2009 has been a memorable year in our home.  The Lord has moved and provided in many ways.  In His loving and kind way, He has made changes.  I am grateful for His constant provision and protection for our whole family.  

A slideshow of our 2009 year...

 

 

Looking forward to the Lord's working in my life in 2010 by..

1) Helping me to read the Bible through in the year 2010, using this plan.

2) Spending more time in prayer, and seeking the Lord more intentionally in all areas of my life.

3) Letting go and being intentionally surrendered to His abilities.  I've seen great things happen in our home when I've stepped out of the way and let God be in control.

4) Continue loosing weight, I've lost 60 pounds in the last four months, I want to loose 40 more.  I will continue my current eating plan and add more exercise.

5) Exercise five days a week, by beginning to train for a 5K using this plan  and this video.

I got this for Christmas and love it. 

6) Be intentional in finishing well those things which I've begun. 

7) Forgive and forget quickly!

Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed New Year in 2010!

 

One of my longest and dearest blogging friends, Tamara, is having a great giveaway.

Visit her blog...Branch of Wisdom and enter to win some really cool prizes!

December has flown by and in the midst of it we had a birthday celebration for Grace.

I can't believe our baby is Six! It is amazing to me that she's went from

to this......

This year we splurged on her gift because of a deal we made with her.  We had tried many methods to break her habit of thumb sucking.  Finally we tried bribing her and taping her thumb.  For the month prior to her birthday if she didn't suck her thumb, she could get a Fur-real pony. 

On Black Friday, the Lord provided a great deal on the horse.  It was amazing that Toys R' Us still had them at the sale price when we got there that afternoon. 

Grace loves her pony...she calls her Marshmellow..

We praise God for you Grace Ann, you are our special blessing from the Lord.

Hugs,

Mom and Dad

From our home to yours, we would like to wish you a fabulous Christmas! 

We praise Him for His birth...

are in awe of the Gift He gave, dying on the cross for our sins......

look forward in Hope to our resurrection....

and expectantly listen and watch for His glorious reappearing!

May this Holy Holiday season bring Love, Joy and Peace to your hearts and homes.

Love,

The Leepers

He shall be called....

I received the following book free from Crossway publishers for the sole purpose of review.  I received no monetary compensation for this review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the book:

With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand.  Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their woldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, amking it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children.  With this great format, parents will be emboldened to be their chidlren's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way. 

About the author:

Bruce A. Ware(PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and has authored God's Lesser Glory, God's Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

My Thoughts:

 Dr. Ware has written book that is filled with wisdom and great theological lessons to teach your children.  Each lesson is broken down into easy, teachable lessons that could be done once a week or nightly.  They end with a few thought-filled questions and a scripture to memorize.  I appreciate the years of parenting that Dr. and Mrs. Ware share in this great tool.   I recommend buying this book if you do not have a lot of knowledge in biblical and Christian theology, yet want your children firmly rooted in them.

I received the following product for free, for the sole purpose of review on this blog.  I receive no monetary compensation for this review.

Maestro Classics:

Imagine a child's world filled with music!

Classical Music CDs for Children
The award-winning new classical music CD series for children and families combines classic
stories with great symphony orchestra music. Combining literature, classical music, education
and entertainment, these CDs for parents and children are perfect for ALL kids and interested
parents. Once it was Baby Mozart, Raffi, ClassicalKids; now it is time for Maestro Classics(TM).

Bonnie Ward Simon and conductor/composer Stephen Simon developed and produced the original Stories and Music series for the Washington Chamber Symphony at the Kennedy Center.  An expert in the field of children's music education, Bonnie available to answer your questions about how you can introducethe wonderful world of music to your children from infancy onward. Visit her blog at AskBonnieSimon.blogspot.com

Maestro Classics' Award-Winning CD Series

Each CD set includes:

~An enchanting story set to great music

~Superb recordings by the London Philharmonic Orchestra

~Educational tracks describing the creation of the music, composers' lives, musical composition and more.

~An innovative activity booklet.

Cost:

Purchase one for $16.98 or three for $45.00

Click here to purchase and for a code to receive the 3/$45 deal.

Or phone at 888-540-2811

Titles Available:

Casey at the Bat

The Story of Swan Lake

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Peter and the Wolf

Juanita the Spanish Lobster

The Tortoise and the Hare

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

 In Our Home:

We received The Tortoise and the Hare for review and the girls loved it.  Listening to story acted out on the CD with the addition of beautiful orchestra music was delightful to them.  They've asked to listen to it several more times. The bonus of having a read aloud mixed with Classical music is a ranks highly with me.  I think this would be a great Christmas gift for a large family that traveled a lot.  Another idea I had was that several families could go in on the cost and then trade them between themselves.  They are a little pricey, but the quality is worth the cost.

To view read what other TOS Crew members think about this product, click the logo below.

I have another blog where I review books, mostly from Christian publishers. 

I am currently giving away a copy of this book @ my book review blog:

Faithful Grace Reader.

Please click the above link, leave a comment with your email address. 

Only comments with their email addresses listed will be eligible in the contest.

I will draw for the winner on December 28, 2009.