Snow Day

Good Morning!!

Today is yet another Snow day in the Winter That Wont End. Ugh.

OK, I take that UGH back. Because of the snow I was able to sleep in a bit this morning, which is always a plus. We all need to look at the bright side, right? Some other bright sides to today's snow day.....I don't have to get up from my nap at 3pm to get J off the bus, I get extra cuddle time with my boys, I have a playmate to keep C occupied when I clean the kitchen....alright, that's all I got.

After making the boys go back to bed and stay there until a more respectable hour (8am), we got up and had breakfast (butterscotch krimpets and chocolate milk....I am the coolest mom ever!) and then built a different train track layout. A few games of UNO have been played and the TV is now on with the Imagination Movers sucking the brain cells out of my children's heads AS WE SPEAK. Oh yes! I love me some Disney Channel.

I hope that all my bloggy friends are enjoying their Friday. I hope you are not snowed in with bored children. And I hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Plain Pursuit... Book Review

After reading An Amish Christmas (by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron) I was excited to get a chance to review another Beth Wiseman book. This book is about a young woman named Carley. She lives in Texas and has had some traumatic things in her life. Not long ago she and her Mother were in a automobile accident. The accident claimed the life of her Mother and left Carley with a terrible secret. When her work begins to suffer she is forced into a long vacation. She heads to Paradise, PA to visit her longtime friend Lillian. Lillian married into the Amish faith and way of life a few years prior. Carley's visit comes at a critical time for Lillian and her family. Lillian's step-son David falls ill and this starts the family into a series of faith-challenging situations. First is the dilemma of running into Noah, David's shunned uncle, who is a doctor in the ER where David is being treated. Next comes the bad news of David's condition and that he needs a specialist and extensive treatment. Noah who misses his family and cares about the well being of his nephew, tries to stay involved in the case....even when the family tries to avoid him.
All this puts Carley in a rough spot, especially when feeling develop between her and Dr. Noah. She feels torn between staying loyal to her friend Lillian and Lillian's family and spending time with a man who she is falling for. Things get even more complicated when they realize that Dr. Noah may be the only one who can actually save David. With every twist and turn, Carley and Dr. Noah become closer and closer. But just as things start to fall into place, Carley's secret may end all her dreams of love.

This story had me hooked from the first chapter on. It is the first Amish book that I have ever read that dealt with the Amish practice of shunning. It was fascinating to read about a part of their lives that we rarely hear about. Seeing how shunning affects both sides made me feel sorry for the families that have gone through this situation.
OK, back to the book.....I loved it. The characters were real and I got caught up in wondering how the story would end up. I didn't want to put it down. I hope I get a chance to read another Beth Wiseman book very soon!

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

The first step is admitting it

Want to know a secret?

Ok....scratch that. It hasn't actually been a secret because I have been in SERIOUS denial about this. I have not told anyone, not hubby, not mom or dad, not Amy. No one. Why? Because if I SAID the words, it would make it too real. If I don't say them, then I can live in my happy little world of denial.

Now your wondering what this is about and could it really be THAT big of a deal?!? Honestly, yes. At least for me. It is scary for me.



I am losing my sense of taste. It started gradually, awhile ago. I originally thought I had burned my tongue and didn't remember doing it. But after weeks turned into months I realized that this wasn't a temporary thing. And it is getting worse.

So I am telling you, then my doc at my next appointment. Maybe there is something that can be done. Maybe it is a side effect from one of the meds I take. Or maybe it is just the Sjogrens progressing.

No matter what it is, I don't like it.


Another confession for today.....eating chocolate burns my mouth. Crazy, right??


Does anyone know where I can trade in this beaten-up, sick body for a new healthy one?

A Tough Decision

I need some input from all the Moms out there. We are facing the upcoming Kindergarten sign-ups and aren't sure what to do. There is no pre-K program where we live, and we cannot afford to pay and send R to one. He will be 5 in August, which is normally when children start Kindergarten. However, I personally don't know that he is ready for school. I have several reasons for feeling this way. Maturity is one of those reasons, a BIG reason. Plus he still takes a 2 hour nap every day and has ZERO interest learning his ABC's etc. All those and a few others make me feel like it would be best to keep him home another year. I know that September is a long way off, and anything can happen between now and then....but if the first day of school was tomorrow I wouldn't feel completely comfortable sending him.



Some people feel I don't work with him enough.....my reply is that you can NOT MAKE a 4 year old learn something that they have no interest in. I do work with him....but I don't push him. I spend a lot of time with him and I try to teach him things. When he wants to....he picks it up. But only if HE WANTS TO. I cant make him. I don't believe anyone could.

I have been talking to a friend of mine who is a Kindergarten teacher in another district. Everything she has been telling me makes me lean more towards waiting a year to start R in school. She said that children should start when they are ready, not when the calendar says they are 5 and old enough to go.

So I am asking for your input.....have you dealt with this issue? Did you wait or send your child when they were 5? Are you still happy with your choice?

In the Land of Odds...DVD review

Product/Book Name: In the Land of Odds, DVD

Auto-B-Good is a five time Emmy Award winning series that can be seen on public television and all around the world. The series is based on the adventures of 9 vehicles, each with their own unique personality, who live in the City of Auto. Each episode is centered around a different Character Development Trait, such as honesty, respect, caring, fairness and many more.

There are currently six DVD’s available (Seasons one and two). Each DVD has four episodes on it.

Ages: 3-10

Price: $7.99

Put out by: Rising Star Studios

Addtional Links for Auto-B-Good include the following:

Youtube Video

Auto-B-Good Site

Purchase In the Land of Odds

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My boys and I couldn't wait to watch this video. The DVD case shows the cutest Cars....Cars that talk and act like people. You know, just like the other Car movie. Whether or not these cars LOOK like those cars, they do have a HUGE difference. These cars teach wonderful lessons to children. The episodes are short and to the point. Which is great for little ones with short attention spans. There were 5 episodes on this DVD and each one was based on showing different important character traits: Dependability, Responsibility, Goodwill, Consideration and Obedience. I really enjoyed the stories and I am always glad to have wholesome movies for my kids to watch.

Out of the 5 stories I enjoyed the Land of Odds episode the best, it was the episode about Dependability. This is the one where one of the cars is transported to the Land of Odds and learns that dependability is not a boring thing. J's favorite was No Rules allowed, which was about Obedience. R said his favorite was also The Land of Odds.

I'm sure that we will be getting more of these Auto-B-Good DVD's in the future. They are great for families like mine!

Thank you to Rising Star Studios and MamaBuzz for sending me this DVD to review.

Somebody Save Me!!!

My husband has been walking around all day with a smile that stretches from ear to ear. He looks like a 16 year old girl who just got her first dozen roses. Did I give him an extra special Valentines gift?!? Heck, no! I don't believe there is anything that I could do that would make him THIS happy.

Now that your wondering I will show you.....THIS is why he is SO HAPPY! and why I need to be saved.....









Oh yes! It's a Man thing. I have to admit that I never even watched this show but my Hubby LOVES the A-Team. So he is a very, very Happy Man.

Free Myspace Layouts

I hope everyone is enjoying their Valentines Day weekend. We don't have any special plans.....tomorrow will be just like every other Sunday. Church and then lunch at the farm with my mother in law. Most Valentines days are just like that.....nothing different than every other day. Hubby was born without the romantic part of his brain, lol BUT there was one Valentines day that he made up for any and all past and future Valentines days. Seriously.

I wasn't expecting anything, since I know that Hubby (boyfriend at the time) didn't "do" Valentines day. He surprised me with Roses in the morning. I was Shocked and Thrilled. Getting Roses on V-day was HUGE! I floated all day, so happy and thankful for those roses. That night we were watching TV and he left the room for a minute. When he came back he had an engagement ring. WHAT?!?! I was in complete shock. Mostly because it was still V-day and I would NEVER expect him to ask me on V-day. Of course I said yes and the rest is history. Very happy history.

Happy Valentines Day Hubby....I LOVE YOU!!!

A Winters Awakening - Book Review

I received A Winters Awakening from TLC Book Tours. It is the newest Amish book written by Shelley Shepard Gray. When they offered it I jumped at the chance because as most people know, I love Amish books. This was the first Amish book I ever read that wasn’t based in Lancaster, PA. This book was based in Sugarcreek, OH. I was pleasantly surprised at how many differences the Amish have in dating practices among other things. In OH, the Amish families are well aware of who their family members are courting. They talk openly about these things and are quite vocal if the don’t approve. They are almost nosy and pushy when it comes to getting their way.
In this story, Joshua and Gretta have been courting for years. It is expected by both families that they will be engaged and married very soon. Unfortunately Joshua and Gretta are both having second thoughts. When Englishers move in next door to Joshua’s family, the tension that was starting to build between the couple becomes a reason to part ways. The story follows along as Joshua and Gretta both try to find their path in life, and to figure out who they want to spend their lives with.

I truly enjoyed this story. It was a nice, quick read and kept my attention throughout the entire book. I was left guessing as to what would happen clear up until the end.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Shelley Shepard Gray for sending me this book for review.

If you are interested in more information about the author or the book please click the links.

Dear Cupid

Dear Cupid,


If you are reading this and wondering what would make me SWOON on Valentines day.....let me just tell you that I don't need chocolate......I don't need flowers......oh no! this Valentines day the ONLY thing I want is ...........


Someone to mop my floors.



Romantic, huh?

What do you want this Valentines Day???

Angels

I was asked to review the book "Angels" by Dr. David Jeremiah. Angels was very informative, giving lots of data on where to find Angels in the Bible. The author explains the hows and whys of what Angels are doing on Earth and what they aren't doing on Earth. It clears up a lot of misconceptions and gives new insight into a topic that most people find fascinating.

While I did find the book full of new information, I didn't find it easy to read. To me it was almost like reading a textbook....like it was just data, data, data and nothing to relate it to our lives. Maybe this was the intention of the author or maybe it was just how I "took" the book.

Would I recommend this book? It depends. If I had a friend who loved Angels and found them a very interesting subject then yes, this book would be great for them to read. For someone like me who isn't that interested in them, then I wouldn't recommend it.

I have a copy to giveaway.....and I will choose a winner next Friday Feb 12th. Just leave a comment to be entered to win.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.High res cover art as well as author photo are available upon request. Thanks and happy reading!

I am Second

I'm heading to see Poppop in a few minutes. And running to the store for some last minute stuff we need before we get snowed in for the weekend. Before I go I wanted to share a website that I love. Please take a few minutes to watch the videos on the website. Even if you only have time for one or two. They are VERY powerful. I have added the most recent video below.


I am Second

My confession.....

I have a confession. But before I confess I want to share something about myself.
I love to Bake. LOVE IT! Baking to me is like therapy, love and a hobby all rolled into one (get it?!? rolled....ha ha ha)
I bake when I am upset, happy, sad, hungry, bored, and just about every other emotion under the sun. When I think of doing things for other people the first thing that pops in my head is "what should I bake for them?"
Seriously, at this moment I have a triple layer oatmeal and chocolate bar cookie baking. I can handle stuff like that. I LOVE stuff like that.

Now that I have told you HOW much I love to bake I will tell you my dirty little secret.....

I am intimidated by yeast.

Yeah, I know. What kind of baker am I?
I don't make bread, unless it is in a bread machine. I don't make rolls, cinnamon buns, nothing like that. But I WANT to.
I just haven't gotten over my "fear" of yeast.

I really want to overcome this....I want to make nice, soft fluffy dinner rolls.......yummy cinnamon buns, etc. So I am asking.....please tell me any easy, starter recipes you might have....foolproof ones so I don't lose my nerve.

Thanks!

Please excuse this interuption....

OK, first let me apologize for my whine fest yesterday. I know this wasn't the first time that I have blogged on a "bad day". This is turning out to be like "drunk-dialing"....because after the fact I HATE that I whine so bad about it. On most days I have it under control...or at least I think I have it under control. But on those days when the pain wont end, and I am very, very medicated I ramble on into a wimpy whine that can be heard for miles and miles on this thing. Ugh.

So I am sorry. And if anyone has any ideas how to block myself off of blogger on bad days I would love to know. It's not like I can hand the keys over to hubby.....the laptop has no keys.


As you can tell today is a better day. The pain is tolerable. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers! I love you guys!!!!