GIVEAWAY: A Beautiful Crocheted Chunky Cowl!!

Free Giveaway!!

This week on the blog I am excited to host this lovely giveaway for my readers. It is a Crocheted Chunky Cowl From Crochet Medley. Perfect for the yet still brisk winter months and still yet ahead spring months.  

I would like to introduce to all of you Erin from Crochet Medley. She crocheted a beautiful chunky cowl from her shop for this weeks giveaway. Don't forget to visit her shop by clicking the link above and browse her other cute items she has for sale in her shop.

 You must be 18 years of age to enter into this giveaway. Must not be under 17 years of age. You must be a legal US resident with a US postal address for the item to be shipped to. I'm truly sorry to exclude my international readers. I really do appreciate all of you! But at this time international laws for shipping and the pricing can become difficult. 

This giveaway Starts today Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014 and will end at midnight on Saturday Feb, 15, 2014. That means you have 5 days to enter. Please note that some entry's you may do once daily. 

How the winner is chosen: The winner is chosen randomly. Once the winner is chosen I will then announce the winner the next day's blog post, instagram if you followed and my blogs facebook's page if you liked it. If you provided me with an email I will also be kind and email you. 

Mechanic issues: Please notify me if you have any issues by email. You can find the link above on my homepage. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Photo Friday Blog & Instagram Hop!!

Welcome to the Photo Friday Blog Hop

Welcome back & Happy Holidays!!

DIY Card Stock Christmas Ornaments

If you have not already, don't forget to head over and check out this fun Christmas craft. It's still not too late.

RULES:

1. Be kind and follow your hostess GFC & Instagram

2.Link up your blog & Instagram below

3.Leave a comment so we can follow back. 

4.Please visit other bloggers

5. You can link up any 2 post no rules!

Co-host: If you would like to join the team for next friday blog hop please fill out the form:

 Photo Friday's Co-host request form

OR e-mail: kaitlynhoff3@gmail.com

Meet your hostess:

       

Flash Light Friends; Review

Disclosure: I received some sort of payment (product, cash, gift card, affiliated link) in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

I might have been just as excited as my daughters when our Flash Light Friend arrived. I'm not afraid to admit, I'm still a kid at heart myself. As soon we  placed the batteries inside, the fun began. Each daughter tested out the Flash Light Friend. The light inside is actually pretty bright. I was impressed. All you have to do is tap the button on the belly for on and off. There is a strap on the back for easy handling.

 It was very easy for our two year old daughter to work all on her own. Which is great for bedtime. She has pretty much taken The penguin under her wing. At bedtime it goes with her and the nice thing is the penguin turns off on his own in 10 minutes. I know exactly what your thinking. Better than having a bright night light that you have to go in and turn off.

In short detail why Flashlight Friends are great:

• Great for middle of the night bathroom trips.
• Reading in bed.
• When your afraid of the dark.
• Great to snuggle with.
• The light does NOT get hot.

Needles to say my daughters loved the Flashlight Friend so much We will be getting another one for Christmas for our other daughter. There is six flash light friends to collect. There is the penguin, unicorn, puppy, turtle, dragon, and panda. 

You can order them at Flashlight Friends.com or find them at most of your local retail stores. 

Photo Friday Blog/Instagram Hop!

Welcome to the Photo Friday Blog Hop

Welcome back! 

And Happy day late Thanksgiving! I can't wait to share my Thanksgiving post with all of you tomorrow. So here's a sneak peak!

RULES:

1. Be kind and follow your hostess GFC & Instagram

2.Link up your blog & Instagram below

3.Leave a comment so we can follow back. 

4.Please visit other bloggers

5. You can link up any 2 post no rules!

Co-host: If you would like to join the team for next friday blog hop please fill out the form:

 Photo Friday's Co-host request form

OR e-mail: kaitlynhoff3@gmail.com

Meet your hostess:

       

Photo Friday Blog/Instagram Hop

Sorry for your inconvenience; the hop was inquiring technical difficulties. We hope to see you return Friday for new fun!

Welcome to photo Friday blog hop

Welcome back! 

This week I thought I would throw in a photo. This photo was taken last November by my Mother in law who does photographer as well. I honestly have to say the past 2 years I would get so excited about getting our family Christmas photos done, all to never send them out! Is that you? So this year I will get a Christmas photo card sent it! This one makes me exceptionally saddened though. I didn't know it would be our last and only Christmas card with our Porter boy. 

RULES:

1. Be kind and follow your hostess GFC & Instagram

2.Link up your blog & Instagram below

3.Leave a comment so we can follow back. 

4.Please visit other bloggers

5. You can link up any 2 post no rules!

Co-host: If you would like to join the team for next Friday blog hop please fill out the form:

 Photo Friday's Co-host request form

OR e-mail: kaitlynhoff3@gmail.com

Meet your hostess:

       

Photo Friday Blog/instagram Hop 3!

Welcome to photo Friday blog hop

Welcome back! 

RULES:

1. Be kind and follow your hostess GFC & Instagram

2.Link up your blog & Instagram below

3.Leave a comment so we can follow back. 

4.Please visit other bloggers

5. You can link up any post no rules!

Co-host: If you would like to join the team for next friday blog hop please e-mail: kaitlynhoff3@gmail.com

Meet your hostess:

       

How To Be A Follower; Part 2 Guest post!

Today I am excited to introduce to you Erika; a beautiful mother and wife from the blog Shine On. I was honored when she agreed to be apart of my series about, how to be a follower as a Christian. As I was able to read their stories before I posted them up, I couldn't help but become even more excited for the Lord. I hope this is what this series does for you as well.  

   

 
Hello there, my name is Erika, I'm a wife to one amazing man who loves God and mother to two little girls.

 I blog over at Shine On.

Being a mum is the greatest blessing and responsibility in the world for me.  

     If I didn't have God cheering me on I would be lost.

Today I would like to share with you something that I live by.

Every time we take a decision about our children or our family we remember this:

     Rise your children to please God, don't do it according to the world's standards and values. In eternity, what you invested in their soul will count. Think about Absalom's story, how he had everything going for him but he didn't have God, he lost everything, including his life. 

Don't put money first, clothing, gadgets next exotic vacation or big name university. Those are nice things, but with no value before God.

Don't spend your time and resources for things that don't count in eternity.  

    Even if your child grows up and chooses not to walk with the Lord, you planted a seed in his  hart. God will use that, he would have a foundation to turn to.

( no, sadly this is not our house :) )

Raising children is hard work, I know, and I didn't get to the teenage years yet, oh boy. God will sure here from me 24/7, and the local CLC library too. Somehow feel refreshed and recharged after 30 min in a Christian library during the week.

Reading other blogs helps me too, knowing I'm not alone in this, and learning from other mothers that have been there, done that and survived.

 So, dear mother, you got this, don't ever think to throw the towel and give up, everything will crumble without your gentle touch, never doubt the importance of your work.

Questions From You...Answered!

This week I have been working on a different style of post for my blog. I let my readers ask me question they wanted to personally know about me, our family and so on. To be honest, it was fun reading and answering your questions. It was so fun I couldn't wait to share this post with all of you. According to your questions here are the answers to the questions.

Our typical pictures...their never perfect. At least most of the time and that's what makes memories. 

1. How is it going from having one child to having two children? I felt like it was more of an adjustment compared to when we welcomed our third daughter into the world. One of my biggest concerns was making sure no one felt left out. After all I think it's a bigger adjustment for the sibling rather than parent. 
2. How is it being a stay at home mom? Being a stay at home mom is amazing. It was one of the best parenting decisions we have made so far.
3. Where do you find your craft ideas? I love pinterest. I also come up with ideas on my own a lot, or from magazines. 
4. What's your favorite thing to do to relax and have fun? First off it's hard for me to relax because I am a busy body. Although If I had to choose it would be Sunday nights after I put my daughters to bed. My mom comes over to visit and we sit with a glass of wine and just talk. 
5. What steps do you take to go green? I take little steps everywhere to go green. It started with cleaning supplies in my home. We also have a compost pile in our backyard. Over the summer we went without a trash service and completely recycled. It was a great experience with the girls. Oh yes and cloth diapers.
6. My Pediatrician just suggested that I start potty training my 16 month old. I'm not sure if its too early. At what age do you think its appropriate? and what are some tips for successful potty training? I personally think 16 months is early, but if a child id showing signs then go ahead. I never pushed my two older daughters. They knew when they were ready and they were both potty trained in two weeks at age 2. To be specific around 27 months old. 
7. Whats your favorite meal to make when you don't have time? Hmm...My favorite meal to make when I don't have much time is chicken in my crock pot. To be specific it's called Mexican Chicken. 

The Great Blog Train

All Aboard!!!

The Great Blog Train

A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/great-blog-train.html" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/BlogTrainNew200_zps7e9c8369.jpg" /></a>

 Have you heard? -

The Great Blog Train has 3 new Engineers!!

If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 5 different blogs!!!

The Great Blog Train's fourth Great Giveaway!!!

1 Lucky winner could win the following:

-Beautiful hand stamped Kitchen Towels by Marci (see picture below)

-1 Month Ad Space on Stone Cottage Adventures

-1 Month Ad Space on God's Growing Garden

-"My Cookie Creation Countdown" ebook by Angie

-"Making Your Own Cedar Roping or Pine Garland" ebook by Angie

There are many ways to enter & then don't forget to link up to the train below!!

(Due to Postage prices - You must live in the "lower 48" of the United States of America to enter this Giveaway - Thank you)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/search/label/Train/" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aVDtFgf_XCTnWwhjp4N0XLQad60h6WOhGz8y3s72q69PSBTPg1JjG4eBiBE4ExMdNDd7RUvMI1yrMrXMxvVFkV21OnaPmwEVyYRr0PGv3dn5jvMWoWxfc0KslaYeX00DDCNCrF_YEPPG/s1600/BlogTrainFinal+featured+caboose.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/textarea%3E%3Cbr /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late.  The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;">August's caboose <strong><em>and featured blog </em></strong>happens to be:</span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></span><a href="http://gardenchefsneedleandpen.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cspan"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>Garden Chef's Needle and Pen</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">  Congratulations! <br /><br />The author of this wonderful blog is a nurse educator by day and a Blogger by night - her passion is cooking for her family, she is addicted to crocheting, loves to write & enjoys plants and dogs.  Please checkout her lovely blog!</span></div>

October's caboose and featured blog happens to be:

Emy Cooks  Congratulations!

Emy has such a helpful and positive blog!  Cooking is her passion and she shares so many wonderful recipes on her blog.  If you like Giveaways you must visit Emy's blog - it is overflowing with the most fantastic Giveaways!

1. Follow all five of the hostesses in at least one of the following ways: GFC, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Linky, Networked Blogs, or Facebook. Then leave us a comment telling us how you followed so that we can come back & visit you! The hostesses are:

 2. Now link up your family friendly blog to the train

3. And last, but not least, connect to the boxcar in front of you (the blog in the linky just before you). Stop by that person's blog, have a look around and leave a comment letting them know that you stopped in!

Now that you have your ticket you are

ready to board the rest of the train!

OPTIONAL:You may grab our “Great Blog Train” button and post it on your sidebar or link page.

Also, feel free to spread the word – the more the merrier!

Do You Have A Question???

I thought I would do a different style post this time. I get bored easily and time to time like to change things up. Don't we all? This time I thought I'd leave the next post I write somewhat up to you guys.

How? In the comment box leave a question for me to answer in my next "Questions you asked me" post. You may even e-mail me a question if that makes you feel more comfortable at kaitlyhoff3@gmail.com.

Please note; commenting is always open to public.

I can't wait to read your questions and answer them!

PS. I am looking for an inspiration Mom blogger to do guest post next week. Please email me again at kaitlynhoff3@gmail.com for more information. I can't wait to hear from you.

Photo Friday BLOG HOP!

Halloween Treats

Ever since Halloween has been on our minds, my daughters have been asking when am I going to make the bones and witch hats. I made them last year for the first time and they were a total hit. Since it seems that I have started a tradition I thought I'd share again this year the fun Halloween treats.

They are fun to make and great to get your kids involved. Our oldest likes to bring the bones to school for a snack with her lunch. her classmates think their either so cool or creepy. Ha ha ha. You know how first graders can be!

My favorite is the witch hats. They are simple and quick to prepare. My seven and four year old can even help with these. They go a little with one of our themes this year...hint hint.

Next we have the Bones. They are made of out pretzels, marshmellows and white chocolate chips melted. Oh are these delishious and our oldest daughters favorite. 

You can't go wrong on Halloween with these trick-or-treats! 

Grammatical Errors

First off I would like to address that I value my readers, viewers and followers. 

Recently it has been brought to my attention that my blog is full of grammatical errors. I will not go into details. So here is why my blog is not perfect. 

1. I am not perfect therefore neither is my blog. My blog is raw.
2. I am not a famous blogger, or have thousands of followers. Maybe someday.
3. My blog started out as a hobby once I became a stay at home mom. With that being said, I do not always make money at blogging. Therefore, I do not pay for an editor. I proof read my own post quickly most of the time with two toddlers running in the background. 

Lastly, if you feel the need to criticize someones writing based on errors, I feel you should be a college graduate or masters in English. 

Photo Friday

Another week has flown by. If only they fly by this quick during the cold months.

 This week have we have been preparing for Halloween. I have been working on getting my kids to understand that Halloween is about being creative. It's not always about going to the store and spending 30 dollars on a costume.  I can't wait to reveal their costumes next week. 

 Playing outside in almost 80 degree weather. Two weeks later its 30 degrees and snowing. Only in Michigan.

 A glimpse at our family Dog. Also known as Helen's buddy.

 This is how we do homework after dinner. Even the two younger girls get involved. 

Lastly, We had a field trip to the pumpkin patch Wednesday for Viv's class. The hay ride was a bumpy one. 

Have a blessed weekend.

Favorite Thing Linky Party 10/18

This week I am excited to be co-hosting the "Favorite Thing Friday Linky Party." It just happens to work out that my favorite day of the week is Friday. I look forward to Fridays knowing I get to spend the next two days with my family, also known as the weekend.
An InLinkz Link-up

The Great Blog Train Hop!

All Aboard!!!

The Great Blog Train

A monthly blog hop departing from your online train station on the first Wednesday of every month!

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/great-blog-train.html" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/BlogTrainNew200_zps7e9c8369.jpg" /></a>

 Have you heard? -

The Great Blog Train has 3 new Engineers!!

If you link up that means your blog will be seen on 5 different blogs!!

The Great Blog Train's third Great Giveaway!!!

1 Lucky winner could win the following:

1 Ad Space on "Three Sisters & Us"

300x300 Ad Space on "Mice in the Kitchen"

$10 Starbucks Gift Card (from "Mice in the Kitchen")

& this beautiful Apron (from "Turnips 2 Tangerines")!!

There are many ways to enter & then don't forget to link up to the train below!!

(Due to Postage prices - You must live in the "lower 48" of the United States of America to enter this Giveaway - Thank you)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/search/label/Train/" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aVDtFgf_XCTnWwhjp4N0XLQad60h6WOhGz8y3s72q69PSBTPg1JjG4eBiBE4ExMdNDd7RUvMI1yrMrXMxvVFkV21OnaPmwEVyYRr0PGv3dn5jvMWoWxfc0KslaYeX00DDCNCrF_YEPPG/s1600/BlogTrainFinal+featured+caboose.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/textarea%3E%3Cbr /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late.  The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature! </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;">August's caboose <strong><em>and featured blog </em></strong>happens to be:</span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></span><a href="http://gardenchefsneedleandpen.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cspan style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><strong>Garden Chef's Needle and Pen</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">  Congratulations! <br /><br />The author of this wonderful blog is a nurse educator by day and a Blogger by night - her passion is cooking for her family, she is addicted to crocheting, loves to write & enjoys plants and dogs.  Please checkout her lovely blog!</span></div>

Remember to join the fun even if you are running a little late.  The last entry will receive the Caboose Feature! 

September's caboose and featured blog happens to be:

Endlessly Beloved  Congratulations! 

Brianna is the author of this lovely blog - she loves to craft, scrapbook & cook.  She is in a long distance relationship with the love of her life who happens to be in the Air Force.  Many of her inspirational writing has to do with her "journey through life & love".  Please checkout her wonderful blog!

1. Follow all five of the hostesses in at least one of the following ways: GFC, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Linky, Networked Blogs, or Facebook. Then leave us a comment telling us how you followed so that we can come back & visit you! The hostesses are:

 

2. Now link up your family friendly blog to the train

3. And last, but not least, connect to the boxcar in front of you (the blog in the linky just before you). Stop by that person's blog, have a look around and leave a comment letting them know that you stopped in!

Now that you have your ticket you are

ready to board the rest of the train!

OPTIONAL:You may grab our “Great Blog Train” button and post it on your sidebar or link page.
Also, feel free to spread the word – the more the merrier!

Sign up to receive emails about The Great Blog Train

200 GFC Followers Giveaway!!

Welcome to my first giveaway. I figured why not celebrate gaining 200 GFC followers on the blog. And of course thank you to all my viewers as well. First off thank you for taking the time to follow and read. I honestly took me a few days to think what could I give away? I wanted it to be somewhat personable. Therefore...

I am so excited to introduce Leigh at Miss Lovely Stitches to my viewers. She does amazing work and is very creative. Not to mention she is very easy to work with and timely. Head over to her facebook page to view more of great her work. 

MissLovelyStitches: https://www.facebook.com/MissLovelyStitches?ref=br_tf

Check a few pieces of her work below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway