Morning Glories and Moonflowers

Wait No More Book Review

2012-05-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

I love my family. The four of us make a great team. I sometimes wonder if God intends for us to have more children, though. The thought of adoption is both thrilling and scary. Life would change (a lot), but when God is in control I know it would be for the better! I saw the book, Wait No More by Kelly and John Rosati and knew that I had to read it.

Kelly and John Rosati were led by the Lord to foster and adopt four wonderful children. Through their book they share that the experience was not simple and they were often frustrated and angry. Without God they would have given up, but through His guidance they built the beautiful family that they have today.

Wait No More illustrates an amazing life journey. I was touched deeply and the idea of adoption once again called to my heart. God commands us to help those in need. It takes courage to open your home and I have begun to pray for guidance in this matter. Perhaps fostering or adoption are in your future? I recommend reading Wait No More and see if it touches your heart, too.:)

*I was given Wait No More by Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Gone to Ground Book Review and Giveaway!

2012-05-20T23:01:00.001-07:00

The winner is #5- Amy! Congratulations!!

My head was buried in this book all weekend. I could not put it down. You all know how much I love a good mystery and Gone to Ground was a great one. Over the past three years, six women have been brutally murdered in the small town of Amaryllis, Mississippi. People are terrified and suspicious of everyone. Three women think they know who the killer is- but each one suspects a different man.

Deena, Tully and Cherrie Mae reminded me of characters in the book, The Help. They are Southern women on a mission. Cherrie Mae was my favorite. 5 feet tall and 62 years old, she heads up this team of women determined to do what the local police have not- solve the mystery. She cleans houses for a living- including the mayor's. She stumbles across something in his home one day while dusting that chills her to the bone. 20 year old Tully is due to have a baby any day. Her life would be lovely if she wasn't married to an abusive man. He also may be cheating on her. To make matters even worse, her husband is out late one night and she finds blood on a door handle the next day. Where did it come from? She is beyond vulnerable but determined to do the right thing. Deena is a hair dresser with a brother who has special needs. He comes to her one night with blood covering his clothes. What is going on??

Gone to Ground had me in it's grasp and would not let go until I read the last page. It was suspenseful and the main characters were believable and endearing (always important to me!). Brandilyn Collins also includes God in her stories along with prayer. Cherrie Mae, Tully and Deena look to the Lord for direction and safety. I don't believe I've ever read a mystery that gives God the credit He is due. It was refreshing! Brandilyn Collins has now been added to my favorites and I cannot wait to read more of her books!

About Brandilyn Collins:

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is a three-time American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award Winner and has also received Inspirational Reader’s Choice and Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice honors. Brandilyn and her family have homes in California and Idaho.

Read an excerpt of Gone to Ground here.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Do you love mysteries? Would you like to read Gone to Ground? It would make an incredible beach/vacation read! PR by the Book has generously given me a copy for one of my readers!

Here is what you need to do:

#1- Leave a comment on this post telling me the name of your favorite mystery and/or favorite mystery author.
#2- Let me know if you are a follower of my blog for a second entry. (Please leave a separate comment.)

That's all! Good luck! Giveaway ends next Monday, the 28th!

*I was given a copy of Gone to Ground from PR by the Book in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Wish You Were Here book review and giveaway!

2012-05-20T09:11:00.002-07:00

Remember how Snow White awoke from the witches spell when the Prince kissed her? There's a similar beginning in Wish You Were Here, by Beth K. Vogt. It's the story of a young lady, Allison Denman, who feels her life is quite perfect until she "awakens" (with a kiss!) and realizes it's just... well, not. Postcards from around the world, llamas, Colorado, and a runaway bride all play an interesting part in this quest for happiness. Wish You Were Here is not a simple romance. Secrets are uncovered, the past makes an appearance and our heroine is even rescued! There is also the tiny complication of being in love with two brothers. Or is she? I loved the references to Colorado Springs as we vacationed their last year and fell in love with the area (especially our stay at the Broadmoor hotel!). When I started this book I couldn't even imagine how anyone could ever be a runaway bride. As I read the story I began to see things differently. Marriage is forever (intended to be) and not a choice to be taking lightly. Beth Vogt does a remarkable job in getting to the heart of her heroine, Allison. Even when all appears fairy tale perfect to the rest of the world, a happy ending isn't possible until you find what and who you are truly looking for in love.

About the book:

Wish You Were Here

| Beth K. Vogt

Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom. Still, kissing the groom's brother in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison's life is nothing but mistakes at this point. And pulling a "Runaway Bride" complete with stealing, er, borrowing her best friend's car doesn't seem to solve her problems. Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Maybe she just needs to stop orchestrating everything. Allison prefers being the one in control, and giving it up is not going to be easy. But to find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her and find the strength to let Him lead.

About Beth:

Beth K. Vogt provides her readers with a happily ever after woven through with humor, reality, and God's lavish grace. She's a non-fiction author and editor who said she'd never write fiction. She's the wife of an Air Force physician (now in solo practice) who said she'd never marry a doctor-or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. Beth has discovered that God's best often waits behind the doors marked "Never." She writes contemporary romance because she believes there's more to happily ever after than the fairy tales tell us. Beth earned a journalism degree from San Jose State University and met her husband Rob when he knocked her down at a karate studio. They've been married for 31 years. They have four children, ranging in ages from 28, 25, 23 and - thanks to a funny thing happening on their way to the empty nest-a 10-year-old. The Vogt Team, which now includes a "daughter-in-love" and "son-in-love," enjoys hiking and camping in Colorado. Read more about Beth at her website:http://bethvogt.com

Blog Tour Schedule here!

{Enter to win an iPad!}

Celebrate with Beth by entering her Wish You Were Here Giveaway!

One "happy" winner will receive:

A brand new iPad2 with Wi-Fi (The must-have, do-everything gadget!)
Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon worthy.)
$15 iTunes Gift Card (Music, books, apps, & more.)

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 6/4/12. The winner will be announced 6/6/12 on Beth's Website!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Beth's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

*I was given a copy of Wish You Were Here by Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.*

Forever Hilltop Book Review and Giveaway!

2012-05-18T15:54:00.003-07:00

Forever Hilltop, by Judy Baer, is part of a heartwarming trilogy that takes you to the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township is filled with endearing characters that have imperfectly (and often very funny!) wonderful story lines. The town is in the middle of nowhere but once you visit you will never want to leave. (You may even start thinking about moving to North Dakota- I know I did!) I was immediately intrigued when I saw that lutefisk and lefse were mentioned on the cover of the book. They are traditional Swedish dishes that my family "enjoys" at Christmas.:) I have yet to acquire a taste for them but found the mention of Scandinavian traditions utterly charming! This book will make you feel good. Really good. Like a warm flannel blanket on a wet, cold day kind of good. I found myself savoring each page and not wanting the stories (An Unlikely Blessing and Surprising Grace are both in this book) to end. Forever Hilltop is a bit like the Mitford series by Jan Karon and I believe it would appeal to all ages. It's delightfully entertaining! Judy Baer also features fabulous recipes in the books- can't wait to try making Nancy's Devonshire Cream!

About the book:

The charming and often hilarious Forever Hilltop series follows the experiences of former city dweller Alex Armstrong as he settles into his new role as pastor of a Scandinavian community in rural North Dakota. Alex is sometimes baffled by his parishioners and their colorful ways, but he comes to appreciate their simple wisdom. One thing's for sure -- life in Hilltop Township is never dull! This new two-in-one format features An Unlikely Blessing along with its sequel, Surprising Grace.

In An Unlikely Blessing, Alex Armstrong is a former city dweller who has just accepted his first parish assignment to a small community in the wilds of North Dakota. In Hilltop Township, Pastor Alex becomes familiar with the residents and their odd traditions, from julebukking to King Oscar's fish balls. And then there's the excitement the single pastor creates among the unmarried women in the community! Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he has to teach them.

In Surprising Grace, Alex Armstrong is settling into his new role as pastor of Hilltop Church, and he's even starting to understand the strange ways of the people who populate this barren stretch of North Dakota prairie. But he also finds that his flock needs help and counsel like he never imagined. In this cozy and entertaining read, Alex must choose between the woman he once loved -- and the home he's come to love.

About Judy:

Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, experiencing many of the same things as her Hilltop characters. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head.

Baer graduated from Concordia College with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. While at the time, she was simply studying what interested her, Baer later realized that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. She certainly put her education to use as she is the author of more than 75 books.

A certified professional life coach now certified in three coaching disciplines, Baer coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. Baer has two daughters and three step children. She and her husband live in Minnesota.

She invites you to visit her at her web site www.judykbaer.com for more information on her and her books.

Blog Tour Schedule here!

{More about the Kindle Giveaway}

Celebrate with Judy by entering to win a Kindle for you and a friend!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A brand new Kindle Touch for you AND one to giveaway to the friend of your choice
Forever Hilltop by Judy K Baer for you and a one for a friend

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/22/12. The winner will be announced 5/24/12 on Judy’s blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Judy's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

*I was given a copy of Forever Hilltop by Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Kingdom Dance, Juliet and Summer Break

2012-05-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Summer break is almost here.

We home school all summer, though.

My poor girls.

Loving picking flowers in my garden.

The colors are thrilling!

To me they are better than a florist- any. day.

A work of art that deserved to be framed.

The beads have come out to play.

I have missed them.

Teachers gifts...

Flowers in fabric form.

Sparklies.

Smile.:)

End of the School Year.

Dressing Up.

Friends of all ages.

Sign Language Class.

Such a lovely form of communication.

Kingdom Dance.

Wish I knew how to post videos.

This group is such good friends.

A true and lovely blessing.

They danced to the Kingdom Dance song from Tangled.

My friend, Angel, made the costumes. She is incredibly gifted!

These boys are incredible- and smart.

Definitely in the minority when it comes to ballet.

So many girls!

They'll never be lacking for a dance partner in life.

Remember Patrick Swayze.:)

Our own Juliet.

Shakespeare, how could you?

What a tortured young lady.

My oldest delivered.

She showed such angst and emotion to the crowd.

"Tell me not friar, that thou speakest of this!"

It was a challenge and she rocked it.

The hair.

Oh, my.

My friend, Tonya, did not disappoint.

I took so many pictures in hopes that I could some day duplicate this.

Sigh.

Sweet memories caught with a camera.

I hope they stay friends forever...

Crazy Dangerous Blog Tour and Giveaway!

2012-05-18T00:51:00.001-07:00

Whispers came at her out of the dark. From the first sentence in Crazy Dangerous, I knew I was in for a wild ride. I had to skim the first chapter because my heart was racing and I was having a hard time catching my breath! Andrew Klavan is a master at building suspense and at the same time he also has a clever sense of humor. This delightful combination made Crazy Dangerous really hard to put down.

Sam Hopkins is a wonderful main character. Quick wit, a big heart and courage are all part of who he is, though he loses his focus in life (through a series of "unfortunate" wrong turns) and longs to find his way back to what is right. Jennifer Sales wanders into Sam's neck of the woods (literally) and things get complicated very quickly. What are her bad dreams all about? Is she insane or is there something much more sinister going on?

Crazy Dangerous is Juvenile Fiction. I would recommend it for ages 16 and up due to certain topics covered (demons, bombs, juvenile delinquents, mental illness, murder) in the story. I really enjoyed it and am way past 16, lol! I have a 14 year old, though, and I think it would be a bit too much for her to handle.

I really appreciated that Andrew Klavan credited God with being in control throughout Crazy Dangerous. He shows that Christian fiction never has to be boring! This is a deliciously suspenseful story with wonderful characters. A wild ride with crazy twists and turns and a good dose of humor to ease the bumps! Can't wait to read his next book!

Crazy Dangerous

| Andrew Klavan

"You probably want to hear about Jennifer and the demons and how I played chicken with a freight train and-oh yeah-the weird murder . . . you're definitely going to want to hear about that."

Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it's only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble.

But one day, Sam sees them harassing an eccentric schoolmate of his named Jennifer. When Sam finds the courage to face the bullies down, he loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one.

Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons and the devil and death. And here's the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies--prophecies of something terrible that's going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it.

With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.

About Andrew:

Andrew Klavan was hailed by Stephen King as "the most original novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich." He is the recipient of two Edgar Awards and the author of such bestsellers as True Crimeand Don't Say a Word.

His books and screenplays have been turned into films directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Michael Douglas, Ed Burns, Michael Caine among others.

Hometown: Santa Barbara, California

Celebrate with Andrew by entering his Crazy Dangerous giveaway and connecting with him during the Author Chat Party on 5/29!

One fortunate winner will receive:

A $100 Visa Cash Card
A copy of Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan for YOU and 5 of your Friends!

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Crazy Dangerous" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/29. Andrew will be hosting an Author Chat, testing your survival trivia skills, giving away books and gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the "danger"!

Grab your copy of Crazy Dangerous and connect with Andrew on the evening of 5/29/12 for an author chat and lots of giveaways.

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 29th!

Blog Tour Schedule here!

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

Fiber One Chewy Granola Bar review and GIVEAWAY! Mmmmmm!

2012-05-14T18:38:00.003-07:00

The winner is Shawnee! Congratulations!!

I received this amazing package of Fiber One and Summer Fun goodness today! Wanna win a package just like it from Fiber One? Stay with me.:)

I am a HUGE fan of Fiber One granola bars. HUGE. They are delicious and fiber is something we all need help with in our diet. I like to enjoy mine with chocolate personally.:) Fiber One has just created new CHEWY bars. Mmmhmm.... They are divine. DIVINE. Chocolate (coated in chocolate!) and Strawberry PB & J (coated in peanut butter!) flavors! So, the whole family can enjoy. My younger daughter loved Chocolate (my fave) the most and my older daughter enjoyed Strawberry PB & J the most.

These little packages of yumminess and goodness will not last long at my house.:)

Fiber One Chewy bars contain 20% of the Daily Value of fiber and 10% of the Daily Value of calcium. They are between 100-110 calories each, with only 7-8 grams of sugar. No high fructose corn syrup.

Now for the fun!

One person will win the following in a fabulous prize pack from Fiber One!

-Box of Fiber One Chewy Chocolate Bars

-Box of Fiber One Chewy Strawberry PB&J Bars

-Drawstring Sack Pack

-Water Bottle

-Flexi Flyer

-Soccer Ball

-Sidewalk Chalk

*Here is how to enter....

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

2) Be a follower of my blog (let me know in another comment) for 1 entry.

That's all! Winner will be chosen next Tuesday, the 22nd.

*I was given a prize package from General Mills in exchange for my honest opinion from My Blog Spark. No other compensation was received.*

My Stubborn Heart Blog Tour and Giveaway!

2012-05-12T11:11:00.003-07:00

Notice I did not use a stock photo for My Stubborn Heart, by Becky Wade. I loved it so much that I took a picture and posted it on facebook as soon as I was done! I. loved. this. book. The main character, Kate (an Audrey Hepburn type, but with red hair), has been praying for her husband to be since the 4th grade. She is a romantic at heart and knows that God has a special man chosen for her. Or does he? At 31 she is beginning to wonder if the fairy tale ending is not what God had planned for her.

Kate and her grandmother travel to Redbud, Pennsylvania to renovate Chapel Bluff, her grandmother's childhood home. Chapel Bluff turns out to be more of an estate! I enjoyed exploring it and learning about it's transformation! The characters are all lovable and richly written. They came to life for me! Gran's friends are a hoot and have great story lines on their own. Velma (Weezer-like from Steel Magnolias) tells it like it is and had me laughing page after page. Gran is strong and clever and knows when to step in or stay out of the situation. Adored her. Matt Jarreau's (retired star hockey player) past is tormented and long suffering and I patiently (not!) waited for him to find peace and happiness in his life. I don't want to give away too much! I even found myself reading parts to my husband- and he liked it, too.:)

I seriously hope they make My Stubborn Heart book into a movie!

Blog Tour here!

About the book:

My Stubborn Heart

| Becky Wade

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light...whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

About Becky:

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances with Avon Books, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her kids, then recently returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn't be more thrilled with it.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

Learn more at: www.BeckyWade.com

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!

One fortunate winner will receive:

A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky 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 fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTERand increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

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

A Chicken Misunderstanding

2012-05-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

Saw this on facebook this morning.

Reminds me of a little story of the night I met my husband.

Got your attention?

It was just my grandparents, my little sister, me, a really cute guy (future sweetie!) and his friend. We had just sat down in the dining room at my grandparent's house. Chicken was the main course. Conversation was at a minimum- if any! My grandfather said a prayer and then looked up and asked the boys:

"Do you prefer breasts or thighs?"

No lie.

Starbucks Happy Hour, Locks of Love and 17 Pounds

2012-05-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

Ladies- I have lost 17 pounds so far. It feels amazing. But nothing is going to stop me from going to Starbucks when Happy Hour is going on.

My girlies enjoy the fraps and I indulge with a Skinny Caramel Macchiato. Smiles.

Found a pretty for my Mom for Mother's Day. I almost skipped out the door! Not only that, she is coming for a visit! I have a few more surprises planned for when she gets here. Cannot wait.

It was time. Cute, fun hairstyle (flat iron recommendations, please) and virgin (giggle- what the stylist called it!) hair donated to Locks of Love. But seriously, it is a wonderful cause. My sweetie pie loves her new do and that makes me so very happy. Super big smile.

What do you dream of for Mother's Day?

Beyond Hope's Valley Blog Tour and Review

2012-05-07T23:31:00.003-07:00

Beyond Hope's Valley, by Tricia Goyer, is the third book in her Big Sky series. Marianna Sommer must make a very important choice- one that could change her life forever. Always driven to put others first, she finds herself being distanced from all she has ever known simply by following her heart. Secrets are revealed, whispers from the past come to light, and what had seemed proper and expected is no longer clear. She begins to question what is truly right and wrong. Is it really sinful to read the English Bible? Is it Godlike to condemn another for mistakes they have made? I quickly read through the book to see what choices Marianna would make! Tricia's story is tender and well written. Amish books are not normally a genre of book that I gravitate toward but this story was engaging through the well developed characters, the secrets tucked throughout, and the surprise of Ben, the songwriter/singer- just the right combination of old world and new world. It was refreshing to see that we all make mistakes and need to look to God to lead us in life.

Read the first chapter here!

About the book:

Beyond Hope's Valley – Book Three in the Big Sky series

After an extended stay in Montana, where Amish traditions are different than in her home state, Marianna Sommer returns to Indiana for two reasons, first to help her brother and his girlfriend prepare for a baby and their wedding. Second, to plan her own wedding to Aaron Zook -- a marriage she’s been dreaming about ever since childhood. And yet, although she had missed the idyllic farms and families of her upbringing, Marianna is surprised that Indiana is somehow making her long now for Montana.

As months pass, secrets that were hidden in winter’s frozen grasp thaw and take on a life of their own. The truths about a child, about a past relationship, and about God’s plans are being revealed. Walking through a valley of questions, Marianna must hold on to hope as she decides where and with whom her heart truly belongs.

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 and www.triciagoyer.com.

Blog tour schedule

Tricia is hosting a Custom Amish Prize Pack Giveaway and an All Things Amish Author Chat Party!

One fortunate winner will receive:
Custom Amish Wall Hanging {You choose the colors!}
An Amish Doll {Sweet.}
Amish-made basket {It’s picnic season!}
Doilies, potholder and an Amish cookbook {All items form Bird-in-Hand, PA!}
Three book Big Sky Amish series {Be swept away by this captivating series.}
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 20th. Winner will be announced at "All Things Amish" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/21. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and more!
So grab your copy of Beyond Hope's Valley and join Tricia on the evening of the May 21st for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Amish?) and lots of giveaways. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)
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 21st!

*I was given a copy of Beyond Hope's Valley by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Surprise Vacation, Lulu's, and Baby Kangaroos

2012-05-07T08:20:00.006-07:00

It. Was. Beyond. Amazing.

Best idea my husband ever had.:)

Letters from Heaven Book Review

2012-04-28T23:04:00.000-07:00

Letters from Heaven is a unique creation by Calvin Miller. The book is a compilation of letters written to people that were instrumental in his life. C.S. Lewis, Johnny Cash and Farrah Fawcett are two familiar names, as well as many others. There are quite a few people that are not commonly known but they are just as important. Some of the letters mention regrets while others are full of praise, just like life. Calvin Miller made me think about the people that are special to me. There are so many! My immediate family, of course, but then there are also the unsung heroes (to me) that inspired me, believed in me, and moved me through words and/or actions. There are also apologies that need to be made. I am considering writing letters to these people. We never know when we will be called to heaven so now is the time to say things we need to say.

Letters to Heaven is not the best book I've ever read, but it truly made me stop and think. I believe that's what the author had in mind. He wants us to make the most of every day and to acknowledge those that are precious to us. It's a book full of thoughts, emotions and love. Read Letters from Heaven and be inspired.

*I was given a copy of Letters from Heaven from Worthy Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

God Helps Me Bible Book Review

2012-04-27T23:25:00.002-07:00

My 9 year old daughter and I immediately fell in love with the God Helps Me Bible, by Juliet David. As if the pictures weren't sweet enough, the Bible stories are precious- simply written and to the point. Each story tells about a person that God helped. I've included a sample (Esther) below for you to see and read:

There are 25 stories in the God Helps Me Bible. Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Jonah, Paul, Zacchaeus and more are featured. The pages are thick and durable and it also has a spiral binding. Perfect for even the youngest children! I wish that I had had this book when my girls were younger. It's a lovely introduction to people in the Bible and a gentle way to show little ones how God helped others and can also help them.

*I was given a copy of God Helps Me Bible from Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

The Charlatan's Boy Book Review

2012-04-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

The Charlatan's Boy, by Jonathan Rogers, has a cast of characters as colorful as a box of crayons! Grady is a good hearted young orphan who longs to discover where he came from. All he has ever known is a life traveling with Floyd, a self centered con-man, and Floyd refuses to give him a straight answer on the matter. Their story is quite unique and unlike any I have ever read before. Grady watches people in earnest, ever searching for a place to fit in and, more importantly, the parents that he believes he has lost. Along their journey you'll meet the Ugliest Boy in the World (and proud of it!), an 82 year old woman who looks like she is 20, Ten Finger Walter, the phrenologist (reads people's personalities through the bumps in their skull) and more.

The Charlatan's Boy is a wonderful combination of Robin Hood, Lord of the Rings and Huckleberry Finn. Follow along with Grady and Floyd as they travel through the Corenwald frontier "educating" townspeople about the wild Feechie Folk. Are they real? Every day is a new adventure but you never know exactly who you can trust. I enjoyed this book but felt that it began to drag a bit near the end. I was anxious to see how it would end so perhaps I was just in a hurry to find out what would happen. I do feel that it would be a great read aloud for the whole family!

*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.*

God is an Artist

2012-04-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

We were out in the county yesterday.

No cell phone signal, way out there, county.

And it was heavenly.

A precious young lady was turning 18 and we were invited to come and celebrate.

There were horses...

lots of great food...

chickies to hold...

and secret hiding places to discover.

(Still hoping the ticks did not discover the hiders.)

Flowers...

friends...

and fluffy critters.

The sun was golden on the trees

and I had to work fast to capture moments that were over all to quickly.

The family prayed.

They thanked God for their friends, family and most of all their birthday girl.

Here she is hugging her Mom.

I stood there praying silently and feeling blessed as I shared this day with my friends.

A comment was made about how God weaves us together like a tapestry.

God is an artist in every sense of the word.

What will people think?

2012-04-21T10:24:00.002-07:00

Siblings are our first friends.

Whether we like it or not.:)

Then, our world expands to include other people.

New friends.

It's easy, at first...

We must learn to trust, though.

We have to have faith that friends won't mislead us or hurt us.

But sometimes, we still get hurt.

My girls are oh so trusting, but then so am I.

We want to see the best in others and in return we want them to see the best in us.

Last night our home was filled with drama over a split second decision that turned out to be a big mistake. Darn facebook.

It reminded me of a choice I made many years ago that involved a very close friend of mine. A dear friend who was head over heels in love with her first boyfriend- ever. She was making bad decisions that involved lying, alcohol and me. Keep in mind that I was a very good girl and a good friend. Still am;)

My parents were out of town and I was having a friend spend the night with me. Well, after work late one night (I worked at the movie theater) we pulled up to my house. There, on the front lawn was my friend, Jane, and her boyfriend- both intoxicated. Jane's parents had moved and she was supposed to be staying with a friend for a week. Turns out she was staying with Troy, her boyfriend. Wha?? I didn't know that part!

They were dropped off at my house by another friend. Lucky me. What was I supposed to do with them? I couldn't leave them on the front lawn, so I let them stay the night. I wasn't going to tell me parents but my other friend, Lee, told me that I really should.

So, I told them the next day. It was not pretty. It was pretty bad, in fact. But to this day I don't know if I would have done anything different. I do understand why my parents were upset, though. What did the neighbors think?

This is how I felt about the mistake last night. What would my friends think? It involved facebook!

I still worry- a bit. But, I know my daughter so well and I know that she regrets her decision. She was not informed, was hasty and trusting and yet there was no way to rectify the situation. I felt sick for her. She could not stop crying and she is not a crier.

So, we move on. Life is too short to worry about what people think. Millions of people will make mistakes today and my news is already old news.:)

A is for Adam Book Review

2012-04-18T08:05:00.003-07:00

My 9 year old daughter loves the book, A is for Adam! The colorful illustrations are engaging and the rhyming words, used along with the alphabet, are just plain fun! A is for Adam teaches the Bible beginning with Creation and ending with the New Heavens and New Earth. It's a hardcover, spiral bound book, that stands by itself!

Each letter of the alphabet addresses a different word and section of the Bible. For example, "F is for Fruit". Then, the page after the picture (see below) discusses it in a bit more depth to reinforce what you are teaching. It's a lot more than a large picture book! It teaches your child WHAT THEY BELIEVE AND WHY THEY BELIEVE IT. A is for Adam was a wonderful addition to our home school and would also be perfect for Sunday School classrooms.

I loved listening to my daughter walk around singing the rhymes she had memorized from this book!

A is for Adam is written by Ken and Mally Ham and is available here for $16.99.

Take a peek inside the book below!

*Disclaimer- I was given a copy of A is for Adam by New Leaf Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Pumpkin Spice Muffins- 2 WW Points!

2012-04-17T06:56:00.001-07:00

Still warm from the oven.

Can. Not. Stop. Stuffing. My. Mouth.

1 can of pumpkin

1 Spice Cake Mix

1 cup over water

Mix.

Fill muffin tins.

20 minutes at 350.

Moist and yummy!

Thanks, Pinterest.;)

(Only 2 Weight Watchers points for the big ones!)

Bright Ideas Press- Christian Kids Explore Chemistry- TOS Review

2012-04-15T15:27:00.001-07:00

Bright Ideas Press offers a Christian based curriculum that is very user friendly- for both parents and children. Hurrah! My daughter and I were fortunate enough to review Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, which is designed for grades 4-8. I am not a fan of Chemistry- nope. But, Bright Ideas Press has designed their program to be a nice experience for all involved. Vocabulary words are defined, a glossary is provided, and lesson plans are detailed but not overwhelming. The lessons include memory work, review, reading, discussion, vocabulary, hands on activities, supplemental reading and coloring pages. Perfect.

The 5 Units Covered Are:

-The Basics of Chemistry

-Atoms and Molecules

-The Nature of Chemistry

-States of Matter

-Organic Chemistry

I assigned the reading to my daughter and later we did the activities and discussion together. Most of the items needed for the experiments were found in our kitchen or around the house. I really liked not having to run around to find what we needed. Although Chemistry is still not my favorite subject, I feel that my daughter and I are less intimidated with it now and that is a huge step in the right direction! We will definitely be using Bright Ideas Press in the future and will also be finishing up this study of Chemistry. Bright Ideas Press offers many wonderful products including history (Mystery of History- one of my favorites!), science and geography.

Take a peek at the Table of Contents here.

Take a look at a sample page here.

You can purchase Christian Kids Explore Chemistry here for $39.95.

*Here is what other TOS members had to say about Bright Ideas Press.*
*Disclaimer: I was given a PDF copy of Christian Kids Explore Chemistry in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

Cabin in the Woods, Titanic and Katy Perry

2012-04-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Date Night last night.

Swedish Fish, Junior Mints, and a scary, fun time with my Sweetie.:)

Took my girls to see this.

(Titanic, not the top movie!)

Leo now ranks way up there with Justin Bieber (according to K) and M said, "I could see that again."

High praise, very high.

Not liking the agenda with Katy Perry's new movie.

In the preview she states that she was raised a Christian, but it's just "not her"??

I like her music (won't buy it, though) but dislike the message she is sending with this movie.

What movies do you recommend?

or not?

AIMS From Head to Toe- TOS review

2012-04-14T12:07:00.002-07:00

I really enjoy teaching Science and was excited to be able to review AIMS (stands for Activities Integrating Math and Science) From Head to Toe curriculum. This course covers the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and musculoskeletal systems and how they work together to keep us alive. It also explores the sensory organs and how they provide us information about our world.

Each activity includes Questions, Goals, Background Information, a Rubber Band Book (more on that in a minute), a Learning Activity (ex. experiment, game, etc.), observation sheets, lesson summaries, review questions, and more. I loved how there was more than just dry reading. The activities really reinforced the learning that was going on! Rubber Band books are tiny books that you print out from the CD included with the textbook. With the instructions provided you simply fold the pages into a book that your child can keep! They Rubber Band books were great for answering questions and perfect for putting into my daughter's notebook for later review.

From Head to Toe had wonderful instructions, fun illustrations, creative activities and lots of clear, concise information. In my opinion, it would be wonderful for large families to use, co-op classes, and well suited for classrooms. I liked using it with my 8th grader but we were a bit limited on some of the activities as they were better suited for a larger group of students.

Click here for a peek into From Head to Toe!

From Head to Toe is created for grades 6-9 and includes a CD with printable student pages. It sells for $24.95.

Click here to see what other TOS members thought about AIMS.

*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of From Head to Toe from AIMS in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*

The Nancy Drew Huddle and Decoupaged Clipboards

2012-04-12T20:37:00.001-07:00

Shhhh.....

The Nancy Drew Huddle.

Used by true detectives, only.

Reserved for trivia challenges.

The Bungalow Mystery.

Sunglasses optional.

Every detective needs an attractive clipboard.

Fabric applied with Modge Podge.

Nancy would approve.

Time to unload the dishwasher.

The 5 Love Languages for Children book review and giveaway!

2012-04-10T21:47:00.006-07:00

The winner is #11 Alicia! Congratulations Alicia! Please send me your information so I can get it mailed to you.:)

What does it take for you to feel really loved? Is it coffee at Starbucks with a friend, a back rub from your husband, or perhaps a neighbor that drops by with freshly home baked cookies? These are all wonderful and appreciated but what really fills your love tank and makes you feel appreciated? Now think about your children. Are you speaking their Love Language? I discovered I was way off the mark with my sweeties, sad to say, and I want to make them feel loved in a way they understand. I studied (devoured!) The 5 Love Languages for Children like I was preparing for a very, very important final exam. Your child's emotional development, their behavior, their security, their feelings of love (or lack of) is of the utmost importance and you, as their parent, play a very important role in that.

Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell help you:

-Discover your child's love language

-Understand the link between successful learning and the love languages

-See how the love languages can help you discipline more effectively

-Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child

I love gifts but, you know what, they are easy and don't require a lot of time. I'm not knocking a lovely wrapped package, but after reading The 5 Love Languages of Children I have discovered that Quality Time is truly my Love Language. I was looking for the easy way out (although many people's love language is Gifts) with my girls by giving gifts. I love shopping and my girls do enjoy gifts, as we all do, but what they really want is more of me. I am now working on providing Words of Affirmation (praise and encouragement) and Quality Time to my two most precious gifts- my girls.:) I am beyond happy to say that we are all less stressed, less crabby, and feeling way more loved. It's only been 2 days! The 5 Love Languages of Children has blessed my whole family and I highly encourage you to read it. Every newborn should come with a copy to take home from the hospital.:)

To be their best, children need to feel loved. But if you and your child speak different love languages, your affection might get lost in translation, affecting the child’s attitude, behavior, and development. Dr. Gary Chapman’s groundbreaking Five Love Languages series has helped millions of couples communicate love more clearly, and Dr. Ross Campbell M.D. has applied the innovative system to children as well. The 5 Love Languages of Children gives practical suggestions for learning how your children interpret love and creating a sense of security in which they can thrive.

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

*Propellor has generously offered a copy of The 5 Love Languages for Children to one of my readers! You absolutely must have this book in your personal library and I can't recommend it enough!*

Here is what you need to do to enter:

#1- Leave a comment on this post for 1 entry. (Separate comments for each entry, please.)

#2- Be a follower of my blog for 1 entry.

#3- Leave a comment telling me your Love Language for 1 entry.

#4- "Like" the 5 Love Languages on facebook and leave a comment telling me you did this for 1 entry.

Good Luck! Giveaway ends next Wednesday, April 18th.

Disclosure: I received The 5 Love Languages of Children for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally

and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tractor Driving City Girls

2012-04-09T20:58:00.003-07:00

Co-op classes are back in session.

My girls are taking Art, Sign Language, Acting and a class on the book, Farmer Boy.

Lunchtime is a definite favorite.

We traveled this weekend to see Grandpa.

It was his birthday.

Ruby drove part of the way.

Dinner was at 5 Guys.

Yum.

The best part was the vinegar on the french fries.

Mmmmm....

Dessert was at Sylas and Maddy's.

Homemade Ice Cream.

Do you think anyone ever orders their Green Tea Ice Cream?

My sweet girl and I sat in the school chairs.

They were tiny.

I took a second too long to get out and got a bit panicky.

No wonder they were the only seats available.

The girls got to drive the tractor at Lucky Grandma's house!

Yep, that's her name.

My first cutie pie gave her that years ago.

The weather was just perfect.

It made someone want to jump...

for...

JOY!

But where is my other daughter?

Can you find her?

She was enjoying the lovely day while reading in a tree.

Can't think of anything finer.

It was easier than it looked!

Easter was full of family, flowers, and praise to the Lord for the gift of His Son.

Tractor Driving City Girls.

It all began years ago when my sweetie and I were dating.

He took a city girl and turned her country for the day.

It was fun.:)

Until I gave it a flat tire...

I keep thinking that I want a break.

But then I get bored and change my mind.:)