Promises to Keep

I recently received “Promises to Keep” by Ann Tatlock from Bethany House Publishers to review.  Before I tell you what I thought, let me tell you a little about the book.

 

Summary from CBD.com:

"Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in.
Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together-both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise -"cross my heart and hope to die"-never to tell anyone else."

My Review

I thought this was a pretty good book.  It was a little slow moving to me, but I tend to like the suspense-filled books the most.  The story line was good, but I could sense the ending very early on.  The early part of the book where the family meets Tillie was probably the best part of the book if you ask me.  I'm pretty sure I'd have been a little shocked if a random old lady showed up on my porch one morning!  If you don't mind the slow progression of the story, this is a good book to read, but if you're like me and like suspense - you may want to skip this one!

God Gave Us Two

I recently received "God Gave Us Two" by Lisa Tawn Bergren from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.  If you like to read and write reviews, you should check out their program (Blogging for Books).

I love all of the "God Gave Us" books.  They are simple, but very sweet books for children.  The illustrations are beautiful.  My 2 year old likes to read them with me as well!  If you remember, I did a review for God Gave Us So Much (see review HERE) not too long ago!

"God Gave Us Two" is about Mama  and Papa polar bear having another baby.  Little Cub is very curious about it, and asks a lot of questions like, "Will you forget me when the new baby comes?"  Mama and Papa reassure Little Cub that they will love her AND the new baby and explain that they are gifts from God.  Little Cub asks for a sister, but Papa tells her that she doesn't get to pick.  They get a nice surprise at the end - a brother and a sister!

I thought this was a great book for siblings.  It came at a perfect time for us - right before L.B. was born!  I think Sydney enjoyed reading about getting a new baby.  The only problem is that you might have to explain why you don't always get twins (and they aren't always a boy and a girl) haha.  I guess that is where you have to explain that you can't pick!  I'm very glad that we had this book for Sydney, and I plan to share it with other siblings that need help understanding a new baby!

You can get a slightly imperfect copy of this book for $4.99 HERE.  That is 50% off!

Winner!

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things...having a newborn and a toddler really slows down my blogging!  But don't worry! I'm back - with sleep and usually cooperative kids!  I'll be posting new reviews and giveaways THIS WEEK so make sure to tell all of your friends to check out So Mommy! 

Along with new reviews and giveaways, I'll be posting a "Top 10 for Baby - Items I can't live without" this week!

WINNER!!

Desires of My Heart wins the beautiful bow from Creative Expressions!  Congratulations!  Look for more giveaways and reviews coming up!

A little about me!

I have really blogged much about me, so I thought I'd take a moment (or two..) to do that!  I am a breastfeeding, cloth-diapering, baby wearing, soon-to-be homeschooling mom of 2 beautiful girls ages 2 years and 5 weeks.  Don't worry - I'm not a mom that will try to pressure you into doing things my way..though I am always willing to answer any questions and help as much as I can. 

With my first daughter, Sydney, I decided to breastfeed because it was the cheapest / healthiest way to go...and it helps moms lose weight faster!  My older sister and my mom both did it, so I had a good support system ready to go!  I asked for a sling for Christmas before my daughter was born - Brooke Burke made the Peanut Shell look so easy!  I have loved it - with both daughters!  I currently own 5 different slings, and I share them with other moms that are interested in baby wearing. 

I love to shop with my mom - using my coupons, of course.  I have gotten a lot of great deals that way!  We canceled our cable because I didn't like most of the things that were available to watch...and I didn't want my kids bombarded with commercials.  We have a Netflix account now, so my kids can watch only what I select (and no commercials) through our Wii.  I would definitely suggest this for anyone trying to save money and limit what their kids watch.  Sydney loves to watch Leapfrog and The Land Before Time movies!

I started cloth diapering when Sydney was around 1 year.  I decided to try it mostly because of the money it saved.  I had a friend that gave me a few diapers to try out, along with some helpful information on how to wash them, etc.  It really wasn't as bad as I thought it might be!  Since then, I have built my diaper stash by buying new diapers on clearance and buying used /new diapers from other moms, and also by doing reviews.  I am proud to say I have never paid full price for a cloth diaper!  Yes, I am cheap!  I will do a more detailed post on cloth diapers later, so feel free to let me know any questions you would like answered!

I am planning to start Sydney's homeschooling this fall.  She will be 2 1/2 and we will start working on simple tasks like using safety scissors, coloring in the lines, and other fun things.  She loves to write, so I plan to start helping her write letters as well.  We will not have "structured" classes or anything - just fun mother/daughter learning time during some of L.B.'s naps! 

I do a variety of reviews on my blog - related to parents and children.  Many of my reviews are for books because I LOVE to read (my reading time has shrunk since L.B. was born though).  I especially like to work with WAHMs.  I love helping other moms reach their goals and build their businesses.  If you are a WAHM, feel free to message me about a review or giveaway or advertising, etc.

I guess that is a pretty good start to getting to know me!  Feel free to ask me any questions that you would like.  I will try to answer them as quickly and as best as I can.

Urban Moppets

Here is another WAHM that makes AMAZING items!  Urban Moppets creates dresses, skirts, blankets, and more!  I was so excited to find her shop before little L.B. was born.  I'm sure you all will love her stuff as well - especially if you have little girls!

About Urban Moppets
"Welcome to my etsy shop. My name is Kelli and I am a sew-a-holic! I have 3 grown children, a 4 year old and (gulp) 5 small grandchildren! I have been sewing for over 30 years with wee ones being my inspiration! I love to create unique things for the little ones whether a retro tunic, superhero cape, personalized pillow or tipi, one just never knows what will come out of my studio next! I am so excited to have the opportunity to do something that I love....be creative. One of my favorite things to do is spend hours in our local (and huge) fabric store coming up with my next project. I hope you stop by often to see my newest creations!"

My Review
Her prices are great!  I couldn't believe some of them!  Her adorable dresses are around $19.95!  I'm very tempted to buy the one that matches L.B.'s blanket!  The blankets are $29-$35.  I bought the cute minky deer blanket because it matched our nursery perfectly.  I had been looking around for awhile for a blanket to match the room, and I just wasn't happy with any I saw until I saw this one.  Once I received it, I loved it even more! It is large enough to use even when she is a toddler, and it is softer than you could ever imagine!  I wouldn't mind having one my size to be perfectly honest.  If you are looking for a unique blanket for your child or a shower gift, please contact Kelli at Urban Moppets!  You won't be disappointed with her!

See how comfy cozy this looks??

Creative Expressions Review and Giveaway

I'm always on the look out for awesome WAHM (work at home mom) products!  I love to help these moms promote their products as much as possible.  Recently I came across Creative Expressions, which is a mom local to me that creates all kinds of goodies! 

Buddy is the owner, and she is great to work with!  She is very friendly and willing to work with you to get the item you want.  She creates many types of bows, bow holders, baby wreaths, flip flops, and even painted canvases.  Her items are so pretty and she sells them at great prices!  Here are a few of her items that I think are adorable!

She made a really cute bow for my girls to share.  I wanted to get a picture of them both wearing it, but Lakyn's head is still too tiny for our headbands!  Sydney really likes the bow because it has circles on it...in all of her favorite colors!  It is a very cute bow for summer time.  It is very well made with a lined alligator clip (which is my personal favorite type right now).  Sydney hasn't been able to destroy this bow yet...yes, she has taken bows apart before.  Sorry - this isn't the best picture.  My daughter has recently decided that she is anti-pictures!  I would definitely recommend Creative Expressions to anyone that asks me.  Customer service is a high priority on my list, and Buddy is definitely good with that!

GIVEAWAY

Creative Expressions has made a giveaway bow especially for So Mommy Readers! It is a 5 inch double layered lime green/pink bow - perfect for summer!

How to Enter: 

Mandatory:  Go to the Creative Expressions and leave me a comment telling me which product is your favorite!

Once you’ve entered by leaving a comment, you can gain additional entries:

Extra Entries (Leave one comment per extra entry):

(1 entry) - ‘Like’ Creative Expressions on Facebook HERE
(1 entry) - ‘Like’ So Mommy on Facebook HERE and let me know if you are a new fan
(1 entry) - Mention this giveaway on your facebook page and leave me the link

**This giveaway ends on May 30, 2011 at 5 p.m. CST.  The winner will be selected by random draw and will have 48 hours to respond to our notification email before another winner is selected.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.  I was given a free bow in exchange for my review.  No other compensation was received.** 

Winners!

Ok..so by now most of you know about the tornados in north Alabama.  Places around us were hit VERY hard...many lost homes, family members, and some (like us) only lost power for several days.  Our family was very lucky this time.  I let the open giveaways run longer due to this issue, and I am currently drawing winners :)  Hopefully, things on my blog will get back to normal soon!  I have more reviews, giveaway, and informative posts coming up so get ready!

Also, Happy (late) Mother's Day to all you moms out there! 


13 Deals - Sesame Street cookbook - Danielle!!

Skin MD - Judy B!!

Lovable Labels - Sadie!!


Congratulations to these 3 lucky ladies!  I will email the winners soon! :)