Busy Bee Bag Winner

Congratulations to today's winner: Mamma James, who was comment #13 that said: I'd like to do the "In the Garden" bag or the "Science" bag...those look like great fun!

Mamma James is new to the blogging community and is quickly finding her voice. We recently had dinner over at their house (no she wasn't rigging the contest), and let me tell you, it looked like we were running a day care between our two families (7 children)!

Mamma James and her husband have a "list." On their list are several people/families that they want to make an concentrated effort to know better. I thought that it was a neat way of being intentional about their relationships. Not to mentioned that I was blessed to be on the list!

Congrats Mamma James!

Wordless Wednesday -- Our Personal IKEA Blogging Convention

I had begun to feel a little bit jealous, perhaps left out of all of the various bloggers who have attended blogging conferences recently.

So, I formed my own self-proclaimed blogging conference today.

(Meet my longtime friends, Christina and Beth. They know some of the WORST dirt about me and we have been through a lot together. Beth and I . . . well, we have been friends since grade school! Now that is a long time! She is an amazing bilingual teacher, seamstress, mom, and prayer buddy. And Christina is the one who taught me all about the birds and the bees before I got married. {I am so000000 embarrassing her right now . . . but secretly her husband is snickering!} She also allows me to rant and rave about various things in life, but mainly she teaches me how to be gentle with my children.)

It didn't begin as a blogging conference and the women I rendezvoused with in Cincinnati didn't know it was a blogging conference until I arrived. But we all blog and are a little . . . passionate about it. OK . . . I am obsessed about blogging.

Beth is happy to model for my blog today. She didn't become annoyed by Willow, like some people who I won't mention Christina.


Don't we look like we are on vacation? Golly . . . we are only in Ohio!


I love textiles. A few of these traveled home with me. I thought they would be great for circle time during Tot School. . . well, actually I thought they would be better suited for time-outs.


These are my new chairs. Can you believe that they would turn them into guns? What is happening to society! Not to mention . . . the immaturity.


Ummm . . . OK, it was my idea. I thought it would be a fun picture. And it is.


The young man, yes he was significantly younger than us, thought we were a little too happy about my purchases. Can you believe that he had NEVER been asked to take a picture for a blogging conference before? Does he live in a cave?


Yes. Organization is on its way to our house.

Hottie Hubby, will you please put this all together this weekend?

Visit 5 Minutes for Mom for other Wordless Wednesday posts!

P.S. I would like to add that the Blogging Convetion could not have been made possible if it were not for my mom and mother-in-law's help. My mom brought Starbucks, picked up the boys, and took two of them to my MIL's house. She kept Mr. Smiley for the day and even met me at a central location to pick him up yesterday. My MIL played with Mr. Smackdown and Mr. Me-Too, treating them to pizza and a sleepover and is currently on her way to deliver them back safely to my clutches. Thank you both for giving me a special day out. I really enjoyed being with my blogging girlfriends!

Giveaway #6: Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

Note: I am veering away from the traditional format of how I write my book reviews, because this book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller struck a rather personal chord within me.

I often remember scenes in my life by what music was playing or popular at the time. For example, remember the song Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart? I was playing in my neighbor's front yard and we had to sing that song to enter the forest hideaway on the side of their house. What about the hip hop She Drives Me Crazy by the Fine Young Cannibals? Envision my sister and I riding in her Chevy Blazer as we act like idiots opening and closing our mouth like a large Bass. Or each time the Hottie Hubby and I went mountain biking in college we blared Too Much to Say by The Dave Matthews Band. India is fondly remembered by Sting's song Fields of Gold. Skiing with the Hottie Hubby was always preceded by Love, Liberty, Disco by the Newsboys when we lived in Colorado.

No music was playing when I read Miller's new book, but if there had been, U2's album No Line On the Horizon would be the elevator music in the background. This work (U2's) as a whole, sounds like the theme track of a life, my life (right now). It isn't that the words necessarily resemble my life . . . though some do . . . but the way the music moves from its highs to its lows. I can't explain it any more than that because I am clueless regarding musical terms.

Donald Miller's latest book is filled with random stories and events, much like my comments above. Upon closing the book at 10:58 PM last night, after reading to the Hottie Husband over the phone for an hour, I was left with two thoughts to ponder:

1. The book is so random that I am not sure what I just read.
2. The book is a lineup of seemingly random events that make up 250 pages of Donald Miller's life. Isn't that like my life? Random events that together create my life . . . my story. And it is a beautiful thing.

But random events, random scenes create defining moments. Thus, this book has me pondering my life . . . the story God has me living out.

Miller's book helped me realize and accept the fact that I am a dreamer and it's OK for me to be such. God created many types of people. We need them all. The world does need me in a small way. But at times, I am wracked with guilt because I so desperately want to act upon my dreams, but don't feel it would be logical or important. I want to create an insinuating event that spawns action in my life, in my family, and even in the world. I don't want to do this alone. I want a shared event, connecting my random existence (I know that God didn't create me randomly, don't worry--I'm not questioning my existence within God's plan) with another to make the experience, the new memory concrete and impactful.

I've come to realize that I have been created with a longing for action intentionally. It allows me to be a part of God's work. And truthfully, I wish to employ a lot more action in my life, alongside my family.

So world, watch out. I am looking, watching, and praying. I am preparing to create an impact, fuel a mission, and touch something larger than me.

And while I do that, I will begin with being fully present in the now. Enjoying the temporary events, the seemingly random events that really aren't random.

So was this a good book?

Yes.

Did I agree with everything?

No.

Did Donald Miller make me think?

Probably too much!

Was it worth the read?

Definitely. It was a great shared experience with the Hottie Hubby.

Want to win it? Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me two copies . . . one for me and one to give away!

Giveaway #6
Donald Miller's new book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Tell me something that you need to do to live more "presently" and "fully" in your world. Or tell me about a dream you have and desire to turn it into reality.
   
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
   
3. Become one of my fans if you aren't already!
   
4. Become a follower of me on Twitter or Facebook . . . leave separate comments for this. And if you want another entry, become a follower of Donald Miller . . .@donmilleris.
   
5. Write a blog post about an event that changed your life and leave a link back to your post.
   
6. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll in a continuously visible location, not just a blog post.
   
7. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
8. Check out Donald Miller's blog (www.donmilleris.com or website www.donaldmillerwords.com) and tell me something you learned.
   

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 10/6/09

Granola Giveaway Winners

I promised that I used www.random.org, but I failed miserably at saving the frame of the magical random generator (though I asked the Hottie Hubby how to last night). For some reason, most likely because I am stubborn and thought that there had to be an easier way than "print screen" and open the saved screen in the Paint application, cut out the generator, and save it in a new file. I just didn't want to do that. Sorry. I will next time . . . because there are more giveaways to be won!

And the winners of my yummy granola are . . .

#13 -- Bombastic Belle who wrote . . .
Hmm... I'd probably do strawberries :)


35 -- A Peacefull Still who wrote . . .
You are in my blogroll...

# 31 -- Heidi who wrote . . .
I normally only drink coffee for breakfast, but occasionally I'll have 1/2 a bagel or some cereal.

# 22 -- Tracy who wrote . . .
And I LOVE this recipe. I go through a decent amount of it. http://www.granolamom4god.com/2009/06/homemade-mayonnaise.html

I will be contacting you via email . . . and will make fresh granola tonight during The Biggest Loser!

Giveaway #5 -- Gift Certificate to Earth Angels Diaper Company

I recently found myself in a very unusual predicament. It was a place I vowed I would never go. I had encountered a situation that I was having a hard time remedying.

And so . . . I resorted to plastic. You know, disposable diapers. Gasp!

I had taken great pride that no plastic had touched the glorious bum of my Mr. Smiley. He had made it approximately 15 months with his bottom only covered by soft cloth.

But then teeth came. August heat came. And a slight weening came. After which, the rash came. I pulled out all of my natural and not so natural tricks to heal the nasty nuisance that plagued my gentle little boy.

Finally, I took a trip to Walmart and bought some supposedly environmentally friendly disposable diapers. The manufactures lured me in with their enticing white and soft green packaging, ensuring me that 100% organic cotton was used. It worked. I shelled out the extra money to sooth my guilty conscience. I really felt like I was letting the world down by contributing to the landfill. To those of you who use disposables, forgive this post and move on, but I was genuinely mortified to buy disposables. I prayed that no one would see me purchasing the equivalent to a bad word in our household!

I know that I am being dramatic. But this was a serious mothering challenge to me. Embarrassment. And it dented the organic budget. I seriously don't understand how people afford disposables . . . even if you buy the cheap kind.

And not to mention the smell! I could go on, but I'm going to "shut it," and explain our next giveaway.


Enter Julia from Earth Angels Diaper Company. Carisa (who else?) from 1+1+1=1 and Lil' Ladybug, had listed a bunch of her favorite diapering resources. I looked through the various websites, but Julia's site stood out to me . . . there was a big, large and in charge, comment/question form.

And I used it.

I must admit that it really required some squelching of my pride to ask for help. I've been doing this gig for 5 years now . . . and to run into a cloth diapering problem that I couldn't solve . . . well, it brought my self-esteem down a bit.

Julia graciously replied with several questions, of which I answered . . . and set about putting her suggestions into action. I am happy to say . . . the problem is resolved and we are back in the cloth diapering business. But because I had such a great experience with Julia, I really wanted to bring her WAHM business some attention and asked if she would do a giveaway.

She said YES!

In exchange, I had to do a cloth diaper review. Can you believe it? (Secretly, I was overjoyed at the opportunity to review a diaper. I really hoped it would be a diaper with all of the bells and whistles, since I mainly use prefolds.) Julia didn't disappoint!

I was sent a Large Green Acre Pocket Diaper. When I first received this little diaper . . . I laughed and thought that it was a joke. There was no way it would fit on my 30 lb child! But it did. In fact, it is a perfect fit with a little room to grow in.


Having sewn my own diapers before, I initially questioned the construction of the diaper, but as I used the diaper . . . I think they are geniuses. For starters, the diaper snaps shut on the waist opposite of any diaper I have ever used. As a result, you don't have leaks because the side of the closure that is near "pee" stays close to the skin, and the dry part of the diaper overlaps with the snap closure. Get this, no snap touches the skin so no tattoo snap marks! The pocket for the insert is slightly recessed below the waistline and keeps the liner from creeping out of the diaper. The fleece that Mr. Smiley's bum comes in contact with, is so soft. Too bad underwear isn't made out of that stuff! (Is it wrong to think that?)

And probably the best part about the diaper . . . no leaks . . . none.

I am going to ask for some for Christmas. (For Mr. Smiley, not me.)


Oh, and on a side note. I also tried Charlie's Soap . . . we have officially switched to this brand. You won't believe how clean my diapers are. Plus, my laundry room smells naturally good. And Julia also threw in some amazing smelling baby wipe solution beans. I used to only use water, but I actually began to look forward to poopy diapers, because the wipes smelled so insanely good being immersed in the Baby's Breath Wipe Bean solution.

OK . . . maybe I'm going overboard.


Want to know what you're playing for?

Giveaway #5
$25 Gift Certificate from Earth Angels Diaper Company

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Visit Earth Angels Diaper Company and leave me a comment telling me what color Green Acre Designs pocket diaper is your favorite.
   
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
   
3. Become a follower through Google Connect on Julia's Diaper Discussions blog page (I am counting on you being honest). While you are at it, become one of my fan's if you aren't already!
   
4. Become a follower of Julia on Twitter or Facebook . . . leave separate comments for this.
   
5. Purchase something from Earth Angels Diaper Company and receive 5 extra entries. Be sure to leave 5 comments stating that you did buy from Julia. Tell us what it was!
   
6. Find another blog post I wrote about cloth diapering and share with me something that you learned.
7. Leave a comment and tell me how you would use your $25 at Earth Angels Diaper Company.
   
8. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll in a continuously visible location, not just a blog post.
   
9. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
10. Grab Julia's button and place it on your blog.
    

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 10/5/09

The Leaves are Falling

Do you see it? I made sure that you couldn't miss it.


Change is coming. I can smell it in the leaves. I can hear it rustle as the trees drop their dead weight to the ground. I can feel it through my occasional donned long sleeve shirt. My body senses the light of day shortening as it longs to stay in bed a few more minutes.


My children welcome the change. Mr. Smackdown doesn't want the Hottie Hubbie to mow, for fear of crushing the change. For fear of ruining the change. He wants to run through the leaves with childhood abandon. He wants to savor the moment. He wants to take every moment of life in. He wants to live. He does live passionately.


As Mr. Smackdown and Mr. Me-Too were ferried around this weekend, they were silent before creation. Awed by turtles, canoe rides, and time with Daddy and Papa.


As I waited with Willow (my camera) for the boat ride to come to completion, I voiced my concern to God about the change in the air. I am not excited about the shorter days. I am not excited to be inside. I am restless like the leaves that fight to travel the farthest, angered by the fence that blocks them in.


And in a quiet, but rather firm voice. I heard God say, "Shut it." Live passionately in the loud moments, in the still moments, in the crazy moments, in any moment. Live fully in every moment.

This won't be the last you hear me speak of this . . . .

Restlessness . . .

Change . . . .

Desire to edit my story . . . .

Breathe

16th of June, nine-oh-five, door bell rings
Man at the door says if I want to stay alive a bit longer
There's a few things I need you to know
Three

Coming from a long line of
Traveling sales people on my mother's side
I wasn't gonna buy just anyone's cockatoo
So why would I invite a complete stranger into my home
Would you

These days are better than that
These days are better than that

Every day I die again, and again I'm reborn
Every day I have to find the courage
To walk out into the street
With arms out
Got a love you can't defeat
Neither down nor out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now

16th of June, Chinese stocks are going up
And I'm coming down with some new Asian virus
Ju Ju man, Ju Ju man
Doc says you're fine, or dying
Please
Nine-oh-nine, St. John Divine on the line, my pulse is fine
But I'm running down the road like loose electricity
While the band in my head plays a striptease

The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it

Walk out into the street
Sing your heart out
The people we meet
Will not be drowned out
There's nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now
Yeah, yeah

We are people borne of sound
The songs are in our eyes
Gonna wear them like a crown

Walk out, into the sunburst street
Sing your heart out, sing my heart out
I've found grace inside a sound
I found grace, it's all that I found
And I can breathe
Breathe now
--U2

Tot School

C week was introduced with the Letter C Caterpillar, from No Time for Flashcards! When they were done, we used pipe cleaners for antenna above the C eyes.


There are a few bloggers whose writings I have delivered to my in box, instant inspiration. One such inspiration came from Valerie (Lapbook Lessons) thru Carisa (Tot School). The timing of her lapbook lesson update was perfect. For AWANA last Wednesday, Mr. Me-Too's memory verse was Genesis 1:1, "God created the heavens and the earth." So, we created a Creation Lapbook!

Mr. Me-Too is just becoming aware of drawing something to resemble an object in real life. I drew the circles and he drew the sticks for bodies! Each head had a name--the whole family was named.

We also started Carisa's new ABC Farm lapbook. However, I don't have a picture of us interacting with it. Hmmm . . . but here are the boys sipping Starbucks (white milk) with Mama on her weekly visit. These printables are from ABC Teach.


My friend, Beckie, snagged some foam blocks for me. She knew my need and constant desire for various objects to sort. We started out using egg cartons to separate the colors and the shapes. But our egg cartons weren't big enough. So we found baskets. But the boys did this activity in their under-roo's . . . so, I have chosen not to post them!


Our Tot trays have arrived! Now I just have to find a place to "put" them! So, you will only see them once on this post. Lord willing, a trip to IKEA this week should help the trays become a daily tool in Mr. Me-Too's Tot School. However, I discovered that the trays are great for containing and transporting projects, such as the fall bead bracelets we are working on for our neighbors and relatives.


And I broke down and bought some help. I know nothing about music. Even when the Hottie Hubby has attempted to explain music to me . . . it falls on deaf ears. I couldn't even master the recorder in grade school. I can't even pound a djembe to the right beat. So, I found this great little guitar program for beginners for the computer. I am proud to say that the boys and I know the chord g!!!!!! I am so excited!


Look at the precious little smile on his face above.


I really want my children to be able to play an instrument. My two favorite are the guitar and the bongos or a similar instrument. Both can be such easy ways to minister to others and to worship the Lord. How cool it would be to have family times of worship. Or one day seeing my sons use their musical talent to lead worship at church, or a band, should the Lord call them to such a job.

A Big Book the Keep You From the Doctor: Nutrition 101: Choose Life

Intimidating.

This was my first impression when I saw what was being downloaded into the ebook folder on my computer. But I figured there was just a lot of pictures in the file.

There are a lot of pictures in Nutrition 101: Choose Life, but there is also A LOT of content, 448 pages worth of wisdom in the co-authored book by homeschool mother Debra Raybern; homeschool mother and researcher Sera Johnson; mother and writer/editor Laura Hopkins; and mother, grandmother and former Home Economics teacher Karen Hopkins.

Content that everyone needs to know.

I want to give you the facts first and then tell you why this book, well . . . no . . . curriculum is worth every penny of the investment. You can order either the CD-ROM version for $79.95 or the book for $99.95 at

At first glance, I presumed that I would read this guide independently and occasionally glance at it in the kitchen for a scrumptious recipe.

Prior to the download, God had already been tugging at my heart to find something to begin teaching the Granola Boys about how He (God) created their amazing bodies. Recently, PBS Sid the Science Guy has been talking about how we breathe, the reason we have lungs, why we should exercise, why we need to poop, and how to eat well. The show had generated many questions:

• Is this exercise? as we bike around the neighborhood
• How did God heal your belly from having Mr. Smiley?
• How did Mr. Smiley breath underwater?
• How do you make milk?
• Do you just have to drink more milk to make milk?
• Does this have sugar in it? You shouldn't feed me sugar, Mommy.
  

And as I read through Nutrition 101: Choose Life! I began to see how God answered my prayer. The book is divided into 6 sections:

• the brain and nervous system
• digestion and elimination
• respiration and olfactory
• muscular and skeletal
• cardiovascular and immune systems
• endocrine systems and emotions

Within each section is a general overview of how each system in our body works. It is written in layman terms. The bonus is that it is actually interesting and does not read like a college textbook! Following each chapter within the sections are activities to do with younger and/or older children to reinforce what you have learned and to apply the knowledge to real life.

This manual to wellness is perfect for the schoolroom and for your kitchen. Because it is applicable to all ages, this is a tool that you can use and transform throughout your child's schooling years. And herein lies why this book really is valuable. Your child's health education is contained within the 448 pages of this guide. With each year you use it, the cost goes down. At least, that is the way that I see it.

I plan on using Nutrition 101: Choose Life! in our schoolroom this year and in the years to come. I hope to gather a few coloring pages of body parts, or even a puzzle of a body to help the boys visualize what we are learning about. And when time allows, the Granola boys will help me cook some of the suggested recipes.

If your family is struggling with constant illness, I really do think that you would bless your body and family by reading this book and incorporating its principles. I learned a lot about how my insides function, much of which I probably was never taught in high school and certainly not college!

P.S. Another reason that I like this book is because they feature Young Living oils . . . which I use, too!

Giveaway #4 -- $20 in Toys! from www.ebeanstalk.com

I read an interesting article in Mothering last night about a couple who didn't register at the various baby stores when they were expecting. Instead, they encouraged friends to give them hand-me-downs, garage sale items, and lovingly used items. It is people like this that make me think.

When I was expecting my first child, I must admit that I looked forward to opening presents (but had to return many of them), acquiring the cutest new baby clothes (that weren't so cute after spit up), and gently placing all the brightly colored toys in a perfect little basket (not realizing that later the toys would be thrown, puked on, and be recalled).

At one shower, my friend Janine gave me one of her child's used lap pad and a few swaddling blankets. I thought it was odd (at the time). But let me tell you now, that those items rank among my most treasured. I have used them with all three of my children. Her present came with love washed into it!

Last year, I went to a clothing sale. I ended up purchasing several clothes from a woman because of the stories she could tell me about what her children did when wearing them. The smile and hint of laughter was delightful, and I felt good about what my child would wear.

But let's go back to Janine. When I was pregnant she used to tell me stories about wood toys. Wood toys under the Christmas tree. Wood toys that were durable. Wood toys that allowed open ended and imaginative play. Wood toys that inspired creativity. I thought that she had a love affair with wood toys. For a long time, I just didn't understand. (If you would recall it took me about 2 years to get on board with whole foods cooking and sprouting weird things! I can be a little thick headed.)

And then we were given a wood toy. Everything changed. I am officially a wood toy snob.

Why do I like wood toys so much? I like wood because

• they are durable
• they will last a long time, even to my grandchildren, should the Lord tarry
• they look nice in our house
• they allow your children to make the noise, not a battery
• they inspire creativity and open play (meaning there is more than one way to play with the toy)
• typically, they aren't made with toxic paint or plastic
• they don't leach
• and sometimes you can meet the woodcarver or support a local woodworker

So . . . let me introduce the 4th Birthday Bash giveaway. I specifically contacted
because not only do they have GREAT toys (including my two FAVORITE brands--Plan City Toys and Melissa and Doug), but they provide weekly parenting support emails that I have grown to value.

Now you may be feeling confused. I spent time reminiscing about used toys and now I'm going to offer you a $20 gift certificate from www.ebeanstalk.com for a NEW toy?

Yes.

Fickle is what I am.

However, finding a lovingly used wood toy is hard. People don't give them away. They keep them because they last. So, I'm encouraging you to start your own collection or add to your collection. By the way, $20 could purchase you some fun toys.

If I had $20 from ebeanstalk.com, I might get My Soft World Farm, Miracle Pounding, or the Stack and Sort Board for Mr. Smiley. For Mr. Me-Too I would probably keep Tot School in mind and supply him with Fit-A-Space, Who's In The Zoo, or Eggspressions. And lastly for Mr. Smackdown I would have fun buying Home Tweet Home, The Magic School Bus Human Body, and the Under the Sea puzzle.

Giveaway #4:
$20 gift certificate to purchase anything from www.ebeanstalk.com

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Visit ebeanstalk baby toys or baby gifts, and leave me a comment telling me which baby toy is your favorite.
   
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
   
3. Sign up for the ebeanstalk parent letter located on the right of ebeanstalk's home page and leave me a comment telling me you did so (I am counting on you being honest).
4. Purchase something from ebeanstalk and receive 5 extra entries. Be sure to leave 5 comments stating that you did buy one of ebeanstalk's items. Tell us what it was!
   
5. Discover what two toys ebeanstalk refuses to sell (email me these at thegranolamom4god.com) and I will give you credit.
6. Find another blog post I wrote about ebeanstalk and share with me something that you learned.
   
7. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll in a continuously visible location, not just a blog post.
   
8. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
   

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one, except for #5.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 10/1/09

Giveaway #3 -- Hip Baby Changing Pad Cover

My sister and I come from a long line of sewers. However, sewer really isn't a word. (Seamstress would imply that we sew clothing--and we don't.)

Perhaps I should say that we come from a long line of crafty women. Guttermann thread is the vehicle through which blood flows in our body. Birthdays always meant a new sewing machine, bobbins, and pin cushions. In our infancy, my mom found us playing with needles, scissors, and fabric. By age 2, we were quilting and creating Waldorf dolls.

Just kidding. Or am I?

However, it does seem fitting that as we have matured into adults our craft has become specialized as we create the items that excite us and and that we have found useful in our mothering.

Without further ado, let me introduce my 3rd giveaway as we continue to celebrate my 1 year of blogging, sponsored by Hi Mamma (AKA my sister).


I always enjoying visiting my sister's Etsy shop because I never know what new thing she will have just created.

One of her latest creations, and should I ever be blessed with another child (maybe a girl?), I will be ordering from the ultrasound table (OK . . . I am being dramatic):

is a changing pad.

Because I do laundry for 5 people in my household and cloth diapers several times a week for 1 of those 5 individuals, I have about 3 changing pad covers that I rotate.

You see, it takes me that long to get EVERYONE's laundry and diapers done. (Praise God my mom and mother-in-law help me fold the mounds of clean clothes!)

Rather than frantically looking for the cover I washed . . . or have yet to wash . . . .

. . . . place my precious but large baby bundle on the cracked and cold changing pad--which makes him squirm

. . . and a squirmy poopy baby is not a fun baby at all . . . .

I pull out a washed changing pad cover that is waiting in the drawer.

And now, you can change a baby's diaper in style

OR have an extra -- hip -- and fashionable changing pad cover.

Giveaway #3:

Enter to win a Hi Mamma Stylin' Changing Pad Cover

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Visit Hi Mamma and leave me a comment telling me which changing pad cover is your favorite design.
   
2. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God and leave a comment back at the blog.
   
3. Look through the Hi Mamma site and describe another product that you think is unique.
4. Purchase something from Hi Mamma and receive 5 extra entries. Be sure to leave 5 comments stating that you did buy one of Hi Mamma's items.
   
5. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll in a visible location.
   
6. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
   

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you when you have won. You cannot win more than one giveaway. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com. You must respond within 24 hours.

Contest ends 9/30/09

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

GM4G Giveaway #2

If you would like a crash course in Tot School, I strongly encourage you to enter today's Busy Bee Bag giveaway.


Tiffana, at Busy Bee Bags, is giving away a $10 off coupon to the winner of today's giveaway. I wish that I could win this giveaway!

Through my blog-aversary I want to support as many crafty moms as I can. It has been through word of mouth, blog rolls, tweeting, etc., that my blog has grown. I am no MckMama or Pioneer Woman blogger, but nevertheless, I still feel blessed by my small but growing following.

Thus, I want to get the word out and celebrate some Mom's who are working hard and being creative with their talents.

Last year, I purchased a Busy Bee Bag as a Christmas present for my niece. I saw a few pictures of my niece's completed work, and it looked like she had a fabulous time making Tiffana's projects.

And now, I want to give you a chance to experience our Tot School.

RULES

Please, please, please . . .do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Visit the Busy Bee Bag website and leave me a comment telling me what craft you would like to make with your child, grandchild, or student.
   
2. Become a Granola Mom 4 God fan (If you already are, leave a comment telling me so).
3. Become a Granola Mom 4 God fan on Facebook. (If you already are, leave a comment telling me so.)
   
4. Follow me on Twitter. (If you already are, leave a comment telling me so.)
   
5. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God
6. Leave me a comment telling me about a craft you remember making as a child.
7. Write a blog post about a craft that you made, being sure to include directions and pictures!
   
8. Put my blog, http://www.granolamom4god.com, on your blog roll
9. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
   

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will email you your coupon code when you have won. I must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com.

Wordless Wednesday--Like Mother Like Son(s)

Two cameras sat unused.


One is a print camera, that won't even sell on Craig's List for $5.

One is our first digital camera . . . that doesn't even come close to matching Willow's charm.

Two cameras used. Two happy boys.


Check out 5 Minutes for Mom for more Wordless Wednesday posts!

Happy Birthday to My Blog--Granola Giveaway #1

When you were growing up, on your birthday were you ever greeted with the song that goes a little bit like this,

My name is Zoom
and I live on the moon
But I came to earth
Just to sing you this tune
It's your birthday today!

Well, no one sang this song to the blog this morning . . . though I thought about it. (I won't mention that the Hottie Hubby actually sang Happy Birthday to me my blog.)

Let me introduce my first giveaway.

I thought it would be fitting to give away something from me.

Something homemade.

Something yummy.

Something my blog is named after . . . .

Granola!

Register to win a package of granola, made fresh for you, in the mail from me! There will be 4 winners to this giveaway.

RULES
Do not put more than one entry per comment. I will be using www.random.org to pick the winners. So if you would like for your comments to count, leave individual comments.

All options are worth 1 entry, unless otherwise stated.

1. (Mandatory) Leave me a comment telling me what fruit you would use to compliment your bowl of granola
2. Become a Granola Mom 4 God fan.
3. Become a Granola Mom 4 God fan on Facebook.
4. Follow me on Twitter.
5. Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to include @GranolaMom4God
6. Leave me a comment telling me what you normally eat for breakfast.
7. Find a recipe on my blog and blog about about making it! Be sure to include the link! (5 points . . . leave 5 comments stating, "I made your ___________ recipe and the link is . . . (insert your link here)" for at least one of the comments.
8. Leave me a comment and let me know what you would like The Hottie Hubby to write about, as he will be making a guest appearance in honor of my blog-aversary.
9. Put my http://www.granolamom4god.com on your blog roll!
10. Grab my button and place it on your blog for all to see!
    

Remember, only #1 is mandatory. The rest of the entries are optional, but you MUST comment separately for each one.

The Fine Print: I will only ship within the United States. I also must have your email address to alert you to your prize. You can include that in your comment or email me separately at thegranolamom4god@gmail.com.

May the hungriest person win! Contest ends 9/28/09.

MckLinky Blog Hop--Why You Should Read My Blog

I must admit I feel like I'm in high school again--running for Vice President of Student Council. Vote for me! I'm the best! Read me!

And after watching the moving Julie and Julia, I have come to realize that I am a bit of a narcissist. I feel sorry, in some ways, for family members who live with bloggers. All we do is talk about our blog. Life is viewed from the paradigm of the blog, will this stuff of life we are living together be material for my blog? How can I share this conversation to my readers?

The Blog is never far from our thoughts.

And then, if I don't write . . . I get anxious . . . worried that I didn't post. For some reason, I think that my readers' lives will end if I fail to reach out to them from my computer.

This thought process is lunacy. When one of the blogs I read doesn't post, my life goes on. I don't get upset.

I am a narcissist.

Read my blog to learn about me, my life, how I eat, how I teach, how I interact with my family, what I'm reading, how amazing my husband is, what my friends are doing, how silly my dog is, where I travel, what I dream about . . .

And through all of the stuff about me, I pray that you will see that ME is a direct result of God working through me. I pray that you see and read about HIM, my best friend and Savior, Jesus.


Special thanks to Grace Jacobsen for sponsoring this blog hop.

Studypod--Not Your Grandma's Book Holder

I think that I have mentioned before that I often write my blog posts of a morning. I sit on a couch with one of the two older munchkins (Mr. Smiley typically is still asleep). The couch I sit on rotates depending on whose turn it is to snuggle.

So, yes--I, Granola Mom, allow my boys to watch Clifford and Curious George--gasp!

(My opinions on TV would be expounded upon in a later post, should I receive more than 10 comments on this post.)

Today the computer sits on my lap. Mr. Me-Too is on my right, chai on a table to my left, and Mr. Smackdown is eating breakfast on the opposite couch. Beside my chai is enough room for my new Study Pod Book Holder, should I have pre-written my post on a thing called paper, which sometimes happens when Hottie Hubby is home since I still have yet to win a Mini computer.


I have decided that this is really quite a clever little gadget. I have had book holders before, BUT they were LARGE and prone to tipping over. Using them was frustrating.

Not so with the Studypod from .

(Note: I didn't need to include that little Genio graphic, but it is just so cute and clever. Just like its product!)

Here is why it is cute:

• it looks like a little book (making it portable and easy to store)
  
• it has tiny compartments inside of the Studypod (to store pencils, an i Pod--I don't have one), phone, etc.)
  
• there is a swirly collection of sayings on the inside (subliminal motivation?)
  
• the book "kick stand" is precious (used to place your reading material at eye-level and to reduce poor posture)
• it is offered in charming colors: blue, pink, and black

Here is why the Studypod is a useful tool to practically anyone:

I think that the picture states the obvious. The one comment I would add is that the Studypod can hold virtually any size book and stay upright.

It isn't uncommon in our house to find the Hottie taking care of his AWANA responsibilities on a Monday night. Though AWANA is a relationally based Scripture memory church program, keeping 16 leaders and countless kids organized takes some behind the scenes computer work.

Because I know that you enjoy seeing my family in action, I had Hottie Hubby use the book holder to truly test out this product on an unsuspecting subject. Notice, his excellent posture.

I believe that this product will be a keeper. I will sit down and have a bowl of granola while using my Studypod!

When you go to purchase your Studypod, be sure to enter the coupon code TOSBLOGS5 that is available to my blog readers. Let me know if you do purchase one!

Homeschool Crew review, review, AWANA

Tot School 9

In an attempt to get more disciplined, due to frustration and the Lord speaking to me through what feels like chaos in my head, I am actually finding myself posting about Tot School in a timely fashion.   Discipline in one area, affects other aspects of your life.  It is a beautiful thing.  Yahoo!  Perhaps I should start my own Granola Mom school to show how I am getting more organized and disciplined, and then everyone could use the MckLinky to post their discipline successes and tips. I digress. 

For being unorganized we still managed to accomplish great things the past two weeks.

I often incorporate FIAR (Five In A Row) materials.  This week we read ABC Bunny.  Mr. Me-Too was to move the beads on  the abacus each time we saw a bunny in the story. I really thought that he wouldn't wait for us, but move all of the beads ove before the rabbits were counted.  However, he showed great self-control and ONLY moved a bead if I said a number.  Way to go, Mr. Me-Too!

 (And yes, I know that his mouth is open. He likes to pretend that he is a dog.)

Another day after reading ABC Bunny we got out our animal cards from Homeschool Share that are used throughout the FIAR books.  We searched for the animals on our cards that were mentioned in the story.

We created letters using Connectagons.

And had a mini photo shoot, which also involved an open mouth.

Mr. Me-Too joined Mr. Smackdown and I during Rocket Phonics and played Memory.  

 

The letter C was introduced by tracing a pre-written C with Do-A-Dots. 

We practiced making capital letters.  Mr. Me-Too was super excited to make the Letter A all by himself.

Mr. Me-Too got hold of some markers and worked on writing his name.  In this picture, he is writing the letter E.  This is the first time that he has shown any interest in writing.

We read a story and created a craft to match in Storytime with the Millers. 

Mr. Smackdown helped Mr. Me-Too complete his AWANA homework.

The Granola Boys created their own Tic-Tac-Toe game that was quite amusing.  However, it worked on Mr. Me-Too's fine motor skills and following Big Brother's ever changing rules instructions.  Notice the yoga he is working into the game.

This was followed by Clifford ABC Bingo that I picked up for free at the school I used to teach at.  Since Mr. Me-Too was playing with Mr. Smackdown, I would say the letter with its corresponding sound, plus place the Calling Card in front of him.  

In honor of Nana's birthday, the boys painted an apron for her to wear while she makes them some applesauce from freshly picked apples at a nearby orchard.

And here is my firecracker expending some energy during our picnic lunch with Nana on her birthday.

For more Tot School ideas, check out 1+1+1=1!

And be sure to check out what we did for Science with Nature Explorers!