Praises of a Wife and Mommy

Join the Bear cubs as they learn all about Jesus’ holy birth. From the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary to the visit from the three wise men, join Mama, Papa, Brother, Sister, and Honey as they discover the story of the very first Christmas.
Jan & Mike Berenstain
Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, and Jan in 2012, Mike continues to create the delightful Bear adventures from the family home and studio in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.
My Review: As a big Berenstain Bear fan this one is perfect for the Christmas book collections to read each year.   I love seeing the Christmas story in good ole bear fashion.  
This Christmas book will be a great one to add to your library.  Like all Berenstain Bear boo…

Product description:
What happens on Christmas Eve while children sleep? "Their stockings are filled up with candy and toys, and happy surprises for good girls and boys." A kindhearted man hid a gift in a stocking, long ago. He did it to "remind everyone of the Gift that God sent." Christmas stockings help us remember God's love.
My Review: "My Christmas Stocking" is an adorable board book that is in a shape of a stocking.   The author uses many great rhymes and the illustrations are bright.  This story tells you the story of the first stockings and Saint Nicholas.   Our main stream society really doesn't understand that Saint Nicholas was a real person who had a desire to share God's message and love with everyone!   It is a great story to start with your toddlers so they understand the difference of Saint Nicholas a real person as opposed to Santa Claus a fictitious character.  I recommend putting this book on your Christmas list of books to re…

Well we made our way into Illinois to visit Anthony's side of the family.   We were so excited to see some of them and see the kids play together.  


This picture shows Leona, Selah, and Titus!  There are several years between them but they sure get along great.  

This picture had me giggling as Leona put up a peace sign when I took their picture.   She might not have any idea what she was doing but sure made for a good laugh and a memorable moment.  

Titus made his own turkey placemat at school.  I love it and hope I can keep it night for a long time to remember his tiny little hands.   

Book Description

A much-needed devotional Bible designed for a new generation of young adult men.

Combining the current writings of key young authors and pastors with a clean, accessible design, the NIV Devotional Bible for Men fills a critical gap in the Bible marketplace: a highly approachable yet spiritualty challenging Bible targeted specifically at young adult men.

This compelling new Bible speaks to the topics, challenges, and expectations that will instantly connect with men ages 18-34. It covers such critical issues as career, sexuality, leadership, pornography, relationships, financial stability, spiritual growth, substance addiction, culture, character, education, self-image and more. Each of the 260 devotions is carefully designed to ensure extensive, sustainable immersion into God's Word, leading to meaningful life impact.

Sensitive to the technologically connected, time-starved lifestyles of today, the NIV Devotional Bible for Men offers the quick impact and deep spiritua…

Book Description

Did you know that even before you were born, I prayed for you?

Mommies love their babies and pray over them before they are born and for their whole lives. This book will help them share the many ways they have prayed, and continue to pray, over the lives of their precious children.

Mama Bear shares with Baby Bear how much she prayed for her, even before Baby Bear was born. And each and every day, Mama prays and asks God to help Baby Bear grow big and strong, be safe, love God, and be good to others.

From before these sweet babies are born, and for every part of their futures, Mama covers them in prayer. Every spread will share a different prayer, and mamas everywhere will resonate with this eternally important message.

Baby bears everywhere will fall asleep knowing they are loved and prayed over.
My Review: "I Prayed for You" By Jean Fischer and illustrated by Frank Endersby is a sweet board book.   This board book has pictures that catch your attention and rhymes…

Ready or not we got about 7 inches of snow!   With a warm fall I still had flowers in bloom and peppers growing in my garden!   Not to mention it is going to get warm again next week.




Even if I wasn't ready for the shoveling and the  snow mess these two goof balls were overjoyed to play in the white stuff.   We had fun making snow angels, a small fort, and just walking in the snow.   


Here is another example that fall was not ready to be done yet... pretty fall leaves still on the tree.   

It was a long week and midweek I woke up with congestion and a cough plus add a little exhaustion in the mix.   I just wanted to come home on Friday and not worry about dinner.  
Someone from my church unaware that I was battling a head cold made me homemade chicken soup!!   BLESSED!   
This is how the Holy Spirit works!   He nudges someone to do something!   This for instance wasn't anything huge but for me today it was exactly what I needed.   THANK YOU JESUS for loving me and taking care of me.   
Now we can just pray for this cold to exit and no more germs in the house!  

Book Description:

Goodnight, Manger, written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Jane Chapman, tells the story of Mary and Joseph as they try to lull Jesus to sleep in the noisy stable after his birth. It's bedtime for Baby Jesus, but who knew a manger could be so loud? Mama, Papa, and all of the animals try to lull the baby to sleep, but between itchy hay, angels' joyful hosanas, and three kings bearing noisy gifts, it's just too loud. Until Mama finds a way for everyone to work together to shepherd Baby into peaceful dreams under the twinkling stars. With sweet, rhyming text in the style of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight, Manger offers a unique twist on the classic manger tale, deftly weaving together the comforting and familiar routines of bedtime with the special magic and wonder of the manger story.

Book Description:
I enjoyed Laura Sassi's "Goodnight Ark" about Noah's Ark and this was is also adorable.…

Book Description:
The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus’ birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.


My Review:
I loved this story!!!   As soon as I started reading it my mind started thinking about how I could share this story in a Christmas program way.   I was picturing my kids church kids holding up different cookies and telling the birth of Jesus with them... makes me excited for Christmas.... and hungry for cookies! 

In this adorable story the author tells the history and purpose of the Christmas cookies... to share the birth o…

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With just over a month to go until the big day arrives, it’s time to kick your preparations into top gear. Start making the plans today, and there’s no reason to think this won’t be the best Christmas ever.
Source:
Whether you dedicate your life to religion or not is unimportant. We all want to enjoy the festivities, and here’s everything you need to know.
Decorations Christmas isn’t just about December 25th; it’s about the entire build-up. There’s no better way to get the excitement bubbling than by transforming your home into a personal Winter Wonderland.
This doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. Decorating the tree can be a great activity to enjoy with the kids too. Moreover, you could make your own crafts to add extra personality to the fun.
Another nice option is to invest in a nativity scene sculpture. Come December 25th, your children can place the baby Jesus in his manger to celebrate the tradition.
Presents Material items aren’t…

Now you can save 30% buy using code CHRISTMAS2015 when shopping on Zondervan.com   Go have fun and buy someone something that can help change their life for the better... with JESUS!

A new way to do math!!  


Product Description: 
Add-It-Up! Archery Set Value: $59.99 Take aim at addition! Sized just right for children, our super-safe archery set lets kids shoot for a bull’s-eye…as they practice math! Children just use a flexible plastic bow to shoot safe, suction-cup arrows at the target—adding up the numbers as they play! Includes 4 arrows, plus a bow, quiver, target and stand. Measures 19 3/4" x 38 1/2" tall.
My Review:
Math has hit a new level of fun!   This new suction cup archery set will encourage addition or any other math number work is going to make math fun!  My kids were eager when I opened up the shipping box and they saw the archery set.   They were ready to get started but first some rules and teaching them how to use it had to be done.   We set the archery up right in the living room.   We made sure that every one had to be behind the person shooting the arrow.   We discussed safety  a lot even though the suction cup arrow is not going to really …

The Christmas story comes to life through age-appropriate puzzles, activity pages, and 50 reusable stickers in this friendly and fun sticker and activity Book featuringThe Beginner’s Bible classic art and simply written content.
Thanks Zondervan for sending me this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions are 100% mine.  
I know I have said it before but I love STICKERS!   I would have loved these sticker books growing up and right now my son is enjoying them!   Last night we sat down with this book and did all the activities together.   WE HAD A BLAST!  Of course we did all the stickers first, then moved on to the coloring portions, and then the other fun pages with puzzles.  
This book hits on the basic story of Jesus' birth and makes it more exciting with stickers and other fun activities.  It is paired great with any other stories for Christmas!  

Book DescriptionThe premier New King James Study bible for children in the trusted NKJV translation. The NKJV Study Bible for Kids is the premier study Bible for children 8 to 12 in the trusted New King James Version, and in full-color! Not only is this a Bible for study of biblical facts and themes, it also includes articles that are topical, and truly applicable to a child's daily life! This new Study Bible just for kids in the trustworthy NKJV translation is packed full of hundreds of study notes to help kids understand and engage with scripture. The features will help kids learn more about God's Word and apply it to their lives. A firm foundation in the Bible will create a path to a stronger faith. The full color interior includes these features: * Behind the Scenes: book introductions for each Book of the Bible * Spotlight: Gods story from Genesis to Revelation * Epic Ideas: Must-know topics that relate to a kids world * Action!: Helpful, interesting, and day-to-day life to…

I am one proud WIFE!   Congrats Anthony!  Ordination might not change your duties as a pastor but it is a sign that we are where we need to be!   God has his hand upon you and I know you have the ears to listen and the discipline to listen!  Thank you Anthony, for leading this family!   We love you and are proud of you!   
The evening included some awesome prayers for us... yes it brought me to tears but they were good tears.  



The entire Foursqure conference was fantastic.    It truly was confirmation to Anthony and I that we have been doing a lot of the right things and want to do more of it!  
The messages were great but my favorite thing is seeing everyone!   We might only see each other a couple times a year but when we do it brings a smile to my face.  

Product Description: Every girl wants to know she’s totally unique and special. This Bible says that with Faithgirlz sparkle. Through the many in-text features found only in the Faithgirlz Bible, girls will grow closer to God as they discover the journey of a lifetime. Features include: • Book introductions—Read about the who, when, where, and what of each book • Dream Girl—Use your imagination to put yourself in the story • Bring It On!—Take quizzes to really get to know yourself • Is There a Little (Eve, Ruth, Isaiah) in You?—See for yourself what you have in common • Words to Live By—Check out these Bible verses that are great for memorizing • What Happens Next?—Create a list of events to tell a Bible story in your own words • Oh, I Get It!—Find answers to Bible questions you've wondered about • The complete New King James Version (NKJV) translation • Features written by bestselling author Nancy Rue
My Review: You all know I love to review many different Bibles!   I really enjoy several of …

Book DescriptionWin or lose, one thing that’s true . . . No matter what, I love you!

Competition can bring out the worst in us, but it can also be an opportunity to learn impactful life lessons. That’s why it’s so important for kids to understand how to handle winning and losing!

Join Lulu and Max as they help Bear-Bear, Goosey, Coyote and the rest of their animal friends in the Field Day contests determine who will be the leader of Lulu’s forest.

But as the animals soon find out, not everyone can win. Sore losers, unkind winners, flaring tempers, and a few tears are taking the fun straight out of Field Day!

Just like Lulu and Max help the animals navigate the ups and downs of the day, with Win or Lose, I Love You parents will be equipped to help children:
Replace the selfish characteristics of competition with an understanding of how to treat others fairly
Overcome the tendency to display poor sportsmanship by using Biblical truths to develop a Christ-like attitude
Reject the labels of win…