Sweet Peripety

the time has come

2012-03-05T19:33:00.004-05:00

for some warmer weather photos. these are some of my favorites from the past couple weeks....

Heart's Safe Passage, a review!

2012-03-03T15:36:00.003-05:00

It's 1813 and all Phoebe Lee wants out of life is to practice midwifery in Loudon County, Virginia. When Belinda, her pregnant sister-in-law, presses Phoebe to accompany her onto a British privateer in order to cross the Atlantic and save her husband from an English prison, Phoebe tries to refuse, then finds herself kidnapped.

Captain Rafe Docherty is a man in search of revenge. His ship is no place for women, but he needs Belinda in order to obtain information about the man who destroyed his family and his life. Between Belinda's whining and Phoebe's hostility, Rafe can't help but wonder if he made the right choice.
When it becomes apparent there is an enemy among them on the ship, the stakes are raised. Will they reach the English shore in time? Can love and forgiveness overcome vengeance?

Book 2 in The Midwives series, Heart's Safe Passage is a stirring tale of love, intrigue, and adventure on the high seas. Readers will feel the salt spray and the rolling waves as they journey with Laurie Alice Eakes's vivid characters on the treacherous path toward redemption.

This book BEGINS with so much excitement! I must say I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this read as secrets were spilled, challenged, and forgiven. The author has firmly rooted a Christian theme in this book, which comes through especially in the life of Rafe. The setting of the book- out in the sea- is so much FUN! It read brilliantly, every word coming together just right. As much as I enjoyed the first of the Midwives series, I enjoyed this one even more. The heroine, Phoebe, was so very capable, resilient, and lovely. It was quite exciting to see how she and Rafe interacted through the course of the story.

I received this free review copy in return for an honest review from Baker Publishing Group.

Time to change things up....

2012-02-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

Since I have added "writing" to my almost-daily things to do, my time for housework and homeschooling has been challenged.

Schooling the kids five days a week, EACH week, for 36 weeks is truly wearing me out. I am depleted at the end of the day, especially if I run into any trouble with "listening." I have decided to do an official FOUR DAY week, with the fifth day either OFF or just a general "fine-art" and iPad and games day. Actually, after I mentioned this idea to Rich, he suggested I cut the homeschooing down to THREE days.

Um...is he crazy? There is no way I could manage that. We'd have to do 7-8 hours, or more, of school each of those three days. Buddy could not handle the focus needed for that, but Ella would manage. Anyways, I will not do that- my brain fizzles out at about 5 hours of school! Four days is enough to do history, geography, reading, science, writing, math, and other skills. The fifth day, for example, could contain the following:

Example A: NOTHING

Example B: Art, Spanish, reading with quiet time

Example C: math iPad apps, reading with quiet time, history games

Example D: any combination of the above!

Today, for this first Friday of my new plan we did Spanish, reading with quiet time, Art, history game (Daniel Boone Bingo), and a math iPad app for facts review. Oh, and Spanish was from a book PLUS a couple very cool iPad apps I have. So, really, we did a lot, but it was a lot less teacher intensive. Art and Spanish seem to get pushed aside more often than not so this way, we make sure we are doing those more frequently AND we ALL get a change of pace.

My heart- and mind- is happy with this change. I wonder if we can keep this new schedule, or if we will have to change again. I hope not! But we will give a whirl a few times to see how manageable it all is. With the kids only being in first and third, I think we will get by with this schedule alteration pretty well. If there are things we did not get to finish, I will add them to this day- such as a writing assignment, vocabulary review, any seatwork. Hopefully, though, our "fifth" day will remain light.

So, today, I find myself able to write and edit. (insert big, huge smile!). Earlier this week, I was able to do a few loads of laundry (poor Rich, he's been doing it all lately!) and make dinners. But Wednesday night I napped from 6 pm til 9 pm. As thankful as I am for those extra hours of napping, I do not want to be so worn out that I have no other option than to nap like that. Also, I had something else the past few weeks that could have been BAD but thankfully I was not called to notice it until my chiropractor saw it...and it was on its way to healing...I praise God for that, for despite my tired days and pain filled days, that did not cause me extra pain. I am praying for my body's healing....I dream of the day I can have energetic and pain free moments! Until then, I will keep pressing on with the Lord's strength!

A Field So Grand

2012-02-09T14:15:00.002-05:00

I wish I had a field so grand

Open, sweet, and completely free

To lose a little of my aching heart there

And long to return someday as its queen

I would settle myself among the waves

Of grass, flowers, and deep breaths

Never wasting my gaze upon the ordinary again but

The majesty of the mountains upon my soul, at rest

If I could do so this moment

Take my solitary self away to the far off field

The moments here would be too long, too slow, and I think....

Is it like heaven, where my weary soul will yield?

Our God makes a restful place, for His children

A pleasing place to gather His daughters and sons

I imagine, I ponder, and I dream of such a land

To where this wearisome battle will be finally won.

a work in progress

2012-02-02T16:05:00.005-05:00

but today we actually had GREAT progress!

with school, at least! it seems we get into slumps, but as far as i know, all the other homeschoolers i know deal with the same thing we do at times. when you ponder a homeschooling family, i hope you see that we don't see everyone else as inferior. rather, that we are employing ourselves as sole instructor of our child's education. we do not accompany our children and their education in public school. no. we are choosing a different path. a path at home/field trip/class/etc. thus, we are with our children ALL THE TIME, and while that is our choice, it is not easy. Choices are not easy. Choices, however, are REWARDING.

this week, the choice was a bit more rewarding than others. and less difficult.

we have officially one week and one day left of our Daniel Boone unit in Trail Guide to Learning, but being as we will have a shortened day tomorrow due to appointments, i will have to extend it...plus...we are learning about habitats, and i'd rather take a longer time going over those. AND, both Ella and Philip wish to read another Daniel Boone book, so I need to find/order one. Yay! An excuse to get more books!

today, for an "official" homeschooling report:

Ella:
reading- Thomas Edison biography, finished the book; BJU Reading 3 pages and worksheet;

spelling- pretest; crossword

math- Teaching Textbooks 3 lesson (we're over half-way done with the cds so i'm hoping we get to TT level 4 before the end of the year)

dictation- Daniel Boone biography selection

grammar- object pronouns worksheets/lesson

Ella & Philip:
nature study- goes along with our Trail Guide to Learning (Paths of Exploration curriculum): ant grid drawing; selected another habitat to write about/learn

science- polymer experiment using WD's little bag of powder and set of experiments with water and colored tablets (created my own seatwork PDF for the kids to use with this); to be continued over the next school days as we have a few more experiments and things to do

Philip:
math- iPad apps x 2; math Extra Practice pages

spelling- review lesson, new words

grammar- contractions, lesson and seatwork

reading- Pathway Reader selection and accompanying questions/workbook, and extra reading

We did not get to geography/vocab/history but that's okay- we do those almost daily, and since i'm extending our unit, we will get through in time. we have only 2 more units of 6 weeks left of our "core" curriculum! I can't believe it! i am quite excited to say we will use this same curriculum next year. it is called Paths of Settlement. VERY anxious to begin that after a summer of fun-school. here i am, already thinking of next year's curriculum! this time of year (february) it always kicks in- the desire for "new" books....how crazy is that. we have weeks left of school, and i'm planning NEXT year, for goodness sake's!

a little bit of this, a little bit of that....

2012-01-31T21:33:00.004-05:00

that- is my creative and personal life,
summed up

so here i am,
now sitting on a manuscript i need a break from
while researching for two other ideas
and thinking of my WIP i'd like to continue

one of my ideas is "steampunk"
now, i'm not into the genre in its entirety, however....

i love the vintage feel of it
the ability to delve into a victorian realm
think Sherlock Holmes, Jules Vern, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
i'd like the male character to be somewhat
a student of math or science, and practiced in chivalry

on the other hand,
i'd like the heroine to be a bit outlandish
but sweet...
active, but not over anxious
adventurous, but not foolhardy

i'd like to write about
dressforms
hot air balloons
1940s fashion
camera devices
newsboy caps

and with steampunk you can write about:
flying machines
rayguns (not that i would! lol)
clockwork systems
steampower
chemistry
and a whole lot more

it's an exciting genre, untapped a bit in the Christian market
but i have some ideas ;-)

Blessed Day

2012-01-30T22:40:00.002-05:00

(here's an image from the Graphics Fairy, in honor of my horse-loving Ella)

So, today was Monday, a day that normally is...
not a restful day.

God truly blessed my day today, though, with
an abnormal Monday.
It was a restful day, but very productive.
I'm off of facebook for awhile now,
not writing for a few days,
not stressing out about writing for a few days...but I am:
ridding up around the house a bit,
reading,
writing a song,
making dinners,
organizing homeschooling...

accomplished today?
more than half our plastics are gone (whew..they were piling up, you know..
those containers and lids!),
song completed and written out for Sunday's trio,
productive homeschool day,
stovetop rid off,
living room dusted.

tomorrow...I will slow down a bit and let my body rest from
all the physical activity today of cleaning.
and maybe brainstorm/research more writing ideas.

my first draft of my first completed manuscript is overwhelming me.
so i need a break from it, at least a few days.
i made a major error in something with it and need to find my focus again.

i have another WIP that needs attention, and
some ideas for books that i'd like to research further...
and research, for me, is super fun!
so that is a relaxing, exciting part of my day!

Thank you, Lord, again, for such a pleasant day..I needed one of these...
it was urgent.
what a gift!

Summer of Promise, a review

2012-01-30T07:55:00.002-05:00

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads west to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. When her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day.

Abigail plans to marry when she returns to Vermont, just as soon as she attends to her sister. As the summer passes, she finds herself drawn to this rugged land and to a certain soldier determined to persuade her to stay. When summer ends, will she go back East, or will she find her heart's true home?

Amanda Cabot has penned a stellar romantic adventure in Summer of Promise. I fell in love with character, Abigail, from the beginning. Cabot brought alive her personality in just the first chapter, and continued to do so throughout the novel. I love how Cabot brought Abigail and Ethan together, from their first interaction which maintained an important part of the story. Secondary characters were exciting having been set up in the first couple chapters. I found the mystery surrounding the robberies, as well as Abigail's sister's marriage, wonderful plots, and very attention holding. I am looking forward to Charlotte's story- this writing was superb!

Available now from Baker Publishing Group. Thank you to Revell for the complimentary copy in return for an original review.

Where Wildflowers Bloom

2012-01-28T18:03:00.002-05:00

How far will she go to follow her dreams?

The Civil War stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg--as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns, Faith allows herself to hope that she and Royal will finally wed. But does he truly love her? Or will another man claim her heart?

When a novel carries a lilting voice, it refreshes this soul. This is exactly my thoughts on Ann Shorey's first book in the Sisters at Heart series. Both main characters were possibly two of my favorites. You see Faith growing in the Lord from the beginning, with her challenges of choosing beaus and dealing with her family's store. Then, there's Curt, someone who is full of integrity, more than meets the eye, and has more than memories to overcome. Shorey's writing is full of treasures...I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

Available now at your local Bookstore, from Baker Publishing group! This review was of my own opinion. Thanks to Revell for my complimentary review copy!

inspiring verse

2012-01-21T18:56:00.002-05:00

for a book I'm writing....
one that hadn't caught my eye before...

what are your thoughts?

Brrrr!

2012-01-21T12:15:00.002-05:00

So, what warms your heart his cold, winter's day?

Here is my list....

writing
reading
chai tea
the gift of song

What can you give to warm another's heart?

Here is my list...

a story being read aloud to my children
donuts for tomorrow
ears to listen to a friend
encouraging written words to my husband

Chasing Mona Lisa, a review

2012-01-20T16:00:00.005-05:00

August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all—the Mona Lisa—as a postwar bargaining chip.

But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

Having read the first book about Gabi and Eric, I was definitely hooked in to read this addition. I love the writing Goyer and Yorkey have accomplished together. This time in history is one that stirs my heart, and they are a great team to present such an exciting story, unique drama and plot. It is intriguing, suspenseful, and even a bit romantic. I can't imagine all the research that went into this story, really- as a reader, it all fit well together and as you read start to finish you will run in this tightly-fitting maze wondering about each step. I love a book that has twists, and Chasing Mona Lisa fits the bill. Five stars!

Available now from Baker Publishing at your local Christian bookstore. I received a free copy in return for my original review.

Sea Turtle Summer

2012-01-19T18:37:00.007-05:00

Two young girls, Britt and Bella, are a sea turtle's heroes!

Living on the beach gives them opportunity to make a difference when they find creatures in harm's way. In this book, they discover a sea turtle has laid her eggs- right where a volleyball tournament is to take place. They need to protect the eggs, but will they succeed?

This book is just perfect for my children's ages- 8, 6, and 3. They loved the pictures and the story was exciting! As a homeschooling mom, I appreciated the education they received about the environment and sea turtles. With the information included in the back about nesting of turtles, this book is a wonderful stepping stone to even more topics to discuss with your children regarding choices and more!

Thank you to the author, Nancy Stewart, and Pump Up Your Book/ Virtual Book Publicity Tours for the review copy! To purchase this book, you may visit here: Sea Turtle Summer.

Writing With Focus

2012-01-18T21:00:00.008-05:00

Today, I am not referring to focus "within" your writing.
I'm talking about all those distractions around you.
Because...
I have NOT figured out how to accomplish writing
with SILENCE in my home, at least,
not in its entirety.

I have to think on this.....

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

The homeschooling day....two kids to teach, instruct, schedule.

The three-year-old day...adjusting to his little needs around the kids.

The fibromyalgia day...dealing with pain and fatigue, now beyond what is merely "manageable."

The writers day...amidst all the rest!

I struggle with how to accomplish my creative goals. And, if I don't create, I find that my "happiness" tank remains low. I see the Lord working through my mind via my writing...and I only wish...I only pray....

I cannot do this on my own. The Lord is with me and to accomplish just BEING throughout the day, I need to lean on Him, for all strength, and direction. It is not easy right now. I find myself challenged so much. Even making dinner. Most weeks, I make a "real" dinner only ONCE. ONCE, for crying out loud! However, my husband is so sweet and just understands. Simply put, he's the best for that. We rely on throwing things together right now, or pizza, or KFC, or my mom's chili a few times. I made a GREAT dinner Monday, but haven't made another since, and that was the first REAL dinner in weeks. YIKES! I haven't figured out how to balance everything with all we have to do...especially after adding writing in each day. And having such fibromyalgia flare ups as I do now.

I am thankful for a "little" house, for goodness gracious, could I even keep up with one bigger than this? Probably not! I am thankful for the Nintendo DS, Curious George, and the iPad for it helps me in the afternoon to have a break. And yes, I let my kids play those things a little bit each day!

I wonder, too, if I have the energy to continue to homeschool. It's a daily thought, a daily pursuit, a daily challenge. I will continue for now..and pray all the way!

I thank the Lord for the words that have finally come from my mind to paper. It has taken YEARS for this to happen with writing those imaginative stories! From going to mere thoughts to a words to form an actual written story...what a miracle He has given to me! I am praying He uses whatever I write here on this blog, or in my books, for His glory alone!

writing with confidence

2012-01-12T15:38:00.006-05:00

Man cannot discover new oceans
unless he has the courage
to lose sight of the shore.

~ Andre Gide ~

Courage is not simply one of the virtues,
but the form of every virtue at the testing point.

C.S. Lewis

A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.

~ English Proverb ~

A ship in the harbor is safe
...but that’s not what ships were made for.

~ Anonymous ~

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I go on to the next step on my writing journey, I come to a crossroads. Do I share what my pen has revealed on paper, or do I rip the sheet out of my own hand and discard it where no other may view it.

Why does the thought plague me- I am too scared to have someone say they see no point in my writing.

Should this be of any concern, truly? Should it? REALLY? How does one individual give to another so much power as if to say, yea or nay?

So goes the question in all of art. It's the essence of its nature.

As an artistic soul, I have shown others my heritage gathering side in scrapbooking, and have always been commended for the skill in which I wrap a page carefully up with all sorts of pretty things. Granted, I have not been "out there" for all to see. I am not a "scrap celebrity" or even been published with a layout in a magazine. No, I have plugged away at my own, self satisfying artistic goal of creating a framework for my photographs to be seen in. There was a time when, after producing kits for a certain store, my work was redisplayed under the name of another. My own work barely adjusted to look like the new work. It was a matter of God's timing for me to discover this, this flattery of sorts. Oh, it caused strife in my heart because I could not believe someone would take my work and seem to claim it as their own with no regard for what I did in the beginning. Yes, a compliment of sorts, but it really did nothing to boost my confidence. As I have progressed with so much other things to do with my children, this has become a back burner job. No longer something I truly enjoy, except to ponder. Yes, I enjoy thinking of scrapbooking, and thinking of different things I'd use. But to pull the projects out and work on them, that is not on the table.

Moving on, the subjective way of photography is something I've felt as well. I've had first hand knowledge of some who do not care for my style. It can hurt, a simple prick of a little needle on the finger that snaps the shots. You move on, and I decide that anyways, too much is too much, the public aspect and business aspect of the photography thing is just not my cup of tea. I enjoy it so much, but to be too diligent with it is to remove the joy instantly. I want not to do that. Take a picture without enjoying the process? No. Thank. You. I simply make sure the person knows who they are dealing with. This photographer is not a "portrait" photographer. I have a different way of doing things, and will. NOT. CHANGE. it. because it works for me. It's what God enabled me to do.

As I prepare to extend my writing to someone, via queries or what have you, who could perhaps send its on its merry way to a publisher someday, I find myself more nervous than ever before. The confidence I need has waned since I last strapped it to my armor. It did not stay adhered very well, in fact. It fragmented itself to little pieces, and as I worried here and there, it fell bit by bit, until I no longer recognized that confidence and faith but saw the same old me.

Yesterday's post still rings true today. There is comfort in confidence. Without confidence, this certain lady has no comfort. Without comfort, this girl finds herself mentally taxed, worries, stressed needlessly, hopes in despair, thoughts unorganized even more. It's a tried and true way to unwrap all the hopes and dreams of a writer. Isn't it?

How do I maintain that confidence once the Lord has revealed it to me? How do I let that light shine? How does one GO ON with what God is calling them to do and receive WELL the proper things needed to carry on His purpose in my life.

To me, it is a never-ending process. I have no recipe. I do not have a thing to tell myself to remind myself to just stop it and stare down the challenge with the right to win.

Confidence would gleam so brightly in my world if I just could have it for once. Being a quiet girl does not help. It shares a "stay back" and "forget it" kind of treat with its friend. It's yummy and both hang out, not revealing their true purposes. Not sharing with others what they can do, what they have to offer.

And why, oh why, does confidence elude me in the face of accomplishing one of the MOST EXCITING THINGS I have EVER done?! To this mentally, fibro-fogged lady, writing a novel was the last thing I thought I could ever do, although I dreamt forever to do so. And I mean For. EVER. Since I was in elementary school.

In college, professors pleaded I switch over to their particular major because of my writing. I have always been told it is exceptional. As I come to this place in my life, however, having three children and staying at home has seemed to replace some of those brain writing cells I use to have.

Do I really have what it takes to stand up against the rest of the world with my writing? Can I advocate it, send it out there to be received as it will? How does my heart and emotions deal with the positive and negative? It seems to me, to be too much. That's the honest, hard to hear truth. It seems TOO MUCH.

So all I can do is pray. Trust God. pray. Trust God. and so on.

an ode to comfort....

2012-01-11T18:28:00.004-05:00

My friend, Laura Frantz, posted a devotional which spoke to my soul this very day. My thoughts have been ones of pain and discord, confusion and self-doubt, fear and loss. Mostly of my own doing have these thoughts sprung up, or, rather, continued their rooting in my heart. I'd rather keep on digging my own little hole so I can bury my head in it. It's safer than putting myself out there. Sorting through my passions to see what should I do now? Trying to answer "what does God want for my life" all while homeschooling, feeling more pain and fatigue than usual, and feeling separated from people or things at the same time. Yes, wish for that comfort-filled mind, the comforting thoughts of the Lord, the comfort-filled verses from the Word. As I mindlessly try to grasp these things on my own, I see myself getting ahead of myself but further behind. Climbing up when I'm clearly falling down. My thoughts continue to drive me to other shadowy places, allowing no solace.

When I read Laura's post, my heart groaned with that lack of comfort to feed it. Where could I have that grace filled peace of mind again? How do I stop myself from spinning in this cycle? What does one do to fill those holes? It feels most certainly like a test. A long-time in training. And just when I had so many more faith-filled moments in my life, studying and meditating on the word.

Isn't that always the timing?

We place our hearts in God's hands. He molds us. This "ministry" seems to be "too lofty" to me! It IS worth a lot. It is DIFFICULT.

But I can answer how often I have been able to help someone.

Many times....

I can say that humbly...not to gain worthiness in anyone's eyes. It seems I can empathize quite a bit, in a variety of ways.

Not that I really want to. I'd rather feel that comfort all the time. But when I CAN enjoy that comfort, oh, what a sweet tender embrace it is. There's nothing like it. It is not only comfort- it's grace. It is love. It is a blossoming of faith. It is being real.

I want to gather those moments, place them on my wall, in my heart, on the faces of my children. I want to see them EVERYDAY. I want to hear them loud and clear, softly and tenderly.

I pray for comfort despite the storm that fills my mind. And when it comes, I will give freely to others all the more.

This photograph is a niche in my sister in law's home...my brother's guitar in the back of their comfy chair. I imagine it as a place I'd be sitting, taking in refreshing breaths of air. I wonder how many "niches" God has in the mansion He prepares for me. I wonder how delightful it will be to not have to LOOK for such a place. It would be JUST THERE. FOR ME. for me. for you.

The Barefoot Church

2012-01-10T08:56:00.004-05:00

I'm a chapter in, and find myself grateful for the opportunity to read this book.

It's a call to let go of your conceived notions of who to serve, where to serve, when to serve. Look at the Word, and see how Jesus served. Who. Where. And when.
Are you part of a "socially active" church that proclaims as well?

Are you aiding the process that "keeps the church from withdrawing from the world?" Or, feeding the drive of the world to withdraw from the church?

Are you committed to your own "field of dreams" or God's?

Questions to ponder.....

what an opportunity SHE has

2012-01-09T16:25:00.002-05:00

my Ella and her horse riding
i'm so thankful God has brought this riding ability and desire to her heart!

and..
sister and brother
are enjoying the "horses" together these days

a little bit of riding for Buddy in the stable.

a bit of grooming.

i'm thankful he gets to learn the responsibilities right along with Ella.

and while Ella has horses on her heart,
God has entered her mind as well, more often, to soften it and challenge it.
I am THANKFUL for what delight He has brought her with the magnificent creatures
HE has made!

and all along, this mother prays for safety with each ride, happiness as well.

a new nephew...

2012-01-08T11:58:00.003-05:00

William Truett Snyder, born January 2, 2012. Isn't he a beauty?!

The Keeper, book review

2012-01-08T11:17:00.001-05:00

Julia Lapp has planned on marrying Paul Fisher since she was a girl. Now twenty-one, she looks forward to their wedding with giddy anticipation. When Paul tells her he wants to postpone the wedding--again--she knows who is to blame. Perpetual bachelor and spreader of cold feet, Roman Troyer, the Bee Man.

Roamin' Roman travels through the Amish communities of Ohio and Pennsylvania with his hives full of bees, renting them out to farmers in need of pollinators. He relishes his nomadic life, which keeps him from thinking about all he has lost. He especially enjoys bringing his bees to Stoney Ridge each year. But with Julia on a mission to punish him for inspiring Paul's cold feet, the Lapp farm is looking decidedly less pleasant.

Can Julia secure the future she's always dreamed of? Or does God have something else in mind?

Full of the plot twists and surprises her fans love, The Keeper is the first in a new series by bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Through touching family relationships and trials of the heart, Fisher's vivid characters grapple with yielding to God's will when it doesn't match their own.

The world of the Amish MUST come so easily to Ms. Fisher, as shown in her skillful words and patient story-telling. I absolutely love her work, and The Keeper is no exception. As I ponder the title, and the plot of the story, I wonder how much knowledge one can gain, how much truth in that short collection of two words can be revealed. As Julia reckons with the beekeeper, you will be breathless with the richness of characters, setting, and challenges of faith. As a girl who had to wait for timing in her own courtship, I understood the pain Julia went through. I see this book as one perfect for young single adults, especially, because of the lessons learned when one is patient for love with God's perfect timing. Particularly touching was the way Julia's brother held his own part of the story in a haunting yet positive way. I was completely moved by this book, and will KEEP it close to my heart to ponder for a long time!

Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was provided a free review copy in return for my original review.

What 2011 was all about.....

2011-12-30T15:16:00.006-05:00

s
finding God's best in several areas:

*homeschooling

*music

*photography

*writing

*friendships

*faith

*solitude

*mental health

*outreach

*family

my list could continue but i shall stop there so i can touch more specifically on things:

-sometimes, i don't feel comfortable being myself around even family. especially when i am under the weather with my fibromyalgia. when that happens, i am very fatigued, in pain, and in a fog. sometimes, i have to go off quietly to just sit, or rest. trying to realize that family is okay with this and understands, but it's difficult to not stress about it!

-i wanted our homsechool year to be "mission minded" and although we haven't accomplished that to the FULL extent i had desired, we've done some, even if we were mission minded FOR EACH OTHER because i think being nice to your SIBLING is hard to do! as a family we were able to help others with clothing and share gifts of toys. we went caroling. visited shut ins. prayed for missionaries. purchased something from a World Vision gift catalog for another person somewhere in the world. i think we were able to broaden our scope of helping, and being servants to others. it's a blessing- to us!

-homeschooling has been quite fulfilling, lots of rough spots, but fulfilling knowing it is the RIGHT thing to do for our children right now. the toughest thing is keeping Philip on track, and teaching him he needs to have a better work ethic when it comes to lessons! we have good days, bad days, and more than good days!

-photography desires are to take photos for my family and whatever God plops in my lap. that really released a lot of stress. and here, after relinquishing the photography, which was after relinquishing the scrapbooking, which was after relinquishing Etsy, i find myself on another journey- writing. i don't understand all the ups and down with my creativity, but i am trusting God has a plan for me through it ALL!

-my friendships have been renewed, challenged, pruned, watered, and grown majestically. i am blessed.

-embracing the fact that i truly enjoy solitude once in awhile. as a writer (and i can clearly call myself that now!) it's something i have to accept, after all!

-my faith has been tested and strengthened. i've seen God work through me to help others, and vice versa. I've held His hand many, many times.

-a dream of mine has been met. i've completed writing my first novel! i've felt God's leading and have entrusted to him the entire journey. i have had many thoughts throughout the process. remaining in His hope is the key to contentment about the stage of the book, ANY STAGE it is in, and as i figure out where to go next from HERE, from actually finishing my piece of fiction, to THERE, publishing it, i need to hold on to HIM to manage with JOY!

-rich and i have had ups and downs with our music ministry, i imagine just like everyone else who would call themselves a musician. we are now at a place where we can minister together joyfully each week, and i will humbly say what a blessing it is. to be used where we feel our gifts lie, and to do this together has been wonderful for our marriage. our kids see our partnership in a tangible way as we prepare our family for church each Sunday morning, and give of our time. more and more i see how our family has been placed together like those pieces in that puzzle you have set on a table and forget about a few times. you glance at it, think it's in the way, then the light goes on and you figure out a piece. only, it's the Master's hands that put the piece within the grasp of your fingers, and it is Him who guides it to the proper place.

As the year is almost done, I need to remind myself to remain faithful to the Lord in all things. To give thanks to Him in all things. We may face more challenges this coming year compared to last. We may experience even more joys. We do not know and it is not up to us TO KNOW. It is God's way of telling us to TRUST in him. We cannot live any other way but completely faithful in our hearts to Him as our Savior.

my sweet little niece....

2011-12-30T09:58:00.003-05:00

i was thrilled she was a willing model for my camera at Christmas time! isn't she a cutie?!

A review for Bandits Hope

2011-12-22T12:54:00.005-05:00

Find yourself in Natchez Trace in 1882 as one young woman fights for her independence and one man fights to leave his demons behind.

Tiller was not handed such an easy life, and he's made plenty of additional errors of his own along the way.

Finding his way to the inn Mariah runs is not one of them. There, he finds more than he bargained for, as he tries to run away from his past.

Mariah is not sure she wants this man around, as he may cause her to forgo her plan to guard a deception- a big deception. She will do anything to maintain ownership of her mother's land, Most importantly, it is Choctaw land, her heritage.

Because of a rash decision, Mariah will have much to ask forgiveness for, and her lies become too much. For Tiller, he has deceptions of his own, but it is the one whom he had so grievously betrayed who shows him God's mercy.

This book moved along very well and kept me intrigued. The story pricked at my heart- I felt compassion towards Tiller, especially as more of his upbringing was revealed. I so wished that Mariah could find herself at peace- her story pulled at my heart as well, a young girl trying to keep a promise in very difficult circumstances. Delightful, intriguing, five stars!

Thank you for Net Galley and Barbour Books for a complimentary ebook in return for a review of my own opinion.

The Christmas Singing...

2011-12-22T10:28:00.006-05:00

Cindy Woodsmall has written a delicious Christmas tale full of the sights and sounds that make this holiday so special. From a tree strapped upon the top of a car to a simple sleigh for travel...I was captured.

Mattie could not forget the love of her life, Gideon, and when unfortunate circumstances set her back to where their love had gathered, she would have to see him again. He had hurt her, in his process of trying to cover up a secret. But now her cake shop had been destroyed and she must return to the Amish community where he lived to make a cake for her friend's upcoming wedding.

Gideon tried to spare her pain, but as the truth comes out, it causes more pain for her. And despite her feelings for Gideon that she tries to suppress, she has Sol, who is seeing her, to deal with as well.

I loved Mattie and Gideon. Their story is one not void of pain. It is bittersweet, but God's love and forgiveness in turn gives it the ingredient to show them how truly wonderful their lives together can be.

Thank you for Blogging for Books for the complimentary review copy in return for a review of my own opinion.

Thus begins a sweeping saga...

2011-12-21T18:11:00.004-05:00

As the eldest Harwood sister, Rose paves the way for her and her sisters' way into the Indian country of America. She was determined for her father to steer clear of prison, and indenturing herself seemed to be the only way to make that a possibility. In doing so, she must travel the vast ocean with her two younger sisters, Lily and Mariah, and all three women endure the fear of their unknown futures.

Rose is bought buy a man who needs a cook, a particular kind of cooking for his stomach trouble. It's interesting to see how this plays in the story, and how the man changes in his sourly ways, to be someone you ALMOST are endeared to.

The only comforting presence for Rose as she is forced to journey into the wilderness with the trader and his guides is Nate, a frontiersman and wanderer by rights. He is besotted with her and finds himself unwilling to force himself away from her sight. He remains close by as much as possible, and they both continue their friendship, and this becomes more as they discover their love for each other.

This first book of a series brings to light a time of history we sometimes forget, as well as its hardships. You will go from Bath, England to the coast of colonial America and then further into the barely known lands of wild America. There are so many unknowns to Rose, especially will she ever hear from or see her sisters again? Will she truly be living in the wilderness for four years, indentured to the rough trader and his hateful wife? Will Nate recognize the Lord for who He is, and enter into a faith as Rose longs him to do?

The writing of Rose's Pledge is superb, springing forth adventure, love, and careful documentations of our nation's history! It is a love story that has it all- adventure, faith, and courage of heart! I was most impressed with the historical details and do look forward to the next two books in this delightful series.

*Thank you to Net Galley for providing the opportunity for me to review this book. Published by Barbour, it is available here.

Isn't this a memory for the ages....

2011-12-19T21:02:00.003-05:00

my dear, sweet grandmother

watching old Mickey Mouse shows with two of her great-grandchildren

look at wd's twinkle toes..curled and overlapping
i love seeing him do that

ella has her riding boots and vintage looking cream ruffled vest
which i love

can't forget the rice krispie treat the little boy's eating

and my grandmother
holding WD close
her chin tucked in close to his curly hair

she so enjoyed herself
watching those with them...
on the ipad
who knew she'd be comfortable watching a show on that thing!

i can just imagine her thinking how special
this moment was

this was taken with my trusty little camera phone...so not
an award winning photo except for the moment it captured

we were all toasty warm that day, back in November
my parents' fireplace was lit
their two cats playful, resting, silent...
we had come over for the weekly math tutoring session
for Ella and Philip with my dad
and he surprised us with Gram being there

my heart longs for more and more days like this
but at least this one can be etched in our minds

i thank God for the amazing heritage my family has!

A Wedding Invitation by Alice J. Wisler

2011-12-18T21:53:00.008-05:00

After returning home from teaching English at a refugee camp in the Philippines, Samantha Bravencourt enjoys her quiet life working at her mother's clothing boutique in Falls Church, Virginia. When she receives an invitation to a wedding in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, she looks forward to reconnecting with her college friend. Instead her life collides with Carson, a fellow teacher and the man who broke her heart, and a young Amerasian refugee named Lien, who needs Samantha and Carson's help to find her mother before Lien's own wedding. When the search for Lien's mother reveals surprising secrets from the past, Samantha must reevaluate her own memories and decide whether to continue to play it safe or take a risk that could change her life.

As someone who mostly reads historical romances, this was a good change for me. A daring one, but positive one. I have never read a book by this author before. I am now curious to see what her other novels are like. I felt this one was a delightfully fresh read!

What I especially liked- an endearing story line. I LOVED the quip on the back cover. It pulled me in, made me think, made me wonder, made me hope. I worked as an intern for World Relief, helping to resettle refugees in Nashville, and the plot interested me fully. The humanity aspect in the story drew me in completely.

I was expecting something different than what I was given to read, but found it very pleasant nonetheless! Someone who enjoys contemporary fiction would find this book heavenly!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. Thank you to Bethany House!

caroling & for the birds...

2011-12-18T14:53:00.004-05:00

This is not our tray of bird seed ornaments, but one I found here.

This week, the kids and I put forth the effort to make these bird seed ornaments as small gifts for our friends and family. So, sorry if this spoils the surprise for anyone receiving one! The surprise will be what shape it will be in! We only had two tree muffin tins to use, and the rest weren't exactly "Christmasy" but in fact, very unique.

If you end up ever making these, make sure your cookie cutters don't have a lot of corners or little edges/crevices. I found myself breaking a few parts of the ornaments by accident. Another note- DO use water. I did NOT but keep finding recipes which DO use water and I think that adding H2O would help the consistency and "gluing" it all together.

I am not so much for making tons of cookies, but we did this one craft this week, and I think the kids enjoyed themselves. Even WD made a little one! This coming week, we will bake sugar cookies. I wish I had a clone to do this with the kids but I know they need the memory for their sweet hearts and minds so I am praying for the mental and physical strength to carry on in my grandmother's way of baking sugar cookies. She is living in an assisted living center now and I sure do miss those cookies she made every year. There is NOTHING like them. We will use her sugar cookie recipe and cookie cutters (IF I CAN LOCATE THOSE SINCE I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME REMEMBER WHERE I PUT THEM!). They have to be in the house somewhere...right?! HEHE!

Besides making the little ornaments for the lovely birdies outside, we went CAROLING as a family Friday night! Rich and I had a blast, and our children did, too! THEY ALL sang as we went up and down the floors of a local nursing home and the shut-ins we visited, who used to attend our church. We went with our Sunday School class, and I truly love those people..they have become special to us, and I am thankful for their friendships. Several other children accompanied their parents as well and afterwards we all enjoyed cookies, cider, and hot chocolate. It was a blessing to be a part of this and I plan on making sure our family makes this an annual thing. What a difference a visit makes for those who do not get such attention. It humbled my heart and I could just cry thinking of those elderly persons who reached out their hands as we walked by, wanting to grasp the children's wee little ones. They adored the kids, and I heard some chuckle over Will David's boots and Curious Georgie. Little CJ, who is WD's age, requested we sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and the residents loved that. His joy was evident as he sang, loud and clear. WD's favorite was "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and he marched proudly down the hall singing it. Rich conveniently brought his harmonicas along so he could share that as we sang as well. It was a gift to us, the carolers, maybe even more to those we sang too. It made me seriously consider how much we really DO have to offer others...time and being PRESENT....a smile, and friendly greeting....authenticity in your hello and a handshake or hug. A CARD...a song....all gifts. The people we saw touched my soul, and I am thankful that we shared this experience AS A FAMILY.

One nurse mentioned she was awed by the "young men out with their families."

It struck her to see not just the moms with their kids caroling, but their fathers as well.

This comment blessed me...the Lord made a way for our class to go out with song and love...no matter the skill level, no matter the numbers..HE used us ALL. Even the three year old boys, even the boy (ahem, Philip..) who adamantly said he would not sing and indeed ended up singing- hehe..I caught him singing sweetly and reading the caroling book!!!- and even those who perhaps were a little shy about it...

This Christmas, open your hearts to what God has done and can do through you because of HIS LOVE. I think of His greatest gift. I think of what we need to teach our children, and not just children, but anybody...giving of His love so needs can be fulfilled! Merry Christmas!

A Post-Civil War, Belmont Mansion GEM of a book!

2011-12-17T21:15:00.003-05:00

A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.

A Lasting Impression is an elegantly romantic and historical novel with amazing spiritual tones throughout. I feel like it's a rare gem of a book when you find one of this depth. The characters are truly alive, prose brilliantly placed, descriptions quite magical, and most of all, the faith element is pursued perfectly throughout the novel.

If you read this book, I promise it will be time well worth your while. I took note of many details which carried with me throughout the book. The art of Claire, and how she makes things for a party. Different conversations with supporting characters that were simple but meaningful. I loved the Claire's self-discovery of her true worth, and how her faith did indeed grow, amidst her mistakes and family trouble. My heart ached for her, because you knew that sometime along the way, her past was going to come out one way or another.

Her help comes in the way of a potential suitor and then also, an employer. I had a love-hate relationship with the latter, but Ms. Adelicia Acklen grew on me. She was truly a strong personality but that is what, I believe, was needed for her to get through to Claire on several levels. I see her as a woman who intended the best for Claire and she gave her mercy despite her deceit. I appreciated that element in the book, as well as the love story that blossomed throughout.

This is one book that I will rate, whole-heartedly, a five star read. Don't miss it!

I received this book complimentary from Bethany House as part of the blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review.

if I went back in time...

2011-12-15T20:36:00.003-05:00

i'd stick around here for awhile. when my baby was a baby. i'd like to look at this child as he was sleeping here again, under this adorably decorated Christmas tree. when life "seemed" simpler even though it was crazy dealing with three children, six and under. the little sounds he made then, he kinda still makes those sweet sounds when he sleeps- the sighs, moving of lips, small limbs.

i'm thankful that each day my heart grows more tender to the idea of him growing up.

it is NOT easy. it is harder than i thought it would be to see this child, and my other two wonderful children, grow up.

i think of how God entrusted Mary and Joseph to raise His Son.

He has entrusted Rich and I with three more of his children. It is indeed a journey of absolute trust in God.

My heart is simple in its faith, but made purer and stronger each day. Love to think that as we near Christmas the faith of my own children grows larger and larger....it inspires me to show them God's love every day.

So if I went back in time, I'd like not to stay. There's so much here, as life is pressing on. I want to see those little footprints grow and walk surer along the path God has laid out for them. If I went back in time, I'd treasure the memories I could relive but would set my mind on the ones not made yet and embrace those as they come with joy. If I went back in time, I'd ask God to forgive me for those moments I have missed to truly treasure His spirit. The Lord is good to us all, though we have times when that goodness seems like heartbreak. When the good seems to be a raincloud always above our thoughts. HE is there, and HE IS good. If I went back in time, I'd see this as a testament of His love. But, I don't need to go back in time to see that love- it is here all around, and I am truly thankful, and blessed.

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck, a review

2011-12-15T09:25:00.008-05:00

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol.

Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college. Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes. Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible. But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

The book has a very unique plot, takes the usual romance and gives the reader twists and turns, and provides a glimpse into Charlotte's thinking as she progresses from pre-college student to married woman. I found it a little "too" drawn out for my tastes, and sometimes was not thrilled with the actions of the characters. I was not endeared to Charlotte. She was difficult to like but perhaps that makes for an authenticity in a character- are we ALL liked? Do we ALL make the best decisions? Do we desire God's will for our lives, or our own? I wish I'd seen something that would have tied the years together a bit more in this book. I felt it was lacking in this area. Nevertheless, I would recommend this novel for someone who delighted in reading their fair share of Christian romances.

Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah Press for the complimentary review copy! This review is of my own words, and I was not required to write a positive one.

delightful book for my horse lovin' girlie

2011-12-14T17:20:00.003-05:00

Fourth-grader Ellie James has a great imagination. She spends a lot of time daydreaming of owning a black stallion show horse and winning trophies in the horse show. But when the answer to all her dreams and prayers gallops into her life, will Ellie be able to recognize it? Join Ellie and her quirky family in their exciting, horse-loving adventures.

I jumped at the chance to reign in this book for my daughter to read- and was not disappointed in it's showmanship. (How cheesy is that for an introduction to my review? I couldn't resist!)

My daughter was thrilled with the idea of a girl, who, just like her, would daydream about horses each and every day if she could- and practically does, even in school! It was a book she did not put down until it was read, and I agree with her- very sweet story, especially with its inclusion of Ellie's hearing impaired brother. Ellie's dream is much like my own Ella's dream- owning a horse. Although our own backyard has a bit of land lacking to encourage such a dream, my daughter and her little brother have surely set upon themselves a way for their grandparents to have a horse in their backyard. I can see my daughter gaining much wisdom in the way God works in mighty ways through this book. I love the Christian influence found in it- Ellie's prayers and even the fourth grader's humorous idea of replacing Amazing Grace lyrics with her own horse-infused ones. That gained several giggles from my Ella and myself.

We are both looking forward to reading more of series. I thank the author for providing such a book series for this age group- an answer to prayer!

Thank you to Tyndale Publishing for the review copy. This review is of my own opinion. I was not required to write a positive one.

so this is how my birthday began....

2011-12-10T21:03:00.004-05:00

a new Christmas cd (Jackie Evancho) and a fruit&walnut salad from McDonald's on Thursday night...Rich said he wanted to start my birthday early. I did not mind at ALL!

the next morning, the "kids"- a.k. Ella and Philip- went with Rich early in the morning for pancakes however...

they brought home a half dozen balloons and a card for me.

inside the card was an Amazon gift card so I can buy BOOKS. HA!

THEN....

(yes, there's more!)

they made me a SPICE CAKE!

and after a quiet afternoon, we took our children to my parents' house where they spent the late afternoon and evening.

Rich and I went to Aladdin's to eat..

then Barnes and Noble to sit and read.

then Caribou- to write and drink a chai latte.

then the mall....where he picked up a couple little hair things for me to save for Christmas from my favorite store, Icing. And he bought me an Auntie Ann's pretzel.

TRULY a wonderful day. The best birthday ever. My hubby really put a lot of thought into making it a day for me. He even REQUESTED the day off on Friday because IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY!

Also, since I homeschool my children, I gave us ALL the day off.

Then, Today, the day after my birthday,

found a sweet handmade necklace from my sister in law....with my kids initials stamped on metal...LOVELY...

and, later in the afternoon... I was away spending time with my dear friend, Elizabeth, who surprised me with a writer's planner :)

'cuz we write and she supports my habit. I LOVE HER TO PIECES!

and then...I got a gift from my dear friend, Jen, my friend since junior high, and THAT includes some sweet treats and makeup.

The blessings kept rolling in!

The best thing was- spending the day with my family. If I wasn't homeschooling, I wouldn't have enjoyed such time with my children all day on my birthday this year. They couldn't have enjoyed a delightful breakfast with their daddy and shopped for me like that.

I love how God orchestrates things like that for our lives. I hope my kids feel blessed by homeschooling, and even in the future, that there is no resentment for it.

OH, and I got a few dollar bills, pennies, Chuckie Cheese coins, rafia piece, little rocks, scrap paper with I love moommy written on it, rubber bands, a clothespin, and
and acorn from the kids, too...haaaa......I have to embellish a "treasure box." So I can keep these treasures forever. These are the sweetest gifts. They were really from the heart, and I will love the simplistic gift giving my children do.

we think we love

2011-12-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

and we do....but sometimes fail at it.

sigh.

we choose ourselves over the "I love you" as a sister, brother, mother, father, friend

we say it

we may love in actions most of the time

and then those times we don't, well, sometimes they can overpower the times you DO love in actions

so be careful

with your own expectations for other people, and for yourself, but not for God

i was disappointed with the lack of love my children had for each other certain times today, and for me

it pierced my soul

IS THAT HOW GOD FEELS? when we deliberately, and consciously, snub our noses at showing LOVE?

and then HE offers grace, and discipline I believe is there with it

oh, i am good at disciplining, but grace..how much grace do i show. enough? maybe the problem is more myself and being willing to change my own reaction to when others fail at showing love

because i am certain they are not the only ones. i do too.

let's be purposeful at giving love, especially to those closest around us- our family, friends....those ones that you may end up taking for granted.

today my children practiced showing love, anonymously, to other children in our town. we purchased toys and clothing for a couple of kids, from the Angel Tree at our church. THAT was a concrete, memorable thing for these three precious children of my own to do.....and I hope it sticks with them as a way to show love, true caring, compassionate love, to others. to serve. sometimes, it comes way easier to show love to those that are, in fact, "needy." then, when it comes to your friend, your parent, your sibling...it is just too hard at times.

today was a day of many lessons- for school, for home, for serving, for living a life for the Lord. if it HAD NOT been such a day, i think i would have been sorely disappointed. a day where we did not learn much from our mistakes means a day where we did not gain some precious knowledge of sorts to help us on our journey. if we have a day like this tomorrow, a day of apologies, and renewed patience, i will be happy, i will not be dismayed. the Lord knows our tomorrows. BLESS HIS NAME!

a clasp of hands

2011-12-04T15:22:00.002-05:00

can reveal much more sometimes than an image of a face

i look at this, my brother tenderly holding my grandmother's weathered fingers

and i think of the beauty within his grasp
these are the hands that made the best apple pies around
that mended shirts and dresses
sewed an Easter dress for her granddaughter
worked in the garden

held their own babies
and then grandkids
and now great grandchildren

served the Lord
doing, seeking, helping, worshiping

touched my grandfather's face for the last time
held pain within them
comforted others in their own suffering

this grasp of hands shows
the legacy
my Grandmother has made
a long lasting one
it is not just a treasure to us on earth
but
a piece of the Lord himself that He is sharing with us
for His glory only

that special touch from her, as special as it is,
does not compare to the touch from our Lord
the sacrificing, redeeming love He has
given us

if we just GRASP it
and let the truth of it warm our souls

i love this photo of my brother and my grandma
it speaks so much, yet says nothing
it shows the love in their hearts
yet pictures only their hands and arms

how truly lovely and wonderful
are the ways
the Lord.
AMEN!

The Names of God Bible, a review

2011-12-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

Book Description:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know the names and titles both he and his people give to him. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God reveals the richness of God's character and love found in his names. The Names of God Bible restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God--like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay--to help readers

Discover the Hebrew names of God within the biblical text
Understand the meaning and significance of each name
Encounter God in a new way through prayers, promises, and devotional readings

Perfect for personal study, prayer, and reflection, The Names of God Bible includes these special features

more than 10,000 names and titles of God restored to their Hebrew equivalent and printed in brown ink to stand out within the biblical text
Names of God Reading Paths lead readers to the next reference of the name so they can pray the names of God throughout Scripture
Name Pages feature
- background information associated with 68 names and titles of God
- key Scripture passages in which the meaning is revealed
- devotional readings on each of the featured names
- specific Bible promises connected to each of the featured names
introductions to each book of the Bible highlight the main themes and list the names and titles that appear in that book
300 callouts highlight key Scripture for memorization and reflection
Calling God by Name sidebars shed light on the relationship between biblical people and the specific names they called God
topical prayer guide, pronunciation guide, name index, and Bible reading plans to assist in study

Anyone who desires a deeper understanding of God and new insights into the Bible will cherish The Names of God Bible as it opens a door into the Hebrew roots of the faith and the Scriptures.

As this year went by, I found myself pondering how much of the Lord I would truly know when it came time to meet him in Heaven. My answer to myself: not as much as I think. When God calls those to enhance our understanding of the Word through such as the 'extras' in this Bible, I think we should full-heartedly take hold of such wisdom with discerning, and open, hearts. I feel blessed to have such knowledge in my hands, for it's amazing to explore the essence of God's names this way!

Because I've grown up in a Christian home that encouraged reading the Bible, and churches which provided many opportunities for studies, I have learned many of the names and attributes of God. After reading bits and pieces of this newly released Bible, however, I've come to know additional names, and have a desire ponder and meditate on them to glean what I can from them. Some that I did not know: Tsemach, or Branch; Miqweh Yisrael, or Hope of Israel; Ish makoboth, or Man of Sorrows.

One that I've known but struck a chord with me at this time of year: Bright Morning Star. Why? Although pagan religions celebrated the winter solstice on December 25, and the birth of the sun, Christians in the fourth century chose to celebrate Christmas on this day to make it holy, because of He who MADE the sun. What was noted in this Bible was that as we experience so much darkness for our day, the hope that light would return may diminish. Perhaps the reason we decorate our homes and celebrate the birth of Christ is a hope pronounced that the Light will come. I love that....as a homeschooling mom, I am always searching for a new way to share our faith to our children, and this is one thing during this Advent season we will discuss.

I recommend this Bible as one for someone who wishes to take time to contemplate more about their Lord and incorporate what they learn directly into the greatest book on earth- His Word.

Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to review this book, and for the copy. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Christmas Shoppe, a review

2011-11-29T12:53:00.005-05:00

The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Matilda Honeycutt is an eccentric, spirit filled woman who insists on those who enter her store will indeed find something that is useful, or needed. Years back I had a movie described to me in which a man used "things" as a way to accomplish evil. I have to be honest and say that when I began this book, that is all I could think about, and was just waiting for something to go downhill. However, this book is written to be INSPIRING, encouraging, LOVING, giving, AND life changing for those characters who do interact with the storekeeper of the Christmas Shoppe. It is a sharp contrast to the other tale and is a blessing to see an author with much integrity and skill take on such a story.

There are people who wish to get rid of Matilda and her shoppe. There are those who are endeared to her. Their lives mingle, and God works through Matilda to show the holes in their lives that need to be restored and repaired. All in all, this is a sweet story, with interesting ways that Ms. Carlson weaves the things the character needs with the character's history.

This review is of my own opinion. Thank you for Revell for the review copy!

Thanksgiving Eve

2011-11-23T22:13:00.002-05:00

we had a relaxing day.

read books to each other.

buddy and i learned several "knots" from an old boy scout handbook (that has my dad's name on it..hehe..)

wrote 2,000+ words

cooked chicken in the crockpot

choir practice

kids played outside for a little bit

listened to music, Christmas and Celtic

played with trains and train tracks

read some more

and drank lots of hot chai tea

we're ready for a quick morning here tomorrow. a few things in the kitchen, including making these cookies that look like acorns. get the corn ready. pop my sweet potato surprises in the oven. watch a bit of the parade. and go to my parents house for the grand meal. the little crafts we worked on this week are all ready and in the car. the kids say this will be the best Thanksgiving ever.

it will be because we are all here. i thank the Lord for this.

every. day.

have a wonderful, thankful, Thanksgiving!

DWELL

2011-11-19T19:35:00.002-05:00

That's my word for the season. I want our family to "dwell in the Savior." To ponder the birth and life, death and resurrection, of Jesus.

Several things must take place in order for us to do this.

First, school must be shortened.

After Monday and Tuesday of this coming week, we will no longer have the regular scheduled school days like we've had since late August. We will continue with math, reading, and some writing for a couple of weeks in December.

However, we will not push anything else. I want to read to them, and work on projects. Watch holiday movies. Have fun. Enjoy one another. Think upon the Lord.

Time is essential! This year, the kids will actually BAKE cookies, make ornaments, and other fun things. Also, work on a service project, which we really haven't decided on yet. That could be one of our goals this week, in making a decision for the project.

We have two days left to complete the third unit (Pilgrims) in our curriculum called Paths of Exploration. I shortened it quite a bit- from six weeks to three, but it worked out for us. Friday we worked on a couple of projects. Philip made a floor length Native American headdress. We worked together, creating the feathers, etc. He had a blast. Ella created a little play set- a tepee and fire. And I made a canoe like boat the Wapanoags dugout using fire, clay, and water. We had watched several videos concerning the Pilgrims and Indians they met- the kids were fascinated. I was quite proud of Friday, even though we took well into the afternoon to finish school!

And as the month is more than halfway over...

2011-11-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

and we near Thanksgiving....

Are you dwelling upon the gifts you've been given?

Life.

Love.

Warmth.

Nourishment.

Clothing.

Or dwelling on what you do not have?

More excitement in your life.

Better clothing.

Bigger house.

More things.

I find it hard at times to stop myself from discontent, but when November rolls along, I think we all get that gentle reminder to gain the proper perspective on the "things" in life. The "things" don't give us the satisfaction that can sustain our hearts, minds, and souls. No, only the Lord can do that.

I think upon a woman at church who spends time each morning, along with reading the Word and praying, PRAISING God. For His mercies, grace, holiness....everything. I think of how the example she gave me that day when she described her morning routine, not with boastfulness but in humility. How could our own hearts be changed as we do that? Simple praises to the One who deserves the highest praise. The simple praises we give him are truly what He desires. In our lives in this 21 century, it's more likely for us to spend hours upon hours being socially connected, working, eating, sleeping...then to kneel down or raise our hands with praise.

That woman gave me something to think about. She hadn't realized it, but she grew a tiny seed in my heart. I want to do what she does each morning. And guess what...I haven't yet. I haven't turned that willingness into obedience. It's hard. My excuses are many, but then again...I do ponder the Lord in my daily duties, as a homeschooling mom and wife. I give way to thoughts of praise in other ways, sometimes not as tangent or on a schedule, but I do. My heart loves Him fully!

A humble praise...will I give Him what is due Him today? Will you?

The Redemption of A Tea Spoon

2011-11-14T10:39:00.004-05:00

Some time ago, my Grandma Duvall passed away. She was a vibrant, generous, extremely giving and humble, devoted to the Lord kind of lady.

My mom is like her. And I'm like my mom. So, that said, I hope I have some of these positive qualities some day.

My grandmother loved knick-knacks. Paper clippings from magazines and newspapers. Loving people who didn't have people to love them. Helping those who most often go unnoticed.

She was full of unselfishness.

This world lost a rare gem, but gained even more insight upon her character and God's, as well.

Shortly after her death, my Grandpa Duvall passed away. I struggle with feelings towards him and his family, but I do love him, and hold respect for how much he loved the Lord.

He was extremely devoted to the Word, and prayer. He was gifted with wood making. Had a shop for years, into his 90's in fact.

He made me a dollhouse which I still have. I do remember some soft smiles and strong, hefty hugs. And the way he could spout off a long poem- most remarkable!

But, after his death, somethings went on that were directly hurtful to my mother and her siblings, and myself as well.

I will only say this- we were given a great example of the worth of material, worldly possessions.

We were not given the chance to correctly and thoughtfully see if there were any items of my Grandmother's that we wished to keep.

Those knick knacks that I so lovingly dusted off for my grandmother when I visited? Gone.

Her paper clippings, different momentos....not for me to cherish.

My mother had been blessed with the opportunity to put together a book soon after her mother's death of poems my grandmother had loved. THAT we have.

My grandmother gave me a couple tea cup sets the Christmas before Ella was born...THOSE I have.

I suppose I should feel that is enough.

I should. But I don't. I wish I had been given the chance to really love her presence in that house again, but now that house my grandfather had built is condemned due to other peoples' living there.

It makes my heart ache.

There was a garage sale after my grandfather's death but I did not, could not, attend. It hurt too much. We weren't in charge of it. My brother went, and got some things. He and my mom talked later, and it was like he was able to "redeem" some of the things of my grandmother's. I wish I had been able to go there, to see what I could've purchased from family of my grandmother's. Well.....it just didn't seem right.

Anyways, I have sadness, but not bitterness towards anyone over this, and I am sharing because I hope that even when things like this happens, we don't lose focus on what really is important.

Last week, I was given an unexpected blessing...

My mother in law is an avid garage saler. She went to the garage sale after my grandpa's death. She got some things, and I was glad for her.

Now, several years later, she has given to me one of those items...a beautiful silver spoon, a "tea" spoon.

To say how much this simple gift touched me is something I cannot do...I have not enough words, I can't find the words.

You see, I have a beautiful spoon my grandmother held in her hand.

Carried. Used. Washed in her special way. Dried in her special way with one of her special towels.

And lovingly placed in a drawer, or left on the counter, or placed elsewhere. You never know about my grandmother. :)

This gift was precious....it was a little bit of my grandma's life breathed back into my own heart, a little part of the mess redeemed.

Today, I struggle to write this because I knew tears would follow. I think upon this simple gift, simple act, and think of the greatest gift of all, and the redemption God gave us through his Son on the cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

finding good books

2011-11-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

at thrifty prices is treasure hunting at its best...

C.S. Lewis' The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe (a stunning, hardcover edition)

The Moffats, by Eleanor Estes

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

The Magician's Elephant by Kate Dicamillo

a vintage copy of Pooh's Birthday Book, by A. A. Miline

a needed Rod and Staff book for homeschooling called Gone to the Zoo, and other Stories

John Henry, by Julius Lester (a Caldecott Honor book)

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe (A Caldecott Honor Book)

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

Mozart Tonight, by Julie Downing

A Day in the Woods (by National Geographic Society)

A Hank the Cowdog book- The Case of the Blazing Sky (been looking for one of these forever for Buddy!)

a few horse books for ella (go figure)

and a gift book for buddy for his Christmas stocking about puppies. He loves books like that.

Total, about $20. Happy, Happy day that was.

Sunday Script

2011-10-30T20:18:00.002-04:00

Here is the first part of a "book" I am writing....I will not share much. My work is slow. I may share some next Sunday, thus, my blog title, Sunday Script. I know not if this work will ever EVER make it in the published world, so I will not keep sharing. But if you like what is written, let me know. The other book I'm working on, which is at a standstill, has tons of research behind it because it is historical fiction (this one belongs to the fantasy genre). I am STILL stuck at 10,000 words on that one. This, has less words, but I'm working forward a little bit, when the Lord inspires me. I hope it to be somehow reminiscent of C.S. Lewis- ha...a dream, but still, it's ok to dream. Dreams keep my heart pumping, and head learning, and spirit soaring.

Just a few hours ago, she knew of no other life than what she had known for thirty-one years. Her life years. The shock of the attack was still freshly imprinted in her mind, leaving not much to think about except of her life gone in a blink. She not dared a peak back. She doubted she'd be able to see anything she had so naively thought would be forever.

Her large, and warm, fireplace in her even larger bedroom. Linens of the utmost quality in every single dye color available in the seven main cities of the Daliance. Sweet foods for morning break. Murals of lands beyond most imaginations. Soothing music from her personal mentreale...

"Her mentreale..."her voice could not quite get the name out even as a whisper. Her head turned, panicked, to her left then her right, eyes wide, the fear closing in on what would make her forbidden if...

"M'lady," a voice from behind spoke.

She stiffened, knowing that voice. Oh, she knew it, and it would be a curse to her especially now.

"M'lady." The Voice softened a bit.

From kindness, she thought. Neel..no. Pity.

She wanted to ignore the voice. She'd never acknowledged it before now. And would not now. Not even now. Although she was doomed.

It spoke again.

She shivered.

The snow that had fallen hours before had not caused this coldness. Neel, she thought, it was HIM. He would do that to her. To break her.

She would not break.

Her lineage would be destroyed, if so.

"Neel," the Voice spoke," I will not destroy you. I have not the power. Who does, will not either, but for other reasons...."

She cursed, hearing him, because he had heard her. She was a girl from the greatest land on earth. Who now knew she would have to break to live.

**********************************************************

He eyed her posture, sighing inwardly at her tremendous stubbornness.

He had been called to this house. And up til moments ago, had been feared. Ignored. Hated.

He knew he'd still be hated. Still be feared but ignored....neel. Not anymore.

The time had come when repentance would rush in on wings of a time of complete disinheritance and displacement. She was not ready, but she must be, and he was to guide her.

His job had never been easy, but he'd himself had almost grown complacent during the day to day duties of inside her great house.

She'd all in the world, yet nothing. She held on to beliefs given to her by family before, who, in their fear and selfishness, jumped to conclusions and behavior that would now effortlessly destroy their precious richness in life.

The air had grown wet but not as cold as he expected. For him, at least. The uncertain time for the Lady would seem cold...bitter. He knew she even saw him as such.

Stifling a strong groan, he fought the battles within himself to show her now, this moment, how wrong she was. How the untruth had caused an entanglement of pain, lies, and discomfort so unnecessary. He could almost no longer bear it. He must follow protocol of the Pralache, even if more of this detestable sin kept hold of her.

Had he known the hold it did have of her, he might have abandoned the True One that single moment, for none but the strongest of heart, the purest, would accomplish the job. And he already had begun to care too much for her soul. It wasn't his duty. His duty was to follow orders. Be a sort of pillar. Proclamation. Guide. Leader. But lover, neel. That was the Other's purpose, only.

********************************************

The minutes turned into hours. She knew she was being insolent to lead them. How would she, the Lady, know the path.

Lifting her chin, she stopped the horse. She said to the voice, without looking back, "The way is yours."

She had heard of what happens when you glance their way, to the Voices, so she refused.

"Weakness," she whispered.

The Voice, who passed her by at that moment, replied, "Neel, strength.

**********************************************

and as we finish up a good 9 weeks of school

2011-10-27T21:29:00.002-04:00

we are ALMOST done with the Jamestown unit of Paths of Exploration. I've fudged this unit a bit. We usually don't do as much of the language arts as we do other language arts on the side. I LOVE utilizing the following from the units:

*Profiles from History person studies
*Animal studies
*Nature studies
*Sketchbooking
*Read alouds
*Readers
*Critical thinking pertaining to the geography/history/read alouds
*Various writing assignments
*Geography learning- maps, key words, places, etc...

I've added:

*other readers
*other spelling words from those certain books
*a few other projects related to geography/history that would be added nicely

Next week, we begin our Pilgrim unit. It's 6 week unit but really hoping to cut it down to the four weeks needed before Thanksgiving. It'll barely work, but we'll try! I won't put too much pressure on myself for this, but if we end up reviewing the week after Thanksgiving, we well. HA.

After that, we will....well....I'm not sure......Keep on reading appropriate historical literature. Christmas unit study perhaps, history, crafts, reading, art, etc. I'd like a nice, light, interesting December. Where we can enjoy our home and each other. Make it holiday-esque.

We will of course, continue our other studies such as language arts and math, science and Spanish, but as far as Paths of Exploration, I will wait til after the new year to begin the next three units (which is the second half of the book). We are right on schedule with that.

As far as progress for the kids this first part of the school year, I'm beyond satisfied academically. I feel they are being challenged. And are learning. Challenged and learning....that makes me very happy. I see "connections" being built. Language building. Math interpreted easier. Processing different instructions better.

All this to say, as especially with my last post, homeschooling is tough right now. I've not done all that I've wanted to do with them, but we've done so, so much. We hang in there and push. I always have doubts of myself when I'm homeschooling, especially now, but the results are there and are positive, so I'll say that we are doing a good work, praise God. I rely on Him for my strength to do homeschooling, I truly do. In my heart...it's still what we are SUPPOSED to be doing. There's a lot to learn, even in the third year, of homeschooling, as I am a mom/teacher/whatever else at the same time, but it's worth it. I just need more "help."

Meanwhile,

I listen to some of my favorite stations I've created on Pandora (a Last of the Mohican station, as well as a Charlotte Church station, a Celtic woman one, and so on...it's been great)

I take my two "story" notebooks everywhere even though I've hardly written any more of my books. Ha. Oh well. One of the days.

When my brain is right. Right? At least I think of the stories often, and plan... and dream...

Also, reading on my Kindle.

A few of my favorite things.....playing Fashion Story with my little girl, Ella; playing a few Christmas carols on the piano, and drinking Twinings Chai tea. Just HAS to be Twinings. I'm a tea snob, I guess!!!

Blog Your Heart

2011-10-26T22:05:00.004-04:00

This is the second "Blog Your Heart" challenge that my friend, Stephanie Howell, has encouraged. I've been wanting, again, to share my heart, so here I am. Doing just that. It was my excuse. Rather, it was my inspiration to go ahead and share some different shades of myself.

This past month or so has been extremely difficult for me.

I've been an abyss of depression, and without my faith and family, frankly, I don't know what would have happened.

Things have been challenging...

to express myself, even through this blog, and to others.

in fact, i really believe many don't understand mental illness.

and it has stung my heart.

i have felt almost PUNISHED for feeling this way. it's not my fault, and i've had to deal with repercussions from it. hurtful ones, at that.

i've been misunderstood. judged. challenged. but also loved. hugged. smiled at. prayed for.

i've felt such passion for my husband in my heart that goes beyond what i've ever felt for him, even back in the newlywed world.

he's been there for me. sticking it out, willingly, helpfully, compassionately...listening, not judging. knowing, not guessing.

Sunday, when I should have been excited for a fish fry with his whole side of the family, I was overwhelmed and exhausted after church. Frozen. Tearful. In bed. My husband gently got on the bed next to me, wiped my tears, and held me. For how long, I don't know. I wish it could've been forever.

The sun was shining. It might as well have been the rainy dreary days we have every other day.

I couldn't enjoy it. All day. And I tried. Believe me, I tried. I went to his parents house. But after a few hours, got out of the overwhelming social situation and went back home with my dad after he dropped Ella off from horse riding. I spend the rest of the afternoon and evening sitting beside a delightful fall evening fire in their fireplace, and talking with my lovely mother and father. It was the best for me.

I sent my love to my mother in law. I think she understood. I had began to cry hard there at her house, and had to "hide" so others couldn't see. It wasn't a best moment. I couldn't pull it together.

I was able to get a few photos that afternoon....this one....it expresses so much of God's love for us, and as I mentally can say that, I can hardly transpose that thought deep within my heart where I can KNOW it because it's so tough right now in every aspect of my life.

How I manage to homeschool my kids right now, I have no clue. My mind is fragmented most of the time. Except, I keep thinking that each day would get better. It might be getting better but it's still early to know since I am now on new (very expensive- like at least $3 a pill) medicine but so far, have had samples from my nice, generous doctor. Rich has told me a couple times this week he has seen my countenance "glow." While I have not "seen" this myself, I'll trust him.

My baby is growing up so fast..he'll be three years old November 10, and it's breaking my heart. Change is hard.

I'm quietly, hopefully strongly, progressing. Slowly, I wish swiftly. I have to be careful of how I put myself out there. I don't really feel that I have too many friends that understand so I want to keep myself and my heart safe. I don't want to express beyond this post, to other people how I'm doing. Just trust that God will not give up, because I have read his promises, I've hidden them in my heart since I was a "wee girl." I love the Lord and without his Love for me, where would I be? More lost than I am. More tired than I am. But, with him, I have hope and a future.

My praises to him are quiet.

I sing and play piano with soft notes, I am not wired to be loud. This is just who I am. Quiet reverence. I will reach up to him quietly, with willing arms, and the love that surrounds me already, that is from Him. I will listen.

Listen to HIS quiet still voice to me.

It is what I long to hear and desire in my heart. That sweet, savoring whisper. Calling me to him, drawing me near.

I love you, Lord.

having a camera phone is SOOOO fun!

2011-10-25T20:17:00.004-04:00

self portrait, using the sunlight for some intrigue. plus, i think this camera phone takes off some pounds...yah!

sweet kiss, captured. i have to say, i love my Man more than ever. MORE THAN EVER. Maybe it's that "almost 10 year mark."

self portrait, interesting angle, but I love it....at the in-law's, in the backyard this weekend, pulling Georgie and his sidekick, WD.

A Necessary Deception, a review

2011-10-25T19:45:00.002-04:00

When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger?

Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past--and let love guide the future.

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

This past year, I've been interested more and more in "regency" novels. To me, they are almost fairy-tale-esque. There's a certain "air" about the setting, characters, and all that a regency tale encompasses. This book, however, gives the reader a rich depth to the era compared to some of the regency novels I've read as of recent. The plot was highly enjoyable, and original. I loved the ins and outs, the twists and turns, the carriages and masquerade, the history and emotion. The torn heart between duty and love, the out of the open sweet kiss and the whispered words in French....the healing of a hurt heart, the adventure God threw at the hero and heroine. I LOVED IT ALL.

Thank you to Revell Publishing for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

new thing for the Man

2011-10-24T21:46:00.001-04:00

and I think I'll just stick to cuddling my littles...

a lady for sweetest day....

2011-10-16T21:21:00.004-04:00

my tabletop dressform in our bedroom....ceramic but distressed for the vintage look. love the patch(es) on it...i added this necklace I found at my NEW FAVORITE STORE IN THE MALL CALLED ICING, for $2. Can you TELL I like this NEW STORE CALLED ICING? Crossing my fingers for goodies (such as....hair accessories that are soooo beautiful and vintage, necklaces, earrings, handbags, scarves, and more) from there in the future! i have still the desire to find an authentic vintage dressform, but until I do, this will satisfy my longing....

p.s. thankful for my sweetie for this gift (that I ordered but who cares...i was able to get it! LOL)

bare camera, simple pictures

2011-10-15T22:11:00.003-04:00

ive been doing some picture taking with my new phone's camera app, and have been pretty pleased with the results. just for something different. so i am going to share a few from the last week. all straight from the camera, no tweaking, etc.

looking sweet all on her own

a little fun with the sun flare, when we had a WD and Mommy date at the school playground

the cutest little face, smile, and hair...EVER

golden boy to the left...

they are so enthralled with some show on the computer....

taking great delight in the raking and playing of leaves this past week...

for the record, I do not have make up on in this pic...but my eyebrows sure look like they do. lol. love the pic anyways.

we are two peas in a pod, we are...

master tree climber..

master Georgie...

self portraits, and portrait of WD and myself at the playground...that one was interesting to take.

a pocahontas wanna be....

The Measure of Katie Calloway...a review

2011-10-15T21:42:00.003-04:00

Her heart seeks sanctuary in the deep woods. But will trouble find her even here?

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance.

In my early scrapbooking days, I created a page in honor of my dad, and had it titled "The Measure of Love." Or something like that. I think. I know I at least used the word MEASURE in it. The "measure" of my dad's love is so much, and that was what I would hope to portray in creating that memory. To invoke feelings of so much love- compassion, grace, integrity- with the word "measure." As I noticed this book being up for review, the title then, of course, struck me. It's unique for a book cover, and with the knowledge of how I had used this little phrase, I was curious to see what Katie Calloway was all about.

She was running away, to escape great harm, with her young brother, and found herself amidst a whole new way of life. A tough life, one that she'd have to suffer even more but through the midst of it all, gain love and freedom for herself and her brother.

The characters were colorful, twists aplenty, scenery truly exceptional. I loved the story from front to back. Serena Miller's words just FLOWED from one to another, and created a wonderful treat. This is a book I will re-read for sure.

This review is of my own words, and I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Revell for the complimentary review copy!

thoughts for the day....

2011-10-12T18:11:00.002-04:00

monday was tough, a battle with my daughter. a battle with attitude. i was oh, so so weary.

tuesday, a reprieve when we went to my parents' for dinner and enjoying the outdoors.

today, gathering music for a wedding in a couple weekends, finishing school for the day, readying my brain for choir...

and contemplating....waiting for the rain to end, the headache to end as well.

philip was reading a book last night, a book i was astonished to see him have. he took it off of the dishwasher.

Water From the Rock- writings from Luther, Crosby, Moody, Spurgeon, and more.

He read the first several devotions last night and had a special place marked, where he'd left off.

He wanted to read more today first thing for school.

I then asked him his favorite. He showed me. The Light of Hope.

One phrase states we can't always see that far down the path, but we can at least see our next step, and direction. And what we think is a monster in the dark is really a little bug in the light. And one more thing- that was a sweet, little read; it's a small lamp, and it's warmth, that gives us just enough of the peace and light we need to sleep. It reminds us that God loves and protects us.

Sometimes, a lot of times, we need "a whole lot" to show us He cares, or at least, we want a whole lot. But, that one little spark or tiny flame can reach inside your heart just as well. Discontentment seems to be engrained in all parts of this wordly life. It's hard not to own that feeling as a Christian. We need one more pair of shoes, one more song on our iPod, one more car. Yet, we seldom ask for the "one more" gift from our Lord, a thought or scripture to be shown to us. A prayer from a friend. Another chance to love. It's a focus on physical needs, too much so.

I want to raise my children in a home that desires to minister to others, all while learning about the love of the Lord in their own heart. I see others' children partaking in more Bible reading, and memory verse learning, and my children, yes, are doing such things, but not as aggressively. As a child, I had to work harder, was more persistent at getting good grades, than others, even more than my brother, who things came naturally. I think that perhaps my personality has come down to my own children, and things will come to them, not all at once, but God will shape their character, and He will do it in his own time, at the perfect time.

Whatever struggles, and trials, and battles...huge battles...we have right now are for a purpose I believe. They are not fun. They break spirits down. In the end, they point us to HIM for his strength and wisdom. That is what light I want to see....I don't have it. I need it. The Lord understands our need for him, and is oh, so willing to bridge that gap and help us. I am willing.

this is a girl who....

2011-10-07T21:34:00.003-04:00

would rather stay home and read instead of shopping

prefers shopping at thrift stores, antique shoppes, and flea markets

has developed a love of folk and bluegrass music over the past 10 years

has a lot to be desired as far as organization goes

sight reads piano music very well

reads a book incredibly fast

but then can't remember the title

this is a girl who

can cry looking at her littlest boy standing up on the couch saying this is me, I'm so big!

forgets easily to give her kids hugs throughout the day's business

sometimes says to heck with it and lets the kids play outside all day instead of schoolwork

hates to cook

hates baking even more

would love to cook if she had a brain and wasn't tired at four o'clock

but still would hate baking if she had a brain and wasn't tired at four o'clock

used to stay up not too late, then gradually stayed up later the past two years, and now, seems to be going off to bed about 10 due to medication change

hates not wearing her shoes in other peoples' houses. gross. out.

has at least three cups of chai tea each day even in the summer

hung a fall wreath in the kitchen and got rid of a little, LITTLE bit of clutter, for once

played Fashion Story, Restaurant Story, and Bakery Story a lot today.

plays these games with her kids because it's fun and cute and great bonding time

is not on Facebook to be social, but to leave pics up, and let my name be in place for Rich for some activity at church

would rather be social with people the old fashioned way.

like, through blogs and email.

because it's too much information getting into my head on facebook, in and out. what is a person to do with it all? really?

would rather be emotional and sensitive than unmoved and without compassion

is emotional and sensitive

to a fault? i believe I am who I am because He who began a good work in me will carry it out to completion.

is loved, cared for, thought of..by her family.

seeks wisdom from her Lord.

has not watched any tv shows this fall season. life is too busy with my family. what a wonderful feeling.

loves to homeschool

hates bad homeschooling days

this is a girl who

currently has an eye twitching problem probably because of stress? annoying.

is a little apprehensive about the music playing she needs to do this Sunday....first one through for music only in the morning...yikes...

wishes for her babies to be her babies again

will never EVER get over wanting another girl and who feels there IS one angel in heaven waiting, as this would be what was seen in our first ultrasound with Ella...a disappearing spot beside growing, little Ella.

wants to be understood and not judged for who she is, what she does, what people think she should be.

loves Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 37

has a close, close relationship with her daddy

treasures her bedtime routine with WD

is thankful.

feels blessed.

wants to give more to others.

desires joy and joy unspeakable in her life and her childrens....

it's just these moments

2011-10-06T17:33:00.005-04:00

Nickel Creek playing..."I might as well be dreaming...round...round...in my head...."

Three boys at the table. The littlest, speaking in sweet, sometimes unrecognizable words. Bright eyes, who appears tremendously excited to be eating with his daddy.

The daddy...taking in the moments. I can tell. He's serious. Gentle look in his eyes. Taking care of the boys' plates of pizza. And their sauce covered mouths.

The littlest grins, and giggles...over his straw.

The next oldest eats the pizza with two bites. Ready to go do something else already...perhaps a ride on the bike outside. He's also enthralled with his new gloves and hat.

The daddy smiles at me. Takes his salsa on his pizza, and eats it. Kisses the little boy as he lifts him up to the kitchen sink so he can wash his hands.

Sunlight, warmth showing in this evening hour. He holds him, making sure he isn't falling. Checking the soap is all over. Rinse...rinse...dry. I see the Daddy's strong hands hold the little's elbow. A kiss on the head or two. "You smell like a pizza, Wd."

WD runs away with Georgie.

But just minutes later, the little is in the Daddy's arms already. Playing a game, lift up, lift down.

They reach a decision for the evening. Go feed the ducks.

Horse girl is not here. Mommy wants peace and quiet, since she is nursing a big headache from all day.

Boy time.

Daddy disappears...little yells, "Daddy!?" trying to find him...telling him all the while what he is going to be doing, this and that.

The middle child trying to hold on to all the patience he has before they can leave the nest. Making noises, and rough housing a bit too much. Expected. One day, that will be missed.

And so will the "ribbit frog" ribbiting down the hallway.

And his little, "I need you, Mommy. And you're mommy frog." Cuz Georgie is now Baby Frog.

I hear the microwave beep for the third time. Rich's tea water is done.

Mandolin notes flicker in and out of the radio. Lights off. Off they go.

Homeschooling comraderie

2011-10-05T19:27:00.002-04:00

If I didn't have friends who homeschool.

If I DIDN'T have friends who homeschool....

Well, if I didn't let's say that I would find it extremely difficult to feel satisfied and confident in what I'm doing.

Because I have a friend...or two...or three....that homeschool, we can benefit from each other's enthusiasm, ideas, and even from our mistakes and downfalls.

I'm SO willing to offer up my follies so others can benefit.

I'm ready to give advice or just listen.

And I've got friends who do that for me as well.

I don't want to be kept in a "homeschooling bubble," either. I like so many DIFFERENT things. I pull resources from the Internet, other teachers, various curriculums....I like so much, and also, I dislike so much.

Some of my dislikes...extreme Protestant focus on history. Just....NO. I feel that it produces an outlook on things that is just this- extreme. I like to include, of course, our religious thoughts on the discovery and history of our country, but I know that things can be skewed. I want my children to see a whole picture. Yes, from a lens that is filled with God's grace, salvation, and love, but also, to see things that will help them understand others and not show prejudice. We may have absolute truths here in this household that look like phobias, or deep intolerance. I say to that, I love how God loves, or strive for that, however, HE also holds people accountable for their sins. As a believer, I try to listen to His voice, and read His word so that I live the life I should, and try to bestow this to my children. In the process, I believe that certain things must have what people would consider ignorance and cruelty, while I believe what they are doing are
will be judged by God, just as what I've done. But, I will not step aside in my beliefs for our family so sin can prosper.

And now that I truly rabbit trailed...some other things I dislike...

Weird books. Science that is not hands on. Dry history. Math that is not challenging the mind enough. Worthless worksheets.

What I love...

The Bravewriter writing program, including the Writer's Jungle and the monthly language arts lessons called the Arrow (uses literature). Brilliant. Down to earth for the mom.

Teaching Textbooks....just because my daughter enjoys it. And learns.

Singapore Math, which I confess, I hated the first year I ever used it, which was the first year I homeschooled Ella. Who knew that I'd be using it now for Philip. And liking it.

Trail Guide to Learning, Paths of Exploration: all that I hoped for in a history/geography/reading program combined. Also brilliant.

Elemental science. Just the right enough material to cover, activities to do, and skills to master. And good review. Great choice of accompanying books.

The Language Art Binder that I made.....this three inch dynamic collection of print outs is my homeschool work of art. I have it all in there- spelling lists, vocabulary lists and ideas, graphic organizers, lesson plans, and more....

Our Atlas book. Amazing what this book gives as far as information!

I have more for both lists but for later...

As the holidays near

2011-10-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

this Mamma has tougher times with her head. This weather, MISERABLE without the sun, is one that causes me to feel down, and anxious. As the Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches, I want to shut down. Every year I deal with this, and every year I pray, pray, pray that the Lord just gets me through so my family and I can enjoy a sweet time celebrating His gifts.

One thing that helps me is to not put pressure on myself to decorate. I wish I was like my sister in law and could do that, but I just can't. It's impossible. The only thing I did was put an autumn spin on my handmade front door wreath and place pumpkins on a couple shelves and the top of the piano in our living room. So this way, I'm not depriving my children of a childhood where the house wasn't decorated, and I don't have to put much thought into it.

Trying to decorate is trying to put a tuxedo on a pig.

Or eat steak with a straw.

Drinking tea with chopsticks.

or leading a donkey up Mount Everest.

TOUGH. Difficult. impossible.

But, that's okay. I just know that it's me and so I cannot approach it much.

Also, another thing that helps is getting some shopping done early. This year, as the two oldest children found out the Santa truth, is going to be easier. I have Ella done with- all horse stuff, go figure. Philip wants three or 4 things (a magicians black hat, a dual lightsaber, and a telescope, and of course, I like to surprise him. WD would be happy with play dough and trains. But I'd love to get him a nice sleeping bag too. A nice one costs a pretty penny though, so we'll see.

I ordered my (December) birthday gift already...teehee...I finally found a DRESSFORM, on the daily deal site Zulilly. Actually, I have TWO coming- one is a standing, wire one. The other is a vintage cloth tabletop one, both sold out after I purchased them. I would love, still, to find an AUTHENTIC vintage one at a thrift store or flea market...someday I hope.

I told Rich the tabletop one is going on our kitchen table.

Just kidding.

But, to give him credit, he didn't seem to upset about the idea. Ha! I think he loves me!

And as far as seeing the holidays embraced in the hearts of my children, I will pray that God touches their hearts in ways that they have never been touched.

That their mother and father have the wisdom in what to share and teach to them.

That they show compassion to others, forgiveness, and show grace especially at this time.

That our family can really listen to each other and love and support one another in all things.

I grew up in a strong, loving, supportive family. I know it begins with God, and then Rich and I must follow.

The pursuit of His love is astounding, and thrilling. I want to see that in my children's lives, at all times. As this time is a difficult time in their behaviors at times, but....I know that God is working in their minds and hearts nonetheless.

My grandparents prayed for me, this I know. As did my parents. I feel that God blessed my life with so much, and this is what I want for my children...for prayer warriors behind them...to pray for now and the future.

did you know....

2011-10-03T20:14:00.002-04:00

Isaac Newton created his own little wooden mill that was not only using wind for power to the sails, but built a little treadmill for a REAL mouse to run on. As he would tug on the string tied to it's tail, there was his "mouse power."

Newton made a little vehicle, with four wheels, with a crank that would make it run. He would actually sit on it and ride it.

At a fair, Newton purchased a child's toy, a glass prism. When home, that is when he began to experiment and discover light and color.

Interestingly, the year of 1666, with the horrendous plague, was called the annus mirabilis, or the wondrous year, for Isaac Newton. It was rich, rich with wisdom, discover, and much progress in his life's work. And he had been only the young age of 24.

We are reading this for a science biography, and what an eccentric, colorful human being Newton was. The kids are in for a wild ride for this one...we're only in the first few chapters....The Giants of Science series, Isaac Newton, by Kathleen Krull.

At this time....

2011-10-02T20:52:00.003-04:00

Ella....

is halfway done reading Pollyanna. She is loving it and just told me she wishes she had 30 more chapters....

likes to play Fashion Story, on my phone, and, ahem, with her mom...(who admits she thinks it's quite fun too!

cut her hair a little bit because it was getting in her way. don't know what was going through her mind, but her bangs are REALLY short and there is a VERY short, small spot, of tufted (is that a word?) hair on top that really really really needs to grow out...

Philip....

is rereading his magic book, the one I got for ten cents at the booksale here in town.

wants a magician's top hat. this one makes me giggle...he'd look too cute wearing one, i think.

built towers for a little boy in WD's class this morning just so the little boy could knock them down. the father of the little boy told me that today at church, and it just shows that sweet side of him that is endearing.

WD....

still carries Georgie everwhere.

likes to wear no clothes. All. The. Time.

is in a "hold me mommy" stage, and although I love it, truly, it is tough to do that all the time. but I'm trying to treasure it because oh, how this sweet time is short.

Amy....

still drinking a lot of hot chai tea

ready to start the Jamestown unit for homeschooling tomorrow! (so relieved to be done with Columbus- a guy I have mixed feelings about anyways...)

practiced a certain song, for the prelude at church today, at least played it 10 times this week for practice, got up at the piano to play it. looked at my book. drew a complete blank on what song I had chosen and practiced almost A DOZEN TIMES, and had to wing it with a different one. then once we were in the driveway...remembered which one.

Richard...

loving target practice.

watched a prohibition documentary tonight....and we're pretty sure he'd be a bootlegger back then whilst I would be one of those drabby-clothed ladies marching around with signs down the street....

apologized to me for something by waiting for me to go to choir practice the other week, and then, he and the kids could go get me a surprise. i came home to find a tower of pudding (my favorite kind) on the kitchen counter, whipped cream, and carrots (the little sweet petite ones at WalMart are the ones I eat like candy- absolutely love these!). the card read something like this: I'm sorry for "pudding" my foot in my mouth. You are the "cream" of the crop. I know it sometimes seems like I don't "carrot" all but I love you so much.... (haaaaaaaa.......this whole apology cracked me up, i don't think I'll ever forget it. takes a strong and loving person to apologize like he did.)

went to get a book and magazine at Barnes and Noble yesterday with his birthday gift card, and ended up also purchasing my favorite magazine, Somerset Life, there too with some of his money, and brought it home in wonderful fashion.

surprised me again by getting me a new Willow Tree collectible figurine...I have at least 10 I think. This makes 11. It's the one called "the Quilt." a mom is holding a toddler aged child in a rocker, with a quilt draped over the child, and her arms hold him tightly, and his little hands are so sweetly and gently touching her shoulders. it reminded me of how Will David holds on to us. he taps his little hand sometimes on our back, or shoulder....and has the sweet cuddling nature. love.

looking at him just helps so much

2011-10-01T12:13:00.002-04:00

I could tell you about my day. How I can't find some important files...because somehow I did the most Amy thing I could do and Lost them and placed them somewhere where I wouldn't remember.

Photographs from the last couple years. Homeschooling things I've saved, and stuff we've done. Files I need because I transferred purchased homeschooling curriculum on the disks.

Quite frankly, I'm a bit desperate. It has struck me in my heart. Just one more disaster.

Thankful for my Dad who said he'd pray for me for the morning music, leading worship. I suppose I just need to put this misplaced treasure aside for the night and tomorrow morning.

I always think of the Lost Coin parable Jesus spoke about. It reminds me that even the "littlest" things matter. They matter because they matter to YOU.

De ja vu

2011-09-28T22:27:00.003-04:00

This day last week I had a reminder phone call about an appointment.

Oops. Good thing it was just in time for me to cancel the next day appointment.

Today. Same thing. Forgot another appointment.

Tonight....went to choir, only there was no choir practice! Ha!

But I did manage to get our school day completed before 2, make dinner, and go to Ella's soccer game. And, get this, her team is undefeated STILL, even after playing ANOTHER undefeated team. Final score, 2-1, us.

Tomorrow is a busy schoolwork morning, lunch, then off to my dad's so he can "tutor" the kids in math a bit, which is extremely helpful. He will work with challenging word problems...which I, at this time, don't feel very equipped to teach. After that, a short but sweet playmate and friend visit, back home, and I get to go out to eat with my fellow homeschooling friend, Deanna. Her daughter is Ella's age, and are wonderful friends. Deanna and I have never had a night out together so this is pretty cool. You could say we are both very attentive to our children's academics and that is our focus a lot of times when we talk, and when we get together, it's with the kids, too, so they can play. But not tomorrow!

Here are a few things on my mind....

Feeling a bit insecure about playing for first service worship time. Rich and I began this a couple weeks ago, right when a third service was added. Our music has helped create a very traditional flair, which was desired. However, there's a bit of pressure there, at least in my own feeble mind, that it can make or break some people's decisions on church and attending, getting upset because of the big change, etc. This past Sunday, several people expressed their opinions to me, and although I do not choose specific songs or the tempo of them, I am UP THERE leading worship and that can be intense. One hardly appreciated the traditional music, another was just okay, and another truly loved it. A young couple new to the church and our Sunday School class attends the 11 service but want to come hear Rich's mandolin and harmonica because they dig bluegrass instruments...so they are willing to come at 8:30 for that gathering too. And, although these endearing, encouraging comments are a blessing, I worry about how people are coping with the change of style in the one service. I feel that music in a church is a very strong dynamic for people and van be a touchy subject. So my prayers are as Rich and I have been asked to help lead worship, our music is used in whatever way for whatever people.....maybe a bit vague in my prayer, but I do care for each and every one of the congregation there. And pray that judgements can be withheld as well as a unity held up that I know exists there within it's people.

Next, my children. So, so close a few days, at least two a week it seems, it is an extremely tough day. I get disobedience and disrespect and I am up to here with it. And then add to that, the appearance at the end of the day that I am frazzled, have a messy house, and did nothing to help the aesthetic quality of anything or disciplined kids....which, honestly......I feed three kids three meals each plus snacks, kiss boo boos, help get dressed, teach (four to five hours), tell kids to put away dishes, fold towels, rid up toys....I am not sitting at home doing nothing. But, I am AT home and live at home during the day but have my hands absolutely tied to my family.

Well, as it stands, there is No tv for two weeks for the two oldest, and very limited number of sweets. No computer time either. I was ready to throw in the towel Monday..and Tuesday...all last week...and before that. Today was a breath of fresh air...I sure hope my parents' and my sweetie's prayers are working because it wears me down like a battery being overworked. I get dragged down, and my messy house gets messier. And then don't care how it looks but then don't want anyone over ever. It's just a bit too much effort for me to take five minutes even and do a quick tidy up in the living room, but I have pushed on occasion to do this. It's difficult because we have two boys...boys..boys....boys.....rough and messy. But sweet. And Ella is sweet. But, lately, something's in our water I think.

Hanging on, for in our weakness HE is made strong...MUST remember that and hold HIs loving promises close!

cinquain

2011-09-27T22:34:00.004-04:00

Sweet little chicks from the White House Fruit Farm a couple weekends ago....
Will David was enthralled, of course.
He plays Baby Chick a lot.
Baby Birdie, too!

Today, the kids and I worked on cinquains. We read a couple, pertaining to exploring, ocean, sea, etc. Then, Philip wrote one called Trains, and Ella, Horses (go figure), which I would share, but I cannot look for those two particular papers tonight. So, here is one that I have written for the following photograph, just for fun, not that I call myself a poet, or anything! Just embracing my children's education as well....

pumpkins
dense, earthy
a baking tool
carving, decorating, sweetly inviting
pie

Poetry is a soothing way to express yourself, I believe.
Maybe you'd want to try it too!

Deeply Devoted...a review

2011-09-26T19:02:00.002-04:00

Instead of choosing the young lady his mother has picked for him, Peter Andersen sends to Amsterdam for a mail-order bride in this new series by Brendan (“Heart of the West” series). Catharine Olsen arrives in Cheyenne, WY, with her mother’s china and her two sisters in tow. Peter is patient not only with Catharine but with her sisters. However, as the two begin their life together on the wheat farm, Peter’s mother will go to any length to see her son’s marriage destroyed. VERDICT This novel should appeal to fans of Lori Wick who enjoy a gentle romance with a Western twist as well as those who like reading about cultural clashes.

-- LibraryJournal.com

I saw the above description/write-up just before posting this blog post- and I had to include it because I have always enjoyed the books by Lori Wick. I think I heard somewhere that Lori Wick retired, which distressed me greatly, as I have always been a fan. I can see why they include Maggie Brendan along with her name- this book was excellent in every way. I have read many, MANY western romances, and this one, even with such as a common plot of a mail-order bride, was unique, nonetheless. The sub-plots were so creative. I commend Brendan for such a careful, sweet story. I saw myself, at times, as a wife, and my insecurities and inconsistencies. I saw my husband as well, as a man like Peter, who strives to love with the devotion the title speaks of. Such a well-crafted novel- PERFECTLY portraying the IMPERFECTIONS we have as beings who struggle with life, and PERFECTLY portraying the PERFECT peace and love we can have as daughters and sons of HIM!

I received a copy of this book from Revell in order to provide a review. This is of my own words, and I was not required to write a positive review.

A Lancaster County Christmas....a review

2011-09-24T16:36:00.003-04:00

I love Christmas. I love hardcover books. I enjoy reading about slower paced lives,
forgiveness, and grace. Usually, I do not enjoy too many Amish fiction works anymore,
but this was a rare occurrence when I felt this book was different. I was right! So glad I did not shy away from this book.

It was a breath of fresh air- and showed flaws and imperfections in everyone as well as moving
forth in faith through grace. The main characters, two sets of couples, go through
trying times, as they deal with heartache and sometimes, self inflicted emotions and
wounds. God proves faithful and just, as He always does, and although things aren't
perfect near the end, as it should be and is in life, God prevails and His light shows
through our cracks. And LITTLE things can show us the way we need to go- I loved how the author gave us those "little things" to show God's love, even with a wooden owl whistle. Loved that part, and also the little boy to whom it belonged. A precious, thoughtful story!

I was not paid to do this review. I was not required to write a postive review. Thank you, Revell, for the review copy!

A Heart Revealed...a review

2011-09-24T16:31:00.002-04:00

Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston as a battered woman, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?

Filled with intense passion and longing, deception and revelation, A Heart Revealed will hold readers in its grip until the very last page.

A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman held my attention from start to finish. The
storyline was realistically constructed, with touches of emotions, thoughts, and action
throughout.
Although the main character's, Emma, story is intended to be the "attention getting story," I loved
reading about the others. Lessman created a deeply intentional and fascinating array
of lives during this time period. I was relieved she took her time to develop each
character, each dialogue, and description and created a longer length novel her readers
could enjoy!
I would recommend reading the first in this series as well, as I did posthaste. Looking
forward to the next chapters!

This review was written in my own words and opinions. I was not required to write a positive review. Thank you to Revell for the review copy!

'twas a beautiful, fall festival day....

2011-09-19T19:20:00.007-04:00

three, er...four monkeys

corn maze...

such a shirley temple face....even for a boy!

not sure why buddy's tongue is out...maybe he's thinking of pumpkin pie?

use those muscles, ella!
this pic just makes me laugh and laugh....

and then he pouts...

there's that tongue again....

there IS proof that there is LOVE between these two!

and three....

finishing up with a lone pic of a sweet boy...who said to his daddy the other day...
as they were returning from a walk to the duck pond.
Ella had said how beautiful the sunset was. And Buddy said, "No.
Nothing is beautiful except Mommy!"

*sweet sweet sweet*

classic idea from WD himself....

2011-09-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

it was a writing day for Ella

2011-09-16T21:08:00.004-04:00

I am SO so pleased that we are working through these two elementary grammar books by Killagon- Sentence Composing and Story Grammar. They are much the same, so I am overlapping activities and lessons from both books. We just today began to work on constructing ORIGINAL sentences using "model sentences" from sentences found in various literary works.

We just worked on one of the four problems today. The assignment was two parts: choose one of the three sentences that follow as the one that matches the original; then write a new sentence of your own to follow the pattern. Here is her little sentence (about a horse, well, called Horse). She didn't quite make it like the model so we will work on that next week. But she did good nonetheless. She's seeing the use of commas, adjectives, different placement of the subject, etc.

Horse rolled in the dirt, then got up, and shook the dirt, and ran to the pasture.

We had another Friday freewrite. Last week's went well, and this week, early on, we revised it and she rewrote her writing. We attempted it this Friday, and I saw an improvement in her creativity, and sentence structure. Spelling, not perfect, but her penmanship was. Ha. We will proofread, and revise, the next week. Here is her story. I omitted the errors because I can't think irregularly like that when I type...ha...

Once I heard something coming torward me. It had a beautiful long mane and tail. It was black with white spots and I peeked through the long grass and saw a horse. The horse was a Paso Fino, and then I saw more cantering around the field. There were Paso Finos, Pintos, Shires, and Appaloosas. They were very beautiful. I walked very slow. I got my rope and very quietly and gently threw the rope over the horse's neck, and then, the horse was furious. It tried to get free but I held the rope tight and I brought the horse home.

As her teacher- I would like to know WHY the horses were beautiful. What else did the horse do to act furious. How does she know about the horses. What exactly did she hear at the beginning? How long did it take her to bring her horse home. Did they meet any obstacles. About how many horses were there. Details.

********************************************************************************

As for other parts of the day, the sunshine helped my spirit. We finished by 2 and took a quick trip to Whitehouse Fruit Farm for some goodies: apples, cider, spring salad, donuts, soup mixes, candy corn, chocolate covered pretzels, three packages of homemade buns, several lunch meats and cheeses, loaf of homemade Italian bread, potatoes, apple butter, and apple sauce. YUM. A feast is in our future.

Each had a donut today, the rest being saved for Sunday morning when we have to be at church early to play. Speaking of playing for church, I'm quite excited because it's the start of Rich and I playing consistently for the first service, which is traditional. I was shocked, to say the least, to be asked to play the piano, but so thankful for the chance to play along with Rich's harmonica and mandolin, and banjo if he chooses.

Oh, for the rest of the school day, we did some nature studies and sketches. Worked on labeling continents and oceans, as a review. Described a picture of Columbus's ships and the sea, from a book. Narrated a story. Spelling. Reading. English. Science facts, about water, read more in our Usborn Encyclopedia. Three Physics quizzes- as we were behind in that. They were short, and easy for the kids! Math for Ella was: computer lesson, two drill worksheets, and multiplication flashcards. Philip's math was several pages regarding subtraction, and sequencing of shapes and colors. Vocabulary review and comparing for Ella- we have about two dozen vocabulary words from Because of Winn Dixie already...at least 10 more to learn. That was a fun activity for Ella and I think she retained a lot from reviewing today. We have one more week of our BOWD book and study. I was proud of Buddy's nature drawings- they weren't the usual "scribbles" he does, but done with a more careful, steadier hand.

This weekend I will have kids to flashcards and spelling review with Rich, if time. If not, I'll just go ahead and do that. Also, I wanted to start working on our Spanish activity worksheets for the greetings and colors they learned. The Spanish we are using includes audio, and conversation, so it has been, so far, good for the kids. We just have to do our Spanish lessons more often, maybe 3 times a week so it sinks in.

*******************************************************************************

blogging your heart

2011-09-14T08:28:00.003-04:00

My friend, Stephanie, has issued a challenge to her readers to "blog their heart." I feel like I do that on my blog frequently, and so, do not mind to put forth my feelings once more. I have learned a lot from Stephanie, who has four little girls and a husband who fights for this country. She's brave, open, consistent, and a beautiful person inside and out....which is one thing right now I'm trying to show my daughter...how to be beautiful on the inside.

That's my real, true struggle. My beautiful little girl, the one who was an answered prayer. I love her dearly, so much, and it pains my heart to have to BE a parent sometimes. To direct. Discipline. So many MANY times, her sweetness is there. But other times, I have to deal with an attitude from her that wears me down, physically and emotionally. I am STRONG because of the Lord, and knowing I need to show her how to show love through her words and actions. We have different personalities, her and I, and I have a notion we will be always learning, or at least "I" will be always learning how to "deal" with that.

We are all imperfect. I have NO desire to rid up my house these days. I am TIRED, and well exhausted at the end of our homeschooling days. Think, NAPTIME, if possible. Think, dinner was late, at 8 pm last night. Think, having to REALLY try to plan girl time and it just won't happen.

But there are bright things. Brighter things than I ever imagined. Three children. Being able to homeschool. A chance to consistently minister together, my husband and I, with our music. Beautiful, loving family members, including our parents, sisters, and brothers. Ahhh..even more simpler, a new book to read, a song to cherish, tea to delight my senses.

And there are hopeful, dreaming things. Finishing the book I'm writing, as I'm at 10,000 words. Will I have the stamina and drive to finish? Wanting to redecorate and trying to come up with a plan for my boys' room. Someday....a trip out West. Either for adventure, love of nature and God's creation, or to see some dear friends in several states. Another thing I'm dreaming of, that will and must remain just between the Lord, my husband, and I. I've always been a dreamer. Of the big and little. Am I courageous because of that, or fighting feeling insignificant? Am I hopeful, or faithless? Am I loving, or selfish? Am I committed, or stop short? All in His time.....

living a full day, one at a time....

2011-09-13T00:25:00.002-04:00

Teaching Textbooks Math- two lessons. trying to move through these certain cds as a review of sorts the first couple months of school

English- time order words worksheet

Reading and Vocabulary- 4 new definitions to look up. 2 more chapters of Because of Winn Dixie (BOWD) read

History: next chapter read about Columbus. drawing cross section of a ship. labeling.

Memory work: zepheniah 3:17, if I recall correctly; discussed meaning of each phrase.

Art: apple printing (which totally, like, failed) and another project, but using one cut out shape within the context of an original drawing

math for buddy, almost forgot- several pages in various books, like usual. forgot to do flashcards for both!

English and reading for Buddy: he read the rest of Billy and Blaze and the Forest Fire to me and we worked on types of sentences; worked in Pathways workbook

We did not get to: science, individual devotion time, Spanish (again! agh!), spelling, writing. Hoping to do those things tomorrow, er, actually today, since it's past midnight.

Monday exhausted me. I took an early evening couple hour nap. Thus, why I can't sleep! I really tried, hard, to not sleep this evening, but the kids wiped me out totally. But, Loved the sun and warmth of the day nonetheless. And made pumpkin pie. Late bday gift for my sweetie.

Not By Might, review

2011-09-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

About the book:

Nurse Natalie Fallon has brought her ailing mother to Denver for her health and starts a job at Denver's Mile High Hospital, where she meets fellow nurse Breanna Baylor Brockman. In Natalie's past is a relationship with Rex Rawlins, a young medical student. Two years prior she had ended the relationship when she learned Rex was planning a rural practice. She is determined not to marry a country doctor like her father, who died at age 43 from overwork. But she has never stopped loving Rex, and now, little does she know that Rex is a rural doctor in the surrounding mountains. A serious accident brings them together, but it will take a miracle to give them the promise of a life together.

My take:

This was HARD to get into, but I was very satisfied about halfway through to the end. I have enjoyed the Lacy's books previously, and as I love westerns, they are good to read. If you want to read a book that discusses the Lord quite a bit, this is it. If you prefer a read that does not talk about God on every page, it is not the book for you. I admit that fact throws me a bit, but the story, the faith, the lesson, the grace behind it always makes me feel as if I spent my time RIGHT. This is WHOLESOME, and you can tell this couple is committed to their God with their heart. This is their ministry, and I so deeply respect them for that. It was an honor to review this book! Very interesting storyline- I fell in love with the characters at the end, the doctor and nurse!

I was not paid for this review, and all thoughts are of my own.

Veiled Rose, a review

2011-09-09T20:40:00.002-04:00

About the book:

Rose Red trusts no one with her secret. She hides in the forest, her face veiled in rags, shunning the company of all save her old father and her nanny goat. Her life is bleak and lonely.

Until she meets a privileged young man sent to spend his summer in the mountains. Leo, a lonely lad, befriends Rose Red, and together they begin hunting for the Mountain Monster which, rumor says, stalks these lands.

But the hunt which began as a game holds greater risk than Leo supposes. Rose Red can scarcely guess at the consequences should he insist on continuing his search. Dare she trust him with her secret? Or tell him what dwells at the top of the mountain in the cave only she can find?

Above all, when Leo asks Rose Red to leave the mountain and follow him to the low country, dare she agree and risk the wrath of a Monster that is all too real?

My take:

I admit, I was lost and confused a few times. I enjoyed ALL the detail, and ALL the imagery, but then I discovered it was the SECOND book in a series, and thought maybe if I had read the first book I would understand a bit better. Other than that, however...

I really ENJOYED this book because it had great balance in it. Not too much dialogue. Adventure. Emotional times. Powerful characters, especially the name sake of the title- Rose Red. Learning times for the characters AND as a reader. It was fascinating to wonder of Rose Red's face behind the veil. And how long her beloved friend denied ever seeing it.

I am trying to write my own fantasy novel, or at least one with made up names and an allegory attached to it, Ha, so this book was on my list of to-reads. I look forward to reading the others in this series!

This review is of my own opinion and I was not paid to write it.

All about grace....

2011-09-09T20:10:00.004-04:00

Now, time for another review. This one is for a book that had me at the cover and the title: Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman. Because I AM one of those good girls. A good girl who never wanted to disobey, be thought negatively of, always do the right thing.

A Good Girl. Yep, that's me. I didn't grow up in a "bootstrap religion" kind of family. It was a God-fearing, but loving family. My parents were people I wanted to love and please. I respected them and knew I wanted to have respect, too. Although this book points out the negatives to being a good girl, or at least, mistakes good girls sometimes make, I could not completely relate to ALL the author's points.

This book brings up some things that a "good girl" could get worked up about. Her "mistakes," if you will. To be forthright- there were many that I did not see in my own life, however, there were glimpses of emotions and attitudes I may have had or am experiencing as one of the good girls, that she has written about.

I feel that my past experiences as one who has suffered from Post Partum Depression has already made me let go of any perfection persona I have had. I have no qualms about stating my weaknesses- there's lots. What you see is what you get. I do NOT have a mask on. Maybe I should though at times and not be so transparent! HA! I have not, for the most part, felt guilted by being a good girl. On occasion I have thought well, I SHOULD be doing such and such for so and so because I CAN and am able, and have felt badly about that, but I do not think I'm such a people pleaser as this is just who I am- someone who honestly wants to DO good and BE good but wants to accomplish those things THROUGH Christ. I admit to failing. To falling short. I really appreciated the chapters that were so thought out and emotional- I think this book will truly help women who are battling their "good girl" woes understand themselves better and live freer in Christ!!!!!

Here are a few specifics of things I noticed most:

The chapter on chasing expectations shared a sentiment I concur with personally- "Growing up a good girl was natural for me."

It was for me- I did not "work" at it. It was my heart.

Another thing commented on was a good girl's desire to be NEEDED, not NEEDY. Another thing I personally take to heart.

This book travels other paths of good girl intricacies, and I didn't grasp all of them as part of my own life history. However, I HAVE struggled with feeling invisible. I DON'T like to say "I'm fine" when I'm not- that's silly. I DON'T wish to be thought of in a negative light. These things are a few that need to be given over to God, who can make them right in the perfect time. NOT ME, a good girl, who strives to do all things GOOD and RIGHT.

I love how in one chapter it is recognized that David in his book of Psalms, talked in anger and fear, all emotion, to and at God. It wasn't just the good he spoke of and expressed.

I get stuck in feeling ordinary from doing good sometimes. Here in the mundane. But I am fulfilling HIS purpose of being HIS child, and this book can remind you of that in a gentle yet inspiring way.

This is one, yet again, to stay on my bookshelf for frequent "go-to" inspirational reading!

so far in our homeschool days....

2011-09-08T07:36:00.005-04:00

Together:

We've "read aloud" one book (Tippy Lemmey), and are in the process of two more- Stone Fox and Misty of Chincoteague.

Reading two Columbus books for history/geography

completed several writing assignments along with poster about trips, and more

Done two art projects.

began a little timeline

Learned about one artist.

Processed ideas about explorers

A little bit of nature sketchbook-ing

Completed at least 5 experiments

Discussed such things as: matter, air pressure, gas

With Ella:

Begun analyzing and solving "sentence grammar" and patterns- this is fun, and I think something very interesting to do with her

Daily vocabulary- at least 2 words, looked up via dictionary, with picture, definition, synonym and antonym added, and sentence used in book

still reading Because of Winn Dixie

discussed several literary elements of BOWD

begun challenge word problems in math

one "Friday free-write" under her belt, worth 10 minutes. (she did good- not too many spelling mistakes at all, and nice full sentences)

completed a good number of grammar review worksheets, and covering the new topic of predicates

He has:

begun to spell/write out sentences on his own, for definitions in science, for example

will write nicely when he knows it counts! ha!

is doing great learning "grammar"

reads aloud very well, and confident

smart with our science projects, and diligent

has put forth good effort in his art, i.e. marker line drawings, and sketches, and painting.

listens as I read aloud, and pays attention (most of the time!)

can work on challenge math problems on his own, depending on how hard they are

can be creative with our geography/history writing and responses

understands we HAVE to school and this is the way it is without too much whining- yay!

What I hope to accomplish the next week?

for Ella:

another Friday free-write after revising her first

getting 3/4 done through BOWD

work on more challenge math problems with Grandpa :)

for Buddy:

ART project, for sure. I think this is his least favorite subject for some reason.

continuing our progress in writing a definition, maybe start writing a simple narration of history, or what he reads

for Both:

perhaps work on a poetry project together

my personal goals:

Reread my "Bravewriter" handbook

Print out some travel/boat poetry for next week, and ship diagrams

Cut down the next 2 weeks worth of Columbus Unit to maybe 1.5 weeks. Then the next 2 weeks down to 1.5 weeks. Like to start "Jamestown" beginning of October! And then "Pilgrims" beginning of November!

Set up a few more activities for Will David to do while we homeschool, and be more diligent to keep the little guy occupied with educational and fun things several times a day before I get wrapped up in the other two children and their work

I rate our first 2.5 weeks an 8.5- working kinks out, positive for the most part- minus a couple days where I wanted to throw in the towel, kids are learning!

horse lovin' some more....

2011-09-07T20:04:00.002-04:00

tree climbing, georgies, and a baseball game....

2011-09-05T18:16:00.004-04:00

ringing a good old fashioned church bell

2011-09-04T20:11:00.002-04:00

my parents attend a little church called Williamsport Chapel.

we love to visit. its a beautiful church, both inside and outside. inside meaning- the people are precious. kind. joyful. open armed.

one thing the kids love about visiting is taking their turn ringing the church bell!

one thing i love is the countryside. its beautiful and simple. on a hill. looking out.

shadows. breeze. children playing. large shade tree. a climbing tree. tender fields.

contentment.

Horse lovin'

2011-09-03T14:09:00.003-04:00

A Confident Heart, review

2011-09-03T10:27:00.003-04:00

Author Renee Swope has written about how to overcome our doubts and fears as Christians in this book, A Confident Heart. She has taken a topic dear to my heart as I personally battle feelings of self doubt and anxiety. In this book, she has taken care to diligently line her thoughts up with the Bible, including several examples of our "Bible Heroes," such as Gideon.

I really liked this book, and it will remain on my "go to reads" shelf permanently. There are many things I would like to mention, but I will concentrate on just a few points that were exceptionally striking.

First, Swope suggested to make a timeline. Now, I usually ignore things in books that make me do more work than just reading, but this was more than only a timeline. It has a certain purpose. She suggests you write down key events and alongside those events, your emotions and memories. After that, to ask the Holy Spirit to show you "where you have been, what those events cause, and how far from God those things took you." Also, if they caused pain for yourself and others.

The next part of this timeline focuses on an invitation to the Lord to enter into those memories with you and asking him to heal those wounds. Letting Him consume you, not the flames of doubt and pain.

A simple phrase that I have heard before but one that I think rings true was also used in this book- "pray His promises." She also reflects on those times that find ourselves disappointed in what we've become or done, and reminds us that God can take that "failure" and turn it into somethings positive, such as growth in our walk with the Lord.

As you read the chapter concerning Gideon, she brought up something I had forgotten of in his story and walk with God: there had been a sort of "banter" between Gideon and God, and God humored him, which showed His grace and patience. It is an amazing story of how God allowed Gideon to learn more about Himself and trust in Him.

I think this book would also be wonderful for a group study- there are questions at the end of each chapter, and many verses and points to discuss, which would work nicely in a group setting.

Thank you to Revell for this review copy!
This review is of my own opinion and I was not paid for it.

camping pics continued...

2011-08-30T21:35:00.003-04:00

a few more that i passed by when proofing. i had sooo many to proof. over 500. that's a LOT of pics for two days!

upcoming posts: homeschool week rundown; another book review; and another book review; and more camping pics!

soccer girl...

2011-08-29T20:01:00.002-04:00

a few camping trip pics....

2011-08-29T09:10:00.002-04:00

off in her own little world....

love the character of this photograph....her profile,
strands of hair, beautiful face...

Ella with her cousin, Abigail, watching Abigail's dad in the kayak....

It was a happy day...

2011-08-28T20:05:00.002-04:00

To see my friend, Donna, a few weeks ago. So, so thankful the Lord fashioned that meet up.

Times have changed. Hearts have hurt. Dreams met. New longings created.

The Lord, however, is the same today, always, and forever. This phrase is not a cliche. It's true for me, even when the most difficult of days.

His Love is pure. Faithful. Neverending. Hallelujah- because I am certainly one who has to "end" her day....after tired moments with kids. Hectic household stuff. Unexpected life challenges. Medical issues. In all, He is all we need. I could not do what I do- as a homeschool mom, musician, wife, friend- without this knowledge. I fail soooo, so much. I get fatigued, so so quickly.

But my God- He is my rock! And I pray that for my friends and family....that they will let Him be as well.

First few days of homeschool...

2011-08-26T23:20:00.003-04:00

and I have many days to go before I get into a groove, I think. It was much easier last year.

I know that already.

Second grade and Kindergarten. This year is first grade with a boy, haha, and third grade with a girl, whew. The first grader will have to adjust, with fidgeting and tears, the amount of writing I have submitted him too. It's first grade appropriate, and I know his limitations. However, I need to push him a bit. I need him to write a couple sentences on his own each day. Practice his penmanship. Try on his own to spell words..because I KNOW he can because I KNOW my little boy, Philip.

And Ella, we are pushing her thought processes this year. To not rely so much on me for getting her TO the answer (not THE answer, however). I see her struggling a little bit with this but I did push her a little bit already- i.e. in some vocabulary work. And math.

I just announced my kids' shortcomings- ha- but believe me when I say they are indeed bright children. I see Philip as a thinker of all sorts of things. And he REMEMBERS so many details. He catches on quickly. Very quickly!

Ella, she is artistic and sensitive, and can read with a passion. Yay! She is an encourager to Philip. She likes to be independent in many, or most, things. She's a good worker, most of the time, too. And creative. Love that.

So we started our school year Wednesday. Our third day was today. It was nice to have a short week. I threw out my schedule after day one.

I just KNEW that would happen.

I've never EVER been a schedule person. Well, I was trying it. And after one day, I knew, KNOW, it wouldn't work. My family changes things up a lot. I see each days as one that will bring us new ways to accomplish our daily goals. Realistically, my "schedule" would work maybe 9% of the time. Why go through so much work to make a schedule and keep it when the probability of it is quite low, I say!

Our family runs differently- we go to bed later. We co-sleep with the littlest still. We eat mostly chicken and fish. We don't buy pop/soda. We thrive on our time together at home. We think going to the park is going across the street to the school. We go to the other park to play in the creek. We don't have a Wii. :-)

And that's okay. We have so many things that make our family special and unique and thankful. And it works to build our family up and closer together. And if not having a schedule works to fulfill their education, so be it.

I am so thankful to homeschool. I enjoy it, and see my children thrive with this environment!

Pic of olde

2011-08-15T21:43:00.001-04:00

Two years ago? My beloved Grandma and Will David.

The Colonel's Lady, a review

2011-08-12T22:57:00.006-04:00

It's with a grateful heart I can present my review for Laura Frantz's newest work- The Colonel's Lady. I have a grateful heart because my desire to review this book for Revell was so great I had to work hard to get my blog up to par (meaning, I hadn't been posting very much and in order to review I had to be more of a regular blogger!). The day came when my blog was accepted, the book delivered, and my heart delighted.

In fact, I've read this book twice over.

Laura Frantz writes passionately and honestly, with real characters. She portrayed Roxy's life with such emotion and truth because it needed to be told that way. The colonel's life was treated no less. The character development is exceptional. I became invested in each of the characters. It was almost painful, but a good sort of painful. I dare not say too much for I do not want to provide any spoilers, but there was a twist that crushed my heart a bit. However, it fit the story so well, and was necessary, I believe, for filling the story with the grandness and realism it had.

I love to be completely drawn into a book like I was with The Colonel's Lady. I cried within the first several pages, actually. Roxy was already resilient from the very beginning of the book, and had to maintain this throughout- determined, yet always full of feminine charm that was real. She was balanced, and because she was, she helped the Colonel through his worst times. She was an attractive heroine to the reader because of her strength, and also because of her vulnerability. I think we could relate to her.

One of the things about Laura Frantz that I love is her word choice at certain times. In Courting Morrow Little, her previous novel, and still my all-time favorite, I noticed it for the first time. Telling you things at the right time, a different time, to make the story interesting, and to build the story piece by piece. In The Colonel's Lady, she's adept at this, and shows her skill at this craft. I thank God for her willingness to write because my heart and soul has truly been blessed beyond measure!

One other thing I must mention is the setting and all the details she writes into the story. It's flawless, and smooth. Purposeful. I did not have a difficult time creating an image of the fort, or of the characters. I loved how descriptions were made, and characters developed.

These thoughts are my own, and I was given a complimentary copy from Revell for this review.

why "sweet peripety?"

2011-08-10T21:52:00.012-04:00

I have a feeling a lot of people have never heard of the word "peripety." Seriously, I hadn't either until about two years ago! When I heard it, it struck me as a powerful word and it spoke to me on a very spiritual level. Beth Moore uses it in her "Esther" Bible Study to reveal parts of the story of Queen Esther in a very unique way.

The definition of peripety: a sudden and unexpected change of fortune or reverse of circumstances (especially in a literary work); "a peripeteia swiftly turns a routine sequence of events into a story worth telling."

My favorite part is this: a story worth telling. I think that we ALL have a story worth telling. Sometimes the key is understanding, perhaps, when the story seems more visible to us because it can be hard to visualize that as we live our own story. The mundane things of life. The ordinary. Those things can be disheartening if we think of them as a less than what they are. The ordinary can be beautiful. The everyday things the most important and vital to our living story! That's why I like this word- the meaning forces you to look at your life in a different angle. Look deeper into it, at the different events that have taken place. Maybe seeing a particular event as a highlight of your life, or one that has made you stronger as a person, amidst heartache.

I think of different times of my life where the Lord has spoken to me so clearly, and during this particular time of studying Esther, He had done just so. Thinking about how God brought Esther to a certain time, "as such time as this," was absolutely something God would do. He performed a miracle from a simple young girl, and saved His people from slaughter. I most certainly think that God is still the same TODAY and He fulfills His purposes in mighty ways! I felt God comforting me in my walk with Him, as I felt quite the novice as a homeschooler, a mom with young children. I felt God leading me in the quest in finding who I really am at this time of my life, in Him. I felt God's hand as He embraced my mistakes and insufficiency, and His love as he carried me despite them. What profound examples He gives us of His awesome ways of grace in His word! Esther, a simple maiden such as Mary, Bethlehem rather than Jerusalem, fishermen as disciples, the journey of Saul/Paul, David- the man after his own heart who committed adultery and murder, Rahab- a prostitute who delivered spies...the list goes on. Something happened with men and women to help them turn and trust the Lord. A dream, a meeting with Jesus himself, a decision, blindenss, a word from a trusted family member...

It is plain to see that God's journey for us is not the same. Isn't that exciting? He has special care for each one of us. Even when we see no light. Even when it's darkness that is our daily companion. God gets us out of that pit...perhaps not when we want Him too, but he WILL, and maybe not for a long time, but only a brief time, but again...he WILL get us out of that pit!

I chose these two words as a reminder to myself of God's eternal love and his power and grace. It's ALL. We. Need.

Without Him, our story will fall short. Extremely short. With Him, our story WILL be told, guaranteed. I find that thrilling. Special. It brightens my spirit knowing that God loves me for exactly who I am, and that makes me want to live for Him and get to know Him. For I will spend eternity with Him- and I want to go knowing about Him through His word, and through prayer.

If there is true peripeteia in your life, I hope you see it with new eyes, and searching eyes that search only for the Lord. If you don't see an event as such- that's not important. It's the depths of your soul that does- the soul during the mundane, even. During dry times of your life. During rich times of your spirit. A circumstance isn't the deciding force for your spiritual well being. You have that choice whether or not something dramatic is happening! In fact, I see God speaking to me when things are quiet! He's a whisper! To me, He's a still small voice. I know to others, He's a lion! A trumpet sounding! See- that's how understanding God is when it comes to His creation! He recognizes our individual and specific needs before we ask!

My hope and prayer is that the very act of searching for God in your life is something that comes natural to you. That it is a natural way to seek Him and to learn more about Him each day. Do I remember to do this daily? Certainly not, but it's sharing like this that is one way to help me to remember and to strive for that goal of seeking Him and His best for my life!

(totally random but the photograph above shows one of my favorite spots in our house- look at all those wonderful, vintage books!)

she inspires me

2011-08-10T17:21:00.002-04:00

to be more than what i am.
to pray more for what she needs to be.
to trust God for what He needs me to be for her.
to have peace that i am for her what she needs me to be already.

i have so much to learn as a mom.
don't we all?
i'm thankful for loving, gracious children.
who aren't perfect and understand their mother isn't either.
we learn together.

we learn together how to be the best family of US for the Lord
it's a daily thing, you know?
we fall, we stumble...but we eventually take some steps forward.
together.
hand in hand, heart with heart...

it's such a blessing to be a part of this family
that God called me to be a part of.
i hope and pray it's always a family
that my children wish to come back to
for whatever they need.

my husband and i are on a great journey of raising these kids...
it's a journey where we lose our patience and forget we have eternal peace in Him...
but it's also a journey where we learn the greatest lessons
we ever have learned and ever will know.

this journey. this journey of here and now.
parenthood, for one. follower of Christ, another.

may she look back at this adventure we are on with her, with loving, grateful thoughts...
stronger, braver, with God by her side. Amen.

Trail Guide to Learning!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-06T11:58:00.002-04:00

Oh, my goodness, I can't describe my excitement for using this, the core curriculum for our next year, starting in a couple weeks! Let me describe what it is. Geography Matters publishes this all-in-one curriculum for 3rd through 5th grade, with supplements available for higher middle school grades. In these two volumes, called Paths of Exploration, there are six units- Columbus, Jamestown, Pilgrim, Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, and the Oregon Trail. After this year, there are TWO more year long packages also, explaining more of our country's founding, etc. If this year goes well, if the curriculum works well with the way we operate our homeschool, if the kids like the lessons enough, we will continue on using the Trail Guide to Learning series.

So, for each of the six units there are 6 lessons split up into a week for each lesson. I do think six weeks for each unit is a little too long for studying ONE thing, although, it really isn't just studying all about Columbus or Jamestown, but the reading lasts that long about that certain subject. Here are a few reasons why this curriculum jumped out at me:

1. All In One: although it is all-in-one, and includes reading, writing, critical thinking, geography, history, art, science, and more, I don't think it is enough in certain areas- such as science. It could be enough for some families, but for us, no. Also, I enjoy so many other books and plans and ideas, I end up adding to this, but it is easy to add to and take away from.

2. The set up of lesson plans: simple, broken down well, appropriate for several grades.

3. The lesson plans themselves: wonderful thinking ideas are encouraged, a natural learning is implemented, and the sequence and rhythm are efficient

4. The series of subjects studied: I feel they are perfect for a third grader and a first grader, to learn together, or review, as in Ella's case.

5. It is loosely based around literature, and living books, which is important in my view of a well rounded education. Here is a VERY quick rough run-down on what we will work on from this particular unit:

The very first week of the first unit, Columbus, we will have begun reading at least two books, become reacquainted with the compass and globe as a review, take an imaginary trip, draw maps, create rug designs, work with a Venn Diagram, draw, and journal- and more! The second week, more map skills are studied, as well as oceans, and the art of labeling on maps, explorer investigation, and lots of sentence skills reviewed. In the third lesson, we study ships, more globe skills and definitions, cloud observation, and dictionary skills. The fourth lesson involves climate map exercises, comparing information, poetry reading, planet study, shading lesson, sun experiment, and antonyms. The fifth lesson, we continue on with some space study, with the sun and star observation, poetry writing, star map making, myths, animal studies, drawing and tracing. The next lesson introduces studies of the moon and and more explorers, and preparing for a presentation. At the end of each unit are enrichment activities, suggested videos or books, and games. A very full unit, indeed!

I think it very interesting that in the second half of this curriculum we will use the Boy Scout Handbook from the beginning of the 1900s! Also, the North American wildlife guide is a beautiful, packed book of information for your child to experience. I found myself constantly pulling the books out for this study. As we begin and go deeper into Paths of Exploration, I will be sure to check back here and relay our thoughts, for as it a newer package out there, it can be hard to get a feel for what it is like for your own family.

Science for our 2011-2012 school year!

2011-07-29T10:32:00.006-04:00

We will be specifically studying four different scientist, but others will be mentioned. For the four main biography studies, we will be notebooking and narrating our information.

In our main program (for History/Geography/and more), Paths of Exploration, most of the science included is related to North American wildlife. The assignments are mostly reading, sketching, information gathering of some sort, and making identification cards. I would describe POE, for us, at least, as a sort of "unit study" so it can be supplemented. Also, for us, it is lacking in science as it's more of a "nature study" than "science" so we are adding in chemistry and physics this year so the kids can enjoy experiments!

The extra science curriculum I chose for us to do was Elemental Chemistry and Elemental Physics, and is downloadable, in PDF form. It is all planned out in either five or two day assignments. We will do five days of science, 30 minutes to 45 minutes each day. We also will be completing two experiments each week, maybe three if they are short.

Science is my son's, Philip, favorite subject, and both kids enjoy the experiments that come with it. I will be using Mr. Wizard books, one is shown above, to implement other hands on activities. I found short and simple activities to supplement and give the kids fun things to do. I will not use the Elemental Chemistry and Physics EXACTLY the way it's written. I have chosen 15 weeks of each of Chemistry and Physics to teach. The remaining 6 will be review/catch-up/as well as studying a little bit of anatomy. The other 15 lessons or so of the chemistry and physics programs can extend to the following school year of 2012-2013.

I also have a book containing science reading comprehension stories and questions for each child, from the Read & Understand Science series by Evan Moore. The subjects in these books are for the most part different than the other things we are studying, and provide a nice way to gain testing practice, etc, for whenever they need it. Ella and Philip will each complete one reading each week.

two eight year old cousins...

2011-07-28T16:47:00.002-04:00

playing with my porcelain and cloth dolls from childhood days-gone-by....the one that Abigail is holding (on the left) plays Edelweiss. Ella is holding a cloth doll that my Grandma Snyder made. Both of those were favorites. In the little carriage behind them are more dolls! Isn't this photograph a bit of the old and and new...crocs...with old fashioned dolls....a vintage quilt, with a sticker on Ella's face. How it blessed my soul to see these girls play like they did that day!

Language Arts Supplements for Ella

2011-07-26T13:49:00.004-04:00

Why? To learn sentence imitating, prepositional phrases, "chunking" words
into meaningful groups within a sentence, and adverb clauses, to name a few. We won't get through this whole book, which is fine. I'd love to spread out this book into two years, to make the most of the program. We are not going to rush through our curriculum. We have so many treasures and beautiful pieces of work to experience, I am so excited.

One of the beginning things to work on in the book is chunking words into meaningful pieces. Here are two sentences, and the one that is the desired answer is the second...

The / idea of sewing and cutting a / dress by / herself was novel and exciting.
The idea / of sewing and cutting a dress/ by herself / was novel and exciting.
(from The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare)

Here is another book from Killgallon, along the same lines. It uses sentences in books to explain grammar and for the student to practice grammar.
Some of the books to be sample are: Nancy Drew, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and more.
We will match the subject to the predicate, and identify the subject, and more.
Another book of A LOT of material to go through.

The next set of books is by Michael Clay Thompson. I was attracted to this series of books because of the unique way grammar (Sentence Island/Grammar Island/Practice Island), vocabulary (Building Language), and poetry (Music of the Hemispheres) is presented. I will even use some of the chapters for Philip. The visual content is fantastic- it uses bolded or red or blue words and simple graphic designs to guide your eye. There's a simplicity about the instruction. A lot of white space in some cases. So, if you are looking for a normal grammar book, this isn't it!

So, these books are for me to use where it seems fitting. Or, when we may need a change of pace, or if we need more review and practice.

my sweet girl in pigtail braids

2011-07-23T17:02:00.002-04:00

that she did all on her own. she was so cute that day. she is every day, but something
about those pigtails!!!!

and then this sweet, sweet expression...

and buddy pretending he is a Jedi, guarding her with his light saber,
i mean stick.

innocent times....so much to treasure these days.

Reading and Writing for Ella

2011-07-22T12:13:00.005-04:00

This year, I plan on increasing the intensity of Ella's reading and writing, especially writing. Last year, we did a handful of writing exercises beyond Writing With Ease Level One. I DO like the Writing With Ease concept however, we will be doing much dictation and narration with our history and geography curriculum that I decided it may be a little "too much" of the same thing. In addition to that, I wanted her to be more involved with Literature studies, and had a feeling that we'd have to focus our writing alongside whatever literature selections we came up with.

I have to pause and say, before I introduce our chosen reading and writing curriculum that I labored over the decision for the writing A LOT. The variety of writing how to's is mind boggling- there were several options that looked great, and some not so great, or some that would not do well with Ella's learning style. As a fine reader, she excels in this area. Contrary to popular belief, though, being a good reader or excellent reader, as I believe Ella is, as well as an excellent speller do not go hand in hand. I have read studies and read on forums about other students who are excelling at reading but the idea of being a natural speller isn't so. Ella will do excellent with her spelling work and tests, but when it comes to writing on her own, the spelling she knows flies out the window for the most part. So, I have decided to do away with a specific choice of any spelling program and work within the books we read. That means- a lot of extra work for me. That means- Ella is going to really really USE these spelling words and I can CREATE what she needs to do and practice so she can REALLY LEARN how to spell when she writes on her own! To accomplish this, I have taken out spelling words from several different books that we'll start out with and I have made literature units.

One of the first books we will read is Tippy Lemmey. I actually will use it as a "read aloud" so Philip can enjoy it as well. This will not be a complete literature unit, but basic comprehension and spelling. After this book, which will take two weeks, we will begin Because of Winn Dixie. I will have spelling lessons for her, and using the Arrow put out by Brave Writer, we will explore grammar, writing, and literature studies each week for three to four weeks. Every month, we are going to use the Arrow to combine her literature with grammar and learning about the elements of literature. Other books we will use are: Turn Homeward Hannalee (one I loved as a child, and just found in my old book stash, coincidentally), Carry On Mr. Bodwitch (a book we are going to read for history as well in our first unit), Caddie Woodlawn, Thimble Summer, A Door in the Wall, Treasures in the Snow (I loved this book as a child), The Horse and His Boy (C.S. Lewis), Ginger Pye, and Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (which we have already in our homeschool library). Like Philip, we will be using a few Progeny Press PDF interactive guides if time allows. On average, we will be reading one extra book a month beyond what we are reading for History.

Our curriculum for history and geography actually includes writing exercises each week, narration, and dictation. As well as word study, some spelling, reading, science, and a few art projects. But I read the Brave Writer's handbook called the Writer's Jungle and after reading this, felt so encouraged and equipped to handle the teaching of writing to my children. I loved her suggestions for guiding children along the writing path. She stresses not forcing the writing and challenged the mom- the teacher- to really become a supporter, not critic, of the child's work. More on The Writer's Jungle later- there's so much good in there I don't know where to start! I need to outline a blog post for it!

A little bit about our reading and writing curriculum

2011-07-22T11:44:00.005-04:00

I will have to break this information up into a few posts. We are using a wide variety of materials. First up, Philip.

Last year he read first and second grade readers (shown above are the two first grade readers, Days Go By and More Days Go By) from Rod and Staff's collection of Pathway Readers. He really enjoyed the stories- they are sweet and wholesome, mostly about the children and interactions with animals, at least the younger books are. We did not use the workbooks because I wanted him to just focus on his reading so this year I decided we'd go ahead and reread the books as well as working in the accompanying workbooks, for phonics and spelling instruction as well as comprehension. Now, I expect him to work through these fairly quickly, and we'll move on to third grade readers, which we also have already!

Along with those readers we are going to use a book from Memoria Press, a classical educational company that provides literature studies, latin, and more. I've always been curious about their products, as I do enjoy some of the classical way of learning. The first book to read as instructed in More Storytime Treasures is Billy and Blaze...a story about the adventures of a boy and his horse. The other books to be read and used in this curriculum are Blaze and the Forest Fire, The Story About Ping, Sotne Soup, Miss Rumphius, The Little House, and Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. The latter book we already have as well as The Story About Ping. There are activities involving vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. It looks simple but thorough enough, and paired with the Pathway Readers, I feel we have a good journey into the language arts for first grade. I will go over other literature guides we may read further into the year, such as PDF interactive ones put out by Progeny Press, for Wagon Wheels, and Sam the Minuteman, for example. I wanted to add some historical Step 3 readers that pertain to what we are studying for history.

A Vision for Lucy, a review

2011-07-21T21:37:00.004-04:00

Oh, can I just say what a pleasure it was to read A Vision for Lucy?! As a lover of photography, I was yet hooked again by a main character's passion. It was a unique plot- a woman photographer in the late 1800s who, of course, meets negativity about her journey to be a professional. She was a determined woman who set out with a main goal- obtain a photographer's position at a local newspaper. With that as her goal, she had to set out to get a photograph of a man the townspeople thought as "wild."

Right up front, Lucy tells David she needs a photograph of him, after she meets him face to face and learns his name. He doesn't want to give it to her, but soon after they depart begins a series of events that draws them close to each other.

I enjoyed the pace of the book. I also truly loved the little excerpts at the beginning of each chapter from a vintage photography book written by a woman. Some of the information made me laugh right out loud and some I quietly nodded to as well. Thank you for a five star book!

I received this book from BookSneeze and was not required to give a positive review.

thanks to Last of the Mohicans...

2011-07-21T21:26:00.003-04:00

i was able to go canoeing with my family. i used to canoe and be very comfortable. I even went white water rafting a couple times for Pete's sakes. But comfortable now, not so much. something about water, large amounts of it, bothers me. but, towards the end of our Guilford Lake family get together, i hastily decided to go canoeing with my boys- my husband, Will David, and Philip. i quickly decided to pretend i was someone else to enjoy the journey.

that's where Last of the Mohicans comes in. my favorite movie. EVER.

because i'm a romantic, a lover of dramatic love stories, a girl who often thinks she was born in the wrong century...this movie is my favorite. and Cora, one of the most remarkable heroines i've ever encountered. so i pretended to be her.

no one really knew that i was her when we set off at first. or went past the first little island. and around the next. and further out into the middle of deep, dark, murky, cold, waters....but i was. something about the ability we have to be creative and imagine is truly amazing...what a gift God gave us. the ability to think and create, even while we know reality for what it is.

but in the picture above, i was definitely NOT Cora, but the mom who, at the end of our canoe trip, felt confident after all in a boat called a canoe, with my strong men behind me.

The Lady of Bolton Hill, review

2011-07-21T21:07:00.004-04:00

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts--and lives--hang in the balance?

I was sold on reviewing the book, The Lady of Bolton Hill, because of the cover. It was
elegant, simple, and classy. I was NOT disappointed. It was filled with the same
elegance, but in writing. Even within the first few pages, as the author sets up her story
of the two childhood friends, I was hooked. As a pianist, I prefer Chopin, and it was
delightful to be able to have a connection like that between the characters and myself.
I thought Clara proved to be a strong heroine, even though she had gotten herself in
several seemingly inescapable situations. For the most part, I liked Daniel's character,
but some of his decisions did not set will with me, and I don't know how gracious I would
have been if I had been Clara. Secondary characters were well developed, and I agree
with another reviewer who had written she hoped the villain, Bane, would turn up in
another book. That would be interesting as well, for it was a clever aspect in character
development as far as how Bane changed. This book has great substance- love, faith,
adventure...and I recommend it to those who favor works of historical fiction.
This book was provided by Bethany House and I am not required to write a positive
review.

so I made playdough for the kids a few days ago

2011-07-20T10:02:00.005-04:00

for the first time ever and look what happened. silly me. forgot to mix the food coloring beforehand so i was stuck with brightly colored hands for a day or so. that stuff just doesn't come off well. but it was funny. i actually enjoyed having my hands look like this . even when i went to pick up pizza.

and i did this especially for WD because he's a playdough maniac. he loves it and could play with hours. Buddy loves his travel tangoes and could play for hours. Ella loves the newly covered wall with chalkpaint so she could do THAT for hours, play with chalk. my other kid, Rich- hehe- could play with remote controlled cars for hours. i love how our family loves simplicity. it warms my heart. not denying we all love our computer time- i'm almost obsessed with my iPad but it is so convenient and helpful during the day. for reading, email, homeschool planning, educational apps for the kids, music, internet searching for projects, writing, and more...it's wonderful. but i do think our household thrives on what we can do just SIMPLY. and i don't think we are as simple as we COULD be. but we are happy with what simplicity we DO have, and it's refreshing.

but back to the playdough....

it was a delightfully new and fun that day...and still is...

my sweetie took these lovely photographs....

2011-07-18T20:02:00.005-04:00

last night at Ella's horseriding lesson
the above photo....takes my breath away, and I am So
Impressed with him!
it's a gorgeous shot, and worthy of a canvas I say!

cantering a bit...

bonding with the horse...

look at that swishing tail!

I was told she did great, and she told me she talked to Vern, the horse, more
which is a good thing- he needs to know her and know that SHE is BOSS!

a Sunday to remember

2011-07-10T21:51:00.003-04:00

Ella and her cousin, Sydney, a few weeks back, doing cartwheels. This photo is so FUN, it makes me smile.

Ella was a sweet big sister for Will David...she was blowing all sorts of bubbles for him to chase after and pop.

On to more recent times...

We had an event-filled day. This morning we decided to drive to a different town and enjoy their park with the intention of going out to lunch afterwards. At the park, we let the kids play for awhile then went for a family walk on the trails. Philip and Ella were ahead of the rest of us and we saw them move closer to a trash can along the trail then yell and come back to where we were. They said they heard something. We approached the trashcan. Rich decided he'd look in it. No sooner than he got closer and peered in cautiously he jumped back with great force, and told us there's a raccoon in it. Oh boy, well, we didn't stick around. A raccoon, during the day, with our children around, we weren't taking any chances. So off we went on a side trail, walking a bit faster to get away. We actually made a loop and came back, and the kids wanted to see if it was still there. I am thinking, meanwhile, hmmmmm...really? Well, Rich lifted Buddy up and the went a bit closer to the container and Buddy said, no raccoon. That thing must've hightailed it after we left. Made for interesting conversation about the behavior of animals.

Lunch was a success, as well, and we came home because it was so hot. In no particular order, WD took a nap, I worked on school stuff, read part of a book, Rich took the kids to a ball field where they all drove their RC cars, Rich mopped the basement floor we are working on, the kids chilled out in front of the T.V., played with my dollhouses and miniatures that I stilllll have, and we ALL rode bikes at a big parking lot down the street. YES, I mean ALL. I mean ME. I haven't ridden my bike in years. Probably at least 12! I was a little wobbly at first, and that seat was a bit uncomfortable, but it was fun. I had to take my time turning. Ella was so cute, as she said after we'd ridden for 10 minutes or so, "Mommy, you're getting better!" Oh, that made me chuckle. She was so encouraging. Rich pulled WD on his little bike with a rope. But, WD wasn't into riding. He sat and basically just watched us make fools of ourselves riding around in circles.

However, it made for some fun family times.

Ending it now, with kids now bathed, final snacks being eaten, and blogging, I feel so blessed today. Yes, we did miss church, but God provided us with so much of His goodness today, and we as a family embraced it. We were healthy, safe, and joyful. We worked hard too. Played hard. Ate good food. Enjoyed each other's company. I saw so much love from Philip towards myself, as we talked Star Wars. Ella helped me with my old books and organizing them downstairs. She ended up wanting to read my Nancy Drew books and Mandy series. She is already reading one of the Mandie series, which is STILL popular today, believe it or not! She said she loves the book.

One of the final "play" things the kids did today was playing with my dollhouses, as I previously mentioned. They set up a couple houses, and Philip, my goodness, he loved all the little treasures I was looking through and deciding what to keep or what to toss. They said it is their new favorite thing to do..and it makes me so happy. I cannot even express the simple joy I have from that...I've been waiting for the time when they'd enjoy those little treasures I've kept from my childhood. It has come, and it filled my heart with this calm, steady gladness. As we are fixing up our basement (we have flooring to look at for part of it, some chalkboard paint to get, some bean bags to purchase, some stuff for the walls to find) we are slowly seeing progress and the kids are anticipating the new space they can use. My vision for the new area is not high-priced, but simple and non cluttered and using a lot of what we have. We've gotten rid of the carpet, mopped the floor, set up a basic furniture plan...getting ready to make the particular space usable and pleasant so we WANT to be down there.

Maybe I'm devious but that's why I want to get nice, appropriately colored bean bags for Ella and Philip. They will be basement only ones, as space in the upstairs is limited, and I want also to have my vintage alphabet cards displayed as well as a magnetic strip to hang artwork of the kids. The small round table Rich and I used when we were first married sits in the middle of the space, and it really looks nice like that. Other pieces will follow...but for now I digress. It's time to end the post of my ramblings!