February 2011 Archives
Jodi Skulley-February 28, 2011-
Iconic recording artist Janet Jackson is now an author. Her book, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, details Jackson’s personal struggle with self-esteem. In it, the superstar portrays herself as a sort of everywoman who was never satisfied with her looks, weight, or relationships.
In an interview with Meredith Vieira on February 13’s "Dateline," Jackson was candid about her relationship with her father. “My father was never there the way that I wanted a father to be,” she shared. “I would see my friends interact with their dads and I would say to myself, ‘Now that’s what I want to do. I want to be able to sit on his lap. I want to be able to call him Dad.’ ”
She was not allowed to call him “Dad”; the elder Jackson insisted on being called by his first name. This kept his daughter at arm’s length, and it dismissed any chance of a meaningful, healthy relationship between them. When it comes to self-esteem and personal identity, a girl’s relationship with her father affects how she sees herself — big time. There are three things dads can do right now to help stem the tide of insecurity that threatens to wipe out the heart of their growing girls.
Be an Available Dad. Always listen when she wants to talk. As girls grow, that means staying up late sometimes. It means providing your undivided attention when you’re with her, shutting down the laptop and turning off the cell phone. It also means setting aside time that is just for her.
Be an Around Dad. With today’s limitless technology, dads can be “around” when they send simple text messages (Try: How’s your day? You are special! or Want to watch a movie later?) or even “like” a status on Facebook. Do you attend her games, recitals, and school events? Don’t leave all the scrapbooking to Mom. You took lots of pictures when she was little — don’t stop once she hits those awkward years!
Be an Always Dad. Often when a growing middle school-aged daughter begins to develop, dads have a tendency to back away. While it is a bit unnerving to see Daddy’s little girl looking more like a woman, you need to realize that everything in her life is changing, and well, you don’t have that option. You need to be the same dad you’ve always been. You still need to hug her and tell her how pretty she is. She may not look like your little girl anymore, but she can always feel like she is. She needs to know that even when she is not so accepting of herself, you fully accept her — bad skin, mood swings, and figure development notwithstanding.
What happens when a father is available, around, and always? He gives his daughter an accurate depiction of a loving Heavenly Father. He makes it easy for her to understand the Father’s unconditional love because he showed it to her in everyday life. A daddy’s love gives his daughter worth and value, paving the way for her to understand her true identity in God’s eyes.
Rebecca Ingram Powell is the author of Season of Change: Parenting Your Middle Schooler with Passion and Purpose. She blogs daily at www.MomSeriously.com.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Jodi Skulley-February 25, 2011-
Sweet baby Philip turned 1 this month!
Thanks to Amy for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-February 24, 2011-
On a personal level, Rebecca is a joy to work with and has become a very dear friend! I treasure each or our conversations and interactions. Thank you, Rebecca, for all you've done for ParentLife! We love you!
If you love Rebecca's writing, don't worry. You'll see plenty more of her writing in ParentLife and here on the blog. (Don't miss her guest post on Monday!) But you can read more from Rebecca every day on her blog, Mom Seriously ... not to mention the following great resources.
To read about Rebecca's journey with ParentLife from her perspective, don't miss this month's "Mom's Life" article.
If Rebecca has touched your heart in some way, we'd love to hear from you. Leave her a comment and let her know how much you appreciate her!
William Summey-February 22, 2011-
Remember the story of Jacob from Genesis 29? Jacob worked seven years to marry his love, Rachel, but was tricked by his uncle and married her older sister, Leah, instead. Jacob was not deterred and promised to work seven more years for Rachel. Talk about a true labor of love! I don't why exactly, but this story kept bubbling into my conscious thoughts as I pondered my youngest son, Christopher, turning 7 last week. It must be the 7 year time frame that made me think about it. Seven years is a long time but has gone by so quickly in many other ways. We celebrated at a Belmont basketball game (guess which masked Bruin in the photo is Christopher), some pizza, a trip to the circus over the weekend, and by watching the first two days of Christopher's life on DVD (this puts a different spin on what "labor of love" means).
And we'll be the first to tell you that parenting is not easy day in and day out. There are many difficult stretches that involve a different type of labor: sickness, mistakes, disobedience, the hard times of parenting. But those times of trial quickly melt away in retrospect.
Christopher was enthralled watching the video of the hours after his birth. The pure joy on everyone's face was so evident: Mommy, Daddy, big brother, grandparents, nurses. What a joyous event! I could tell that watching the video of his first two days was a special moment for him. What a cute, special little baby that has grown into our little boy in 7 short years. We love you, Christopher, and are so proud to be your parents!
Jodi Skulley-February 23, 2011-
Is it really already time to start thinking about summer camp? If you are like my family — and many others in the current economy — it might be. Not only may it be time to begin putting away funds for that camp experience, it couldn't hurt to start stockpiling those little camp necessities when you find them on a great sale!
Budget-helping blogs like Southern Savers and Money Saving Mom are all over the web, alerting you to great deals when they come along. Keep a list of items you know your child will need for camp (or for that family vacation, birthdays, or even Christmas!) by your computer. When you see those items at amazing prices, go ahead and buy now, thus avoiding a huge payout the day before your child leaves for camp (or vacation, etc, etc).
Here are some items the American Camp Association recommends packing for your child's camp experience:
- Headgear — This includes items like scarves, bandannas, baseball caps, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and swimming goggles.
- Clothing — T-shirts/tank tops, shorts, long pants, a jacket, a swim suit, pajamas and robe, and of course, underwear should be included.
- Footwear — Consider items such as boots, tennis shoes, sandals, dress shoes, and socks.
- Bed and Bath — towels, as well as a blanket, pillow, pillow cases, sheets, sleeping bag, laundry bag, and mattress pad.
- Bathroom Kit — a brush and comb, shampoo, soap and soap container, toothbrush and holder, toothpaste, deodorant, insect repellent, feminine products, sun block, shaving gear, and lip balm with sun block in it.
- Other items — books and magazines, flashlights and batteries, frisbees or other toys, a water bottle, and writing materials. When considering electronics, musical instruments, and other special gear, check with the camp about policies.
Do your kids go to a summer camp? What's the one item they always forget to pack?
Registration is open for all of our summer 2011 CentriKid camps (for kids who have finished 3rd-6th grades). The theme of this year's camps is "Shipwreck Island: Where God Provides."
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Jodi Skulley-February 21, 2011-
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay affects children in the United States more than any other chronic infectious disease, highlighting the need for thorough oral care and regular dental visits. The ideal time for a child to visit the dentist is six months after the child’s first teeth erupt. During this initial visit, a dentist will be able to examine the development of the child’s mouth.
“Parents are surprised when I tell them that their infants can develop tooth decay and cavities soon after their teeth first appear,” says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Steven A. Ghareeb, DDS, FAGD. “We usually call this baby bottle tooth decay, which is caused by the long-term exposure to liquids containing sugars like milk, formula, and fruit juice.”
In addition to tooth decay, other dental problems, such as teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking, often start early. The sooner the child visits a dentist, the better.
There are many things that parents can do with their child at home to maintain good oral health:
- Clean your infant's gums with a clean, damp cloth twice a day.
- Ask your dentist when you may begin to rub a tiny dab of toothpaste on your child’s gums. Doing so will help your child become accustomed to the flavor of toothpaste.
- As soon as the first teeth come in, begin brushing them with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
- Help a young child brush at night, which is the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow during sleep and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque.
- By approximately age 5, your child can learn to brush his or her teeth with proper parental instruction and supervision.
“The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by your good example,” says Dr. Ghareeb. “Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene.”
Children, like adults, should see the dentist every six months. Some dentists may schedule interim visits for every three months when the child is very young to build the child’s comfort and confidence levels or for treatment needs.
For more tips to ensure a child has good oral health, visit KnowYourTeeth.com. This video from BabyCenter shows some dentists' opinions on when you should take babies to the dentist as well as methods for cleaning the teeth of small children.
Have you taken your children to the dentist? If so, how early did they start going?
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Jodi Skulley-February 18, 2011-
The Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program launched its 11th year on February 1st. Nominations will be taken at kohlskids.com until March 15. The scholarships honor young volunteers who have made an impact in their community. Scholarships range from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 for college.
On the Clorox Facebook page, you can submit a picture of you and your child(ren) cooking together for a chance to win trips to NYC or Vermont, a private baking party, or a prize pack with money to throw a baking soiree of your own! You can submit pictures until March 29.
The Women's Missionary Union hosts Children's Ministry Day this Saturday, February 19. It's not too late to look into the projects being done ... or think up one of your own! This year's theme is "neighbor to neighbor." Encourage your kids to think about how they could minister to their friends, neighbors, church family, or anyone you needs a little help.
March 14 is "Pi Day" since the date is 3/14. Your kids might enjoy making individual pies in jars or trying to break the record for the world's longest pi chain!
What fun things are going on in your neck of the woods?
Jodi Skulley-February 16, 2011-
You know how everyone will tell you that going from one child to two is hard?
They aren't kidding!
I was prepared for it to be hard to juggle two kids around. I dreaded getting them in and out of car seats, trying to go to the grocery store, and never being able to sleep.
What I wish someone would have told me is that the difficulty is not all in technicalties and physicality.
I was almost thrilled when I confirmed with my girlfriends that it was NORMAL I was resenting my older child for being so needy. (Not forgetting that she is only 2. She IS needy!) I feel that most of my days now are spent scolding and disciplining her as she uses any method she can think of to procure my attention.
David is a pretty needy baby - he rarely slept in his bed until he was 4 weeks old - and dealing with his physical needs trumps playing on the floor with Libbie ... which results in her emotional meltdowns, tantrums, and acting out.
There are not many of the sweet bonding times I experienced with my daughter. No whole afternoons spent cuddling on the couch. It disappoints me that my relationship with each child is not living up to my expectations or desires.
My friend Mary says I make a good case for her to not have any more children.
I think one of the major problems with American Christianity is that we live in a culture of independence. The Christians in Acts gave freely to one another, giving help where it was needed. I've told many a friend that I can now understand why people lived in villages. It would be nice to be able to let Libbie run outside or to a neighbor's without worrying about her.
I'm so appreciative of those who have stepped in to watch the kids, bring a meal, or just come and talk. I'm especially thankful for a sweet friend who came to hold David for an hour so I could take Libbie out and have that one-on-one time she craves.
Don't let Americanism trump the life of community God's called you to. Ask for help if you need it, receive it with a humble spirit, and give it when you can.
And maybe give someone fair warning if they ask for advice on having a second child!
What do you wish someone would have told you about parenting?
Along with being the resident ParentLife blogger, Jessie has been blogging for nearly five years at Vanderbilt Wife. She is mother to 2-year-old Libbie and 8-week-old David. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader.
Jessie Weaver-
February 15, 2011-
BounceU has launched a nationwide search for their new 2011 Create and Bounce Graphic Artist. The company invites children age 13 and under to design the official Create and Bounce t-shirt, which will be used at the summer camp of the same name.
BounceU’s Create and Bounce art camp is one the of most popular program offerings at BounceU; sessions are offered at participating locations throughout the summer, spring, and winter breaks.
“Create and Bounce is truly an unforgettable camp experience where children create art projects, lessons, games, bounce time and even often enjoy special guest appearances,” said Joe Kendra, Vice President of Marketing for BounceU. “Our art camp has been so successful that it was only natural for us to honor these talented young artists by launching a national contest for campers to design our next 2011 Create and Bounce T-shirt.”
Parents can download the printable coloring sheet for children to color in their submission from BounceU’s Facebook page or, they can pick up their entry form at a BounceU location.
Three finalists will each receive a free Create and Bounce T-shirt and a 5-punch Open Bounce pass that can be redeemed at a local BounceU near them. The Grand Prize winner will be determined by public voting. The designer who receives the most “likes” from voters will be deemed the winner, and their design will be made into the official 2011 Create and Bounce camp shirt. The winning T-shirt designer will also receive a free week of Create and Bounce Summer 2011 art camp at a location near them.
This contest is running from now until March 26, 2011.
Do your kids enjoy entering contests like this? Is it helpful for us to tell you about them?
Jessie Weaver-
February 14, 2011-
It was Thursday afternoon, and I was checking last-minute e-mails before taking Sam over to a friend’s neighborhood pool. Always the water bug, my little guy was so excited about the chance to swim at a new pool, with two adoring older girls who treat him like a prince.
As I opened Jenna’s last-minute reminders, she noted, “You may want to prepare Sam that the lifeguards take a 10-minute break every hour. The whistle will blow, and everyone will have to exit the pool.”
As I read her message, I knew she had just saved me a lot of headaches for the afternoon. My son, Sam, has autism. He has difficulty with transitions, needs to know what to expect, and hates loud, shrill noises. Her casual e-mail helped me prepare Sam for the experience, so we could all enjoy the trip to the pool.
If you know a child with autism, here is a list of do’s and don’t’s to show you how you can help:
DO:
- Give him a heads up on anything out of the sensory “norm”: loud noises, something particular he might have to wear, etc.
- Let him know the schedule ahead of time, especially if there are big transitions. My son uses a visual schedule with pictures that show him what is coming next and what his choices are. These are invaluable in new situations.
- Be very specific in your instructions and give positive feedback when the child does a good job.
- Provide two choices: “Do you want to swing or slide?” Too many options can be confusing.
- Use simple language. Be direct without using too many words.
DON’T:
- Expect him to read your facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language -- many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can not.
- Speak loudly like you’re talking to a deaf person. Volume does not increase understanding!
- Change plans mid-stream. Children with autism often are resistant to change in routine and expectations.
- Underestimate their ability to be social, have a great time, and play hard!
- Exempt him from the rules of sharing, caring, and treating others with respect. As a parent, I want my son to learn those things as well. Practicing in social situations is the only way he will learn that.
Jennifer J. Holt and her husband, Brian, are walking through each day, casting their cares on the Lord, and praying for strength and wisdom as they raise their hilarious, musical, artistic, outdoorsy, miraculous son, Sam, who is now four years old.
Don't miss Jennifer's article "A Hope and a Future" in the February 2011 issue of ParentLife, as well as her previous guest post, "Encouragement for the Weary."
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Jodi Skulley-February 11, 2011-
Libbie is proudly sporting her fur-lined fleece hoody, pajama pants, and the ever-present "cow boots."
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-February 10, 2011-
The March 2011 issue of ParentLife is starting to make its way into the churches this month and the ParentLife team couldn't be more excited about the new design! Today, we are thrilled for our marketing strategist, Courtney Baker, to give you a behind the scenes look into the ad campaign promoting our new design. It's a lot of fun seeing our marketing team in action! Hope you enjoy!
Hi! I’m so excited to let you in on all that went into creating the new ParentLife campaign. Here’s a behind the scenes view from our creative team.
ParentLife is an excellent magazine and resource for parents. In an effort to lift up the new design and features, we created a marketing campaign centered around parenting tips. You know, things like “To find the veggies, check under the mashed potatoes.”
One thing all parents can relate to is drive time. You’ve got to get Susie to soccer practice, Sam to karate, and get everyone home in time for a hot meal. OK, sometimes mealtime is in the car too. This reality inspired our ad featuring “Parenting Tip #25: Sometimes the easiest way to clean up the car is to play ‘count the french fries.’ And count on ParentLife magazine for practical parenting advice from a biblical worldview.”
This is the finished ad. 
To create this scene, we needed a few real cute kids, a real-life mom, a real parents’ van, and real yummy day-old french fries. I had to pick up several orders of fries the night before the shoot because we were starting super early in the morning. (Yes, my car smelled for days. Only for you, Pam Goodwin!)
Check out these scenes from our photo shoot.
Can you tell who is taking a photo? That’s me in blue, holding a reflector. The other people helping are parents, siblings, and friends of the real cute kids who volunteered for the shoot.
Note: No Mini-Van was harmed in the production of this ad.
Our talented photographer looking for just the right angle.
Our real cute kids being — well . . . cute! Yes, we did resort to bribing them with day-old french fries before the shoot was finished.
Our talented designer/art director, Pam, reviews the shots as they are taken.
We hope you will pick up a copy of the new ParentLife and let us know how you like it. If your church doesn’t order ParentLife, ask your church administrator to consider providing it as an outreach tool.
I confess, we stole this post (with Courtney's permission) from the Kids Ministry 101 blog! Stop by there and leave a comment on the post and you just might win your own subscription for a year! And ... if you want to help us spread the word about the new design, click here to see how you can help!
Jodi Skulley-February 9, 2011-
Each month ParentLife pulls together a one-page document for preschool and children's leaders and teachers that highlights articles that might help families they work with. But this also is a great tool for parents! The articles below are in our current February 2011 issue of ParentLife. Read the articles that minister to your family and pass along a copy to those who might benefit from it!
A Joyful Attitude: Equip parents in your church to teach their children not just respectful obedience but joyful obedience with three practical steps (pp. 14-15).
Kids with Connections: Encourage families to build healthy, positive relationships within their families, church, and community (pp. 22-23).
A Hope and a Future: Walk alongside families who have children with autism or other special needs. Remind them of the hope God promises (pp. 28-31).
Have a Church Preschool? Pass ParentLife along to parents on the lookout for a great preschool! And help make your preschool attractive to parents who are searching (pp. 12-13).
Growing Godly Girls: Give both moms and dads this section of articles focused on daughters this month in ParentLife (pp. 34-36).
A Great Christian Camp Experience: Learn more about CentriKid camps and why this summer experience could revitalize your children's ministry (pp. 16-17).
100% - The number of kids in your home and church who will learn about love from their parents and adult leaders. Show them God's love this Valentine's Day!
For a downloadable PDF of this content, click on the link below:
ParentLife EveryDay February 2011
Jodi Skulley-February 8, 2011-
We are proud to have Dr. Linda Mintle in ParentLife each month answering questions submitted from readers. To submit a question for Dr. Mintle, e-mail it to parentlife@lifeway.com and include "? for Dr. Mintle" on the subject line. This month we have an extra Q&A from Dr. Mintle we wanted to share.
Q: We have been through a lot this past year. My husband was deployed and is still serving overseas, our family dog died, we’ve moved closer to my family, and my mom is battling cancer. I’ve noticed that my 7-year-old son is bed-wetting and more withdrawn in school. How do I know if he needs to see a therapist?
A: What you’ve described is a series of significant life events that can be tough for a child to manage — a move, deployment, pet death, and an ill grandma.
The stress can cause the problems you see. First, talk to teachers and others who interact with your child to get a better idea of how he is doing in settings away from home. See your pediatrician to make sure there is no underlying medical issue that could be impacting his behavior.
When you see regression in behavior like bed-wetting, behavioral problems like isolating, grades dropping in school, sadness, social withdrawal, losing interest in enjoyed activities, aggression, changes in sleep and/or appetite, mood swings, physical complaints, and adjustment problems, these are all signs that indicate your child would benefit from the help of a child therapist.
You are covered under your military insurance so you should be able to get help easily. Look for someone trained in working with children, who is good at building a relationship. Ask if the therapist is willing to do a brief consultation before you commit to that person. The therapist should be licensed in your state, covered under your military plan, have credentials and training that reflect child development, and be friendly so that your son feels comfortable.
I would recommend finding a family therapist who will include you in helping your son through the transitions and dad’s absence. In addition, you may want to identify a dad at church who might give your son a little “dad time” now and then. Boys miss doing things with their dads when dads are deployed. Hopefully he can work through all the transitions that seemed to hit your family at one time.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Jodi Skulley-February 7, 2011-
Parenting a special needs child is one of the most daunting and rewarding tasks a parent could ever be asked to do. Many evenings I have found myself lying in the dark, crying out to God and begging Him to heal my son's autism. I have also spent many nights worrying about Sam’s future, clinging to God’s promises to prosper him and not to harm him (Jer. 29:11-13).
When my husband I attended our first orientation session about this overwhelming disorder, the speaker began the presentation by saying, “Go ahead and mourn the child you have lost.” She proceeded to outline the seven steps of grief, the same steps people experience when a loved one dies. We realized in that moment that the speaker did not have the hope that we have. She obviously does not know the One, True, Living God.
As parents of a child with autism, we often feel like we are standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, with no bridge to help us walk across that chasm. Jesus Christ is that bridge. He offers hope, encouragement, wisdom, and rest. My God is bigger than autism, bigger than special needs of any kind, and ready and willing to help. God has a perfect plan for my son, and for every person He creates.
Before Sam was formed in my womb, the Lord knew he would have autism. I look forward to seeing how God uses this thorn in Sam’s side to bring glory to Him.
Here are a few special promises that encourage me to stay strong in the Lord:
- “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 (AMP)
- “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (HCSB)
- “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (HCSB)
- “That’s why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:28 (MSG)
- “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (AMP)
Jennifer J. Holt and her husband, Brian, are walking through each day, casting their cares on the Lord, and praying for strength and wisdom as they raise their hilarious, musical, artistic, outdoorsy, miraculous son, Sam, who is now four years old.
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
Don't miss Jennifer's article "A Hope and a Future" in the February 2011 issue of ParentLife.
Jodi Skulley-February 4, 2011-
Who thought this would be a fun party game?
Thanks to William S. for this great photo!
Photos wanted! Send us your funny, cute, or just plain fun pictures for our Fun Friday Photos. Each Friday we will post a new "Fun Friday Photo." E-mail your photo and a suggested caption describing the photo to parentlife@lifeway.com. Visit the blog each Friday to see if your photo was chosen!
Jodi Skulley-February 3, 2011-
Having taught their seven sons and one daughter from home for the last 15 years, Guy and Angie Penrod are homeschool pros. Their family is featured in the February 2011 issue of ParentLife on pages 18-21. To help other parent teachers, Angie compiled a list of her cream of the crop homeschool curricula, sorted by subject.
History/Literature — Sonlight Curriculum
Language Arts — A Beka Book® Math — Math-U-See
Our friend Laura from Heavenly Homemakers (she wrote this post for us in the fall) also uses Sonlight - and she explains why and how in this post.
If you homeschool and have curriculum suggestions, please share them in the comments!
Jodi Skulley-February 2, 2011-
... but first, a happy 9th anniversary to our very own Jodi Skulley! And Happy Groundhog's Day to everyone else. I can never remember which way I want the shadow to go ... but some warm weather would be nice. As last year summer started in April and went til November, I feel greedy asking for no more winter.
Anyway, on with our regularly scheduled programming. -Jessie, Resident PL Blogger
Build-a-Bear wants to recognize kids who are making a difference in this world through their Huggable Heroes program. Kids 8 to 18 can be nominated or nominate themselves on the Huggable Heroes website.
The nomination form asks questions about the hero's volunteer activity, impact and accomplishments for their cause, and how much money they have raised.
Eight heroes from the United States and Puerto Rico and two from Canada will receive an amazing prize package to honor their accomplishments. Each winner gets:
- A $7500 scholarship
- $2500 for their charity
- a video camera
- and a three-day trip to meet the other Huggable Heroes!
Nominations are being accepted through the end of the month online and at Build-a-Bear Workshop stores.
Do you know any kid heroes you could nominate?
Jodi Skulley-February 1, 2011-
Congratulations to the 10 winners from our January giveaway! You will receive a copy of the book listed as well as a copy of More, Adventure, or Bible Express. Jodi will be in contact with you soon to get your addresses.
Here are the winners:
Samantha – The Family Reading Bible (Zondervan)
Stacy B – Sistergirl Devotions by Carol M. Mackey (Revell)
Caroline – The One Year® Devotions for Preschoolers 2 by Carla Barnhill (Tyndale Kids)
Rebecca – Day-votions for Mothers by Rebecca Barlow Jordan (Zondervan)
Leslie – Good Morning, Lord by Sheila Walsh (Thomas Nelson)
Wendy Snipes – A Cup of Comfort®: Devotional for Mothers and Daughters (Adams Media)
Belinda – Day-votions for Grandmothers by Rebecca Barlow Jordan (Zondervan)
JessieLeigh – The One Year® Mother Daughter Devo by Dannah Gresh with Janet Mylin (Tyndale)
Heather Hammond – Day-votions for Women by Rebecca Barlow Jordan (Zondervan)
Mary B – Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Tommy Nelson)
It's February already? That means my sweet baby boy is six weeks old, and I am back to ParentLife blogging!
This month we're giving away several copies of the book I Will Carry You by Angie Smith, our new Mom's Life columnist ... starting in March 2011 with the fresh, new design!
I am privileged to know Angie "in real life," not just through her well-read blog. And even though I know her, I knew the story of the book, I attended her daughter's funeral ... I still bawled through the whole thing. If you don't know the story of Audrey, here is the synopsis of the book:
In 2008, Angie Smith and her husband Todd (lead singer of the group Selah) learned through ultrasound that their fourth daughter had conditions making her “incompatible with life.” Advised to terminate the pregnancy, the Smiths chose instead to carry this child and allow room for a miracle. That miracle came the day they met Audrey Caroline and got the chance to love her for the precious two-and-a-half hours she lived on earth.
Upon receiving the original diagnosis, Angie started a blog (Bring the Rain) to keep family and friends informed of their journey. Soon, the site exploded in popularity, connecting with thousands who were either experiencing their own heartbreaking situations or simply curious about how God could carry someone through something so tragic. I Will Carry You tells the powerful story of a parent losing her child, interwoven with the biblical story of Lazarus to help those who mourn to still have hope—to find grace and peace in the sacred dance of grief and joy.
To enter, just answer the following question in the comments section:
Who is someone you'd like to see us feature in ParentLife, and why?
It can be a singer, author, celebrity, or your neighbor down the street. I'm just interested to hear what you say! -Jessie, Resident ParentLife Blogger
Winners will be selected March 1, 2011. USA residents only. LifeWay employees are not eligible to win.
