Computer Crash!

Hi Everyone, I just wanted you to know that my computer crashed on Friday.
It was one of the best weekends I've had in ages.I've decided that I'm going to unplug for a little while, reconnect with my family.I'll be back, I'm just not sure when.
I will email all of the winners of the contests end(my sweet friend is letting me check my emails : )
~Mandie

E-Book: Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others Review

Title: Travel Kits

Cost: $12.45 for the module

Age: Everyone!
When reading this, all I could think was why didn't I think of that?The e-book is packed with tons of ideas to keep everyone busy on long trips.Instead of stressing out the book shows you ways to prepare games and snacks for different age groups for your long trips.
My 5 year old and I were reading the ebook together and she was getting so excited.She wanted to start making travel kits right away. I asked her where she wanted to go and she replied "It doesn't matter as long as it's a long trip'.  She's so silly. She just wants to test them out in the car.
Making the travel kits is a simple way of blessing others. You make up these packs for the airplane, small cars, etc. She shows you the different size packs and ideas of what to put in there. That you need to consider the number of children, ages, and their likes and dislikes. You know, questions I wouldn't have thought of (that's why I couldn't have thought of this lol) like knowing how to devise your plan, examples for creating themed kits, and even truly creative ideas for wrapping are included!
Who would you give the packs to? Well make one for your own family  (My daughter would never let me get away with not) , traveling grandparents,members of your church, your home school group for field trips, ... any one you want to bless.
Disclosure Statement: I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew and receive free products and services in exchange for a thorough and honest review.




Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy , Mommy Reads too Much, Time4mommy Community for Moms.  She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Did I miss my Calling?

People are always telling me that I missed my calling. That I should have been a chef.
Ever since I could remember I had wanted to own a restaurant. My Dad had one, so did my Grandfather, and my Uncle. It was something I always knew I was going to do.

Even before I had children I worked in restaurants and worked my way to General Manager at a Fine Dining Restaurant. I was even thinking about buying it when it went up for sale. It just wasn't the right time, I had a 2yr old and I was about to pop out another baby any day. Well the restaurant sold and I was out of a job. (No severance pay or anything grr.. but that's another story.) My dreams of having my own restaurant were crushed. I had a new born, a 2 yr old and no job meaning no money to buy a restaurant with.

It took me awhile to come to grips with being a stay at home mom. I didn't think I could deal with doing 'nothing' all day. As I cried over piles of laundry and my crying baby I never would have thought that that would have been the biggest blessing of my life.

My husband opened a landscaping business and I'm a stay at home mom who has plenty to do. I run the office for our business. I watch my children grow and learn. I'm the back bone to my family. My dreams and desires have changed. I don't own my own restaurant but they do call me Chef Mommy.

This post is in participation of the Bloggy Mom's June's Blog Challenge.
Sponsor of the challenge is Celebrate Recovery Etsy Shop



Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy , Mommy Reads too Much, Time4mommy Community for Moms.  She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Come Join Us!

Come Join Us, we've opened a community for moms to connect. It's Brand new. We have a Book club, an area for WAHMs, Foodies, bloggers, and much much more!
 Time 4 Mommy Monday Meme
Blog Hop Tuesday
Recipe Hop Wednesday
Book Review Thursday
Giveaway link up Friday
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Rubicon on AMC - What are your Superstitions ?

I hate summer time when it comes to the t.v. Only re-runs and I spend all my time just flipping through the channels.That's why I'm glad a great new show is coming out in August instead of having to wait until Fall. It's called Rubicon.

 AMC taps into our collective paranoia with its compelling new conspiracy series, Rubicon. Will Travers is an intelligence analyst who cracks codes for a living. When Will’s world is shattered by an untimely death he begins asking questions, diving into a web of mystery and danger. Not every conspiracy is a theory.
The characters are rich and quirky. My favorites so far are Will (the main character), Miles, and David. David, Will’s mentor at the American Policy Institute, avoids the number 13 like the plague and spits on a broom that brushes up against his foot. David’s superstitions are so ingrained in his behavior that they become part of his identity in the eyes of his colleagues, particularly Will.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions? I'm embarrassed to say this but I have to shut allof the closet doors before I can go to sleep and make sure all of the doors are locked. I will check a couple of times even. I'd rather not cross a black cat, yes I know it's silly but I can't help it. I also won't go under a ladder.( although that's mostly for safety reasons :)  but I don't think my superstitions are nearly as bad as David's.
Watch the preview
You can also watch the entire pilot episode HERE & I swear you'll be hooked! AMC’s newest original drama series “Rubicon” debuts on Sunday, August 1 with a special two-hour premiere from 8–10pm ET.
SP

Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy , Mommy Reads too Much, Time4mommy Community for Moms.  She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself. 

The Times, They Are A-Changing

Things in my household are changing. At least it feels that way; actually, nothing is very different than it was a few months ago, but we can all see it on the horizon.

Our oldest daughter is beginning her senior year in college. This summer, she’s been working full time and taking classes both online and at her school. She’s a busy girl, and we don’t see her nearly as much as we did, even though she’s still living here. Our second daughter, who just graduated from high school, is also working part-time as well as volunteering at an assisted living center. Between that and a busier social life, she’s coming and going much more frequently, too. My husband and I find ourselves at home with just the two youngers, or sometimes even just with our son. After 21 years of having all the kids with us to some extent, it’s really kind of strange.

I was prepared to be very emotional about this. I am, as any of my friends or family will tell you, someone whose feelings lie very close to the surface. I cry at the airport when anyone is leaving, even if I know I’ll see them shortly. I can’t handle Hallmark commercials—or even worse, the Publix ads that play around the holidays (all of you in the south—you know what I’m talking about!). So I expected to be a blubbering mess when it came down to my kids leaving home.

But I’m really not. I was thinking about this the other day. My oldest daughter is likely going to be getting married next year after graduation, and Haley talks about moving to Italy when she’s finished the first two years of college. I adore my children, I love to spend time with them. They, with my husband, are tops among my favorite people in the world. So why am I not deep in depression?

I think it’s mostly this: I have been blessed by each phase of my children’s lives. I have enjoyed infancy, babyhood, the toddler years, childhood and adolescence. I don’t think I’ve missed anything. I’ve been in the trenches with them through the good times and the bad; we’ve made it through together.

And so this next step—this fully embracing the independence that actually began the day they were born—is exciting to me, too. I know that I’m not going to be so much a part of this next phase, but that’s okay. I can still appreciate it. I’m eagerly anticipating the new lives my children launch as they step out on their own. I’m curious to see what they take with them and what they choose to leave behind.

I hope that I’m still part of their lives, and I think I will be. I’m thrilled that as siblings, my children are close to one another, and it makes me happy to anticipate those relationships growing even as roles change. One of my goals as a parents has been to raise children who love and support their brothers and sisters, and it gives me joy to see that happening.

So yes, our nest is emptying. I still have a few little birds left to cherish and teach before it’s their turn, and maybe I’ll be tweeting a different tune in eight years when David’s finished high school.
But I hope not. I hope that I can send my kids out into the world full of confidence in their own wings and ready to take flight.

After all, that’s the whole point, isn’t it?




Tawdra Kandle is stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of four children who range in age from 10 years to 21 years. She and her husband of over 22 years live in central Florida, where he is in seminary. Tawdra spends most of her precious free time writing and reading, and she loves to travel. She is also a resident writer for Taking Time for Mommy. View more of her Articles HERE. You can also follow Tawdra on twitter and her blog, Publishing Quest

16 x 20 rolled Canvas Print Giveaway

Online Poster Printing is allowing me to give away a 16 x 20 rolled Canvas Print (valued at $43)
The beautiful photo canvas prints are perfect for those important family pictures,Baby's 1st birthday, or any picture you hold dear.
Buy it - Head over to Online Poster printing
Win It -Mandatory Entry - What picture do you have that you'd make into a Canvas Print?
+1 Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on Twitter
Tweet about it (1 entry per tweet per day.)
RT @time4mommy Win a 16 x 20 Canvas print http://takingtimeformommy.blogspot.com/2010/07/16-x-20-rolled-canvas-print-giveaway.html
+1 Extra Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on FaceBook

+1 Entry - Follow my other blog Mommy Reads too Much Publicly on Google Friend Connect

+1 Follow Taking Time for Mommy on GFC

+2 Entries - Comment on any non-giveaway post on either Taking Time for Mommy or Mommy Reads Too Much (You can this this as much as you want)

+5 Entries - Signing up for our weekly Newsletter (form to the right)

+5 subscribe to our feed (right)

+3 Entries -Fan our writer Tawdra Kandle on Associated Content and comment on one of her articles

+1 Follow Tawdra on Twitter

+3 Follow Tawdra's Blog Publishing Quest

+10 Blog about it and leave me the link to check it out

+5 Add the Contest in a link on the side of your blog, remember to leave me a link

Giveaway will end July 30st at 11:59pm. The winners will be chosen by random.org and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S 18+

Keeping Children's Toys Under Control

by Alyssa Davis
One In, One Out
Some families have a rule that any time a new toy is brought into the house, an old one must be donated to charity. This idea does a few things. First, it controls the actual number of toys in the house and keeps it at a consistent number. Secondly, it teaches children to evaluate which items no longer serve their needs. And third, it encourages children to think of others besides themselves.

With a constant number of toys in the house, it is easier to make sure that the toy clutter does not get out of control. Older toys that are no longer played with can be given new homes and not take up valuable space in the playroom. Although some children may be initially resistant to the idea of giving up a toy to get a new one, they will eventually see the logic and personal satisfaction of helping others.

Everything In Its Place
Organization is the most essential part of keeping children's toys under control. Although buying a huge bin and throwing everything in it may sound appealing on days when Army men and plastic dolls threaten to overtake the family room, it is not a good way to organize children's toys. Consider, instead, bins or baskets that can be covered and placed on shelves.

By having a separate buckets for cars and blocks, children will be able to easily access their toys without dragging everything out. Clearly label each bin with what is inside, so that children can quickly find what they are looking for. If buying new bins is not in the budget, ask family and friends for shoe boxes. Cover the boxes in contact paper or wrapping paper, label them and a new storage container will be ready to be filled with toys. Any container that is chosen should be lightweight enough for children to carry, easy for them to open, and even easier for them to put away.

Daily Clean Up
Five minutes at the end of the day can do wonders for keeping children's toys under control. Give each child a color coded basket or bucket, set the timer for five minutes and have them search the room for their toys. Anything that is theirs goes in their bucket and gets put away in the designated spot. By staying on top of picking up, it is easy to maintain a house that looks presentable even for a family with small children.

By being diligent about the number of toys in the house, parents can keep children's toys under control. Involve the children in the clean up and organization process, so that they may feel invested in keeping their things neat and tidy. Although a task that requires constant attention, keeping children's toys organized is well worth the effort.

 Learn more about decorating with large wall sculptures and black coffee wall art from our exclusive designer and staff writer, Alyssa Davis, of Metal-Wall-Art.com.
 Source

Time 4 Mommy MeMe

Welcome to Time 4 Mommy's weekly Meme.
To participate, please answer the questions on your blog and link back to this page. (Next week this will be hosted our New Time 4 Mommy Community! Where your link will be posted)
Every Monday I'll add three questions, the first one will always be the same.

1. What did you do this week to take time for yourself?
I enjoyed a good book at the beach Sunday. Daddy went on a shell hunt with the girls and I relaxed and read. 
2. What was your favorite dinner you had this past week, who made it?
We had pizza the other night, I haven't had it in ages and we ordered in. It was my favorite because I didn't make it and we used paper plates so clean up was EASY! 
3. What was the last book you read?
And One Last Thing - by Molly Harper Sooooo Funny! I'll have a review of it 7/29
I'll be sending invites to the new group later this week. So check back to participate in next weeks Meme.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIESFast &Delicious Snack!
Preparation time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 15 mins
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup banana, mashed
1-1/2 cups flour
1-3/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup nuts, chopped
In a bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, cream together
sugar and shortening. Add egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
Beat in mashed bananas. Add flour and quick cooking oats. Fold in
chopped nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake
at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.



Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Smelly Towels Review & Giveaway

Have you ever accidentally left your towels in the washer for an extended amount of time?  I've done this and they smell, &I can't get that nasty smell out! There is a product now called Smelly Towels - all natural has a wonderful garden fresh fragrance and is specifically made to remove that musty, mildew smell from towels and clothing. Just a teaspoon added to a full load of musty towels or laundry makes them smell like new again! Use just a half teaspoon of Smelly Towel Cleaner as a detergent booster to enhance colors and keep that fresh smell!

Don’t waste money buying new towels to replace old smelly ones! Refresh them naturally!

I used it and lucky me, I had some towels that desperately needed it. It worked, I mean really worked. Sometimes you think you got the smell out until it's wet - then pee-ewww. Not with this!They even have a product for your smelly laundry.
Not only did I get to review Smelly Towels but I get to give a bottle away too!
Mandatory Entry - Tell if you are excited as me about this product!

+1 Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on Twitter
Tweet about it (1 entry per tweet per day.)
RT @time4mommy Get rid of your smelly towels #win http://takingtimeformommy.blogspot.com/2010/07/smelly-towels-review-giveaway.html
+1 Extra Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on FaceBook

+1 Entry - Follow my other blog Mommy Reads too Much Publicly on Google Friend Connect

+1 Follow Taking Time for Mommy on GFC

+2 Entries - Comment on any non-giveaway post on either Taking Time for Mommy or Mommy Reads Too Much (You can this this as much as you want)

+5 Entries - Signing up for our weekly Newsletter (form to the right)

+5 subscribe to our feed (right)

+3 Entries -Fan our writer Tawdra Kandle on Associated Content and comment on one of her articles

+1 Follow Tawdra on Twitter

+3 Follow Tawdra's Blog Publishing Quest

+10 Blog about it and leave me the link to check it out

+5 Add the Contest in a link on the side of your blog, remember to leave me a link

Giveaway will end July 31st at 11:59pm. The winners will be chosen by random.org and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S 18+
Disclaimer - I received this product for my honest opinion, no other compensation was received.

Hillshire Farms Fresh Taste Lunchmeat Challenge = $5 in Coupons or $5 Gift Card

Hillshire Farms has a new offer available. You will need to purchase a specially marked Hillshire Farm lunchmeat tub to try them out, then visit the Hillshire Farm website and enter the special code found on the tub.  You will need to tell them if you liked the lunchmeat, this is what you will receive if you answer yes or no.

YES – Gets you $5 in coupons instantly

NO – Gets you a $5 grocery store gift card (takes up to 8 weeks)



Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

**Freebie Alert** Beech-Nut Starter Kit

Sign up for their email newsletter and get a free solid food starter kit.

Vouchers for a free box of baby cereal, two jars of baby food and money saving coupons.
HERE



Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

T.V. & Movies On Demand ( Laptop -A- Day Giveaway )

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

The On Demand menu has much to explore and more to offer than just movies. There are thousands of shows and programs to uncover. Besides the latest movies, there are literally thousands of free shows for every interest. Kids shows, workout videos, concerts, cooking shows and every other specialty show is available on your schedule, when you have time to watch it.

I love the On Demand because I get to watch all of the Chic Flix, like The Bounty Hunter, before my husband gets home. It's great, I don't have to go pick up a movie from somewhere, it's right there!

I also love the exercise on demand. I have tons of workouts to choose from any time I want. My children love all of the classic kids movies. We also watch the nature and science programs for their home school classes. My husband loves Showtime on Demand because he can watch his shows because he always loses track of what days his shows come on. 
Anytime we're flipping through the t.v. channels and can't find anything to watch, we head over to the On Demand section because we can always find something that way.
Here is the On Demand home page They are having a Laptop -A- Day Giveaway!
You will ‘Like’ their Facebook page as well

2 Free Dora Ebooks for your preschooler

Nickelodeon and the National PTA have teamed up to help parents get their kids ready for their biggest adventure yet--kindergarten! My girls LOVE Dora & this is a great program.
Take a quiz on Nick Jr.’s website to get a customized readiness plan for your preschooler. After taking the quiz, you can download two Free Dora books (just sign up for the free Dora’s Explorers Club)
HERE


Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Outlast - Try for free & Enter to win a chance at a Designer Bag

I recently had a home party for Outlast Long Lasting Hand Sanitizer. We all got to try the product and watch the video.
Check it out


I couldn't believe regular sanitizer only lasts about 2 mins and Outlast lasts 6 hours, Yes, I said 6 HOURS. I go through hand sanitizer like crazy too - not any more! It isn't sticky and even has moisturizers. I'm a bit of a germaphobe so I'm loving this, I just wish I could bathe in it :)

At the party my guests were given the chance to enter to win a Designer bag from Outlast if they opted into the Outlast to receive e-newsletter and other information.

I asked their marketing dept if I could offer this to my readers as well. They said yes so I'm collected email addresses for them until the end of the month. If you're interested just let me know & I'll get your email from you.


Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.
Disclosure - I was provided with a free product for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

Guest post from author Julia London

Taking Time for Mommy

Thank you so much for inviting me to be here with ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE today.

I am very proud of this book, because I had to write it under some unusual circumstances. For starters, we had a sudden death in the family. Then, the deadline was moved up for some very good reasons, but still, it moved closer, and that’s enough stress for anyone. But then came the kicker…the resident three year-old started asking why.

I ask you all, is there a greater trial on earth? Does anyone really know why there are clouds? I suppose we all know why we have a car, but must one explain it every morning? Or why we eat cereal? Why is lellow his favorite color? How about why are there compluters? And why do I, in particular, have to use a compluter every day? Why do I write? Why do I laugh? And my favorite: Why are my boobs on my stomach? I told him it was because I was lucky. So now, depending on what I wear, he asks if I am lucky (yes, kiddo, I am a very lucky woman).

And then came the whats. He points to the little thingie that keeps your door handle from putting a hole in the wall. What is that? That, I explain, is a door thingie. He never wants to know what obvious things are, like a refrigerator or a dog. He wants to know the what about all the things I don’t know. I find myself making up answers, hoping that he will forget it and not remember that I flat out lied to him. “That,” I say, looking at the open metal box with all the wires and plugs at the end of our street, “is what makes our TVs work.” You know what he says in response, I know you do. “Why?”

There was a time when he was younger that I could actually work with him in the room. I had to keep my eye on him, but I did not have to actually explain my boobs, and I could keep my mind on my work. Now, I find my brain physically tries to divide itself. One half for him, one half for my work.

What made his questioning even more special is that in writing ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE, I was writing about a woman who takes a job as a nanny for two children who have lost their mother to a car accident. The kids are not exactly welcoming to her, and I could imagine how difficult that would be. Jane turned out to be a better person than me. If it were me, I think it would be easy to care for the kids, but hard to really love them. Jane loved them. She loved them so much she could imagine herself as part of their lives…until devastating secrets emerged that threatened to destroy her search of her own identity as well her relationship with the children. You’ll have to read the book to know what the secrets are ;-).

Thank you so much for having me here today. I hope you enjoy ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE. If you want to know WHY about me, I invite you to visit my website, http://www.julialondon.com. Thank you so much for having me here today!

Check out Mandie's Review of One Season of Sunshine

What's a pecksy?

This morning my girls and I were curled up in bed coming up with words.  It's something we do sometimes. We make up a word then create a meaning to it.  It's great fun for a 3 & 5 yr old.
So this morning we can up with the work "Pecksy" Not quite sure where it came from, but it did.After about 30 mins we finally came up with a meaning... Pecksy - noun  A fried woodpecker sandwich smothered with mayo and topped with pepper jack cheese, onions and pickles.
Origin : The Stevens' household 2010
Please note, no woodpeckers were actually hurt :) What would your definition for Pecksy be? Or do you have a fun word you made up?

Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Simple Sangria Recipe

I felt inspired by my friends this week to post this since we all got together for a drink. This is a very easy recipe that you can build on and make your own.

Ingredients
1 bottle of light- or medium-bodied red wine
2 cups lemonade
2 tablespoons sugar
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) brandy, optional
1 navel orange, thinly sliced
1/2 pint large, plump blackberries, strawberries or other berries
1 cup club soda
Directions
1.Combine wine, lemonade, sugar, and brandy (if using) in a large pitcher and stir to dissolve sugar. Add fruit and pour in club soda. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more before serving to allow fruit to macerate and sweeten sangria. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice.


Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Tips for Cleaning your Dishwasher

How often do you clean your dishwasher? I mean really clean it? I'm sure you don't think much about it since you are putting all of those detergents in there, you probably assume it's going to be clean right?  Once we take our dishwasher completely apart and deep clean everything. I've found everything from tiny little fish bones to goo in the pipe - ewww.I don't suggest this unless you really know what you're doing (like my husband- certainly not me) becauseit will void your warranty but here are some other tips for cleaning it.

It really is very important to rinse of all of the dishes before you put them in there. Even the dishwashers that are powerful - like mine. I've pulled the tubes out, I've seen how gunked up it can get, even with the super washers.

Every few days I take an old toothbrush and scrub around the edges of the dishwasher, the grim and scum from the detergents can build up and effect the seal.

Pull out the bottom rack of the dishwasher and give it a good wipe down. That's where I also found some of the fish bones.

By placing a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and using the hottest water available, run the dishwasher through a cycle - except for the cup of vinegar, the dishwasher needs to be empty.
The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitizes, and helps remove the stinky odors.

You can also use baking soda to make it fresh and bright.Just sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. Baking soda is also helpful in removing stains.



Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.

Those Who Choose

{This was an essay I wrote about two years ago for my personal blog. I’m happy to report that those who chose then are still close to us now.}

In the past few years, I have learned so many lessons. . .literally hard-learned ones! And don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for them, even if I didn’t know at the time I would be.

One of the hardest lessons has been learning about those who choose. It is sweet, and it is painful.

When my dad first got sick, back when he was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma, we had all sorts of friends and family rally around us. There were meals delivered, cards sent, offers of help. And we were grateful and appreciative. And then. . .life went on. My dad came home from the hospital, and all of our lives fell into what became the normal pattern.

Fast forward five years: my dad started needing hospitalization more and more frequently, until finally, in May, he went into the hospital and never came home. It was a long six weeks of trips to and from the hospital, followed by the blur of grief. When my mother was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia two months later, it seemed more than we could bear.

Apparently, it WAS more than some people could bear. We realized as the months went on that we heard from fewer and fewer people.

But that is not who I want to talk about. I want to talk about those who choose. Because those who chose to hang on with us, those who chose to call each week, those who listened when we cried or whined. . .those are the people whom I will always treasure as my nearest and dearest. Turns out blood isn’t thicker than water, but love is stronger than obligation.

Those who choose could have stopped calling or writing after my mom died. They could have decided that since we moved south, or since it was really my parents with whom they were friends, or since we really didn’t “need” them anymore, they could back away.

But they didn’t. They called. They wrote. They listened. They advised. They visited! And most of all, they loved. They chose to love, even when it was painful or less than convenient.

I want to be one who chooses. Don’t you?



Tawdra Kandle is stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of four children who range in age from 9 years to 21 years. She and her husband of over 22 years live in central Florida, where he is in seminary. Tawdra spends most of her precious free time writing and reading, and she loves to travel. She is also a resident writer for Taking Time for Mommy. View more of her Articles HERE. You can also follow Tawdra on twitter and her blog, Publishing Quest

CSN Store $80 Gift Card Giveaway!

I'm getting ready to redecorate my daughters' play room and I found this adorable Vanity.

 I found it from CSN Stores  and I'm excited to announce that they are allowing me to give away an $80 gift card (one time use) that is good at any of their many stores.  Have you heard of them before? They offer EVERYTHING from baby & kids items, furniture, hand bags, even school items if you're a Homeschooling mama like me and want to set up your own classroom. Their patio furniture is gorgeous too.  I really want to get my girls this revolving book case. to match the Vanity too. They love butterflies!

They also have cookware, lighting, and a site for modern furniture and decor.
So you have PLENTY to choose from if you are the winner!
There may be shipping charges or, in the case of Canadian addresses, international fees for certain products. It is important for you to check that while picking out your product.Mandatory Entry - Tell me what you'd get if you won the $80 gift card?

+1 Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on Twitter
Tweet about it (1 entry per tweet per day.)
+1 Extra Entry - Follow Taking Time for Mommy on FaceBook
+1 Entry - Follow my other blog Mommy Reads too Much Publicly on Google Friend Connect
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+2 Entries - Comment on any non-giveaway post on either Taking Time for Mommy or Mommy Reads Too Much (You can this this as much as you want)
+5 Entries - Signing up for our weekly Newsletter (form to the right)
+5 subscribe to our feed (right)
+3 Entries -Fan our writer Tawdra Kandle on Associated Content and comment on one of her articles
+1 Follow Tawdra on Twitter
+3 Follow Tawdra's Blog Publishing Quest
+10 Blog about it and leave me the link to check it out
+5 Add the Contest in a link on the side of your blog, remember to leave me a link

Giveaway will end July 31st at 11:59pm. The winners will be chosen by random.org and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to U.S and Canada 18+

**Freebie Alert** Copy of Sesame Street Magazine

Download your FREE copy of Sesame Street Magazine. Together, you and your child can enjoy a colorful array of stories, games, activities and more.
Here




Mandie Stevens is owner of Taking Time for Mommy & Mommy Reads too Much. She's a homeschooling mom of 2 girls and believes every mom should take a little time for herself.