A Nest in the Rocks

Inspired Wednesday - Refresh Your Resources

2013-06-19T11:34:00.001-04:00

A few months ago a friend told me about a used curriculum sale in a nearby city. She said that, in addition to curriculum, there would be an abundance of books - just good books - and that I might want to go.

I put it on my calendar with the goal of having next year's units outline before the sale so that I could look for the appropriate resources.

I didn't get there. While I have a few concrete plans, I'm far behind where I want to be in my plans.

I did make it to the sale, however, and it was a wonderful experience!

Not only were people selling curriculum for prices far below what I've heard (FIAR for $5, anyone? TT for $20?) but there were quality books to go along with all of it.

I saw Christian novels for kids. I saw nonfiction history and science books. I saw mystery books, cookbooks, and how-to books. I found American Girl books for twenty-five cents each and a whole box full of Encyclopedia Brown that someone had marked 'free.' I even found the math book I wanted to use for My Little Man for only $5!

It was a wonderful morning.

After nearly two hours of digging through boxes of books, I left with two big tote bags overflowing with books of all kinds - and two boxes of plaster of paris stacked on top of that. I'm not sure what we'll use that for exactly yet, but I know it will come in handy.

We spent some time 'out' in the big urban sprawl for Father's Day after that, and the kids were as good as gold.

Why?

They had their noses buried in book after book every minute we were in the car, eagerly reading about the Sioux and Josefina and all sorts of other things.

They're excited to get started for next school year, and although I don't have all of my plans in place, I'm excited again, too. I love the resources that are available and how a 'new' book can inspire all sorts of ideas.

It's going to be a great year.

Some other great places to find inexpensive books are:

yard sales
thrift stores
library sales
public school sales
public school employees -they often know when used books are being discarded!

Where do you go for your school resources? Have you started collecting them?

Last week Nancy at There Is Grace shared a review of the recent animated movie Epic. I love that this movie demonstrates strong moral character, especially doing what's right even when it's had. We need more of those kinds of movies! To find out more, visit There Is Grace - Nancy, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on ~~Washed Up~~ Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.

See The Light June Special

2013-06-19T08:26:00.002-04:00

*This post contains my affiliate links for See The Light, which means that your clicking on these links helps to support this blog. I work as an affiliate for this company because I love their products and enjoy sharing quality work with others. :-)

See the Light, the awesome Christian art company that I reviewed recently, has specials every month. This month's special is for Shipwrecked, based on Acts 27's account of Paul's courageous journey. It includes a Bible and art lesson for only $12.50 (down from $14.99) and includes free shipping. When purchasing, just use the code JUNE. You can also download free copywork printables from their site - this month only!

"The Bare Naked Truth" by Bekah Hamrick Martin

2013-06-18T17:02:00.001-04:00

The Truth About Sex and Waiting . . . Uncovered Purity.

Sex. Boys. Waiting. There's something about those words that makes everything complex in a heartbeat, and raises more questions than answers. Is there something wrong with me if I don't kiss a boy after a date? Or am I doomed if I DID? What if waiting is just a one-way trip to life as a crazy cat woman? And what if I tend to, um, think about a certain boy in a certain way? It seems that the lady at church and your friends have two very different opinions on the subject. And 'Your Budding Womanhood: Staying a Beautiful Flower for Jesus' just isn't cutting it. Bekah Hamrick Martin knows the waiting game isn't easy or straight-forward. In The Bare Naked Truth, she lays everything on the table---including some embarrassing moments---as she explores the honest, naked truth behind what God means by purity. With additional entries from popular authors, you'll see the bare naked approach to waiting isn't always easy, but it's worth the risk.

I like this book. Martin writes in a style that's fun and easy to read, but more importantly, she's providing valuable information in a way that young women will relate to. The narrative doesn't sound like your crazy school nurse or your with-an-agenda mother coming at you, but instead like a trusted friend or mentor, someone who has been there and done that and is ready to help you get a handle on this subject.

Martin shares many testimonies from other authors and friends throughout the book. Some share their story about why staying pure has worked for them - and others share why they wish they had. Either way, these stories help the reader understand the physical, emotional, and mental consequences of going too far before marriage. I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of teens may know the what-goes-where, but they don't know or understand the other ramifications - and Martin does a great job of explaining them in funny and real ways here.

One of my favorite elements of this book is the funny four-question quiz that's found at the end of each chapter. Totally un-scientific, it's meant to help girls understand their own way of reacting to situations so that they can relate this to staying pure. The quizzes read like something out of a crazy check-out line teen quiz but get the point across with Martin's usual blunt humor.

As much as I liked this book, there was one chapter which caused a bit of concern. Not because the 'stay pure' message was garbled, but because Martin claims that there's no Biblical basis for staying pure in this one particular area (but that it's a good idea, anyway). I imagine that this particular chapter is one in which you'll tread carefully, anyway - but be sure to read the book so that you can be prepared for questions when you get there. In case that's not as clear as mud and you want to know exactly WHICH chapter I'm talking about, feel free to email me at amybradsher@gmail.com for more information. This is a family-friendly site. :-)

I read lots of books. Some go immediately onto a shelf - or a stack or under the couch - while others, though I enjoy, find new homes. (There's only so much room under the couch, you know?) The Bare Naked Truth has been relocated to a high-up shelf for the next few years, until my Big Helper is just a little bit bigger, at which time I'll pull it down for us to read together. The information in this book is too important to miss, and I'm happy to have such a fun resource to read with her.

Click here to read other reviews in this blog hop or go here to purchase your own copy now.

Bekah Hamrick Martin was born in Savannah, Georgia, in an event which her brother keeps reminding her was completely unnecessary. She spent the better part of her high school years vacationing on the north end of her mattress due to an illness, where she developed a deep taste for chocolate and sarcasm. Today Bekah shares with teens about tough times, healing, and surviving their high school years---no matter where they spend them.

Learn more about Bekah on her website: http://misswritebrained.wordpress.com/

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Are You Making the Most of SwagBucks Yet?

2013-06-18T16:09:00.000-04:00

Do you use SwagBucks yet? This is a great way to rack up some extra cash, Amazon points, or PayPal money. It's a simple 'Net-based rewards program that will earn you points - and thus moolah - for doing what you already do. Here's a tip for upping your earning potential:

Outside of all the usual ways to earn Swag Bucks, there are some easy to grab points sitting out there that you may not even realize are available. For example, have you completed your user profile? If not, you're missing out on easy Swag Bucks for things like uploading a profile picture. You'll know if you still have some info to fill out if you go to your Swagbucks homepage and see an indicator - either on the right or in the middle of the page letting you know that you can earn some Swag Bucks for finishing up.The best part is that having your profile completed helps Swagbucks bring you more relevant content so you can earn even more Swagbucks! If you don't HAVE a Swagbucks account, you can earn for setting yours up! Get rewarded for the things you do online starting today by clicking this link to sign up. I've already gotten a vacuum, a scooter, and mp3 player, and lots more with my Swag Bucks, and you can too!

“Stealing the Preacher” Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party {6/18} with Karen Witemeyer!

2013-06-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

One winner will receive:

A Kindle Fire
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

GratiTuesday - A Bittersweet Goodbye

2013-06-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today is a bittersweet day in the life of our church.

Our pastor, who has been serving here faithfully for the past seven years, is moving away today to plant a new church on the coast.

On Sunday we toasted and roasted him at a potluck held in his honor after the services. Last night people came together to load the moving truck and various other vehicles that will be caravan-ing away today.

It's hard to see this family leave.

Our kids consider their four children to be their best friends. They play together at church events and as often as possible in between. They're in book club together.

Their ten-year-old offered to lend me his Jules Verne-type books when we began to homeschool because he loved them so much and he thought we would, too.

That same ten-year-old and his siblings were part of the reason that we were initially attracted to homeschooling. At every church event they would greet us kindly and carry on great conversations, looking us in the eye the entire time. Few other children their ages seem able to do the same.

Our pastor's wife is a great example of peaceful parenting. I've never seen anyone so calm and relaxed about life in general. If I had on my plate what she did, I'd be a jittery mess, but her even demeanor helped me to trust and let go. I've enjoyed talking over educational dilemmas with her and watching our children be creative together.

Our pastor himself, well, he's another story. He's a high energy, laid-back-but-let's-go-hard kind of guy. He's not afraid to lay it all on the line and will take the hard stances, even as you're not always sure where he himself falls on various issues. He challenges you to know why you believe what you believe and to go back to the Bible basics all at the same time. He accepts you for who you are and where you are on your faith journey and is good with that.

Best of all, he's willing to follow Jesus even when he doesn't know where he's going - and that's what the whole family is doing today. They're purchasing a house in a new town and planting a church for those who are currently on the fringe or have been hurt by a church or haven't found a place where they fit or just plain have questions and doubts.

So we're sad today. Sad because our good friends are leaving. Sad because the tree fort is missing the four kids who who so recently built it and climbed all over it. Sad because we won't be able to run and play with them after church and school events. Sad because we won't see any more zany games with no point or tie dye shirts at every turn.

But we're happy, too. They're leaving because they're following Jesus, and there's no better place to be than smack dab in the center of God's plan. We know that He's moving them for a reason, and that the whole family will be able to do big and wonderful things in His name in their new coastal home. They'll make new friends, draw in others, and show all sorts of new people the amazing love of Jesus.

So while it's a sad day for our church, it's also a day to celebrate. Our pastor is putting his money - and his family and his everything - where is mouth is.

That's a reason to celebrate.

For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Plan Monday - June 17, 2013

2013-06-17T14:05:00.000-04:00

WHEW!

After weeks and weeks of having a scheduled activity nearly every day - or some other over-the-top something happening like double chicken pox and a sinus infection that just won't quit - we have THREE DAYS this week with nothing planned. I'm super excited about that.

Last week we ate all sorts of strange and hurriedly put together things. i'm hoping to avoid that this week - and to try some fun, new recipes. If you have some to share, I'd love to check them out! Leave a link in the comment section below, please!

In the meantime, here's the tentative plan:

Breakfast:

- Cinnamon Almond Granola & fruit
-Steal-Good Pumpkin Bread & fruit
- Skinny Chocolate Chip Scones
- Breakfast wraps

Dinner:
- Italian roast beef sandwiches with salad and chips
- Grilled fish, baked potatoes, salad
- Slow cooker beef & broccoli over rice, egg rolls
- Spicy Sausage Pasta, Salad

- Cheesesteak-Stuffed Peppers, carrot sticks, applesauce
- Leftovers
- Dinner at church

If there's time in there, I'd like to make some homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars and some chocolate bar cookies.

There's the plan! What's yours??

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.

Denise Hunter’s “Barefoot Summer” Summer Sun Giveaway!

2013-06-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa

Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

"Barefoot Summer" by Denise Hunter

2013-06-15T23:43:00.000-04:00

Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother's tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God--or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother's dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison's determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. Maybe then she can finally find closure.

But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O'Reilly, a man who already has two strikes against him in Madison's eyes. Being on the water terrifies Madison. But Beckett's calming presence and unwavering confidence eases her fear. And as much as she'd like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying.

As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. With Beckett, Madison feels alive for the first time in years--carefree and confident she can win the regatta, maybe even find love.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison's faith. Will their love survive summer's challenge? And will achieving her brother's dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

Barefoot Summer will sail past your springtime reads and pull you into summer drama. With an electric cast of characters, each haunted by a past beyond his or her control, you won't be able to put it down. I couldn't. I finished it in a single afternoon.

There were several things that kept pulling me back to this book each time I was interrupted. First, I truly couldn't wait to find out what happened to Madison's brother. It was obvious that there was more to the story than the author was sharing with us, and she excels at drawing out the suspense.

Secondly, Beckett and Madison were truly hurting, and they were upstanding, honorable people. That's a combination I can't refuse, especially when someone has overcome the obstacles that Beckett has. I always want to know more about a knight in shining armor.

Lastly, there were some fascinating loose ends in this story - rabbit trails with the extraneous characters, you might say. For example, why exactly did Madison's sister run away, and why won't she give anyone details about her new life? I smell another story brewing here!

While Barefoot Summer is about a summer, it's certainly not your typical lighthearted beach romance. It's much, much more - but with a hero and heroine that you'll gladly take along to the beach.

Visit here to read other reviews in this bloggy hop.

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Learn more about Denise at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com

I received a free copy of Barefoot Summer from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

"Pennsylvania Patchwork" by Kate Lloyd

2013-06-13T22:48:00.000-04:00

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she's ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she's rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman's heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Pennsylvania Patchwork is about the choices that we make and how they affect our lives. A dramatic saga about three women, this book picks up right in the middle of conflict. A prologue catches the reader up to speed with what happened in the first book of the series, and soon that reader will be hurtling through Lancaster County faster than a runaway horse and buggy.

Pennsylvania Patchwork is a tangled web of emotions, mistakes, grace, and forgiveness. It's a story full of wisdom and seeking to live God's way, no matter how you might dress to do so.

I really enjoyed this story. Although it did take me a few chapters to figure out the full backstory for each character as I haven't read the first in the series, I got up to speed quickly and fell in love with their situation. I could relate to each character, despite all being from different backgrounds and generations. I want my children to be faithful adults like Mommy Anna. Like Esther, I don't want to hold grudges from past hurts and want to make right past issues. Like Holly, it's sometimes confusing to be faced with multiple options for a dream - what is the best way to choose? Because each person felt so realistic, I felt as if I had a vested interest in the choices that they made. Near the end, a few of those choices felt as if they'd been made very quickly. This high-action part of the plot kept me at the edge of my seat, however, as my eyes flew over the pages.

Having been in Lancaster County just a few short weeks ago, it was fun to read about a group of Amish where the lifestyle and location is so familiar to me. I definitely will be watching for Kate Lloyd's next book. This is one of the best Lancaster County Amish stories I've read in a long time!

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Learn more about Kate at http://www.katelloyd.net

I received a free copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Inspired Wednesday: Adventures in Odyssey Summer of Service Giveaway

2013-06-12T08:06:00.003-04:00

Have you ever done a service project with your little ones?

When I hear 'service project,' I tend to think of serving meals at homeless shelters or big mission trips, and neither seems very doable with little kids. It doesn't have to be that complicated, though.

A service project could simply be putting someone else's needs ahead of your own. It could be taking a glass of cold water to the neighbor down the street mowing on a hot day.

It could be returning a shopping cart for an older shopper or one with a small baby.

It could be taking a teddy bear to the kid down the street who lost a relative or a pet.

It could be having some kids over to play so their pregnant mom/single parent/grieving adult gets some naptime/work done/break.

It could be making up some blessing bags to keep in the car for when you run across a person in need.

Maybe it's sneaking cookies into a neighbor's mailbox after dark to treat them with a fun surprise in the morning.

Service projects can be simple. Brainstorm the needs of those you see around you with your little ones, and then think about ways that you can meet them. Be creative! Everybody can do something.

Don't believe me? Check out this story about Matthew:

Fourteen-year-old Matthew, a dedicated Adventures in Odyssey fan and natural tech whiz, was inspired

by a trip to the Apple store to create a smartphone app for his church. Since then, he has created

21 apps for different ministries, including his local pregnancy resource center, Joni and Friends (an ]i

nternational ministry for people with disabilities), and even an “Adventures in Odyssey Fan News” app!

Matthew used his God-given talents and imagination to bless others through technology. Which of your

kid’s unique gifts are waiting to be unleashed for God’s use?

This summer Adventures in Odyssey has created a Summer of Service kit to get you started. You'll find everything that you need at this link. To give you some additional incentive to get out and get serving, though, they're giving away a trip to Costa Rica to one child and parent who serve! See all the details here.

Adventures in Odyssey is the company that produces great kid-friendly audio dramas and the new chapter books by the same title. My Big Helper loves them! For a limited time, you can download the very first book in the series, Voyage with the Vikings, here - for FREE!

In case that's not enough to get you motivated, Adventures in Odyssey is giving away a three-book set of the AiO books! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you ever done a service project with your kids? If so, I'd love to hear about it!

Last week Teacher @ Home shared a post about why you should click on those dreaded advertisements found on blogs. To find out why, visit Teacher @ Home - please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on ~~Washed Up~~ Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.

Enter to win an Amish Baking Box from Tricia Goyer and RSVP for her 6/12 Facebook Party!

2013-06-11T17:06:00.000-04:00

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One "promising" winner will receive:

Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

GratiTuesday - We Survived Grandfather Mountain

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've never had any aspirations of being a mountain climber. Never wanted to use strange tools to cling precariously from rocks high above ... well ... more rocks. If I'm going to be way up in the air, which I do enjoy, I'd rather keep my bottom firmly planted on said rocks or, at the very least, strapped into a harness and carabiner-ed to a zipline. That's about as dangerous as I get.

Until Saturday.

That's when my husband decided we should hike Grandfather Mountain.

I didn't know that was the plan. I thought we were going to walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, so named because it's a mile above sea level, and then head into Blowing Rock for some window shopping and dinner.

Oops. I missed the part between the bridge and the window shopping when we talked about the plan. I should pay more attention. He knew I've been craving time outside after being quarantined with the chicken pox and two sinus infections, so he was trying to find fun outdoors adventures for me.

It was definitely an adventure.

Next thing I knew, we were headed up the mountain. Yes, there's MORE mountain above that bridge.

No, it wasn't quite like this. My husband faked this shot to show the kids. His feet were on the ground the whole time - but those were real rocks, baby, and we were a mile in the air.

After walking along the trail for a very long time ... well, hopping like a mountain goat might be a more accurate description, because those were big rocks and they were far apart and I've got short legs ... we came upon this. Yes, the picture is turned the right direction. We had to push-up our way through this slit in the rock to the ladder, which was bolted into the rock, and then climb up it to continue on the trail.

Did I say trail? It's not so much a trail as a stream. There was water flowing in the rocky path where we were trying to walk, making our shoes wet and muddy and slippery.

Yes.

Now, after that ladder, we pulled ourselves up a few rock faces via helpful ropes knotted and attached to said rock faces. I was starting to feel rather confident that perhaps I could tackle this mountain after all when we came to this:

Four ladders, not quite end to end, heading up into what seemed like the clouds. They didn't start at my feet, either - I had to climb onto two big, stacked boulders to get to the bottom of the first ladder, and I wasn't sure I could.

My husband decided to climb up ahead of me to see if there was more trail, or if the top ladder signaled the end of the line. If it was the end, I could wait there, he said, and so I waited - until he was out of sight.

Suddenly I was afraid that he would fall off the edge of the mountain and I'd never see him again, so I hurriedly repacked my canvas bag - who knew I'd need a backpack? - threw it around to my back, and tried to scale some boulders.

I was heading up the first ladder when he reappeared and said that there was more trail.

There was, all right - directly above my head as I took this picture.

The difference was that we had to scale another ladder - and this time, the ladder was bolted to a very narrow, vertical rock face. I started up it, and then realized that every time I let go with my left hand to reach up for another rung, my arm was dangling over several thousand feet of nothingness.

I decided that I was high enough.

My husband felt the same way.

Look very, very closely in the upper left quadrant of this picture. See those orange specks on the ladder? That's where we were.

We decided that we'd had enough hiking for one day and turned around.

So yes, that meant we had to do all of those ladders in reverse, but it was WAY better than the next one.

We made it back to our car just before the trails closed and park rangers headed out for the missing.

We survived Grandfather Mountain - more specifically, McRae's Peak, elevation 58xx.

I really think that ought to be worth a t-shirt, don't you? Because I'd definitely buy it.

My husband's determined to go again and head up that last ladder.

Maybe knowing what's in store would leave me feeling a bit more able to brave the nothingness.

Or maybe not. Because right now, I'm super happy not to be a mountain climber. I have a great story to tell, and I'm happy to have had my rock-climbing adventure, but now ...

My bottom is happily seated on the ground, elevation nothing, and the only mud I anticipate to wear today is from weeding the garden.

Then I'll talk to my husband across the dinner table.

That's more my kind of adventure.

For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Any mountain climbers out there? What's your favorite one??

Menu Plan Monday - June 10, 2013

2013-06-10T17:08:00.001-04:00

This is where I found myself Saturday afternoon. We had quite the anniversary adventure! More on that tomorrow .... ;-)

Now that we're back at home, however, my thoughts have returned to the nitty-gritty details of home life and menu planning tops this list. We have a SUPER busy week coming up, and so we're going to keep things simple to keep life truckin' right along. (Although if a perky chef wanted to make an appearance in my kitchen each morning and make breakfast, I wouldn't complain - that was an especially nice feature of staying in a B&B!)

Breakfast:

- bananas & Cinnamon Almond Granola

- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal, milk
- scrambled eggs and toast
- leftover waffles and fruit

I'd like to say that I'll be more creative, but realistically speaking, this will probably be it. it's going to be a big week.

Dinner:
- Burritos, nachos with black beans, cheese, and salsa, watermelon

- Perfectly Pumpkin Waffles, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit
- Pizza, carrot sticks, watermelon
- Grilled fish, baked potatoes, salad
- Steak quesadillas, salad
- Dinner out for Father's Day
- Dinner at church - what to make??

For more Menu Plan Mondays, visit OrgJunkie.

"Stealing the Preacher" by Karen Witemyer

2013-06-08T02:30:00.000-04:00

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

If I weren't already married, Stealing the Preacher would tempt me to go do just that! This seemingly sweet story has all sorts of layers to it - layers of truth, forgiveness, temptation, boundaries, family, and more. With all kinds of great faith lessons wrapped up in funny episodes and deep character interactions, I like this second installment in the Archer family series even more than the first - and that's saying something.

One difference that stands out to me between classic (older) and modern literature is the breadth. In older written works there tends to be more description, a wider range of plot obstacles, just a bigger picture overall. More modern written works, even those for adults, often have a more narrow, singular focus - almost as if we techno-crazed people are not able to abide for extra letters or lessons in our quest to hurry and solve the problem.

While Stealing the Preacher is not wordy by any means, I do appreciate the breadth that Witemyer has built into this series - and this book in particular. Each character has his or her own lesson to learn. Each one has a particular hobby or interest, most of which do not match up with that of another. These different pieces fit together like puzzles instead of overlapping, which makes the big picture far more colorful and interesting.

**Spoiler alert!* I'll speak in broad terms, but still ...

Witemyer also deals with topics rarely seen in modern novels, even those of the historical mindset: how to deal with sinners Biblically and how to achieve legal forgiveness. These are real issues that occur in our lives today, and putting these issues into this novel added plot complexity, realism, and a suspense factor that can't be beat.

Stealing the Preacher is a great summer read that ... well, forget that. This is a great anytime read.

Click here to read other reviews of this book or here to purchase your own copy now.

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Our First Decade

2013-06-07T11:44:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago today I woke up to pouring down rain - just like today.

That was the first thing I thought of when I woke up today.

It does not feel as if our wedding took place a full ten years ago, but it has. In some ways it seems like it was only yesterday, but when I think about life before our wedding, although I can conjure up memories, everything has a somewhat blurry tint to it. Many of those things feel almost as if they happened to someone else.

I think it's because going back that far means that my husband wasn't in the picture. Or the kids, and I can't imagine life without those three.

Our life is not at all how I pictured it would be. When we married, I was teaching full-time, we lived in a cute little house downtown, and everything felt rosy. It felt like living a dream.

Then God changed our dream, and it's been better than anything I could have imagined. I decided to stay home with one-year-old then not-so-Big Helper, and I learned to depend on my husband in ways I hadn't had to do before. I started really trying to figure out how to be a Biblical wife and mother.

Soon we were blessed with our Little Man, as well, and I saw my husband really begin to change. He stepped up to lead us in ways that he hadn't done before. He began to protect and defend and plan for us in new ways.

I loved my husband when I married him, of course. We were very different but got along well. Now I see, however, that while we're still very different in many ways, we're growing - in maturity and together. It's neat to think about. He's teaching my patience. I'm teaching him to plan. He learned to pick up his underwear. I learned to not stress about un-picked-up underwear. You know - all that important stuff. ;-)

If someone had told me what choices we would have made during these ten years, I would've thought they were crazy - and that's why I'm glad that we can trust God's plan. It's always better than anything we can come up with.

It's been a great ten years. Here's hoping for another fifty or sixty more.

"The Promise Box" by Tricia Goyer

2013-06-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

With her heart - and her loyalty - on the line, can she let true love in her life?

Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive 'resident' status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides! Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death.

She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational 'tell-all' book about the Amish. Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride.

Will the pain of her childhood-and her potential betrayal of her community-keep her from committing her whole heart?

The Promise Box is an amazing story of faith and yet different from most other Amish books out there. Lydia doubts her own value in God's eyes after learning that her conception was the result of rape - and it changes her entire life. While she questions her place as an Amish woman, her larger question of why a good God allows bad things to happen is one asked by nearly everyone at some point in their lives.

Lydia's journey to find the answer to that question makes up the bulk of this book - which, of course, includes a sweet love story and a beautiful mountain setting. (Somehow reading books about ugly swamps is just not appealing to me! I'd rather live beautifully and vicariously through the characters.) Her journey, although full of hardship and loss, has a very Goyer-esque sweetness to it.

The book is titled after a special box kept by Lydia's mother in which she wrote scriptural promises that she wanted to remember - a Bible diary, of sorts. I've seen this same type of 'journal' take many forms, but I especially like this one, and it made for an interesting tool of plot advancement throughout the story.

The Promise Box is a sweet journey of love, hope, and reconciliation. I love how Goyer writes about a realization that we each must come to: that we are all valuable in God's eyes because He made us, not because of circumstances or anything that we've done, but because of who He is and what He has done. Lydia's story is well worth the read.

Click here to read other reviews on this bloggy hop. Click here to go ahead and purchase your own copy now. :-)

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired.

Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

I received a free copy of The Promise Box from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

{Man-Friendly} Grilled Steak Salad

2013-06-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

A few days ago I tried to figure out how to combine my husband's love of steak with my desire for a good salad. This {Man-Friendly} Grilled Steak Salad is the result.

I foresee us grilling this salad often this summer. It's a quick and easy dinner that keeps all the heat out of the kitchen, but it's also colorful, hearty, and full of flavor.

This could even be a fun Father's Day option!

So here's how to make your own {Man-Friendly} Grilled Steak salads.

Ingredients:

1 pound of thin steak
3/4 t. Montreal steak seasoning
4 T. Worcester sauce
2 T. olive oil + oil for the grill pan
1-2 heads of romaine lettuce
2 carrots
1/2 c. shredded sharp white cheddar
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1/2 c. frozen kernel corn

Directions:

Preheat the grill to about 350.
Toss the onions and peppers with olive oil and steak seasoning.
Oil the grill pan and place on the grill to heat.
Chop lettuce, carrots, cheese, and tomato. Assemble salads on 4 plates.
Put the peppers and onions in the hot grill pan to caramelize. Stir occasionally.
Place the steaks on the grill and top with Worcester sauce. Grill until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
When finished, remove steaks and veggies from the grill. Allow steak to rest, then slice into strips.
Add veggies and steak to the top of the salad.
Serve with your favorite salad dressing and enjoy!

How do you celebrate Father's Day?

Inspired Wednesday - Far Reaching Effects

2013-06-05T07:34:00.001-04:00

*This post contains affiliate links for See The Light, a Christian art education company. Clicking on these links can help my family but in no way does this association affect the opinions that you will read below. See the Light provided me with DVDs for reviewing purposes and is giving another set away to one of you.

Last week I shared about my Big Helper's new interest in art.

It's been a few weeks, and her interest hasn't waned - in fact, it's multiplied since watching our Art Class See The Light videos.

A few weeks ago we toured a farm, and afterwards we wanted to send thank-you cards to the very kind farmer (more about this field trip to come). Having recently Pinned a watercolor card project, I wanted to play up the art angle of the cards instead of making simple, quick drawings as we'd begun to do during the school year. (Want to follow me on Pinterest? You can do that here.)

My Big Helper got really into this.

Since we toured the farm primarily because of it's bee population, she decided to draw a large honeybee on the front of her card, with honeycomb in the background.

As she worked on this project, I could see her using what she'd learned from Pat Knepley, the master artist in the Art Class DVDs.

First, we found a bee for her to draw. She settled on this one.
Next, she studied the bee and then decided on its placement on her paper.
She drew the outline of the bee's shape using light pencil lines, and then filled in details after.
The hexagons for the honeycomb came next, and she was careful not to draw her lines over the bee.
After that, she traced her lines with a waterproof black marker and painted in her picture (which we haven't learned how to do yet from See The Light, but it seemed like a fun thing to try.)

As her project neared completion, My Big Helper grew more and more excited about her work. "Do you think he'll like it, Mommy?" was her first question, but as we talked about what she might do next, her thoughts grew.

"I could give these to other people, couldn't I, Mommy?" she asked. "Do you think that Papa and Grandma would like one? Could I draw on canvas?" The wheels kept turning.

Her finished project:

I'm not saying that my little girl is an art master - she's not. I'm not saying that even she thinks that her work is artistically perfect - she knows it's not. After finishing she looked at her work with a critical eye, talking about what she might change the next time, but she laughed about it.

And she was confident.

Confident that her new card might show Mr. Mike how much she liked visiting his farm. Confident she is learning to do something that might make other people feel happy. Confident that her time and effort might make other people feel good. Confident that she can do something worthwhile.

I believe that she feels this way about other skills that she has - she loves to write and plan activities and share chocolate and sew - but she looked as if a new world of possibilities opened up before her as she examined her picture.

I'm excited that See The Light's simple, short lessons and friendly format can inspire this kind of art love in my daughter, and I'm excited to see what's next. We're definitely going to continue with the Art Class series, but I want to try one of the special Art Projects this summer, too.

Have you ever tried one? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Pat Holt, founder of See The Light, is generously giving away one set of Art Class DVD 1 and 2 to a lucky winner. This contest ends tonight! Enter using the widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last week Ely at The Traveling Classroom shared a post about why you should - and how to - learn a foreign language. Her list was both honest and funny! To find out more, visit The Traveling Classroom - and Ely, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on ~~Washed Up~~ Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.

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GratiTuesday - It Could Have Been Worse

2013-06-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you've been a Nest in the Rocks reader for any length of time, you might remember my Letter to a Thief. I wrote it about this time last year, right after someone smashed my car window while we ate our Mother's Day lunch and stole my Bible and the bag it was in.

A few days ago, something happened that was eerily similar.

My husband works near our closest big town, and we arranged to meet him there after work to attend a special event. Not wanting to pay for parking twice, we met up at a major grocery store, where my husband parked his seventeen-year-old, paint-peeling car. He parked under a street light, and we went merrily on our way.

Until late that night, when I had returned home and he was running errands, and he realized that someone had stolen the license plates from the back of his car.

He immediately called the police and returned to the scene of the crime, where he was told that this was a common occurrence in this neighborhood. Might sound strange, given our history there, bu this is a big commercial area with lots of very nice stores - so who knew?? Apparently two other cars were broken into just in the time it took my husband to return - and he wasn't far away.

My very first reaction, upon receiving my husband's call about his delay in returning home, was utter disbelief - and then to head for the chocolate ice cream in the freezer.

Stress loves chocolate, you know?

But then I tried looking for the positives in all of this, and I realized that there are many. (Perhaps not as many as I'd like, but they exist, and that's something!)

The cop told my husband that it was okay to drive his car as long as he carried the number of the police report with him. That made it much easier for him to get home and again the next day as he tried to replace the plates.

He was not stopped by the police AT ALL in the more than twelve hours he was without plates - and he was on several major roads at all hours of the night and day. A delay could have made him late for work, but all went smoothly.

Turns out replacement plates are WAY cheaper than new windows and Bible bags. While this was a major frustration, it DIDN'T become a major expense.

And, of course, nobody was hurt. We were happily watching a baseball game, cheering on our favorite local team, laughing about how my husband always misses the homers, while someone was nefariously stealing a part of my husband's car. We were a few miles away, and this time, there wasn't even remaining glass on which to get cut.

Instead of spending a whole day cleaning up, it took a few minutes and some minor tools to replace the plates and my husband's car was back in business.

So, if we had to be the victims of a crime once again, at least we came through it fairly unscathed. It could've been worse - but just in case, we're not parking in that part of town again.

What about you? What are you looking at the bright side of today??

For more GratiTuesday, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Plan Monday - Anniversary Edition

2013-06-03T08:47:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe, but my husband and I will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary this coming weekend! It doesn't feel as if it's been that long, and yet it almost feels as if our lives have always been intertwined. Do you ever feel that way??

My husband is working on some big plans, and I've been directed to leave Friday through Sunday open, so this plan won't include meals for those days. I'll post a full and regular meal plan again next Monday.

In the meantime, here it is: our abbreviated menu plan for the week.

Breakfast:

- yogurt and fruit with Cinnamon Almond Granola
- scrambled eggs and fruit

- Applesauce Muffins and yogurt

Dinner:
- Grilled chicken, brown rice, stir fried veggies

- Grilled sausage in Easy Bolognese Sauce over whole wheat pasta, salad
- Tacos, Spanish rice, salad, watermelon
- Waffles, sausage, fruit

What are you cooking up this week?

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.

Beth K. Vogt’s “Catch a Falling Star” Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway & June 4th Facebook Party!

2013-06-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

Celebrate the release of Catch a Falling Star (Howard Books) with Beth K. Vogt by entering to win a Romantic Weekend Getaway and RSVPing for her June 4th Author Chat Party.

One "lucky" winner will receive:

A $200 Visa Cash Card (Perfect for a weekend stay at a hotel or B&B!)
Catch a Falling Star and Wish You Were Here by Beth Vogt (Swoon-worthy!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 3rd. Winner will be announced at the "Catch a Falling Star" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 4th. Connect with Beth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Beth will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Catch a Falling Star and join Beth on the evening of June 4th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 4th!

"A Heartbeat Away" by S. Dionne Moore

2013-05-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test---but can betrayal be forgiven?

A Heartbeat Away is an intense look at the emotions of the Civil War from an angle rarely considered: those caught up in the blood of battle as civilians who want to help the wounded. Never have I read a fictional account that dwelt on the hope that comes from the ashes of war like this one does. The semi-graphic accounts will make your heart dip into your stomach just as your fingers grasp the straws of hope that Joe points out to Beth.

Beth learns amazing spiritual truths from her grandmother as she's faced with the carnage of war and witnesses violence all around her. Several of these lessons cut deep and are readily applicable to us, too, as we live and learn to trust and forgive just as Beth does.

This book isn't going on my bookshelf of other historical fiction novels; instead, it's getting a special place among my Civil War books. I really enjoyed this fresh perspective and the way that Moore makes this era not just about love or slavery or North-vs-South but about people ... people who are hurting and afraid, people who love, people with disabilities and families and have dreams for their futures. When my children are old enough to study all of these aspects of this war, they'll read this book.

To read other reviews in this bloggy hop, click here. If you'd rather dig into this book sooner rather than later, click here to purchase your own copy.

Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to "The Borrowed Book", a blog for book-lovers and "Cozy Mystery Magazine", for all things cozy mystery.

Learn more about Dionne at http://www.sdionnemoore.com.

I received a free copy of A Heartbeat Away from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Homemade Honey Strawberry Jelly

2013-05-30T13:45:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid my mom made strawberry jelly every year. It was the BEST! I ate it for lunch in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day and never wanted anything else.

My Little Man is just like me. He's happy eating that exact same sandwich with no plans to change in the foreseeable future.

I now make the jelly each spring, and I love doing it. With some family health issues now having come to light, like diabetes and heart issues, I try to keep our sugar intake to a minimum. Old-fashioned strawberry jelly just doesn't fall into that category.

For a few years now I've been playing with it, trying to find a recipe that has that yummy strawberry flavor and still tastes good.

I think I've found it.

I'll be honest, though - while my kids love this version, and I think it tastes good, the full-sugar one is still better. It's sweeter and more decadent, and it would be my choice every time - if I wasn't worried about the sugar content.

The flavor of the honey shines through in this version, so be sure to use a mild, light honey. We used clover honey in ours, and it gives this jelly a rich, summery flavor. It's great on biscuits!

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

6 c. pureed strawberries
1 1/2 clover honey
1 T. butter
3 T. Ball light-sugar pectin

To make your jelly:

Pour the strawberries into a dutch oven.
Over high heat, add the honey, butter, and pectin, stirring vigorously.
Continue stirring slowly to prevent scorching.
When mixture comes to a rolling boil, stop stirring.
Allow to boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat immediately and pour into jars.
Allow to cool.
Add lids. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or the in the freezer.

Do you make jelly? What's your favorite kind??

Inspired Wednesday: Art Class DVD Review & Giveaway

2013-05-29T01:54:00.000-04:00

My Big Helper has become very interested in art lately. She draws even more than she writes, which is saying a lot! She talks about drawing and painting and taking pictures of all kinds of things.

With all of this art taking over the house, I thought that perhaps she'd be interested in actual art lessons. That's where See The Light comes in.

Pat Knepley, a master artist, teaches art lessons on DVDs. The company founder, Pat Holt, generously gave us two DVDs, of Art Class I and II, to learn from, to review, and to share with you.

My Big Helper was super excited about this and couldn't wait to get started. She settled herself at the table early one afternoon and asked for her art lessons. She did several all in one day. This worked well with the very first lessons because they are very simple in format.

At first, I thought they were almost too simple. I was starting to wonder about this when I stopped watching the lesson and looked over at My Big Helper - and she was enthralled! She was totally engaged in the lesson and was keeping track of the items she needed to put into her 'artist's toolkit.' I knew then that Pat knew exactly what she was doing.

As the lessons progressed, this became more and more evident. Each lesson builds on the one before it, using real art vocabulary in a friendly, conversational tone. Pat pairs these art words with simpler terms that the kids are more likely to know, making it easy to understand and learn these words.

The lessons are instructional in nature, but they are intended to be demonstrations for children, as well. In order for My Big Helper to follow along and still be attentive to all of the information, I manned the remote for each lesson, stopping whenever she was supposed to draw. This seemed to work out really well for us.

The videos on the first DVD mostly involve simple drawings with few details. My Big Helper loved these. The last lesson, however, is more detailed as it asks you to draw your own shoe. She worked on this assignment long after the video ended.

These drawing lessons continue to get deeper and to build through the second DVD. There are some new materials needed for the second DVD, but Pat lists the needed supplies at the beginning of each lesson, making it easy to know what you need.

At the end of each DVD there is a bonus lesson. On the first DVD, this is a chalk pastel lesson with chalk artist Gloria Kohlman. This lesson is vastly different from the other drawing lessons. It seemed to move much more quickly and assumed that you already had a working knowledge of pastels, where Pat's drawing lessons teach students as if they have never seen or done art before.

This made a big difference in the way that my Big Helper perceived this lesson. She worried that her paper was the wrong size, and although I kept stopping the DVD for her, she seemed to feel rushed. I think it will be good to go back and do this lesson again now that we know what to expect - and perhaps with bigger paper.

My favorite aspects of this art series is Pat's calm and friendly attitude, as well her obvious art expertise. Coming in hard behind those, though, is the devotionals that Pat includes in each lesson. I love the way that Pat ties in faith and scripture to each art lesson. My Big Helper was excited, about these, too. Her face lit up at the thought that God is creative and cares about art.

So what's my final take?

Positives:

Great conversational tone taken by Pat, the master artist
The lessons begin very simply and escalate in difficulty slowly.
The lessons require very simple, inexpensive materials.
The lessons themselves are short, giving you ample time to watch the lesson and then continue to work on your piece.
Most lessons assume no prior art experience.
Each DVD contains four lessons and one bonus lesson.
VERY high quality lessons for a great price!

Negatives:

The chalk artist in DVD 1 moves quickly. Your remote might get a bit more of a workout during this lesson. (The creative lettering lesson, the bonus lesson in DVD 2, is not like this. It's very calm and slow-moving, giving you ample time to understand and do each step.)

How would you like to win your own Art Class DVDs? Pat is generously giving away one copy of DVDs 1 & 2 to one lucky winner. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

Do you 'do' art with your kids?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last week Nancy at There Is Grace shared a post about how to know when you're a mom. Her list was both honest and funny! To find out more, visit There Is Grace - and Nancy, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on ~~Washed Up~~ Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.

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