Christmas Baking

Baking day was a fun and sugar filled day.  

Allyson and Carly decorated gingerbread houses

Allyson's decorated house (well - until she decided to put a "garden" on top) sorry - no pictures of the garden.  :(

Carly's house

Later in the day, the girls decorated sugar cookies - well - they had fun - and created "masterpieces".  Hope you like lots of frosting with your cookie.  

Duet

The kids and all their classmates put on a program for the local nursing home and assisted living.  They sang a number of Christmas carols.  

My kids sang a duet for a verse of Away in a Manger.  They did such a good job!  

I was so proud of them, and glad I had the opportunity to watch them.  

Critical Reaction

Critical Reaction 

by Todd M Johnson

This book started out a little slow, but wanting to give it a fair chance, I continued reading, and I'm glad I did.  This book does get much better.
I enjoyed getting drawn in to the characters of this book and found myself feeling sympathetic and nervous for them while reading.  The courtroom scenes and the prep of the father/daughter team pulls you into the story.
I was a little disappointed in the "Christian" fiction label of this book.  I didn't find much Christianity reference, nor was I able to find reference to God while reading this book.  The father/daughter team does portray the forgiveness and morally good characteristics that could be considered Christian, but the author does not focus on those qualities of the characters.
This book is a decent read, and I would encourage others to give this book a chance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.  The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.  

Great Grandparents

On Wednesday evenings, Caden has cello lesson, and Allyson goes to Grandpa and Grandma to visit.  Both enjoy their time.  It is fun to see my kids enjoying their Great-Grandparents.  

Grandpa loves to work with wood, and create things.  The kids thought one of his latest creations, a tractor (all out of wood) was really cool (even though they thought it should be GREEN!)

Allyson helped Grandma put up her Christmas tree.  

Blessings for the Evening

Blessings for the Evening - Finding Peace in God's Presence

by Susie Larson

When I first received it, the cover was appealing and I couldn't wait to see what was between the covers.  

I love that there is a bible verse, and then a short one page reflection that just leaves you with a peaceful feeling.  I thought the pictures on the pages were relaxing and peaceful as well.  What a well planned out book that would be a great gift for any person that you love!  This book is a wonderful addition to my devotional/reflection books.  I don't always have time to spend a lot of time in devotions at the end of the day, especially at the end of a busy day.  This book was just the key - it was brief, relaxing, and the message on the pages really were great reminder of the promises of God.    

I love that at the end of most pages it reminds you to "sleep well."  

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.  The opinions shared in this review are soley my responsibility.  

Want to win a copy of this book??? 
Leave a comment on this post with what book *(title and author)*  you are currently reading.
Entries will be closed on Sunday, December 8.  Winner will be announced on Monday, December 9 via comment on this blog.  

Unforseeable

Unforseeable

Road to Kingdom Book 3

by Nancy Mehl

This book is just as wonderful a read as the first 2 in this series.    As a Mennonite community in Kansas, Kingdom seems like a safe and protected town.  When a body is found just outside the town, the townspeople of Kingdom feel the community they have worked so hard to build, threatened once again to the outside world.  Callie Hoffman has grown up in the town of Kingdom and is now engaged to the new Mennonite pastor, Levi Housler.  When evidence is found that points to the idea of someone inside the town of Kingdom may be to blame for the murder of the body, townspeople begin to speculate if they can keep their small town protected for much longer.
Levi, Callie and the people of Kingdom face a dangerous winter storm.  Callie is put in some dangerous, and life threatening situations.
This book shares how Callie faces some issues from her childhood, and has to deal with and learn to move forward with her choices.  Levi and Callie are put in some situations where the "right" choice isn't always the easy choice, but because of their faith in God, they are able to make it through those situations with the Lord's help.
This mystery is a not predictable, as it kept me guessing.  I would say this is my favorite book in this series.  I love that some of the characters from previous stories make a reappearance in this 3rd book.  Although, you don't have to read these books in sequence, I would  highly recommend reading them all.  These books are great!  Nancy Mehl has a great talent for capturing the reader and getting them hooked in the story and before you know it, can't put the book down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.  The opinions shared in this review are soley my responsibility.  

Game Time

Black Friday - of a different kind...

Instead of shopping all day, the kids and I played a long game of Monopoly.  

We had a great time, and enjoyed the game in to the evening.  

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

A Most Peculiar Circumstance

by Jen Turano

Miss Arabella Beckett is one interesting lady.  She is following her passion of helping women get their rights through the suffrage movement.  She comes from a high society family.  In her adventures to help another woman, she finds herself in jail.  Enter Mr. Theodore Wilder.  He has come to rescue her.  Just when Arabella thinks there is hope, she finds out her family has hired Mr. Wilder to follow her and bring her home.  Not an easy task, as Miss Beckett is strong willed, and has other plans.  

This book is filled with adventure, set in the 1880's.  

I enjoyed the humor in this book, along with the witty banter between Miss Arabella and Mr. Wilder.  With a Christian message interlaced in this story, it makes for a fun, easy read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.  The opinions shared in this review are soley my responsibility.  

Stranded 

Alaskan Courage book 3

By Dani Pettry

This is book 3 in the Alaskan Courage series.  You can read book 3 without reading the prior books in this series, but I would strongly encourage you to start with book 1, and read the whole series, just because they are so good.  You will not be disappointed.  

This book brings back the McKenna siblings that Pettry's readers have grown to love.  

This time, the McKenna family's Last Frontier Adventures Company is leading the excursions on a luxury cruise.  

Freelance journalist, Darcy St. James is back in book 3.  Darcy has been hired to write a series of articles covering the excursions for the cruise line.  Darcy is also on board the ship with an agenda of her own.  Her friend, Abby Walsh is an undercover journalist, and has asked for help investigating some suspicious activity on the ship.  Darcy is looking forward to spending some time working with a friend and past partner in writing.  Before they have time to meet up to discuss why Abby has asked for Darcy's help, Abby disappears from the ship.  Rumor has it that Abby had too much to drink, and fell overboard from the ship.  

Darcy's job is to keep her cover as excursion reporter, while trying to find clues, and dig deeper into the real reason Abby called her onto the ship.  Gage McKenna is on board the ship, as excursion leader.  Darcy and Gage don't always see things from the same perspective, but agrees to help Darcy and keep her cover.  

 During excursions, and on board the ship, Darcy and Gage begin to discover pieces of why Abby was so concerned about this assignment.  Not sure who they can trust, and who is involved in the corrupt activities, Gage and Darcy reach out for assistance from the other McKenna siblings and friends, including Landon, a sheriff, and soon be be part of the McKenna family.  

If you are looking for a book whose characters portray loyalty, and good morals, along with a little romance and suspense, then this is a book you will enjoy.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. 

Caden's First Race

Caden ran his first 5k and did excellent!  

His time was 34 minutes.  He enjoyed the run, and I enjoyed his company, both during the run and the weeks up to the race training.  

Thanks for running with me Buddy!  Hope we can do this every year!

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

Jennifer by Dee Henderson

An O'Malley Love Story

When I was giving the opportunity to review this book about the O'Malley family by Dee Henderson, I didn't hesitate.  I have read all of the other books in this series, and loved every one of them.  This book did not disappoint.  Jennifer is a a pediatric doctor and has a love for all of her patients.  She is able to remember things about each patient, and truly cares about each of them.  Tom Peterson is a doctor in a hospital where Jennifer sees patients.  After meeting, they become good friends.  As their relationship begins to grow, Tom invites Jennifer to church with him.  Jennifer accepts the invitation, but with much hesitancy. She is given much to think about and sort through as she begins to learn more about Jesus.  After the death of a young patient, Jennifer is tested in her new beliefs.
Jennifer is trying to figure out how to introduce Tom to her family.  She loves Tom and would like to spend her life with him.   Before the opportunity to do so at an upcoming family outing, Jennifer has to deal with some health issues.  With the help of Tom, and her new love for Jesus, she is on the path to get her entire family (consisting of 6 siblings) to believe in Jesus also.
This book has tears, and laughter and is a great addition to the O'Malley series of books.  My only disappointment with this book is that is wasn't longer.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Lovin' Summer

We are enjoying the nice weather.  Summer is finally here, and we are going to soak up all the fun we can!  

After lots of rain and cool, we take advantage of the sun!  

One of the kids favorite things to do is put the sprinkler underneath the trampoline and jump away in the water.  

Nerf Super Soaker Party

Friday afternoon, we had a fun "water gun party".  The kids had been looking forward to this for quite awhile.  We got a party pack in the mail which included some water guns and Cheetos.

He is having so much fun! 

 Taking a break from the water for some snacks.

After a little rain shower, some of the kids were back to partying.  

What a fun day!

Finger Knitting

Allyson learned to finger knit.  Her friend from school showed her, and then today with a little help from YouTube, she got it.  

Color Me Rad

I had the opportunity to take a girls day for a run and some shopping.  

I ran in the Color Me Rad run in Omaha on Mother's Day weekend.  

 Mackenzie and I are ready to run!  

We were in the 3rd wave to run.  It was a little chilly in the wait, but fun! 

Mid-run color check 

 At the finish - quite colorful!  They even had some color spray stations to help the color stay on better.

 What a fun race!  

Ending the day with a little Cheesecake Factory cheesecake!   YUM!

May 1 ???

Today, May 1, we woke up to snow.  This was a picture of the kids before they got on the bus for school.  They couldn't even look at me because the wind was blowing the snow in their faces.  

Here is a picture out the front door about an hour later.

Shopping

It was a girls shopping trip and we ran into Tessa.  Wow - they are dressed like twins.  

Snow Day

School was cancelled due to snow and bad roads today.  What do you do when there is no school, lots of snow and it's almost 40 degrees outside? 

Poster Contest

Allyson participated in a Water Conservation Poster Contest and was so excited to get chosen as 2nd place for her school.  She was thrilled with the red ribbon and $5 she received.

The poster theme was "Where Does Your Watershed?".  Dad and Allyson worked together to come up with an idea.   Way to go Allyson - so proud of you! 

Church Notes

These are a couple notes that my kids made during church this morning.  

April Ice Storm

Tuesday morning, we woke up to rain - it rained most of the day, and late afternoon about the time we were coming home from work/school, it started to freeze.  

Wednesday morning, we woke up to lots of ice...

We had a 2 hour late start on Wednesday, and then Wednesday night about 8:30, it began to snow.  Thursday school was cancelled.  We got about 5 inches of snow at our house.  The kids enjoyed playing outside and making snowmen during their time off of school.  

Here is a picture of my parents rental house - an ice/snow covered tree limb fell off and damaged this car.  

Because of all the ice on the trees, there were many branches/tree limbs broken off trees.  What a mess to clean up.  

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Alaskan Courage Book 2

Piper McKenna is convinced her brother Reef, is innocent in a murder case that he is suspected as the killer. She needs to not only find the evidence to prove her brother is innocent, but also find a way to work together with Deputy Landon Grainger.  Landon has been a close friend of the McKenna family for years, but feels torn in what to do when further information that could help the case becomes known.  

The murder of a young snowboarder, Karli, happens at a lodge in Reef's home town in Alaska.  Reef and Karli both compete in snow sports and are in town for a competition.   

As the McKenna family team together to find out more information about the murder, Piper goes on her own to investigate and help prove her brother's innocence.  

After taking a leave from his law enforcement job, Piper and Landon follow the leads they have into Canada in hopes of finding the proof they need.  While talking with other snowboarding competitors, trainers, and other people that knew Karli, they find themselves in some dangerous situations.  Whoever killed Karli is also after Landon and Piper.  Can they find the evidence they need to prove Reef's innocence before the killer gets them?  As they get closer to the truth, and various attempts on their lives, they find themselves trapped in an avalanche.  If they can survive this, will they be able to prove what they have found?  

I loved book 1, Submerged,  in this series, so when I had the opportunity to review the second book, I jumped at the chance.  I was familiar with the McKenna family from book 1, but would say you certainly wouldn't have to read the first book to be able to enjoy this one.  I see that the next book in this series is scheduled to release this Fall.  I will be sure to read that one as soon as it is available.  If you love romantic suspense, christian fiction books, you will love this!

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.   

First Run of the Season

For my first 5k of the season, I ran the Spring Thaw 5k in Sioux City on April 6.  

It was cold, rainy and windy.  

Despite the weather conditions, it was a fun race with a great bunch of ladies.

We went to Panera Bread after to get some good food and warm up.