Mommy Time by Sara Arthur

As a stay at home mom and mother to 3 children aged 4 and under, mommy time is scarce in our household. From the time children awaken in the morning (which is early) until they go to sleep at night, my world primarily revolves around them, their needs and taking care of our home. If I'm not careful, this can easily lead to the neglect of my most important relationship: God. That's where this devotional comes in.

Mommy Time, by Sarah Arthur is a simple, delightful read that focus the reader on Heavenly things all while recalling the day to day life of a new (or even repeat) mom. The topics are comforting for moms to read, a great reminder of where our purpose in mothering comes from. Mommy Time also takes into consideration the time constraints that every mom feels. Its simplicity makes it easy to read and digest in a brief sitting, which is often all a new mother has to give. 

Over all I enjoyed this devotional. It was a great start to my day or break midday, whichever came first. It was easy to read, and offered solace for the soul as I went about my duties as a wife and mom. I recommend it for all moms, especially new mothers. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

$10 Great Dates Connecting Love, Marriage and Fun on a Budget

Around my home the phrase "I think we had fondue once" has become trademark reminding my husband and I of the time we once had to spend solely on each other and our relationship. As the parents of two small children, time is scarce, and monetary resources are often prioritized to other expenses, making dates and time together frequently a rarity.

That's what made this book, $10 Great Dates Connecting Love, Marriage and Fun on a Budget by Peter and Heather Larson and David and Claudia Arp so attractive to me at first glance. When inspiration is lacking, this book provides a simple, inexpensive way to way to maintain or even rekindle the flames of romance in a marriage. Dates range from outdoor, adventure dates to the more traditional romantic, at home and even more unusual dates all with little to no expense, sans childcare. For those requiring babysitting services (like me), economical solutions are also suggested. Some require planning more planning than others, but several could even be used spur of the moment.

I love the concept of dating on a budget; often it is the simple things we remember the most, and I for one look forward to using this book to springboard my relationship with my husband, giving us more time together as a couple and not just as mom and dad!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting my Daughter

 Normally all my book reviews are on a separate blog, created just for that purpose but I recently read a book that I had to share over here! The book is called Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter by Jennifer Grant. In it, Grant expresses feelings I have certainly encountered along our journey, both infertility and adoption. At one point I was reading aloud to my husband in wholehearted agreement with the paragraph I was on!  Here's what I posted on my book blog: 

"Most of us could point out someone we have encountered who has adopted. Adoption has certainly become more and more prevalent and even accepted in our society, but is still somewhat shrouded in mystery, largely misunderstood; the trials an adoptive family faces unlike any other.

Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting My Daughter is the story of the author, Jennifer Grant, and her family as they adopt a baby girl from Guatemala. In it, Grant details her feelings regarding many of the hurdles that adoptive families face, from the mounds of paperwork, the inquisitions into their personal lives through the home study process, and even the strenuous time of waiting for that beloved and much anticipated child to be found and cleared to come “home”.  She also deals with post adoption struggles such as blending your family, helping the child adjust to their new environment and the emotional encounter that adoption sometimes is.

Being that my husband and I are in the process of adopting, I found this book very poignant and refreshing. I loved her openness and honesty about adoption, and especially her sensitivity towards those, who like me have chosen adoption after battling infertility. Even in the early stages of our adoption process, and in spite of the fact that we are adopting from the foster system rather than internationally, I can certainly echo her sentiments on many points, even reading parts to my husband, declaring this book one of my new favorites. Thanks Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read this book for free through the Booksneeze blogger program!"

After reading this book I would certainly encourage you to find a copy for yourself- I think it's worth the time!  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”