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Sunday, December 6, 2015

NIrv Beginner's Bible Devotional Pack

This is the sweetest Bible/Devotional duo for kids!!  The Kid-Sized Devotions are very short and sweet!  There are devotions for each day for 1 year.  There is a presentation page in the front, then the devotions to "grow closer to God", and at the very end, the "ABC's of Salvation"!  I had never heard past the C in this--and they have every letter except X and Z.  I was very impressed by this!  Each devotion starts with a Bible verse, and a very short devotional.  It also has a main point in a highlighted area, and ends with a very short prayer.  This devotional book is geared for preschoolers.

The NIrv Beginners Bible is pretty much a straight Bible.  They say it is geared for children 6-10, but I would think it could go a bit older.  It has a presentation page in the beginning, and what I thought was really cool was on the back of the presentation page, it said, "My name is _____________.  I am _____________ years old.  I received this book for ______________."  I just really liked that personal aspect.  This Bible then has typical things like table of contents, then the books of the Bible in alphabetical order.  The next thing I liked was the next page "Getting to Know Jesus".  It is short (2 pages), and has a question and answer format.  "How can I get to know Jesus?  Who is Jesus?  Why did Jesus have to die?  Does Jesus love me?  Will Jesus ever stop loving me?"  etc.    It has very few pictures (18 pictures - that is 9 pages, front and back).  This Bible has very small margins, they almost go to the edge of the pages, and has 2,034 pages, including all the helps.  Immediately following the Bible there is a small dictionary, and then a section of 150 famous Bible stories and where they are found--I Loved this section!!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received both these hardcover Devotional book and Bible free from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers for my honest review.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, October 9, 2015

Hemi-metameric Shift Scoliosis Dr. Visit

Whew!  What a title, huh?  A hemi-metameric shift scoliosis is a very big name for congenital scoliosis.  It is a rare form of scoliosis, and very rare in boys.  So, when Matthew was formed in the womb, when the spine was coming together, the one side of the spine didn't have a match, also known as the hemivertebra off at the T2 and T5 vertebrae.  Then, further up, there is another side without a match.  So, all in all, he evens out, even though the spine is crooked.  Hope it makes sense!

So, here he is.  Dad dropped us off at the door, and we waited.

Then, we went upstairs and checked into the Orthopedics.

And waited for just a little bit.  They were very timely today!

Off to get changed:

He had 2 sets of X-Rays--one from the waist up (he had to take off his jeans for this one):

and another of just the upper part (Thoracic) of his back.


Then off to get weighed (he weighs 73 pounds)

And then they measured his height (and he is 5 feet tall, yep, tall and slim)

Then, they measured him from fingertip to fingertip (missed this measurement)



Then off to see the doctor

and to view his X-rays.

Everything went great, and he doesn't have to go back for 2 years!!  Praise God!

Blessings!


Friday, October 2, 2015

a Busy Pastor's Wife

So, here we are--in OCTOBER!  Where did the time go??

I have been busy with the photo directory.  You thought I was done with it?  Well, so did I!  I got the proof back, and it was riddled with errors.  It is now shipped back off to the company.  I'm waiting on the next proof--hopefully error free!!

We have been looking at a Wednesday night's children's curriculum.  Trying to find something that doesn't just plop children in front of a tv.  I think we may have found something--It does have a small amount of tv in the beginning, but the main Bible teaching is done by the adults there.  It sounds fun, and teaches our main tenets of faith, with a mystery theme, this would be for the children aged 6-12.  I have stuff for the kids ages 3-5.  We will have our meeting next Wednesday, and show it to people who are interested in teaching.

I've also been doing the weekly church bulletin.  And the monthly activities calendar, and monthly birthday/anniversary calendar.  Whew!

Our family grew by 1!!  It's a four legged addition.  We are pretty sure a neighbor left their cat when they moved earlier this summer (how can someone do that??)  This is the nicest cat--at first he tried to come in, and we would say no.  But, months later, he is still around, and it's getting colder and he really wants in!!  Sunday night, we were heading to church, but I had to put something in our recycle bin.  I turned around and the cat came running straight to me.  And dropped a mouse at my feet!!!!  After my initial horror, and jumping around and screaming (much to the boys' delight!), I saw the mouse was dead.  So I told him, "Good Kitty, Good Kitty!!!"    Hubby took the cat to the vet today.  He de-wormed him, and we found out the cat has already been fixed!   We are making sure the cat is litter box trained, so right now he is in the garage.  We are trying to come up with a name for him.  My ideas?  Frank, or Frankie, or Aslan.  Dan says Toffee.  Matthew says Garfield.  We will have to vote.  He is part Siamese, so my Frank was for Old Blue Eyes (Frank Sinatra).

We are going on a trip later this month to Colorado.  We will be taking cabinets for a man who double booked himself.  Then, we will do some sight seeing.  I think Mesa Verde is on the agenda.

Matthew goes in for a Scoliosis appointment next week.  I will try to remember to take pictures of what goes on in a normal Scoli appointment.

Blessings!

Book Review "Diary of a Jackwagon" by Tim Hawkins







"Diary of a Jackwagon" by Tim Hawkins.  Reading Tim Hawkins' book is almost as good as being at one of his concerts!  Almost!  You still miss his funny faces, and jumping around, and mopping his brow.  :)  But, he writes the book (he keeps saying we are peeking into his diary), just as he talks.  Some of this is old material that he has done in the concerts, and some of it is new material.  But, it was good, and fun to read.  He ends each chapter with a short quip, a "Tweet Thought", and those are just as funny as each chapter.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it was a nice fix for me, seeing as how I missed this year's concert.  Our family enjoys Tim Hawkins!!

I received this e-book free from the publisher for my honest review. 

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Book Review: "Submarines, Secrets, and a Daring Rescue"

This is a book review for the book, Submarines, Secrets and a Daring Rescue", by father and son writing team, Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead.

This is book 2 in the kids historical fiction, and it picks up where the first book left off.  The twins, Ambrose and John, are asked to deliver a secret letter, and then find out their older brother has been captured. So, they take on their older brother's secret mission of going on the first submarine to launch an attack on the British warships.  They later decide to try to rescue their older brother Berty from certain death for being a traitor.  Will they be able to rescue him?  Who is telling all their secrets to the British and Loyalists?  Who shot their father?  Can they go against all odds and successfully work the submarine to blow up a British ship, AND get away??  Read the book to find out these answers!!

The book was really good.  Well, once I got a hold of the book--I had to wrestle it away from my 12 year old son.  LOL  The book really holds your attention, and leaves you anxiously awaiting book 3!  This is a beautiful hardcover book--I love hardcover books for youth, as they hold up so much better for lots of hands to handle.

At the end of the book, it has a section on notes from the story tellers, discussion questions, a glossary, and historical letters that were interesting to read  The main part of the book is 180 pages, but with the extra information, it is 206 pages.  This would be a good read aloud book to the whole family.

I received this hardcover book free from the publisher for my honest review.

Blessings!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Part 2 of what I do all day :)

So, today, hubby had to run to church, to meet someone for counseling.  Then, I found out I needed to run to Hudson to pick up some Tim Hawkin's tickets from a gal who was selling them cheap.  Dan was working, so I had to use the 4 wheeler, to get to church, where I was going to pick up the van and go.

Got to church.  Found out the GPS was back at home, and hubby was now free to go with.  Back at home, we grabbed the GPS, and I also remembered to start the crock pot for supper.  :)

On the road.  Got the tickets.  She was nice, and liked to talk.  Hubby then said we needed gas.  So, he was filling up, and I was washing windows, when an elderly woman pulls up in front and asks for help--she was disabled, and she wanted someone to check the fluids in her car.  So, hubby did that, and he even bought her something to eat.  She wanted to talk--a LOT. 

We then got to Wal-Mart, as hubby also needed ink for the printer.  When we came out, another woman was there with her hood up.  We stopped and asked if she needed help.  She said so many people walked by, and no one bothered to stop and ask.  So, we tried to give her a jump, but the car just clicked.  That was over our heads.  She was finally able to get someone to come and get her. 

We left there, and grabbed a bite to eat at Pita Pit.  YUM!! 

We got a phone call telling us to go look at some outside equipment at a nearby school.  Stopped there, and then at the district school office to see what all is needed.

Nope.  Your life is not your own.  And you never know what a day will hold.

Got back to church, and I started burning the dvd of Sunday's service.  Hubby didn't need any help, so I drove the 4 wheeler home.

Matthew and I weeded the garden, and picked green beans.  Came in and vacuumed the living room, and swept all the vinyl flooring (that is a huge area).  We have Family Themed Bible study in the home tonight.  Also ran the dishwasher, and still need to clean up the kitchen a bit.  Made a couple calls for getting all the birthdays and anniversaries for the church calendar.

Whew!

Still need to clean up the kitchen, put the finishing touches on supper.  And I have 2 1/2 hours to go till Bible Study.  I'd best get going.

Blessings!

Monday, August 10, 2015

So, what do you do all day??

LOL-- I do get asked this question a lot!  Hmm--aside from having 10 children, home educating, being a wife and mother, a Pastor's Wife at that, running a home.  What do I do?? 

Well, let's see.  This morning, I fed the family breakfast, I am working on gathering everyone's birthday and anniversary in the church to be put on a special calendar - so that means many phone calls, worked on next week's bulletin, set up a facebook event for a concealed carry class, set up another event for packing the Back(Pack) to School Sunday backpack packing day.  We've also been working on brochures for the church, and finalizing the pictorial church directory. I also made a new dessert for tonight's church picnic. How's that for a morning????  Oh, and I got them lunch (albeit lunch was Sam's Club chicken spread).  I also need to make a huge taco salad for tonight. 

Hubby is out mowing the lawn now (he had a Pastor's meeting this morning), and I need to run to the library to hang a poster for VBS.  And return some items.

But, no.  I don't do much.  :)

This summer, I have been donating 1-2 mornings per week up at the church.  There, I copy off anything the Pastor needs (handouts, cd's, dvd's, bulletins, calendars, etc.)  I also move the Sunday services from the camera to the computer, and burn a copy onto some DVD's.  I've also been cleaning out some of the church offices, and organizing things at church--in the office and the cd and dvd racks. 

Blessings!

Saturday, August 8, 2015

34 Years?? Where does the time go?

Well, today hubby & I celebrated 34 years of marriage!  It sure is shocking.  I know that when the children were all so small, I could not fathom the day ever coming when the children would be grown, married, ME a grandmother!  Some days I couldn't even imagine a day when I wouldn't have children in diapers.  LOL!  But, 34 years have flown right on by.  Did I blink??

So, the older married kids decided we all should go on a dinner cruise, including my parents.  Some of the kids were missing, but as many that could make it, we went.  It was a lovely evening!  We had prime rib, walleye (I didn't eat that, as I don't like fish--but my hubby ate it), garlic buttered potatoes, dinner rolls, pasta salad, leaf salad, and dessert. 



And, here is a picture of all of us that went.  Well, except Brittany, because she took the picture.  :)





Today, hubby and I loaded up the four wheeler, and went to Mondovi, and road a trail.  It was nice and relaxing!  We went all the way to Osseo, which isn't even the end of the trail!  We were worried about rain (well, I was), so I drove on the way back, and booked it.  We stopped in a campground nearby, and they had flush toilets, and HOT water!!! 

They even had a cute little lending library!!

We got home, and threw some steaks on the grill, along with some fresh corn on the cob.  YUM!!

Blessings!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Back to the daily grind

Last week, hubby and I flew to Yuma, AZ so I could get some dental work done.  We flew out on Tuesday morning, and by Tuesday afternoon, I was sitting in the dental chair in Mexico.  We crossed over the border 5 times.  In addition to the dental work, we both got progressive lenses glasses, and a few gifts for the boys. 

We stopped to see a painter, and ended up buying some items from him.  He does this all with spray paint!  He also painted a mug for hubby.



It is fun to cross the border, and find some good deals, but it was HOT!! It was 106 degrees.  I don't do hot.   And, it does get tiring, always hearing, "Dental??  Optical??  Pharmacy??" 

One day we went to a date farm. It was interesting!  We got to sample dates, and I brought some home. Only to find out I'm the only one who really likes them. I'm really glad I didn't buy the 11 pound box, even if it was an incredible deal. 

They put these bags on the bunches of dates to keep bugs and birds away. 


We also went to the Yuma Terratorial Prison.  It was interesting to hear about that part of history.  I can't imagine how the people lived in those small cells--sometimes 6 to a cell!  In that heat!!



So, we are back to normal around here, and have a cookout tonight, at our house.  I need to finish my potato salad.

Blessings!

Book Review: "A House Divided" by Robert Whitlow





Bestselling author, Robert Whitlow, does not disappoint in his latest legal thriller, "A House Divided." 

The book opens up, at the graveside of Corbin Gage's ex-wife, Kitty.  Corbin is standing there, with his son, Ray, and daughter, Roxy.  All three of them are lawyers, but working in different firms.  Roxy is working in a big city, multi-lawyer firm, Ray is looking to move up in his career to a larger firm in their small town.  Corbin has his own law firm, and he is barely hanging on.  Things have spiraled down for Corbin, and he is an alcoholic, but didn't realize it, until Ray and his wife, Cindy, threaten to take away visiting rights of their son Billy, from Corbin.

A toxic tort case falls onto Corbin's desk.  Everyone advises him not to take the case.  He does.  He has wanted Ray to join him in his law firm for quite some time, but Ray didn't want to work with his dad, because of past issues.  The tort case involves a huge company, that reportedly was dumping toxic chemicals, and now two little boys have been diagnose with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

The book takes you on a journey, of Corbin fighting his alcohol demon, to wanting to spend time with his grandson, all the while trying to reconcile and make up for his past mistakes with his two adult children.  He is really trying, and Ray and Roxy aren't sure if it's true, or just because of the threat of losing fishing trips with his grandson.

Ray loses his job (caught while on the phone with a new, bigger firm - and his wife blames it on his dad).  Then, he takes the job at the new firm, only to be let go, because of his dad's toxic tort case. Ray eventually comes to work with his dad.

Roxy helped out Ray and Corbin, and loses her job, because of being associated with the toxic tort case.  Can anything else go wrong?

Everyone in town is upset with Ray and Corbin.  How will they help the families of the two boys?  How will they prevail in this case, where everyone and everything is against them?  I was surprised at the ending. 

I received this e-book free from the publisher for my honest review.


Saturday, July 11, 2015

A Camping Survival Kit

So, just to let you know - I am NOT a camper!  I know there are many who enjoy it, but I am not one of them.  A friend of mine is going camping this week, so I made her a camping survival kit.  I will give it to her tomorrow.

I got most of the items from the dollar store.  Some, I got free.  So, here is the basket:



And, this is what is inside the basket:

I wrote a note saying, "______'s CAMPING SURVIVAL KIT; This is to make camping more enjoyable, well, tolerable, if that is possible.  :)  Miss you and have a nice time, Love, ME.

Included are:
M & M's - you HAVE to have chocolate!
Werther's (stand up in any kind of weather)
Kleenex
Wipes - sometimes you don't have water
Hand Sanitizer (I got this as a free hand out at Sam's Club) - I wrote on it that Camping is rough
2 small toothbrushes
Band Aids - I said that boo boo's happen, but hopefully they won't need them
Tylenol
Matches - I said in case your husband insists on using 2 sticks, you have a back up
Bath & Body Wash (I got this free because of a coupon)
Carmex
Flashlight
Pink Duct Tape - I said that Duct Tape fixes just about anything.
Small bottle of water

 Hope you enjoy this idea for a survival kit.

Blessings!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Book Review: Princess Joy Sticker and Activity Book






"Princess Joy Sticker and Activity Book" is a short (16 pages) book for young girls aged 4-8.  This short, sweet book will keep them busy for a while.  There are 50 reusable stickers, word find, coloring pictures, a page for creativity (designing their own birthday invitation), maze, spot the differences, and finding hidden items, which are all centered around a birthday theme.  The stickers are sure to please young girls - flowers, butterflies, princesses, animals, crowns, etc. 

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Book Review: "Princess Grace Sticker and Activity Book"



"Princess Grace Sticker and Activity Book" is a short, sweet book for young girls.  There are 50 reusable stickers that young girls will love.  The stickers consist of pretty princesses, horses, butterflies, a treasure chest, flowers, etc.  The activities consist of finding things wrong with the picture, finding certain items, dot to dots coloring pages.  Young girls will have fun and be entertained for a while.  This book is short, only 16 pages, but it is enjoyable.  My granddaughter, Grace, loved that there was a book about a Princess Grace. 

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Book Review: Princess Charity Sticker and Activity Book



"Princess Charity" is a short, sweet sticker and activity book that young girls will be sure to love and enjoy!  There are 50 colorful, reusable stickers, of all things young girls love--horses, princesses, animals, flowers, etc.  There are simple word finds, dot-to-dot pictures, a maze, coloring pictures, spot the difference, and spot things that don't belong, among other pages.  It is a small book, only 16 pages, but it is fun to do.  My granddaughters love to use this book!

I received this book free from the publisher for my honest review.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

School's out!

So, we finished up school on May 15th.  The boys really worked hard to get the work all done!!  So did I!  We had an end in sight, and pushed hard.  The last week was grueling, but we are enjoying time off now!

What are we doing with our time off?  Work.  LOL.  I've been working on bulletins, calendars, video tape copying, etc. Last Friday was a beautiful day that we spent doing yard work.  UGH.  But, the yard looks really nice.  I vacuumed out all the leaves from the pool (we've been leaving the pool up in the winter).  So, I used the wet vac, and got the water and leaves all out.  Then, we bleached the floor of the pool, and got that all cleaned up and out.  Then, we began to fill the pool.  I need to get the solar cover on (no need as yet, as since we cleaned the pool out, we've had nothing but rain and cloudy days), as well as the filter on and running. 

Matthew wants to do a little gardening with me, so we are going to plant a garden.  As soon as we get the tiller back from the shop.  Crazy thing wouldn't start this year, and then the pull cord broke.  Well, I guess a spring inside it broke.  We are planting 2 tomato plants, green beans, carrots, lettuce, and I don't know what else, in small amounts.  This will be a small garden.

I made 2 necklaces--1 for my mom, and 1 for myself.  I found a knock off of the living lockets, and worked on getting them made.  I also made an Italian bracelet watch band.  I liked the idea of the Italian bracelets, but I don't usually wear bracelets.  And, my watch band broke--so it's like killing 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. 





My other plans for this summer?  Well, I plan on recovering the patio swing, and also making a new hammock seat (it just ripped out this year).  Other than that?  As little as possible.  Oh, I also want to make a cover with PUL to protect our cell phones when we go to a water park.  We'll see how that goes.

Blessings!

Book Review: "Never A Bridesmaid" by Janice Thompson






This is a book review on "Never a Bridesmaid" by Janice Thompson.  I think I have read every book by Janice Thompson.  I really enjoy her as an author!  It is a good, light read.  You know, when times are tough, and you just want to escape?  This will fit the bill!

The story starts out, when Mari's sister, Crystal, announces that she is engaged to her socially elite fiance, Phillip.  Crystal then announces who is in the line up of bridesmaids, when, Mari, to her horror finds out she is last in the line up.  And, double horror, Sienna, who is a ditz, is chosen as the maid of honor!  The most prestigious place of honor in a lineup, to also host the bridal shower, bachelorette party,  the honor speech, etc., and she gave it to the gal who is so consumed with herself?  And, to add insult to injury--lining up the bridal party according to height, leaves Mari matched up with a 14 year old, socially awkward boy.

Enter Derrick Richardson, who is the best man, and baseball player.  Mari and Derrick hit it off, and Sienna is positively jealous.  Yes, the book is predictable, but it was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

This is a short read, a novella.  I wish it would have been longer, but it was a good escape, and fun to read.

I received this ebook free from the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Spring is here!

We have been having some beautiful, warm weather.  The trees are beginning to bud, and the daffodils are in bloom.  Ah!  This is nice!!



Today, we have some work to do.  We will be running the pop cans into the recycling center.  We also were able to purchase all the "Big Daddy" Dad's Root Beer (that is the gift our church will give to all the fathers on Father's Day).  So, we will drop them off at church, and pick up all the pans, knives and my Trader Joe's Insulated bag that I left there last week.

I am also hoping to cut Sam's hair, and iron everyone's clothes for tomorrow (that's a given for a Saturday).  I will be chopping up a lot of veggies for a veggie tray for tomorrow's company, as well as making a butterscotch pudding dessert.  I need to wrap up the gifts for the rescuer, and his daughter who is having a birthday next week.

Matthew went to a farm today with my parents, as the farm is hosting a sheep shearing day, along with seeing all the wool, and what you can do with it.  He messaged me that he wants to buy a lamb.  :)  They said they would cut him a deal for $25.  I'm pretty sure our village won't allow it as a pet, and rather consider it a farm animal.  He's had this all figured out since he carried around the lamb for the Easter productions.  This has been in the works in his mind for a couple weeks.

I am also finishing up the bulletin for tomorrow.  Such is life in a busy pastor's family household.
Blessings!

Friday, April 17, 2015

Our Son, the Pilot!

We are so PROUD of our son!!  He has always wanted to fly a plane--well, back in March, he got his pilot's license.  Tonight, we received a phone call, that he was going to be flying over our house.  Here he is:





So cool to see a goal accomplished in one of your children's lives.  So proud of him--it is hard to be a man, who works hard to support his family, has a job, a wife, 3 children, and still be able to work hard and acquire his pilot's license.  Congratulations, Josiah!!

Blessings!

Whew! Hoping for normal

We are hoping that things will settle down to a dull roar.  We had some busy times with the Living Last Supper productions, as well as the Easter Breakfast, and Easter Production of "He's Alive".


 This was Andrew's (he's only 16!) first year in the play--he played James the Less.  He did great!!

                                               Here is Josh, in Watch the Lamb part.  

One of the nights, Josiah forgot his contacts, and said he was worried that he couldn't see, when he slams down the money bag--he is supposed to knock over the salt bowl.  He was worried he would hit a cup of water.  Well, I had help in setting up the table, and someone accidentally filled the salt bowl with water.  So, when he slammed down the money bag, it hit the salt/water mix, and water went flying.  He kind of shook his head, and did a double take, it was so funny!!  We got it on video, and we all laugh when we see him.

Then, we geared up for the Youth Spaghetti Dinner, and annual business meeting.  We met on Saturday to get all the food cooked up and ready.  Then, we served, and cleaned up, and headed to the business meeting.  We had to keep the business meeting short, as we had to leave immediately after to go to District Meetings.

We got to the District opening night.  Matthew thought it was a dud at first, because all they had was popcorn.  He was hoping for free pop.  LOL!  Then, he found the pop, so things were good.  Hubby won a $15 gift card for Culvers, in a birthday game.

The kids got some swimming in, too! 

Then, on Monday night, I watched our 3 boys who went with, along with Josh & Brittany's girls, so hubby and Josh & Brittany could go to the missions banquet and hear Hulda Buntain speak.  They enjoyed it.  Me, not so much.  Water problems seem to follow me!  I went to use the sink outside the bathroom, and the faucet flew up in the air, and gave me a shower. I called the front desk--they sent a maintenance man up right away, but he couldn't fix it.  They offered to have me change rooms, but I wasn't up for moving all of us without too much help.

Tuesday, Brittany and I and the children went shopping, while the men went to council meetings.  We went to Hobby Lobby, and TJ Max and McDonalds to kill some time.

Later, we went to Golden Corral (Yum!), where Matthew and I had a cotton candy eating contest.  I ate 7 1/2, and he had 8.  I could have eaten more and won, but he was so intent on winning, and he was starting to get sick.  You would think he would learn to just quit, and take a loss.  :)

We also went to Jelly Belly, took a tour, and bought some belly flops.  And, we also went to Kopps--which is way better than Culvers, in our opinion.

We got home Wednesday night and were glad to be in our own bed.

Thursday, we went shopping for food, and we are getting ready for Sunday's service.  The man who performed CPR on Dan will be to our church for a dedication of the new AED machine.

Blessings!

Monday, April 6, 2015

Lethal Beauty: A Mia Quinn Mystery by Lis Wiehl



"Lethal Beauty: A Mia Quinn Mystery" by Lis Wiehl does not disappoint!!  I devoured the book in no time at all.

Mia Quinn is trying to wrap up a court case, that should have been rock solid, open and shut case, involving a wealthy businessman.  She delves into the case of the Lethal Beauty, Dandan Yee, who was brutally murdered.  Then, the unthinkable happens - a key witness goes missing, and one juror holds out for a hung jury, Mia goes looking further into the case.

What she finds is a puzzling case of more murders, prostitution, human trafficking, illegal drug use, all while trying to juggle her job, her family, and trying to deal with life in general.

This is a very good book, that touches on the topics of human trafficking, and drugs.  Although, it is not necessarily "Christian" (if you were to define a Christian book that had a strong Christian witness, that gives a direct call to salvation), but--this is a good, clean book that a Christian can read without problems.  Even though it does deal with prostitution, and human trafficking, but it does not go into great detail. This book kept me up at night to finish it!

I received this ebook free from the publisher for my honest review.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Sleepless nights

We had a string of Saturdays, where we just were not getting enough sleep.

The first Saturday, was Valentine's Day.  We hosted a very fancy meal at the church.  We had someone make prime rib.  We cooked the rest.  We made baked potatoes, a Normandy veggie plate, salad - along with my "famous" Parmesan Peppercorn Salad dressing, bread, etc.  We put out real plates, silverware, glasses, cloth tablecloths, and cloth napkins.  I folded the napkins up so nicely - lol.  Anyway, it did look very nice.  Just one problem, with all the real cloth table stuff, and all the real dishware, it's a lot of work to clean up after 40+ people.  So, we were there quite a bit later.  Then, a gal wasn't looking so good.  She thought she was having a stroke.  Do you think we could find any aspirin??  A lady, who lived right down the street, ran home to get some.  We stayed with the gal, until the ambulance came to get her.  We then brought the kids home, and we took off for the hospital.  We got home around 1:30 AM.  (update on the gal--she is doing good.  It wasn't a stroke)

The following Saturday, we received a phone call after 2 AM from the police department to come pick up a drunk young fellow, and get him to safety. 

Then, the next Saturday night everyone lost an hour of sleep because of the time change. 

Dan had an episode last Saturday, where he passed out.  We skipped breakfast, and had brunch.  We called the kids to the table, and Dan came from about 8 feet away.  He got to the table, and face planted right on the table.  I thought he was goofing off.  He had passed out. He said he was surprised he made it to the table, he had felt it coming on, and thought he could push through the dizziness.   He is doing well.  We took him to his primary care doctor, and they ran some in office tests.  They checked his blood pressure while resting, and again after he stood up.  They did the same with his pulse.  What they found was upon rising, his blood pressure drops, and his heart speeds up.  Kind of a double whammy.  The temporary diagnosis is POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which is just a fancy way of saying that when he changes positions, his heart speeds up, and he tends to faint.  He will be going to a cardiologist for probably further testing (he sees the heart doctor this week).  They told him it is very important to drink water!!  If he begins to feel faint, he needs to sit down, and wait for it to pass.  And, if it happens a lot, they would put him on some medicine.

Blessings!


Book Review: "Patriots, Redcoats and Spies" by Robert J. Skead



"Patriots, Redcoats and Spies" by Robert J. Skead is a fun to read book!!  I enjoyed reading it outloud to the family after eating dinner.  It really held everyone's attention!!

It starts out with the twins, Ambrose & John with their father, Lamberton Clark, running away from the redcoats.  Their dad, Lamberton, had been shot by the redcoats.  He has an important message that must be taken as soon as possible to General George Washington.  The message is written in invisible ink.  Their dad tells them to trust no one, and to stick together.  Even though the twins look alike, they couldn't be more diverse in their attitude and personality.  Will they get the message to General Washington in time??  Will they be caught and discovered as patriot spies??

We really enjoyed this book!  It was fun to see the interaction between the two brothers.  It is a fun read aloud to the whole family.  Even though the language wasn't true to that era, it made it reading easy, and enjoyable to the family.  I think the family would have cringed if it was outdated verbiage.

I received this hardcover book free from the publisher for my honest review.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Book Review: "Sabotaged" by Dani Pettrey



"Sabotaged" is the 5th and final book in the Alaskan Courage Series by Dani Pettrey.  Even though it is the last book, it can be read as a stand alone book, you do not need to read the others previous to reading this book.

Kirra Jacobs, and Reef McKenna are the main characters in this book.  Kirra is a veterinarian, who also helps out with Search and Rescue in the Iditarod race.  She has known Reef McKenna, the McKenna clan's black sheep of the family, all her life.  When Kirra's uncle Frank, one of the mushers in the race, fails to make a check point, Kirra and Reef take off to find out where he is.  They soon learn that Frank's daughter is being held captive, in order to get Frank to sabotage the oil rigs.  It's a race against time, to find out who is doing this, and where Kirra's cousin is, amidst being chased by gun toting bad guys, cars going off cliffs, and other suspenseful moments.  There is a lot of suspense and mystery in this book--like, what happened in Kirra's past to make her distrust men?  Who is her uncle Frank really??  Has Reef McKenna really changed his ways?  Will they figure out who kidnapped her cousin Meg in time to stop the oil rigs from exploding?

This was a really fun read!  With our weather here being below zero, reading about the Iditarod race, and Reef and Kirra being holed up in a cave, I hunkered down in bed, cranked up the electric blanket, and enjoyed the book.  :) 

I received this ebook free from the publisher for my honest review.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

New Bible Care

I thought I should write a post on new Bible Care.  We have received some new Bibles (either getting them free, or buying some new ones for people at the church).  Did you know, that out of 10 Bibles, only 1 had something in there about caring for your new Bible??  And that was in a Children's Bible, at the very back!!  It didn't have as detailed instructions, as what I'm going to pass along. 

I love to see very old Bibles, that are looking a little worn, that have special thoughts and writings in them, maybe even tear stains.  I have recently seen an old Bible, with the binding breaking.  So, what can we do to protect our investment, and to properly care for God's Word?

I got these tips off the Thomas Nelson website.  My notes are in parentheses.  :)

If you get a new Bible, the first thing you need to do, is:

Carefully open it by placing the spine of the Bible on a flat surface.  Open both the front and back covers and, with light pressure, run your fingers up and down as close to the binding as possible.  Continue this process by pulling back a few pages at a time as you work your way to the center of the Bible. (Yes, I knew this, and have always done it.  But, I am finding out that many people do not know this, hence, the reason for writing this post.)

If pages are stuck together, carefully rub the pages between your thumb and index finger to release them. (Nice little tip, huh?)

To protect the spine of your Bible, do not bend the cover backward around the spine.  This can cause the pages to fall out and break the binding.  (I have seen preachers do this.  Then they claim they have worn out many Bibles.)

To further protect the binding, do not carry bulletins, notes, pens, etc. inside the pages of your Bible as this can weaken the binding over time. (Oops!  I am guilty of this!  I carry notes and bulletins inside.)

The pages inside the Bible are generally thin.  Therefore, it is best not to use highlighters or felt tipped markers to take notes or underline passages.  Despite the fact that these writing utensils are often marked as "no bleed through" they will still be visible on the other side of the page.  It is best to use either a ball point pen or pencil. (This one I will probably still break, depending on which Bible I am using, as I like my highlighters!  But, on some Bibles, with especially fine India paper, I use just a pen.  If the highlighter bleeds through too much, I just use a pen.  But, some Bibles have thicker paper, and a highlighter is just fine.  Notice.  A toddler and a permanent marker are not a good mix.  They may see you underlining certain passages, and try their own form of marking.  It tends to be unreadable.  So, keep toddlers away from permanent markers, and your Bible, if you want to keep the pages whole, as in, not ripped out.)

Protect your Bible from excessive heat or direct sunlight.  Prolonged exposure will lead to fading and/or curling of the pages.  Also, keep your Bible away from moisture to prevent the page edges from peeling, streaking, or spotting.  (Don't leave it in the car, it gets excessively hot, and cold out there!)

To clean your Bible, it is recommended that you use a lightly damp cloth.  Do not use detergents or packaged Bible cleaning products.  (Yep, the Bible book store will try to sell you this.  It is not needed.  Trust me!  I've raised 10 children, and just a damp cloth will clean any cover of any toddler smudges.  It will not remove permanent marker marks, as aforementioned.)

The best way to preserve the supple condition of your leather Bible is to handle it. The natural oils from your hand keep the leather from cracking or becoming stiff. If you decide to purchase a
Bible cover, remember to remove it and handle the leather cover occasionally.  (In other words, READ YOUR BIBLE!!  This not only helps the Bible, it also helps you!  I have kept mine in a Bible cover, and didn't know that I need to take it out periodically to handle it, to keep it soft, and prevent cracking, etc.)

So, I hope these tips will help you take the best possible care of your Bible.

Blessings!

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Book Review: KJV Note-Taker's Bible

From the publisher:

"Finally, a Bible that has plenty of room for taking notes during public or private worship, small-group fellowships, or any other time or place you feel the need to make comments on the Bible. No more cramped writing in tiny margins—the KJV Note-Taker’s Bible makes it easy to stay organized and neat. Personalize the text of God's Word to your life as never before, and treasure this record of your spiritual journey. Includes the complete text of the classic King James Version.
Features:
  • Deluxe wide margins for note takers
  • Complete King James Version text
  • Double-column text for easy reading
  • Words of Christ in red letter"

 My thoughts:
This is a very basic Bible.  A no-frills Bible, if you will.  It does have larger margins, but only on the side, as well as the bottom of the page, for a total of 2 margins.  The print is a bit smaller than my regular study Bible.  It does have a limited concordance in the back, and no maps. 

The extra margin space does not give me enough room to write in, though.  You can add a couple of words for clarification in the margins, and that might be fine if you are just hearing random sermons.  Right now, our pastor is going through the book of Revelation, and there just isn't enough room to write just a couple small words in the margins.  I assigned  the column closest to the left or right side of the page for the closest margin, and the inner column assigned to the bottom margin.  Then, I use stars and asterisks (and in different colors) to be able to find my clarification in the appropriate margin. 

This is neither here, nor there, but upon flipping through the pages of the Bible, there is a blue tint.  It's not too distracting, but it's not a pure white page. 

It has been very sturdy, being carried back and forth to church, as well as being used in our daily family devotions.

So, if I had to decide which Bible to use, this would be nice in a small study, but not in-depth expository preaching. 

I received this hard cover KJV Note-Takers Bible free, from Book Look Bloggers, for my honest review.  The opinions were my own.  :)