A Life Of Contentment

My growing little boy

2012-04-12T21:12:00.002-04:00

Some of Adam's friends from church and school.

I can't believe my baby boy turned 9-years-old last week! My boys are great and I am so blessed to have them!

He was excited to see all his new Legos!

His gift from his grandmother - a basketball hoop that will adjust with him!

The cake! He wanted a camo theme, and I was originally going to make him a cake. But the day before his party he saw this cake in a book at the Piggly Wiggly bakery counter and really like it, so we splurged and got it instead - which saved a lot of time.

Book Review: Missing

2012-03-26T21:28:00.000-04:00

Missing Avon Inspire; Original edition (March 20, 2012) by Shelley Shepard Gray

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Since 2000, Shelley Sabga has sold over thirty novels to numerous publishers, including HarperCollins, Harlequin, Abingdon Press, and Avon Inspire. She has been interviewed by NPR, and her books have been highlighted in numerous publications, including USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Under the name Shelley Shepard Gray, Shelley writes Amish romances for HarperCollins’ inspirational line, Avon Inspire. Her recent novel, The Protector, the final book in her “Families of Honor” series, hit the New York Times List, and her previous novel in the same series, The Survivor, appeared on the USA Today bestseller list. Shelley has won the prestigious Holt Medallion for her books, Forgiven and Grace, and her novels have been chosen as Alternate Selections for the Doubleday/Literary Guild Book Club. Her first novel with Avon Inspire, Hidden, was an Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She now lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two children in college, and is an active member of her church. She serves on committees, volunteers in the church office, and currently leads a Bible study group, and she looks forward to the opportunity to continue to write novels that showcase her Christian ideals.

When she’s not writing, Shelley often attends conferences and reader retreats in order to give workshops and publicize her work. She’s attended RWA’s national conference six times, the ACFW conference and Romantic Times Magazine’s annual conference as well as traveled to New Jersey, Birmingham, and Tennessee to attend local conferences.

Check out Shelley's Facebook Fan page

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the first book in her new Secrets of Crittenden County series, Shelley Shepard Gray delivers another page-turning romance set in Amish country

Perry Borntrager had been missing from the quiet Amish community of Crittenden, Kentucky, for months when his body was discovered at the bottom of an abandoned well. Everyone had assumed Perry left Crittenden on his own, seduced by the wider world he discovered during his rumspringa, but now the truth has thrown this once-peaceful town into chaos. The first death from mysterious circumstances in Crittenden in more than two decades has invited the scrutiny of the outside world: a police detective arrives to help their local sheriff with the investigation. His questioning begins with Lydia Plank, Perry’s former girlfriend, and Perry’s best friend, the Englisher Walker Anderson.

Lydia and Walker know they didn’t have anything to do with Perry’s death, but they both hold secrets about his final days. Do they dare to open up about the kind of man Perry had become? In the oppressive shadow of these dark times, they discover strength in a most unlikely companionship that offers solace, understanding, and the promise of something more.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Missing, go HERE.

MY REVIEW: I think this series has some real potential. The storyline itself was exciting and the book was well written. The problem is the same one I find with a lot of books that are part of a series... there is no ending! Nothing wraps up in this book, which drives me nuts. The book was good enough to make me want to read the next one in the series, though, which I guess is the point. I love Gray's books and they usually have an ending. I hope her next one will leave me satisfied instead of wanting.

A family photo

2012-03-24T23:37:00.000-04:00

So I wanted to get a family photo in front of "the manor" a couple of days after we moved in. I asked Nancy to take the photos for us, and she tried her hardest. But let's face it... it's hard to get a good photo with a pouting teenager and an antsy little boy.

I don't remember exactly what we talking about here, but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with Justin having much better things to do than stand on a porch and have his photo taken.


I have no idea... maybe we were all doing the funky chicken?

Adam had no problem getting his photo taken.

From our manor to yours.

Book Review: Before the Scarlet Dawn

2012-03-16T21:34:00.000-04:00

Before The Scarlet Dawn Abingdon Press (February 2012) by Rita Gerlach

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

"Romantic historical fiction that has an inspirational bent, is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."

In many of her stories, she writes about the struggles endured by early colonists, with a sprinkling of both American and English history. Currently she is writing a new historical series for Abingdon Press entitled 'Daughters of the Potomac'. See her 'Novels In Progress' page on her website to learn more.

There are other novels on her list to be published, and a proposal for another book series.

She was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in a large family in the Maryland suburbs. Her family claims that storytelling is their blood, handed down from centuries of Irish storytellers. Rita believes there just may be something to that theory.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In 1775, Hayward Morgan, a young gentleman destined to inherit his father’s estate in Derbyshire, England, captures the heart of the local vicar’s daughter,

Eliza Bloome. Her dark beauty and spirited ways are not enough to win him, due to her station in life.

Circumstances throw Eliza in Hayward’s path, and they flee to America to escape the family conflicts. But as war looms, it's a temporary reprieve. Hayward joins the revolutionary forces and what follows is a struggle for survival, a test of faith, and the quest to find lasting love in an unforgiving wilderness.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Before The Scarlet Dawn, go HERE.

Watch the book video:

MY REVIEW: You know, everything did not turn out happy and perfect at the end of this novel, and surprisingly... I liked it. I always want my books to make me happy, which usually means everything turns out perfect in the end. But the heroine of this book was more like myself in one aspect - things aren't perfect, and probably never will be... but it wasn't for lack of trying. And in the end, it is faith in God that will make our lives perfect - not a human relationship.

A Multitude of Answered Prayers

2012-03-13T20:46:00.000-04:00

Hello bloggy friends,

Bet you were wondering where I was and why I haven't blogged for the past month, huh? I'm sorry I've been gone... but it's only because good things have been happening!

All those prayers we've been praying for months and months? They have finally been answered! God does everything in His own time, and that includes answering our prayers. And, in my case, He chose to do it in a very big way. He answered several prayers all at one time... which means I have been very busy!

But hopefully, things will start slowing down a little bit now, so I can come back to my wonderful blog friends - who keep me company when nobody else will :)

For now, I'm just going to quickly tell you about my answered prayers, but I'll go into greater details in future posts.

My niece in her new town in the mountains.

1. My 20-year-old niece, who has been living with us, was finally accepted into the particular job training program she wanted. She is now living in the beautiful smokey mountains while taking a nursing program.

2. I found and accepted a second job, also in the healthcare industry. This will provide a bit of the extra money needed to pay our bills on The Manor.

3. And last, but certainly not least, we have moved into The Manor! Finally, the boys and I are living as a family again. I was very blessed that Nancy and her husband provided us with a roof over our heads when we needed it, but I am even more blessed to have a (mobile) home and piece of land that is completely free of all mortgages. It doesn't matter that it's only a little more than 700 square feet and is only a year younger than I am... the bank will never be able to take this from us!

I admit to being a little stressed with working at the old job and the new job while trying to unpack, etc., but if I have to have stress, what great reasons to have it! I don't know if that even makes sense... but I don't even care!

Book Review: Prize of My Heart

2012-03-13T20:07:00.000-04:00

Prize of My Heart

Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Lisa Norato

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A life-long New Englander, Lisa Norato lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. She was born into a close-knit Italian family that hungered as much for the things of God as they did for lasagna. After church, the family spent Sunday afternoons gathered in fellowship around a never-ending feast that featured her grandmother's homemade spaghetti and pizza.

From the time she learned to read, her mother impressed her with the joy of getting lost in a good book. She passed novels along to her as early as age thirteen, but it wasn't until many years later that Lisa felt compelled to write one herself.

She first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She balances writing with a career as a legal assistant specializing in corporate law. When not creating stories, she enjoys domestic pursuits like precious time with her dog and family, cooking, baking and eating vegan, reading, her Bible, her favorite television shows and crocheting.

Lisa is a member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Rhode Island Romance Writers (RIRW) and American Colonial Christian Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An unsolved mystery separates ex-privateersman Captain Brogan Talvis from his lost son--his only living relation, his only family. Shortly before her tragic demise, his wife abandoned their infant to strangers, refusing to reveal the child's whereabouts. Now, three years later, Brogan has discovered the boy at the home of a shipbuilder's daughter, Lorena Huntley.

Lorena guards a dark secret about her young charge. She finds herself falling for the heroic captain who has come to claim his newly built ship, unaware his motive for wooing her is to befriend the boy he plans on reclaiming as his own--until the day anothers evil deceit leaves her helplessly shipbound, heading toward England.

As the perfect opportunity to reclaim his son unfolds, Brogan is haunted by thoughts of Lorena in her dire circumstance, and he is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and the woman who has begun to capture his heart. But only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all--love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Prize of My Heart, go HERE.

Book Review: The Messenger

2012-03-07T20:04:00.000-05:00

The Messenger Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Siri Mitchell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith... until her twin brother ran off and joined the army and ended up captured and in jail. Suddenly Hannah's world turns on end. She longs to bring her brother some measure of comfort in the squalid, frigid prison where he remains. But the Quakers believe they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. Can she sit by and do nothing while he suffers?

Jeremiah Jones has an enormous task before him. Responsibility for a spy ring is now his, and he desperately needs access to the men in prison, whom they are seeking to free. A possible solution is to garner a pass for Hannah. But while she is fine to the eye, she holds only disdain for him--and agreeing would mean disobeying those she loves and abandoning a bedrock of her faith.

With skill and sensitivity, Mitchell tells a story of two unlikely heroes seeking God's voice, finding the courage to act, and discovering the powerful embrace of love.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Messenger, go HERE.

Book Review: Chasing the Sun

2012-03-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

Chasing The Sun Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2012) by Tracie Peterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 85 novels.

She received her first book contract in November, 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishings' Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership's vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row.

In December, 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers to co-write a series with author Judith Pella. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers.

She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research.

Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and her books have won numerous awards for favorite books in a variety of contests.

Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family--especially her three grandchildren--Rainy, Fox and Max. She's active in her church as the Director of Women's Ministries, coordinates a yearly writer's retreat for published authors, and travels, as time permits, to research her books.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When her father disappears in war-torn Mississippi, Hannah Dandridge finds herself responsible not only for her younger siblings but for the ranch her father recently acquired on the Texas plains. Though a marriage of convenience could ease her predicament, she determines to trust God for direction.

Wounded soldier William Barnett returns to his home only to discover that his family's ranch has been seized. Though angry and bitter at this turn of events, he's surprised to discover that it is a beautiful young woman with amazing fortitude who is struggling to keep the place running.

Hannah, desperate for help, and William, desperate to regain his family's land, form an uneasy truce. But nearby Comanche tribes, the arrival of Confederate soldiers, and a persistent suitor all threaten the growing attraction that builds between them. Will they be able to set aside their own dreams and embrace the promise of a future together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Chasing The Sun, go HERE.

$25 Sam's Club Gift Card Giveaway!!!!

2012-02-03T11:56:00.000-05:00

With Adam in school now, I have been trying to think of ways I can help his classroom and school. One thing that immediately pops into mind is collecting box tops. Anyone who has a child in school is probably familiar with box tops. The school gets money for the box tops that are returned.

I've always enjoyed Sam's Club because of its prices on bulk items. I usually get items like sugar, flour and produce, but My Blog Spark and Sam's Club offered me a $25 gift certificate to spend on box tops items, which will also help out Adam's new school!

I was able to get Hamburger Helper, Fruit Roll-Ups for Adam's lunch box, and my favorite boxed brownies. Honesty people, these Betty Crocker Hershey's brownies are the best in the world! They are gooey and chocolately. But I'm getting off subject, aren't I?

Anyway, you can find out my about box tops at the box top Web site. And for more information on Sam's Club memberships, go here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A traumatic first day

2012-02-01T17:40:00.001-05:00

Adam gets ready for his first day of school - ever.

Remember when I told you about the public school system refusing my son a right to an education? After two weeks of calling people who refused to call me back, the superintendent finally called me back. According to him, there really is such a law in my state. You cannot go to public school if you are living with someone else. But after speaking to the superintendent at length, he decided to "give out an edict," as he said, and force the principal to allow my child in school.

Then came the hard part. Adam had his first day Monday. He was nervous but excited. He came home traumatized. He cried for two hours Monday night, begging me not to make him go back. He promised to "never whine about school work again" if I would only let him be homeschooled again.

My heart was absolutely broken. I don't really want Adam to have to go to public school. It was a decision I made based on the fact that he had fallen behind this year because I was having such a hard time homeschooling and working at the same time. He finally fell asleep at about 11 p.m. that night and I spent the next thirty minutes on my knees praying for him.

The next day, I dropped him at school. As soon as he stepped out of the van, he fell to the concrete. I learned later he had bloodied his knee, but he was a trooper. He picked himself up like nothing happened and walked in the school, even though I could tell he was trying not to cry. I drove toward work but ended up having to pull over and bawl my eyes out for about 10 minutes before I could continue.

On his second day, Adam said it went a little bit better. He only cried for about five minutes before bed. We'll see how it goes tonight. At 8-years-old, Adam tries very hard not to cry in front of people he doesn't know well, so he saves it all for bed time when it's just he and I.

I continue to pray that Adam will like school better. It's not any one particular bad thing that's happening at school. He just hates it, plain and simple. He hates being away from his family for that long, and he hates that his days are "so long now." Please continue to pray for he and I both.

1,000 Gifts: 67-87

2012-01-30T22:48:00.003-05:00

Blessings I counted this week:

67. Gooey chocolate brownies

68. A trip to the thrift store to donate some things that were cluttering up my life.

69. Chicken fettuccine alfredo

70. The honking geese that fly over my new place on their way to a nearby pond.

71. My little boy's artwork on the fridge.

72. A spirit-filled Sunday church service.

One of my favorite stores.

74. Hot, steamy showers that open up every pore in my body.

75. The opportunity to try to make the best of every situation.

76. A steaming cup of mint hot chocolate on a cold night.

77. Italian food.

78. Warm toboggans.

79. The "I love you the most" game my little boy and I play together.

80. A hug from a lady at church, and her words of, "We're so glad you moved here."

81. Holding Hubby's strong hand at visitation.

82. A furry face that wakes me up in the mornings by licking my toes.

83. Chocolate mint yogurt that's only 100 calories.

84. A bible with wide margins, so I can take notes.

85. Diet Pepsi.

86. Teaching myself to use the reciprocating saw.

87. Working on The Manor with my teenage son.

1,000 Gifts: 46-66

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

Blessings I counted this week:

46. Pinterest (my new, current addiction)

47. The cool new buttons on the right (my facebook page, pinterest, e-mail, etc.) that my friend Nancy made for my blog.

Reading my favorite magazine at my own kitchen table in the Manor.

49. A rare, peaceful weekend with nothing to do.

50. Laughing until my cheeks hurt while watching America's Funniest Videos.

New (old) bunk beds for the boys' room at the Manor.

52. Country music.

53. Christian radio stations.

Boys at work

55. All the beautiful cardinals I keep seeing on my way to work.

56. Clean, freshly folded laundry.

New faucets in the bathrooms in the Manor.

58. Warm gloves on a cold day.

59. Lavender scented lotions.

The fact that I have things to smile about.

61. Thrift stores.

62. My cell phone, so the kids can reach me anytime even if I can't be with them every moment.

The boys' excitement at putting some of their things in their room in the Manor.

64. The sound of Hubby's voice during our once-a-week phone calls.

65. My snow boots, that keep my feet warm in the winter even if it hasn't actually snowed yet.

(Wo)man's best friend.

1,000 Gifts: 25-45

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Blessings I counted this week:

25. Found some much needed pants for Adam at a thrift store.

26. The kids and I are never without enough food to eat.

A lost dog now found.

28. A 4-year-old laptop that continues to work well.

29. Public libraries.

Freshly baked cookies.

31. My friend and Savior, Jesus.

32. A mechanic friend who only charges for parts.

The wonder of God's natural creations.

34. The opportunity to visit Hubby every week.

35. Duct tape.

Three little boys playing Army.

37. A thick quilt on a wintery night.

38. Small town country life.

A part-time job that provides a little income for the boys and I.

40. Feather pillows.

41. Blog friends who encourage.


A feline who brings comfort to a little boy by determining to sleep with him every night.

43. Ice makers in the fridge door.

44. A body free from diseases or major health problems.

The occasional uninterrupted nap.

My child is being refused a public education

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

Adam checks out the Revolutionary War memorabilia during a homeschool field trip in the fall.

Sometimes, we have to make absolutely momumental decisions in our lives. Our lives fell apart two years ago, and we are still facing the consequences of the event that led to the changes. Because my husband can't be with us right now, I have to fully support our family myself. When your husband is in prison, there is no child support. I currently work three days a week, but am looking for a full-time job. Without a full-time job, there is no way I'll be able to pay the bills.

When I started working, I was determined to be Supermom and homeschool, work full-time, and run a home completely on my own. But the truth of the matter is that although I can do it, I can't do it very well. I am spreading myself too thin already, and one of things that is suffering most is Adam's schooling.

I thought we could do it at night and on the weekends. But Adam is a morning person. He doesn't do well doing school in the evenings. And buckling down to school on the weekend is hard when you also have to do laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning, etc. Justin, at 16, takes many of his courses on the computer. As far as his other course go, I simply assign the work before I leave in the morning and check it and answer any questions when I get home at night. But Adam is young, and needs hands-on instruction.

And so, after much thought, prayer, and receiving of advice from my elders, Adam and I decided that he should try public school. In the end, we decided to start him immediately, as there is only a little more than four months left in the school year. By the end of the school year, we should know if it is working better than trying to work and homeschool at the same time as a single mom is.

This was huge decision for us, and one that I have constantly obessed over. On the one hand, I feel like I am going against the things I believe in, like being responsible for my own child's upbringing and education. But on the other hand, I want to give my child every educational opportunity available. Adam has never stepped foot in school before, and the adjustment will be extremely hard for both us, I think.

But today I bit the bullet and Adam and I went to our local elementary school to enroll him. They were having a teacher workday (or in-service as it is apparently known in this state), and we figured we could enroll him today and let him start next week. I called and talked to the guidance counselor yesterday, who set me up with an appointment with the principal today.

When we got there, I fillled out a bunch of paper work before seeing the principal. Since we hope to moving into our new mobile home as soon as I find another part-time job to supplement the one I already have, I put the new address down on the paperwork. Then the woman noticed the address on my driver's license was different. Not thinking anything about it, I was honest and told him we were living with another homeschooling family while our new home was being fixed up and made livable.

And then.... they refused to enroll my son in school. Apparently, some obscure law in this state says that you can go to school if you are homeless, or if you rent or own the home you reside in. So despite the fact that I lived in this state for a year and a half, because we are living with another family my son will not be allowed to attend school. I was told at the school that the only way I could enroll him while living in a friend's household was if I turned over custody of my children to the owner of the home. I love my friend, but I am sure as heck not giving them custody of my children! (Not that they would want that anyway, lol). And to top it off, the principal wouldn't even come out and talk to me! She sent someone else out to give me that message.

So I can't give Adam a proper education and work at the same time but the public school system refuses to give him an education, either. Talk about slipping between the cracks! Well, so be it. God will point me in the right direction, I'm sure.

Alternative mobile home underpinning

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

In order to get the power turned on, we were required to have the Manor inspected. In order to have the Manor inspected, we had to have certain things. One of those things is underpinning. Brick or stone was way out of the question because of the price, and vinyl was going to end up being more than I could hope to get anytime soon.

My "adopted" father, Buck, is really good at coming up with ways to do things cheaply, and he came up with the idea of using tin as underpinning. Not only that, but he found a man in a nearby town who sells reclaimed tin, and he bought it for me. I love this idea. Using recycled products keeps them out of the landfills and is better on the budget as well - a lot better.

Cutting a hole in the tin underpinning for a vent. The sparks were flying as the metal was cut, and we didn't realize until we saw the photo that there was a full gas can close by.

On top of that, I think the tin was a better idea for another reason. The dogs will be in a fence right off the back of the manor. They would have broken vinyl underpinning in a matter of weeks, but the tin is strong and will hold up. It will also hold up much better against the weedeater during the summer. And at any time later, if I want to paint it, I can.

The tin came in 20-foot sections, and we simply bolted them on. Easy peesy. We cut out access doors and holes for the required vents, and viola! Simple is better!

I am linking this post up to Simple Lives Thursday.

2012-01-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

His Steadfast Love Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2011) by Golden Keyes Parsons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

The manor (yes, I've decided to give the old trailer we plan to move into a grand name!) comes equipped with a furnace which runs on propane.

The furnace

Part of starting over on my own is experiencing new things, and propane heat will be one of those new things for me. The only heat I've ever used before is natural gas or a heat pump. I started calling around to see about getting a propane tank and filling it up, but the cheapest quote I got was for $539. Too much!

Our new heating system

But if country people are good at anything, it's coming up with creative ways to do things. My "adopted" dad, Buck, came up with cheap system. He came up with two old propane tanks (possibly previously used on grills?). The system is that I fill one up and it sits until the other one runs out. Then I'm supposed to switch the gas line to the other tank and go have the other one filled up. Honestly, I'm not sure how that will work when we actually move in, as I don't feel very comfortable messing with the gas line. But it works great right now, as I'm only turning it up when we are in there working. When nobody is in there, I leave it at about 50 degrees, which is as low as the old thermostat will go. This keeps the pipes from freezing.

The duct work under the trailer was in pretty good shape, thankfully. The vents inside were a different story, however.

Can you imagine this on your kitchen floor? Yuck. Needless to say, I took them up. So now the vent holes in the floor look like this.

I found vents for $6 each, but every dollar counts right now. So I decided to just buy one or two as I have the money. So far, I've gotten two. The new vents look like this.

Much better, don't you think?

2012-01-09T21:28:00.002-05:00

The Captive Heart Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Dale Cramer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE

MY REVIEW: This is the second book in the Caleb Bender Daughters series, and I think it was better than the first! I wouldn't normally think of Amish stories as being adventurous and exciting, but Dale Cramer knows how to do it. From bandits to forbidden love, The Captive Heart isn't a book to be put down. I held my breath through the whole novel, waiting to see what would happen next. Cramer made it interesting to, in that many in this particular Amish village are struggling with their belief that violence, even to defend oneself, is a sin. It's an interesting subject and I look forward to the next installment already!

One Thousand Gifts: 1-24

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

This year I have decided to pay more attention to the theme of my blog - living a life of contentent. It's not an easy task to be content with your life. In an effort to do so, I have decided to join Ann Voskamp, author of "One Thousand Gifts", in counting 1,000 gifts (or blessings) from God. It is my belief that anyone who has been given 1,000 gifts can not help but be content with life. Counting one thousand gifts in a year equals out to about three per day. So without further ado, here are the gifts I have counted this week:


A little boy's excitement at receiving a gift from Mawmaw

2. The concept of new beginnings that comes with a new year.

3. The relief of finally telling the blog world why my husband isn't around right now.

The bond between a boy and his dog.

5. Finding a long lost sister on Facebook

6. Friends who pray for me

My two adorable autistic nieces, and the love they share with my boys.

8. Hugs from my 16-year-old son, who has to bend down to hug me now.

9. The anticipation of knowing we are very close to moving into a home of our own.

A little boy and his Teddy.

11. A sweet hymn sung in church last week that focuses on hope.

12. To-do lists that keep me sane.

A fat, soft, furry cat that will let me hug him every now and then.

14. The opportunity to forgive others as I have been forgiven.

15. Fresh starts

Good friends who make sacrifices for me.

17. The smell of fresh ink on a brand new book.

18. A heating pad to bring warm release to tired back muscles.

The innocence of a children's Christmas pageant.

20. Spell check.

21. Good books that I can't put down.

A Christian couple who is always willing to take in strays like me.

23. Those quiet moments after all the kids fall asleep.

24. A tomorrow that is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.

Sunday Scriptures: Forgiving Others

2012-01-08T15:35:00.000-05:00

Today is Sunday, which means we went to see Hubby. Visitation at the prison is never fun, but it's something we will always do as long as we are able. Sometimes it's just me, sometimes it me and kids, sometimes it's me and Hubby's mother... but it's always me. I can't send him money to help buy his toiletries, and I can't send him books, etc. to read all the time. All I can do is visit and write letters.

Usually I go on Sunday afternoons, but this morning I had to wake the kids up and start getting them ready before 6 a.m. You have to call to make an appointment two weeks in advance, and if you are unable to do that and end up calling one week and three days in advance, like I did this week, you don't get the time you want. The prison we visit offers Sunday visatation at two early morning times and two afternoon times. This time, the earliest morning appointment was the only time slot they still had available, as they limit the number of visiting families.

And so it was that the boys were rather irritable this morning. I am thankful that we have had a mild winter so far, as the heat in our old van doesn't work. But it's still cold very early in the morning, hence the boys' need to bundle up in blankets on the way up there.

Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about this morning is the why behind our forgiveness of Hubby's sin that landed him where he is today. It is because I believe that Jesus died in order that my sins may be forgiven, and I am obligated to forgive others as I have been forgiven. It says it all right here:

"The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him." 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 (NIV)

Hubby has accepted his punishment by the "majority." And the bible deems it sufficient. As the verse says, there is no reason for his family to punish him as well. Even though we have forgiven him, he is still often "overwhelmed by excessive sorrow." He loves seeing his boys, but often times his eyes fill when tears when they wrap their arms around him in a hug. He tries, for our sake, to remain stoic and strong, but you can't be married to a man for 17 years without learning the difference between allergy tears and tears of sorrow.

Most Christians understand about forgiving, but some will never understand. "I know we should be forgiving, but I just can't," is a common refrain from people who have never even met Hubby, or from those who have met him and can't offer forgiveness for his repentance. Lest you think the verse above is the only bible verse that talks about this, I'll leave you with some more.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossains 3:13

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:4

Book review:: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

2012-01-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

MY REVIEW: Margaret was a spoiled, rich girl when this novel started. She didn't even notice those around her that she considered below herself. The Margaret Macy at the beginning of the book was not someone I would have liked in real life.

But like all women, eventually Margaret had to make a hard decision. And when she did, she had to create a new life for herself. This is where I began to see myself in Margaret. One of the marks of a good novel is being able to put yourself in the character's shoes, and I found myself understanding what this character was going through.

Like Maragaret, the actions of another forced me to make hard decisions. And while we were never rich (just middle class), I had to learn to be "poor." I am learning yet. There are some hard lessons, but good ones, to be learned from having to adopt a new lifestyle. Margaret learned her lessons, and God rewarded her in the end, with love and with a return to her previous life. It gives me hope.

2011-12-30T11:41:00.000-05:00

The Daily Buzz had a post a while back ago entitled "25 Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier." I got some really great ideas from the article, like this:

A great space saving idea in the house...

And a space saving idea for outside, as well...

So long, Christmas!

2011-12-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

The boys open gifts from their paternal grandmother.

On Christmas Eve, I drove the kids a couple of hours to their grandmother's house, above. On the way home, we stopped at my little brother's house, below.

The boys pose with their cousins.

My brother and I still enjoy getting together on a regular basis.

On Christmas morning, the kids opened their gifts from me, below. I think I used more wrapping paper than gift bags this year, and it shows! Two families can make quite a mess at Christmas!

What a mess!

2011-12-22T23:43:00.000-05:00

I think the week before Christmas has always been a stressful one, but this one really takes the cake. I'm still trying to get used to doing the holidays without Hubby, which is hard in itself. But check out Justin's yellow eye and huge, swollen nose.

Let me see how I can explain this nicely. Justin's friend (who, by the way, has about 100 pounds on Justin) walked into the room when Justin was playing with the friend's little brother. The "friend" said he thought Justin had taken his brother's toy from him, so... he "jumped" Justin. To make a long story short, Justin and I spent a few hours in the emergency room and the end result of the whole situation is that Justin has a broken nose... just in time for all the Christmas photos.

This is a hard one for me. Like any mama bear, I don't like it when someone hurts my children, especially without any kind of cause. I am struggling to be forgiving. Justin, on the other hand, is one of the most forgiving people I know. He came back from the emergency room that night and acted completely normal to his friend, like nothing ever happened. It does bring to mind the old saying, though... with friends like that, who needs enemies? As you can see, I need to spend some time in prayer asking for help with forgiving. I guess if I can forgive my husband, I can forgive most anything. Actually, we were talking about forgiveness in bible study yesterday. Forgiveness is a conscious decision - a state of mind. You have to do it. It doesn't always happen overnight, though, that's for sure.

Also, just in time for Christmas photos... While I was at work today, Adam decided to take a pair of scissors and cut his own hair. Hmmm, I don't think the bangs are quite even. What do you think?

Mercies in disguise

2011-12-17T16:38:00.000-05:00

I really love this song by Laura Story. It's talks about the possibly of how our blessings and mercies can actually come out the hard times in our lives, instead of the easy times.

I was driving home from work one day feeling sorry for myself and my situation when I heard this song on the radio. It was just another reminder to be content with my life - no matter what it brings.

The words to the chorus are:

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops 
What if Your healing comes through tears 
What if a thousand sleepless nights  
Are what it takes to know You're near 
What if trials of this life are
Your mercies in disguise