A Simple Walk

The Bible In 90 Days Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:09:00 +0000

I love the idea of setting a goal for reading through the bible. More than that, I love the idea of doing it in a group. There's nothing better than a whole bunch of people to discuss with and to help keep each other accountable.

When Amy first told me about this 90 -Day challenge, I was excited. I want to get on board and really do this! Unfortunately, I know myself. I know I have a major character flaw when it comes to this kind of stuff and my lack of follow-through always prevents me from seeing stuff through. So, I am looking forward to watching the discussions and participating when possible, but I'm just not comfortable with committing right now.

But please don't let my decision sway you. I definitely recommend doing this, and I don't think there could be a better leader for this than Amy!

Now, here's Amy in her own words...

Have you ever thought about reading the Bible... the whole thing, from start to finish?

I thought about it for years, and even attempted a few times on my own, before I discovered Bible in 90 Days, joined a group at my church and read the whole thing without stopping, cover to cover.

I was so blown away by the experience that I offered to facilitate it at my next church and have since facilitated several more times, trained facilitators and now plan to host an online community via my blog, MomsToolbox.

If you have ever considered reading the whole Bible, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you join me January 1- March 31, 2010, as I read and blog through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, bit by bit, in order, every day.

If you would like to join our online community, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Plan to set aside about an hour each day from January 1- March 31 for an incredibly enriching experience.
Get your hands on a Bible in 90 Days Bible from www.biblein90days.org, or your local Christian bookstore.
Consider also purchasing the Bible in 90 Days Participant’s Guide which offers weekly questions for you ponder to gain more insight from your reading. (I’ll be using these questions for our weekly Twitter meet-ups.)
Consider purchasing the Bible in 90 Days Essential Bible Companion, which offers a snapshot of information to help you make it through each week’s reading without getting distracted by researching on the internet.
Bookmark my site, www.MomsToolbox.com, and plan to visit January 1- March 31 after you have completed each day’s reading to see what I learned and report in that you have read for the day.
Follow me on Twitter (@MomsToolbox) and plan to be on Twitter every Monday night of the program from 9-10 CST (much like a study meeting—just online!) when we can ask and answer each other’s questions. Use and look for the #B90Days hashtag for our group discussion.

I would bet some of you are asking “Why this particular Bible?” Here’s why - The official Bible in 90 Days Bible is an NIV Bible, so it is an easy-to-read direct translation. This edition has large type, minimal footnotes and indicates where you should start and stop reading each day. Sure, you could accomplish this goal using your own Bible, but the statistics point to a huge success ratio for those using this official Bible... and not so much success for those who choose to use a different one. And don’t you want to succeed this time?

Although we won’t be meeting in person, my prayer is that via almost-daily online communication on my blog, as well as on Twitter we can still hold each other accountable, helping each other to accomplish our goal to read every word of the Bible attentively in 90 days.

I’d love to encourage you in this endeavor. It has been life-changing for me. I cannot express how much reading the bible in 90 days has helped me with every study I have participated in and every sermon I have heard since then. I now know the context of the stories. I know where to find them... and I can clearly see how they are related. And to read about Christ and the fulfillment of countless prophesies just after you’ve read about those prophesies is amazing!

If you’re up for the challenge, I’m up for encouraging you every step of the way. Pray about it. Think about it… And click on over to MomsToolbox.com to let me know if you’d like to join in the challenge and to learn more.

But do it soon so you’ll be ready to start 2010 in His Word… all of it! Hope to see you there!

** If you still have questions, plan to follow me on Twitter and join me for our first Twitter chat this Monday, December 21 from 9-10 CST. I’ll be there ready to chat about the program and would love to answer any questions you may have.

I have a feeling that this could definitely work for so many families! Stop by We Are THAT Family for more Works For Me Wednesday.

Time Slips

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Where is the time going this month? It feels like we just got home from Disney World and now Christmas is less than two weeks away. The kids have one more week of school before Christmas break begins and it's going to be a busy one. I don't see our schedules slowing down any time soon.

We fell behind in our advent calendar and today we got caught up. In other words, we lost 4 days in as many seconds. Or at least that's what it felt like.

I truly love this crazy roller coaster of life that we're on right now. Eric and I are an awesome team as we work together to nurture our marriage, love and raise our children and grow our respective businesses. It's busy and means our days are jam-packed, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's just the season we're in right now. The best thing we can do is to enjoy the ride.

But I just wish time would slow down for a while. Oh, and an extra 8 or 10 hours in a day probably wouldn't hurt too much either.

The busier we get, the more I realize the need to create and work a schedule that includes everything. For the next two weeks, as we finish Christmas shopping, baking and packing, I plan to schedule in some quiet time to just BE in front of the tree. A little time for reflection, prayer and praise.

After all, we really do need to remember to be thankful that we are so busy.

CFBA Review ~ The Familiar Stranger

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:41:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Familiar Stranger
Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)
by
Christina Berry
My Thoughts:
This book is absolutely riveting! It is such a page-turner and I hated to put it down. I really enjoyed the way Christina Berry wrote from both points of view. That element provided so much insight into the characters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Single mother and foster parent, Christina Berry carves time to write from her busy schedule because she must tell the stories that haunt her every waking moment. (Such is the overly dramatic description of an author's life!) She holds a BA in Literature, yet loves a good Calculus problem, as well. All that confusion must have influenced her decision to be team captain of a winning team on Family Feud.

Her debut novel, The Familiar Stranger, released from Moody in September and deals with lies, secrets, and themes of forgiveness in a troubled marriage. A moving speaker and dynamic teacher, Christina strives to Live Transparently--Forgive Extravagantly!

Her work has also appeared in The Secret Place, The Oregonian, and Daily Devotions for Writers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.

They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, they discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?

But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Familiar Stranger, go HERE

Hickory Farms - A Great Christmas Gift!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:17:00 +0000

I have always loved Hickory Farms. I can remember walking through the temporary Hickory Farms stores at Christmas time and just drooling over all the amazing looking packages of food. That feeling has never gone away because honestly, I love the kind of food that you get in a Hickory Farms package. So when Mom Central was looking for bloggers to join a Hickory Farms review campaign, I knew I had to sign up.

And the desire to be part of the campaign was made even stronger when I saw the Hickory Farms connection with Share Our Strength. For a limited time throughout the holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to Share Our Strength for every purchase of the Party Planner Gift Box. I am so passionate about supporting Share Our Strength and their mission to end childhood hunger by 2015. So any business that supports their efforts is a winner in my book!

Hickory Farms sent me a gift basket to sample and you wouldn't believe the level of excitement in our house when it arrived. We couldn't wait to dig in to the yummy summer sausage, cheese spread, cheeses and crackers.

So last Sunday afternoon, we pulled out the box and enjoyed a fantastic late afternoon snack. We cleaned the plate quickly because everything was so good. I think my favorite was some of the spicy mustard spread on a cracker with a slice of cheese and summer sausage. So delicious!

Personally, I think food is a fantastic gift. It's definitely one of my favorites to give and receive. And I don't hesitate at all to recommend Hickory Farms as a great food gift option. They offer so many different options that there's sure to be something for everyone.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a Hickory Farms gift basket to facilitate my review.

CFBA Review ~ The Christmas Lamp

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:11:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Christmas Lamp
Zondervan (October 1, 2009)
by
Lori Copeland
My Thoughts:
As much as I enjoy getting into a thick book, sometimes I really enjoy a novella for the ease of the read. And in my opinion, Christmas time is the perfect time of year to read a novella. I can get into a story without a huge investment of time and still enjoy something very worthwhile. That's how I felt about The Christmas Lamp. It is an uplifting story filled with Christmas goodness. I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters and spending some time in the town of Nativity!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori Copeland has been writing for twenty-five years and has over three million copies of her books in print. She began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that she began writing for the Christian book market.

To date, she has more than 95 books published, including Now and Always, Simple Gifts, Unwrapping Christmas, and Monday Morning Faith, which was a finalist for the 2007 Christy Awards. Lori was inducted into the Springfield Writers Hall of Fame in 2000.

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. They have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. Lori and Lance are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas trees, twinkling lights, skating in the park, and holiday displays are the hallmark elements for celebrating Jesus birth for the sentimental residents of Nativity, Missouri. Will fiscal responsibility replace Christmas their traditions when times are tough? Though their priorities and methods clash, Roni Elliot and Jake Brisco want the same thing, for the town to prosper. As the two get to know each other better, each begins to gain a new perspective on what the real wealth of Nativity and the season might be.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Lamp, go HERE

CFBA Review ~ Whirlwind

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:34:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Whirlwind
Thomas Nelson (December 29, 2009)
by
Robert Liparulo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. His first novel, Comes a Horseman, released to critical acclaim. Each of his subsequent thrillers—Germ, Deadfall, and Deadlock—secured his place as one of today’s most popular and daring thriller writers.

He is known for investing deep research and chillingly accurate predictions of near-future scenarios into his stories. In fact, his thorough, journalistic approach to research has resulted in his becoming an expert on the various topics he explores in his fiction, and he has appeared on such media outlets as CNN and ABC Radio.

Liparulo’s visual style of writing has caught the eye of Hollywood producers. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes A Horseman. were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for GERM and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Novelist Michael Palmer calls Deadfall “a brilliantly crafted thriller.” March 31st marked the publication of Deadfall’s follow-up, Deadlock, which novelist Gayle Lynds calls, “best of high-octane suspense.”

Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers, released in January, and number four, Timescape, in July. The series has garnered praise from readers, both young and old, as well as attracting famous fans who themselves know the genre inside and out. Of the series, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine says, “I loved wandering around in these books. With a house of so many great, haunting stories, why would you ever want to go outside?”

With the next two Dreamhouse books “in the can,” he is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects supernatural elements into his brand of gun-blazing storytelling. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away. After that comes a trilogy of novels, based on his acclaimed short story, which appeared in James Patterson’s Thriller anthology. New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry calls Liparulo’s writing “Inventive, suspenseful, and highly entertaining . . . Robert Liparulo is a storyteller, pure and simple.” He lives with his family in Colorado.

Visit Robert Liparulo's Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/LiparuloFans

ABOUT THE BOOK

Which door do you go through to save the world?

David, Xander, and Toria King never know where the mysterious portals in their house will take them: past, present, or future. They have battled gladiators and the German army, dodged soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, and jumped from the sinking Titanic. They've also seen the stark future that awaits if they can't do something to change it--a destroyed city filled with mutant creatures.

And they've still got to find a way to bring Mom back and keep Taksidian from getting them out of the house. The dangers are hitting them like a whirlwind . . . but the answers are becoming apparent as well.

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

4 Year Old Fashion Sense

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Lookin' good and feelin' proud!

Stop by 5 Minutes For Mom for more Wordless Wednesday.

How To Eat A Pound Of Bacon

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Two weekends ago, we went out to do some post-Thanksgiving Christmas shopping at a large outlet mall about an hour away. While we were there, we decided to stop for lunch. Eric wanted to take us to a restaurant he's been telling me about for years - Tony's in Birch Run, MI.

Tony's is a small, unassuming place located across the street from the outlet mall. But their food and their menu is anything but unassuming. Order an omelet for breakfast, and you'll get one made with a dozen eggs. A breakfast burrito weighs in at 7 pounds. A side of bacon isn't the measly 2 or 3 slices you get at most restaurants. Oh no, at Tony's, you get a full pound.

The one item Eric had been telling me about the most was the BLT made with a whole pound of bacon. Since we are both avid bacon lovers, I didn't see where we had any choice but to order the BLT.

In addition to the whole pound of bacon, each BLT is made on thick cut Italian bread with the standard lettuce, tomato and 2 to 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. This sandwich is not meant for the faint of heart.

There was no earthly way I could have eaten my whole sandwich. In fact, I decided to ditch the bread after just a few bites. Why fill my stomach with unnecessary filler when there was all that bacon in front of me? Sadly, I ended up leaving some of the bacon on my plate too.

But Eric? He tackled that sandwich!

We chose to forgo dinner that night. I think it was a wise decision.

I'm sure we'll go back to Tony's at some point in the future, but it's definitely not the kind of place we'll stop at regularly. I don't think our hearts our waistlines could handle it!

Stop by 5 Minutes For Mom for more Tackle It Tuesday.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of December 7

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:57:00 +0000

I love wrapping up a Sunday night after a full and productive weekend spent with the family. We had a wonderful two days together. Saturday we got a few more things knocked off of Christmas list. I love the fact that our kids rarely complain when we go on a marathon shopping trip. In fact, they have as much as Eric and I do.

Today was a lazy Sunday, the kind we love best! I made my first (finally!) batch of Christmas cookies. Then we put together a gingerbread house that looks like it was put together by a 10 year, a 5 year old, a 4 year and a 2 year old. But we love it and I know we'll enjoy looking it all season long.

This week is busy, but definitely not as full as I'd expect a few weeks before Christmas. Which is good, because it she give us plenty of time to get lots more cookies and candies made. On Monday night, we are going to our little town's tree lighting, where Isabelle and her class will be singing two songs. On Tuesday night, my father-in-law is going to come watch the kids while Eric and I go Christmas shopping for them. We are really looking forward to that!

Here's what we'll be eating this week.

Breakfasts

Waffles, pancakes, muffins, smoothies, cereal, oatmeal

Lunches

Turkey salad sandwiches, soup, leftovers, PB & J roll-ups, Israeli couscous salad, fruit, veggies

Dinners

M - Spaghetti, Italian green beans
T - Pizza soup, Italian bread sticks (for my father-in-law and the kids)
W - Sherry's Aussie Chicken, garlic smashed potatoes, broccoli
Th - Mexican Rice Bowls, salad
F - Crepes with cherry-almond sauce, sausage patties
S - Appetizer dinner - appetizers TBD
Su - Cabbage & Sausage soup

Don't forget to stop by Org Junkie for your menu planning fix!

CFBA Review ~ Raising Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:53:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Raising Rain
Moody Publishers (September 1, 2009)
by
Debbie Fuller Thomas
My Thoughts:
This book is poignant and moving. I felt emotionally invested throughout the whole book. The character of Rain was so well written and I really felt like I knew her and could understand her struggles. This is definitely a heart-wrenching book, but it's so worth while.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Debbie writes contemporary fiction from an historic Gold Rush town in Northern California. By day, she manages after school and day camp programs, and she burns the midnight oil to write what she loves. Her first book Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon, is a Christy finalist. Raising Rain, her second book became available September 2009.

Debbie has contributed to story collections such as Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul, and Lord, I Was Happy Shallow, along with articles in Coping With Cancer magazine.

She has two teenagers and her husband is the executive pastor on Sonrise Church with 1,000 members. Debbie is a manager at Auburn Area Parks and Recreation.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Raised to be a 'new woman' by her mother and three college roommates in
the 70's amid anti-war protests, feminist rallies, and finals, Rain
Rasmussen discovers that putting her career first has left her overdrawn
at the egg-bank, and her baby fever has now driven off her significant
other.

When her terminally ill mother demands a Celebration of Life before she
dies; they all confront ghosts from the past on a 'stormy' weekend in
Monterey. Bebe, the roommate closest to Rain's heart, revisits choices
that have impacted Rain the most, raising doubts about God's—and her
own—willingness to forgive and to be forgiven.

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

CFBA Review ~ The Christmas Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:16:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Christmas Glass
GuidepostsBooks (October 1, 2009)
by
Marci Alborghetti
My Thoughts:
This was a beautiful and touching story. I really enjoyed the large cast of characters and the way their stories all intertwined with each other, held together by 12 pieces of glass. It is a memorable tale, and one that I think will become part of my Christmas traditions from now on. This is the perfect book to read in front of the tree!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marci Alborghetti has been writing only slightly longer than she's been reading. In seventh grade she received her first writing prize for a zany Halloween story. The prize? A five dollar gift certificate to a local bookstore. She was hooked. The Christmas Glass is her fourteenth book, and she is currently at work on a sequel as well as a non-fiction book about service. Some of her other books include: Prayer Power: How to Pray When You Think You Can’t, A Season in the South and Twelve Strong Women of God.

She and her husband, Charlie Duffy, live in New London, Connecticut and the San Francisco Bay area. While in New London she facilitates the Saint James Literary Club.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the tradition of The Christmas Shoes and A Christmas on Jane Street, the heartwarming story of The Christmas Glass shows how, today as always, the Christmas miracle works its wonders in the human heart.

In the early days of World War II in Italy, Anna, a young widow who runs a small orphanage, carefully wraps her most cherished possessions -- a dozen hand-blown, German-made, Christmas ornaments, handed down by her mother -- and sends them to a cousin she hasn't seen in years.

Anna is distressed to part with her only tangible reminder of her mother, but she worries that the ornaments will be lost or destroyed in the war, especially now that her orphanage has begun to secretly shelter Jewish children. Anna's young cousin Filomena is married with two-year-old twins when she receives the box of precious Christmas glass.

After the war, Filomena emigrates to America, where the precious ornaments are passed down through the generations. After more than forty years, twelve people come to possess a piece of Christmas glass, some intimately connected by family bonds, some connected only through the history of the ornaments.

As Christmas Day approaches, readers join each character in a journey of laughter and tears, fractures and healings, as Filomena, now an eighty-four-year-old great-grandmother, brings them all to what will be either a wondrous reunion or a disaster that may shatter them all like the precious glass they cherish.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Glass, go HERE

It's Not The Cost of the Gift That Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:12:00 +0000

For at the least the past 5 years, there's one present that Isabelle has counted on receiving at Christmastime and this year is no different. It's a simple gift, but one that we know she'll use and get immense joy and satisfaction from. In fact, it's probably the only gift guaranteed to get as much use from as humanly possible.

Tape. A simple 4-pack of tape.

It will be used daily until it is gone, and even then, used pieces of tape will be torn in two and used again. It's happened this way for years and I know it will happen again this year.

I'm sure the gift of tape isn't at the top of any gift guide this holiday season. But that's okay with us. Because we know our daughter and we know what she likes. We know she likes having a seemingly endless supply of tape at her disposal for all of her art and craft projects.

And after all, aren't gifts meant to be thoughtful and suited for the recipient? In her eyes, there's no gift more thoughtful.

Oh sure, she'll ooh and aah over the latest and greatest toys in the sales flyers. She'll fill her gift list with all kinds of stuff. And she'll even get some of it.

But in the end, we all know it's the tape she treasures most.

Stop by Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things Friday and Life As Mom for more Frugal Friday.

Gifts For Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:02:00 +0000

This is our first year having to buy Christmas gifts for teachers. Previously, the only teacher gifts we had to buy were also called mine. So, it's a bit more of a stretch this year. I can't just buy what I want for myself and I'm not too sure if the kids' teachers would be as crazy about a macro lens as I would be.

I've asked the kids for their input and they have a few suggestions. And Eric is a great big help. His suggestion is that we buy the teachers cars to guarantee our the academic success of our children. Tempting, but just slightly out of our budget.

So, I'm brainstorming and looking for tips. I'd love to hear them if you have some.

And if you're looking for ideas for the teachers in your life (or friends or family members), I've got a little tip of my own for you. How about a 3 month subscription to Stolen Moments Menu Planning?

Right now I'm offering a great Christmas Gift Subscription deal. A 3-month subscription to the basic plan is just $16.50 and a 3 month subscription to the complete plan is $36.00. I hope you'll check it out and cross some names off of your gift list.

And of course, I'd absolutely appreciate your tips on teacher gifts. (Eric has convinced that giving a gift to my own service to the kids' teachers is tacky.)

Don't forget to stop by We Are THAT Family for the themed "gift-giving-tips" edition of Works For Me Wednesay.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of November 30

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:51:00 +0000

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving last week and I hope you all did too! I made the full spread just for our family. I figured we'd have lots of leftovers that I could fill the freezer with. But either everyone was really hungry or I just didn't make as much food as I thought I did since the leftovers were sparse. The only thing I'll really be able to freeze is some turkey. I'll shred what's left and we'll use it in casseroles and soups. I'm planning to make stock with the carcass too.

By the way, if you're looking for some methods and recipes for stock making, check out the Stock Exchange going on at JessieLeigh's place. Her tips are great and there are links to other posts as well. I'll be joining up once my turkey stock is done.

Here are our dinner plans for this week. Breakfast and lunch will just be some leftovers and other easy things. I'll be doing our monthly shopping trip in a few days so I haven't nailed down those plans yet.

M - Stuffed meatballs, cheesy broccoli and rice
T - Turkey enchiladas, refried black beans
W - Tuna burgers, oven fries, peas
Th - Taco pinwheel
F - Breakfast for dinner: Butter pecan-banana waffles, bacon or sausage
S - TBD
Su - Mushroom barley bisque, tomato basil bread

If you're looking for a great gift for someone on your Christmas list (sister, friend, teacher, etc.), please check out the great Christmas gift subscription sale at Stolen Moments Menu Planning. It might just be the perfect answer!

And then don't forget to stop by Org Junkie to get the rest of your menu planning fix.

CFBA Review ~ Loss of Carrier

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:12:00 +0000

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Loss Of Carrier

BookSurge Publishing (October 27, 2009)

by

Russ White
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed the unique perspective and subject of this book. I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. This is one of those books that goes high on my list because I know my husband will enjoy reading it too. And any time I know I can recommend a book to him without hesitation, I know it's a winner!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Russ White is an internationally recognized internetwork engineer. He has co-authored eight books in the field of network design and routing
protocols and is a regular speaker at international networking conferences.

In addition to working on several expert and senior-level network engineering certifications, he is a certified firearms instructor.

Russ, his wife, and their two children live in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, where they enjoy spending time on Jordan Lake and attending Colonial Baptist Church. Loss of Carrier is his first novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bright yellow cables against a blue shirt? Carl never would have approved of that color combination. Why was his face so white? His eyes should be closed, not open. Why hadn’t one of the security guards seen this and reported it to the police? The lights were off, the cameras were useless in the dark.

Of course, the cables wrapped around Carl’s neck explained why the server wasn’t working. Loss of carrier.

Jess Wirth lives a dreary life. He spends most of his time crammed inside a cubicle, toiling as a network engineer and stewing over the details of his ugly divorce. But when he finds his co-worker dead in the basement of their office, Jess’s life takes a surprising—and unpleasant—turn.

The police quickly declare the death a suicide, but Jess isn’t so sure. Not long after he begins digging into the victim’s work, another co-worker turns up dead, convincing him once and for all that something sinister is brewing behind the cubicle walls.

His investigation leads him to a mysterious woman name Leah, who pushes him to entrust her with the information he’s collected about his dead colleagues. Wary of Leah’s motives yet inexorably drawn to her, Jess keeps her at arm’s length...until an attempt is made on both their lives. Realizing they are close on the trail of a dangerous criminal, the pair race to expose a data theft ring before they become the killer’s next victims.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Loss Of Carrier, go HERE

When Your Father-In-Law Is Santa Claus

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:28:00 +0000

For the past 7 years, we've had a most amazing Christmastime tradition. It's unique and special and I am so grateful that our kids are growing up with this tradition.

You see, it's not everyone that gets to claim Santa as a member of their family.

But we do.

Our kids love to say that their grandpa is Santa Claus. They believe he is one of Santa's helpers, filling in for Santa during this busy, busy time of year.

And this past Friday, we headed to downtown Detroit where we watched Grandpa Santa light the city Christmas Tree from our front row seats.

Alex and I were interviewed and there was a 5 second clip of us on the news Friday night. (I'm so excited for Alex but would just rather forget that I was a part of that!)

We watched the ice skaters. We enjoyed the chilly weather. And we ended the night with a dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, where Santa is their favorite VIP.

How could I not be overflowing with gratitude for this awesome experience our children get to be a part of each year?

Stop by Heavenly Homemaker's for more Gratituesday.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of November 23

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:26:00 +0000

I am really looking forward to this week. The older kids will be home from school on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and next Monday. It will feel like old times! I'm hoping to fit in some crafts, baking projects and other things that would have been the center of our days when we were homeschooling. They are all excited to spend the extra time together.

Our Thanksgiving plans are still a bit up in the air due to some extenuating circumstances beyond our control. But I'm planning to cook a big meal anyhow. If anything, we'll have lots of leftovers for the freezer.

Breakfasts:

Mini-wheats, muffins, pancakes, French toast, Mini-blinis

Lunches:

Quesadillas, leftovers, carrot soup, smoothies, savory cheese and chive muffins, turkey pita sandwiches

Dinners:

M - Beef & Rice enchiladas, refried black beans
T - Loaded baked potato soup, biscuits
W - Chili mac, side salad
Th - Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry & orange relish, homemade crescent rolls
F, S, Sun - every leftover variation I can think of. And maybe a $5 Little Ceasar's pizza if we get burnt out on turkey.

Stop by Org Junkie for hundreds more menu plans.

The Long Awaited Table

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:10:00 +0000

For the past 5 years, we've lived without a kitchen table. All of our meals have been eaten on the floor or on the couch. We always ate together, just not around a table. We just didn't have room for one.

A few months ago, Eric and I decided we really wanted a table. The kids are getting older and there isn't as much baby stuff taking up space. The play area wasn't being used as much and there was definitely some decluttering we could do. We viewed it as a very small sacrifice to make the space for a table where we could all sit together. And surprisingly, all of the kids were on board.

So we started looking on Craigslist and a few other places to see what we could find. We came across a few good options but life happened and the table buying kind of fell off our radar.

And then life slowed back down again, bringing us up to this past Tuesday. We decided on a whim to stop in at the Salvation Army and see if there were any good tables.

I think you know where this is going.

We found the perfect table, in beautiful condition, with 4 chairs. And fortunately, there were two lone chairs that matched in color if not style. As we were mulling over the decision, an announcement came over the PA system stating that all furniture was 33% off. That settled it. We had us a new table!

For just $75.

We have all been enjoying the table so much these past few days. The kids are eating every meal there and loving it. They fight over who gets to be the two table washers after each meal. We're having discussions and establishing new rituals. We're even enjoying the novelty of eating family style. What a finer thing it is!

Stop by Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things Friday.

CFBA Review ~ What The Bayou Saw

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:56:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
What The Bayou Saw
Kregel Publications (March 24, 2009)
by
Patti Lacy
My Thoughts:
This was a haunting and moving book. The story is definitely one I'll not forget for a long time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Though Patti's only been writing since 2005, she thinks her latest profession of capturing stories on paper (or computer files) will stick awhile.

The Still, Small Voice encouraged Patti to write after a brave Irish friend shared memories of betrayal and her decision to forgive. In 2008, An Irishwoman’s Tale was published by Kregel Publications. Patti’s second novel, What the Bayou Saw, draws on the memories of two young girls who refused to let segregation, a chain link fence, and a brutal rape come between them.

The secrets women keep and why they keep them continue to enliven Patti's gray matter. A third book, My Name is Sheba, has been completed. Patti's WIP, Recapturing Lily, documents a tug-of-war between a Harvard-educated doctor and an American pastor and his wife for a precious child and explores adoption issues, China's "One Child" policy, and both Christian and secular views of sacrifice.

Patti also facilitates writing seminars in schools, libraries, and at conferences and has been called to present her testimony, "All the Broken Pieces," at women's retreats. She also leads a Beth Moore Bible study at her beloved Grace Church.

Patti and her husband Alan, an Illinois State faculty member, live in Normal with their handsome son Thomas, who attends Heartland Community College. On sunny evenings, you can catch the three strolling the streets of Normal with their dog Laura, whom they've dubbed a "Worchestershire Terrier" for her "little dab of this breed, a little dab of that breed.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Segregation and a chain link fence separated twelve-year-old Sally Flowers from her best friend, Ella Ward. Yet a brutal assault bound them together. Forever. Thirty-eight years later, Sally, a middle-aged Midwestern instructor, dredges up childhood secrets long buried beneath the waters of a Louisiana bayou in order to help her student, who has also been raped. Fragments of spirituals, gospel songs, and images of a Katrina-ravaged New Orleans are woven into the story.

The past can't stay buried forever Rising author Patti Lacy's second novel exposes the life of Sally, set amid the shadows of prejudice in Louisiana.

Since leaving her home in the South, Sally Stevens has held the secrets of her past at bay, smothering them in a sunny disposition and sugar-coated lies. No one, not even her husband, has heard the truth about her childhood.

But when one of her students is violently raped, Sally's memories quickly bubble to the surface unbidden, like a dead body in a bayou. As Sally's story comes to light, the lies she's told begin to catch up with her. And as her web of deceit unravels, she resolves to face the truth at last, whatever the consequences.

If you would like to read the first chapter of What The Bayou Saw, go HERE

Watch the Book Trailer:

Pepsi Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:47:00 +0000

We are not a pop drinking family. However, my husband is a semi-occasional Pepsi drinker. About once a month, a 12 pack of Pepsi makes it into our house. And usually that means that each of the kids will have a cup or two of the bubbly stuff before it's gone. Pepsi definitely falls into the treat category for them, and against my better judgment, I'm okay with that.

So when we were in Disney World, pop was an option with every single meal. Of course the kids wanted some. We knew better than that. Not only is a daily pop habit something we don't want to encourage, but for Alex and Olivia, pop drinking equals potty trips every 10 minutes. That wouldn't have been fun for any of us.

Instead of giving in or listening to complaints, we promised the kids a Pepsi day when we got home. Any time they'd ask for some pop, we'd just remind them of our Pepsi day plans. They were so excited about that idea that they didn't care they were drinking the usual water or milk.

This past weekend, we celebrated Pepsi day. So what exactly is Pepsi day? A day when the kids get their fill of Pepsi, of course. Each kid had two Pepsi's throughout the day. They had one can each and as an extra special treat, one glass bottle each. The day turned out great and it definitely worked for us!

Top 10 Things To Pack For Disney World

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:23:00 +0000

When preparing to go to Disney World, we've always found that the preparation work we do in advance is directly correlated to how much we enjoy the trip. Having a wonderful time in Disney World is easy. But having a wonderful, stress-free, non-painful trip is just as easy if you prepare and pack everything that you need.

Here's my own personal list of the Top 10 things to pack for Disney World. I'm sure everyone's list will be a little different. This is just what seems to work best for us.

Top 10 Things To Pack For Disney World

Your patience. Seriously, this is the most important thing of all. While not a physical item that you actually pack, start preparing yourself to be patient long before your feet hit Disney soil. There's a lot of waiting in Disney World. There's also a lot of time spent indulging the kids. But that's what Disney's for, so be prepared for that in advance. (On that note, you should probably be sure you go ahead and pack your appetite too!)
Sunscreen. No matter what time of year you go to Disney World, sunscreen is a must. So much time is spent outside and you (or the kids) can easily get burned before you even realize it.
Good shoes. I can not stress the importance of good shoes enough, for both big feet and little feet. The average person walks between 10 and 15 miles per day while at Disney World. That's a lot of walking for anyone, but it's pure torture for someone wearing flimsy, non-supportive shoes. Although I'll admit, we did notice quite a bit of painful looking shoe option. Eric and I were baffled by the woman wearing knee-high boots with 5 inch heels. Seriously, how did she do it?
Extra shoes. Just as important as good shoes is bringing a pair of extra shoes. If your go-to shoes start to rub your feet in the wrong way, or if your feet are just plain exhausted, it's a good idea to have a back up pair. That way, you can throw them on for a day, or even just a half a day, and give your feet a bit of a break.
Ben-Gay or other sports ointment. There's a good chance you'll get to your room at the end of the day with aching calves and a sore lower back, especially if you are pushing a stroller or carrying kids around. Applying some sports ointment before bed is a great way to end the day.
Pain relievers. If you're squeamish with the sports ointment, popping a tylenol or two might just give you the relief you're looking for. It's also a great quick cure for the I've-heard-this-song-500-times-already-today headaches.
Extra clothes. I pack two outfits per day for each of the kids and one or two additional outfits on top of that. When we stop at the room at the end of day and get ready for a night in the parks, just changing into a new pair of clothes is a great refresher. Obviously, it's also just a wise idea to have extra clothes on hand whenever you're dealing with little kids. But, I'm sure we all know that.
Cloth tote bags. I had 3 extra bags that I took with us on our trip. One was my carry-on, one clips onto my purse and the other was folded up in the suitcase. While we were at Disney World, I had the two bigger bags packed and ready to head out the door. They were filled with water bottles, snacks, extra sunscreen, a change of clothes for the youngest three, jackets for night time chill and whatever else I grabbed as we headed out the door. We used one bag for daytime outings and one bag for night time outings. The bag clipped to my purse came in handy so many times for leftovers when we ate out, souvenirs, or whatever other miscellaneous stuff one of the 13 of us picked up throughout the day. (I used my awesome BlogHer swag Blue Avocado bag.)
Swim Diapers and Extra batteries.. If you have little ones still in diapers, make sure to remember the Swim Diapers! You can buy them at most of the Disney Resorts, but for $1.94 each, it's probably a better idea to just stuff a few of your own in the suitcase. Just like the swim diapers, you can find extra batteries everywhere, but you'll definitely pay for the convenience. And if you use your camera a lot, there's a good chance you'll need those batteries before you head for home.
A good travel book and/or your own mapped-out agenda. Have a plan right from the start is the best way to make the most out of your Disney World trip. And whether you've been one or one hundred times, a travel book is a great resource you'll turn to over and over again throughout the planning stages and the trip itself. My favorite is the Passporter because it's a great resource and a great keepsake all in one.

Stop by one of the newest members of the Disney Moms panel, Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Week of November 16

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:42:00 +0000

I am so excited for this week to begin. I finally feel caught up on everything and ready to get back to the normal routine. My kitchen has been sorely neglected for the past 3 weeks and I just can't stay away anymore. Between all of us being sick, a trip to Disney World and a week full of easy meals while I unpacked and got caught up on laundry and work, I'm ready to start some real cooking again.

So, the plan for this week includes some extra baking and freezer cooking too. I'm also getting prepared to start the whole Christmas cookie freezing and baking routine in just a few weeks. I'm starting on my to-make list already.

Breakfasts:

Oatmeal, Breakfast Cookies, Muffins, Scrambled eggs & toast, Cereal, Smoothies

Lunches:

Cheese and crackers, sandwiches, leftovers, soup, hummus w/ homemade pitas. All with fruit or carrot & celery sticks

Dinners

Monday - Barbecue sausage, Scalloped Corn
Tuesday - Baked potato bar including chicken, broccoli & cheese topping or soppy joe topping, side salad
Wednesday - Stuffed Manicotti, Italian Breadsticks
Thursday - Stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes
Friday - Breakfast for dinner - pumpkin-spiced pancakes, sausage patties, cinnamon apples
Saturday - Bacon cheeseburger pizza (using this best ever pizza crust)
Sunday - Soup of some kind

Stop by Org Junkie for over 300 more menu plans.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:17:00 +0000

As if a trip to Disney World wasn't enough, my parents decided to spoil their little princesses just a bit more during a vacation. And what better way to do that then a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella's Castle?

Our girls were enthralled the second we walked through the door. They quickly settled on their favorite hairstyle of choice and were then whisked away by their Fairy Godmothers-in-Training to begin the transformation process.

I was impressed with the care shown by the stylists as they quickly moved from one little princess to the next. I think our girls didn't even realize there were others waiting for their spot in the chairs.

Overall, the experience took about 30 minutes for each girl. That included hairstyle, make-up and a quick manicure. For an unforgettable treat with lasting memories, the time invested was minimal. (While all of us women and girls were in the boutique, the men and boys went to the Hall of Presidents to nap...er, watch the show.)

I think we were all amazed with the transformations. Isabelle's face when she first saw herself was priceless. She told me later that she didn't even realize she was looking at herself. I think Olivia was struck speechless.

And what better time for a photo op in front of the castle then when you have 4 little princesses all decked out in crowns, glitter and sashes? (At 2, Gracie wasn't old enough for the princess makeover, but my sister brought along her oldest daughter's crown from last time for her to wear.)

Is there anything better than being a princess with your favorite cousin while in Disney World?

While this was certainly not a simple finer thing, our girls would be the first to argue that this is most definitely a finer thing in life!

Stop by Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things Friday.

CFBA Review ~ Fit to Be Tied

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:03:00 +0000

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fit to Be Tied
Zondervan (November 1, 2009)
by
Robin Lee Hatcher
My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The first book in the series was great, so I knew this one would be also. I like the way Robin Lee Hatcher portrays women who are strong in their convictions and in their faith. Definitely a fun read!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cleo Arlington dresses like a cowboy, is fearless and fun-loving, and can ride, rope, and wrangle a horse as well as any man. In 1916, however, those talents aren’t what most young women aspire to. But Cleo isn’t most women. Twenty-nine years old and single, Cleo loves life on her father’s Idaho ranch. Still, she hopes someday to marry and have children.

Enter Sherwood Statham, an English aristocrat whose father has sentenced him to a year of work in America to “straighten him out.” Sherwood, who expected a desk job at a posh spa, isn’t happy to be stuck on an Idaho ranch. And he has no idea how to handle Cleo, who’s been challenged with transforming this uptight playboy into a down-home cowboy, because he has never encountered a woman succeeding in a “man’s world.”

Just about everything either of them says or does leaves the other, well, fit to be tied. Cleo Arlington knows everything about horses but nothing about men. And though Cleo believes God’s plan for her includes a husband, it couldn’t possibly be Sherwood Statham. Could it?

Their bumpy trot into romance is frustrating, exhilarating, and ultimately heartwarming.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Fit to Be Tied , go HERE.

Watch the book video Trailer:

Capturing The Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:08:00 +0000

I'll admit it - I am a picture junkie. I love taking pictures and I love looking at them. I love the memories they evoke.
I also admit that I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to photography. Everything I've learned has been through trial and error. That is why I love my digital camera. I can take over 800 shots (as I did last week in Disney World) and know that at least a few of them are bound to turn out great.

When it comes to pictures, I do enjoy the posed pictures where everyone looks at the camera. But more than those, I love random pictures. You know, the kind taken when no one knows you are taking their picture? I just think those pictures really capture the moment.

During our trip, I realized some of the best times to snap those random, capturing-the-moment pictures were when we were standing in line waiting to get on rides or when we were just walking to the next ride.

Here are two of my favorite random shots from the week.

Someone drew a hopscotch grid in the middle of the road at Epcot. As soon as Olivia saw it, she broke into some spontaneous hopscotching. I'll never forget her delight as she jumped to the end, nor will I ever forget the man who stopped to watch her just because seeing the simple enjoyment was such a treat. This picture captures those things perfectly.

Look closely in the photo above. See that arm and fist on the right-hand side? That's Alex. He was running so fast in his excitement to check out something with his cousins that I completely missed the shot of him. Except I didn't, not really. Because this shot is even better. It sums up the joy of Disney World for a 5 year old boy. I'll treasure it always.

Capturing the moment with random pictures? It definitely works for me!

Stop by We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday.