was adventurous. Now if you know Mikie you know when he shoots you the smirky, wide eyed grin he is gonna take what you just said and embarrass you. He asked what she meant and she told him she had brought Christmas lights to tie us up in, before she could say anything else he just grinned really big. Then we both knew where that was going and Wendy quickly said the kids were going to tie us up, gag us and it would be a "silent night."
An aside to this picture: I called Wednesday night to check on Kellie and Wendy since they weren't at church and after 30 minutes of listening to Wendy laugh while trying to tell me about this picture she was working on it popped up on Facebook. I'm thinking if she laughs as hard while she works on them as she did while taking them I may send them out for New Years. :)
I'm joking because she is very punctual and quick with her clients pictures!!! Okay and I have to admit I absolutely love Michael's hilarious expression in this photo. He looks like a little mischievous man.
Back to the photo shoot, Mikie brings the dogs to the porch, Maggie catches the cat and Mattie starts to get the bunny out. When I opened the door the dogs bound in and straight to Maggie where Green Eyes begins to scratch her and jumps out of her arms. Somehow she manages to get her and lock her in the bedroom while we chase the dogs all over the house. Lou Lou dug her claws into the hardwood and Mikie's hollering quit pulling her she's scratching the floor. Maximus is trying to pull the trash out of the can, Ty was trying to get out of the way. All Wendy and I could do was laugh.
Mikie sat in the floor and we finally got Maximus and Lou Lou to sit. Wendy tried to put the santa hat on Maximus but Mikie ended up with it. After licks, laughs and Lou Lou kicking Maggie out of the picture this is the preview Wendy sent.
While we waited on Mikie to put the dogs in the basement and Maggie and Mattie to get the other animals Mollie, Michael and I took a break. Can I just say, "I LOVE this picture." I think it's Michael's only sweet face pic in the whole bunch!
Then it was time to take the pictures with Green Eyes the cat and Mia the bunny and the fish whose tank we cleaned and downsized but forgot to put in the pic. I don't have a preview for those, but they weren't the funniest shots either. After that we were gagged and tied. And the kids tried to figure out how to spell NOEL, and showed their signature expressions. Then there were the friends pictures with Kellie and Ty.
The creepiest picture of the night has to be one of the faves on Facebook and Pinterest. The "Grinch!"
To win you need to do any or all of the following and come back to this blog post and comment that you did them:
1. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography blog.
2. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography on Facebook
3. Follow Mommy to 4 MJ's on Facebook
4. Follow my blog mommyto4mjs
5. Tell me what kind of pictures you want Wendy to take.
So you have 5 chances to win. You receive one entry for each of the above that you complete and comment about on this blog post. Facebook comments will not be considered.
Contest ends December 1st.
Have fun looking at Wendy's awesome pics and Good Luck!
Disclaimer: This post is my opinion. Wendy Iven's of Wendy Iven's Photography did not provide me anything free only a really great time while she took our pictures. The pictures I receive I purchase and the sitting fee I am giving away is paid for out of my pocket. Wendy is a great friend and I want to see her business flourish so let's help her out.
Back last winter Maggie found herself with a new best friend, Kellie. Their friendship started in Girls in Action at church. By summer break they were inseparable, spending several days and nights a week at each other's houses. They are so funny together and love hosting tea parties, luncheons and teaching all kinds of things. Through their friendship God has blessed me with a friend and mentor her mother, Wendy.
While Kellie is Maggie's age, Wendy's oldest three are college age, so when I say friend and mentor she has been there done that once already and now we get to do it together. I love the idea of having a friend who has experienced things with her kids before and then we get to experience them together with these two spunky girls. I know where Kellie gets her caring, loving heart from. (Sorry Greg.) Both of these Gals are a blessing to our family.
Wendy has started her own photography business, Wendy Iven's Photography this past year and I am obsessed with her photography skills. She is an amazing photographer. Last Saturday evening she came over to the house to shoot our Christmas card pics. We had scheduled and rescheduled on both ends for several weeks and finally got an hour that we could do them. Kellie came along to help and spend the night and we were keeping Ty that night so we had extra hands to help with all the animals.
I decided this was an us picture night, nothing fancy, no matching outfits, just us and some fun. I had put greenery on the mantel and a cheesy Christmas tree. I had wanted to finish it but it didn't happen. Nonetheless, we shot. For an hour we laughed, we cried, we laughed, we were scratched, we laughed, we heard sounds from the cat we had never heard before, we laughed, we were licked by the dogs, we laughed, we chased the bunny, we laughed, forgot the fish, moved the furniture, did I mention we laughed? We had an awesome time!
An aside to this picture: I called Wednesday night to check on Kellie and Wendy since they weren't at church and after 30 minutes of listening to Wendy laugh while trying to tell me about this picture she was working on it popped up on Facebook. I'm thinking if she laughs as hard while she works on them as she did while taking them I may send them out for New Years. :)
I'm joking because she is very punctual and quick with her clients pictures!!! Okay and I have to admit I absolutely love Michael's hilarious expression in this photo. He looks like a little mischievous man.
Back to the photo shoot, Mikie brings the dogs to the porch, Maggie catches the cat and Mattie starts to get the bunny out. When I opened the door the dogs bound in and straight to Maggie where Green Eyes begins to scratch her and jumps out of her arms. Somehow she manages to get her and lock her in the bedroom while we chase the dogs all over the house. Lou Lou dug her claws into the hardwood and Mikie's hollering quit pulling her she's scratching the floor. Maximus is trying to pull the trash out of the can, Ty was trying to get out of the way. All Wendy and I could do was laugh.
Mikie sat in the floor and we finally got Maximus and Lou Lou to sit. Wendy tried to put the santa hat on Maximus but Mikie ended up with it. After licks, laughs and Lou Lou kicking Maggie out of the picture this is the preview Wendy sent.
While we waited on Mikie to put the dogs in the basement and Maggie and Mattie to get the other animals Mollie, Michael and I took a break. Can I just say, "I LOVE this picture." I think it's Michael's only sweet face pic in the whole bunch!
The creepiest picture of the night has to be one of the faves on Facebook and Pinterest. The "Grinch!"
After it was all over, Wendy started packing her camera gear up and Mollie asked her to take one more. Mollie doesn't like to have her pictures made so Wendy couldn't miss it! Obviously I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures and I know Wendy is busily working on ours and other families too.
I know many of you haven't had your Christmas pictures taken yet. Now's your chance! I'm giving away a sitting fee for a one hour session with Wendy of Wendy Iven's Photography with a value of $50. This is good in the East Tennessee area, she is based in Jefferson County but will travel within a reasonable distance. You don't have to use it for Christmas pics, but it would be a great time to get them done.
To win you need to do any or all of the following and come back to this blog post and comment that you did them:
1. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography blog.
2. Follow Wendy Iven's Photography on Facebook
3. Follow Mommy to 4 MJ's on Facebook
4. Follow my blog mommyto4mjs
5. Tell me what kind of pictures you want Wendy to take.
So you have 5 chances to win. You receive one entry for each of the above that you complete and comment about on this blog post. Facebook comments will not be considered.
Contest ends December 1st.
Have fun looking at Wendy's awesome pics and Good Luck!
Disclaimer: This post is my opinion. Wendy Iven's of Wendy Iven's Photography did not provide me anything free only a really great time while she took our pictures. The pictures I receive I purchase and the sitting fee I am giving away is paid for out of my pocket. Wendy is a great friend and I want to see her business flourish so let's help her out.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Giveaway, Tommy Nelson Kids Books
As October rolls to an end, we all know what is just around the corner, Christmas! Books make great Christmas presents. Tommy Nelson Kids has two new books now available. Our family has been reading these all month for our nightly book time and they love them.
The first Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love is Brennan Manning's very first children's book. Not familiar with Mr. Manning, he is the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book tells children of God's endless love and showcases children from several ethnic backgrounds. Children often don't understand how God can love everyone, but we are always in the middle of God's love. This book is written for children ages 4-8.
Sheila Walsh author of the God's Little Princess Series, has a new series coming out titled Gabby God's Little Angel. Gabby is geared for girls ages 3-7 and teaches how God uses His angels to care for us. Girls can even color Gabby's adventures with these coloring sheets.
Both of these books have a great message for children and beautiful illustrations. If you aren't familiar with Tommy Nelson Kids these books are a great way to get started.
Want to win one of these books from Tommy Nelson Kids? You can earn a chance to win by commenting on the questions below, liking me on facebook and following me on twitter. That's 4 chances to win!! Come back and comment that you follow me on facebook and twitter.
Good Luck!!
Ways to enter review:
1. Post a comment below to this question to win Gabby, God's Little Angel"
"When you're not with your kids how do you communicate that God and His angels are watching over them?"
2. Post a comment below to the following question to win Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love
"How do you teach your children to show God's love to the world?"
3. Like mommyto4mjs on facebook
4. Follow mommyto4mjs on twitter
Don't forget to comment below that you follow me on facebook and twitter. Remember your comments must be on this post!!
Contest ends Monday, October 31st at midnight!!!
Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids has supplied me with the books for this review. This review is my opinion and I was not paid.
The first Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love is Brennan Manning's very first children's book. Not familiar with Mr. Manning, he is the author of The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book tells children of God's endless love and showcases children from several ethnic backgrounds. Children often don't understand how God can love everyone, but we are always in the middle of God's love. This book is written for children ages 4-8.
Sheila Walsh author of the God's Little Princess Series, has a new series coming out titled Gabby God's Little Angel. Gabby is geared for girls ages 3-7 and teaches how God uses His angels to care for us. Girls can even color Gabby's adventures with these coloring sheets.
Both of these books have a great message for children and beautiful illustrations. If you aren't familiar with Tommy Nelson Kids these books are a great way to get started.
Want to win one of these books from Tommy Nelson Kids? You can earn a chance to win by commenting on the questions below, liking me on facebook and following me on twitter. That's 4 chances to win!! Come back and comment that you follow me on facebook and twitter.
Good Luck!!
Ways to enter review:
1. Post a comment below to this question to win Gabby, God's Little Angel"
"When you're not with your kids how do you communicate that God and His angels are watching over them?"
2. Post a comment below to the following question to win Smack-Dab in the Middle of God's Love
"How do you teach your children to show God's love to the world?"
3. Like mommyto4mjs on facebook
4. Follow mommyto4mjs on twitter
Don't forget to comment below that you follow me on facebook and twitter. Remember your comments must be on this post!!
Contest ends Monday, October 31st at midnight!!!
Disclaimer: Tommy Nelson Kids has supplied me with the books for this review. This review is my opinion and I was not paid.
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