** Thanks to the PR firm or brand for the items to review. This review is based strictly on my experience and opinion. There was no compensation for the review itself or to influence my choice of words. Others may not agree or may have a different experience.**

My three year old absolutely loves dolls and imaginary play. In fact, whenever we're at our local Target store, she asks if she can just go and look at them. She stands there in the aisle looking over each item and making a list of things she would like to own.

One of the things she loves to see in Target is the Our Generation line, checking to see if anything is new there. As you can imagine, when this doll and camper set came to our home, she was over the moon excited to play with them.

We received the Ashley Rose doll and the R.V. Seeing You Camper {new, this summer!}. This camper is big enough to make room for an 18" doll to lay down inside it. To give you an idea of its size, I had my 3 year old pose next to it.

Ashley Rose is a posable doll, meaning her arms and legs can bend. I had never seen an 18" doll like this before and I thought it was pretty neat. This feature gives her the ability to hold on to the baby she's taking care of and do a puppet show for her with her other hand.

Ashley Rose comes with a book, the baby, a purse, a puppet and a special treasure box. My daughter, Eliana, uses the treasure box as a place to keep the puppet when she's not using it. Also, the above picture shows how well she can sit in the camper with her posable arms and legs. Once they're bent, they stay that way until they're bent back to straight or a different way.

The R.V. Seeing You Camper is very, very cool and detailed. I was surprised by all the detail in this, actually. From A couch that folds out to a bed, and a counter that folds out to a table, this camper has got it all to ensure any Our Generation doll has the time of her life while camping this summer. Here's a list of the items included with the camper:

• can be hitched to the Our Generation 4x4
• a mini kitchen 
• dishes/utensils
• a canister set
• a drying rack
• two stools 
• a bed
• bedding

My daughter has really been enjoying these items from Our Generation. You may be surprised to hear, my son likes to grab a doll and play "camping" with her too. I love how versatile camper is for that.  Eliana has also let me know that she would like the 4x4 for her dolls next and then a horse. 

These items are exclusive to Target stores and you can also buy them on Target's website. Make sure you check out all the cute items available for your little one! {Personally, I'd love to buy Eliana the Dressmaking Accessory Kit with the sewing machine for Ashley Rose to use}. 

Buy it: Our Generation Ashley Rose doll is $31.99 online and the R.V. Seeing You Camper is $60.00

Summer Fun With Our Generation Dolls And Accessories {Review}

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My 3 year old daughter and I shared squeezes and excited smiles as we got back into the van, almost to our hotel where we would be staying overnight, just the 2 of us, and then off to see the new American Girl store before its Grand Opening. We had stopped off for a short break and made plans to put on our bathing suits as soon as we got in our room.

Just before this break, we were in farmland. She was watching a DVD and I began to thank God for this chance to get away with her for some one on one time. I began to hum a random tune, as I often do and began to sing the words

"Lord, in the storm you're my calm. You hold my soul."

Just then, a butterfly made its way across my windshield and I smiled as I felt His sweet presence with me.

I continued to sing.

"You orchestrate the storm. You bring me to it and you bring me through it...every high and low..."

Little did I know what was up ahead.

I pulled out onto the highway after our stop and made my way toward the hotel. As I drove, I was looking for my turn off on the right. Suddenly, I noticed that there was an intersection with a red light and a stopped car in front of me. I slammed on my brakes and swerved away from the car, but it was too late. I couldn't stop in time and I ran right into it.

I'll never forget the sounds I heard. The screeching brakes, the thunder of the crash, and the heartbreaking scream my daughter let out as smoke from the airbags began to fill the van. I quickly rolled the windows down and turned toward her to look her over.

The woman I hit pulled over right away and ran toward my van. She came to the window, asking how many children I had with me and if I was alright. She helped keep us calm, called for help, and talked to my daughter about how it was all going to be alright. She brought me cold water and a bandaid for my head {it was cut open when it hit the airbag}.

Every other person to come to the scene was just as wonderful to me and my baby girl. A random person pulled behind my van to wave traffic away from us. The man who towed my van encouraged me and told me I was strong and that I was doing a great job with my little girl. The police officer did everything he could for us to the point of packing all of our things in his car and driving us to a Walmart where we could wait for my husband to pick us up.

I was grateful that we walked away from that accident with bruises, aches, and scratches. I was so thankful to God for protecting us...but mostly my little girl.

But the next day, as the hubster went out to shop for a new family car and I stayed behind with the kiddos, my mind began to raise the question of "Why?".

Why did I get all that way, over 3 hours from home and only 20 minutes away from our hotel just to smash into someone and not be able to enjoy the things I had lined up for us?

Sunday morning during worship, my answer found me. This may not be the answer, but it's what my heart needed to know.

Eucharisteo. This word. This idea of living in gratitude that I learned only from reading Ann Voskamp's 1,000 Gifts Devotional {and I'm not nearly finished with it yet}. This is my "why".

When I began reading her devotional, my heart began to ache for this discipline of gratitude. I wanted in the most stressful of times to find the joy and give thanks. Yes, I believe we can give thanks for all things. So, I began to pray that God would help me learn this discipline.

And as the worship leader began to sing the song 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman, it all came together and I saw my answer through my tears.

"The sun comes up it's a new day dawning. It's time to sing your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, let me be singing when the evening comes.

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul..."

Suddenly, I realized that what happened on Thursday could have kept me from ever seeing Sunday. Again, I was grateful for the gift I received in the bent hood and broken headlights. But what moved me to tears was God showing me, "You did it! You lived it! In that moment of chaos and fear, you thanked me! Your heart praised me! You don't need to ask me to help you live in gratitude. Your heart already knows how."

And I let the tears flow and I grabbed my husband's hand as I listened to the song. There was no way I could sing it with my voice through the flood of teardrops, but my heart was shouting it out!

"For all your goodness I will keep on singing...10,000 reasons for my heart to find..."

Beyond The Collision

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There is a part of me so willing and excited to follow God's lead. This is the part of me that leads me to say "Yes" to Him, even if I think what He's asking of me is too big. I trust Him. I cling to Him as He shows me the next step. I rejoice with Him as I turn around and see where He has brought me.

The "Yes" answers unlock doors to the things He holds for me. But without fail, I see my feet being pecked at as I try to confidently take that next step. As I struggle for balance to stand where He's placed me, I feel a tug on one of my outstretched hands and a smack on the other. There is a fight to stay in that "next step" toward Him and the plans He has for me.

And just when I think the struggles have passed. When I think I can now stand in confidence without any resistance, the whispers begin.
"What are you doing?"
"You can't do this!"
"You'll never be able to make it."
"Failure."
"You're messing it all up!"
"Your children hate you!"
"Your husband is losing interest in you."
"Fat."
"Ugly."
"ALONE."

On and on they come against me. Maybe you've heard these too? These whispers that buzz like a mosquito in my ear. The more I flinch, and swat, the more they come. And maybe I'll entertain one of these whispers. Maybe I'll stop trying to fight it and begin to agree instead. Maybe the eyes that were once locked on Jesus fall to stare at my own feet and as I breathe, I inhale and exhale that whisper.

I become motionless. Stagnate. I'm no longer gaining any ground and I have nothing to rejoice in.
Have you been there? When I am feeling like God is so far away, the reality is He hasn't moved - the thing I've fixed my focus on has. What now?

What is the key?

Friends, I know if I am in Christ, I have the victory! Amen? The end of the story that says "WE WIN!" certainly brings hope. When these whispers come, I try and catch them before they do damage but I miss sometimes. So, I worship. Even if I don't feel like it, I lift my hands in worship.

Remember in Acts when Paul and Silas were bound in chains and imprisoned? They worshiped and prayed and the very foundations of the jail shook, breaking off the chains that held them. There is freedom in our worship. {Acts 16:25 & 26}

After that, I pray. I ask God to whisper HIS words into my heart. I choose to lift my eyes and fix my gaze on Him once more. And as I cry out to Him and show Him what a mess I've made, He gently wipes it all away. He cups my face in His hands and speaks words of peace, healing, forgiveness, grace, joy, unconditional love, and acceptance over me. I hear these words and my posture changes. I stand like I know I've already won and confidently take that next step with Him.

If you're in a place of defeat, don't stay there. Don't let the lies hold you still. Line up the whispers you hear with the ones God would say and choose to give your ear to Him.

Fix your gaze and keep on going.

All is grace.

When The Whispers Come

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** Thanks to the PR firm or brand for the items to review. This review is based strictly on my experience and opinion. There was no compensation for the review itself or to influence my choice of words. Others may not agree or may have a different experience.**

If you were given $100 to spend at KOHL'S, how far could you stretch it? I think I did a pretty good job with my recent trip and I'm excited to tell you about it!!

Let me tell you, when I went to shop {and decided to use the money to get myself some things}, I had the hardest time not buying everything I saw. Every designer represented for my {30-something} age group, had at least 3 pieces I wanted to put in my cart. And please don't even get me started on handbags and shoes. There were so many cute choices to choose from. In the end, I decided on just one accessory for the clothes I bought. 

Here's the bag I brought home. Yes, I did spend all $100 and yes, I did earn myself some KOHL'S cash. I love hitting a good sale!

Here are the items I bought hanging up. 9 pieces of clothing and 1 scarf! I KNOW! Front and center, you'll see my 2 favorite pieces. The color of the rose/coral top is bright and stunning. I also am completely smitten with the lace front and a touch of ruching on the bottom band to make sure it sits in a flattering way when worn. Also, the scarves were on sale the day I went in so I grabbed my favorite one. It's a taupe/beige color and has little sequins sewn in. {I love a bit of shiny!} I can't even count how many times I've worn this scarf already. It goes perfectly with so much of what I already own. 

I found this high/low sweater in the Juniors clearance section. The sleeves are half-length so I can wear this anytime I want to cozy up. In the summer, that could be during an evening campfire, a walk in the colors of fall, or even in the winter. A versatile sweater is great to have.

The tank top I'm wearing here is one of 2 that I bought. I got a size small and they fit me perfectly. Add-in only paying $8 a piece and it's even better! Everyone needs basic tanks in the summer, right? These are paired with some shorts designed by Derek Lam for DesigNation. They're super cozy and make me want to go on some kind of beachy vacation. {These were 50% off when I bought them, by the way. Nice!}

Next, I found this navy, loose knit sweater on the Junior's department clearance rack. This has 3/4 length sleeves and the length hits just below the hips. This is another versatile sweater as it can be worn with a tank beneath it or a thin top with 3/4 length sleeves to warm it up a bit in the fall/winter. {I prefer to wear black or navy under the sweater, personally.}
Also, you can see my capri length leggings in the first pic. I purchased both black and gray as I love to wear these under skirts or dresses {when appropriate} for layering and modesty while keeping it cute.

Finally, I found this way too cute tank top on the clearance rack for only $6. The bright, summer colors are fun to wear and the bicycle print makes it really unique. It has a racerback wear the ruffle from the neckline continues down. In this pic, I've paired it with my boyfriend cardigan and skinny jeans to show you how I wear it in the sometimes chilly spring weather of Michigan.

Now, because of the sale going on, I earned $10 in KOHL'S Cash for every $50 spent. My total was just over $100 so I received $20! I decided to return to the store a few days later with Eliana and let her pick out a cute outfit and headbands. We still had $3 left of our credit but never got back to use it up.

All in all, I'd say I made a killing with my little shopping spree. Wouldn't you agree?

What kinds of things to you shop at KOHL'S for? I'd love to go back and buy some home goods next time.

Think KOHL'S For Summer Fashions! {Review}

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I was taking laundry down to the basement and happened to glance out my back door as I went. What I saw made my heart leap and a smile come to my face. A cat was walking in my yard. But this was no ordinary cat. This cat and I have a bit of history.

When I first moved in my home last fall, it wasn't long before the winter came with all its chill and howling winds. One night, I heard a cry outside. I knew it was the call of a cat but I couldn't see where it was coming from. I turned out every light in my living room so I could see better into the darkness outside, and I waited as I looked.

The cry came again. This sound pierced into my gut and made me want to help. It was a call of distress, the cat wanted the warmth of the inside and the comfort of the radiating heat.

I spotted him. There. Tucked in along the hedges, a natural blocking for the wind, he was all curled up.

He called and cried and broke my heart. I was pouting to my husband "We have to do something!". The lonely cat made his way beneath my van and tucked in behind the tire. Still, he called.

I placed a box on my porch with a blanket and some food. I created a shelter for him but it seemed it was too much to ask of him. He refused the comfort for lack of trust and continued to hide himself away under my van for a few nights. I even moved the box to the very spot he sat on the sidewalk and still, he refused..

After those nights, he was gone. I had hoped someone took him in or he found his way home. I worried about him. Yes. I worried about a stray cat.

But this morning, in the thick of spring weather, he was walking in my yard and hunting for birds. He looked a bit thin so again, I wanted to help. "Why can't I just go scoop him up and bring him in, show him family, and fill his belly?"

The truth is, he wouldn't let me if I tried. He's accustomed to being alone. He trusts loneliness more than a stranger with an outstretched hand. Even if I knelt down low, holding out my palm, and spoke gently to him, he would eventually dash off. I know because I've attempted this before.

Really, my whole life I've been doing this; finding stray animals as a child and wanting to care for them. I must have driven my parents crazy! Crickets, toads, dogs, cats, wounded birds, and I'm sure more than these - I would bring them inside or put food on my porch to lure them into joining my family.

I was like this with people too. I would find the lonely and broken and want to make them family. As a child, my Sunday School teachers would bring new children to sit beside me because even they saw this trait in me and knew I would want to help them feel at home. As I grew, I was sometimes hurt by these wounded people I would befriend because I would wear my heart on my sleeve and love them full on - even as they took advantage or mistreated me and my wide open heart.

And again, I feel this need to bring people in and make them family. As I watched that cat in my yard, I wondered how many people were wandering right then. People who are accustomed to loneliness. People who would lash out and try to hurt you if you got too close. People who run from community and maybe not even out of fear, but out of their habit of isolation.

My heart aches because I too chose isolation at a season in my life. I felt that my new marriage, followed by a first born child was my "picture perfect" and I didn't need anyone. I isolated myself and allowed my friends to only see what I wanted them to see...if I saw them at all. The more time I spent alone, the more I believed the lie that I should be alone...because the world had surely moved on from me.

Friend, if it's you that came to my mind this morning, don't believe that lie. The world hasn't moved on from you. No. The world is missing you and that thing that only you can bring to the community. The world is missing your unique qualities because no one else can fill your shoes.

I'm praying for you right now. 

I'm praying that God would fill your heart with whispers of the amazing and beautiful person you are and why He made you. I'm praying that He shows you what it is that He created you with and gives you a first step toward using those things. I'm praying that He wipes away the insecurities and the lies and as those things are exposed, know that He will wrap you up in a blanket of love and peace. You're safe. It's safe.

Come and sit next to me. Be family with me. Let me tell you, no matter how long it's been, it's so good to see you. I'm happy you're here.

Love, Your Sister,

When It's Easier To Be Alone

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** Thanks to the PR firm or brand for the items to review. This review is based strictly on my experience and opinion. There was no compensation for the review itself or to influence my choice of words. Others may not agree or may have a different experience.**

We've just finished up our first year of homeschool with Alex in Kindergarten. One of the main take-aways of his year was learning how to read and learning to enjoy it. To me, it seemed like the assignment of reading was more like a chore to him than something he wanted to do so I began to search for ways to make it fun. I had to find the kind of books that he would be drawn to and want to read. 

ZonderKidz {a subsidiary of Zondervan} reached out to me about the new I Can Read! book from The Berenstain Bears - Good Deed Scouts Help Their Neighbors. I knew right away that Alex would take to this book and want to read it. He really enjoys when we turn on The Berenstain Bears show during one of his TV times and is really familiar with the characters and setting of the stories. I was right, too. He was super excited to see this book {and others} in the envelope the day they arrived.

This first one is unique in that it's three books in one. The stories in this hardcover book are The Berenstain Bears - Mama's Helpers, Help The Homeless, and Honey Hut Helpers. These stories take readers through different scenarios and teach them not only how to be a help, but also how to think of others and see a need. Also, this book {along with others being reviewed} is a level 1 reader. This is perfect for my Kindergartner 1st grader.

We were also sent The Berenstain Bears - Thank God For Good Health, Piggy Bank Blessings, and Do Not Fear, God Is Near books to review. These are faith based books and speak to the topics of being brave at the doctor's office, being a good steward of your money, and trusting God enough to not be afraid of anything {even spooky shadows}. My 2 oldest kiddos have asked to read these stories over and over again. The message of each book is simple enough for them to understand but rich enough for us to have real heart to heart conversations about after reading.

The titles in this review are just the tip of the iceberg at ZonderKidz for their selection of  I Can Read! books. There are many more books from The Berenstain Bears along with selections from VeggieTales and other lovable characters as well. Head over and check out their titles then stock up for the summer. You'll want these on your little ones' shelves for sure. 

New From Zonderkidz And Berenstain Bears {review}

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Someone I know was going through a hard time recently. And maybe you can relate? Community had hurt her and I was trying to be an encouragement through prayer and conversations.

The other night I was rounding up groceries for my family. While I was at the store, I thought to myself that I would really like to find her something small to bring a little encouragement. With this thought in mind, I began to wander the store in search of *just the thing*.

Flowers? No. I wasn't overly impressed by the selection available.
K-Cups? No. I want it to mean something. What can I buy with meaning?
Chocolate is always a good idea...
Chocolate...

And then it jumped into my mind with an exclamation point - A HERSHEY'S bar! I didn't even understand why I was doing this hunt for HERSHEY'S but I went with it.

It clicked when I held the chocolate bar in my hand. HER-SHE

Yes, this is the encouragement and smile maker I was seeking. A little sweet something to remind her that even if community hurts, "Her needs She and She needs Her".

When I grabbed one for her, I grabbed one for myself too. {Hey, who would leave chocolate behind if you're already buying it for someone else?} I was going to just snack on it on my own after dropping off the chocolate and sharing my candy bar revelation with my friend. But God wasn't done with what He wanted to show me.

Before I even opened the wrapper, I pictured the chocolate bar in my mind. Here. This. This is where the key is. Our community does = "Her needs She and She needs Her" but community is the joining of all these Hers and She's together. A HERSHEY'S bar is just one, big, sweet community; bricks of Hers and She's fused together with the common thread of Jesus. What a great reminder that isolation isn't the answer.

You may be thinking I'm cheesetastic right now. You may be thinking "That's a stretch". I'm OK with that.

Here's what I think. I think God knows me intimately, just like He knows you. He knows I love, love, love chocolate. He knows I'm a very visual learner. He knows this is just the sort of thing that will stick with me and bring a smile to my face as I remember. 

If nothing more, maybe you'll remember this when you're making S'Mores this summer or when you see these wrappers at the store. Maybe this will melt right into your heart and you'll remember this candy bar revelation of sweet community. 

Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity. 

{This goes for sisters too!}

Chocolate Bars And Community

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