This Little Light of Mine: a review and give-away

    Using the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as a framework, This Little Light of Mine by Kathleen Basi offers a guide for how to live out our Catholic faith during Ordinary Time, and model to the children around us its importance.  With reflections and practical suggestions offered at both the adult and child level, this is a wonderful book to add to any family's library.  We have just completed the hard work of Lent and our focus now is on celebration during the Easter Season, but with its seasonal focus, this book could prove a great resource in preparing for the ongoing journey of faith when Ordinary Time returns.

    The text was very readable, with concepts such as suffering, the saints, the sacraments, and Eucharist presented in back-to-back sections aimed at first adults and then children, followed by examples for daily living.  While my kids are still young to read to directly from the book, I am sure the suggestions for how to talk about important issues such as suffering or why one should attend Mass will be a help to me.  I believe Ms. Basi's clear yet in-depth approach to lessons of faith centered around the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes will prove very helpful to parents, and to anyone seeking to model a life of faithfulness to kids.

In addition to the copy of the book provided me for my honest review, the publisher Liguori has graciously also sent me one to give to one of you wonderful readers.  Please leave a comment below if you would like to add this book to your library.  Extra entries for followers, here or bloglovin, or twitter (@joymhb), just leave another comment letting me know.  Entries accepted until midnight Wednesday, April 17th.  Good luck!

Passing the Word: A Spring Give-a-way

So given that in February it snowed feet and feet (with more being predicted) it probably goes without saying that I am so ready for March. Next month will bring many wonderful family birthdays including Elisabeth's, and the promise of spring!!

Adding to the anticipation for the coming spring is a wonderful give-a-way sponsored by Sarah of This Heavenly Life, whose wonderful blog I have raved about before and if you have not yet visited please take this opportunity and perhaps win some beautiful jewelry.

This Heavenly Life, visit now, do not pass Go, do not collect $200!!

Winner!!

Congratulations Karen of Karen's Adventures in Mommyland

I will be in touch to get your mailing information and book selection.

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Happy Blogaversary to me and you!

So as you may have gathered from the title today is my one year blogaversary and to celebrate and show my gratitude for all of you who have visited, commented and made this whole have a blog, write 'bout my life, my thoughts, my ideas so much less scary and actually quite fun I am giving away a book that I have enjoyed that you think you might like.

Your options are:

Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris

Glimpses of Grace by Madeleine L'Engle or

Babyhood by Paul Reiser

To enter leave a comment with which you would like to win and what you would enjoy seeing in the second year of this great adventure.

Extra Entry, if you blog about the giveaway

Entries accepted until Sunday night (January 24th 9 pm EST)

And thank you again for reading, commenting and not seeming to mind the many pictures of

my favorite (formerly ten month) soon to be 2 year old.

Sharing the Wealth: Great Blog Find

I have for several months now been a loyal reader of This Heavenly Life a wonderful blog written and hosted by Sarah. She writes funny, thought provoking posts about life, parenting and faith, coupled with wonderful poetry and beautiful pictures. Today is a perfect example as she shares of her desire to pray for her children's future spouses and their parents. Plus her youngest is the same age as Elisabeth and it is great fun to compare notes and offer support as toddlerhood appears over the horizon.

And as if those were not enough incentive to visit and enjoy she is hosting a give-a-way in honor of her 1 year blog-iversary, so go learn, laugh and maybe win something.

Congrats Sarah on completing your first year, may the blogesphere be blessed with your writing, pictures and poetry for years to come.