Here I am ....

Seriously, I've been reading like a fiend.  I have been a little slow on posting reviews which is BAD.  Which is also why my blog is inundated with book reviews at present.  And, either fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, there are more to come!  I've been reading all types of books over the past few weeks.  What has everyone else in the fam been up to, you ask?

Well, for starters, school is out!!  We have kidlets who will be entering 4th and 5th grades in the fall.  I am very proud of them both!  Our newest 5th grader pulled all As, Bs and 1 C on his final report card.  Not bad!!  Twink, all A's.  Pretty impressive for what was a challenging school year for both of them.  They're both still busy kidlets.  DinoBoy (I can't help but still call him that even though he is so not into dinosaurs anymore) is busy playing District Baseball, a select team of 9U players from our town who are playing in tournaments this summer.  This is his first year trying out for the team.  He's happy that he made it and I'm hoping that he overcomes some of his baseball fears - he can do so well - but he needs to connect the bat with the ball a little more often (for his father's sanity as well as his own confidence!!) Twink made her gymnastics team, officially.  She is no longer pre-team and is learning new routines for competitions which will be in the winter and spring. 

The Potty Update:  Things are moving right along with SweeTart (knock on wood!!)  She seems to not have any many accidents in her big girl panties these days.  One of the problems we have, sometimes, not all the time, is the bowel movements.  She will now sit herself down on her potty and try to poop.  Unless she is otherwise preoccupied (at the pool for instance.)  So I do have to say that the doctor was right, I think she'll be fully potty trained by the end of the summer.  Whew!  I was a little concerned about that one. 

The Hubs:  Still busy as ever!!  Have you checked out their website? http://www.beechwoodlandscape.com/  They're operating out of Southern New Jersey but currently have jobs going on in two other states as well.  He's been working crews 7 days a week for the past .... at least month ... probably longer than that.  I think this past Sunday was the first Sunday he's taken "off" in over a month.  If you count stopping by the shop after Church yesterday to "check on things" and "water the plants." 

The dogs.  Do you care?  I'll tell you anyway.  Guinness broke into Yoda's food container last night while we were at DinoBoy's game and proceeded to dine on freeze dried grasshoppers, crickets and various veggies.  He then proceeded to drink half of the bowl of water - out of the toilet; guess he was full after that!!  Maybe we have found the perfect diet for him?  Dried food for the lizard.  Nice.  Jack bum back legs.  More specifically:  knees the size of softballs on both sides.  He has been on an anti-inflammatory and pain meds for 2 months now.  Problem is, when the medicine is working he acts like his crazy self, running through the yard and after the neighbor kids.  When the meds wear off or after a particularly fun day of chasing rabbits, he tries to balance himself on his front two paws.  Seriously, its breaking my heart. 

Finally, besides reading reviews, I am going to be doing the review of the all new Once A Month Cookbook - for TODDLERS and young kidlets! Ok - the real name is Survive Before 5: Toddler Meals for Your Busy Days an ebook published by Once A Month Mom, Tricia Callahan. I am excited to do this and thank her for the opportunity. I have a coupon code for you that ends tomorrow, 7/1/11.  Use OAMM599 at checkout to get the book for just $5.99, a savings of $2.00!!   

The Survive Before 5 eCookbook contains:


•A choice of preparing for 1 child, 2 children, 4 children or 6 children.
•Step-by-step instructions for cooking all of these meals in one (or several) days.
•Grocery lists for the 1 child, 2 children, 4 children or 6 children.
•Customized labels for each of your prepared items.
•Recipe cards containing photographs, step-by-step photos and toddler tasks as well.
•A sample calendar to make feeding meals easy.
•Toddler tasks on each recipe cards so that your kids can help you while you cook.
•Recipes included in this one month plan:

◦Breakfasts
■blueberry pancakes**
■toddler french toast sticks
■fruity breakfast burritos

◦Lunches
■homemade spaghetti o’s**
■individual mac & cheese cups
■corndog muffins
■homemade cheesy rice
■apple chicken nuggets
■individual pizzas**

◦Snacks
■frozen fruit cups
■homemade yogurt
■peanut butter banana yogurt pops**
■peanut butter granola bars**

•**Indicates NEW Once a Month Mom recipes not found on the website – 5 new recipes in total!
 
Look for my review in the coming weeks as I plan on trying these out this weekend (between baseball games, that is!)

The Constantine Codex - A Review

From the Publisher:
A shocking discovery throws Harvard professor Jonathan Weber into the international spotlight---and could change the way the world sees the Bible. While touring Greek and Turkish monasteries, he finds an ancient manuscript that includes a lost ending of Mark and a 67th book. When the codex is stolen, Jon races to recover it---before it's lost forever!

Renowned church historian and novelist Dr. Paul Maier revives the beloved character Dr. Jonathan Weber (Skeleton in God's Closet, and More Than a Skeleton) to envision the lost ending to Mark...and a Second Acts. His seamless inclusion of canonical history into the suspenseful tale ensures readers come away with a greater understanding of the origins of Scripture and the lengths to which early Christians went to ensure the continuation of the gospel story throughout time.

Aside from fascinating details and engrossing storytelling, The Constantine Codex includes an open, rigorous debate between Dr. Weber and a moderate leader of Islam that should serve as a worthy example for real-world engagements.
What I thought: 

To be completely honest, I wasn't sure what to think when I started this book.  I was thinking more along the lines of the movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark or National Treasure ... while the Constantine Codex was not like either of those, it did not disappoint.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves espionage, a little cultural debacle,  and who doesn't mind learning a little bit more about the Holy books of all religions in the meantime.  (Not a lot - but enough to make it interestng.)  Once the book got going, I found it hard to put it down. 

I was asked to do this review by Glass Road Public Relations.  They tipped me off to Net Galley and the availability of this book there for my Kindle.  I was only asked to provide a review, but am pleased to provide a favorable one. No compensation was received for this review. 

Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness: A Guest Post!

Today, I am pleased to present you with a guest post, the first of it's kind around here at Family, Scrapbooks and Coffee! Author, Stephanie Haefner, graciously agreed to do this guest post for me as part of her blog tour promoting her newest release, romance novella, Soap Dreams. Be sure to read all the way to the end of the post - she has a surprise for you!!  Please make sure to stop by her website and show her some love.  If you have read any of her books: share, share!!

LIFE, LOVE and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. I think about that now and realize how ridiculous it had been! That career path is so not me!! I think it's a great job and I completely appreciate what teachers do...so so thankful...but I just do not have the patience. And dealing with all those parents who think their kids are perfect??? Yikes.... Huge kudos to all those teachers out there! :)

After that career dream faded, I wanted to be a beautician. I wanted to do hair, makeup, nails, everything. I practiced on one of those Barbie heads. I loved makeup...had tons of it, and me and my friend would get all glammed up when we did sleep overs. At least this dream was a little more in the right direction...it was creative. I had always been a creative kid...doing crafts and such.

I can't remember how I changed my mind, maybe it was starting high school. I'd been accepted into a Horticulture program at a vocational high school. I'd wanted to go to that school and playing with plants sounded fun. It was there I first learned floral design and I really liked it. New career: floral designer!

Flash forward about fourteen years and I had already worked for several years in flower shops as a designer and ran my own business out of my home specializing in wedding flowers. But I just didn't love it anymore. Couldn't find one specific thing...it was many small reasons...but I knew I was done. The love and passion for it had been replaced with something else. I wanted to pursue a writing career.

If there's anything in this world that I believe with my whole being is that we need to be happy with our lives, our careers. I know that doesn't always happen for everyone...we need money to live and sometimes our dream jobs are unattainable for one reason or another and we need to do what we have to do to buy the necessities. But I always encourage people to find happiness wherever they can. Life is way too short to be miserable.

All commenters will be entered in a drawing to win a fabulous Grand Prize: a signed copy of A Bitch Named Karma (US only, sorry) and digital copies of both Paradise Cove and Soap Dreams! Please leave your email address!

Stephanie Haefner is a wife, mother of two. and novelist from Buffalo, NY. Her debut, A Bitch Named Karma, is available from Lyrical been Press, along with her latest, Paradise Cove and Soap Dreams. Her shorter works have published in Nickel City Nights: Erotic Writing in Western New York, Flash Me Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Voices from the Herd. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Buffalo Writers Meetup Group. When not writing, she enjoys dance, scrapbooking, and Disney World. Visit her at http://www.stephaniehaefnerthewriter.com/

Spring for Susannah - Kindle Giveaway ends today! 6/27

This post was originally scheduled to post on Friday, 6/24/11, but I have been having some issues with posting in Blogger as of late. Wondering if it is time for a platform switch? Read on - there is a great contest to win a free KINDLE and it ends today, Monday, June 27, 2011!!

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)

To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!



Spring for Susannah


Booklist says, "Inspired by [folk] lyrics, Richmondarrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel. Readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand."

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

About Catherine: Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.

For more about Catherine, please visit http://www.catherinerichmond.com/.

A heartwarming book which I highly recommend for anyone who loves historical romances!  Especially if you enjoy a strong woman lead character and a male counterpart who is her equal - not her superior - given the setting of this novel.  I was entertained and enlightened throughout the entire book - I was not able to put it down!  I cannot recommend this book any more highly. 

Please stop by any of the other blogs on this tour to see what others have to say about this wonderful book.  http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13347248

A Winner for Shattered!

Late in posting.  SORRY!! Bummed because not even ten entries for the contest.  But happy because there was a greater chance for the ones who did enter to win!  Only 7 entries in the Shattered by Melody Carlson book giveaway and Random.org chose lucky number 5!!  

 

~Mommy's Outside Voice~ said...

Well now I want to read this book!!! I love those stories where you think you know it but it's never what you think! I'm in bmehmel@gmail.com

I'm folllowing back from http://www.mommysoutsidevoice.blogspot.com from Voiceboks! Now I'm crossing my fingers! 

I'm emailing you now!  We'll talk soon!! 

The Poisoned House - A review

A little about the book:  Life can be cruel for a servant girl in 1850s London. Fifteen-year-old Abi is a scullery maid in Greave Hall, an elegant but troubled household. The widowed master of the house is slowly slipping into madness, and the tyrannical housekeeper, Mrs. Cotton, punishes Abi without mercy. But there's something else going on in Greave Hall, too. An otherworldly presence is making itself known, and a deadly secret will reveal itself—a secret that will shatter everything Abi knows.

I recently had the opportunity to read The Poisoned House by Michael Ford.  This is a Victorian Ghost story aimed at ages 13+ which will be released for summer reading on August 1, 2011 and is available now for preorder on Amazon.com.

I'm all about scary stories and this is a good one for the younger kids.  It took me a little bit to get used to the fact that the book is set in the mid-1800's and also in a different country but I enjoyed the book thoroughly.  It was a page turner and I think that girls and boys alike will take to this book.  There are different elements in this story - apparitions, freezing cold rooms, and hidden secrets that keep the book moving right along and keep the reader in suspense throughout.  There is always a villain too - this one was unexpected!! 


I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.com.  I was asked only to give my honest opinion of the book which I am pleased to do.  I received no compensation for this review. 

Twink is 9 - How did that happen?

Yesterday, Twinkletoes turned 9.  I cannot believe it.  Far as I am concerned, this photo could have been taken yesterday!  That would have put her at about 10 pounds instead of pushing 65 and a few weeks old instead of the ripe old age of 9. 

Twink and Mommom Kelly



This next picture was taken just a week or two ago.  See the difference?  All grown up. 9 years old.  A member of t he JOGA team at her gymnastics academy.  A big sister.  A little sister.  A girl who loves to laugh, draw and play.  Loves to hang out with her friends.  Loves to do her homework and excel in school.  Loves to swing.  Loves to swim and ride her bike. Loves to love.  She's given us a lot of love in the past 9 years.  I hope she knows how much we love her.  And appreciate all she does to make our lives whole (crazy but whole!!!)    

We're entering the "tween" years.  I think it might be kind of like entering the Twilight Zone.  I don't believe I am ready yet for puberty, boy craziness or growing up in general.  For that matter, I don't think her Daddy is either.  We're going to be going through a lot of changes ... probably a lot sooner than we can even imagine.  All I know is, I'm buckling in and enjoying the ride.  Love you!! 

Turkey Monster Thanksgiving

I recently had the opportunity to read Turkey Monster Thanksgiving by Anne Warren Smith.  This book is aimed at 3rd through 6th graders and will be available in stores and online on September 1, 2011 for the first time in paperback. 

A little about the book: 

Nine-year-old Katie Jordan lives with her dad and three-year-old brother. This year, instead of celebrating Thanksgiving in their traditional way by eating pizza in their pajamas, Katie wants to create the perfect holiday and be just like a "real" family. But by Thanksgiving Day, Katie has invited guests Dad didn't expect, festooned the house with what may be poison oak, set the sweet potatoes on fire, and forced her little brother to face a dreadful turkey monster by himself. At the end, however, Katie, her family, and her guests sit down to a most unusual dinner—one that succeeds because it comes more from the heart than from fancy decorations and elaborate menus.

What I thought:

This book was not exactly what I expected.  Certain parts of the story line, although are applicable to all families, I think I would want to shelter my 3rd grader from for a little longer.  The main character, Katie, lives with her single dad and her toddler brother.  Seems that Katie's mom has left her children and husband to chase her dream of being a famous country singer.  Katie's friend and "competition" across the street lives with her dad as well; her mom died.  Whew - I know that the world is a hard place and these type of situations happen every day in every walk of life - just not something I want my kids reading about, yet.  My entering 5th grader?  Yes, I think he could handle that part of the story line a little better than my younger one. 

The story itself?  Engaging.  Deals with friendship, competition, the importance of family traditions (no matter what they are) and loving your family for who they are, not who you want them to be  in a way that children can relate.  Various scenes of the book are laugh out loud funny.  If you do want your younger child to read it, I would read it aloud with them so that you can discuss parts of the story they may not easily identify with and for a little reassurance too with regard to death and divorce/abandonment. 

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.com.  I was asked only to give my honest opinion of the book which I am pleased to do.  I received no compensation for this review. 

Gardening

For the past few years, Twink and I have been trying to garden in the "blank" spaces between all of the beautiful bushes, trees, shrubs and flowers in our backyard.  Since Hubs owns a landscape company, you can rest assured that the spaces that we've been utilizing are few and far between.  And, our landscape is beautiful - but we wanted a garden. 

I would buy the seedlings from the greenhouse at the school where I work and Twink and I would plant and nurture through the summer.  We've gotten many, many tomatoes; one summer we were picking them by the bucketful.  We've had cantaloupes, green peppers and a few hot peppers.  Last year we didn't have much luck.  Our squash and pumpkins fizzled.  Our many cucumber plants yielded us 2 cukes.  We didn't have quite as many tomatoes as we did the year before. 

This year was supposed to be different.  Hubs promised us a garden.  In March.  (You know before the onslaught of the busy season and working round the clock 7 days a week.)  He even went as far as contacting his friend from school, many moons ago, who has a company in South Carolina called Verde Garden.  (See their Etsy Shop)  Verde Garden is a licensed and inspected facility who is authorized to ship agriculture to all 50 states.  Verde Garden hooked us up with seeds this year!  So many seeds.  I was nervous that we wouldn't have enough garden to plant them in. 

Twink was very conscientious about getting her seeds started inside.  We got a little bit of a late start but we had at least 9 containers of all but a few things.  (the most important one forgotten?  tomatoes!!)  We've been planting like mad ~ once again in the empty spaces we can find because we cannot find time to create the garden we had envisioned.  That would require someone who knew where our irrigation is, a sod cutter and just time in general.  Something you need for a garden.  Something we are lacking. 

About a week ago, while planting, Twink took the seeds we hadn't yet used off of our porch and outside.  The seeds we hadn't used yet?  WET.  Which ones?  TOMATOES.  3 different kinds.  I'm a little on the devastated side.  I planted all the seeds I could save into planters on the patio and in one of the beds.  Yesterday, I came home to discover that Hubs' crews had left me beautiful new viney type trumpet flowers ~ in those same planters.  I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  I think I'll enjoy them for now then get the laugh when and if those tomato seeds grow into the tomato plants I'm hoping for. 

Did I mention that we have about 5 green beans that we can eat?  And about 2 dozen radishes?  All in planters.  But ready to eat.  We've planted 4 cucumber plants and 3 eggplant plants in a flower bed.  They're not looking so hot.  The plants that we haven't planted yet that are bunched together on a tote top, under the tree?  Looking wonderful.  I am seriously considering leaving them there to see if they'll produce any veggies. (Zucchini, Eggplant, Peppers, Yellow Squash, etc.)  What do you think?

PS - that succulent wreath pictured above?  Not at my house but advertised by Verde Garden on their facebook page. How beautiful is that?? 

My Foolish Heart

A little about the book!

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nightsas Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millionstune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware thatshe’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seemsshe’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’trealize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. Thelast thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Havento land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautifulneighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from MyFoolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to thehost—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on theradio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

What I thought: 

  Another good, easy and fun read which I enjoyed.  I'm not sure how easy it is to host a radio show out of your house, so I can't comment on how realistic the main charater's choice of career is.  I did enjoy the fact that this book is written in the present time.  (I've been reading a lot of historical fiction lately.)  It is nice to see that the heros from the current war have not been forgotten nor their reintroduction to society after their service.   A great book about love, overcoming fears and putting the past behind you.   I enjoyed this book and will look for other works by Susan May Warren in the future. 

About the giveaway and party:


Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart!

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce
the release of her latest Deep Haven book, My Foolish Heart!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has
put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner
will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

* A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner)

* A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel

* The entire Deep Haven series

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on
June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart
Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat
about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away
tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the
fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS! 

Book Review: Shattered by Melody Carlson and Giveaway!

Here's a little about the book:

Cleo Neilson's best friend is moving away and she wants to make Lola's last night in town special. For Cleo, that means going to the big Christian concert in the city, but her mom won't allow her to go. She says that area of the city is too dangerous for two unchaperoned teenage girls.

Convinced her mom is just being an overprotective "helicopter" mom, she sneaks out of the house. After all, her mom has to let her grow up sometime, right?

Cleo now faces the chilling consequences of her actions and a secret that it is eating her up inside. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him.

My thoughts: 

Wow!  This book was intense!  I was not expecting the plot to turn the way that it did and am glad that I put the time in to read this one.  It didn't take me long, I read it over the weekend, whenever I could find the time. I kept trying to guess what was going to happen next, and each time, I was inevitably wrong!  The story was well written, in a tone that is good for older teens (high school) and adults alike.  Although I won't give spoilers, please keep your tissues handy.  The emotional messages conveyed in this book are powerful! 
 
I was able to secure a copy of this book on my Kindle as well as received a free one in the mail from Glass Road Public Relations for my participation in the book tour for Shattered.  Since I read on my Kindle, the reader's copy received from Glass Road is still new!  I would love to give this book away.  Please leave a comment and email address.  That's it.  Easy peasy. I will draw a winner next Monday, June 20th.  Please spread the word. 
 
As I mentioned before, take the time check out Melody Carlson's website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/. See what other books she has to offer. I am definitely going to check out her new series for tweens, Allison O'Brian on Her Own, for Twink to read this summer and I've already received an advance reader's copy of one of her soon to be published books. 
 
Don't forget - leave a comment on this post to be entered in the drawing to receive your own copy of Shattered:  A Daughter's Regret.   Contest ends 6/19/11.  Winner will be contacted on 6/20/11 via email.

Shattered by Melody Carlson - reviewing on 6/13/11

I must admit, I've been amiss.  I have this book on my desk.  I have been looking at it, then picking up my Kindle for convenience.  I was supposed to post my review of this book on 6/8 and the date slipped by me.  I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by Glass House Public Relations. 

Here's a little about the book:

Cleo Neilson's best friend is moving away and she wants to make Lola's last night in town special. For Cleo, that means going to the big Christian concert in the city, but her mom won't allow her to go. She says that area of the city is too dangerous for two unchaperoned teenage girls.

Convinced her mom is just being an overprotective "helicopter" mom, she sneaks out of the house. After all, her mom has to let her grow up sometime, right?

Cleo now faces the chilling consequences of her actions and a secret that it is eating her up inside. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him.

In the meantime, please check out Melody Carlson's website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/.  See what other books she has to offer.  I am definitely going to check out her new series for tweens, Allison O'Brian on Her Own, for Twink to read this summer! 

Wordless Wednesday - 1st digital scrapbook layout

The Poopy Diaries

Kind of sounds like a book, right? But, as far as I know, it is only our lives right now.  Potty training is moving along.  #1 into the potty with no problem.  Any time, any where.  (Except in the middle of the night when she's in a pull up.)  #2?  Not so much.  Our SweeTart is a controller.  A withholder, if you will.  She would rather hold that poop in until she explodes, which she seems to be doing quite frequently.  Not the infantile explosion but, rather, a controlled explosion - half in her pull up or panties and half in the potty.  I know she is getting there -- and I shouldn't push her -- I am just trying to figure out why she won't poop in the potty. 

Our other two were the same way, kind of.  Withholders.  Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) they would poop in their sleep, in the middle of the night, into their pull up.  There was none of the drama that we have with SweeTart - "I have to go poopy" "no I don't"  - play resumes - "I have to go potty" "no i don't" after five of these types of scenes running into the house from playing out side and having nothing to show for it, she'll finally miss that "call" and land part of it in her panties.  Sometimes, though, I am a lazy mom and offer her a pull up after about the third "false" alarm which she generally takes graciously.  I think she knows how I abhor cleaning poop out of toddler panties and from her pants.  She will get it, I know.  Eventually.  And I will be her first (or second) loudest cheerleader when it happens! 

Jacquelynnie's - Winner announcement

I have seen the tutorials on how to copy and paste the box from Random.org but I have never paid attention because it hasn't been when I've been running a contest.  That being said, we had 28 entries into the Jacquelynnie's contest for $15 store credit.  The numbers were placed into random.org and came up with the following results:

True Random Number GeneratorMin:Max:Result:11

#11 is Beauty to Love who said: I Hearted Jacquelynnies Etsy Shop 2
aliaskys (at) yahoo . com
Thank You!!  :)

No, thank you!!  LOL  - I will be contacting you by email and sending your contact information over to the store owner over at Jacqelynnie's so that you can claim your prize!!  Thank you to all who entered and please don't hesitate to give something from Jacquelynnie's a try -- they're great products!!