Earth Hour 2012

                                           Tonight we had a double sleepover.
                             It was also Earth Hour from 8:30-9:30.
                             You would have thought we were having 
                             a party.
                             We were that excited!

Candles.

Matches.

Board Games.

Flashlights.

Ice Cream.

Camera, of course.

The girls played tag.

In the dark.

Under the stars.

Battery lit candle.

Handy little creations.

K's BFF had a birthday.

They waited to open gifts.

In the dark.

It was precious to watch.

(See their smiles below.:) )

Love.

The girls even listened to my old camp stories.

And I was able to read a bit by candle.

Poor Ruby, our senior Pug, thought it was a snack and kept trying to sniff it.

I want to do Earth Hour every night.

Morning Glories and Moonflowers Pinterest Swap!

Pinterest.

I finally figured it out.

Swoon. 

I'm not at Meg's Craft Weekend,

but I can still be crafty.;)

How many boards do you have?

Are you itching to try some of your favorite pins?

That's a silly question!

Sign up here for my 1st Annual Pinterest Swap!

Plan on spending around $20 (not including postage) to create a lovely package of goodies, created by you!

Inspired by Pinterest, of course.

I'd like for my partner to create that blue pantry door for me.

Pretty please?

Sign up here on this post and then email (toosillysisters@cox.net) me your information:

1) Name and Address

2) Blog Address

3) Likes and Dislikes (to guide your partner)

4) A few sentences about yourself 

Sign Ups will close next Monday, April 7th.

Packages will be shipped out to your partner no later than Monday, May 14th.

That will give you a whole month to create.;)

*As always, please do not sign up if you don't intend to follow through.  I think this is a big reason people have stopped hosting swaps.*

Make it Fun for Everyone.:)

*All gorgeous pictures above are posted from Pinterest.*  No surprises.:)

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms Book Review

It all started with a single cherry tree and a forbidden romance...  The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, by Cindy Woodsmall, is a charming read with a peek into the ways of the Old Order Amish and the Old Order Mennonite.  Annie Martin is Mennonite and Aden Zook is Amish.  They are allowed a friendship but nothing more.  Roman Zook, Aiden's brother, is suffering from a terrible accident and sees no future for himself.  See what happens when love steps in...

I was entranced by the love story of Daadi Moses, Annie's grandfather, and the cherry trees he planted for his sweetheart.  Love stories such as that are rare and pure, indeed.  You will enjoy your visit to Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, where the people live simply, friends and neighbors look after each other, electricity is a rare occurrence and horse and buggies are the rule rather than the exception.  The Scent of Cherry Blossoms is delightful and heartwarming.

Read Chapter 1 of The Scent of Cherry Blossoms here!

*I was given a copy of The Scent of Cherry Blossoms from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Shaking things up?

There comes a time...

when you're ready for a change.

Time to shake things up.

No pressure.  God is in control.  Perhaps He likes us right where we are.

I do have my eye on 3 houses, though.;) 

Realtor coming over tonight.

The house is a mess.

Just keeping it real(ish).

You know there will be some cleaning going on today.

Simon and the Easter Miracle Book Tour and Review

Simon and the Easter Miracle, written by Mary Joslin, is a beautiful book (illustrated by Anna Luraschi) that tells the tale of Simon of Cyrene and his experience with Jesus.  The pictures are colorful, warm and lovely to see.  It's an interesting take on Jesus's crucifixion (in the book, Jesus is never mentioned by name) and resurrection but not a traditional telling of the Easter story.  The story is gentle enough for preschoolers but my daughter (age 9) and I felt the ending was a bit abrupt.  We actually thought that some pages had fallen out of the book.  Simon's eggs open and are empty (signifying Jesus's tomb) and there is a circling of doves, which is open for interpretation.  This is definitely a folk tale much more than a traditional story of Jesus.  A lovely book with an abrupt ending.

Read an excerpt here.

About the Book:

The gospels tell of Simon of Cyrene--"a man coming in from the country"--who was ordered to carry Jesus' cross. Over the centuries, his story has been woven into a Polish folktale. In the tradition of The Three Trees this folk tale gives a fresh perspective on the Easter story.

When Simon the farmer brings his wares to market, little does he expect how he will be involved in the events of that very special day, nor how his items--bread, eggs, and wine--will become important symbols of Jesus' passion and resurrection, remembered throughout the ages.

This picture book retelling of a traditional tale is both thought-provoking and engaging.

About the Author: Mary Joslin, published exclusively by Lion, is known for her children's books on belief and spirituality. Her books, which include The Story of the Cross and On That Christmas Night, have sold more than 200,000 copies.

About the Illustrator: Anna Luraschi has illustrated a number of books for Usborne.

*I was given a copy of Simon and the Easter Miracle by Kregel books in exchange for my honest review.*

By the Light of the Silvery Moon Blog Tour and Giveaway!

 
   Tricia Goyer has delivered another suspenseful, historical masterpiece- with a bit of romance on the Titanic!  I was SO excited to be chosen to review her newest book, By the Light of the Silvery Moon.  Tricia delights and entertains with her richly developed characters, her vivid description of the Titanic itself as well as the mysterious background of Quentin Walpole.  What is he running from and why is he hiding from his family?  Amelia Gladstone is the lovely leading lady with a heart of gold.  She's on her way to meet the man that has secured her passage on the Titanic.  They've only conversed through letters.  He's a good man but what does their future hold?  Quentin Walpole is Quentin's jealous older brother and you can never be sure where his heart truly lies.  Even the minor characters were thoughtfully written and this made the book all the more engaging.


   By the Light of the Silvery Moon has a deliciously suspenseful story line as well as endearing characters and you certainly can't beat the setting- the maiden voyage of the Titanic!  I really enjoyed the love triangle between Amelia Gladstone and the two brothers, Damien and Quentin.  I also loved reading about the details (quotes, decor, people, etc.) of the Titanic as I know Tricia Goyer throughly researches her history. Tricia Goyer never fails to delight her audience!

About the book:

Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change.

Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

About Tricia: 

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of thirty-two books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

More info: Living Inspired (http://toginet.com/shows/livinginspired) and www.triciagoyer.com.


Click here to purchase By the Light of the Silvery Moon.

About the giveaway and party: 

Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party. 

One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and abook club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!

So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Click here for the Blog tour schedule! 

A Perfect Pet for Peyton Book Review and Giveaway!

The winner of A Perfect Pet for Peyton is Traci!

A Perfect Pet for Peyton, by Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, is an absolutely delightful book for children.  My youngest and I read it this evening.  We loved reading the story (birthday party where each guest finds their perfect pet pal and learns something about themselves), searching for the hidden pictures, and learning about the 5 love languages.  Have you heard about the 5 Love Languages?  It's really quite interesting.  This hardbound picture book describes how each of us has a unique way of giving and receiving love.  These are the 5 Love Languages:

1-Gifts

2- Words of Affirmation

3- Quality Time

4- Physical Touch

5- Acts of Service

My daughter and I discussed the different languages after we were done reading the story.  She was really interested in finding out what her Love Language was!  We used the Five Love Languages for Kids Quiz in the back of the book.  What a great addition to the book!  We decided that her Love Language was #3- Quality Time.  My husband's Love Language is #5- Acts of Service and my older daughter's is #2- Words of Affirmation.  I think that mine is a combination of Gifts and Words of Affirmation.

A Perfect Pet for Peyton: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/a-perfect-pet-for-peyton/

5 Love Languages of Children: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/the-five-love-languages-of-children/

The 5 Love Languages: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/5LoveLanguages

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/drgarychapman

About A Perfect Pet for Peyton: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/resource/a-perfect-pet-for-peyton/

This wonderfully imaginative children’s hardcover book by bestselling authors Gary Chapman and Rick Osborne, featuring four-color illustrations (with hidden details!) by Wilson Williams, Jr., will help children learn the importance of love. Based on Gary’s highly successful The 5 Love Languages®, A Perfect Pet for Peyton tells an entertaining and playful story of five children who each, with the help of Mr. Chapman and the unique pets at his special emporium, discover their own personal love language. Children and parents alike will experience firsthand the power of the love languages as they cuddle up and spend precious time together reading this book over and over again.

*Free interactive app with in-book experience COMING SOON to the Apple App Store.


*Propellor has generously given me a copy of A Perfect Pet for Peyton to give to one of my readers!  Yippee!!  Would you like a chance to win it?  This is what you need to do...*


(Leave a separate comment for each entry, please.)


#1- Leave a comment for 1 entry.
#2- Be a follower of my blog for 1 entry.
#3- Tell me what Love Language you are for 1 entry.


That's it!  Good luck!  The giveaway ends next Saturday, March 31st!


*I was given a copy of A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Propellor in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

First Date by Krista McGee- Book Review

I love reality shows.  In fact, I look forward to watching Survivor, The Amazing Race, and The Apprentice all week.  First Date, by Krista McGee,  is a story of 100 young girls competing against each other on a fictional reality show called The Book of Love.  They are hoping to win a date (to the prom!) with the president's very handsome son, Jonathan.  Every girl wants to be there except Addy Davidson.  Addy Davidson is chosen to be on The Book of Love by her high school principal who feels she is unique and special- something different than the other girls. We follow Addy as she participates in the competition- although at the beginning she is not exactly thrilled about it.  But that is soon to change...

The competition is harsh and Addy's faith is tested.  With the support of her friend, Kara, and her uncle Addy becomes a role model and an inspiration.  First Date was refreshing and I enjoyed each and every page!  I loved learning more about Addy's background that also includes her missionary parents.  Her Mom's journal entries were bittersweet.  I also enjoyed watching Addy's faith in God grow stronger as she saw God's purpose for her being on the reality show.  the parallels to the book of Esther were very apparent.  The characters were well written, the story line was believable, and the humor was clever.  I can't wait to read the book again- this time with my daughters!

*I was given a digital copy of First Date by Book Sneeze in exhange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Rag Quilts, ebay and FREE Coffee Mate

The rain has finally stopped.

I miss it.

It gave me an excuse to work on my first rag quilt.

Birdies and polka dots.

:)

A friend of mine hosted both my girls at a sleepover that also included me having the whole day to myself.

That hasn't happened in... never.

I walked, sewed, read and even had lunch at Panera.

Felt like it was my birthday.

Thanks, Sandy.

Just started my newest book by Debora M. Coty.

Too Blessed to be Stressed.

This lady is ahhh-mazing!

She knows what women need and really connects with Papa God.  

Yep, that's what she calls Him.:)

Anyone want to join me?

(Only 2 more left in stock at amazon, so you'd better skedaddle.)

Tons of clothes to ebay today.

Not my favorite thing to do but it contributes to "fun money".;)

Love buying clothes for my cuties.

M loves everything I hate. Boo.

K and I still agree on clothes.

How much longer will that last?

I've been reading Hit the Road with M every night this week.  Laugh out loud funny and heartwarming as well. I highly recommend it!  16 year old girl helps her 86 year old grandmother "kidnap" her friend from a nursing home to take them to their yearly reunion.  You are never too old for an adventure!

  Click here for a FREE BOTTLE of COFFEE-MATE!  Hurry, before they run out.  I just got mine!:)

  Happy Friday!

Just Plain Nora Book Review and Giveaway!

The winner is #3- Sara at Embracing Destiny!  Congratulations!

Just Plain Nora is better than American Girl!  This is quite a compliment coming from my 9 year old daughter and I wholeheartedly agree with her.  Just Plain Nora has the perfect combination of adventure, history and humor!   Jennifer Hutchins transports her readers to the year 1881 where we meet Nora, a precious young lady who wants desperately to stand out and be noticed.  Through her adventures (and with a gentle reminder from Psalm 139) Nora learns a very valuable lesson.  Spelling bees, sibling rivalry, and tornadoes are just the beginning for this young lady.  Just Plain Nora is enchanting!  

Jennifer Hutchins is a home schooling Mom as well an author and the character of Nora was inspired by her oldest daughter.  Her blog is www.littlehomeschoolontheprairie.com. She invites you to stop by and check out her special page for Just Plain Nora which has learning activities and suggestions to accompany the book.  The author states that Just Plain Nora is recommended for children 8-12 but I truly feel that children of all ages as well as adults would love Nora.  I know I do.:)  

Read the first chapter here!

About the Book:
EASTERN COLORADO, 1881: Nora Smith is growing up as a middle child in a frontier family. She struggles with feeling insignificant and just plain ordinary . If only she can win the Mountain Springs spelling bee, her problems will disappear! Nora prepares for her moment to shine as champion of the bee. However, other circumstances prevail, proving to Nora the importance of just being herself. Just Plain Nora is recommended for children, age eight to twelve.


About the Author:
Using her background in education and speech/language development, Jennifer Hutchins has taught oral and written language skills to children and young adults since 1996. She began a writing career at the age of ten by shutting herself in the garage and "banging out" stories on an old typewriter. Her love for writing was born at that time and continues today with the publication of her first children's book. Currently, Jennifer and her family live in an old farmhouse nestled in a valley between the foothills of the Ozarks and the wide rolling plains. She and her husband enjoy exploring the natural beauty and diversity of the outdoors, remodeling, traveling, and homeschooling their two daughters.


Would you like to read Just Plain Nora?  Jennifer Hutchins has generously offered to give a signed copy to one of my readers!  There are a few ways you can enter...


#1-Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry.
#2- Be a follower of my blog for 1 entry.  (leave a *separate comment* for each entry, please)
#3- Like Jennifer Hutchins facebook page for 1 entry.
#4- Post about this giveaway on facebook and provide link for 1 entry.
#5- Blog about this giveaway for 1 entry.


This giveaway ends next Wednesday, March 28th.  Good luck!

Song of My Heart review and giveaway!

Song of My Heart, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, takes place in 1895 Kansas.  The main character, Sadie Wagner, is a sweet, determined young lady who is working hard to earn money to help her parents back in Indiana.  It's her first time on her own and she has big dreams of a singing career.  The Goldtree "opera house" appears to be her big break but somehow Sadie gets mixed up in some trouble...  I liked Sadie and the whole premise of the book and admired her good intentions but sometimes she made me want to scream due to her naivete!  Thad McKane, the sheriff, has an interesting and mysterious past which was fun to discover as the story developed.  I did feel that some of the supporting characters such as Sid Wagner, Miss Melva and Miss Shelva were a bit grating as they were a little too "over the top" for my taste.  Song of My Heart is a sweet love story with a heart for the Lord!

{More about Kim}

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

{More about Song of My Heart}

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive? Purchase a copy here.

{More about Kim's Nook Tablet Giveaway and Book Chat Party}

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Partyon 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!