#Mamavation Monday ~ Backyard Gardening & a Reflection for those lost do to Recent Events

Before I begin my post for this week I wanted to take a moment to reflect as most of my fellow sistas in Mamavation have done regarding the recent events from last week.  My heart is breaking for everyone affected both directly & indirectly with the shootings from Newton.  No child should EVER be put in harms way & no teacher should ever have to worry about providing safety in situations such as what just occurred. No parent should ever need to worry if their child is safe at school. Unfortunately, that is what happened.  We may never know what the motive was behind the shooting.  Only God & Adam know that.  Many people across the nation are trying to use this situation as a way to question Gods existence.  Others are arguing that guns are the problem, while still others are blaming the health care system.  Here is my response to those individuals.

God was there at the Elementary School. He was weeping because one of his lambs decided to use his free will to do harm unto others.  He helped guide the shooter to a classroom where the teacher was brave & smart enough to hide her students & he was there protecting them as the shooter took the teachers life.  God was with every police officer, firefighter, first responder, dispatcher as well as all the teachers & staff who put their lives on the line trying to protect all the other students.  Unfortunately, Adams free will was too strong & many young innocent precious lives were taken.  I grieve with the rest of the Nation.  And I too hugged my children a little tighter & let them have that extra sweet on Friday night willing myself, to do anything to keep them happy & safe.  I, like many parents, are questioning if it would be better to home school or have my children attend a private school over public schools.  But than something else in our nation occurs.  Such as the individual out in California who shot off rounds of bullets in a Mall parking Lot.  Another individual who posted on Face Book that he too was going to go to a school like Adam & harm innocent people.

Which makes me realize that you can never truly be safe.  All we can do is continue to teach our children right from wrong.  To give our children consequences when they exhibit inappropriate behavior.  To limit our children's use of the T.V. & internet so that they aren't over exposed to violence.  Perhaps the most important one of all is to be the parent, not their friend.

Yes, I agree that their should be more funding to help with mental health as well as more screenings in school to help the at risk students.  There should also be more funding to help train more officers as well as teachers.  Lastly guns don't kill.  People with guns kill.  That is why I think gun safety should be integrated with in the school system (like senior year)   Also, there is no reason that if you are not with in the military that you can own an assault riffle.  I will continue to pray that answers are found & that the families of all these victims are able to find comfort as time goes on. 

#Mamavation Monday ~ Raising Resilient Kids

Kids, we all knew that it would be the toughest, yet most rewarding job.  But as a parent why is it that we are consistently questioning how we raise our kids?  This week Mamavation has invited Doctor G. (Deborah Gilboa, MD) who helps empower parents to raise respectful, responsible and resilient kids.  I know that I am looking forward to hearing her words of advice because I always wonder, am I making a difference?  Did I punish the right or wrong way?  Are my children going to be strong independent women who love and respect me.  If you have the same questions as I do please be sure to join myself and my mamavation sisters tonight for our T.V. show.   MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.


This weeks Update:

Like most of you, my week flew by yet again.  With the holidays just around the corner as well as my 32nd birthday creeping up on me faster than I know it I am beginning to feel the stress!  Yet, I am proud to say that I did manage to make it to the gym.  Sadly though (and I deserve it) I gained 3.6 pounds :(  I really can not even be sad about it.  I totally deserved the weight gain.  Why?  well polishing off a few bottles of wine over the weekend on top of having ooey gooey pizza may have something to do with that gain. Oh and I am sure that the two Peppermint Mocha's that I chugged down this weekend didn't help either.   I was just in need of a let loose type of weekend with my husband.  It had been so long since we just stayed up late together & act like we were in our twenties again.  I also need to be honest so that I may actually achieve my goals this time.  I going to share some short term goals with you, but I also have a birthday wish as well....


1) Workout 3 times this week

2) Create or find HEALTHY alternatives to my favorite holiday treats

3) Get out of the 200s by my birthday & bring in the new year closer to my goal & not seeing a 2 as the first number in my weight.  (My birthday is 12/31) 

current weight = 206.6

 

“This post is sponsored by Doctor G and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

Silent Night: A perfect Ending

I had the pleasure of receiving this e-book thanks to BookSneeze.com in exchange for my fair & honest review.

FROM THE AUTHOR:
 

As Christmas day nears, Bree and her faithful search-and-rescue dog Samson follow the trail of a troubling mystery into the snowy forests of Rock Harbor. Bree Matthews is preparing for Christmas guests, but her heart is reeling from the recent and tender loss of her unborn child. Her sister-in-law, Lauri, suddenly turns up on the doorstep of the lighthouse home Bree shares with her husband, Kade, in Rock Harbor. Secretive and withdrawn, Lauri seems curiously intent on discovering what happened to a parachuter who disappeared in the North Woods along Lake Superior's icy shore.
As Bree and Samson, her search-and-rescue dog, plunge into the search, Bree wonders if Lauri may know more than she’s admitted about the parachuter. And then the clues lead them to the trail of a young woman whose family fears the worst about her disappearance.
Will the search on this snowy, silent night lead Bree and Samson to more than clues about the missing girl? And will Bree’s prayer for a baby ever be answered?

MY THOUGHTS:

This was my first time being able to review a book written by Collen  Coble.  The story takes place near Lake Superior & I felt that the author did a fabulous job describing not just the buildings and the area where the story takes place but also the feelings involved.  My only complaint is that I did not realize that this part of a series.  So because of that I was slightly confused as to who was who & why.  But, I do have to say that I now want to go & find the entire series to learn more about who Bree & Kade are.  Because this is a Novella it makes for a quick read, but its so worth it.  I don't want to give the ending away, but I had tears in my eyes.

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Hearts Awakening ~ Taking A Step back in Time

FROM THE AUTHOR:

  ife has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

MY THOUGHTS:

I am so glad that I didn't judge this book by its cover.  As a reader we are invited to take a step back in time to the year 1840 to a little island located near Harrisburg PA.  Once there we meet Elivra Kilmer (Ellie) an unmarried woman in her early 30s & we are reminded that back in those days being unmarried one would carry the title of Spinster.  We also meet a cranky man named Jackson Smith who is a widower with two young sons.  Elvira is a temporary housekeeper/nanny for the family & she is met with great hurdles & obstetrical around every corner.  What I enjoyed most is that Elivra always held her ground & refused to change who she was or what she believed.  This is a story about faith, love, grace and forgiveness.  The author did a fantastic job at making you guess what the outcome of the book will be.  Together both Ellie & Jackson battled personal battles while raising the two boys and were able to find love from the inside out.

DISCLAIMER

I recived this book free in exchange for my honest review from Bethany House 

Heart Felt Love Stories~Perfect for those cold nights.

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story. 
Kelly Long did a great job combining three of her short stories into one book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

 Three Stories That Share the Adventures of First Love and Second Chances

A Perfect Secret—Rose Bender’s betrothed, Luke Lantz, is safe and dependable, maybe a little too much so. Or so she thinks until she sees him in the woods one night and discovers a secret he’s been keeping. Now his secret haunts her. She wasn’t sure about marrying a man she knew too well. But should she marry a man she doesn’t understand at all?
Christmas Cradles—When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local midwife, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers’ quilts, and unexpected help from the handsome and brooding Asa Lapp.
A Marriage of the Heart—Since her mother’s death, Abigail Kauffman has lived alone with her father. She longs to escape the emptiness of the farmhouse that has never felt like home. Joseph Lambert is a newcomer in their close-knit community. Only after suddenly marrying do they begin to understand the tender truths of life-long love.

MY THOUGHTS
Well, as I mentioned I do enjoy reading about the Amish as their community fascinates me.   I did enjoy the books & the stories behind them, but again, I felt as if she was rushing to end the story.  Also, some of the situations seemed a little far fetched.  What I enjoyed most about how the author composed her book was that unlike other novellas that are combined into one book this one had different characters & situations in each.  Even the weather was different in each story.  I defiantly would recommend this book to anyone that just wants a quick read with a glass of wine & a roaring fire in the fireplace. 

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#Mamavation Monday ~ Healthy Snacks

Its been two weeks since I have been able to take the time to make my Monday post, but as you all know, we moms, always put the needs of our children, spouse & house in front of our own needs & I failed to take "me" time to let you all know how well I have been doing.  But first, I want to talk about snacks.  Snacks are a must in my house.  My youngest is my biggest snacker.  Thankfully, now that I cleared a bunch of the UN-healthy food out of the house she is limited to granola, fruits & veggies.  But as expected with list of supplies to creativity to keep them exciting is getting harder & harder.  I am constantly hearing "mom, I'm hungry"  It doesn't help that during the kids T.V. time there are so many commercials for those quick snacks, which are full of trans fats & unhealthiness.  The first example of that is pizza rolls.  My kids always ask if they can get those when were at the store, but I say no because they are not healthy.  I really hope that I can make it to tonight's Mamavation T.V. show tonight to learn what hints the guest Jasmine (@Healthy Jasmine) has to give us.

HOW I'VE BEEN...

The weeks are flying by since picking up additional hours at work. Which is a good thing because I don't have time for snacking between meals!  I've also been better about planing out all the meals for the week.  However exercise has been extremely lacking & by that I mean not at all.  The only exercise I am able to get lately is attending my Martial Arts class that I am taking.  I need to be able to figure out another time of day in which I can workout while keeping with this new schedule.  So no excuses, I need to exercise more, even if its only a quick 10 min burner workout that I learned thanks to the most recent 2 week challenge.

THE WEIGH IN...

Drum-roll please.....

I AM DOWN 5 POUNDS!!!!  despite the lack of workouts I have managed to drop 5 pounds since November 19th!

current  weight: 203 #s

THIS WEEKS GOAL;
 Keep losing weight!  Get in more workouts, continue with my water intake, also eat more veggies.

“This post is sponsored by Eco-Foil and hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway”

An Amish Christmas,expanded edition

I have always been a fan of the Amish & their religious beliefs, values, and strength.  I had the privilege of reviewing this ebook free of charge thanks to Bookseeze in exchange for my honest review of the story.  

The book is actually 4 stories by different authors combined into one. Each story easily flows into the next one and is somewhat predictable.  I love how Innocent the love stories are, where the simple feeling of holding a mans hand can cause the butterflies in the belly.

From the Publisher:

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional new novella from romance author Kelly Long.

"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.

“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.

“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.

“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child. Contributer Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Take:

 As I mentioned above the strories tended to be a little predictable, but I am not disapointed in the least.  I also loved that the Authors seemed to have worked together to write the stories beacuse of how easily they flowed from one into the other as to the fact that all the characters always seemed to have overlapped in the book.  

Its so heart warming to be able to read about  the love and the struggles that the Amish faith experiences.  I don't know about you, but their are days where I wish I had the simple life of now electronics Y the strong faith in our lord as they do. Personally, I wouldn't mind living among the Amish even if its for only one day.  

FTC Compliance: 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”