Want Some More Free Music Downloads?

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A few weeks ago, I told you all about one of our friends, John Mandeville and his album "We Belong to Heaven". Today, June 10th, his album will be featured during Mega Wednesday on Today's Music Christian Radio Network. This will be a coast-to-coast campaign, so you might be hearing more on your local station. During Mega Wednesday John & the DJ's will be giving away 25 albums to callers.

Hopefully you were able to download the album recently, but if you didn't there will be TWO FREE mp3 downloads available today {and read below about getting the entire album for FREE too}. These are the two downloads available:

1. The current single "Glorify". {It is gaining adds across the country and as far away as PHARE FM in France ~ how cool is that?}

2. The title track of "We Belong to Heaven"

These downloads are available through Reverb Nation. You can click on the widget below to play some of the songs and get an idea of John's style and what the album holds. To sign on for the download, click "mailing list" on the widget below and you will be on your way in less than 5 minutes. It's quick and easy {and it's free music!}.

I'll guarantee that you will LOVE it.!




There is another way to get this CD for free this month, through an exclusive offer John is making to his new Reverb Nation fans and street team members right now:

1. Stop by John's Reverb Nation page, and sign up as a fan or street team member.

2. Click on the Store tab at John's page to find the list of retailers where the CD is being sold.

3. Simply buy the CD at any of the major retailers shown there (online or in-store).

4. Scan and email your receipt to promos@ipo-records.com or fax the receipt to +1.321.206.8600

5. I.P.O. Records will send gift cards from the place of purchase to the first 25 people who send in receipts, and winners will get the CD for free!

If you already downloaded John's album, I'd love to hear from you! Are you enjoying it?

And free music?? That is something that always Works for Me!

Proper Exercise Attire Recommended

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To give you a brief and quick update...

I'm just about ready to move onto the next level with Jillian and shred, shred, shred away some more of ... well, whatever it is I'm supposed to be shredding.

I have, however, realized that despite the fact I am 36 years old I am apparently non-too-wise when it comes to proper exercise attire. I {wrongly} assumed that since I'm working out in the comfort of my own home, shoes were optional.

I would NOT recommend this. Let me repeat - appropriate footwear is HIGHLY recommended. I'll go even further and say you will regret it ever-so-strongly should you opt not to wear any footwear for more than a week of Jillian's constant drill-sergeant exercise routine.

Painfully regret. And most likely you will look like a 36~year~old hobbling fool who would kick herself if she had the muscle~strength and endurance to do so.

I'm just sayin'.

Chicken & Veggie Pizza Packets

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Don't let the name fool you ~ there isn't any pizza or dough involved in this wonderful grill recipe. Just all the yummy flavor of pizza packed in with some great veggies and herbs. This recipe is a hit with all the kids and I usually serve it along with a side of couscous that is mixed with garlic and herbs.

What You'll Need:

~ 6 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
~ 2 Tbsp. olive oil
~ 1 medium zucchini, thinkly sliced
~ 24 slices of pepperoni
~ 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
~ 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
~ 1 small onion, thinly sliced
~ 1/2 tsp oregano
~ 1/2 tsp basil
~ 1/2 tsp salt
~ 1/4 tsp pepper
~ 1-2 cloves garlic

Save off to the side:

~ 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
~ 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
~ 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

What to Do:

1. Combine first 12 ingredients in a large bowl. Toss together to coat well with oil and spices.

2. Spray six pieces of heavy-duty foil (about a 12 inch square) with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Divide chicken mixture evenly between the six packets and fold the foil around the mixture, sealing tightly.

4. Grill over medium high heat for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked.

5. Open each packet carefully and sprinkle with cheeses and tomatoes. Loosely seal packets and grill 2-3 minutes longer til cheese melts.

6. Serve with your favorite sides. I like to make a garlic and herb couscous to go along with it.

This recipe is one that our family loves ~ and is Working for Me!

Friend Makin Monday: Favorite Things About Summer

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Carisa at 1+1+1=1 participated in this meme last week and truthfully...the little graphic just hooked me in. Just too stinkin' cute, it is. I'm apparently a sucker for graphics.

This week's task ~ tell about 10 things that you love about summer. Oh, I know I can definitely do that:

1. Grilling. Even though there is prep work involved for me, I love the fact that my hubby gets to help cook. Especially since there are some meals that just NEED to be grilled. Tonight's meal in fact...and you are so going to want to try it after I post the recipe tomorrow!
2. Water gun fights. I might put up a good facade about not liking to get wet, but there is something very fun about soaking your family members with a fully loaded super-soaker. Especially your husband.
3. Summer reading. Pile on the books...I love to curl up with a good book and during the summer books are just begging to be read.
4. Vacation Bible School. We have some great churches in our area that run some fabulous VBS programs. I just love dropping my kids off seeing my kids excited to learn more about God and make some new friends to boot.
5. Vacation. My husband does take off other vacation time during the year...but there is just something about summer vacation that is a little different. Especially visiting friends and family.
6. Swim Team. Our kids have learned so much through our local swim team and even I gained a HUGE boost in confidence in being able to keep all 4 kids floating ~ at the same time.
7. Planning. How sick is that? Having a bit of a breather in the summer/end of school gives me a chance to get a new perspective on the upcoming school year, make plans, make forms....it's bliss, I tell ya!
8. Longer days. Maybe I'm not so fond of the sun in the morning, but I love it is lighter longer at night.
9. Family walks and bike rides. So much more difficult when the weather is icky and cold, but lovely this time of year.
10. Homemade ice cream. There is nothing more yummy and fattening delicious than a quart of homemade ice cream ~ oreo, butter pecan, chocolate, chocolate oreo...should I go on?

What are YOUR favorite things about summer? C'mon ~ there has to be at least one thing!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for How Sweet it Is!

Book Giveaway: How Sweet It Is

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The letter from her grandfather explained little, but did resonate something with Deena:

"Trust God. Put your whole hand in His, not just one finger or two. Get to know the feel of your hand in His. This is the only way I have found to live, really live."

Deena was haunted by the memories of the accident that ripped away all that was precious to her. She moves from the comfort of all that she knows in Atlanta ~ a wonderful job, friends and family ~ to her grandfather's cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. As much as she would like to keep to herself, her grandfather's will requires that she help out at an after-school program for six months teaching cooking to the children at 'The Center'.

Deena scars run deep ~ both physically and emotionally and the time spent at The Center provides an opportunity for her to experience healing and forgiveness as she develops relationships with the children she works with and the other adults in the community.

How Sweet It Is by Alice Wisler is a story of renewed hope, love and purpose. Wisler's characters have fun little quirks that make them memorable and the story enjoyable ~ all while gently reminding the reader to put their whole hand in God's and discover how truly sweet life can be.

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If you'd like to win a copy of How Sweet It Is, just leave a comment on this post and I'll put your name in the 'hat'. Comments for the giveaway will be open until next Friday, June 12, 2009 at 8pm. I'll randomly pick a winner and announce next Saturday. This giveaway is open only to US residents.

*** This giveaway is now closed ***

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On my nightstand ... and not sure what order they will be read in...

• Free Yourself to Love: The Liberating Power of Forgiveness ~ Jackie Kendall
• Sometimes a Light Surprises ~ Jamie Langston Turner
• Words Unspoken ~ Elizabeth Musser
  
• Finding Favor with the King: Daily Inspirations ~ Tenney
• Grace Based Parenting - Dr. Tim Kimmel

Be sure to stop by and visit 5 Minutes for Books and their monthly meme called "What's on Your Nightstand?" and also the Saturday Review.

Standing Firm on Shaky Legs

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Last week you might have been privy to my parental frustration that was pounded out on the keyboard....and might I just say 'thank you' for all the encouraging emails that I received from you all! :)

I had to laugh when I sat down to do my devotions two days later {after some most of the tension had lifted} and the topic was about discipline.

My current Bible translation is the NLT {New Living Translation} and the passage I was reading for the day was Hebrews 12:1-12. Verses 11-12 grabbed my attention, got an outright laugh from me and also made me cry.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening ~ it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs."

My prayer was for direction and peace and those two verses pretty well helped tie it up into a neat little package for me. Right now some of the things that we're dealing with {in the midst of the intensity of four young children} can seem completely overwhelming. I wonder what in the world will come of it ~ and I'm encouraged that although it's difficult in the heat of the moment, there is hope. I might not feel strong enough, but I can draw strength from Christ...and stand firm on my shaky legs!

p.s. Rachel Anne also asked us to share a little something fun to do with your kiddos this summer. I just posted a great Koolaid Playdough recipe. I promise the house will smell yummy while you are making it, as well as take care of some of those extra packets you have hanging around your house!

Head on over to Home Sanctuary for some more 'Company Girl Coffee' today!