Welcome to Blogmania

Giveaway Now Closed!!! Congrats to Terri P.
WELCOME To BLOGMANIA !
My Blog is 84 of 123

You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY (For One Day Only – April 30th)

We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers 1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.

I know you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures.
CLICK!CLICK!CLICK!

My Giveaway is a $20 Walmart Gift Card

One Simple Rule to Enter: Please follow me via Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment with your name and email address so I know how to contact you.
Extra Chances: Subscribe to my blog, Follow @shawnmh on twitter, tweet about this giveaway w/included link or grab my button (One extra entry for each)Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.

This Giveaway is Open to US Residents Only. Ends on 4/30 at 11:59 pm est.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!
Here are some links for you to find other giveaways through BLOGMANIA!!
If you get lost, please visit Blog 1 for a complete list. HAVE FUN!!

(Blog- 1 – HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Between The Pages - http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/
(Blog -2 – CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) The Black Sheep Dances - http://www.theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com
(Blog-43 - CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Books, Books Everywhere - http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/
(Blog-14) Living Green in a Colorful World - http://fatbottombags.blogspot.com
(Blog-31) A Dash of Nutmeg - http://www.dashofnutmeg.com
(Blog-50) Books and Needlepoint - http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com
(Blog-69) Book Faery - http://book-faery.blogspot.com/
(Blog-97) Paranormal Haven - http://paranormalhaven.blogspot.com/
(Blog-85) Past The Print - http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com/
(Blog-62) Celia Yeary’s Blog - http://celiayeary.blogspot.com/
(Blog-74) Midwestern Gone Idahoan - http://midwesterngoneidahoan.blogspot.com/


Thank you for stopping by!!! Please enter my other Giveaways and Have a Great Day!!
Hope to see you again...

Penny & Rio ~Book Review & Giveaway~

Giveaway now Closed. Congrats to Colleen.

Award-winning early reader chapter books for ages 6-9 years. Perfect for reading aloud or transitioning readers!

Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting
By Jennifer Swanson

Penny and Rio are two dogs who are complete opposites. Penny is curious and always on the go, while Rio prefers a good nap. At their new house, Penny discovers that their backyard is the meeting place for several different animals. Penny doesn’t know why a cat, a groundhog, a squirrel, and an owl could possibly be meeting, but she knows she has to find out. She comes up with an ingenious plan for spying on them and discovers their plot. She has to stop them – but can she get her sister dog, Rio, to help her or will Rio decide that sleep is more important?

My Thoughts:
I know why this is an Award Winning Book! This is a great read!!! This is a perfect transitional book for younger readers not quite ready to tackle large chapter books. I enjoyed reading this book with my son as he enjoyed this too. This story is written from a pets point of view and I think that pet lovers will love this book.
I like how real these two dogs are and Penny and Rio remind me alot of my two dogs. This story seems like an adventure my dogs would have. I don't want to give away what happens in this book or it wouldn't be a mystery for you. What I liked is that this story keeps you interested the whole time and anxious to continue reading to find out what happens next. I think that even younger children would enjoy this story being read to them too and the pictures in this book are bright and full of expression.



In this second adventure, Penny and Rio must help a poor mouse recover his lost valuables from a locked doghouse. With the help of Hobbes, a Great Dane, and an ingenious plan they just might do it. But can they open the doghouse before it’s destroyed?

My Thoughts:
After reading the first Penny and Rio mystery, my son couldn't wait for us to read this one. As in the first book, the pictures are bright, full of expression and great detail. This book keeps your interest just like the first one and wants you to continue reading more. My son and I are looking forward to more of these mysteries with Penny and Rio. I think that most younger children would enjoy reading these canine mysteries or enjoy them being read to them. Great Job to Jennifer Swanson for writing such great stories. We can't wait to read more!!!

Please visit Penny and Rio's website for some fun activities including coloring pages and to see an exerpt and watch Penny & Rio come alive in her video trailer.

These Books can now be purchased for $7.99 each or you can purchase a set of Penny and Rio books, both 1&2, for only $15.00 plus s/h.
Visit PennyandRio.com to purchase these books.

Or You can Win it!! Jennifer Swanson (the Author) has generously offered One of my lucky readers to win one of her Penny & Rio books. You have the choice of The Mysterious Backyard Meeting (Book 1) or The Locked Doghouse Mystery (Book 2).

MANDATORY/REQUIRED ENTRY:
You need to Follow me and leave a Comment telling me which book you would prefer (Book 1 or 2)

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But in addition you can:

■Subscribe via e-mail (1 extra entry)
■Add @Shawnmh to your Twitter -Leave me your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■Add @JenSwanBooks to your Twitter -Leave your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■ Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to include a link to this contest page (Leave me the link)(1 extra entry/this may be done daily)
■Add my button to your site AND/OR add me to your blog roll.(1 entry for each)
■Blog about this contest: Add a link to this post (5 extra entries)
■Follow Penny & Rio Mysteries on Facebook (2 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.(Please make sure if you are anonymous you leave your email address with your comments.)
This giveaway will end on May 14th at 11:59 pm Est. The winner will be notified and have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be choosen.

*Disclosure: I received these books for free for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinions.*

Wonder Hanger Review & Giveaway

Giveway Now Closed. Congrats to Anthy!


The Wonder Hanger® is an affordable tool that's great for any Spring Cleaning features. This cascading clothes organizer increases closet space by enabling you to stack clothes vertically. Each Wonder Hanger holds 5 wood, metal or plastic hangers. There are 8 hangers to a package – enough to hang 40 garments. The open-mouth design allows you to easily add or remove your jackets, skirts, pants and shirts. Supporting up to 20 pounds, it can hold up to 5 heavy winter jackets.

You can use it to group complete outfits or similar items, organize by color or season, and hang handbags or belts.



It retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at major retail chains including Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and CVS.
Purchase this online at www.buywonderhanger.com for an exclusive offer: (Buy one, get one free; just pay extra P&H)

My thoughts:
The Wonder Hanger is Wonderful!!! Wow, this is definately a tool that you will want. This is the Ultimate Space Saver for your closet. The Wonder Hanger is easy to put together and use. Just snap on the ends and it instantly holds five other hangers. It fits wood, metal and plastic hangers. It holds up to twenty pounds, enough to hang five winter jackets. Then Lift and Release to triple your closet space. I used these to help organize my closet and to free up alot of space. My closet was jammed packed full of clothes and after using the Wonder Hangers , I was left with a nice neat closet. They really do free up alot of space.
Now, I just need to organize my kids closets too.

Giveaway: One of my lucky readers can win a set of Wonder Hangers.

MANDATORY/REQUIRED ENTRY:
You need to Follow me and leave a Comment telling me who's closet needs organizing or your tip to an organized closet.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But in addition you can:

■Subscribe via e-mail (1 extra entry)
■Add @Shawnmh to your Twitter -Leave me your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■ Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to include a link to this contest page (Leave me the link)(1 extra entry/this may be done daily)
■Add my button to your site AND/OR add me to your blog roll.(1 entry for each)
■Blog about this contest: Add a link to this post (5 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on May 12th at 11:59 pm est. The Winner will recieve an email notification and have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclosure: This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by Wonder Hanger for this review. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.*

Growing Tree Toys -Gift Finder

I was just thinking that I needed to buy my nephew a Birthday gift but I'm not sure what to get him. GrowingTreeToys.com has made this easy for me. Their Gift Finder is designed to make searching for a great gift from thousands of educational toys an easier task for shoppers. You can find a great toy by narrowing your search by a child’s gender, age, a price range, a specific department or brand, and a toy's developmental benefits or the types of play it elicits. Plus, you can choose as many or as few selects as you wish in order to narrow down the toy results, and then sort them with different sort options to find the perfect toy. This makes finding just the right gift so much easier.
I guess we'll have to wait and see what toy by nephew gets for his birthday. I don't want to spoil all the fun and ruin the surprise.

Mamavation Monday

Monday again!! Time for a new start!! I need to get back to my routine!!!
I need to start over and get back to where I was. I got on my Wiifit this morning and...It's bad!!! I almost gained 5 pounds this month. Someone kick my butt!!! My goal was to lose 5-10 pounds before summer...Not to Gain weight this month. I know-my faults!!! I have been eating alittle more than I normally would and I have not been working out.
So- today is a new start...I am going to make myself get motivated and start doing my workouts. I am going to eat more Fruits especially Chiquita Bananas, strawberries and pineapple along with some fresh Veggies. I am going to get toned and look great before summer.(And it's sneaking up on me fast) I am going to try to drink more Water. One good note- *I have stopped drinking Diet Coke!!* The only thing I noticed is that I have been alittle more tired- I'm thinking from not having caffeine but I can deal with that. I am surprised that I haven't been getting headaches. (Knock on wood- LOL)
I wanted to give a shout out to Rachel and Kim- to keep up the hard work!!! I hear that week 3 is brutal- But You Can Do It!!!!
And to all of You in the Move It and Lose It campaign- Move IT!!!!!

Friday Fun

Wow... It's Friday allready!?! This week has flown by so fast. The kids are off of school for Spring Break and we have been running here and there and I've been busy.
Wednesday we went shopping, Yesterday we went to the movies and today's another adventure and day of fun.
I have a busy weekend planned too. I hope to get to spend sometime with my computer next week and catch up on some reviews and giveaways. And I still have Spring Cleaning to do!! Where's the time go?
Well- I'm off enjoying the day with the kids and we plan to have Lots of Fun!!!
Have a Great Weekend.

Wordless Wednesday

This is my Family. Picture taken at my sisters wedding
about 3 years ago.
I know...I need a more recent family picture taken

Winner Announcement

Drum Roll Please...

The Winners of the Undervalued Self Book are Kelsey, Janna, Lisanne624, Couponmom and Deborah. Congrats!!! An email has been sent.

Thank you to all who entered and check out my new book giveaways.

Celebrating our Wedding Anniversary

Here we are ... 14 years ago...

Journal Buddies ~Review and Giveaway~

A Boy's Journal for Discovering and Sharing Excellence
By: Jill Schoenburg

Journal Buddies is a Mom's Choice Awards® Silver Recipient and is a fun, interactive journal intended to help adults (parents, teachers, mentors...) build and strengthen a boy's self-esteem.
This meaningful and creative journal is appropriate for kids ages 7 - 14 and may be used peer-to-peer, child-to-parent, student-to-adult or any combination thereof.
These powerful but simple journals are truly a fresh and invigorating take on journal keeping.

My thougths:
Journal Buddies is a wonderful resource for parents. This is not an ordinary journal, this journal is simple and powerful. This is an outstanding way to build self esteem and promote confidence. This journal is unique as it is interactive and promotes creative journaling in a fun way. To add excitement, this journal is done with a buddy. The child's buddy can be a friend, parent,relative, teacher or anyone that they choose. They can even have different buddies each day if they choose to. They get to improve their self steem by focusing on the qualities,traits and talents that they like about themselves and their buddy. This is a fun way for children to express themselves and their feelings. When this journal is completed, this makes a great keepsake. What is great is that these Journal Buddies are designed just for Girls or Just for Boys.

To read excerpts from these books visit journalbuddies.com
These can be purchased on Amazon

Better Yet: One lucky reader can win an autographed Copy of Journal Buddies for Boys by Jill Schoenburg.

MANDATORY/REQUIRED ENTRY:
You need to Follow me and leave a Comment telling me your favorite trait/talent the boy in your life has.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But in addition you can:

■Subscribe via e-mail (1 extra entry)
■Add @Shawnmh to your Twitter -Leave me your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■Add @Selfesteem to your Twitter -Leave me your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■ Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to include a link to this contest page (Leave me the link)(1 extra entry/this may be done daily)
■Add my button to your site AND/OR add me to your blog roll.(1 entry for each)
■Blog about this contest: Add a link to this post (5 extra entries
■Become a Fan of Journal Buddies on facebook(2 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.(Please make sure if you are anonymous you leave your email address with your comments.)
This giveaway will end on May 3rd at 11:59 pm Est. The winner will be notified and have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be choosen.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary book for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.*

Mamavation Monday

Tonight we will meet the new Mamavation Moms. Congrats to Rachel and Kimberly- I look foward to meeting you and cheering you on during these next weeks. And I'm looking forward to cheering on my sister Colleen and the others that are in the Move & Lose it Challenge with Earth Footwear. I'm kind of jealous and would love to win that prize of $500 and a pair of Earth footwear.

Well- this weekend my husband surprised me with an anniversary getaway. We had such a great time!!! Our suite was Awesome. We had a heart shaped jacuzzi, a round bed and fireplace along with a private pool and sauna. We had a great time!!!
I'm alittle bummed though- I gained 3.7 pounds this weekend. I ate like a pig!!! The food was amazing too. (Oh I forgot to tell you that.) I had a HUGE dinner and ate alittle more than I should have including a brownie sundae and cheesecake. I figured that I would get enough excerise but the scale wasn't my friend this morning. Well- I know that breakfast buffet yesterday morning didn't help either, nor did the pizza and wings last night. I ate alot more than I normally do. This week I will eat healthier and I will be doing extra workouts. I need to lose those extra pounds then I still want to lose another 5 to 10 pounds before summer. I at least want to workout and tone more than anything. I need to drink more water and eat more fruits and veggies. I'm trying to cook healthier meals for my family too.
Lets start breakfast out with All White Eggs to get in our protein and continue the day with a healthy dinner of chicken and veggies. (That's my plan.) Along with walking and doing the Wiifit and Active Workouts.

Surprise Anniversary Getaway

Hi. Just letting you know that I will be Out-of-Town this weekend. My husband surprised me with an Anniversary Getaway . On April 20th ~We will celebrating our 14th Wedding Anniversary. Since it falls on a Tuesday, he decided that we should go away this weekend-Just the Two of Us. So- Mom's watching the kids and we are going to the Pocono's for the Weekend. I am going to take a break from blogging and spend some time with my hubby. I will be back on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!!!

Winner Announcement

Drum Roll Please...

The winner of the $25 Gift Certificate to ABCNeckties.com is Bookie...

Congrats!!! An email has been sent.

Thank you to all that entered. Please stop back and enter my new giveaways that will be posted on Monday.

The Twilight Gospel ~ Book Tour~

The Twilight Gospel:The Spiritual Roots of the Stephanie Meyer Vampire Saga!
Author:Dave Roberts

About the Author:
Dave Roberts is the author of the best-selling The Toronto Blessing and Red Moon Rising with joint sales in excess of 100,000. He is a former editor of Christianity and won awards for his work on Renewal magazine. He is a local church pastor and conference director for three major annual conferences on worship, children's ministry, and women's ministry.

About the Book:The blockbuster Twilight Saga is being read by teenager and adult alike. These powerful novels are getting even more popular as the movies hit the theaters. Crisply written and with a gracious spirit, The Twilight Gospel will help teens, their parents, and their pastors discern what is good from what is unhealthy in the novels and equip them to be biblically literate readers.

From the back cover:With these powerful novels getting even more popular as the movies hit the cinemas, the call for a Christian response is strong. What values and ideas do Meyer's novels promote? What is good about them, and what deserves closer inspection?

The spirituality and worldview of the Twilight Saga are fascinating, but they do not sit easily with orthodox Christianity. This book carefully and graciously assesses what is praiseworthy and what is less so. It helps the reader to think more clearly about issues to do with occult spirits, life after death, myths and legends, sexuality, personal spiritual power, the culture of glamour and the lure of materialism. All these subjects are woven into the fabric of the Twilight Saga.

The central point of the book is to help teens (and their parents) discern what is excellent from what is unhealthy, helping to create robust, shrewd, and literate young adults.

Endorsements:
'Millions of young minds are being shaped by the Twilight Saga. Dave Roberts offers valuable cultural and biblical insights - neither reactionary nor reticent - for anyone seeking to separate the good, the bad and the ugly in these powerful books.'
-Pete Greig, author of Red Moon Rising, God on Mute and Punk Monk.

My Thoughts:
Having a young daughter that wanted to read the Twilight Series, I was interested to learn more about these books. I would suggest that the parents of tweens read this book before they let their children read Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. Then they can decide if they think that their young ones should be reading the Twilight Series or shouldn't be. This book was an easy read and is a great resource. This gives you so much information from a Christian viewpoint but with an open minded approach. David breaks down Stephanie's books and shows you the spiritual side of things. He tells you what your child may get out of these books that are not the best influence while also finding what these stories have in positive nature. This is a good resource for parents and after reading this book, I think my daughter is still too young to read the Twilight Series. I'm glad that I read this first and there are some areas and topics that I would like to discuss with my daughter when she is mature enough before she reads the Twilight Series.

See what others are saying about this book by clicking here.

**CONTEST**Want to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com?

TWEET THIS: Understand cultural and Biblical insights surrounding The Twilight Saga by reading #TheTwilightGospel. Please RT! http://ow.ly/1vjc6

*Disclosure:This book was provided free for review purposes by LitFuse Group*

Wordless Wednesday

Spring Is Here!!!!



The Weather has been crazy here. We had summer like days- it was 80 degrees here then the next night we had snow again. So- finally its looking like Spring. It's in the 50's (that's about normal here) but it is getting nicer each day. Our flowers are just starting to bloom and signs of Spring are here. Yeah!!!! Next week the Kids are on Spring Break and I have Spring Cleaning to do.

Winner Annoucement

Drum Roll Please...

The Winner of the Book: Raising an Athlete by Major Leaguer Jack Perconte is Cym.

Congrats!!! An email has been sent.

Thank You to all who entered & stop back again- I will have more giveaways up soon.

Mamavation Monday

Tonights the Twitter Party and Announcement of the New Mamavation Moms.
Please get your voting in...Please vote for @colleen_mouse!!!
I am bummed, I will be at work in the beginning of the Party- I am hoping to check in but I know I will be missing some of the Party as I will be teaching a Tumbling class and spotting most of the girls on backhandsprings. I am going to hurry home and catch the rest of the party. I am sooo hoping that my sister Colleen is chosen, but I know that's up to the Votes. Good luck to all the candidates.

I need to get myself alittle more motivated. I started off good this week, then I found excuses why not to exercise. So what if my back hurts, It really didn't feel any worse after I exercised. OK- and my weekness has been this Easter Candy. I need to kick the chocolate out of my house!!!
So-that said, this week I will do better. I'm going to make time for my workouts.
I'm going to eat healthy!!! Starting with breakfast...I'm thinking of stopping over at Subway and trying their new breakfasts. Those Egg White Muffin Melts look so yummy and are low in calories and fat.. I did start this morning off with fresh fruit. I can do it. I want to tone and look really fit. Summer's coming.

Mamavation Twitter Party Monday

Please Vote for @colleen_mouse to be the Next Mamavation Mom. **Announcement will be made at the Twitter Party**. But only two Mom's will be chosen. Please Vote for Colleen!!! (Voting is on the right side on Mamavation.com )

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

Welcome to the PARTY!!!!

I'm Shawn...




This is my Family... Pete,Connor, Magnum and Kylee





I'm glad you stopped by.. I'm here to share... I like to share my family adventures, I like to share my thoughts on some great products and offer my readers giveaways.
Please enter my current giveaways going on.(Links in the Right Sidebar) Anyone who votes for @colleen_mouse to be the Next #Mamavation Mom here until April 12th will get 5 extra entries in all of my giveaways.

At Home With Laurie Ann ~Book Review~

At Home With Laurie Ann: A Decorator’s Guide: Turn the Place You Live Into a Home You Love
By:Laurie Ann McMillin Ray
These days few can afford to hire an interior decorator.

Starting with the basics, At Home With Laurie Ann cracks the code to creating the home of your dreams on the budget you have. The instructions are simple and straightforward, and the look is cozy and comfortable. It’s practical because Laurie starts with what you already have, moves a piece of furniture here, makes a substitution there, adds unexpected color and tops it off with inexpensive (but expensive-looking) purchases. The result is a thrifty transformation!

Written in a non-intimidating, down-home style to appeal and inspire many to redecorate, this book is ideal for everyone from the first-time buyer or third-time home owner to the perennial renter, newly married to the long-time bachelor and lively family to the single sophisticate.

About the author: For more than twenty five years Laurie Ann McMillin Ray has built a solid reputation in Southern California as an interior designer, and as the owner of several decorating stores. Visit www.laurieann.com.

My Thoughts:
At Home With Laurie Ann is a great decorating book that includes tips and instructions from a professional decorator. Laurie Ann's eclectic style and cost saving ideas allow the reader to create a home in their own style. Laurie Ann begins with a basic 9-point questionnaire to help you decide your individual decorating needs.
Ideas in this book cover the five basic features of decorating a room -walls,floors, furniture, window coverings and lightening. There are suggestions for each room and tips of how to chose themes and colors to tie all the areas of the home together. There are even make-over tips for the porch and outside of your home including your yard and gardens.
There is so much more in this book and some many good tips and ideas. Laurie Ann includes some great Holiday decorating ideas and even recipes for each occasion.
This book has bright colorful pictures and is a very useful book that contains some great decorating ideas and tips.


Title: At Home With Laurie Ann: A Decorator’s Guide: Turn the Place You Live Into a Home You Love
Author: Laurie Ann McMillin Ray
Genre: Home/Interior Design
ISBN: 978-0-9840748-0-8
Publication Date: February 2010
Pages: 224
Price: $29.95
Publisher: Laurie Ann Publishing, Inc


*Disclosure: Thank You to AME for providing me a copy of this book for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.

Mable Takes a Paddle ~Book Review~

Mable Takes a Paddle
Author:Emily Chetkowksi


Mabel, the famed dog of Mabel Takes the Ferry and Mabel Takes a Sail, is back! This time, Mabel rides in a kayak, admiring the Maine wildlife of Orange Lake. But all of the animals around the lake seem frightened. Are they afraid of Mabel? She tries hard not to bark at them, and yet they run away. Even a moose looks startled as Mabel and her family paddle by. What is scaring the animals? Find out in the third of the Mabel series.

My Thoughts:
This is such a cute book to read. I don't want to give the story away and let you know what happens, just to let you know I think young children will enjoy reading this short story. The pictures in this book are bright and colorful and this story is written as if You are along in the kayak with Mable and her family. Mable has quite an adventure as she rides in a kayak and admires all the scenery and enjoys the ride. This is the third story in the series, but this is a book you can enjoy reading without having read the other two stories first. I would recommend this book.

*Disclosure: Thank you to Publishing Works,Inc. for providing me a copy of this book for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.*

To purchase this book or any other book published by Publishing Works, visit their online store here. At checkout, include the Coupon Code BLOG for a 20% DISCOUNT, courtesy of Publishing Works, Inc. and their continued support of book blogging! Happy reading!

Winner Announcements

Drum Roll Please...

The Winners of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Nascar Books are Marc, Jaime and Tanya

Congrats!! An Email has been sent.

The Winners of the Zoodles.com Premium Membership are Heather, Heather and Mverno.

Congrats!!!You should have received your coupon code and directions on how to claim this directly from Zoodles.com


Don't Forget...Anyone who votes for @colleen_mouse to be the Next Mamavation Mom will get 5 extra chances per vote in each of my current giveaways http://www.mamavation.com (Voting is on the Right hand side) April 5-April 12
Thanks :)

I Love God's Green Earth ~Book Review~

I Love God's Green Earth
Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation
By Michael and Caroline Carroll


Kids love working on practical projects to help take care of the Earth; they are often the family’s biggest proponents of recycling. This book will attract those eco-friendly kids and teach them how creation care can actually draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to help kids apply both the biblical and environmental lessons, and a “What Can I Do?” section with a takeaway activity. Jokes and fun facts are also included throughout the devotion to make this book fun, informative, and interesting to readers.

Author Bio:
Michael Carroll is a science writer who has authored books and articles for magazines all over the world, including Odyssey and Clubhouse. He enjoys teaching art to kids from elementary to high school.

Caroline Carroll has a strong background in science, and her focus is to encourage believers and nonbelievers alike to learn more about the nature and power of God through the medium of science. Her book, Absolutely Awesome: The Things God Has Made, is a devotional book geared for readers ages 8 to 13 that uses science to enrich children's understanding of God.
A wife and mother of two, Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Colorado State University. She enjoys reading, hiking, music, and watercolor painting when not working full-time as a writer. She is active with her church, including service as a Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader, women's ministry activity coordinator, and Life Group leader. She is also committed to serving her community through Big Sisters, school support groups, and hosting Moms in Touch prayer groups.
The Carrolls have cowritten several books for kids, including Gold Medallion finalist Dinosaurs (Cook 2000) and Tyndale's Absolutely Awesome books (2000 and 2001).
Caroline, her husband, Michael, and their family reside in Littleton, Colorado.


These devotions are perfect for kids who love God's Earth and want to take care of it. Each devotion focuses on what Scripture says about God's creation and how kids can be good stewarts of this Earth. As they learn how to care for creation, they will also learn more about god and how to nurture their relationship with him.
Inside this book they'll find Fun Facts, Jokes, Scripture lessons and Activities all designed to help kids learn how to take care of God's Green Earth.

My thoughts:
This is the perfect book for families to read to get ready for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. This devotional contains fun facts and jokes while combining scripture lessons and fun activities for children. Each devotion includes an action you can take and includes tips on how to reuse, recycle and rethink. I really enjoyed reading this myself and I can't wait to share this with my children. I think that reading this devotional book will help children to learn more about God, nature and get them thinking more about what they can do to take care the Earth. As this book is for 8-12 year olds, I think that all children and families would enjoy reading this. This is a fun educational way to learn about God and taking care of our Earth.

My family is going to make sure we recycle all of our cans and bottles and we are going to try to eliminate using so many plastic bottles by using reusable water containers. We are also going to try to eliminate using so much paper.

Factoid: Americans use an average of 6 paper napkins per person per day.If everyone used 1 less paper napkin a day, Americans would save 300 million napkins. That would save 3400 trees!!!

Thank You to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book.
*Disclosure: This book was provided free for me for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.*

List Price:12.99
ISBN:978-1-4143-3179-9
Trim Size:5 1/2 x 8 1/4
Binding:Softcover
Release:March 2010

Please Vote for Colleen

Please Vote daily from April 5th through April 12th for @colleen_mouse to be the next Mamavation Mom.

She's my sister,good friend and great mom to two special needs children. Colleen really needs our support! Please vote!!! Please tell your friends and family to vote. Colleen is one of the five finalists and only two will be chosen to be the Mamavation Moms (by the most votes). It only takes 30 seconds to vote. Please help her out. You can vote from every computer you have daily.Just click on @colleen_mouse on the voting on the right hand side on Mamavation.com




Thank you!!!

Every vote for Colleen will get you 5 extra chances in my current giveaways. Please make sure you leave 5 comments on each giveaway you enter(saying Voted)

The UnderValued Self ~Book Giveaway~

Giveaway now Closed. Congrats to Kelsey,Janna,
Lisanne624,Couponmom and Deborah.
Everyone has self-esteem issues, one way or another. It's cliche, but you can be the most beautiful woman in a magazine and you'd still have insecurities. You can be the most brilliant scientist on the planet and have issues relating to self-esteem. There appears to be no limit to our capacity to undervalue ourselves, and while in most cases, a good pep talk can boost our morale, there are people whose issues run deeper than that.

This book takes a step towards understanding self-esteem and how we can take control of it.
Restore Your Love/Power Balance, Transform the Inner Voice That Holds You Back, and Find Your True Self-Worth

Elaine Aron follows up her bestsellers on the highly sensitive person with a groundbreaking new book on the undervalued self. She explains that self-esteem results from having a healthy balance of love and power in our lives. Readers will learn to incorporate love into situations that seem to require power and deal with power struggles that mask themselves as issues of love. From the bedroom to the boardroom, her strategies will enable us to escape feelings of shame, defeat, and depression; dissolve relationship hostility; and become our best selves.
About Author:
Elaine Aron, Ph.D., is recognized internationally as one of the leading scientists studying the psychology of love and close relationships. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and National Geographic, and she has appeared on national morning shows on many networks. She is the author of The Highly Sensitive Person, The Highly Sensitive Person in Love, and The Highly Sensitive Child. She divides her time between New York and San Francisco

You can buy this book here
Or You can Win it!! Hatchette Book Group has generously offered Five copies of The UnderValued Self to Five of my lucky readers.

MANDATORY/REQUIRED ENTRY:
You need to Follow me and leave a Comment telling me what issue or insecurity you have.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry. But in addition you can:

■Subscribe via e-mail (1 extra entry)
■Add @Shawnmh to your Twitter -Leave me your twitter ID (1 extra entry)
■ Tweet this giveaway on Twitter. Be sure to include a link to this contest page (Leave me the link)(1 extra entry/this may be done daily)
■Add my button to your site AND/OR add me to your blog roll.(1 entry for each)
■Blog about this contest: Add a link to this post (5 extra entries
■Vote for @colleen_mouse to be the Next #Mamavation Mom on Mamavation.com (5 extra entries)This can be done daily from 4/5-4/12

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and can not be shipped to PO Boxes. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.(Please make sure if you are anonymous you leave your email address with your comments.)
This giveaway will end on April 20th at 11:59 pm Est. The winners will be notified and have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be choosen.

Mamavation Monday

Yeah!!! The Finalists have been chosen and we can learn more about them tonight on the Mamavation TV show. Congrats Ladies... Let the Voting begin...

Yeah!!! Colleen has made the finals!!! As Colleen's sister and Biggest Cheerleader(I count as biggest because I'm Bigger than her 5 yo) I am so Happy for her. But.. She needs votes to win and there's only two spots. Please help me support her and Vote for @colleen_mouse. She is a great sister, friend and a wonderful Mom to two special needs children. Colleen has already lost about 50 pounds over the last year by eating healthy and exercising. She still needs to lose more weight, her goal is to lose 45lbs more. She is very serious and dedicated to eating healthy and getting fit. The reason behind this is her children. Especially her eight year old disabled daughter. My precious neice has Mitochondrial Disorder which has caused Kennedy to have serious medical needs and has left her disabled. Colleen needs to be fit and healthy to lift and care for Kennedy.
Please Vote for @colleen_mouse daily from today until April 12th on Mamavation.com . You can vote on every computer you have, please encourage your friends and family to vote too. This only takes a few seconds and will change the lives of many.

V-O-T-E... F-O-R ... C-O-L-L-E-E-N!!!!

My Challenges and Goals are to lose 5 to 10 pounds before Summer and to look more fit and toned. I'm doing the EA Sports Active More Workouts Six Week Challenge right now to get in shape. If I don't do this workout, my sister Colleen will be calling me and kicking my butt in gear. We are doing this together which helps make each of us more accountable. I need to do my workouts and eat healthy. My biggest challenge is to cut out the Soda. I drink Diet Soda but I know it's still not good for me. So, I will try to drink more water this week, eat healthy, avoid eating Easter candy and exercise.

Happy Easter

Wishing You All a Happy Easter!!!

The Flowering Cross Book Review

The Flowering Cross
Author: Beth Ryan

Book Description
A modern-day story of how Christ’s resurrection is still changing lives.

Six-year-old Katie’s next-door neighbor Papa Jack has the most beautiful flowers in town. He seems like a mean man to most, but Katie has a special place in his heart. Every Easter Sunday she stops by to get her flowers for the Flowering of the Cross at church. Only this year, Papa Jack decides to come along, and Katie helps him discover the real meaning of the Cross.

Designed to place God's truths in the heart of children, The Flowering Cross, has Faith ImprintTM suggestions thoughout that will help parents share God's Word with their young one.

Also included are instructions for making a Flowering Cross.

My Thoughts:
This is a great Easter story. This is a beautiful story for young children. I read the Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan to my fourth grade religion class. I think they really enjoyed the bright colorful pictures and the story. This story shares how a young girl shows kindness and love to a mean old neighbor. Through her kindness, friendship and love this man finds Christ. The Flowering Cross is a special way to Thank Christ on Easter. What I really liked is the Faith Imprints. These are located at the bottom of several pages and ask a question and have scripture verses. These are for discussion to reflect what the bible says and made reading this to my religion class helpful and easy to share the topic covered in this book. This story is one that I would love to share every year at Easter. There are directions in the back of this book to make a wooden table-sized flowering cross of your very own. This would make a great gift to give along with this book for Easter.

*Disclosure: I received this book for free from Book Sneeze for review purposes. This is my honest thoughts and opinion.*

Friday Follow- Good Friday

Happy Friday!! We are being blessed with beautiful weather here. It's going to be 80 today and tomorrow and 70 on Easter. This is quite a Treat!!! We are going to be outside enjoying the weather. Have a great weekend. Happy Easter.




Today's Good Friday... The kids asked me: Why is it called "Good Friday" if today was the day Jesus died ?..
(Hey- I'm glad they knew what Good Friday was)
If you are a Christian then you know the answer: We call this day "good" on which Christ died because by His death He showed His great love for man, and purchased for him every blessing.

Happy Birthday Poppie!!!

No Fooling.... Today's Poppie's Birthday..Happy Birthday Poppie. We Love and Miss You. Have a Great Day! Wish we were there to celebrate with you.



This is a great picture of Poppie and Connor.

Winner Announcement

Drum Roll Please....

The Winners of the Book: How To Never Look Fat Again are.... Jessica, Sandy and Hotsnotty.

Congrats...An email has been sent.

Thank You to All that entered. Please Stop back -I will be having more giveaways coming soon.