Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition

The Busy Mom's Guide to Family Nutrition uses a question and answer format. It answers every question you can think of from fats to carbs, vitamins to weight loss, and so much more. It has all the nutritional basics.

For mom's with growing families, we rarely have time to research all there is on nutrition. We want to raise our children to be healthy but sometimes we don't know where to begin. This book is a great resource. It doesn't try to sway you in one way or another. It simply states the facts, gives you the information you need which then allows you to make healthy choices for your family. I highly recommend this book. I think it is a great reference tool. As a homeschool mom it will come in handy in our schooling as well. I must mention that it is A Focus on the Family Resource. You can never go wrong with Focus on the Family. :) I always know if their name is on it, it will be trustworthy and once again I was not disappointed!

** This book was provided to me through the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Blind Hope - A Book Review

Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch - the ranch of rescued dreams - where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need and soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.


This book is a true story told through the voice of Kim Meeder. It tells of the lessons that Laurie learns while helping Mia - a blind, mangy, skinny and stinky dog. She begins to realize that she has been avoiding the love of her Master and it was time to start listening to His voice. So Mia and Laurie together learned to follow and listen to a master that they couldn't see and in the process experienced a love they never imagined.


What first drew me to this book was the cover and title. I am a dog lover through and through and thought that I would enjoy reading this story. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I had a really hard time getting into the story and felt it a little slow paced.


**This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

By Faith, Not by Sight - A Book Review

By Faith, Not by Sight:  The inspirational story of a blind prodigy, a life threatening illness, and an unexpected gift.   

I remember watching Scott McIntyre on American Idol a few years back.  I was very impressed with his talent that year.  The way he sang, played the piano and did group performances amazed me.  So when I seen this book I was excited to read his story and I was definitely surprised with what I found on the pages of his biography.

Scott is no ordinary person.  Attending college at the age of 14 and graduating at 19, he seems to excel at everything he does. When he was 7 years old he was already playing the piano at weddings and events.   His blindness does not hold him back from his dreams.  His ability to live a normal life despite his handicap is truly inspirational.  He shares his story of faith as he faces a life threatening illness.  His family is just as inspirational as him.  His mom is such a great woman who encourages her children to do the unexpected. without limitations.

There were a few times I felt the book was a little drawn out and a little too "detailed".  All in all, it was a good book.  I think anyone who reads it will be inspired.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Here is a little video clip of Scott singing and playing the piano.  Just in case you are not familiar with his musical abilities. :) :) :)

Birthday Candy Gram

I have such a hard time coming up with gift ideas to get men, so I was so excited to see the idea of a candy gram on pinterest.  A little tweaking to meet my needs and this is what I came up with for my brother-in-law's birthday!

Dutch Bunnies

A Spring Bouquet

Spring has sprung early this year and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  This evening me and my sweet daughter took a walk around the yard and picked this lovely spring bouquet.  I couldn't find a vase so I took an empty salsa jar and tied it with a ribbon.  The results....spring perfection!

Modesty Heart Check

Modesty seems to be something that is lacking in today's world.  As a christian mother I desire to teach my daughter the importance of modesty.  First I need to show her what the word of God says and then I need to show her by example.  


I recently ran across a Modesty Heart Check and thought I would share it.

Heart Questions to Ask

1.  What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

2.  In choosing what to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave?  Am I seeking to please God or impress others?

3.  Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

4.  Who am I trying to identify with through my dress?  Is the word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?

5.  Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?

6.  Does my clothing reveal allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check (some things you should look for as you stand in front of the mirror).

From the top...

1.  When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over?  If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.

2.  If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest.  If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons or put on an undershirt.

3.  If your top is see through, put on an undershirt. 

4.  Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage?  Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head?  Is my shirt just plain too tight?  If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving down...

5.  Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands?  If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.

6.  I also have to turn around to see if what I am wearing is too tight around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so, I know what I have to do!

7.  Do a "sit-down" check with your skirt or dress.  If you see too much leg you need a longer skirt/dress.  I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I am seated.

8.  And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits!  Does it reveal too much when I walk?  Pins are also helpful here.

9.  Before I leave I need to give my skirt a sunlight check.  Is it see through?  If so, I need a slip.

10.  Finally, I must remember to do the modesty check with my shoes on.  High-heels make dresses and skirts appear shorter.

I think this is a good list to keep taped on the closet door or by a full length mirror!

1 Timothy 2:9-10

 ⁹In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

¹⁰But which becometh women professing godliness with good works.

Three Hearts - A Review

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the DVD Three Hearts. Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham, takes on an internship with the Children's Heart Project through Samaritan's Purse.  Through this DVD you share in Cissie's journey to help bring three Mongolian children to America for surgery to repair deadly congenital heart defects.

This is such a moving DVD that will touch the hearts of all who watch it.  I was moved to tears as I watched these families on their journey.  This is such a good cause.  Not only are they saving the lives of children who cannot receive the medical help they need in their country, they are sharing with them the wonderful news of Jesus Christ.  Lives are definitely being changed through the Children's Heart Project and this video does a great job of informing audiences of their work.

**This video was given to me by booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

That's MY King! Do you know Him?

Homemade Toothpaste

There are so many things I want to do on my journey to a more natural lifestyle.  Little by little I am making changes.   After searching high and low and trying several recipes for homemade toothpaste I finally stumbled upon one I really like.  Actually, I love it!  I love how clean it makes my teeth feel and it is even supposed to whiten them over time.  

It is so simple to make.  All you need is some Coconut Oil, Baking Soda and some essential oil.  The essential oil is optional.  I used orange because it is what I had on hand.  Peppermint would be great for this recipe if you like the minty freshness.  I also use non-aluminum baking soda.  If you didn't know that baking soda and baking powder has aluminum in it you should check into the dangers of this.  You can get both of these staples aluminum free from Bob's Red Mill online or from your local health store.  I was able to purchase mine through our produce co-op (the Bob's Red Mill brand) at a very reasonable price.

Mix together
4 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
5 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
8-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Put it in a container of your choice and your all ready to start brushing. :)