I Love Lucy giveaway

20 May 2010

**Giveaway will go through Tuesday 5/25**
My mom tucked this book in my carry on last year after a fun girl getaway with my sisters in Utah.


She loved reading Linda Eyre’s books (one of her favorites was I Didn't Plan To Be A Witch) as she was raising all 7 of us and was excited to see that she wrote one with her daughter, Shawni called A Mother's Book of Secrets may 2010 011 1
I began to read it on the plane on my way home and loved the fresh, honest, practical advice Shawni and her mom give. One of my favorite quotes in the book is this:
“As far as I’m concerned, one of the silliest bits of “wisdom” ever imparted to parents goes like this: ‘Children are like lumps of clay, and parents are the sculptors.’ This leads parent to believe that with the proper time and influence children can be shaped in to whatever parents would like them to be. So not true!
I’d rather think of children as seedlings. Even though tiny seedlings look very similar as they sprout, in the end they will become who they are…A sunflower can’t be changed to an apple no matter how hard you try! The secret to how well each little seedling grows to become its best self depends on the gardener giving it the appropriate light, water, fertilizer, and love.
(-Linda Eyre, p. 99 A Mother’s Book of Secrets)
All proceeds from the book go to the I Love Lucy project. Shawni’s 5th child, Lucy, was born with Bardt-Biedl Syndrome, a syndrome that causes many issues, the worst of them, blindness. You can read about Shawni's journey with the realization that her sweet baby would have enormous struggles in life here. I am also a faithful reader of Shawni’s blog, where she shares perspectives on life, motherhood, and family.

And since I love this book so much and want to help get the word out about the I Love Lucy project, we’re giving away 2 books! Just leave a comment, and we’ll announce the winners next week!
Thank you, Shawni, Linda, and Lucy~
Have a wonderful weekend!
**Giveaway will go through Tuesday 5/25**

153 comments

  1. WOW What a good quote I needed that today I would love to read the entire thing

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  2. I've been meaning to look into that book. Maybe I can win it. :-)

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  3. That quote was awesome. I am going to be a first time mom in July...I think that I could use all the help & advice I can get!

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  4. That sounds like a book I need :)

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  5. i have wanted this book for months. thank you!

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  7. Thank u for such a generous offering! I recently became a new mom for the 4th time and am still & most likely will always be amazed @ how much more I have to be taught by my children & other mothers who've BTDT.

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  8. I'd love to win a copy of Shawni's book. I love her outlook on Motherhood.

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  9. I would love to read this book. I think I would then pass it on to my five daughters -- one of which told me about Shawni's blog months ago! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  10. I've come across this before, and I think seeing it twice now, I should take a read. What a great quote you picked out of it:)

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  11. I have wanted to read this book. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
    matthfam at gmail dot com

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  12. This is the first I have heard of this book. Looks wonderful. Thanks for doing a giveaway! I will certainly add it to my list.

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  13. Thanks for sharing the details of the book and doing the giveaway! It looks like a great read!

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  14. I have looked at this book several times, and I LOVE it! I just haven't ever bought it for myself. I'd love to win a copy.

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  15. I have been wanting this book forever but to win it would be even better. stephaa@hotmail.com

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  16. What a beautiful family! I would love to read this book.

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  17. What a great way to raise awareness about a serious issue. I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing.

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  18. What a wonderful thing to do. I can't wait to read this book.

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  19. With my daughter set to become a new Mom, this sounds like something she might want to read.

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  20. what a sweet giveaway! i love a good book on mothering!

    angie

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  21. I would love to learn a few secrets! It sounds like a great book.

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  22. Sounds like an amazing book. I completley agree about the clay vs. seed. The bible says "bring up a child in the way HE sould go" I believe this refers not only to religion but also to the gifts the child has to give.

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  23. I would love, love, love a copy of this book. I absolutely love Shawni's blog and little Lucy. thank you so much for doing this giveaway!

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  24. What a sweet book and a wonderful cause to support.

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  25. Thank you for this giveaway! I would love to have a copy.

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  26. Wow! I would love to read this book!

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  27. The book sounds wonderful, and it supports such a good cause. I know that it would get passed around to my 4 sisters (3 of which are mothers themselves) and my own mother for all of us to read and enjoy.

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  28. You must have a great Mom! The book sound wonderful and I'd love to win.

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  29. Wow - sounds very sensible and amazing

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  30. That is a fabulous quote and now I LOVE thinking about my children as seedlings! Thank you for hosting this great giveaway

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  31. I haven't heard of this before and I just LOVE that the proceeds go to a good cause. Plus, I just love love love the quote you posted. Its so very true! Thanks for sharing about the book!

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  32. I just recently heard of this book, and would love to read it! Thank you!

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  33. Every mother needs inspiration. Thanks for the giveaway

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  34. Awesome - my mom had the "I didn't mean to be a witch" book as I was growing up. I was a fun child to raise! ;) That quote is wonderful.

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  35. If the rest of the book is as good as the seedling thing, I need it! I loved that advice! :) Thanks.

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  36. What a neat book! Thanks for a great giveaway!

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  37. this book looks great! thanks for the chance!

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  38. This looks like a great book, I'd love a copy for my mom.

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  39. Looks great. I, too follow Shawni's blog.

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  40. I love your blog and Shawni's as well. I visit both of them regularly. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the contest!

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  41. Love Shawni's blog as much as yours.... thanks for the shot at the book!

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  42. This woman sounds wonderful, I'd love to read her book!

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  43. I've read some of her other books, but not this one.. Please enter me in!

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  44. I have several books by the Eyres and my favorite is I Didn't Plan to Be a Witch. It's a great read. I would love to have a copy of this book to add to my collection. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  45. I've been wanting to read this book...pick me!

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  46. Huh. I just said something very similar to that quote on a website I belong to. I think you have mentioned the site on your blog before. ;)
    That sounds like a book I need to read.

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  47. It sounds like a wonderful book. I love the quote you shared here. Would love a chance to win this. Thank you for the opportunity. Being a mom is one of the most challenging and rewarding job. Each day is filled with trying circumstances, understanding, guiding, being an example and most importantly, love.

    Ruth

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  48. What a great reminder of our motherhood calling. Would love to read the whole book. I may have to see if my library carries it. Thanks.

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  49. Love the analogy you shared. Love your blog!

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  50. I would love to win this book to share with my daughter! Loved the image of the seedlings being nurtured to grow into what they were intended!

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  51. I'd love to read this! I have five kids and still haven't got it all figured out! ;)

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  52. Wow! I would love to win! Just popped over to her blog and made sure to bookmark so I can return!

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  53. I would love to win a copy of this book! Sounds very interesting and englighting!

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  54. What a neat book and great cause!

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  55. I've read a lot of Linda Eyre's books and always find them worthwhile and inspiring. I'm looking forward to reading this one.

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  56. What a great giveway! It looks like a wonderful book - count me in!

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  57. I've always wanted a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance to win one!!

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  58. What a lovely book! I would love to share it with my own mother!

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  59. Wow, what a great book! Although I am not a mother myself, I am extremely close with mine...I am sure this book would be a great read and a great gift to recieve!

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  60. I've been hoping for my own copy for a while now. i bought one for my mom a few months ago, but still haven't gotten one for myself yet. here's hoping!

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  61. I'd love to read through this book. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  62. I love Shawni's blog and I know I would love her book just as much if not more!! Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!!

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  63. I love Shawni's blog, and would absolutely love to read this book. Thank you for the great giveaway!!!

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  64. I too read Shawni's blog. It is fun and thoughtful and would love to have this book!

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  65. I keep meaning to buy the book. I am so inspired by Shawni's blog.

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  66. I love Shawni's blog and would love to win her book!

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  67. I don't remember how I came across Shawni's blog, but it has been wonderful. I love her upbeat attitude about God and her family. It so refreshing!

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  68. Love Shawni and her family! Enjoyed looking at your blog as well. It's amazing to feel a connection with mother's doing what they love to do every day -- mothering :)

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  69. Isn't that a great book! I just love Shawni's blog too. Count me in on the contest. I enjoyed looking at all the makeovers you've done in your home. You have a talent!

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  70. I LOVE that quote!! Saying that parents are the sculptors puts a lot of pressure and guilt on parents when they can only "mold" their children so much. Making parents the gardeners empowers parents to be diligent and attentive and to do their best and let God do the rest :)

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  71. I have been wanting this book forever. It's my mom birthday coming up in a couple of week and this would be a great gift for her.

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  72. I LOVE Shawni's blog and would LOVE to win and read her book!

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  73. I would love to be able to read this book!

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  74. I've heard of the Eyre's--I should look into their books. What a beautiful little girl and family she has!

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  75. I love that quote! Seriously thank you for sharing. I would love to read more!

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  76. She sounds very inspirational and I would love to read her book.

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  77. What a great book, especially coming into summer break. Need to read.

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  78. I LOVE following her blog, she seems like such an amazing Mom, and I would love to read more about her little secrets. Thanks for doing this contest.

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  79. Never heard of the author but the snippets you posted make me want to learn more about her. Hope to win this giveaway! Happy Friday!

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  80. I also love reading Shawni's blog, and would love to read her book!

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  81. I was able to hear them speak at Time Out, and they were so sweet together. I loved their message. I would love to read the book. If I don't win, I definitely need to put it on my shopping list. Thanks for the chance at a giveaway :)

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  82. A wonderful friend gave me a copy of this book and I just love it! My whole approach to motherhood has changed. The difference this book has made in my family is amazing.In my husbands words "what is this book you are reading?" I have told several friends about this book and would love to be able to pass on a copy! I also follow Shawni's blog and love Lucy. What a great thing you are doing.

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  83. I love good book recommendations. I hope I win and if I don't I will definitely purchase one. I am excited to check out her blog. I love to read from other mom's with children with special needs. Our little girl was born with dysgenesis of her corpus callosum (missing the part of the brain that connects the left to the right). We don't know what the future holds for her - no two cases of this syndrome ever manifest the same. I have just started a business to help pay for all her medical bills and therapy.

    Love your blog as always! I'm so glad you are4 in N. VA now because now I have a chance of finding some of the same stuff you do :)

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  84. I just love everything I read about these people and what they have to say about parenting and motherhood. So yes, please!

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  85. Love the seedling bit of wisdom! How very very true. And to take the analogy further - an apple needs a very different type of care than a sunflower just as each children need us to take into considration who they are as we raise them.

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  86. My SIL told me about Shawni's blog. I love reading it. Thank you for this chance. Inez Fay Hulsey

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  87. sounds like a good book! I would love to read it!

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  88. That sounds like a great book!

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  89. This motherhood thing is tougher than I thought...I need this :).

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  90. Not only am I a Mother of 8 which now are all but grown, but a Gma to almost 8 and I would love to be able to share this with my daughters. Thanks for the great insight.
    Hugs,
    Vicki R
    sunraesban@yahoo.com

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  91. What a great quote, I'll have to look up Linda's books and start reading them. I am adding Shawni's blog to my list of blogs I read. I just love your blog, it is always interesting and I always learn something new.

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  92. Would love to get a copy! Thanks!

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  93. I would LOVE to get a copy of this book and help with the I Love Lucy Project! My daughter is having a daughter (any day now!) and this daughter of mine was raised on wisdom I gleaned from Linda Eyre and her husband's books. It would be so terrific to be able to hand my daughter a copy of this book when she is in the recovery room. Your blog is very rewarding, indeed! ~bobbi

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  94. She's a great writer with an inspiring message. THanks for sharing her blog.
    -Michelle
    michwjoe(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  95. I've been wanting to read this

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  96. Would LOVE this. I so enjoy Shawni.

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  97. Sounds like a wonderful book!

    dan.kami.shaw@gmail.com

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  98. I have been wanting to get this book. I love to read Shawni's blog! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  99. that sounds like an awesome book...one every mom should read!

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  100. I would love to read this book, the quote was beautiful.

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  101. Shawni's blog is one of my very favorites! i would love to win!

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  102. The book, and the cause, sound wonderful. I remember my mom reading "I didn't plan to be a with", too!
    lindybartell@hotmail.com

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  103. I have been wanting to get this book for a while now. If I win, I will make sure to still buy one to share!

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  104. pcmfo@hotmail.com5/22/10, 8:38 PM

    I have also loved the Eyre's books, That is truly a great quote--SOOOO true!!!!

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  105. I can't wait to check out her blog and am excited to read her book! How incredible.

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  106. I would LOVE to read this, thanks for the chance! afdsm@hotmail.com

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  107. I am also a faithful Shawni blog follower and would love to have this book! Thanks for the chance!

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  108. I love the Eyre's so much I even dreamt about meeting them last night! It was an exciting dream. lol. I admire the family so much and have had my eye on this book ever since Shawni talked about it on her blog.

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  109. I'd love to win one to give to my sil.
    I think I need to look into that other book to- I didn't plan to be a witch :)

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  110. Melissa, thank you for this post! I was shocked when reading it because I have a brother & sister-in-law who suffer from this same rare syndrome. I have never met anyone before that has it. Thank you for supporting this cause and I will for sure be spreading the word on this book!

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  111. If the entire book is as inspirational as the quote you included here, I'd love to read it! I hope I win!

    HeatherMc1(at)msn(dot)com

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  112. This book sounds great and I'd love to get to read it. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  113. thank you! i would love to read it!

    janice

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  114. Sounds awesome and I love free books!

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  115. i would LOVE to win this book. I'm always looking for ways to be a better mom!

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  116. I printed the quote out to use in my talk I gave today at church.. It went to well....

    Thought I would let you know that I gave you and award... Come on over and check it out... :O)

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  117. What a great quote, and such a great cause. I can't wait to read the book. I think we all need help becoming better mom's.Or at least I do.

    tin678 at gmail dot com

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  118. I would love to read this book!

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  119. I love Shani's blog, too, and I would love to win the book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  120. would love a copy and love the quote you shared...

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  121. I love Shawni's blog and would absolutely love to read her book! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  122. Oh I would love to read this and well I would like you to pick me uhm... just because I can not afford it.Conniesuzzanne

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  123. That is a perfect quote and I think we should pay more attention to that! There are many parents who would benefit from that knowledge -- and many children, too!

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  124. The Eyres are amazing parents and teachers! Lucky for us they put their wisdom into books for us to use too!

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  125. I purchased one for myself but I'd love to win another to share with my sister or mom!

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  126. oh, I want a book so bad! Please pick me!

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  127. It sounds like a great book.

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  128. I would love to get a copy of Shawni's book.

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  129. I need to get in on those "secrets" that some mothers have. I'm sure I would love the book! I was very excited to discover your blog too! :)

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  130. Even with just a two and a half and a 6 month old, I can see how true that quote is!

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  131. I have been a faithful reader of Shawni's blog for over a year now. LOVE HER! I am reading her mothers book "A joyful Mother of children" and am loving it.
    I would LOVE to get my hands on a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ~shellbell78

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  132. Ohhh I'd love to win a copy. I can use all the Eyre/Pothier help I can get.

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  133. Shawni is such an amazing mother AND photographer. I'd love to win the book!

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  134. Melissa,
    I could use a something REAL in my life. Boy our family totally understands the devestation of an unhealthy child...UGH!! Would be great to read and know I am not alone in my "not so happy mommy moments"!!

    Valley + Madigan

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  135. I just started reading Shawni's blog and LOVE it. I can't wait to read the book.

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  136. I can't wait to read this book!

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  137. Thank you for the beautiful quote! It made me emotional and it made me want to do better!

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  138. I don't know if you've already done the drawing for this, but I would love love love to have this book.

    Thanks

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  139. I love Shawni's blog too!! What a great quote from the book, SO TRUE!!

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  140. Beautiful quote! I'd love to read the entire book!
    ber_99 at hotmail dot com

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  141. That sound like a great book.
    Something a Mom needs but doesn;t want to buy herself! I'm a Mom of 2.

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  142. I would just love to win this book!

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  143. The story of Lucy melts my heart. What an inspiration Shawni is to us. I would love a chance to win her book.

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  144. Looks like such a lovely book. I would love a chance to read it. Thanks!

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  145. That sounds like such a sweet book!

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  146. Such a great quote. I love Shawni's blog- I've been wanting to read the book. Maybe I'll win!! :)

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  147. I'm a faithful reader of Shawni's blog; it's part of my daily routine. I would love to be able to get a copy of her book. I am sure it is as inspiring as her blog! Thank you!

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  148. Oooh...I've been wanting this book for a while! (It's still 5/25 here in CA!):-))) Thanks for the chance!
    Amy in CA

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