Coffee24Tea

2012-01-21T20:13:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited about the book that I just received from Dorrance Publishing, Aunt Harriet & Me our Life in the Boarding House by Geraldine Sylvester. It's about a young girl that spends many of her growing up years in a boarding house with her aunt and uncle. I look forward to posting a review soon and letting you know more about this book.

It's cold, rainy and a good evening to read! Plus I got to SKYPE with all my grandnephews and 1 grandniece tonight. (My sister has 7 grands with one on the way!). They are all so cute!

And of course my grands are bright and beautiful. My oldest is 12, he took the ACT and scored a 28 over all with a 34 in English, how cool is that?

But my biggest dilemma right now, is that my husband turns 60 Feb 9th and I want to do something really, really cool for him (on a very very limited budget). Any ideas anyone???? He's still my heartthrob after almost 40 years!

It's almost Valentine's Day....

2012-01-19T17:34:00.000-06:00

I'm so grateful for God's reminders that He sends daily of His love for me. One of those reminders is a brilliant cardinal. RED like a valentine, it is a valentine to me saying, I LOVE YOU Teela. I chose you to be one that can enjoy this beautiful gift of the cardinal. (some people are blind, some are even color blind, and some never take the time to enjoy this lovely songbird that God created just for us to enjoy). So I hope that the next time you see a cardinal that you will remember how much God loves you and has done for you. He gave His son, Jesus, who shed His precious blood to pay for my sins and yours.

The Hermitage

2012-01-15T16:23:00.001-06:00

Last Sunday, Risha, Patty, Lydia and I went to tour the HERMITAGE. Home place of Andrew Jackson.
Here I am with Davy Crockett, a personal friend of Andrew Jackson's.

General & Mrs. Jackson greeted us.

The lines were as long as Disney World's!

Risha, resting on a bench in the labyrinth garden

This is the main house filled with many antiques and quite lovely.

Royal Teas with Grace and Style

2012-01-09T21:41:00.001-06:00

If you know me, you know that I love to host Tea Parties. One of my latest reads, Royal Teas with Grace and Style, is an absolute Have to Have, GO TO book, if you want to impress your guests with proper tea. Author and tea enthusiast, Eileen Shafer, is the former proprietor of charming teashops with locations in several historic river towns.Thom Rouse is the award winning photographer of ROYAL TEAS, and with Anna Griffin's design of this exquisite book jacket, all working together produced by Dorrance Publishing this incredibly informative and lovely book is impressive enough to grace your end or coffee table.

Of course, this book begins with a brief history of tea, but soon moves on to how to prepare tea, the proper way of serving tea, tea etiquette and manners, what the proper attire is to wear to tea and even includes menus complete with recipes.

I would recommend this stunning book as the perfect gift for anyone regardless of age (my granddaughter started having tea parties with me when she was 3 and I've given tea parties for ladies in their 90's) that would be interested in slowing down and enjoying the ceremony know as tea. As William Gladstone, British Prime Minister (1865) is noted for saying, "If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are too excited, it will calm you".

I received a free copy of this book from Dorrance Publishing in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Blogs to add to your list!

2012-01-09T09:01:00.000-06:00

If you are a reader, I know that you would enjoy following Penny Zeller ;s website. She gives away a lot of books, but also introduced us to many authors and shares tidbits on her life including family friendly movie recommendations and sometimes recipes.

Another wonderful site with many giveaways is Vannetta Chapman. She really likes to feature authors that write about the Amish Life.

And if you want contemporary thought please check out my darling daughter's Janna 's blog Rainbow Dull. Believe me, she got her gift of wordsmith from someone other than her mom! Janna's works are often featured in The Rabbit Room blog.

So there you have it....oh one more thing before I close and start cleaning house from the Christmas gang (yep, I'm behind...still have one tree up!!!) I've written to Wilson Sports to see if they would like to send me an A2000 baseball glove to use and post reviews. My husband is coaching baseball at a small Christian School and believe it or not, does not own a glove! And believe me...they can be pricey! So, since I'm a blogger/reviewer, I wrote Wilson Sports to ask if they might be interested in sending one to him for us to review. So, friends, please add this one to your prayer list., b/c baseball starts in just a couple of weeks, and I believe God will provide Ron with this Wilson A2000 baseball glove. And so ...you KNOW you'll be reading about that when it happens.

Have a great week....I'm off to vac, dust and mop today. fun, fun, huh? But God is with me and He makes my heart light even though there are some tough things our extended families are going through now.
Blessings~ Teela

Parrots and Pirates a Mystery at Sea

2012-01-01T13:21:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful Christmas season this is with kids and grands running in and out, but one habit we have is reading to the younger grands at bedtime. The book I started a couple of nights a go is Parrots and Pirates a Mystery at Sea by Elizabeth Levy.
"Only a captain's son would say that," I said to Philip. "You've seen the room my parents and I live in. A cockroach in a roach motel has more room! Nobody who works on a cruise ship ever comes with a lot of luggage. There's something weird about this dude. Let's go meet him. A mystery may be just what you and I need."
Philip grinned at me. "It's you who can't resist a mystery," he said.
"It's both of us," I said.
We walked back into Philip's cabin. "See you later, Don Quixote," I said as we passed the parrot's cage.
"In a while crocodile," squawked Don Quixote. I laughed. "I taught him that," I said proudly.
"I taught him a new word too," said Philip. "Secrets," said Philip.
"Secrets!" squawked Don Quixote.
"Why did you teach him to say that?" I asked Philip.
"Because I knew you loved secrets," said Philip. "Even though I was in a bad mood, I wanted to have a surprise for you."
I smiled. Sometimes Philip really did surprise me.
"Okay," I said to Don Quixote. "We're going to find out the secret behind that guy with the huge trunk ..."

Attracted to FIRE

2012-01-01T13:16:00.000-06:00

I love mysteries and suspense, so this was definitely my type of book. Attracted to FIRE by DiANN Mills, is a story of the Vice President's daughter, Lindsay Hall that is wildly out of control, using drink, drugs and whatever to escape realism. But because of a threat from a drug lord, Lindsay is sent to a ranch in western Texas where several body guards are used to protect her. The two special agents who are assigned to protect the vice president's (soon turned President) daughter, are Ash and Meghan (who are coincidentally up for the same promotion, being put on the President's security team.) While Lindsay is suffering from withdrawals. and being treated with vitamins, Ash Zinder and Meghan Connors have to learn to work together as Ash has an issue working female partners (and we learn why as the story unfolds). Ultimately the goal of this assignment is to find out who the stalker is and eliminate the threat to the vice president's /president's daughter. Meghan will find that threat is closer than she ever thought.

As expected, their secure location is compromised and people are beginning to be killed, Meghan, Ash and Lindsay must find out how they can trust , and time is running out for them.

I recommend Attracted to Fire as a good read, filled with action, suspense and a bit of romance (of couorse there has to be some chemestry between Ash and Meghan!).

I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale publishing in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I've discovered Dayspring's gift items

2011-12-21T13:39:00.000-06:00

I recently rec'd this birdcage from Dayspring to place my cards on that I make or receive but when I rec'd it I was so taken by it's lovely functionality that I ordered one for my sister that very day. It looks great above my bed with family pictures clothespinned to it. Great idea for a gift or to treat oneself (I'm been a very good girl this year!..) tee hee Be Sure and check out all the beautiful gifts that Dayspring has to offer! And their shipping is extremely prompt.

Gossip Girl Psycho Killer

2011-12-21T13:24:00.000-06:00

Ok, I really tried to give this one a try, but it just was revolting to me. The language was gutter mouth and the whole subject of killing or even wanting to kill just at random I found very disturbing. So, being the good mother that I am , I asked my adult daughter to read it and see what she thought and the following is her opinion. Me, I had to put the book in my did not finish stack, which is a very short stack, as I love to read and give me reviews, but I just couldn't finish this one folks.

gossip girl psycho killer is a #1 New York Times bestselling novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar. About the AuthorCecily von Ziegesar grew up in Manhattan and attended a small, private girls' school on the Upper East Side. She began writing poems and short stories and fantasizing about murdering people as soon as she could hold a pen. Gossip Girl was her first novel. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, daughter and son, and two nearly hairless cats named Pony Boy and Woody. She hasn't actually killed anyone--at least, not yet.

Being a fan of the TV show Gossip Girl, I found this book to border on the

ridiculous. I must say, however, that the complete denial from the limited adults

in the book do mirror the oblivious attitude shown in the show. The sickly rich

do get away with anti-social behaviors that would not be accepted by the rest

of society.

So there you have 2 opinions for what it's worth, I received this book from http://pickapoppy.com/and the opinions are mine and my daughter's and we did not get paid for this review.

Something happened

2011-12-10T20:20:00.000-06:00

Something weird happened and I've not been able to get back into my blog for several weeks. That's what I get for taking ambien to help me sleep at night and then getting online! Not a good combination!

Anyway, I'm back and promoting Cindy Woodsmall's The Christmas Singing. http://www.scribd.com/doc/69473983/The-Christmas-Singing-Chapter-1-Excerpt

You can also receive 30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you r use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011, so you'll want to hurry.

It CAN't BE!

2011-11-26T23:37:00.000-06:00

It just can't be the end of November! Mama said the old I get the quicker the years fly by and boy was she right! We made a mad dash of a trip to Arkansas to see family for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful! (even though I almost cut my finger off....different story) but I need to let you know about a couple of books that I've read and not left reviews for. The first one is by Lisa Higgins The Proper Care and Maintenamce of Friendship. Oh girls...you've just got to read this. It helps us understand how we can be so different from each other but BFF's an how we are supposed to be there thru the thick and the thin and I'm not talking about weight! If you are interested in what it's like to have or to be a GOOD friend, this book is for you. It's about knowing your friends well enough to make some difficult calls in their lives. I've been blessed with some great BFF's, some that would go the distance with me. But many gals aren't and I feel so sorry for them. Are you the type of gal that would do whatever it takes for a friend? Seriously, such a good read.

And the other book is by a very dear friend of mine Tammy Maltby, The Christmas Kitchen. Ladies, Martha Stewart has NOTHING on Tammy....believe me. I've been to her home, she is beautiful, charming, encouraging, she'll pray over you and you know you've been prayed over, and fix you a meal that rates right up there with The Mansion in Turtle Creek! She entertains with such a grace that it's so difficult not to be envious. Well, this is not just a cook book with yummy recipes, but also this book is chock full of ideas for entertaining ....from simple to my grand. You've just got to check it out . In fact, Tammy has a blog with recipes and ideas and is generous to share this ideas, and you can find her on Facebook. Be sure and tell her I sent you!

Hope your Thanksgiving was as blessed as mine with family and friends and wonderful food and even a few early black Friday sales thanks to my sweetheart of a daughter in law!

Blessings~

2011-11-08T14:25:00.000-06:00

better hurry over to Vannetta's blog and register for this groovy giveaway! I know I would LOVE to win it myself!
Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray and I are packing our bags and nearly ready to leave for our Amish Holiday Book Tour 2011. As you can guess, this week is a LITTLE crazy. So our contest this week is going to be a QUICK one. You have 24 hours! Ha! How is that for fun? : )vannettachapman. Good luck and I'll be hosting a book giveaway soon, so keep watching!

2011-11-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

epiphanie Bags are gorgeous camera bags. Laurie with tipjunkie.com has the deets on winning a bag. Me...I'm hoping to win a lovely red one for my sister who is an asiring photographer! It would put a great big smile on her face and her expressive chocolate eyes would light up the room with her twinkle if she were to win this bag! It would make me so happy to be able to give it to her.

Hailee by Penny Zeller

2011-11-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

Recently I've become acquainted with the talented Penny Zeller, author of HAILEE published by Whitaker House. Penny hosts the blog, A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom and Author where she interviews authors, gives insight into what's going on with her writing and glimpses into her life as a wife and mom. I won a copy of Penny's book HAILEE from Patty with The Barndoor and was really trying to hold off to read it, taking it with me on a trip for Thanksgiving. But it was sitting on my bedstand, beckoning me to just take a quick peek...sure...after just a couple of pages...I was hooked and just had to find out what happens to the poor little orphan girl, Hailee and her 2 brothers. Were they going to get back together after being seperated for years? Would Hailee be able to be forgiven for her sordid past or would it cost her the love of her life and her teaching position? This is a wonderful story about forgiveness, loyalty, love, etc. I eagerly recommend this book and thank you Penny & Patty for your generosity.

2011-10-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

vannettachapman is hosting another great HUGE giveaway! Be sure and pop over and register for 3 super Amish books!

2011-10-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Stuck by Jeannie Allen, is a creative study, challenging us to focus on God and His plans for us. Jennie is trying to help us to identify the places we are STUCK (many times numb to the fact) and recognize that we need help and that GOD is here to help us. But just saying we want to get UNstuck from our being mad, broken, discontent, scared, overwhelmed, etc. is not going to change our situation. Stuck is an interactive study where we ask, who are you, Lord, where are you and what do you want from me and how am I going to change and become the person God made me to be. Jenni challenges us to act, to evaluate and measure our lives according to scripture. I love that she uses scripture in every chapter and she encourages us to reflect & journal as we move forward out of our stuck positions to truly know God.
Included in this package is a DVD w/short segments for each lesson, a package of "ice-breaker" type cards (which many of mine were cut incorrectly and only half the words were on there, but there were enough cards to get the point across), and a leader's guide. I would recommend this for a small group.

*I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

2011-10-25T06:44:00.000-05:00

A Pizza to Die for by Chris Cavender:
Drop on by The Slice of Delight (pizza place) where something is always going on.
Maddy and Eleanor are involved once again with a murder. This time the owner of a rival Pizza place is found dead. Be forewarned, you make experience hunger pangs while reading about their pizzas! I could almost smell them and definitely wanted to try their Ham & Pineapple pizza, as that's my husbands fave!
Great job on the book cover as well!
I rec'd this book through Good Reads and am not paid for my review.

2011-10-24T13:35:00.000-05:00

jacquesmagnolias.blogspot.com/ is helping promote breast cancer awareness month and self checkups as well as mammograms, by giving away a really cool pink package. Be sure and check her out.

One of my dearest friends is battling ovarian cancer and I just wonder why it does not seem to get much attention. Anyone have any insight?

Hot Chocolate with God

2011-10-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

Hot Chocolate with God: Just Me and Who God Created Me to Be by Camryn Kelly is a very interesting and creative book to read. I appreciate how it has not only scripture and insights into those scriptures, but the book is very interactive, wanting the reader to pause, reflect and JOIN in by journaling what their feelings are on certain matters, some serious, some self discovery, some are questions about your likes and dislikes. Hot Chocolate with God also has several different activities, such as word searches, Fill in the blanks, etc. This book is a great one to recommend to young ladies, even "tweens" as it helps you see your uniqueness not as a weirdness but as a God given and God blessed design.
* I received this book free from http://www.faithwords.com/ in exchange for an honest review.

Vanetta's giveaway

2011-10-22T13:20:00.000-05:00

Don't you just LOVE to win something? My husband taught a college/career SS class in Hot Springs years ago we studied Gary Chapman's THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES. Well, after taking the quiz to see what my "love language" is....it was no surprise to discover receiving GIFTS was highest score! (although my husband keeps trying to convince me that it's quality time... :-) So, I am pleased to let you know about a Giveaway that Vannetta is hosting on her blog: Vanetta . This is an extremely generous giveaway, be sure and check out her blog. She's informative and introduces and interviews authors and it's a pleasure to read!

Enemies of the Heart

2011-10-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

Enemies of the Heart by Andy Stanley (son of Dr. Charles Stanley) gripped my attention especially in Chapter Two (All is not as it seems) when he uses the story about buying a house that has a gorgeous pear tree in the back yard. This pear tree is laden down by the heaviness of its fruit and becomes a problem when the yard becomes "a sea of pears", and you start tracking the goop in your house, etc. and he says, how would you get rid of this problem? He likens this to how we tackle our heart problems. This really hit home with me as he says we just keep apologizing for our insensitive words and behaviours and we probably mean it, but we keep repeating our mistakes. (like picking up a bucket load of rotten pears and throwing them in the trash...but more just fall again tomorrow). And that although we apologize, what comes out of our mouth is a reflection of what's really in our heart (OUCH!) He discusses the destructive power of guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. The real culprit is the heart and that's where the transformation has to take place. From the inside out. Andy encourages us to clean up our hearts and to confess sin, forgive, give generously and celebrate the success of others and to let God transform our hearts and our lives.

this book was provided to me free for an honest review from: http://www.waterbrookmultnomah.com/ Blogging for Books

2011-10-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

I've been dragging my feet getting some books read, but when I started SUNRISE ON THE BATTERY by Beth Webb Hart, it was one that hooked me from the beginning. Maybe it's the descriptive setting in Charleston, SC, or the 'rags to riches' storyline, but this is truly a gem of a book. I'm not a runner but admire those with the tenacity and love of running, and our lead character, Mary Lynn, has a painful incident happen while on her morning run. But just a few minutes later, she experiences what can only be described as a miracle. Sunrise on the Battery is about a dyfunctional family that does not have time in their scheduled life for Jesus. You've heard it said, "be careful what you pray for because you might get it", well, Mary Lynn prays for God to work in her husband, Jackson's life and wow...does God ever work! But this might just be more than she bargained for. It's wonderful to watch how God works and draws us to Him and changes our heart's desire. I would recommend this book and definitely give it an A+.

*I was provided this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.
http://thomasnelson.com/

MYSTERY?????

2011-10-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

Do you love a good mystery?

If so, check out Vanetta's contest: http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/1704/

She's generously giving away a really cool prize package, including the book FALLING TO PIECES. You will LOVE her work & you'll be glad you popped over to her website!

Reel Steel giveaway

2011-10-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

http://cuzinlogic.com/2011/10/03/real-steel-prize-pack-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-11458 The cuzins are doing it again...posting a really super cool giveaway...be sure and check this out...HUGH JACKMAN's new movie...REAL STEEL...

2011-09-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

Another book giveaway over at Cuzinlogic! Thanks, cuzins for hosting these book giveaways: http://cuzinlogic.com/2011/09/29/book-giveaway-forever-contemporary-romance-blog-tour

2011-09-28T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all...check it out. Book giveaway @ http://cuzinlogic.com/2011/09/18/book-giveaway-forever-texas-tour/
Better hurry! Best of luck!

A gorgeous day

2011-09-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

It's a wonderful, beautiful, really gorgeous day here in TN. Went out riding with a friend (car/not harley). And I'm wondering what I'll cook for my hubby for dinner and realize, eeks...it's almost 6:00 pm. So, I guess THE CHARLATAN'S BOY will have to way for me to begin reading. Praise the Lord for Chicken tenderloins! Gonna have that an couscous salad.

Be watching for a book giveaway soon.

2011-09-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

Thanks Katie for the giveaways you offer and I can't believe that I won the book HAILEE by Penny Zeller. I've been trying to win this for a couple of weeks! Friends, be sure and check out Katie's blog: http://katie-mccurdy.blogspot.com/2011/09/winners.html and she's usually got a giveaway going on that I KNOW you'll love what she offers. Be watching for a review from my on Penny's book, HAILEE!

The Charlatan's Boy

2011-09-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

The last time my daughter, Janna Beth (Barber) was here, we were discussing books and I told her that I had just entered a contest to win a copy of The Charlatan's Boy. She said, mom, I have a signed copy that you can borrow and went on to sing it's praises, saying that the author was going to be a HutchMoot (I get to keep the grands during that creative time). Well, I was notified this week from Random House, that I did indeed win a copy of The Charlatan's Boy in their back to school contest. I'm so jazzed! If it gets here before she comes for HutchMoot, I'm sending it w/her and Jonathan, please sign it! Can't wait to read this much acclaimed book!

Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere

2011-09-05T17:30:00.001-05:00

Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere was a different type of book for me. As I'm sure Lisa did much study on the habits of lions and lionesses, I was drawn into her analogies between the lioness and Christian women. How we are to rise up, gather our strength, to greet and groom each other is symbolic of showing acceptance and belonging to one another, to the "sisterhood", to encourage one another as we learn each others strengths and weaknesses, rise to hunt, rise along side other lionesses, rise to protect, rise to confront our enemies, rise to walk with our king.
Lisa is challenging us to rise up and be bold, to use our power, to know ourselves, to discover the "ease with strength and rest with power" and being a beautiful godly woman. She also explains that Paul was encouraging us in II Cor. 6:13 to "open up our lives. Live openly and expansively". Our lives should be a life of motion, of growing and strengthening as we make contacts in our world.
Later she refers to Paul as he quotes Isaiah in Rom. 9 (can't you just see the lioness as she does this?)

Look up.
Look around.
Look well.
Look ahead
Tell the truth.

Look at the lioness as a picture of how it is time we are as daughters of the KING and should awaken and embrace our strength, develop courage and change our world!

* I received this book free from Waterbrook Press in exchange for an honest review of this book.

The Realms There Under

2011-09-05T15:50:00.001-05:00

The Realms There Under, a novel by Ross Lawhead, takes the reader on a journey through fantasy and other realms. Daniel Tully and Freya Reynolds are the key characters, sharing a birthday and a destiny that will carry them beyond the world they see to a time of knights and dragons. We are introduced to the main characters in the beginning of the novel by reading that they were lost for almost 2 months having disappeared while on a school field trip. Ross Lawhead does a fine job setting up the characters by using a “then and now” system of writing. Daniel and Freya are revealed to the reader through use of flashback that coincides with the dilemmas they are currently facing.

The reader discovers that Daniel and Freya have the ability to travel between worlds by walking through enchanted archways and gates. As children they become an integral part in saving the world from an evil that has been spreading across their homeland. As adults they encounter this same evil, having believed to have been destroyed. The reader is easily hooked on the adventure of the young versions of Daniel and Freya. However there is a lack of action in their adult storyline. Ross Lawhead takes an odd turn by introducing a side story, though ultimately bringing it home, hinders the flow of the story.

The ending opens up more questions, which should segue into part two of trilogy. As a lover of adventure and fantasy, I look forward to reading the continuing stories of Daniel and Freya.
*I was provided this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.

giveaway

2011-08-31T10:04:00.002-05:00

http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/is having a HUGE giveaway. Hop over and check it out! Wouldn't you just LOVE to win all this LOOT! CRAZY AMOUNT of candy!

Sweet Kiss of Summer

2011-08-30T14:11:00.000-05:00

Sweet Kiss of Summer by Sophie Gunn

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I gave this book, Sweet Kiss of Summer, by Sophie Gunn, 3 stars and the cover is what attracted me to the book. It looks like a sweet summer romance type book. But once I started reading, the characters just didn't come alive for me or seem to connect to me. I’m not the author and apparently they have chemistry to her.

Nina's brother died at war, Mick, the last person to see Nina’s brother, Walt, alive, shows up to evict her and grab the house and sell it for much needed monies for a sick one.

They are attracted to each other, (but really, if someone was trying to take my house from me, even IF they were the last person to see a relative die, and built like a Greek god, I don’t think I would be very “chummy” with them!).

The other characters in the book are not strong either. And the Enemy Club, made up of girls that couldn’t stand each other in high school, but now are good friends that can be counted on especially in time of crisis. It’s just a bit much…kind of like eating a marshmallow for your sweet tooth, but after eating it, still not satisfied.

This might have struck me better at another time, but right now, I just didn’t connect and felt like I could have spent my time better by doing something else.

So, that’s my opinion and you know what they say about opinions, of the SWEET KISS OF SUMMER.

View all my reviews
I rec'd this mass production book as part of Goodreads, and the opinions are mine alone and do not get paid for this review.

Cindy's new books

2011-08-28T14:14:00.000-05:00

Be sure and pop over to check out Cindy's site. She's giving away a set of 3 Amish Fiction books. She's done quite a bit of research and is a gifted writer. God has given us another week, let's enjoy it and bring Him glory.

Hats anyone?

2011-08-27T16:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever worn a hat? I mean a real hat, not a baseball cap. Well occasionally I'll wear one to church and always to tea parties, but I've been trying to find HAT ETIQUETTE,,, like when to wear certain types of hats. Do I give up all straw hats after Labor Day w/my white shoes? I can't find any "rules" on this. If you know any of the particulars I certainly would appreciate your sharing them!

I tried to make a hat for you crafters, hope you can use it if you desire. Have a great weekend!

These Granite Islands

2011-08-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

These Granite Islands, by Sarah Stonich was one of those books that I developed a love hate relationship with. I really didn't want to continue reading it all after the first 50 pages or so because you knew this was gonna be a sad story,but I couldn't put it down. Isabel endeared herself to me because of her hang-ups, her worrysome spirit, and then of course the results of having a stroke, the horribleness of not knowing what is really now and what is in the past. But then this confused me some too.... It struck a chord with me because of my mom's stroke. But I could identify in a weird way with Izzy. These Granite Islands is a grippng first novel about a woman who, on her deathbed, recalls the haunting and fateful summer of 1936, a summer that forever changed her life.... Isobel has been wife, mother, hatmaker. And at the end of her 99 years, she's lost 2 children, her husband and a couple that certainly impacted her life, challenging her loyalty and what she would consider proper with their passionate love affair, and then they just disappeared. This is a haunting tragedy of loss and thus is was a difficult read for me.
Sarah sent me this book and I told her that I would give it an honest review. I give it a 4.3 on a 5 pt. scale. Sarah writes beautifully

Strange how you know of something all your life and only find at the end there has been a better word for it all along. The syllables bumped pleasantly against her dentures as she read aloud, 'Tintinnabulation: The sound of the pealing of bells.' " pg. 29

and really engulfs the reader into the story. But maybe that's what bothered me so much, I FELT the hurts with Isabel. Kudos, Sarah. You've got a winner!
please check out: http://www.sarahstonich.com

new to me...authors

2011-08-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

I was just checking out new books and came across a couple of authors that are NEW to me: Penny Zeller an Lynette Eason. Penny's name caught my eye, b/c I lived in a house owned by Penny Zeller in Westcliffe, CO (but I don't think it's the same Penny :-) Anyway, be looking for a book review from me by these authors before long...

Link Up Love Party with K Andrew.

2011-08-16T21:58:00.003-05:00

OK...this is kind of lengthy, sorry...but, i all has to do with making friends, keeping friends and getting inspiration from each other! And this is a LINK UP LOVE PARTY with K Andrew http://www.gettingcricky.com/ Yesterday I was riding w/a friend to another friend's house for lunch and we were discussing how sometimes it really is WORK to keep a friendship alive. Especially, if, like me, you've moved many many times and many of your friends are many miles away, in different states. So, what do you do to keep your friendships healthy and growing? I try to make and send cards....especially to some that are in pain, either physically or emotionally. You know, just a little note (even on Facebook) to let someone know that they are in your thoughts, means alot to most people. So pass along the love that Christ gave you....do something special for someone...SMILE ... and pray for those that God places on your heart.
I've got a friend whose oldest daughter has Down's Syndrome. They are coming over this week to celebrate her Birthday with a Party at my house! I'm so jazzed, that they love me enough to allow me to share in this special day. So, I've made a banner to hang above her chair with her name on it, so afterwards, she can take it and hang it in her room.
Happy Birthday Emily!
But one of the projects that I've just finished that I LOVE is one that my husband suggested I make and place over our bed! IT WAS HIS SUGGESTION! So, here it is and I'm putting this on Getting Cricky's Blog.

Link Up Love Party: How it Works

*Link Up Party runs from Tuesday 8/16 to Tuesday 8/23. Winners announced 8/29
*Grab my blinkie and post on your blog's sidebar
*Be a follower of this blog
*Create a new blog post that is titled Link Up Love Party with K Andrew. In your post, you must mention that the link up love party is a way to get to know each other and find new blog inspiration, mention my blog, with a link back to my blog .
*Post your favorite project that you've done in your blog post WITH ONE thing you are grateful for!
*Copy and paste the link up code into your blog post so the Inlinkz will show up on your blog
*Spread the word so everyone can join in!
*You must visit, follow, and comment on the 5 people before you AND the 5 people after you in the Inlinkz. It would be fantastic if you would visit as many as you can--maybe everyone? If you are one of the first 5 then you will need to blog the ones before you and a few more after--as long as it's a minimum of 10 near you in the link up tool/gadget)
If you do not do the above your link will be deleted, because it's just not fair to those who work so hard linking up and showing love to the ones on the list. I have two moderators who will be checking this out to keep it awesome and fun!

Link Up Party: Giveaway! A FULL year subscription to the best scrappy magazine out there: Creating Keepsakes for TWO lucky followers who Link up and play correctly. http://www.gettingcricky.com/

So, without further ado..here's my ALWAYS KISS ME GOODNIGHT. And if you want the SVG, please email me and I'll send it to you!

Blessings friends~

Stumbling Into GRACE

2011-08-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

When I first saw the title of the book, Stumbling into Grace (by Lisa Harper), I wondered if this would be a stuffy book about Grace...you know, UNmerited favor, etc. But then I noticed the picture of the little Diva wannabe on the cover and I thought, hum...this could be just what I'm needing to read. So glad that I got this book from Booksneeze. Lisa Harper has such a wit and charm as she shares stories and then uses those stories to get across a point about Grace. One of the stories she shares is when she and one of her besties is in a hotel in Chattanooga and during the wee hours of the morning, the fire alarm goes off. Well, her dear friend is confined to a wheel chair, so she tells of enlisting an able bodied man to assist her in getting her friend, wheel chair and all down the staircase, since the elevator is out of commission during fires. After all is said and done and they are safely on the ground, and the help walks away, her friend says, that was a different kind of accent, I could not quite place it and Lisa says, that's because he was drunk as a skunk! It wasn't an accent! She uses this lighthearted scenario to segue into the thought that the people God places around us can be amazing carriers of His grace.

At the end of her chapters, Lisa has personal reflection/group discussion questions and thought provoking journal entries.

This book reads like a diary/devotional book and if full of humor along with thoughts that will help one dig deeper and examine oneself.

I would recommend this book for gift giving as well as using as a personal growth book.
*I was provided this book for free in exchange for my unbiased review through the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze program.

Desiring God

2011-08-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

In the ten session DVD set of John Piper's Desiring God, he says that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying HIM forever. Piper teaches repeatedly that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. God gets the glory, we get the pleasure and happiness. In other words, God's desire to be glorified and my desire for lasting peace, joy, happiness and satisfaction are not at all what we would think at odds with each other, but are one and the same goal.
He also says that to fight for our joy is to use our sword (which is the Word of God)and being empowered by prayer, we can defeat satan as he works to rob us of our joy.
Piper expounds on the concept of Christian hedonism as he teaches that God is most gloried in us when we are most pleased in Him. Real joy comes from the pursuit of God, as we discover who He is. Ps. 34:8 "taste and see that the Lord is good."

WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided this book to me for free in exchange for this honest review as part of their Blogging for Books program.

Math

2011-08-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

Math Dictionary for Kids (Updated edition), 2E: The Essential Guide to Math Terms, Strategies, and Tables by Theresa Fitzgerald, is a great math dictionary for kids. This book has understandable math terms, tables, and children will be able to quickly find the definitions and illustrated examples that may assist them in solving various math needs and should be helpful to Math Teachers as well as students.

This reference book is user friendly as it is broken down into subjects such as measurement, algebra, geometry, fractions and decimals, statistics and probability, and problem solving. The examples presented will be extremely useful in solving math problems.

Asbergers

2011-07-31T16:38:00.001-05:00

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/313073.School_Success_for_Kids_With_Asperger_s_Syndrome" School Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256162245m/313073.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/313073.School_Success_for_Kids_With_Asperger_s_Syndrome%22%3ESchool Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/180194.Stephan_Silverman%22%3EStephan Silverman</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/192701062%22%3E2 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I'm still reading this, not sure that I will completely read every sentence, as it's too much for me to process. To me, it's like ready a reference book. Just too much to process and understand at once.
<br/><br/>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4256763-teela%22%3EView all my reviews</a>
Also: Take Control of Aspeger's Syndrome by Janet Price and Jennifer Engel Fisher:
This book helps me see that we are all different and although I process things differently or maybe come across as thinking weirdly, it is not mean that I wrong. Those with "labels" or "handicaps" ... aren't we all dfferent? This book might help those that need to be more in control of their life and learn to be comfortable in given situations. It also has good ideas for ascerting oneself and getting on schedule. Not an easy read by any stretch, but informative and relative.

2011-07-26T20:06:00.000-05:00

http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/2011/07/100-follower-giveaway.html is having a giveway, trying to build up her list of followers. Be sure to pop on over and check out all this bling!

2011-07-25T16:59:00.003-05:00

As you may or may not know, I'm a PK, married to a Preacher who the past few years has been teaching and coaching. Well, in all my 58 years of being in a preacher's family, I 've never had the privilege of attending a Women Of Faith Conference. But that is gonna change! I'm planning on attending WOFC in Denver and taking my sis with me. I'm looking forward to hearing Andy Andrews speak. He is soooo good (plus he's got that good 'ol southern drawl!) Listen to him gals, you're gonna love hearing the good things he has to share. Check this out: http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/07/check-your-hearts-by-andy-andrews

And while you're at it, check out WOFC. Have you ever attended one?

Women of Faith .. to be or not to be???

2011-07-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to be chosen as a blogger for the Women of Faith Conference in Denver. Have you ever been so excited about something that you totally forgot to read the "small print" or the "rest of the story"? I hope that I've not done that with this event. My email confirming that I was chosen as a blogger for WOFC was in my junk mail. Can you imagine!!! I hardly ever check my junk mail, but there it was, so I quickly snatched it, depositing it safely into my IN box before the greedy delete monster could take it. Well, now that I've read and reread this email, I don't see anything about Hotel accomodations...how did I misunderstand that??? Or maybe I didn't and it's just an oversight! Anyway, I waiting to hear if I will have hotel accomodations or not, and praying that I will have, as the flight from Nashville to Denver is NOT in our budget and I really, really want to go to my first ever Women of Faith Conference. Would you believe that I have a tube of WOF lipstick that a dear friend in Colorado Springs gave me years ago! Maybe that's a good sign! Anyway, please pray with me that I will have a room and that this will be a life changing event for me, molding me into a lovelier Christian lady of faith! Oh, and did I mention that I plan on taking my sis as my guest and her fave author, Karen Kingsbury is going to be at Denver WOF and that one of my fave authors, Andy Andrews is going to be there as well!!! I've heard Andy speak and wow, what a motivational speaker, and if you're interested in his books, look at my review of The Heart Mender!

Thanks to Kristal

2011-07-24T13:27:00.002-05:00

There are friends that have such a influence on you that you think, they must be like Mary Popkins, "practically perfect in every way", well, Kristal is one of those people. I met her by accident just browsing thru blogs when she first started hers. I became a follower and through sharing our life stories and love for Jesus Christ, we became good e-buddies, It has been fantastic to watch her blog grow and her boldness in presenting "THE WORD". She's such a talented artist and yet she'll whip something up on her video presentation and make us believe we can do the very same in just a couple of minutes. She inspires me, challenges me and is so genuine and giving. Thank you Kristal, for being my frend, and may God put His comforting/peaceful hand on your life and give you clear direction in the future. God bless you and yours. Love you friend~Teela

The Final Hour

2011-07-18T15:10:00.001-05:00

The Final Hour completes the four-pack of Charlie West's adventures with the Homelanders written by Andrew Klavan.

While in High School, Charlie is a normal young man with great faith and a supportive, loving family. He's a black belt in karate and (although this part is a little far fetched for me) is convicted of murdering one of his closest friends because of a girl.

In The Final Hour, Charlie is in the penitentiary and is having memory flashes of being undercover for the United States government to infilterate the Homelanders (a terrorist group). Charlie finds out that the group has broken up and in jail and that he's got to remain in prison until the leader of this group, Prince, is caught. Although he's in prison Charlie knows he can't give up and that he isn't alone, because God is always with him. Charlie realizes that he knows when the terrorist group is going to attack and so he has to do everything he can to thwart this attack.

This is a great read, exciting, fast paced thriller that would definitely appeal to young teenagers (especially guys)but was interesting enough to keep this grandmother's attention!

I received this book free through 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 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Old Woman who lived in a shoe

2011-07-17T00:08:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the children's nursery rhyme about the woman in the shoe? Well, that could be me, instead of children though,it would be moves and memories....ya know with every move comes more names to remember (esp. in church settings). Well, I think I've reached my limit on remembering and also, we've moved so many different times, that I'm seeing everyone's twin. Ya know, I've heard it told that everyone has a "look a like" in this world.
My oldest grandson is turning 12 this week and next week my oldest daughter is having her 37th birthday. When did I get this old?

Inside Threat

2011-07-11T17:37:00.001-05:00

Inside Threat is the fourth novel in Jason Elam's and Steve Yohn's collaborative Riley Covington series. I was not familiar with this series but the cover intrigued me and I'm glad that I read it. Even though it is the fourth in a series, I did not feel like I had to go back and read the three previous books to understand what was going on, however, I look forward to reading those books as well, this is a great stand alone book.

The story is about a fictional although plausible terrorist attack on American soil by US-born Islamic terrorists and our guardians, Special Operations Group Bravo, the counterterrorism division out of Washington, DC. One of the agents is involved with a Muslim-born woman, Kadi Faroughi, and so there's romance and intrigue. Kadi is forced to face what and who she really believes is the supreme God in this book, and it's done in a tasteful not

preachey

way.

This book was a fast paced thrill story and I would definitely recommend it.

Tyndale provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review was not influenced by them and is my own opinion.

God's Love Letters to You

2011-07-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

God's Love Letters to You, a 40-Day devotional experience by Dr. Larry Crabb, is one of the best devotional books I've read. In fact, I didn't want to read just one a day as intended. Dr. Crabb is a well-known Christian psychologist, teacher and speaker, and he uses his background to inspire us into real conversation and thoughts with the God of the Bible. Using personal letters from God (straight out of the Bible) to us, he is challenging us to hear the love story God is telling us, and to awaken our souls with God's word of life. After each day's devotional, there are also moments to reflect and a short prayer. I particularly recall day 17: Jonah Where God demands our cooperation. Dr. Crabb reminds us that God says, "We are to grow up. Our days of naive worship and shallow intimacy are over. We are wrong to demand GOD's cooperation with our understanding of life. Because God loves me and because His plans are for my good, He demands that I cooperate with Him. There is no other way to enjoy His Presence. When life hits a bump that God could smooth but doesn't, will I countinue to think that God should surrender His wisdom to mine and do what I think best?" Oh what a mess I would be in then. As a good friend of mine would say, "Oh me, Dennis!"

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

The Dragons of Chiril

2011-07-04T14:33:00.001-05:00

It took me several pages to really get into the book, The Dragons of Chiril by Donita Paul. Not sure what I was expecting, but I had to get "acclimated" to this style writing. After a few pages, I was drawn into this fantastic story and thoroughly enjoy the book. I kept thinking this would be a great read for my grandson who is almost 12 and an avid reader and his dad and mom would love it as well. This is an adventerous tale revolving around a young lady of royal blood, Tipper. Tipper's mom, Lady Peg was "different" an outcast by her parents, the Queen and King, and seemed to be living in her own little world. Tipper herself did not have a relationship with them which was sad because they are her grandparents. Tipper's dad is a well known artist/scupltor of amazing skill and has been missing through much of Tipper's life. Tipper's best friend is a grand parrot, Beccaroon, who is extremely wise and there to give counsel and guidance to Tipper. This fantasy is full of magic, dragons, adventure and as Tipper heads off through hills and valleys to save her father and the world, she encounters a handsome prince and is learns more about the loving Creator.
To read the first chapter of The Dragons of Chiril click hereI received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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What are you reading?

2011-06-27T21:23:00.000-05:00

It was my 7th grade in school when our class would go to the library for study hall that I first became enamored with reading. A friend introduced me to fiction, in fact, it was a Barbara Cartland or maybe a Grace Livingston Hill book that I first read and from then on I was hooked. My only reading up to this point had been the Bible, mainly Psalms because in GA's we would report how many chapters we read that week and I always wanted to proudly proclaim a huge number. (I guess I've always been a little bit competitive!) So having said this, I was just wondering, what are you reading this summer? Do you have any good "BEACH" reads? I've just started reading THE DRAGONS OF CHIVIL by Donita Paul. This one is very different from my usual read. I'll post a review when finished!

Old wine in new wineskins?

2011-06-27T05:30:00.001-05:00

One of Ron's sermons from the past couple of weeks has been do you put new wine in old wineskins? This parable is in the N.T. and of course the answer is no, because the skins could break and the new wine of the gospel would spill out and no one would get to taste it. Then Ron goes on to explain that Jesus is the new wine, his teachings are different from what they were used to hearing, all the do's and don't of the old testament can be wrapped up in a nutshell into basically two things (instead of the 613). Jesus says to *LOVE GOD with all your heart, soul and mind and to *love your neighbor as yourself". And our class lesson yesterday morning was on being generous. "IF you know of a brother that has need, but do not meet thy need....." Do we know someone that is hurting and geniunely has a need and do we turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to their cries (even though they may be silent). Lord, give me seeing eyes and listening ears as You lead me to others that are hurting and need to know about You
Help me to give generously and with a cheerful heart from all that you've graciously given us.

I'm the Cookie Dough

2011-06-22T17:34:00.001-05:00

A sweet friend of mine is having company come in tomorrow and I thought I'd mix up a batch of cookies and drop them off later today. Deciding to make SNICKERDOODLES (since that's one of my DH's favs)I was just putting in the dry ingredient when said DH calls. And you probably know what happened next, was it cream of tartar or baking soda, OH NO, I put in 2 TABLESPOONS of baking powder! Now how could I tell the BP from the flour?...hummm...well, I scoop out some of the hopefully tainted and add more flour. But it was after the dough chilled and I was scooping into the dough and rolling it in my hands and then in the Cinn/Sugar that it hit me....I'M THE COOKIE DOUGH! God is the Master Baker. One day He decides to bake cookies (only he doesn't accidently dump in the BP!) But it's His decision as to what type cookies to mix together. It's His decision how many to bake(or NOT BAKE).The cookie dough cannot do a thing for itself. It cannot even shape itself nor bake itself, so what good is it? It would rot and be nasty and thrown out if I didn't bake it. And you know what else I discovered. All the cookies don't look the same. Being a gal, I tried to make them all uniform and not touch so they would be a perfect golden circle when removed from the oven, but some overlapped and they are not perfect. But they taste the same. They may not make it to my neighbor's house, but they will be eaten here at our home. Now...isn't that kinda how the story goes w/the potter and the clay? But you know me...I try to reinvent the wheel sometimes... It's great to be a cookie and know that even though you're put thru the fire, that makes it all better. And my cookies are gonna put a smile on the mouth that tastes 'em (I hope!)

Snickerdoodles
1 C. Butter
1 1/2 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
2 3/4 C. Flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar (could use less)
1 tsp. baking soda (pay attention!)

Cinnnamon/Sugar for rolling dough in
Preheat oven 400 and bake 8 - 10 minutes.

fibro....oh

2011-06-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

The pain is so intense tonight that I can't get relief
I took my ibuprofen, hydocodone and everything I can think of;I really can't stand this.Any suggestions for fibromyalgia?

No Place Like HOLMES

2011-06-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

Even though this book is written with younger readers in mind, I myself am an avid mystery reader and was anxious to read No Place Like Holmes by Jason Lethcoe.

The story opens with a brilliant young Griffin Sharpe counting everything from frayed threads to feathers while traveling from America to London to visit his uncle. As you see, Griffin is a genius with a photographic mind and since he has not been invited to summer camp with his classmates (because they hate him for being so incredibly smart and always knowing the answer to every question) his parents decide to send him to visit his uncle who happens to be the neighbor of Sherlock Holmes.

Rupert Snodgrass, is a grumpy self absorbed person and has not read the letter from his half sister and therefore does not know that Griffin is coming to stay with him for the summer. It takes a bit for Snodgrass to accept Griffin, but it does not take Griffin long to be caught up in a mystery. Snodgrass, who is a mediocre detective, and inventor joins Griffin in this tale of discovery.

Snodgrass is jealous of the great detective Sherlock Holmes, and is an unbeliever. But Griffin's faith in God affects the way he looks at people and tries to help them. Griffin is a good influence on his uncle.

Mystery, suspense, fear, faith and family are presented in this story and I would recommend this book to readers young and old.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

packed and waiting

2011-05-26T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well, everything is in storage and now we're WAITING ON THE LORD. Why am I so impatient? He's never let us down. My God has supplied all my needs. He's faithful and almighty. Wonder where He's going to lead us and what kind of abode He'll provide? Ya know, in 40 years or less, it really won't matter, what will matter is that we said, YES LORD. Wherever You lead I'll go. (and IF the Lord wants to give me a really cool house, that would be swell!)

MOVING SALE

2011-05-11T10:03:00.000-05:00

We are having a MOVING SALE this Friday and Sat.

Find < a href="http://www.yardsalesearch.com/">garage sales</a>

If you are in the middle TN area, come check us out...We've got an 8 ft. table, 2 recliners, tvs, Washer & Dryer, Q mattress & box springs, Villeroy Boch Antique Bowl & pitcher, Kidz Christmas Village plates, William Sonoma Marisol Salad plates/dessert plates, Rooster Plates, and much more. Remember this FRIDAY, MAY 13 begins at 7:30 am.

We must sell and get moved quickly.

Fairer than Morning

2011-05-08T18:17:00.000-05:00

Rosslyn Elliott's Fairer Than Morning is the first book in The Saddler's Legacy Series. A historical fiction, the story is set in 19^th century Ohio. Elliot quickly captures our attention with not only love interests, but the subject of slavery, indenture ship and cruel masters. She draws us into the Miller family as we get to know Ann and her struggles as she dreams of marriage, but is presented with more than one suitor and must decide who is the man the Lord has for her. We also get to know her father, a master saddler and circuit minister and the insight he has into recognizing the potential of young Will Hanby. And Will is the one our hearts are drawn to as he is beaten, betrayed and has no hope for a future when he meets the Miller family and then discovers the God who gives peace in the midst of adversity. Will also has decisions to make regarding Ann and then there's the girl he feels obligated to marry.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the sequel.

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

Miss you Momma~

2011-05-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

It seems like just a few days ago I was driving over to see momma and take her some flowers I'd picked up at Kroger. Nothing fancy. Just some gerber daisies to make her smile. What a blessing it was to live close to her that year. We talked on the phone everyday and were together every week, usually, we went out for Mexican food, but always we laughed and shared stories and drank coffee. She would tell me how wonderful my children were and I would tell her I thought her's were great as well! HAHA. Momma taught me what it meant to be self-sacrificing. She always ate the chicken neck so that the rest of the family would have the "good" parts of the chicken. She taught me how to cut the pully-bone, so there would be one more piece of white meat.

I still remember the Francoma Pottery pitcher that she made our sweet tea in everyday.
I remember a couple of weeks before school started, she'd take us to buy 5 new dresses and new underwear, because she'd worked to make the money to see that my sister, brother and I had new school clothes. And when I was younger, she would sew our clothes, but I always felt my clothes were just as cute as anyone else's.

It still amazes me how she could take one 8 oz. box of Kraft Italian Spaghetti & Spice Mix and make it stretch to feed a family of 5.

Momma was just 17 when she married daddy and soon after left her family to begin a life of THE PASTOR'S WIFE, moving 19 times.

There's not a day goes by, still after almost 5 years, that I don't miss momma and wish I could spend an afternoon curled up drinking coffee and just being with her and her kissing me and accepting me just like I am.

2011-04-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

Let's help a new blogger build her group of followers. She's giving away some blog candy as soon as she get's 200+ followers. Be sure and hop over and add your name! http://noahsarktwobytwo.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-candy-are-you-ready.html#comment-form

2011-04-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

This is the card that I made for http://scrappychiccafe.ning.com/group/cricketcorner/forum/topics/adding-flowers-and-diecuts? where we were challenged to add flowers to a project and also to use a die cut. So this card is made with JOYS of the SEASON cartridge. I cut out the oval w/the hole punched edging and the flowers and stems (but cut off the flowers) and cut out hearts and added them. Also threaded ribbon through the holes.

Happy Easter!

Chocolate for Lent?

2011-04-19T16:10:00.001-05:00

Oh boy, am I glad that I did not give up Chocolate for Lent this year as I made this chocolate cake that has got to be the best cake (well frosting) that I've ever made. So, dear friends, I thought I would share it with you just in case you want something fudgey good for Easter Dinner:

Chocolate Fudge CakeStart with a Dark Chocolate Cake mix and bake as directed (I used Pillsbury). Once you get it in the oven, start on this

Chocolate Fudge frosting:
32 large marshmellows
2 1/2 C. sugar
1 stick Butter
6 oz. of evaporated milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 C. chocolate chips (semi sweet)
Combine Sugar, Salt, Butter, Milk, in 6 qt. pot and bring to boil. Boil for 7 min (or until soft ball stage). Remove from heat and add marshmellows and stir until they melt, then add chocolate chips, stirring until they melt and by this time your cake should be done and out of the oven. Pour mixture over your cake. This is incredibly fudgey and sets up beautifully (if you can wait until it cools...which we ate 1/3 of the cake while it was hot! OH MY GOODNESS!) It does not call for vanilla and so I did not put it in and did not miss it! Enjoy ...BUT REMEMBER THIS POEM I wrote:

Last night I thought I was going to die
If you listen to me, I'll tell you why.

I ate so much fudgey chocolate cake,
it gave me such a tummy ache.

As I laid there in my bed and tried
Sleep would not come and so I sighed

Finally the darkness turned to dawn,
So out of bed I stretched and yawned

While thinking of which breakfast to make
I'm slicing another piece of cake.

From fork to mouth I contemplate,
Wondering why I'm gaining weight.

The Final Summit

2011-04-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

"For I am but a Traveler upon this earth", wrote King David in Psalm 39:12.
In the spirit of its predecessor (New York Times best selling, The Traveler's Gift ) THE FINAL SUMMIT calls upon history, religion even some science as author, Andy Andrews, weaves a tale around David Ponder engaging us as we join David on a quest to find the one principle that will save humanity. This is the last chance as morals and character have crumbled and humanity spirals downward toward destruction.
After success and failure and success again, David has lost his beloved wife and sitting alone in his high rise. Opening his well worn tobacco pouch he recalls The Seven Decisions and how he encountered historical figures while gaining the tokens that are symbolic of these Decisions. It's been twenty-eight years since The Archangel Gabriel made an appearance to David but suddenly Gabriel shows up again and whisks him away to the place that never was, where Ponder encounters hundreds of other travelers and where historical figures like Joan of Arc, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and others play an essential role in helping David find the answer to a question posed by Gabriel. Gabriel tells David Ponder that wisdom is the key and to use the accumulated wisdom of the past to determine earth's future. Ponder is chosen to lead the other Travelers in finding the solution to the question "what does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?" David has five attempts to give the correct solution, which requires just two words before the sands of time run out of the hourglass .Will Ponder and his fellow travelers be able to answer this question at The Final Summit?

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

2011-04-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

Kristal over at Getting Cricky with K Andrew is hosting a "LOVE" Link up party. I hope I can figure this out...how to use inlinkz....if not please hop over and check out http://www.gettingcricky.com/ . This is a good friend of mine and her blog is growing by leaps and bounds and it's because she's so geniune and generous! Hope you have a blessed weekend. I'm trying to be patient about my Scrap'N Easel to arrive! I can't wait to start using it! Plus I won a Birthday giveaway at one of our favorite vendors and am waiting on that...oh my...what could it be?! So everyday when the mail person comes, I'm like a kid waiting on Christmas, hoping my package will come today!

another post for inspired hearts

2011-04-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/04/simply-sunday-challenge-inspired-heart.html here's another project that I created because I wanted to remember to pray always for my friends suffering with cancer or going through divorce or have special needs.

Sunday's Challenge w/KAndrew

2011-04-07T09:27:00.003-05:00

These are my entries for Kristal's challenge
http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/04/simply-sunday-challenge-inspired-heart.html

My daughter, Risha, works with adult mentally and behaviourly handicapped people. She is an incredible person. Truthfully, not many (including myself) could do what she joyfully and lovingly does and does well. She has some clients that can only sit and "gather wool" is what we used to call it, and she asked if I could make some little cloth books for her clients to touch and play with for hour on end. Wanting to help her anyway that I can, I made a few of these books because she INSPIRES me. She loves God and loves others and she does something about it, not just in word. She ACTS on her love. I made these out of material scraps, buttons (on heavy twine that will NOT break) beads, ponytail holders, whatever I could scrape together to scrap with.

Another thing that I've done that reminds me to pray for my friends that are sick with cancer or have needs is a prayer reminder to hang where else but over my kitchen sink. Seems like that's where I spend most of my time. So, I see their names and pray for them OFTEN. This was made from a cricut cartridge but I forgot which one for the alphabet and which one for the heart. But this reminder keeps my friends on my mind and in my heart and prayers.

God's scrapbook

2011-04-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

I'm sure that you've heard the saying that "if God has a refrigerator my picture will be on it".
Yesterday I was honored to give a devotional to a Senior group and I chose to speak on Psalm 56:8. I've been trying to get some scrapbooking done and this verse reminded me how special we are and that God records our life in a book ~ I'm sure mine has alot of different MOVES in it, as well as collecting our tears in a bottle. What would the scrapbook of your life look like to God? I thought I would share this poem by Caryl Ramsdale

Do you
know God
puts all your
tears in a
bottle?

Like the
pages in
my bible
that record
my family tree;
You've recorded all
my troubles in Your book
of tears I see. Here's the time
I found my true love. Happy tears
Shimmered on my face; So sadly I lost
that loved one. You received all my tears
with grace. You wrote down the birth of my
child, prideful tears glistened in my eyes; And
when he [she] caused fear and sorrow, You took
my tears each time I cried. See the star beside
my new job, You blessed me and I walked tall;
I got stubborn, went my own way, You caught
my tears, I took a fall. All my tears are in a
bottle, my bible says You put them there;
To remind me of Your presence, each
Time I shed tears in despair.

Author’s Inspiration:
Thou tellest my wanderings:
put thou my tears into thy bottle:
[are they] not in thy book? PSALM 56:8 KJV

HEART OF ICE

2011-04-04T00:25:00.000-05:00

HEART OF ICE is a fast paced thriller by Lis Wiehl with April Henry. This is another Triple Threat Novel in which the three high school friends, Cassidy Shaw- television crime reporter, Allison Pierce -a federal prosecutor and Nicole Hedges -an FBI agent, are involved in another case. What appear as random crimes of fraud, arson, and theft soon become evident of something much more diabolical as the crimes turn to murder. The three join forces to stop a gorgeous and intelligent but ruthless killer from striking again as she manipulates those around her into doing exactly what she wants them to do because she sees their weakness and readily transforms as a chameleon to befriend them and make them believe that she cares about them. Cassidy, Allison and Nicole don't know that they are all involved with the murderer in her deadly games and this tale of intrigue winds it's tentacles around these friends as they become involved with this sociopathic villain on a first name basis. Each of these ladies has their own set of life problems and they are faced with difficult decisions while trying to stop this cold-blooded murderer with a Heart of Ice. Will their friendship survive as the killer closes her snare and tries to eliminate the those that might catch her?

This book is a gripping story of intrigue that you will not want to put down once you start reading it.

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

BEAU-TEA

2011-03-31T09:31:00.001-05:00

With the help of her gracious co-hostess, Mrs. Helen Downey, Mrs. Teela Young hosted a Spring Tea this past week for the ladies of Ron Young's Sunday School Class, Springfield Baptist Church in Mrs. Downey's beautiful home. Mrs. Downey and Mrs. Young greeted their guests with matching black and white polka dot aprons that were trimmed in pink.

To begin the Tea Party, the ladies were asked to walk one at a time to the center of the flower clad living room and briefly explain why they chose the hat they wore that day.

Tea etiquette was discussed as the ladies helped themselves to star shaped chicken salad sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, Tea biscuits with lemon curd and devonshire cream, fudge cake and strawberry balls and took their place at the linen covered table with a fresh floral arrangement provided by Mrs. Downey.

Raspberry Framboise Tea was recommended as everyone's first cup, then the ladies were encouraged to tried various other teas provided.

Mrs. Young brought a devotional on BEAU-TEA pointing out that we are all beautiful because we are God's creation and she referenced the old saying, "Beauty is as Beauty does" to remind us that outward beauty is only skin deep, but true beauty comes from within.

Those attending this beautiful Tea were: Co-hostess Mrs. Helen Downey, Hostess Mrs. Teela Young, Mrs. Debbie Davis, Mrs. Kelly Harris, Mrs. Lori Thomas, Mrs. Wendy Lee, and Mrs. Laurie McTier.

Photos provided by Mrs. Laurie McTier.

The Convenient Groom

2011-03-26T03:17:00.000-05:00

Five hours and counting until Kate says "I do" to Bryan, that is until Kate who is in Lucas Wright's shop to check on the wedding gazebo, receives a phone call from Bryan saying that he is calling off the wedding. This is the beginning of THE CONVENIENT GROOM, a christian romance by Denise Hunter.

Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put it down! How can someone just step up and offer to be the groom in less than 5 hours when you know the bride has just been jilted and is no way in love with you? That's what Lucas Wright does when he overhears Kate's heart breaking phone conversation with her fiance.

What choices does Kate Lawrence have? As a celebrity marriage counselor and with the immanent release of her new book, Kate does not want to look like a fool and lose book sales, so she says "I do" to someone that she knows is absolutely wrong for her. Carrying negative feelings from her parents' failed marriage and seeing how they were total opposites sets Kate up what she can only interpret as a doomed marriage to her Convenient Groom. But does God have a plan through all of this and will Kate be open to surrendering control of her life to Him and opening her heart to Lucas?

This is an easy read, pulling our attention and hearts into it book that I would definitely recommend. http://www.thomasnelson.com

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Pack your bags

2011-03-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love anticipating a trip? I am a planner. I get a calendar and will write down when we're leaving, when we're coming back, what we might do that would require SPECIAL clothing and plans, then I begin to write down what I will wear on each day/evening or outing....my husband says that I drive him crazy with plans! But to me, the anticipation and journey are very much part of the whole trip/vacation process. I can just see my sister doing these very things as she'll be coming for a visit to TN from CO in a couple of weeks, so it must be in the genes! bwhaaaa! My dear friend, Kristal http://www.gettingcricky.com has a challenge entitled Pack your bags. She's got some of the grooviest cards & projects on her blog, be sure and check it out! This is my creation for the blog contest and since I'm still very much "in between" the two houses, I cannot even remember what stamp I used, but the papers are smooth Bazzill except for the sun which is textured and though my photo may not show it, I inked the edges of the sun. The purse is a stamp from Michaels and so are the alphabet stamps that I just arranged on my acrylic block and stamped vertically.

Thanks to everyone that sent Birthday wishes yesterday, it was a wonderful day! And LOOK what my son and beautiful daughter in law sent me.. ROSES! They were on the patio table last night when I came in from church. What a lovely surprise!

Have a Blessed Day!
Hugs,
Teela

Sunday's Challenge to FLUTTER

2011-03-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know that I LOVE coffee. Since 18months old, sitting on my grandpa Hayden's knee, drinking it from his green (Oatmeal) saucer, I've always been a Java Junkie. So when Kristal http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/03/simply-sunday-challenge-all-flutter.html issued the challenge to make a project that makes you FLUTTER...I immediately thought of coffee. How Folgers describes me when they say the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup....I cannot wait to get that first cup of Joe in the morning. Black....that is, Texas Gold...ummmmm....So, I know that coffee is like an oxymoron since if too much it literally makes my heart flutter...but here is my project for the challenge. Made with "generic" stamps from Michael's and odds and ends of papers:

Spring Break

2011-03-16T06:49:00.000-05:00

Yeah, it's Spring Break. Sad we are not going skiing in Colorado or to a beach house, but it's going to be a good one. For starters, got together w/some really great friends Monday night for dinner. And I brought this Mango Key Lime Pie from Publix...oh my! If you get a chance, you must give that one a try! The mango tones down the tartness.
My 2 daughters are coming in today & tonight and my son in law (he's the best! Really...) and all 3 of my grands.I plan on tea parties, weiner roasts, games and lots of fun!

another groovy thing about this spring is that Sharon is giving away this wowza of a spring bling package. Wouldn't I love to win that! http://rsmobleysdesigns.blogspot.com/
Have a Safe and wonderful Break if you have one, if not take a break .. remember it's spring, when things wake, warm and wiggle and warble, so get out there and enjoy God's creation!

just a little something black and white and pink

2011-03-10T13:18:00.000-06:00

A few months ago I saw this little covered pampers wipes container and thought, I can do that, after all that's what I clean my face with! A friend of mine said, if it's good enough for a new born babies bottom, it's good enough for your face...so it works and it's cheap and I have them when the grands come and I might need them for cleanups on their little bodies!

I think I made this out of a fat quarter, one that I just picked up at Big Lots for 99 cents. But a little bit of batting around it, hot glued it and then hot glued my Large Pink Rick-Rack round the top. (be sure and put batting over that top little lift up opening, so you'll have to open like this. Then I made a pink and black polka dot flower by just gathering up some ribbon and hot gluing over a strip of the pink rick-rack that I stretched across the top. Like my friend, Kristal says, EASY PEASY and isn't it just too cute! (and functional!)

It's turned cold here again and raining and I'm still battling asthmatic bronchitis (day 9).

Be safe and remember that God is there with us in the hard times and the good!

Blessings~

Teela

Come for Tea

2011-03-06T17:41:00.002-06:00

For Getting Cricky with KAndrew Designs Sunday Challenge Sugar & Spice. http://www.gettingcricky.com/
Teela's Tea Party~ March 26, 2:00 pm
The tea will be hot, we'll have pastries and bread,
My only request is a hat on your head!

I cut in 1/2 an 8 1/2 x 11 " card stock of light brown

Then cut out a 4" floral flower and on the coordinating side of the paper used it to cut the small teapots and cut the word Tea out, and punched a 2" hole in my card

Used Martha Stewart punch to punch the lace around the bottom.

Embellished w/ribbon and buttons. Printed the invitation on paper with all the particulars and cut and will insert into the invitations before mailing them.

2011-02-28T23:53:00.000-06:00

Something to think about.....
Today as I was listening to the rain pelting the tin roof and watching the stream in our backyard swell over its banks, I was reminded of the Luke 6:8 passage, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” You know, you don't have to be wealthy to share. Just open your heart and listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. There's someone out there that needs your touch. Maybe just ask them over for a cup of coffee. Or maybe you could take someone shopping. We need to be available to be used of God, and when He speaks, we need to not only listen, but obey.

A Bug Collection

2011-02-24T20:29:00.000-06:00

Last night, I previewed Max Lucado's Hermie & Friends A BUG COLLECTION volume 3. There are 3 complete DVD's in this collection:

Disc 1: Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn't Pray.

This DVD is about a Praying Mantis that doesn't know how to pray, nor does he pray until a storm destroys his Snack Shack. Milo searches several

different ways to reach God but learns in the end, that God is always there, waiting for us to talk to him, like a friend.
Disc 2: Busby and the Grumble Bees. This DVD is about bee-having and how misbehaving touches everyone around us. Milo's niece and nephew are
unpleasant to be around and they learn that when everyone misbehaves like them, that it's not a good thing. So these two grumblebees learn from being
with their Uncle Milo and his friends, the importance of behaving correctly and having manners.
Disc 3: Hailey & Bailey's Silly fight teaches us the importance of getting along with others.

Talented actors portray the characters on these DVDs. Some of the voices on these DVDs include Tim Conway, Melissa Disney,

Richard Kind, Sam Mercurio and Victoria Jackson.

These DVDs are appropriate for the entire family, but especially for the younger children aged 3 - 5 or so. The filming is clear, the DVDs are of great

quality and they should hold children's attention with the bright colors and the cute voices. An added bonus to the DVDs are the coloring pages, the games and wallpaper.

I would recommend this set for parents and grandparents to have in their home as a teaching tool with pre-school and early elementary age children.

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

Copic Markers

2011-02-23T12:21:00.000-06:00

ooh... Michelle over at http://michellesscrap.blogspot.com/2011/02/blog-candy-winner-and-new-blog-candy.html is giving away some candy and since I don't have but green and pink in the copic markers, I would LOVE to win this set. Be sure and check her out and I hope that your spirit is sunny and grateful even though the skies are overcast and the temp has plummeted!

Is Winter over??

2011-02-23T09:32:00.000-06:00

You know the warmer weather can give us a false hopethat spring being right around the corner. I even went out and picked a few daffodils yesterday and have them in my kitchen windowsill, to be assurance that spring is coming. And since the thermometer plunged back into the low 20's last night, it's a wonderful reminder that God made the lilies of the field and He dressed them in their beauty and truly, He will bring these fragrant beauties to life again and dress them in their showy bonnets. Be sure and check out scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com/ she's got her groove on in this giveaway...hoping for SPRING to come soon!

Weekend Away

2011-02-20T21:45:00.000-06:00

My girls and I had a great weekend in spite of our concert (Over the Rhine) being cancelled and my oldest daughter started running fever, backache, headache, coughing flu....but just to think that they would want to celebrate my survival (5 yrs) is HUGE to me. If we had the money we'd be going to NYC or Las Vegas or somewhere every year together! So go back tonight and found out that Lauri's living with fibro is having a giveaway over on her blog, so be sure and check her out!

Hasn't this weather been great?! Did you see where OKC had a temperature change of 110 degrees w/in one week.? Crazy weather, huh? Enjoy it when you can...and remember to plant something and watch it grow!

March flower: JONQUIL

http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/02/challenge-stamping-material-girl.html

2011-02-18T07:38:00.000-06:00

Ok, another first for me and I was wanting to enter this challenge so badly, but do not have but a couple of stamps with me and don't even have a printer here in the cabin, so I had to doodle my image. I would LOVE to have a Loralie stamp they are just too cool, but for this challenge, I had to wing it. So, here goes, I really enjoy sewing and thought ok, do I have anything here I can use for "fabric" to make an image w/fabric, and this is what I came up with. A different take on KAndrew's material girl. Maybe you have a neat stamp and would like to join this challenge. Be sure and check out Getting cricky with KAndrews blog challenges. Enjoy your weekend! My girls are taking me to Nashville to see Over the Rhine and for a girl's weekend, in celebration of my 5th year anniversary of my brain surgery! YIPPEE!

My first attempt

2011-02-17T13:09:00.000-06:00

Good day on this warm TENN Thursday. I'm slow in getting a project done for a challenge going on at http://www.gettingcricky.com/2011/02/tim-holtz-humble-spirited-altered.html So here goes:

I tried to do something altered and painted and out of the ordinary, so I made a flower out of scraps of paper (which I brushed w/brown ink to age) and out of paper out of an old phone book. I cut several 6" circles and then cut it pieshaped and curled the edges under, put a red button in the center and draped little seed pearls around, and attached it to a small cardstock circle to which I had adhered a safety pin. So here's my "corsage". Hope you can get some ideas from this. Blessings~

Woman, the mood setter

2011-02-15T12:01:00.000-06:00

Early in our ministry, I remember 1 particular point of a sermon my DH was preaching, and that was that Women set the mood in their homes. We've all seen that cute little saying at Craft Fairs, "if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy", outerbankscountrystore and we giggle, but deep down inside, we know that is the truth. How many times have we started our day in a bad mood and before long our children and husband have adopted that mood as well? The same goes if Hubby comes in from work a grouch and you have already decided to be pleasant, no matter how grouchy he is, it won't be long before he starts to softens up and loses some of that grouchiness.
"In a culture that tells us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate, and that being vulnerable is being weak, it is so much easier to criticize than it is to contribute. " http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brene-Brown/188471851167932
We celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday, and hopefully it was a good day for you and your family. But I'm going to try to make today just as pleasant for my loved ones as I tried yesterday and on those special occasion days. I want to be a contributor everyday to my loved ones, not a woman to be known for criticizing.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T20:09:00.000-06:00

Sorry to be so late in the day with this post, but I've been out of town (Dr.'s appointment & tests) today and just walked in. This is Valentine's and I hope that you and your sweetheart are or have done something "romantic" and that you both feel blessed to have the other one in your life. Having said that, this is going to be a short post, so that I can snuggle up w/my darling husband.
Thank you for all your lovely comments during KAndrew's Cricky across the 50 Wow, I cannot believe all the crafters out there that engaged in this hop!
The lucky winner that Random.org helped pick is alohalisa who said...
"Awesome scrapbook page! I am a new follower!
lisa_williamson2004 @ yahoo dot com". Lisa give me a shout with your mailing address. Thanks again to my followers! You made me feel Special!

"For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop!

2011-02-09T11:11:00.001-06:00

Going live at 9:00am, Feb. 11th!

Hey there! Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop hosted by K Andrew of Getting Cricky! http://www.kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com/ I am thrilled you are here! If you came by way of the uber talented Renee Kowalchick of KoolChik Crafts http://koolchikcrafts.blogspot.com/ then you are in the right spot. If you just arrived here and would like to start from the beginning please go to KAndrew's Getting Cricky! http://www.kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com/. For this blog hop K Andrew is celebrating her big move across the country with a big road trip, and of course this hop across the 50 states!

I'm so humbled to join the most talenteed and bestest scrapper/crafter, K Andrew in her hop.

I am representing 25th state of the Union ..Arkansas! Woooo...pig...soooooooie!

Recipe for scrap page:
*1 HOG nose, made by cutting the bottom off a styrofoam cup and painting, various cricut cartridges for tree border and including SWEET TREATS (sprinkled with fun) and I created an SVG file with the razorback, and horse and jockey. If you would like that file, please contact me.

When I met my husband he was playing football at the University of Arkansas. My son is a graduate of U of A and our entire family from great grandpa to little Benji are die-hard HAWG fans! If you ever travel to Arkansas, you really need to visit Hot Springs and although it's not a large town, it's a beautiful town surrounded by 3 lakes.

When you think Arkansas, you just have to think Arkansas Razorbacks (affectionately called HOGS!) From Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville to Oaklawn Park Horse Track in Hot Springs ~ Arkansas is one of the most bee-u-tiful states I've lived in (and I've lived in 10!) One of our favorite sports is water skiing/boating and Arkansas has many lakes and is known for being a sportsman's paradise with fishing and water sports. Another TO DO is to dine at McClard's BBQ in Hot Springs. Only order the tamale! It's like fritoes, with tamales on top, then BBQ, then cheese and or course onions. It's unbelievably good! Even former Pres. Clinton (graduate of Hot Springs High School) would come back home for McClard's.

Please leave a comment and HOW to get in touch with you, for an opportunity to win the blog candy I'm giving away (of course if you would like to follow my blog, that would be kind of 'ya!) I'll post the winner Monday, Feb. 14th.

Please make sure to leave comments on all of the blogs for a chance to win several different Grand Prizes on Getting Cricky's blog, from these great & generous companies: Scrap N Tote, Scrap N Easel, Cri-Kits, Creative Charms, Memory Miser, Scrappy Chic Cafe, Loralie Designs, My Pink Stamper, Peachy Keen Stamps, Cricut Town, The Scrappin' Table, Piktails, and Pink by Design. And make sure to visit ALL the blogs as every single blog will have fabulous giveaways!

Thanks for stopping by and now on to your next leg of this hop the rockin' Jess Marin of My Scrap Diary: http://www.myscrapdiary-jess.blogspot.com.

A billion reasons why

2011-02-07T11:03:00.001-06:00

A Billion Reasons Why is my introductory book to christian chick lit author, Kristin Billerbeck. This romance centers around Katie McKenna, raised in the Irish Channel of New Orleans, a girl trying to escape her previous love of 40's style singing, dancing and a former bold, breath-taking boyfriend whom she fiecely loved, Luc DeForges, by moving to California and becoming a school teacher and church soloist. She is soon to be engaged to Dexter, who seems to be the logical, dependable, safe choice for a husband. But eight years after fleeing New Orleans, and a former lifestyle, Katie's former love, Luc, enters the picture in California, showing up at her school and begging her to go back to New Orleans for his brother's wedding. Wanting her late grandmother's ring for her wedding and knowing that it is in New Orleans, Katie reluctantly agrees to go back to New Orleans with Luc on his private jet. Once back in New Orleans, Katie must deal with some unresolved issues in her life and face a domineering mother who has since remarried after the loss of Katie's dad. But just like the moss on the live oak trees, Luc is very much in love with Katie and looking for the opportunity to prove his love to her. But as Katie says, there are a billion reasons why she should marry Dexter. Will Katie marry the steady Dexter, or be drawn to the manetism of Luc? What is God's desire for her?

This book is a delightful easy read; a story about love and passion and God's plan for our lives.
I recommend this book and give it four stars.

I received this book from Booksneeze, the review is my opinion, and I did not receive any compensation for my review. http://www.thomasnelson.com/

2011-01-31T09:03:00.000-06:00

It's been a cold wet, snowy winter so far and this past weekend, gave us a quick glimpse of the springtime that surely awaits us, but it could be another 6 weeks or so before she peeks her yellow bonneted head through the frozen earth to greet us.

But before we can say goodbye winter, Valentine's Day arrives and I try to make that as special as I can (you know me...instant party!). I've got my LIPS cookie cutter out and think, I should bake cookies this week, after all, I've got some ladies coming over tomorrow night to make Valentine Day Cards. Wouldn't that be a special treat? You know, I have all these grandiose plans, then look outside at the glummy weather today, and it's tough for me to even stay awake. As excited as I get thinking about "playing" w/my cricut and making cards, why do I stay so "tired" in the winter?
Before I forget Maire Clair with http://mccplg.blogspot.com has current coupons posted and also is drawing for a blogprize. Thanks, M-C for looking up and getting those coupons in one spot!
Maybe since the coffee is not doing the trick to wake me and make me alert, I will take just a very short nap! Maybe when I wake up, I'll be chipper and perky just like the first sighting of a jonquil or daffodil.

2011-01-21T15:20:00.002-06:00

http://kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com I have having a difficult time attaching links...sorry

Created for Getting Cricky Challenge

2011-01-21T14:53:00.003-06:00

This is my entry for Kristal with FEB. challenge. I know it's a little early for MardiGras, but I couldn't help myself! Be sure and check out Kristal's website. The girl is like a Crafting GENIUS!

A healthier me

2011-01-04T13:56:00.004-06:00

OK, so I'm working on the "spiritual" side of me, but I also need to work on getting healthy. I mean, really anything over 4 prescriptions every month is out of control and I am taking well over a dozen every month! So, I've got an appointment w/my internist and going to see if we can't get me off some of these prescriptions and get my pain under control, me back sleeping at night, and getting my body tuned up like it should be. No, that doesn't mean I'm joining the gym (OH MY...) but I really do wish that I would get out there and walk! Nothing stops me from that except I am too lazy and always find something else to do. I've never had a treadmill, maybe with that, there would be no excuse (too cold, too hot, rainy, too much snow)...but for now, I guess I could at least start with climbing the stairs more often and cut down on the sweets. Maybe 2011 will be the year when I can shed a few pounds but most importantly shed some negativity that I've picked up the last 5 years. After all, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine! So laugh with me and let's enjoy the life that God gave us! Hang in there.

2011

2011-01-03T20:11:00.002-06:00

Can't believe that it's 2011....that seems like something SCIFY...Do you remember Buck Rogers and the 21st Century?
This year one of my resolutions is to read the Bible through. It's been a few years since I've done this and I'm hoping and praying that Ron and I can do this together and stay on schedule. And I'm striving to be a HALF-FULL type gal. I've got a good support system in place and keeping my eyes on the Lord and am so grateful for all the ways He provided this past year. He is a good God! And He'a crazy about me~

2010-12-27T22:35:00.003-06:00

John MacArthur does an excellent job in his latest book, Slave, when he reminds us of an almost forgotten biblical word used to describe our relationship in Christ. It is an unpopular word and almost an unspoken word in our current world. He peaks your curiosity in his preface as he proclaims a “centuries-long cover-up by English New Testament translators that had obscured a precious, powerful, and clarifying revelation by the Holy Spirit. He makes the statement that he believes the cover-up was not initially intentional, yet it has had dramatically serious results.

He goes to great lengths with much biblical evidence to paint a picture that has been obscured by the miss-translations of the Greek work “doulos”. This Greek word for slave appears 124 times in the original text, according to MacArthur, yet, it is translated only once in the King James version as “slave”. He goes on to say that most of the modern translations do only slightly better. He comments that it almost seems like a conspiracy.

His book is filled with vivid illustrations and real life examples that are moving and challenging. He presents a wonderful exposition of the doctrines of grace as he unfolds our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ as it is contained in this lost in translation word “slave”.

I received this book from Booksneeze and did not receive any compensation for my review.

Less is More

2010-12-27T21:25:00.004-06:00

Just thinking as we came in last night from visiting our kids, that we don't have many Christmas decorations up, but that is going to give me more time to do other things since it won't take me long at all to put them away! Now my BIGGY is going to be to really organize my craft things. And throw away the "scrap paper"...which is so hard for me, you'd think I came through the great depression. I remember my grandma Hayden (who bless her heart, did come through the depression and never had much at all), she would save all her aluminum foil and believe it or not, I've tried to do that, but something happens, I mean chemically or something! Once you use it and wad it up, it just seems to change and not work the same! Which brings me to another thought, once the Holy Spirit comes in and changes us, we don't work the same, do we? Sin bothers us (or it definitely should!). We enjoy talking about Christ Jesus and heaven and sharing our beliefs with those that might listen to us. Ok, where's that basket of scrap paper? Maybe I sift through it first.

A time of Giving

2010-12-15T12:37:00.003-06:00

Last night Ron and I were invited to attend a SS class Christmas party. We were guests of some dear friends that we've just made, but already have attached our hearts to as friends. The sweet lady insisted on making my "pot" for the potluck and also getting our dirty santa gifts. At the end of the night, we came home w/leftovers and 2 lovely gifts. When I got home I thought, I did nothing to deserve the best gift, I did NOT even take a gift or anything to eat! But this couple in their generosity, provided the "payment" for us and we eagerly joined in the merriment of playing dirty santa. Isn't this how you want to be? I do. I want to be CHRIST-like, giving, not expecting anything in return, just to see joy on another's face or to meet a neet. God has blessed us much this past year and many times, my excitement fades and my grateful spirit diminishes. I need to remember HOW GOOD & FAITHFUL GOD IS. He has supplied all our needs. And here at the end of the year during the Christmas Season, I need to be more thoughtful than ever to reach out and love others and give:

*"God loves a cheerful giver". II Cor. 9:7

*Give and it shall be given again to you, good measure, shaken down, running over". Lk.6:38

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

2010-12-12T20:12:00.005-06:00

Well, here it is less than 2 weeks until Christmas and Ron and I are "snowed in" here in the cabin. It's like a Hallmark card, or remember those Currier & Ives cards and tins? Even though we have both been sick we are so blessed. God has met our needs and taken care of us in spectacular ways. We are living a much MUCH more SIMPLE LIFE but maybe our, ok, maybe I should just speak for myself (tee...hee) my life needed to scale down some and to remember it's NOT about me.

M-C's Blog

2010-12-10T14:16:00.002-06:00

My ebuddy and the gal that keeps all the coupons in one place for us, M-C, is having a really wonderful giveaway that any scrapper/crafter would just LOVE! Please check her out: http://mccplg.blogspot.com/

Life is Scrap™ Official Site

2010-12-09T08:14:00.001-06:00

Life is Scrap™ Official Site she has the cutest totes and T-shirts and I've added a tote and an XL Tee shirt to my wish list.

Scrappers Anonymous: Holiday Gifts for Friends/Neighbors...

2010-12-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

Scrappers Anonymous: Holiday Gifts for Friends/Neighbors...

She's Up To It Again

2010-12-08T10:37:00.002-06:00

My friend Kristal is doing it again, or should I say, she's still doing giveaways! The gal is so generous! Hop on over and check her out! http://kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Plus a great big Happy Birthday to the best sister in the entire world.
JOHNA...I cannot imagine my life without you little sister. You always stand beside me and take up for me (even though I'm the oldest and LARGEST!!), you shoot straight with me about things I need to work on (but of course in a loving way that only a sis can) and you are always encouraging and cheering me to KEEP on going. We have a race to run in this life, and many of us are in the outside bumpy lane and maybe we have hurdles that others don't have, but it's our cheerleaders that keep us going and my sis is an incredible lady, who loves and lives larger than life in her petit body that still looks like she's 30! ARG...not fair! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNA!