Stepping on Cheerios: Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life

by Betsy Singleton Snyder

Being a mother isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s hard to experience a personal
connection with God and community when you are caught up in the chaos of
just “doing family”.

Independent and self-sufficient, author
Betsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor,
missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first child
at age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets.
Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.

Stepping on Cheerios
is a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the frontlines
of parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everyday
feats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It’s a comical
story of one woman’s realization that her crazy life is a gift and how
she found the grace in it.

Genres: Parenting

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Betsy Singleton Snyder, author of Stepping on Cheerios, is a pastor, a former missionary to the arts community, writer, and blogger. She and her husband, Dr. Vic Snyder who formerly served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years, live in Arkansas with their four sons, Penn (10), and triplets Wyatt, Sullivan, and Aubrey (8). Visit her online at WomenadeStand.com.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm probably not the intended audience for this book.

Betsy Singleton Snyder is a Methodist pastor with four children, including a set of triplets. Stepping on Cheerios is reflections on finding time for God and the divine even when your deep in the midst of parenting.

And while I'll admit there were some observations that Snyder makes that are specific to women and mothers, there are also some universal themes of parenting and the chaos that can come with it here. With easy-to-relate-to stories, insights and Biblical tie-ins, this book was a nice devotional for my wife and I. And while we only have one toddler at this point in our lives, it's easy to recognize ourselves in the stories related by Snyder.

As a parent, I found this book to be a nice reminder that we're not the only parents who have our highs and lows. And it's nice to be reminded that even in the midst of a Cheerios, Legos and other bits of childhood, we need to find time for God and that we've been given a great responsibility and joy in raising our daughter.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received an ARC of this book from the Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a mom of two teenaged boys, I find it hard, sometimes, to find time to do anything. It's a hectic, crazy time being a mom! It's hard to make sure they are taken care of, go to work, come home, cook dinner, spend time with them and my husband, and still find God time. It really is hard sometimes. But, my mom said something once, and this book kind of reminds of it. She told me "Jesus came to you, why can't you go to Him?" That's so true. Why can't I make the time to seek Him out no matter what whirlwind parenthood throws at me? 

Ms. Synder takes the hustle, bustle hectic life of being a working mom, wife, and child of God, and tells us how she found the strength to deal with it all. She creates this book in a way that is never boring, always leaving me with a chuckle. Learning to put God in the center of all and realizing that this crazy thing we parents call life is not that hard if we put Him at the front of all we do.

I definitely enjoyed this fast, interesting read. Ms. Synder did an incredible job and has really given me lots to ponder on as a mom. My life as a parent is a blessing not a burden no matter how crazy wild it can get. This is worth 4 stars for sure and I highly recommend this to all parents, new and seasoned! You'll find grace and peace in the middle of what may be an overwhelming experience and it will really help! This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping on Cheerios: Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life is Betsy Singleton Snyder's memoir of being an older mom of a toddler and then triplets in just 2/12 years, plus being married to an older man who happens to have been in the senate, and dealing with heart failure after the birth of her triplets. Oh, and she was a pastor, too. The back cover says:

"Being a mother isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s hard to experience a personal connection with God and community when you are caught up in the chaos of just “doing family”.

Independent and self-sufficient, author Betsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor, missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first child at age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets. Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.

Stepping on Cheerios is a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the frontlines of parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everyday feats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It’s a comical story of one woman’s realization that her crazy life is a gift and how she found the grace in it."

Stepping on Cheerios was a bit of an out-of-the-box read for me. I couldn't really relate to Betsy's life at all - I was a teen mom and had all four of my children by the age of 25. I married my high school sweetheart at age 18 and we are still married. Basically, I've lived my life backwards to Betsy's. Because of that, I wasn't sure how much I would be able to relate to this book or Betsy's struggles. However, I found myself really enjoying this book. Betsy's self-deprecating humor was refreshing and funny, and I liked how she put in biblical truths throughout the book without being heavy-handed or preachy. I did disagree with some of her theology (women pastors, infant baptism, skipping church because life is too crazy/busy), but I could overlook those to enjoy the wider story and message. I recommend this book to any mom in the trenches of life with young children.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in order to provide an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

Being a mother isn't easy. Sometimes it's hard to experience a personal connection with God and community when you are caught up in the chaos of just -doing family-.
Independent and self-sufficient, author Betsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor, missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first child at age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets. Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.


Stepping on Cheerios is a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the front-lines of parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everyday feats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It's a comical story of one woman's realization that her crazy life is a gift and how she found the grace in it.


My Review:

Stepping on Cheerios is a mom read, for sure. The author gets mom life better than I do. She shares her struggles with daily life vs. God time. I totally get where she is coming from. Because I have on more than one occasion had a very difficult time fitting Him into my life which I realize should be the other way around.


I really loved reading about another moms life for a change. It sounds similar to mine. I can say probably similar to most other moms. Just this month I have had a child that was in an accident, and a child that has been diagnosed with a spine condition and enough insurance read tape with both that I wanted to vomit. BUT, through all the life crazies God is still God and His promises hold true and always will. That one fact alone keeps me hanging on for dear life through the chaos and clutter.


The author has done a great job of encouraging us moms. Whether old pros at this or newbie mothers, there is a lot to be gained from Stepping on Cheerios.


**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost - as I stated above, this is a new stage of life for me. I have 4 kids. (19, 16, 6 and 4) The younger two are home with me. The 16 year old is in Ohio visiting her dad for the summer. So, life has been hectic when it's 2 vs. 1.
This book felt like it was written just for me. Ms. Snyder took all the stuff that I had been feeling - and tells her story on how she had to learn to put God at the center of it all. This book is definitely geared towards moms and has lots of great stories and tidbits on her life as a mom ad how she found her Strength through HIM.
I love reading about other mom stories and knowing that I am not the first to go through this, and I won't be the last.
I loved being encouraged.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity Group - all opinions are my own.

[Alex Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stepping on Cheerios by Betsy Singleton Snyder surprised me. There were quite a few tidbits I walked away with as great reminders of what I can or need to do in motherhood. I chuckled under my breath and shared some stories with people around me. Overall it was a somewhat enjoyable read – a lot of the concepts were ones I’ve heard before in other formats or forums; but I did enjoy the refresher and encouragement from a mom in a similar stage of life.

Snyder did a nice job of sharing realistic stories of herself parenting four boys within a few short years and the chaos that ensued. I can completely relate – although her story of becoming a mom later in life and having triplets is quite logistically different. I also appreciated that she really tried to tie in Scripture and strong Biblical principles.

However, there were moments where I thought this was done in a strange way or where she was trying too hard to connect current culture and the historical context. I felt these strange cultural references just were not necessary. For example the reference to “putting a ring on it” in the prodigal son story or comparing our view of God to a woman “wandering around target” just didn’t do it for me, in fact they were a bit distracting.

Taking the truth of God’s words and the stories of the Bible and using current cultural examples to bring fresh and new understanding to those truths can be a powerful tool in planting His principles deep within our hearts. In this particular case I felt that the way the author paralleled certain Biblical passages to modern day examples did nothing to enhance the truth of them, rather than aid in expanding understanding they fell somewhat flat, watering down the beauty of the truth rather than enhancing it.

That being said the book itself is one many moms need. The feeling of being alone, lost, questioning and isolated are some of the serious struggles of motherhood especially with parenting really little ones. This book will provide an awesome sense of community and understanding to moms who might not otherwise have it.

I love the Scripture references at the beginning of each chapter, and found the overall topics of each section very pertinent to my life as a mom. I will warn you that sometimes the anecdotes are a little disjointed and there definitely isn’t a flow from start to finish. Really you could pick up this book and read a chapter at a time and not need to have read before or after it… Sometimes that’s a nice thing, especially for us busy moms, but I just wanted to give you the heads up that sometimes the storyline of this book is not completely linear… Think it reflects her mom brain and the real life of a mom? I do!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I desperately needed this book. Can I just come right out and say that? I needed it. I am a mother of five children; 1 boy and 4 girls, ranging in age from 5 years old to 14 years old. On any given day, I am balancing My Little Pony toys, dress up time, tea parties, training bras, skateboards, Band practice, puberty, the chore list, picky eaters and sibling arguments. And somewhere along the way, I've heard that the "ideal" mom never raises her voice, never loses her patience, is supposed to be up before the sun, fully dressed and make-up'ed, creating perfect Elsa-shaped pancakes before the children even open their eyes to begin their day. 

Um, I don't do mornings. And I sure as heck need some Stacie-time now and again.

So, the end result is that I fall into bed exhausted at the end of each day, wishing that I had done better.

Which is why, someday, I am going to hug Betsy Singleton Snyder breathless. She put her experience with motherhood out there for all to see. The great, the wonderful, the chaotic, the messy, the silly and the frustrating. And it was awesome. It was so freeing to read another mother's struggles, her desires and her experiences. I loved reading about the times that she just needed a break, and how every time she turned around, the toys in the room had exploded. This book was full of wisdom and encouragement that this mommy's heart needed to hear. I choked up in parts, and laughed outright in others. (Also, "finding your soul thing?" One of my very favorite parts of the book. You're going to love that part!)

I did find that the writing style took some time to get used to; almost like it was slightly disorganized. But it was still a very enjoyable read.

Bottom Line: Stepping on Cheerios gives mothers permission to admit that motherhood is hard, that we are not supposed to "have it all together," and that our best is perfect.

**Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[Leila Tualla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed to read this book a year ago when I was knee deep in prayers and needed a way out of my life. I had postpartum depression when my son was born last year, which stemmed from the anxiety of having a first born who was in the NICU for six weeks of her life. I had preeclampsia with both and although he didn't spend nearly as much time in the NICU as his older sis, he still spent 11 days in there. I was a wreck, as you can imagine and reading some of Betsy Singleton Snyder's memories conjured up my own. I remember the pressure of pumping milk for both. I remember well-intentioned friends and family that would come in and out of our lives that were both lovely to have but internally, I was screaming.
Motherhood is hard. Period. It's messy and only in looking back at our parenting mistakes do we learn to appreciate the messes and find God's comforting hands in the thick of it all.
I found myself both entertained at Snyder's words and nodding along, as if I needed some validation that I'm okay. My children are okay. And our household will more than likely be messy for a long time but God's love, and grace keeps us together when we're seemingly the only ones in the planet to not have picture/social media style lives. I appreciated Snyder's candor and found her disorganized thought pattern matched my own haphazardness views of motherhood messes and truths and faith....... but then again, perhaps we've both been Stepping on (too many) Cheerios.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a collection of stories about Betsy's life, with some thrown in encouragement for moms. Betsy become a mother late in life and ended up with triplets! Her life is a bit on the crazy side. Being a mom is hard enough, I can't imagine what it was like for her. She has some interesting tales to tell.

Some of her stories made me laugh and others left me pondering. She shares Jesus in the messy every day life challenges. For me what I took from this book was the importance of relaxing and playing more, as well as, letting people help. My children are no longer toddlers, but asking for help has never been easy for me and neither is taking time to play, especially at home. I tend to be a bit of a work-a-holic, and it is hard for me to just stop and play when there is always work to do. It's a little easier when I am away from the house. I am still working on finding grace in the midst of it all.

Although there were some parts of this book I liked, there were also some I wasn't in total accord with. Maybe it is because we come from differing religious backgrounds, but I couldn't agree with all her theological assumptions. I cannot honestly say I would recommend this book to my friends, although I did appreciate learning more about Betsy, her life, and her take on motherhood. I also agree that it is important to find God in the midst of our clutter and chaos when we are raising young children.

I was blessed with a free copy of this book courtesy of Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity. I was not asked to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stepping on Cheerios

Finding God in the Chaos and Clutter of Life



by Betsy Singleton Snyder

Abingdon Press

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 04 Apr 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing Stepping on Cheerios through Abingdon Press and Netgalley:

In this book the author tells of her belief that God cares less about obedience and more about imagination.

She talks about the difficulty often found in becoming a spouse in the unexpected craziness of this world.

She goes on to talk about difficult pregnancies and the challenges of fitting a life around bed rest.

This book reminds us too that though there are secrets we keep from one another we can keep nothing from the Lord.

The author reminds us too to watch what we are saying around kids, because at some point they understand what we are saying. We are reminded too that whoever parents children, they all belong to God.

We are reminded of the importance of valuing ourselves at the stage of life we are currently in.

I give Stepping on Cheerios five out of five stars and would recommend it to all you busy Mom's out there.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a parent, I know I have stepped on my fair share of cheerios and legos. One makes a mess while the other causes pain. Motherhood can be messy yet beautiful, painful yet joyful, blessed yet a trial. God is in the midst of it all. Some days that is easier to see than others. Raising a son of my own, I was able to feel a bond with Betsy Singleton Snyder as I read and reviewed her new release: Stepping on Cheerios.

About the Book:
Stepping on Cheerios is a must read book for every mom raising boys. With humor and vulnerable self-reflection, Betsy Singleton Snyder talks about the joys and trials of raising four boys, including a set of triplets. She shares stories from her own life journey: being a mom late in life, bed rest, raising triplets, and cardiac failure to help mothers know they aren't alone in their journey. Motherhood is messy and beautiful, blessings and trials, good days and bad days and Betsy does a marvelous job of painting a true picture of God's presence in the chaos and clutter of life for those who will soon be first-time moms to those who are raising children.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a mother can be messy, hard, difficult, discouraging, and lonely. But it's beautiful, rewarding, heartwarming, and the hugest blessing. As mother's we often long to have a deeper connection with God, but aren't sure where to start when everything is so busy and chaotic.

The author pulls from her own messy, but beautiful life as a mother to write an encouraging book to all the mothers who yearn for God amidst the Legos, Cheerios, and mess that is parenthood. She's also a pastor and I felt the spiritual elements woven through everything she talked about. Her writing style is humorous, often tongue in cheek, but always points to Jesus. She shares honestly as she talks about her struggles with four tiny boys - three of them triplets and a heart condition. I loved the authenticity of her writing. She told stories, but also brought home some powerful truths about motherhood and how God fits into our lives. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Sherry Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEPPING ON CHEERIOS IS A GREAT READ FOR ALL MOMS.

Whether your a new mom or been doin' the mom thing for a while you'll get great inspiration and focus within these pages.
I think Stepping On Cheerios is even a great read for grandmothers. I am one. I was able to gain a much better understanding of my daughter and DIL and the struggles they have living in todays culture.
Things are so different from when I was a young mom.
The struggles and challenges they face today are much more difficult.
To have the opportunity to read a book with insight, humor, and encouragement that relates to them is a blessing.
If your a young mom check out this book.
If your a grandmother buy the book for you daughter or DIL.

I visited Betsy's blog and website. It is delightful! If you haven't decided yet to buy the book go over and check out the blog and website. Click here.

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration to all mothers, especially those struggling with finding a new identity as they step into the role of motherhood. This book is an encouragement and a reminder that as mothers we are all human and that in life we as women have different roles and we step into those roles. But life gets busy and sometimes we need to re-find ourselves and re-find our faith in God. It isn’t always easy, but it can be done even amongst the hectic and busy life as a woman with many hats. This is a book that will speak to struggling mothers and help them to become motivated once again.

Genre: self-help, parenting, non-fiction
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication date: April 4, 2017
Number of pages: 224

A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse. I voluntarily read and reviewed this novel and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Elisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a single mom pretty much for the entirety of my daughter's life. Even though we were married up until a few years ago, I never felt that partnership with my spouse. There's a little glimmer into my life for you readers ;)
That said, it can be so crazy and busy with just my child to get things done. I don't know hoe single parents with multiple kids do it. I tip my hat to you for sure!
This author made her read more of a fast paced yet breathe of fresh air. You don't feel like you're doing a completely horrible job anymore, there are parents out there just like you, suffering and asking the same questions all the while reminding us to seek Him to give us help, guidance, and peace.

For my full review, go to:
http://bookjunkiemom.blogspot.com/201...

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really interested in this book and was excited to review it, but I had a difficult time reading this book. It did not grab me like I thought it would. The author tends to be wordy in her writing style, which I found to be difficult to follow. I think she could have been more concise and that would have been easier for me. The writing flow felt disorganized and I had a difficult time staying focused. I think the author really wanted to drive home the point that Mothers need to make time for God before their children, but I just didn't think it was a book that I would recommend for mothers. It has some stories that are funny and interesting for mothers, but overall, I give this book a 3.5/ 5 stars. I received this book from the publisher and a favorable review was not required.

[LeAnne Klopfenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping on Cheerios is an refreshingly authentic account of how motherhood can flip the most organized, detailed life into one that is lived not knowing what each day will hold. Author Betsy Singleton Snyder is pretty witty as she describes having her first child at 44 and triplets 3 years later. If anyone has earned the title "Boy Mom", it's her!

Snyder's Christian life became one of complete reliance on God as she faced a serious health issues after birthing her triplets. I appreciate how a person already in ministry can be vulnerable to sharing all that God revealed to her as she learned to rely less on herself and more on Him.

*I received a complimentary copy, but was under no obligation to write this review.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with wit and wisdom, Betsy Singleton Snyder’s tales of parenthood are ones all moms can relate to. I enjoyed the observations found in Stepping on Cheerios, as Snyder shares her thoughts and experiences of finding God and grace amid everyday living. As she says, “Family life is beautiful and motherhood is a privilege, but it ain’t no picnic!” Child-rearing is challenging, and it is great to read stories from one who knows and understands both the blessings and misadventures of motherhood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Laura Hix · Rating 3 out of 5]

when I first started reading Stepping on Cheerios, I didn't like the book at all.

When I read further I realized that what i didn't like was the preachiness.

If you are able to get past that, you are left with a great little devotional, a lot of comedy and some new parenting skills.

Add into that some different viewpoints on The Bible that maybe you hadn't seen

Overall, I give this book 3 Stars. Preachiness sometimes is a good thing because the words are all God talking, if you take the time to listen

I received an ARC copy of this book as part of the Blogging Group at Litfuse Group!

[Crystal Carney · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Stepping on Cheerios" by Betsy Singleton Snyder is Insightful, clever and well written.

This book is a great way to look at the real life struggles to keep God in the craziness of our family lives & careers.

Anyone who has had children can appreciate this book. I have three daughters and I loved this book so much that I couldn't put it down.

*Disclaimer*
I received a copy of this book free to review. I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Michelle Nietert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This funny, easy to read story of the spirituality and madness of motherhood was a fun Sunday afternoon read. Within the stories were scripture references and Biblical references especially regarding the life of Christ, I found inspiring and affirming to my own walk and life. As a professional minister and counselor as well as a mom whose first child was born in her later 30's, I related to her life experiences and also her struggle of balancing ministry and motherhood.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a “cute” book with some good theology written in. The audience is exclusively women, particularly mothers. The book was compiled from a cache of blog posts by the author, and it shows. It would have been a lot better with some heavy editing and organization. It is sort of a “chicken soup for the soul” type book. All that said, it is still a good book, very helpful if you’re at a point in life when you feel like you might tear your hair out because you’re so overwhelmed. But it’s helpful not in a how-to way, but in a “solidarity, Sister” way.

[Jimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

[Patty Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved how this book brought with it so much mommy solidarity. Loved her humor and splices of life.

[Genel F · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for mothers and wives in my opinion. I participated in a small group class at church and felt so out of place. I learned alot but being a single woman it didnt relate as much to me.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

As a mom of 8, the full title and cover photo sounded very interesting, but this book didn't work for me. I found the author's writing style to be needlessly wordy and was irritated by her glib chatty style. The writing was disorganized, jumping about. The spiritual content was relatively shallow or at times even inaccurate, like her feeling that God cares more about imagination than obedience or that the story of the woman at the well teaches us that Jesus values diversity of opinion as opposed to that he called all to repentance and relationship with Him.

I read halfway through the book and stopped because I wasn't enjoying it or being encouraged or instructed by it.

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story. I believe every mom should read this story. It's very helpful. I really loved the stories of the other moms. It's nice to see that I am not alonebout there and other moms have been through the same thing.

I am glad that this book is out there for mom's. Highly recommend this book. It will give you some things to think about as well and good lesson for us mom's.

I was given a arc of this book from Litfuse to give my honest opinion of this book. All reviews are 100% my own.