Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself

CHANGE YOUR FEED ADDRESS!

2010-05-07T13:10:00.001-05:00

Hello all. Still having issues with the redirecting of my feed. So I have 300+ subscribers in Google Reader that it says I will lose unless you change the feed you are following for me. I'm sorry for this frustration. (I'm not even sure you'll see this message...)

What you need to do is open your Google Reader and "Add a new feed" http://www.creativemadnessmama.com/feed/

When checking the old feed

http://cherryblossommj.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Google Reader shows 326 subscribers.

When I check the new feed

http://www.creativemadnessmama.com/feed/

Google Reader shows only 40 subscribers.

I don't know how to combine these. I thought that I did everything right through Feedburner, but now it just sent out an email stating that the feed is dead. So it seems if people don't manually move over I'm out of luck. And about to lose everyone. :(

~ Margaret (MJ) Chind of Georgia, now to be in Tennessee
Enginerd's wife and Mama to AppleBlossom (July 2009 8 lbs 2.3oz)
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"You can never get a cup of tea large enough, or a book long enough to suit me." -C.S. Lewis

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Creative Madness - Quilts & Reviews

www.creativemadnessmama.com

http://chf.creativemadnessmama.com

New B&H Release for May 2010

2010-05-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Release date May 1, 2010 from B&H
Sequel to Certain Jeopardy

Revell Books New Releases May 2010

2010-05-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

It Had to Be You by Janice Thompson (Wedding by Bella, #3)

This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson

Easily both of these are on my Wishlist!!

Come on over to my new wordpress home!!

2010-04-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on trying to redirect feeds and such, but come on over and see me at my new online home and follow me! www.creativemadnessmama.com

Still having issues

2010-04-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

So in attempt to move over to wordpress I'm having tons of issues. Almost wishing I had not started it. Can anyone help me? I have not been able to find a way to move my current layout into a wp theme. I have tried to contact so many people now for help and I am so sick of people not returning emails. Ugh.

KIDS EVERYWHERE CELEBRATE LAUNCH OF MACHINE WASHABLE FOOTWEAR FROM PEDIPED!

2010-04-15T09:12:00.001-05:00

Kids celebrate launch of machine washable footwear from pediped®

Henderson, NV (April 2010) - Kids nationwide are celebrating the launch of pediped® footwear's Spring/Summer 2010 line of
machine washable footwear. Thanks to this welcomed innovation, they now have the freedom to jump in any puddle that catches their attention, practice their running long jump until it's medal-worthy and slip-slide through the mud on the way home from school.   These machine washable shoes for kids 2-5 years of age will remain looking new as they are super-easy to clean.

Moms and kids (as well as their siblings and classmates) will be relieved to know that this pediped® Flex line extension features DRYZ® technology which resists odor development and helps prevent stinky feet! DRYZ® insoles wick away moisture to help keep sweaty, little feet dry and comfortable.

Designed with the active child in mind, this new machine washable collection features a lightweight, sporty construction. The durable footwear, built to take a beating, includes toe caps, heel caps, breathable webbing and reinforcements throughout. It also features pediped® footwear's unique Flex Fit System which enables the fit to be customized and/or the duration of wear to be extended up to two months as the child's feet grow. All in all, this new machine washable line from pediped® footwear is a slam dunk!   Featured styles include Joelle/Joel and Adrian. This machine washable pediped® line is available now at select retailers and atwww.pediped.com in EU sizes 20-29 (US sizes 5-12.5). At a recommended retail price of $48 USD/pair (MSRP), the shoes are an excellent value.

Kids should also be on the lookout for new Fall/Winter 2010 machine washable shoes from pediped® including Adrian in new color ways as well as new girls' styles. All pediped® footwear containing DRYZ® technology will be machine washable as of Fall/Winter 2010. The new Fall/Winter 2010 pediped® collection will be available at retail beginning July 2010.



About pediped®
pediped® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. pediped® footwear is sold in over 3000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-5 years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 17 to 29. In addition the company's award winning footwear collections pediped® offers a range of accessories including tights and socks and coordinating hair clips.  For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.

*Thanks to Hilary Abbott Communications for providing this information.*

FIRST Chapter: A Stranger's Wish by Gayle Roper

2010-04-14T07:54:00.000-05:00

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Gayle Roper

and the book:

A Stranger's Wish (The Amish Farm Trilogy)

Harvest House Publishers; Original edition (February 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to David P. Bartlett - Print & Internet Publicist - Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gayle Roper is the award-winning author of more than forty books and has been a Christy finalist three times. Gayle enjoys speaking at women’s events across the nation and loves sharing the powerful truths of Scripture with humor and practicality. She lives with her husband in southeastern Pennsylvania where Gayle enjoys reading, gardening, and her family.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $10.99
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Original edition (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736925864
ISBN-13: 978-0736925860

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

FIRST Chapter: The Secret Holocaust Diaries

2010-04-12T22:34:00.002-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Nonna Bannister

and the book:

The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister

Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)

***Special thanks to Vicky Lynch of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nonna Bannister was a young girl when World War II broke into her happy life. She went from an idyllic early-twentieth-century Russian childhood, full of love and comforts, to the life of a prisoner working in labor camps—though she was not a Jew—eventually bereft of her entire family. But she survived the war armed with the faith in God her grandmother taught her and a readiness to start a new life. She immigrated to America, married, and started a family, keeping her past secret from everyone. Though she had carried from Germany the scraps of a diary and various photographs and other memorabilia, she kept it all hidden and would only take it out, years later, to translate and expand her writings. After decades of marriage, Nonna finally shared her secret with her husband . . . and now he is sharing it with the world. Nonna died on August 15, 2004.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414325479
ISBN-13: 978-1414325477

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

2010-04-10T20:51:00.002-05:00

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the past, you may have read my opinions of Siri Mitchell and seen that I enjoy the writing, but that the story was imperceptibly depressing. I was shocked and appauled with the lack of soul in Constant Heart, A yet the historical elements were incredible and the writing so true. It was in reading Love's Pursuit that each page was not able to turn fast enough and I was truly stumped until the end but still taken aback and frustrated with the circumstances and sadness of the situation. Yet She Walks in Beauty is a delight, a breath of fresh air, and quite the heart titillating beat within a prose of words met by the ear as poetry.

I loved this novel. Each page was another treasure. Every time I had to leave the novel and come back to the story it was as if I were returning to a friend. In years passed I have always wanted to read a tale about the Golden Age in New York City and this novel was not one to disappoint. Yes it had the historical details and some harsh facts which I have come to know Siri's books for. Yet this one has a heart and a soul with tons of personality that laced through the pages and made the next chapter more than just a little something worth coming back for.

Clara Carter is a debutante, and this is her story. It is a suspense, it is a hard life and facts historical, it is a romance, and it is a tragedy. I highly recommend it.

*Thanks to CFBA and Bethany House for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

Winner unaccounted for...

2010-04-10T15:23:00.002-05:00

So I gave you an extra week and never heard back from the winner of the BabyEtte BabyBasics ring sling, so I will be picking another winner and let person know through email privately!!

Winners

2010-04-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

What a lucky day! The winner of both An Absence So Great and The Little Prayer of Mine is Nancy! Those extra entries really paid off today!! Congrats! Email me your snail mail address and I'll get these books right out to you.

Date Night Movie

2010-04-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

The idea of a date night is so far in my future that I cannot even comprehend it, nor the idea of going out to see a movie. But if I could one that is on my list of to be seen movies is Date Night with Steve Carell and Tina Fey. One, I will forever love and enjoy Tina Fey ever since her Palin impersonations. Then two, I love Steve. He cracks me up.

Date Night Movie

Check out the trailer.

If you could, go see the movie for me and tell me about it? I'll have to wait until it is available for download or Netflix and even then I have to wait until AppleBlossom is in bed at night... that's how we have date night. *grin* Dinner and a movie, in the living room, with the volume just so and her Sleep Sheep on high. ;)

In “Date Night,” which opens Friday, a bored suburban couple played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey go on their weekly dinner date and find themselves thrown into a night of intrigue: there’s breaking and entering, a car chase, a shootout and a showdown with an underworld boss at a strip club. Husband and wife come out of the adventure with some scratches and also with their ardor renewed.

(For the full New York Times article please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/04/movies/04date.html?ref=movies)

I am forever grateful for comedy. The movie releases to theaters today April 9th, 2010!!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 20th Century Fox. All opinions are 100% mine.

Pediped Shoes

2010-04-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

It was January when I introduced you to one of our favorite AppleBlossom accessories, the No Slippy Hair Clippy. In that post I also mentioned the collection of Pediped NSHC (hair clips that match shoes!!!). Today I get to rave to you about another favorite accessory that we could not live without (okay maybe we could, but we do not want to!) our Pediped Shoes!!

Pediped makes shoes from birth to age five in different collections, but the ones that I want to tell you about are the Originals (birth to 2 years) with soft leather soles. These are our favorite shoes so far. We have not been much of a shoe family for AppleBlossom, but when we go out and she might be standing I put shoes on her to protect her feet (plus they're cute and match everything). Now that she is walking with help as well as crawling, whenever we're out the door, the shoes are with us. Though I like some of the other soft soled shoes we have, our Pedipeds are our favorite by far (yet I'll tell you soon about some rubber soled shoes we crave). One of the neatest things about Pediped (that you may have heard me toot already) is that they are very active in charities. I think that is so important in a business and they do not disappoint. They sell more than just shoes and hair clips. There are also tights, socks and their website has a shoe finder feature that will help you search the plethora of fabulous shoes for both boys and girls.

pediped™ was founded in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth after searching for a perfect soft sole shoe for their daughter Caroline. The first line was launched in February 2005. Three years later, the company now offers over 85 styles in two lines, Originals (soft-soles, ages 0-2 years) and Flex (rubber-soles, ages 1-5). pediped™ footwear focuses on comfortable, high quality, stylish designs that meet the strict requirements of the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). The shoes come in a broad range of styles from sandals and athletic fashions to dress and casual shoes, all designed to address the growing needs of children from birth through age 5. Sold in more than 2500 retail and departments store in the United States and 35 countries around the world, pediped™ shoes have a demonstrated global consumer appeal.

Thanks to Hilary Abbott Communications, AppleBlossom was able to obtain a pair of Chocolate Giselle with Polka Dots Leather Mary Janes. Everywhere we go she gets compliments. Seriously because of the different color dots, they match everything and that is awesome to me. I hardly have to worry about having a million different pairs of shoes that she will grow out of so quickly. Yet at the same time, there are so many different designs that if I did want a million pair of shoes, I could happily do so with Pediped. *wink*

As far as AppleBlossom's feet, she has been able to wear her 0-6 month size Pedipeds since before she was standing, and since she has been standing they are perfect and she still has a little more room for them to last now at eight months old. They really are soft, and early on AppleBlossom informed us that they pass the taste test, however we try to make that cease as a habit. *grin* The leather is gorgeous for one and really soft. I have no doubts of the protection that her feet are getting and am very happy with the lack of forced structure that will allow her feet to grow.

Pediped footwear is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for contributing to healthy foot development for children.

Soon we will have to start looking to purchase some shoes the next size up (6-12 mo) and I personally have my eyes on some Abigail - Multi Leather Mary Janes and possibly Addison - pediped graffiti Mary Janes. They're just too cute!

Check out all their new Spring styles!

www.pediped.com

Twitter @pedipedfootwear

pediped Facebook Fan Page

FIRST Chapter: Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd

2010-04-07T01:31:00.000-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Sandra Byrd

and the book:

Asking for Trouble (London Confidential)

Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)

***Special thanks to Christy Wong of Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Best-selling author Sandra Byrd has published nearly three dozen books in the Christian market, including her latest series, French Twist, which includes the Christy Award finalist Let Them Eat Cake (WaterBrook Press, 2007) and its sequel, Bon Appétit (WaterBrook Press, 2008). Many of her acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books target the tween and young adult markets. She has also published a book for new moms entitled Heartbeats. Several of Sandra’s shorter works have appeared in periodicals such as Relevant, Clubhouse, Pockets, Decision, and Guideposts. For the past seven years, she has shared her secrets with the many students she mentors through the Christian Writers Guild. Before turning to full-time writing, Sandra was an acquisitions editor in the ABA market. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $6.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414325975
ISBN-13: 978-1414325972

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

I hung back at the doorway to the cafeteria of my new supercool British school, Wexburg Academy. Most of the lunch tables were already packed, and the room was buzzing with chatter. The populars, whom I'd secretly nicknamed the Aristocats, commanded an entire table right in the center of the room. Their good looks and posh accents made up the sun around which all other tables orbited. The normal kids were in the second circle, arranged by friends or clubs or activities. The drama table was on the outer edge of the room, and so were the geeks, the nerds, and the punk wannabes--way out there like Neptune, but still planets. Most everyone had a group. I didn't.

Okay, so there was one table with lots of room. The leftovers table. It might as well have been the dark side of the moon.

No way.

I skipped lunch--again--and headed to the library. One of the computers was available and I logged on, desperately hoping for an e-mail from Seattle.

There was an e-mail from my grandmother reminding me to floss because British dentists only cleaned adult teeth.

Spam from Teen Vogue.

An invitation to join the Prince Harry fan club--I opened it and gave it a quick scan. I'd consider it more later.

And . . . one from Jen!

I clicked open the e-mail from my best friend at home--well, it had been my home till a couple of months ago--hoping for a lunch full of juicy news served alongside tasty comments about how she missed me and was planning stuff for my next visit home. I craved something that would take me the whole lunch period to read and respond to and remind me that I did have a place somewhere in this universe.

From: Jen
To: Savannah

Hey, Fortune Cookie, so how's it going? Met the Queen yet? LOL. Sorry I haven't written too much. It's been so busy. Samantha took the position you'd been promised on the newspaper staff. She's brand new, but then again you would have been too. It seemed strange without you at first, but I think she'll do okay--maybe even better than okay. And hey, life has changed for everyone, right? Things are crazy busy at school, home, and church. We hang out a lot more now that a bunch of us are driving. Will write again in a few weeks.

Miss you!
Jen

A few weeks! My lungs filled with air, and I let it out slowly, deflating like a balloon with a slow leak. I poised my hands over the keyboard to write a response but just . . . couldn't. What would I say? It had already been weeks since we'd last e-mailed. Most of my friends texted instead of e-mailing anyway, but texting across the Atlantic Ocean cost way too much. And the truth was . . .

I'd moved, and they'd moved on.

I logged off the computer and sat there for a minute, blinking back tears. Jen hadn't meant to forget me. I was simply out of her orbit now.

I pretended to read Sugar magazine online, but mostly I was staring at the clock, passing the time till I could respectably head to my next class.

Five minutes before class I swung my book bag onto my shoulder and headed down the hall. Someone was stapling flyers to the wall. “Hi, Hazelle.”

“Hullo, Savannah.” She breezed by me, stapling another pink flyer farther down the wall. We had math class together--oh yeah, maths, as the Brits called it--first period. I'd tried to make friends with her; I'd even asked her if she'd like to sit together in lunch, but she'd crisply informed me that she sat at the table with the other members of the newspaper staff.

She didn't bother with small talk now either, but went on stapling down the hall. I glanced at one of the flyers, and one sentence caught my eye right away: Looking for one experienced journalist to join the newspaper staff.

I yanked the flyer off the wall and jammed it into my bag. I was experienced. Wasn't I?

A nub of doubt rose inside me--the kind that popped up, unwelcome, anytime I tried to rationalize something that wasn't exactly true or right.

This time I swallowed it back. I thought back to Jen's e-mail that kind of felt like a polite dismissal. I lived in London now.

It was time to take matters into my own hands.

CFBA: She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

2010-04-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

She Walks in BeautyBethany House (April 2010)by

Siri Mitchell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

ABOUT THE BOOK

For a young society woman seeking a favorable marriage, so much depends on her social season debut. Clara Carter has been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor.

Debuting means plenty of work--there are corsets to be fitted, dances to master, manners to perfect. Her training soon pays off, however, as celebrity's spotlight turns Clara into a society-page darling.

Yet Clara soon wonders if this is the life she really wants. Especially when she learns her best friend has also set her sights on Franklin De Vries.

When a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is and gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her marriage at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

If you would like to read the first chapter of She Walks in Beauty, go HERE.

Bugalug Soother Clips

2010-04-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

There are just so accessories that are too cute for words and the Bugalug Soother Clips are one of those, but I will try to find words appropriate. Thanks to Erica Pieszak, we were introduced to Bugalug (Stay-Put accessories for the Urban Girl) and am I ever glad to have found them! We have had a pacifier clip that just was not working for us and that was really frustrating. Especially as AppleBlossom is getting stronger with the clip that we had she would suck on the ribbon and it was really thin and would be saturated quickly. Then the velcro that held it together would stop working as it was saturated. Also, she could just put and it would come right off. This was starting to become a real problem and a pointless thing to wear. But not so with the Bugalug Soother Clips!!

Buglug sent us a Wine Flowers Soother Clip and first off let me tell you how darling this clip is! It is absolutely gorgeous and such great colors. No doubt of matching anything here. *grin* The clip is awesome. You pull forward the little bugalug and the teeth of the clip open up, then you fasten it shut on whatever you're attaching it do and you're ready to go! She pulls and pulls, but it does not slip off! She chew on the ribbon and it does not soak through! The wider ribbon is fabulous and shows off more of the design and I love that. The other thing that I love are the jeweled snaps. They add just the right amount of pretty flair that makes these clips rank even higher on my list. I just all around love them. Bugalug took an item that I was ready to call worthless and showed me just what quality could be.

This Bugalug Soother Saver is beautifully decorated with an assortment of flowers on a rich burgundy base. The soother clip is made out of a 1 inch grosgrain ribbon.

I highly recommend the Bugalug Soother Clips and I am quite certain that their other products would be right along the same par as well! From barrettes, headbands, pony loops, soother clips, belts and other gift ideas they surely have something to please.

Bugalug is proud of their innovative, stylish and fun accessories. With so many styles and products to choose from, your little one will love to express themselves with a Bugalug.

- Best Non-Slip Clip (in Canada)

- Top Quality Products

- Handmade in Canada by Moms

- Exclusive Ribbon Designs

- Non-Toxic & Lead Free

Buy it: The Bugalug Soother Clips are very affordable at $10 and available through their website at www.bugalug.com or www.bugalug.ca

www.bugalugbaby.com

Twitter @bugalug

Bugalug Facebook Fan Page

FIRST Chapter: Disaster Status by Candace Calvert

2010-04-06T01:09:00.000-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Candace Calvert

and the book:

Disaster Status (Book #2 in Mercy Hospital series)

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 4, 2010)

***Special thanks to Mavis Sanders of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the "other side of the stethoscope" after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her that love, laughter—and faith—are the very best medicines of all. The inspirational account of her accident and recovery appears in Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul and launched her writing career. The author of a madcap cruise mystery series in the secular market, Candace now eagerly follows her heart to write Christian fiction for Tyndale House. Her new medical drama series, launched with Critical Care in 2009, offers readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense—and a soul-soothing prescription for hope. Born in northern California and the mother of two, Candace now lives in the Hill Country of Texas.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414325444
ISBN-13: 978-1414325446

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Fire captain Scott McKenna bolted through the doors of Pacific Mercy ER, his boots thudding and heart pounding as the unconscious child began to stiffen and jerk in his arms. He cradled her close as her small spine arched and her head thumped over and over against his chest. “Need help here. Seizure!”

“This way.” A staff person beckoned. “The code room. Someone page respiratory therapy stat!”

Scott jogged behind a trio of staff in green scrubs to a glassed-in room, laid the child on a gurney, and stepped back, his breath escaping in a rush of relief. He swiped a trickle of sweat from his forehead and tried to catch a glimpse of the girl’s face. He’d swept her up too fast to get a good look at her. Now, with merciful distance, Scott’s heart tugged. Six or seven years old with long black braids, frilly clusters of hair ribbons, little hoop earrings, she looked disturbingly pale despite her olive skin. Her dark eyes rolled upward, unfocused, as the ER team closed in to suction her airway, start oxygen, and cut away her flowered top and pants.

The alarms of the cardiac monitor beeped as a technician attached gelled electrodes to her tiny chest. Thankfully, the seizure ended, although saliva—foamy as a salted garden snail—still bubbled from her parted lips.

Scott inhaled slowly, the air a sour mix of illness, germicidal soap, and anxious perspiration. He thought of his nephew, Cody, lying in a pediatrics bed two floors above.

The ER physician, a vaguely familiar woman, gestured to a nurse. “Get an IV and pull me some labs. I’ll need a quick glucose check and a rectal temp. Let’s keep lorazepam handy in case she starts up again. What’s her O2 saturation?”

“It’s 98 percent on the non-rebreather mask, Dr. Stathos.”

Leigh Stathos. Golden Gate Mercy Hospital. Scott nodded, recognizing her—and the irony. She left San Francisco. I’ve applied for a job there . . . and everywhere else.

“Good. Now let’s see if I can get a medic report.” Dr. Stathos whirled to face Scott, her expression indicating she was trying to place him as well. Her gaze flickered to his badge. “Oh yes. McKenna. Didn’t recognize you for a second there. So what’s the history? And where’s the rest of your crew? Are they sending you guys out solo now?”

“No. But no crew. And no report. I was here as a visitor, until some guy waved me down in the parking lot. I took one look at this girl and decided to scoop and run.” Scott nodded toward a woman crying near the doorway. “That could be family. They were in the truck with her.”

“Seizure history?”

“Don’t know. My Spanish isn’t the best. I think they said ‘sick’ and ‘vomiting,’ but—”

One of the nurses called out for the doctor. “She’s starting to twitch again. IV’s in, and the blood glucose is good at 84. No fever. How much lorazepam are you going to want? She weighs about 20 kilos.”

Dr. Stathos moved back to the gurney. “We’ll start with one milligram slowly. But let me get a look at her first, listen to her lungs, and check her eyes.” She looked up as a blonde nurse appeared in the doorway. “Yes, Sandy?”

“Sorry, Doctor. I couldn’t get much, but her name’s Ana Galvez. Six years old. No meds, no allergies, and no prior seizure history. I think. There’s a language barrier, and I don’t have an official interpreter yet. But thought you should know I’ve got a dozen more people signing in for triage, all with gastric complaints and headaches. The parking lot’s full of farm trucks, and—” She stopped as the child began a second full-blown seizure.

Two respiratory therapists rushed through the doorway.

Scott tensed. A dozen more patients? Then his Spanish was good enough to have understood one last thing the terrified family had said before he took off running with their child: “Hay muchos más enfermos”—There are many more sick people.

He glanced back at the child convulsing on the gurney. What was going on?

+++

Muscle it. Punch through it. Control it. Be bigger than the bag.

Erin Quinn’s fist connected in one last spectacular, round-winning right hook, slamming the vinyl speed bag against the adjacent wall. And causing a tsunami in her grandmother’s goldfish tank. Water sluiced over the side.

“Whoa! Hang on, buddy. I’ve got you.” She dropped to her knees, steadying the tank with her red leather gloves. Everything she’d done in the last six months was focused on keeping Iris Quinn safe, secure, and happy, and now she’d nearly KO’d the woman’s only pet.

Erin watched the bug-eyed goldfish’s attempts to ride out the wave action. She knew exactly how he felt. Her own situation was equally unsettling: thirty-one and living with her grandmother and a geriatric goldfish named Elmer Fudd in a five-hundred-square-foot beach house. With two mortgages and a stubborn case of shower mold. She caught a whiff of her latest futile bout with bleach and grimaced.

But moving back to Pacific Point was the best option for her widowed grandmother, emotionally as well as financially. Erin was convinced of that, even if her grandmother was still skeptical . . . and the rest of the family dead set against it. Regardless, Erin was determined to put the feisty spark back in Nana’s eyes, and she had found the change surprisingly good for herself as well. After last year’s frustrating heartaches, being back in a house filled with warm memories felt a lot like coming home. She needed that more than she’d known.

Erin tugged at a long strand of her coppery hair and smiled. The fact that her grandmother was down at the chamber of commerce to inquire about volunteer work was proof they were finally on the right track. Meanwhile, she had the entire day off from the hospital. March sunshine; capris instead of nursing scrubs; time to catch up with her online course work, jog on the beach, and dawdle at the fish market with her grandmother.

She turned at the sound of her cell phone’s Rocky theme ring tone, then struggled, teeth against laces, to remove a glove in time to answer.

She grabbed the phone and immediately wished she hadn’t. The caller display read Pacific Mercy ER. “Yes?”

“Ah, great. We caught you.”

“Not really,” Erin said, recognizing the relief charge nurse’s voice and glancing hopefully toward the door. “In fact, I was just heading out.”

“Dr. Stathos said she’s sorry, but she needs you here. Stat. We’ve got kind of a mess.”

Mess? Erin’s breath escaped like a punctured balloon. In the ER, a mess could mean anything. All of it bad. She’d heard the TV news reports of a single-engine plane crash early this morning, but the pilot had been pronounced dead on the scene, and there were no other victims. The hospital shouldn’t be affected. Then . . . “What’s going on?”

“Eighteen sick farm workers,” the nurse explained, raising her voice over a cacophony of background noise. “Maybe a few more now; they keep coming in. We’re running out of gurneys, even in the hallway.”

“Sick with what?” Erin asked. The sheer number of patients qualified as a multicasualty disaster, but only if it were a motor vehicle accident, an explosion, or a similar tragedy.

“Dr. Stathos isn’t sure. But she’s thinking maybe food poisoning. They’re all from the same ranch. Everyone’s vomiting, and—”

“It’s a real mess,” Erin finished, sighing. “I got that part. But how come the ambulances are bringing them all to us? Dispatch should be sending some to Monterey.”

“They’re not in ambulances. They’re arriving in work vehicles. A couple of guys were even sprawled out on a flatbed truck. They’re lucky no one rolled onto the highway. The police are at the ranch investigating, but meanwhile we’re overwhelmed. And of course the media got wind of it, so now we have reporters showing up. You know how aggressive they get. I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m in over my head with this whole thing.”

The nurse was new at taking charge, and Erin remembered how scary that felt when things went south in the ER. Monday shifts were usually fairly tame, but this sounded like . . . “Tell the nursing supervisor I’m on my way in and that we’ll probably need to go on disaster status and . . . Hold on a second, would you?” She yanked off her other glove and strode, phone to her ear, toward the miniscule closet she shared with her grandmother. “Close the clinic and use that for overflow. Get security down there to help control things, the chaplain too. And see if the fire department can spare us some manpower.”

Erin pulled a set of camouflage-print scrubs from a hanger, then began peeling off her bike shorts with one hand. “I’ll get there as soon as I can. Just need to take a quick shower and leave my grandmother a note.” And kiss my free day good-bye?

No, she wasn’t going to think that way. As a full-time charge nurse, the welfare of the ER staff was a huge priority. Besides, Leigh Stathos wouldn’t haul her in on her day off if it weren’t important. Erin had dealt with far worse things. Like that explosion at the day care center near Sierra Mercy Hospital last year. In comparison, food poisoning wasn’t such a big deal, even two dozen cases. Messy, yes. Life-altering, no. Central service would find more basins, she’d help start a few IVs, they’d give nausea meds and plenty of TLC, and they’d get it all under control.

“No problemo,” she murmured as she hung up, then realized the inarticulate phrase was pretty much the extent of her Spanish. She made a mental note to be sure they had enough interpreters. Interpreters, basins, more manpower, and a full measure of TLC to patients—and her staff. That should do it.

Ten minutes later she snagged an apple for the road, wrote Nana a note, and stowed her boxing gloves on the rack beneath the TV. She wouldn’t need battle gear for this extra stint in the ER. And then she’d be back home. In a couple of hours, tops.

+++

When Erin turned in to the hospital parking lot, she realized she’d forgotten her name badge. Good thing security knew her. Her eyes widened as she approached the ambulance entrance. She braked to a stop, her mouth dropping open as she surveyed the scene at the emergency department’s back doors: four dusty and battered trucks—one indeed a flatbed—at least three news vans, a fire truck, an ambulance, and several police cars. She quickly put the Subaru in park, then opened her door and squinted up at the sky. Oh, c’mon, was that a helicopter? A plane crash wasn’t big enough news today?

Several nurses stood outside the doors holding clipboards and dispensing yellow plastic emesis basins to a restless line of a least a dozen patients in long sleeves, heavy trousers, and work boots. Including one elderly man who seemed unsteady on his feet as he mopped his forehead with a faded bandanna. A young uniformed firefighter paramedic, the husband of their ER triage nurse, was also helping out. Good, Erin’s request for extra manpower had been accepted.

Reporters in crisp khakis and well-cut jackets leaned across what appeared to be a hastily erected rope-and-sawhorse barricade. It was manned by a firefighter in a smoke-stained turnout jacket with the broadest shoulders she’d ever seen. And an expression as stony as Rushmore.

Erin locked the car, grabbed her tote bag, and jogged into the wind toward the barricade, trying to place the daunting firefighter. Tall, with close-cropped blond hair, a sturdy jaw, and a rugged profile. He turned, arms crossed, to talk with someone across the barricade, so she couldn’t see all of his face. But he wasn’t a full-time medic; she knew them all. An engine company volunteer? Maybe, but she hadn’t met him. She was sure of that. Because, even from what little she’d seen, this man would have been memorable. Her face warmed ridiculously as she slowed to a walk.

But her growing curiosity about his identity was a moot point. There wasn’t time for that now. She needed to slip between those sawhorses, hustle into the ER, touch base with the relief charge nurse, brainstorm with Leigh Stathos, and see what she could do to help straighten out this mess.

Erin stopped short as the big firefighter turned abruptly, blocking her way. “Excuse me,” she said, sweeping wind-tossed hair from her face as she peered up at him. Gray. His eyes were granite gray. “I need to get past you. Thanks. Appreciate it.” She attempted to squeeze by him, catching a faint whiff of citrusy cologne . . . mixed with smoke.

“Don’t thank me. And stop right where you are.” He stepped in front of her, halting her in her tracks. There was the slightest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Not a smile. He crossed his arms again. “No one can come through here. Those are the rules. And I go by the book. Sorry.”

By the book? As if she didn’t have policies to follow? Erin forced herself to take a deep breath. Lord, show me the humor in this. Called to work on her day off and then denied access. It was funny if you thought about it. She tried to smile and managed a pinched grimace. This was about as funny as the mold in her shower. She met his gaze, noticing that he had a small scar just below his lower lip. Probably from somebody’s fist.

“I work here, Captain . . . McKenna,” Erin explained, reading the name stenciled on his jacket. “In fact—” she patted the left breast pocket of her scrubs, then remembered her missing name badge—“I’m the day-shift charge nurse. But I forgot my badge.”

“I see,” he said, uncrossing his arms. He pointed toward the trio of reporters leaning over the barricade. “See that reporter over there—the tall woman with the microphone and bag of Doritos? Ten minutes ago she pulled a white coat out of one of those news vans and tried to tell me she was a doctor on her way to an emergency delivery. Premature twins.”

“But that’s unbelievable. That’s—”

“Exactly why I’m standing here,” the captain interrupted. “So without hospital ID or someone to corroborate, I can’t let you in.”

Her jaw tightened, and she glanced toward the ER doors. “One of your paramedics is back there somewhere; Chuck knows me. He’s married to my triage nurse. Find him and ask him.”

McKenna shook his head. “Can’t leave this spot.”

“Then call.” Erin pointed to the cell phone on his belt. “Better yet, ask for Dr. Leigh Stathos. Tell her I’m here. She’ll verify my identity. The number is—”

“I’ve got it,” he said, lifting his phone and watching her intently as he made an inquiry. He gave a short laugh. “Yes. A redhead in what looks like Army fatigues . . . Ah, let’s see . . . green eyes. And about—” his gaze moved discreetly over her—“maybe five foot nine?”

Erin narrowed her eyes. What was this, a lineup?

The captain lowered the phone. “Your name?”

“Erin Quinn,” she said, feeling like she should extend her hand or something. She resisted the impulse.

“Hmm. Yes,” he said into the phone. “I see. Okay, then.” He cleared his throat and disconnected the call.

She looked at him. “Did you get what you needed?”

“Well,” he said, reaching down to detach the rope from a sawhorse, “it seems you’re who you say you are. And that I shouldn’t expect a commendation for detaining you. Apparently it’s because of your request that I’m here. Not that I wanted to be. I still have men out on the plane crash, but . . .” He hesitated and then flashed the barest of smiles. Though fleeting, it transformed his face from Rushmore cold to almost human. “Go on inside, Erin Quinn. You’re late.” His expression returned to chiseled stone. “And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry. But that’s the way this has to work.”

“No problemo.” Erin hitched her tote bag over her shoulder and stepped through the barricade. Then she turned back. “What’s your first name, McKenna?”

“Scott.”

She extended her hand and was surprised by the warmth of his. “Well, then. Good job, Scott. But going by the book isn’t always the bottom line. Try to develop a little trust, will you? We’re all on the same team.”

Twenty minutes later, Erin finished checking on her staff and rejoined Leigh Stathos in the code room. They both looked up as the housekeeping tech arrived at the doorway.

“You wanted these?” Sarge asked.

“Yes. Great. Thank you.” Erin nodded at the tall, fortysomething man wearing tan scrubs, his brown hair pulled back into a short ponytail and arms full of plastic emesis basins. “Put those in the utility room, would you? And I think we could use some extra sheets and gowns too. If you don’t mind.”

His intense eyes met hers for an instant before glancing down. “Yes, ma’am, double time.”

Erin smiled at Sarge’s familiar and somber half salute, then watched him march away, his powerful frame moving in an awkward hitch to accommodate his artificial leg. She returned her attention to Leigh and the dark-eyed child on the gurney beside them. The ventilator, overriding her natural breathing, whooshed at regular intervals, filling the girl’s lungs. “She had two seizures but none before today?”

“Looks that way.” The ER physician, her long mahogany hair swept back loosely into a clip, reached down and lifted the sheet covering the child. “But see how her muscles are still twitchy? And her pupils are constricted. I’ll be honest: I don’t like this. The only thing I know for sure is that the X-ray shows an aspiration pneumonia. Probably choked while vomiting on the truck ride in. I’ve started antibiotics. Art’s coming in,” she added, referring to the on-call pediatrician. “And I paged the public health officer.”

“Good.” Erin’s brows scrunched. It was puzzling; an hour after arrival, Ana Galvez remained unresponsive, her skin glistening with perspiration. Though Leigh had inserted an endotracheal tube and the child was suctioned frequently, she was still producing large amounts of saliva. Her heart rate, barely 70, was surprisingly slow for her age. She’d had several episodes of diarrhea. Poor kid. What happened to you?

Erin glanced toward the main room of the ER, grateful things appeared to be settling down out there. “I still don’t get this, though. Ana came from home? Not the ranch where everybody got sick?”

“Yes, but—” Leigh fiddled with the stethoscope draped across the shoulders of her steel gray scrub top—“she’d been there earlier. Felt sick after lunch and her father took her home.”

“So that goes right back to the food. But salmonella takes time. Still, the symptoms fit. Triage says most of the patients are complaining of headache, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea.” Erin checked the monitor: heart rate 58. Why so slow? “What did they eat?”

Leigh sighed. “Sack lunches. Every one different. That doesn’t fit at all. I wanted it to be huge tubs of chicken stew that everyone shared. That would make sense. But Sandy’s seen twenty-six patients in triage now, and the story from everybody sounds the same: picking strawberries since 6 a.m., lunch together around eleven, and—”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but something’s . . . wrong.” Erin and Leigh turned at the sound of the triage nurse’s voice at the doorway.

Erin’s eyes widened. The triage nurse looked awful—pale, sweaty, teary-eyed. Sandy was holding her hand to her head, trembling. What happened?

Before she could ask, Sandy’s eyelids fluttered and her knees gave way.

Product Review: Tea Collection

2010-04-05T11:14:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while you discover something incredible. While going through my mail the other day I discovered a catalog for a Children's Clothing. Flipping through I was thinking my goodness how cute! Oh look at that! Oh that one! Oh my! I showed my Enginerd and even he was in awe. Usually with catalogs such as this, you look through, sigh about the expense, then toss it. Well in this situation there was a hitch. Woah. Wait a minute, these are actually reasonable prices!! Thus today, I would like to introduce all of you Mamas to the Tea Collection, love it like we do...

*Thanks to the Tea Collection, AppleBlossom was able to get cozy in a 6-12 mo Sleeper Set and Circle Geo Wrap Romper.* Oh my goodness have you ever seen such cuteness! The Tea Collection is made up of Children's Clothing that inspired by the beauty found in cultures around the world. While it is true that here in our household we really enjoy our Carter's clothing and whatever else we find in Target *wink*. All of the clothing we find today are rather bland. When I discovered the Tea Collection I was ecstatic to know that there is something else out there!

Close fitting, luxurious Pima cotton is brushed inside for extra softness. Our inspired prints and cozy knit rib will make bedtime your child's favorite hour. Slim fit conforms to CFR 1615/1616. Imported.
100% pima cotton
Machine washable
** We strictly adhere to the US government regulations for tight fitting sleepwear. For the most comfortable fit order one size up.

From newborn to 8 years old the Tea Collection has something for you. In Baby (0-24 mo) there are so many things to choose from like rompers, body suits, dresses, pants, shirts, sweaters, sleep wear, sandles, sets and even an organic selection. Truly, it's like a clothing eye candy store! Usually when you find "cutesy" baby clothes, they have odd washing instructions and care, but that is not the case with these. The clothing we have is simply machine washable. *grin* It does not get any better than that with baby clothes. The material is so breathable and soft. I want some Pj's like those!

rompers
Circle Geo Wrap Romper
Sizes XS (3-6mo) to Md (12-18mo)
The circle geo print romper has a wrap neckline. Trimmed in raspberry. Diaper snaps at inseam for easy dressing. Imported.
100% cotton
Machine washable
style no. g02211l

$25.00

AppleBlossom is just starting to really become mobile, and she is really able to move in both of these outfits. In the Romper during the day and the PJs in the evening. She is as cute as can be and stylish to boot! I think having something different and ethnic is very educational and something we plan to incorporate over the years. It is difficult to find such things in general stores, and it is comforting to find out about brands such as Tea Collection.

With out a doubt I know that we will often be looking back at what is available from Tea Collection over the years. From what I have seen with their selection you can really not go wrong.

www.teacollection.com

Fan Tea Collection on Facebook

Follow @TeaCollection on Twitter

CFBA: Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

2010-04-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Sixteen Brides

Bethany House (April 2010)

by

Stephanie Grace Whitson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four home schooled children Nebraska history.

She was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year.

Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends.

Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1872, sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land speculator who lures them west by promising "prime homesteads" in a "booming community."

Unbeknownst to them, the speculator's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to the fledgling community of Plum Grove, Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival! Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them.

These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances--especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixteen Brides, go HERE.

My Other reviews of Stephanie Grace Whitson titles. (This will be my first historical).

A Garden in Paris
A Hilltop in Tuscany (sequel)

Dress Up Pirate Toy

2010-04-05T10:00:00.004-05:00

Have you discovered Growing Tree Toys yet? If not, you are really missing out and should check out all of their educational toys. Thanks to Sarah at Growing Tree Toys we were sent a Dress Up Pirate Toy for review. It is one of the cutest things I have seen! It is an 18th month toy, and as AppleBlossom is just now turning eight months so does not enjoy the entirety of the toy (as much as the Enginerd does...) but so loves it already anyway.

This is a dressing activity doll where you can snap, button, velcro fasten and buckle! There is a cool fabric pirate sword in his pocket (probably the Enginerd's favorite part) and there is even a parrot friend that rattles. The shoes can be zipped or tied and the learning possibilities are endless. I know that as time goes on she will love to play with this pirate, although for now it's under observation only. *Grin* SisterL, mama of five says that they have several of these type dress up learning dolls in their family and her kids love them!

The Dress Up Pirate Toy from Manhattan Toy is the perfect toy for your growing pirate mate! Dressing like pirate will become easy with the Dress Up Pirate Toy, and growing toddlers will be able to learn important skills while playing with their new pirate friend. A soft plush doll, the Dress Up Pirate Toy features multi-colored and multi-textured fabrics to explore, as well as buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, and hook-and-loop closures to help teach important dressing skills. And no pirate would be complete without their classic parrot friend! Completely engaging instead of fear-inspiring with a cute eye-patch and pirate hat, the Dress Up Pirate Toy from Manhattan Toy will have kids sailing away for a day of play and skills development. Measures 15”H.

Features

Plush doll that is a perfect toddler toy for learning important skills
Features buttons, snaps, ties, zippers, hook-and-loop closures, parrot friend, eye-patch and pirate hat
Helps teach dressing skills
Measures 15”H

I personally love all the different colors and textures with his outfit and hair as well as accessories. I can remember growing up loving the activity books where you could button and snap and so on. The idea of having it all on a doll is fabulous to me. Plus he is just so cute!

Check out the Deal of the Day! One toy, at a super discount price, until it sells out! Check back daily and buy quickly when it's gone, it's gone! Visit www.growingtreetoys.com/deal

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano & Illust. Mark Elliott

2010-04-05T08:26:00.002-05:00

This Little Prayer of Mine by Anthony DeStefano

Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes ToA Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.
Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God. and

Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”

This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This Little Prayer of Mine is a book full of wonderful pictures that spark the imagination and with a few words per page it really allows a child to take in and fully absorb the message within. It is never too early to start teaching your children how to pray and that their prayers, as are all prayers, are important to God. This book is a perfect tool to help in teaching that lesson. This would be a great book for bedtime or anytime, or even a good one to memorize.

*Thanks to Staci Carmichael of WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Network with WaterBrook Multnomah:

WaterBrook Multnomah Press Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @WaterBrookPress

Buy it:

Available at any major bookstore as well as from RandomHouse WaterBrook Multnomah, if your favorite store does not have it, ask for it! Or buy from Amazon or ChristianBook.com.

Win it!!

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This giveaway is open to the US only and is open until April 9th. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Product Review: Bambino Mio #clothdiapers

2010-04-04T09:32:00.002-05:00

When I was first shopping around for baby stuff at the beginning of my pregnancy with AppleBlossom in New Baby Products in Georgia I discovered a cloth diaper brand Bambino Mio. Thanks to Regal Lager, Inc I was able to review some Bambino Mio Trial Packs to see what it is all about. My husband loves our Bambino Mio diapers and the entire system is awesome.

Bambino Mio Trial Packs consist of a prefold diaper, flushable liner and Velcro diaper cover. The covers are available in a handful of different prints (I love the new ones that have just been released in Berry and Citrus!! [edited to add, only available in the US at this time]) as well as a white solid. While the covers are available in five different sizes, the prefolds are available in two sizes that with different folding fit the covers perfectly (and last longer).

One of the things that I love about the Bambino Mio diaper system is just how slim fitting these diapers are, true as you move up to a bigger prefold there is a little more bulk but they fit very appropriately. The patterns are adorable and easily gender neutral without being boring. The nappies (or prefolds) are super soft and my husband's favorite of our prefold stash. The gussets are incredible and we have yet to have a leak or explosion and I doubt we will.

Bambino Mio has only recently been introduced to the US market as it is an ~~Italian~~ English company that does fairly well on the other side of the pond. [edited to add: Don't believe everything a shop owner tells you! They are not Italian, but English. Regall Lager set me straight!]

the company, in contrary to what you would think (!) is English. They started the business in England, married couple, first running a diaper service for many years, then starting to produce a more complete system and for consumers other than those using the diaper service. They had small children, and that was the motivation to come up with a good cloth diapering system. They have grown in popularity I the last 12 years and they have been market leaders in England for several years, and are close to be in France and Italy. The system is sold in most countries in Europe. Totally 71 countries are selling the system.

What is fascinating to me is that Bambino Mio provides an entire system that has everything you could need for cloth diapering your child from birth to potty training. They are the only company that I know of that provides it all. You can even buy a kit that will get you from Birth to Potty Training in diapers. I think that the products that Bambino Mio offers are incredible as well as cute.

Bambino Mio offers:

Nappies

Covers

Swim Nappies

Potty

Training Pants

Mio Liners

Muslin Squares

Mio Fresh Nappy Cleanser

Mio Wipes

Nappy Bucket

Laundry Bag

Nappy Bag

The only problems that I have had with these diapers is something that could easily be fixed with a renovation. No longer will AppleBlossom wearing these during all day, for instance if she is crawling or very active the velcro will turn inward and she'll rub her belly. But they are great for calmer times or naptime. There are no laundry tabs for washing, so I have to be very alert to refasten the Velcro to the front of the diaper to avoid a Velcro war in the wash. When there is a messy diaper, or a fidgety baby this can be a bit of a bother. The other issue is that after a few months the inside of the cover seems to crack a little (like an old t-shirt's logo). But having on the one diaper that is washed in every load has given it a lot of wear and tear. Even with these issues, they are great diapers and I highly recommend them!

Network with Bambino Mio:

BambinoMio.com

Bambino Mio Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @BambinoMio

Spring!!

2010-04-04T00:34:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness I want this software!! www.iScrapbook.com

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

2010-04-03T22:41:00.001-05:00

The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Flat Rock, Texas, who flippantly tells friends he’d get married if the right woman ever came along. When three mail-order brides are delivered to Luke a month later, he’s in an uncomfortable predicament. How will he ever choose his mate? Rachel Hamilton’s long-time admiration for Luke recently turned to love. So when three mail-order brides appear, she panics. Will she find the courage to tell Luke that she loves him? Or take an anonymous part in the contest for his hand?

I love this book. In the way that I absolutely adore the writing of Christian Historical Romantic Comedy Author Mary Connealy, I now feel the same about Vickie McDonough. This book had me gasp and inwardly scream. I laughed out loud and snickered to myself. I turned the pages without abandon and I am so eagerly excited for the next book in the series Second Chance Brides that I forget about the pile of to-be-read books waiting for my attentions.

There are many books and authors that I like, but you have to be something really special for me to absolutely love it. And I love it. I recommend this book without fail. Read it, love it, and escape within the pages to a humorous situation in a historical time that will leave you laughing, giggling and sighing with satisfaction of a wonderful read.

*Thanks to Vickie McDonough and Angie Brillhart for providing a copy for review.*

You might also be interested to know that you can win a copy off goodreads through April 15th!!

The Anonymous Bride (Texas Boarding House Brides)
by Vickie McDonough

Release date: Apr 01, 2010

Check yourself into the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series by Vickie McDonough, where you’ll meet Luke Davis, marshal of Lookout, Texas, who flippant…more

Enter to win

Giveaway dates: Apr 01-Apr 15, 2010
35 copies available, 129 people requesting
Countries available: US

View all my reviews >>

You might also be interested in my reviews of books from Mary Connealy:

- Lassoed in Texas Trilogy

Petticoat Ranch

Calico Canyon

Gingham Mountain

- Montana Marriages Trilogy

Montana Rose

The Husband Tree

Wildflower Bride

- Stand alone novels

Christmas Cowboy

The Healer's Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson

2010-04-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

Healer's Apprentice from Magnus Creative on Vimeo.
A book trailer for Zondervan Publishing Group. All video was shot on the 7D. This was a fun challenge of shooting in the beautiful but very dark location of Shove Chapel.

Pumpkin Pants Review (SALE!!) #clothdiapers

2010-04-03T13:40:00.000-05:00

Are you loving Etsy as much as I am? I helped my mother start up an Etsy Shop for embroidery and gifts and started searching all around at different shops. Then through the influence of my friend Lindsey, I found Pumpkin Pants and I am in love.

Right now, one of our nighttime go-to diapers are our Kissaluvs fitted diapers. We use different covers including our Bummis Super Whisper Wraps in Medium (review to come of the Super Stars), but with these on she can never seem to move just right. Not even to mention the issue of snap pressure marks or velcro rubbing. Recently she has taken to rolling over on her belly, then waking up because she is stuck and screaming. During the day, she is able to roll over, and mostly roll back, but with all the bulk at night with the covers restricting her movement she just cannot do it. Plus, the PUL covers are not exactly cozy. Enter Pumpkin Pants.

Pumpkin Pants are made of fleece and they are oh so soft and fuzzy. They come in a plethora of fabrics and custom requests are invited. Jenoa has sets ready to go and will also work with you to get the perfect fit. *Thanks to Jenoa of Pumpkin Pants for providing a pair of Kaleidoscope Fleece Soaker/Diaper Cover and a Sketched Floral Longies/Fleece Pants for review.* Just spending time browsing through all the options of fabric prints I am plotting a to-buy list. (Can I just have one of everything please?) As you can see I chose some girlie prints (and the additional models did too), but she has boy worthy prints as well including a few things like Jungle Animals, Sharks, and Outerspace.

These soaker covers aren't just for cloth diapering mama's!
Super cuddly fleece fits nice and snug around baby's legs and waist to prevent leaks over fitted or prefold diapers. Fleece doesn't absorb liquid, it repels it. This cover will keep your baby dry on the outside, and thus your lap dry! There is an extra layer of protection in the crotch.

I gave Jenoa AppleBlossom's measurements and she worked with me to figure out the perfect size and these fit as if they were made for her. I asked her to leave the longies long, and that we would roll them up if need be so she would have some space to grow in them and they are fabulous. They are so soft that I have to fight with AppleBlossom to put them on and not just let her snuggle with them.

Buy it!!
Check out all the different patterns and cuteness available at the Pumpkin Pants Shop. Soakers cost just $6.50 a pair and that's definitely a deal. Then with longies at $9.00 with an additional dollar for XL sizes there are no excuses not to invest in some of these fuzzy covers.

***BIG BIG SALE!! We will be moving shortly, and I really need to de-stash some discontinued prints or limited quantities. Now is the time to build you stash by scoring a great deal!
Here's how it works: Buy any 3 regular price diaper covers/longies/skirties, or $20 worth of any combination of items (before shipping) and then choose the FREE soaker you would like. All the free soakers are located under the Buy 3 get 1 free section in my shop. Simple, right? Enjoy! oh, sale is a limited time only, so get while the getting is good =)***

WINNERS!

2010-04-03T13:15:00.002-05:00

Did you win?

All winners were picked by Random.org.

Rockin' Baby Sling Pouch - 21 Lindsey!

Lindsey said... 21: You're in my technorati faves! (ladyufshalott)

SnuggyBaby - 48 momtoem!

momtoem said... 48: following Creative Madness through GFC
lejn05@yahoo.com

SleepyWrap - 105 L Brons!

L Brons said... 105: I would love to try the natural organic because it would go with so many outfits and be more neutral if DH wanted to try (other wraps are more fem colors). However, they have two pretty blues in the pic on your page on on their site that don't appear available. Bring back a lighter blue!

Li'l Peeper Keepers - 36 L Brons!! (someone is lucky today!)

L Brons said... 36: Follow you on Feedburner

BabyEtte - 89 Garner5!

Garner5 said... 89: I'm subscribed to the BabyEtte feed in google reader. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

So email me by Monday!! Thanks to all the incredible participants!!

Product Review: @Bummis Super Star Print Covers (limited edition Super Whisper Wrap) #clothdiapers

2010-04-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

In case you have not heard me say it before. I love Bummis. I love everything there is about Bummis. In detail here, I explain what all I love about the Bummis prefold and cover cloth diapering system. Today I just want to tell you, eight months later I still love Bummis.

The Super Whisper Wraps are my favorite. The Super Brite Wraps are nice, but they just aren't quite the same to me. The prints available in the SWW are so much more exciting and I prefer the inner cover layer over the wipe-able water proof material. These covers are a much better fit than the others I have tried, such as Thirsties or Polar Babies (not to be confused with Polar Bummis which I have no personal experience with).

Bummis Super Whisper Wrap

This is a state of the art Aplix-closing cover made from a super resistant waterproof laminate sandwiched between two layers of a soft polyester knit. Attractive and comfortable, this fabric can withstand even the rigors of industrial washing and drying. The generous cut of this cover makes it suitable for any type of prefold or fitted diaper.

Special features of the Super Whisper Wrap:

Very adjustable. The Aplix closures have an innovative overlap design that ensures a custom fit on any baby.
A durable, heavy-duty elastic around legs and tummy which will not wear out with repeated industrial washes.
Soft, smooth polyester knit bindings for a comfortable, stretchy fit, and a leakproof seal.

Sizes

NEWBORN	SMALL	MEDIUM	LARGE	X-LARGE
7-10 lbs	8.5-15 lbs	15-30 lbs	30-40 lbs	40+ lbs
*(X-Large is available in White only}

*Thanks to ThanksMama.com I was able to try out some medium sized Bummis Super Whisper Wrap Diaper Covers in their limited edition print Super Stars Yellow and Sage.* Knowing how much we loved the small sized SWW I was already certain that we would absolutely love the mediums.

I knew that I would love them, but never how much! These prints are so darling cute in person, even better than the photos! The only problem that I have had in the past with the SWW is that there were not enough choices in prints for my taste. When I found out about the Super Star Prints I was so excited! Now after seeing them in person I am in complete love! Using colors such as sage green and yellow these are great covers for any baby girl or boy. Had these been available when AppleBlossom was smaller I would have dived into buy them then. I still consider getting smalls for the next time around... maybe...

Super Stars - Limited Edition Super Whisper Wraps!

Sage Stars. Sage Stars on White, Lemon Stars & Lemon Stars on White

These are available for a limited time only, so get them while you can! In the fabric and style of our best-selling Super Whisper Wrap, these two-tone star prints are really too darn cute!

These are my favorite prints of diaper covers and I really do love them and highly recommend them. If you go buy some, get them from ThanksMama.com and you'll not beat the customer service. Never had we had a leak and they have aged very well over the months. The cousin of these diapers the Super Snaps are my SisterL's favorite diaper cover as you can see here and the only thing that would make her happier would be to have Super Snaps in the prints that you find with these fabulous SWW *hint hint*!!

An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick

2010-04-02T09:11:00.003-05:00

An Absence So Great: A Novel by Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

Did photography replace an absence in her life or expose the truth of her heart’s emptiness?

While growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those owners who have fallen ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing in her dream to one day operate her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep painful memories from seeping into her heart when the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

An Absence So Great: A Novel was not really my cup of tea. I like to read books for an escape and adventure, but I found this one to be odd and depressing. I did not read the first in the series, but I am not certain that you would have to as the story was understandable. I hear that many people love Jane Kirkpatrick, so I was excited to give her a try again as I tried to read another that I did not quite like, but I guess her writing is just not for me. The historical elements are interesting, but there was just not enough happiness to hold me.

*Thanks to WaterBrook Multnomah for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

Find out more about this book through the RandomHouse WaterBrook Multnomah website.

Even though this book was not my cup of tea it may be yours.

Buy it:

Available at any major bookstore as well as from the WM link above, if your favorite store does not have it, ask for it! Or buy from Amazon or ChristianBook.com

Win it!!
Thanks to the gracious people at WaterBrook Multnomah I have one copy of An Absence So Great to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Mandatory Entry-

To be entered in this giveaway you must be a follower of my blog through GFC. What if any Historical story would you like to see retold in a current novel?

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

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This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and is open until April 9th. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Fwd: [Masterpiece] Sharpe's Peril Premieres Sunday

2010-04-01T19:29:00.001-05:00

Colonel Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) must safely transport the headstrong Marie-Angelique across India, but the journey will be riddled with surprises and rebellion. With 600 miles of hostile territory ahead, Sharpe and his ragtag troops are drawn into a dark conspiracy, and a climactic battle against impossible odds. Sharpe's Peril is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.

Watch Online
For a limited time starting April 5th, see Sharpe's Peril in its entirety, or select your favorite scenes.

Bernard Cornwell Interview
The author of the Sharpe series of novels on the TV adaptations and the history behind them.

Preview Anne Frank Teacher Resources
Teachers are invited to a free, live webinar training, Wednesday, April 7th at 8:00pm EST to get a sneak peek of The Diary of Anne Frank and review the related educator materials. Register now for this fresh look at teaching Anne Frank.

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I bought Quilting fabric!!!

2010-04-01T15:22:00.000-05:00

Not sure if you noticed, but the background of my blog is a repeating quilt blog. This was initially started as a newly wed wanting to show off her quilting projects. Then it turned into Christian Fiction Reviews. Then Maternity Reviews and Journey. Then Baby Products and More! Now it is a bit of everything, but it has been a while since there was anything quilty. One issue, I cannot read and quilt. Now I cannot play with AppleBlossom and read and that means that I cannot even think about quilting (or cross stitching).

Well today I bought quilting fabric! Backing material actually for a quilt top that I finished before the end of my pregnancy (my daughter is eight months old btw). In the depot downtown area of the town I live in there is an amazing quilt shop The Arlington Quilting Barn (they're website is under going some construction, so bare with them). The few times that I have been I have met some different ladies and they are all so nice and geniunely interested in my projects (and my AppleBlossom). So far AppleBlossom has behaved very well and grins and cuddles on cue. It's fabulous.

I cannot wait until I can grab a few hours here and there and get back into quilting. Right now I am the main source of AppleBlossom's entertainment, but as she is now crawling and standing and very close to walking I'm sure we might be able to find some toys (or something) to entertain her for a least a short little while. (One can hope right?)

Holy Bible: Mosaic NLT

2010-04-01T10:15:00.001-05:00

Holy Bible: Mosaic NLT

On our own we are little more than bits of stone and glass ...
...Together we are the Body of Christ.

A living mosaic of believers, spanning the centuries and crossing the globe. This mosaic is larger than all of us, yet when we claim the name of Christ, we add our bits to help complete the picture.

Join us on a journey of transforming discovery. Explore a few of the pieces of the picture with us.

Holy Bible: Mosaic is unlike any Bible that you have held before. It is an invitation to encounter Christ both through his word and in the responses of his people. Each week as you read and reflect on Gods Word through guided Scripture readings appropriate to the church seasons, you will also encounter a wealth of insight from the church, including:

Full-color artwork that will engage your soul
Contemporary and historical writings
Prayers, hymns, and poems for devotional reflection
Space for your response to Gods promptings
Opportunity to add your responses to the community at _______________
Add your tile to the mosaic.

You're holding the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. An authoritative Bible translation, rendered faithfully into todays English from the ancient texts by 90 leading Bible scholars. The NLTs scholarship and clarity breathe life into even the most difficult-to-understand Bible passagesbut even more powerful are stories of how peoples lives are changing as the words speak directly to their hearts. Thats why we call it The Truth Made Clear.

My father, who is a big fan of Biblical History, Liturgy, and Bible Study looked it over and stated that he thought it would be a very interesting experience to use and a different idea for study, but that he was not sure if it was his type of study Bible, yet is curious to check it out. For myself, in the short time that I have been able to delve into the pages of this unique tool I have found it to be a different experience in study than I have ever had before and must tell you that I like it.

View all my reviews >>

Guest Post/Blog Tour

When Moms Pray Together

2010-04-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

When Moms Pray Together: True Stories of God's Power to Transform Your Child by Fern Nichols

Moms in Touch International is an organization that brings moms together to pray for their children and their children’s schools. As MITI prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Fern Nichols, the founder and president, has collected some of the most inspiring and encouraging stories of God’s work in answer to those prayers. When Moms Pray Together will inspire and equip mothers to pray more consistently and hopefully for their children while encouraging them through the stories from moms everywhere.

Part of me already knows it, but this book confirms it. I need other mamas around me in a community of prayful partnership. Being a mama is a task that is one of the most important jobs in the world and it is hard. Emotionally taxing and physically stressful at times, yet also incredibly sweet. Nurturing your child will have a large effect on the rest of their lives and praying with other mamas will help you accomplish your goals. As you can do all things through Christ and when gathered in his name he is there. All mamas should find time to read this little book and learn from what it has to share.

View all my reviews >>

Author Fern Nichols - view author info
Contribution by Cyndie Claypool de Neve - view author info
Contribution by Cheri Fuller - view author info
Contribution by Mary Jensen - view author info

@FuzziBunz Wonder Wipes from @WeeLittleChanges #clothdiapers

2010-04-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

Right now I have yet to find a satisfactory situation on cloth wipes for using with our cloth diapers. Any suggestions? We bought some Imse Vimse Organic Cotton Wipes expecting them to be as fabulous as their diapers, but alas they are horrible! The stitching was pulled tight and loose in different places in the first wash and we are really dissatisfied with them... but more on that later.

We have started using Bummas (after the wipe) and love them! More on that later too...

But today, I just discovered a review of FuzziBunz Wonder Wipes over at Makin' It thanks to Wee Little Changes. Have you tried these? They sound good and I'm considering them, I'm just so hesitant since we were so disappointed with the Imse Vimse Organic Wipes.

Thoughts?

Product Review: MyPacifier.com

2010-04-01T08:14:00.001-05:00

A couple months ago, I wrote about how we had discovered and fallen in love with Avent Contemporary Freeflow Soothers Pacifiers for AppleBlossom. It just so happens that at six and a half months we are ready to get her some of the next size. Originially, we bought the 0-6 month sizes and now just bought some 6-18 month. It is great to see the new patterns and to see her curiosity at inspecting them. It's really cute. If I can get a picture I will show you what I mean. If you missed my original post, you can go back and read it here.

The reason I am bringing up that old post about the pacifiers is not only because we just bought some more, but through ChicExecs I found MyPacifier.com and they have some personalized pacifiers made of the Avent Soothers!! I was so excited and requested them right away. MyPacifier.com sent AppleBlossom a pair of Avent Soothers in pink and purple with "AppleBlossom" personalized on the front. They are so cute!

When I first heard about the idea of personalized pacifiers, I thought it was neat, but not really for us, because I was so in love with the Avent Soothers and I did not want to have to compromise to whatever shell the personalized pacifier would be. When I found out that they were able to do it on an Avent shell I was ridiculously ecstatic!!

Personally, I think MyPacifier.com would be the perfect place to get a baby shower gift. Putting a name, or nickname (in our case) or phrase on the pacifier making it just perfect and appropriate for the recipient. They were shipped and arrived very quickly, and though it is more expensive that just going to the local baby store and buying a set these pacifiers will never be confused with someone else and they are quite the luxury baby item with the personalization. (Plus, I got a color that you cannot find around here!!!)

You choose the name or text and we'll permanently engrave it on the pacifier. The permanent engraving ensures that it can?t be worn off and will continue to look good, even after repeated sterilizations.

I absolutely love them and will definitely not hesitate to buy more. Next purchase I think I will get some with Enginerd's nickname for her "Spider Monkey". Ooohh... I wonder if "Enginerd's Spider Monkey" would fit??

Buy it: MyPacifier.com

Fan MyPacifier.com on Facebook.

Another thing that I enjoyed is that MyPacifiers.com has a page with lots of links with information about pacifiers in general. I found this to be great. See it here.

Bethany House New Releases April 2010

2010-04-01T01:25:00.003-05:00

No Distance too Far by Lauraine Snelling (Home to Blessing, #2)

A Promise for Tomorrow by Judith Pella and Tracie Peterson (Ribbons of Steel, #3)

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

The Telling by Beverly Lewis (Seasons of Grace, #3)

FIRST Chapter: Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

2010-04-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Matt Mikalatos

and the book:

Imaginary Jesus

BarnaBooks (March 4, 2010)

***Special thanks to Maggie Rowe of Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt Mikalatos received his BA in writing from University of California Riverside. He provides leadership to the international ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ’s northwest region. He has published articles in many magazines including Discipleship Journal and The Wittenburg Door. Matt and his wife are the parents of three daughters and live near Portland, Oregon.

Visit the author's website.
Visit the author's blog.

Product Details:

List Price: $14.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: BarnaBooks (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414335636
ISBN-13: 978-1414335636

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

CHAPTER ZERO

At the Red and Black

Jesus and I sometimes grab lunch at the Red and Black Café on Twelfth and Oak. It’s decorated in revolutionary black and red, with posters and pictures of uprisings on the walls. The menu is vegan, which means that there are no animal products in the food. No meat, in other words. No honey, for that matter, because we don’t want to steal from the hardworking bees.

The employees run the restaurant like a commune. There’s no manager, and no one’s in charge. I like to pick up the books and zines they sell and pretend to be a hard-core Portlander. Jesus likes the funky Portland vibe, and he thinks the socialist ethic that runs it is cute. He also likes the painting of Bruce Springsteen next to the counter, which has the caption, “The Only Boss We Listen To.” He laughs at that every single time.

I was sitting by the round table with the chessboard painted on it, and Jesus was sitting across from me, his legs crossed and one sandaled foot bouncing to the music. I had my Bible open in front of me but sort of pushed behind a notebook so no one could see it. If someone figured out it wasn’t a copy of Marx, I was pretty sure I might get stoned, and not from the secondhand smoke. Jesus had just put his earbuds in when the waitress brought me my vegan chili. This is the price you pay to be cool in this town. I took a bite, wished it had some meat in it, and poured as much Tapatío into it as I could stand. As I stirred the taste into my food, I realized that the worst possible thing had happened. They had forgotten my chips.

“They forgot my tortilla chips.”

Jesus tossed his hair back and pulled an earbud out. “What was that?”

“They forgot my tortilla chips.”

“I thought that might happen.” He smiled.

“I’m going to ask them to bring some out.”

Jesus smiled that same serene, knowing smile and shook his head. He does that sometimes. He doesn’t overtly disagree with my actions, but I still get the feeling he’s unhappy with me. Which annoys me. I took another bite of chili, and around my (meatless) mouthful I said, “What? What’s wrong with asking for my tortilla chips?”

“Leave the poor communists alone,” he said. “So they forgot your chips, so what? Show them how a nice Christian doesn’t throw a fit when he’s wronged.”

“Humph.” Under my breath I added, “Maybe you could turn my napkin into some tortilla chips.”

“Then how would you wipe the chili off your chin?”

He was right. Chili was dripping off my chin. I wiped it off with my sleeve, just to teach him a lesson. He smiled and replaced his earbuds, and I turned my attention back to my Bible, which was weird with him sitting right across the table. It was like giving him a chance to talk when here I was, talking to him.

“You seem cranky this morning,” Jesus said. “Are you angry with me?”

“You should know, Mr. Omniscience.”

“I’d like you to tell me,” he answered kindly.

“You know why I’m upset with you,” I said darkly, not liking the turn this conversation had taken. I tried to find something to distract me, which is always easy at the good ol’ Red and Black.

The best thing about the Red and Black is the customers. I worked at a comic book store back in the day, and I miss the steady stream of weirdos, misfits, and losers tromping through to talk about Dr. Doom. No one at the Red and Black wants to talk about Dr. Doom. That childish comic-book villain has been replaced by whomever happens to be president of the United States at any given moment. I sometimes hope that a future president will become fiercely disfigured and choose to wear a scowling metal mask to disguise his acid-scarred face. It would add a little melodrama to the Portland political scene.

The other best thing, if I could be allowed two best things, is that no one notices Jesus when we’re at the restaurant together. He sits there with his iPod, smiling to himself, and no one notices the way he’s dressed or the shiny glow of his halo getting all over everything.

A commotion at the counter broke my concentration. Commotion at the counter is part of life at the Red and Black, and to be honest, this is the third thing that is best: I often get distracted from my Bible and see something exciting. The most common source of commotion is the fact that the Red and Black refuses to take credit cards. To add to the insult, they will allow you to get money from your bank account by typing your ATM code into a pad connected to the cash register. After charging you a monstrous fee, they hand you cash out of the register. Why you can’t use the same ATM pad to merely make a purchase is unclear. The downtown Suits who eat here get bent out of shape because the Red and Black doesn’t participate in our financial system the way Big Business requires.

But the problem today came from a big-boned man, knotted with muscle, his black beard streaked with gray and spilling onto his wide chest. He wore dirty work jeans and a dark blue shirt that strained to contain him. “What do you mean ‘no salmon’? This is the Pacific Northwest.” He leaned in close to the woman taking his order, who gave him a look so weighted with disdain it could barely make it the seven inches from her eyes to his.

“We’re vegan,” she said. “Vegan. No meat. No animal products. Fish are animals.”

The man looked like his eyes were going to bulge out of his head and slap her, but he took a deep breath and leaned back. “No fish. Okay. I’ll get a glass of water and think about it.” He walked to the side of the counter and poured himself a cup; then, to my chagrin, he looked over and caught me staring. His eyes darted to my table, saw my Bible, and a wide grin broke out on his face. Oh, great. He was a Christian.

There aren’t a lot of Christians in Portland, which means that when we see each other there’s an obligatory minority dance that goes on. At the very least you have to raise your eyebrows and tip your chin up at one another. Some genres of Christian require that you talk about how hard life is in Portland (which it isn’t). Some want to sit down and talk about their favorite book or the latest thing they learned on The KROS. That’s our radio station. It’s like a Christian ghetto on the airwaves. Safe for young people, positive words, okay music.

“Jesus,” I hissed. “Keep that guy from coming over here.”

Jesus looked over at the guy, who was only a few steps away now, and rolled his eyes. “Oh, man. Not him.” He stood up. “Listen, I’m going to go check the parking meter.”

I almost spilled my chili. “What? You can’t leave me here with him.”

Jesus looked at me sternly. “You prayed not to get a ticket while parked illegally in front of the café.”

“I also prayed that there would be some quarters squirreled away in my car and someone didn’t provide.”

Jesus pointed his finger at me. “Watch it, Mikalatos. You know I don’t care for your back talk.” Then he stood up, and with a swirl of his robes he walked out the door, just as the hairy bear of a Christian man squeezed himself in at my table.

“Pete Jonason.” He held out a powerful hand as wide as my plate. I shook it, doing my best to look incredibly busy. I could tell he worked the docks or something. A pungent smell of salt, fish, and ocean hung around him.

“Matt,” I said.

He took a drink of his water, made a face, and spit it back into his cup. “They put some sort of chemicals in the drink.”

He was right. The water had a weird taste. “I think it’s rose water or something. They’re completely organic here. I assume they wouldn’t use chemicals.”

Pete leaned back, his dark eyes staring at me with an unblinking ferocity that made me uncomfortable. I took another bite of chili. “You make a lot of assumptions, Matt.” He forgot about the water, took another sip, grunted, and spit it into his cup. He nodded in the direction of the door. Jesus stood out there, talking to a traffic cop who appeared to be writing a ticket for my truck. “I see that Jesus is wearing the traditional robes and powder blue sash today.”

I choked on my chili. “You can see him?”

Pete cracked his enormous knuckles. “Sure. Just like anybody who’s paying attention.” He scratched behind his head with one big hand, the other resting lightly on the table. “Can I ask you a question?”

I sighed and closed my Bible. “Yeah.”

“Why does your Jesus still wear a robe?”

“What do you mean?” I looked at Jesus, who had reentered the café. He flashed me a quick grin, which I took to mean he had taken care of the parking ticket, and sat down at a table across the café, by the window. Meaning I was stuck here with Pete the Christian.

“What I mean is, here’s God, the creator of the universe. He becomes a human being and lives on Earth for thirty-three years. He completely assimilates to human culture. Wears our clothes. Wears a body like ours. Eats our food. But here he is, two thousand years later, and he’s still wearing robes and a sash. Seems like he might put on a pair of jeans every once in a while. They’re a great invention, jeans.”

I watched Jesus thoughtfully. “That is weird. I guess I never thought about it.” I shrugged and took another bite of my quickly cooling chili.

Pete leaned in close, and I could smell the overpowering aroma on his breath when he said, “Let’s go ask him about it.”

I sighed. “Okay.” We stood and walked over to him. Jesus smiled and offered me the chair across from him, and Pete towered over us, his arms crossed over his barrel chest. “This is Pete,” I said.

“We’ve met.” Jesus nodded.

“I don’t recall,” Pete said.

“We were just talking,” I went on, “and Pete asked me why you still wear two-thousand-year-old clothing. We were talking about the innovation of jeans, and we thought you might like them.”

Jesus laughed. “It’s just that these robes are so comfortable.”

Pete looked outside. “Pretty rainy out there. You’re wearing desert clothes. Aren’t you cold?”

“Ha ha,” Jesus said. “You need to read your Bible more, Pete. You may recall where it says, ‘I, the Lord, do not change.’”

An excellent point, and straight out of the Bible. Score one for Jesus. I looked to Pete, who was scowling. “That verse doesn’t refer to changing clothes,” Pete said.

Jesus studied his fingernails, pretending to look for dirt. “Why don’t you let me do the Scripture interpretation, Pete.”

“Matt, let me ask you something,” Pete said. “Is this guy better than you at anything?”

I thought carefully. “He’s certainly nicer than me. And he has this way of expressing disapproval without actually saying anything. I’ve never been able to do that.” I examined Jesus’ face for a minute, his blue eyes shining merrily. “He has better hair. Mine is so fine and thin, and his is thick and silky.”

“You’re not the real Jesus.” Pete grabbed a chair from another table and scooted in close, practically in Jesus’ face. I put a hand on his arm and told him to calm down, but he ignored me and said, “What exactly do you want from my friend Matt here?”

Jesus stared at him. “I have plans to prosper him, plans for peace. I want him to be happy and rich. If he follows my instructions, that’s exactly what will—”

Pete punched Jesus hard, in the face, causing his head to snap to the right and bounce off the window. I jumped up to intervene. Pete dragged Jesus from the table, and Jesus kicked over his chair, feet flailing. Pete had him in a bear hug, and Jesus elbowed him in the stomach. Pete lost his grip, grabbed Jesus by the hair, and slammed him to the ground. I shoved Pete with all my strength and he stumbled backward, flipping over a table and shattering a chair on the way down.

I helped Jesus up. “Are you okay? You should have called down some angels to protect you.”

With a guttural roar, Pete launched himself across the table, straight for Jesus’ head. Jesus sidestepped, turned, and ran out the door. Pete shook himself off and rose to go after him, but before he could leave, I picked up a leg from the broken chair and clocked him as hard as I could right in the back of the head. That didn’t stop him, but it did slow him down enough for Jesus to get a good head start. I watched as he gathered his robes in his hands and ran like crazy, his white legs flashing out, his sandals eating the pavement like a dog licking ice cream.

Pete stood up, rubbing his head. He glared at me and then at the rapidly retreating Jesus. “Damn it,” he said and kicked the table.

“You shouldn’t curse.”

“Sometimes a curse is called for. That—” Pete pointed out the window at the racing back of my Lord—“that was an imaginary Jesus, my friend. I choose my words carefully, and I said what I meant. And now that we’re on to him, he’s going to run.”

I crossed my arms and frowned. “I’ve known Jesus for a long time. What makes you think that you know him better than I do?”

“Because,” Pete said, headed for the door, “I’m the apostle Peter.”

Imaginary Jesus is an hilarious, fast-paced, not-quite-fictional story that’s unlike anything you’ve ever read before. When Matt Mikalatos realizes that his longtime buddy in the robe and sandals isn’t the real Jesus at all, but an imaginary one, he embarks on a mission to find the real thing. On his wild ride through time, space, and Portland, Oregon, he encounters hundreds of other Imaginary Jesuses determined to stand in his way (like Legalistic Jesus, Perpetually Angry Jesus, and Magic 8 Ball Jesus). But Matt won’t stop until he finds the real Jesus—and finally gets an answer to the question that’s haunted him for years. Be warned: Imaginary Jesus may bring you face-to-face with an imposter in your own life.

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us by Sonya Haskins

2010-03-31T15:48:00.000-05:00

Homeschooling for the Rest of Us: How Your One-of-a-Kind Family Can Make Homeschooling and Real Life Work by Sonya Haskins

Homeschooling parents are under great pressure. Besides trying to balance teaching responsibilities and family life, they often face unrealistic expectations from relatives, churches, other homeschoolers, and society at large. Even parents considering homeschooling sense the need to be perfect. Sonya Haskins doesn't want any more families to give up on homeschooling. In this book she shares affirming stories and practical ideas from dozens of everyday families who successfully deal with cluttered schedules, academic struggles, sibling squabbles, and other real-life issues. Instead of learning a one-size-fits-all approach, readers will discover how to evaluate their own family's strengths and weaknesses and set their own goals for success.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book might be little, but it is a plethora and wealth of interesting information. In the case of someone like myself considering homeschooling, but still unsure this book is fabulous. Even if you already know you plan to homeschool or you are currently homeschooling this little book will have plenty of information to help you along the way. From realistic routines to messy homes and living with a budget Sonya Haskins, author, homeschooling mother extraordinaire provides pages upon pages of tips and advice. I strongly suggest this book for anyone involved in homeschooling. It's great!

*Thanks to Jim Hart of Bethany House for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

The Missionary: A Novel by William Carmichael and David Lambert

2010-03-31T15:17:00.000-05:00

The Missionary by William Carmichael

David Eller is an American missionary in Venezuela, married to missionary nurse Christie. Together they rescue homeless children in Caracas. But for David, that isn’t enough. The supply of homeless children is endless because of massive poverty and the oppressive policies of the Venezuelan government, led by the Hugo Chavez-like Armando Guzman.

In a moment of anger, David publicly rails against the government, unaware that someone dangerous might be listening—a revolutionary looking for recruits. David falls into an unimaginable nightmare of espionage, ending in a desperate, life-or-death gamble to flee the country with his wife and son, with all the resources of a corrupt dictatorship at their heels

For more information, to see the video, or interact with the authors visit: www.missionarynovel.com.

Taut and gripping. You’ll be glad you made the investment.
—Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times national bestselling author, including the 65,000,000-selling Left Behind series
David Lambert is a master of words—The Missionary is further proof.
—Karen Kingsbury, New York Times-bestselling author of the Above the Line series
The Missionary is a roller-coaster read that will keep your adrenaline rushing!
—Terri Blackstock, author of Double Minds and Last Light

*Thanks to Bring It On Communications for providing a copy for review.*

The Missionary is a suspense novel from Moody Publishers. Sometimes I like suspense, but it really has to grab me. This book did not grab me. I just could not seem to pay attention nor find anything likable about the characters. Yet all sorts of people endorse this book. So I would say try it yourself to see if it is your liking it just was not my cup of tea. Yet they do have a cool website for the book: www.MissionaryNovel.com

View all my reviews >>

Product Review: Bellala Baby Pouch #babywearing

2010-03-31T13:05:00.000-05:00

Bellala Baby
Exquisite Infant to Toddler Car Seat Covers, slings & accessories
www.bellala-baby.com

Our Story…
Bellala Baby was founded in 2005 with the birth of my niece Isabella. She was the first baby girl born to our family and we were so thrilled after having three boys. In an effort to make something quite special for our newest family member I made her a carseat cover all in pink posies and butterflies… she was going to be a girlie girl whether she liked it or not. This first gift lead to many requests and suddenly I was in business without much effort besides a love of creating and the time to make it happen; I had been an at home mommy to my son Nickolas since May of that year. Since then countless mommies have come to us to create something special for their little angel. We are pleased to have become part of so many families along the way!

Our Name…
Bellala Baby is a nick name my 2 year old son Nickolas gave my niece Isabella when she was born. Being two… he had not yet mastered all of the sounds of the English language but spoke fluent babyese…. So Isabella became Bellala and a company was born. Her image is our company logo and is on all of our products.

Our Market…
We sell wholesale to high-end consumers and retailers at brick and mortar store fronts and websites. We are priced affordably for most folks but maintain a high level of quality and service that our customers demand. We use only designer fabrics from Robert Kaufman, Alexander Henry and Michael Miller and believe that it is our fabrics that make the product stand out from our competition.

Our Products…
Bellala Baby began as a carseat cover business but has since expanded to include pouch slings and Peek-a-Boob Nursing Covers. These items are fun and functional which is the key to our success. We offer four different collections which are designed to fit in with each retailer’s independent theme: Wild Child, Couture, Aloha Babe, and Novelty Collection. In addition, we boast that all our products are made in the USA in sunny southern California!

I was introduced to Bellala Baby through MaryLenore of BopStar PR and thanks to her I was able to review a Camden Daisy Pouch Sling and it was love at first sight! Once again, Bellala Baby Pouch Slings are not bag slings and they are fully participating in the parental awareness factor with safety first.

WHEN USING A POUCH SLING:

IN A POUCH SLING ALWAYS REMEMBER
A- AIRWAY NEEDS TO BE OPENB-BABY IS BREATHING UNHINDERED
C-CHIN NEEDS TO BE OFF BABIES CHEST

D-DOUBT WHEN IN DOUBT TAKE THEM OUT

BABIES ARE A PRECIOUS GIFT PLEASE USE THE UTMOST PRECAUTION WHENEVER

CARRYING OR HOLDING YOUR BABY CHECK OFTEN ON YOUR PRECIOUS ONE!

At first, similar to the New Native Pouch, I was concerned that my pouch was too big. I emailed my friend Katy of my that I knew had successfully used pouch slings for her babywearing days and she suggested the shoulder flip. I tried it and it could not have been better! That was exactly what I needed to pull the top rail a bit tighter and make us both very comfy. I love my other pouch, but this one is amazingly light. The material is very thin and thus I can just fold it, roll it, and in the diaper bag/purse it goes. It becomes so compact it could go anywhere without taking up space that is a major plus in my opinion.

The Pouch Style Sling comes with great instructions with step by step photos for several different carry positions. They also have these instructions available online. The Shoulder flip was all that was needed for us for a great fit, but it is great to know that the Bellala Baby Slings come in six sizes so that you can find that absolute perfect fit. After all the worries I had about wearing a pouch and getting it right Bellala Baby made all those fears go away. I love their fabrics and I think this is a great product! I love that it is reversable from a solid back to patterned and I love the pocket (although I'm not sure what I'd put it in)!

Buy it:
Check out their pouch sling fabrics and their other products at www.bellala-baby.com! Why not buy a Pouch Sling and then a Peekaboob Nursing Cover to match!!

Baby Einstein Gym.m4v

2010-03-31T11:55:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this video

FIRST Chapter: 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad

2010-03-31T01:31:00.002-05:00

Today's Wild Card author is:

Jay Payleitner

and the book:

52 Things Kids Need from a Dad

Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to David P. Bartlett - Print & Internet Publicist - of Harvest House Publishers for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jay Payleitner is one of the top freelance Christian radio producers in the United States. He has worked with the Josh McDowell Ministry, Voice of the Martyrs, Jesus Freaks Radio, and many others. He’s also a wrestling coach and author of several books, including 40 Days to Your Best Life for Men. Jay and his wife live in Illinois, where they spend a lot time with their mostly adult children.

Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736927239
ISBN-13: 978-0736927239

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:

Kids Need Their Dad…

To Help Them Beat the Odds

Think of the top ten social crises of our time: Drug abuse. Teenage pregnancy. School shootings. Gangs. Spiritual confusion. Overcrowded prisons. AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Domestic violence. Drunk driving. And so on.

We can make the case that the most devastating rips in our social fabric would be radically reduced if dads were getting the job done at home.

Statistically, what happens when dads aren’t around?

Eighty-five percent of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home.
Children who live apart from their fathers are 4.3 times more likely to smoke cigarettes as teenagers than children growing up with their fathers in the home.
Fatherless boys and girls are twice as likely to drop out of high school; twice as likely to end up in jail; four times more likely to need help for emotional or behavioral problems.
Seventy-five percent of all adolescent patients in chemical-abuse centers come from fatherless homes.
Three out of four teenage suicides occur in households where a parent has been absent.
Adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 19 years reared in homes without fathers are significantly more likely to engage in premarital sex than adolescent females reared in homes with both a mother and a father.
Sound hopeless? Just the opposite. If father absence is devastating, leading to all kinds of bad decisions and societal ills, then father presence is the solution, right?

This hard data, along with all kinds of anecdotal evidence, is rarely brought into the light. Even with all the research, too many segments of society express little regard for fatherhood. The media, school administrators, television scriptwriters, judges, church leaders, and state agencies seem to say fathers don’t matter. Or they’ve given up on fathers. Or worse, we’re told fathers are part of the problem. The result is, men are driven away from their families, fathers are disenfranchised, and dads are afraid to hug their own kids.

But the inverse is true and must be said. Men need to hear, “Dad, you matter!” “Your children need you.” “Your wife (or the mother of your children) needs you to be more involved and more invested in the daily lives of your kids.” Without strong male role models, families suffer both short- and long-term. Children make bad decisions. Communities weaken. Government agencies flounder to fix problems after the fact. Taxes go up. Our streets aren’t safe. As soon as they graduate high school, young people turn their back on Jesus. The vibrant potential of the next generation is lost—in many cases, for eternity.

An oft-quoted survey found that if a mother attends church regularly with her children, but without their father, only 2 percent of those children will become regular church attendees. But if a father attends church regularly with his children, even without their mother, an astounding 44 percent choose to become regular church attendees on their own.

Yes, dads matter. Do you want more proof?

All you have to do is ask a kid.

Takeaway

Just opening this book and reading this far proves you want to be the kind of dad your kids need. You can do it, Dad.

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”

Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)

From what I can tell this book is down to heart, truth and a treasure in pages. I'm curious to see what my read-a-book-a-year husband will think of it. :)

My Blog is Carbon Neutral

2010-03-30T12:02:00.001-05:00

Today I heard about an interesting initative for replanting the forest after the fires in California. My blog is carbon neutral, how about yours?

I am part of a young team in Germany, working for an initiative called "Make it green!". Our goal is to contribute our part in reducing the carbon footprint by raising awareness of the severe environmental damage caused by carbon emissions . One of our activities is to raise awareness of the carbon emissions resulting from the use of the internet - specifically of blogs. A blog with 15,000 visits a month has a yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 8lb. To neutralise these emissions we have created "My blog is carbon neutral" buttons so bloggers can demonstrate that they care about the environment and the carbon footprint of their blogs. We present them a small but nontheless worthy solution to contribute to environmental issues. Our idea is to show possibilities to make a contribution to protect the environment.

To find out how you can participate please visit http://www.kaufda.de/umwelt/carbon-neutral/how-you-can-join

And how do we actually neutralize your blog's carbon footprint? We are planting trees in cooperation with the Arbor Day Foundation in Plumas National Forest in Northern California for our project to neutralize the carbon footprint of blogs. Thousands of wildfires burned down many national forests over the past ten years and 88.000 acres of Plumas' were destroyed by two fires in 2007. To help replanting we need the support of bloggers all over the world! For every participating blog we plant a tree. One blog - one tree.

Why do we do this? We are a German based company called kaufDA, which provides advertisement brochures of local stores online to help consumers search for specific products and find good deals in their neighborhood. This reduces the amount of brochures printed and so the project helps the environment by reducing unnecessary paper in mailboxes. An American on average receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. This has the same carbon footprint as burning six gallons of gasoline.

We'd be glad to plant your tree! Help us and show that you care! Every tree counts!

Product Review: New Native Organic Pouch #babywearing

2010-03-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

When I first started looking into babywearing what I wanted most was a pouch. The idea of throw it on, grab the baby and go is absolutely appealing to me. Especially around the house or running errands. Yet when I started to shop around for pouch carriers I was a bit overwhelmed. For one, you may have heard in the media lately about all the dangers associated with bag pouch carriers. For more information on Babywearing Safety, check out the facebook page with all sorts of articles here. The pouches that I was looking into are different than the sling bags and the thing that I noticed when I was first checking out some of the sites were the safety guidelines for use (and this was before all the media hype).

One of the first companies that I discovered is New Native Inc and right on their front page they have a link to an important announcement about sling safety. New Native has been around since 1992 and their pouches are not the same design as the tube pouches you see everywhere. They are shaped and may I say very comfortable. *Thanks to Sherry of New Native Inc for providing a Organic Cotton Cocoa Brown Twill Baby Carrier with Sweet Jane Trim.* It is so beautiful and looks almost like cherry blossoms, which if you know me, you know that is appropriate. At first when I received my pouch I was a little concerned that I had gotten a size that was too big and I called their customer service and was met with the nicest woman who talked me through it all. It seems that you will find your perfect size after washing or "wash for true size". Through our conversation we determined that most likely with AppleBlossom's current size I could get away with a smaller size pouch, but as she grows I would need to get a bigger one. After washing it, I'm very comfortable with it and feel that she is very secure yet I can see how she would be even more cozy with a smaller size. Check with your place of purchase for their exchange and refunds policy (or just order from New Native Inc). I was very pleased with their customer service and if you have any questions, I highly recommend that you do not hesitate to ask.

Sizing Chart- Above the Bust Chest Measurement:
(Measurements do overlap)
X Small Small Medium Large X Large
25-29” 30-35” 34-39” 38-42” 40-45”

The New Native® Baby Carrier is one of the most popular sling-style cotton carriers on the market. The carrier is worn over one shoulder extending to the opposite hip. Featuring a reinforced curved pouch built in, the New Native® Baby Carrier provides a secure, cozy environment for your baby or a sturdy hip seat for your toddler (Newborn to 35 lbs). It is popular for those finding conventional carriers too bulky and it can easily be stuffed into a diaper bag or purse. Very versatile, it can be worn with the baby in front, side or back. It is ideal for discreet nursing. Made from 100% cotton fabrics with no buckles, padding or metal rings.

New Native has created a unique, functional design that allows the carrier to be put on in seconds, easily folded and quickly transferred from one wearer to another. The sleek, streamlined design of the carrier is a modern take on traditional baby-wearing practices. The New Native® Baby Carrier is endorsed by health professionals as it supports a baby’s growing body and distributes weight evenly for the parent.

The New Native Baby Carrier is specifically designed to promote contact-carrying. Our carrier is easy to wear and holds your baby securely so that you can accomplish your day-to-day activities “hands free” and stay in close contact with your child. This contact develops a unique bond between the parent and the child that is invaluable for both of you. Studies show that contact carrying promotes healthy development and bonding. Babies need the stimuli that a parent’s touch brings. In holding your baby close with a New Native® Baby Carrier, your presence is assuring, teaches them verbal and response skills and demonstrates your love.

Parents who practice contact carrying are more perceptive of their children's needs and learn to demonstrate more loving behaviors toward their children and other family members. Babies who are contact-carried are more involved in their parents' lives and will tend to be more involved in their own lives and less isolated as adults. When babies are in the carrier, their needs are more likely to be understood and met right away. Later, these children will know how to ask for help when they need it.

Contact Carrying Increases:

Self-esteem
Happiness
Healthy Immune System
Intelligence
Stimulates Muscle Growth
Healthy Sleeping
Balance Coordination
Connectedness
Healthy Communities
Loving Behaviors

Contact Carrying Decreases:

Crying and Acting Out
Illness
Colic
Fear
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
Child Abuse
Crime
Conflict
Unwanted Teen Pregnancies
Feelings of Isolation

I love our New Native Organic Pouch. Right inside the package is information about their cotton, organically grown in the USA. That already makes me happy. It is very easy to use and fits right down in our diaper bag. I feel like the material is very high quality and will last and be quite durable. We have experimented with a few positions of carrying and I feel that as AppleBlossom grows this will be a great carrier that will meet all our necessary needs. I definitely agree with the words on their packaging that states that this carrier is made with a Secure Design, Versatile and Convenient without a doubt. The pouch comes with an instructional DVD as well as a booklet with step by step photos that help you master just exactly how to wear the pouch. Like all babywearing products there is a first and second trial and error and then it's off you go! The first time I wore AppleBlossom in the pouch she fell asleep nearly instantly, and every time since then it's a cozy way to go about whatever I need to accomplish.

We have tried and succeeded at discreetly nursing in our New Native and I am very pleased with the experience. It provides a comfortable position for both of us and plenty of coverage.

New Native Inc does not only carry the pouches, but also matching Twill bags and other amazing products like Bibs and Washies, Cuddle Packs, Footed Blankets, Hooded Blankets, Small and Large Receiving Blankets and more. They also carry a Toy Pouch/Child's Doll Carrier that fits children 25 lbs to 75 lbs in varying fabrics. So cute! Their website is filled with information as well as links and informative articles by other sources in babywearing. I highly recommend their product and I strongly suggest that you check out their website. I doubt one could go wrong with something from New Native Inc.

Buy it!
www.newnativeinc.com

CFBA: Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson

2010-03-30T08:58:00.000-05:00

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa

Summerside Press (March 1, 2010)

by

Melanie Dobson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melanie Beroth Dobson is the author of the inspirational novels Together for Good (2006), Going for Broke (2007), The Black Cloister (2008), Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana (2009), Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa (2010), Refuge on Crescent Hill (2010), and The Silent Order (2010) as well as the co-author of Latte for One and Loving It! A Single Woman's Guide to Living Life to Its Fullest (2000).

Prior to launching Dobson Media Group in 1999, Melanie was the corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family where she was responsible for the publicity of events, products, films, and TV specials. Melanie received her undergraduate degree in journalism from Liberty University and her master's degree in communication from Regent University. She has worked in the fields of publicity and journalism for fifteen years including two years as a publicist for The Family Channel.

Melanie and her husband, Jon, met in Colorado Springs in 1997 at Vanguard Church. Jon works in the field of computer animation. Since they've been married, the Dobsons have relocated numerous times including stints in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Berlin, and Southern California. These days they are enjoying their new home in the Pacific Northwest.

Jon and Melanie have adopted their two daughters —Karly (6) and Kinzel (5). When Melanie isn't writing or entertaining their girls, she enjoys exploring ghost towns and dusty back roads, traveling, hiking, line dancing, and reading inspirational fiction.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Times are hard in 1894. Desperate for work, former banker Jacob Hirsch rides the rails west from Chicago with his four-year-old daughter, Cassie. When a life-threatening illness strands the pair in Homestead, Iowa, the local Amana villagers welcome the father and daughter into their peaceful society. Liesel, a young Amana woman, nurses Cassie back to health, and the Homestead elders offer Jacob work. But Jacobs growing interest in Liesel complicates his position in the Amanas. Will he fight to stay in the only place that feels like home, even if it means giving up the woman he loves? Or will Liesel leave her beloved community to face the outside world with Jacob and Cassie at her side?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, go HERE.

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey -- Review

2010-03-29T08:28:00.001-05:00

New historical romance set on the Illinois frontier in 1840s:
When loss breaks her heart, can she find the courage to go on?
The Promise of Morning from Ann Shorey takes readers to Beldon Grove on the Illinois frontier in the 1840s. Life isn’t easy here. For Ellie Craig, the graves of her three infant children make it unbearably lonely, despite the love of her husband Matthew. When she uncovers a family secret that suggests she may not be as alone as she thought, Ellie is determined to find the truth.
Meanwhile, Matthew Craig faces controversy in the church he pastors when a man arrives in town claiming to be both a minister and the son of the town's founder. Will Matthew find the courage to reclaim his church? Or will he return to itinerant preaching, leaving Ellie even more alone than before?
Book 2 in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Promise of Morning will touch your soul with themes of overcoming tragedy, finding strength to meet daunting challenges, and trusting your heart to love again.

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3333-9
$14.99, March 2010

Ann Shorey is the author of The Edge of Light and has published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul.

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Someone may have told you how the first book in this series The Edge of Light was depressing. It was and in starting The Promise of Morning you would think this would be depressing through out as well, but that is not the case. This novel starts with a heart breaking fact of life and continues into a scenario where with modern day medical knowledge we know what is happening, but ignorance hurts. Yet the story continues on. By the book blurb it looks like this is a story about Ellie, and it is, but even more so this is a story about Matthew.

Through both Ellie and Matthew a story is told that is very real, raw, and emotional and something to growth with and from and continue on. In the situations that take place my own mind says I would just give up, but watching the characters and watching how life does continue and seeing how God orchestrates things for the end all is incredible to imagine. This is a book that tells a story about grief, but offers so much healing as well. I highly recommend this book. Though it is the second in a series, you could very well read this one alone. Now, eagerly I look forward to the next novel to come from author Ann Shorey.

*Thanks to Donna Hausler of Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

View all my reviews >>

For more information, visit www.RevellBooks.com.

“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Edge of Light by Ann Shorey -- Review

2010-03-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

The Edge of Light by Ann Shorey

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey and Molly has to leave her old life behind. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors. Book one in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Edge of Light will captivate readers with the true-to-life emotions of one woman's struggle to survive.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Much in the same way as Siri Mitchell write Regency novels that are incredibly depressing, but historically accurate and visual new novelist Ann Shorey does the same on the American Frontier. Through out my experience in reading this novel I was sad and heartbroken with the characters as one thing happened after another. It reminded me of childhood playing of the game Oregon Trail as you could do nothing but let life take things away. At first I was curious what could possibly happen that would be good and cause my heart to smile and there were a few things here and there.

Ann's writing is incredibly good and the details of weaving were vivid and educational. I would definitely recommend her books and I look forward to reading The Promise of Morning. But I would warn you that this is not a light hearted romance, but a heavy one. I think it is realistic, but difficult not to be pessimistic. One thing I had real trouble with was that the mother hardly paid any attention to her older daughter always pushing her out of the way and telling her to just be still and quiet. Overall, the book was an interesting experience.

Do not get me wrong, it is a good book, just depressing a bit. But it does en-capture "the edge of light" where you can hold on to hope and not let go.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

Network with Ann Shorey:

www.annshorey.com

Ann Shorey's Blog

Ann Shorey's Author Page on Goodreads

Friend Ann Shorey on Facebook

View all my reviews >>

My review of Siri Mitchell's novels:

A Constant Heart

Love's Pursuit

I look forward to reading She Walks in Beauty

Product Spotlight: Rockin' Baby Pouch

2010-03-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

Find out more and enter the giveaway here!!




			Colonel Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) must safely transport the headstrong Marie-Angelique across India, but the journey will be riddled with surprises and rebellion. With 600 miles of hostile territory ahead, Sharpe and his ragtag troops are drawn into a dark conspiracy, and a climactic battle against impossible odds. Sharpe's Peril is based on the characters created by novelist Bernard Cornwell.
			Watch Online For a limited time starting April 5th, see Sharpe's Peril in its entirety, or select your favorite scenes.
			Bernard Cornwell Interview The author of the Sharpe series of novels on the TV adaptations and the history behind them.
			Preview Anne Frank Teacher Resources Teachers are invited to a free, live webinar training, Wednesday, April 7th at 8:00pm EST to get a sneak peek of The Diary of Anne Frank and review the related educator materials. Register now for this fresh look at teaching Anne Frank.
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