Tooth Fairy Pillows by Artfulife

Fairy Dust.

Late Night Visits.

You know what time it is.:)

Are you ready?

My precious friend, Summie, has just started creating these adorable Tooth Fairy pillows.

It's a bit late in the game, but the fairy still visits my house.:)

Look at the little pocket in the back for a sweet note or $$$.

The Tooth Fairy will be so pleased!

She has 2 left in her shop.:)

Bumps in the Road

Cancer Institute.  These words have a new meaning to me.  While trying to determine where to go yesterday, a sweet lady offered to direct us.  She said, "Hopefully this is just a wake up call."  

For some reason, I felt that cancer would never affect my family.  Did I ever truly think that people volunteered for it?  Of course not. 

After talking with the doctor yesterday I do feel much better about my surgery.  God willing, my tumor is benign.  It can change, though, so the surgery is not truly elective.

  I can think of a million and one things I'd rather be doing that day.  Fasting, getting up at the crack of dawn and then having my face/neck cut open?  Good times.  

I am so blessed to have this option, though.  

I listened to the wind in the trees today and marveled at the gorgeous blue sky.  I sat in my back yard and watched the moon.  Tonight I am going to let the falling rain lull me to sleep. 

All of them gifts.

  Speaking of gifts.  My girls. They are the best things that have ever happened to me.  I love them so much that it hurts sometimes.  We have quite a weekend planned.  Sewing, crafts, movies and plans to create the Pioneer Woman's French Toast, Kid Friendly Pasta and Prairie Sushi.

My amazing husband said he's going to take care of me through all this.  He has been there every step of the way.  The crying.  The fretting.  The worries.  He is like no other man I have ever known.   (He's pretty darn cute, too.;))  Love you, Sweetie.

God has blessed me over and over and over again.  This is just a bump in the road.  I used to love those Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child (but this is definitely not an adventure I would choose).  My first reaction was fear, but I've drawn closer to the Lord and it feels so good.  Bumps on the road of life are not easy but they are there for a reason.  

Try to take your bumps in stride.  God is always there to carry you until you're stronger.:)

Facing a Giant

We had originally planned to be here this week.

(The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado)

But there was a change in plans.

I need to take care of business. (Click on highlighted words for the whole story.)

I'm feeling a bit like David going up against Goliath.

It's time to face the giant.

Years ago, a friend of mine told me to not let the devil hold me in fear.

So I'm not.

After all, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.:) (Just reading that makes me feel so empowered!)

How blessed we are to be able to call upon the Lord at anytime and any place.

Amen!

Today I'm talking with the surgeon.  (I'll keep you posted on the actual date of surgery.)

If you would, please pray that the surgery would be a success (no facial paralysis) and that the tumor would be *benign* I would be so thankful, dear friends.

*If you are facing a giant in your life I would love to pray for you, too.  Write to me- toosillysisters@cox.net.* 

Oh God, Please series by Leighann McCoy- review and giveaway!

The winner is #3- April!  Please contact me so I can get your address.:)  toosillysisters@cox.net

I recently had the tremendous privilege of reading two books by Leighann McCoy.  These two books changed the way I see God and the way that I talk to God.  Prayer is a privilege.  Leighann shows readers how to subdue the voice of doubt that keeps you from prayer, and reminds them that prayer is a two-way conversation – learning to hear God’s voice is just as critical to success in prayer as God hearing yours. If you're like me, you sometimes pray to God as if He's a bit like Santa.  It's not intentional.  We know God is listening but we're just not sure how to "listen" for an answer.  I wanted so badly to have a personal relationship with the Lord but wasn't sure how to begin.  In Oh God, Please Teach Me to Pray, Leighann McCoy shares with us how to have an intimate relationship with God.  A relationship that doesn't feel one sided, like a wish list or a chore to check off of your daily schedule.    Leighann shares personal life experiences (many of them quite funny- you'll be able to relate!) that helped her be able to educate others. The chapters are short with entertaining stories as well as a prayer to guide you- along with questions and suggestions in case you want to do this study with others- or on your own.  Oh God, Please Teach Me to Pray is life changing.  It has helped me feel much closer to God and I'm excited about the Lord shining through me!

Oh God, Please Help with my Doubt is also a life changing book.  Readers learn to recognize God’s voice, develop the ability to hear Him when he responds to prayers, and learn what to do when He doesn’t.  We all struggle with doubt from time to time.  Leighann McCoy focuses on David in this book.  As you read, you'll discover the trials that David went through, even though he knew that God loved him.  David struggled with doubt but always had faith that the Lord would be there for him.  His prayers weren't that he (David) would get what he wanted.  His prayers were that God would be glorified.  This is where I stumble, friends.  I don't often focus on what will bring glory to the Lord.  Oh God, Please Help with my Doubt is wonderful.  It helped me to reevaluate my faith and understand the tremendous love that God has for all of us.

It would be easy(ier) to write a book about prayer and doubt if life had been a walk down Easy Street, don't you agree?  Well, Leighann McCoy has certainly faced her share of giants.  She struggled with infertility and is currently battling cancer- for the second time.  She knows what it's like to question, have doubts, to pray and need answers from God.  Her personal experiences and tremendous faith are incredibly inspiring. 

Leighann McCoy, a Prayer and Women's Minister at Thompson Station Church and Lifeway Christian Resources, has an M.Ed in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the author of Spiritual Warfare for Women: Winning the Battle for Your Home, Family, and Friends and Oh God, Please! The Heart Cry of a Burdened Soul, Pray Right!, and How to Develop Your Prayer Life with a companion book, three personal Bible studies for women, and one devotional book.

Freeman Smith is generously giving one of my readers copies of both Oh God, Please Teach me to Pray AND Oh God, Please Help with my Doubt!  If you would like a chance to win these books here is what you need to do:

1) Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry.

2) Leave a separate comment telling me you are a follower of my blog for 1 extra entry.

The giveaway will end next Monday, the 3rd.  Good luck!:)

*I was given copies of these books from PR By the Book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Haven book review and giveaway!

The Haven is is the second book in the Stoney Ridge Season series by Suzanne Woods Fisher.  I adored the first book, The Keeper, and fell in love with the characters- particularly Sadie Lapp.  I wanted so much to know what life had in store for her.  Sadie is painfully shy but feels deeply with her heart.  In The Keeper it appeared that love and life might pass her by but in The Haven we find that things have changed- for the better.:)  Sadie now has two young men that are vying for her affections and a baby on top of all that!  Is the baby hers?  What will the little Amish community of Stoney Ridge have to say about this?   Reading The Haven was like returning home to a dear friend and picking right up where you left off.  It's cozy, endearing, funny (Gideon's petit fours incident will have you laughing out loud!) and heartwarming.  M.K. (Mary Kate) is once again outspoken and spunky and I suspect that the next book may be her story?  Suzanne??  The mystery of the baby is utterly precious and unexpected.  Sadie's father, Amos, has is own story line and happy ending and Will Stoltz, the newcomer, adds a bit of mischief and fun.  Thank you, Suzanne, for writing Sadie's story so perfectly.  It was worth the wait!:)

{About Suzanne}

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, W.D. Benedict, who was raised Plain. Suzanne has a great admiration for the Plain people and believes they provide wonderful examples to the world. In both her fiction and non-fiction books, she has an underlying theme: You don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate many of their principles–simplicity, living with less, appreciating nature, forgiving others more readily– into your life. When Suzanne isn’t writing or bragging to her friends about her first new grandbaby (!), she is raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

To Suzanne’s way of thinking, you just can’t take life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone’s underwear in its mouth. Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

{About The Haven}

When Sadie Lapp steps off the bus in Stoney Ridge after being in Ohio for the winter, she is faced with a decision–one that goes against her very essence. Yet it’s the only way she can think of to protect a loved one. Schoolteacher Gideon Smucker has been crazy about Sadie since boyhood. But his response to her surprising decision undermines his own reputation–and his relationship with Sadie. College student Will Stoltz is spending the spring at the Lapp farm as a guard for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons–courtesy of the Lancaster County Game Warden. Will needs to get his life back on track, but his growing friendship with Sadie threatens his plans.

The lives of these three individuals intertwine, and then unravel as unexpected twists create ripples through the town of Stoney Ridge . . . and through Sadie’s heart.

Once again, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher intrigues and delights with a story that explores the bonds of friendship, family, and true love. Readers will enjoy every surprise in Sadie’s story as they search for the truth hidden within these pages.

Read an excerpt!

{More about The Haven Giveaway and Live Video Chat}

Celebrate the newest book in the Stoney Ridge Seasons series with Suzanne by 4 eReader Giveaway and Facebook Party and Live Video Chat! 

Four grand prize winners will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire or Nook Color 
• $25 Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com Gift certificate 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 29th. Winner will be announced at Suzanne's Live Author Chat Party on 8/30. Suzanne will be hosting an author chat (party will start on Facebook ANDthen Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and several Burt's Bees® Nourishing Radiance Kits!!

So grab your copy of The Haven and join Suzanne on the evening of the August 30th for a fun chat (both on Facebook and via Live Video), trivia contest and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!

*I was given a copy of The Haven from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Tidewater Inn book review and giveaway

   
   When I was a little girl my family enjoyed summer vacations on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Years later, my husband proposed to me on the beach in Duck, N.C.  Needless to say, the Outer Banks holds great memories for me.  When I heard that Colleen Coble had written a book that takes place there I was thrilled!    She has once again delivered an exciting and romantic story that includes a thrilling mystery.  Colleen also has a sweet focus on the Lord and it makes Tidewater Inn that much richer.  Everything I look for in a great book!  Family secrets, an unexpected inheritance, a quiet island that holds an old forgotten secret, and a kidnapping all play a part in Tidewater Inn.  And that’s just the first chapter!   Libby Holladay struggles to find her kidnapped friend despite the fact that evidence makes her a suspect in Nicole’s disappearance.  Alec Bourne is a dashing Coast Guard lieutenant whose not sure if he can trust Libby or not although his heart is halfway in love with her.  What role does Lawrence Rooney play in all of this?  It appears he will stop at nothing to get what he wants and he desires Tidewater Inn.  Old letters, secret tunnels, hurricanes, treasure and more all await you in the pages of Tidewater Inn, by Colleen Coble.  I can’t wait for the sequel, Rosemary Cottage, to come out next year!

{More about Colleen Coble}

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website atwww.colleencoble.com. Twitter @colleencoble.

{More about Tidewater Inn}

Welcome to Hope Beach. A place of intoxicating beauty . . . where trouble hits with the force of a hurricane. Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer’s talent and love of history. She’s delighted to learn of the family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she’s met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

But Libby soon realizes that the only way she can afford the upkeep on the inn is to sell it to developers who are stalking the island. The father who willed her the inn has died before she could meet him, and her newfound brother and sister are convinced she’s there to steal their birthright. Worst of all, her best friend and business partner has been kidnapped before her eyes, and Libby’s under suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true is becoming a nightmare. Her only option is to find her friend and prove her innocence, or lose everything on the shores of Hope Island.

{More about Colleen's B&B Giveaway}

Celebrate with Colleen by entering to win a $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $500 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com
• A copy of Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Tidewater Inn" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/23. Colleen will chat with guests, share a sneak peek of her next book, host a trivia contest, and more. She’ll also be giving away gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of Tidewater Inn and join Colleen on the evening of the August 22nd for a chance to connect with Colleen and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

*I was given a copy of Tidewater Inn from Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest review.  No other compensation was received.*

Laura Ingalls Wilder

I've never been interested in American Indians.

Until now.

We're learning all about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her little house on the Kansas prairie.

Did you know they settled on Indian territory?

They didn't either.

Oops.

Indian women were responsible for creating, transporting and caring for the teepees.

If a woman felt like divorcing her husband she just had to take his things out of the teepee!

Bam.

Buffalo were a HUGE part of the Plains Indians lives.

They hunted them and used every part of the animal.

 A peek inside a miniature teepee.

And this is the outside.

We've learned so much during our study and I'm utterly fascinated with Indians now.  The girls are, too.

The museum had so much more than I anticipated.

We listened to recordings (looked like phones) throughout our visit.

 I kept saying, "This is so cool!"

Not sure what her expression is all about.

Gorgeous headdresses.

I can only imagine what was done to earn all those feathers.

I was going to make all the pictures sepia but I wanted to show the vivid colors.

Indian Boyhood is a book that was recommended in our study. 

It's the autobiographical account of a young Indian boy's life.

Like Little Tee Pee on the Prairie.

Absolutely amazing.

You should read it.

The colors are so true and lovely.

Created with rocks, flowers, animal bits and such.

No Hobby Lobby back then.:)

We're now studying malaria, quicksand, and wells, among other things.

Check it out here, if you like.;)

My Pop-Up Bible Stories by Juliet David

About the Book:

With a pop-up scene on every page, children will cherish this selection of favorite stories from the Old and New Testaments. From the moment Baby Moses is found floating in a basket among the bulrushes to Jesus’ stilling of the storm, children will be captivated by Daniel Howarth’s remarkable illustrations as each story pops off the page.

My Thoughts on the Book:

My Pop-Up Bible Stories, by Juliet David, is a gentle introduction to Bible stories for young ones.  It's a hardback bound book with stiff pages so it's quite durable for little fingers.  The pictures are delightful with lots of color and the pop-up pages are so fun!  Even my 9 year old wanted to read along.:)  The stories in the book are Moses, Daniel, How Jesus brought a girl back to life, How the shepherd found his lost sheep and How Jesus stopped a storm.  After the sweet synopsis of the story the Bible verses are listed at the bottom of the page so you can follow up with the complete story in the Bible for older children.  I recommend My Pop-Up Bible Stories for ages 18 months and up.  It's a precious book that is durable and written and illustrated for all ages.

*I was given a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Choice book review and giveaway

My Thoughts about The Choice:

It's 1974 and 17 year old, Sandy Lincoln, has just found out she is pregnant.  She's ashamed and in shock, her boyfriend's only concern is himself and her parents have left her future plans up to her.  An outspoken aunt, with a mind of her own, has come to the rescue with an offer to host Sandy in her home, if she chooses to keep the baby.  This means dropping out of school, leaving cheerleading, and life as she knows it, behind.  Sandy has her mind made up but then an eerie encounter with a stranger gives her pause.  An old woman in a blue print dress tells Sandy that the choice she makes could lead to death.  

      

The Choice , written by Robert Whitlow, had me hooked from the first page.  I was drawn to the main character, Sandy Lincoln, because of her vulnerability.  Thrown into a grown-up world over night she struggles along the way but ends up stronger for her efforts. God molds her into a woman who is loved by many but still has a heart for those that are often overlooked.  Sandy's Aunt Linda, in particular, is one tough cookie that helps to prepare Sandy for what lies ahead in life.  A bit of a women's libber, she's misunderstood by her family but that makes her all the more interesting.:)  

  The dilemma of "the choice", hence the name of the book, is one that I want you to read and discover for yourself.:)  I will tell you that it will keep you guessing until the very end!  Robert Whitlow is a master storyteller.  In The Choice he has combined an incredible story involving an eerie prediction, court room drama, topics straight from the headlines, action, likable characters, and more.  As soon as I finished The Choice I went searching for more of his books!  

About the Book: 

One young woman. Two very different roads. The choice will change everything.

Even as a pregnant, unwed teen in 1974, Sandy Lincoln wanted to do the right thing. But when an ageless woman approached her in a convenience store with a mysterious prophecy and a warning, doing the right thing became even more unclear. She made the best choice she could . . . and has lived with the consequences.

More than thirty years later, a pregnant teen has come into her life, and Sandy’s long-ago decision has come back to haunt her. The stakes rise quickly, leaving Sandy with split seconds to choose once more. But will her choice decision bring life . . . or death?

Meet Robert: 

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.  

For more about Robert and his other books, visit www.robertwhitlow.com.

Celebrate with Robert by entering to win a Nook Color with GlowLight!

One "choice" winner will receive:

• A Nook Color with GlowLight
• A four book Robert Whitlow library (winner's choice)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 27th. Winner will be announced at the "The Choice" Author Chat Facebook Party on 8/28. Meet Robert, get a sneak peek of his next book, try your hand at a trivia contest, and more. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group.)!

So grab your copy of The Choice and join Robert on the evening of the August 27th for a chance to connect with Robert and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

*I received a copy of The Choice from Litfuse Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*