What does RambleSAHM Wear??? #RealMomStyle

Hey hubby I bet I would look real chic in a chair! 
(Insert Hubby snickering)

Alright ladies! I have decided to team up with some other blogs for Sunday posts on What I wore… Real Mom Style. The thing is I didn't realize how hard this would be. The photos are of my husband and I trying to get a photo of me looking chic!

I don’t think I have the ability to be chic….. but I tried!

What I am wearing:  Tommy Hilfiger sweater, Old Navy jeans, and Bass clogs.


Trying to look chic.

Hands in the hair is chic! 
(Hubby is laughing out loud now)



The best part was when my husband showed me the photos. I was laughing out loud. I really thought I was being chic! My whole life my father has said that I resemble Carol Burnett…..and now you know why! I guess you can say I am keeping it real. If you want to see some real chic mommas head over to Thrifty and Chic Mom and  Momma in Flip Flops both have got it going on. J



Choose Life! #marchforlife



Little M's birth by RFitzpatrickphotography.

Little H's Birth by RFitzpatrickphotography

Anti-abortion activists march in Washington.  Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images

Anti-abortion protestors pray before the March for Life demonstration.  Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images


With today being March for Life I want to first thank my Momma & Dad for choosing life for me and my brothers. 
I also want to celebrate the lives of my two boys.


Valentine's Day Gift Idea ~ My Jones Soda @jonessodaco






About Jones Soda:

Jones Soda Co. is a beverage company based in Pioneer Square, Seattle, Washington. It bottles and distributes soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and candy. Jones Soda is a carbonated soft drink that has many unusual flavors that are not offered by other soft drink makers. 



My Thoughts:

I feel like I am always on the lookout for unique gifts for hubby. Especially for Valentine’s Day! He is not a huge fan of chocolate or flowers and he owns plenty of ties so when I came across My Jones Soda I knew he would love it and not expect it.

The process was quite simple too. Just upload a photo, type your message, and pick your flavor of soda! The have a lot of different choices and even sugar free! I chose Strawberry Lime for hubby.



When the soda arrived I had hubby open it and he was quite surprised. He loved it and thought it was fun. He even kept one bottle for his night stand. I was thrilled to get the cool wife award! J

We all loved the soda and thought it tasted extremely fresh! The prices are reasonable as well $29.99 + shipping for a 12 pack and only $ 16.99 + shipping for a 6 pack.  


Connect with Jones Soda:

Jones Soda Company is very social and you can connect with them on their website, Facebook and twitter. They run a lot of giveaways on Facebook so be sure to like their page to stay in the know!


 “Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dinner Time ~ Quick and Healthy Pizza @FlatoutBread







Wednesday nights are so busy for us. Hubby gets home a little before five then we have to head out the door by six for Bible study. I have been trying to come up with something quick to eat before we head out that is something we will all eat and filling.



Well, one night we stopped at Walgreens to get toilet paper and as I was walking to the checkout line I saw that they were carrying Flatout Bread and it was under $3! I grabbed a bag and thought oh these must be like tortillas but healthy.  They are ten times better than tortillas!



I am thrilled to say Flatout Bread is the answer for our busy night meal. My oldest son is incredibly picky and I have to constantly sneak whole foods into his diet. 


Little M's pizza!

Well Flatout Bread makes this easy since I can make cheese pizza quick and easy! Also one Flatout contains 9 grams of protein so you feel full longer.

Adult Pizza!


Anyway, my oldest gets to make his own cheese pizza and has no idea how healthy it is. Meanwhile hubby and I get to enjoy our own pizza with lots of veggies and ham. It is a win for our whole family since it’s quick, healthy, and yummy! 



Tonight we are going to make the Flatout Apple Streusel Pizza for dessert!  Stop by Flatout's website for recipes to make your own Flatout pizza and more!

Yummy and healthy!
*All thoughts are 100% my own and may differ from others! I was not compensated for this post.



Mommy Confession Tough Stuff ~ Part 2





A few months after little H was born I was pretty disappointed with how I looked and wrote a blog post titled Mommy Confession Tough Stuff. Now it’s less than a month away from Little H first birthday and my, oh my have my thoughts changed. I am not sure what has changed my way of thinking but I am glad to be where I am right now. 

I was having a conversation the other day with another mom and we were talking about how we feel anything but super. I then made the comment of maybe it is because a mother’s work is never done so even though we may accomplish a lot we know that there is still much more to do and the next day will inevitably hold more of the same. So we make ourselves feel like failures.

After making this statement I thought about it for a while and realized how awful that is to think. Our society has so many unattainable ideals for women. One case in point, celebrities have babies and are then in skinny jeans as soon as they leave the hospital! That makes me feel anything but super as I still look down and see extra belly fat.

There are other times when I just want to sit down and get stuff done. It seems that as soon as I do Little H or Little M suddenly needs me. I just think if I had a nanny, cook or a maid, etc. I wouldn't have this problem.

The other day while I was thinking about the comment from above it hit me. My thinking has to change.  Thinking I am a failure every day is crazy, insane and definitely not healthy!

Now this way of thinking goes all the way back to when I was in labor with Little M and I looked at my husband and asked him if he wanted to switch spots with me.  Why would I ever ask him that? Giving birth is one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Both times I gave birth I realized what a miracle life is and what an opportunity it is to give birth. Both times I realized how gracious God is to me and how I can do nothing without Him.

There is an ugly side to motherhood that includes dirty diapers, lack of sleep, kids with bad manners, stretch marks, throw up, etc. BUT there is an even more amazing side to motherhood! I am the one they ask for when sick. I am the one who gets to kiss their soft heads and nurse them back to sleep. I am the one who gets to see their first steps.  Bottom line I am the one they want.

Wow isn’t that your dream job to do something for someone who wants you! Now if I think of the things I feel that make me a failure such as the continual mountain of laundry, my abs no longer being rock hard, or not getting everything done I realize those are minor things.

I have it made! Yes I may have stretch marks and extra weight to lose but it just reminds me that I participated in a miracle and gave life. 

I love my boys and for their sake and mine I will not see myself as a failure. Instead I choose to see it through their eyes. I am their booboo kisser, playmate, listener, and most of all I am their Momma.

“Let the peace of God rule in their hearts and be thankful” Colossians 3:15



Book Review & Giveaway Where God Finds You Devotional by Anita Higman @anitahigman




Devotional



Back of the book:

In forty devotional tales, Where God Finds You breathes new life into ancient Bible characters. Live with and learn about more than forty Bible men and women, including the wife of Pontius Pilate, Esther, John the Baptist, Delilah, Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene.

Through reflection on Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover a place in each of these lives of vulnerability, tenderness, truth, and love—a place where you can find God . . . and where God finds you.

Where God Finds You is unique among women’s devotional books in that it brings dozens of men and women of the Bible to life through dramatic short stories, connects biblical truths to today’s culture, and offers readers an opportunity to reflect on what they've learned. Each devotion features:

• A dramatic retelling of Scripture that allows the reader to crawl into the pages of the Bible.
• The Story from God's Word: a quote or paraphrase of the applicable Bible passage in a reader-friendly version.
• The Story—From Then to Now: a personal reflection from the author to help link the passage to life today.
• The Story—Questions to Think About: prompts for personal reflection or group discussion that lead to practical application.

About the Author:



Award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-five books published (several coauthored) for adults and children, and she has been honored as a Barnes & Noble Author of the Month for Houston. Anita has a BA degree, combining communication, psychology, and art. Her favorite things include exotic teas, movies, and all things Jane Austen. To contact Anita or enter her monthly contests for a free signed book please visit her website at www.anitahigman.com or find her on twitter & facebook





My Thoughts:


I am a huge fan of Christian fiction. I believe it can change lives and makes you think about situations possibly even better than a self-help book. So when asked to review Anita’s new devotional I was very intrigued. In this devotional she tells a well-known Bible story and brings it to life by expounding on the story.

Having been raised in church it is nice to have a new look into some old Bible stories. I love that after telling a more detailed account of the Bible story she backs it up with the direct account in the Bible. The scripture is included in each day’s devotional story. I also enjoyed the questions at the end of each devotion; it gave me something to chew on throughout my day.

The author also includes examples of things or situations that are different from then and now. I liked this part as it really brings the Bible stories full circle for me. It also reminded me that these stories are of real people with real struggles.

As a mom I really like that the devotions were short but filled with truth. I actually looked forward to reading the next day and it has brought life back into deep-rooted Bible stories.

I think this devotional book would especially appeal to the type of person that doesn't really gravitate to devotionals but enjoys Christian fiction. The exciting part is that we are giving a copy of it away!

Giveaway:

One reader from the US 18+ will win a copy of Where God Finds you by Anita Higman. Just fill out the form below to be entered! Giveaway will end on 01/29/2013 at 1:00 am CST.




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Wordless Wednesday ~ Meeting Super Larry Boy



Remember when you were a little kid and you were in love with a cartoon? I sure do! For the longest time it was Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I wanted to watch that movie every day and would cry if I couldn't.

Fast forward to now and I have my own little boy who has to watch Veggie Tales Super Larry Boy quite often.  In fact every family night he picks Super Larry Boy. So when I heard that Super Larry Boy was in town I knew Little M would be thrilled. We waited in a long line with a very wiggly Little H but it was worth it! 


The long line with lots of toys for Little H to grab!







Giving Super Larry Boy a hug bye!


Review & Giveaway for Tiny Love Baby Toys @TinyLove_USA




About Tiny Love follow me Fred:

Multi-stage crawling companion in the shape of an adorable puppy.



6-9 months
Before baby begins to crawl, place Follow Me Fred in circular mode. Alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise. Place the toy in front of your baby on the floor and touch it to trigger its movement.

9-12 months
The cheerful music and slow movement will attract baby's attention and encourage him to reach forward and eventually to start crawling.

About Tiny Love Musical Stack and Ball Game:

Enchanting dual-stage elephant-shaped stacking toy with a colorful design.



6-9 months
Baby plays with the balls, holding them in her hand and shaking them to hear the fun rattling sound. She further explores them with her mouth. Holding a ball in each hand, she bangs them together.

9-12 months
After she has learned to sit up, baby enjoys dropping the balls through the large opening (in the elephants’ body) into the base. She drops the balls and watches them fall, amused at their reappearance in the small tray, which she will just love closing and opening time and again.

My thoughts:

I was thrilled to review these new toys from Tiny Love with Little H. We are already big fans of Tiny Love’s baby equipment but have yet to try any of their baby toys. Well, the Follow me Fred was a big hit and even my four enjoys watching Little H chase after Fred. Little has been rough with the Follow me Fred and it works just as new. The bright colors and design make it really appealing to babies and it has become Little H’s favorite toy.



The Tiny Love Musical Stack and Ball Game has been a fun game that Little M can play with Little H. I love having a toy that an older sibling and baby can play together. This game teaches Little M how to be patent and Little H hand and eye coordination. I really like that the balls are small enough for Little H’s hand but too big to fit in his mouth.

What makes these Tiny Love toys stand out to me is that they grow with your baby. Instead of having a toy only entertain your baby for a few months Tiny Love has made it where their toys grow with your baby and also encourage learning through play!



I highly recommend buying Tiny Love baby toys and they would make a perfect baby shower gift. Tiny Love is also giving one of my readers a chance to win the Tiny Love Musical Stack and Ball Game!



Giveaway:

One reader will win their own Tiny Love Musical Stack and Ball Game. Open to US only 18+. Giveaway will end on 01/28/2013 at 1:00 am EST. Just fill out the form below to be entered.



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Wordless Wednesday ~ Don't Cut Baby's Hair!






I can’t believe it but I have become “one of those mothers” You know the type that doesn't want to cut their baby’s hair. Little H has such sweet little baby curls and I know as soon as I get them cut he won’t look like a baby anymore. Hubby has at least agreed to humor me until Little H turns one but that is only a month away. L 

Little H has grown a whole lot faster than Little M! Are any of you “one of those mothers” too?

Book Review ~ Come to the Table by Neta Jackson


SouledOut Sisters, Book 2
Contemporary Fiction

Back of the book:

Kat Davies is suddenly wondering if her good deed was a bad idea.

Kat may be new in her faith, but she’s embraced the more radical implications of Christianity with reckless abandon. She invited Rochelle—a homeless mother—and her son to move in the apartment she shares with two other housemates. And she’s finally found a practical way to channel her passion for healthy eating by starting a food pantry at the church.

Her feelings for Nick are getting harder to ignore. The fact that he’s the interning pastor at SouledOut Community Church and one of her housemates makes it complicated enough. But with Rochelle showing interest in Nick as a father-figure for her son, their apartment is feeling way too small.
But not everyone thinks the food pantry is a good idea. When the woman she thought would be her biggest supporter just wants to “pray about it,” Kat is forced to look deeper at her own motives. Only when she begins to look past the surface does she see people who are hungry and thirsty for more than just food and drink and realizes the deeper significance of inviting them to “come to the table.”



About the author:



As a kid I was crazy about horses and animals of all kinds and loved to draw (horses, mostly). Since I didn't have a horse, I wrote stories about them instead. My high-school English teacher sent one of my stories (about a cougar) to a Scholastic magazine writing contest and it won First Place . . . and the rest, as they say, is history. I wanted to be a writer!


I grew up on the campus of a private Christian school in Seattle where my parents were teachers. A lovely childhood, though fairly sheltered. But college took me back to the Chicago area and a whole new world. My husband and I settled in the Chicago area soon after getting married, and even though we both grew up in solid Christian homes, our search to deepen our faith took the form of Christian community for much of our family life raising kids. Eventually the critical issue of racial reconciliation became the call of God upon our life, and we chose to immerse ourselves in African American and multi-cultural churches. Our world and our hearts expanded. What a gift these relationships of faith have been!

All during this time, my husband and I have been a writing team--writing books with expert resource people (as their co-authors) on a variety of topics (from medical ethics to stories of gang kids), then writing a whole series of historical fiction about great Christian heroes--40 titles in all!--called the Trailblazer books (and a series of "Hero Tales," five volumes in all). Now we are each writing adult fiction--the Yada Yada Prayer Group series for me, which was inspired by my real-life Bible study sisters, a multi-cultural group of feisty women going on 12 years now that God has used to turn my life upside down, or rather, right-side up! (I have to admit; sometimes my real world and my fictional world get a bit mixed up!)

I've been married for 40-plus years to the same wonderful man; we are truly partners in life. We raised two kids plus a Cambodian foster daughter, and together they've given us eight beautiful grandchildren! As one of my girlfriends and I agree: The best stress-busters in the world are pets, gardening, and grandkids!

My thoughts:

Come to the Table takes us back to the SouledOut Community Church in Chicago. If you are like me you have come to love and care for the characters that we met clear back in the Yada Yada days! I’m enjoying catching up and keeping in touch with the original characters. With each new novel a few new people are added into the community.

The problem with many long running series is that you just get tired of the characters. After all how much drama can one group of people really stand? The beauty of this series is that it blends the familiar with the new in ways that keep driving the story forward.

Neta Jackson has a unique way of breathing life into the individuals in the story. There is always someone that reminds me of myself and there are others that remind me of someone I should know. Through her continued storylines she delves into areas that aren’t always comfortable, but they are areas we each need to examine.

I think you can read Come to the Table as a stand-alone novel. However, if you have the opportunity pick up Stand By Me, book one in the series. Actually if you really want to treat yourself go all the way back and start with the Yada Yada series, then mosey on in to the House of Hope series, and by all means don’t leave out the Harry Bentley series by Neta husband! Wow…you’ve got some great reading ahead of you!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review ~ My One Word @myoneword





Christian Living

Back of the book:

The concept of My One Word is simple. Lose the long list of resolutions—all your sweeping promises to change—and do something about one thing this year instead of nothing about everything. Choose just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire year. This single act will force clarity and concentrate your efforts. As you focus on your word over an extended period of time, you position yourself for God to form your character at a deep, sustainable level. Growth and change will result.

Author Mike Ashcraft, who has led his megachurch through this My One Word project for more than five years, and Proverbs 31 Ministries author and speaker Rachel Olsen, who has lived it, are encouraging, insightful, good humored, yet realistic in this enjoyable read. Their stories of growth and change through My One Word will keep you motivated. Throughout the book you’ll also find words and stories of people just like you who have joined the My One Word movement and discovered the power of just one word.



About My One Word:

The challenge is simple: lose the long list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick just one word. Change is possible but focus is required.

Twitter: @myoneword


My thoughts:

This small little book has had a large impact on me and those around me in the two weeks that I have been reading it. If you have come within ten feet of me you have probably heard something about it, if not a direct quote read to you from the book itself!

I think we all like to make resolutions because we really do want to be better people. Unfortunately most of us forget about those resolutions shortly after we begin. My One Word is meant to help focus your good intentions. The premise is that you pick one word and focus on it and its meaning for an entire year. For example instead of making a resolution to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, read your Bible daily, etc. you may choose a word like consistency. You would then focus on what being consistent is all about and applying it to your life. Then presumably the other areas would fall into place.

I’ve only been concentrating on my word for about a week now, but already I am amazed at how focused it is making me become. Whenever I run across the word I’ve chosen it makes me stop and contemplate its meaning and context and then I apply it to what I’m learning.

There are a few things that stand out for me in this book. The first is that this is meant to be a process. You aren’t expected to pick your word right away; in fact you are encouraged to spend time in prayer and study before settling on your one word. At the conclusion to each chapter is a section entitled Reflect that gives you areas to think about and journal through during the year. Scattered throughout the book are examples of other people’s one word with explanations on why they picked the word. I enjoyed reading the process that each person went through picking each of their words.

There is a small group video and discussion option that I think would be wonderful to go through with some close friends. Even if you don’t do this study with a group be sure to check out the website and other resources available at www.MyOneWord.org

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

RambleSAHM Wish List for 2013!!!


Yeah it’s 2013!!! For me the start of a new year is not about resolutions.  It’s a time for me to decide where I am going and how to get there. I am the type that likes to do things as they come to me.Too much planning just makes me tired.

I do have goals but not complete thought out plans. (sorry hubby!)

So I thought I would share my goals or what I like to refer to as my wish list.

1.    Have a blog post ready a day ahead. Currently I write them during the day and then post in the evening.

2.    Go to another blog conference. This past April I went to Bloggy Boot Camp. I learned a lot and met blogger friends in person.

3.    Encourage my readers by being a real SAHM with dirty dish and laundry!

4.    Take a photo every day!

5.    Do something fun every day with my kids.

Alright five is more than enough! Of course I have more than five but I wouldn't want to be over committed in case the wind blows me elsewhere! :)

What about you do you make resolutions? Does it make you excited to start a new year?

I am excited for a new year especially when I look back on all that was accomplished in 2012.


Wordless Wednesday ~ Baby's First Christmas





This was Little H first Christmas and this is the only photo I got! Why you ask??? 
We have been sick. :(
So here is to a healthy 2013!!!

Book Review ~ The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer @triciagoyer




Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors, Book 1
Fiction/Christian/Amish

Back of the book:

For five years, love has passed her up. For one moment, can she put down her guard?

Every year, a number of young Amish men descend on the cozy mountain town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive “resident” status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but some go home with brides.

Sarah Shelter has live in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, she saves her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she’s also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart. Until she meets Jathan Schrock.

Can this kind and gentle man break down her walls, and can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?



About the author:
Twitter: @triciagoyer






Author Tricia Goyer has written 17 novels and 8 nonfiction books, and has published more than 400 articles for national publications such as Today’s Christian Woman, Focus on the Family and HomeLife. She also is the coauthor of Mealtime Moments (Focus on the Family). She is a former teen mom and the founder and former director of Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana. Tricia and her husband, John live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife. They have four children, including a newly adopted daughter.



My thoughts:

I was enamored with this book from the start. Can you just imagine the commotion that these bachelors raise every spring when they arrive in this tiny community? I can just picture all those sweet young girls whispering and giggling together as they check out this year’s new crop of eligible men. It just makes me smile thinking about it.

Since this is a Tricia Goyer book there are a couple of different things going on that she has masterfully woven together to create a satisfying story. Both of our main characters have back stories that affect the budding relationship between the two of them. Sarah can’t seem to move past the loss of her best friend and Jathan has family obligations that he just can’t find peace about. 
One of my favorite aspects of this story is when the two of them have conflict they actually talk about what is bothering them. Many authors use misunderstandings to push the story along. I prefer Tricia’s approach to deepening the storyline and the characters themselves. By the end of the novel both Jathan and Sarah have matured in their walk of faith and in their relationships with others.

Let me give you a little warning . . . this book is going to make you hungry! Hungry for the delicious sounding cupcakes that Sarah is famous for and hungry for the next book in the series. The Promise Box is the title of book two and is scheduled to come out in May 2013. I will definitely be looking forward to it.

Ideas:

After reading The Memory Jar you may want to consider making your own memory jar. It could be as simple as obtaining a large jar like one pickles come in. (Just a tip . . . after washing it out, let a little baking soda sit in it to absorb the odors. Otherwise your memories may have a vinegar smell forever attached to them.) Use Mod Podge to apply some of your favorite photos to the outside of the jar. You can also pick up some glass paint at the craft store and try your hand at that. Spray paint the lid in your favorite color and add a drawer knob for decoration. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination. Check out Pinterest for some added inspiration!

So you’re not the crafty type. Well, have I got the perfect iPad/Pod/Touch app for you. Just follow this link and download the appto your device and enjoy!



“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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