Mom Connection ... and a Giveaway!

You're a mom...you're kind of a big deal. - Kat Lee 

As a mom, I know, in my head, that what I do is important.  But sometimes, it's hard to keep that in mind as the weight of the day settles onto my shoulders.  My local MOPS group has been a wonderful place for me to recharge and connect with other women who just "get it."  Because of what MOPS has meant to me, I was really excited when I was given the opportunity to review the MOPS International theme book for the 2012-2013 year.  The book is Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood by Tracy Bianchi.  

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Mom Connection is all about finding the "rhythm" in our lives....our method to balancing all that comes our way.  As Tracey says in the opening chapter, "How exactly do I want this mothering thing to go down?"  We all seek balance, yet balance seems to be a precious commodity.  So how do develop meaningful relationships with our kids, our husband, our extended family, our friends, and our community?

As a mom, it's easy to get caught up in the "do-to" list.  It's easy to become so wrapped up in laundry and dishes and meal preparation that we loose sight of the big picture.  This book was a great reminder for me to see beyond my list...to be more aware of the opportunities to connect with those around me, not to just  pass by with a nod and a smile.

Written in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this book offers "Mom Tested Tips" at the end of each chapter, as well as questions to reflect upon and a list of additional resources.  These helpful tools are an added bonus, allowing the reader to do something with what they've read.

One of my favorite quotes from this book was,"Chaos will not disappear at this life stage, but we can change how we face it."  What a great reminder that even though there will always be a cloud of crazy that hangs out in my house, I'm ultimately responsible for how I choose to live my life.  I can become a hermit, refusing to invite anyone over because my house is not clean enough, or I can slide the laundry off the couch and reach out to those around me.

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And now, here's some fun news:
MOPS International gave me two copies of this book - one to review and one to give away!  For your chance to win a copy of "Mom Connection," leave a comment below, telling me about a friend who keeps you sane as you do motherhood.  Or just say, "Hi!" - and connect with me here!  I'll pick a random winner on Saturday, May 19.