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.  

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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.