Harvest Pumpkins Are Like Christians Activity

This year for Halloween we will be handing out scripture candy - which is exactly what it sounds like, candy with scripture verses attached.  On the card, there was a fun message - Harvest Pumpkins Are Like Christians.  I thought I would share it with you and how we made it into an activity with the kids!

1) A pumpkin must be CHOSEN.  God graciously chooses all who trust Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (John 1:12; 3:16).

This kids and I chose this pumpkin from a barrel at Walmart.

2) A pumpkin must be CLEANED.  God forgives and washes away our sins because Jesus shed His blood on the cross (Ps. 51:2; Col. 1:14).

Opening the pumpkin to clean the inside.

The inside of our pumpkin.

 The kids took turns scooping out the mush and seeds.

 Voila, clean on the inside.

 Doesn't look too different on the outside - yet!

3) A pumpkin is CHANGED.  God changes those who accept Him into new people whose hearts desire to please Him instead of self (2 Cor. 5:17).

 Changing our pumpkin

Our new pumpkin!

4) A pumpkin should CAST light.  God fills Christians with His Spirit and allows His love and joy to shine brightly through them (Mat. 5:16).

Casting light

This was an easy and fun activity!

Purex Moms, Win a Day Off Sweepstakes

I have another great sweepstakes to tell you about from Purex.  The Moms, Win a Day Off Sweepstakes has launched!

Purex salutes Mothers!  They want to provide a much-needed day off to a deserving Mom.  You can go here to enter for yourself or nominate another deserving Mom.

What would a day off look like?  Purex will have a maid service clean your house and do the laundry while you get a mani-pedi, hire a baby sitter to watch the kids and have dinner delivered so you don't have to cook - now that would be great!

Remember to enter here, sweepstakes ends November 13th.  Good luck!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to the Purex Insiders program and Purex for allowing me to be a part of this campaign and providing information about this Sweepstakes!  As part of this campaign I am eligible to win prizes!

Green Giant - Raise a Giant & $25 Giveaway

Green Giant knows it takes a lot more to raise a healthy child then just getting them to eat their vegetables.  Kids these days live in a world that is bigger and scarier than the world we grew up in, and they need help and encouragement to navigate that world with confidence and pride.  Unfortunately one of the hardest tings kids have to deal with is bullying.  When a child is bullied by a peer it can turn his or her life into a daily gauntlet of fear and anxiety.  That's why Green Giant is partnering with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise a Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.

What Does it Mean To Be A Giant?
Being a giant isn't about being the biggest or the best.  Being a giant means standing up for others.  It mean lending a hand to those who are in trouble and speaking up for those who sometimes find it hard to speak up for themselves.  Studies show that an effective way to stop bullying is for kids to simply speak up and say, "That's not okay" when they see bullying happening.  But asking kids to have the courage to stand up to bullying is a tall order and that's why they need out help.

How Do You Raise A Giant?
Green Giant is asking parents to write a letter to their kids telling them how special they are and encouraging them to be a part of the bullying prevention solution by being a giant.  To get started, parents can visit their community at RaiseAGiant.com and read the letters others have written.

So Here is My Letter (I have several to write but I will start with A)

Dear A,

   I am so proud of you!  I love watching you grow daily in knowledge and the ways of the Lord.  I appreciate your helpfulness and your cheerful spirit.  You are quick to think of others and jump in and help when needed.  I am amazed at your swimming talent (I think Daddy is too).
   We haven't really had to talk a lot about bullying as right now I homeschool you but it is a topic to be aware of and know about.  Sometimes people say mean things and sometimes people do mean things.  Rude actions and rude words are very hurtful - both physically and mentally.  I am your Mother and I never want you to experience this but to some degree we all experience this in some form or fashion.  It is important to remember that you are never alone.  God is always with you and your Father and I are here for you as well.  If you ever experience someone saying or doing hurtful things I want you to let me know.  If you ever see this happening to someone else I hope that you again will let me know.  Sometimes it may seem that saying nothing is the best solution but I assure you the bravest course of action is to ask for help.
   When I was younger I was sometimes teased.  It definitely didn't make me feel good inside to hear people say bad things about me.  Luckily, I had good friends who helped me know that those things were not true.  I did not say mean things back - that is not the way to go.  Hurting other people because they hurt you does not make you feel good, it actually hurts you more.  Trust in the Lord and who He has made you to be.

I love you to the moon and back,
                                                Mommy

Now, how about you?
I challenge you to write your own letter to your child/children and partner with Green Giant in being a part of the bullying prevention solution.  Visit RaiseAGiant.com and get started.

Ready for a Giveaway?
Green Giant has offered a $25 gift card to one of you.  Just enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by Green Giant through MyBlogSpark.

Audrey Bunny Book Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to FlyBy and the sponsor for providing this information and giveaway.

   

I have a super cute children's book to tell you about, Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith with illustrations by Breezy Brookshire.  This story felt so near to my heart.  I am a huge fan of Angie Smith and I have been a long time reader of her blog.  I remember reading when she lost her sweet baby, Audrey Caroline, and a part of me ached with her.  This story is such a beautiful reminder of her life - short, sweet and hugely impactful.

We are introduced to the loveable Audrey Bunny, a bunny with a smudge on her fur right over her heart.  She fears that she will never be loved because of her imperfection.  However, what Audrey Bunny will learn is that her imperfection is what draws her new owner, Caroline, to love her - just as she is.  The story is engaging and weaves spiritual truths within.  The illustrations are perfect - Breezy Brookshire did a wonderful job capturing all elements.  I love the Parent Connection page in the back that guides parents and their children to dig a little deeper into the Bible and remember the truth that God speaks.

 My Audrey with Audrey Bunny

 B loves to read.  She really enjoyed this book!  She also has a special Bunny so that is pretty fun for her.

D had a ton of fun finding Audrey Bunny in the pictures.

I cannot say enough good things about this book.  And I don't think it is coincidence that Audrey Bunny is now #1 in Christian Children's Books at Amazon.com!  Read more about this book and author below, go here to purchase your own copy and make sure to enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a copy.

About Audrey Bunny

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.

[Also included]: The Parent Connection (last page of the book) shares discussion questions and activities reinforcing God's love for us.

Angie Smith is the wife of Todd Smith (lead singer of Dove Award winning group Selah), best-selling author of Mended, I Will Carry You, and What Women Fear, and one of the most popular speakers and blog writers in the country. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and lives with her husband and daughters in Nashville, TN.

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Like Purex and Win More Time for Mom Sweepstakes

The Like Purex and Win More Time for Mom Sweepstakes has launched!

With the kids back in school, that usually means more time for Mom - shopping, scrap-booking, reading, you name it.  While I homeschool and my experience is not the same as those who public school there are still opportunities where I can give my kids assignments and have some down time like everyone else.

Each week from October 16th to November 19th, Purex will be giving away some amazing "More Time for Mom" prizes:

• Oct. 16 – 22:
  Cosmetics Shopping Spree
• Oct. 23 – 29:
  Scrap-booking Shopping Spree
• Oct. 30 – Nov. 5:
  Home Décor Shopping Spree
• Nov. 6 – 12:
  New Wardrobe Shopping Spree
• Nov. 13 – 19:
  Kindle Fire!

Each weekly grand prize winner will also receive a FREE year's supply of Purex liquid detergent and 2nd place winners each week will receive a Kindle eReader.  Enter here today!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to the Purex Insiders program and Purex for allowing me to be a part of this campaign and providing information about this Sweepstakes!  As part of this campaign I am eligible to win prizes!

The Pumpkin Patch

A neighborhood church sells pumpkins every year to raise money for their youth program.  We have a good time picking out a pie pumpkin and taking photos.  Here are some of our photos from this year.

 A being a little silly.

 B amongst the pumpkins.

 C picking one out.

 D being super cute.

And E and I - this also shows how big I am getting!  Less than 11 weeks to go :).

Tell me and I forget...

Tell me and I forget...

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TakeLessons Creative Community

How to Find the Right Academic Tutor

Looking for an academic tutor for your child? Take a look at these helpful tips from TakeLessons. #sponsored

How to Find the Right Academic Tutor

Finding the right tutor for one on one tutoring can make a world of difference to a young scholar. If it’s a good match, he or she can help the student understand complicated ideas while building his confidence and commitment to learning. The tricky part, though, is finding that teacher. Check out our tips here...

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TakeLessons Creative Community

Officially 36

I celebrated my 36th birthday yesterday!  David and the kids made me a Cookies and Cream Cake (which was delicious) and gave me an animal themed party - it was a lot of fun. 

 What a 36th birthday cake looks like on fire!

 The inside of the cake

David surprised me and took the afternoon off work :).  I was able to take B to dance class and stay and watch, which is not always possible so that was a real treat.

B tapping, 4th from the left

And then I got to go to book club and see lots of my friends.  Their were balloons, flowers, a chocolate cake, lots of yummy treats and drinks and fabulous company.  My day couldn't have been better.  Here is to another year!

My Werther's Original Movie Party

 The star of the party - Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn

I was selected to host a Werther's Original Movie Party through MommyParties!  My kit included 12 bags of Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn, a Soul Surfer DVD, Coupons, Recipes and Fact Sheets.

 Our movie food spread.

Not only did I serve Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn as is but I also made Chocolate Caramel Clusters and Caramel Popcorn Snack Mix.

Chocolate Caramel Clusters

Ingredients: 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 4 cups of Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn, Sprinkles/Shredded Coconut/Other toppings (optional)

Instructions:  Line muffin pans with paper cups.  Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove top, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.  Place the popcorn in a large bowl and pour the melted chocolate on top.  Stir until well coated.  Place spoonfuls of the mixture in the muffin tins and decorate with sprinkles of other toppings if desired.  Refrigerate for 20-25 minutes or until set.

Finished Chocolate Caramel Clusters

Caramel Popcorn Snack Mix

Caramel Popcorn Snack Mix

Ingredients: 8 cups of Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn, 3 cups crispy rice cereal, 1 cup pecans or walnuts, 1 cup hard-shelled candy coated chocolates (I used M&Ms)

Instructions:  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss together.  Portion into individual bags or serve as is.

Party Mix in fun bags.

 The drink station - water and root beer floats!

 Bear Guessing Game - How many pieces of Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn are in the bear?  Answer = 33

 The cookie master making her guess!

Soul Surfer

We watched about half of the movie and had to take a break.  One of my friends was having a difficult time right after Bethany's accident.  I have seen the entire movie and really enjoyed it.  For those who may not know, Soul Surfer is the inspiring true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton.  She lost her arm in a shark attack.  This movie tells her story, shares her faith, and her ability to overcome the odds and become a champion surfer once again.  I highly recommend it but I will warn you that right at the accident it is not for those that are queasy.

 Fun with friends!

Party Favors - everyone left with coupons and their own bag of Werther's Original Caramel Popcorn!

Go here to check out the latest on Werther's Original and find mouthwatering caramel recipes, special offers, baking tutorials, and even giveaways and sweepstakes!

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to MommyParties and Werther's Original for allowing me this opportunity and providing me with the amazing Werther's Original Movie Party kit.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Moshi Monsters Review & Giveaway

Have you heard of Moshi Monsters?  Moshi Monsters is a whole world of fun, educational, and safe games and toys for children.  At MoshiMonsters.com kids can adopt a customized monster and take care of it.

 

MoshiMonsters.com

 

 Options of Monsters to Choose From

The kids choosing their monster and customizing it.

Daily your monster can complete a series of puzzles that test a variety of concepts from vocabulary, arithmetic, logic and spatial skills.  The difficulty calibrates daily so puzzles get harder or easier depending on how your child is doing.  I think that Moshi Monsters is more entertaining than educational but I love that it has educational concepts weaved into it.  By solving puzzles and playing games, kids earn Rox (virtual money - the currency in Monstro City).  They can then in turn spend their Rox in on-line stores creating an inventory for their pet monster.

A, B and C checking on their pet

There are numerous ways to interact on MoshiMonsters.com - the main ways are by playing games, taking care of your monster and creating your own virtual world.  This site is also an introduction to on-line social networking.  My children do not have experience with this and we haven't done a lot of this on MoshiMonsters.com - you can make friends, request friends, etc.  We have used it more for entertainment and education than the social aspects that are there but I wanted you to know that element exists.  And I feel that it is never to early to discuss Internet safety with your children!

Our new plush, Iggy

This virtual world is coming to life with a new set of toys - Moshling Collectible Figures.  You can collect and trade them as you wish.  These Moshling Collectible Figures start at $2.99 and are available at select Justice and Build a Bear stores near you.

We received a Moshi Monsters Super Fan Pack.

Inside our pack!

This pack is full of surprises.  It includes a 3-month membership to the Moshi Monsters on-line games, collectible trading cards, friendship cards, Moshi stickers, Mini Moshi Monsters magazine, a soft Iggy plush and a surprise collectible Moshling figure - we received the penguin, Peppy.  Keep reading for a chance to win a Super Fan Pack of your own.

To sign up for a FREE on-line account and adopt your own pet monster go here and be sure to check out the Moshling collection next time you are at Justice or Build a Bear!

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a Super Fan Pack of your own.  Just enter below and good luck!

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Disclosure:  Thanks so much to Moshi Monsters for sending me a Moshi Monsters Super Fan Pack to facilitate my review and providing one for this giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Don’t Quit Now! Keep Your Kid Motivated for...

Music is so important! Great tips for keeping your children motivated for music lessons.

Don’t Quit Now! Keep Your Kid Motivated for...

Few things are more frustrating than investing your time and money in an instrument and lessons for your child only to hear weeks later that they’ve changed their mind and don’t want to continue. Although you’re frustrated and you want your kid to get the many advantages that music lessons have to offer, you also don’t want to turn your home into a battleground. What’s a parent to do? If your child tells you that they don’t want to continue with music lessons or if you sense that their motivation is slipping, you can take action. Read on to find out what you can do to keep your kid committed to learning music! Ask Why, and Really Listen The most important thing you can do is really listen to what’s happening in your...Read More

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TakeLessons Creative Community

$100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway from Everything Mommyhood and MommyPolls!  

Cummins Life and Everything Mommyhood has teamed up with MommyPolls to offer our wonderful readers a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! We have some other great bloggers helping us out to promote this great event! Special thanks to our co-hosts A Spectacled Owl, Budget Earth, and Jenn Unplugged.

Seriously, who couldn't use an extra $100 with the Holidays coming up?  And of course, Amazon is the on-line store that has everything!

What Is MommyPolls? MommyPolls main focus it helping parents answer even the trickiest of questions and find out the opinions of other Moms and parents quickly and easily. They know that busy Moms have lots of questions to answer, parenting really is a language all of its own, but they also know that busy Moms don't have the time to sit researching each topic for hours, they want reliable help and answers, and they want them now.  

How Does MommyPolls Work? At MommyPolls.com you can vote on any poll you choose, follow any polls which are of particular interest to you, and comment on any of the polls. The choice is yours. Got a question? Sure you do. Well MommyPolls.com is the place to ask – it doesn't matter whether your question needs a quick "yes" or "no", or whether there's a whole variety of potential answers, just ask! All parenting related questions are welcome at MommyPolls.com. A visit to the open questions in our website might be all it takes to find the answer to your latest parenting conundrum. Questions are continually being added to our site but it's easy to keep abreast of the updates, just click to "follow" and whatever you are following will move to your personal page making it simple to see any updates without having to scroll down through the remainder of the website. Creating a personal page at MommyPolls.com gives you the chance to follow any polls or questions which are of particular interest to you, making it even quicker and easier to get rid of those nagging doubts and find the answers. Your personal page is a one stop shop to store any polls you choose to follow, the polls you yourself have added and any questions which you are created or need to learn the answers to.

When you get a chance or have a question, I recommend checking out MommyPolls for all of your parenting questions or concerns.

Now for the giveaway! MommyPolls is giving one lucky reader a $100 Amazon Gift Card to use however they wish!

US Residents 18 and up. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly via the Giveaway Tools entry form and will be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Giveaway begins 10/15/2013 at 12am EST and ends 11/5/2013 at 11:59pm EST.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This blog was not compensated for promotion of this giveaway. All opinions are 100% our own and were not influenced in any way. The sponsor will be responsible for prize shipment. Everything Mommyhood is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this giveaway. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.