Welcome to the Lipstick Style & Makeup Store

Well, today I had an 'appointment' with 'Kelly' & her little assistant to get my hair and makeup done.

It was the most relaxing appointment ever! :-) During my makeover I was informed by my talented stylist that "...at the Lipstick Style & Makeup Store you can get your makeup done as much as you want as long as you have money..." Where do they come up with this stuff?? There was so much more that she was chatting about whilst making me beautiful - I wish I had recorded it!
Jason just got home and 'Kelly' greeted him at the door saying "Wait till you see this girl!' Jason walks in and takes one look at me and asks if I am ok - no seriously! He thought I had two black eyes. It looks as though the girls have a promising future in theatrical makeup.
Oh well, just thought I'd share a bit of my day. I am now off to finish dinner for my family - spa time is over.

Have a blessed day!

A jewlery giveaway

HAPPY ST. PATTY"S DAY

I found this contest at one of my UBP blog finds. I thought I would share with you...

Buster and boo is having a jewelry giveaway.

You can win this lovely tile necklace!

All you need to do is visit PamperingBeki Jewelry and follow the contest directions .
Super easy - you could be the lucky winner.!
Be sure to check it out - I did!

Have a great week.

Blessings,

Kim

I can relate - how 'bout you?

Okay, I am taking a few minutes today to go through my email box. You may have noticed since this is my second blog post in about 5 minutes. My very good friend, who now lives far away sent me this YouTube video. Amazing all the things a mom says in a day (no wonder I am tired at the end of the day)! Anyway, my friend & I had a good chuckle over this I hope you do too.

Enjoy!

From the mouths of babes

So, I don't always have time (or take time) to read emails that are forwards...sorry! Anyway, I was going through my email box today and ran across this post from YouTube. Just thought I'd share. It is such a gentle reminder of all that God has given to us!
Blessings,
Kim

You're Invited to our blog party!

Do you need a little girl time? I can always use a little girl time!
Join me & the girls for the ultimate blog party 2008.
My girls are setting up the party right now - they are quite excited!
What shall we have today? How about...
Caramel Lattes & German Chocolate Cheesecake - YUM YUM!
We have a seat saved just for you ... the party starts when you arrive.

Okay, so the party's almost over and I finally have a chance to get back. Since this was my first time doing anything like this I wasn't sure how things went...after visiting a few site I realized I did this party thing pretty low key - some of you women really know how to rock it! I know I am a little late on this but here are some bits & bites on who I am ... I am a thirty something wife of 15 years and a sah mom of three. I have two beautiful daughters (4 & 2) and a precious baby boy 17 weeks. I have a newly kindled passion for Jesus & His kingdom. I am in training to live cross culturally (wonder what I am talking about? Email me - I'd love to share. I love scrapbooking, jewelry, cheesecake, knitting & crochet (thanks to my grandmas!), blogging, coloring, blowing bubbles & flying kites...not that I have time at all for too many of those things. :-(
I have enjoyed blog hopping this week. I have met some really interesting women. I hope to stop by more places as the weeks go on. So, have a happy and leave a note letting me know you dropped by.
Next year I'll know how this goes. :-)
Blessings,
Kim & the girls

PS: It was hard to decide on prizes - they are all SOOO good!
First choice: #24 blog design
Second Choice: #3 Beady Queen, #46
Third Choice: #37 Moby Wrap
after that here are a few more (not in any particular order) that caught my eye...
#7, #20, #29, #31, #32, #40, #46, #48, #62, #67, #79, #100, #103, #11, #14, #26, any starbucks g.c...
Thanks to all who gave so generously - YOU ROCK!

Ultimate Blog Party Blogs

This past week 5 minutes for Moms hosted the Ultimate Blog Party. As of this post, there are 1464 blogs participating in this year's party - WOW, That is some party!

You can check out the blog list here.

Following are a few of the blogs I visited and bookmarked. Have fun looking around.

the lylah blog - Lylah is a gracious woman of God. I am blessed to know and have her speak into my life. Thank you, Lylah!

the chocolistas - Chocolate - need I say more? Stop by, say 'HI', and enter their drawing for some yummy chocolate.

Bold & Free - Jan Parrish has an obvious heart for God. I am looking forward to spending some more time at her blog.

Living for God - I mentioned to a friend, while chatting this week, "It's nice to know there isn't just junk on the internet" - it is refreshing to see so many moms striving to "train their children in the way they should go". It is encouraging to see blogs that are Bible based and not ashamed to say so.

I will add more - this is just a few of the many I visited. I have had a ton of fun blog hopping...but for now there is more laundry to be done.

Blessings,
Kim

Hip Mama's Place

WOW! There are over 1200 blogs right now participating in the Ultimate Blog Party 2008. 5 Minutes for Moms is hosting this fantastic blog party. I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of blogs that are out there. I am also encouraged to see so many faith blogs. It has been fun meeting new women and seeing all the creativity that is out there. Tonight I visited a blog - Hip Mama's Place. You will find reviews of trendy new products for mom & baby, contest to enter for some FABULOUS prizes, and links to some other cool sites. So, if you want a fun place to look around after a day of chasing the kiddos, head over to Hip Mama's Place and sit a spell. I think you'll be glad you did (I know I am).
There's still time to join the Ultimate Blog Party...we're having fun until the 14th - check it out.
Blessings,
Kim

It's a Calgon Day!

You know those days - the days where you have all kinds of things you want to accomplish:
Laundry (washed, dried & put away), dishes, change the sheets - general house cleaning, garage sale preparation....on and on goes the list; and the kids do everything they can to keep you from getting ANYTHING done. That is my kind of day. The only reason I am able to blog about it at the moment because two of my three are in bed for naps. Nevertheless, even as I type my oldest is repeating the same thing over and over in spite of my direction to lie down and rest for a little bit.
Aaahhhhh, the joys of motherhood.
Here's hoping you are having a great day!
For me...Calgon take me away!
Blessings,
Kim

Interview w/ Roberta Simpson, author of Nana's Bible Stories

I have the privilege of introducing you to a wonderful new children's author. Roberta Simpson. Roberta has recently published a children's Bible story book, Nana's Bible Stories, the delightful illustrations are done by Susan Mitchell. The book also comes with a CD with narration either by Sheila Walsh, speaker with Women of Faith, or actress Jane Seymour.


Roberta, thank you for taking time to share with us today. It is a privilege to share your story and introduce others to your wonderful book.

It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Kim, and the Butterflies and Bullfrogs ladies! I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!

There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered or understood. I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.


Q: You have been telling stories to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children respond so well to stories?

ROBERTA: Storytelling is so important firstly because you are engaging a child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s names in the stories as I have done in Nana’s Bible Stories.

I believe storytelling is an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story. It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids – it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust. I find there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story read, or told to them!

I believe that children respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”

While playing with kids, I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something. I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.

Q: Your personal story is one of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.

ROBERTA: Challenges do come, and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few plays for church.

The gentleman who read and corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty little red pen. On the bottom he wrote, “You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought, “I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!” He was a very influential man in Barbados – in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this? When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in the way with his negative comments!

Years later, when I knew God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time, was obeying God, and not listening to man!

Friends and especially family have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!

Q: The seven stories featured in Nana’s Bible Stories are biblically correct – but, you have a unique style of storytelling. You have created stories within stories. Would you please explain why you used this style?

ROBERTA: When reading the Bible, I tend to stop and meditate on what I have read, and often, especially looking at characters in the Bible, I wonder how they felt, where they lived, etc. My heart always went out to the leper who Jesus healed. For instance, did he have a family? His heart must have been broken at having to leave home. I believe other people—including children—might wonder the same things…so I thought it would be interesting to develop stories around the stories.

I do a lot of research and I insist on maintaining the actual story from the Bible. I do not remove the tiniest meaning from the Word!

I had a wonderful time writing “A Father’s Miracle.” Here is a little boy, who I invented, who just loved his Abba – Daddy. His dad gets sick and has to move away from his home, and all he loves. I wanted kids to be able to identify with this child. It could have been them, and many kids face this sad experience – maybe not leprosy, but sickness and death!

I believe kids will be encouraged and inspired, like the little boy, and pray for loved ones who are sick, and have faith that they will be healed by Jesus, who is the same today as He was yesterday!

Q: Your stories are told from the perspective of a child or an animal. Why is this beneficial to the child listening to the stories?

ROBERTA: I believe that when a child listens or reads the stories about other children, they can identify with the child in the story. I hope that they will say to themselves – “I could have been that boy/girl!” I also believe that they will see how much Jesus loves children, and they were always uplifted and loved by Him in the stories.

I just love animals, and so do children. It is fun writing about them, and I know that God was pleased and loves all He created and He sure created a beautiful animal kingdom!

Q: Why do you believe it is important to introduce our children to the Bible when they are young?

ROBERTA: I do believe, and it is also scripturally true, that if you train up a child in the scripture, and encourage that child to have a personal relationship with God, then when he/she grows up they will truly not depart from it. I have done this, and seen the results. I can truly say that all my children, and their children, know the Lord!

If we can promote the Bible as interesting, exciting, etc. then children will want to know the content. I want my stories to be exciting and truthful, so that my book can serve as an introduction to the Bible, and they will want to read more!

We need to reach kids when they are young, when their minds are open to accepting new concepts, characters etc. Look at how easily young kids can pick up new languages. When I was five years old I went to a Welsh school, where no English was spoken. I could choose to hide in a corner, as I did the first day, or jump in and learn the language. I chose to learn, and learn I did!

The minds of children are so open, and accepting. When kids learn the Bible at an early age, it teaches them great values, and greatly influences the development of their character!

I think it would make such a positive and wonderful difference in children’s lives if they were required to learn Bible stories!

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly. I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a child and enjoy!

Roberta, Thank you again for visiting B & B. I look forward to being able to share your next book with my family, friends & visitors.

Please be sure to visit Roberta's website: www.nanasbiblestories.com
Blessings,
Kim