Well, hello there!
What do you think of these fancy new duds? Pretty cute, huh? Jason from Buzzhive (who designed Truth in the Tinsel and just happens to be my little brother) was tireless with all my great ideas and I’m super pleased with how this new space turned out! Feel free to poke around a little bit (maybe grab a new button from the bottom of the page and test out some of those fun links on the sidebar?), I’ve tried to get everything gussied up for you!
When I decided to mix-up my two blogs into one brand spankin’ new blog, I had lots of help from the fabulous and beautiful ladies at Squee: Holley Gerth and Stephanie Bryant. They are basically geniuses who have Holy Spirit-sensitive hearts and the God-given ability to look into someone and recognize that person’s God-given abilities. They kinda rustled up my heart and mind to be able to put my finger on what it is that I want to do most. How I want to spend my heart, time and (dare I say) talents to use on this old internet.
One intriguing question they asked me was, “What would you do if one of your blog readers won a trip to your house for the day?”Β What would I do? How would I plan? Of course, in all my brilliance I was completely stumped and had no idea. But as we started talking, we came around to my kids’ birthday parties. And then I knew–that’s what I’d do!
If I knew you and your kids were coming over, I’d plan a big party for you! There would be food, crafts, games, space to chill and most importantly, memories made! Somehow, in some way I want to do this on my blog every day. I want to create experiences for you and your children (well, for me and my kids, too) that will have a spiritual impact on the hearts of your kids.
There is something about a big backyard party that just fills me up. I love seeing people sitting around talking. I like kids playing and feeling cared for. I love my guests noticing little details that tells them they were planned for. I like everyone celebrating together. I love the feel of people enjoying each other and their families!
We just experienced this at Asa’s Flying Ace birthday party last weekend. I’m going to do one of those look-at-every-detail-of-the-party-posts next week, but today I want to show you a few pictures so you can feel what our party felt like.
Doesn’t that look fun? It was. I love a good memory made and laugh shared between family and friends.
I’m feeling a little shy right now, shuffling feet and twisting hands, but I’m inviting you to ohAmanda.com to have the same kind of experience! I want this space to feel the heart-fullness, happy-relaxation, fun-excitement of Asa’s party along with a big dose of God’s Word and empowerment to love and lead our kids. So, will you stick around? Can we hang out and experience this new space, this new backyard blog together? I can’t wait to see what fun and adventures we have.
And as a little bribe incentive gift,Β I’ve written a new ebook called, Praying God’s Word for Your Kids: 10 Prayers and Activities To Impress God’s Word on Your Kids’ Heart. So, it’s kind of a long title. *shrugs* I can’t help it if I like thorough descriptions. Just sign up for my email updates and when you get your first email (or look in your feedreader), you’ll see a link to the ebook. Download it and enjoy!
I’m pretty pumped about the book and am excited to share it with you. I’ve been through a prayer journey withΒ my kids this last year and I want you to experience the same kind of empowerment and heart-change I’ve seen. It’s kind of a little encapsulation of my desire for you as a parent–being able to have an experience with God and then translating and facilitating the same thing for your kids. We’ll be going through the book together on our Facebook page and with the hashtag #praykids. I’d love for you to join me!
I’ll be talking more about the book as we go along, so go ahead and get your very own copy! (Did I mention it was free?)
Ooh, and as one more little backyard goody for you: Wearables from Kid Construction is giving away anΒ airplane costume to FOUR fabulous readers today! Just think of the fun backyard party you could have with this super cool costume:
And I’m kinda in love with the paper airplane in my header, Asa’s airplane party and the airplane costume. Seems like a little gift from God, to me. π
So, leave me a comment about the backyard party, the airplanes, the ebook or just how much you love the new blog design to be entered to win! I’d love to hear from you!
CONTEST CLOSED!!
Stay tuned tomorrow for more backyard fun and a giveaway from hope ink!
Kathy @ House of Hills says
It looks GREAT! So excited for you girl! Can’t wait to see what God does.
Amy says
I’m sooo excited for you, Amanda! Congrats on the launch!
Teresa says
Such a cute idea! I love how they can be “customized”!
kelly says
Hey Amanda, I didn’t see a a link to the new book in my feedreader. There were links to Truth in the Tinsel, Dayspring and We Choose Virtues.
oh amanda says
Kelly: you subscribed to ohAmanda? That sounds like the IYK footer. Let me know and I’ll doublecheck, too!
π
a
Kelly says
You’re right! Sorry about that!
courtney says
Love it! Looks great… and I can’t wait to party with you! π
Larri says
How was I not subscribed before now? Your new site looks ohamanda-amazing! Looking forward to seeing your words in my inbox. Happy Monday! π
oh amanda says
You have a gift for encouragement, girlfriend! THANK YOU! π
a
Casey says
I’m looking forward to poking around on your new blog! Love it so far. π And I’m VERY excited about reading your new praying for children e-book. Thanks for sharing your heart in that!
oh amanda says
I can’t wait to hear what you think about the book! π
a
Becky Daye says
I can’t even tell you how excited I am about this! From the very first time I started reading ohamanda and then impressyourkids, I have been so inspired by you. My heart resonates with yours on so many levels and it is GREAT to have you back. I am thrilled for you and what I sense God wants to continue to do through you. And my husband and I have been praying about how to be more deliberate with our kids and I think your prayer ebook might just be the perfect thing. So thank you for all of your hard work, because you have truly blessed my life in so many ways.
Hope today is incredibly fun for you as you celebrate your blog relaunch! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
oh amanda says
Becky. Thank you, friend. Just what I needed to hear today.
π
a
Crystal says
Gorgeous new site! Congratulations, can’t wait to see how God uses your new space for His glory π
Erin @ Home with the Boys says
Happy happy joy joy! Everything looks so lovely, friend! Congrats and prayers for this new blog home of yours! I know it will bless so many as you always do for me! Love you dear!
mandi says
LOVE the new look!!
Kristin says
Overthetop! So excited for your new blogging home and will continue to follow your adventures. YAY!
Erica E says
LOVE the new site! I can’t wait to see what fabulous things start coming our way! π
Stef Layton says
LOVE!
Catie says
Love the new look! And thanks for the ebook! (that rhymed!!) Looking forward to more. π
Tawny says
Hi Amanda! I’ve been a blog follower for about a year now and just love your creativity, passion and desire for your kids which has served as an encouragement and example for me and my kids. We are currently in Africa right ow picking up our adoptive son and I brought along some of the great compassion crafts (which you were the one who challenged/inspired us to sponsor a child) sp thank you thank you! Excited about the new blog π
oh amanda says
AWESOME. Praying for you, your son and your trip to Africa now! π
a
Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect says
Love. It. So. Much. You nailed it, Amanda. This new blog is awesome, and I am so excited for it!!!
Robin says
Smiling for YOU. THIS seems to be a perfect fit and I love how you’ve clarified your vision?
Me? Still not so clear, but maybe one day.
Happy dancin’ with YOU today!!
xo
Lacey C. says
Love how your blog looks!!!
Erin says
I’m so excited about your new blog. Thanks so much for the ebook — I’ve been praying for my kids along with you on FB. So powerful! Thanks for all you do.
Marci@TheHomeschoolScientist says
Love the new look! Looking forward to see where God takes it!
Valerie says
I love the new site design and am excited to read this now π
Kate says
Congrats! So excited for you! I know God is going to use this space to help fill moms like me up with your wonderful encouraging words, fun memories, and just your plain ‘ole caring self!! I can’t wait to see what this site has to hold! Congrats, again!
Ashley says
How exciting!!! You have made our home so much more fun and intentional over the last year and a half. My daughter is so excited about doing Truth in the Tinsel again this year.
oh amanda says
Ashley! Thank you for sharing—what an honor to be a part of your home.
Can’t wait to do Truth in the TInsel w/you. Seriously, I’m getting the Christmas bug early! π
a
Jessica N says
Okay. So I LOVE the new look! And I am loving how you decided to combine the two blogs. You are an inspiration and seem like a super fun mommy. If we lived closer I’d be taking you to coffee to celebrate the new blog. Thanks for your online ministry to us women and parents.
oh amanda says
Jessica, if we lived closer, I would LOVE coffee with you! π
a
Lyndse Ballew says
Amanda, I love it! What a beautiful heart you have!
JT says
I am thankful for the way you are so intentional with all that you do–from pouring Scripture into little lives to making people feel loved and having fun! Thanks for sharing your gifts with us. I look fwd to the book.
Joanna says
Love your new blog look. Amazing this new way in your life to impress ours hearts, the bad news is me nether have the ebook link in my mail, thanks and we still enjoy togethers you backyard party! Blessings
silly eagle books says
I already have some planes, so I’m not trying to win–just wanted to say that your new design looks great and as always I am excited about any party you are throwing! π Can’t wait to read the new ebook!
v
oh amanda says
Ha! Yeah, our airplanes are in the middle of our living room still! π
a
Sara R says
Ooooo, I love it! All of it! I’m super excited to download your book. It looks wonderful (I can say that since the title aptly describes exactly what I’ll be getting into π ). I’m excited for you and this renewed endeavor. IYK has been a great encouragement to me in my parenting. Now I get encouragement AND a party. Sounds good to me.
BB Adams says
I LOVE your blog! You have such great ideas. You really help me keep my focus on what is important. THANK YOU! BTW, the new look is fabulous! Blessings to you and your family!
AmyG says
Excited for you, Amanda! Look forward to reading all you have planned. God has done some amazing things in your life & you’ve come such a long way. I’ve enjoyed watching you grow over the years!
Sarah says
So exited about the new book. I,m developing my prayer strategies for my 3 blessings! Also would love the airplane, nov 3 bday party all things air for my 7 year old son! Enjoying the new blog, thankful you are continuing to share and inspire!
Sarah says
The wearables link lost an s. try this link http://www.kidconstructions.com/index.htm
Carmen says
The blog looks fabulous Amanda, and feels very true to who you are! I can see your hand in the details, and I’ve always been so challenged and encouraged by your hunger to know God more intimately, to see your children live their childhood in all their “child-ness” possible, and to take others along on the journey with you! Keep it up!!!
Teri says
You blog is the first that I have ever read consistently. I love how share you heart for God (good and the bad). I feel like I know you. I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity for a non-creative momma like me.
jan says
Excited to follow your blog! Any recommendation from Jenn Murphy is a good one, in my eyes. π I’m looking forward to reading your e-book…and my kids would LOVE the airplane costume!
Julie Reynolds says
LOVE< LOVE< LOVE!! Looking forward to reading your e-book and winning one of those adorable costumes for my grandson! This place does feel like a party Amanda, thanks!
april says
I signed up and have not received an email to download the e-book. Am I missing something? Is it somewhere else? I looked on the reader under Impress Your Kids and it’s not there either. HELP! π
oh amanda says
If you signed up with your email address, tomorrow when my next post goes live, you’ll see the link in the bottom of the post. (There may be a way to get to it today, but I’m not sure about that.) If you signed up with a feedreader, just go to ohAmanda in your feedreader, click on “show all posts” (or something like that) and you’ll see a link at the bottom of each post.
Does that help?
a
Leigh says
Your “new digs” look fabulous! I love your tinsel girl is making another appearance on your book and blog… and mostly I’m just glad you’re still sharing your heart for God and what He wants to do in your life. Love you!
Tricia says
How fun the blog looks!!! Excited about your new ebook! I am a big fan of Truth in the Tinsel! And the airplanes are just adorable…..funny how many little girls are running around with Asa! Where were the boys?
oh amanda says
Ha! Poor Ace only has about one guy friend! π
a
Jacquie says
Looks amazing, Amanda! I love all the little characters – they are adorable! π I look forward to reading your ebook and to helping promote Truth in the Tinsel again this Christmas! I love your heart and your vision – the backyard party is an awesome picture of the type of community I would love to have with all my lovely friends online. Blessings on your launch today & glad to see all your technical issues were resolved. π
Elizabeth says
So excited for you! Your blog has greatly impacted the way I view the Word in my kids lives. I really appreciate your ideas and inspiration. Thanks for the opportunity to win the plane. π And blessings to you on this new venture.
Audrey says
Looks great – so fun!
Holley Gerth says
Woo-hoo! Doing the happy dance with you today. π
Nadia says
Although my son is only 22 months old, he is currently having a love affair with all things transportation – planes, trains and automobiles. I recently went on vacation and returned with a toy DELTA B757 that lights up, makes noise and flys across the floor when drawn back. Thus, I LOVE the costume!!!
Our Family for His Glory says
LOVE this new space, Amanda!! I’m excited to see how God is & will continue to use you here. Thank you for blessing our hearts! π And, I’m SO excited about your new eBook, it looks like such a wonderful tool!
~Jessica
Charis Taylor says
So excited about your new website and the ebook. I can’t wait to read it!
Nicole @Team Pipkin says
The new blog looks…FABULOUS! The backyard party…AMAZING! and I can’t wait to download your book! I’m sure that its AWESOME!
Katie says
I’ve loved following you at Impress Your Kids, so I’m excited to see what the new blog is like! I’m so thankful for the ways that God uses you to help new mommies like me, even though we’ve never met in person. Thank you for all the time you spend in order to help us raise godly kids!