My best back to school advice

My best back to school advice:

1. Make sure your kids know their name and address in case of emergencies. It is better to be prepared.

2. Look for back to school items on sale or coupons to save money. My husband and I rarely pay full price for anything

3. If your children are older, go over the rules with them. If they have cell phones make sure they know when they need to check in with the parents, and when to put the phone away.

4. With the first weeks of school, try to keep your kids focused on getting work done. It's hard to get back into that routine, but tasks get done more quickly if they have 100% attention and focus.

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Disclaimer: This post is an entry into the a contest for a Master Lock back-to-school prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

FASHION IDEAS:

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1. Follow my page through GFC
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Ends: July 6th, 2011

Good Luck!

DIVINE APPOINTMENTS by Charlene Ann Baumbich

About this book: Josie Brooks is a woman whose life is consumed by her career as a consultant. She is driven to get in, get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and then move on to the next challenge, leaving no time for developing relationships, which has served her well thus far. A woman in her 40’s, she is starting to deal with hot flashes and an unusual sense of loneliness. She purchases a mysterious snow globe, with an enticing stream and landscape that she is inexplicably drawn to. Through the people that she meets at her current assignment, she slowly starts to allow herself to explore new relationships, and she begins to change her perception about what is really important. She comes to realize that relationships are valuable, and that first impressions are not what they may first appear to be. My thoughts: The story is an easy, quick read, and I could relate to the themes of mid-life issues and company lay-offs, which is definitely a current issue many are dealing with. The characters are relatable and readers will probably be able to recognize them as someone they know in their own lives. There’s the new boss, Buzz, who seems to be all flash and show at first. There’s the very kind, service-oriented Barb, who makes every effort to encourage those around her. And then there’s Lyle, who at first seems like a ‘bleeding heart’ to Josie until she gets to know him better. For me, the element of the mysterious snow globe seemed to be an unnecessary ‘gimmick’. Although I fully understood the metaphor that the author was using the globe to represent, I thought the story would have been just as good without adding this ‘mystery’ element. disclaimer: this book was provided for review by Waterbook Multnomah Blogging for books!

The Bridge of Peace

About The Book:

Lena Kauffman is a young Old Order Amish schoolteacher who has dealt all her life with attention raised by a noticeable birthmark on her cheek. Having learned to move past the stares and whispers, Lena channels her zest for living into her love of teaching. But tensions mount as she is challenged to work with a rebellious young man and deal with several crises at the schoolhouse that threaten her other students. Her lack of submission and use of ideas that don’t line up with the Old Ways strengthen the school board’s case as they begin to believe that Lena is behind all the trouble.

One member of the school board, Grey Graber, feels trapped by his own stifling circumstances. His wife, Elsie, has shut him out of her life, and he doesn’t know how long he can continue to live as if nothing is wrong. As the two finally come to a place of working toward a better marriage, tragedy befalls their family.

Lena and Grey have been life-long friends, but their relationship begins to crumble amidst unsettling deceptions, propelling each of them to finally face their own secrets. Can they both find a way past their losses and discover the strength to build a new bridge?

About the Author
CINDY WOODSMALL is a New York Times best-selling author whose connection with the Amish community has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. Cindy lives in Georgia with her family.

My Thoughts:
I have read a few other books by Cindy Woodsmall, and I am definitely a fan. I not only enjoy her writing style and creative plots, but I also enjoy the population she chooses to write about: The Amish. Ever since I was younger I've been fascinated with this population and this lifestyle. I used to read every book I could on the Amish, and have visited Amish homes in Lancaster, PA and got to try their cooking and see how they lived. It's a very siimple lifestyle, and this book was no exception to Cindy's work, as it's another great book.

disclaimer: review copy rec'd

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JOY

The feeling of delight, happiness and pleasure. It’s one of the most cherished emotions you can experience in life. What brings you joy?

For me it's my faith. I have been a Christian since I was a little kid, but for so many people religious is about the actions and the duties and obligations, but it's about so much more.

It's about a relationship with the one who gave up everything for me. It's about the one who was perfect and sinless, taking on the guilt of the world, just so that we could live freely. Because of His sacrifice, I can be forgiven. I am covered by grace, and it's an amazing feeling.

I know everyone reading this may not agree or even believe in a God, but for me . . . I KNOW there is a God.

I once heard a philosophy teacher talk about how it's rational to believe in God. He gave us four scenarios.
1) Scenario 1 - God's real, and you do believe - You go to heaven and avoid hell
2) Scenario 2 - God's not real, and you do believe - You live a good life
3) Scenario 3 - God's real and you DONT believe, you go to hell
4) Scenario 4 - God's Not Real and you DONT believe - nothing happens

In Scenario 1, 2 and 3 it benefits you to believe in God . . . so do you really want to take the chance that he isn't real? It's food for thought, but my Faith is what brings me joy!

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