Book Review

Ahhhh reading. A love of mine - a love that, unfortunately, these days gets little or no attention. Sigh. I am surrounded by books that call to me. However, I am also surrounded by two toddlers, hubby, housework and laundry...and well, lets just say, life. When I find a pocket of time to read - it's a treasure.

However, I love it when I find a book that captures my attention and makes me find time to read it. That's how it was with this novel, The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Being a girl who has no Southern roots, this book was very eye-opening for me. It has given me a deep, deep respect for African-Americans that I can honestly say I did not have before reading this. It has left me thinking about certain issues, weeks after finishing the work. Excellent.

In addition, Kathryn does an superb job in using three different voices throughout the book. I was very surprised to learn that this is her first book! I felt that I was reading a well seasoned author - and hope there will be more to come!

So, now I feel like I'm one of the kids in Reading Rainbow, looking at the camera, ending my book recommendation with: "so get to your local library and pick up this book!"

Memorial Day

My friend Lara wrote a beautiful post about a Memorial Day encounter she had yesterday. Go over and take a few minutes to read it. It left me speechless and certainly grateful for the sacrifice fellow men and women have given so that I may have freedom. Thank you!

Finding Blue Bonnet Fields....

One of the comments that was left on my Blue Bonnet post was how did I find the field and where was it? Well, the field is in Austin - and sorry, but I don't know the first thing about where there might be Blue Bonnets in Houston. I wish I could help - because I know the feeling! You've asked a excellent question.

Last year, being my first year in TX, I was completely clueless to the Blue Bonnet photo op - and I had no idea where to go and totally missed my opportunity.

This year, I googled, and searched, but the most successful route - Word of Mouth. I just asked a lot of different people. My neighbor heard about the field where we took our pictures at the library story time!

And guess what? This field is three minutes from my house between a doctor office and a nursing home!

A Pretty Great Deal

In today's Sunday paper coupons there is a rebate form to get a turkey or ham for free. Of course, nothing is for free. You have to buy 40.00 of unlivever products in a month's time - and send in your receipts. When I looked into it, I discovered that we use a lot of these products - so I'm going to give it a try.

Rebates for Huggies Diapers

This web-site offers rebates for products that you buy when you are a care giver. They will give you a dollar rebate for every box of Huggies that you purchase. This includes Pull-ups and Overnites. The only requirement is that you buy at least five boxes and you mail in your original receipts.

It may seem little, but if I had a dollar for every box of diapers I've bought....

Did you know?

That you can buy and sell formula and diaper coupons on E*bay? I just discovered this little bounty today - and I am so excited! So, all you expecting moms, when you get your little goody diaper bag from both Enfamil and Similac when your in the hospital - there are lots of coupons and rebates to be found. Do not toss them, make some money off of them.

Is this news to you? Or, have I just been oblivious to the obvious?

Traveling with a toddler

For the holidays we are going to be doing some traveling by air - and I have a couple of questions and would love some input. Any tips? Any ideas on what I bring along to keep Little One busy? How about with an infant? I've never flown with children - and I am not sure what to expect. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Things that make my job easier

• Zippers on baby sleepers vs snaps
• Baby sacks
  
• A new formula can design. No more digging for the scoop! Finally someone got smart!
  
• Drive through Starbucks
• Drive through anything
• The Automated Postal Machine at the post office. Going to the post office after hours with a toddler is much more easier when he can run around the empty post office than waiting in a crowded line!
• Chick-fil-a. I love the service when I go there, I love that I can take the toy out of Little One's kids meal and trade it in for a free ice-cream, I love that they have bendy straws, and I love that they have placemats that stick to the table. Oh, and I love that I hear Christain music playing in the back ground.
  
• Cozi.com - I LOVE that I can form my grocery list at my laptop and then text it to my phone!
• Blogs. I once read that mommy blogging is similar to the day when women would gather at the well and get their water (a household chore) and catch up. I love the encouragement, tips on how I can do things better, recipes to try, and just the simple revelation that I am not alone in this job of being a mom. Now, I'll be honest and admit that computer time is a constant source of discipline for me - It's so easy to just read that one new post off my bloglines and before I know it, a whole episode of the Wiggles is done and I haven't done what I wanted to, I've been sucked into blog land - and the TV needs to be turned off. It happens way too often.
• On that note, Bloglines is a great resource and it has saved me a ton of time. Although my commenting on blogs has gone down - because it takes a little more time to leave one.
  
• Friends.

So, what about you? What little things in your life make your job easier? And you don't just have to be a mom to answer. I'd love to know.

Being that I have a toddler and a newborn, there's not a lot of time for any type of devotions. I'll be honest, the days when I have the option of sleep verses getting up to do a quiet time, I opt for the sleep.

This fall I have joined a Bible study for moms. Most of the moms in the group have younger children - it's a group I have really enjoyed.

This is the book we are going through - and let me tell you, it's an amazing little book. Remember I said that I don't have time for devotions. This book is perfect for this season of my life. It walks you through praying 12 weeks of specific characteristics for your children, things like kindness, humility, obedience... and each day there is one Bible verse, and one prayer - where you can insert your child's name. These days, I need a bottle of Word fed to me.

But here's the deal. This book, in all it's simplicity, is really one of the most challenging studies I have done. Each week I find that I need to do some major cleaning out of my own heart in order for my prayers to be effective for my sons. For instance, I'm praying that little One would be kind. Then, I listen to my words in the course of the day - and have caught myself with not a whole lot of kindness in my tone. How can I pray for my sons to be kind - I need to be praying that I will be kind! That's just one small example. Each week there has been this kind of revelation - and He seems to go a little deeper each week. Just focusing on one verse a day has proven to me: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Anyway, I completely recommend this book for busy mamas. How about you? Have you read this book or do you have any that have helped you get through a busy season?

One thing that has really surprised me is how different Baby Brother and Little One are as infants. On our first visit to the pediatrician, she recommended that I read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer and Happiest Baby on the Block. I checked Secrets of the Baby Whisperer out from the library - and I am devouring it! It is such a helpful book. The author claims that there are four baby types - and she gives a little quiz that helps you determine what kind of baby you have. Little One was a text book baby - Baby Brother, he's a touchy baby - meaning I have had to deal with him in completely different ways than I did with Little One. This book has seriously been my life saver. I also like it because she describes how an infant communicates through cries and body language. And, she is so right on! It's been so helpful, as I can watch Baby Brother's arms and legs and listen to his cry, and I've been able figure him out!

One more thing - I like it because it gives a good middle of the road approach to scheduling. She not extreme on either side - and I really appreciate it.

It's and easy and down to earth read - and I highly recommend it! She has also written a book about toddlers - and I'm anxious to get my hands on that one too....I'll take all the help I can get! :)

Baby Transportation

Yesterday was a huge milestone. Little One and I went to Target to do some grocery shopping. When he saw the carts he wanted to ride in the MOTHER cart. You know, the one that seems like you are pushing a train with the two little seats in the front?

We've tried this cart before - and in the past, I've used it like a bribe - and set it up to be a special privilege to ride in such a cool cart. Who am I kidding? Little One seems to think it's a jungle gym. In, out, up, around and over the thing... by the end of my shopping trip I am about ready to pull out both of our hair, while pushing an empty ENORMOUS cart and chasing a toddler.

So, yesterday, I had determined to just grab my regular cart, and let him walk through the store. My list was small, and I didn't want to fight the cart issues.

The minute we stepped inside he spotted the red train of a cart. And insisted that he ride in it. I am sure you can imagine the two year old insisting part. I told him that he had to sit there and buckle his seat belt - or we would put it back. And oh my goodness! He did it! He sat in the seat and didn't even fight me the whole shopping trip. For the first time he noticed all of the pictures that Target hangs from the ceiling. "Thet's that?" (What's that?), with finger pointing to the signs, was the premise of our Target visit. We made it all the way through the grocery part, and I was even able to hit the baby isles to pick up some good deals. He sat through the check out lane - the melt down happened when he saw the bananas being lifted out of the cart and had to have one. And then sit at little snack area tables. And then want a special treat. And then see a picture of a blue icey drink and want that. So, the last two minutes didn't go so well, and we left the store crying. But, that's so much better than half way through the shopping trip!! Way to go Little One!

Which brings me to the topic of my post. So, how in the world are we going to do Target trips with two little ones? I am tempted to think that all my shopping will be done later in the evening when I can go childless. But, let's be real. That's probably not going to happen as often as I like.

I am thinking about toting that baby carrier and managing a toddler. I personally find that carrier so heavy and awkward. So, what do you all think about baby slings? I've read about them on blogs, and I even saw some for sale in Target yesterday. I never used one with Little One. But, I can't help but think this may be my solution when we venture out and about.

My question is this - how do you know what kind to buy? There are so many different ones to chose from, and heavens, I don't think I want to spend a fortune investing in baby slings. So, I'd love to hear if any of you have any input - as well as resources to turn to.

My other quandary is the double stroller. To buy or not to buy? There are days when Little One loves to ride. There are days when he doesn't. When Little One was born I got the whole travel system deal. It worked great. But, now do I want to plop down the money for the double travel system deal?

During our latest trip to Babies R Us, we checked out all of the double strollers and found one that we thought would work. Hubs and Little One actually spent most of the time running around the store seeing all the different ways the stroller could go. (ie - popping wheelies, how fast it can turn a corner, etc, both having a grand time). We decided on one that was super cool looking and riding (which would mean I'd have to get the matching infant car seat just because I want it all to match.) Then, on July 4th while walking through the park we noticed that Little One had pretty much outgrown the stroller we have now, which is the same line as the one at Babies. I guess the boys were too busy running around the store for us to notice that detail. Now we're second guessing our original choice.

Then I was at the Y on Saturday and saw this. I even talked to the momma who was pushing it and got her opinion. This seems like the best option - price and all.

But again, I'd love to hear your opinions about double strollers. Are they worth it?

Music for Momma

I have been on a quest to find some new music for us to listen to during the day. Little One loves Raffi, Veggietales and Hermie. But, seriously, how many times can you listen to The Wheels On the Bus and the VeggieTales theme song in one day?

Well, this week my sister sent me a lullaby album by Plumb called Blink. I'll admit that I was very surprised - because Plumb is an alternative Christian group - something I don't listen to. But, I love this album! I find that many of the songs are similar to my own heart's cries and prayers when it comes to motherhood. Plus it's nice (although different) music to have in the background - and even Hubs commented that he liked it.


Check it out - and let me know what you think!

A new look!

So, what do you think? Thanks to the Penuels at loudmouthlogos - Twiaa has a new spring time look! I am impressed with their work - and it was super easy to do. If you're looking for a new look for your blog, you should definitely check them out!