Praises of a Wife and Mommy

Just Sayin’ is not your typical 90-day devotional for girls. It’s an all-out open space for girls 8-12 to explore and learn more about themselves and their faith, using creative, wacky applications and doodles to teach Bible truths. Soft heart, hard heart, which R U? Throwing stones? No! Stop the rocks. Silver, gold—B.L.I.N.G. That is Y-O-U in God’s eyes. Just Sayin’  isn’t your typical 90-day devo for girls. It’s an all-out open space for you to explore and learn more about yourself and your faith. Prompts get your mind thinking, ideas flowing, and help turn your thoughts and emotions into dynamic doodles and more! Each of the short, single-page devos were designed for girls just like you, with relevant topic, quotes, Scripture, plus doodles, journal prompts, lists, puzzles, quizzes, fill-in-the-blank prayers, and unique activities that explore Bible truths and ways to apply them—everyday.  Just Sayin’  challenges girls to follow Jesus every day. Best. ...

Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door, written by Denette Fretz and illustrated by Gene Barretta, tells the tale of a city slicker named Conrad whose biggest challenge during his summer of cowboy training is the know-it-all cowgirl next door. “I hear that becoming a cowboy can be dangerous. Especially if you don't know the rules. I don’t know the rules.” It’s a good thing Conrad brought his Mega Ultimate Extreme First Aid Kit to Uncle Clint’s ranch because learning how to be a cowboy turns out to be a lot harder—and more painful—than he thought. Conrad has a lot to learn – including don’t squat with spurs on and never wave your red sweatshirt at a bull. But the biggest challenge of all is dealing with Imogene Louise Lathrup, the know-it-all-cowgirl next door. When Imogene shows up, she is all too happy to point out Conrad’s shortcomings. In this follow-up to their  debut hit  Pirates on the Farm , author Denette Fretz and illustrator Gene Barretta team up once aga...

Had fun with a few of my students creating this little display for Red Ribbon Week!  What do you do for Red Ribbon week?   How do you talk to your kids about drugs? 

2014-  Witches Walk and Trunk or Treat This is our 2nd year that our church opened our parking lot up and decorated or vehicles and ourselves!   My husband and I both picked a book character!   Can you guess who we are?   I'm sure you all could guess my husband-  "Where's Waldo!"  But many of you might be struggling with me....  I'm not Rainbow Bright, or the Rainbow Fish!   Still confused about me?  It is the character from the book,  " A Bad Case of Stripes ."  I love the story and it was a delight when kids knew who I was!   EAT your Lima Beans!   My two kiddos were the cutest around, we have an adorable Lady Bug and Hulk!  Then I have a few of the other vehicles that came out!   I think we had 17 total vehicles/trunks in our lot and next year I hope we have even more!  We were also blessed with a 70 degree day for this so tons of families were out!!   IT WAS A BLAST! ...

12 years ago I was 18 and still praying for a miracle as our family surround my mom to say our good byes. My mom might not have been healed here on Earth but she did have victory as she went to be with her savior on October 30th 2002. Her pain was gone and the stupid leukemia was no more!! Selfishly I was very angry the cancer took her life and it took a long time to understand Gods plans for me and my family. Now 12 years later I look and realize how my faith has become much stronger through this and amazed how often God has used my testimony to love on others as they go through tough times. I may have had her physically here on earth for 18 years but her prayers she prayed through out the years are still coming to light. I often still ask, what would my mom say or do or think of many different situations I face! I know I am her legacy and I pray God would bring me deeper and deeper in his love and understanding so I can be a light all of my days like my mom Bette Norden! I love you...

It's National Red Ribbon Week and I am in love with my daughter's school theme for the day-  "I 'mustache' you to say NO to drugs!"   I will be honest, I wish my school would have been as cool as my daughters and did this theme.  :) Back to the real topic-  SAY NO TO DRUGS!  At what age do you start to talk about drugs with your kids?   

This year we took the easy route when it came to pumpkins.   I am still thinking that we might carve them on Friday since we might not trick or treat for very long since its going to be very COLD!    Last year I found these Mr. Potato head pieces in a package for pumpkins on clearance so it was an easy buy.   My kids had fun picking and changing their pieces for their pumpkin.