a slice of the epic

Review of The Crossing by Serita Jakes

2012-02-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fire on a Texas school bus. Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.

Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.

As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

Such a great book. A bit twisted in parts, but so well written that you feel like you're experiencing life with these people. The heartache and glimpses of joy. The sorrow and despair along with closure and deep love. I must say though that certain parts were violent, which was unexpected.

The author did a great job creating the characters and storyline. She creatively jumped back and forth between the coach's thoughts at the time of the shooting to those involved ten years later. It was well done and flowed seamlessly.

*WaterBrook Multnomah sent this complimentary copy for me to review for them. The opinions expressed here are solely mine.

Review of Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Rick Yorkey

2012-01-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

It is August 1944 and Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soldiers of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country, stealing countless pieces of art. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all, the Mona Lisa, as a post-war bargaining chip to get him to South America. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue DaVinci's masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

From the opening pages, this is a super fast paced book all the way to the very last page. A fantastic historic read that transports you back to WWII and the freeing of Paris. Included in that history is how the Mona Lisa came to be and how she survived WWII. This is a fantastic read that you won't want to put down.

Chasing Mona Lisa is a continuation of Goyer and Yorkey's first book The Swiss Courier but can be read as a stand alone novel.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Revell sent me this free copy to review for them.

Review of The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy

2011-12-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

If what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, why is Audrey growing weaker by the day?

When her husband Geoff, a pastor, lost his job after a scandal rocked their congregation, Audrey's never lost faith.

They decide to resurrect a failing bakery as a way to heal family wounds and restore their place in the community.

Running late to the bakery one foggy morning, Audrey strikes a vehicle. Emerging from her car into the fog, she discovers she hit a motor scooter. But there’s no rider in sight. Just blood.

The absence of the driver is a mystery, especially to Sergeant Jack Mansfield, the detective and church member responsible for firing Geoff from his pulpit. The scooter belongs to Jack’s wife, Julie, a teacher at the local high school, who has vanished…like morning fog.

Though there is no evidence to support Jack’s growing suspicion that Audrey and Geoff were involved in Julie’s disappearance, the detective is convinced of their guilt. When he takes the tiny bakery and its patron’s hostage, Audrey must unravel the secret of Julie’s disappearance and her own mysterious suffering before Jack hits his breaking point.

This was one of those "I can't put it down...just one more chapter" books. Such a good fast paced read that will keep you up into the wee hours of the morning. The author does an astounding job of keeping the reader pinned to the book to find out what happens on the next page. She weaves the characters together so effortlessly and passionately which makes the book that much more good.

There were also threads of forgiveness, redemption, honesty and looking at oneself pretty hard that in the real world, can only help.

I would highly suggest this book to anyone.

The opinions expressed in this post are straight from my own head. Book Sneeze sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

through the eyes

2011-11-11T15:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced wonderment and curiosity through the eyes of a child? To see their eyes light up? To watch awe and amazement dash across their face?

I had the pleasure of that and so much more today.

When we lived in Seattle, I had introduced Alina to Michael's craft store. She lived and breathed crafts. After the first visit, she deemed it Craft Heaven. When it was set in stone that we were moving back to Michigan, I told her about a store three times the size of Michael's. Her eyes grew as big as saucers. To comprehend such a thing was unimaginable in her mind. She asked when we moved back, if we could go visit this place. Hobby Lobby.

It has been three months since we've been back and today was our first visit. I completely forgot there was a Hobby Lobby on this side of town until a coworker told me a few weeks ago.

Today there was no school, so we went out as a family to see a movie. I knew before going that that the movie theatre we were going to was right by Hobby Lobby, but did not mention this little fact. As we turned onto the street of the theater, I quietly told Ed, "I wonder how long it will be before Alina realizes that there is a Hobby Lobby right here."

No sooner where the words out of my mouth that this very excited, high decibel voice cries out, "HOBBY LOBBY! I see Hobby Lobby! Can we please go?"

After the movie, we ventured over to Hobby Lobby for Alina's "first" experience. She went there as a wee tike, but didn't remember. We walked in the door and she was speechless.

She opened every box she saw, touched snowmen, passed the U of M display (we trained her well), walked up and down the party aisles, perused the furniture, turned on and off all the lamps that were plugged in. Gently glided her fingers over the mosaic mirrors, tried on the Hawaiian leis, sat on every bench possible, opened umbrellas, smelled the artificial flowers, and deemed Ed the king with a wire crown.

We were there for over an hour and didn't even make it to the craft section.

Having the privilege of walking beside her and experiencing wonderment was something I will never forget. I heard over and over again, "look mom! Look at this one! Let's sit here. Ooooooo look at this!" It made me smile over and over again seeing her shine.

We didn't buy a single thing and she was so full from experiencing the store. God created her to be creative and seeing her in a place where so many creative things were was seeing raw joy.

And nothing compares to watching your child delight in who God created her to be.

A Halloween short story by Alina

2011-10-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

Alina wrote this story (with no help from any adult) below two nights ago in her journal and then proceeded to type it all out by herself. A trick or treating story for your Halloween enjoyment.

THE GHOST
By Alina

Once upon a time, I was trick or treating when there was a haunted castle. I went in the door………..creeeeek! went the door as I opened it. In then the creepiest thing happened to me in my life. A ghost flew up to me and said…………………”BOO”!!! I was so freaked out I fainted. Finally I got up.
The ghost said “are you ok? My name is Brsty! What is yours”?
“Mine”?
“Yes yours”!
“Ok, ok my name is Alina. What do you like to do”?
“I like to fly. What do you like to do”?
“Um, um I like to do crafts I guess”. What is your favorite subject in school”?
“Um, um I don’t go to school.”
“Oh! That’s right! I forgot ghosts don’t go to school.”
“Now what is your favorite color Alina?”
“Pink! What is yours Brsty?”
“Mine is pink to!”
“Would you like to finish trick or treating with me?”
“Yes! But I don’t have a costume.”
“But you are already in a costume. You’re a ghost! Why can’t that be your costume?”
“Ok, ok I will be that.”
“Now shall we?”
“We shall.”

THE END!

Review of Hello, Hollywood by Janice Thompson

2011-10-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

A Greek sitcom writer and a rising star comedian come together in this cute novel by Janice Thompson. Hello, Hollywood is book two in the Backstage Pass series.

Athena Pappas is a head writer for a TV sitcom whose ratings are starting to decline. Her boss hires a comedian who is up for an Academy Award in the comedy world and Athena takes it as a threat to her job. Intertwined in this heated battle is her family of Greek heritage which adds to the charm of the story. Put all of this together and you have the makings of a My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding type of book.

A pretty cute and charming story with funny characters. This is the second book by Janice Thompson that I have read and I enjoyed it much better than the previous one. Despite this being the second book in the series, one can easily pick it up as an individual novel and quickly understand what is going on. Ms. Thompson did a great job making this a stand alone book, but still including the characters from the first book in the series.

If you enjoy a fast, whitty and cute read, this is the book for you.

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

*Revell Books was kind enough to send me a complimentary copy to review for them and these are my own thoughts straight from my noggin.

Review of A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

2011-09-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

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?

This is book #2 in The Winds of Change Series. Fortunately, I did have the first book to take a quick gander through as I had forgotten who all the characters were when starting the second book. So if you do decide to read this book, read the first one before or you'll be thoroughly confused.

I didn't completely agree with the synopsis of the back cover as you can clearly see while reading that Emma's emotional wounds really haven't faded and the pain of her past comes to the forefront many a time. It was an ok book, heavy on the romantic side (which was expected from the back cover synopsis), but flowed well.

Not one of my fav's and I would rate this one as average.

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

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. This review is in no way influenced by receiving the free copy and is my own opinion.

Review of The Queen by Steven James

2011-09-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a multi-layered storytelling tour de force that not only delivers pulse-pounding suspense but also deftly explores the rippling effects of the choices we make.

Yes, yes and yes! This book was one of the best I have ever read. Right from the start, this book sucked me completely in. One needs to have a some-what strong stomach as there are pretty graphic scenes throughout having to to do with blowing up, or shooting or blood.

Steven James is an expert storyteller and writer. Just the way he writes, flows so well and the story is developed at just the right speed. Even with this book being down the line in a series of books, the reader could come in not knowing anything about this main character and easily follow what is going on.

I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastic read. I'll definitely be reading his other books as well.

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

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. The opinions expressed here are mine alone and came straight from my own noggin.

Review of Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

2011-09-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

As a social worker, Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children and seeing that justice is served on their behalf. But when she starts getting harassing phone calls and bizarre "gifts," it seems she may be the one in need of protection. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, her brother Cole comes to her aid, along with his new partner, an ex-Navy SEAL, Detective Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case.

Overall, a pretty good book. But I could've done without the large emphasis on the romance aspect. Seemed like there was even more in the this book compared to others, and right from the first couple pages.

The suspense however, was written well. The reader knew who the tormentor was throughout, but the way it was written kept you turning page after page. Some parts made the stomach squirm a bit as it was pretty graphic, but overall, the author kept the reader engaged up until the end.

Deadly Pursuit is book two in The Guardians of Justice Series.

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

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them. The thoughts and opinions are from my own brain.

one month in

2011-09-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked one month of being back in our home state of Michigan.

I'll be honest and say that it hasn't been the easiest transition for me. Yes, the first eight months in Seattle were the hardest thing I had ever experienced, but this transition has been much harder than I thought too. There are days where I have been in tears. Days of funkiness. But there have been days of laughter intermingled in there too.

I believe the biggest thing is not having a steady rhythm of life.

Coming from working 40+ hours a week for the past 2 1/2 years to working 20+ hours a week and having more than two days off has tilted my world. But I wouldn't trade it. I thoroughly enjoy my job and am enjoying getting to know those I work with. But I do miss those I worked with in Seattle too. We went through a heck of a lot of stuff, stuck together and came out stronger friends each time. I've had several dreams reliving my last day of work in Seattle. Though the scenery is different each time, the people are the same, as are the sorrowful emotions. Those mornings I wake up completely spent.

My husband is no longer in school. This week would have marked the start of another school year. The start of a new semester schedule. That is no longer the case. The days for him consist of hanging with the kids on my working days or working his cute behind off in putting together his website for his counseling practice. He's so close. All the dreaming, hard work, challenges, transformations, tears, and sacrifice have brought him to this point. He's on the edge of turning the page to a new chapter. And I may be a bit bias, but he's a fantastic therapist. It's been an amazing journey so far, and I'm so excited to continue it beside him as his biggest cheerleader. He's also able to indulge in his passion. Mountain biking. Three to four times a week he's hitting the trail either by himself, with friends or with his Sherpa and coming back so very refreshed. This I love.

Our social calendar has been filled each week. For the past three years, finding time to socialize was minimal. Many weekends were spent as a family. Of course "weekend" for our family was only Saturdays as the kids were in school Fridays and I worked Sunday morning and evenings. So the time together was sacred. And there were no instant friends like there are here. Not like instant oatmeal mind you. Keeping up friendships from 2000 miles away is hard, and being able to enjoy those friendships in person has made the homecoming sweeter than ever.

And then there's the unpacking, new neighborhood, new friends, new school and new church.

But I know we'll get there. That rhythm. School, client sessions for Ed, football practices and games for Sam, work, house chores, and friends. I've been pretty hard on myself in forcing that rhythm, which you obviously can't do. So I've been learning to allow myself that little word: grace. And it sure hasn't been easy.

Even though our rhythm of life has been a bit off beat the past month, I know we'll get synched up soon.

Not a dramatization

2011-08-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Seen this commercial?

These are my kids (no...not in REAL life), but especially my daughter. School supplies equals heavenly bliss. Excitement over a pencil sharpener. That is PURPLE mind you.

Colored folders. Ahhhhhh.

MSU clicky pens (which my son is stoked about). They're totally cool mom!

Meijer could've come into my living room, video taped my children and wouldn't have had to pay anyone. With the Meijer bags strewn across the floor, supplies littered everywhere and excitement that was not paid, they could've made out big. Big I tell you.

But the mom would have to be replaced with the dad, because dad was the super hero that took them shopping. I think he may have even worn a cape.

Review (and rating!) of Restless in Carolina by Tamara Leigh

2011-08-29T14:35:00.001-07:00

She's a tree-huggin' widow who is in search of an environmental friendly developer to buy her family's historical estate.

He's an acclaimed land developer who is trying to keep a promise generations old.

Through her burying her widow weeds and him burying long ago promises, this book is about growing up, forgiving and moving forward.

1/4 into this book I had to jump back to the beginning to figure out who was who. Once again, I felt like I was jumping into the middle of a story and characters whom I knew nothing about. I'm assuming that Tamara Leigh's previous book Leaving Carolina had something to do with this.

A cute, quick novel laced with light humor and splashes of warm fuzzies, it was overall pretty good. One thing that I did like was even with the emphasis on God throughout the book, by the end it wasn't "and her relationship with God was fully restored and perfect and life was all roses." It was a work in progress, of which I like portrayed.

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary to review for them. And hey! They (and I) would love it if you rated my review. No strings attached. I promise.

Review of The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

2011-08-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

An epic tale of good and evil based on the four horsemen of the Apocalypse found in Revelation.

Using the four horsemen of the Apocalypse to symbolize the four Gospels, four transcendentals, and four forces of the universe (air, water, earth, and fire), Sweet and Wagner weave a fast-paced, end-times tale of good vs. evil and the promise of a new dawn for humanity.

Set in 2048, when planet Earth is suffering from the damaging effects of years of misuse and abuse, cultural history professor Paul Binder receives a mysterious letter that leads him to examine a lost 2nd-century Diatessaron manuscript. Ancient prophecies, cryptic letters, and strange events set him on a course to uncover the missing clues that could lead humanity into a new age. Layered with forgotten symbolism from the ancient, Jewish, and Christian traditions, the novel is a type of engaged fiction in which the main character's lost journal serves as a guide to the reader in interpreting clues and understanding the novel's conclusion.

This book took me a very long time get through. Character upon character were introduced and it got to be pretty confusing as to who was who and how they were tied to what. I must say though, It was very cleaverly written. A prophetic type story that has tied in current life events and technology and wove in the book of Revelation. In some spots, it was actually eerily too close to home.

Overall, a great book. And the reader is able to take it steps further than just being a story. There is an entire key and clues throughout the entire book plus an Alphabet of the End Times at the end to help you put the clues together to find a deeper meaning of the story.

This novel stretches your imagination to the limits and actually messes with your mind. So much to the point that I shouldn't have read it before bed as dreams resulted of the world ending. Not the best medicine to wake up rested in the morning.

Book Sneeze/Thomas Nelson sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Being back

2011-08-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about being back in our home town is sharing memories and re-aquainting places with our kids.

Last week we were out driving in two vehicles (in case we found "THE" couch), and were heading down a very familiar road. I was following Ed and I could see him pointing to different buildings. And I knew exactly what he was sharing with the kids.

"Over there is where mom went to college and where Uncle Rob and Aunt Laura work."

"Do you remember coming to see me when I worked over there?"

"Up there was my first apartment. I lived there before mom and I got married."

They may not have been the exact words my husband said, but those places are landmarks for us.

It has been a good reminder for me to slow down. Enjoy life. Not rush around just to get to the next thing. To remember.

Remember all the way back to childhood even.

"See that D&W Sam? That wasn't always there. There used to be an apple orchard there and when I was little we would go there to pick up bushels of apples."

"This road that we're on? It didn't used to have all these lanes or the big grassy area in the middle. It used to just be a two lane road."

I love seeing landmarks every day and remembering. And being able to share my history and Ed and I's history. And even better, being a part of adding landmarks and memories to my kids' history.

It's good to be back.

the journey

2011-08-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two weeks since we drove into Michigan and I now have a few spare moments to sit and recap our cross-country adventure (even though the kitchen does need cleaned up a bit).

Our last day in Seattle seems worlds ago. Loaded in the car, said one last goodbye to neighbors and making it an hour and a half outside of Seattle before bedding down for the night.

Thursday we made it out of Washington and into Montana and the sights were amazing. Beautiful mountains all around. We didn't stop much as we had lots of time to make up.

Friday we drove into Yellowstone via the back door of Wyoming. We stopped and took pictures of a herd of elk and a buffalo, that ended up running right past us (and running with a seven year old child on your back so as not to be in the path of a running buffalo is not an easy feat....adrenaline was pumping!)

Saturday we headed out of Wyoming and ended up just inside of South Dakota. At a hotel with a water park. A watiki to be exact. All four of us played until 10 pm and then Sam was up at 6 ready to get one last watiki thrill before we left.

Sunday we started out on one end of South Dakota. We heard that morning that our house was in Iowa and that the driver was going to be in Michigan the next morning. He was an entire day ahead of us. This was not good. We knew it was going to be a long haul as we had 17+ hours to drive, not including stops.

So we locked down the hatches and started driving. And driving. And driving. South Dakota is one very wide state.

Then came Minnesota. The Iowa at sunset. Midnight loomed and we were still in Iowa. Signs of Illinois were popping up and we were determined to get that far. The kids were fast asleep, as was the cat, whom we let out and he snuggled up with the kids. 2:30 am approached and so did a rest stop. After finally settling in the parking lot that was very hot and humid, we managed to get a couple winks of sleep. 4:30 came all to soon and we were hitting the road. Kids were still fast asleep, as was the cat.

We saw the sunrise outside of Chicago, the haze of Gary, Indiana and then the beautiful sight of Michigan.

We beat the truck by 20 minutes.

All in all, a grand adventure. One I'm so thankful we journeyed. One I know the kids will remember for a very long time.

Oh...and I have to say that my husband is amazing. He drove all but 2 hours. Yeah. Amazing.

Transitioning: part six - heading out

2011-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

After an emotional couple of days between the last day of work and the last neighborhood get together, the focus turned to packing.

Monday was filled with sticky tape, boxes, washing out cupboards and more packing. One last trip to the dentist to have two of the little miss' loose baby teeth pulled that I could just not get out. And a visit from my sweet friend/co-worker Katie and her amazing little guy Luca. Hugs, more hugs and happy hugs too.

It ended up being a late night of going, going, going. We both fell into bed exhausted.

Tuesday was errand upon errand. Eye exam, last picture at Kerry Park (where our first family pic was taken upon arriving in Seattle), Costco, us girls getting our nails done, etc. So many last stops.

Moving day arrived. I woke up at 5:00 a.m. thinking I heard the semi pull up (it wasn't scheduled to come for two more hours). After laying in bed for a bit, Ed said, "I think I'm going to get up to greet the day." I loved that phrase. It was full of hope, excitement and so much to look forward to.

The kids were up by 6 and by 7 we were walking to the corner to meet the truck.

In a flurry of hours of activity the car was loaded and the truck was being packed. The kids played with their friends the entire day.

When the time was coming to a close, there were kid tears all around. 10 year old best friends clinging to each other, sobbing.

Seven year old best friends walking around the outside house holding hands, being followed by a sweet three year old jabbering away.

A surprise drop-in from Nancy, fabulous friend and co-worker. More tears and clinging hugs.

I finished the final touches of cleaning and took one final walk through of our home the past two years. Tears streaming down my cheeks.

So many memories. Fun times. Birthday parties. Friends for dinner. Kids running through. Ed pouring over papers and books. Hours in the kitchen creating food for family and friends. Snuggles on the couch. Hard conversations. Hurt and then mended hearts. So many memories.

I wrapped them all up in my heart and carried them out of the house with me. To hold forever.

Final hugs and tears mingled as goodbye's were exchanged with neighbors who became friends.

And then we drove away. Extracted ourselves from our Seattle life.

Drove out of the city. Out of the state.

On to a new home.

New memories.

But carrying with us those we love and an array of memories.

Never, ever forgotten.

Thank you Jesus for three years that forever transformed me more into who You created me to be. I look back and see a glimpse of how you wove our lives in your greater story. Our family is tighter because of it. Our marriage stronger. Our lives richer. Us closer to you. Friends forever intertwined. I wouldn't have changed a single moment. And there is not a single regret. You planted us in Seattle for reasons we may never know. But what we do know is that we will never be the same because of our time here. And for that I will be forever thankful. Amen and amen.

Transitioning: part five - the 'hood'

2011-07-25T06:57:00.001-07:00

Last night, under a hot shining sun and cloudless sky, our neighborhood gathered at John and Karen's home for a goodbye BBQ.

When we moved out to Seattle, we had four days to find a house and did the best we could in that limited time. Eight months into living there, we knew we needed to find a different place. And we were more picky the second time around.

Little did we know what type of neighborhood we were landing in. Ed would IM me at work every day and tell me who he met and where they lived. Even the neighbors basset hound, Margaret. Everyone would be out and about, walking the loop we live on (only one way in and out) and introduce themselves. It was an experience we've never had before.

We settled in fast and quickly adapted to the rhythm of the 'hood'. There are very few kids around, but the ones that are became fast friends to our kids.

We felt safe enough to let our kids go out and ride the loop by themselves, knowing those on the other side would have their eye on them.

It was the first place, ever, that Ed or I felt comfortable enough to go and ask to borrow a cup of sugar, or a crock pot, or cake pan, or card table or an entire patio furniture set.

It was the first time Alina went to a sleepover. Knowing she was right across the street and in safe walls, made that milestone easier.

Seeing my kids welcomed with a smile at the door while giving away painted rocks (no room in the moving truck for them) and coming home with $1.25 and two suckers.

Even as renters, we were welcomed in quickly and lovingly.

Being invited to the neighborhood BBQ, after a month living here, that closed out the summer. Experiencing the neighborhood progressive dinner at Christmas. Celebrating a new kitchen remodel of another neighbor. Finding cookies on our doorstep or a birthday card in the mailbox. Being invited to birthday parties for friends. Or the birthday party for Lucy, the dog Alina loves to walk.

Along the way, our neighbors became our friends.

Which made last night so bittersweet.

Neighbors stood to share a words of encouragement and thankfulness to us. And hearing the words of a seven year old, Alina's closest friend, who stood and said, "As many of you know, I was really lonely before Alina moved in, and I'm glad she lived here." Seeing her tears as she walked to sit back down next to Alina and watching my daughter give her friend a big squeeze with tears in her own eyes.

We couldn't have asked for a better or more amazing place to live. It has become home and we are going to miss it tremendously.

Karen, the host of last night, adequately summed it up in a nutshell, "Once a part of our neighborhood, always a part of our neighborhood."

A neighborhood that none of us will ever forget. It has seeped into our beings and has shown us an example of what community looks like. People from different walks of life, different religions, different political views, all coming together, being themselves, helping each other out, and loving each other.

That's what I call true community.

Transitioning: part four - tears

2011-07-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a job that you love, but more importantly, you love the people that you work with? And then you leave?

That was yesterday.

And it was hard.

Much harder than I thought it was going to be.

The day started like any other. Come in, fire up the computer, answer emails, chat a bit, and start editing.

And then lunch time came.

I heard everyone outside our office. I knew there was going to be a good-bye lunch. And I vowed I was not going to cry.

When I was told to come, I opened the door and there was a tunnel of all my co-workers cheering me.

I ran through the tunnel of cheers with a heart full of love for those I work with.

And sadness.

Throughout lunch people shared memories and amazingly sweet thoughts of me. It was very humbling. And very tearful by many.

The dam broke when my dear friend and children's ministry co-worker, Mary, started to share. Tears, sadness, thankfulness, grief and joy.

And it continued when my other dear friend Katie, and children's ministry co-worker, shared. The three of us have been through a whole lot the past years.

I couldn't have asked for better people to work with. From office staff to pastoral staff to custodial staff to ministry staff. I am going to miss them all terribly.

Throughout the day there were hard good-byes and many hugs.

The end of the day drew near. Desk was cleaned out. Out of office was on. Everything was wrapped up.

One last trip up to the 3rd floor office to turn in my keys and fob.

And shed more tears.

And stock up on more hugs.

And chat one more time with friends.

And more hugs.

And that was it.

Mary and I walked out together. She didn't want me to walk out alone. And I didn't want her to walk out alone.

As I drove away, I turned to look one more time at my work place of the past 2 1/2 years. A place where I met amazing people who were a part of molding me even more into who I have become today. People who have encouraged me. Shared their lives with me. Chatted with me. Loved me. They have settled in my heart and will stay there always.

The tears flowed all the way home.

I walked into our house, straight into my husband's awaiting arms and let the sobs come.

Transitioning: part three - a ministry goodbye

2011-07-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

Leaving is starting to sink in a bit.

The last time we said a hard goodbye was three years ago. I remember the tears that flowed while standing in our driveway. Not wanting to let go. But in the back of my head I knew we'd be back.

Not this time. More than likely, we won't be moving back to the Seattle. And that's what makes it hard. I'm also leaving a ministry that I have poured myself into over the past two and a half years. A road I've never traveled.

I'm now realizing how much I immersed myself into the volunteers and families at my job. And now it's coming to a close. The goodbyes have already started. There will be a many more this Sunday as it's my last Sunday on the job. I've already started hearing, "my kids are so sad you're leaving" to "I'm really going to miss you" to the "what are we going to do without you" comments. Comments that are not easy to hear and squeeze my heart.

It's hard to imagine not being here. Not going into church bright and early on Sunday mornings. Hearing "hi Jean!" by the kids. Getting hugs from the little ones. Chatting with the volunteers.

This is going to be harder than I thought.

Review of An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

2011-07-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Head back to the year of 1895 and follow two girls who come from two very different walks of life. One immigrant. One high-class. Follow their journey as their worlds collide and take a turn in opposite directions. How class barriers are broken and independence is born.

With twists and turns throughout this book, it will leave you wondering what happens to these two girls whose lives live outside of their society.

I really liked this book. To a certain point. Towards the end it got way too mushy and romantic for my taste. I enjoyed seeing how the two main characters blossomed into womanhood sans romance and how they learned to fit into the skin they were born with. I did like seeing how two societies were so far apart from each other and seeing how a friendship was forged despite the rules.

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Review of Another Dawn by Kathryn Cushman

2011-07-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Another Dawn is about a young single mom who is faced with caring for her father, whom she has a rocky relationship with. Undertones in the story are her sense of self and learning to defend herself in her choices and learn to accept who she was created to be. She learns that running from problems sure doesn't make them disappear, but facing them head on helps develop a strong sense of self and a determination that was buried way deep down in.

A very different read than most I've had before. Controversial even, in today's society. Even though it was fiction, I believe a lot of parents weigh the pro's and con's of what they "should" do and "shouldn't" do as seen by the eyes of society. And yes, I'm being vague with what the subject is, as I don't want to give away the whole premiss of the book.

This book left me thinking how I view the subject at hand, and also the viewpoint of other parents who may chose differently than me. A definite good read.

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Transitioning: part two

2011-07-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at work, my farewell article was edited and published in our monthly parent newsletter. One more stamp of finality that our journey here is coming to a close.

July marks a month of lasts.

Last time to head to the ocean.

Last time downtown.

Last day at work.

Last day at our house.

But there is still so much to do between now and our last day here. Two weeks of Kids' Summer Adventure for work and all the prep that will happen leading up to those two crazy weeks.

And there is still so much packing to be done. Some that can't happen until right before the moving truck comes. No matter how many boxes I pack up in my kids' room, more stuff multiplies and forms out of no where. I'm still mystified as to where my daughter is hiding it all!

But one thing that is not a last, is me. I have become more of who I am while living out here.

And that is one thing that will not be left behind.

Nor will it be packed away, sealed shut in the black darkness of a box, to be opened at an unknown time.

All of who I am will be transitioning.

To a different house.

Different scenery.

Different city.

Not as new beginnings.

But continuations.

Of who I am.

Transitioning: part one

2011-06-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Three years culminating into an hour and a half.

Smiles and waves seeing my husband walking down the aisle in his cap and gown.

Tears flowing witnessing him being "hooded".

Raw emotion ripping apart my heart watching a still-fresh grieving, amazingly courageous widow receive her husband's hood and diploma. My husband's closest school friend was not there to celebrate graduation. Not in flesh. But in memory and spirit he was there. He was definitely there.

Lots of hugs and congratulations all around.

Hearing "we'll stay in touch" over and over.

Loading into the van to transport the family and extended family back home.

Standing in the kitchen taking in my freshly graduated husband.

"Now what?"

I had heard a few days ago that the transition out of school is actually harder than school itself. I thought, "there's no way that can be true! I can't WAIT!"

Then yesterday afternoon came.

That sense of something grand, coming to an end.

Finality.

The routine of an ever-changing semester schedule is no more.

No more juggling who's going to take the kids to school or pick them up.

No more papers or required readings.

No more late night or early morning classes.

It's all finished.

But yet it's not.

There is and will be grief.

But also hope.

Hope for what is to come.

To take what we've learned and embed it into who we are.

It's not over.

It's a step.

One big three year step that has had hundreds of little steps intertwined in it. Steps that ebbed and flowed into new steps. Steps that have taken us to new places of life. Much deeper places. That will continue to propel us forward.

Even in death.

It's not the end.

It's just another step in our journey called life.

Rank and Review of Indelible by Kristen Heitzmann

2011-06-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

We start off with Trevor MacDaniel. His past consists of winning gold medals and leading the fast paced, spot-light life, all to out-run a painful childhood memory. After a nasty knee injury, skiing was put on the shelf, and the adventure shop was open along with being a part of a search and rescue team.

Natalie Reeve is his working neighbor. An unfortunate event is how she and Trevor are introduced. But Natalie has a talent like no one else. A sculptor by trade that is also her mode of survival.

And last, the name-less character. He inserts his life into Trevor and Natalie's via pictures of kids in perilous situations. Hoping Trevor will come to the rescue for these helpless kids, he inserts his life from afar (at the beginning) to feed off of the arch-angel persona he feels Trevor is.

A high paced, well written story that will keep you guessing until the end. A bit disturbing in places (from the viewpoint as a parent), but oh so good. Kristen does it again with writing a thrill-seeking book that sucks you in from page one. Characters are fully introduced at the beginning and then she works backwards in revealing their lives.

Some of the characters from Indivisible are in this book, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. I highly recommend it. A fantastic read!!

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Let me know how you liked this review! Rank here:

Review of A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

2011-05-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.
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Book Three in Women of Justice Series, Lynette Eason introduces Kit Kenyon, a detective and hostage negotiator. She and her new partner are on the hunt for a serial killer who may be hunting one of them as well.

This is a fast pasted thriller with a few squeamish parts thrown in to keep things interesting. Lynette, as always, does a fantastic job creating a thrilling plot with touches of a budding relationship on the side.

Loved this book. Though I couldn't read it before bed as it was a bit suspenseful for my dreams. It was a can't-put-down, what's-going-to-happen next type of read that any one would enjoy.

As book three in the series, this could be a stand-alone novel as well, but reading books one and two (which are equally fantastic), would only build upon this third book and make it that much more great.

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

memory lane

2011-05-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Taking a trip down memory lane today. 16 years ago at this time, I was getting ready to walk down the aisle into a new adventure called marriage.

Reflecting over the past 16 years, I see a lot of laughs. A lot of tears. A lot of changes. A lot of love.

One memory was my first ever backpacking experience. My husband, a seasoned backpacker, and I drove up to a mosquito infested Lake Superior Provincial Park in the U.P. on a July weekend. We arrived at dark to set up our tent, bedded down for the night then rose early the next day to start our hike in. The mosquitoes were thick. We went through an entire can of bug spray in a couple hours. I said out loud that I hoped it would be so cold the next day that it would kill all the mosquitoes. My wish came true as it only reached the mid 40's the next day.

And that was the day I ended up sick in the tent while Ed boiled water as his water purifier was broken. The third day I uttered the words before backpacking out,

"Just leave me here. Go get a boat or something and come back for me."

Um...can't do that out in the middle of no where. I was never so glad to see that little red pick up truck when we arrived at the parking lot.

So many more memories come rushing in. Our first anniversary trip, complete with me being blindfolded, to Niagara Falls. A trip to Northern Ireland to celebrate graduating college. Purchasing our first house. So many more backpacking trips (that weren't so dramatic). The birth of Sam along with surgeries and bladder bags for months there after. Purchasing our second house. Alina being added to our family. 10 year anniversary trip to Mexico. Raccoons eating the food supply on our first family backpacking trip. Bike rides to Jersey Junction. The decision to uproot and move across the country. Entering elementary years with two kids. Wading through life with a pre-teenager.

And then there's love. Not a squishy, ooey-gooey love (though that's still present). But an I'm-in-this-with-you love. A love that doesn't give up. A love that when the feelings aren't there, commitment and foundation are. I won't give up on you.

Our marriage hasn't been all flowers and sunshine. There have been trecherous storms, very dark valleys that could have easily broken us to pieces. By God's amazing example of love, we battled through each one and came out stronger on the other side. I'm pretty sure there will be more down the road too. But building the foundation of commitment to each other, commitment to our wedding vows, and commitment to Christ, has and will help us weather each storm.

Here's to 16 more amazing years my Love. I'm excited to enter yet another new adventure with you in the coming weeks. And to see how God weaves us closer together in the coming months and years.

Happy Anniversary! I love you!

slowing down? i think not.

2011-05-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

I thought when the end of the school year approaches, things are supposed to start slowing down and come to finale of celebration of freedom for the kids on the last day of school.

I'm finding quite the opposite (except the celebration part...one can't wait...the other one will be very, very sad).

We are 3 1/2 weeks out from the end of school. There is a lot of ground to cover between now and then.

For the son, there was a spring concert last night, field trip today, 3 part auto-biography paper (of which I type for him...and no, I'm not cheating. promise) and the presentation, field day, one other field trip, year end field trip celebration, three more soccer practices, two more games, three more musical practices, musical overnight tour, musical dress-rehearsal night, musical church performance and then last day of school.

For the daughter, there is a spring concert, two more soccer practices, three games, a science project, bring a shirt to school to decorate, read-in day, dress up/presentation as favorite book character day, outside reading coupons, field trip, field day, end of year field trip celebration and then last day of school.

And I know I'm forgetting something in there.

looking back

2011-05-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

On a whim, I jumped back years in my blog to May of 2006. I found the post below:

When's Friday?
Today my most adorable children have been at each others throats constantly. Arguing. Screaming. Roaring. Laughing. It's been one roller-coaster after another. One minute they're giving each other hugs and then next yelling, "NOOOOOOOOOOOO I don't WAAAANTTTT TOOOOO" (my lovely daughter) and "I DON'T WANT HER TO FOLLOW MEEEEE!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!" (my handsome son). These are the days I say no more mini people allowed. Unless they are someone else's and I can give them back. I just sit here and watch it all. All my energy is spent. I let them scream and see what happens. I interveen only when bodily harm is becoming evident.

Alina found the little pepper grinder. Sam found pepper in his water. I ran out of diapers today. Alina's wearing a swimmy diaper with rubber underwear training pants so she doesn't leak everywhere. The joys of having one vehicle and no diapers.

Oh....happy place..... How I love being there.

Alina was 2 years old. Sam was 5 and getting ready to graduate preschool.
Preschool people.
He's now getting ready to finish 4th grade.

I chuckled when I read this old post and sadness coursed through me too. Sadness that my kids aren't little any more. I've watched video's of them when they were wee whipper snappers and I've wept. Those years don't come back. They fly.

There's more than just pepper in water and no diapers. There is wading through emotions of why there was no birthday invite when everyone else got one. Explanations as to why you don't need a cell phone when "all" your friends have one. Liking girls. Growing bodies. Mending tender hearts.

I miss those early days. Looking back they seemed easy compared to now. But I know they were just as hard as today. And 8 years from now when Sam's getting ready to graduate high school, I know I'll look back and think these present years were easy.

So many seasons to life. So many new experiences to wade through. I'm so thankful for the season I'm in right now. Thankful for the season I was in five years ago. Thankful for my 7 and 10 year old. Thankful for my 2 and 5 year old and having the opportunity to grow with them.

And yes, they still argue and laugh with each other.

Lenten thoughts

2011-05-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

For Lent I chose to put aside sugary sweet goodness. Did I make it the entire time? No. I caved. More than once. But I was still committed, and was thankful for a new day to start over.

I also had a live conscience. Alina. She held me accountable so many times. "Mom, you can't eat that! You made a PROMISE to GOD!" Oh my sweet, sweet daughter. How can anyone dispute that? I couldn't even negotiate! And she was a huge example to me as well by giving up playing Webkinz on the computer.

I found that it was not an easy Lent. There was many a time I prayed while craving those sweets, which is the whole point. At times I failed. All the time God showed me his ever-lasting grace.

And I find it quite humorous that during Lent, I wanted what I couldn't have, but now I don't want what I can have! Go figure.

and the beat goes on

2011-04-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

When I hopped on last night to write my book reviews, I saw that it's been almost a month since I've written a non-book post.

That got me thinking...what in the world have I been doing? Oh right. Life. That does happen at times. And right now our life revolves around soccer. Monday through Thursday nights. Two nights for Alina, two nights for Sam. Plus musical rehearsals for Sam on Wednesday nights. And somewhere homework needs to get done and dinner made (it's been quite the challenge working 8-10 hours a day) each night. And we'll be adding in evening classes for Ed starting Monday.

Ah life. How quickly it goes by. We're down to single digit weeks for Ed now. 8 to be exact. 56 days. And it's going to fly by. Winding down of the kids' school, busy season ramping up for me work wise, Ed pushing through the final weeks, ending soccer, spring concerts, Sam's musical, and the big graduation celebration.

After that, life will continue. I have to keep reminding myself of that. That life doesn't finish on June 25th. But a new season begins. A season of no graduate school. A season of unknowns. Adventure. We don't know where that season will take place yet, but we're learning not to stress. To do everything we can, but leaving it all before God's throne.

Review of A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

2011-04-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me a complimentary copy to review for them.

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream-and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?

Not as romantic as it sounds. As I have said before, Siri is one of my favorite authors. This book did not disappoint. With a new twist in her writing, she wrote the book from a narrative standpoint and the narrator would inject their thoughts throughout the book about the characters and the choices they were making. A very unique way of writing.

Based in the early 1900's in Boston, it was a glimpse into the lives of three dress making immigrant girls who's lives intertwined like thread. They were learning and exploring their way in life amidst danger and life vs death choices.

A great, fast read, even with all the Italian names (smart to put the glossary of characters at the beginning).

Review of The Dawn of a Dream by Ann Shorey

2011-04-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Twenty-two-year-old Luellen O'Connell is stunned and confused when her husband of just one month tells her he is leaving her. Deeply wounded by this betrayal, Luellen decides to follow the dream she had set aside of obtaining a teaching degree.

More than anything, she wants to teach children in communities like hers and help them recognize that education opens a path to future possibilities. But her wayward husband left something behind when he abandoned her. Can Luellen overcome the odds and achieve her dream? Can she hide her secret, or will it destroy her dreams forever?

An altogether ok book. Several spots along the way the book slowed and I felt like I needed to plod through them. But a great read about an independent woman with tenacity who overcomes so many obstacles to achieve her life long dream.

This was book 3 in the Beldon Grove series and read like a stand alone novel which I do enjoy. I didn't feel like I was jumping in the middle of a story, trying to figure out who people were. A definite clear beginning and clear end.

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

Review of Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem

2011-04-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

Booksneeze sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

"Every mother wants her children to grow up happy, healthy, and fulfilled. But reaching that destination can be full of indecision, worry, and second-guessing. Ask any mother, 'Do you think you're doing a good job?' and she’ll likely give you a mixed answer. In her groundbreaking book, Regret-Free Parenting, Catherine Hickem offers seven principles for mothers to raise their children well . . . and know they’re doing it right."

Loved, loved, loved this book. It was mainly focused towards mom's (which I didn't know going into it) and it hit home. There were many light bulb moments and times I thought, "well, that completely makes sense!" The biggest area where it made the most impact was where Catherine talked about pre-teens. As a mom of a full blown pre-teen, it's new, uncharted territory and this book brought some clarity and some of those "ah-ha" moments to mind.

One other reason I loved this book was because Catherine is a licensed counselor. With my husband in school to become a therapist, so much of the terminology she used was familiar and it was easier to understand.

I would highly recommend any mom or dad to read this. A fantastic book that I will definitely be reading again.

Review of Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

2011-04-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

WaterBrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

I am a huge Kristen Heitzmann fan and once again she does not disappoint in this book. Right up to the last page I was engrossed. The characters were an eclectic bunch and their back stories took the whole book to explain. Kristen keeps you entwined in the story through the entire book and guessing as to what in the world is going to happen. She is a brilliant writer that effortlessly keeps you in the plot right up to the end.

Anyone who likes mystery, suspense and a touch of humor would thoroughly enjoy this book!

Easier said than done

2011-04-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Now is one of those times in life where I'd just really like to know what God's plans are for us. With just over two months left before graduation and no solid plans yet, it leaves one feeling a bit unsettled.

Job glimmers come and then are snuffed out. But the prayer continues to stay the same. "Jesus, put us where you want." I know what Iwant. But He trumps my wants. And that's where the faith and trust come in. And it hasn't been a "yippee-skipee" trust and faith. There have been many tears, many disappointments, many times of not understanding why things are not happening. Plans haven't panned out the way we thought.

But we continue to trust. To dig deep into the faith that has been so rooted in us that our Savior asks us to trust Him. Yes, I know God has a plan. But more than that, I believe He wants us to trust Him in every resume that gets sent out and every response that is received back. And that no matter what the next step of our journey is, that we will continue to deepen our trust in Him.

Where did time go?

2011-03-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

10 years.

Today my baby boy is 10 years old. Where in the world has the time gone?

From an itty bitty 7 pound one ounce baby to a 78 pound young man who's head fits just under my chin when standing.

From having major surgery at 3 months and being told he may never be able to play sports, to being a lover of all sports and is outside every single moment biking, boxing, playing soccer, basketball and football fearlessly.

From being dependent on mom and dad for his well being to becoming independent, making his own choices and learning about life in the world we live in.

From not being able to utter a word to communicating thoughts, feelings, conversations and abstract ideas.

You have grown up so much Sam. Now you start the preteen years and so much is ahead of you. You are learning and figuring who you are and where you fit. The mom in me wants to shelter you in a bubble so no one or thing hurts you. But I know that would only hinder you growing into a teenager and then into an adult.

I love you so much and am so honored that God chose me to be your mom. He has an amazing purpose for you and being able to cheer that purpose on is a wonderful gift.

I look forward to the next 10 years and the adventures life will bring in these preteen and soon-to-come teenage years. You are loved so much and I pray each day that you will experience God's deepest love more than anything.

Review of Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews

2011-03-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

Revell sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

"When her beloved grandfather Isaac dies, Dinah must follow his final command: Travel to Job's house to marry his son. After Job's world comes crashing down, Dinah finds herself drawn to this great man brought low. What will she risk to fight for his survival?"

This book was pretty amazing. Based on the book of Job, this story was very insightful and based on scripture. The two main characters were Job and Dinah and how they endured Job's time of testing. It made the book of the Bible come to life. It wasn't light or overly romantic either. I now want to jump into the Bible and read the account of Job because of reading this book.

I honestly don't know if I could continue praising and trusting God after suffering for over a year. Suffering with worm infested disease, living atop an ash heap while being spit upon, having my entire family taken and being mocked by family and friends. For over a year!

Fantastic book! Great read!

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

another milestone

2011-03-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today marks another milestone for my amazing husband.

Internship complete.

He has pushed himself beyond the sanity line and has clocked over 600 hours in the past 6 and a half months.

He said the other day he was burned out. Rightly so! I added to his comment the fact that the majority who are doing their internship right now are completing 5 hours a week. He has been pushing between 25 and 27 hours a week. I think that helped put into perspective why he is so weary.

And not only interning 25 hours a week, going to school full time and throwing in a part time job along side of that. And then topping it off with being a dad and husband. And the cherry on top of looking for a job. And he still does all the laundry!

You are my hero babe.

Why?

2011-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

"There is a very strong possibility that during your time here, one of your fellow students, someone you know, will pass away."

I remember these words from Dan Allender during one of the few classes I visited with Ed during his first year at Mars Hill Graduate School.

Never did I think they would come true.

In a blink of an eye, a life ended. Too soon. Unexpectedly.

Sonny was one of Ed's closest friends at school. They were a part of the Silverback's: the small group of guys who were in their 40's traveling through graduate school together. A different sort of group than the majority of the student population. Ed and Sonny had several classes together and bounced so many ideas off of each other, edited each others papers and became close over the past years.

He was less than four months from graduating. Leaving behind his wife. He was only 44 years old.

To some that is "old". When one is close to 40, 44 years is anything but old.

It's one of those "why God?" questions that quite possibly will never be answered. Why was his time up? Why now? Why?

So one lives between the tension of wondering and never knowing. It's not an easy place to be, but I think it's more genuine than explaining it away.

As Paul Steinke wrote in his letter to all students, "And now, with the absurdity of Sonny’s absence, death’s “sting” can feel like the final word. . .it is not. In the midst of our grief, I pray each of us might know something of the wildness of Jesus Christ’s love for Sonny and each of us and may such a love lead us all into the wide and deep embrace of His grace and peace."

You will be greatly missed Sonny.

popcorn quick tip

2011-02-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

Over at Eating Rules, I found this little tip about making popcorn. I love popcorn. Like LOVE popcorn. It's a meal sometimes.

For awhile I would make popcorn in a pan on the stove. Then I got a popcorn maker that you use in the microwave and it uses little paper bottoms so every last kernel pops. But the trick was, once you run out of the little paper bottoms, you need to go get more.

So when I came across this little tip, I was all over it like drizzled butter on popcorn.

Popping corn in a paper bag!

The first time I tried it, I used a paper grocery bag. It was a bit too large for the microwave, but worked none the less.

The second time I decided to use a lunch paper bag.

Bingo!

I dumped some kernels in the bottom (I found some organic popcorn on sale in the bulk section at the store), folded it a couple times and put it in the microwave for about two minutes. I waited until the popping was winding down, pulled out the paper bag, dusted some salt on the top (even tried it without butter and it was pretty good!), closed it up, gave it a good shake and voila! Fluffy, yummy popcorn.

You don't even need a bowl! And when you're all done, you throw the bag in the recycling or even the compost!

So it's a win-win-win for everyone! And a yummy one at that!

Review of Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes

2011-02-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review.

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.

In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace, and . . . love. But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them.

This is the first book by Laurie Alice Eakes that I have read. It took a while to understand what was going on and I felt like this was a book two or three in a series, but it wasn't. I wasn't a fan of the male main character, Dominick Cherrett, as he rubbed me the wrong way as pompous and prideful and remained that way throughout the book. The storyline seemed a bit long at times with stalling here and there. Will I read another book by Laurie Alice Eakes? Possibly.

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

Review of Soulprint by Mark Batterson

2011-02-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

Waterbrook Multnomah sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

When I saw this book was available for review, I jumped right on it. Mark Batterson's first book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, was the catalyst for me in moving across the country to a journey unknown.

There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn’t a testament to you. It’s a testament to the God who created you. The problem? Few people discover the God-given identity that makes them unlike anyone else. Mark Batterson calls this divine distinction our soulprint.

God would like to introduce you to yourself.

In Soulprint, Mark pours the contagious energy he’s known for into helping you experience the joy of discovering who you are...and the freedom of discovering who you’re not. The wonderful fact is that your uniqueness is God’s gift to you, and it’s also your gift to God.

A self-discovery book that puts God at the center rather than self, Soulprint encourages you to recognize and explore the five defining moments in your life that will determine your destiny. Along the way, you’ll find that you’re not just turning the pages of a book. You’re turning the pages of your remarkable, God-shaped, world-changing life.

There were so many great nuggets in this book. I had read the beginning a good four times and found something different every time that spoke to my heart. This book meets you in whatever spiritual time you are in. For me, there was a lot of freedom that happened when reading the black print in this book. Here are some defining sentences that stuck out to me:

"The fact that there never has been and never will be anyone like you simply means that no one can worship God like you or for you. You were created to worship God in a way that no one else can. How? By living a life no one else can--your life. You have a unique destiny to fulfill, and no one can take your place."

How freeing is that? I don't have to worship like everyone else, because I'm not everyone else! I and all of us are created uniquely so it would seem that worshiping the God who created us uniquely would want us to worship him based on our individual uniqueness.

"One of the biggest mistakes we make is focusing all our energy on the next season of life instead of enjoying the season we're in."

This sentence hit me right between the eyes. I've been anticipating and ready for Ed to be done with school and for us to continue on our journey, but how much have I missed in anticipation? Thankfully I realized this awhile ago and have tried to make the most, learn the most, take in the most I possibly can while living in the adventure I'm in.

"When we try to be all things to all people, we're trying to be God. We've got a Messiah complex. And if we try to be everything to everybody, we'll end up being nothing to nobody. At the end of the day, I'd rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not."

How many of us pretend who we are and don't show our true selves? I know I've done that. Many times, many years. I've learned one thing from this book: No one defines who I am except God. People and events may influence me, but they don't define me. God knows my definition, my destiny, my identity. And I'm glad for that because I can learn to be the me who God intended.

So all the above to say, I really liked this book and will be reading it again. Mark does a great job getting right to the point in an easy thought provoking way. I high recommend this book to anyone.

To see a video and read a complimentary chapter, click here.

A shout out!!

2011-02-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

Today I'm giving a shout out to one of my amazing friends. She's putting her fantastic sewing skillz to great use and is selling her items on her site. This may seem like a sales pitch to some, but to me, it's getting her fantabulous work out there. You know and have heard the sayings, "it's now what you know, but who you know" or "word of mouth"? Well, I'm using the words of my mouth and who I know to tell you about Anne.

I've known Anne for a long time. 12 years? 13 years? So long, I've lost count. I actually knew her husband before meeting her (yeah...he's stellar too). We've been through thick and thin together. And I mean thick. and. thin. All that to say, she's amazing.

And so are her sewing skills. See that cute guy over there? Sorry, he's not for sale, but an apron like he's wearing is! That's my Sam on his 7th birthday. Anne whipped up that apron for him. He may not look super excited, but he's eager to wear it in the kitchen. Along with aprons (she makes them for adults too!), she sews:
fabric grocery bags (which last longer than the store bought reusable ones...and they're cute!)
diaper bags
kids clothes
bibs
cloth diaper covers (I like the monkey ones myself)
and much more. She makes the cutest head bands too! So cute that I almost want to have another girl just so I could use one! Last month I even mailed her fabric to sew a bag for a gift for one of my friends here and within an IM conversation she had it finished and it was back to me within two days (that bag traveled over 4000 miles in just five days).

So if you're all about homemade items, head over to Anne's site. Even if you're not all about homemade items, check out her site. You may just change your mind. And if you have something you would like sewn that you don't see listed, ask her! She's uber creative and can customize to your needs. Her items are top notch.

*Disclaimer: I was not compensated to give a shout out about Anne. She's my amazing friend whom I believe you all should know about. My opinions are my own and if you know what's good for you, head over to her site! That is all.

Good-bye bagged tortilla chips!

2011-02-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

Last night standing in the kitchen flipping through my mind recipe Rolodex, I landed on taco's. But quickly realized I had no tortilla shells. What to do, what to do? I rummaged through the fridge and found a package of corn tortilla's and immediately thought of whipping up some homemade tortilla chips. Taco salad!

I have not had much luck baking corn tortilla's. I either under bake them, in which I get a headache from having to chew and chew and chew or over bake them and who wants to eat burned tortilla chips? Not me. So I always fall back on the bagged chips.

But I remembered wanting to try a new recipe I had stumbled across for tortilla chips. And no better time like the present!

I headed over to Two Peas and Their Pod, found the super simple recipe, printed it out, oiled, cut and salted the wedges and popped them in the oven. I was skeptical. Very skeptical. I tried to not set myself up for yet another tortilla making disappointment. I didn't want another meal where I would be chewing undercooked chips.

I pulled the first batch out, flipped 'em and put them back in. Five minutes later I pulled them out and cooled them off on a cooling rack. As soon as they were cool enough to eat I broke one apart, was pleasantly surprised that they sounded nice and crisp, then popped one into my mouth.

HEAVEN!! Just the right amount of salt and the most absolute perfect texture! (of course, I'll admit, the next batch I made, I didn't leave in long enough and they were a smidge undercooked, but still so very yummy!)

The trick to these is broiling them! Who would've thunk! I'm totally hooked as are the two little people and my main squeeze. It's a win-win-win-win!

Here's the recipe:

Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
courtesy of Two Peas and Their Pod
click here for the printable version

1 small package of white corn tortillas, taco size, cut into triangles
Cooking spray-we use a canola oil spray
Salt-to taste

1. Preheat the broiler to high. Put corn tortilla triangles on a large baking sheet. Don’t overlap the chips. If you want to make a large batch, fill a second pan and only bake one at a time.

2. Spray the triangles lightly with cooking spray. Turn over triangles and spray again. Sprinkle with salt, to taste.

3. Bake in the oven for about 3-4 minutes. Turn chips over and bake for another five minutes, or until chips are golden brown and crisp. Make sure you don’t go too far while the chips are in the oven. They will bake quickly!

4. Cool and serve with guacamole, salsa, or eat them plain.

I didn't have any cooking spray, so I brushed olive oil on each side before cutting.
And yes, they bake super quick, so don't leave the kitchen!

Enjoy!

Review of Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

2011-01-29T12:06:00.001-08:00

Book Sneeze/Thomas Nelson sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year with the most unlikely bride and groom. Save the date...and say your prayers.

When funding for Lucy's non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair Enterprises--the primary donor to Lucy's non-profit organizaiton.

Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.

Alex has it all...except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancée in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn't quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart--and her future--on the line.

Save the Date is a spunky romance that will have readers laughing out loud as this dubious pair try to save their careers, their dreams...and maybe even a date.

I was expecting another typical, mushy book. I wasn't expecting it to be so charming, witty and a great read. I downed this book in two days, found myself smiling during parts and laughing at others. I loved the sparring between the two main characters and the use of sarcasm. It added a lightness to the book and made for more of a "real" feel of the characters. I'd definitely read this one again!

Review of Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon

2011-01-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in the five years since she drove her husband--and Jake's best friend--to despair . . . and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life--and his heart--are in danger.

Good storytelling by Irene Hannon. I've enjoyed her previous books as well. Great story line and well developed characters. Predictable ending, but still seat gripping. Not too preachy, not too mushy, just right.

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

A weekend in the kitchen: episode two

2011-01-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

A weekend in the kitchen continues on with a story about my Sam. When he heard that Alina was cooking dinner and she could choose the menu, he wanted to be a part of it too. I told him he could cook the next evening and could choose what ever he would like.

His menu:
Salad with homemade ranch dressing and croutons
Spaghetti with sauce only (no meat)
Garlic bread sticks
Dessert

Sam is not one to stay in the kitchen long. How ever long it takes to ask "what are we having for dinner and how long until it's ready" is the duration of his time in the kitchen. He will help now and then, but he'd rather go play nerf guns. Again, no forcing him to be in the kitchen so when he offers to help, I gladly accept.

So we started with the croutons first. I asked him to get the bread out of the freezer. Check. I asked him to find a baking sheet. His words, "don't tell me, I want to find it on my own." So I kept my lips closed. He looked through all the drawers and even the other pantry. I could tell he was getting frustrated so I asked if he'd like a hint, got the nod, and pointed to the cupboard door the baking items are in. Baking sheet? Check.

My next words were, "ok..now we're going to cut the bread for the croutons." He immediately picked up a knife and started sawing the bread that we were going to use for the garlic bread (no garlic bread sticks...but instead a french loaf we would turn into garlic bread). I steered him to the sandwich bread, showed him how to cut the cubes and let him take over. He threw the cubes into a bowl and tossed them while I poured a bit of olive oil over them and shook on some garlic powder. I then said, "dump them on the baking sheet and spread them around." He proceeded to take them out of the bowl one by one and placed them in rows on the sheet. I told him that that would take forever, but he was determined to do it. When he finished he said, "See mom? I'm done! And you said it would take forever!" Ahhh Sam. I love you.

Next up, ranch dressing. We threw it all in the food processor and he taste tested the dressing until it was just right. Into the fridge it went to marry. Check.

Onto dessert. I explained that we wanted to get the dessert done before we finished making dinner so it would be all ready to go after we were done eating dinner. I suggested chocolate chip cookie sandwiches. He was all over that. So I pulled out my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and we began. We melted the butter and measured the white sugar. I then said, "we now need a cup of brown sugar" to which he enthusiastically said OK! and proceeded to open the bottom drawer and pulled out a drinking cup. I kept forgetting that he takes things literally. I re-explained my words adding "measuring cup" and got the "oooohhhhhh!" The dough was ready to go and I showed him how to roll the cookies like a ball, pull apart and put back together. He totally got it and into the oven the cookies went.

Garlic bread was cut and buttered and he generously applied the garlic powder. Generously being the key word.

Next was a short conversation.
Me:"Ok. Now we need to get the noodles and sauce going."
Sam: "Mom? Is this when we take a break? I'm tired!"
Me (chuckling): "Welcome to my world Sam. This is how dinner gets on the table every night. I wish it magically appeared, but it doesn't."
Sam (smiling): "Yeah, I know, but it's sure a lot of work!"
Yes my son, yes it is.

So we continued on and he decided that he didn't want a salad after all, but apples (Alina was in agreement). So I helped him with the apple cutter and he then proceeded to cut the skin off of each piece of apple. I thought he would've stopped halfway through, but he did every piece without complaint and was pretty proud of his work. While he was doing that, I finished up the noodles and sauce and started to plate the food.

The cookies finished in the oven and he took them out. Once cooled I said, "Sam, one of the greatest things of working in the kitchen is that you get to taste the food you created before everyone else, just to make sure it tastes good." I picked up a big cookie, broke it in half and gave half to him. He looked at me like I was giving him a treasure and said, "seriously??". We munched on warm cookies and declared they were fit for eating.

Dinner was ready. While putting the apples on plates I said to him, "so after dinner you can come and do all the dishes." I received a "WHAAAAAAAT?!?!?!" I explained that the dishes don't clean themselves and the kitchen needs to be cleaned up. I then broke into laughter and said, "of course you don't have to do the dishes Sam. I'm so glad you were in the kitchen with me tonight. I'm more than happy to do the dishes." I could see the relief in his eyes and the smile on his lips. Joking with a nine year old is a whole lot of fun.

Dinner took about an hour and a half to make. I'll be honest and say that it wasn't easy for me. There was a lot of patience on my part of not taking over for him, but letting him experience kitchen life. And there was a lot of building up too. Hearing several times, "I'm not good at this" was a chance to build up his self confidence as I know he takes those encouraging words and tucks them into his heart. It was a ton of fun joking around with Sam and I think he experienced a bit of what goes into me making dinner each night for our family. I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.

And our weekend in the kitchen comes to a close. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will not be the last one.

A weekend in the kitchen: episode one

2011-01-25T09:46:00.001-08:00

Friday night rolled around and it was approaching dinner time. Alina found me standing in the kitchen with my eyes closed trying to think of what to make for dinner. I heard her sweet little voice through my blackness. "Mom? Can I make dinner tonight?"

I don't force my kids cook. I do ask them if they'd like to help and if they do, great! If not, no problem. They may only do one thing and be on their merry way or they may stay for the entire time. One never knows. But I want them to always feel like the kitchen is a fun place to be and not a chore.

Alina has wanted to make dinner for awhile now, so I asked her what she thought the menu should be. She said something healthy and then dessert.

She chose pasta salad with cooked broccoli, black olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, cut up cubes of cheese all mixed with homemade ranch dressing. The side was sliced apples with the skins cut off and the beverage of choice was banana-blueberry-nectarine smoothies.

She was one determined little chef. She cut up the olives and tomatoes (yes, I do let her use sharp knives under surveillance), mixed up the entire salad and arranged the cut up apples onto plates. She helped blend the smoothies and set all dishes on the table.

Her choice of tableware were my pink dishes which adorned the pink tablecloth which was laden with lit candles (can you tell she loves pink?)

When we were all finished, she voluntarily cleared every one's dishes and I helped her prepare dessert: ice cream with chocolate sauce and multi-colored sprinkles.

We delighted in our feast she had prepared and she was a pretty proud cook at the end of the night. She's becoming more confident in the kitchen and is starting to know her way around. I can ask her for any item and she knows right where it's at. Her cautious side arises too, but she always asks if she's not sure how to do something. She so wants to do everything by herself and I find myself having to put away the thought of, "if I just do it, it'll get done much faster" and let her experience the joy of cooking.

Watch soon for A Weekend in the Kitchen: Episode two.

Review of The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher and contest!

2011-01-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Revell Books sent me this free copy to review for them.

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.
Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

A very sweet, heartfelt book. The characters were developed in a way that you felt like you knew them. Even when tragedy struck, my heart broke for the family.

I also found it refreshing that the Amish characters weren't portrayed as being perfect in their faith, as is portrayed a lot in books. They came up against anger and bitterness of which had to be worked through.

Overall, a great book! I've enjoyed reading Suzanne's books.

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

**There's a bonus with this post! To celebrate the release of this book, Suzanne is having a contest with the grand prize being an ipad. Head over to Suzanne's contest website to sign up and possibly win! Click here to sign up.

Review of Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler

2011-01-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

"Jacqueline has two dreams---to meet an honest man to marry and to own her own bed and breakfast on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Since the first one doesn't seem to be materializing, she enlists the help of her childhood friend Minnie and focuses on the second. But will romance be an unexpected guest?"

One of the main reasons I chose to review this book was because of my love for the Outer Banks. Having vacationed there, I was looking forward to recognizing some of the names in the book. I did recognize some, but most were foreign to me as well.

This was a pretty predictable book that wrapped up with a nice little bow ending. Cute, but not a whole lot of depth. It would be fun to read this while sitting on the shore of the Outer Banks though. :)

Homemade ranch dressing? I'm in!

2011-01-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

I love ranch dressing. Love. Like as much as I love popcorn. Yes, that much.

When I started to become a label ingredient reader, there were a lot of ingredients that I couldn't pronounce on the bottles of ranch dressing. I'm to the point now where if I can't pronounce an ingredient, I don't purchase it. I could go the organic ranch route, but it's pretty pricey and couldn't bring myself to pay $5 for a small bottle.

I could also have switched to the oil based dressings. But I just can't bring myself to cross over the dressing fence to the other side. Maybe the greens are tastier on the oil side, but I'm perfectly happy on my side with my ranch.

Enter homemade ranch dressing. Um, yes please!! I can pronounce all the ingredients and actually know exactly what is going into it. Perfect! I found this recipe while reading one of my favorite food blogs, Annie's Eats. She's one of my go-to gals for many recipes. I knew I had to try this ranch dressing and try it I did. Now it's half gone. To make it on the "healthier" side, I used all organic ingredients. And I found an organic light canola mayo that uses expeller pressed oil (oil straight from the nut) instead of a modified type of mayo. Turned out fantastic.

Ranch Dressing
courtesy of Annie's Eats

Ingredients:
¾ cup mayonnaise (I use light)
¾ cup sour cream (I use light)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. lemon juice
¼-1 cup buttermilk (I use the full cup)
1 small bunch chives
Small handful parsley
1 clove garlic, chopped
½ tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor starting with ¼ cup of the buttermilk and blend for 10 seconds. Check the consistency and taste and blend in additional buttermilk as desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Note: For all those asking how long this keeps, I don’t know exactly since I’m not a food scientist. I would imagine as long as any of the separate components might keep in the refrigerator. Mine kept at least two weeks before we had used it all.

BBQ Chicken Tenders

2011-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

With the calendar rolling over into a new year, I had the goal in mind to be better at planning meals for my family. Specific meals with fresh ingredients and all made from scratch. I find I spend much less at the grocery store and with having a meal plan, there's not the temptation of eating out knowing I have food sitting at home needing to be used.

I sat down in December and poured over websites and wrote out a two week menu plan that included breakfast, lunch and dinner. I intentionally included the calorie count for each meal too (including snacks) as we're trying to become a bit more fit in our household. I printed out the meal plan spreadsheet, printed out all the recipes, hole punched all and put in a three ring binder. I then made the grocery list accordingly.

Do I stick to the exact menu for each day? I sure don't. For example, last Sunday we were supposed to have roasted chicken for dinner (aka afternoon lunch, but on Sunday's we call it dinner...I know, weird, but that's the way I was raised) and for the evening meal we were going to have bbq pulled chicken sandwiches made from the leftover chicken from dinner. But we had enough leftovers from the previous couple days that it made an eclectic meal of which no one needed to cook and freed up a few precious minutes in the afternoon before I had to head back to work/church. So I still have a chicken sitting in my freezer for another meal in the week. And it leaves flexibility if what's on the menu doesn't sound good that night (or I'm so tired after working all day the last thing I want to do is be in the kitchen for an hour), I can use another nights meal as I have all ingredients sitting waiting to be used in my fridge.

Moving on to last night. It was slotted to be bbq chicken tenders with carrots, ranch dressing and a side of pita chips. I didn't have chicken tenders, but easily cut up chicken breasts to substitute. I didn't have bread crumbs, but easily threw some whole wheat bread in the food processor to crumb it and then put the crumbs in the oven to bake while the chicken was marinating.

I also didn't have pita chips (or pita bread) nor did I have ranch dressing. But those stories and recipes I will leave for future posts.

Here's the bbq chicken tender recipe I used courtesy of Eating Well. Click on the recipe link if you would like a printer friendly version.

These yummy, easy morsels were given three out of four thumbs up at the table. The little miss said they were too spicy (due to the bbq sauce, which is an easy fix for the future). I would have taken a picture, but we still have yet to replace our camera that someone must have desperately needed and helped themselves to via a smashed window out of my husbands car. Anywhoooo, here's the recipe:

BBQ Chicken Tenders

1 cup prepared barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders (see Note)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (I substituted whole wheat flour)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups coarse dry breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat (see Note)
Olive oil or canola oil cooking spray

Preparation

1. Combine barbecue sauce, mustard and honey in a large bowl. Set aside 1/2 cup of the sauce in a small bowl. Cut any large chicken tenders in half lengthwise, then add all the tenders to the large bowl with the remaining sauce; stir to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

3. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Lightly beat eggs in another shallow dish. Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Coat each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip in egg and let any excess drip off. Then roll in the breadcrumbs, shaking off any excess. Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Generously coat both sides of each tender with cooking spray.

4. Bake for 10 minutes. Turn each tender over and continue baking until the outside is crisp and the tenders are cooked through, about 10 minutes more. Serve with the reserved sauce for dipping.

Tips & Notes from Eating Well

1. Ingredient notes: We like Ian’s brand of coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs, labeled “Panko breadcrumbs.” Find them in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets. To make your own breadcrumbs, trim crusts from firm sandwich bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. (To make fine dry breadcrumbs, process until very fine.) Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F until dry, about 10 to 15 minutes. One slice of bread makes about 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs.

2. Chicken tenders are the lean strips of rib meat typically found attached to the underside of chicken breasts. They can also be purchased separately. Four 1-ounce tenders will yield a 3-ounce cooked portion. Tenders are perfect for quick stir-fries, chicken satay or kid-friendly breaded “chicken fingers.”

Review of Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

2011-01-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime. But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist. Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for. Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?

An average book. I felt bad for the main character as she was responsible for her father's decisions. A burden that was portrayed as heavy and not wanted throughout the majority of the story. A bit slow in the story telling department, but an easy read until the end. Not one of the greatest books I've read, but not one of the worst either.

Review of Vigilante's Bride by Yvonne Harris

2011-01-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Luke Sullivan just wants to reclaim the money stolen from his father. One stagecoach heist later, his pockets are full and he's one feisty mail-order bride richer. Only problem is, she was on the way to marry his bitter enemy--and she doesn't take kindly to her "rescue." Yet crossing this dangerous man is only the beginning of Luke's problems. As he realizes what a true treasure the beautiful--but headstrong--redhead in his care is, how far will he go to prevent her prearranged marriage?

Not one of my favorites. It started out pretty good, but then puttered out about halfway through and I just wanted to finish the book to finish it. The storyline lost it's luster in which the book lost it's audience, me, in the process.

If you like reading a fast, easy book with a western flare and lots of talk of faith, you'll like this one.

A Review of Amy Inspired by Betany Pierce

2011-01-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Life has not turned out the way that writer and creative writing instructor Amy expected. Despite the fact that she has carefully transcribed her life ambitions in several thousand lists, Amy has yet to check off anything from her “Things to Do Before Thirty” list, which includes getting published and finding someone tall and decent to marry. Instead, Amy shares an apartment with an eccentric writer/waitress named Zoe and a somewhat vagrant artist named Eli, while she catalogs the rejection letters she has received from publishers all across the country. Real-life author Pierce has created a thoroughly relatable protagonist, a flawed woman facing modern-day dilemmas and conflicts of faith, thus bringing a welcome dose of contemporary reality to the Christian fiction genre.

I was expecting an easy read with the typical "Christian-ese" writing. When I finished and put the book down my first thought was, "now that was a good book." There was a bit of romance, but it wasn't over the top. It was normal. The conversations the main character had, came across as authentic. Her train of thoughts were typical. Questioning God. Questioning her faith. It's not all roses and stars and perfect. It was full of questions and deciphering and thinking through emotions and thoughts. Even the words were one's not typically found in these kinds of books. I had to slow my reading eyes down and let the words stick in my brain.

A good, good book. One I will definitely read again.

Review of A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

2011-01-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

When fragmented images and unfocused panic force Noelle St. Claire to flee her wealthy, sheltered life in New York, she gains sanctuary on a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. There Noelle finds solace in the breathtaking scenery she paints. But as the attentions of two brothers, Rick and Morgan Spencer, breach the wall she hides behind, the past she yearns to escape becomes a menacing threat from which she can no longer hide. Award-winning and bestselling author Kristen Heitzmann has skillfully created a story resonating with emotion and depicting a poignant spiritual journey.

I vaguely remember reading this book a few years back and sure enough, it's a reprint with a new cover. Still as good as I remember. A woman struggling with who exactly God is and finding life in the most unexpected places. The characters are very well developed from the beginning right to the end.

Kristen Heitzmann is one of my favorite authors who writes detailed and emotionally. No fluff here. This is part of a series, but can be read alone as well.

Review of Tandem by Tracey Bateman

2010-12-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

This book is NOT what I was expecting at all. I thought it was a murder type mystery from reading the back. In a sense, it was. But with a twist. It was a terrific plot line, a suck-you-in read (no pun intended). Why a pun you say? Because it was a story about vampires. Yes, vampires. A Christian book about vampires? Yes, it's true.

There was blood and murder and yes, it was a bit dark, but good in a different sort of way. I was thoroughly confused at the beginning as it felt like there were a bunch a pieces scattered around but nothing connecting them. In the end though, I was surprised that I just read an entire book about vampires. And enjoyed it. I now know probably more than I ever need to about vampire life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Eyes opened

2010-12-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

Last evening was a night like no other. A night I will never forget and a night that opened my eyes.

The kids and I changed into nice, dressy clothes and made our way down to the Union Gospel Mission to meet Ed. We were spending the evening with him and the guys he lives life with every day of his internship at the Men's Shelter.

It was graduation night. A night that is celebrated every month. Honoring the men who have completed their 13 months in the Mission's year program. Ed interns with the Blue Badge group which are the men who are in their last months of the program before graduating.

Ed asked if we would come celebrate graduation with him by having dinner with the guys then heading over to the ceremony at the Town Hall.

I was a bit reserved and hesitant to go. I know some of the guys' stories through Ed. Being beaten as kids. Severe drug and alcohol addictions. Witnessing shootings. Homelessness. Loss of family members. Unsafe homes growing up. Jail. If you can even begin to imagine the worst scenario, it has more than likely happened to one of the guys that Ed sits with every day. I had it all pictured in my head how they would look. Act. Be. Rough. Dirty. Torn clothes. Scary. Not all there mentally. And it made me a bit nervous.

And I was way off the mark.

These are some of the most sincere, kindest, humblest, friendliest, sound-minded, men I have ever met. And well dressed! Suits. Ties. Sport coats even.

Sitting talking with a man from Iowa about snowstorms and his love for photography. I was cracking up at his humor and jokes. He was hilarious!

Listening to a guy from Indiana talk about how much he doesn't miss the ice.

One man showing me the scar on his forehead from when he slipped and fell on the rocks down by the sound while hanging with some sea otters and had to have 40+ stitches.

Shaking hand after countless hand.

They were so glad to meet Ed's family. I lost count of how many guys told me they appreciate Ed and are so thankful for him. They doted over the kids. I had to tell the guys no more candy canes at the dinner table. My purse was already full from the ones they kept giving!

Being in my husbands daily environment was amazing. Seeing him joke with the guys, giving hugs, hearing how much they appreciate him and meeting guys my heart has broken over in the safe confines of my home.

I wanted to squeeze them all in my mini van, bring them home and have a meal around the table with them. Young and old. The one's in the early 20's and the men in their 50's and 60's. Their faith is so much stronger and deeper than my own. They have seen, been a part of and lived horrid things. Things I can not even begin to imagine. But there they were. Living. Growing. Loving. And my husband is a part of them. And he loves them. And they love him.

I told Ed I can now understand why he loves working there so much. It's far from glamorous. But he could care less. They have changed him. How could they not?

Thank you my love for inviting us. For introducing me to some amazing guys. It opened my eyes to what you live every day. And you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

looking back

2010-12-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

As December starts and will quickly end, just as every month has this year, I wanted to write a "looking back" post.

I must say that I have loved this past year of my life. When the year started, I was staring at the mid-30's coming at full speed and wasn't quite sure what exactly to expect.

January was Ed's 40th. Surprising him at school with his best sherpa in tow was the way to start out the year with a big bang. Seeing Ed smile and be able to rest in his friend and have life breathed into him couldn't have been more pure.

On my birthday in February, I went and got my haircut. I decided that this was going to be a memorable year. 10 days later I was on a plane to MI to surprise a friend for her 30th and stay with another friend. A very quick trip, but a very memorable one.

I found myself the day before I came back to WA at a tattoo place with my friend Anne. Inwardly rocking back and forth trying not to let the needle sounds get to me. I was escorted into a room, had a mark put on my nose, said yes, and narrowly escaping passing out, got my nose pierced.

Two weeks later I started going to therapy. I hit a place in life where I was feeling stuck. For years I had felt this way. I had no words, no emotions, not a whole lot going on inside of me. It was one of the best choices I made for myself and even a ways to go yet before I can be done, I have met myself and have gotten to know me, of whom I like.

April found me in a running store, buying a pair of running shoes. Why in the world would I want to do something that gave me shin splints and exploding lungs? With the right kind of shoes and a slow pace, I had met a new love. I'd tie the shoes on after work, pop my ear buds in and hike it down to the lake, run around it and collapse back at my car feeling wonderful. It's a time where I don't think. I can't. I've tried and it's impossible. I just be. It's cathartic. Exfoliating. Cleansing.

The summer sped by with working long hours and then September hit. Ed began his last year. The kids are in school full time, me at work full time and between school and internship, Ed's schedule is a 4 day regular work week. I've had to learn to plan for the following week on my day off and have succeeded and failed. I'm still getting into the groove of this crazy routine knowing that it's going to change again next month.

November was an exciting month knowing we were headed to MI for Thanksgiving for the holiday and my dad's 80th birthday surprise. Keeping that secret was excruciatingly hard. We stayed with friends for two days then headed to my parents to surprise my dad. That Saturday my mom threw him a party and had lots 'o people show up. Even my Uncles from Northern Ireland and my youngest brother from FL. My family was all together for the first time in 10+ years. It was magical.

December 4th. Today. I ran a 5K. Never in my life did I think I would do such a thing. It was A. Mazing. The feel of accomplishing something on this level was unbelievable. It was only 3+ miles, but a grand 3+ miles. Seeing my family all bundled up at the finish line was the cherry on top. I pushed myself (with being sick I had only been able to run twice in the past two months) very hard. It's such a mind over matter sport. And it was worth every single step.

So I look forward to the next year. It's going to be a big one. Ed graduates in less than 7 months (29 weeks to be exact) and what then? Another move? New jobs, schools, area? Back to MI? Stay here? Only time will tell. And I'm so thankful that I don't have to worry about it. We have been praying from day one that we will end up exactly where God wants us and believe we will.

Review of Masquerade by Nancy Moser

2010-11-20T13:58:00.001-08:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

1886. Charlotte Gleason embarks from England with conflicting emotions. She is headed for New York to marry one of America's wealthiest heirs--a man she has never even met. When her doubts gain the upper hand, she swaps identities with her maid Dora. 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. But what begins as the whim of a spoiled rich girl becomes a test of survival beyond her blackest nightmare.

For Dora, it's the chance of a lifetime. She is thrust into a fairy tale amid ball gowns and lavish mansions, yet is tormented by the possibility of discovery--and humiliation. And what of the man who believes she is indeed his intended? Is this what her heart truly longs for?

Loved this book except for a couple things. At the time in the book where the girls switched identities, the author changed the names throughout the rest of the book to their "switched identity" names, but then back to their original names at the end. It was rather confusing as the switch didn't come until almost half way in and so you had to switch your mind too. It was a very creative idea though in having them switch identities. Good book!

Review of Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller

2010-11-20T13:46:00.001-08:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

Johanna Ilg has lived her entire life in Main Amana, one of the seven villages settled by devout Christians who believe in cooperative living, a simple lifestyle, and faithful service to God. Although she's always longed to see the outside world, Johanna believes her future is rooted in Amana. But when she learns a troubling secret, the world she thought she knew is shattered. Is this truly where she belongs?

Berta Schumacher has lived a privileged life in Chicago, so when her parents decide they want a simpler life in Amana, Iowa, she resists. Under the strictures of the Amana villages, her rebellion reaches new heights. Will her heart ever be content among the plain people of Amana?

This is the first book in the Daughters of Amana series. A fast read that follows these two girls and their journey of their late teenage years in the late 1800's. One wanting to see the world beyond her village and one entering the village from the outer world. Great writing with some turns in there as well.

Looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

Review of Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr

2010-11-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Life has left few choices for Elvira Kilmer. Her hopes for marriage and a family of her own have long since passed her by, and her arrival on Dillon's Island, nestled in the Susquehanna River, is not of her choosing, either. She needs work. And Jackson Smith needs a housekeeper.

Yet Ellie never imagined the widower would be so young... so handsome.

Jackson, on the other hand, has never met anyone quite so... plain. But he quickly comes to realize that Ellie's presence may solve his own problems--both the rearing of his young boys and the scandal that surrounds his first marriage.

When Jackson offers her something quite out of the ordinary, will Ellie look beyond mere necessity and risk opening her heart?

Set in the mid-1800's, this book speaks of love from the inside out. Not based on a young, beautiful woman, but of a plain woman past the "prime" marrying age. One who was scorned and thought of as a thorn in the side by her extended family. One who has to find work on her own but yet stands up for herself. It's also about a man who loved a woman he couldn't have and married a woman he didn't love, but found out about what true love really is. True love of God and those he created.

A good book that will be read again in the future.

Review of In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2010-11-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Bethany House publishers sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

As three friends who grew up in the same orphanage head off to college together, they each harbor a special plan for the future. Libby Conley hopes to become a famous journalist. Pete Leidig believes God has called him to study to become a minister. And Bennett Martin plans to pledge a fraternity, find a place to belong, and have as much fun as possible. But as tensions rise around the world on the brink of World War I, the friends' differing aspirations and opinions begin to divide them, as well.

When Libby makes a shocking discovery about Pete's family, will it drive a final wedge between the friends or bond them in ways they never anticipated?

Set in the early 1900's, three orphans are embarking on a new stage in life when they head off to college. This book follows the three as they struggle with who they are and who they desire to become. The reader journeys with these three as they learn about true friendship and what it mean's to accept God's love.

Nothing too in depth or cliff hanging in this book, but if you like a good, easy read, this one is for you.

Review of The Falling Away by T.L. Hines

2010-11-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Book Sneeze sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

He's been running from his calling, his troubles, and his demons. His demons just caught up.

He has a unique name...and a unique problem.

A member of Montana's Crow Tribe, he is called Dylan Runs Ahead. But that name couldn't be more off, because he's spent years running away--from his family, his people, his past...and himself.

Now he's running out of places to run.

He's haunted by his younger sister's disappearance, the recent death of a friend, and his impending sense of being chosen for something of great importance.

But before Dylan can figure out what it really means to be chosen, and whether he's going to embrace the cost of that calling, he's going to have to slow down and face the demons he's been running from. Demons that are all too real...and aren't about to back down.

Enter a world where things aren't quite what they seem...a novel bursting with supernatural suspense, well-crafted characters, and spiritual insights that will defy your expectations and leave you both breathless and hopeful.

Having read a T.L. Hines book before, I somewhat knew what to expect. I wasn't taken off guard when the flash backwards started happening. Or when strange circumstances started taking place. What an interesting read of which I had no idea where it was going or how it would end. Boarding on the line of a Frank Peretti type book, this one had me hooked from the beginning to the end.

Review of Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

2010-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent.
When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

This short book was a very sweet, simple read. It showed how there are people who intentionally hurt and those who intentionally love and how both can affect a person on so many different levels.

In this book, Lena has been intentionally hurt and intentionally loved, her struggles through how her past has affected her present and how non-judging love of others helped her move on.

With the holiday season approaching, this book was a simple reminder to be thankful for what you have, for those placed in your life who love you no matter what and for a God who never gives up on you.

Available November 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

2010-11-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

Lots of book reviews coming down the pike. After that, there will be lots to write about!

Review of Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

2010-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

This is Book three in the Timber Ridge Reflections Series. "Deep in the Colorado Territory, widow Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat. Faced with a loss she can't afford--and forced to trust the one man she's always avoided--she is about to learn that sometimes the greatest step of faith is taken neck-deep in fear."

A good read all around. With not having read the first two books in the series, it was a stand easily a stand alone book and easy to follow. It was intriguing reading about the beginnings of using chest compressions to restart the heart and how during this time period it was unheard of and even controversial.

The characters were well developed and the story line was smooth and easy to follow. A good book for the shelf.

My favorite part? The opening scene. Bizarre and very attention getting. Loved that part.

time....

2010-10-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

Time just doesn't stop.

Today reading about a friend entering heaven and being made whole again was hard. Not for her though. She was ready.

And time keeps going.

Thursday holding a friend as she sobbed with sadness and grief because she received the police report from when her 3 year old son tragically died eight months ago. She wasn't ready.

Yet time keeps ticking on.

As one friend said yesterday, "There's no second chances with death. That's it. No do overs. It's just so final."

Makes me realize how short life is. So many times we get second chances. And thirds and fourths. And 100th's.

So what do you do with your second chances? Make the most of them? Brush them aside? Or both?

One day we won't have any do overs left.

Seize the day. Enjoy your kids. Love your spouse. Keep asking God those questions (He doesn't mind). Enjoy life. Talk things out. Don't fear. Hug your friends. Kiss your kids. Savor flavors. Smell a flower. Heighten your senses. Tune in to your emotions. Grow. Give. Love. Learn. Challenge.

We're given a short time on this earth.

Live it authentically.

Live it to it's fullest.

It's the only chance we have to live.

review of Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater

2010-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review.

Emily's Chance is the second book in The Callahan's of Texas Series. Here is a brief description of the book:

Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing historical society will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator.

This wasn't one of my favorites. It was hard to get into and I waited and waited for something to happen. Then the book ended. I'm sure it wasn't meant to be a cliff hanger book, but there just wasn't anything gripping.

The book cover kind of hindered the story. Being called Emily's Chance, but with a picture of a guy. A bit confusing and a turn off. I tend to be drawn toward books without pictures of actual people on the front as I want to form my own picture in my head.

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dolly

2010-10-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

I knew the day would come, but I was hoping it wouldn't come so soon.

Dolly has been officially been declared an "end of the bed" toy.

Dolly has been a mainstay at the head of the bed since day one. She was a gift from her Uncle John and Aunt Crystal on the day our baby girl was born.

She has had flying privileges on the airplane flying between Michigan and Washington.

She has been strapped to the backpack on camping trips in Michigan and Washington. She's always packed on short overnight trips. She has always been the side kick.

Not only has Dolly been put aside, the Polly's are heading to the attic as well as their doll house. "I think I'm too old for these now" was the comment.

It's seriously like Toy Story, but in real life and I know the 3rd edition will be here in the blink of an eye.

It's hard watching your baby girl grow up. I don't want her to. I always want to feel her little hand in mind while out and about. To hear her "I love you's" and feel her little arms around my waist no matter where we're at. To see her skip along with nary a care in the world. But I want her to experience so much in life. But I don't want her to have to deal with the harshness and hurtfulness in the world. I want to keep her tender heart safe and protected from all that's out there.

So if you have a baby girl of your own, enjoy and cherish her. She's a rare gem that is so worth investing in. There will come a Toy Story day for you too. Mine consisted of sadness and celebration mixed into one. And a splash of thankfulness too that I get to be the one to live life with and love a Beautiful Woman. Also known as Alina Carlen.

Review of Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason

2010-10-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

This is book #2 in the Women of Justice Series. I really enjoyed the first one in the series and the second book was just as good. At times it was a bit squeemish for me, but if you like crime stories, then this is the book for you. A bit predictable with the story line and I knew instantly who the "bad guy" was, but the unexpected twist at the end was perfectly timed and caught the reader off guard.

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself—though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past.

She finally lets herself get close to a man, FBI agent Dakota Richards, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact—her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those year ago. Can she escape his grasp a second time?

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-10-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review.

"A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters."

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and looked forward to reading the second. With a complete different set of characters, this book did not disappoint. Again, simple story line, great writing with little twists here and there. A predictable ending, but good none the less.

Available October 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

because

2010-09-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

because he knew I was so very tired

because he knew I had a long day and week at work

because he knew I would be up late helping with a book report

because he knew how hard I've been working

because he knew my heart

because he wanted to show me his love and appreciation

because he is so sweet

and it made me cry.

A review of A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

2010-09-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jack fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and eating out of her hand. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face-to-face with a choice. Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jack? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?

If you like lots of romance, this is the book for you. It was a bit too much for my taste as I like a more meaty book rather than a heart-throbbing book. It felt a bit long (maybe because I was waiting for more meat) as well. It took awhile to sort out the siblings of the main character as there were a lot of them. Maybe they are in other books? That would make sense as it seemed like I was supposed to know these people already.

All in all, not one of my favorites.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

2010-09-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

Revell Books sent me the complimentary copy to review for them.

When spunky Marguerite Westing discovers that her family will summer at Lake Manawa in 1895, she couldn't be more thrilled. It is the perfect way to escape her agonizingly boring suitor, Roger Gordon. It's also where she stumbles upon two new loves: sailing, and sailing instructor Trip Andrews.

But this summer of fun turns to turmoil as her father's gambling problems threaten to ruin the family forever. Will free-spirited Marguerite marry Roger to save her father's name and fortune? Or will she follow her heart--even if it means abandoning the family she loves?

This wasn't one of my favorites that I have reviewed. Pretty straightforward with a predictable plot. An easy read. If you are of the nautical mind, you may enjoy this as the majority of the story revolves around a nautical theme. Personally, it didn't grab me.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Go-Go and "the one"

2010-09-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest memories of my "Go-Go" (decoded that means grandma) was her chocolate chip cookies. Big, soft, and yummy. Every time we went to visit her, she had a batch ready for us. Nothing compared to her chocolate chip cookies. Nothing. It was my grandma's signature. She was even buried with a bag of chocolate chips. I kid not.

My mom, bless her heart, just couldn't replicate her mom's chocolate chip cookies no matter how many times she tried (love you mom!). And tried she did. For years. I, as well, have tried recipe upon recipe to find "the one". The one that brings back the memories of Go-Go.

The recipe on back of the Tollhouse chocolate chips just didn't cut it (though that was my grandma's recipe...I think she added an extra ingredient and told no one). I've used this oatmeal recipe with tahini and it's pretty good. More "healthy" than regular chocolate chippers, but not exactly what I was looking for.

Two weeks ago whilst out sale-ing garages, I stumbled upon a lady selling Cook's Illustrated cookbooks (big, huge, hardcover books). I'm a sucker for cookbooks. They are my downfall and I fall hard. I ended buying 3 (a total purchase of $3..can't beat that!). I figured you just can't go wrong with Cook's Illustrated. Love them! I found a chocolate chip recipe and thought, "I should try that one...might just be the one" but then put it on the back burner of my brain. Some days later I was going to try these cookies, but clicked on the link for "thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies" instead and saw that it was the exact same recipe as Cook's Illustrated.

Coincidence? I think not.

So I gathered all ingredients, whipped them up, popped them into the oven, took them out and tried to distract myself while they cooled (WARNING: THERE IS NOTHING HEALTHY IN THESE, but as a treat? You better believe it!). Finally it was time to try one. I was rushed back to Go-Go's house. Sitting at her table with my cookie and milk in her kitchen with the half wall to my back that lead into the living room (I thought a half wall was really neat as well as her laundry shoot in the bathroom that I would throw toilet paper down (clean mind you) to see if it would land in the laundry pile in the basement). I opened my eyes to find myself standing in my kitchen with a pan full of cookies in front of me. These were as close as humanly possible I think I would ever get to my Go-Go's cookies. Not as thin as hers, but the taste? Nailed it on the head.

You need to make these. No, seriously. You NEED to make these. Right now. No, I mean RIGHT now. I've made two batches in the past week (it makes about 18 cookies depending how big you want them) and they didn't last a day and a half. Mixer not even required!! The trick is an extra egg yolk and breaking your dough ball in half and then putting it back together with the pulled-apart side facing up. Read the recipe. It may just take you back to your Go-Go's.

Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Source: Baking Illustrated, page 434)

Makes about 18 large cookies.

These oversized cookies are chewy and thick, like many of the chocolate chip cookies sold in gourmet shops and cookie stores. They rely on melted butter and an extra egg yolk to keep their texture soft. These cookies are best served warm from the oven but will retain their texture even when cooled. To ensure the proper texture, cool the cookies on the baking sheet. Oversized baking sheets allow you to get all the dough into the oven at one time. If you’re using smaller baking sheets, put fewer cookies on each sheet and bake them in batches.

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (10 5/8 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm

1 cup packed (7 ounces) light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper- and lower-middle positions and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.

3. Either by hand or with an electric mixer, mix the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in the chips to taste.

4. Roll a scant 1/4 cup of the dough into a ball. Hold the dough ball with the fingertips of both hands and pull into 2 equal halves. Rotate the halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, join the halves together at their base, again forming a single ball, being careful not to smooth the dough’s uneven surface. Place the formed dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, jagged surface up, spacing them 2 1/2 inches apart.

5. Bake until the cookies are light golden grown and the outer edges start to harden yet the centers are still soft and puffy, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Cool the cookies on the sheets. Remove the cooled cookies from the baking sheets with a side metal spatula.

a new look

2010-09-11T23:47:00.000-07:00

I decided it was time for a change. Since life has shifted in the past couple of years, coming to my own blog started becoming more a chore than an enjoyment. So hopefully with a fresh look, I'll be visiting more often and continue on the journey of sharing life.

Book Review of Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman with Ellen Vaughn

2010-09-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

This book was hard to read emotionally. Mary Beth Chapman's heart is on every single page, sharing moments of her life that have shaped her into who she is today. From growing up, to marrying Stephen Curtis Chapman to growing their family, to adopting to losing their baby girl to learning to live again. And so much more in between. I was holding back the tears even in the opening pages which was written by her husband.

It was written with a style that flowed so well. It was easy to track her thoughts and read more like a conversation than a story. It was so personal, so revealing of who she is that one feels left almost feeling like you know her. That you could sit down over a cup of coffee and have a conversation.

It was a very powerful book. But not in the "good feeling" sense. It was hard. And I can't even begin to imagine how hard it was to write, let alone live each day. Mary Beth hits it home over and over again.... life comes comes down to choosing to see God's story in our lives or choosing not to. It doesn't make the pain go away, but He's always there, even when we don't feel like we can go another step.

Available September 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

2010-08-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a very long while since I've posted anything other than a book review (insert: "um, yes, yes it has been).

Vacation came and went and was completely wonderful.

Now we are gearing up for school. Tomorrow is Ed's last first day of his last year of school. I never thought this day would come. Seriously. 10 months from now he will have graduated. Not that I'm counting or anything.

Tuesday is the kids' first days of 4th and 1st grades. It's going to be one very interesting year.

Seems like every so often I post (a non-book post) it's to catch up. But besides catching up, I'd like to take you over to my side bar over there to your right. Go ahead...look. One box has been there for awhile. Book Sneeze is program through Thomas Nelson Publishing where you can review books for them for free. The only "cost" is that you need to write your review of the book (good or bad) on your blog. They even mail the book to you for free and you get to keep it when you're done.

The 2nd box for Swag Bucks is new. I mainly use Swag Bucks as my search engine and often you win points. I also complete surveys on their site for points. You can delve more into Swag Bucks to earn even more points, but using the search engine and surveys has been good for me right now. Wrack up your points and you can trade them in for prizes (I already qualify for a $5 gift card to Amazon). They wrack up fast and it's super easy.

I'm hoping to keep up more non-book posts (more of those to come too). Don't hold your breath though...you may pass out while waiting.

Review of Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

2010-07-30T11:16:00.001-07:00

Bethany House sent me a complimentary copy of this book to review for them.

Rylee Monroe, a dogwalker in Charleston's wealthiest neighborhood, never feared the streets at night. But now a thief is terrorizing the area and worse, someone seems to be targeting her.

Reporter Logan Woods is covering the break-ins with the hope of publishing them as a true-crime book. The more he digs, the more he realizes this beguiling dogwalker seems to be at the center of everything.

Loved this book! Filled with mystery, whit, twists and turns, it was a great read right up until the end. Deeanne Gist is one of my favorite authors as well and J. Mark Bertrand's books will now be checked out at the library.

A fantastic storyline that follows Kylee during her dog walking jobs for high end clients. What I loved about this book was the mystery surrounding the plot and it not being easily identifiable as to "who dunnit". There were no lagging parts and the characters were well developed. Who would've thought a book about a rollerblading dog walker could be so good!

Review of She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

2010-07-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

As Clara Carter's social debut looms, she's been given one goal: secure the affections of the city's most eligible bachelor. As celebrity's spotlight turns her into a society-page darling, it seems she may just achieve this.
Yet life in the limelight feels hollow--until a man appears who seems to love her simply for who she is. But as gossip backlash turns ugly, Clara realizes it's not just her heart at stake. In a world where wealth and image are everything, is true love too high a price?

Siri Mitchell is one of my favorite authors who is just coming onto the author scene. This book was well written and eye opening as to how the culture may have been back in the 1890's. Living in a well to do culture, having your marriage planned, and all the games that come with whom you are supposed to marry. Corsets, status quo, friendships, opulence, greed and convenience are some topics this books surrounds.

Great book, great author and a quick read.

Review of Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson

2010-07-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

With the promise of prime homesteads and fresh starts, sixteen Civil War widows uproot and move out West. But they soon find that more than land is awaiting their arrival.

When the women finally stumble off the train, they are greeted by the local bachelors--eager to propose marriage! As the true motive behind the offered land is revealed, the women muster all the faith, courage, and cunning they can to survive their new circumstances.

An ok, alright book. It was hard keeping track of 16 people from the beginning. I had to keep referring back to the beginning throughout the book to remember who was who. Two chapters in, it was mainly about seven "brides", still a lot of people to remember. Some of the "brides'" histories were more developed than others, even up until the end of the book. I think it was too many main characters in one book to develop well and have it be a good, smooth story line.

I didn't particularly care for it, but know others who have read it that did enjoy it.

Review of The Seeker by Ann H Gabhart

2010-07-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to review for them.

Set during the 1860s, The Seeker introduces readers to Charlotte Vance, a pampered Kentucky gentlewoman who knows what she wants. But when the man she planned to marry joins the Shakers—a religious group that does not allow marriage—she is left dumbfounded. And when her father brings home a new wife who is young enough to be Charlotte’s sister, it is more than she can bear.

I was skeptical in reading this book as I shy away from any Amish-type books. This one was different in that it was a group of people called the Shakers, whose religion was very interesting to learn about. After the Civil War, the Shaker communities started dying out, but one still remains today in Maine.

What was also different about this book was that it wasn't about someone wanting to leave their religious community (as most Amish books write about), but someone who was wanting to join the community (with skewed intentions).

I thought the history lesson throughout this book was what made it shine. Especially about the Shaker community and their beliefs.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

2010-07-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me a complimentary copy of this book to review for them.

Here is a short overview of the book:

Frantz introduces readers to Morrow Little, who is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

I was thinking this was another fluff book, but I was quickly proved wrong. From the first page, it was heart wrenching and chalked full of emotion. I didn't want to put this book down and ended up staying up until 1:30 in the morning to finish it. Around every corner there was another challenge for Morrow to face.

The main character was well developed throughout the book as well as the secondary characters. The plot flowed well and had me hooked from the beginning. The history was educating as well. I can't even imagine what it was like living on Indian territory. So much hostility between the British, Americans and Native Americans. A completely different life.

I'd highly recommend this book. I'll definitely be reading this one again.

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel

2010-07-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Bethany House sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

Bestselling novelist CJ Baxter has made a career out of writing hard-hitting stories ripped from his own life. Still there's one story from his past he's never told. One secret that's remained buried for decades.

Now, seventeen years after swearing he'd never return, CJ is headed back to Adelia, NY. His life in Tennessee has fallen to pieces, his grandfather is dying, and CJ can no longer run from the past.

With Graham Baxter, CJ's brother, running for Senate, a black sheep digging up old family secrets is the last thing the family and campaign can afford. CJ soon discovers that blood may be thicker than water, but it's no match for power and money.

The summary of this book sounded riveting and fascinating. I was excited and looking forward to reading it.

I was sorely disappointed. It took a very long time to get through this book. The plot was very slow moving until the last couple chapters. Secondary characters were interspersed throughout the story line which helped the story move a bit. Towards the end, all of a sudden those secondary characters' perspectives were shared (which weren't at all through 95% of the book). It just read choppy. The last couple chapters were chalked full of suspense that was lacking throughout the rest of the book.

It took a long time to figure out who was related to what character as there was a bombardment at the onset of son's, uncle's, cousins, in-laws, brothers, wives, husbands and sisters and it was very confusing and hard to navigate through. I think it could've been a much better book if it didn't move slowly, have less characters and the suspense was distributed throughout the book instead of at the very end.

Review of Not A Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols

2010-07-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

Bethany House sent me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Mary Bridget Washburn is tired of running, tired of being haunted by the empty shell her life has become. how in the world did the little girl she once was become a woman on the wrong side of the law?

This was an great book, well written and one that I didn't want to put down. Very emotional and it sucks you right in from the beginning. It's also a great reminder that your lies will catch up with you eventually and that if in ministry, it can run your life and ruin it if you're not careful.

I really enjoyed this book, right up to the end and will stay on my bookshelf to read again.

Review of Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon

2010-07-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me a complimentary copy of Touching the Clouds to review.

Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. When she leaves her home in Washington State to follow her dream of being an Alaskan bush pilot, she knows it will be an uphill battle. But she never expected it to be quite like this. As the lone woman in a man's world, she finds that contending with people's expectations is almost as treacherous as navigating the wild arctic storms.

This story follows Kate on her flights during the 1930's in the Alaskan wilderness and the feeling of needing to be more. A good, quick read, this 1st book in the Alaskan Skies Series started off this series well and I'm curious as to what the 2nd book will be about.

One thing that caught me off guard was the quick ending. I wasn't expecting it to wrap up in a half page and thought that book two will be a continuation and leaving one hanging, wondering what happens to Kate and her new relationship. Obviously, this could very well still happen.

Looking forward to reading book two!

Available July 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

no agenda today

2010-07-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

It's been a long while since I posted anything on here. As my boss said yesterday, "If you work in Children's Ministry, your summer doesn't start until after VBS is over." I'm thankful that our VBS wasn't in August!

Today is the first day I've been home in the last 10 days. 10 days straight of working 12+ hours each finally took its toll yesterday at about noon. I thought I had hit the wall on Wednesday, but found yesterday it wasn't the final wall to hit, and it wasn't the wall that broke. Our women's ministry director just happened to be walking by the room I was decorating and asked how I was holding up. The wall crumbled with that one question and I finally cracked and broke. I was purely exhausted and it finally caught up with me. Thankfully she has big shoulders and completely understood and gave me a big hug. Our entire team was spent and by the grace of God, we all still love each other :)

I have the most amazing co-workers as they forced (literally) me to take a break yesterday and took over my job of putting together the bins for Sunday. I was able to sit outside and eat lunch (Mary's leftovers that she graciously thrust into my hands). It was just the break I needed to finish that last day of our Kids' Summer Adventure. My boss sat us all down and told us to take next week off and only do what absolutely needs done. I'll be able to take Tuesday through Saturday off to spend with my family whom I have missed so very much.

My amazing husband has held down the home fort and has taken care/played with the kids. His patience is mind blowing as he has held it together every day of me not being here and has been so supportive and encouraging of me and working. I couldn't have made it as long as I did without his support. Thank you my love!

The week was a huge success, tons of kids, amazing volunteers and kids hearing about Jesus. The set was beyond amazing. The weather was perfect. I loved hearing those 3 year olds to 4th graders sing at the top of their lungs as a huge group. Yelling "Let's GO!" after the Bible point was spoken every single time. The excited buzz in the air each night as kids rotated from station to station, laughing and having a blast. It was worth all the hard work and long hours.

It's 1:30 and I'm still in my pajamas. No agenda. No set to tear down and put together a new one (had to do that each night for the Bible story room). No walking from building to building to make sure everything is set for the evening (I think I walked miles over the week). Nothing to do but sit. And make pb&j sandwiches for lunch.

A Review of A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan

2010-06-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.

This is the 3rd book in the Heart of the West series, but stood by itself very well. Here is a little synopsis of the book:

It’s here, in Lewiston, Montana, where April McBride travels to attend her brother’s wedding. Still cautious after a broken engagement, she fully intends to guard her heart. One look around the small mining town convinces April that doing so won't be difficult—just a bunch of dusty shops, bad service, and ill-bred cowboys.

A very well developed book that didn't completely lose you by being the 3rd book in the series if you hadn't read the first two. In this story the main characters were well defined and the main characters from previous books were introduced as secondary.

This was a very easy read, flowed very well and had a good story line. Not a whole lot of suspense or "I wonder what's going to happen in the end", but I don't think it was intended to be like that.

Overall, a good read.

Available June 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

trickery

2010-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

My kids enjoy trickery. They try to get the other one to look at something and then say, "made you look!" The other night this was one of their tricking sessions while at the table.

Sam: Alina look! A hummingbird! Quick! Look!!! HA! Made you look!

Not missing a beat Alina said: Sam look! It's Jesus! Made you look!

I about fell over laughing. The both cracked up as well. I love hearing their banter and the funnies that come from their teasing and talk.

Review of This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson

2010-05-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Revell sent me this complimentary copy to review.

What a tender-hearted story. The reader follows Mariette Puttnam through the early years of the 1960's right after her graduation from high school. A story about finding faith and love, experiencing heart ache and learning about growing up.

Here is a small clip from the back:

This Fine Life is a stand-alone novel by popular author Eva Marie Everson that transports readers to small-town Georgia in 1959: Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school during the summer of 1959. When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn't sure where life will take her. More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right. How could she know that the answer is waiting for her within the narrow stairwell of her father's apparel factory, exactly between the third and
fourth floors?

For a quick, heart warming story, pick up this book.

Available May 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

and still going strong!

2010-05-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

15 years ago at about this time, I was standing in a church packed with 400+ people getting ready to say "I do" to the man standing across from me. We were so, so young. I was only two years into college and Ed had a full time job at the YMCA. There was so much I didn't know at the age of 20, let alone so much I didn't know about myself.

Little did I know what the journey would look like for us.

And what a journey is has been.

We have been together over half my life now between dating and marriage and learning life with you, my love, has been amazing. I couldn't ask for a better companion along this road or a better friend to journey it with. There have been valleys I never thought we would make it out of alive. The mountain peaks have been filled with so much adrenalin it was hard to come down. The peaceful meadows of when life was quiet. And riding the roaring rivers where life seems to move so swiftly we barely see where we've been or where we're going.

I'm looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond. The areas that haven't been traveled yet. The mountains we haven't seen. The part of the river that is around the next bend. The valleys where we can encourage each other through.

I'm glad we haven't arrived yet. There's so much left to live with you. Happy Anniversary my love!

the beginning

2010-05-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week marks our 15th wedding anniversary. When I tell people how long I've been married, it's quite humorous to see their reaction. Last week one coworker said he thought I wasn't even 30 yet. The week before another said she thought I looked like I was in college.

I thought it'd be fun to share some of our story from way back when.

The picture you see is from my Senior Banquet (not prom mind you. That wasn't allowed). Ed and I had started dating the summer between my Junior and Senior year. Of high school. We had been making eyes at each other for a couple years before Ed finally asked me out.

He was wisely advised by his friends not to ask me out when he wanted to as I was just 15 years old. So two years later he did. But I informed him that he had to ask my dad first for permission.

That sure didn't deter him. He went out to lunch with my dad and asked permission of which was granted.

Our first date he feigned cold hands while sitting at an outdoor MSU play and slipped them into mine. Yeah...he's sneaky like that. He also blatantly lied and said for dinner he was going to get a sandwich from Quality Dairy (if you know Lansing, you know QD..think 7-11, but also having ice cream. And milk in a bag. I joke not.) We did end up at QD, but also in the same parking lot was a little restaurant called Swenson's. He headed that direction while I headed to QD. Yeah...he's sneaky like that too.

From the first time he told me he loved me (in which I threw up), I continued to get sick in his presence. It took months to recover from that. I even broke up with him one day, calling the next saying I made a mistake.

He claimed he was going to marry me to his mother even before we started dating. Yeah...he's persistent like that.

So many stories in our courtship. All of which make me smile.

labels

2010-05-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Whilst in the store the other day, I was reading labels to Sam on cereal (showing him how much sugar is in the sugary cereals as he and his sister always ask for them and I always say no) and noticed a little thing called BHT that is added to the packaging material to preserve freshness. It also appears in things like potato chips, which tend to be high in fat, along with baked goods and a wide variety of other foods.

Onto Google I went and found, according to good 'ole wikipedia, the definition.

First off, I can't even pronounce this additive. Butylated hydroxytoluene. Exactly. It's an antioxidant food additive.

Then I read what else this is used for as an antioxidant additive. It's used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil,[2] and embalming fluid.

Yum! And it's great that I have unopened boxes of what I thought are healthy cereals sitting in my cupboard with this on the label.

As with everything else out there, debate and controversy ensue with one side saying it's safe and others saying it can increase tumors and malignant cancers.

I just want to live on a plot of land with a milk cow, some chickens, maybe a pig and a garden, hang my wash on the line and churn butter. I know. It's harder than it sounds, but doesn't it sound grand?

2010-05-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I was yet again reminded how much we have.

For our anniversary coming up, we splurged and bought a new bed. Ed was waking up more tired than he was when going to bed and in serious pain each morning.

The same day we bought the bed, I received an e-mail from one of my coworkers stating a man in the congregation was working with a couple from Pakistan who needed a bed. The wife is 7 months pregnant and the husband is looking for work. I thought in my wee brain, "we have a bed that's still in good condition."

Two of the custodians at church came and got it from our house on Monday and took it to the couple. One of the guys took pictures and video to show me their journey.

He said, "this is their couch. She slept there while her husband slept on the floor." He then showed me their bedroom and the bed on the floor. There was about a foot of space to walk on one side of the bed and that was it. No dressers or anything else could fit in the room.

He also said, "they washed out their two cups just to give us a drink." Two cups. That's all the dishes they had. I received an e-mail later from the man and from a woman that is working with them also, saying they absolutely LOVE the bed and are so very thankful for it.

Here I sit on my comfy chair surrounded by bookcases full of books and a piano against the other wall. My kitchen is chalk full of dishes. Do I really need all this? There is a couple out there with a bed, a couch and 2 mugs.

What can you do to help someone? Goodwill is great and helps a lot of people, but there's just something about seeing who you are giving to that pierces the heart.

2010-05-10T19:10:00.001-07:00

Again, it's been a while since I've written anything other than a book review. Life has a way of flying by without realizing it. By the time you stop and look back, weeks have come and gone.

So here we are, the 2nd week of May. The year is almost half over! Time...where have you gone? The kids have four weeks left of school.

Then summer. We're hoping to travel to lots of places this summer and experience the West Coast. Our list keeps getting longer and longer of places we keep finding.

Ed has started summer classes and I'm pretty excited I get to take one of the classes with him. Child and adolescent counseling.

This is the last week in my current position at work. Next Monday the new boss starts. Hopefully this week I find out what that means for my hours. I already have something new with helping one of the satellite churches with their children's ministry, so that'll be a new learning experience to add to my belt.

I can tell my noggin is weary as this is the most stumbly post I've ever written.

Review of Irene Hannon's In Harm's Way

2010-04-24T09:50:00.001-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary book to read and review.

In Harm's Way is book three in the Heroes of Quantico series. I was a bit hesitant to review this book as I haven't had great success with books further along in a series. But this one was a great read all by itself. I could tell who the other books were about as those characters overlapped into this book, and they were more minor characters which was really nice.

This book was a great mystery even though you knew who the suspect was from the beginning. The reader had the inside scoop and was able to watch how the suspect was found and caught. How the main characters put the pieces together. And there was still the sense of justice at the end even though the reader knew the conclusion.

A great read and an author that I would definitely read again.

Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller

2010-04-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Thomas Nelson sent me this complimentary copy to read and review for them.

This book sat on my shelf for a few weeks before I decided to pick it up. I'm not a big non-fiction fan, and I have heard that this was a good book, but I had to be in the right spot to be ready to be challenged.

To start out, this was an amazing book. A very, very easy read in the sense that you are listening to someone talk. The flow of this book made complete sense and the reader could easily track Donald's train of thought. His sense of humor would pop up unexpectedly and I would literally laugh out loud. This is such a down to earth book, both heart and life compelling.

Donald makes you think about your life as a story being written. He says, "If I have a hope, it's that God sat over the dark nothing and wrote you and me, specifically, into the story, and put us in with the sunset and the rainstorm as though to say, Enjoy your place in my story. The beauty of it means you matter, and you can create within it even as I have created you."

The part that resonated within me the deepest and still sticks to me like thick molasses is this (it's long, but oh so good):

Growing up in church, we were taught that Jesus was the answer to all our problems. We were taught that there was a circle-shaped hole in our heart and that we had tried to fill it with the square pegs of sex, drugs, and rock and roll; but only the circle peg of Jesus could fill our hole. I became a Christian based, in part, on this promise, but the hole never really went away. To be sure, I like Jesus, and I still follow him, but the idea that Jesus will make everything better is a lie. It's basically biblical theology translated into the language of infomercials. The truth is, the apostles never really promise Jesus is going to make everything better here on earth. Can you imagine an infomercial with Paul, testifying to the amazing product of Jesus, saying that he once had power and authority, and since he tried Jesus, he's been moved from prison to prison, beaten, and routinely bitten by snakes? I don't think may people would be buying that product....It's hard to imagine how a religion steeped in so much pain and sacrifice turned into a promise for earthly euphoria. I think Jesus can make things better, but I don't think he is going to make things perfect. Not here, and not now.

He hit the nail right on the head.

I'm ready to read this book again. Such great nuggets of wisdom that totally make sense in life. I would recommend this to anyone to read. Go out and buy it! It's a must have for your personal library.

Review of Too Close To Home by Lynette Eason

2010-04-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Revell Books sent me this complimentary copy to read and review for them.

What a great book! I'm becoming more and more of a fan of mystery books, especially ones that I can't figure out "who done it" until the end.

Here's a short overview of the book:

In this thrilling first book, readers meet Samantha Cash, who is the FBI's secret weapon. Her methods are invisible, and she never stops until the case is closed. When missing teens begin turning up dead in a small Southern town, Samantha is assigned to help homicide detective Connor Wolfe find the killer. s they get close to an answer, the case becomes personal. The killer seems to be taking an interest in Connor's 16-year-old daughter, who thinks her dad is getting way too protective.

I had a hunch who The Agent was (the bad guy), but not until well over half way through. It was a hard book to put down as it sucked the reader in right from the beginning. The characters were well developed and the story line flowed smoothly.

The teaser at the end for the 2nd book was just as rivating and it'll definitely be a book I will want to read.

Available April 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Review of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

2010-04-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Bethany House sent me a free copy of Sense and Sensibility to review for them.

This is a bit different version as it is an Insight Edition which has notes along the margins. Trivia, notes, and inspirations to enhance the story.

A great classic as any Jane Austen book is. I really liked the comments about the movie, the little blips about Jane Austen's life and their humorous remarks about the characters.

It took a bit longer to read with all of these side comments, but they did enhance the story. I didn't care for the inspiration notes as they seemed to almost force the story towards God (which isn't a bad thing, but just distracting with an already true classic story).

I liked this book overall and it'll hold a spot on my bookshelf.