Monday, November 4, 2013

Is My Child Having Trouble Seeing?: What to Do If You Think Your Child Has Vision Problems



One of the frustrating things for me as a parent is trying to pick up on our daughters' symptoms when they aren't feeling well or when things don't seem quite right. Young ones are not always able to express what they are going through, and even older children might not want to share their problems.

"What Should You Do if You Think Your Child Has Vision Problems?" is an excellent article that talks about the symptoms you might suspect mean your child has a vision problem, but also some you might not know to look for. In addition, it shares tips on when to schedule that first visit to the eye doctor and how you can help your child adjust if she needs glasses.

You can find the entire article at http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2013/what-should-you-do-if-you-think-your-child-has-vision-problems/

You've Got Mail Monday



And the craziness of life continues. There are only a few weeks left before our church's annual Christmas bazaar and tag sale. We're busy cleaning, crafting, and soon to be baking. I'm not as much of a crafter as I used to be, so I'm concentrated on filling up the baked goods table this year. Oh, that reminds me, I need to see if I can find some butter crocks to put honey butter in.

Other than a few gifts for the Lil' Princess' birthday--which I can't talk about yet in case she checks in here--the only thing the mailman brought this week was catalogs. You can always tell when November comes around because catalogs I haven't seen in forever arrive; like the Things Remembered gift catalog. Build-A-Bear sent along their Christmas catalog, as did Oriental Trading. I tossed the most recent Land's End one, because I'm not ready to buy from them right now. I usually buy clothes for the hubby from them, but first I need to see what the budget says I can spend.

That's it for now. Hope you have a great week.

Kim Hilton's Closet Words Book Blast and Giveaway!

From the Inside Flap

Taken word for word as heard from God, Closet Words is a collection of powerful and penetrating words written down in the stillness of a prayer closet. Hearing from God for several years, Kim Hilton began writing down what she heard. Encouraging, uplifting, and challenging words with a clear message to His servants, Closet Words gives a renewal and refreshing word to the Christian believer.

From the Back Cover

"As the leopard moves quickly in the jungle awaiting its prey so the evil one is lurking around waiting for the moment to devour you. The spirit is deep within you. Do you have your shield to deceive the one who is looking for you? Is your armor in place? Have you prepared for the battle? The battle is not for the weak but for the strong. Only those who are prepared will survive. Do not approach the battlefield meekly. You must know your enemy and fight him or he will overtake you in the darkness before you are even aware he is there. Arise - awaken! - Hear My bugle! I am calling those who are prepared to battle. Your victory is near".

"The days of rain upon your soul arrive. My spirit is pouring upon you as the rain pours onto the earth. Lift your eyes. Lift up your heart and feel my rain upon you. Become drenched in my spirit. Allow your heart to be soaked..."


Purchasing information:



WestBow Press: http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Author/Default.aspx?BookworksSId=SKU-000600577




Author of book Closet Words, and Founder of Closet Words Ministries Foundation, Kim Hilton is a teacher on prayer and listening to God. A speaker and Bible Study leader, Ms Hilton has spoken at both national and local events. An avid writer of several books, Closet Words was chosen for the first book to be published with proceeds going to Closet Words Ministries Foundation (CWMF). Closet Words Ministries Foundation is dedicated to the global support for Christian education, training and support of basic life requirements for those in need.

Kim Hilton's personal story of tragedy and triumph is an inspiration to all. Ms. Hilton and her husband reside on a small farm in a rural Kentucky community, enjoying time with their six grown children and are expecting their first grandchild in June 2013.

Visit Kim online at www.kimhilton.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/KimHiltonAuthor

Pump Up Your Book and Kim Hilton are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms & Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins November 2 and ends November 29, 2013.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 2, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!


ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


If Rafflecopter form doesn’t load, please visit: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2013/10/17/pump-up-your-book-presents-closet-words-book-blast-25-amazon-gift-card-giveaway/

Closet Words Book Blast Schedule

Nov 4

Nov 5

Nov 6

Nov 7

Nov 8

Nov 11

Nov 12

Nov 13

Nov 14

Nov 15

Nov 18

Nov 19

Nov 20

Nov 21

Nov 22

Nov 25

Nov 26

Nov 27

Nov 29



Sunday, November 3, 2013

Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith Winner


Congratulations to Patty W. for picking up a copy of Raging Water by Marilyn Meredith. The winner has been contacted by email. 

Thanks to everyone who participated. Look for more giveaways coming soon.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Top 10 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award Winners for 2013

FamilyFun magazine has announced its 22nd annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Award winners, which were tested and picked by families across the U.S. After reviewing more than 300 contenders, the 30 winning toys were chosen based on their demonstration of outstanding play value and fun factor – along with innovation, durability, and safety.

Before we get into the Top 10 winners, let me just say how much I enjoy FamilyFun Magazine. I've used it for help with parties and crafts for the kids at home and for vacation Bible school ideas. They also have some neat snacks that kids love and moms are happy to make.

Here are the Top 10 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award Winners for 2013:

  1. Zoomer – He sits. He stays. He barks, rolls over, and plays dead. This lovable robotic pup got top honors this year for doing just about everything a real dog does, right down to requiring a bit of training to follow commands. Expressive LED eyes and realistic body movements make this spotted wonder nothing short of fetching. Spin Master Ltd.; $99.99; Ages 5 and up
  1. John Deere Monster Treads Radio Control Tractor – This revved-up tractor careens over anything in its path, when it’s not backing up, popping wheelies, or spinning in circles, all on supersized, bouncy wheels. Tomy; $99.99; Ages 6 and up


  1. Hot Wheels Carcade – This fast and furious game allows players to send race cars around a pinball machine–like speedway. The goal (and the fun): crashing vehicles through lit-up targets, up a ramp and into a hoop, all while trying to score major points in 60 seconds. Mattel; $79.99; Ages 5 and up

  1. FurReal Friends Cuddles – Meet Cuddles, an animatronic plush playmate who is programmed with more than 100 different responses. She squeals and blinks, swivels and sighs, and even drinks from a banana bottle. Hasbro; $79.99; Ages 4 to 10

  1. Battroborg – This modern take on ‘You-Knocked-My-Block-Off’ uses the handheld, Wii remote–style controllers to have a boxing match between two robots. Players punch their arms in the air and see the same movement played out by the mini ’bots. Tomy; $79.99; Ages 6 and up

  1. Air-Stream Machines – Science and play intersect in this kit themed around the power of air. Learn about mass, airflow, and pressure through the construction of ten air-powered gadgets, including a hovercraft, basketball launcher, and batting machine. Thames & Kosmos; $69.95; Ages 8 and up

  1. R.V. Seeing You Camper – Featuring a comfy, foldaway bed and cozy kitchenette, the easy-rolling, 20-inch-tall camper for the Our Generation line of dolls is a real trip. It’s big enough that multiple kids can play with it together. Battat; $59.99; Ages 3 to 10

  1. B-Daman Crossfire Break Bomber Battlefield – In this 2-player, rapid-fire game, (a companion to the anime TV series) opponents face off with humanoid launchers and send marbles flying, trying to be the first to blast three red bricks into enemy territory. Hasbro; $29.99; Ages 6 and up

  1. Pom-Pom Puppies – It doesn’t get much cuter than a Chihuahua made out of pom-poms. That is, until you see the dozen other poufy canines kids can fashion from this DIY yarn kit. Klutz; $19.99; Ages 8 and up


  1. 2-in-1 Shop & Cook – Kids can go from shopper to chef with this clever combo. Fill up the grocery cart with play food, then flip down the sides to cook the feast. Both incarnations make dinner prep deliciously fun with sing-along music and interactive learning prompts. VTech; $49.99; Ages 3 to 5

Friday, November 1, 2013

From My TBR Pile: Long Trail Home (Book 3, Morgan Family Series) by Vickie McDonough


In case you hadn't noticed, I have a thing for historical novels set just before, during, or at the end of the Civil War.

COVER: I love this historical, rustic feel to this cover. It fits the era perfectly. I'm not sure if you can make it out, but there is a tiny cowboy (guessing Riley) sitting on his horse next to the house. It's a great detail.

BLURB:  When Riley Morgan returns home after fighting in the War Between the States, he is excited to see his parents and fiancée again. But he soon learns that his parents are gone and the woman he loved is married.

Riley takes a job at the Wilcox School for the blind just to get by. He keeps his heart closed off but a pretty blind woman, Annie, threatens to steal it.

Through painful circumstances, Riley and Annie learn that the loving and sovereign hand of God cannot be thwarted.

FIRST SENTENCE: Prologue (Waco, Texas, 1858)

"That one right there--he's your mark."


Series: The Texas Trail Series
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802405851
ISBN-13: 978-0802405852

PURCHASE FROM CHRISTIANBOOK.COM OR AMAZON!

Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas Starts This Weekend!



I'm so excited that the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas starts this weekend. Here's the schedule for the first week of movies and specials. I've seen a few of these and can't wait to catch all the new ones.

What will you be watching?

Week One: Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 10

Friday, November 1
8/7c: A Boyfriend for Christmas
10/9c: Meet the Santas

Saturday, November 2
12a/11c: 
Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
2a/1c: Moonlight & Mistletoe
4a/3c: Help for the Holidays
6a/5c: Meet the Santas
8a/7c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
10a/9c: Moonlight & Mistletoe
12/11c: A Boyfriend for Christmas
2/1c: Help for the Holidays
4/3c: Naughty or Nice (2012)
6/5c: Matchmaker Santa
8/7c: The Thanksgiving House, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere
10/9c: Hitched for the Holidays

Sunday, November 3
12a/11c: Christmas Song
1a/1c: A Holiday Engagement
3a/2c: A Christmas Wish
5a/4c: Little House on the Praire: A Christmas at Plum Creek
6a/5c: Naughty or Nice (2012)
8a/7c: Christmas Song
10a/9c: Matchmaker Santa
12/11c: A Holiday Engagement
2/1c: The Thanksgiving House
4/3c: Love the Thanksgiving Day Parade
6/5c: Hitched for the Holidays
8/7c: A Christmas Wish
10/9c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Monday, November 4
12a/11c: A Christmas Visitor
2a/1c: The Wishing Tree
4a/3c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
6a/5c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan
8a/7c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
2/1c: A Christmas Visitor
4/3c: The Wishing Tree
6/5c: Santa Jr.
8/7c: The Christmas Card
10/9c: Mistletoe Over Manhattan

Tuesday, November 5
12a/11c: Karroll's Christmas
2a/1c: Santa Jr.
4a/3c: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
6a/5c: Eloise at Christmastime
8a/7c: The Christmas Card
2/1c: Karroll's Christmas
4/3c: Eloise at Christmastime
6/5c: Christmas Magic
8/7c: Help for the Holidays
10/9c: Farewell Mr. Kringle

Wednesday, November 6
12a/11c: Three Wise Women
2a/1c: Baby's First Christmas
4a/3c: Christmas Magic
6a/5c: Help for the Holidays
8a/7c: Three Wise Women
2/1c: Baby's First Christmas
4/3c: A Town Without Christmas
6/5c: Farewell Mr. Kringle
8/7c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas
10/9c: A Christmas Wedding Tail

Thursday, November 7
12a/11c: The Christmas Pageant
2a/1c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
4a/3c: A Town Without Christmas
6a/5c: A Christmas Wedding Tail
8a/7c: The Christmas Pageant
2/1c: Gift of the Magi
4/3c: The Dog Who Saved Christmas
6/5c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
8/7c: Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
10/9c: The Thanksgiving House

Friday, November 8
12a/11c: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
2a/1c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
4a/3c: Gift of the Magi
6a/5c: Love's Christmas Journey Part 1
8a/7c: Love's Christmas Journey Part 2
2/1c: Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
4/3c: The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
6/5c: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
8/7c: Pete's Christmas, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere
10/9c: Eve's Christmas

Saturday, November 9
12a/11c: Once Upon a Christmas
2a/1c: Twice Upon a Christmas
4a/3c: All I Want for Christmas
6a/5c: The Santa Suit
8a/7c: Once Upon a Christmas
10a/9c: Twice Upon a Christmas
12/11c: The Thanksgiving House
2/1c: Eve's Christmas
4/3c: All I Want for Christmas
6/5c: A Princess for Christmas
8/7c: Snow Bride, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere!
10/9c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle

Sunday, November 10
12a/11c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
2a/1c: The Santa Suit
4a/3c: Silver Bells, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6a/5c: Fallen Angel, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
8a/7c: Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle
10a/9c: Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle
12/11c: A Princess for Christmas
2/1c: Snow Bride
4/3c: Silver Bells, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame
6/5c: A Bride for Christmas
8/7c: A Very Merry Mix-Up, a Hallmark Channel Original Premiere!
10/9c: Christmas With Holly, from the Hallmark Hall of Fame