Saturday, April 9, 2011

Book Review - Crazy Daze of Motherhood by Jane Isfeld Still and Contest!


My review:

This book had an unexpected impact on my life. I had taken it along to read during a flight from Philadelphia to Dallas. I was reading (and chuckling) as the very full flight boarded. I was feeling lucky that the two seats next to me were empty when the final passenger boarded. She took the aisle seat, but with the middle seat unoccupied, I was still feeling very fortunate.

My seatmate took one look at the book's cover and asked if I were a mother. I hadn't noticed she was upset during the flurry of stowing luggage and getting settled. This stranger needed kleenex and thought that a mother would have some. I had felt impressed to purchase two packages, so I was well prepared. This encounter set the stage for a delightful conversation all the way to Dallas.

Well, I didn't get the book read until I got home. This is not only a very funny look at motherhood, but is also a book with which many parents will be able to relate. I thought I was the only one living the "I Love Lucy" life!

"Crazy Daze of Motherhood" is a perfect gift for Mother's Day, birthdays, or any time your favorite mother needs a lift. It's the antidote to those dreaded Mother's Day talks about those perfect mothers who bottle fruit, make their own clothing from rags, and can fix their own plumbing while wearing heels and pearls. While you're at it, get a copy for yourself!

From the back cover:


A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.

About the Author:
Jane is married to Rick Still, who she believes has the distinction of being the only man in history brave enough to give her earwax candles for her birthday. They had six children in eight years, and while her children were growing up, she discovered she had a great sense of humor. At least that was her take. Rick once said to her, "Honey, you know all those real corny things you say all the time? Who ever thought you could make money at it?" Her son Adam once told her, "Mom could you please stop telling jokes to my friends? It's really embarrassing." One of Jane's philosophies is, "You're not doing your job unless your children are worried about being seen in public with you."

To read more about Jane and her exploits visit her website at janeisfeldstill.com or her blog at janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com
 
Jane's Contest:
You can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book. Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower. You could win:


1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards

2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate

3. Chocolate


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Book Reviews - Smartboys Series by Rebecca Shelley

How could you resist a book with the title Bees in my Butt? The sequels, including We Flushed it Down the Potty, I Took a Burp, and I Lost My Head, are equally entertaining.

Bees in my Butt introduces us to the "Smartboys Club", a group of youngsters that are eager to learn, but not to stand out from the other students. Johnny Lovebird (Monkey to his friends) is having, well, some digestive troubles at school caused by a dinner of Mexican food the night before. This could be very embarassing, but Monkey manages to turn this into an advantage when ninjas attack the school.

We Flushed it Down the Potty continues the adventure. Can the friends take on some bullies and find a missing heirloom wedding ring? Once again, Rebecca Shelley has made it cool to be smart while creating an adventure that elementary school children will love.

I Took a Burp introduces us to a new girl in school, Sandra. After she disappears during school, the Smartboys Club members must work together to solve the mystery. Could she really be a spy?

I Lost my Head, the fourth book in the series, reunites the friends in a spooky Halloween tale. Monkey and his friends must work together to rid the school library of a ghost and keep Monkey in the school.

What a fun series, and it's not over yet. Begin your collection of the Smartboys Club books here

Monday, April 4, 2011

New Contest!

(dis)Abilities and the Gospel: How to Bring People with Special Needs Closer to Christ

"(dis)Abilities and the Gospel: A Guide for Parents and Teachers" will be published on May 6, 2011!

This guide helps families, religious leaders, and church teachers include those with disabilities in their congregations. It includes tips for a happier family life, descriptions of the most common types of disabilities, and

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, for every ten autographed copies preordered through this blog, I will donate one copy to a charity, school, or public library.

How will this work? The names of those who preorder will be put in a hat, and one in ten will be selected to choose which organization, school, or library will receive a free autographed copy!

So, click on the link to the left and order your copy now!