December 2, 2011

*CLOSED* A Giveaway - "5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges" Book

I'm feeling just a little ashamed of myself. Truly.

See, my kitchen was a disaster yesterday. As in disaster with a capital "D".... no wait, more like a bold, italic capital "D"... with an exclamation mark! The rest of the house was just a regular disaster. With a little "d".

But that's not why I'm feeling ashamed.

No. I'm feeling ashamed because I should have taken a picture of it for you. I like to do that now and then. Just trying to make you feel better about your own messes and all.

If you don't have a mess in your house, you're not allowed to come over.

Ever.

Or smile at me.

Or read my blog.

Kidding... mostly.

However, I got distracted by the toddler throwing up all over the kitchen floor, and the washing of sheets from the bed of another toddler who has managed to wet them every night this week.

So I set about scrubbing and disinfecting my humble abode.

Even after I scrub something down with cleaner and disinfectant, I may or may not admit to rubbing it down with a little hand sanitizer, just for good measure.

Some people might call it overkill, I call it making me feel better about myself.

Not that I'm actually admitting to doing that. Ahem.

Whatever... moving on!

~~~~~

As you all know, this is not a "giveaway" blog. I've done a couple in the past but it's obviously not a regular things around here. That being said, I do get a fairly decent amount of offers to review products and do a giveaway about it. Still, I hesitate with MOST of them because I often feel like they aren't applicable to the overall theme here.

Whatever that may be.

Chocolate?

Anyway, I have received a couple rather great things that I want to share.

Now, there are five Fridays in the month of December. So, just for this month, I am going to host a giveaway every Friday that will run through the following Wednesday.

Are you cool with that? I hope so!

Let's get going on this very first Giveaway!

~~~~~

Way back in February, (oh wow, how awful and behind on things does that make me sound!) I was sent a rather fabulous parenting book from Deseret Book called:


Richard and Linda Eyre are internationally recognized parenting experts. They are the parents of nine grown children and the authors of over 25 books.

I realize that many of you aren't LDS (aka Mormon) and this book is directed mainly toward an LDS audience since the principles in the book are based on our beliefs. Still, anyone who believes in God or seeking parenting guidance will find this book highly valuable.

Now I confess this is truly the first parenting book I've actually read. I've skimmed a few and most have really great ideas and insight. But often I felt like they had a "one size fits all" solution or were written for people who don't have lots of kids close together.

I love, love the way this book approaches children and their individual personalities, and reminds us of our children's true identity. And that they aren't just lumps of clay that we can mold into what we want. But rather divine individuals who have been entrusted to our care.

It also discusses God’s parenting characteristics and how we can follow them ourselves.

It is very upbeat and constantly reminding you not to beat yourself up for all your own parenting imperfections, and helps us understand why it's all worth the effort.

Anyway, I loved this book. Truly. It has honestly changed the way I think about my role as a mother and it's very divine nature. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

So, think you might like a copy for you or for someone else?

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY:
-Leave me a comment, with your email. Any comment will do. But if you're feeling brave, maybe you could express a parenting frustration.

OPTIONAL FOR BONUS ENTRIES:
- Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway and send me the link.
- Follow this blog or Like it on Facebook.

That's it! Three entries max. And PLEASE leave a separate comment for each entry. The giveaway will run through Wednesday December 7, ending at midnight.

Good Luck!

52 super cool people speak:

Tristan said...

Express a parenting frustration? Ha, where to begin? How about the fact that just when I think I have a child's personality figured out and we're on a relatively even keel they grow up into a new age/stage and we have to start over? Multiply that times soon to be 7 children ages 10 an under and there is always at least one child I'm struggling to handle.

And often it's my own imperfections that I see reflected in a child that frustrate me. You know, if I can't do it right at 30 I'm not sure why I expect a child to be more mature than me. It's too easy to expect too much, to have unrealistic expectations for my little dears.

Oh, and can I just say it is totally unfair that every child has their own unique personality traits? Starting over nearly from scratch each time is hard. Can't a mom catch a break?

Please enter me in the giveaway - I can use all the parenting helps I can get.

Courtney said...

I would love that book, I love being a mom but definitely get frustrated. I just can't figure out the best way to discipline and make the message stick, among other things.
coutney85@yahoo.com

Brandy Lynn said...

I love Linda & Richard Eyer!!! And would love to read this book!! Also, I have know idea were to even being on parenting frustrations.......nope, no clue!

Kristen said...

Tantrums are the worst, and I have trouble being patient during them. I could use this book!!
kristenhopkins3 at gmail dot com

Brandy Lynn said...

I facebooked about this!!! Hope I win!!

Brandy Lynn said...

I also "Like" you.....OK that was a little awkward....

hjsmith said...

I agree with the comments made. People think cause we have 6 and 7 on the way we must be pros....NOT. Still trying to figure out this parenting thing. Any help and ideas are welcomed. Maybe the book could help with that(:

Unknown said...

Serene, I just adore you. Seriously, when can we meet? I'm dying to babysit your children - not kidding! :) Sadly, I live three or four+ hours away from you. . . . {frowny face}

I'm not a parent yet, but I'm thinking that if I won this giveaway I would give this book to my lovely mother (who, incidentally, is also a mother of nine - not grown - children). I think she would enjoy this book, if she could ever get some time to sit down and read it. . . . ;)

You're just awesome. :)


Felicity

felicity.simpleandelegant@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Of course I follow your blog!!

Miller Family said...

I have a 3 year old, so the parenting issues are endless :) Fun, but endless. I would love to have a more spiritual perspective to parenting my little ones.

Anonymous said...

Okay...SO...I read your blog to learn and comfort me in my mishaps of motherhood. But, I would be glad to read about LDS parenting helps and tips. Do you think it would help me to be a better child as an adult??
: D Maria

FoodSnots said...

I don't know if it is fair that I just started following you and I'm already entering into a giveaway, but fair-shmair. Gonna enter it anyways because out of my three kids (2 boys, 1 girl), I could use some advice on how to handle my extremely strong personality daughter that I have been blessed with. Who, I might add, likes to point out every not so great moment I have. Love the girl, please don't get me wrong, but would love some advice on how to steer that strong little personality in the right direction. And last, here is my e-mail, foodsnots@gmail.com. Thanks :)

Susan Anderson said...

My parenting frustration was getting kids to be responsible for homework once middle school (and hormones) hit.

Cool giveaway!

=)

Smileyhappychan said...

Parenting frustration #5924...or something like that...how to get the kiddos to clean up when they're done with things...and how to play on their own (that was #183). I've heard of the Eyres, all good things.

smileyhappychan (at) gmail (dot) com

Smileyhappychan said...

I follow you.
smileyhappychan (at) gmail (dot) com

Super Pi said...

I would love this book. I really love the Eyres.

The Mounts said...

I would love to learn how to or at least be better at stopping my initial reaction, (yelling), and listen for the spirit to guide me when dealing with difficult situations with my children.

Emily Mount
emount79 at gmail dot com

JennaK said...

I worry about my children as they get older--making choices and facing the real world. Have I taught them well enough? Will they remember what I've taught them? My email: jvfking(at)gmail(dot)com

JennaK said...

Here, I posted about it on my blog too (and "liked" it on FB):

http://cluttermom.blogspot.com/2011/12/parenting-book-giveaway-on-friends-blog.html

Jessica said...

A good parenting book? Um, yes please!

kira said...

I'm always up for a good parenting book. Most of them I do not read all the way through either, so I'd love to read one that's worth reading all the way. I love reading your blog and keeping up with your family. My biggest parenting challenge? Probably the thing I do over and over that I really shouldn't is over-reacting over things that don't matter all that much or things my kids really didn't do on purpose. I might have to buy this book if I don't win it! It sounds like just what I need right now.
jonandkira@gmail.com

Korine said...

I'm speaking at a mom to mom workshop at a church different than my own in January. I love the Eyres...this would be a great book for ideas to talk about.

korine.miller@yahoo.com

The Bagley Family said...

How about DISASTER in bold, all capital letters and three !!! at the end...that might come close to where my house is...the laundry on the couch is almost as tall as me, I keep finding various dishes on my floor, nuff said;) Right now I am a top contender for messiest house award...I will send a pic if it will make your day:)
I need parenting help, if you recall I lost a kid up a tree last week. I want to how to teach my kids to be kinder to each other!! I keep trying to have them think of others before themselves but I am failing terribly.
I wish I knew how to balance the needs of my younger children and the needs of my special boy who has so many difficulties with life.
cbagley@nbnet.nb.ca

Stephanie said...

Hmm, I don't have parenting frustrations yet...but only because I'm currently pregnant with my first! I'm sure they'll come, though - and I could lend the book to my sister Kristen (who posted earlier) until I need it. And your blog is very reassuring - things are crazy and messy and fun in parenting, and all of that is normal. Thanks :)

Madame Coin said...

I need all the help I can get, Serene. Mommy around here yells way too often.

Emily (you have my emmilee address still, I'm sure)

Kira said...

It is about time. Good job. The guilt must really pile up...like the laundry. Sorry your family's been sick. Us too. I hope it's all over soon.

Heidi F. said...

As my kids are getting a little bit older, I've been wondering how to be a better parent to them and this book sounds like it would give me some good tips!

Heidi F. said...

I follow your blog :)

Shelley said...

Serene I think you should publish your own parenting book! Titled---surviving parenting with chocolate! I would read it!
Anyhoo I am always up for a good read!
shelleybellyboo2002@yahoo.com

Mama Smith said...

OK...where was this book 20 years ago? Maybe, I could win...and give it to one of my children...(smile)

Sarah said...

Just sounds like a good read, regardless of winning. I'm going to go look that up now:)
I am WAY sorry about sicky poohs and bed wetters. I have experienced all of the above myself this week:) Does the book have any tips on sickness and wet sheets?:)
I love you! Oh, and Jacob's logic:)Made me laugh!

Michelle said...

I admire the authors of this book. They have written a lot of good books! I'd love to read this one. Who couldn't use a little help?

Amy said...

I'm reluctant to enter, since the kiddos haven't come yet. But they're on their way someday, this I know.

And I wouldn't mind having this little baby in my toolbelt when they do!

amystandage@gmail.com

Tarmy said...

parenting frustrations? I have a hard time being consistent. I get too tired or too lazy to stick my to my guns or I decide it's not important and then I change my mind later. I imagine it's confusing to my little ones because it's confusing to me.
tarmy dot lunt at gmail dot com

Tarmy said...

it looks like I follow your blog too. Ü

Korine said...

I enjoy reading your blog. I would love this book!

Angela said...

Oooo! Enter me!

Angela said...

And I follow you in google reader!

Brittney said...

Love it Serene! The hardest thing about parenting for me is just how constant the work is...constant teaching of good behavior, how to eat without making a mess, what the right foods to eat are, etc.. tantrums are also hard to deal with patiently. Can't wait to see what other frustrations come as kids get older and I have more kids :)

Bre and Bobbie said...

Well I would love this book because I can't just name one parenting frustration to write about. bandbheiner@gmail.com

Laura said...

My biggest frustration is meal time...my kids think that it needs to take at least one hour per meal. inkomite@gmail.com

Kellie said...

I would love to win this book! My biggest parenting frustration (today, anyway) is...picky eaters! Drives me crazy!
kel_bel19@yahoo.com

Kellie said...

I liked you on fb!

kel_bel19@yahoo.com

Stacie said...

I love reading your blog. I come to it especially on days when I don't feel like supper women, (Which is everyday) and it has just really helped me.
One parenting frustration right now is my 4 boys always getting mad at each other for everything. Not much harmony happening here often.
Anyways, love your blog.

slhbread_water@yahoo.com

Stacie said...

I liked you on facebook.
slhbread_water@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Lately my daughter likes to tell me her tummy-ache hurts. Most of the time it's nothing. But a month or so ago, she said it at bedtime. It was the third or fourth time I'd been in her room that night, and I thought she was just stalling...

Until I woke up two hours later to her throwing up all over herself and her bed.

Worst. Mommy. Ever! Or so I thought. I'm sure I'll manage to top it soon...

Meagan said...

I have one! How on earth does one motivate a kindergarten child to get ready for school in the morning? Is it really that difficult to find and put on shoes without getting distracted? I feel like I spend the entire morning saying and sometimes yelling "Hurry!" Grrr...oh well.

lilly_mr27@yahoo.com

Kelly said...

I'm not that brave or that mentally with it right now... 2 year old teething in the wee hours of the night.

I actually just learned about this book recently so what lovely timing!

kecrowder at gmail (dot) com

Kelly said...

I follow you! You're on my google reader too :)

kecrowder at gmail (dot) com !! Pick me! :)

Kelly said...

I tweeted!!

http://twitter.com/#!/happyasacrowder

kecrowder at gmail (dot) com :)

Linnea said...

I would love a copy of this book!

linnea@q.com

Jess said...

I just found you a few months ago and I'd just like to thank you for making me laugh and feel like I don't have to be super mom. My biggest frustration is cold weather. I have an outside child and being stuck indoors is driving me and her crazy. I guess a book can't really change the weather though!

jessmarie21@hotmail.com

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