Introducing LucyDoo {Giveaway}

*UPDATED with Winners* Congrats to Paisley Place and Mel's Coffee Break!

My dear friend is having her Grand Re-Opening today of her awesome beaded and silver jewelry shop!

Please meet LucyDoo (formerly A Touch of Silver).

I love LucyDoo jewelry because it's colorful, fun and inexpensive. I wear it all the time!

And did I mention it doesn't cost a lot?

Where else can you get a quality set as cute at this for $18?

This jewelry makes the perfect gift for yourself or others! Or yourself! Can you tell I really like it?

Okay. Just checking.

Go visit my friend LucyDoo and tell me your favorite pieces as your entry. Today, I'm giving away TWO $25 gift certificates!

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

My Forever Child {Giveaway}

*UPDATED* Thank you for sharing your stories of loss and hope. This is so much more than a contest for jewelry and I appreciate your comments. I started a thread in my BlogFrog community about our forever children. Please feel free to continue to encourage each other. The random winner is ~Alison~ Under the Big Oak Tree.

My Forever Child is graciously offering a 10% discount on their special jewelry to my readers who use the code THATFAMILY until May 31.

I tried to get pregnant with my first child for three long years.

I had a miscarriage.

I hated Mother's Day for many years.

I know the pain of infertility and loss.

That's why when My Forever Child contacted me about their unique ministry to Moms who have known loss, I knew I needed to share it with you.

My Forever Child creates personalized jewelry from the heart, rich with symbolism and meaning. Specializing in tangible reminders to honor and acknowledge our loved ones, while celebrating their life and the love they have bestowed to us. We believe that jewelry should tell a story and be meaningful for the wearer. Our personalized keepsakes are handcrafted upon order in our studio and customized to your specifications. Treasured memories will always be in your heart forever.

~Most of the pieces are handcrafted by Susan Mosquera, jewelry artisan and mother of 4 young children and 1 stillborn baby boy. Her journey of grief, healing, and hope was the inspiration for My Forever Child. Susan’s passion is to be able to help other’s through their life’s journeys with jewelry pieces meaningful for them.

Product Lines:

~Custom engraved handprint jewelry and footprint jewelry from your child’s actual prints. This is a special and unique way to celebrate your child`s life, and to carry with you a treasured keepsake made from their creation!

~Personalized Remembrance and Memorial Jewelry to honor your lost loved ones and keep their memories close to your heart.

~Memorial Jewelry for Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Pregnancy and Infant Loss to honor the tiny souls that touch and change your life, but gone too soon.

~Pregnancy and Fertility Jewelry with genuine gemstones and symbolic charms.

~Hand Stamped and professionally engraved unique Mother’s Jewelry, Family Jewelry, and Men’s pieces to honor ALL your children, both on earth and in Heaven.

In honor of My Forever Child's 5th Anniversary, they are offering one random reader a $50 gift certificate. Please leave a comment for yourself or someone you know that has suffered a loss and that will be your entry. This giveaway ends on Thursday.

A Happy Woman {Giveaway}

WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED HERE.

The other day, I was looking for a certain picture on the CD of our family photo shoot from last summer. I stopped at this one, an impromptu kiss captured, a photo I passed over for it's imperfection (my oldest stepped out of the shot), a picture that gripped my heart and made me stop:

May she who gave you birth be happy. ~ Proverbs 23:25

I have 10,000 reasons to be happy, but today, I'm thinking of the three little ones who call me Momma, Mom, Mommy or sometimes MMMOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!

Motherhood isn't about the perfect, crisp moments. It's about the impromptu kisses and hugs. Those are the ones that make me smile in the dark of the night and fill my heart.

Link up a photo post in all it's imperfections (you link it just like always, just make sure there's a picture in the post) that defines motherhood to you (of you with your kids, your kids by themselves, your mother, etc)...THREE photos will be chosen to receive a $50 gift certificate to the one and only The Vintage Pearl.

Erin, mom of four and creator of The Vintage Pearl has a gorgeous new exclusive design that would make a beautiful gift for Mom (yours or yourself!)

One of my all time favorite necklaces is from The Vintage Pearl and I wear it all the time. I always get asked about it!

Erin's work is known worldwide and I'm honored that she's been a long time sponsor of We are THAT family and become a friend!

This photo show-off giveaway will last thru the week! Winners will be announced on Mother's Day weekend. You can link up an old post or a new, but please make sure it has a picture that describes motherhood to you.

Babies: The Movie {Huge Giveaway}

Thanks everyone for entering! The random grand prize winner is Gypsy Mama!

The 4 winners of the filled Eco bags are: Embrace the Circus (I don't think there's a blog, I emailed you), Jen, Lisa (sent you an email), and Rohal Call !!

Babies and Mothers. They belong together.

In honor of Mother's Day, Babies is premiering in theaters Mother's Day weekend, May 7th!

I can't wait to see this film. As a matter of fact, when I was contacted and asked to help celebrate this ground-breaking, unique movie, I didn't want them to send me any of the amazing prizes they are giving away on my blog today. I just asked for movie tickets for my family for Mother's Day weekend. We've got plans, baby!

BABIES

The adventure of a lifetime begins…

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Thomas Balmès, from an original idea by producer Alain Chabat, Babies simultaneously follows four babies around the world – from birth to first steps. The children are, respectively, in order of on-screen introduction:

- Ponijao, who lives with her family near Opuwo, Namibia

- Bayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia, near Bayanchandmani

- Mari, who lives with her family in Tokyo, Japan

- Hattie, who resides with her family in the United States, in San Francisco.

Re-defining the nonfiction art form, Babies joyfully captures on film the earliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at once unique and universal to us all.

If you have a minute, watch the short movie trailer. You'll be glad you did!

In celebration of mother's all over the earth, Focus Films is offering this:

PRIZING FOR MY READERS:

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive:

- Kodak Pocket Video Camera 12 megapixels w/ video

- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD)

- Safety 1st Healthcare Basic Kits

- Tasty Baby Eco Bag filled with snacks

Four (4) Additional Winners will receive:

- Tasty Baby Eco Bag filled with

• Box of Tasty Brand Organic Fruit Snacks
  Box of Tasty Brand Organic Cereal Bars
  Bag of Tasty Baby Organic Infant Cereal

Retail Values:

Grand Prize package retail value is $215.00

Additional prizing retail value is $17.99

Just leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about your mother or about being a mother! This giveaway ends on Thursday.

P.S. You don't have to be a mom of a baby to enter...if you win, you can keep some of the prizes or give it away to a friend!

SheShe Made {Giveaway}

*Updated with Winner: Congrats to Four Now! You Won the $50 gift certificate to SheShe Made!

I have good intentions for my girls. I like to see them in pretty girly dresses. They would just rather wear play clothes without the coordinating hair bows. And preferably in the mud, please?

But a Mom can try.

I was so excited when SheShe Made sent me this darling dress for my precocious toddler:

Isn't it darling? I love the little turtle with my daughter's monogram.

It's 100% handmade, lined, and very high quality. I had to break out the camera!

Even if she only stayed clean for 14 minutes.

SheShe Made is offering one of my readers a $50 gift certificate to choose something for your girly girl or sweet boy or even as a gift! Please visit her darling store and leave a comment on this post telling me what you'd choose!

This giveaway closes on Thursday.

I Love Gussy {Giveaway}

*UPDATED with WINNER* Congratulations to Sandy a la Mode! You won!

I met Gussy at Blissdom this year.

And I liked her a lot.

Even before she gave the (in)Courage writers these gorgeous laptop bags (only I use mine as an all purpose slash purse slash laptop slash everything bag).

She is a self-taught, talented seamstress. She makes the most darling wallets, pouches and bags I've ever seen. Plus, she's adorable and totally looks like a Gussy, although her name is not.

About Gussy:

"Gussy is a line of ruffled accessories. Each ruffle is machine sewn free-hand style, making each ruffle unique. About 16 months ago I sat down at my kitchen table -- I wanted to learn how to sew. And here I am now, offering wallets, zipped pouches of all sizes, laptop bags, and note cards (all with my signature ruffle) to those that love a little flair!"

Me: Oh, to be so talented!

Here's some info about today's giveaway:

-$50 shop credit to be spent at www.shopgussy.com
-first entry: visit the shop and comment with your favorite item
-ideas for for multiple entries (please leave an additional comment for each):

• tweet it
• blog it
• facebook it

This giveaway ends Thursday. So, go have a look around and tell me what you'd love to own!

Point of Grace {Giveaway}

*UPDATED with Winner* Congratulations to Momma24 of Homedaze! You're the winner!

Do I have a treat for y'all!!

I have been a Point of Grace fan for years and years.

We are like *this* (crossing fingers to signify closeness) in my mind (because they don't actually know I exist). But let's not let that little fact detract us from the point at hand.

I love their music.

I went to one of their very first concerts a hundred years ago. Except they haven't aged one day:

They sent me their awesome new CD and fantastic cookbook (I realize that Shelly probably didn't lick the envelope, but let's not burst all my bubbles, k?)

My favorite song is Love and Laundry....here's the story behind it:

And, guess what???? Point of Grace is giving away an awesome prize package today on my blog today!

Prize Package:

No Changin' Us CD $14

Cooking with Grace Cookbook $15

Tote Bag $12

Meet & Greet Laminate $5

Postcard Set $5

Point of Grace T-Shirt $15

Total Value: $66

Leave a comment and tell me if you're a fan (or if they are new to you) as your entry. If you a die hard fan-- tweet this giveaway, facebook it, share it, and give yourself an extra entry (by adding an additional comment!)

A Celebration {Giveaway}

I'm an average mom. I yell too much and don't listen enough. I mess up. Daily.

My kids are normal too. They can be delightful one minute and talking back or writhing on the floor in a tantrum the very next.

[If you can't relate to the above confessions, you are probably above average and might want to skip this post.]

And we probably don't love each other any more than you and your kids.

But, that doesn't mean I'm not going to brag. (See first sentence about being an average mom: I can't help myself).

Because this is the happy face of a Mom who hasn't seen her kids in 10 days (or had a shower in 30+ hours):

Returning from Africa was a celebration!

We did it: my family (with the help of grandparents and friends) championed the cause without complaint and only offered me unconditional love and support while I was away. I couldn't have done it without them.

Life is full of ups and downs. The good and bad mark our journeys. But it's the celebrations we remember. Whether it's overcoming fear (my first Goodnites post) or celebrating victories, we are in this together.

Speaking of celebrations, someone will be rejoicing with a $2500 victory by winning the Bedtime Theater Writing Contest! Just submit your 275 word chapter and it could be you!

Oh, and a lucky reader, will have cause to celebrate when they win what I'm giving away TODAY:

• 2GB Silver iPod Shuffle
• Logitech Speakers
• $25 iTunes Gift Card
• Brookstone Cuddle Blanket
• Patagonia Bag

A prize package worth approximately $175!!!!!!

To enter, please leave a comment that might help a child overcome adversity (like "have faith", "don't give up!' etc) Who knows, you might even come up with an idea for the next chapter in Iggy's Great Adventure at the Bedtime Theater.

Bel Kai Designs {Giveaway}

*UPDATED with Winner* Thanks everyone for entering! Congrats to random winner Celeste!

Just when I think I've seen a sampling of all the beautiful jewelry out there, I find a place like Bel Kai Designs.

I love this unique, personalized jewelry. It's meaningful and elegant. Just look:

Bel Kai Designs sent me the Spring Cluster Necklace to review. It's absolutely lovely! I'm wearing it today in utter protest of the forecasted snow in my part of the deep South:

Go visit and tell me your favorite! Bel Kai Designs is offering one lucky reader a $50 gift certificate!

This giveaway will end on Thursday.

Bel Kai Designs is supporting Compassion International with this giveaway.

$5 Dollar Dinners Cookbook {Giveaway}

**UPDATED with WINNERS**

Congrats to Mel of Mel's Coffee Break, Lori of Building our Nest, Rose of Adventures in Savings, Sarah of Tired Mommy Tales and Andrea of Moody Mama Says!

$5 won't buy one meal at a fast food restaurant, much less feed a family.

(It will buy 3.5 cups of sweet tea. Just sayin').

I think that's why Erin's blog and book, The $5 Dollar Moms Cookbook is so amazing.She sent me a copy and I've been cooking out of it for weeks. Not only are the meals easy and g00d, THEY ARE CHEAP. Come to think of it, those are my three favorite requirements in life, too (easy, good and cheap!)

Not only are the hundreds of recipes, there were awesome grocery shopping, coupon-using, and bulk-buying tips. This is truly a great kitchen resource!

Here's one of her recipes I love:

********************************************************

Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil ($.40) 1/2 tsp salt and pepper, each 3 large garlic cloves, crushed ($.15) 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (from the garden) Handful of green beans, cut in tiny pieces (from the garden) Handful of basil (from the garden) 1 lb. angel hair pasta ($.82) On sale last week…although we only about about 1/2 of the pasta…saved the rest for lunch tomorrow! 2 split breast chickens, deboned ($2.55) Bought for $1.89/lb with $1 off coupon! 2 tsp olive oil ($.05) Salt/Pepper 2 broccoli heads ($.79)

1. In large skillet, add 1/4 cup olive oil salt, pepper, crushed garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, itty bitty green beans, and chopped basil. Saute over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until skins start to peel away from tomatoes. 2. In large saucepan, cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions, while veggies are sizzling! Drain. Add to skillet with vegetables. (I only used about half of the pasta…half filled up my largest skillet…and we were still stuffed!) 3. Cut chicken breasts portion from the bones of the split chicken breasts, and cut into 1/2 inch wide strips. Save bones and use to make stock…soup season isn’t too far off! Saute in 2 tsp olive oil with salt and pepper for 6-8 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Mix in with the pasta and veggies or serve on the side. 4. Steam broccoli in stovetop steamer or in the microwave, covered with plastic wrap. 5. Serve Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes, Chicken with Steamed Broccoli.

Cost $4.76

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I had the privilege of being on a panel with Erin at Blissdom last weekend. She is genuine and sweet and a Mom just like most of us.

Today, she's giving away FIVE of her $5 Dinner Cookbooks!!

Please visit her site, check out her book and leave a comment if you'd like to win!

*Shey*[B] Custom Camera Straps {Giveaway}

I gave my hubby a Nikon D50 three years ago for Christmas.

It's really his camera. Really.

But I'm sort of the camera manager.

*Shey*[B] sent me a beautiful custom camera strap to review. "It matches my office!" I exclaimed as I slipped the strap on.

And that's how you become the secondhand owner of a Nikon D50.

It's so girly and feminine and I take much better pictures (!) with it.

My hubby taking a picture of me, taking a picture:

She sent me The Valentine:

I also love the.....

For $5, you can add a pocket for your lens cap or buy one one these so your man can use his camera:

*Shey*[B] is offering TWO $25 gift certificates today!

Tell me what you like and you'll be entered to win.

This giveaway ends soon.

Flitterbugs Children's Clothing {Giveaway}

*UPDATED with WINNERS* Congrats to Little Llamas and Sam of This Beautiful Life!

I love good causes.

(Which also means I'm a crier).

I'm inspired when the world rallies money for Haitians, when a young girl stands up for something that's right, and when a family sacrifices to do something for others.

I'm so happy to tell you about Flitterbugs. It's a darling kid's boutique run by a family that is raising money to bring home an Ethiopian orphan.

Tissue, please.

So, not only can you get darling, custom dresses, twirl shirts, monogrammed shirts.....

you also get to be a part of something much bigger!

Today, Flitterbugs is giving away any one garment (choice of any style, design, fabric) to TWO lucky commenters today!

Please mention what you like in the comments and that will be your entry.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

{Madison Rose Vintage} Giveaway

*Updated with Winner* Congrats to Nesting in Pleasant View!

I love vintage things! If the paint is peeling or it has a musty smell, it appeals to me. Once my Mom said, "When y'all have a bit more money, do you think you'll buy new stuff?"

Nope.

I'm so happy to introduce y'all to a great Etsy store: Madison Rose Vintage!

This store is right up my vintage alley. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The sweet owner and one of my readers, is offering a $50 gift certificate to a lucky reader today! Please leave a comment with one of your favorites from her store.

She is also offering a 20% discount! Just add the code WEARETHATFAMILY in the Etsy convo box.

This giveaway ends on Thursday.

Winter Weather Fun {Giveaway}

My part of Texas isn't exactly known for SEVERE WINTER WEATHER.

But somebody should tell that to my toes because they are so cold! We recently spent 4 days in a row below freezing last week and that's some kind of record around here.

And before you make fun of my not-so-cold-weather *cough-yes, I'm talking to Northerners here* it's scientifically proven (maybe) that since Texas bodies are acclimatised to warmer weather, when it gets colder here, we feel it just like when it gets (very) cold up north. So there. But don't quote me on that because I sorta made it up.

But let's just say it was too cold to play outside, so we did some fun indoor stuff, like BUILD A GIANT FORT WITH BUNGEE CORDS. Because that's how my hubby learned it in Fort Building School.

This was a serious structure that encompassed our entire stairwell.

And all the spare sheets/blankets in the house:

Why, yes, THAT WOULD BE ROPE & BUNGEE (we don't mess around):

This was the biggest and most sturdy fort ever constructed in my home. (I'm so proud). We left it up for days. My kids read books by themselves and to their little sister, ate lunch, played spy games and SLEPT in this home-0f-sheets.

It definitely helped pass the hours of not being able to play outside!

I'm participating in Campbell's 32 Days of Winter Weather Fun and they are offering a $50 Visa gift card to a random commenter who share their fun ideas for those cold winter days.

Your comment is your entry and this giveaway will end next Tuesday when I announce the winner and share some of your great Winter Weather Fun ideas!

This post is sponsored by Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

Steady Mom {Book Giveaway}

Updated with winners: Thanks for entering! Here are the two random winners: Care-in and Miki! Congratulations!

One of the most fabulous parts of blogging is meeting other moms. Moms that rock (yes, Moms like you).

I met Steady Mom (Jamie Martin) via Works For Me Wednesday.

Her new book, Steady Days is a journey toward intentional professional motherhood. It includes practical ideas, inspiration, schedules, worksheets and more!

"You already have the skills you need to be an incredible mother. Empower yourself by reading Steady Days and implementing the ideas to benefit those important little people who call you mom," Jamie Martin.

Simply put, this book is a handbook for mothers.

And hello, if your kids are like mine (I'm currently scrubbing marker off my toddler's door) than a manual sounds SPLENDID.

It's an easy read that helps moms develop an organized parenting plan.

If you'd like to win a copy (I'm giving away TWO), please leave a comment.

La Bella Jewels {Giveaway}

UPDATED w/WINNERS: Congratulations to Stephanie from Musings of a Modern Day Mom and SamnHal of The Married Couple (y'all email me, k?) The rest of you go buy yourself something nice at La Bella Jewels. You deserve it.

Sometimes you don't need words to describe something beautiful.

La Bella Jewels speak for themselves.

La Bella has been a long-time sponsor of my blog and she has fallen in love with the life-changing blog of Kisses From Katie. She created this gorgeous necklace, specifically for the amazing ministry that feeds, clothes, covers and even provides chickens for poverty-ridden orphans: Amazima (translated to mean truth).

And she's sending Katie one!

This sterling silver dainty necklace is gorgeous, $30

She is generously donating HALF of the proceeds from this necklace to Amazima!!

La Bella Jewels is also offering TWO $50 gift certificates, to two readers today, winner's choice.

Would you consider supporting Amazima by purchasing this beautiful necklace too, so others will know the truth?

Please leave a comment as your entry. This giveaway will close Thursday.

Double Digits {Giveaway}

Random Number Generator picked lucky no. 8! Congrats to Lauren of Team Giles. You won!

Today, I've been a parent for 10 years. A decade!

My little girl is not so little anymore. I'm not so young either.

photo by Lucky Horseshoe Photography

I love that girl. And I don't want her to grow a day older or take another step away from me!

But it's her birthday and I'm not going to cry.

(I did tear up a bit when she got on a giant horse for her first horse riding lesson -her present)

Instead of crying, we're throwing a fantastic cupcake party tomorrow. We're getting out our special birthday banner and she and ten of her best pals are decorating their own cupcakes and making felt cupcake shirts like these:

(we bedazzled a sample shirt)

Each girl is getting a white shirt of their own in these felt bags from the Dollar Spot at Target (they had ornaments on them, we peeled them off and glued felt cupcakes instead!) We're also making bottle cap necklaces and learning how to decorate real cupcakes-to eat, of course.

Of course, we needed some special birthday party announcements!

Thanks Pepper for customizing some delicious birthday invitations for free! If you need some invitations, I highly recommend her!

And, one of my sponsors Party Cupcake Ideas is helping us celebrate! (Do you need cupcake ideas for your parties? This is the place!) They are generously giving away something incredible: a cupcake charm and bracelet from Tiffany's!!! ($200 value).

I may have to break my rules and enter my own giveaway for this one!

Happy 10th Birthday, Honey!

Go, have a look and tell me your favorite kind of cupcakes as your entry.

This giveaway will end soon, don't miss out.