The Em Zone

Interesting Memoir

2012-01-15T14:41:00.000-06:00

One Call Away is the memoir of Brenda Warner, wife of NFL football player Kurt Warner. Brenda’s story is gripping. Throughout her journey are tragedies and triumphs. In addition to the stress of being a public figure and the ups and downs of Kurt’s career in professional football, Brenda experiences a child being handicapped as a result of an accident, the devastating end to a marriage and the loss of her parents to a tornado While her story contains many trying experiences, the descriptions of the sad moments are neither overwhelmingly dark nor emotional. In the tragic moments, Brenda relies on her always faithful God. It is apparent that she has faith, but none of her intimate times with God are described in depth. She talks about the role God plays in her life, but she often relies on her own strength and principles. Brenda is mostly likeable; she is completely accepting of herself and her many uniquenesses. She is fiercely committed to her family and is strong in the face of public scrutiny. It is an entertaining read that feels like a conversation with a friend. Apparently she felt like she was having a conversation with a friend when she wrote it because she reveals details that are shockingly personal.

Christmas Pictures

2011-12-13T21:01:00.000-06:00

Santa Pictures 2011

2011-12-11T15:14:00.002-06:00

Grandma

2011-08-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

Molly and I smuggled popsicles to my Grandma at the nursing home again tonight. I carried my cooler in, and we found her dozing in her wheelchair. As soon as we entered the room, Molly requested her popsicle. They had held up pretty well, despite being left in the car while we shopped with an outside temperature over 100 degrees. Molly laughed a hearty, loud laugh while I offered bites to Grandma by touching the wet popsicle to her lips. Grandma's roommate sat stoically in front of her TV. Molly decided that Grandma needed to hold her (Grandma's) bear, and she retrieved it for her. I pried open Grandma's hand (she doesn't voluntarily open her hand to take objects anymore) and put the bear's neck in it. As we were finishing our treats, one of the resident wanderers found her way into the room and shut the door behind her. She nonchalantly made her way to one of the beds and curled up on it. I suggested to Molly that we sing. Not timid around my current audience, I sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Be Thou My Vision". As we sit, Molly asks me when Grandma is going to wake up. Since she has awakened prior to eating the popsicle, I ask Molly if she means when is Grandma going to talk and walk again. I tell her that will happen in heaven. She smiles and seems to happily accept this tidbit of truth. I prayed for Grandma, and in addition to my typical prayers of protection and God's presence, I, following the advice of our pastor to pray boldly, asked that miraculously Grandma would be healed of her dementia. I employed all of the faith I could muster and actually believed that God might just answer my prayer on the spot. Midway through the prayer, I opened an eye to see if anything was happening. Nope. I finished praying with a nevertheless grateful heart that God is in control no matter what. I pick up Molly, show her family pictures on the wall, and ask who each person is. Like usual, she shows a particular preference for my youngest cousin, Sarah, who is a lovely vocalist and appears very princess-like as she performs. We hug Grandma. During all of this, Molly is very go-with-the-flow. Nothing seems weird to her, and she loudly tells Grandma good-bye and reminds me to tell Grandma we love her.

Surprise Harvest

2011-08-09T20:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't plant cantaloupes, but they came up from the seeds in my compost. This one didn't taste as delicious as the Sugar Queen I bought at the Farmer's Market, but it was good and sweet.

Heart-warming Adoption Story

2011-08-09T20:13:00.000-05:00

My favorite type of books are memoirs. I love real-life stories from the author's perspective. Love You More: The Divine Surprise of Adopting my Daughter by Jennifer Grant was my recent selection from booksneeze.com, a book review program through which I receive a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

The author allows the readers to follow the journey of adopting her daughter Mia from Guatemala. Grant and her husband already had three children when they set out to find the daughter that God wanted them to adopt. She warmly tells the history of her family pre-adoption. She seems like an easy-going, loving mother who cherishes the crazy moments of motherhood. The reader then follows her through the process of adopting Mia. Her tale is interesting, but not particularly gripping or emotional like other adoption memoirs I've read. Some of my favorite parts of the book were tales of Mia's adjusting to her new family. It was neat to get to know this little girl and her personality. I also was challenged by the needs of orphans world-wide as Grant shared statistics and anecdotes.
The story is shared chronologically with occasional flashbacks. Sometimes the author will launch into a long, detailed history of an event that seems out-of-place. At the end she ties it in, but it seems a little awkward. The author seems easy to relate to, and I enjoyed her personality as it was revealed in her writing. Overall, this was a pleasant, but not thrilling, read.

Haircut

2011-08-01T09:08:00.002-05:00

Courage and Partnership on 9/11

2011-07-29T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'd been looking forward for my free copy of Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson to arrive. I received it in exchange for my honest review as part of booksneeze.com. It lived up to my expectations. While the storyline and ending of the book were fairly predictable (being based on such a newsworthy day on our history), I valued the opportunity to relive some of the memories and triumphs as Hingson, who happens to be blind, told of his escape from one of the WTC towers on September 11. He was accompanied by his guide dog, Roselle. In tandem, with humor, perseverence, great wisdom, and faith, they trekked to safety.

The book does a lot to educate the reader on the experience of being blind in our society. I also learned a lot about the training and responsibilities of a guide dog as well as the special bond that is formed with the owner. The author has a warm and positive personality, and I found him to be very endearing as I read. His determination to accomplish great things (a MS in Physics, successful business career, public speaker) without considering his blindness a handicap is inspiring.

Tragedies inspire curiosity. This book helps satisfy my curiosity of what it was really like to be on the 78th floor of the North Tower when the plane hit and what occurred in the following minutes and hours.

As I sat on the patio and finished the book, I heard military jets racing by. In part of Hingson's story, he tells of stopping at a Vietnamese restaurant for some respite during his long journey home. While there, military jets were heard flying overhead. Someone announced that it was the Air Force on patrol. He writes, "The entire restaurant bursts into applause. For the first time in hours, I feel safe." This made a personal connection to me because a month before my dad died, he was with me in my yard, and we watched some jets nearby. He told me, "I love that sound. It makes me feel safe."

Summer Fun

2011-07-27T22:54:00.007-05:00

Ice Cube Paints

At swimming lessons

Love this place!

2011-07-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

It is hot and BEAUTIFUL in Texas!

Princess

2011-07-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

Molly created this outfit from three skirts while putting away laundry. She does apparel changes every couple of hours alternating between nightgowns, swimsuits, princess dresses, leotards and tutus, and the practical play clothes that I bribe her to put on. A couple days ago, I showed her two outfits I selected for her to wear that day. She responded, "None of those is right for a masked ball." Alrighty then!

The next 10 days are forecasted to be at least 100 degrees for the high. This is how we stay cool, the sprinkler in a pool beneath an umbrella!

4th of July

2011-07-09T15:03:00.000-05:00

Be sure to check out my friend Laura's post about the 4th here. It is very moving! I haven't seen Laura in awhile and had fun catching up with her at our of our 4th of July outings.

What I've Been Reading

2011-07-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

These are three titles I've been reading lately. I really enjoyed all three. Unleashed, Release the Untamed Faith Within, by Erwin Raphael McManus was provided to me by Thomas Nelson publishers in return for my honest review. I greatly enjoyed this book. The author writes with a conversational, very readable style. He insists that Jesus followed a Barbarian, uncivilized life of faith. He urges us to pick up our cross and follow Him and not to take the easy, wide path. McManus' writing is very motivating to me, and I find that it challenges me to be more authentic in my walk with Christ and to take risks as I follow Him. He urges us to live together in community, "We fight violence with peace, hatred with love, and oppression with servanthood. While never violating our uniqueness, we move together, united in heart and soul. Our greatness in unleashed in the context of community. When we move together, God is most perfectly revealed in us."

Isn't that something you want to sign up for? I know I sure do! Please pray for me as I seek to live with unleashed faith!

Day 21. Van Buren, AR to Fort Worth, TX. 313 miles.

2011-07-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

The last day of our trip, we pulled out of the hotel parking lot at 7:22am. I was eager to get home. It's not that I was especially tired of traveling, but I was looking forward to the remainder of our summer at home. We passed into Oklahoma and relished sights of rolling tree-covered hills as I knew that soon our scenery would be mostly ranch land with sun-shriveled trees. Houses and businesses are rarities in eastern Oklahoma, so when Molly told me she had to go to the bathroom, I envisioned a road-side pit-stop. Sure enough, the next exit we encountered had only a sign indicating that a state park was 11 miles away. I found a place to pull off and let Molly do her business on the side of the road. We continued driving and turned southwest toward Texas at Checotah, home of Carrie Underwood. The next couple hundred miles took us through tiny towns and wide-open spaces. We drove over the huge Eufaula Lake. The next time Molly needed to use the restroom, we were nearing a small town with only two sit-down locally owned restaurants and two gas stations. I chose a gas station that unfortunately had an inoperable women's room and a less than tidy men's room. We used it, but I wouldn't let Molly touch anything. The rest of our trip was uneventful, and Molly snuck in a sound nap.

Day 20. Branson, MO to Van Buren, AR. 177 miles.

2011-07-02T21:15:00.001-05:00

We woke up bright and early when we heard our tenting neighbors stirring. It got hot very quickly or at least it felt so as I packed up with tent. Molly loves to help with the poles and undoing the clips holding the tent to the poles. We visited the jumping pillow one last time and headed out to the fish hatchery near the Table Rock Dam. We saw holding areas with trout in various stages of growth. Molly had lots of fun feeding them, especially the smaller ones. After driving across the dam we headed to AR in search of the Buffalo River.

A favorite childhood memory is a morning swim in the Buffalo River where my parents' had pulled of the road for a pit stop. Before this trip, I googled the Buffalo River to find its location, which is in Northern Arkansas. I had a rough idea of where it was located, but no good driving directions. We stopped at the very accomodating AR welcome center. Two very sweet gentlemen supplied us with maps, driving directions, recommended points to stop, crayons, Arkansas coloring book and a sucker. Pleased, we continued our drive which soon took us down a two lane road with minimal traffic.

The Buffalo River is protected by the National Park Service and was the first to be declared a National River. We pulled off the road at the first crossing of the river we saw behind a National Park service office. There was a picnic area, bathrooms, and a view that was familiar to me. I think we may have found the same spot I visited with my family 25 or so years prior. We had a very relaxing time playing and a cross-cultural experience talking to some locals. One man we talked with described jumping off of the 80 ft tall bluffs on the opposite side when the river was higher. That is one of my memories- watching others jump- not doing it myself!

Our swim must have exhausted Molly because after we left, and I drove down a very long side road to a campground and river access, she wasn't interested in checking out the river again. Soon after, she was asleep. I was a little disappointed to miss out on some swimming holes that I knew were coming up along our route, but I was thankful for what we'd already experienced.

Now the nice gentlemen at the Welcome Center did not advise making sure I had an adequate supply of gasoline before following our river-seeking route. I didn't realize just how many tens of miles we'd be driving on winding mountain roads through the Ozarks with no cell service and rarely a place of business. I was nervous, but not nervous enough to attempt to buy gas at a little family run deal without electronic gas pumps where I'm sure there was no Pay at the Pump with a sleeping girl in my backseat.

Our gas supply proved to be sufficient, and I enjoyed the drive. It was a good thing Molly slept because it would have been our first opportunity to test whether she is prone to carsickness. I regret not turning back to buy a gallon of blackberries for $10 after we passed a roadside sign (we would have only had to travel with them one more day).

We saw some tornado-damaged areas. One was called Ozone, AR. Just south of the town (it was one of the few towns on the map that had a post office. In one, the only place of business was a church.) there were lots of downed trees in a ravine in the mountains. It was the weirdest sight. I never imagine tornados striking mountainous areas. I saw a lot of damage also passing through Clarksville, where I also found the kind of gas station that I'm familiar with.

Molly awoke as we made it back to the freeway after several hours on a two lane road. I always knew that my dad liked to take the scenic route, but I'm amazed at how remote the Buffalo River was from the beaten path and wonder at how he ended up there a few decades back.

We checked into our clean, comfortable hotel, decided that the pool was too cold and opted for a hot bath, and splurged at Chili's with a giftcard. One of the highlights of the day and quite possibly the best purchase was a car wash and vacuuming of the interior (the second of the trip). We returned to our hotel, watched church online and colored. It was a beautiful day.

Day 19. St Louis, MO to Branson, MO. 258 miles.

2011-06-28T15:07:00.000-05:00

St Louis is an amazingly family-friendly city with a lot a free activities suitable for the whole family, like tours of the Anheuser-Busch brewery. We did the tour which is something I'm sure I'm forbidden to write about on the internet, being a high school teacher. It was amazingly clean, and I learned a lot about the science involved in producing a lager as well as a lot of interesting history about the company. My least favorite part was the two full-sized samples of free beer at the end. It was Molly's favorite because there was a soda fountain for the kids. The bar manager took a liking to her and brought us extra pretzels, a key chain and little papers for her to color on. He winked and told me that if there was anything else we needed to let him know. I took that to mean that I could have a third, fourth, and fifth sample if I so desired. I'm sure my mom is glad that there are kind people looking out for us wherever we go.

We found a playground to explore for awhile and then had lunch in the Hill. The Hill is St Louis' little Italy. I ordered a local favorite, the Special, at Amaghetti's deli. There was walk-up ordering in their quaint courtyard adjacent to the restaurant.

We didn't have time for these free St Louis attractions, but hope to visit them in the future: Grant's Farm, Purina Farms, the zoo, science center, art museum, and sculpture park.

We drove on to Branson as storm clouds rolled in from the west. We didn't encounter much severe weather, but I couldn't help but think about the Joplin tornado as we drove closer and closer to the devastated area.

We arrived at our campground, set up our tent in the heat and went to check out the jumping pillow and pool. Again, Molly was a super-sleeper in the tent.

Day 18. Kettering, OH to St Louis, MO. 360 miles.

2011-06-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

We were in four states today. Today was primarily a travel day. Molly slept as we crossed the Mississippi, and I spent twenty minutes organizing and cleaning the car parked in front of the hotel while she dozed. I drove my friends crazy the previous night trying to find a hotel in St Louis. The other accomodations for our return trip were pretty easy to make, but it was very difficult to find much of anything less than $100/night, even in the surrounding towns. I ended up purchasing a room through hotwire.com at the Holiday Inn Select downtown. It ended up being a very nice hotel with a few drawbacks. There was no free breakfast, and we had to pay for parking. The front desk staff members were highly impersonal, and our hallway smelled of smoke. The location, room, and pool were excellent though. We had a relaxing time in the pool (most of the other guests were going to the Cardinals game and the hotel was quiet) and ordered St Louis style pizza to our room from a local favorite. The pizza has a very thin, crackerlike crust with a mixture of three types of cheese. It gets our mark of approval!

Day 17. Toledo, OH to Kettering, OH. 156 miles

2011-06-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

We started the day off with a visit to the Toledo zoo with Uncle Tim and our friends Cindy and Vaughn. The first few exhibits that we saw had different animals than those at our zoo: wolves, polar bears and seals. The zoo also had a lot of interactive play area s and displays. There was also a baby elephant that was just a few weeks old!

We then drove to Kettering, OH to visit good friends. Tricia has a cooking blog which you can read here. She made us a terrific dinner of marinated steak topped with mango salsa, twice baked potatoes with broccoli and grape salad with candied walnuts. Of course, it was all fantastic. Their kids are adorable, and Molly enjoyed playing with them.

Day 16. Chelsea, MI to Toledo, OH via Monroe, MI. 80 miles.

2011-06-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

Help, I need a thesaurus! Upon rereading, I noticed I used the word yummy to describe all three meals of this day!
This was a super-fun day! We said good-bye to the kids and headed for a quick visit with Aunt Donna. She had coffee for us and some yummy goodies. Big T met us there; besides wanting to see Aunt Donna, I think he somehow foreknew that she would have Hostess cupcakes.

We then went to visit with our long-term next-door neighbors, Carole and Bill. Molly had a great time running around with their granddaughter, feeding a horse, seeing a baby peacock, and picking mulberries from the tree. They fed us a yummy lunch and then we went to Calder dairy. We loved going to this farm for ice cream growing up, and it is even better now.

Seeing my dad's old barn brought a twinge of sadness and a swelling of heart. I remember his peaceful presence as he labored there. I also stalked my childhood home for a few moments as I parked on the street and recalled the decades I spent in the house that built me.

We headed to Uncle Tim's house while Molly got another car nap. We had some yummy burgers before he went with us to our hotel. He had a free night to use up before the end of the month, and he bestowed it upon us. Unfortunately the night ended somewhat roughly and thanks to us, I warned him that his diamond level reward status with Marriott might be in jeopardy. Not really. I don't have time for the whole story here, but here's a short synopsis: markers. down comforter. screaming. 10:20 pm.

Day 15. Chelsea, MI.

2011-06-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

Molly spent the whole day hanging out with her second cousins. They are very sweet kids, and she had a blast with them. We went to a t-ball game, beef jerky store- to prepare for my visit to Tim’s house, and an old-fashioned drive in A&W in Dexter, MI. It was a super-fun and relaxing day.

Day 14. Grand Blanc to Chelsea, MI. 70 miles.

2011-06-20T22:13:00.001-05:00

Aunt Ilene took us to see Grandma's last home at the Maple Place. It was special and sacred to see the room where she spent her last days. Missing her, I cherish tangible reminders of her.

We then went to visit some good friends from college, Susan and Rachel and their adorable kids.

We are staying tonight at my cousin Scott's. His wife Ann made a yummy dinner, and we followed it up with campfire #4.

Day 13. Laingsburg, MI to Grand Blanc, MI. 50 miles.

2011-06-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

This was the view down the country road where I've been taking my morning runs. We had a relaxing day and had delicious hamburgers and mudpie courtesy of Traci, Papere's daughter.
Another afternoon nap was on tap for Molly while we drove to my Uncle Matt and Aunt Ilene's. They were up for spoiling Molly as we went out for dinner, to the park and for ice cream. It was so nice going to sleep with an open window and waking up with sun coming through the leaves and hearing the squaking red winged black birds wake me up.

Day 12. Laingsburg, MI.

2011-06-20T21:31:00.001-05:00

On this visit, we only have two of Molly's great-grandmas to visit since Grandma Agnes went to heaven. We visited GG Kelly and Grandma Cook today. Of course, Aunt Mary was a highlight, too! We had to have some Topopo salad at El Azteco. I drove around campus while Molly napped. Our day ended with our third Michigan campfire complete with s'mores.

Day 11. Laingsburg, MI

2011-06-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

We spent the day hanging out at MaMere and PaPere's. In the evening, we visted with Kristi, Mike, and Angela, some friends from church. Molly had fun with Mike and Kristi's boys. I don't have any pictures to post, but everyone looks fantastic these days, as expected.

Day 10. Rockford, MI to Laingsburg, MI via Lansing, MI. 97 miles.

2011-06-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Molly had a fun morning at Auntie Katie's house. I made a quick trip to a visit a long-time friend, Elizabeth. After lunch we headed to Lansing. Molly had a nice nap in the car, and we met my friend Kim at the Lansing City Market. We visited our favorite cheese vendor for some white stilton with cranberries and some other yummy goodies. What a fantastic trip- we've stopped at two lovely cheese retailers. We also bought some local strawberries that were picked this morning. And, of course, we made the obligatory visits to the restrooms and bubble gum machine. We then headed to Roma Bakery for some excellent cannoli.

We finished our day at MaMere and PaPere's. They had an early birthday party for Molly complete with presents, cake and balloons.

Day 9. Hoffmaster State Park, Norton Shores, MI to Rockford, MI. 50 miles

2011-06-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

Our second night of camping was fantastic. We slept well on a new, leak-free mattress. It was cool and overcast, and Molly played well while I packed up the campsite. We walked again to the beach to play. It is hard to say good-bye to the lake because it is so calm and beautiful and very unlike anything we have in Texas.

We had a nice drive to Auntie Katie's house with Molly taking a car-nap. Once there, we enjoyed doing laundry and bathing.

Day 8. Hoffmaster State Park, Norton Shores, MI.

2011-06-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

Apart from the brand-new air mattress that leaked all of its air during the night, we had a fantastic time camping. The first night was quite cold, but Molly slept really well in the tent snuggled up to me. We found a good source for morning coffee and cocoa, and enjoyed terrific beach weather. It was so peaceful, and Molly enjoyed playing in the sand. Even more than sand-play, she loved running on the beach! One of Molly's favorite people, Auntie Katie, met us at our campsite to play and have dinner. We made hotdogs, corn on the cob, and smores in the fire. Terrific!

Day 7. Menomonee Falls, WI to Hoffmaster State Park, Norton Shores, MI. 87 miles by boat, 20 miles by car

2011-06-15T15:56:00.000-05:00

Day 6 Menomonee Falls, WI

2011-06-15T15:43:00.000-05:00

We spent Sunday relaxing with our friends. After lunch and church we hit a park with the kids and an awesome market called Brennan's. We stocked up on lots of yummy Wisconsin cheese. Without a nap, the kids went to bed early, and Angela and I enjoyed a relaxing conversation with warm cherry pie and tea. It doesn't get much better! Angela is a kindred spirit, and I was so blessed with these days with her!

Day 5. Northbrook, IL to Menomonee Falls, WI. 85 miles.

2011-06-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

The last time I saw Terah, my college roommate, was at our graduation in 1997. She was a great host, and we had a fun time meeting her husband and children. The highlight of our visit was the Korean culture picnic we attended. The food was excellent, and all of the kids happily ate the traditional Korean dishes. We arrived at the home of dear friends in Menomonee Falls this afternoon.

Day 4. Lincoln, IL to Northbrook, IL. 205 miles.

2011-06-11T10:50:00.001-05:00

Pictures from our visit to Chicago:

On the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. It was so foggy that we couldn't even see the downtown or the lake.

Day 3. Kansas City, KS to Lincoln, IL 373 miles

2011-06-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

This was mostly a driving day. Molly was awake for the first five of our six hour drive. She didn't even watch any videos during those five hours. She was a super-traveler and happily played with her stuffed animals and colored. Seems like one hundred times I had to role-play that Bear was screaming right when Pink Bunny was almost asleep. Or that Finn, our imaginary dog namedafter Molly's second-cousins' pet, was misbehaving and needed to be disciplined.

Molly's "coloring" in the backseat.
We had a leisurely hour-long lunch and play-time at a park in a little town in Missouri. We drove through mostly farmland with occasional tree-covered hills. We crossed the Mississippi River at Hannibal, MO, the home of Mark Twain.

Our Hampton Inn is brand-new and beautifiul, the nicest hotel of our trip so far. We enjoyed swimming, dinner, and playing with a local girl we met on a playground in the evening.

We're enjoying the cooler weather and less intense sun than we used to in Texas. I also have seen very few new residential developments. The big cities in Texas are surrounded by new growth.

Day 2 Wichita to Kansas City, 189 miles

2011-06-08T21:59:00.001-05:00

We had a relaxing start today since our drive was only about 3 hours. Shortly after leaving Wichita, we entered the Flint Hills area. The endless rolling green hills were like nothing I'd ever seen. The sky was cloudless and the hills were true green. There were no billboards and minutes would pass without my seeing a building. We delighted in the black, white, and brown cows that grazed peacefully. This picture is one that I found online, as I didn't have the opportunity to stop and take any.

At the end of our drive, we'd be visiting a friend from college that I hadn't seen since. I asked him what there was to see between Wichita and Kansas City. He responded, "Not much." As we approached our planned lunch stop, Emporia, I wondered about why Dave hadn't suggested we stop at the National Teacher Hall of Fame. I saw a couple brown signs, the official looking ones that announce a park or National Monument. I also was puzzled when I asked the friendliest gas station worker I'd ever met, and she could give me excellent directions to the best park in town, but when I asked about the Hall of Fame (H.O.F), she circled something on the city map that wasn't even close.

After lunching at the park and having a pleasant playtime, we headed toward Emporia State University in search of the H.O.F. Interestingly, in this small town in the middle of nowhere in Kansas, I saw the U.P.er's Diner (specializing in Upper Peninsula Michigan cuisine), a Middle Eastern restaurant and Hookah lounge, and sushi bar.

Well, the H.O.F. was located in a room, smaller than my classroom, in the middle of an academic building. The most impressive part of it was the sign. The door was shut with lights off. I had to walk into an adjoining office and ask to look around. There wasn't much to see, unfortunately. I guess that famous teachers are few and far between, and the teachers displayed there weren't exactly famous. Signing the guest book I noticed that the most recent visit had occurred two days prior.

We continued our drive to Kansas City, and Molly found sleep about twenty minutes before our arrival. I've never stayed at a La Quinta, and when I told my brother about the good deal I found he told me "You get what you pay for." Well, La Quintas definitely do look better from the road. The pool here is empty, and I don't mean devoid of occupants. Most of the hallways have carpet that has been ripped up, with some pieces laid back in place with edges curled up dangerously. Noticing there was only a bottle of shampoo in the bathroom alongside a nice sign promising complimentary replacements of any forgotten toiletries, I inquired about conditioner. The oh-so-helpful attendant at the desk asked me if shampoo wasn't good enough. And no, they don't have any conditioner.

Thankfully, neither the accomodations nor the H.O.F. was to be the highlight of our day. We had a fantastic time with Dave, his sweet wife Jamie, and their girls. We spent a few hours at their neighborhood pool and had pizza. I haven't seen Dave since we graduated from college in '97.

When we returned to our hotel, I realized that I needed to make another trip back out to the car because I'd left the computer there. Instead of asking Molly to put her shoes back on AGAIN, as I'd already made her accompany me a couple times to the lobby or car, I decided to just carry her. After she used the bathroom, I carried her on my hip out the door. Another family was on their way in. I commented to them about how cute their girls' tutus were. They smiled politely but hesitantly. I thought that to be a little strange. After I took a few more steps, I adjusted Molly on my hip and felt her bare butt. She was just wearing her swimsuit cover-up but hadn't put her bottoms back on! So, here we were, Mommy and little flasher. We probably scared that poor sweet family, and I was making small talk to them like this is how we normally carry about!

Molly was a little homesick at bed-time tonight. I reminded her of the favorite people we are looking forward to seeing soon. Then I put her to bed and prayed for no bed bugs.

Day 1 Fort Worth to Wichita, 371 miles

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

At the OKC memorial

A remnant from the building

Reflecting pool

This 90 year old tree survived the blast

Chairs symbolizing the victims

We had a fantastic day! Amazingly, we were on the road ahead of schedule. We drove for a couple hours before stopping at McDonald's for a snack. Then we stopped to walk around the Oklahoma City memorial in nearly 100 degree heat. It was very easy to park, and it was a good place to visit for just a short amount of time being that it was free, and we could see the whole outdoor memorial quickly. While passing through Oklahoma City, I pointed out the state Capitol building Molly exclaimed, "Oh, it's so cute!"

Molly fell asleep while eating chocolate Goldfish crackers and slept the remaining two hours of our drive with crumbs adorning her chin. The pool at our Fairfield Inn (owned by Marriott) is closed for construction, so we got to use the much nicer pool at the Marriott just a block away. Molly is able to walk around unassisted in the 3 ft deep end of the pool.

We headed to Old Town for dinner and noticed that the Two Brothers BBQ has free kids meals on Tuesday. Sweet! We'll be looking for the cheapest gas as we haven't filled up. Our 13-gallon tank is almost empty. With a completely packed trunk we got nearly 30 mpg!

Thanks, Mom!

2011-05-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You are the kind of friend that people are blessed to have. I am even more blessed because you're my mom! You are kind, faithful, generous, God-seeking, funny, resourceful, honest, and a little bit naughty! Thank you for generously giving of your time, your love, and your energy to be a terrific Nanna to Molly. Thank you for the special time that the two of you share every Tuesday and Thursday. Your investment into her life will have a lasting impact. Thank you for caring for me and helping me out in numerous ways, many of which undoubtedly go unnoticed. I love you.

Spring Pictures

2011-05-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

In My Father's House

2011-04-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

I was making myself a plate of post-run nachos and began thinking about my sweet Grandma Agnes in Michigan who is passing on from this life. Soon, she'll be my Glorified Grandma Agnes in heaven. Immediately this verse popped into my head: In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2) I grabbed my Bible and headed back here to my laptop. Suddenly my nachos have less appeal. God's word is satisfying and sweet. Even monterrey jack and jalapenos can't compare to the promises of God. What a firm foundation is God's word for my soul. I don't have to be troubled and fearful and overcome with emotion. Hope abounds in the midst of my tears.

Already occupying rooms there are my dad and sweet Grandpa Ritter. (Of course there are others, including uncles, an aunt and my Grandpa Fleszar, but my dad and Grandpa were very, very dear for many years.) Jesus wants me to grieve alone. My mom and brother are in Michigan. When I was losing my dad, Mom was busy caring for him and Ryan was busy with work. And I grieved alone. The day that my Grandpa died, my parents were busy in Texas making arrangements, and Ryan had to leave for work. So I grieved alone. These times of grieving were, in a sense, satisfying. I completely put my hope in the Truth and experienced the emotions deeply.

So, I think of Grandma. I wonder about the things I wish I knew about her. I relish the things I do know. I study pictures I have of her in my mind. I remember the sounds, sights, smells, and feel of Grandma. I imagine what it's like for my mom to sit with her in a quiet, darkened room and listen to her breathe, just like she did with my dad 18 months ago. I wish I were there. I love her. I miss her. I'm thankful for Jesus and eternal hope. I'm thankful that my Grandma is continually in the presence of her daughters and kind care-givers until she goes to the presence of her Eternal Caregiver.

Most of my memories are of Grandma in the house in which she raised her kids and lived until I was an adult. I remember the Butter Braids and the cinnamon grahams she fed us. There were cut up pieces of garden hose, "snakes", to scare away animals from her garden. There were toys she kept for us in the garage. I see the place in front of the stove where she stood and cooked. The table where we played lots of Scrabble. I wonder what she'll do in God's home. I imagine the deep, fully-satisfying reality of her soul feeling completely at-home. A home for the soul that feels completely right and comfortable. Forever. At home.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:1,2,6

Tales from the Road

2011-04-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

On one of my running routes, I often encounter "the wind tunnel". Pushing 35 pounds of preschooler, uphill, into an impressive Texas wind, the jogging stroller and I moan as we climb. Actually, the stroller doesn't moan, but it makes me feel better imagining I'm not in it alone. Nearing the top of the wind tunnel this morning, Molly implored me, "Sing with me, mommy!" Oh sure. I'm really happy just to be respiring at the moment. So, I ignore her. Actually, I answer her, but not audibly. That seems impossible at the time.

After we round the corner, I continue to trot and catch my breath. We slow to a stop, and she dismounts from her seat. Wearing a teal tutu, she kicks my butt on the track. As usual, she flys down lane 5, and I jog behind. When we reach the other end, she insists on climbing the retaining wall- her favorite part of our stops to the track. Actually her favorite part is when she gets to jump down with my hands holding her waist. I limit her to three climbs and jumps, and she complies. Thankfully, she forgets that if we shout we can hear our echos off of the nearby school. I don't have the energy for yelling on command. She tears off down the track and slows near the stroller. Surely she's not ready to go home. That's true because she just needed to grab a goldfish cracker and toss it into her mouth. What??? I guess she's learning early from mommy that we run so we can eat what we want!

Greener Gardening

2011-04-17T13:17:00.003-05:00

It's Molly's naptime on Sunday afternoon, and I'm supposed to be lesson planning. Somehow that doesn't sound as fun as gardening. My cousin the landscaper pointed out some aphids on my new hibiscus tree. He suggested that I buy a type of insecticide that the plant takes in through the roots. I decided to check out more natural types of aphid-killing suggestions on the web. I opted to try cutting off the affected areas and spaying the plant with a diluted mixture of cooking oil and dish soap. I'll monitor it and see if it is effective.

There is something munching on a couple tomatoes and strawberries. I found a recipe here for an insect repellent that can be sprayed on the plants. Since I have neither a couple heads of garlic nor habanero peppers sitting around the house, I'm trying some diluted orange oil. Again, I'll monitor and pull out the garlic and peppers if needed. I swear that one of my tomatoes is getting a little blush color to it. It is mid-April and ripe tomatoes might be here in a week or two? (Even though my mom doubts that tomatoes can be grown in abundance in Texas, I'm a believer!) Because they'll be ripening soon, I want all bad bugs gone. Now.

Summer's Top Ten

2011-04-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

Home improvement goals, that is.

1. Paint most of the walls in the house. The ones that have smudges and look grubby.
2. Paint the vanities in both bathrooms.
3. Finish painting the garage.
4. Paint the garage floor.
5. Buy a couch.(!!!!!)
6. Work on the front landscaping.
7. Battle the weeds in the lawn.
8. Install solar screens on the rear windows.
9. Install a rain barrel.
10. Organize the garage a little more. And definitely my closet.

The Final Summit

2011-04-12T18:24:00.000-05:00

I received The Final Summit from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This is my third book to review by Andy Andrews as part of the booksneeze.com program. I found both of the other books, The Heart Mender and The Butterfly Principle, to be inspiring and captivating reads. I found the opposite in this book. The main character was also present in The Traveler’s Gift. David Ponder returns and is swept up into heaven by the angel Gabriel. He is given the challenge of discovering the two-word phrase that is the key to saving humanity from its destructive path. To help him in task, he is joined by characters from history to assist him as they participate in a summit and share ideas. The historical figures represented are nearly all American or European. This seemed odd and bothered me. Additionally, the majority of the book is dialogue which was not engaging. I found this to be a very boring portrayal of heaven, a summit where human ideas, not spiritual principles, are expounded in a large meeting room. I did, however, enjoy reading about Eric Erickson, a little-known historical figure who was central in weakening the Nazis and single-handedly lessened the duration of World War II. I usually pass on the books that I enjoy through this program to a friend or family member, but I don’t believe this one is worth the time spent to read it.

No Offense

2011-04-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday. He was saying that it was a shame that his sister with two master's degrees is considering becoming a teacher. "No offense," he said. Sure, none taken. After all, she can earn a salary many times greater than that of a teacher.

My current teaching job is the first job I've had that I can honestly say that I love. (Apart, of course, from being a stay-at-home mom to Molly.) Last year, when I found myself needing a job after my marriage tragically ended, I thought about different careers. Definitely the teacher's schedule is a huge benefit, especially to a single parent. I also considered my skills. I enjoy thinking about math and physics concepts (somewhat a rarity, I believe), and I also think that I am able to communicate those concepts somewhat well (also a rarity, perhaps). So, I believe that teaching math and physics is what I was created to do for this time in my life. It is a joy to be able to earn a good living doing what I'm called to do.

For me, teaching is also exhilarating. Sure, there are days that it is difficult to get excited about going to school, and there are class periods that make it feel like I'm battling to get the class on-board with learning. Then there are the times where a student stays after school, and we work together to travel from total confusion to mastery of a concept and then she nails it on the quiz. I love the challenge of teaching a difficult Algebra skill to the learners that struggle while at the same time increasing the rigor to capture the interest of gifted students. It is a privilege to be a role model and a trusted confidant. I take seriously the responsibility of being a role model and try to treat others with respect and live a life of principle. It is also a calling to wake up at night troubled by a student's situation outside of school and to be able to pray and believe that my prayers will make a difference. I've felt compelled to apologize to a student after considering a comment I made that may have been misunderstood and been hurtful. I hope that the experience of having a teacher apologize is a learning experience for that sixteen-year-old. I remain consistent in having high expectations for my students knowing that will benefit them in life. I joke with my students about the excitement of doing math, but it isn't always just a joke. When a lesson goes really well and students are engaged and learning, there is a euphoria that makes me grateful for a job that I love. So honestly, my friend, there is no offense taken. The blessing of living out my calling surpasses any accolades that I can receive from an outsider.

Bible Bling

2011-03-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

I received the Sequin Bible to review as part of my participation in booksneeze.com from Thomas Nelson publishers. It is cute, and my three-year-old knew it was for her as soon as she saw it. The sequin flowers and hearts are very nice, but the background looks a little cheap in constrast. It seems like it is a fabric-covered piece of cardstock. The colors and design of the background are not as nice in person.

I had never heard of the International Children's Bible. Apparently, this translation is the result of a team of translators including those who worked on the NKJV, NIV and NAS versions. The point of this version is to make the Word more accessible to children by shortening sentences, simplifying difficult vocabulary and changing terminology to modern equivalents- e.g. ounces in place of shekels.

The following is a passage from John 1 from both the International Children's Bible, icb, and the New International Version, NIV.

icb: Before the world began, there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning.3 All things were made through him. Nothing was made without him.4 In him there was life. That life was light for the people of the world. 5 The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overpowered the light.

NIV: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Reading it, the passage doesn't seem to flow as smoothly in the icb due to the shortened sentences. However, I feel that the integrity of the passage is preserved. I enjoy reading this translation if I want to read quickly through a passage and get the overall meaning. While I've read a little from this to my preschooler, this would be an ideal Bible for a child learning to read.

Spring Break

2011-03-15T21:17:00.000-05:00

It's Spring Break!!!! The week started off in a productive and profitable fashion as we had a successful garage sale. I donated the rest, and it feels great! My MIL will be arriving tomorrow, and our guest room is looking the best it ever has. I just need to find a place for the huge giraffe and toy basketball hoop.

Molly is funny and cuter than ever. She is very sweet and uses her manners as often as can be expected from a three-and-a-half year-old!

Super Good Coloring

2011-02-06T15:33:00.000-06:00

Molly colored this picture at LifeKids this morning. When I picked her up, I asked if anyone helped her color it, and the people working there said she did it by herself. Way to go, Molly!

Left at the Altar

2011-02-06T14:50:00.000-06:00

I received a complimentary copy of Left at the Altar by Kimberley Kennedy to review as part of my participation in BookSneeze from Thomas Nelson Publishers. The book begins with Kennedy’s narrative of her fiancé, Lew, breaking up with her on the eve of her wedding, in the church where they were about to begin their rehearsal. She then walks readers through the history of her relationship with Lew. She opens up and admits mistakes she made and ways she tried to control the relationship. Instead of bitterly continuing to blame Lew, she forgives and deepens her relationship with God. She writes very humbly and personably. Never does her writing sound like preaching. Instead, she wants to help others by sharing her story. She shares the story of many other women who have experienced heartbreak in their relationships with boyfriends, fiancés and husbands. The tone is one of strength and victory through trust and intimacy with God. Even though she has not yet married, she believes in hope that she will one day and believes that the best in her life came after her heart was broken by Lew, and she started opening her heart up to her Lord. This is a quick read, appropriate for anyone who desires to fall more deeply in love with the Maker of her soul.

Princess Gymnastics

2011-01-28T19:35:00.000-06:00

Molly just started a gymnastics class. It took some convincing to get her to go the first time. I had to call it "Princess Gymnastics" before she decided to go. After her third class, she told me, "There were two princesses and two Prince Charmings at Princess Gymnastics!" Now, she loves it and asks to go to gymnastics often during the week!

Yummy snow!

Your Grace is Enough

2011-01-01T19:47:00.001-06:00

2010 brought the most difficult times of my life. Painful circumstances left me feeling alone, ashamed, and completely powerless. Yet, God was abundantly faithful during my lows.

He comforted me with His presence.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

I praised God that my inheritance is in heaven.
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

God hears all my cries.
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

God loves righteousness (even when others do wrong, God's ways are ALWAYS RIGHT!)
Your righteousness is everlasting and Your law is true. Psalm 119:142

He is my Father now that my Dad has gone to heaven.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:5

He provides for my every need. He provided so beautifully for our finances. He provided a great job for me and childcare for Molly.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. Psalm 145:15

He painted His love for me in beautiful sunrises that made me cry out in worship.
His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21,22

I have an Advocate.
Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. Job 16:19 I love this verse!

God showed His love to me through precious loved ones that blessed me.
So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

Cute Pic

2010-12-22T10:27:00.001-06:00

Mod Peony Black 5x7 folded card

Create personalized greeting cards and invitations by Shutterfly.

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Warmth and Caring

2010-11-18T14:21:00.000-06:00

I received this book awhile ago from booksneeze.com to review for Thomas Nelson publishers. I've been busy with my new teaching job and haven't had a chance to write about it yet. I was home today handling some personal business and thought I better squeeze in a quick book review while it's still naptime!

This hard-cover children's book is called One Hand, Two Hands. It is a poem suitable for preschool aged children that talks about all of the things our hands can do. There is especially an emphasis on how we can serve others with our hands. There is just a line or two of text on each page- it's short enough to hold the attention of young ones. The rhyming sometimes seems a little more forced than natural. At the back of the book there is a page filled with suggestions for how "your hands can be helping hands". The illustrator, Gaby Hansen, does a fantastic job capturing action and emotion of a cute little girl playing, helping and playing. The colors and images are whimsical and imaginative.

I love the lesson in this story to remember to be thankful for our hands and to look for ways to use them to serve others. I really like this book, but my three-year-old wasn't that interested in it. I'll give it a couple more tries. Often, familiarity increases her interest! Try this story with a little loved one. Hopefully it will be a family favorite!

Fall Photos

2010-11-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

Mollyisms

2010-10-17T19:09:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago, we were having a tea party and were trying to match the tea cups with stuffed animals. I decided that Sparty would drink from the green cup, naturally. Apparently, I don't say his name often enough. Instead, I often break out singing the MSU fight song when we play with Sparty. During the course of tea-time conversation, Molly repeatedly referred to Sparty as Rah Team Fight. "Would you like some more sugar, Rah Team Fight?"

She also likes to clink glasses together and say, "To Yours." I try to correct her and tell her that it is cheers, but she ignores me. She has very good pronunciation normally, so these aberrations are amusing.

She was talking to me the other day, and I asked her where her eye lashes are. She touched them, and then she pointed to her eyes and said, "These are my peoples. Do you see my peoples, Mommy?"

New Bed

2010-10-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

Molly has a new bed thanks to Ma Mere! She bought her the bedding a year ago, and we just decided she was ready to move into a big-girl bed. This picture was taken with my phone, and it doesn't show the colors very well. They are actually pretty bright. Last night I put a toy noodle for the pool under the fitted sheet along the edge as a bumper to keep her from falling out. She slept the whole night through on the bed!

Happy Third Birthday Princess Molly!

2010-09-08T06:19:00.000-05:00

Inspiring and Amazing

2010-09-06T21:54:00.000-05:00

I recently received The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews to review as part of my participation in booksneeze.com. I was disappointed when it arrived, and I noticed that it was a gift book with not a large amount of content. I had really enjoyed the novel by Andrews that I read last, the Heart Reader, and had hoped that this one would be comparable. In the brief pages of The Butterfly Effect, however, there is a great richness of content. Andrews tells a couple little-known stories whose results had immeasurable impacts on global history. In these stories, Andrews shows how the actions of everyday heroes were part of pivotal moments in our country’s tale. As my eyes pored over the words, I literally spoke aloud, “Wow.” Andrews’ gifted story-telling and motivational style coupled with the wonder of the stories themselves will likely elicit an emotional response in most readers. The book is very short; I read it in about fifteen minutes. This makes it very easy to pass on and makes it likely that your friend will actually read it! Throughout, Andrews encourages the readers to make the most of their lives insisting that each of us were made for a reason and have a unique role to play.

Toddlerspeak

2010-08-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

At prayer time, I'll often ask Molly if there's anything she wants to thank God for. Recently, she began by naming things in her room and then looked at me mid-prayer. She continued, "Thank you for eyes... and legs... and butts... and poop..." Ha ha! Can you tell we're still potty-training!

In the car today, Molly let out a couple burps. She said, "I have two burps. 'Scuse me. 'Scuse me."

She is very girly and often will comment on my outfits. She really notices it when I wear a dress. Tonight I changed into a purple knit shirt. She said, "You're wearing a purple shirt. It's so cute!" Then she made two more comments about my shirt within the next two hours before bed.

Trip to MI

2010-08-06T17:38:00.000-05:00

We got away for a quick trip to Michigan last week. We stayed in a cabin with Molly's Ma Mere and spent lots of time with Aunt Katie. She loved the attention and love she received! We spent mornings at the beach, ate out for our lunches and cooked at the cabin for dinner. It was wonderfully relaxing and temperate!

To be beautiful

2010-08-06T14:14:00.000-05:00

Captivating - Unveiling the Mystery of Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge was my recent selection from booksneeze.com (They provide a book for free in exchange for my honest review on this blog.). As I read, I pondered its offerings both in self-reflection and from my perspective as the mother of a little girl. The book describes how as women we are designed to share God's beauty and life-giving qualities with the world. Unfortuately, too many women are too wounded or busy or unattached from God and fail to reveal their captivating qualities. The authors describe an ideal where women are fully living out their feminine uniquenesses while not being helpless and weak, but instead serving God and loving others as "warrior princesses". It contained many anecdotes, many personal ones shared by the authors, which kept the writing very relational.

The authors write in tandom, and at times it was confusing trying to discern who was writing. I have read a book by John Eldredge before. His writing evokes passion and encourages the reader to connect with God on a heart-level. I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5. I believe that it contains essential truths that help women fully realize their role in God's story.

m&ms

2010-07-23T15:29:00.000-05:00

We stopped into Ace Hardware this morning. Pulling into the parking lot, Molly inquired about m&ms. On our last visit, I had told her that we would get popcorn. They have free popcorn all day every day, except for our last visit (of course) when I had promised it to Molly. So, I let her get some m&ms from a gum ball machine instead. Getting out of the car this morning, she insisted on m&ms. I told her that we were only going to get popcorn. Again, getting a cart in the store, she saw the candy machines and asked for m&ms. In response I handed her a bag of popcorn! We browsed for a few minutes while she munched. After we paid and were returning our cart she told me, "I changed my mind." What kid changes her mind about m&ms? How did I get so lucky for no toddler emotions to erupt during this whole exchange?

Off-Roading

2010-07-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

Recently as when we've been out driving, Molly has implored me to drive on the grass. Our conversations go something like this:

"Mommy, drive on the grass."

"No, honey. Mommy might get in trouble."

"Try it. Drive on the grass."

"I might wreck the car if I did that."

"Go ahead. Try it."

She is persistent and very sweet in her requests. It makes me smile. Where did she come up with this idea???

Sweetie Girl

2010-07-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

The top two pictures were from a set of about two dozen shots I took trying to get a nice one of her and her new kitty from KK and May May. She will not pose for pictures for me! I told her to sing a song, and that kept her sitting somewhat still while I tried to catch a good shot.

The bottom one is from a ride in our neighbor's car. We went with Molly's friend Rylee to the planetarium to see a Big Bird show. The girls had fun, but we quizzed them at lunch, and they didn't seem to remember anything educational from the show!

Toddler Irony

2010-07-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

Silly girl! Lately, we'll have just finished a large meal and get in the car when Molly announces, "I want something to eat!"

She's also been protesting naptime by a bout of emotional crying/whining, "I'm not tired!" Oh, really?!?

I think we're also moving into the "Why?" stage. We took a nice walk around Nanna's neighborhood last evening and our conversation was peppered with "why"s.

Thought for the Day

2010-07-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Queen of the Road by Doreen Orion. It was highly enjoyable, and even though it has nothing to do with the subject of the book, I had to share this quote:

If there is a heaven, this must truly be its essence: to be loved.

Oh, how true I believe this to be!

Summer Rain

2010-06-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

Temporary Mom

2010-06-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

Our friend Mady has been staying with us since Thursday morning. She's seven and has an older brother. She's learning what it is like to have a toddler sister. And, Molly is learning what it would be like to have a sibling.

Sibling rivalry erupted quickly! However, I am amazed at how many activities they can participate in together, even with the large difference in age. We've been busy cooking, visiting the Farmer's Market, running errands, going to the McDonald's playland and two different parks, doing the kid's activity at Lowe's and then painting our projects at home, playing with a neighbor girl, reading books, visiting with my mom and her two friends from Michigan, playing Uno, soaking in the kiddy pool, singing, and watching videos while I clean, do laundry, empty the dishwasher and clean up potty-training accidents (Molly has been pretty distracted by Mady and has had some big accidents).

Tomorrow morning is the zoo, and then I'll be recovering.

Hope for Hurting Marriages

2010-06-27T15:20:00.001-05:00

There are three reasons I really liked this book (A Time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury).
1. It was a page turner. I really wanted things to work out for the couple in the story, Abby and John, who had let love and faith fade in recent years in their marriage.
2. It holds marriage in esteem.
3. Many of the characters have an ongoing conversation with God. It reminds me to practice being in God's presence throughout the day and pursue intimacy with him.

Alternatively, there are a couple things I didn't like about this book.
1. It was very predictable. I knew from the start that Abby and John would turn back to the Lord and each other. It had the usual fairy tale ending.
2. Even though the main characters had serious relational flaws and had lapsed in their faith, the main family in the story was too outwardly perfect- he was a handsome quarterback at the University of Michigan that as a coach achieved a high school state championship with his son as quarterback, their perfect son-in-law breezed through the bar exam, and they had a beautiful lakehouse and, of course, everyone is very good-looking. At the same time, their daughter's new in-laws are hideously socially inept and out-of-style in many regards.

Minor irritations aside, I enjoyed the tale. The story is mainly viewed from the perspective of Abby. She is frustratingly stubborn as she refuses to listen to her husband's viewpoint. I'm sure the author intended it this way. It is probably a message for many of us wives to not be so quick to judge as we look at John with compassion even in the midst of his sins and struggles.

It was an easy, pleasant read that will remind the reader's of God's patience toward us and hope for broken marriages.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to review as a part of my participation in booksneeze.com.

Random Pictures from the Last Year

2010-06-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

Ice Cream!

Texas Sky

With Papa the morning after Katie and Jason's wedding

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2010-06-22T14:38:00.000-05:00

See What I've Been Cooking...

2010-06-12T15:04:00.002-05:00

Click HERE!

What Happens When Nanna Babysits

2010-06-12T14:26:00.000-05:00

Biweekly Garden Photos

2010-06-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

I love Texas! I picked 16 jalapenos from my garden on June 10!

We're enjoying basil and jalapenos right now. I have about 6 small green tomatoes so far with lots of yellow blossoms. The plants are taller than Molly now. Tomatoes are difficult to grow in Texas. These babies got shaded with a beach umbrella last weekend when the temps were over 100. I'm praying that they stay healthy and productive. There's a leak in the neighbor's sprinkler system that has resulted in standing water along our back fence for the last week. Hopefully they get it fixed soon before my garden is affected.

Cute DVD for Kids

2010-06-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

Early in the tale entitled “Who is in Charge Anyway?” part of Max Lucado’s Hermie and Friends series, the viewer is introduced to a very cute flea named Freddie. In fact, I think he’s the cutest character in the movie. Freddie overhears a conversation that gets him wondering if he’s special. A conversation with God ensues. God speaks audibly as Freddie peers to the sky and listens. It is a little cheesy for me, but it is a neat way to get kids thinking about how God wants to interact with them through prayer. God points out the weaknesses and insecurities of the other bugs in the garden and highlights the way that He worked through them. Freddie is precious as he seeks to be significant to God.

My two year-old daughter warmed up to this movie right away even though she'd never seen any of the characters before. I showed it to her right after it arrived yesterday, and she’s asked to watch it several times. She could follow along with what was happening, but I’m sure many of the big lessons were too difficult for her to understand. She narrated what was happening in some of the scenes as she watched. It was heart-warming when she watched one encounter between Freddie and God and told me, “He’s talking to God.”

Check out this movie for your preschooler. It contains a good lesson also about telling others about God.

I received a free copy of this DVD as a part of my participation in booksneeze.com. The opinions are entirely mine!

Summer Fun

2010-06-08T22:40:00.000-05:00

Ode to a Place

2010-06-04T08:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my mom moved into a gorgeous new home. It is located in a community on the lake with tall trees, quiet boulevards and welcoming neighbors. It is God's provision, brought about by the most carefully orchestrated circumstances. She feels at home there; she and my dad had played cards in this home several times. Even though he won't live in this house with her, she has memories of him there.

New beginnings also mean tearful good-byes. The home she is leaving has touches of my dad's loving care everywhere. There's the corner in the kitchen where he poured the coffee hundreds of times to serve it to guests. There are the walls he painted according to mom's instructions. There are dozens of small repairs he made to keep it perfect that no one else even knew about.

Strolling through the lawn, the memories of Dad flood to me. He loved working outside in the hot Texas sun. I see the pool, waiting for the new owners to open it, and I recall him bouncing his baby granddaughter in the sun-warmed water. I marvel at the thousands of pieces of native stone he moved to just the right spot to perfect his landscaping. I sigh at the artistry of his impressive cactus garden, many plants having originated in the fields around the house. His touch outside is everywhere, his handiwork alongside the Creator's.

The breezy barn was his respite where he could enjoy the company of his animal friends, pray, think, and occasionally escape to his hammock. Many pieces were skillfully crafted there with just a few tools. I saw the hundreds of feet of metal trim and stall walls that he repainted just a few years after painting it for the first time just like he did the garage walls and floors. He had asked Ryan and me to help him and was so appreciative after we helped for an hour or so. The portion we painted was such a small part of the entire job.

I'll miss the walk from the barn to the house that he made several times daily. I love to try to imitate his peaceful gait. I imagine him enjoying the breeze, chirping birds, and smell of mesquite.

Thank you, God, for the taste of home you give us here on Earth.

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

...He blesses the home of the righteous. Proverbs 3:33

We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 2 Corinthians 5:8,9

Mom's new house is already a home of love. Numerous friends and family members have toured the home with her as she contemplated a purchase. The previous owners, friends of hers, tried to prepare it well for her arrival, patching holes on the walls and leaving behind beautiful furnishings and fixtures. Good friends from church carried in some possessions. Neighbors have brought food. She snuggled in bed and read a story to Molly. I believe Mom will love and serve and encourage and support hundreds in this home in future years.

Dear Lord, fill Mom's home with your Spirit. May it be a place of peace and hope and love. Bring people through the doors that give life and healing to Mom's soul as well as those who need Mom to share God's love with them. May her years here be rich and filled with wonderful memories. Be her Protector. Amen.

Van Camp's Baked Beans Showdown

2010-06-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

My friend Tricia at Once A Month Mom posted a fun giveaway recently. The contest required participants to make both Tricia's baked bean recipe as well as Amy's Baked Beans with a Kick (the recipe of her opponent in the showdown!). We then were to choose a winner. I made both for a small get-together yesterday. Tricia's recipe has fewer ingredients, using canned pork and beans (Van Camps, of course). The additional flavors come mostly from a lot of bacon, ketchup and brown sugar- all good stuff! The dish looks very appetizing and would get a lot of takers at a potluck. It does require 2 1/2 hours of baking time- quite a bit during the hot Texas summer.

Amy's recipe requires the cook to gather quite a few more ingredients and to precook the bacon. It seems healthier- the sugar content is a lot less. It only requires an hour of cooking time, and the recipe suggests that a slow cooker might be used. The recipe makes quite a large batch, so I halved it.

Here is my analysis of the outcome: Tricia's beans are sweet and flavorful. The bacon is tender, and the whole dish is infused with a bacon taste because the bacon cooks with the beans. Amy's beans had a terrific flavor but seemed drier. However, side by side, Amy's beans had a more appealing taste.

In four categories, here are the winners:
1. Overall taste: Amy
2. Appearance: Tricia
3. Beans that are calling me back to the fridge a day later: Tricia
4. Preparation: Tie - the ease of preparing Tricia's recipe is negated by the long cooking time

I asked each of my guests to try both recipes and declare a winner. Because we had a large spread, no one went back for seconds. So, both dishes had the same amount eaten from them. All three of my adult guests preferred Amy's recipe. Keep in mind these are Texans, and they like things spicy. So, judging by taste alone, I declare Amy's beans to be the winner! (Sorry Tricia!)

In the future, when I make Amy's beans, I'll definitely use the slow cooker (plugged in outside on the patio) or bake for a shorter time. Eaten as leftovers they are even more dry. I'll probably save Tricia's recipe for cooler days and make it as is. These are both excellent recipes. Try them both!

The top picture is Amy's beans and the bottom is Tricia's.

Garden Update

2010-05-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

Stars and Stripes

2010-05-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

Mortgage Help!

2010-05-29T14:08:00.002-05:00

Pay attention to price, not payment. That is the basic premise in Mind Your Own Mortgage: The Wise HomeOwner’s Guide to Choosing, Managing, and Paying Off Your Mortgage by Robert J. Bernabe. He presents many scenarios in the book that sound a lot like this: Suppose your mortgage broker calls to encourage you to refinance and save $400 a month. Sounds like a good deal, right? He then leads the reader into some situations where saving on the monthly payment can be costly overall. Even the most uninformed reader would come away with the sense that it is important to be scrupulous in inspecting the details when obtaining a mortgage loan. There are a lot of details and numbers that might cause some readers to become glassy-eyed.

I consider myself to be somewhat savvy with personal finance, and the main ideas in the book weren’t new to me, but I learned a few things, and there was a lot of interesting(?) factual information about the mortgage industry and housing crisis. The author even mystery-shopped some smooth talking brokers whose ads he’d heard on the radio in order to identify some of their deceptive practices!

I didn’t agree with all of his ideas (specifically, the areas where his thoughts differed from Dave Ramsey!), but I agreed with the main ideas in the book. He encourages the reader to shop around for a fixed-rate mortgage by looking at rate and closing costs. He also warns that refinancing can extend the payoff date of your loan, if you just make the required payments. He encourages readers to have a plan for paying off their mortgages early by restricting discretionary spending.

Throughout the book, he directs readers to his subscription-based website, www.mindyourownmortgage.com. On this site, he has forms available for consumers to use to more efficiently compare loans as they talk with lenders.

I highly recommend this book for anyone obtaining a mortgage for the first time, or who isn’t sure what costs are involved when mortgaging a home.

Still-Life Photography By Molly

2010-05-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

She's got quite the artistic eye, doesn't she?

Searching For God Knows What

2010-05-17T12:39:00.000-05:00

I usually don’t laugh out loud at books or movies. However, I laughed through the first chapter, “Fine Wine – The Failure of Formulas” of Donald Miller’s book Searching for God Knows What. I had read this book before as well as Blue Like Jazz, also by Miller. In this book, he looks at the gospel that is central to Christianity from an artistic and anecdotal perspective. He does not skew the truth yet invites the reader to imagine with him as he analyzes and muses about the gospel. Right from the beginning, I was reminded why I love his prose. He is immediately credible to me because he is so honest with his faults. His smart humor immediately engages the reader. His ideas are intriguing and will likely resonate with your soul. At the same time, he points out the many shortcomings of the church and shows its incompatibilities with the gospel of Christ. This doesn’t come across as judgmental but accurate.

Miller loves Jesus, this is obvious. He also loves God’s word. He savors the writings of scripture and engages his heart as he ponders it, the whole while entwining stories, one-liners, and word pictures into the pages.

This is an expanded edition of the original. There is an interactive game that is included. On the pages, you’ll find clues. Sometimes you’ll encounter a letter typeset in bold. Other times, there is a symbol appearing near the page number. Beginning in June 2010, participants can sign up to receive further clues by email, solve puzzles, and win prizes. The clues were actually a little annoying while reading, but I may sign up for the emails and participate.

I received a free copy of this book to review from Thomas Nelson publishers as a part of my participation in booksneeze. The opinions are entirely mine.

Shopping

2010-05-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

Grocery Store at the Children's Museum

Ringing Up Her Purchases

She LOVES the mannequins at Old Navy

Time for Cages

2010-05-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

Tomato cages, that is! My little garden is loving the warm Texas spring and recent rain showers. My mom came over toting a carton of eggs and advised me to bury them beneath the plants. Apparently, they like the eggs, too. The pictures were taken two weeks ago on May 1 and again this morning.

I intended for this pot to be home to one cactus. However, the dirt I planted it in was from the compost at my Mom's. The poor cactus is being overrun by a tomato plant and two cucumber plants. Wait until the dry, hot Texas sun is out in full force. I'm sure the cactus will have the last laugh.

Fifteen Years Ago

2010-05-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

Food is one of my obsessions. I can still taste the garlicky, lemony, minty tang of the fattoush I savored (devoured?) a little while ago. When I was in high school, I would pride myself on eating a completely fat-free breakfast (Total cereal with skim milk and fruit) and lunch (school-lunch salad with fat-free dressing). Then, I'd gorge myself on the homemade meal that my mom would serve to our family for dinner. I'd eat so much that I would lay on the floor afterward moaning, "I ate too much." Somewhat dysfunctional, wouldn't you say?

Unfortunately, I continued this cycle of deprivation and overindulgence in the dorm cafeteria at college. Unfortunate, not because I gained a lot of weight, but unfortunate due to the emotional reliance on food I developed. Eventually, I became bulimic.

My freshman year of college, I ran track. I developed awesome muscular thighs. I also turned nineteen and grew hips out of my previously boyish frame. Not a problem until my eating continued on over-drive my sophomore year when I was no longer running on the team. Again, I didn't gain a lot of weight, but I felt self-conscious about my body and guilty when I ate too much. So, to me, throwing up my too-big dinner was a way of correcting it. And, I'd always gotten a lot of praise for my skinny body. I was no longer unique in this way but rather normal.

I knew that it was wrong and dangerous. I tried to stop my behaviors. I repeated confessed my sins. I couldn't stop. My struggle continued for a year and a half. I didn't throw up every day. It never caused me to lose weight- just kept my overeating under control. Well, my eating wasn't under control- I just undid a little of it.

Several things happened that allowed me to be victorious over this disease and regain wholeness with regard to my body image and food:

1. I dislocated my knee in tumbling class. It was the only injury I've ever had requiring medical attention. God's plan had a twist of irony. Because of my injury, I wasn't physically able to squat by the toilet to throw up. Also, I realized that as humans our bodies are so valuable and yet fragile. An injury can happen to easily. So, why was I purposely doing something that could harm my body?

2. I was involved in a Chiristian ministry. Slowly I began telling others about my struggle. I had heard that confessing a secret sin breaks its power. In my experience, this was quite true.

3. God renewed my mind through His word. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 I also had to train myself to eat more reasonably. Sounds quirky, but before I reached for a snack in my dorm room, I made myself read a Proverb. I also wanted to make sure my true hunger was for the things of God.

4. I had to train my mind also to not study the bodies of other women. I would compare parts of my body to theirs to see how I measured up. I still longed to find my significance in my body. I had to remind myself that my friends valued me not for the shape of my body.

5. I became much less legalistic with my eating. I have learned to enjoy quality foods. I rarely reach for the fat-free option. I try to eat foods close to the way God made them.

Remarkably, I never had to seek professional help for my bulimia. It helps me to share my story with others and to practice healthy habits of mind, spirit, and body.

The Giveaway Winner...

2010-05-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

is Cortney! Be sure to check out her blog here. (I used random.org to determine the winner. Random.org is great fun for math geeks like me!) Enjoy the book, Cortney!

The Heart Mender Review and Giveaway!

2010-05-02T23:27:00.002-05:00

This love story seems so perfectly crafted that it can't be true. The adventure and mystery of it are so gripping that it must be fiction. However, the photographs of the artifacts found in the author's backyard are realistic, and the author's research and interviews with those having firsthand knowledge are believeable. The author claims that it is "for the most part" true. Oh, what a wonderful tale...

When I finished this book, I felt like crying. I wasn't sad. I wasn't emotional, in a Hallmark card commercial sort-of way. I was just amazed. A story of incredible circumstance unfolds as a wounded German soldier is found ashore on the Gulf Coast during the second World War. The woman who finds him is in the midst of deep personal struggles. Each has a staggering past that requires a choice between bitterness and forgiveness. Their story is potentially life-changing for all who read it.

It is the first book that I've read by Andy Andrews, but I can guarantee that it won't be the last. His storytelling was magical, and I flew through the pages. He also had to have a special divine leading to stumble upon this story in the way that he did.

I was provided with a copy of this book by Thomas Nelson publishers to review as part of my participation in booksneeze. They felt that this story needs to be told so widely that they sent me an extra copy to give away to a reader on my blog. Leave a comment to this post by Wednesday May 5 at 9 pm CST in order to get a chance to win. In your comment tell me what has been your favorite recent read. (If I don't know you personally and don't have your email address, you'll have to leave your email address in your comment to contact you if you win.) And, if you don't win, be sure to get your own copy of this book. It will amaze and inspire you.

Music Therapy

2010-04-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

The radio was playing while I was filling the dishwasher and Molly was playing with a book. I didn't know what station I was listening to, when I heard a female voice singing about a hospital bed. Molly started talking to me while I teared up. I don't want to hear songs that cause grief to emerge, but I was straining to hear the words. I heard some other lines about this world not being home and seeing God. Molly was still chattering away while I cried. The song ended, and I realized it was a country station. I switched to a Christian station to continue my music therapy.

I grieve the most when I'm listening to music. It is heart-wrenching and comforting at the same time. I'm sure you can relate. I worship God and fully experience pain and healing together. Then I heard "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin. It reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:9,10: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness... For when I am weak, then I am strong. I have to hit the lowest of lows in order to heal and move on. Thank you, God, for making me stronger through my weakness.

Then and Now At the Botanic Gardens

2010-04-27T14:43:00.001-05:00

Running Away from the Mommies April 2009

Running Away from the Mommies April 2010

Then

Now

Out and About

2010-04-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

Molly's favorite thing to do at the zoo. She wants all birds to land on her finger, wherever we go.

Making lemonade is almost as much fun as drinking it!

A Little Science Ditty

2010-04-15T21:33:00.002-05:00

As a Physics major, I was pretty excited to get the opportunity to review a biography of Isaac Newton for booksneeze.com. While I was very familiar with his famous three laws after having taught them to high school students for several years, I didn’t know much about his personality or life events. The author, Mitch Stokes, actually takes on the role of a teacher as he writes. He explains many physics concepts in a way that makes them understandable to non-scientists. He also engages the reader by giving fascinating details of the person of Isaac Newton. I came away from the book somewhat bewildered by the unique qualities he possessed. It is apparent that God gave him the abnormal ability to concentrate solely on his studies in order that he might formulate correct explanations about mysteries in creation. The amount he accomplished in his lifetime is incredible. Although this book is part of the Christian Encounters series, Newton’s faith is mentioned sparsely. The main focus was on his scientific accomplishments and interactions with his scholarly peers. During the latter years of his life, this interesting character even worked on busting rings of counterfeiters. Stokes’ account of Newton’s life is an enjoyable and informing read.

Oh, Really?

2010-04-15T14:59:00.000-05:00

On the way to the grocery store the other day, I asked Molly what her favorite food is. "Carrots," she replied. "Vegetables... onions." I repeated the question today at lunch. "Chicken, green beans, smiley face fries, catsup," she answered, listing the foods she saw on her plate. The "chicken" was actually a turkey hot dog. Funny that she never requests vegetables, but it's popsicles that she begs for.

Molly has been imitating my speech lately. She sat in front of the computer and held up her index finger, "I'm just going to check one thing," she said. While I was squatting in the back yard working in the dirt, Molly came up behind me, "Come here, babe. Let me hold you." She wrapped her arms around me, "Let me give you a hug." She walked in the house from the yard last evening and announced to me and Nanna, "I'll be back in one minute."

Chillin' with Ella

Finishing the Chocolate Bunny from MaMere

See, Mary Lynn. I hung them straight!

Finding Eggs

Now She's Smiling!

She hit the jackpot!

Clean, Clean, Clean!

2010-04-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

Molly loves to help me clean. She loves to use the washcloth and bucket of soapy water (I use all-natural cleaner) to wash the floor. It gets pretty wet, but then I just go over it all with a mop. It gets really clean this way. She also likes to use a spray bottle with water and vinegar to spray the front of the dishwasher and then wipe it with papertowels.

We were in the gameroom at CiCi's recently. One of the videogames had two guns attached to the front of it. She picked up one and handed me the other. "Clean with this one, mama," she instructed. Oh, I love her naiveté!

Do I Need to be Concerned...

2010-04-02T22:03:00.001-05:00

that Molly's new favorite saying is, "My name's Molly Clara *******, and I promise!" I have no idea where that one came from.

She loves to use the restroom in public places. I often try to gently support her midsection with my hand so she doesn't fall when perched atop the potty. Being an independent two year-old, she protests this, so I discreetly remain close enough to catch her if she loses her balance. After she finishes her business and it's my turn, she places her hand on the front of me and informs me, "I'll hold you!" Thank Goodness! I was concerned about falling in!

Butterflies

2010-03-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

Cultivating Weeds

2010-03-18T22:21:00.000-05:00

This is what our house looked like when we were buying it last summer. Yes, it was a suburban jungle. The shrubs were out of control! Here's what it looks like now:

My mother-in-law put me to work digging out a border along the front and edging it with stones. I love it! However, if you look closely you'll notice that everything green in the yard is a weed and the golden parts are the grass. I've been battling the weeds. My brother spread corn gluten meal in the fall, and then I applied some poorly-timed weed and feed (just before the rain, not after). I've battled a couple times with weed killer in the sprayer, which has actually had a noticeable effect- to me, anyway. Next is another round of weed and feed. I'm sorry for contributing to the pollutants in the water supply. I would like to be more environmentally responsible... any suggestions for organic weed control???

Happy Saint Patty's Day

2010-03-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here is our latest kitchen creation! My first batch of cupcakes with MK. We are invited to a playdate/dinner tomorrow night, and the host asked me to bring a St Patty's dessert. I wanted to use just ingredients I had on hand, otherwise, I would have made my friend Katie's yummy creme de menthe bars. (Speaking of Katie, I miss you. Are you still in the blogosphere?)

I had a box of German chocolate cake mix, a canister of cream cheese frosting, eggs to use up, and an unopened cannister of green decorator sugar (with no red mate). I made a little shamrock template on a paper plate that I then cutout with a utility knife. I actually made three until I got the results I desired. It was a little tricky because the template would stick too much to the frosting each time. Maybe I'll put some butter on it next time to make it "nonstick". The best part of the whole process is that Molly loves to put the muffin liners in the pans- something I find tedious. So we make a good team. Here she is "frosting" her own cupcake. Cute!

An Easter Book for Your Little One

2010-03-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

Read and Share: The Story of Easter by Gwen Ellis is a perfect way to teach the details of Jesus’ resurrection to your child. My daughter is 2 ½, and while it is a little too advanced for her, I think this book will be perfect next year. It would probably also be ideal for 7 or 8 year-old children to practice their reading. The book contains thirteen stories which are each a paragraph telling an event in the Easter story. A lot of detail and insight is included. The book describes how the curtain of the temple was torn upon Jesus’ death and now we all have access to the holy place, while previously it was only the priests. For each section, the scripture references are listed. The book remains true to scripture. The illustrations are fun to look at, and the stories are brief enough to hold the attention of readers.

The accompanying DVD contains six short Bible stories, including ones like Philip and Saul Becomes Paul- topics that aren’t widely available as children’s videos. The video contains simple animation and story-telling. It might be too slow-paced for some children, but as a mom, I prefer videos that aren’t over-stimulating! The disc also contains Coloring Pages and Wallpaper that can be utilized from your computer.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to review as a part of booksneeze.com.

Follow Me

2010-03-10T14:02:00.000-06:00

As I talk to you, my friends that read this blog, many of you will comment on something I've written about. It is fun for me to know that you are reading and following my life! Would you consider becoming a follower of this blog? Just click on the link on the right-hand side. It is quick and easy and would help me know who's reading!

Thanks!

On the Town with Ma Mere

2010-03-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

We headed downtown with Ma Mere who's visiting from Michigan. Molly did an awesome job keeping up as we went shopping!

I Loved This Book!

2010-03-01T13:15:00.000-06:00

As a reviewer for BookSneeze.com, I received a complimentary copy of Kaleidoscope by Patsy Clairmont. I have to say, I want to be Patsy’s friend! Actually, I feel like I am her friend! Her conversational style of writing is fun to read, and for the most part her humor is entertaining. Each chapter begins with a few words from a Proverb. She then draws wisdom from those words and invites the reader into her life journey as she illustrates and teaches with stories. Some chapters are entirely lighthearted- there’s a funny story about her being unable to find her sky-rise hotel twice when it was towering right behind her. However, I was amazed by the depths of her struggles as she also opened up about heartbreaks and inadequacies. The chapter ends with a list of questions to ponder- just like her writing some of her questions are airy and some heady and hearty. The scripture references that round out the chapters provide good spiritual snacking. As I read, I would often flip to the back cover to peer at the picture of the author. I was connecting so much with her heart in the book, I wanted to make a personal connection with her face, too. I loved this book even though it wouldn’t be one that I would normally pick up in the bookstore. I’m definitely going to lend this to friends and keep it close by to reread chapters meaningful to me.

Princess but not Cover Girl

2010-02-27T14:24:00.000-06:00

Molly will not pose for pictures! I tried snapping a dozen pictures of her, but she won't sit still and look at the camera- or smile! We made our first batch of mother-daughter Tollhouse Cookies! It has been years since I last made a batch of ordinary chocolate chip cookies. I measure the ingredients, and Molly loves to pour them into the mixing bowl.

Here she is napping with the pillow MaMere gave her. She is such a sound sleeper that even the flash in her face didn't make her stir. For some reason, I think she looks a lot like Uncle Tim in this picture!