Justin is 15!

The birthday boy surrounded by a few new friends.

I can't believe my baby turned 15! I also can't believe he's now studying to get his learner's permit. Are other parents as scared as I am? It seems like just yesterday I was rocking him to sleep, and now he'll soon be driving! It's a big world out there and I can only hope I am preparing him well with God's help. I've still got a few years left, though!

The birthday gifts.

Book review: Vigilante's Bride

The Vigilante's Bride Bethany House (August 1, 2010)

by Yvonne Harris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yvonne Harris earned a BS in Education from the University of Hartford and has taught throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic. Unofficially retired from teaching, she teaches writing at Burlington County College in southern New Jersey, where she resides. She is a winner and three-time finalist for the Golden Heart, once for The Vigilante's Bride, which is her debut novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Montana Territory, 1884...Is Her Kidnapper the Only Man Who Can Keep Her Safe?

Robbing a stagecoach on Christmas Eve and abducting a woman passenger is the last thing Luke Sullivan expected to do. He just wanted to reclaim the money stolen from his pa, but instead ended up rescuing a feisty copper-haired woman who was on her way to marry Sullivan's dangerous enemy. Emily McCarthy doesn't take kindly to her so-called rescue. Still, she's hoping Providence will turn her situation for good, especially when it seems Luke Sullivan may just be the man of her dreams. But Luke has crossed a vicious man, a powerful rancher not used to losing, and Emily is the prize he's unwilling to sacrifice.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Vigilante's Bride, go HERE

Book review: Surrender the Heart

Surrender the Heart

Barbour Publishing (August 1, 2010)



by M. L. Tyndall

MY REVIEW:
 

Tyndall is one of my favorite Christian fiction authors and I’m always excited when a new book comes out with her name on it. Surrender the Heart started off a bit predictable, and I was a little disappointed. I thought I would be able to see everything coming in this book. But happily, I was proven wrong! Although the beginning was predictable, events soon picked up. Like other Tyndall novels, this one kept my interest until the end. I love an adventurous romance, and I like to be inspired by people who overcome adversity. But this particular book had a couple of little extras that really endeared it to me.

For one, the heroine is described as ordinary, plain and plump. What kind of heroine is that? Shouldn’t she be slender, beautiful and graceful? Throughout the book, we discover that the heroine a) doesn’t feel sorry for herself because she is plain and b)has other attributes that make her beautiful in people’s eyes. Okay, even that can sound predictable, but there was something else… Tyndall didn’t harp on the fact that the heroine was plain. It wasn’t a focus of the book. It was mentioned a few times but not enough to make you think the was a story to help fat, plain people feel good about themselves. The “plainness” of the heroine was mentioned in a matter of fact way, not in a way to make the reader feel sorry for the heroine.

The other thing that really caught my eye about Surrender the Heart is the fact that I could identify with the spiritual feelings of both the hero and heroine. Each of them had faced tragedy in their lives and had decided-  not that God doesn’t exist - but that He wasn’t a God of love. The hero faced tragedy and then trials that left him believing he would never be able to please God. He suffered from intense feelings of guilt and felt God was  a cruel taskmaster –a God who meted at punishment freely. The heroine had faced tragedy and then trials that left her feeling abandoned and deserted by God – a God that she felt rarely answered the prayers of His children.

But what really spoke to me was something that both heroes learned. We don’t know the end of the story of our life. We don’t know God’s plan for us. Until the day we die, we won’t know if the tragedy in our lives had a purpose. What if all the stuff that happens in our lives, even the bad and the horrible, are leading up to one moment… one moment in which God plans to use us for the glory of His kingdom? The book infers that each of us has a destiny. Not just a destiny that the fates decide, but one that God has planned for us.

As the character Daniel, an innocent, young boy, states in the book, “It don’t matter if you don’t believe. You have a destiny just the same. But you have to surrender to God to find it. And then you have to do it.”

Have you found your destiny? Have you surrendered your will to God in order to do so? And are you willing to take whatever action God calls you to?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. L. (MaryLu) Tyndall grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.

After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.

Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.

One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she'd only give her heart to Him completely.

She had written stories her whole life, but never had the confidence to try and get any of them published. But as God began to change her heart, He also showed her that writing had been His wonderful plan for her all along!


ABOUT THE BOOK:

For the sake of her ailing mother, Marianne Denton becomes engaged to Noah Brennin---a merchantman she despises. But as the War of 1812 escalates, Jonah's ship is captured by the British, and the ill-matched couple learns vital information that could aid America's cause.

Relive the rich history of the War of 1812 through the eyes of Marianne Denton and Noah Brenin, who both long to please their families but neither one wishes to marry the other. Noah is determined to get his cargo to England before war breaks out, and Marianne is equally determined to have a wedding so that her inheritance can be unlocked and her destitute family saved. When their stubborn games get them captured by a British warship, can they escape and bring liberty to their country—and growing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Surrender the Heart, go HERE.

Book review: Masquerade

Masquerade Bethany House (August 1, 2010) by



Nancy Moser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane(Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at
www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com.



ABOUT THE BOOK:

They risk it all for adventure and romance, but find that love only flourishes in truth...

1886, New York City: Charlotte Gleason, a rich heiress from England, escapes a family crisis by traveling to America in order to marry the even wealthier Conrad Tremaine.


She soon decides that an arranged marriage is not for her and persuades her maid, Dora, to take her place. She wants a chance at "real life," even if it means giving up financial security. For Charlotte, it's a risk she's willing to take. What begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl wanting adventure becomes a test of survival amid poverty beyond Charlotte's blackest nightmares.


As for Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She lives a fairy tale complete with gowns, jewels, and lavish mansions--yet is tormented by guilt from the possibility of discovery and the presence of another love that will not die. Is this what her heart truly longs for?


Will their masquerade be discovered? Will one of them have second thoughts? There is no guarantee the switch will work. It's a risk. It's the chance of a lifetime.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Masquerade, go HERE.

MY REVIEW:  I love historical, romantic movies and Nancy Moser's "Masquerade" reads like one! There are really two stories in this novel - that of the maid who uses her quick wit and faith in God to go from a life of servatude to one of luxury, and that of the heiress whose spirit of adventure sends her down a path of poverty and pain.

The maid learns that a life of luxury does not mean the end despair, and that money is not the answer to all of life's problems. Her story is a typical Cinderella story, but it was the heiress's story that really caught my attention. My first thoughts were that she was crazy and immature to give up her life when she was unprepared to fend for herself. That proved to be true in a way, but the heiress also proved to me that old saying, "When life knocks you down to your knees, you're in a perfect position to pray." Even among the squalor of the immigrant tennaments of New York, one can find love, adventure and happiness if they turn their eyes toward heaven. The stubborn heroine proved to this control freak that only when we turn control of our lives over to God will we find contentment.


View the book trailer:

Gift card winner!

And the winner of my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Sam's Club is Tara of Ayers Family Happenings!

Tara is a homeschooling, gardening, reviewing, Christian mother of three. She and I have a lot in common. Take a minute to go check out her blog!

My first sewing project

A new panel for the baby gate was my first sewing project.

So it doesn't look like much... but it's my first sewing project! Some of you may remember the sewing machine my family bought me for my birthday in November of 2008. I really wanted to learn how to sew but was going to have to teach myself. I did some practicing on scrap pieces in the first few months but the sewing machine intimidated me. And so... I kind of forgot about it. And it sat.

Above, you'll see the baby gate that seperates the boys' room and the game room from the rest of Nancy's house. The gate is intended to keep out toddlers and some of the dogs. The cats and my Italian greyhound have no problem jumping over it. Unfortunately, my other dog, Gracie, (a Lab/pitt mix) is afraid of thunder storms. One day when a particularly loud clap of thunder shook the house she went tearing straight through the white fabric mesh of the gate.

Gracie, our sweet Lab/pitt mix, with my youngest son, Adam.

In order to repair it, I pulled my sewing machine out of the little storage building full of stuff I couldn't part with until I get my home. Nancy gave me an old sheet and I proceeded (under the supervision of Nancy's husband, Ronnie, whose mother used to be a seamstress) to cut and sew the sheet onto the baby gate. It worked! Although my seams aren't exactly straight, the gate still keeps the animals out. The toddler is a different story, as he has learned to climb over it. I know it looks simple but it was my first (and only, thus far) sewing project!

MY children... not the government's

Even though I don't have a husband to help me right now, I am looking for a full-time job, and I have three children that still need to be schooled - I won't be giving my kids to strangers to raise for half the day. Homeschooling is not for everyone and I do not condemn those who send their children to public schools. I was raised in public schools and I turned out okay (I think, lol). But I am determined to continue to homeschool... we will just all have to learn to be flexible.

Science experiment

Setting up the experiment.

Today was the first day of homeschool. The first day is always exciting and the kids did great. Justin, my 10th grader, is doing Apologia's Physical Science this year. I know, most people do physical science in 9th grade and biology in the 10th but we did it backwards. Justin was excited that he had an experiment to do on the very first day, even if it was a small one. The experiment involved copper wires, a battery, and baking soda water and taught him about molecules, atoms and other science stuff that I don't remember much about, lol.

Justin gives Hunter a look at his project.

Keeping an eye on the reaction of the copper wires.

A $25 Sam's Club Gift Card for you???!!!!

Do you and your child collect Box Tops for their school? We homeschool, but I have collected the tops for other people before. And did you know that homeschoolers can collect Box Tops, too? According to the official rules, the Box Tops program is available to homeschool associations containing any class with students from kindergarten to eighth grade in the United States that has 15 or more students!

Want an easy way to get Box Tops for your child's school or homeschool association? Head over to your local Sam´s Club from Aug. 11 through Aug. 31. At the Sam´s Club Back-to-School event, you can get a head start on your collection and find 6 Box Tops on participating General Mills products. With your favorite Box Tops for Education brands, Sam´s Club is your one-stop destination for all your back-to-school supplies you need to send your kids off to school with confidence!

In addition, Sam´s Club is giving you the opportunity to earn even more Box Tops when you upgrade to a "Plus Membership." From Aug. 6 - Aug. 13, or while supplies last, visit the Member Services Desk of your local Sam´s Club and upon payment for your Plus Membership, you will receive a certificate for 150 Bonus Box Tops! For more information on how you can take advantage of the Back-to-School event at Sam´s Club, visit www.samsclub.com today! 

My Blog Spark, Sam's Club and General Mills gave me $25 to spend at Sam's Club, so I recently purchased some box tops items from Sam's Club myself. Check out my loot!

Here's some other stuff I just happened to need from Sam's Club, too!

Now for the best news.... Sam's Club, General Mills and My Blog Spark are allowing me to give away a $25 gift card to Sam's Club to one lucky reader of my blog! 

All you have to do is fill out your name and e-mail address below by Sunday, Aug. 22. The information won't be used for any purpose other than mailing you your gift card.

Book review: The Gathering Storm

The Gathering Storm Summerside Press (August 1, 2010)
by Bodie and Brock Thoene

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.

Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.

Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE

Is the government to blame?

Some of you may have heard the latest scandal regarding Michelle Obama and the very expensive vacation that she and her group of friends took to Spain on taxpayers' dollars, and how she will have taken eight vacations by the end of summer.

I was reading the story and a few of the more than 2,000 comments surrounding it online and came across one that I found very interesting. One man named John, who apparently isn't originally from the US but has lived here for 20 years, sums up the state of our country. The comment isn't really about Michelle Obama but I believe this guy has hit the nail on the head. Basically, we Americans reap what we sow. Here's what "John" had to say.

• You're country is financially decimated because all of you collectively spend more than you have (but you don't save money and instead you borrow it)
• You all want a house that's too big, (but you complain about the taxes on it)
• You want a car that uses too much gas (and not just one, but two or three!)
• You want your tomatoes to be cheap (but you won't pay for the workers to pick them so you need cheap illegal immigrants to do it for you)
• You want everything to be disposable (but you don't know how to dispose of the garbage)
• You want to burn as much oil as you like (but you don't like the mess it makes when you spill it)
• You wonder why the checkout person can't add (but you don't want to pay for education)
• You wonder why insurance doesn't cover your Mum's cancer (but you won't pay for a national insurance plan)
• You wonder why everyone else in the World despises you (but you keep bombing them anyway)
• And you wonder why everything comes down to race (but you keep calling your fellow Americans n****r!)
• The World that you live in today is the World that you created.

I'm not saying I agree with every little thing "John" had to say but he made some good points. I could add to that the fact that our president has openly said that our nation (built on Christian principles), is not a Christian nation. I have no doubt that the wrath of God will one day be unleashed upon our country if we don't take steps to clean up our act now.

But here's the point I want to make. Although our government doesn't always do a great job, we as citizens cannot blame them for everything. I admit I am always one of the first people to blame the government for our woes but John's comment made me take a look at myself. How can pull the splinter out of the eye (of the government) without first taking the plank out of mine? We have to take responsibility and take certain steps as indiviuals before we can blame our government for not taking them.

My little cowboy

So Vacation Bible School was a month and half ago and in our old neighborhood, but with everything going on I just realized I forgot to post pictures. This year's theme "Saddle Ridge Ranch" was a great one. Check out my little cowboy!

It's so heartwarming to see all the neighborhood kids praising the name of God!