Today at 4pm in Naperville, IL we will be hosting a storytime to raise funds for the Toys For Tots Literacy program. Melisa Wells, author of Chicken In The Car And The Car Won’t Go: Nearly 200 Ways To Enjoy … Continue reading
I love reading books about organization but often end up feeling worse about my organizational skills when I’m done reading them than I did when I started. Pretty Neat: The Buttoned-Up Way To Get Organized and Let Go Of Perfection … Continue reading
I recently reviewed Are Your Kids Driving You Nuts?, a parenting book written by Dr. James Jones. He started a foundation called “Familyhood” that “is dedicated to strengthening individuals, marriages and family relationships”. In the book he has written, Jones focuses on principles of correct parenting.
A large portion of the book is about “parent traps”, which are “dysfunctional patterns of behavior parent often fall into when trying to get a child to.. 1. Stop an undesirable behavior or 2. start a desirable behavior.” Dr. Jones claims that parent-trap behaviors “seem to work at first, but they never build healthy relationships. Eventually they just make things worse.”
Since I have toddlers many of these “parent traps” did not relate to me because my children can’t say much yet. One I did read about that I felt was relevant to my life was the chapter on anger. I find myself getting angry sometimes with my children when they aren’t listening and I sometimes raise my voice. I always feel awful afterwards but I justify it with “he knows I love him still because I stress it’s his behavior I don’t like, not him”. As a parent I was devastated to read the words in this book that said, “Psychologists tell us that little children split. They cannot understand that Daddy can be angry and love them too. A young child cannot mentally hold and evaluated two concepts at the same time. So if Dad usually comes across as angry, they assume he is only angry and that he does not love them.” Then the book said, “They further conclude that something is wrong with them since Dad is angry at them. This has a negative impact on the child’s self-esteem, usually for life.”
I had never thought of it this way before. While I’m not 100% convinced that my anger now will impact their self-esteem for life, reading this chapter made me think about how I speak to my children and how I communicate my feelings. As I skimmed through the rest of this book I found other chapters that I would want to look at in the future including “parent-traps” such as nagging (chapter 14) and unrealistic expectations (chapter 23). With over 20 parent traps I think that most parents could find one or more chapters that they could relate to and find ways to improve their parenting skills.
(Disclosure: This post was written for Family Review Network & Family Impact who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.)
Her Daughter’s Dream by Francine Rivers
In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.
Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.
College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn.
Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.
Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.
Questions/Answers from Francine Rivers
How has exploring the relationship between your mother and grandmother helped you understand yourself?
This is a question I would love readers to ask themselves at the end of Her Mother’s Hope. I realized early in the story that I have many of my grandmother and mother’s character traits, both good and bad. They both had tempers. So do I. They both had low self-esteem. I’m always striving to “measure up”. They both chose spouses who respected them. So did I. Both women had strong faith and servants’ hearts, something they encouraged in me. My mother extended grace to others — a trait I want to cultivate to the end of my days. By holding onto her anger, Grandma lacked the peace and joy she could have had in her last years. I tend to relive past hurts. Writing about Marta made me decide to let go, forgive and move on. For whatever reason, Grandma couldn’t and missed out on so much joy in her last years. Sometimes people deeply hurt as children take offense where none was intended. Holding a grudge causes suffering, especially for the one who won’t let go. Jesus said to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. Forgiveness frees us, even if the other person refuses to join in the process of reconciliation. As I examine my own life, I see how much I’ve been forgiven. How can I not extend God’s grace to others? The best way to experience the fullness of God’s presence in my life is to surrender it to Him. And in that surrender, we are made more complete and joy-filled.
Mother-daughter relationships are often complicated and fraught with emotional land mines. What was your approach to exploring the complexity of those relationships in a fictional setting?
Questions, lots of questions! Every time I told someone I was working on a book about mother-daughter relationships, people wanted to share their family stories. As I wrote Her Mother’s Hope, I wanted readers to see through each woman’s eyes, and understand how the past shaped each in the way she responded to her mother. Hildemara doesn’t believe her mother loves her, but it is out of Marta’s pain and loss that tough-love techniques were forged. Marta wants to strengthen her daughter for whatever lies ahead. Sometimes what we view as rejection can actually be an act of sacrificial love. We seldom know the experiences that shaped our mothers, the deep hurts, traumatic events, broken relationships. I hope women who read this book will want to share those things with one another.
Writing a novel is not for the faint of heart. What was the most difficult part of writing this family saga? What came the most naturally to you?
The most difficult part of writing any novel is getting out of my own way. I have to get rid of preconceived notions about themes and characters and plot. The first draft of this novel came in at over 1000 pages and was too biographical. I wanted the story to shift back and forth from present to past, trying to show what happened to create the rifts and valleys between Hildemara, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. I was too cautious, too afraid to harm to my grandmother and mother’s memory.
A wonderful editor wrote me an insightful letter in which she listed what she wanted to know about each the characters. Her letter got my creative juices flowing. She helped me look at the story in a new way. I set the first manuscript aside and started over. I found it better to move from one generation to the next in a linear story. This time the characters followed my grandmother and mother’s timeline, but took on a life of their own. They became unique individuals rather than the shadow of real people.
After readers finish this series what do you want them to remember? What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level?
I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge.
Who do you see as the audience for this story, and does that differ from your previous readership?
I am fortunate to work with Tyndale House. If a writer does well in one genre, publishers encourage the writer to continue in the same genre. Tyndale has given me the freedom to go wherever the story leads. I have done historical as well as contemporary. This two-part saga was intended to be one LONG book. Splitting the story into two parts made it more affordable for readers, and eliminated the need to delete entire sections. Hopefully, both women and men will enjoy Her Mother’s Hope and Her Daughter’s Dream. Men play a strong role in the lives of all four primary characters: Marta, Hildemara Rose, Carolyn and May Flower Dawn. And both books have much to do with faith, how it presents itself, how it grows, often under difficult circumstances and in unexpected ways.
Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of HER DAUGHTER’S DREAM?
I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancinceRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.
*****
(Disclosure: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.)
“Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations” and The Hands-On Bible “uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way”. This new edition uses the New Living Translation which is understandable for children. It features hands-on Bible experiences, key verse activities, and fun facts among tons of other features.
Here are a few of the hands-on ideas in this Bible:
There is also a coordinating website called My Hands On Bible that features family devotions, music, a Bible reading plan, and more. I love the Bible Song MP3’s that I can download and listen to with my children. The Bible reading plan is perfect for children because it covers a well-known story each day and has an accompanying question for the child to think about while they read the story.
Giveaway:
One reader will win a copy of the Hands-On Bible.
How to enter (leave a comment for each one you do):
1. Subscribe to Making Time For Mommy through email or RSS
2. “Like” Making Time For Mommy on Facebook
3. Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter
4. Tweet: “I just entered to win the Hands-On Bible from @aliciamarie112 at http://www.makingtimeformommy.com “
Giveaway ends October 24, 2010.
(Disclosure: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a copy of this Bible for review and a copy to give to one of my readers.)
This week I am participating in the Fall Catch-Up Read-A-Thon over at The True Book Addict. You can visit her site to find out more but basically you want to put together a post about the books you plan to read during this week long read-a-thon that starts TODAY, link up here, and then spend the week reading!
As a busy work-at-home-mom of two toddlers I don’t get as much time to read as I would like. This month is extra busy with trying to find a place to move and packing but I feel it’s important to take time out for myself so I’m joining in. Look for book reviews of some of these books soon! :)
Here are the books I plan to read:
* Too Many Cooks: Kitchen Adventures with 1 Mom, 4 Kids, and 102 Recipes (Author: Emily Franklin)
* The Secrets Of Newberry (Author: Victor McGlothin)
* The Girls From Ames (Author: Jeffrey Zaslow)
* I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids (Author: Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile)
I recently had the chance to review SuperBaby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First 3 Years, a book that came out last week. SuperBaby shows parents how to take advantage of the critical first three years of their baby’s life. As a mom of a one and two year old I found a lot of useful information in this book and I haven’t even finished reading it yet!
At first I didn’t know what to expect because I wondered if the term “SuperBaby” fit what I really wanted my children to be. The press release for this book explained though that “Raising a superbaby is not about creating an überbaby: a perfect, genius who will get into all the right preschools and colleges. Instead, it is about raising a child who is empathetic, resilient, and is emotionally intelligent. It is about nurturing a baby to help her reach her full potential.” That IS what I wanted for my children so I dove into the book.
In each chapter of SuperBaby, Dr. Jenn focuses on one of twelve areas that greatly impact a baby’s development. These include respectful communication, responding to cues, creating security and predictability, the importance of touch, promoting language development, sign language, foreign language, the importance of play, reading, screen (tv) time, reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, and eating & nutrition.
I was especially interested in the chapter on language development. Dr. Jenn says that “it has been shown that the sheer number of words spoken to a child is directly proportionate to the size of her vocabulary. However, this applies only to direct conversations you have with your child. The words she overhears from television, videos, radio, or other conversations do not count.” I was happy to learn this because I talk all the time to my toddler and was told by someone that I talked “too much”.
I also read something about sharing that made perfect sense to me but that I don’t really practice that often. Dr. Jenn suggested that parents share with their children (which I already do) but that when we do so we narrate what we are doing. Saying things like “I will share my drink with you.” “Can I have a sip of your drink…we are sharing a drink!” “It’s my turn, and then it will be your turn… we are taking turns… we are sharing!” A simple idea but putting words to our actions helps a lot!
Overall, I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read in this book and look forward to reading more of it over these next few weeks (and probably years as I refer back to it). I also hope to share guest posts from the author with more tips on how we can give our young children a head start in life.
Giveaway:
One person will win a copy of the book, SuperBaby: 12 Ways To Give Your Child A Head Start In The First 3 Years
How To Enter (leave a comment below for each one):
1. Tell me why you want to win this book
2. Subscribe to Making Time For Mommy
3. “Like” Making Time For Mommy on Facebook
4. Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter
5. Tweet the following: “Enter to win the book SuperBaby from @aliciamarie112 at http://www.makingtimeformommy.com “
6. Enter another giveaway and let me know which one you entered
Giveaway ends October 15, 2010 at 11:59pm.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of SuperBaby from Sterling Publishing for review. All opinions are my own.)
My Purple Toes is a creative children’s board book written for children under eight-years-old that tells a story about a father’s experience navigating life with purple painted toenails. From mom to the kids to their dog, everyone reacts differently to dad’s purple toes showing their surprise, embarrassment, and even laughter.
Throughout the book, children can look for dad’s toes in various environments and also find a friendly frog with purple toes that hides on each page. In addition to entertaining, “My Purple Toes” teaches a simple, yet relevant lesson about the importance of acceptance, enjoying life and being different.
“My Purple Toes” features cheerful, imaginative illustrations by artist Tate Nation on its board-style book, offering durability ideal for young children. “My Purple Toes” can be purchased online for $10.99. (above text taken from website)
*****
I read this book to my two year old, Jacob. Though I’m pretty sure he did not “get” the lesson of the story he still enjoyed listening to mommy read it. We pointed out the toes on each page and then I’d ask “where are Jacob’s toes?” and “where are mommy’s toes?” He is at the age where he loves identifying body parts so he really enjoyed doing that.
As a mom I loved the lessons that the book taught which are being accepting of everyone, enjoying life to it’s fullest, and letting children know that it’s ok to be different and unique. I think those are really important lessons to teach children at a young age.
I was also happy to see that a portion of the proceeds from each book supports a charity called Soles4Souls, which collects and distributes shoes at no cost to people in need.
Giveaway:
One person will win this review copy of My Purple Toes
How to enter:
Leave a comment below telling me one “life lesson” that you think should be taught at a young age.
Giveaway ends on September 27, 2010 at 11:59pm Central time.
(Disclosure: This post was written for Family Review Network & My Purple Toes who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.”
I recently had the chance to review the book How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child by Jenifer Wana.
The book features:
As a previous Pre-K teacher and Assistant Director of a daycare I was very interested in reading this book. I really liked the sections of the book on what to look for in a preschool and visiting preschools. Like the author, I think it is so important to go to the prospective preschool with a list of questions to get to know both the program and the teacher better. How the teacher and the administrators of the preschool answer these questions will help you decide if the preschool is a good fit for your child.
I would recommend this book to all parents who are starting the preschool search. You can find out more about the book and the author at the website preschoolprimer.com.
(Disclosure: This post was written for Family Review Network and Sourcebooks who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.)
What is the book about?
The book is part testimony of how I went from committed, albeit legalistic, Christian for twenty-nine years to witch, medium, and ghost hunter for eight years before God restored my faith and life. It details my personal struggle with trying to be “the perfect Christian” while being drawn to the Occult from childhood. The book is also a Biblical study that examines the current pop-cultural interest in the occult (in particular ghosts, hauntings, and mediums) and how this interest is affecting Christians as well as their beliefs about the supernatural.
Why call it Escaping the Cauldron?
This is actually the first book in a series, What Christians Need to Know about the Occult. It is a series of collections written from my former experiences as a witch, medium, and ghost hunter. This book is primarily about ghost hunting, mediumship, and the paranormal but I chose “Escaping the Cauldron” as the main title because witchcraft was truly my entry into the arena of occult interest and exploration including such things as divination, psychic ability, spirit guides, mediumship, ghost hunting, etc.
What do you think is the most important chapter of the book?
I think there are many important chapters but “Spiritual Warfare” and “How Should Christians Respond?”are the two which take everything discussed in the previous chapters bringing it all together, helping the reader understand their authority in Jesus Christ and leading the way to a ready defense for any kind of paranormal or supernatural event they may experience in their life as a Christian.
What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
I hope to inform and equip Christians with information about the occult. Additionally I pray the church will begin to acknowledge the presence of the spiritual world around us and listen to people who come forward with stories or claims of paranormal experiences without dismissing them immediately. When the church refuses to listen or offer any Biblical assistance, many people are forced to seek help elsewhere. This generally means seeking out ghost hunters, mediums, and psychics. I also hope to encourage Christians who may be questioning their faith to seek a deeper relationship with God, especially if they are stuck in a form of legalism. Our answers truly can be found in Jesus Christ.
Where is the book currently available to purchase?
The book is available in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon. The book is also available in paperback and e-book editions at my blog site: Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com and Lulu Publishing.
How are you available to the Christian community?
I write a daily blog, Kristine ReMixed at www.KristineMcGuire.com, on a variety of topics including faith, marriage, prayer, spiritual gifts, and the occult. I also work with my husband through Big Fish Ministries at www.BigFishMinistries.com, ministering through speaking with him at church and para-church events about marriage, facilitating seven day or special event prayer rooms, helping the homeless, etc. I am also available to speak at any youth, women’s, or church events on a variety of Christian topics.
Giveaway:
Win a copy of the book Escaping The Cauldron by Kristine McGuire
How to enter:
Leave a comment below stating why you would like to win the book.
Giveaway ends September 15, 2010 at 11:59pm Central time.
(Disclosure: The author has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. I will be giving away my copy to the winner.)
Ten great quotes from the book, Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh (CEO of Zappos):
These are just 10 great quotes that I found in this book which is over 240 pages long. I have to admit that I didn’t know how much I would get out of this book since I’m not a “business person” but I really enjoyed Hsieh’s conversational style of writing. I found myself starting to read and then before I knew it half an hour had gone by.
If you would like to learn more about this book check out the website: DeliveringHappinessBook.com. To get a copy for yourself you can find the book on Amazon or you can win one here!
Giveaway:
One copy of the book: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh (softcover)
How to enter:
Tell me why you want to read this book.
Additional Entry (leave another comment):
This giveaway ends July 15, 2010 at 11:59pm.
(Disclosure: I was given two copies of this book by the Delivering Happiness team- one to review and one to giveaway.)
This post is linked up to Amanda’s Top Ten Tuesday meme.
Today I would like to share a new series of children’s books with you called The Wild Soccer Bunch. If you have children ages 8-14 who enjoy soccer this is the perfect series for them.
Landon Donovan, captain of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the 2009 Major League Soccer’s MVP, had this to say about the books: “From the very first page I became a fan of the Wild Soccer Bunch. The stories unfold like an epic soccer game: mesmerizing, nail-biting, and fun.”
This international best-selling series of children’s book launched here in the United Stats on May 26th with the release of the first book called Kevin the Star Striker. Here is the summary from the back cover:
“When the last of the snow has finally melted, soccer season starts! Kevin the Star Striker and The Wild Bunch rush to their field. They have found that Mickey the Bulldozer and his gang, The Unbeatables, have taken over. Kevin and his friends challenge the Unbeatables to the biggest game of their lives. Can the Wild Bunch defeat The Unbeatables, or lose their field of dreams forever? Can they do what no team has done before?”
The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1: Kevin the Star Striker can be purchased at the Wild Soccer Bunch website or at other online retailers, such as Amazon. You can also win a copy of the book here!
GIVEAWAY:
There will be TWO winners in this giveaway.
HOW TO ENTER:
Leave a comment telling me what sport your child enjoys playing the most.
Giveaway will end on July 13, 2010 at 11:59pm.
(Disclosure: I received copies of this book in return for sharing the series with my readers.)
These are the parenting books on my bookshelf that I can’t wait to read:
1) “The Power of A Praying Parent” by Stormie Omartian
2) “Raising a Reader” by Jennie Nash
3) “What Every Mom Needs” by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall
4) “Relationship-Empowerment Parenting” by Judy & Jack Balswick and Boni & Don Piper
5) “What Kids Need Most In A Mom” by Patricia H. Rushford
6) “The Modern Girl’s Guide to Motherhood” by Jane Buckingham
7) “Parenting in the Pew” by Robbie Castleman
8) “How To Talk So Kids Can Learn” by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
9) “Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours” by Dr. Kevin Leman
10) “Raising Sons and Loving It!” by Gary and Carrie Oliver
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Are there any you would recommend that I add to my reading list?
Very excited that I was accepted to do book reviews through Thomas Nelson. For my first review I chose the book, How to Reach Your Full Potential for God- Never Settle for Less Than His Best by Charles Stanley. Look for my review in the next month or so.
(If you are a blogger and interested in reviewing a book you can find out more at their site.)
Making Time For Mommy 