Book Review: Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman with Ken Abraham

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman



Everyone probably knows that George Foreman was the heavyweight champion of the world... twice!  What they may not know is George is a real heavyweight in business and in faith.  Knockout Entrepreneur is a faith based business management book which takes you through the steps necessary to build and maintain your business.  George does not shy away from telling how his faith plays an integral part in his business dealings.

I admit, it has taken me longer to read this book than it normally does.  I have just started a direct sales business and read this book to get ideas on how to take my business to the next level. There was so much GOOD information to digest, I didn't want to rush through this book.  George Foreman gives great tips for getting into the right mindset of being a reliable, smart, and trustworthy business person to what you should do once you reach your level of success.  George ties in Christian Principles wonderfully, things like honesty, trust, generosity.  At the end of each chapter, he provides you with a series of questions/prompts to help you think through what you just learned and apply it. 

I enjoyed this book so much!  I love that it's written from the perspective that everything we do is done to glorify God, I love that George gives examples of how his faith has sustained him, I love how the chapters are short but chock full of information, I love how George let's you know right off that there is no "magic pill" when you are in business.  Sometimes you will do well, sometimes it will be lean, anytime when you put your faith in God, you will be successful.  I highly recommend this book for those just starting out in business as well as those who have been in business for a while and need a fresh new perspective.

This book was provided to me by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of sharing an honest opinion. 

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Book Review - Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwall

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
From the summary:

"Leaving behind her private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta accepts an assignment in New York City, where the NYPD has asked her to examine an injured man on Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric prison ward. The handcuffed and chained patient, Oscar Bane, has specifically asked for her, and when she literally has her gloved hands on him, he begins to talk—and the story he has to tell turns out to be one of the most bizarre she has ever heard."

I have to say this book was bizarre indeed and I did not enjoy it. I kept moving forward because I just KNEW it had to get better. Unfortunately it didn't. While the author did a nice job of building the characters, letting out little details as the book went on, they somehow didn't seem believable. The connection between the main characters was there but just seemed weak. The relationships were all a little weird. I was very disappointed in the ending as well, it really didn't pull it all together for me. Just disappointing all together.

I rarely rate a book this low but I just couldn't find much good about this one.

View all my reviews >>

**** This book was from my personal collection. I was not compensated for this review. ****

Big Apple Circus - Redux

Hi all,


Remember this post where my family and I went to see the Big Apple Circus? Well we had a fantastic time and I HIGHLY recommend you go see it if you have the time. I was recently contacted again to share this great information with you! They have extended their discount days to include Dec. 13 at 4:30 pm, Dec. 20 at 4:30 pm, and Dec 22, Dec 23 - both shows !!

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:
Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box
By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10
In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

Book Review: When Christ Comes by Max Lucado

When Christ Comes by Max Lucado


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Christ Comes is about how Christ will arrive in His glory in His Time. In this book Max Lucado addresses our impatience to see Jesus and how awesome His return will be. He also touches on what Christians should be doing in the meantime. At the end of the book, there is a study guide which you can use to reinforce what you are reading.

I've always enjoyed Max's books and this one was no exception. I like the structure of the book, short chapters with insightful passages and personal stories. Max is pretty funny at times. I like that more often than not he is laughing at himself. But more important than the humor, is the truth he presents. He addresses difficult questions like when is Christ coming back? What should Christians be doing in the meantime? Is there really a Hell? What will it be like in Jesus' presence? Of course he does not know the definitive answer, but using biblical truths he gives us a pretty good idea!

After reading this book, I was encouraged to speak out more about my faith and share how Christ is working in my life. It also caused me to stop and examine how my activities are reflecting the love of Christ.

This is a book from my personal collection. I was not compensated or provided with a book for review.


View all my reviews >>

Well Done!

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:23
 

Last week was report cards for my son and daughter. M brought home a report card of A's and B's.  B also did well.  He met the challenge of difficult classes and excelled in his acting and French classes.  He also performed in two plays and was phenomenal!

I make sure to tell my children when they do a job well done. My children also know that if they do what they are supposed to do, they get rewarded and recognized. If they excel with the small tasks that we give them (such as schoolwork), we are willing to give them more.  More responsibility, more freedom, more material rewards.

Jesus is the same way!!  He tells us in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-28), that He will reward those who take what He has given and multiply it!  We who take what He has given us and use it to build up His kingdom will hear the wonderful words "Well Done my good and faithful servant... come share in my joy!"   

Lord my prayer today is that you will bless me and those reading this, to use our talents wisely so that we can bless You and Your kingdom!  AMEN!

Love and Blessings,

Margaret

Lightened Load

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

For some (Holy Spirit) reason I have been dwelling on this verse.  Jesus said, "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened"  Let's look at this for a minute.  How many times have I sat down and said Lord, I can't do this, I need You to take it!  Then without waiting for an answer, I take it back and continue my useless efforts?  What a dummy! The Lord says RIGHT HERE to Come to me when you are weary and burdened!!!  In fact, if He said it in his word, it is an act of OBEDIENCE to do what HE has commanded.  And guess what, IF we are obedient, He has a reward for us!!  "I will give you REST!!!:  Imagine that!  By going to Jesus with the things that are weighing us down, we have earned rest!  Thank you Jesus!!

In the next part He says,  "take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."   Do you know what a yoke is?  There are several definitions but according to Merriam Webster:

1 a : a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together b : an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person c : a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions d : a bar by which the end of the tongue of a wagon or carriage is suspended from the collars of the harness e (1) : a crosspiece on the head of a boat's rudder (2) : an airplane control operating the elevators and ailerons f : a frame from which a bell is hung g : a clamp or similar piece that embraces two parts to hold or unite them in position

I've highlighted two of the definitions that I believe are relevant to what Jesus is telling us.  1 a tells us that it is a wooden bar or frame that allow the oxen to work together.  Hmmm, so if we take Jesus' yoke upon us, that means we are working side by side with Him?  I imagine if they paired a new ox with an old ox, the new one would follow the lead of the older, more experienced ox.  If not, the old, experienced ox would pull on the yoke to make the younger one go the right way.  Now imagine if you are yoked with Jesus, when you start to pull away, he will gently tug on that yoke and put you back on the right path!

Now look at 1 c.  A yoke is a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions.  Jesus tells us that if we take His yoke upon us, we will find rest for our souls. When my life is balanced, when I have the right focus on Him, with family and then everything else falling behind that, my soul is rested.  When I follow His plan for my life, my soul is at rest.  Hmmm, when I take His yoke upon me and learn from Him, my soul is rested!  Thank you Jesus for teaching me and giving me rest for my weary soul!!

The last part of the passage says, " for my yoke is easy and my burden is light!" Jesus is a gentle teacher, he does not force us because his yoke is easy, he will gently prod us.  His burden is light, he takes all of our weariness and worldly burdens upon himself.  Thank you Jesus for you gentle prodding and Your willingness to bear my loads!!

Thanks for reading!

Love and Blessings,

Margaret

Happy Thanksgiving

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

 II Corinthians 9:10-12

As you gather with your family and friends this Thanksgiving, take a moment to give thanks to the One who has provided our every need.  While so many are without anything this day, our God has provided us with food, clothing and shelter. He has supplied us with these things so that we can turn around and bless others. I pray that you and your family will celebrate in good health and good company.

Love and Blessings!

Margaret

Virtual Food Drive

A while ago I started a virtual food drive at the Libby's vegetable site (not to be confused with the Nestle's Libby's items!!)... then forgot about it. I got too busy with life and "important" things. Thank God I was reminded that I was committed to this!  You can see my page here!

Today people are hungry and there is no reason for it.  I don't care if they are on welfare, if they don't have a job, I don't care if they are on drugs, NO ONE SHOULD BE HUNGRY!! 

Did you know that just a $5 donation can provide 35 meals for a family.  That's 35 times that a child will not go to bed hungry, 35 times that a mother can go to sleep knowing that her family had food for today, 35 times that a family will not have to beg for food, 35 times...

Throughout the bible we are commanded to feed the hungry, but Matthew 25:34-41 brings the point home and make it as clear as possible. When Jesus returns, he will not be looking for goats on the left, he will be looking to the right for His sheep:

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 



What a meaningful way to share the love of Jesus with those who may not know Him!!  So again, if you feel so led, please visit my page here Thanks for reading!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

Book Review - Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims' First Year in America by Glenn Alan Cheney


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thanksgiving is a book written based on a journal found that describes the first year of life at Plimouth Plantation for the Pilgrims. The book takes you from the origination of the Separatists/Puritans to when the fled to Holland to when they decided to make their way to America. The journey to America was covered in detail as was the hardships and deaths that occurred during the first year.

Overall this was an interesting read. The relationship between the Pilgrims and the "savages" as the natives were referred to, was tenuous but friendly. The fear that the Native Americans felt because of earlier Englishmen was overcome and they formed an odd sort of friendship. Going through this year, it is mentioned how they supported one another against enemies, but more importantly how they each taught the other their ways. I found the English a bit pompous and their sense of entitlement to whatever they "found" was a bit annoying. I was impressed on how the Native Americans opened their arms and taught them how to plant "American" foods and how to use the natural plants for various things. I was encouraged by the seemingly lack of racism during this period (or maybe it just wasn't documented).

Overall the book was an interesting read. My response is lukewarm only because it's not my normal genre and while I often "cross over" to non-fiction, this book did not captivate me. It was full of facts and assumptions based on the known facts. It did give a good picture of what the Pilgrims encountered in thier journey to the new land and beyond. This is a great read for high school students studying the early years of American History and the history buff wanting to know more about the first years at Plimouth.

View all my reviews >>

This book was from my personal library.

Book Review - A Journey Into Prayer

A Journey into Prayer by Evelyn Christensen


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A Journey into Prayer is a book that is designed to take you step by step into building a better prayer relationship with God. Each devotion, gives a scripture and then an "application" paragraph with a short prayer at the end.

Overall the book was a good guide to understanding why we need to pray, understanding our motives and attitudes when we are praying and how our Christian walk affects how our prayers are received.

I like how she provided the scriptures, the simple prayers at the end and I loved the real life examples.

What I disliked is that the writing was a bit dry. It didnt' engage me as much as I like to be and therefore when I put the book down, I usually forgot and had to read it again before going on to the next day.

Overall I think this would be OK for someone new to the Christian Faith, to give them the basics. But for us "mature" Christians we need more of a kick in the pants!

View all my reviews >>


This book was from my personal collection.

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

What's that smell?

The other day I was up in my bedroom folding laundry or something. Daughter was down in the family room watching television. Then I started noticing something... hmm, what is that weird smell...

Me: Mimi, what are you doing down there?
Mimi: Playing with my doll, I'm brushing her hair..
Me: I smell something funny, did you put anything IN her hair?
Mimi: Yes, I put some hair grease on it...
Me: Hair grease? Hmmm, can I SEE the hair grease?
Mimi: OK (in she walks with the telltale little blue jar)
Me: (trying very very hard not to laugh) ummm honey?
Mimi: Yes Mommy?
Me: That's not hair grease!
Mimi: It's not?
Me: No honey, that's VICK'S VAPOR RUB!!!! That's the stuff Mommy puts on your chest when you have a cold. I think you need to go wash your dolly's hair! (unspoken request: and hurry because I can't hold this laugh in much longer!)

No dolls or daughters were harmed during this episode of WHAT NEXT!!??!!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

Cross Post from Dress My Doll

Hi all,

I don't usually "mix" blogs but I thought I would share. My business now has a Fan Page on Facebook! Woo hoo! If you are interested and would like to fan me the URL is: http://www.facebook.com/njemilyroseathome

Hope you see you there and I WILL fan you back!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

5 Minutes for Mom Giveaway

I love the 5 Minutes for Mom site, they always have great information and articles. Well now they are doing something really special! They are having a Christmas Giveaway which started November 5, and goes until November 26. The best part is while you have a chance to win a gift, each company is also donating a gift to Under the Tree. It's a win win! Check out the Giveaway and find out more about Under the Tree here:

Christmas Giveaway



I hope you win!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

There are 44 Days Until Christmas

What are your traditions and is Christ a major part of the holiday for you?

Have you started your shopping? If you have, good for you! If not, WE need to get to it!

My son was easy this year, he's going on a trip with a friend's family the day after Christmas. He's very excited, mommy not so much as he will be travelling alone for part of the trip!

My daughter hasn't even made a list. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing!

This year, I've made a decision to be content with what I have, so the focus is sharing the joy of giving with the children in my family.

I've decided to try something with my kids this year. I want them to MAKE a gift for a member of the family. They can buy for all of the others if they want, but the gift for this particular person will be handmade. I want to do this as well. I know my mom wants a calendar so I'm thinking that will be her handmade gift.

What do you guys think of this idea?

Love and Blessings,
Margaret

The Big Apple Circus Part II

Wow!  I guess I really enjoyed the circus I had to make two posts! LOL!  *The Tickets were provided to us by the Big Apple Circus so that we could attend and provide an honest review* 

What I wanted to share in my last post was this blurb from the Big Apple Circus website:

Our mission is to invigorate the communities we serve with the joy and wonder of classical circus through a unique shared experience we create in our tent and through dedicated outreach programs in healthcare facilities and the community.

The Big Apple Circus achieved this objective and more.  It was affordable, fun, and we did not take our eyes off the ring!  The Big Apple Circus does a lot for the communities it serves.  You can find more about them at the main website: www.bigapplecircus.com

The star of the show was of course Bello the Clown. He was Amazing! It seemed like he could do everything, the acrobatics, the humor, just everything! He made us laugh a lot but we also gasped a lot at his antics!

Grandma was a cutie, she did one little skit where she was a popular young singer and she did her moves and everything, it was SO funny!!

The wheel guy had us sitting on the edge of our seat!  He did some extraordinary feats and I covered my eyes a few time!  Like when he was jumping rope on TOP OF THE MOVING WHEEL!

The Asian Acrobats were excellent and were SO limber!  After they finished their act, Bello did a mock version, again it was hilarious!

There were not a lot of animals.  There were horses:

And also dogs (didn't get good pics of them). I like that the dogs were all rescued dogs from around the country.  They were so cute!  There were also trapeze artists, they were nice but not as fun as the clowns and other acts.  The ringmaster was new and he did a very good job as well!

Goodness, I tried to make this shorter but I really could go on and on I took over 200 pictures! LOL!  If you are in the vicinity of NYC, please please please try to go see this circus, the two hours will go by so fast you won't even notice!!  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!

Love and Blessings,

Margaret

The Big Apple Circus!!

I've been trying to write this post for a few days now and finally here it is!!

On Wednesday 10/28, my husband, daughter and myself had the opportunity to go to the Big Apple Circus which was at Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. *The Tickets were provided to us by the Big Apple Circus so that we could attend and provide an honest review*

To start our journey, we took the train into NYC which always thrills my daughter. Her and her dad were up to their usual antics on the train... SO EMBARRASSING!!
Once we arrived, we took a cab from Penn station to Lincoln Center. Cab fare was about $10 each way which I didn't think was too bad. When we arrived the circus tent, we took a picture with Grandma (the clown). Grandma was very friendly and we loved meeting "her" We didn't purchase the picture so I can't share that with you but I will have pictures of Grandma in this post or the next.

Once inside I was amazed at how clean and organized everything was. Granted it was a Wednesday night but it was so pretty and coordinated. The ladies will appreciate this. The bathrooms were a trailer with actual STALLS and SEAT COVERS!! And they were so so clean! There were some port a potties but you didn't have to use them. Also, there was potpourri sprinkled around the outside of the trailer bathroom and the port a potties. Not only was it pretty, it smelled good too! OK, OK, enough about the bathrooms (even though they were so nice!!).

We found our seats which were fourth row ringside. We were on the right side of the ring. I have to say MOST of the seats were good seats. A few were behind poles so I'm pretty sure those people did not have a good view. The other thing I was concerned about was the type of seats. I don't do theater seats as I am very large. These seats did not have armrest (+1 point!) and they were very comfortable (+5 cajillion points). Here we are under the big tent... aren't we cute! LOL! And yes my daughter already has cotton candy all over her face!!



After we sat down my husband decided we needed a snack (other than my daughter's cotton candy). I asked for a pretzel and he got one as well. They were absolutely the best pretzels I have ever had! They were soft and delicious and definitely fresh! I could have eaten 10!! LOL! (for the record, I only ate ONE... but I wanted 10!!!) I didn't take a picture of the pretzel, it was gone to fast, but you can see a piece of the one my daughter shared with hubby here:



He also got a hot dog and the bun did NOT crack apart!! It was nice and soft and the hot dog was the right color. That tasted yummy too. I do NOT like circus or carnival food but I would eat at the Big Apple Circus anytime! The food prices were very reasonable as well.

Now on with the show!! It opened with fanfare and bright colors as a circus should! The costumes were nice and the performers were engaging. They had us smiling from the beginning!

Hope you are liking our trip so far, I'll be back late to post more!

Love and Blessings,
Margaret

I'm BAAACCCKKK!

Hello,

Psalm 23:3 he restores my soul...

I'm back! My spirits are lifted, God is SO GOOD!!! My sister in law's home going service was BEAUTIFUL (even though the minister messed up her name!!). My husband is doing better, it will be a long time healing. Afterwards, we had a great time at his brother's house, lots of laughing and reminiscing (and good food! LOL!). I'm making the family a slideshow so they are all giving me pictures of their sister and their brother that died NYE last year. I did a small one for the service and they loved it.

Anyway, I'll be back to updating 2 - 3 times a week and I will be checking in on you guys as well!

Love and Blessings!
Margaret

Trading my Sorrows

Hello all,

I didn't mean to be gone so long. We are still mourning the loss of my sister in law. My husband is at times inconsolable. But I know our strength comes from the Lord. The Lord tells me in Psalm 121 to look to Him for help and that's what I'm doing in this case:

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Help for my husband and the rest of her family as they grieve, help for all of us to get through Friday, help for all of us to continue with our lives. It's what she would have wanted.

I thought I would share this video with you today since I've made a decision to trade my sorrow and return to the joy of the Lord!

Trading My Sorrow by Israel Houghton

Rest in Peace May 1954 - October 2009

Last night was a long night.

My sister in law died.

We weren't expecting it, we were not prepared for it.

II Corinthians 1:3-7: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Doris you were a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a friend:







Doris, we love you, we will miss you, we will find comfort in the fact that you are healed, you are no longer in pain.



Margaret

Loving My Husband Friday

I'm not usually a meme sort of person but I like this one. I tend to complain when my hubby does things to tick me off but I rarely tell about the times he has been wonderful. So here goes "Boo."

I love my husband because when our little M had a rough time this week (growing pains physically and mentally) he spent a whole evening watching the cake shows with her. She was in Daddy heaven! And I love him because he always has time to talk to B about teenage boy stuff! Love you honey!

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad." ~Author Unknown

Forgot to mention the meme is from The Peer Review, you can participate here.

Margaret

They Love Me, They Really Really Love Me!

I got this award twice! Yaay! Thank you to Jenn from This Moment in Time and Jessica over at Riding with Jessica. Thanks so much ladies! It's late so I will be back tomorrow with my 15!!

Blessings to you all!
Margaret

Conversations in the Car #2: The Rollercoaster

M: Wow! Look how far that road goes up!
J (M's friend): Woohoo! We're on a rollercoaster put your hands up!
(Hands go in the air and are waving around!)
M&J: Whew! This rollercoaster is FUN!!! Uh Oh there's another hill!!
(Upon arrival at B's School)
J: Awww it's over! Please do not stand up until the vehicle comes to a complete stop... keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times. Beep!

This was the most hilarious rollercoaster I have ever been on!

Margaret

P.S. I don't drive THAT fast!
P.P.S. Well maybe a little fast!!
P.P.P.S OK well at least it's not ROLLERCOASTER fast!!

If My People

For some reason this verse stuck with me today:

II Chronicles 7 "¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

The Lord spoke this to Solomon after he finished building the temple of the LORD. The Lord let him know, that He heard his prayers and has Himself consecrated this temple for His worship. Then he went on to tell him (paraphrasing), whatever may befall you, whatever plagues may be brought upon you, humble yourselves, pray, turn from sin and I (the Lord) will hear you and I will forgive you! What a blessing that is! I'm so thankful I serve a loving and forgiving God!

Margaret

Conversations in the Car #1: Did you know?

M: Mom, I counted to 850 Friday at school.

Me: Really? How long did it take you?

M: (with the are you crazy tone) 850 seconds!!

Me: Really, and why did you decide to do that?

M: The teacher told me that there are no A's in any number until you get to a thousand, I had to prove it to myself.

Me: (quickly counting in my head) Oh, you are right, I didn't know that! B (my high schooler), did you know that?

B: Nope! (on the phone) H, did you know there are no A's in the numbers until you get to a thousand? .... Eight is spelled EI, not A!!!

And this is how knowledge spreads!

Margaret

I WON!!!

Yippeee!

Friday as I'm driving to pick up my daughter from her after school program, I heard my favorite station, Star 99.1, say that they were giving away the new Snow White and the & Dwarfs DVD!

(picture belongs to Disney)

I really really really wanted the DVD. I heard from a friend that it has the first 6 minutes of Disney's the Princess and the Frog movie that's coming out for the holidays.

So I called and I WON!! I so hope I didnt' sound like a total freak on the radio! LOL! I hardly ever win anything so I was pretty excited!! My daughter did NOT believe me when I told her! Next Friday night is movie night!! Oh wait, pretty much every Friday night is movie night! LOL!

Margaret

Super Nanny I am NOT!

So Monday was Columbus day and I worked from home because my kids were off. My 9 yo daughter decided to spend the day watching the Super Nanny marathon. It was culture shock for her! LOL! One child called the mom a B-word. She looked at me wide eyed and said Mommy, I'm shocked, did you hear what he said! I'd be dead! All his mom did was wash his mouth out with soap!

Now I am not a spanker by any stretch of the imagination, but using the B-word is just not tolerated in this house. I got upset when I learned what Sugar Honey Iced Tea stood for in Madagascar!!! (Yeah the kid's movie). Although I was tickled at my daughter's reaction to the show, I wonder sometimes, why aren't my children like that?

I believe there are a few reasons:

1. Our family foundation lies in Christ. He is the Head of our family and that is what we teach our children. We are never away from His presence.
2. My children have a strong male influence in their life, my husband, my dad, their uncle. I think this as important for my daughter as well as my son. I'm NOT that women cannot or do not raise wonderful children alone. I'm saying that in OUR family it has been a blessing.
3. My children have boundaries appropriate for their age. They've had them since they were old enough to understand. Because of this, they knew when they crossed the line and knew that they would be disciplined.
   
4. My children are raised by a "village." Their parents, grandparents, church family, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins are all active in their lives. They know that they are loved and supported. They know that they are prayed for.
   

What are you thoughts on this? What do you think makes GOOD children? Are all children inherently good and need to be taught to bring that goodness out? That's what I like about Super Nanny, she brings out the goodness in children! By the way, my daughter says I'm much nicer than Super Nanny! LOL!

What Makes A Good Book Review

Hi readers!

I'm starting to read a lot more since the weather is getting cooler. I don't like the cold and I know I won't be outside much! LOL!

I was wondering, what in a book review helps you decide if you are going to read the book or not? I belong to a site called Goodreads, my current reading list in on the sidebar. Once I finish reading a book, I like to post a good review. Do you like general reviews or more specific reviews (like character, plot, setting)? Also do you care if there are spoilers in the review? On Goodreads, I can mark if it has spoilers, not sure if that will carry over to the blog? If you are a book reviewer, what are somethings you've found helpful to prepare you for writing a review?

Thanks for all of your input!

Chicken Soup for the African American Soul

Chicken Soup for the African American Soul: Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture, One Story at a Time by Jack Canfield


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a book that will always remain on my shelf to be read again and again. It's a delightful collection of stories from mostly everyday people. It's inspirational, it's educational, it's uplifting. There wasn't one story, quote or cartoon that I did not like. I appreciate the authors taking the time to put together this list of stories.

View all my reviews >>

The Big Apple Circus is Coming to Lincoln Center

From Time to Time I will post an that I think may interest my audience. I'm a big circus fan so when I was asked to share this I agreed. If you go I would love to hear how you liked it!

From the Big Apple Circus Media release:

Bello is Back! under the Big Apple Big Top performing breathtaking feats of humor in the theatrical focus of one ring with no seat more than 50 feet away!

It seems like only yesterday that this daredevil clown made his hair-raising New York debut with the Big Apple Circus. He’s been a big star all over the world ever since and was recently named "America's Best Clown" by Time Magazine.

Bello is joined by a world of stellar circus stars:
*From Spain, Picaso Jr. returns with his sizzling style and extraordinary juggling act — puffing into the air up to five ping-pong balls simultaneously, and catching them — with his mouth!

*From Russia, the Aniskin Troupe amaze with their bravura, athletic trampoline act — then soar into the Big Top stratosphere with their spectacular flying trapeze act!

*The Big Apple Circus' own lovely and graceful Regina Dobrovitskaya performs a shimmering spectacle on aerial silk ribbons!

*Equestrians Christine Zerbini and Sultan Kumisbayev present an electrifying riding act — standing atop galloping chargers, Roman–style!

*Luciano Anastasini’s Pound Puppies (all rescued from animal shelters) return for a joyously jumping mélange of human and canine acrobatics!

Of course there’s more and for an extra measure of love and laughter, there’s the Big Apple Circus' very own clown -- Grandma. "

To purchase your discounted tickets to the Big Apple Circus:

Online: http://bigapplecircus.org/pop.aspx

and submit the code POP10 in the Promotional Codes box

By Phone: CALL 888-541-3750 and mention code POP10

In Person: Big Top Box Office 10AM–6PM daily. No service fee. Bring a copy of this blog post

*Offer good on select seat locations and performances. Must present this blog post to receive discount at the box office. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer is subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time. Discount amount varies. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. Telephone and Internet orders are subject to standard service fees.

Tickets for performances at upcoming venues are currently on sale to Big Apple Circus members only. In addition to knowing your membership helps kids in need, benefits include discounted tickets, VIP seats, invitations to exclusive member-only events, and more! For full details, check out:

http://bigapplecircus.org/support/membership.aspx

Don't forget to check out the Big Apple Circus on Twitter and Facebook as well!
Twitter: @BigApple_Circus on Twitter

Facebook:

Big Apple Circus Facebook fan page

Note: I received no compensation for posting this ad.

Have a great evening!

Margaret

Just finished another book on my iPod Touch!

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was good, nice story line. It's a little nervewracking to see how many twists this author can come up with! On to six!

View all my reviews >>

I Love Technology!!

I really love technology! I love my computers (yes plural), I love my iPOD Touch, I love my digital camera, and OH how I love my cell phone!!

If you are a parent, you know it's hard to sit down with your significant other and have a decent conversation. Whenever you are on the phone some emergency is bound to come up, like a paper that needs to be signed or hair that needs to go into a ponytail, yeah, you know what I mean.

But, in the solitude of my car after I've dropped my daughter off to school, but before I've arrived at work, OH the blessedness!!! I had a whole thirty minute, uninterrupted conversation with my hubby (well except for the toll collector, and when I lost connection going through the "dead zone." ) It was so nice, and we didn't talk about the kids either!! I like to think it made a long drive a bit more pleasant for him too! I love my cellphone (and my bluetooth too!!)

Embrace your favorite technology today!!

A Teaching Moment

Each morning before getting ready for work/school my daughter and I have our snuggle time. Hubby and my high schooler are gone for the day, so it's just the two of us in the house. Sometimes we just snuggle under the warm comforters and sometimes we talk. There are a lot of things on the mind of a 4th grader, you just don't know!! So this morning was a talk morning. My daughter informed me that her friend C had stolen a cookie from the lunch counter. Apparently someone told on C and she lied about it. But finally she broke down and told the truth. Another student began to talk about stealing, which upset C even more and she was crying.

This discussion opened the door for a deeper discussion on how God gives us a conscience so that when we do something wrong we feel bad. We talked about why C felt bad and would probably have felt bad even if she didn't get caught. We talked about how our conscience lets us know if we are doing something good or bad and we talked about how God gave us this tool to use so that we can make the right choices. I saw the light bulb go on! She was able to make the connection! Yaay! These are things we discuss all the time but sometimes you need to take a real-life situation and apply what we learned in church.

I learned too. I can't assume that a child just knows these things. It's important to take the time to listen and work through different situations. It's important to let your child know they are being heard.

What have you taught your child about lately, more importantly, what have they taught you? Was it a light bulb moment for you or them? What made it a light bulb moment?

A Public Service Announcement

A friend shared this video with me today. I think it is so powerful. Such wise, wise words!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!

Margaret

Showing of my talent!

A lot of people don't know that I was one of the stars in the Wizard of Oz. Check me out!

Margaret as the Scarecrow

Enjoy!

I thank God for Life!

I thank God for the opportunity to celebrate my 44th birthday today!

When I think of my birthday, it reminds me that I am God's creation. Psalm 139 reminds me of this:

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Join me in my praise to the LORD for one more year!

Thank you One Chic Mommy

Wow! I won my first BLOG award! I'm so excited!!!

Thanks to One Chic Mommy at the Balancing Act of... One Chic Mommy, I appreciate you thinking of me for this award! I'm so flattered!!

Okay, the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award. Now it's my turn to pass it along!


Here are my fabulous 15:

Black Doll Collecting
Eden's Little Ones
Vhiel's Corner
gracenotes95
A Mom After God's Own Heart
This Army Wife's Life
Shades of Green
Heeding the Call
Mommy Has to Work
Roxanne's Dolls
A Philly Collector
Afro Puffs and Ponytails
Health, Beauty & Family
Who says 8 is Enough
The Attic Girl

Enjoy your awards everyone!

Margaret

What is a REAL blog?

On one of the groups I belong to, a member posted that she was looking for REAL blogs, blogs that talk about Mommy stuff. This kind of threw me for a loop. I thought it was perfectly acceptable to have blogs for giveaways, coupons and most important to me, my business. Also, I have this second blog because this is my escape from Mommyhood and Wifehood! LOL! I dont' want to talk about my husband and kids (as much as I love them!). I want to talk about movies and books; I want to provide inspiration and share things I find on the web, you know, fun stuff. So what are you thoughts on REAL blog content? Is it wrong to have a blog for your business? Should your blog just focus on one topic broad or narrow? Should people blog abou their business? I'm really interested!

H1N1 Rap Video

H1N1 has gone to new heights!! Apparently there was a contest on flu.gov and people were encouraged to send videos on how we could prevent spreading the virus. Here's the winning video from a doctor in NY:



Stay well!
Margaret

Laundry Question

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone can help me. We live over a spring so we have hard water. Hard water is when sediment builds up and "contaminates" your water. My problem is my washing machine. I've noticed that my lighter color blouses are getting rusty looking stains and the darker colors get "waterspots.". Does anyone know how to eliminate this? We thought about getting a filter for the washing machine but they are expensive!

Thanks for any help!

Rhythms Great Read!

Rhythms: A Novel by Donna Hill


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read this quite some time ago, just found the book in my closet. I remember it was a great story of families and how their love is enduring.

View all my reviews >>

10 Days of Disney Tour @ 5 minutes for Mom

Oh dear... I wasn't going to do this but I REALLY want one of those Disney bags. So here goes! Stop by 5minutesformom blog and check out the 10 days of Disney tour!



I hope you enjoy it as much as I am!

Margaret

Hello all!

Whew, the back to school rush is over for the moment, picks up again next week in full force!! But anyway, I wanted to share with you one of the other activities I participate in, digital scrapbooking. I love taking my photos and creating beautiful pages. Here is one I created recently about a little lamb:



Kit used is Hugs and Kisses by Lynne Simmons.

I bring this up because I wanted to let you know that I always get to work with beautiful kits like this for free. Yep, I don't pay a cent! Being part of the Digitals Creative Team has given me the opportunity to work with so many different designers products and it's lots of fun (and very challenging!). So if you'd like to join us over at www.digitalscrapbookpages.com, drop Stacey a line!




Creative Team Call for Digitals store

Want to work with a variety of fabulous designers, earning free kits and making gorgeous layouts? We have the job for you!

We need several more members to join our Creative Team at Digitals. Each CT member will work with a designer for one month at a time, making at least 2 layouts with each kit provided and posting them in our gallery, DST, and a minimum of 2 other galleries of your choice. Emailing LOs through Yahoo groups, writing reviews in the store, and submitting to magazines are big pluses. You will be given a minimum of 2 kits per month (4 layouts) for free, but you have the opportunity to do more if you and the designer wish. CT members will rotate to a new designer each month.

Please be willing to make a minimum 3 month committment and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Please email stacey@digitalscrapbookpages.com with a paragraph explaining why you want to be on the team, links to the galleries where you are most active, your other involvement in the digital scrapbooking community (moderator, teams, etc.,) your username at our site, and a little about yourself. This call will remain open until we find people that fit our team. We look forward to your applications!

Summer is almost over!

Well officially there's about a month left, but unofficially, it's almost over! This has been one crazy summer with traveling for basketball, parties and just busy stuff. I'm kind of glad for a break. I can get back to photography, digital scrapbooking and reading. The other day I made it out the the local botanical garden. Here is one picture I captured and I hope to share more soon!



Happy days!
Margaret

Well this weekend the kids and I spent the weekend at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. I took some pictures but I haven't uploaded yet. It was a fun filled weekend with basketball, baseball, ESPNZone, crabs (the eating kind), dinosaurs and so much more! But priority is finishing the details for Mom's 75th and her and Dad's 50th anniversary! Whoopee!

Anyway, here's a book I just finished, it was a good read.

Belong to Me: A Novel by Marisa de los Santos

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nice book with some good twists and turns. Although the "happily ever after" ending is a little unbelievable the rest of the story was very good and well written. I enjoyed the book and probably would have read it in a day or two if I had the time. I did find it easy to connect with the characters and I thought the story flowed very nicely.


View all my reviews.

Finally getting Started

I created this blog months ago. My plan is to take scenic walks and share them with my "viewing audience." I also plan to share layouts for my CT's that I'm on and the ones I do just for fun. So I will try to get started here and upload some pics later.