Friday Favorite Five Things WOO HOO!

It's a weekend! And for us - it's a FUN ONE! Some of our great friends are on their way for a visit and we're sure looking forward to it! In the meantime, we've been cleaning and preparing for their arrival and just enjoying the week.

Randomness today folks, ok!?

#1 - Giveaways. WAIT! I know that sounds kinda silly but it's actually a huge blessing (in my opinion) and a sign of generosity when a publisher works with the "common man" to provide freebies. For those on tight budgets and going through hard times, a contest can be a really fun thing to win. My FAVORITE giveaway this week is a book on marriage that I think is out-of-this-world AMAZING! If you missed it, check out my review of What Did You Expect?? I have two copies to give away so don't miss the chance. It's a book worth owning, and that's the truth!


My second favorite (and Bookworm1's favorite) is the new Thomas movie which I reviewed and we're giving away over at 5 Minutes for Books.




#2 - We have a couple of fun family trips planned for this year but there was a surprise one that just sort of fell into our laps this past week. It's really fun to plan vacations. REALLY fun. And it's incredible when God just plants a vacation in your lap and it's something that you couldn't really have planned very well if you tried. It's a gift! So I'm not boasting. But I AM just beside myself with glee, thankfulness and anticipation! (That whole anticipation thing again!)

#3 - My truly magnificent husband. He reads with me, he talks with me, he figures life out with me and he never makes me feel stupid (which is incredible because I really am stupid in so many ways!) He doesn't walk away from me during the hard times. Instead he seeks me out. And I'm NOT easy to seek out during the hard times. I like bubbles. Put me in one and leave me alone! But I can't do that forever and Jonathan reminds me of that. I was listening to some Steven Curtis Chapman songs (I will pause for a moment while you feign surprise over my music choice) and came across this one again and I let it pump through my heart a few times after a particularly poignant conversation.

If you are in the midst of any sort of trying situation and you are feeling a bit discouraged and need some encouragement then I have one thing to say to you today:

Turn the volume on this one UP! (But I'm not really a big fan of the images, I have to say. There were no other options worth showing.)

Let me be made weak
So I'll know the strength of the One Who's strong
Bring it on!

(Only, really, sometimes I don't want to say "Bring it On!" so much as I want to say to trouble, "JUST GO AWAY ALREADY!")

But I'm not gonna run from the very things that will drive me closer to Him....

#4 - My hilarious first born. Bookworm1 is developing quite the sense of humor these days and more and more often I find that it's harder to keep a straight face when talking to him. He makes us laugh so very often!

#5 - My adorable second born who throws himself on top of us, begging to be held. He just wants to know that we're near. I'm also grateful for the song Eensy Weensy Spider because it never fails to produce a smile and a laugh when one is needed! Have you never Youtubed this song? (What? You haven't?! Well then!) I would never dream of showing Bookworm2 this video because it freaks ME out!

Here, for your complete amusement, is the Eensy Weensy Spider tutorial:



You'll notice that the video has a lot of views but I don't think it's because people actually want to learn the hand motions. You'll thank me -- later. Much, much later maybe.

In the meantime - hope you have a FABULOUS weekend!

Grinning With Anticipation,

Carrie