WELCOME!
This is my Virtual Welcome Mat!
Take your shoes off and stay a while!
My main blog is over here at ilovemy5kids!

I'm a Christ-follower who has a household of 7 - who sometimes writes reviews, all with a Family Friendly perspective.


Friday, April 30, 2010

Rachael Ray Giveaway

CSN is giving me a chance to giveaway Rachael Ray' Bubble and Brown 12 oz. 2-Piece Au Gratin Set in cobalt blue.  CSN sells everything from Baby Cribs to Zebra sheets.  (It took me some time to find something I liked…there was sooooo much to chose from!)
I love cobalt blue!  It is my utmost favorite color!  My kitchen walls are a burnt orange (University of Texas orange) and cobalt blue!  I love the colors!
One of the reasons I love Rachael Ray is that she uses my colors!  They just make me happy!  And when Momma is happy well you know…
If I had these dishes I would make Quick Carbonara or Black Bean Salsa.
image
Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown 12 oz. 2-Piece Personal Au Gratin Set in Blue - 55222 by Rachael Ray  SKU #RRY1171 | Part #55222
Retail Value:  $28.95
Want to win it? 
I’m making this easy!!! Only one way to enter!
  • Leave a comment on this post.  That’s IT!
    (Make sure I can find your email.) 
Fine Print:
One email per entry!  Comments will be closed May 17, 2010.  One winner will be chosen by Random.org.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email if they haven’t responded – alternate will be chosen.  If email is not found – alternate will be chosen.  Word to the wise:  make email easy to find!
My Disclosure
Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!

Friday, April 23, 2010

In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon Book Review

image

In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3312-4
Available April 2010; $14.99

This book is the final book of the series Heroes of Quantico.  In some series, it is necessary to read the previous books to understand the final book – but this was not the case in In Harm’s Way.

Rachel Sutton finds a doll and feels she must share it with the authorities – so she takes it to the FBI.  Agent Nick Bradley wants to write her off but a series of events take place that connect the doll to an abducted child.  Now the child is not the only one who is in danger.  Every page makes you wonder what is going to happen on the next.

This book made my heart race.  I felt like a cheater as I turned to the last page to see the ending because I couldn’t handle the drama.

Again, this book is not for the light hearted – it is for someone who enjoys a good read and maybe small roller coaster rides.  I would not recommend this book right before going to bed because you might not get any sleep because you will want to finish what was started.

There is suggested violence throughout the book so parental guidance is recommended.  I appreciate a good love story that does not make me feel violated and this book fit the criteria.

My only problem is I now want to go and read the first two books of the series!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!!

“Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason Book Review

image

Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3369-8
Available April 2010; $14.99

Samantha Cash is a special agent with the FBI.  Her job is finding the bad guys using computers.  Connor Wolfe is a cop and father.  His job is finding the bad guys and trying to balance family and work.  Samantha and Conner joins teams and things get very personal.  The bad guy gets personal.  Just too close to home!

This book made my heart race.  I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.  I enjoyed the story and the principles that backed the story. 

There were so many lessons that were taught in the book especially for parents in this modern computer age.  In fact, it made me do a double check in my own life. 

I would say that the author makes this a super easy and fascinating read.  This is definitely recommended for a trip on a plane or a long car ride, just not before you go to bed because you might not want to go to sleep until it is finished.

Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

A little party going on…

Welcome to the party!  I’m so glad you came over…
Ultimate Blog Party 2010


My name is Lana-like Banana. 

I am totally a crazy, homeschooling (meaning I teach all subjects in my home),
people-loving, Christ-centered, adored wife and
mother of 5.

These are my "silly" children.  They were obeying by making "silly' faces!


Some other interesting facts...
I love good EASY recipes.

My sweet husband loves DIY projects.  I mean LURVES!!! 
Just look at our kitchen re-do and our office.

We also LOVE to travel and visit weird places like all the World’s Largest everything!

I also have lots of giveaways and reviews
I also have a new Facebook Fan Page and I’m on Twitter!

Right now, I’m entered in a little contest and could use your help.  It takes like 5 seconds.  If I win, I’m giving half of my winnings to a ministry called Beaded Hope. (Feel free to go to their site and shop.) They are an unbelievable ministry that helps ladies in South Africa by selling jewelry made by ladies whose families are affected by disease. 
Vote For ilovemy5kids
Go here to enter!  All you have to do is enter your name and email…you will get no spam.

Here is my new button:


Just copy and paste the code below the picture and you can put this on your blog. How cool is that?  I did it all by myself...(saying that in the most Southern drawl I could muster up.)






Blessings to you!!! You are loved!!!

©www.ilovemy5kids.blogspot.com

The Madeline Movie: Lost in Paris (Review and Giveaway)

image

Have you ever seen the book, Madeline?  Well, now it is on DVD, The Madeline Movie:  Lost in Paris.  My daughters and I had a girls’ day and watched this adorable little movie.  (My boys watched too…although I doubt that they will admit this to any of their “guy” friends.)

They loved the music and songs.  I loved the fact that it was wholesome and talked about Europe (which we just started studying in our homeschooling).  They loved the funny parts.  I loved the fact that I didn’t have to worry about the funny parts being risque or questionable humor for little eyes.

 Here is a Windows Media Download of Madeline

I think Madeline would make an adorable little girl’s party theme.  I’m always looking for themes for parties.  I could see so many decorations being made from Paris, the dog – Genevieve, not to mention the 12 little girls living in “an old house in Paris covered in vines.”

Here is a free coloring sheet:

image

Are you interested in getting your own copy? 

You could buy it when it comes out in stores nationwide on
April 13th, 2010.

or

You could win a copy here!

Okay, let’s get some things straight…

There are going to be 3 EASY ways to enter the contest.  (You do NOT have to be a blogger in order to win this contest.)

  1. First way to enter:
    Leave a comment telling me who you are going to give this to if you win.  (You must do this one or other entries will be deleted.)
  2. Second way to enter: 
    Become a ilovemy5kids fan on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did on here and if you are already a fan then just leave a comment here.  (You have to a leave a comment or you won’t have an extra entry.)
  3. Third way to enter:
    Follow me on Twitter (@loving5kids) and Tweet “I’m hoping to win Madeline: Lost in Paris DVD @loving5kids #loving5kids”  (You must leave another comment here saying you did the task or you won’t have an extra entry.)

Mumbo Jumbo aka covering my hide:

Any other comments other than the entries will be deleted if it does not relate to the contest.  Only three comments per email please.  If the winner does not leave an email in the comment or if I cannot find it within two minutes – I will find another winner.  Once the winner has been chosen, after I send an email out – you will have 48 hours to respond or I will choose anther winner.

Blessings to you!! You are loved!!!

Disclosure:  I was not paid to endorse this product.  I was sent a DVD just to review and it didn’t even have to be favorable. 

Book Review: Lonestar Homecoming by Colleen Coble

image

Lonestar Homecoming
by Colleen Coble
Retail Price: $14.99
ISBN: 1595547347

 

 

 

 

The story starts off in California.  Gracie Lister is about to get married when trouble starts.  After a series of events she ends up in Texas in a wedding dress and penniless.

Just then a man of uniform shows up.  A relationship blooms out out of no where. Both of them are wanted by different people by either the law and the unlawful.  They find “strength” where they least expect it.

This book is such a good read!  It took me two days to read it only because I have children who need attention and have to sleep.

I would not recommend this book for little eyes just because of it’s mature content.

It is an inspiring and yet thrilling read that would be excellent for a trip or just a fun read.  I’ve read another one of Colleen Coble’s books and both of them – I could see being made into a movie.

I would definitely recommend this book to other readers!

Blessings to you!  You are loved!!

Note:  I was sent complimentary copy for review purposes only.  This review has not been monetarily compensated.  The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.

Friday, April 2, 2010

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey

image

The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3333-9
$14.99, March 2010

 

When I first received this book, I got to tell you I was excited.  The cover was just beautiful. 

The back of the book explained that it was about a lady named Ellie Craig.  She had lost three of her babies.  Her husband is a pastor in a little church and there seems to be some trouble brewing by a new man in town.  Ellie’s family also seems to be falling apart.

The book starts off so slow and sad.  I really had to make myself continue reading.  The book just made me so sad.  It really didn’t offer much hope or encouragement.

I was surprised at where the author chose to go with her story.  It was not the exact ending that I thought would happen.  This would not be one of my favorite reads.

Even though it was not one of my favorite stories, it was a pretty simple read. 

There seems to be some unfinished stories in the book, so maybe book three in the series would help and complete the book.

I was given a complimentary book to review by Revell.  I was not paid for writing this review.

“Available March 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Blessings to you!!!  You are loved!!!