Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand - A book review & thank you!

The boy-ohs and I have had one eye ever on our mailbox this past week. 

You're wondering why?

Because we WON!!!  We won a giveaway hosted by Megan M. over at All A Bunch of Momsense - and we have been SOOOOO excited for its arrival!

What did we win?!

We won a book.  Actually, I won the book, but I told the boys it was coming and that it would be OURS!  I just knew they would love it ... and I was right (per usual - not always, but usual).  teehee  :-)

Anyhoooo, the book arrived and we I ripped off the packaging (couldn't wait for the boys - I'm like a little kid like that when it comes to opening a package!).  The book was inside as promised, and  I triumphantly paraded it before the boys.  They responded appropriately (not always the case ...) with bright eyes and "oohs" and "ahs".  Then, we set it at my bedside for before-bedtime reading.

The book was a WONDERFUL read.  Totally recommend it AND encourage you to stop by Alex's Lemonade Stand's website (link below) and get yourself a copy! 

"Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand"

This is a true story about young Alex who is diagnosed with cancer just before her first birthday.  About three years later - at age 4 - Alex decides that she will start a lemonade stand in her own front yard in order to raise money to help find a cure for childhood cancer. By age 8, Alex raised over a million dollars for her cause ... and passed away.  However, Alex's family and supporters continue to her efforts through Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

My boys LOVED this story.  They found it inspiring, awed that the events were all true and that this young girl made such an impact in her short little life ... and beyond. 

Little people can do Big things!

I loved the book right along with my boys.  What's not to love about a book that promotes altruism in my young 'uns?  Plus, the sing-songy language was a treat to read - and the bright, whimsical illustrations a treat for the eyes.

Thank you SO much, Megan M.!  We are touched and thankful!!!

If you'd like to learn more about Alex's Lemonade Stand, visit http://www.alexslemonade.com/ OR click on the Alex's Lemonade Stand button in my sidebar.

Whoo Hoo - Beth Moore's Gotta New Book!

I am SO excited right now!

Our fabulous sister in Christ, Beth Moore, is releasing a brand-spanking new book at the beginning of 2010 and it is all about (drumroll, please) ...

Insecurity!

Check out the title - So Long, Insecurity (you've been a bad friend to us).

I LOVE it already!!!

Through intimate discussions with other women by way of my involvement in women's ministry (as participant, leader, and speaker), I know forsure that among the women I brush elbows with - insecurity is epidemic.  It is prevalent even in the lives of those who you would never, ever describe as insecure.  I have wrestled with this demon most of my own life - and though it tends to rear its ugly head less and less as I find my place in the body of Christ, believe you me, I've not seen the last of it.

Ms. Moore is going to kick off a study (with her!) through her blog site for Living Proof Ministries.  Read all the details here from Ms. Moore herself!

Though I am starting Ms. Moore's study on Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman in January, I can't resist the opportunity to journey alongside her on this one!  So, God willing, I am in!

Wanna join me?!