This Is My Brave

brave [breyv]
{verb} to meet or face courageously, to defy/challenge/dare,
{adjective}possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance
{noun} a warrior
{synonyms}bold, daring, courageous, fearless, valiant, gallant in the face of danger or difficulties

I am not a risk taker.  I am a rule follower and I like staying in the safe zone.  I don't like stepping out in courage in the face of difficulties.  When struggles come, my first reaction is to hide and ignore.  I am not one to face a challenge head on.  I avoid conflict at all costs.

That definition of brave?  At first glance, I am far from it.  Fearless? Valiant? Courageous? Bold?  Who me???

Annie Downs writes in her newest book, Let's All Be Brave: "If we are each as unique as the Bible says we are, then our calls to courage are each equally unique...Courage looks different for each of us." Maybe brave for me isn't being a missionary in a far away country in the middle of no where.  What if, for me, brave simply means getting out of bed with a smile on my face ready to face the endless piles of laundry, never ending discipline, and overwhelming responsibilities of every day living with perseverance and purpose?

Sometimes brave simply means recognizing the beauty and value in who God made me to be and being confident of my calling, no matter what anyone else might say.  I know my children are a gift and I'm grateful for this life, but it's easy to get caught up in comparing and forget that what I am doing right here, right now matters.

So, when my littlest one starts to fuss, I put down my to do list and pick her up, even if all she wants is for me to hold her and talk to her while she smiles and coos.  Because the time and love I give her now matters.  And when the big kids beg me to read them a story for the millionth time, I do it with a grateful heart, because this is my purpose right here, right now.  This is my brave.  

Brave also means sharing my story, every hard and broken piece of it, and boldly testifying about all the ways God has used all of the bad for good.  It means letting down my guard and opening up my heart to a new friend, even when I'm scared of being hurt.  Someone, somewhere needs to know they are not alone and that God can make beauty out of any of our ashes.  Brave is recognizing His purpose in it all and the way He has never forgotten or forsaken me along the way.

Some days, being brave means hitting post or publish when the words on my heart need to be shared, no matter how terrified I might be of what others might think or say about me.  Or maybe it means sending a message, and email, or a text, or making that phone call I've been dreading.  Remember how I said I avoid conflict at all costs?  Yeah, being brave sometimes means facing those confrontations and speaking the truth in love.

So, when a mom I've only just met moments before hints at the broken pieces of her story that are so similar to my own, I ignore the schedule and noise around me and begin to open my own heart to her.  As I speak and our stories become intertwined, we both find our brave.  Just like Annie says, "You aren't headed out to find courage.  It's in you, it is blooming, and it is with you as you travel and say yes to things that seem scary."  This, right here - sharing my story and connecting with a new friend - this is my brave.  I hug this new found friend and, as we both walk back to our daily lives, I'm grateful, so grateful for the way God really does work all things together for good. 

My brave might not look like your brave, but that doesn't mean my brave is not brave.  The only one who gets to define my brave...is me.  God has placed a specific purpose and calling on each of our lives and sometimes the bravest moment is when we step forward and allow Him to finish the work He began in us.

*Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Dayspring and inspired by their new line of Letterpress Blocks, but the words and stories are my own. 

 

Product Review: U-NEEKS by Dayspring

I've long been a fan of Dayspring products, because, besides being well made and beautiful, they display bible verses and truths that are so meaningful.  They also have so many great sales and deals throughout the year to entice this frugal mommy to purchase from their website often for birthday gifts and Christmas.  I have a few products in my own home that I love, like this beautiful tabletop advent devotional, a few of their beautiful mugs, and this beautiful purse and makeup bag from their Redeemed line, along with tons of cards, journals, and notepads that I purchase often through their Heart Connection Card Club.  And, of course, I have an ongoing wishlist of products I would love to use and display in our home. 

When I first heard about their new line of U-Neeks products, I was intrigued and I was excited for the opportunity to review a few of these fun products with the kids.  Here is what Dayspring has to say about them:

God has made each one of us different on purpose.  In the Bible ( Psalm 139:14 ) we are reminded that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God, each U-Neek in our own way.  That is what this cast of characters is all about, reminding and encouraging us in a fun, random, sometimes weird and innocently strange way.

My oldest two were really excited to pick out their own U-Neeks character along with a fun coloring book and I picked out this pillow plush character for our toddler to enjoy.  I always love how quickly and efficiently Dayspring delivers their online orders - the package was at our door within a few days of placing the order and the kids eagerly tore it open with me.  They carried their little U-Neeks characters around the house for the rest of the day and now they hold a prominent place on their beds. 

The Allie Bird pillow plush character is the perfect size for our toddler's bed and he often curls up next to it or with his head resting on it just like a pillow.  It makes me smile to see him sleeping so peacefully with this soft, cute, and comfy pillow.  I love that the back displays this message: "I Am U-Neek, Psalm 139:14".  I want my children to always know that each of their lives have a precious and beautiful purpose, because they were fearfully and wonderfully made by their heavenly Father.  I can only imagine how this fun little pillow character will spark conversations with him as he grows. 

The smaller plush characters that our oldest two picked out came with a fun tag that shared a few fun facts about what makes their character "U-Neek" along with a bible verse.  My almost six year old picked out Jazzmine, whose life verse comes from Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." This is a verse I find myself drawn to often and one I hope to share and memorize with my daughter as she grows and discovers who she is in a world that would love to fill her mind with so much junk.  Instead, I want her to know and learn, right along with me, how to fix our thoughts on the things that really matter and on the One who will guide us to the abundant life. 

My four year old picked out Indigo, whose life verse comes from Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  This is another verse that is so important to know and hold in our hearts in a world filled with temptations.  I hope and pray that each of my children would learn to discern what is right from what is wrong and that both my husband and I would have the wisdom to raise them well in the knowledge of the Lord.  I so appreciate that this line of "U-Neek" characters will help to spark these conversations with our kids and I look forward to sharing more with them as they grow. 

We haven't had a chance to use the coloring books yet, because I have yet to purchase the Color Wonder markers.  The pages are filled with fun bible verses and pictures to color that I know the kids will love.  Plus, I'm sure they will also spark many good learning opportunities for our kids.  

The entire line of U-Neeks products can also be found at Hobby Lobby or Walmart, making them even easier to purchase for your family.  These U-Neeks encouragement cards would make a great back to school purchase to use in lunch boxes and these party cups would be fun party favors for a birthday party or other celebration.  You can also take advantage of Dayspring's customer appreciation sale using code THANKS25 to get 25% off when you purchase through their website, plus shipping is free with any $50 purchase. 

*Disclosure: Dayspring provided these U-Neek products free of charge in exchange for my honest review.



 

Products I Love: Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes

photo credit

I've never really had a shoe fetish.  My size 10 feet make shoe shopping difficult, because shoes that look cute on smaller feet don't work for my big feet and when I do find a shoe I like it's hard to find it in my size.  Once I find a shoe I like that is comfortable, I tend to wear them all the time until they wear out. 

Living in the Midwest, boots are a must, but I've always dreaded boot shopping even more.  Besides having large feet, they are also wide and, in combination with my wide calves, it's just hard to find cute boots that actually fit me well.  Plus, as a busy mom who is constantly on the go, I want a boot that is comfortable...and I really dislike high heels.

I've been hearing about Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes for a while now and I was always intrigued by the name.  I just never thought the words "hotter" and "comfort" could go together when it comes to shoes.  The shoes certainly looked "hotter", but were they comfortable?

Then I read blogger reviews from two blogging friends I know in real life and whose opinions I trust.  They both raved about how comfortable their Hotter Comfort Concept Shoes were and I began to enter every giveaway I could find hoping I'd win a pair of their shoes to try for myself.   I didn't win, but I've been drooling over their shoes since. 

As a mom, I often put my kids first and have a hard time spending money on clothing or shoes for me.  But my feet were suffering for every cheap pair of shoes I bought.  So, when I noticed that Hotter was looking for more bloggers to review their shoes, I quickly emailed them.  I didn't really expect a reply or even a "yes", so you can imagine my surprise when I got a quick email reply saying they'd love to have me as part of their blogger programme. 

 photo credit

I had a hard time deciding on a pair of shoes from their Autumn 2013 Collection, because ALL their shoes are so cute.  But, I finally decided it was time to find a pair of boots that I could love.  I could hardly wait for my Mystery Boots to arrive and the moment that Hotter box showed up at my door, I quickly tore it open and have been wearing my Hotter boots nearly every day since. 

Besides being super cute, they are both durable and comfortable.  They fit my wide calves and feet with room to spare for thick winter socks for those bitter cold days.  They are easy to slip on and off when we're rushed to get out the door (which happens often with three little kids).  I usually hate wearing shoes indoors, but these boots are so comfortable I often forget to take them off! 

Here's what Hotter has to say about what makes their shoes so unique:

"Hotter shoes are lighter than you’ll believe – with air bubble filled soles. Supersoft leathers are breathable, pliable and simply an indulgent treat for toes. Flexible soles include special grooves that yield and support your feet as you walk and pillows of cushioning create a slipper like feeling underfoot. Seamless. Ageless. Appealing to every sense."

If you'd like your own Hotter shoes, you can get 30% off plus FREE shipping with code JRJAPFR.  (Note: this code is only for new customers and cannot be used on sale items.)  Believe me, you won't be disappointed in your Hotter Comfort Concept shoes.  They are well worth the money and I'm already saving up for my next pair!  Also, stay connected with Hotter through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Google + so you don't miss a sale or new product announcements.

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Disclosure: Hotter Comfort Concept shoes offered me a free pair of Mystery Boots in exchange for my honest review of their product.  

 

Premama Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mix Review

 
I was given the opportunity to host a Premama Mommy Party and, since my MOPS table this year is full of moms who are nursing or pregnant, I was excited to share this product with friends.  The long winter days here are making us all a little stir crazy, so this was the perfect excuse for a play date.  I set up the table with some healthy and easy snack foods including carrots with homemade hummus and apple and orange slices.  One of my friends brought some fresh strawberries and granola bars too.  Since the Premama mixes are best mixed with juice, I made some Kool Aid for all of us to drink with our snacks.  My daughter, of course, picked out the pink lemonade and, since we don't often have juice, the kids were excited to have a special treat. 

I've always had a hard time with prenatal vitamins making me sick.  When I was pregnant with Valerie, I just used Flintstone vitamins, because all the prenatal vitamins I tried would make me throw up.  When I was pregnant with Almanzo, a friend told me about New Chapter Perfect Prenatal vitamins.  Because they are made with whole food cultures, it was easier on my stomach.  The only other prenatal vitamins I've been able to handle are those in drink mix form, so I was excited to try Premama Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mixes.

I made the mistake of trying Premama in a plain glass of water the first time and it simply tasted like I was chewing on an actual vitamin.  Gross!  But, the moment I added it to my glass of Kool Aid, I had no idea there was even a vitamin mixed in with it.  My son even snuck a sip of it and didn't know the difference.  My friends also mentioned their own struggles with prenatal vitamins and were just as happy with the Premama drink mix.  Mommy Parties generously sent me enough boxes of Premama to send them each home with their own month supply.

Premama can be added to any juice, milk, or cold beverage, including smoothies.  I'm excited to try it with smoothies, because we love making smoothies in the summer for afternoon snacks.  Smoothies are a great energy boost when we're spending lots of time outdoors in the summer and we enjoy experimenting with different flavors.  I love that I can simply pour a Premama drink mix pouch into my smoothie and get my vitamins for the day at the same time.  I also love that they are gluten free, since I have a gluten sensitivity.  It's an easy to remember option for this busy mom and a great option for any mom looking for an easier to digest prenatal vitamin.  

You can find out more about Premama Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mix on their website and on Facebook.  They often share delicious smoothie and drink mix recipes on their Facebook page including a Cherry-Almond Smoothie and Kisses Chocolate Mousse.  You can find more recipes on their Pinterest page too.  Mommy Parties provided me with free supplies to host my own Premama Party in exchange for my honest review.

 

A Shutterfly Christmas {Giveaway}

It should come as no surprise to those who know me and this blog well that I love Shutterfly.  Capturing memories through photos is my passion and I love the quality and variety of photo products Shutterfly offers.  It is, by far, my favorite photo printing website.

Since our firstborn arrived and we entered the world of parenthood, I have enjoyed creating photo cards to send to family and friends for Christmas.  I love walking to the mailbox in December and finding Christmas cards for those we love, but my favorites are always those with photos.  As much as I love words, sometimes a photo is worth more than a million words.

Two years ago we started doing family photo shoots to use for Christmas photos.  Finding just the right card to share our memories was so much fun when I found the beautiful variety of Christmas Cards Shutterfly offers.  The only problem is deciding which one, because I love them all.

Right now, Shutterfly also has great deals going on for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to help make your Christmas photo cards more affordable.  You can get 10 FREE photo cards through 11/25 and on Monday (11/26) you can get 25% off your entire order.  Plus, check out their special offers page for more great deals.  Now, if only I could make up my mind on which card to choose!

Would you enjoy creating your own photo cards with Shutterfly?  Shutterfly has generously offered a giveaway for $50 to spend on your own creations.  So, go ahead and browse through their beautiful collection of Christmas photo cards and enter using the Rafflecopter entry form below.

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in exchange for my honest review of Shutterfly's Christmas card collection. 

 

Happy Family Products Review & Giveaway

As a busy mom of three, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and healthy snacks and lunches.  A simple glance at the ingredient lists of most pre-packaged, processed snack foods reveals a long list of words I can't pronounce that sound more like a list of chemicals that belong in a laboratory.  In the past two years, our family has made a drastic change to our diet, removing most processed foods and focusing more on whole foods and organic foods.  Still, there are days, especially with a newborn, that I long for the convenience of processed foods.

I discovered Happy Family products two summers ago while searching for convenient travel snacks for the many bike races our family attends all summer long.  We fell in love with their squeezable fruit and vegetable pouches, because they are easy enough for the kids to eat on their own without making a huge mess.  Plus, I love that they contain actual fruits or vegetables without the added sugar and preservatives of most processed foods...and they taste good too!

Since then, Happy Family has expanded their product line by adding some great products for growing toddlers including Happy Tot Plus and Happy Tot Meal Bowls.  I was excited to have the chance to review these products, because snack and lunch time with a newborn are often challenging.  The moment I unpacked the Happy Tot Plus pouches, the kids were drooling over them and begging to eat them right away.   Lately, they've become picky about vegetables, so I was happy to see that the Happy Tot Plus pouches combine vegetables and fruit.  They gobbled those pouches right up, without even realizing they were eating vegetables!

The Happy Tot Meal Bowls were a bit more challenging to convince them to eat.  They mumbled and groaned about how they "not like that" before they even took a bite.  But, once they tried them, they both said, "yummy!".  Their favorite meal was the Vegetable Ravioli.  I was surprised to see my picky eaters polish them off without complaining once about eating vegetables.

Are you in search of quick, easy, and healthy snacks and lunches for your kids too?  Happy Family has offered a chance for one of you to win the same prize pack we were sent to review, including coupons for THREE free Happy Tot Plus pouches and FOUR free Happy Tot Meal Bowls.  To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entries below.

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Disclosure: Happy Family provided me with a free prize pack of coupons as well as the giveaway prize pack of coupons in exchange for my honest review of their products. 


 

You Have Filled My Heart With Greater Joy

I can't stop thinking about this family...and the nightmare that is now their reality.  Last night, I stared down at my newborn baby boy as he fell into a milk drunk sleep, I realized just how blessed I am, because he is here, alive and healthy.

Peanuts Family Planner Wall Calendar

As I gently cradled him in my arms and carefully stood up from the couch to crawl into bed for the night, I couldn't resist peeking in on my 3 and 4 year olds.  I just had to look at their faces one more time, to watch their chests rise and fall with each breath, and to reassure myself that all is well in our home.

Because, all is not well in the Krim family...and I cannot even imagine the horror, the pain, the grief that they must be enduring right now.  When my daughter curled up next to me on the couch this morning, I couldn't take my eyes off her.  The simple fact that she woke up to a new day is more than a blessing...it is a miracle.  Every single day we are given is a miracle.  

Peanuts Perpetual Calendar

Today, my joy is found in the sweet faces of my three loves, the children that I am more than blessed to call my own.   No matter how many times they defiantly tell me no or whine when I tell them no, they still fill my heart with joy...great joy, because they are here and they are mine.


Disclosure: Dayspring and (in)courage sent me these two products in exchange for my story post about the message behind their products.  The words and opinions expressed here are completely my own...and I really do love Dayspring products.


 

Shutterfly Yearbooks: A Review & Giveaway

 
In the past few weeks, my facebook newsfeed has been flooded with back to school photos. As I smiled at all the cute kids with their new backpacks, carefully planned outfits, and ready-to-take-on-the-world excitement, I couldn't help but think about next year.  Because, this time next year, I will be joining all the parents in posting a first day of school photo of our kindergartner.

 
And oh, my heart. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Wasn't it just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital, after a long and emotional two week stay in the NICU? I can't easily forget the sleepless nights, watching her curl up skin-to-skin as I nourished her with a love that swept me off my feet with surprise.  She was my world as my days revolved around when she ate, slept, and needed a diaper change.  I jumped at her every cry, willing to do anything and everything to make her happy.

Now, I watch her play pretend, chattering away about an imaginary birthday party for her dolly.  She uses two pillows to create a make shift oven to bake a cake and carefully places tiny cups and saucers for a tea party for four.  I marvel at the conversations I can have with my firstborn who is too quickly becoming a little girl.  I wonder how to slow down time or at least capture these moments to hold onto them forever.

A few weeks ago, I gathered together photos from her second, third, and fourth years to create photo book memories that we can tangibly hold onto and remember over and over.  I'm not sure who was more excited about the arrival of a bright orange Shutterfly package - my daughter or me.  She was literally jumping up and down, running to the front door every day asking me, "Is it here yet?"  When it finally arrived, she helped me tear open the package and spent the next hour curled up next to me reliving these memories.

Next year, as she begins the new adventure of her first year of school, I am thankful for Shutterfly and their awesome photo products to record these memories forever.  Shutterfly recently came out with a new yearbook product that makes it really easy to capture all those school year memories.  I'm already imagining all the ways I can use this resource to record our daughter's kindergarten memories and I can only imagine how much more excitement the arrival of that bright orange package will bring to our home.

Would you like a chance to record your own memories in the form of a Shutterfly photobook?  Shutterfly has generously offered a FREE 8x8, 20 page photo book (plus shipping!) to ONE of my readers.  To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter entry form below.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, September 26th.

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*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  Shutterfly offered me a free photo book and website credit in exchange for my honest opinions about their Yearbook products.

Lilla Rose Flexi Clips: Review & Giveaway

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a sweet momma asking if I'd be interested in doing a review and giveaway for Lilla Rose.  I had never heard of this company, but the moment I started browsing through their beautiful flexi clips, I knew my daughter would love them.

Sue Ellen sent the Scrollwork Heart size Mini with pink beadwork for our review and surprised me by including the Princess Tiara size Extra Small with jet beadwork because mommas are princesses too!  Valerie was so excited to try out our new hair clips.  She made sure I put it on her right away and told me it was so pretty.  

My daughter's hair in a simple little up-do on the day of my grandma's funeral 

(taken with Instagram - mom2vanda)

I haven't had much chance to play around with different hairstyles with everything going on around here, but I'm intrigued by this album from Sue Ellen's facebook page.  The Mini works well for a half up-do for me, but I'm definitely going to be placing an order soon for a Small or Medium to try some up-dos for me.  I might have to pack one in my hospital bag for when baby arrives!  

The awesome thing about Lilla Rose flexi-clips is the sizing.  Each flexi-clip comes in different sizes, so there is one that will work for every hair type.  This video is a great tool for figuring out what size and style would work for you.

I was impressed with the design and the quality of each Flexi Clip.  The design makes them super easy to put in and, because they are flexible, they can be easily adjusted to hold your hairstyle secure.  Plus, there are so many different fun designs to choose from and every month there is a new Flexi of the Month.  I can't wait to see what next month's design is!

Are you intrigued as much as we were with Lilla Rose?  Sue Ellen has graciously offered a giveaway for a $16 gift certificate to her website, so one of you can try out your very own Flexi Clips.  To enter, use the Rafflecopter entry form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received two free Flexi Clips from Sue Ellen Hale's Lilla Rose business in exchange for my honest review of this product.  She has graciously provided the giveaway prize as well.

The winner of the Dayspring giveaway has been announced.  Check out the blog post to see if it was you!

Update: I'm hosting an online part for Lilla Rose too!  Check it out (now through August 25th) and earn FREE shipping on orders over $20 plus Buy 3, Get 1 FREE if you are a current or new customer of Sue Ellen Hale!  

 

Stand on Grace: A Dayspring Review & Giveaway

To God's elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. ~1 Peter 1:2

On a morning when simply opening up the internet reveals news of tragedy and heartbreak sweeping our nation, it's hard to understand what it means to have grace and peace in abundance. 

Peter was writing in a time when the message of Christ was only beginning to sweep through the nations.  He knew that, just as Christ suffered, they too would suffer for His name.  And yet, he opens his first letter by wishing grace and peace in abundance to God's elect.

To know His grace, His unmerited favor and undeserved gift, is to know His peace, the kind of peace that surpasses understanding.  Matthew Henry said in his commentary of this passage that "solid peace cannot be enjoyed where there is no true grace; first grace, then peace".

But in this world there will be tribulation.  

"And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet."  (Mark 13:7)

Death, pain, and suffering are all part of living in a sinful, fallen world.  As I learned this morning's horrible news, I found myself thinking about how these kinds of events have become more frequent and far worse.

Mark knew, long before today's events that it would get worse and that it should not alarm us.  All these things must come to pass before the end.

So, where is the peace in this?  How can I read today's news or listen to reports on the radio of tragedy upon tragedy day after day and still feel safe and secure?  

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Peace, real, solid, lasting peace comes from knowing that no matter what events transpire around us, no matter what storms we must walk through in this life, He has overcome them all.  Strong's defines peace as "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is".

My heart aches for the people of Colorado today...but, even more so, my soul yearns for that day when He will overcome it all.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 
 

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Dayspring has graciously gifted me with this beautiful doormat and flag from their Redeemed collection.  This is what it means to stand on grace, knowing that no matter what comes, He has overcome.   

One of my readers will also be gifted with the same message from 1 Peter 1:2 as a reminder of the kind of grace and peace that are ours in abundance through Christ.  Plus, anyone can use the code JOY2012 for 25% off their entire purchase through the end of the month. (Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter entry form below.)

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Disclosure: The doormat and flag were provided for free by Dayspring in exchange for sharing my story of how the message of hope from products like these challenged and encouraged me.  Dayspring has also provided the same products to one winner of this giveaway.