Debt- Proof Your Christmas

Its that time of year again... when you  are tempted  to spend more than you  have.

Many families tend to go into debt during the Christmas season.

Are you one of those?

Debt- Proof Your Christmas gives easy 

practical helps to keep your bank account in the black

during Christmas.

In the opening Chapters of the book, Mary Hunt tells you her

story about one Christmas season.  She tells how she spent 

more money than retail price just shopping with

a store credit card.

She goes on to tell how she managed to keep Christmases 

Debt free for many years now.

You will find chapter after chapter hints, helps, and 

practical advice.

I can tell you personally that having a debt free Christmas

will save you tons of stress come January and February 

of the next year.

If you want to learn more about how to have a debt free 

Christmas.. get this book at your local book store...

Its not to late to have a debt free holiday!

Christmas Roses.. a book review

Do you like stories with a Christmas Theme?

If you do.. than you will love 

Christmas Roses!

This story is an easy read, that if you sit down.. it can be finished 

in a day.. not a long story, but one that is 

nice and heart warming with the Christmas spirit!

Here is a little blug about

Christmas Roses...

Celia Anderson doesn't have a husband on her Christmas wish list. But when a traveling carpenter finds lodging at her boardinghouse, she admits that she might remarry if she found the right man--the kind of man who would bring her roses for Christmas. It would take a miracle, though, to find roses during a harsh Wyoming winter.

But Christmas, after all, is the time for miracles . .

Grab Christmas Roses at your local bookstore.. 

and read a wonderful Christmas story!

The Christmas Pony.. a book review

Do you like Christmas Stories?

I love this time of the year when you find tons of books with a 

Christmas theme.

Melody Carlson has a new novel out called

The Christmas Pony

About

With Christmas around the corner, the Turnbull family is in need of a few small miracles.

It is 1937, and Lucy Turnbull knows better than to wish for a pony this Christmas. Her mother has assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony is the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they need at their boarding house are the paying kind. Then an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, and Lucy's world changes forever.

This was a fun story to read.  Lucy's character reminded me of a

child with a one tracked mind.. and she knows 

beyond anything else, she is going to get a pony for

Christmas!  

This is one story you will want to read this holiday season...

Another great Suspense novel!

If you love suspense novels, you are going to love this new 

novel by Steven James.

This book is a thriller for sure... 

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research,Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

I have to tell you that Steven James is becoming one of my favorite suspense authors.

His novels keep you on the "edge of your seat"..

You will have no idea who the bad guy is until the very end!

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Snuggle up with a good book this winter

Do you need some great books to snuggle up with this winter?

Recently I have read some great novels, I would like to share with you.

Twice Promised

by Maggie Brendan

 Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.

Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she's come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she's not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.

Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess's affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station--and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?

You can imagine the fun these ladies are going to have in this book. Both ladies think they are there to marry Jess, but Jess  had no idea. 

This is a very funny book, I laughed, laughed, laughed while reading it.  Maggie has a great since of humor.  It comes through in her writing.

A promise to Love 

by Serena Miller

A Promise to love is a story about an Swedish woman named Ingrid, and a young widower  Joshua.

Joshua is about to loss his  rambunctious children when his wife's parents take him to court. 

Ingrid, is so upset during the court hearing that she stands up 

and tells the Judge that she will care for Joshua's children.

Joshua has no idea what is in store for him!

It is a very heart breaking story. Ingrid discovers that Joshua's first 

wife was very sick. She tries to hide the truth but only to 

get hurt in the process. 

This is a great novel... I love how Ingrid is a very strong woman that 

handles things when they come up. 

She has had tons of heart ache already, but she handles these 

new challenges with grace.

This book will be one you really want to read this winter!

Are you still with me?

Now on to the Last book!

 A Flight of Fancy

by Laurie Alice Eakes

Cassandra Bainbridge has already called off her wedding to Geoffrey Giles once, but when the couple 

are involved in an accident, Cassandra decides she wants nothing to do with Geoffrey anymore.

Geoffrey will not give up on the love of his life.

This novel is about a man fighting for what he wants and not giving up until he gets it!

You see the accident leave Cassandra worried about what people will think if Geoffrey marries her...

This novel is a heart felt book , that will keep you engaged!

It is a must have for those winter, snowy days when you 

want to snuggle and read by the fireplace.

~These books can be found at your local bookstore where Revell books are sold~

*All of these books were given to me by Baker Publishing Company*

Day Two of a month of Thankfulness

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

Today I am thankful for my girls.

They are a blessing!  Janelle and Kalyn you have

brought so much joy into this mom's heart. 

I love you girls! 

I couldn't be more prouder of you both... Keep living for 

Jesus and shining His light to those around you.

What are you thankful for today?

What are you thankful for today?

November is the month we set aside to give thanks. 

November is the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, the time where we remember our founding fathers coming to America. 

Its the month where we tell and retell the story of the Pilgrims and the Indians.

Its the month that I have set aside, (as well as many of my friends) to take time out each day to write something

I am thankful for.

 In every thing give thanks....

1 Thess 5:18

So today's thankful...

I am thankful for my husband, Doug. He is a very hard worker, and does anything and everything he can to support his family.

I love that he is willing to set aside things he wants, to 

be able to give to the family what we need.  

I love you Doug, and thank the Lord everyday that 

he placed you in my life!

What are you thankful for today?

The True Account of Adam and Eve

The True Account of Adam and Eve

written by Ken Ham

Ken Ham, author and founder of Answers in Genesis . has written another great book dealing with the true account of Adam and Eve. 

In it you will explore questions of Adam and Eve as real people in the Garden of Eden.

This book is  easy to read and understand. 

Your child will understand where mankind's history began, how it has impacted our world, and how it will end.

I like the fact that Ken Ham has written this book in an  easy to understand manner.  If you are like me, I have told the story about Adam and Eve to my girls for years and years... its one of the first I told them growing up... but with this book, you will get a clearer and thought provoking study about the first man and woman.  I also love that He ties in the salvation message and explains why we must carry this message to the world around us.

Inside the pages of The True account of Adam and Eve, you will find many color filled  illustrations. 

Here are a few examples of pages inside:

See full page illustrations!

  

YOU can find The True account of Adam and Eve at any book store.  This is one that you will want for an additional read for history.

If you are using Mystery of History or Diana Warings History Revealed, this book would make a great supplement reader.

The True Account of Adam and Eve is published by Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.

A Love Surrendered.. review

Orphaned in Iowa, Annie Kennedy moves to Boston to stay with her spinster aunt. She longs for romance to fill the void left by her parents' death. But when she falls hard for Steven O'Connor, the man who broke an engagement to her sister, Annie is worried. Will he break her heart too when he discovers who she really is?

With heart-pounding romance, intense family drama, and emotional twists and turns, A Love Surrendered is everything Julie Lessman's many fans have been waiting for.

Annie is a sweet gentle girl who is hungry for friends. Steven O'Connor  tries to keep her from getting in with the wrong crowd, but is having a hard time not falling for her. Annie is already head over heels for him.

This is a really fun book. It takes place during the prohibition era.  So you will see some things that pertain to the era while reading.

Steven has trouble knowing when to stop being to "friendly" with girls in the past so he tries to keep his distance with Annie.

Annie and her younger sister are living with their Aunt, who seems to not like both girls.

While I found the book fun to read, I did not care for some of the more personal conversations the characters had with each other.

They tended to deal to much with "relations with the opposite sex" more than I would have liked. 

A Cookbook for the frugal minded mom

A few weeks ago, I received a cookbook to review by 

Revell  publishers.

It is called 

A farmer's Daughter: Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen.

I love new recipes! But what I love even better is 

recipes that are frugal!

These are!

All these recipes provide you with a wholesome meal that cost you little  to make. 

You will find over 200 mouthwatering recipes

all made from fresh ingredients.

The last chapter is a gold mine for the frugal minded mom.

In it you will find recipes to "simply do it yourself".

Here are a few of the recipe titles in this chapter:

Cooked vanilla pudding mix

Laundry soap 

window cleaner

Taco seasoning mix

and my favorite:  Homemade Chocolate Syrup!

If your children are like mine, they love chocolate milk.. and go through the store bought stuff really fast... 

now you can make your own syrup for a fraction of the cost...

and best of all... it tastes great!

I have a few I am still dying to try like the:

Spinach, Meatball, and Tortellini Soup

and 

The Fresh corn and Chicken Chowder

I can't wait... 

When the Heart Stops, book review

I must tell you, my readers, sorry.

I have been neglecting my blog lately... not that I don't have a list of topics and things to write about...

Things have just been a little busy around here lately.

I have finished another action packed book.

When the Heart Stops

by Lynette Eason

This is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series.

A killer's deadly game needs new players . . . but someone's about to change the rules

As a medical examiner, Serena Hopkins is used to dealing with death. But that doesn't make it any easier when she's called to the eerie scene of a murder--especially when Serena realizes that she knows the victim. Nearly as unnerving is the presence of FBI agent Dominic Allen, her childhood crush.

As evidence mounts and points to a serial killer with disturbingly familiar methods, Serena and Dominic must work to find a pattern and stop the killings before the murderer strikes again. And when Serena's own life seems at stake, she must decide if the secret she has been keeping has put her next on the killer's hit list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

Lynette has written another great book! Its packed with suspense  lots to twists and turns.. that leaves you on the edge of sit.

The third book will be out soon.. and I can't wait!

Brand new Amish novel for Little Girls

The Adventures of Lily Lapp

Life with Lily

book one

Life with Lily is a brand new chapter novel for kids  ages 8-12, written by 

Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher.

This novel is great for little girls or as a family time novel.

I began reading it with my youngest.  We are really enjoying it.

I have to say that we have not finished it "together", but 

Mom has!

Its An adorable story about the life of a child growing up Amish.

There are a few pictures spread throughout the book 

that is nice for the pre teens.

This first book leaves the reader wondering what adventure will 

Lily encounter next... ( I don't want to give it away... so 

you will have to read the book)

For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

A great book, and I am almost positive that my youngest will be begging me for the next one!

LIfe of Lily can be found in your local Christian bookstore.

Awesome Science

Awesome Science:

Explore the Grand Canyon and Explore Yellowstone

I had the privilege to watch and review Explore the Grand Canyon and Explore Yellowstone.

I sat down the my girls and we watched on a day.

They are jammed pack with  information!

All with a Biblical worldview!

Each video is about 30 minutes long.. with the video divided into different segments.

There is also a cool study guide  that you can use to help review the videos.

Each study guide has questions dealing with each different segment of the video.

With so much information in these videos, You may choose to watch one segment at a time and then
review it with the study guide.

Awesome Science is a fun way to explore Science.

Each video is  hosted by Noah Justice.

Each video is entertaining but also educational!

Awesome Science has a collection of 6 dvd's so far.

Each dvd is reasonably priced. 

You can find them on sale at:

Christian Book 

With Every Letter

They know everything about each other--except their real names.

Lt. Mellie Blake is looking forward to beginning her training as a flight nurse. She is not looking forward to writing a letter to a man she's never met--even if it is anonymous and part of a morale-building program. Lt. Tom MacGilliver, an officer stationed in North Africa, welcomes the idea of an anonymous correspondence--he's been trying to escape his infamous name for years.

As their letters crisscross the Atlantic, Tom and Mellie develop a unique friendship despite not knowing the other's true identity. When both are transferred to Algeria, the two are poised to meet face-to-face for the first time. Will they overcome their fears and reveal who they are, or will their future be held hostage by their pasts?

Combining a flair for romance with excellent research and attention to detail, Sarah Sundin vividly brings to life the perilous challenges of WWII aviation, nursing--and true love.

This is another great novel by Sarah Sundin! 

Mellie is an only child, who has never really had any friends... so making friends is a hard for her. She does not know how to act, what to say... until her pen pal... helps... 

Just another great novel!

 Sarah is hosting a giveaway in conjunction with this book... but you have to hurry IT ENDS TODAY!  

Enter Today - 9/10-9/27!

Go here to ENTER!

The Reunion

Everything lost can be found.

Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss. He's lost love. Dignity. Second, and even third, chances. Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park.

But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him.

Dan Walsh is one of the best story tellers I have read in a long time.

His books will keep you engaged from the first to the last word.

I have to warn you... if you read this book.. 

you will need a box of tissues!

I have to say that I have enjoyed every book I have read 

by Dan Walsh. 

He has a way of bringing the past and the present together in 

his stories, that make them outstanding!

To read an excerpt of The Reunion... 

click here

Easy Sewing Projects For "Project" Days...

The web is full of quick easy tutorials.  You can find just about anything you need by just a few clicks.  

Last year, I started having "project" days.  

They were days set aside just to do fun

sewing, cooking, or any type of craft project they wanted.

Let me not forget to mention.. I counted as "class" for

Life Skill Building... i.e... Home Ec.

It was such a success that my girls have asked for it again this year.

(Who am I to let them down...  ) 

This is a small list of things I have found on the web.. for 
some sewing projects...

(By the way.... having a fun "project" day is a great was to make gifts for the up coming holiday season!)

Ok.. now on to the list of FREE... tutorials, patterns.. etc... 

Peasant Dress Pattern  
(for dolls)

Neck Pillow

Baby Doll Diapers 
 (great for the young sewers!)

Purse pattern  
easy pattern for tweens and teens

Lunch Sack 
(make these up and give stuff with homemade cookies or goodies at Christmas time)

Glass Cases

Aprons

Pillowcases
always fun for a beginner!

Binder Covers

Barbie Clothes

Headbands

Hope you have fun "Project" Days in the near future!

Love's Reckoning... book review

Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz

This is the first of Laura's book series called

The Ballantyne Legacy

Silas Ballantyne is a blacksmith apprentice.  He finds himself finishing his apprenticeship with Liege Lee, a man that could not keep any apprentices for long.

All Silas wants is to finish his time and move west to begin the life he has always dreamed of.

Liege Lee, has other ideas for his apprentice. He has two daughter's.. which he wants to marry one off to Silas.. keeping with the tradition of  apprentice marrying the Master's daughter.

Eden Lee is a sweet, gentle young lady. She is nothing like her oldest sister Elspeth.  Elspeth is ready to "conquer" Silas and make him hers... Eden on the other hand already has plans for her future .. and marriage is not in those plans.

This book takes many turns, unraveling the secrets that have entwined all the lives of the Lee family and their neighbors.

Love's Reckoning is a great story... 

It starts with a bang!

I can't wait for book two... 

One down... thirty five to go!

Yay!

One down and only thirty five more to go!

Yes, I am already counting down.

The first week is always the toughest for me.

It does not matter how much I plan and think I am prepared

something always needs tweaking.

One good thing, our work load is not as

bad (so far) as I thought it would be.

(by this I mean.. there has not been to much complaining... 

a good sign right  ) 

Monday morning I forced asked the girls for 
some "first day of school" pictures..

Then we got to work!  

Janelle is being a good sport with all the pictures I kept taking!

Kalyn's  working hard

So how did your first week go?

  I would love to hear what you did to make your first week fun and special.

Happy Homeschooling!

Shelby