MommySecrets

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it has brought me so much joy! I want to encourage other moms on their journey, I'll share motherhood tricks, spotlight tips I've learned from friends, and I hope you will share your ideas. I will focus on secrets that help families stay balanced, healthy, frugal, creative, and closely knit. I will also share favorite fiction and nonfiction books that I have enjoyed. Many blessings to you on your mothering journey!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Making the Most of Drive Time

If you are like most moms, you spend a lot of time in the car (or the minivan!) going to school, work, the store, sports practices, music lessons...   It's easy to think that driving time is wasted time.  But it doesn't have to be.  It can be a productive time to nurture your heart and soul.  Listening to the Christian radio station continually uplifts my spirit and puts my attitudes in check!  Driving can also offer time to pray for others, or to call and encourage others.  And check out these ideas
from John Piper's Desiring God Blog - Don't Undersell Your Commute.
 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Book Review - David Sticker Book by Karen Williamson

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
David Sticker Book
written by Karen Williamson
illustrated by Amanda Enright
Lovely paperback book for young children, probably ages 3-7.  Easy reading with descriptive sentences that tell the story well.  Biblically accurate, and I like that it continues beyond the traditional David & Goliath story to a brief description of the rest of his life.  It closes by telling children where they can read the full story in the Bible.  The stickers are cute, and they are easy to match with the storybook pages because the 'blank' images are illustrated with watermarks that match the stickers.  Kids will really enjoy this little book.  I received this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review of the content.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Only 6 Rules You'll Ever Need for Confident Parenting

Ever get lost in a sea of parenting questions and advice?  I do!!  I liked reading this article from ParentFurther.com, and thought it might encourage you too.

The Only 6 Rules You'll Ever Need for Confident Parenting

They have lots of other great resources on their website, so look around while you are there...

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Ideas for After School Snacks

Do you get stuck in rut with the snacks you serve your kiddos after school?  I'm always looking for creative and healthy options that the kids can gobble up.  Here are some ideas that might inspire you:

20 After School Snacks Your Kids Will Love from Faithful Provisions
The Tidbit Tray – Perfect “After-School” Snack from Women Living Well

Thursday, February 07, 2013

Book Review: Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado


I thoroughly enjoyed reading Max Lucado's new book, Six Hours One Friday.

Lucado has divided the chapters into three "Anchor Points"m which parallel the most common struggles with our life purpose:
"My Life Is Not Futile",
"My Failures Our Not Fatal", and
"My Death Is Not Final".

He uses modern stories, modern re-tellings of Bible stories, and scripture to explore each of the anchor points.  I was particularly captivated by the modern re-tellings of scripture, including Adam & Eve, Jarius, and the prodigal son.

It ends with a Study Guide for each chapter, which is filled with thought-provoking questions, scriptures, and application points.

This book would be great for personal reading, reading as a couple, or reading in a small group.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher's Booksneeze review program in exchange for an honest review. 


Free Ebook Today - The Playful Family

The Playful Family
by Shawn Ledington Fink

I haven't read this book yet, but I've explored the author's blog and talked with her a bit in an e-course that I'm taking this month.  I just downloaded it and can't wait to read it.  I thought you might be interested too.

About the Author:
Shawn Ledington Fink has been a writer and journalist for nearly 20 years. She began researching playful parenting when her twin daughters were just a few months old -- doing pudding painting in their high chairs. She's on a mission to create a world of happy parents, happy children and happy communities. She writes about intentional, joyful parenting on her blog Awesomely Awake.

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

5 Simple Food Rules for Picky Eaters (repost from ParentFurther.com)

I just read a really good article, titled, 5 Simple Food Rules for Picky Eaters by Tricia Cornell, one of the bloggers at ParentFurther.com.  I have one child that would eat almost anything I placed in front of him, but two children that can be VERY picky about their food.  It's hard, as a mom, to decide when to challenge them to eat new foods, when to require them to try new things, and when to avoid the battle.  If you have similar struggles, you'll like reading this article.  As always, I'd love to hear your ideas too!!



Friday, February 01, 2013

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Your Husband - from Courtney

I love these simple Valentine’s Day Ideas for Your Husband from Courtney at Women Living Well.  It's a good reminder that it's not about getting more stuff for him - it's treating him with honor and thoughtfulness.  Happy Valentine's Day!

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