Bullies

Earlier this week, I took Baby C to an indoor playground not too far from home.  Normally, I hate paying for "free play," but I needed to get Baby C and I out of the house and socializing with others to help cure my Winter Blues.

Baby C was so excited to get down and play the minute we walked in the door.  We paid for our hour of, what I thought would be fun, and put our belongings in the cubby.  Baby C took off right away.  She was the happiest little girl running around with a ball half her size.  Until some boy, at least three times her age, grabbed the ball from her and took off.  Who steals a ball from the cutest baby on Earth?

I picked up Baby C, found a new ball and headed to the divided toddler area.  As Baby C was having a ball (pun intended), out of no where, the same little boy jumps the wall, grabs Baby C's ball out of her hands saying, "give me that," and jumps back over to the big kid section.  I was in complete shock that someone would do that AND wondered who in the world would let their child do something like that?  A parent who obviously isn't paying attention to their child.

My heart sank for Baby C, knowing that there would be even more bullies in this world coming her way and I won't be able to protect her from them.  But she just kept on playing as if nothing had happened.  She began to climb the little tree house, when another little girl (who was at least 4 or 5 and looked much like the ball stealer) says to me, "Um, excuse me, but this is for big kids."  I wanted to say, "Um, excuse yourself right out of the toddler area."  But I didn't.  I simply replied, "It's okay for my daughter to play here."

After wrapping up our hour of fun misery, I picked Baby C up and headed home.  The little events played over and over in my head and I wondered if I should have done something about the incidences that happened.  Should I have reprimanded the boy or maybe talked to a supervisor?  Or was I just overreacting and kids will be kids?

Have you ever been in this kind of situation?  What did you do or what would you have done?  This new mama needs advice and reassurance.  

Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One Prayer {Celebrating Lent}

I have lost many family members and friends to the Lord in my life.  And I'm sure you have too.  Even when we know that our loved one is in a more peaceful place, the pain can sometimes feel like too much to bare.

This past weekend, my family and I took a mini vacation to the mountains.  As we exited our condo for breakfast, we passed by many police and paramedics.  Later that day, I found out that a man lost his life due to heart conditions, while his wife was relaxing at the spa.  I didn't know either of them, but my heart sank as I listened to the coroner speak to friends of the family over the phone.  It made me realize how precious life is and how it can be taken away at any time.

I came across this simple, yet beautiful poem that made me smile.  I hope it helps to heal your heart too.

MAY YOU HAVE PEACE

I cannot say that I know, just how you feel

For your hurt is so great, and will take God's touch to heal

Yet is it possible for such a wound, to completely ever mend

When you've lost your mate, parent, child or good friend

Please know that I pray for you, each and every day

And feel God's Holy Spirit, in small and simple ways

And then I am reminded, of such a simple phrase

With all the strength that's in you, please walk by faith

So come to me and talk about, anything you feel

For I'll be here in body, but Christ will soon reveal

That while it is impossible, for a friend to end your pain

HE will bring about a peace, and in your hurt sustain

Author: Brian G. Jett

If you lost a loved one or know someone who needs prayer, leave a comment below or email me.  Learn more about my {Celebrating Lent} series and let's come together in prayer.  

The Mother of Purls Review and Giveaway

Growing up in Florida, we frequently visited Disney World.  Minnie Mouse is one of our favs!  Since we now live in Colorado, I completely fell in love with The Mother of Purls and her precious Minnie Mouse Hat . . . the perfect mix of Florida and Colorado!

Michelle is the owner of The Mother of Purls and a blessed mother of four small children, 3 girls and 1 boy, ranging in ages 2-9.  She and her husband live in Northern Michigan where she works as an ICU nurse and volunteers as a youth leader at her church.  Michelle first taught herself how to knit two years ago while her daughter was in the hospital with pneumonia.  She needed something to do during the few, long days that they were there.  So she grabbed some needles, yarn and YouTube and she's been hooked every since!  Now Michelle finds herself so excited about knitting, that she has her next project planned before finishing the one she is currently working on.  She opened her shop in January to feed her need to knit and hopefully let others enjoy her creations too.  

I don't think Michelle will have a problem finding people to enjoy her beautiful creations.  All of her items are hand knit with attention to detail.  Orders are fully customizable and come in most sizes.  And her prices are so reasonable.  The Mother of Purls' knits are fun too!  Baby C received the Minnie Mouse Hat along with a pair of sweet, custom booties.  Not only does everything fit perfectly, the quality of the knits are outstanding, as well.  The hat and booties have kept Baby C snuggly and warm in this chilly and snowy Colorado weather.  When Baby C out grows these knits, I can use them as hand-me-downs for years to come.  The Mother of Purls hand knits everything from women's hats, boot cuffs and ear warmers to baby leg warmers, booties and hats . . . and more!  

Baby C excited about her new hat and booties!

Custom booties for Baby C.

Keeping warm in the mountains with her new hat.

Stop on by The Mother of Purls' Etsy Shop today!  You won't be disappointed.  Ready to shop?  Use the coupon code {TINYBLESSINGS} at check out to receive 10% off your order.  The Mother of Purls would love for you to connect with her on her Blog and Facebook Fan Page too!

The Mother of Purls is blessing one of my readers with a $20 Gift Certificate to her Etsy Shop.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  There are no mandatory entries, however, the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for writing this review post.  The Mother of Purls provided product for review, but my review and opinions are my own and were not influenced by outside sources.

A Prayer for the Unemployed {Celebrating Lent}

Losing a job is ONE of the hardest things I went through.  And the inability to find a job was just as crushing.  I knew I was a good great employee.  I was honest and hard working.  And I loved my job.  I did my best each day.  But as the economy took it's toll, so did my job.

I know there are so many people out there in this same situation.  Your self-esteem and self-worth begin to crumble as each rejection comes in.  It stinks.  And you wonder, why me?  So, today, my prayers go out to the unemployed.  That they keep faith and not lose hope.  No matter how long it takes, know that God has the perfect position for you.

I found this beautiful prayer online that does not have an author.  I wish I had this prayer when I was seeking employment.  I hope this prayer brings comfort to you or someone you know who searching for a job.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ,

You wanted all who are weary

To come to You for support.

Lord, I am worn out

By my inability to find work.

Guide my steps to a righteous path;

Give me the patience

To find opportunities with a future.

Calm my worries and fears

As my financial responsibilities mount.

Strengthen my resolve;

Embolden my heart to open doors;

Open my eyes to see life beyond rejection.

Help me believe in me.

Let me realize other ways

To bring about your kingdom on Earth.

Let me grow as a person

That I may be worthy

For Your greater glory.

In the name of the Father.

Amen.

If you are unemployed or know someone who is that needs prayer, feel free to leave a comment or email me.  Learn more about my {Celebrating Lent} series and let's come together in prayer.

A Prayer for Mothers {Celebrating Lent}

Ever since I became a mother, I have a new appreciation for a mother's love.  Moms love with their heart and soul that can't be described in words.  From the moment their child is placed in their arms, their heart has changed forever.

Today's prayer is for Moms:

For single moms
For married moms

For moms who lost a child to the Lord
For moms who lost a child to mental illness

For working moms

For stay-at-home-moms

For adopted moms
For biological moms
For moms with a sick child
For moms with a healthy child
For happy moms
For depressed moms
For struggling moms
For moms with gifted children
For moms with children who struggle
For anxious moms
For calm moms
For lonely moms
For moms with lots of friends
For moms with illnesses
For healthy moms

For all Moms!

I ask God to bless and watch over each mommy today.  No matter what they are going through, lay Your comforting hand and show your love to the moms who raise Your children.  May they make the right choices and follow Your plan.  May they trust You and know that You are always by their side.  Please give them the energy they need when they feel tired and weak.  Strengthen them when they are down or feeling discouraged.  Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of all moms!

If you are a mom or know of a mom who needs prayers today, feel free to leave a comment or email me.  Learn more about my {Celebrating Lent} series and let's come together in prayer!  

May she who gave you birth be happy. ~ Proverbs 23:25     

Celebrating Lent

This will be the first year that I can remember where I will officially not be celebrating Lent.  And it's tough, because this season of the church year has always been one of my favorites.  The Lenton season has always brought new life and meaning, as well as, helped me to grow as a christian.  But after our meeting last May with the deacon, I am sad to say, I am still homeless.

One thing I have learned is that "religion" is not perfect, but my God is.  And though I haven't found my home yet, I've met some pretty incredible and faithful people that God has brought into my life.  We've attended a local church and I found a mommy's group filled with God's love flowing threw so many encouraging women.

So this year, I'll be celebrating Lent a little bit differently, not with the church, but still in my heart.  Last year, my Lenton promise was to worry less and pray more.  I also made this a part of my New Year's Resolution this year.  I want to expand on this a little more.  I'm going to take time to pray, and I mean, really pray, for someone or a group of people who are in need prayers, each day of Lent.  My goal is to share with you each of the 40 days, but I know it may not be possible with a toddler and life circumstances.  I may have to get creative as of when and where I'll be praying.

Though I pray often and throughout the day, I'm often praying for myself.  So I really want to be focused on praying for others.  I know I'm not anyone special, but if you would like me to pray for you or someone you know, please feel free to leave a comment or email me.  I would be more than happy to pray for you.  And I hope my readers will join me in prayer too.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

The Winter Blues

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Philippians 4:6

I'm ready for summer!  The past couple of weeks have been rough on me, emotionally.  I love the sunshine and I can't stand being cooped up in the house all the time.  There was plenty of snow last week, then I got sick and Baby C had a fever for 3 days.  So we have been stuck in the house.

You know you have the winter blues and cabin fever when you are pumped to take your baby to the grocery store.  And I hate grocery shopping.  The only thing I needed was milk for Baby C, but I found myself pushing the cart down many of the isles very slowly, just to be out of the house.  I'm really looking forward to getting out more next week.  I sure hope there is no snow in store.

What do you do to lift your mood when you have the winter blues or cabin fever?

Horizon {Find Happy} Giveaway

My new year's resolution this year is to take baby steps  to create a healthier life for my family.  In doing so, we have switched to organic foods whenever financially possible.  One of my favorites is Horizon dairy.  It's not easy making healthy decisions for your family every day.  That's why I love all the resources Horizon provides, including topics from animal welfare to healthy eating, differences between organic milk and conventional milk, and ways in which Horizon helps support parents.

Horizon also offers great tools, resources, coupons and a Toolbox for Mom on their Facebook page.  They have launched a "Find Happy" app on their Facebook page, as well.  Participants are asked daily questions about Horizon to help unlock a series of maps that will eventually help locate Happy, the Horizon cow gracing all Horizon packaging.  The first 50 people who correctly identify Happy's location will be entered to win a trip to Jamaica!  

Horizon is also offering my Sweet Tiny Blessings' readers a chance to win a Horizon's reusable bag, coupons, pen and notebook, just like the picture below.

Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!  Good luck!

My Valentines

I have called you by name: you are mine....I will be with you.... Because you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you. Is. 43:1, 2, 4

At the beginning of February of last year, Baby C came home from the hospital a second time. We put her in a sweet Valentine dress gifted from Grandma and Pop Pop and her tiny, red, Dorothy shoes from Pop and Bebe.  I tapped her tiny feet together and reminded her there's no place like home.  I remember feeling so excited and extremely nervous, all at the same time.  I would finally have my baby girl home in my arms, but was unsure if I could protect her from harm.

A year later, Baby C is doing extraordinary!  And every year, at this time, I will remember all the love and support I received from my family and friends.  I will always remember the prayers they lifted high, their calming words and comforting hugs.  

I Asked God

I asked God for a flower, he gave me a bouquet

I asked God for a minute, he gave me a day

I asked God for true love, he gave me that too

I asked for an angel and he gave me you.

- John Raine -

Happy Valentine's Day!  What special memories do you share with your family on this day?

The Pacifier Is Back

Baby C was slowly letting go of her paci habit.  She had only been using it to help her fall asleep at night or for nap time.  But ever since she started teething again, the paci has returned in full force.

Baby C had never been effected by teething before, but these recent teeth that are popping through have really caused her pain.  The only thing that seemed to soothe her, was the rocking chair with her paci.  Now that her teeth have broken through the gums, she refuses to let go of the paci.

It wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't for her crying whenever she misplaced it.  She'll put it down while she is playing or reading her books and forgets where it is.  Then I have to search the house endlessly until it is found.  I think I'm going to stock up on pacifiers this week.

What is your sweet tiny blessing's attachment item?

Lucky Clover {St. Patrick's Day Event}

Are you feeling lucky?

Trista from Andersons Angels & Courtney from Joy Of Momma Joyner are excited to host a FUN blog hop event called Lucky Clover St Patrick's Event! It will run from 12:01am EST Saturday March 17, 2012 through 11:59pm EST Friday March 23, 2012. It's super easy to join in on the fun!


Rules to Participate: 

• You must get at least a $25 prize/package together to be given away during the event. It can be ANYTHING!  (Ideas: All Green Things, "Green" Living, St Patrick's Day, Lucky Items, Spring Fun, etc.)
• You must display the event button in your sidebar from now until the event ends
• Participation is completely FREE! All you have to do is make sure the button is on your blog side bar, and write a post encouraging other bloggers to join in the fun! Put the link to the blog post in the form.
• If you would like to participate in a GRAND PRIZE CASH GIVEAWAY, you can send $5(gift) to tristaeanderson05@gmail.com via PayPal. This will get you TWO social media entry options! (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Email, GFC, Pinterest, Klout, etc.) The GRAND PRIZE CASH value will be determined when we know how many people are going to participate in that part of the giveaway. The GRAND PRIZE CASH GIVEAWAY will be hosted on Anderson's Angels and Joy Of Momma Joyner. We ask that you refer your readers to either of those two sites to enter the CASH GIVEAWAY!

If you have any questions feel free to email Trista at andersonsangels2010@gmail.com or Courtney at joyofmommajoyner@gmail.com 


You will definitely want to join us in this FUN Event! But you've got to HURRY! Sign-ups will end as soon as there are 75 blogs participating OR by March 10, 2012! Your spot on the Linky will be determined by how soon you fill out the form. We are so excited to spread the LUCK together! Don't forget, once you have your blog post up, fill out THIS FORM and put the link to your post in that form.

Fit Moms For Life Review and Giveaway

I always struggled a bit with my weight growing up, until I hit college.  I started working out consistently and making better food choices.  And I always tried to partner with someone as much as I could, to keep me on track and motivated.  But since then, there have been seasons and reasons in my life where my weight fluctuated a bit lot.

Stresses, illnesses and having a baby are just a few of the reasons that has caused me to let go of being fit. But in all honesty, these are the top reasons in my life why I should be fit.  Exercising releases endorphines that relieves pain, enhances the immune system, and reduces stress.  Healthy and delicious foods do the same.  And as a mom, I am my daughter's most important role model.  I need to stay healthy for her, so she continous to stay fit and healthy too.

I normally turn down book reviews.  Having a toddler leaves me little time to read.  But Fit Moms For Life intrigued me.  Not because I needed to lose weight, because I don't. But because I want to stay fit and healthy.  If you think you can't do it, you need to read these remarkable inspirational stories.  There are moms from all walks of life who have succeeded at losing weight and staying fit.

 This book is perfect for moms, but it's great for women in general too.  You'll learn why traditional cardio doesn't lose fat, ways to see results 9 times faster with burst training, ways to create a healthy environment to create a more fit family and much more.

Fit Moms For Life was written by Dustin Maher.  His mission and vision is to reach one million moms by the end of 2015 with the support they need to change their mindset, eat better, exercise effectively, and be part of fit families and communities so they can tranform their bodies and their lives.  Dustin has helped thousands of women get in amazing shanpe all over the US and world.  He has been on TV, in magazines and newspapers, on radio shows and has over 250 YouTube videos.  You can connect with Dustin through his free newsletter, on Twitter and Facebook.

Are you ready to change your life?  Dustin is giving away a copy of his Fit Moms For Life book to one of my Sweet Tiny Blessings' reader.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.  Good Luck!

Mardi Gras Earrings and Gift Certificate Review and Giveaway

I love giving gifts to friends and family, especially ones that have special meaning.  I was given some very beautiful jewelry from a new friend of mine, Jesse, from Jesse Anne Designs.  Though I had picked out several of the pieces she had given me, one piece was calling me to give away.

Jesse created this unique piece of jewelry by taking the art of watercolors from paper and making them into a wearable piece.  It is chemistry, biology, art and other forms of work all mixed together.  I decided to give this beautiful piece to one of my friends from college.  She is a newlywed and trying to conceive.  The process has been stressful and at times she feels as though it's not meant to be.  But I truly BELIEVE that God plants seeds in our hearts for a reason.  So I decided to give up this beautiful charm to my dear friend.  

In celebration of Mardi Gras, Jesse Anne Designs is doing the same and wants you to do so also.  Jesse is giving away 2 pairs of Mardi Gras earrings.  One for you to keep and one to give away to a friend.  And that's not all, she is giving away a $15 gift certificate too!

While Mardi Gras mean many things to many people, one item that is incorporated into almost every Mardi Gras celebration is beads of every size, shape and color.  The purple represents justice, the green symbolizes faith and the gold exemplifies power.

Connect with Jesse Anne Designs on {Etsy} and her {Blog}. 

Ready for the giveaway?  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  There are no mandatory entries, but the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.  Good luck!

Thirty-One Online Party

I met Camie as a freshman in college.  As I nervously sat down in my first class, Camie told me to watch out for the roach on the floor.  Her friendliness ease my nerves immediately.  And only as God would have it, we ended up having every class together that semester.  We were two peas in a pod, studying together, working out together, eating together and sometimes we even wore the same thing (great minds think alike). 

Though I haven't seen Camie in YEARS, we often keep in touch through email or Facebook.  Camie is one of the sweetest and most genuine person I have ever met.  She is beautiful on the inside and out.  And has a giving and amazing heart for the Lord.  That's why it didn't surprise me one bit when I found out she was a Thirty-One independent consultant.

Camie has only been a part of the Thirty-One family since late July.  She attended a friend's party just for something to do.  But had no intention to shop.  She is a stay-at-home-mom with two kids, and with the budget she was on, she knew she couldn't make any purchases.  When she arrived, she fell in love with some of the products at first glance.  Like a good girl, she left without shopping, but she did book a party!  After a successful home show, she thought, "I could make money doing this!"  So here she is!

If you haven't heard of Thirty-One before, it is a Christain-based company founded by a working mom.  Cindy Monroe started sewing purses in her basement because she didn't think it was fair that she couldn't shop the cute boutique stores because of her work schedule.  She wanted to bring those chic boutique items to women just like her.  Today, Thirty-One has grown to a nation-wide company whose motto is, "Celebrate, Encourage, Reward."  And that is what Camie does!  Yes, Camie likes the paycheck, meeting wonderful women and getting out of the house a bit, but she really loves the fun, free and discounted products Thirty-One gives their consultants!  Camie loves purses and that's all it took to draw her to Thirty-One.  But to her, there is so much more to it now than just selling purses.

She is so glad that back in July, a consultant encouraged her, a non-saleswoman, and shared her Thirty-One story with her.  The consultant's advice to Camie, "It's only $99 to start and you'll make that back at the first party.  If you think you can't do it, you've lost nothing, but you are going to LOVE it."  And she does!

We Are Having A Party!

Who: You!  And bring a friend too!

When: February 3rd-8th 2012

Where: Right where you are in the comfort of your own home.  It's an online party.  Visit http://www.mythirtyone.com/camiewalker/!

What: For every $31 you spend, you get any item 31% off!  Come check out the new Spring collection!

Check out Camie's site and share it with a friend.  You can learn more about Thirty-One, place an order, host a party or join her team!

Sharing Shaklee {Week 9} Basic H2

Basic H2 is not only safe for you, it's good for the environment.  Here's an example:  The most common brands of window cleaners (many of which are loaded with ammonia, among other toxic chemicals) come in twenty-six-ounce plastic spray bottles (some are a quart).  It would take 5,824 bottles of twenty-six-ounce window cleaner to equal the window cleaning power of one sixteen-once bottle of Get Clean Basic H2.  Think about the plastic mountain 5,824 spray bottles would create.  Now think about them dumped in your local landfill, where they will remain, essentially unchanged, for centuries.

Why so many bottles?  Because most of what's in them is just plain water.  You are paying an average of $3.69 for twenty-six ounces of mostly water.  Why so expensive?  Think of all the energy and fuel they use  up shipping millions of bottles of mostly water around the country and the world.  That's why Basic H2 is super concentrated, because you can add your own water.

Want to make your own safe and green cleaner? (Or maybe you are temporarily out of Basic H2.)  Here are two you can try.  The ingredients are available in most supermarkets.

Citrus Floor Cleaner

1 gallon hot water

2 tablespoons liquid castile soap

15 drops sweet orange essential oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

Combine in large bucket

Window Cleaner

3 cups water

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix and spray

Source: Green Goes With Everything

To purchase Basic H2 or any other Shaklee products, visit my independent distributor website {EncouragingHealthy.MyShaklee.com}.