Tristan Trains As A Therapy Dog

I love to read, and there was a time when my girls showed signs of the same thing.  Recently, though, I can't get them to read anything unless they have to for school.  I am hoping that if I get them some really good books for Christmas, I can ignite that spark in them once again.

Brandi has recently showed a love for dogs, which is weird since up until recently, she has been terrified of them.  I thought that if I could find some inspirational books about dogs I could get her to read them.  I found this book, Tristan Trains as a Therapy Dog: A Tristan and Trudee Story, and I think it is something she will love.  It is the story of Tristan, a fluffy white bichon frise dog, who learn how to become a therapy dog.  Brandi will be able to read along as Tristan learns how to be a good therapy dog, and cheer as he takes his test. It's weird that I found this now, because my therapist is actually training her puppy to be a therapy dog, and Brandi has shown such a interest in that little puppy.

The book is geared towards kids a little younger than her, but I think she will enjoy it nonetheless.

Want To Be A Better Parent?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Raising a Father. All opinions are 100% mine.

Two years ago, when Junior started going to therapy, it was hard for him to admit that he needed help. The main reason he began therapy was to work through some issues he had, and still has, with his family, and how he was raised. He also wanted to make sure that he didn't have the same relationship with our kids that he had with his parents. He has always been a good father, but since therapy, he has become an even better one. He is able to see the situations that bring out the best in him, and also the ones where he is not at his best. I am proud to say that he is doing extremely well learning how to handle the not so good situations, and his relationship with our kids is flourishing.

The trailer above showcases a book, written by a father who also saw the flaws in his parenting. He was spending too much time at work, and his relationship with his daughter was suffering. In fact, he realized that he didn't know his daughter at all. His book, Raising a Father, shares his stories of leaving the corporate world, and building a home based business while spending quality time with his daughter. I know that it is not possible for all father's to do that, but I don't think that is the point. I think the inspiration in the book is how this man came to realize the important things in his life, and he took steps to make those things the center of his life.

I think all fathers should read this book. And mothers. I am sure there are working moms out there who want a better relationship, and more time, with their children. No parent is perfect. I am far from it myself. But having a positive relationship with your children should be a priority in life.

I know it is in mine.

The Value Of Nothing

Did you watch that video? If not, please do before you continue reading. Don't worry, I'll wait.

Now that you have watched it, what do you think? I think that Raj Patel made some very interesting points, and one of the things he talked about has been on my mind a lot lately, especially since I have been trying to get my family to eat better. Why are organic foods more expensive than their chemical laden versions? This doesn't make sense to me, really, because aren't these farmers saving money by not putting all the chemicals on these plants and in the soils? Shouldn't these saving trickle down to us, the consumers? I could be totally off, because to be honest, I have no idea how much it costs to grow vegetables either way, but in my mind, if you are using less product to begin with, shouldn't the end product be a little cheaper?

I know Junior and I could both stand to lose weight. But to eat healthier, we need to spend more money on food, because the better choices cost more money. For instance, we can eat spaghetti with sauce and bread for about $4, feeding the whole family, and having enough left over for Junior to take some to work. If I were to buy the organic sauce, it would be a couple of dollars more. Being on such a tight budget, I can not afford to pay the extra $2, so we miss out. How is that fair?

Anyway, it has been a long time since there has been a book not written by dean Koontz that I have really wanted to read. This is a book I really want to read. It looks so interesting. I can buy the book, and so can you, for only $14. Or, you can do like I did and try and win a copy of this book by simply filling out the form with your name, address, and email. That's it. It took me all of about two minutes, and hopefully I will be one of the lucky winners. If not, I will buy myself a copy.

I am really looking forward to learning the value or nothing.

Blast Off!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Allison Maslan, author of "Blast Off!". All opinions are 100% mine.

As we reach the end of January, I am wondering how many of you have already given up on all those resolutions you made at the beginning of the year? I know I haven't even started on my "non-resolutions". I have put them on hold until we get settled after the move. In the mean time, I am trying to find ways to make sure I stay motivated once I start the ball rolling.

I saw this book online called Blast Off! written buy Allison Maslan. She is this kind of life coach, and she helps ordinary people fulfill their dreams, whether it be for success at work, or happiness in their personal lives. I was reading the reviews that are available on Amazon, where you can get the book for a discount price of about $18 (compared to the list price of about $24), and I was impressed with what I read. You can also find the book, starting January 19th, on Amazon, Borders, and Barnes and Noble websites.

People credit Allison Maslan with helping them reach their full potential in life. I know I would love to live up to my full potential, even if I am not sure what that is right now. But, with the help of this book, I may be able to take the steps that lead me in the right direction.

Books By Anne, a lay Apostle

I packed up all of my books, and now I have nothing to read. This means I am looking for good books to get at the library. The only problem is that I am a loyal reader, meaning I only read books written by specific authors. This becomes a problem when my favorites have nothing new to read. I may have to start reading books by Anne a lay Apostle. She writes books about her personal journey, the first of which is called Climbing the Mountain. From what I have read online, it sounds like an interesting read. It may not be my typical type of book, but learning new things is good, right?

I know I need to branch out, and this is where you come in. Leave me a comment telling me who your favorite author is, and why. You can even suggest books for me to read.

I look forward to seeing what you have to say!

This Is Pretty Funny

Augusten Burroughs has a new book out, and it's called You Better Not Cry. That's the book trailer above. I love the flashing, I mean dancing, Santas. Too funny. The book sounds pretty funny too. In it, we are entertained with stories of Christmases past. I know in my family, there are stories that are told that we would never want an "outsider" to hear. This book sounds like it is a collection of such stories, and I have to say, I am looking forward to reading them. If you are too, do like I did and enter the "You Better Not Cry Book Promotion Sweepstakes" for a chance to win a copy.

My Bead Garden

Here are a few of my favorite things...an elephant, the color purple, and reading.

I found this bookmark at My Bead Garden. There are all kinds of little polymer clay treasures there. I found a few little Christmas things, and you all know how much I love all things Christmas.

Make sure you go check out all the goodies in the bead garden.

Book Deals

The easiest way to save money is to use coupons. I try very hard not to buy anything unless I have a coupon for it, or it is on sale. In my opinion, some things, like books, are overpriced. I love to read, and when my favorite author comes out with a new book, I am desperate to have it. I know I could save money by going to the library, but I love owning books. I have several bookcases overflowing with my books. There are only a few that I paid full price for. I like a1books online, and go there to save money. My latest find was the new James Patterson book, Swimsuit. I should be getting it in the mail any day now, and I got it for a steal. I hear it's a really good book.

If I disappear for a few days, it's because I am reading it.

Relentless By Dean Koontz

I just started it, and am having a hard time putting it down. I want to read the whole thing in one seating, but that is impossible these days. So far it's pretty good.

I like that he has a kid in it, and that he is writing about a dog again. I love when he puts a dog in the story, especially extra special dogs. I can't wait to read how the story plays out.

Relentless

When I was in Walmart this afternoon, I noticed Dean Koontz has a new book out.

How did I not know this?

I must have it.

I have ever book he has written in the past, oh, twenty years.

It sounds like it's really good, too.

Now to find the $20 I need to make it mine.

Dear John

We went to the library last weekend, and I got this book. I have read a lot of his stuff, and I always enjoy it.

This one is no different. I won't give anything away, and if you are a fan of his I am sure you have already read this. I started it yesterday and can't put it down.

I got a Stephen King book and James Patterson book, so I should be good for the next week. LOL!

Twilight ~ The Book

Do you have a favorite book that you can read over and over? That one book you go back to when you have nothing else to read?
For me, that book used to be this:

Then I read this:

and I can't stop reading it, or the others in the series! It's crazy! I can not wait for the New Moon movie to come out. I think Kasi and I will be at the first showing this year.
The only thing that is going to stink is that I love the Jacob character in the book, but don't really care for the actor they have playing him. He's just not "my" Jacob.

Audio Book

If you know anything about me, you know that I love to read. If I have a good book, I will do nothing else until I have read it from cover to cover. This holds true especially for Dean Koontz. I become so engrossed in the book, that nothing else matters. How horrible is that? I can sit and ignore housework and cooking, just to stay in the story.

Do you listen to audio books? I never have, but maybe I should try one. Maybe then I could find a way to do my housework while listening to a good book on my MP3 player. I know a few people who love them. Instead of listening to the radio on their way to work, they can be taken on a journey through their imagination. If you are like me, and want to try an audio book, check out The Bible Experience website. This is an Award Winning celebrity audio bible. It has over 400 different celebrities reading, from actors and musicians, to producers and directors. The New Testament Edition is the 2007 Audies Audio Book Of The Year. Right now they are offering a free download clip of Nick Cannon as Adam. Just use the promotion code: GEN3SPRK.