Just about every week I receive emails asking me to do book reviews on books that are about to be released, but I simply don’t have the time to do them. Being a stay-at-home-mommy and authoring the website keeps me busy enough, however, when you find a book that you can relate to, then that’s a whole different story. Today I will be opening up to you way more than I ever thought possible. It’s a hidden secret that a lot of women carry, and it’s nice to know we are not alone. It’s different being the woman in the situation because there is something there that men cannot understand. It’s lonely and it’s time to open up.

On October 19th I saw that beautiful pink line, and I knew I was pregnant with my second child. My husband and I were ecstatic! We would lay in bed and talk about names, I had dreams of rocking this baby, showing my 2 year old daughter how to be a big sister. I made a shirt that said Big Sis on the front and we took pictures to go on the front of our Christmas cards announcing the big news.  We were all so excited! Well, November 6th rolled around and I noticed I wasn’t feeling well. The next day I went to the Dr. and he did an ultrasound. I got to see my baby! I was scared, but so excited at the same time. After doing some blood work he sent me home to rest. But it didn’t matter because November 8th, the day before my daughter’s 2nd birthday, I had a miscarriage. I was home, actually working on the grocery ad match-ups, trying to get some rest, but still working hard. When I miscarried, all I could do was curl up in bed and sob. I was devastated. No Christmas card to announce, no Big Sis t-shirts, no more names to discuss, just pure loneliness. It felt like I had just lost a close family member. Only another woman who has gone through this understands the loss you feel. It was so early, I was only 7 weeks, but 7 weeks of pure joy is what it was. The only comfort I had was knowing that my baby was in heaven and waiting for me to one day meet him or her.  We decided to name our baby because it gave that baby meaning, meaning that mommy and daddy loved that baby and miss him/her and I desperately want to carry that baby right now. I write all of this to tell you that you are not alone.

My dear friend gave me a book to read, and I hesitated reading it. I didn’t want to cry anymore than I already had, even to this day seeing a pregnant mom can bring me to tears. Yes I’m happy for them, but my own hurt overtakes me. Just this last weekend I finally got up enough nerve to read this book. I have to say it changed my whole perspective. It gave me hope that we can come together and carry each other through dark times. No matter when you lose your baby, either early during the first trimester or when they are full term, it hurts!

Well, let me shed some light into your dark path. This book is way more than I could have ever asked for. It gave me reassurance, hope, a stronger faith, and most importantly it gave me clarity. The story that Angie tells is difficult to hear, but her example that she sets is just what I needed. Her faith in God is my desire. I believe in God, I worship Him, and I give thanks to Him in the hard times and in the good times. I do! I believe in a powerful Creator and I am truly blessed to sit at His feet and worship Him. My Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. No matter what circumstance I face, I know that He is there, carrying me through and He will never leave me nor forsake me. That’s a promise that He makes. So please, if you are struggling or know a friend that is, please buy them this book. It will change you, it will empower you, and it will strengthen you. The book is called:

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith

Her husband is a lead singer in the group Selah. I absolutely love their albums. When Angie and her husband walked through their life storm they wrote a song that has touched thousands of women, and it touched me on a personal level. It will touch you too. I have it uploaded below, please listen to it.

To end I just want to say thank you for letting me open up to you. I never thought I would be able to, but reading this book has truly changed my perspective. Yes life is so short, but I believe in an Everlasting God, and because of His Son Jesus I have faith and a personal relationship with the One that gave His life for me. Let me leave with these words. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Please email me if you have any questions or want to just talk. saveathomemommy@yahoo.com

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, Buy a T-shirt & Decorate it for FREE! Print a 40% off 1 Regular priced item coupon. They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-1pm, Duck Tape Purse (Watermelon design pictured). 1pm-3pm, Crafting with 3M.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Under the Sea: Kids create an underwater scene featuring kelp, sea stars, sparkling fish & more.

Michaels – Saturday 11am-2pm, Passport to Fun Make-It Take-It Event Brazil: Create a mask & snake with purchase of a mask. Print a 40% off 1 Regular priced item coupon.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. Possible Big G Sampling Event.

Heads up: LEGO Mini Build Adirondack Chair is Tuesday & Wednesday, August 2nd & 3rd at 5pm!

Thanks KeepingCents!

Here are some great ideas for FREE and fun things to do with your family this weekend!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take: Pony Bead Name Keychain! They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-3pm, Free Demo: Papercrafting with Cricut Expression.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, My Jazzy Journal: Kids create & decorate a journal to draw & write in.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, Kids build wooden Binoculars! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Michaels – Friday 6-7pm, Christmas in July – Duck Tape Santa Suit Pail Demo (Adult event). Saturday 11am-2pm, Passport to Fun FREE Make-It Take-It Event Mexico: Create your own Mexican Sun and Tissue Paper Flowers. Saturday 3-5pm, Christmas in July – Glitter Ornament Event: Make-It Take-It with purchase of ornament (Adult event).
*See more events coming up next week here.

Pottery Barn Kids – Saturday 10am, Decorating Class Back to School & Study Spaces: get advice on setting up a study space for your kids. Kids can enjoy a special crafting activity too! Call your local store to RSVP.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area. Possible Big G Sampling Event.

Thanks KeepingCents!

AC Moore – Saturday 1-5pm, Buy a T-Shirt & Tie Dye it for FREE! Use 40% off 1 Reg.Price Item coupon here. They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Borders – Saturday 2pm, Sprout Summer Camps: Get Moving! Best for ages 2-8.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-1pm, Free Demo: Papercrafting with Fiskars. Saturday 1-3pm, Floss Kits.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Splashy Jellyfish: Kids create & decorate a colorful jellyfish.

Michaels – Saturday 1pm-3pm, Wilton Cupcake Cookie Demo, Saturday 11am-2pm Passport to Fun FREE Make-It Take-It Event United Kingdom: Create an artful crown and shamrock. Sunday 1-3pm, Christmas in July – Frame Event: Decorate a festive frame for the holidays with purchase of frame.
*See more events coming up next week HERE.

Pottery Barn Kids – Friday 3pm & 4pm, Doll Tea Party: Get dressed up for a Tea Party and have your kid bring their favorite doll or teddy. Enjoy refreshments, crafting & more. RSVP required.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Toys R Us – Noon-2pm, Try out the latest Beyblade Tops at your local store.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Thanks KeepingCents!

To celebrate movie marathons, redbox is offering a Rent 2 Get 1 Free promotion for today and Thursday only! When you reserve two movies online you will get a third movie for FREE!  Click  HERE for more information.

Here is another great guest post this week about how to get the best pictured of your kids:

“Children and babies can be very unpredictable but there are a few tips and techniques to help you capture your child’s best look at the portrait studio.

1. If possible, schedule your appointment for the first one of the day. Not only will your child be his or her freshest, this will ensure that you won’t have to wait if the photographer falls behind schedule. Waiting makes kids (and parents) cranky- this does NOT make for a good picture.
2. If you can’t schedule your appointment for the first one of the day, try scheduling on a weekday when it’s not as busy or vice versa. Better yet, schedule your appointment for the first one of the day on a weekday!
3. Feed the kiddos right before leaving the house and bring a small non-messy snack in case you do have to wait. Hungry kids make cranky kids and this also does not make for a good picture!
4. Choose your child’s clothes wisely. While prints and patterns may look adorable, they distract from the focus on your child. Solids look best. As hard as it may be to believe, light colors look best on light backgrounds and dark colors look best on dark backgrounds. If you have a background preference, keep this in mind. Your photographer will suggest what will look the best based on what your child is wearing.
5. Your photographer may suggest bringing a change or two of clothing to capture different looks. Be aware that this will make it harder to choose a pose if the package you planned on buying only allows one pose. (look for a future post with my tips on how to save a bundle on portraits)
6. Be clear with your photographer on what you want or don’t want. I personally don’t care for themed backgrounds or props so I make sure to tell them that before our session begins so that no time is wasted.
7. Be prepared to encourage smiles from your children if your photographer isn’t having any luck. You know your kids best!

Our children grow up so fast and what better way to capture it than on film. I recommend having portraits taken at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months old and annually following the 12 month session.”

Thanks for the guest post from MommiesWithCents!

Check out this great list of ideas of FREE ways to keep your family entertained this weekend:

AC Moore – Saturday 1-3pm, FREE Make & Take Duck Tape Wands! They are also having Free Make & Take kids crafts on Wednesdays from 3-5pm all Summer long.

Babies R Us – Saturday Noon-3pm, Ready…Set…Baby: Learn about products for Mom-to-be’s Baby Registry, along with tips and ideas for planning a baby shower. Plus, enjoy great coupon savings and more!

Bass Pro Shop – Saturday & Sunday 2-5pm, Stamping Fun Animal Tracks & more.

Dave & Buster’s – FREE $10 Game Play through 7/10!

Disney Store – Saturday Session 1 – 10:30 am, Session 2 – 12:00 pm, Session 3 – 1:30 pm, Winnie the Pooh Storytime!
*Event limited per session based on store capacity. No lineups prior to 30 minutes before event begins.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores - Saturday 11am-1pm, Free Demo: Screen Printing with Yudu. Saturday 3-5pm, Free Demo: Fabric-Crafting with Wrights & Prym.

Lakeshore Learning – Saturday 11am-3pm, Mosaic Mirror: Kids create & decorate a flashy framed mirror.

Lowes Build and Grow – Saturday 10am-Noon, Kids build a Tow Truck that comes with stickers and a working tow hook! Be sure to sign up for this event here.

Michaels – Saturday 11am-2pm, Passport to Fun FREE Make-It Take-It Event India: Make a creative henna hand and craft elephant. See more events coming up next week here.

Target – select a city to find free or reduced-price admission to arts and cultural events in your area, sponsored by Target.

Walmart Event Finder – enter your zip code to see what is going on in your area.

Thanks KeepingCents!

Check out all these codes that are available for FREE rentals at Blockbuster kiosks!  There are 17 of them possible! 

Good through 7/8

74JBHS8
75RRAP9
44CMEA9
98MLBJ7
54ZGDB3
93EHJR8
92KBDJ5
24NCRP9
54VHAP6

Good through 7/11

63CMEA3
39MLBJ8
83MDEB2
73ZGDB7
43EHJR5
86KBDJ7
63NCRP2
92VHAP2

You can use each code once per credit card, your card will be charged $1 a night after the 1 day free so be sure to return the movie the next day. Don’t forget you can reserve your movie online at BlockbusterExpress.com.

Thanks EasternShoreMom!