Two summers ago, my oldest 2 daughters saved the life of my, then, 5 year old nephew. There had been a family get together at my uncle's house. Several of the children, and I assume (I was not there that day), a few adults, were playing in the in-ground pool. Once the food was ready, the kids were called to get out of the pool to eat. My girls asked my husband if they could go down the slide one more time each and he agreed. He then took our younger two kids into the house to get them dressed. The other adults also were tending to their children. My nephew re-entered the pool unnoticed. He did not know how to swim and found himself with water over his head and unable to reach the bottom of the pool. At this point, my girls (they were 7 and 9 at the time) turned to get out of the pool. They noticed something in the water and then noticed my nephew's fingers breaking through the surface of the water. They immediately realized it was their cousin and without hesitation, they each dove under and took an arm, pulling him into shallower water and eventually from the pool. My girls never panicked and they did not lose precious time waiting for an adult to arrive. They saw an emergency and knew they could do something to help and they did it. I could not be more proud of them. I am also extremely grateful to our local YMCA, that had offered a program every spring called Splash Week. Up until that point, Splash Week was the only swimming instructions my girls had received. We did not have a pool for them to regularly swim in, so I can only attribute their swimming skills and confidence in the water to the lessons they had at Splash Week.
After this incident occurred, I wrote a letter of gratitude to our YMCA. As they were promoting Splash Week this year, they alerted the media to our story and this morning, we were invited to be a part of the morning newscast. I brought both girls with me, but upon arriving, we learned that only one of them, due to space, was going to be able to be on air. The girls decided among themselves that Yasmin would go on air, and Chloe did her best to not show her disappointment. However, as it got closer to air time, I could see Chloe growing more and more disappointed until she was in tears. It broke my heart, but I was so proud of her strength and how well she held up. After we got home, my sister called and invited Chloe over for some one-on-one time, which really helped lift Chloe's spirit and allowed me to let Yasmin know how proud I was of how she did with the interview, without feeling like I was rubbing it in Chloe's face. The events at the news station aside, I could not be more proud, or grateful, for what my girls did that day in the pool. They showed courage and confidence and, best of all, allowed us all the continue to enjoy the beautiful smile of my nephew.
Here is the video of our segment on the news this morning:
If the video is not showing up for you, here is the link: http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3386272
PS- Please note, I am aware that this may appear to be an opportunity to judge the adults who were at this event. Neither myself, nor my sister (the mother of my nephew) were in attendance. The parents who were there were attending to the needs of other children when my nephew snuck away. ANy parent knows that this is something that children do. This was an accident that, fortunately, had a happy ending. Everyone is aware of what could have happened and lessons were learned by all involved. While I usually will publish all comments (with the exception of spam), I will not be publishing any judgmental comments to this post. Thank you for understanding.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway Info: By the Light of the Silvery Moon
About the book
Amelia
Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with
her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a
spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.
Quentin
Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to
America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older
brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between
the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As
the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy
waters?
You can also watch a video preview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C0g18-m_qII
My thoughts
I am often drawn to stories about the Titanic, especially ones that are true, or could be true. This story of historical fiction was no different. I loved reading the story of Amelia and her struggle to connect to her past and figure out her future, as she sailed across the ocean to her new life in America. When she set out for America, she thought she had her life figured out, but as she met new people, both on the ship and before boarding the ship, she began to question her feelings toward the man she was heading to meet. We all know the story of what happens to the Titanic and there is no doubt that her brush with death and the thought of losing her new friend, helped her in her decisions. There is also the story of Quentin, the Prodigal Son. I also enjoyed reading as he grew both in his acceptance of his past and his friendship with Amelia.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly stories based on the lives of those on the Titanic. Those who enjoy romance novels, stories based on the Prodigal Son, and stories that deal with the differences in classes, will also like this book.
About the author
Tricia
Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside
Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play
Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is
the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in
Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
More info: Living Inspired (http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired) and www.triciagoyer.com.
About the giveaway
One "unsinkable" winner will receive:
- Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
- Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
- Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
- And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
- By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)
So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways.
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Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway Info: Gabby's Stick-to-It Day
About the book
Gabby
is a little guardian angel with a big job to do! Watching over Sophie
is hard work, but Gabby knows that God wants her to stick to it.
Gabby,
God’s Little Angel, flies to the rescue as Sophie attempts to help
others but has a little trouble sticking with things. Sophie tries to be
helpful by washing the family dog for her mom, but she gives up when
she’s the one who ends up all wet. She then tries to be kind by reading
to her little brother, but he has plans of his own, which include a
splash of cereal right in Sophie’s face! When Sophie is ready to quit
once again, it’s up to Gabby to encourage her to keep trying and to
teach her what the Bible says about perseverance: “We must not become
tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the
right time if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NCV)
My thoughts
Much like the first book I reviewed in this series, Gabby, God's Little Angel, this book is full of fun, colorful illustrations. Again, both the angel and the child she is assigned to help are both female, so this book is especially appropriate for a little girl, particularly one who easily gives up on a task that gets a little difficult. It is a nice, short story that delivers a message, both spiritual and a general life lesson, as well.
About the author
Sheila
Walsh is a Bible teacher, speaker, singer, and best-selling author with
more than 4 million books sold. Sheila Walsh is the creator of the
award-winning Gigi, God's Little Princess® brand, which has sold over
1.5 million units and won two National Retailer's Choice Awards. As a
featured speaker with Women of Faith®, Sheila has reached more than 3.5
million women by artistically combining honesty, vulnerability and humor
with God's Word. She resides in Dallas with her husband Barry and son
Christian.
Visit www.sheilawalsh.com for more information about Sheila, her other books or Women of Faith.
About the giveaway
Gabby's back ... and she's brought a Kindle Fire
Giveaway with her!
Enter today - Sheila and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have
put together a prize package worth over $200!
One lucky winner will receive:
- A brand new KINDLE Fire with Wi-Fi
- Gabby, God’s Little Angel
- Gabby's Stick-to-It-Day
But wait! There’s more …
The winner will be announced on the Gabby Landing page on 4/2/12. In the
meantime, enter to win the Kindle Fire then head over to the Tommy Nelson site and download the Gabby
coloring sheets, watch Sheila's Gabby video, sign up for news about
upcoming Gabby and Thomas Nelson products, and much more.
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway Info: Sixty Acres and a Bride
About the book
She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?
With
nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law
return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding
back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.
Though
facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the
wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her
vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs.
She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures
attention.
Where
some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems
honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is
unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will
go to save her future. Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/9sK2C.
My thoughts
While not being an overly religious book, this story has great parallels to the story of Ruth and Naomi from the Old Testament. I have always loved the story of Ruth and Naomi so it is not surprising that I enjoyed this one as well. I love Rosa's spunk and her desire to let who she is shine through, even when it was not socially accepted. I also enjoyed reading about the cultural differences between Rosa's Mexican upbringing and that of the Texas town she settles down in. On top of all of that, I greatly enjoyed watching the love grow between Rosa and Weston. It was a love that grew and could be seen by the reader and others, but was not immediately clear to them. In fact, they both seem to try to run away from what they have, but in the end, like all good love stories, they get it all figured out.
I highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy a good love story, to those who enjoy the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, and to those who enjoy reading about women who follow their hearts, despite what society wants them to do.
About the author
Regina
Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in
English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and
First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma
National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside
Oklahoma City with her husband and four children. Meet Regina here.
Learn more about Regina by visiting her website, www.reginajennings.com.
Celebrate with Regina by entering to win a Kindle Fire and coming to her Author Chat Party on 3/27!
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire
- Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings
| Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/26/12. Winner will be announced at Regina's Author Chat Facebook Party on 3/27. Regina will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and some beautiful silver jewerly! |  |
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Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway: Song of My Heart
About the book
Sadie
Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is
injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position
as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers
the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised
opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family
needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her
job.
McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of
the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations,
and Thad believes he can find the culprit.
After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.
Thad
is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa
Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy
tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems.
And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to
investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will
survive?
My thoughts
I very much enjoyed this book and seeing the relationship between Thad and Sadie grow. There is also a relationship between Sadie and her cousin that is important, but I struggled with his crush-like love for her. I did not feel it really added to the story and in the end, his feelings just kind of mysteriously resolved. The biggest issue Sadie faces in this book is learning to trust God, but once she does, she trusts Him completely.
I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good love story or stories about people learning to trust in God's providence.
About the author
Kim
Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA
and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year
Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational
Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads
women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In
her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her
husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and
six grandchildren.
She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.
About the giveaway
Celebrate with Kim by entering to
win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on
3/29!
One "songbird" winner will receive:
- A Nook Tablet
- Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
| Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more! |
So grab your copy of Song of My
Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th
for an evening of fun.
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Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your
friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your
chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Book review and giveaway Info: Beauty for Ashes
About the book
She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.
After
losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will
never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in
Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the
weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite
ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.
Griff
Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been
estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain
unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to
train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides
to stay awhile.
Despite
objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has
eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a
leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to
give beauty for ashes.
My thoughts
This book is the story of a young woman who struggles to do what is expected of her, while remaining true to herself and true to what is right. I
enjoyed how Carrie followed her heart and always did what she felt in
her heart to be right. The book description leaves out the secondary
stories of Carrie's relationship with her new sister-in-law and
step-nephews, as well as Griff reuniting with his family. The love story is sweet, but it is the other stories that really held my attention.
I recommend this book to any one who struggles with trying to balance what they believe is right and what is expected of them. Those who have ever struggled to love a family member or been estranged from their family would also enjoy this book. If you like a good romance story, you will not be disappointed either.
About the author
Before
returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love
published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous
honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American
Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public
Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian
fiction debut.
For more about Dorothy visit her website,www.dorothylovebooks.com or friend her on Facebook.com/DorothyLoveBooks.
About the giveaway
We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.
We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.
One beautiful winner will receive:
- A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
- Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
| Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring! |  |
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Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for
providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is
my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway Info: More Beauty Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre
About the book
With
her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist
Debora Coty addresses heart needs of women struggling to tame that
out-of-control inner beast that unexpectedly pounces, roaring and
shredding, as it threatens to destroy the divinely beautiful princess
hidden within. In More Beauty, Less Beast, women will find simple,
practical techniques for embracing the true beauty rightfully theirs as
cherished daughters of the King. Whether jaded by emotional wounds,
unrealistic standards, or lack of confidence, this laugh-out-loud,
girlfriend-to-girlfriend encouragement will help women transform their
destructive inner beast into the exquisite beauty they were always meant
to be.
My thoughts
I do not consider myself as someone who is focused on fashion or looks. I am not a slob, but I also do not worry about what others will think of how I look either. I have never, at least in my adult life, worried about leaving the house without make-up, in fact, I rarely wear make-up and when I do, it is to enhance what I have, not to cover anything up. In the beginning of this book, I felt it was directed at people who are more concerned about fashion and what others think. However, if I ignored the handful of paragraphs that dealt with that, I found there was lots of good and practical information in the book. There are great scriptural references (however, I would have liked them to have all been from one version of the Bible instead of several different ones) and some wonderful quotes. Each chapter also offers several tips for improving your outer, inner and spiritual beauty and the chapters end with some questions to help you put your personal plan into place.
I recommend this for females who feel they could improve the beauty of their life, whether it be physical beauty, inner beauty, or the beauty of their lives.
About the author
Debora
Coty is an occupational therapist, a piano teacher, and a freelance
writer. She's also involved in the children's ministry at her church and
is an avid tennis player. Debora began writing to fill the void when
her last child left for college, and it has since become a passion.
Debora has a real knack for getting across sound biblical concepts with a
refreshing lightheartedness as attested in her monthly newspaper column
entitled "Grace Notes: God's Grace for Everyday Living."
Visit www.deboracoty.com for more about Debora and her books.
About the giveaway
Transform Your Inner
Ogre with a $150 Visa Cash Card from @DeboraCoty!
Using Biblical advice and her trademark humor,
Debora Coty urges women to conquer guilt and re-institute hope in
More Beauty, Less Beast. Celebrate with Debora by
entering to win a $150 Visa Cash Card!
One "beautiful" winner will
receive:
- A $150 Visa Cash Card (Treat yourself to a spa day or weekend get-away!)
- A Debora Coty Library (More Beauty, Less Beast, Too Blessed Too Be Stressed and Everyday Hope)
- Chocolate (Every good things begins with chocolate!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons
below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/22/12. Winner will be
announced at Debora's "Divine Beauty" Facebook Party
on 3/22. Debora will be hosting an evening
of chat, fun beauty trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends!
She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift
certificates, books, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the
book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Debora via
Skype.)
So grab your copy of More Beauty,
Less Beast and join Debora and friends on the evening of
March 22nd for an evening of fun.
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Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your
friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your
chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 22nd!
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Book Review and Giveaway Info: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall
About the book
To
escape a scheme to marry her off to a dishonorable man, Margaret Macy
flees London disguised as a housemaid. If she can remain unwed until her
next birthday, she will receive an inheritance, and with it, sweet
independence. But she never planned on actually working as a servant.
And certainly not in the home of Nathaniel and Lewis Upchurch--both
former suitors.
As
she fumbles through the first real work of her life, Margaret struggles
to keep her identity secret when suspicions arise and prying eyes visit
Fairbourne Hall. Can she avoid a trap meant to force her from hiding?
My thoughts
I loved this book. So often, when reading books about high society, we only get to see how the upper class lives. In this book, both Margaret and the reader are immersed into the lives of the servants who live behind the scenes of high society. Margaret learned just how different their lives, their hopes, and their dreams are. She also realizes just how much she took her own servants for granted. There was also a strong theme of second chances and the wonderful promise we all have of being able to start over again, whether in life or love. There is a fair amount of Christian discussions, but they fit and are not high pressure. This is one of a few books that I am hanging onto for my girls to read in a few years. No matter our station in life, I truly believe every one would benefit from spending some time working in the service sector, if for no other reason than to better understand those who serve us every day and to better appreciate all they do.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic stories of second chances, those who enjoy reading about how high society used to be or are interested in learning about how the servants lived in high society.
About the author
About the author
Julie
Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of
the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen
years and now writes full time. She has won the Christy Award:
Historical Romance for The Silent Governess (2010) and The Girl in the
Gatehouse (2011) which also won the 2010 Midwest Book Award for Genre
Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St.
Paul, Minnesota.
For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com
About the giveaway
Don't miss the perfect blend of Regency-era romance and
mystery in The Maid of Fairbourne Hall! Grab a
copy and then be
sure to enter Julie's Kindle Fire Giveaway and RSVP for her Author Chat party
on Facebook! Swoon.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- A Julie Klassen Library (The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Silent Governess)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But
hurry, the giveaway ends 3/14/12. Winner will be announced at Julie's Fairbourne Hall Book Chat Party on
3/15. Julie will be hosting an evening of chat,
trivia and a sneak peek of her next book - bring your friends! She'll also be
giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a Downton
Abbey Prize Pack (Seasons 1 and 2)!
So grab your copy of The Maid of
Fairbourne Hall and join Julie and friends on the evening of March
15th for a book chat party.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your
friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your
chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 15th!
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
Disclaimer
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and the author for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. My opinion is my own and was not influenced by anyone else.
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