Book Review - Mommy's Choice, by Scott Curtis

I love this book! It is 3 stories within itself. 1 is the story of a lady searching for a past that she thought she had lived, 2 is the same lady and the life she lived with her son and a man she met and married after the father of her then unborn child walked out on her. The man that became her husband was a Christian and from him she learned love and how to trust God and she developed a desire to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, and 3 is the story of her son, his biological father that meet in a somewhat unknown place and the reason they are there, which is not divulged until the very end (NO PEEKING). Mommy's Choice is written in a way that will intrigue and enlighten. There is Biblical searching and revelations from various characters that is insightful. The story makes you happy for this family but it also has the feel of a mystery and once the reader reaches the end, it opens up great opportunity for prayer and dialog. It is the type of story that you will right away, want to pass on to someone else to read. There is definitely a gentle message, with a powerful impact. I read it in one sitting. It is very thought provoking. Scott's book is now in over 16 libraries and can be purchased at Borders and various book stores or ordered online via Amazon.com, Target.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.

Those of you that utilize The Mom Squad Forum, may be familiar with Scott as he is one of our Dad's! After researching publishing options, he decided to go with Xulon Press, which is a Salem Communications company. He is thrilled with the results of his association with Xulon. Feel free to contact Scott directly at scurtis.fiction@sbcglobal.net

Godgirls in Motion!

Get the girls togther and and come along for an amazing journey! Raising a family and keeping up with daily demands can be draining at times, and we all need to rejuvinate at some point. This is IT! Two days overflowing with laughter, inspiration, and a chance to sit back, relax and connect with other women. Godgirls in Motion is a conference with great speakers like Lisa Welchel (Blaire from Facts of Life), comedian Kerri Pomarolli, and many more! The theme is "Life is a Road Trip" and the aim is to celebrate the joy in the journey and finding blessings in whatever "road" we are on right now. The Mom Squad and 95.5 The Fish's Brooke Taylor will be the emcee.
Get your tickets TODAY before prices go up on April 1. Click here for all the details: Godgirls in Motion We'll see you there!

Seasonal Shopping Can Save You Money

Looking for bargains? Who isn't? Spring is the time to purchase winter items on sale and vice versa and Kohl's has a spectacular sale going on! And since this is Cleveland, you know we can still use winter items now (HA). They have spring fashions on sale too. Check out the Junior's Department for great prices on those cami's we all love to wear under some of our summer tops for modesty sake. The Junior's Department is always less expensive than the Women's Department; just remember to get at least one size larger than you normally wear. Kohl's has great bargains on purses too! I saw some really cute ones for those dressy spring and summer events that are coming our way. So be sure and check out the Kohl's in your neighborhood...it's this Mom Squad Panel Member's favorite spot to shop.

By the way, if you or someone you know is getting married soon and you want some great ideas, check out this website, www.theknot.com. It is a great resource for all things wedding!

Easter/Cleaning Prayer

According to an ancient tradition, the time of Holy Week is devoted in many countries to a thorough cleaning of the house, the most vigorous of the whole year. Carpets, couches, armchairs, and mattresses are carried into the open and every speck of dust beaten out of them. Women scrub and wax floors and furniture, change curtains, wash windows; the home is buzzing with activity. No time is wasted on the usual kitchen work; the meals are very casual and light. On Wednesday night everything has to be back in place, glossy and shining, ready for the great feast.

This traditional spring cleaning is, of course, to make the home as neat as possible for the greatest holidays of the year. It is an effort to "make all things new" and clean for Easter!
This poem is a beautiful way to tie in mundane, everyday tasks into prayer.
Spring Cleaning

Resurrection Cookies

This is a beautiful way to illustrate the Easter story to children. Last year I went on Robin Swoboda's show "That's Life" to demonstrate the recipe. THANK YOU to the kind listeners who saved the day and brought me the finished product. I tried to make the cookies at home and they didn't turn out. Check it out here: Easter Cookies Video

Here is the full recipe with story and scripture verse.

1 C whole pecans zipper baggie
1 tsp vinegar wooden spoon
3 egg whites tape
pinch salt Bible
1 C Sugar
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

2. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

3. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27. (So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.)

5. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know Him and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

6. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

7. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mount represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was lain. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF (DO NOT BAKE COOKIES).

9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

10. Go to bed! Explain to them that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed and they had to leave. Read John 16:20 & 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies, like the tomb, are hollow! On the first Resurrection morning, Jesus' followers were amazed and surprised to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9. HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN INDEED