Palm Sunday

The Sunday School kids were part of the Palm Sunday Service at church.  They walked in waving palm branches and joined the congregation in singing, Hosanna (Praise is Rising).  

 The kids had fun taking a silly picture before the service.  

VIP day

Each 3rd grade student picks a famous person that they admire.  They did research on this person and wrote a bibliography about their famous person.  Then after their reports were written, they had the opportunity to dress up like their famous person.  

Allyson chose Bethany Hamilton.  (she handmade her surfboard and painted it!)

Caden chose Walt Disney.  

So proud of both kids and their creativity!

April Fool's Day

We don't do much for April Fool's Day, but the kids thought it would be funny to leave little notes for mom and dad.  This one is the note Allyson left for dad on his computer.  

It says... "Dear Dad, I trapped the ghost in the coon trap.  It's in the grove."

He always tells the kids that there is a ghost in his garage and takes/moves his tools so he can't find them.  

All Things Hidden Book Review

All Things Hidden 

by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

This book is set in Alaska in 1935.  The story is about a father and daughter that work together to take care of people as a doctor and nurse team.  Life on the Alaskan frontier is not easy for Harold Hillerman and his daughter, Gwyn.  Despite the obvious difficulties, Gwyn and her father have made a life for themselves and enjoy the beauty of nature and the native people of Alaska.  

With the Depression in the states, the government has decided to help some young families relocate and begin a new life in Alaska.  With the promise of help to build houses, transportation to get there, and the start of a better life, a number of families begin the journey.  

Dr. Harold is concerned about the large amount of people that will be coming to Alaska, and the great chance for disease and not enough help.  He sends a message to a young doctor he mentored as a child in hopes that maybe he might be looking for a challenge.  Dr Jeremiah Vaughan receives this request at a time in his life when things are not looking very promising.  After working and giving his all to his career in Chicago, he finds himself with the treat of his medical license being threatened.  This move to Alaska might be just the reprieve he needs.  

Dr. Vaughan, Dr Hillerman, and Gwyn work together to do their best to help all the people that are arriving in Alaska.  Through measles, TB, and many other health issues that are faced in the building of this new community, the work keeps the 3 very busy.  

Gwyn loves to be outside in the garden and has learned many ways to help survive the Alaskan winters and is eager to help those arriving to succeed in this new venture.  

This book is filled with struggles of a single young woman adjusting to many changes in her world.  There is also a little mystery, and many adventures.  I enjoyed reading this book, and would strongly recommend it to others.  The intertwining of faith and adventures of the Alaskan frontier keep the reader turning the next page to find out what happens next.  

 

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

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.