Ting Talk

After telling Ting that she was going to go with me somewhere later in the week...

Ting: I don't want to go, that won't be any fun

Me: Well, you are going to go because you love me and because I'm your mom

Ting: I do love you, but it sounds like you are trying to trick me

Karen Weido

A Night Night Prayer {Review & Giveaway}

I am a Tommy Mommy Blogger with Thomas Nelson Publishers. I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. Thomas Nelson is providing the prize for the giveaway. All opinions are my own.

One of my favorite things to do with Ting at bedtime is read a book. Lately I have been so excited because Bug has started asking for a story at night as well! I love it that my kids are interested in reading.

This month we received A Night Night Prayer by Amy Parker. This the most precious book and perfect for my little two year-old boy.

The book moves in rhyming verses and follows a young alpaca as it says goodnight to the world around him. He says goodnight to his belongings, the outside world, and his mommy. Each page repeats "Night Night" to what he is saying goodnight to.

It only took Bug about two pages to figure out that we were saying night night to everything, and he started saying it along with me as I read.

At the end of the book, the alpaca thanks God for all that he has done and given us, and then says night night to God.

This book is the perfect bedtime book and an easy way to remind our little one's to tell God how thankful we are for all that we have.

I'm so happy that we have this book in our growing library at our home, and I want to add it to the library of one of my readers. Just complete the Rafflecopter below to get entered. Entries close end of day July 26, and I will contact the winner.

You can also purchase your own copy of A Night Night Prayer from Thomas Nelson, or wherever you purchase your children's books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Karen Weido

Random Saturdays

Random Saturdays is moving! I'll try to post them here on the blog, but to be sure you don't miss them (and other fun videos featuring my kids) go subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Karen Weido

Church Camp 2014

Ever feel like your kids are growing up way too fast???

A few weeks ago my in-laws called to let us know they would be going with our church to church camp this year, and they would be happy to take our kids if we wanted. See, our church takes all the kids to camp together and kids under seven get to go if a parent or guardian goes along.

After some discussion, Hubby and I decided that Ting could go if she wanted, but we weren't ready for Bug to leave the nest quite yet.

We told Ting she was going to camp and she got SO excited. Because most of our family was going to camp as counselors and chaperons, that meant all of Ting's cousins were headed to camp as well. We marked it on the calendar, counted down the days, and talked to Ting about all the fun things she was going to get to do.

On Saturday before they left, I took Ting shopping and bought her some camp clothes, sheets, towels, and all the other stuff a girl needs for camp week. Then on Sunday I got so sad about my little girl being big enough to go to camp. I cried and cried, and thought I got it all out of my system.

On Monday morning we headed to the church to see everyone off to camp. Our church took 57 people to camp this year. It was so much fun to see all the commotion of getting that many people loaded up and ready to go. And then I gave Ting a big hug, helped her get on the church van, and told her I would see her in a week.

And then the tears came, and came some more. I cried all the way to work that morning - and cried even more every time someone at work asked me about her being gone.

She called us Monday evening to tell us she was there and all settled in. And then I didn't hear from her again all week! She had the time of her life.

Thankfully, all those relatives we had down there sent me pictures all week to show me what fun she was having. She even sang in an ensemble with some of her cousins! (They sang in church the following Sunday and you can watch it here).

Ting had the best week and is still talking about her week at church camp.

And I still can't believe my baby girl is old enough for church camp :(




Karen Weido

4th of July Weekend

I was going to use this space to tell you all about our fun-filled 4th of July weekend. I was going to show you pictures of our camping trip and all of us having so much fun. But you know what they say...

Life Happens

On Tuesday of last week we pulled our camper to our house to begin getting it ready for a weekend away. Hubby was working on the hot water heater when he came inside and told me we needed to go to the hospital - he had cut his hand. I looked at it and it did look bad. We dropped the kids off with my parents and headed to the ER. I thought we would get a few stitches and be back home in no time. I was wrong.

Turned out Hubby completely severed his tendon that goes to the middle finger on his left hand. We did get some stitches, but we also got orders to see a specialist the same day. Three hours later we finally ate dinner and headed home. (A huge thank you to my parents and grandparents for tag-teaming the kids last week)

On Thursday, Hubby had surgery to reattach his tendon. He was awarded with this fun looking thing. He has zero use of his left hand for at least two more weeks. Thankfully he is right-handed and will still be able to work in that time.

Since our camping trip was off, the kids and I headed to my grandparents on Friday to celebrate the 4th with my family. The kids had a blast and we all ate way too much.

Ting was a little bummed about our weekend trip being canceled, so I promised her we could spend one night in the camper - in our backyard. On Friday night Ting, Bug, and myself headed out to camp. We watched a movie and then all three of us slept in the big bed. It was the first time I've slept in the same bed with both my kids. Surprisingly, we actually slept pretty good. (and apparently someone stole his sister's pillow, he does not usually sleep on a princess pillow)

The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing and taking care of Hubby. If you don't mind, we would appreciate you adding him to your prayer list. He is having to adjust to only using one hand for a while, and still has several months of healing ahead of him.



Karen Weido

My Makeup Favorites {Summer 2014}

Today I am linking up with Show Us Your Life to talk about my favorite makeup.

As my husband can confirm - I am a bit of a makeup and beauty product junkie. I love to try new things and experiment with different products. However, when I find something that I like I tend to stick with it for a bit. It seems my makeup taste changes with the seasons, but this summer I've found some combinations that I am really loving. And some of these, I've actually been using for more than one season!

I start with my foundation. I typically hate foundation because it feels so heavy, but I recently discovered CoverGirl TruBlend foundation. It has the coverage of a high-end foundation, but wears light like a BB cream. It covers the naturally red color my face has and it wears all day long.

For my eyes, I like quick and easy. I start with Wet n' Wild eye shadow palette. It has five shades that are labeled as to wear they go. I really like the Naked Truth palette. It stays on all day long and looks as great as those $50+ palettes that are so popular - except I only paid about $3 for it!!

I use Avon Glimmersticks in the waterproof formula for eyeliner. I love the black and it wears all day. I finish my eyes with CoverGirl Bombshell mascara in very black. This stuff has major curve and wears all day long without flaking.

For my blush, I'm a fan of Avon Ideal Luminous Blush in Classic Aura. I've actually been using this for years. One compact lasts forever.

I finish my look off with Revlon Lip Butter lipstick. This stuff goes on so smooth and really does feel like butter on your lips. About six months ago I wanted a change so I picked the bright pink color, Lollipop. I actually love it!

So there you have it. My summer makeup favorites. What are you wearing this summer?





Karen Weido

Fourth of July Menu {eMeals}

I am an emeals blogger. I receive a complimentary subscription in exchange for telling you about their services. This post contains affiliate links as well.

Ready for great food and good times on Independence Day? Get inspired with eMeals’ FREE Fourth of July Menu.
 

This menu includes:

• Easy Baby Back Ribs
• Bacon Potato Salad
• Marinated Slaw
• Crunch-Topped Squash Casserole
• Watermelon Salad
• Berry-Topped Thunder Cake

It is FREE with any eMeals subscription purchase, so check out 1 of their 60 meal plans on their website today to help you get dinner on the table in a snap every night. Now, onto the sneak peek recipe for Bacon Potato Salad from the July 4^th menu!

Bacon Potato Salad:

• 4 lb Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato

1. Cook potatoes in boiling water to cover with 1 teaspoon salt 20 minutes or until tender; drain and cool 15 minutes.
2. Cook bacon until crisp.
3. Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, pepper and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl.
4. Peel potatoes; cut into 1-inch pieces.
5. Add potatoes and eggs to mayonnaise mixture.
6. Stir in bacon.
7. Sprinkle with tomatoes.
8. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe serves 8-10.

Karen Weido