MOMumental by Jennifer Grant (Book Review and Giveaway)

Do you ever feel that you "HAVE" to be the Perfect Mom? Do you ever find yourself "trying to keep up with Joneses" in fear of being judged? Well, MOMumental- Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family" by Jennifer Grant is a must read book for you!

I recently had the oppurtunity to read this book and I throughly enjoyed the book! The book is comprised of "real life" parenting situations from Mrs. Grant's family life and her experiences as a MOM. Jennifer tells of how growing up she dreamed of being a wife and mother and had the idea of a "perfect family and MOM". Jennifer soon realizes that God's plan for us is the better plan of trying to be the "PERFECT MOM". Jennifer's writing is humorous, encouraging and wonderful.

I know I struggle with "Doing things right" so that I am not judged by others, but I also know that I have not allow "standards" to rule me and my parenting style. I really enjoyed MOMumental, as it is a book that doesn't leave you feeling like you are doing everything wrong. I was actually able to relate to many of the stories and it left me encouraged and realizing that many families are just like my family, we all have our "moments" and though those times can try to create havoc, if we just sit back and relax it will all be fine. Even through all our "failures" parenthood also brings about many joys. The most important thing I took from reading MOMumental was that saying YES to our kids when we really want to say NO can actually build the family up and the family can enjoy fun times together! I give this book 5 out of 5 Stars!!

About the Author

Jennifer Grant is mother to four children and author of Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter (2011). For more than a decade she wrote for papers in the Sun-Times newsgroup. Currently she freelances for the Chicago Tribune and is a regular contributor to hermeneutics, Christianity Today magazine's blog for women. Grant is a Wheaton College graduate who received her master's in English and Creative Writing from Southern Methodist University. She lives outside of Chicago, IL.

You can read the first Chapter and see a glimpse of the great humor and candidness in the book: Chapter 1

MOMumental is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold.

The publishing company, Worthy Publishing, has provided me with a copy of MOMumental to giveaway to one lucky blog reader. Here is your chance to enter a copy:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book FREE of charge from Worthy Publishing via HandleBar Marketing. I was only required to give an honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.

MOMumental by Jennifer Grant (Book Review and Giveaway)

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Kregel Publications Blog Tour: Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

Publishers Description of the Book:

Wes Watkins’s journalism career took off  when he was asked to eulogize Michael Gavin, a stranger to Wes but a hometown hero to the humble folks of Talking Creek, Georgia. While researching Gavin’s life, Wes was confronted with an estranged relationship of his own that he wasn’t prepared to address, having ignored for years the occasional letters from his imprisoned father. Wes has chosen to focus instead on his growing career and his budding relationship with Emmy. His life is looking up . . . until his marriage proposal to Emmy goes south.

Left to wonder if he can reconcile with Emmy before she is deployed to Afghanistan, Wes can no longer avoid the other reconciliation that troubles him. But when Wes uncovers a painful truth about his parents’ past, patching things up with his father may prove impossible. Wes’s life is close to spiraling out of control. Will Wes learn to forgive? Or will the best year of his life turn into the worst?

Set against the haunting backdrop of several Civil War battlefields, Legacy Road is a grace-full exploration of hidden secrets—and what happens when they are revealed. Th rough the ups and downs of human relationships, of family ties lost and found, southern fi ction fans will ponder the age-old question: How do you forgive others—and release yourself—from a past that threatens to destroy you?

About the Author:

Graham Garrison is the author of Hero’s Tribute and has published articles in six newspapers and eight magazines, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, America’s Civil War, Georgia Physician, and Boating World.

Buy the Book: Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

My Thoughts and Review: 
Legacy of Road is the sequel to a Hero's Tribute. I did not read the first book, but I was able to enjoy this book alot! I really enjoyed the main characters and their interactions. Graham Garrison really bought up a good theme in this book and that is the forgiveness and also the bond between father and son. I was reading this book and it really "hit home" for me as my husband had a "rocky relationship" with his Dad and it wasn't until 5 months before my husband's dad passed away that there was forgivness and a small step in repairing a broken relationship. I am glad, that just like the book, my husband had the oppurtunity to forgive his dad! I think this book is a great book for all, but is especially good for men and boys to read. The Father/Son bond is one that I really think is missing in today's world and I think this book does a great job on stressing the importance of that bond. 

I must admit it did take me some time to really engulf this book, but once I got past the first couple of chapters, there was no stopping me!! I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book FREE of charge for my participation in the Kregel Publications Blog Tour Program. I was only required to give an honest review. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own. 

Kregel Publications Blog Tour: Legacy Road by Graham Garrison

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Heat Wave = Blessing in Disguise

Chicago is beginning a 3 day heat wave today, including tomorrow when we could hit 100°, a very rare occurance in Chicago. I am truly seeing this 3 day Heat Wave in Chicago as a Blessing in a Disguise. I know that may seem crazy but this past month has been EXTREMELY busy for my boys and I and the hubby, that I am looking forward to being in the apartment and out of the heat.

My parents have been "nursing" foot injuries since late May, so the boys and I have been back and forth helping them out with different things. My mom had foot surgery in mid-May as she broke her foot in 6 places. My dad was doing what he could to help her, but 1 week after her surgery my dad ended up in the hospital with an open wound on the bottom of his foot. My dad has diabetes and kidney issues, so therefore he has to be under 24/7 care while the wound closes. He was in hospital for 3 days and then was transferred to a Nursing Home/Rehab Center. My parents are almost "mended" but still need some help. My dad will hopefully be coming home in the next week or so and my mom is almost near the point to being "released" by the Dr. post surgery. The boys and I have been going by mom and helping with laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping about 2x a week. Once a week we have been driving her to her Drs. appointment. Her Dr. is really close to my dad's rehab facility so we would visit him that day also. I have also been visiting my dad a couple other times a week and helping with his laundry also. I have also been substiting for my dad at his Tuesday evening job. He is Circulation Manager at a local neighborhood paper and he is in charge of making sure his delivery crew has their papers for their routes and that they are beginning their routes. I have been doing this on Tuesday evenings from 7-10pm. The boys and I, and sometimes my husband are really the ones available right now to be helping, so we have "stepped up to the plate".

I have also been helping a cousin of mine at a couple of local Fairs/Festivals at his Food Vendor booth. 2 weekends in a row I have helped him and it has been a LOT of fun! I really enjoy helping him as this kind of thing is what I am familiar with and it really is fun!

So needless to say this past month has been an extremely "busy season" in my life. I have been so busy with things outside of the home, that my apartment needs a good deep cleaning! I have been able to keep up with the day to day cleaning, but there are some things I really need to catch up on! I am going to use the next 3 days as a oppurtunity to catch up on cleaning and things inside my apartment.

The boys and I have a planning ahead for HOT weather routine when it comes to Heat Waves. I really have no reason to "whine and/or complain" when it comes to Heat Waves as there are things we can do to help ourselves and our families stay cool rather then "whine/complain", so I just set about "prepping" instead of "whining".  Joshua has asthma which is affected by the heat and humidity therefore on "ozone action days" we have to get outside before 11am or after 8:00pm. I went grocery shopping last night and early this morning for "cool and refreshing food and treats". We are stocked up on Fresh Fruit and Veggies, Cold Cuts, Summer Salads and more! We also made a trip to the library on Monday so we have plenty of books, DVDs and Wii games! The boys are not leaving the house until Saturday, unless it is cool enough after dinner to go outside to a park for an hour or so!

The extra income I have been getting lately from helping my dad and cousin is going to be put to good use later today. I am going to use a portion of the money to go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to purchase a 2qt Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I have a 20% off coupon so that will save me quite a bit of money. I have had an Ice cream Maker on my wish list since last summer, but we just didn't have the funds to purchase one nor the freezer space for the bowl. We now have the funds and the freezer space, so I am purchasing one today!! YEAH!! I am looking forward to trying different varities and making not only homemade ice cream, but HomeMade Ice Cream Drumsticks and Homemade Ice Cream sandwiches. I can do a "day of ice cream making" and stock the freezer!!

I am praying for those who will be lacking means to stay cool during this heat wave, hoping they will seek help if needed and those who have to work outside. I am also praying for those in Colorado affected by the Wildfires and those working to put the fires out. Also, praying for those in Florida who have been affected by Tropical Storm Debby!

I am prasing God for giving my boys and I a much needed "Break" from "busy season" we are having right now and the blessings he has bestowed upon us due to our willingness to help others!

Heat Wave = Blessing in Disguise

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Simple Woman's Daybook 6/6/12

Outside my window... The Sun is shining beautifully and it is looking to be a gorgeous day!

I am thinking... about a freezer stocking shopping trip I need/want to do in the next few days.

I am thankful... for the blessings of "extra income" during a time when it is needed.

In the kitchen... making Pasta Salad for lunch and Tacos for dinner today. Also, going to make some deviled eggs for snack time.

I am wearing... a pair of gray shorts and a t shirt. My "indoor" clothes!

I am creating... a list of Summer Fun activities the boys and I can do and things we can do as a family!

I am going... taking the boys to the park today for a bit. No plans otherwise!

I am wondering... what the next step will be in my Dental Journey when I go back to the dentist on June 15th.

I am reading... lots of great books! Check out the right side bar for my list. I am currently reading MOMumental by Jennifer Grant.

I am hoping... that a check hubby is expecting arrives in the mail today.

I am looking forward to... getting outdoors and enjoying the summer. I LOVE summer time and park days and more!

I am learning... there are many things to explore in the Chicagoland area!! I am from the city, but live in the burbs now and there is so much to explore in the burbs also!

Around the house... Fold laundry and put it away. Clean the boys bedroom.

I am pondering... about missing the annual Illinois Christian Home Educators Convention this coming weekend. I have been going since '07 and am disappointed that I won't be there this year, but I will be back next year. I will be praying for those in attendance and all the speakers and convention workers!

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... Yonanas Machine!! I discovered One Ingredient Ice Cream a couple of years ago on a blog and have been making it in my blender every since. 9 months ago I saw the infomerical for Yonanas Machine and have been "wanting" it ever since. I was able to purchase it about a month ago with Gift Certificates I earned from a few online point earning sites. I LOVE this machine! It really has a great texture and really does taste and feel like soft serve ice cream. I love the healthy alternative to ice cream!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Go to a park with the boys today. Thursday: My boys and I have to take my mom to a Drs. appointment and then go visit my dad in the temporary rehab facility he is in for care on his foot. Friday: The oldest has a Drs. appointment and then we are planning on going downtown for the day for a "Fun Day". I am not sure what we have planned for the weekend yet! Hopefully some family fun activities!

A picture to share... 

  3 of the 5 boxes of Bananas 

I recently purchased for .99¢ a box

Simple Woman's Daybook 6/6/12

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Homemade Orange All Purpose Cleaner

I began the New Year with a desire to make a valant attempt at doing "Homemade" products that we use in our home on a daily basis. I did quite a few in Januray and February, but "life" got busy and I started slacking. I picked it back up in May and have great success with a few products.

I really wanted to make a Homemade Orange All Purpose Cleaner, but didn't know if it was possible. I did a google search and came upon this one: Homemade Orange/Vinegar Cleaner.  I was very impressed that it seemed so simple and inexpensive. I already had a gallon jar and vinegar. I was needing to buy oranges to peel and freeze for smoothies, so I was excited! I purchased the oranges and got to work!

I peeled the oranges and put the peels in the gallon jar and bagged up the oranges in snack bags to be frozen. Once the jar was filled with orange peels and vinegar I decided to let it "Brew" for a month to really get more a citrus smell then vinegar.

Peeling Oranges 

Jar getting Full

Pouring in the Vinegar

Brewed for 2 weeks

Brewed for 1 month 

Straining the Orange Infused Vinegar

BEAUTIFUL

The "ingredients" 

All done and READY to USE

I am LOVING this Homemade Orange Cleaner. It was VERY easy to make and it does a great job at cleaning but also at disinfecting! I also like that a little spray goes a long way. My husband and boys do not like the smell as they feel it still smells too much like Vinegar. I truly smell the Orange smell over the Vinegar. I have since learned that this can be done with any kind of Citrus peels, so I might try Lemons or Limes in the future!

I am very pleased with this "Homemade" project!!

Homemade Orange All Purpose Cleaner

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Oral Surgery Update

THANKS to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for my Oral Surgery and Denture Journey. Yesterday was a LONG day but a very blessed day!

My appointment was for 9:30am. I was running a little late due to construction, but that turned out to be quite fine as the Oral Surgeon I had an appointment with was running late herself. I get there around 9:45am and the office is quite busy already. I found out that this Oral Surgeon is VERY busy on Thursday because 90% of her business is for Dentures. She is one of the only Oral Surgeons in the area who specializes in Dentures. Also, many of her patients are from local Nursing Homes, so she tries to take those patients first so they can get back to their facilities. I was completely patient and understanding of this policy. I waited and waited and started getting nervous around 12pm when I still hadn't been seen. My sister was using her lunch hour to come and pick me up and take me home and I didn't want to mess with her work schedule and also because I was anxious to get the extractions over with. I expressed my concern to the Receptionist and she prayed with me and for me! YES this Dentist office they are all Christians. The small office of a staff of 3 people and they are all Christian. Scripture and Christian posters on the wall and they are very encouraging in the office.

I finally got into the Dentist chair at 12:30pm. I had a few questions I needed to ask before I couldn't talk for the day. The Dentist started giving my the Novocaine all over my mouth as soon all questions were answered. YES, you read correctly. I had 17 teeth extracted under Novocaine only, I was not given General Anesthesia. I was OK with this because I have a high tolerance of pain. I must admit though the Novocaine shots to the roof of the mouth had me almost jumping out of the chair! OUCH! The Novocaine took affect within 5 minutes and then the extractions began. The Dr. was able to work fast and for the most part I didn't even realize that most of the teeth were out already. I almost ran from the chair when she began extracting the Bottom Front Teeth. OUCH, that seriously hurt like crazy! The front teeth were the easiest to pull, but they hurt the worst. All 17 teeth were extracted and all work completed within 45 minutes. The dentist did have to "stitch me up" along the gum line because of excessive bleeding. She told me that the Dilantin medicine had detoriated my gums and bone line so bad and that is why I was bleeding so bad. I completely believe that because I could NEVER brush my teeth without my gums bleeding. The stitches will dissolve within a couple of days by themselves.

I now am in the "healing" process. I will be toothless during this time, but I am OK with that. I know it will take some time for me to get used to not having any teeth and I already have done a couple things today that quickly reminded me of no teeth! LOL I have to allow my gums to heal up, as would any patient who gets all teeth extracted for Dentures. The normal healing time is about 3 weeks before the next appointment. I have to wait 5 weeks before I go back for the first impression of my mouth for them to create the Dentures. The Dilantin medicine really did some major damage to my gums and therefore I need more healing time. I go back on June 15th for the impression of my mouth. I will have to return a couple more times and then I should have my actual Dentures right around the 4th of July!

I am feeling very good today! I finally had some Mashed Potatoes around 5pm today. I was eating Smoothies, Ice Cream, and Pudding up until then. I have had very little pain and soreness, all the cold products helped greatly with that. I did take some Tylenol w/Codeine last night but it was more to help me sleep well then pain. I rested up today and have been relaxing in my comfy chair. I can talk normally, although if I talk too much it does feel funny. My right cheek looks like a "chipmunk" storing food, but I am sure that will do down in a day or 2. I will be on a soft and liquid diet until I get my actual Dentures, so I going to lose some weight. I am actually glad about that!! I know I can find many things to satisfy my hunger during this time and I will conform. My Ninja Blender and Yonanas machine are going to be put to good use!

I am feeling very blessed that I am going forward with this. I have had 4 Dentists in 3yrs confirm that all my Dental issues are completely from the Dilantin medicine I took as a child and there is NOTHING I could have changed to prevent this. I am excited moving forward and looking forward to the day I get the actual Dentures!! God is good and I am BLESSED!!

Oral Surgery Update

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A Life Altering Dental Procedure: I am getting Full Dentures

The day has finally arrived where I am going to get a life altering Dental Procedure done. I go to an Oral Surgeon tomorrow to have all of my teeth extracted! I have 17 teeth left and I will be getting them pulled and then it will be a process of 4-8 weeks before I have A Full Set of Dentures in my mouth!

I had Childhood Epilepsy(from age 5-16) and the medicine I took, Dilantin, caused my gums lines to recede very early in life. I do know by the time I was 14 my gum line was pretty much shot. I had my 2 front top teeth filled at age 14 and had other Dental work done over the years, but have always had major problems with my gums. My upper teeth has had a few issues of their own. I can't tell you when the last time I "Smiled pretty" for pictures because I have been so disatisfied with my gum line.

I was ready to have my gums "Scaled and Planed" and went to the Dentist at the end of March. He began examining me and took a full set of X-Rays, and he determined I would probably some Grafting, Scaling and Planing done. This procedure would cost a "pretty penny". I asked him "If I get all that work done, does it guarantee I will no longer have any gum issues?" He told me NO there is no guarantee and that the only guarentee in having healthy gums is to get Dentures. I have been wanting to go this route for 3yrs, but I kept getting told that I was "too young" for Dentures, "Don't you want to try to save your teeth?" Of course I would LOVE to have my real teeth, but it isn't the teeth that are the problem for the most part, it is the gum lines. I just want a healthy mouth. The gum lines have been a source of infection and those infections can release toxins into the rest of my body. I told the Dentist that I just want to get Dentures if that is the only way that I will have healthy gums. Actually, once all my teeth are extracted the "Gum Line" will heal and I will be left with "Ridges" for the Dentures to sit upon. I won't have a "gum line" like most do! The Dentist agreed that I was making a wise choice and we began the process. He was able to extract 6 teeth, but told me I had 4 that needed to be done by an Oral Surgeon.

I found an Oral Surgeon and had an initial appointment a couple weeks ago. he whole office staff was very warm and welcoming. The receptionist had a beautiful smile and was so friendly. I was telling her about my needing Dentures. She showed me her beautiful smile was from a Full Set of Dentures. I was amazed and super encouraged by that fact!

The BEST news of all: She will be able to complete ALL the work, including the Dentures all at her office. The other Dentist I started with could only do the extractions and then I would have had to go to another of their offices far from us and get the Denture work done!

I am a bit nervous about tomorrow and getting all the teeth extracted, but I am also very ready! My husband and boys are looking forward to the first 48hrs when I won't be talking much! LOL I know the "healing" time will be a new experience, but I also know God is with me through all this! I am so glad we purchased a Ninja Blender a month ago, as I know I will be using it quite a bit while I am on a soft diet during the "healing process" of 4-6 weeks.

I am NOT ashamed at the fact that I will be getting a full set of dentures right before my 40th B-Day(September). I know that my Dental issues are not of my doing, it is not something I did to myself, it was something that could not have been prevented. I am actually standing tall and proud and looking forward to being able to "Smile a Big Smile"! I can't remember when the last time I actually smiled a big smile was, not even in my wedding pictures! I am also looking forward to having to stop biting my nails and also the fact that I will probably lose some weight during the time that I am "toothless", while my gum line heals!

Most of all I am looking forward to having a "Healthy Mouth"!!

A Life Altering Dental Procedure: I am getting Full Dentures

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