Thankful Thursday

I am loving living in Southern Indiana near a peach orchard during peach season.  They are SO good this year.  This last batch?  Big as softballs some of them and juicy!  Good stuff.  And yes... it's even better all chopped up and sitting in my pretty pink tinted birthday week antique bowl.  It would just make anything taste better don't ya think? 

I am also thankful that they haven't come and carted me away to the place for little ol' senile Monogirls.  Why?  Um as I was just sharing on facebook... and no I don't know why... that every time I email my self a photo from my phone in the 30 seconds it takes to get from my phone to my computer I forget that I sent it.... so then I hear my mailbox click and I'm all oh... I wonder who sent me an email. I'm OK though. Really. I am realizing I also do this at times when I text someone... I really thought I had a better attention span than that.  Apparently not. 


Other things I am thankful for on good ol' Thankful Thursday here on the blog?

• that I got 5 more hours in on office work from home between last night and today.  yay me!
• that my husband likes to cook.  And he's good at it.
• that 2... or is it 3... more publishers approved me for book reading this week and yes... TWO of them are Amish Fiction
• Vanilla ice cream with oreos broken up on top
• a good nights sleep without waking up 9 times coughing
• the trilogy book I'm reading now.  Loving it.
• benadryl.  Have had some itching issues with a new med this week...sadly its the one helping me not to cough.  Stinkin' allergies.
• a little more beach time this summer ... it is still summer isn't it? 
• pink Tupperware
• date night at home last week.  We had pasta from town and watched 2 movies.  And um yep... at the moment?  NO idea what the 2 movies were.  We liked them though.  One had the guy from The Notebook but he was a bank robber/carnie guy in this one.  The other?  Oh yep.. .that one about the White House.  Olympus Has Fallen I think.  It was good.
• Faith In Action Day
• lunch at La Carreta
• Darrel and I watching our shows together
• crocheting
• working from home.  I know.  I said that.  But its a wonderful option when its needed.
• beautiful weather on Faith In Action Day
• my Kindle
• longer hair
• hair scarves and bandannas
• scent portables for the car
• diet Pepsi
• getting further in our remodeling process and yes even living in the dinning room
• the new rugs we ordered for the living room and dinning room
• starting to notice little hints of fall

Well... that is all I have for today. I may be on a small blogging break for the next week.  Not quite sure.  Just wanted to give you a heads up in case you don't see me for a bit.  Thanks for visiting with me today!  Blessings!

The Letters

Yep here I am as promised with a review for you of The Letters.  Are you all set?  Good... here we go! 

Book Review for The Letters, by Suzanne Woods Fisher, publisher: Revell Books, Aug. 1, 2013, 320 pages.

Let's start with a summary of the book from the publisher:
Rose Schrock is a plain woman with a simple plan. Determined to find a way to support her family and pay off her late husband's debts, she sets to work to convert the basement of her Amish farmhouse into an inn. While her family, especially her cranky mother-in-law, is unhappy with Rose's big idea, her friend and neighbor, Galen King, supports the decision and he helps with the conversion. As Rose finalizes preparations for visitors, she prays. She asks God to bless each guest who stays at the Inn at Eagle Hill. As the first guest arrives and settles in, Rose is surprised to discover that her entire family is the one who receives the blessings, in the most unexpected ways. And she's even more surprised when that guest decides to play matchmaker for Galen King.

With her signature plot twists combined with gentle Amish romance, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites readers back to Stoney Ridge for fresh stories of simple pleasures despite the complexity of life. Fisher's tale of God's providence and provision will delight her fans and create many new ones. Welcome to the Inn at Eagle Hill.

As you know I've had a major thing for Amish Fiction this year so I was very excited to read this book.  Was I disappointed?  Nope.  Why?  Well first the cover totally pulled me in.  I guess it doesn't make a lot of sense, but I am totally drawn to what books I want to read by the cover and this one totally had my attention. 

Secondly I was once again drawn into the descriptions of the Amish lifestyle and a simpler life amidst the chaos that seems to surround me at times. 

I found Rose's story and that of her family to be quite uplifting.  Following the death of her husband Rose is left with a Mother-in-law who can be hard to love to care for.  She also had a family to support as well as a mountain of unpaid debt due to some of her husband's business ventures gone wrong.  Sounds depressing right? Instead of being mired in the problems, Rose seeks God and his peace and His plan and because of her walk with Him she is led to start an Inn in their home which turns into a blessing for both her and her family.  I loved Rose's attitude.  I enjoyed her friendship with Galen and the romance that blossomed from there. There was adventure with the activities of her young sons as well as family friend Jimmy Fisher.  Delia's story was also quite touching and it was a comfort to see how she was led from despair to spiritual and emotional renewal.  Good stuff! 

I was left wanting to continue on with Rose and their family and their story so I was pleased to discover there will be a book 2 in the Inn at Eagle Hill series due out this January.  Yay!  Cause you know I just love a series too. 

I recently read another good review on The Letters here and thought it was very cool to see a picture of Galens swing!  Be sure to check that out after you enjoy the book.

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of Revell Books.

Ten On Tuesday

1) So..... this is the dinning room.  That sentence keeps going through my head.  It's from an old commercial... I don't remember what for.  Apparently it wasn't that good of a commercial then ha!  Anyway... we are currently living in the dinning room while Demo in the living room is ongoing.  The dinning room is smaller... and I've never had my recliner and my TV in the dinning room... so its just a bit odd.  Thankful though that we haven't had to kick ourselves out of both rooms completely just yet!

2) Oh... I should mention that the dinning room has a hanging light fixture that would normally hang over the dinning room table.  Funny how that works out isn't it.  My 5 ft 2" self has no trouble walking right under it without even noticing but um my 6 ft 2" husband?  Not so much.  2 days ago I asked him how long he thought it would be before he whacked is head on it.... so of course it happened shortly thereafter! ha.  Anyone want to take a guess on how many more times it will happen while we are living in here?

3) This would be the dinning room ceiling.   It has these old particle board tiles on it so we are starting to take those down.  What did we discover underneath?  A plaster ceiling with something like wallpaper on it.  Did they used to wallpaper their ceilings and if so.... why?  We were wondering if the plaster ceiling could be saved but are now thinking the boards they put up to attach the tiles to will probably leave the plaster full of holes.  I guess we will have to wait and see. 

4) This would be Miss Sophie... walking all over my lap... fluffing me up like I'm a pillow or something.... and barely holding still for this photo op.  But she is just too cute to pass up the opportunity don't ya think?  And I might add its not fun being fluffed by Miss Sophie... she tends to use her claws when she's doing that and um Ouch!

5) We've got quite a busy week so we decided China Wok was just the ticket for dinner.  My new love at China Wok?  The fried dumplings.  Yum.  How have I been missing these all these Chinese food eatin years?  You must try them immediately and if you do?  Be certain to get the dipping sauce cause it is definitely the best part.

6) After finishing my next Netgalley review book (The Letters... which was quite good.... review coming tomorrow) I started on a book I had on hold from the Library which is the Sisters of the Heart Trilogy by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It's actually 3 books in one volume and SO good.  It's that thick book I was showing you in a recent post.  I am currently nearly done with book 2 and fast approaching book 3!  Be sure to check this one out if you are an Amish Christian Fiction fan like Monogirl. 

 













7) This past Sunday was "Faith in Action" Sunday in church.  Faith in Action is about "don't just go to church... BE the church."  We do that by taking a Sunday and going out into our community and doing service projects for people that need help.  This was my favorite picture from this past FIA.  Sweet little lady who needed her garage painted with Matt from our church.  He was on the same team Darrel was and I was the official photographer, food delivery person and chauffeur when needed.  It was a good day and for me this picture just says it all!

8) This may be the last batch of fresh orchard peaches we get to enjoy this year because the season is coming to an end soon. They have been sooooo good this year I had to stop and get another basket after work today. Had to. Have you had a southern Indiana fresh orchard peach? You are missing out. We took two bags to Darrel's family on the 85th birthday weekend and they made short work of those. I am thinking that is high peach praise.

9) Remember when I was totally in love with Cindy Woodsmall's Amish Vines and Orchards series?  I like totally inhaled books 1 & 2 and could not WAIT until book 3.  Well book 3 came out today!  yay!!  SO excited about that and LOVE how you can pre-order and then they just appear on your Kindle when the day arrives.  What a nice little happy gift that is!  And as a special bonus?  The author announced today there will also be a book 4! 

10) Look what we have living in a nest on our garage.  Baby Mourning Doves and their Momma.  So pretty.  So sweet and I just LOVE Mourning doves.  They make the most beautiful calling sound.  Of course if we have baby birds in the yard that means my husband is also out in the yard with his camera.  First he was holding the camera over his head.  Then he was standing on a bucket.  Then he got the ladder.  He is a very determined  baby bird photographer apparently. 

Tune in tomorrow night.  I have a really busy work week but am hoping to get back to do the review for The Letters!  Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

29 Years ago today, the day this photo was taken, my then "friend" Darrel had just returned from a fishing trip with my Dad and my brother.  Dad had to go to work and was eating lunch before he went in for an afternoon shift.  Darrel was visiting with him in this photo.  He hung around for the rest of the day and we spent some time together.  When it was time to go home, I walked him out as I usually did and we sat down on the porch together.  I was sitting on his knee and we were talking and then he hugged me.  While he was hugging me I felt his hand jerk behind my back and wondered what he was doing.  Turned out... what he was doing, was taking off his class ring.  He gave it to me.  ME.  Can you believe it?  Me either.  I was on CLOUD 9... or cloud 20 if there is such a thing.  But it gets better.  After he gave me the ring?  He said... for the first time to me..... "I love you."  He loves me?  Did I hear him wrong?  Is that really what he said?  Oh.  My. Goodness.  One of the happiest moments of my life and if God had took me home on the spot after that I would have told you that was OK because I couldn't possibly ever be happier. Young and so so in love and just knocked over by the fact that this guy.... this so handsome, so amazing, I thought way to good for me and would never be interested in me guy....my good friend..... He wanted me and loved me. Wow.  Here we are 29 years later and I am still amazed that God could love me so much to bless me with this man.  Back then I thought it couldn't get better.  Couldn't get happier.  Now that I am fast becoming a little old Deanna.... I can tell you I was wrong.  Marriage gets better.  The bond that we have always had?  It has grown oh so much deeper and stronger.  The connection, the transparency, the intimacy, the friendship has deepened and grown and wow... when I was young I really had no understanding of what it could become.  Of what God made Marriage to be.  It amazes me and I am SO Thankful for the love and blessing of my husband, for marriage, for everything about him. 

Another cool thing?  Before he gave me his ring?  I was certain he was getting ready to tell me bye.  It was the end of the summer.  We had had a confusing couple of months wondering were we still just friends or were things changing.  He had said several times .... to my dismay... that he wasn't looking for a relationship. He had to focus on school and would be going back to school.... etc etc..... But on that fishing trip.... even with my Dad and brother along... ha! ... he decided he wanted me. I love that he always thought things through about us.  He prayed about moving forward.  He was sure.  And instead of saying bye... he said I love you!  And look where we are now... married 26 years.  I love being married.  I love my husband and I love and am so thankful to God for preparing us for each other and somehow changing our hearts towards each other back in the summer of 1984.  Don't you just love a love story?  Me too.  Especially when it's ours.

Lots more to be thankful for this week too like....

• My DR.  He is awesome and always helps me to feel better just in the way he listens and talks to me. 
• Getting some cleaning done and finding the coffee table which has been buried due to remodeling mess. 
• the new lab tech at the DR getting blood out of my arm in one try! 
• books!
• crocheting.  My scarf wraps around my dwindling skein of yarn several times now.  I know.. we need a new picture.
• diet Pepsi
• walking
• days at home
• beautiful weather
• singing for my friends
• Vacation time approaching
• my husbands support and totally unconditional love and acceptance and how he just gets me.
• Miss Sophie and Mr Tanner
• the garmin that got me to the funeral home and back even on multiple country roads that aren't marked so good.... I mean one time it told me I had arrived at my friend Lori's house and there I sat surrounded by corn fields.  So glad this time it knew what it was doing.
• getting caught up on some work
• having a washer/dryer... could not imagine having to plan laundromat trips every week. 
• Mexican food
• 1000 Gifts
• good friends
• the library
• our State Fair day
• wonderful weather at the fair. 
• Saturday pancakes
• singing on praise team. 
• Kindles... all four of them. 
• understanding
• my pretty pink cinch sack.  Great for the fair!
• pink tupperware
• peaches from the orchard
• date night
• getting back to La Carreta
• My Dad still being here and being healed from cancer.  My friend's Dad that just passed was 2 years younger.  wow. 
• birthday money to spend on vacation
• that its only mid afternoon and my blog entry is about done... and its not like midnight like usual!
• a newly created reading spreadsheet.... yep.  Now tell me you are surprised about that. 
• My new heater/cooler for my office.  Helping so much!
• 2 scriptures that God keeps sending to me.  One of them I saw twice again today. 

God is good and I am thankful for my blessings.  Has your week been good?  I hope so!  Check in with me again on the weekend.  I'll try and at least be back with a book review.  Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday

1) This would be the official State Fair Date day self portrait.  This one came out better than the one we took with my phone because we got allll cracked up because my arm is too short to both hold out the phone AND hit the take the picture button.  It took both of us... .and then my husband in his slow patient fashion was taking too long to push the button so we got a picture of me looking over at his fingers to see if he was going to ever stinkin' push the button or not... Whew... did you make it thru that sentence?  You are good.

2) Here we have DR Darrel Doolittle at the fair proving once again the animals love him.... however having a hand full of feed didn't hurt either. 

3) One of the best parts of the day at the fair is the balloon glow in the evening.  They lined up like 10-12 hot air balloons and inflated them and lit them up... so cool.  Plus.. look how cute my husband is when he is playing photographer.  Here is a shot from the all glow.

Not too shabby for a cell phone photo huh?  I have better shots to share... but Monogirl is way to tired to go thru them all and resize this evening so let's consider this a teaser. 

4) Why is Monogirl way too tired?  Well a dear friend's father died a few days ago and they asked me to sing at his funeral today.   I had a day to learn a new song, but I'd do anything I could to help out my friend and I had heard the song before, just never sang it.  I was able to learn it and God helped me to sing it without bawling today.  Very good thing.  Heading to the funeral home early, helping to deliver some flowers, getting setup for a song, going to the cemetery, a very long walk to the graveside and back at the cemetery, getting back to work, it's all lots of activity, stress, and emotion for Monogirl which is like a triple whammy in getting the fatigue going.  Constant activity and stress are usually worse than the physical.

5) Look.... do wonders never cease?  Actually progress on the crocheting front.  The crocheting mood just hit me the other day and so I went with it.  Loving this pattern and loving the book it came from.  Now I just need to figure out how to read my book and crochet at the same time... ha!  Another cool thing?  The publisher has a new lace knitting One Skein Wonders book coming out in September and I get to review it for Netgalley.  How awesome is that?  It's got some very pretty, way beyond Monogirl's beginning knitting skills patterns, but it sure makes me want to work on it plus I think there is a project or two I can try now.  Keep watching for a peek and review of the book coming soon.

6) Yes.  PINK Tupperware.  Did everyone but Monogirl know Tupperware has pink stuff?  Cause soon as we saw these at the State Fair, we knew a couple were heading home with us because lets face it.... lunch just tastes better when it comes in PINK Tupperware.  Trust me this theory has been tested and proven true.

7) Are we all aware that the FALL stuff is out at Bath & Body Works?  I love BBW Fall stuff... as you are probably well aware... and am happy to do my part to spread the word!  This was my happy mail today.  An assortment of pumpkin smelling pocket anti-bac and 2 pumpkin candles.  This might be my second order.  I might already have a stash of sweet cinnamon pumpkin soap to fill up my pumpkin soap guy.  I might restrain myself till September before breaking him out of the cabinet.

8) Since finishing A Simple Faith which I reviewed on Sunday I have now started on The Letters.  Yes. Another Amish story.  And yes.  Another good one it would seem.  According to the little page counter guy that lives inside my Kindle there are 3 hours and 59 minutes left in the book... which means next review coming up soon! 

9) Wondering what my favorite food was at the fair? Fried Twinkie?  Fried Oreo?  Milkshake?  Nope.  It was this pretzel.  It was the first thing we had.  It was an Amish made pretzel and it was warm and soft and soooooo good.  I wish I could have one every day.  YUM. 

10) Is it a bad thing that Darrel was just getting rid of some boxes and packages that had accumulated in the living room and um one or two or perhaps um like 4 things hadn't been opened and at least one probably arrived in June?  We were thinking perhaps this was a sign perhaps the thing in the package wasn't so necessary after all?  But um 2 things were project life related and have plans to be used for wedding and vow renewal pics and one thing was some hair serum... which I just ran out of and um the other?  PJ's from QVC.  Pink PJ's.... why they never made it out of the package I have no idea... but I am sure Monogirl being Monogirl had something to do with it. 

See you back here on Thankful Thursday!  Blessings. 

A Simple Faith

So I just finished A Simple Faith today.... and I could NOT wait to tell you about it.  Let's get started. 

Book Review for A Simple Faith, publisher: Ballantine Books, Oct. 29, 2013, 384 pages. 

Here is a summary of the book from the publisher: Rushing to the scene of a tragic highway collision, nursing student Haley Donovan draws on her training to care for the passengers in the crumpled van. The experience wins her a place in Lancaster County’s tight-knit Amish society, and draws her to kindhearted psychologist Dylan Monroe. Working side by side with Dylan, who is bringing counseling services to the small town of Halfway, Haley feels an undeniable attraction between them, yet she senses that Dylan is holding back, scarred by the wounds of his past.

Elsie Lapp, the manager of Halfway’s country store, is a voice of cheer and goodwill for her customers. But Elsie’s serene world spins out of control with the terrible crash, and the young woman finds herself grappling for the simple faith that has always sustained her. Her burden is eased by Ruben Zook, a neighbor known for his snide jokes. In the aftermath of the accident, Ruben reveals a tender heart that could easily sweep her away. However, Elsie carries secrets that keep her from surrendering her heart.

Exploring the ways that faith, hope, and charity bring everyone together, A Simple Faith resonates with the sweetness, purity, and power of love. 

This is the first book I have read by Rosalind Lauer and trust me when I tell you it will not be the last.  I mean for one thing, it is book one in a series.  You know how I love a series right?  I mean we just talked about that recently. In my "book"  ha ha ha yes... pun intended... a series of thick books is the cherry on the sundae of just one thick book!  Or maybe its the fudge... cause in my book the fudge is way better than the cherry.... This is book #1 in the Lancaster Crossroads series so score there.  For the second thing?  It looks like Rosalind has lots more Amish Fiction... so of course I must check that out immediately. 

Anyway... where were we? Oh yes... The book!  So good.  Loved the characters.  Loved the story.  Loved that it was a little out of the ordinary of your average Amish Fiction story with more involvement from "Englishers", and a nice little dual romance story line going on too.  It gets your adrenaline going with a terrible car crash with serious injuries.  It deals with timely issues such as texting and driving. It deals with families and their love and support or lack thereof.  It deals with loss and our response to it, healing from it, and even the ways God can use it for good. 

My favorite thing though?  Elsie and Ruben.  Elise is a "little person" and Ruben is quite the opposite from the description given.  Each has had tragedy in their life.  Each has dealt with comments and opinions from others about their appearance and their differences from the average person.  Each has been hurt by that and each has some serious self image issues.  As someone who also deals with self image insecurities and as someone who has been the brunt of the teasing and staring and comments?  I could identify with the characters and so loved how they worked their way through those issues. 

The Amish stories aways seem to bring with them a picture of a world of peace, order, strong faith and simplicity.  I think with my own life feeling chaotic this is one of the reasons I have been drawn to these stories and this one certainly filled that need.  Looking forward to more good reading from Rosalind Lauer.  Hope you will check it out too! 

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of Ballantine Books. 

Thankful Thursday

I am right that it's Thursday correct?  I mean I worked today... and I don't normally go to the office on Thursday so Monogirl is very confused.  Why did I work today?  Tomorrow... STATE FAIR day.  Yay!  It's like an all day date night.  Perfect! 

Thought I'd share another photo from the 85th Birthday celebration.  At the end of the day Saturday, Darrel's sisters wanted to go out to the park and release these luminaries or Chinese lanterns?  Not sure of the "proper" name but I heard them called both things that day.  Apparently Rita had been at some event that had these and loved them so much, she got some to do at Christmas.  Problem.  At Christmas um in Illinois it was COLD windy and things were frozen and um did I mention the wind?  Not conducive to lighting a fire under these things.  Ended up being a good thing for Darrel and I because they had to scrap those plans at Christmas (which we couldn't attend)  and saved it till Mom's birthday!  Aren't they beautiful?  You had to open up the paper lantern part, add the wick, light it, and then hold on to it until it filled with heat and started to want to rise.  Then you let go and they floated away over the water. Sooooo cool.  Loved the night pics!  Very thankful that we got to take part in this!  Here is another pic after some took off. 














Feeling thankful that we had a good weekend and that we got to see how pretty this was at night. 

I am also thankful that the GIANT spider that was stalking me before work this morning never managed to actually touch me.  It might have given me a small heart attack though.  Was going into the garage to get the car and leave for work... BIG honking spider right by the doorknob.  Scared me to death!  I jumped... He jumped.... I grabbed a nearby bucket to try and smash it.  Spider takes this opportunity to run behind the door frame.  Monogirl has to leave for work.... all the while certain that said spider was lurking... waiting... till she got home to give her heart attack #2.  And guess what?  I was right!  Got home... walked towards the door... spider goes scurrying.  I had already made it known to my husband earlier that this menace must be apprehended and terminated immediately should he ever want Monogirl to park the car in the garage again.... and change her mind about moving as some of her non spider loving friends had suggested.  ha!  Jedi Darrel to the rescue although no light sabers were involved... just a good dousing of dead spider spray.  And dead... he is. And Monogirl has decided not to move away and take the car with her. 

I am thankful that I did NOT have to kill Miss Sophie for deciding that the ribbon tabs on my Vera Kindle case would make a great cat toy.  We had a little talk and I explained to her....very carefully... that ANYTHING that has the word "coach" or "vera" on it is NOT a cat toy and that such behavior is likely to get her booted from the house.  Thankfully... she saw my side of things and harmony ensued. 

I am thankful that so many publishers and books have approved Monogirl on netgalley that she is thinking she needs some type of book secretary to keep it all straight.  But then she remembered... oh wait... she is a secretary.... um admin. assistant... not to mention a champion list maker.... so she got started right quick on some list making and book organizing which makes Monogirls head feel oh so much better.  Currently we are reading A Simple Faith (and we are liking it) which will be released at the end of October this year. 

In other thankfulness this week I would have to include.....

• state fair day tomorrow!
• husband's that deal with spiders
• safe travel this past weekend
• birthday cake
• nieces & nephews
• books
• being able to read in the car
• popeyes chicken.... which they have in Illinois... but not in SW Indiana.
• resting in my chair
• Date Night last week which included Amazing Race season 3 episodes, and Pizza and Pasta from town.
• Tanner coming home from the boarder and being oh so happy about that
• diet pepsi
• summer shoes
• pink stuff
• my husband who repaired my sunglasses and my scent portable thingy for the car
• a flexible job that lets me switch days when needed
• Miss Sophie deciding that it is fun to sit with Monogirl sometimes too.... not just Darrel.
• fresh watermelon
• back sacks with pink ruffles so you don't have to carry your stuff all day at the fair
• singing on praise team
• getting some work caught up
• ham and cheese... yes... cheese... but it must be cheddar and it must be cold.... sandwiches which has been the lunch of choice lately
• the library
• Amish fiction
• the 1000 Gifts study we are doing in Sunday School
• oreos
• a stop at baskin robbins on the way home Sunday... they had my all time fav chocolate mousse royale!  Score for Monogirl!
• a new heating /cooling fan device thingy for Monogirls office
• getting rested up from the weekend

Good is good and it's been a good week.   Hope you are feeling blessed as well!  Hope to pop in again on the weekend sometime? Until then.  Blessings!

Ten On Tuesday

1) In my on going love affair with books.... I just have to state for the record that I just love a thick book.... the thicker... the better.  I start to read a summary about a book and discover it's short stories or a Novella?  Not for me.  Is that weird?  I mean its still a book, but its like its just over way too quickly or something.  If I do read a Novella and it gets added to my total towards my yearly goal?  I feel like it was cheating... cause its not a real book.  ha!  Yes.  We are all well aware that Monogirl has issues. 

2)Oh... and so as not to keep you in suspense... the thick book in the photo is this one.  Sisters of the Heart, The Trilogy.  It's actually 3 separate books published into one volume.  That's alright... still fits my thick book criteria.  I spotted this one at a recent trip to Barnes and Noble and had it on hold from the library before we reached home I think.  I'm good like that.

3) Do you ever have to have a conversation with yourself and tell yourself to shut up! AND... stop picking on yourself!  I had to have one of those today.  Monogirl's inner voice can be a pretty big bully sometimes.  Why is it we can say things to ourselves that we would never put up with from someone else?  A friend on facebook just said: " I think it was Zig Ziglar who said, the most influential conversation you will have in any day is the one you have with yourself. With this in mind, anytime the conversation with 'self' starts heading the wrong direction, I speak 2Cor 10:5"  Good advice and a good verse.  It reads: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And there you have your devotional thought for the day.  Take that inner Bully! 

4) Do you think Darrel maybe brought home some watermelon?  I mean goodness!  He said they were all that way at the farm stand so he just picked one... Then later he walks up to me and tries to put a piece of watermelon in my mouth. I told him that the last time he did that, AFTER it was in my mouth... he says... do you think it tastes funny?!!! I told him see.... you give me trust issues... He of course walks away laughing. Monogirl does not need any help acquiring trust issues. 

5) This past weekend we spent Saturday and Sunday with Darrel's family to celebrate his Mom's 85th birthday.  Darrel's sister Renita came up with "Mamaw's Birthday Game" which involved everyone pulling a card and answering the question, and then Mamaw also had to answer each question.  I of course grabbed my phone and started taking notes for the future scrapbook page that was forming in my head.  My favorite question and answer?  What food could you eat every day?  Her answer?  Ice cream.  See.... now I knew I liked her. 

6) Remember the woodworking calamity?  The crisis?  Well this is the result and as you can see... crisis averted.  Darrel made this beautiful Oak frame for his Mom and then we printed this picture of the two of them from last fall to put in it.  How pretty is that?  It was hard to give up cause um I want one too!  Guess where the wood came from?  A pallet.  A free pallet. There is an Amish Contractor on Darrel's way home from work.  From time to time, they set pallets out by the road that are free for the taking.  Darrel had read somewhere that depending on where a pallet comes from, it's possible it could contain good, or even exotic woods because usually they are built from scraps.  Well this one had Oak and I think its the 2nd thing he has made from that Oak.  Pretty cool right? 

7) Here is Phyllis opening her gift.  Phyllis has Dementia so she had a little trouble progressing from reading the card, to opening the gift, because she forgets what she was doing.  Once she got to it though, what a nice smile.. .and yes.. a tear or two.  It was very sweet.  So glad it worked out he got to make something for her like he wanted to.

8) Here is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend.  Darrel took it.  How cool is the lighting from the candles and the look on her sweet face?  But a moment after this picture? Was this one.

A bunch of the grand kids gathered around and helped her blow out the candles.  How cute is that?  Love how Darrel caught all the puffed cheeks!

9) One of the outdoor games the kids and OK... some of the adults played this weekend was Cosmic Catch.  Have you heard of this game?  I hadn't but it looks very fun. You are noticing I said looked fun... which means Monogirl didn't actually play.   Each player wears a colored band/sensor thingy on their hand and then the ball talks and tells you who you have to throw the ball to.  Pretty cool idea and a fun way to spice up a game of catch.  It seemed like it was kind of a cross between catch and Simon.  Remember Simon?   Or is that just for us 80's girls?

10) Monogirl is having serious LaCarreta withdrawal.  I didn't get to go this week... we were in IL.  I didn't get to go the previous week... Monogirl was having a Monogirl day.  That is more than 2 weeks.... no LaCarreta. Does anyone have plans to open a franchise closer to me cause that would be awesome.  The current LaCarreta is 1/2 hour away... too far for quick taco eating trips.  I don't know if I can hold out till this Sunday.  I do have a rehearsal tomorrow that puts me 15 minutes closer to the Mexican food yuminess.... Hmmmm.  Might have to give that plan some more thought. Because that question we asked Phyllis about What food could you eat every day?  You know what my answer would have been....

Thanks for checking in!  I will be back again on Thursday.  Have a great week. 

Indelible

So now that I've been all excited about reviewing books... I realized that I had never posted a review for Indelible... so was thinking we should take care of that right away! 

I am thinking its a good sign that it's been awhile since I read the book, but I still remember the story and definitely liked it!  Let's start with the details. 

Book Review for Indelible, by Kristen Heitzmann.  Publisher Waterbrook Press, May 2011.  338 pages. 

Here is a summary from the publisher:

In a clash of light and darkness, can courage prevail?
Rescuing a toddler from the jaws of a mountain lion, Trevor MacDaniel, a high-country outfitter, sets in motion events he can’t foresee. His act of bravery entwines his life with gifted sculptor Natalie Reeve—and attracts a grim admirer.

Trevor’s need to guard and protect is born of tragedy, prompting his decision to become a search and rescue volunteer. Natalie’s gift of sculpting comes from an unusual disability that seeks release through her creative hands. In each other they see strength and courage as they face an incomprehensible foe.

When a troubled soul views Trevor as archangel and adversary, Redford’s peaceful mountain community is threatened. Together with Police Chief Jonah Westfall, Trevor presses his limits to combat the menace who targets the most helpless and innocent.

This book had a little bit of everything. Mystery, suspense, action and yes.... Romance.  The character Natalie Reeve was my favorite.. well OK, I am thinking she was a tie with Trevor.  They both had a strong presence in the book and I found myself liking them and thinking if I knew them, we would be friends.  Natalie would be a good fit as a friend due to her strength, and her artistic and creative gift.  Although at times I am thinking Natalie wasn't sure whether her excellent memory and need to sculpt and create was a blessing or a curse.  I think in the end she is able to embrace it and see it as the gift from God that it is. 

Trevor is a good fit as a friend because of his character, his willingness and servants heart to help others and his caring for others.  I also liked his heroic and adventurous side which kept the book interesting. 

I loved the Christian element and that it was able to be part of a book that includes some scary stuff, but showing how our faith can see us thru. 

I would definitely recommend it.  It goes along well with Heitzmann's previous book Indivisible. 

I was provided with a copy of this book fro review courtesy of Waterbrook Multnomah. 

Blowing On Dandelions

Yes... I have finished my first book and am here to share my first review for Netgalley.  How excited am I?  Are you on the edge of your seat yet?  Good... Here we go

Book Review for: Blowing On Dandelions, written by Miralee Ferrell, David C. Cook Publisher, June 1, 2013, 400 pages. 

Here is a summary of the book from the publisher:

Katherine Galloway knew this moment of calm wouldn’t last, blown away like the dandelion seeds she scattered as a girl. In 1880, three years after her husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don't get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. Katherine must make the situation work, but standing up for herself and her family while honoring her mother isn't easy. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart, but she fears a relationship with him might send things over the edge. She must find the strength, wisdom, hope, and faith to remake her life, for everything is about to change.

I first saw this book at Barnes & Noble on a recent date night with my husband.  It was one of oh let's say 8-10 books in my pile to carry to the easy chair and immerse myself in while enjoying the all important Hot Chocolate or Diet Pepsi.  It was a good decision to grab this book off the shelf!  When picking a book I want to read I often just flip it open to the middle somewhere and start to read.  I did that and was instantly engrossed in the story and so wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next between Katherine and her new border Mrs. Roberts.  Let's just say there was a bit of head butting going on during their first meeting when Mrs. Roberts and her niece came to stay at the boarding house and I wanted to know what was going to happen next with the obstinate Mrs. Roberts!  I didn't get to bring the book home with me so I was thrilled when I saw it was available through Netgalley. 

This book brought to mind the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the Little House Books or perhaps even more like my favorite Janette Oke in her Love Comes Softly Series.  The author painted a wonderful picture of life in 1880's Oregon.  I was quickly caught up in the story of Katherine and her daughters as well as Micah and his son.  I was touched by their dedication to each other and their determination to move forward in their individual lives even in the aftermath of personal tragedy.  The story had a wonderful element of faith, especially through another favorite character, Pastor Seth.  I just loved how he reached out to Micah and showed him servant love even when Micah made it clear that at the time, he didn't have much interest in going to church.

I enjoyed the development of the characters and their relationships especially the one between Katherine and her Mother.  Although it is a difficult relationship and Katherine's Mother isn't always so easy to love, Katherine strives to show her mother honor and love.

All in all it's a wonderful story of romance, healing, forgiveness and redemption.  From the healing of Micah's heart over the loss of his wife, to the friendships of Katherine's church ladies at their weekly quilt circles, to the children and boarders and their stories while living at the boarding house, we are treated to a story that lifts our spirits and gives us hope for our own relationships. 

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads and am eagerly awaiting book 2! 

Blowing on Dandelions is the first book in the Love Blossoms In Oregon Series, with book #2, Wishing on Buttercups due out in 2014.

I was provided with this E-book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for this sweet lady and the wonderful son she raised.... and God blessed me with.  I have known Darrel's Mom since I was a kid in her Sunday school class.  Who knew year's later I'd be married to her son! ha.  Very cool right?  I love that we have that length of history.  I love that she has always made me feel accepted and treated me as a daughter and I love that during most visits, especially recently, there will be some point where she will get teary eyed and tell me how blessed her and Dad have been that all their kids have such good spouses to love and care for them.  Are you saying Awwwwww?  Cause how can you not?  She's a wonderful Godly lady and she has a birthday this week, 85 years young.  We get to celebrate with her in a few days and I am thankful for that too. 

Darrel wanted to make something for his Mom for her gift.  He decided on a Red Oak picture frame.  That was what he had a wood working disaster on the other night.  BUT... crisis averted... problem solved... and gift is being finished as we speak...um type.  If you have a fancy new picture frame it needs a picture right?  We thought this photo I snapped this past fall would be the perfect frame filler.  Do I hear a 2nd on that idea? 

I got to have my last weekday beach day for the summer this afternoon.  HOW can it be almost over already?  Kids are going back to school Aug 9th!!!!  Last weekday beach is open is Aug 5th.  Hopefully I'll get to pop over on a weekend day or two before labor day is done and gone... but how does the calendar get so full when I'm not paying attention?  OK.. it gets full even when I am paying attention.  It was a perfect day today.  Not too hot.  Not humid.  Nice breeze.  Lots of sun.  FEW people.  Perfect.  I just wish I could have oh 4,5,6....20 more before the summer was over. 

I finished yet another book today!  Yes... I am on a reading roll people and I am loving it and I do not want the ride to stop so I can get off.  Today's completion was Living in Harmony by Mary Ellis.  Great story and I can't wait to move on to books 2 and 3... but I am hoping they will arrive on loan from the library before I turn into a little old Monogirl. In the meantime, I have been approved from a few publishers thru netgalley and have several books to read and review.  yay!  Up first? Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell.  This is a new book just released June 1st.  According to the Kindle people... I finished 34% of it today at the beach... which means I should be back to share all the juicy details with you very soon.  You are on the edge of your seat aren't you....

Thankfulness.... Gratitude.... Eucharisteo.... has been on my mind a lot since I have been working my way thru the One Thousand Gifts book and workbook with my Sunday School class.  It's made me even more aware of looking for God's gifts each day... each moment.   Gifts like...

• marriage and the love and support of my husband
• the bond and connection I have with my husband
• 18 yr old birthdays
• photos that capture and hold so many memories and are reminders of God's faithfulness
• reading glasses.... cause these 47 year old eyes are needing them more and more
• time to rest
• a warm, comfortable, soft bed
• date night in bloomington
• my husband calling me Princess... Brown Eyes... or Baby... still makes me melt. 
• crocheting
• creating
• my job
• friends
• Sophie and Tanner
• the library
• bookstores
• beautiful weather the past few days
• plenty of rain this year vs. drought last year
• eating dinner together
• a new shirt and dress from zulilly
• long hair
• freshly painted nails
• a cool shower on a hot day in the bathroom we remodeled
• hope
• answered prayer and healing
• riding with the sunroof open
• being understood
• feeling a little better today and most of yesterday.  last couple weeks have been rough.
• getting caught up on some work
• food off the grill
• that we get to go to the fair soon
• ordering fall soaps from bath & body today!  You know I love that!

God is good.  Feeling very blessed.  Thanks for stopping by.  I should be back I am thinking on Monday with a book review if not before.  Until then... .blessings!