5/11/09 – THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WINNERS ARE:
Kerrie
mtrnter4@
Send me your mailing address, please!
This has been a week of milestones…. a theme-park rite of passage, a blog birthday, and a wild two hour experience where I thought my domain name might have been hijacked. The latter proved to be rather crazy – my whole blogging life flashed before my eyes and I wondered if I’d be shutting down forever.
Thankfully, all’s well, and I’m here for the duration, Lord willing.
Today I want to offer up a giveaway for a book near and dear to my heart. There’s no sponsor – just me.
The Hidden Art of Homemaking epitomizes for me what it means to be on a joyful road. And contrary to what you think it’s about, it’s not about the best way to wash dishes. It’s about making where you live a place where people feel loved and motivated to do good things.
It’s not just for professional “homemakers” or stay-at-home moms. It’s for everyone who desires to create a home that people want to be in. It’s for everyone who wants to craft an environment that is welcoming and pleasing to the senses. (You can read my more in-depth review here.)
It’s a book I love. Love it so much that I try to reread it once a year. Love it so much that I want to give it away. It inspires me to make my house a little homier for my peeps.
I’d love to give all my readers a copy, but alas, then we’d be without a home.
Two winners will each win a copy of The Hidden Art of Homemaking
Just leave a comment telling what new thing you’ve learned here at LifeasMOM.
Make sure I have a way to contact you if you win.
Don’t forget to enter all SIX of the great giveaways I have lined up this week to celebrate one year of LifeasMOM.
Here are the others that are up for grabs this week:
– a Peace Love MOM tshirt and notepad
– WomenHeart’s All Heart Family Cookbook
– Chicken Soup for the Soul books devoted to mothers
– Complete Idiot Guide books for new moms: baby signing and baby naming
– Food and Mood by Elizabeth Somer
Giveaways will be open until Sunday at midnight, PST. Winners to be chosen at random and announced next week on the giveaway posts.
{ 69 comments }
I have learned so much from your practical wisdom and real life mothering. I also homeschool, 5 kids, 2 graduated, Three are adopted and every day has been a struggle. I enjoy the freshness of your desire to be a godly wife and mom. That is my desire as well.
I’ve learned to take advantage of the shining moments my kids have. To focus on the good and not the bad. To not stress so much about the house being perfect.
I’ve learned, or rather, had it reinforced, to just take the every day happenings in stride and not to stress over them. Hopefully I’ve learned to be a little bit more patient with my kids as they grow and stretch their wings, but my kids would probably disagree! Thanks for a wonderful blog. I look forward to it every day.
I have learned how to have more joy amidst the craziness/business of having small children around. : )
But I agree that I have learned much more than just one thing – your cheerfulness is contagious and your life of frugality is as well. Thank you!
I have learned to really stop and see the good out of the so called bad situations and relax to make the situations go more smoothly.
a10small@hotmail.com
I’ve learned that I’m not the only one who goofs it up from time to time, instead I’m one of many. But, I know that it’s okay to just get back up and go at it again, even if I keep falling down
I’m new to your site, but already I’ve taken away tons of new recipes to try on my four picky children!
foursillysisters at gmail dot com
I am learning to keep the joy in our every day lives and how to be a more planned manager of my home from your blog.
I’m new here, but already I’ve learned not to take for granted each day. Our little one learns something new and it’s just so beautiful to watch her grow. But sometimes life wears me down, and I tend to take for granted things like tongue clicking. Our LO things it’s the bees knees, and I think I should, too.
sweepandgive [at] gmail [dot] com
don’t focus on the money, just the fun
I’ve been learning from you and some of your fellow bloggers how to really do coupon shopping! I had my first huge score yesterday, I’ve been making little ones for a couple of weeks. I also homeschool and trying to make a home for my family and homeschool can be tough at times, but I enjoy hearing advice of how others do it. Thanks for all your posts! Lori in IN
I’ve learned how to make some great tasting recipes..on the cheap!
Your “green week” was great and I learned more about starting a compost bin… and was motivated to actually do it. So fun! Thank you.
Oh, I’m glad everything turned out all right with your domain name–
Just one thing?
To summarize what I learn from you would be to be more deliberate in being a mom. The food stuff is always nice, too!
I love reading your blog. It’s so encouraging and truly celebrates LifeAsMom!
I enjoy your recipes, time management tips, and anecdotes on motherhood.
I have learned (or am trying to, anyway!) to prioritize and make sure that the things I am spending time on every day are leading my family and I toward the goals we have set for ourselves. Love how practical and real your writing is!
I have learned that if you can survive life with 6 kids, I will probably survive once my third kid is born this August.
You make life seem not-quite-so-overwhelming! Thanks!
I’ve learned that it isn’t always what we do for our kids as much as how we do it that they will remember. That it’s ok that we can’t get them the big expensive toys, because they’ll have more fun with a big box and their imaginations anyway.
Thanks for writing the way you do. You are an encouragement to me. Have a happy Mother’s Day!
I think the best thing I have learned from your blog is to try to find joy in every day, and to try to celebrate life. This is really hard in my family, but i keep trying! I do wish I could have done some things differently-it’s hard to implement changes when your kids are 10 and 13, and Dad is not on board, but I try to keep a positive attitude and keep focused on what I can do.
Thank you for your upbeat and fresh approach to parenting.
~Debbie
Thanks for reinforcing not to sweat the small stuff and to really enjoy my son and all the moments of being a mom.
I love reading the recipes in the URS. Thanks for the fun! jensteed.08 at gmail dot com.
I love all your frugal ideas and it’s inspiring to see how much fun you have as you go through the daily activities.
Yvonne mommy4again@yahoo.com
I have learned of a few good books from you pertaining to homeschooling. I loved the Well trained mind..suggested by you!
mom_24_boyz@suddenlink.net
I need this book in my life right now. My teenager has done a 180 and I don’t know who she is anymore. Maybe it is me. She doesn’t like to be at our home. She is rarely here. She hates to be here around the family. Maybe I can learn something to make her feel more comfortable. Thank goodness I have only had to experience this for a couple of months. She will be 18 in 6 mos. She says she will not be back. So sad. She doesn’t want me to be her mom anymore. Freedom and independance is the name of the game but when she needs money who do you think she calls? Her Dad is not in the picture by his own choice. That alone has been so harmful to her. I’ll try anything once. http://twitter.com/dcg2u or
http://dcg2u.blogspot.com/
I have learned that being the best mom I can be doesn’t necessarily mean I have to do or be the same as other moms. As I join you in the ranks as a “mom of 6″ this summer, I realize that the road to joyful mothering is an on going one but one I’m happy to be on.
Thanks for your site!
Stephenie
stephjem95(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m brand new to your site, but it looks like a lot of great information! This book sounds awesome as well. I’m new to homemaking, but really feel that God is calling me to use my home as a ministry to my family, friends and those in need.
I’m new to your site, too, and I’ve been reading your posts, gathering some great info. I really like the post on how to visit a theme park at a discount. What a great idea! You saved so much with a little planning. It can get so expensive to visit a theme park. Thanks for the great ideas.
I have learned that I am not the only one who has “those days” and also a lot about how I want to raise my littles. Though Chloe is only 2 we’ve just decided to homeschool – a decision that came about (partly) from reading all the of success stories of blogging mothers!
Thanks so much for your practical REAL advice and lessons on everyday life
I have learned to step back and enjoy the time with our kids. I also homeschool, but just our oldest – 6. I have 3 other younger and life can sometimes be really busy, but I think you’ve taught me that it is all about enjoying the time you have with your kids.
bethelblomgren at hotmail dot com
I have really learned the 50 Ways To Simplify Your Life series. Just a lot of small things, things that are easy to implement.
Michele@Philoxenos
http://www.philoxenos.info
I really enjoy your grocery geek posts as well as your willingness to encourage other moms in the midst of your super busy family. Thanks so much!
I’ve learned to focus on the good in my life, not the bad.
This is a GREAT book. I am so glad you are giving it away. It really affirmed for me my desire and decision to focus more of my time, energy, creativity to my home. Your winners are in for a treat.
I guess the best thing I’ve learned is that I’m not alone in this struggle of balancing all that goes into being a mom.
My favorite here on Life As Mom is the Frugal Friday blogs. It is so interesting to read what everyone does to save money.
Thanks for the giveaway, I would love a copy.
Goodness, I could write a whole blog post about what I’ve learned here. LOL Let’s stick to the most recent one though: your post about the theme parks was a real winner for me. I’ve always ignored them unless I can find a free day (usually Military Appreciation or Homeschool days) and otherwise just avoided them like the plague. I didn’t know that there were picnic areas in some of them – I just assumed it was “no outside food allowed” like movie theaters! And barring that, go tailgate it… should’ve been obvious but never thought of that either.
I am now realizing that we missed a lot of good opportunities when we lived in CA because I avoided theme parks as being “too expensive”, even for our small family of 4. You can bet that my tune has changed and I’ll be giving them a try when we get back to the States. I’ll have to see what I can implement in Japanese places too – I bet a lot of these will “translate”, so to speak.
i have learned that i don’t have to be perfect and that i can be a writer alongside raising a marriage, a family and being a homeschooling teacher. thank you.
http//thekerrieshow.com
I first love your description of the blog……”this can be tough but let’s learn to do it joyfully because noone wants a crabby mom”.. LOVE IT! Awesome reminder in the midst of the day to day living w/ kids!
Your blog rocks!
What have I learned…to try to be joyful..try to integrate my kids in the kitchen more… to attempt to have a sense of humor! thanks
oops..forgot to leave a way for you to contact me incase I win.. (what I learned post is above)thanks- Heidi F.
fitzph@yahoo.com
I’ve learned not to take myself too seriously. There is no rule book; it’s just doing the best you can day to day, loving my family, and saying lots of prayers.
roommom5@earthlink.net
I’ve learned that it’s possible to have lots of kids, manage a home, and keep your sanity all at the same time. I do appreciate how real your life is and inspires me to not stress about mine so much.
I like your approach to bulk cooking…practical and not intimidating at all.
bargainaisle@gmail.com
I loved your practical ideas for going to a theme park on a budget!
Thanks!
I am new here, but from my time here, I have really enjoyed the encouragement! I so need encouragement! And hope to spend more time here, so that I may learn more!
From you I have seen that a mom can juggle soo much and still be the fun and caring mommy every child needs!
I really love your blog
You always have interesting posts… from recipies to tips to inspirational stories to just random little posts, it’s always fun and entertaining. And as a side note, I have been desperately searching for this book after reading some of it at a Bed and Breakfast retreat with my husband 
I’d love to win!
I’m new here but I’ve already learned not to take things for granted and the try and enjoy the little things.
lifeofkaos@gmail.com
I’ve learned that it’s possible – I can homeschool, keep a well-run household, and still have time to be just me.
I’ve learned to better prioritize the best things I can do for myself and my family.
Im new to your blog but I’ve learned to not let what others think bother me and to enjoy my son’s every day. The piece about Angel babies really touched me as I too have one. I have a hard time keeping a clean house so I would love this book.
FishMama is celebrating one year of LifeasMOM. And she’s treating her readers to a bundle of giveaways.
Thanks.
gahome2mom at gmail dot com
tweeted @gahome2mom
gahome2mom at gmail dot com
Win Hidden Art of Homemaking @fishmama http://bit.ly/174fCF
I’ve learned so much–particularly love the Frugal Fridays you host. I haven’t been a reader for long, but I’ve moved you up to the top of my favorites!
Hi there! I have only recently (last 2 months) discovered your blog and have already gleaned so much from it! I have really enjoyed the recipe ideas and also the frugal tips! Thank you for investing the time and energy into this blog! And Thank you also for the giveaways
HC
cinottomob@msn.com
I just found your blog about a week ago, but already I’ve found that it helps me to remember to keep things in perspective. I work full-time, am a wife and mom to 3 busy kids, so that is a struggle for me!
I’ve learned about couponing, other ways to save money, and have gotten so many fabulous recipes from your blog…Thanks!!!
I have learned that you like to make cool cakes like I do. I haven’t been reading long, but I signed up, and I look forward to getting to know you. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sarah
imascubagirl@yahoo.com
I enjoy coming here to learn both new recipes and ideas for frugal living!
I’ve learned new ways to save money, to go green, and have been reminded to relax and enjoy being a mom!
jaimehamp@gmail.com
I’ve learned that it’s important to enjoy this journey of motherhood ~ for both my sake and my family’s sake. Thanks for your inspiring blog!
I have been so blessed by your website and love learning from other moms about planning meals, coupons, homeschooling, and especially how to find joy in the everyday adventure of being a mom and wife. I long to make our home a joyful home filled with Gods love. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to reading this book. It sounds great!
barnesandelizabeth@triad.rr.com
Thanks for your green week posts…it challenged me to take some really small steps that I’ve been meaning/wanting to do (taking reusable bags to store, etc.)
I’m new here,but I can tell I’m going to learn a lot. Just the comments and brief things I’ve read here are resonating within me, so that I can aspire to creating a more loving, Godly home for my children. Thanks for your site, and thanks for the giveaways, because though they brought me, I will keep reading for the content I’m finding here.
My email is leebroom4 (at) gmail.com
Thanks so much for your wonderful offer of this book. I work outside the home but still desire to make my home a place of peace and enjoyment. Thanks again!
I enjoy your blog so much. I’ve learned from your recipes, your time management skills, and your insights on homemaking/mothering. Thanks so much!
Elizabeth at ellenbeth1981 at yahoo dot com
I've learned so much from your blog. An especially timely discovery was your freezer meals Q&A since baby #3 is due June 14. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jana jdsjcs(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have learned to cook some delicious new meals. And while you have shared your love for food I think you have also encouraged us to “Eat less and taste more.” I just heard this quote the other day. While in literal terms it might seem to contradict your love of food, I think you have encouraged us to simplify our lives, do what fits our groove, and enjoy what is most dear to our hearts. Thanks!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sounds like a helpful and inspiring book!
I just learned that you can print out cake toppers and somehow use them, lol.
Sharon Morris Thomas
samrose1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’ve learned to be realistic in my expectations of myself. And the content of this book sounds like it one that I need. I can manage to stay pretty current on my “housekeeping” but can neglect to spend time on “home making”. Know what I mean?