Christmas break has been so relaxing!  The girls are enjoying all their gifts. I am trying to get the house back in order. Its that time again, to start lesson plans for the next semester.... I better get on the ball... School starts back soon!

Have a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Its only one week until we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  What a wonderful time of the year!  With the busyness of the holidays, lets not forget why we have Christmas.  Its not because of Santa Claus, or getting and giving of gifts.   Its because of Jesus!


Luke 2: 11-12

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 ¹²And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

I came across this song that I just loved this Christmas season... 

Do you have room for Jesus?  If not make room for him.

Have a great Christmas!

Joys of Homeschooling

I can say without a doubt that this is the best year we have had in our schooling adventure. 

The year is not over yet... but this has been a stress free and enjoyable school year.

Why is that, I wonder?

Less Distractions 

One reason I believe is, is that I don't have any  other children to take care of during our school year.

I can force more on  the challenges of each school day without outside distractions.

It could be that we have finally found our "grove", but from every 

magazine article  I have read ... distractions are one of the most difficulties many HS face.

I am more Organized

Organization is the key! 

We are having fun!

When you make learning fun, I can say that you are going to enjoy teaching more and your 

children will enjoy learning more!

How is your school year going?

 

Where has the time gone?

Wow, I just realized that I have not posted anything in a few weeks.  I have been busy with Christmas sewing, homeschooling, and wifely duties.  

I am so proud of myself!  I have made all of my sisters, sister in laws, and my mother's Christmas gifts this year. They are very cute and I pray they enjoy them as much as I did making them.  Janelle and Kalyn have enjoyed helping with the ironing, sewing, and wrapping of each gift.  There is nothing like team work!

As we are coming to a close  in our schooling for the holidays, I have done a review of where each girl is at in her subjects.  I can say that I am very pleased with each of their progress this semester.   They are working very hard and it shows ! Way to go girls!!!

My husband has been very busy. ... (this is of course his busy time of the year, with it being deer season and  all.) I am not a hunter nor do I like being where their could be a snake or other vermin crawling about, but he has had me drop him off at deer blinds while he was "on the hunt" for a buck.  Let me tell you, driving in complete darkness is totally not fun! I got lost!!!!  I dropped him off one morning and on the way home, nothing looked right, so I whined up at a completely different part of the ranch. Luckily, I knew where I was (after getting there!) and was able to make it home.

My husband finally bagged the buck after a week of playing "hid and seek" with it.  He called me so excited and asked for me to come  get him (  and DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA).  I show up in my sleepers of all things... thinking that he could just take a picture and I can stay in the truck.... WRONG... I had to get out and take pictures.  I told my husband that I now need ranch shoes! I was so scared that some critter would crawl up and my poor feet would be bite..  That being said, I am now the proud owner of hiking/ ranch boots!

Here is one of the pictures I so bravely took!  Hey, after all, I had to walk in the brush with all but sleepers on!

Just yesterday, he bagged two doe!  Can you see what my future holds?  

In everything Give Thanks!

Where has this year gone? Its already Thanksgiving... a time to count our blessing and give thanks.   I am reminded of the Scripture in the Bible :

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I Thess. 5:18

In every thing give thanks!  I am so thankful for all the blessing the Lord has shown our family.  I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, and two beautiful daughters.  I have a wonderful church family and friends.  I am  a blessed Lady!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remembering Chirstmas

This is another heart warming Christmas story!  This book will captivate you and keep you reading.  Rick Denton  never thought he wanted to come home again, but with one phone call , he is back in the small home town that will change his life forever.  What a heart warming story... you'll just love it!

Happy Reading Everyone!


 Can one Christmas change a life forever?

Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls begging him to come home after his stepfather has an aneurysm, Rick is more than a little reluctant. What was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and dealing with the homeless guy who keeps hanging around the store. The one bright spot is the lovely and intriguing young woman who works at his side each day.
As Christmas nears, Rick's old life beckons, the hurts from his past loom large, and the decisions he makes will determine more than just where he spends Christmas Eve.
With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story that will have you remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

Endorsements

"I love a story with some unexpected twists--not to mention a quirky cast of characters who surprise and delight me. I think that's the perfect recipe for a true Christmas classic. Dan has penned such a tale, and I heartily recommend it to readers who want a reminder of why Christmastime is so special."--Melody Carlson, author, Christmas at Harrington's and The Christmas Shoppe

The Christmas Shoppe

The small town of Parrish Springs is not quite 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.
Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share—that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic. 




The Christmas season is so busy that if you are like me you hardly get the time to just sit and relax with a great book.  This book is just it!   This book will bring you back to what Christmas should be all about!  

your Journey to Joy giveaway

My friend Julie from Becoming Lyda is have a great giveaway.

She is giving a way a great CD.... Journey to Joy by Carol Martin...

follow this link to this sign up!

http://becominglydia.com/2011/11/11/give-away-your-journey-to-joy/#comment-17

I AM in Here... book review

I am in Here, is written by Elizabeth M. Bonder, who has autism, and her Mother Virginia.  This book in a way,  is the story of Elizabeth's life.  You will find many, many insightful poems,  and encouraging words  written by a young lady who struggles with this autism.

God loves us all

It does not matter who you are

It does not matter if you stray far

God is always there for you

In spite of what you may do

His love is stronger than anyone can know

you just have to know to go

to God.

Elizabeth wrote this poem at the age of 9! Wow!..... she wanted people to know the power of Faith.  

She has so much insight  for such a young child... 

This book also shows the reader the challenges and frustrations that Elizabeth faces. 

What an inspiration Elizabeth is!  I recommend this book to all my friends... 

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

my Hair loss Solution!

I have very thin hair.  I loose lots of hair every time I wash, or comb my hair.  Lately,  I have been loosing ton, hand fulls of hair!  My no means do I want to be bald by the time I am forty....   I began looking into a natural remedy for all of this hair loss that would not cost me a fortune.
I found a hair "wash" and hair "conditioner" recipe that I decided to try.  I have been using it for over two weeks now.  Let me tell you.... I have minimum hair loss!  I was so happy with the outcome that I told my husband about it.... he said "Good, You can save me more money!"

Would you like to know what I am using to wash my hair?   A Baking Soda / water mix !
I am using a mix of Vinegar and water with essential oils for the conditioner.

I am not crazy!  This stuff works... it cleanses my hair and makes it super soft.

Here's the Recipe I am using:

Shampoo: 1 part aluminum free baking soda + 3 parts water Mix well in a convenient bottle and use this to shampoo your hair. Focusing mostly on your scalp and leaving it set for several minutes before rinsing.

Conditioner: 1 part organic white vinegar + 4 parts water, you may also add essential oils for fragrance ( I used lavender), one woman puts vanilla and a cinnamon stick in hers. Mix in a convenient bottle and use for conditioner, massaging into scalp and hair and then rinsing after a minute or so. 




Hey If you are having hair loss, give this a try.... You might be surprised at the outcome.

Peanut Butter Cups

 I love searching the internet for great recipes.   I found a peanut butter cup at Joy of Baking.   I asked Kalyn  if she wanted to help me make some.

She jumped at the chance to get in the kitchen and get her baking on!

All you need to get started is:

• peanut butter
• powder sugar
• butter
• shortening
• milk chocolate chips
• semi-sweet chocolate chips
• paper liners for mini- muffin cups

I had Kalyn  line the min-muffin pans.    These things were so simple to make! It takes no time at all.....


Here's the recipe:

Peanut Butter Cups:

1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (55 grams) confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar

Chocolate Coating

1 cup semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup  milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon (10 grams) shortening

Line 36 miniature muffin cups with paper liners.

Place the peanut butter,unsalted butter, and salt in a microwaveable bowl, and heat in the microwave for about one minute or just until soft, but not melted (check and stir the ingredients every 20 seconds). Stir in the confectioners sugar.

Melt the chocolates and shortening in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water.

Drop a teaspoon of the melted chocolate into each of the paper lined miniature muffin cups. Top with a scant teaspoon of peanut butter mixture. Then top with another teaspoon of melted chocolate.  Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes about 36 peanut butter cups.

These things are sinfully good!  So enjoy!

Lazy day......

After a busy weekend, today has been a lazy day.  A light day of school work, we relaxed!
Lazy day, but only for one day!
Tomorrow school is back to normal........

Knit with Love: Stories to warm a Knitter's Heart

The rhythm of knitting brings peace and joy to life. Knitters love to share stories, skills, and even their stashes of elegant yarn. And they love finding new outlets for their talents.
Knitting can't feed the hungry, fight crime, or stop global warming. But a hand-knit sweater warms a cold child. A cozy scarf eases a homeless night. A tiny hat comforts a new baby's head. A lovely prayer shawl wraps a worried patient in peace.
Through inspiring stories and gentle encouragement, Knit with Love reveals the many ways you can, with your own two hands, bring joy and comfort to those around you. 




Knitting and crocheting has always been a stress relief  for me.  Just sitting  with a needle and some yarn.... sounds like a wonderful way to spend  the afternoon.   The stories in Knit with Love, are very inspiring and heart warming.  I love that these are not only stories,  but stories that bring a life lesson.  You will find that not only are there great stories, but also great resources.  

Now that I've read all of this inspiration.... I'm getting my needles out and getting busy!

“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

A Look Back on this 1st Quater

Yeah!!!!!!
 We have successfully completed the first quarter!
I am so proud of my girls.
They have worked hard and it shows.


Looking back, I thought that teaching a high schooler would be easy.   NOT!

I have struggled and struggled to find the right curricula just for her.  I thought I did... well Math has me stressed to the max.  
After struggling, and struggling, and struggling (yes, that much!)  I finally decided that it was time to start all over! Yes, that's right, We have started all over at the beginning of her math book, after nine weeks of struggling.

 If you have homeschooled for any amount of time, you will know that sometimes our children get stuck on a subject and then just can't seem to get over that "hump".
 Hopefully, with us starting from the beginning, she will be able to move past that "hump" and on her way!

My 5th grader has improved her math skills.  She struggled with multiplying and dividing simple equations. .... after weeks of drill, drill, drill... she is well on her way!

Way to go girls! I am so proud of all the hard work that you have put forward this quarter! Keep it up!

Book Review: A Necessary Deciption

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.


What can I say about this book?    I loved it!  NO surprise there.  As you know, I am somewhat of a book worm.  I love just about any story.... but this one, what can I say... Lydia Gale saves a French prisoner, then he saves her life........ what more can happen?  Lydia is threatened! Christien tries to find out who it is...

Laurie Alice Eakes knows how to keep a reader on their toes!  I just could not put the book down.... I wanted to know who was the "Bad guy".   I was shocked when I found out!  (Don't even ask me!  You know I can't give the end away!)    I will say the chemistry between Lydia and Christien are something....

This is the first book in The Daughters of Bainbridge house.   Lydia has two other sisters, Cassandra and Honore.   I wonder who the next novel will be about.... I can't wait to find out!


“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Fall is in the Air!

The weather has been so nice this week in south Tx.  It makes me feel as if fall is in the air.  So to celebrate, I have changed my background.  How do you like the new look?  


Now, I think I will get out my fall recipes and make me some pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bread, and what ever else pumpkin I can find!

Walk Strong, look up

Looking for a way to get you motivated to get moving?  Walk Strong, Look up by Chantel Hobbs may just be the book for you.    I have tried in the past to get moving and walk every night... but many times I have failed at my efforts.  In this book, Chantel gives you step by step instructions on those little things that can help get you motivated.  At the end of each chapter, she has what I would call a heart to  heart section... with questions for you to answer and think about.   One thing she states in her book, is "don't walk along...bring HIM with you". Bring Jesus with you on your walk... make it not only a time of exercise but a time to pray and meditate on the Lord.    She also give great advice on buying the right type of walking shoes.  She has great recipes for shakes and meals in the book as well.  


This book has great practical way to help you get moving... one thing I really liked was the walking routine she mentions... a week by week routine to get you started and not burned out!  


Walk Strong, Look up is 


Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.




This book was given to me by Baker Publishing Group to read and review.

Deeply Devoted Review

Within the pages of Deeply Devoted, you will find a story about people adjusting to a different way of life.  You have Peter and Catharine, newlyweds, in a house with Catharine's sisters... all of them who know nothing about how to keep a house, or even cook for that matter (all except Peter that is).  Peter has to put his frustration aside and learn to deal with the other people in the house besides his wife.  Peter is also having to deal with his mother, who does not like the idea of him sending off to find a bride when she had the perfect girl already picked out for him!    And then, you have Catharine, who is still hiding an important fact about herself from Peter.  


This book has a great story line. Catherine's secret added a twist to the book.  Oh, and you can't forget about the beloved china that Catherine brought along with her.... read and find out what happens when Peter brakes one!  Deeply Devoted is the first in The Blue Willow Brides series.  Deeply Devoted is a  very enjoyable book to read.  I can't wait for the next one to come out.    






Deeply Devoted is:
Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


This book was given to my by Baker Publishing group to read and review as part of their book blog tour.

A Heart Revealed Review

Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, running for her life. Her emotional wounds have finally faded, and her life is now 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 you in its grip until the very last page



This story takes place during the 1930s, where speakeasies and Prohibition were in full spring. The O'Connors  is what I would say a typical Irish family.  They take and befriend Emma.  They make her feel as one of the family.   In the beginning of the book you just get a glimpse of Emma's story.  I had no idea of what to expect, but as the story unfolded... I began to understand her character more.   Wow, What a great  story!  I do not want to spoil it for you... but lets just say  that you will become so captivated by it, that you will not want to put it down.   


Great Story!  




A Heart Revealed is available now at your local bookstore, go check it out!

Organization in the "School" Room

I know that I am not the only one who deals with the problem of organization.  Every year, I wonder just how I am going to corral all those teacher manuals, answer keys, and test waiting to be taken.    Try as I might, I have not been able to come up with anything to help with my problem.  That is until I went to good old Walmart with my husband.    He saw these plastic crates... you know those cheap things we forget about.... well I forget about!
I bought one... for less than 4 bucks I might add... came home and did this:

I filed and organized all my "teacher" stuff and wallah.... all my organization problems solved!    Oh, How I wished I would have thought of this sooner!


What are some of the ways that you keep your school room organized?  I would love to hear from you....


Until then.... Happy Homeschooling!

Deadly Pursuit... book review

I was on pins and needles waiting for this book!  I loved Irene Hannon's last  book in the Guardians of Justice series.  I knew this one would be great too.  The story takes place around Alison Taylor, Jack and Cole's sister(who we meet in book one... Fatal Judgement).  Cole's tries his match making skill on her... both brothers are very protective of her, and Alison has an admirer... are two.  

This book had the suspense mixed with the romance that I just love.  What can I say... I love a good mystery with a little romance in the mix.  It was a great story line.  I do believe this book will be reread....  I also like the fact that my teenager can read it!  It is a good entertaining "G" rated story!

Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements--her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

Reviews

Praise for the books of Irene Hannon
"Hannon captures your attention at page one and doesn't let it go until long after you've finished the book!"--Suspense Magazine

"Fast-paced crime drama with an aside of romance . . . [and] an ever-climactic mystery."--Publishers Weekly

"Hannon is a master at character development."--Library Journal

"Extraordinary writing . . . a not-to-be-missed reading experience."--RT Book Reviews

"There is no rest for the weary when it comes to [Hannon's] ever-accelerating storyline."--TitleTrakk.com

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

A Lancaster County Christmas Review

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my package, inside was a beautiful hard cover book...  A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher.    Written in the pages is a story about lost, love, and choices.  Two families are brought together during a snow storm two days before Christmas. 
Meet:
The Riehls-- Sol, Mattie, and son Danny (a spirited, adventurous little boy)
Jamie and C.J. with their fun loving dog named Tucker
Zach- cousin to Mattie
Now you mix all this characters (each with their own problems... ) and you get one great novel!


Mattie Riehl was hoping to give her husband, Sol, the Christmas gift they have both longed for--news that a baby was on the way. But as usual, she is disappointed. The holidays bring an acute awareness to Mattie that her dream of a big Amish family isn't likely to become a reality. Will those empty chairs at the table ever be filled?
Then a winter storm raging outside blows an impatient young woman and her husband into the Riehl home on Christmas Eve--and into a much slower pace of life.
Both couples are about to find out if they can weather the storm--and if miracles still happen at Christmastime.

I found this book to be an easy read.  Which can be easily finished in one afternoon. 

Another Great Book by Susanne Woods Fisher! 

“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Happy Reading everyone!


Great Recipe for the whole family!

I came across this great recipe for the crockpot!  ( I am in love with my Crockpot! )  It is called ...get this... Crock pot style Ham and Potatoes..... (that says it all for me..I just had to try it!)

All you need is the following:
6 C. peeled potatoes  that are cut into 1 inch cubes
1 1/2 cups of cubed, diced ham
1 can of whole kernel corn
1/4 cup of green pepper (bell peppers or any other you desire)
2 tbsp. minced onion ( I just chopped a half of an onion small)
1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 cup of milk
2 tsp of flour

Throw the potatoes, corn, ham, onion, and bell pepper in the crockpot.   In a small bowel, combine soup, milk,  and flour and whisk together til is is smooth.  Pour over the potato mix.  ( add salt and pepper to your taste!) cook on low for high.... until done...   (on low for 7 to 9 hours.. high for 3 to 5)

How yummy does this look!

Serve this with Cheddar Cheese Biscuits and you have a meal for the whole family!

The Queen

Are you ready for another great thriller from Steven James?  Well your wait is over.  Steven James has out did himself again.  The Queen is another great thriller in the Patrick Bowers Thriller series.  The Queen pretty much starts (give a few months or so) form where  The Bishop ended.    Patrick is on the case of another major crime.  Tessa is trying to deal and cope with the all the stuff that took place in the previous book. Add in a few new characters mixed with the old and you get another great story!  One thing about this book is... it's not as gory as the last one.(if you are the faint at heart you will appreciate this)  So what's the story line.  Well here it is:


 While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.

In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.
The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publishers Weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game."




If you are a mystery lover, than you are going to love this book.  It has the thrill of the hunt action that will keep you guessing!   If I gave out stars on how I liked a book than I would give it 5 stars..... it was that good!  


click here to read an expert!


“Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”




Happy reading everyone!

It’s Christmas in September!

To celebrate the release of her first Christmas book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has teamed up with her publisher, Revell, to bring you the "Christmas in September" iPad Giveaway! The winner will be announced on 9/27 at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party! Details below. Tell your friends and join in the fun (9/7-9/27).


Oh and be sure to follow the blog tour here - many of the bloggers have copies of the book to giveaway! 

Suzanne and Revell will be presenting one merry winner with a Christmas Prize Pack (valued at over $600):

• A Brand New iPad 2 with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to iTunes
• A copy of A Lancaster County Christmas

To enter, click one of the icons below. But, hurry the giveaway ends on 9/26.

But, wait! There's more! The winner will be announced at the A Lancaster County Christmas Facebook Party on 9/27 at Suzanne's author page. During the party she'll be revealing something *BIG* - you won't want to miss it. She'll also be hosting a book chat, trivia contest and giving away a few early Christmas presents! Hope to see you there.



Enter 9/7-9/26!

 

Blue skies Tomorrow

I just received an email from my publisher asking if I had posted this review.  I knew I read and love the book, so I went searching my post.... Come to find out I completely  forgot to write a review!  I am So So sorry!

So without further adue:

MY Review!



Blue Skies Tomorrow is the third book in the Wings of Glory Series written by Sarah Sundin.  Helen Carlisle is a widow with a young boy.  She throws herself into volunteering for the war efforts to cover up her feelings.  She is a prisoner of sorts to her husbands family.    She is keeping secrets that no one knows about and it is all she can do to not tell.  Ray enters her life and boom... she starts to think she has a way out..... only if she was braver...

For the life of me, I kept trying to find out what kind of secret Helen was carrying.... I never saw it coming!

This is a great story about love, trials, friendships......  You will not want to put it down, believe me! 

Get it at your favorite book store today!

Grace for the good Girl Review

Are you a good girl but inside question your life, wishing you were perfect?  Than this book is for you!  This is another must read for us woman!   Are you  people pleasers, are you a lady that hides when things are not fine but you say they are fine anyway?   As woman, we have high expectations of ourselves. Emily shows us that we don't have to.  After each chapter there are questions that make you think and ponder on.  What a great book for a ladies devotional. 


You're strong. You're responsible. You're good. But . . .

. . . as day fades to dusk, you begin to feel the familiar fog of anxiety, the weight and pressure of holding it together and of longing left unmet. Good girls sometimes feel that the Christian life means doing hard work with a sweet disposition. We tend to focus only on the things we can handle, our disciplined lives, and our unshakable good moods.
But what would happen if we let grace pour out boundless acceptance into our worn-out hearts and undo us? If we dared to talk about the ways we hide, our longing to be known, and the fear in the knowing?

In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily Freeman invites you to release your tight hold on that familiar, try-hard life and lean your weight heavy into the love of Jesus. With an open hand, a whimsical style, and a heart bent brave toward adventure, Emily encourages you to move from your own impossible expectations toward the God who has graciously, miraculously, and lovingly found you.

Endorsements

"If you struggle with trying so hard, being so good, and hoping so much for joy and grace in the mundane, savor Grace for the Good Girl. Emily Freeman writes from experience. She tells the truth on herself and invites you to the feast of God's available and life-changing grace."--Mary DeMuth, author of Thin Places: A Memoir

"It is such a joy for me to recommend Emily Freeman's book to you. I applaud her vulnerability, truth and beautiful application of God's grace to us. She has profoundly ministered to this recovering good girl."--Angela Thomas, bestselling author and speaker

"When you read certain writers, you know it's a calling, because on every page, it's there: the echo of God's voice. Emily Freeman's one of those rare writers: profoundly biblical, lyrical, transparent--memorable. Her emancipating words on these pages offer the needed keys to all the good girls longing to take wing--and soar home to his heart."--Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts


Grace for the Good Girl is available at your local Book store! 
 

Grace for the Good Girl: Letting Go of the Try-Hard Life

wordless post

A Confident Heart

About the Book:
Step out of the shadows of self-doubt to live with a confident heart



Ever feel like you're not good enough, smart enough, or valuable enough? Renee Swope understands. Even with a great family, a successful career, and a thriving ministry, she still struggled with self-doubt. Sharing her own personal story, Renee shows you how to rely on the power of God's promises to find the security you need and the confidence you long for!


Exchange fear-filled thinking with faith-filled believing


Fail forward when life or sin sets you back


Embrace your God-given purpose, passion, and personality


See beyond who you are to who you are becoming in Christ


Powerful Scripture-based prayers are at the end of each chapter, along with Bible study questions and a chart with thirty-one promises to replace our most common self-doubts.




If there was ever a book that every lady needs to read... It is this one!  You may tell yourself that you are confident in every area of your life.  But if you are like me, you have times where you doubt, worry, and question your decisions.  
I am a worrier!  I worry about everything.  In "A Confident Heart" Renee Swope has a chapter that deals with worrying... (Boy did it speak to me!)  Here is a  quote from that chapter:

Worry robs us physically, leaving us exhausted

worry robs us emotionally, leaving us anxious

worry robs us mentally, leaving us scattered

worry robs us spiritually, leaving us depleted.

Worry  also robs us of our confidence that God notices and cares about the details of our lives.

After reading this chapter in particular, I have made it a point to leave it all in the hands of the Almighty!  I will put my Confidence in the one who made it all. 

As I stated earlier, every lady needs to read this book, you will not be disappointed!  "Step out of the shadows of self-doubt to live with a confident heart."

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”



    

Amish Values for your Family by Suzanne Woods Fisher

It's time for another book review!  What can you learn form the Simple Life?

When it comes to strong families that know how to truly enjoy life together, there is much we can learn from the Amish. Just how do they establish such strong family bonds, such deeply held values, and such wonderful family traditions? In Amish Values for Your Family, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shares the secrets of Amish family life. In this inspiring and practical book, you will meet real Amish families that are a lot like yours. Through their stories you'll discover how to

slow down
safeguard family time
raise children who stand strong in their faith
prioritize what's truly important
Amish values like community, forgiveness, simple living, obedience, and more can be your family legacy--without selling your car or changing your wardrobe.
 check out more here

I just loved this book.  I sat down one evening, opened my copy, thinking that I would just read maybe a chapter or so....before I knew it.... it was one o'clock in the morning! 

We can learn so much from others, and the way they live their life.  For example, Suzanne wrote a chapter called "The mud hole".   In this chapter she tells a story about an Amish family.  The family pet has died and dad told his boys to dig  a whole so that after Dad did all the errands, they could bury the dear old family pet.  The boys found a mud hole, while working and decides that playing was funner than digging the whole for their lost loved pet.    Dad comes home to find that the whole has not been dug and the boys had played in the mud hole.... What did dad do?  He dug the hole and buried the pet.  (This story is just so cute!  Can you see your little boys and maybe girls doing this!... I can!)

As I read that story, I started thinking about all the times when life is hard , times are tough, kids are being kids and wonder  is it so bad to just let kids be kids.  Yes, Dad could of fussed the boys and made them finish the hole, but he knew they needed to be kids.  Do we have to have our Kids in every spot, dance, or competition there is?  What has happened to those days were kids played in the sprinklers, rode bikes down the street or played hide and seek with neighbors? 

This book is filled with cute, thought provoking and some sad stories.   YOU will find yourself thinking: what can I learn from the Simple life?   I know I did.

 How can you  find your copy of  Amish Values for your Family....

“Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Sewing class has begun

Both of my girls want to learn to sew.  My oldest, J, has been doing a little of it here and there. 

Here is some pictures of a project the girls worked on recently.

We used this pattern (with a few modifications for J's size).

These J, made for herself.

These are for K, J made these also!

                                                                

 K, wanted to sew , this is her first time to use a sewing machine. 

I gave K, this paper and told her to practice sewing straight lines. I think she did a good job. What do you say?  I am so proud of both my girls...

Well, the sewing classes will continue....

First Week of School...Done!!

We have just completed our first week of the new school year.  So far, so good!  The girls have been working hard and are enjoying their new books.   There were a few bumps in the road on Wednesday, but those have been taken care of and hopefully a new attitude will stay! :)

Now, we are off to enjoy the weekend!  Have a great day!

Do you like my picture?  Schooling on the Cheap Side

This has been my goal for 2011-2012 school year.    Get my supplies as cheap as possible.  The Internet has been a great way for me  to "shop" for homeschool deals. 

I have become a fan of Currclick.com.  They have some good and cheap unit studies, guides for books, and etc.  Simple Homeschooling has quickly become a favorite of mine.   JoAnna (the author of Simple homeschooling) has written some great history Curriculum.  I was very happy to say the least, when I saw that she has written a new American history for  middle school and high school.    Her ebooks are very cheap and the unit activities are fabulous.  I am so excited to use her new American history this year with both my girls!  

 I have also found state histories that I will be using this year with my youngest as we "travel the USA" learning about each state that makes up our great nation.

I have found great prices on used things from homeschool classifieds.  Cheap teacher manuals for my science curriculum. 

I am watching stuff on Ebay as well.  (Cheap, cheap, cheap!!)

If all goes as I pray it does, than I will be able to start the school year off  with less than ONE HUNDRED Dollars!!!! 

YaYYYYYYY!!

Needless to say that I am SCHOOLING ON THE CHEAP SIDE this year!

Happy Homeschooling everyone!

Summer fun....

I  just realized today that I have posted anything in a while.  We have been keeping ourselves busy this last month.  IN the beginning of July, the girls and I headed off to youth camp.  I can not tell you what a blessing that week was for me!  As a parent, you always pray that your children would have their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You teach them the word, but they have to make that choice themselves.  I was blessed to see that my girls were getting "in" and getting something from the Lord.   On service that stands out is when Bro. Michael Tom preached about the "old boat church"... One point he made clear, stay in a church that is going it feed you spiritual!  Don't settle for a church that will entertain you.... to many people want entertainment.  He had all of the youth get up and come on the platform who wanted to get in the "old boat church"!  EVERYONE OF THOSE YOUTH RAN.... yes  I said RAN to that platform!  The Lord moved mightily in that service.    I could go on and on about that week, but for the sake of time I will not. 
We came home on Friday evening and my husband told me that we would be able to move out to were he worked in just a few days.  I knew we would be moving, but I did not know the exact time and place it would be taken place, so as you can imagine... I Had to get on the ball and start packing!
We were able to move the last weekend of July... just a few days ago...  That was an adventure of its own!
First let me say, that we are in need of rain... very much in need of rain.  Well,  on the day we were to move, we had a chance of it, so we decided to "hurry" (as if you can) and move all of our stuff.  We did load one, and all was going good.  But driving to the ranch with load two... it started to sprinkle.  I started to pray hard that it would just hold off for a few more minutes.... I had my electric piano in the back of the truck and I did not need nor want it to get rained on!  The Lord answered my prayer... it did not start to rain until I had my piano in the house!  We got wet and our stuff was wet, but we were able to get it all in the house during the rain....  what memories! 

We are now living on a ranch of about 9000 arces.  We are loving the peacefulness of country life.  We have inherited some 14 or so cats!  Some are wild, but the kittens my girls are playing with... so we will try to find them a home.    Do you know anyone who wants a cat? 

The Blessed book review

It is 1844 and Lacey Bishop’s life is a tangled mess. When circumstances move Lacey to a nearby Shaker village, she is not prepared for the new life that awaits her. In the midst of her deep loneliness, Lacey works to fit in with this odd group. But everything shifts when she finds herself drawn to a Shaker man in a village where such relationships are forbidden.


Can Lacey ever find true happiness in this mysterious place?


I have to say  that this review has been hard for me to write... maybe that is why this one is late getting posted.  Well, that is not really true.  The truth is I completely forgot about it until today! 
But in all honesty, I can't say that I have enjoyed this book.  For the most part the book is well written, but I just could not get a handle on the Shaker beliefs.   The leader of the group, is to be a reincarnation of Jesus.  Now if she would have had written this book differently, showing the movement as a cult, than I may have enjoyed it more.  But to be honest,  I just could not get around  all the false teaching that the characters were portraying to get a honest view of the story.   
Please don't take my opinion hard, I just have strong beliefs in Jesus that  when I read something that is so left field (from my beliefs), I just can't look past that point of view.

The book is well written! Lacey's spiritual faith grows, she learns who she is and so on...  I don't know how it end this review but to say, get the book read it and decide for yourself.

You can find  The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart at your local bookstore.

This book was provided to me by Revell, a Baker Publishing Group, to read and review.

Martha, A book review

Martha: a Novel by Diana Wallis Taylor

Martha's life is taking care of her family.  Her father Ephraim, brother Lazarus, and sister Mary are her life.  She has dreams of being married, but it seems that no one will have her, so she is content to just take care of her family.

This book is a fictional novel based on Biblical Characters.  Please keep that in mind when you consider reading it.  I have read many Biblical based novels in the pasted and have found that some are closely related to scripture to make you either upset with the authors writing or you are thrilled with it.

The story of Martha in the Bible is one of a woman so involved with serving her family. In this book it is the same thing, Martha  has taken over the household duties after her mother passes away.    You will find similarities to the Bible  as you read.  You will read how Martha and her family meet  Jesus.  You will read about the dangers of being a follower of Christ.    This novel was not so unrealistic that you can't picture what life was like for her and her family.  This is a compelling story of Martha.  

On the back cover of the book, it states " Follow Martha as she navigates the complicated worlds of family, faith, and love.... and you'll never read her story the same way again."  This might be one of the truest statements I've read...
I know that I will never read it the same way as I had before.
You never know what God has planned for your life, just as Martha....

This book is available at your local bookstore! Check it out