Rachel Ann's Place

Book Trio Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:15:00 +0000

This time around I was given the opportunity to review three books from Multonmah Random House.

The first is Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh. I'm the middle of this book and I am really enjoying it. It is about a small town girl who moved to LA and is called back to her hometown to see to family matters. Along the way she has changed her name in order to not be connected to her hometown family; however, she is learning how important family (and God) really are! On top of it she is falling for the gardener for her Uncle's estate while trying to remain focused on the good and proper man she has picked out for her life!

The only thing that I don't like is that it is written from the main character's perspective so we are going from her thoughts in the first person to dialogue constantly, and I'm just not a big fan of first person writing. Although this isn't as difficult to follow as others I've read.

The second book is What Matters Most (Diary of A Teenage Girl) by Melody Carlson. This book is about 16 year-old Maya who has a lot of decisions on her plate and a lot of "stuff" going on in life...graduate school early? dealing with her ex-boyfriend, the cheerleader that is antagonizing her and the biggest problem? Figuring out what to do when her mother is released from prison and wants Maya to come live with her!

And last, but not least, Limelight by Melody Carlson. Claudette Fioré used to turn heads and break hearts. She relished the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle because she had what it takes: money, youth, fame, and above all, beauty. But age has withered that beauty, and a crooked accountant has taken her wealth, leaving the proud widow penniless and alone.

Armed with stubbornness and sarcasm, Claudette returns to her shabby little hometown and her estranged sister. Slowly, she makes friends. She begins to see her old life in a new light. For the first time, Claudette Fioré questions her own values and finds herself wondering if it’s too late to change.

All are great reads...book one up and enjoy today!

**Disclaimer: All books were given, free of charge, by Multonmah Random House book company for the express purpose of reviewing the books. I was not compensated in anyway for these reviews.**

Pumpkin Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:07:00 +0000

A few weekends ago we decided to head to the Pumpkin Patch. We ended up going to the Thomason Family Farm in Enumclaw. They were a great place for kids to play and they were a lot cheaper than the other farms in the area!
My niece Dajia is on the left, Ellyson is in the middle and her big brother Carter is on the right.

That blur of pink you see flying in the air is Dajia jumping from the top into a huge mass of corn kernels. The kids were able to slide down the slides or just jump in!! Fun times; but man do you get dusty!

I needed a little potty break! :)

Dajia was standing on her tiptoes to take this picture!

Ellyson makes a cute little piggie!

Ride 'em Cowgirl!!

She was fascinated with this horse and tried so hard to rope the baby calf!

Hanging around waiting for the tractor ride to start!

There they go...off with one of the farmers! Taking a little ride around the farm!

Me and Holly

Ellyson, Dajia and Carter!

Sadly my camera died before we took actual pumpkin pictures. However, Holly took some for us....but they are still on her camera!!

I went the BANG route...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:12:00 +0000

I just love it when my sister looks at me and says, "I'm coming over to cut and color your hair!"

I say I Love It with just a bit of sarcasm in my voice because leading up to her stating she is coming over is weeks of her running her fingers through my hair and looking at me with a strange look! I know I don't live up to her expectations of how I do my hair after she cuts it each time, but I'm so low maintenance that bobby pins are my best friend!

I don't usually tell or ask how I want it cut...she just has at it and does what she wants. This time when we looked in the mirror I did ask that she go a bit shorter on top and actually give me bangs (who knows...if there is no hair to put in bobby pins maybe I'll actually "do it" every morning!!).

So after last nights cut this is what I got...

Shorter...

Blonder...

Bangs!!

I like it!

I actually did my hair this morning. And I'll probably do it again tomorrow...and possibly the day after!

The only problem I foresee in the future is that I was planning to rat my hair out for Halloween; however, I don't have much hair left to do that to!! That's alright...small price to pay for a FREE cut and color!

Thanks Camille....Job Well Done!!

Extraordinary Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:59:00 +0000

No, the review isn't extraordinary (although it might be!)...the title of my new book is Extraordinary by John Bevere.

Summary:

There’s a question that troubles many believers: “Why am I not experiencing more joy, more hope, more satisfaction, more intimacy, more power, more everything in my Christian life--didn’t Jesus promise that?”

He did promise an abundant life, but too many people are trapped by the curse of “the ordinary.” They have accepted the wrong idea that following God means losing individuality, creativity, and a passion for achieving lofty goals.

Nothing could be further from the truth! John Bevere builds a convincing case, straight from Scripture, for a way of living marked by extraordinary experiences and accomplishments—the life God always intended for his children.

Here is a guide to understanding God’s incredible plans, and how to enjoy a life where he adds the “extra” to “ordinary.”

Author Bio:

John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit his ministry website at www.messengerinternational.org.

You can also purchase this book online at Random House

A visit to the Dr.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:18:00 +0000

I haven't been feeling good for close to two weeks now and I'm tired of it!! It started with a cold about two weeks ago; including: sore throat, hurting ears, nasal drainage, etc. That all went away in a few days but left a nasty cough. I have to say I wasn't surprised that a cough appeared as I am very susceptible to bronchial problems and have been my whole life.

A few days ago I noticed additional symptoms that weren't related but pointed to a UTI or bladder infection. Now, I have never had a UTI/Bladder or Kidney infection in all my life. So I kind of ignored those symptoms for a few days.

However, today I decided to go to the walk-in clinic and see what was going on! I have a low grade fever, upper respiratory infection (which the doctor just called the "Puyallup Crud") and my first ever UTI!

Yeah!

How exciting!

NOT!!

Although I do have to say the front desk was very efficient, I didn't have to wait very long (not usually the case at the walk-in clinic) and the doctor was nice and actually examined different things (I have gone in before and just had them talk to me, look in my ears and listen to my chest then say, "Yep, you have a problem"...duh George!).

Have to go pick up my prescription in a bit...hopefully I'll feel better in a few days!

If God is Good

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:21:00 +0000

by Randy Alcorn

Summary:

Every one of us will experience suffering. Many of us are experiencing it now. As we have seen in recent years, evil is real in our world, present and close to each one of us.

In such difficult times, suffering and evil beg questions about God--Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

These are ancient questions, but also modern ones as well. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and even former believers like Bart Ehrman answer the question simply: The existence of suffering and evil proves there is no God.

In this captivating new book, best-selling author Randy Alcorn challenges the logic of disbelief, and brings a fresh, realistic, and thoroughly biblical insight to the issues these important questions raise.

Alcorn offers insights from his conversations with men and women whose lives have been torn apart by suffering, and yet whose faith in God burns brighter than ever. He reveals the big picture of who God is and what God is doing in the world–now and forever. And he equips you to share your faith more clearly and genuinely in this world of pain and fear.

As he did in his best-selling book, Heaven, Randy Alcorn delves deep into a profound subject, and through compelling stories, provocative questions and answers, and keen biblical understanding, he brings assurance and hope to all.

Author Bio:

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a bestselling author. His novels include Deadline, Dominion, Edge of Eternity, Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, The Ishbane Conspiracy, and the Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written eighteen nonfiction books as well, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, The Purity Principle, and The Grace and Truth Paradox. Randy and his wife, Nanci, live in Oregon and have two married daughters and four grandsons.

Are you interested in reading this book? You can purchase it from Random House!

Wickedly Fantastic!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:08:00 +0000

To finish up my birthday week, my Mom and I went to see Wicked at the Paramount in Seattle! I have been waiting forever to see this musical...

If you haven't read the book you need to...

...then you need to go see the musical.

I'm telling you, you will never watch the Wizard of Oz the same way again!

Something Wicked this way comes....

The Paramount Theater!

We had great seats down on the floor and I was riveted the entire two hours and forty-five minutes!!

And before the show?

We had dinner at the Melting Pot. If you aren't familiar with the Melting Pot it is a fondue restaurant where a full dinner consists of a cheese fondue appetizer (with bread, apples and veggies), a salad, the main entree (chicken, different types of steak, shrimp, ravioli, sausage) cooked in broth, and dessert...we had bananas foster (white chocolate with bananas flambeed at the table). It takes at least two hours to eat and it is fan-freaking-tastic!!!

All in all...a great evening. Thanks Mom for coming with me!

Opening Day of the Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:46:00 +0000

My sister Camille, nieces Dajia and Elly and their cousins Darin and Natalie all went to the opening day of the fair with me! It was packed, it was hot and yet we had a ton of fun! I will be going back this week before the fair is over!!

This is a view overlooking the fair from the Sky Ride which goes from one end of the fair to the other

Me in the Sky Ride!!

Dajia

Natalie!

She was actually able to find Camille down in the crowd! And amazingly enough...Camille knew which car we were in! She wasn't able to ride because she had a stroller with two little ones, so they walked across and met us on the other side.

The girls were allowed to go on just a few rides (they are simply expensive) and since Natalie was too short to ride the Gondola Ferris Wheel they chose to ride the Giant Slide!

Here is Natalie sticking her landing!

Dajia thought the slide was fantastic!

Here they are in front of the Mama pig and her piglets!

Elliana...cutie patootie

You definitely can't go to the fair without having some cotton candy!! Yummy!!

Just outside the grandstand, where the rodeo was held, they had a big Brahma Bull for people to visit with!

Dajia and Natalie are four days apart (Natalie is actually older); however, Dajia is just tall, tall, tall! If you saw them together you'd think Dajia was at least six months (or more) older than Natalie.

We all had a tons of fun...but really?

Can you go to the fair and NOT have fun?

I think NOT!!!

Puyallup Fair Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:32:00 +0000

The first day of the Puyallup Fair always opens with a cattle drive and parade leading to the Fair!

Holly brought her Grandpa Al to watch the parade with us...

He is the older gentleman in the middle with the white shirt and hat...

This picture cracks me up!

I was trying to get Al's attention and waved at him; however, the guy in front of him must have thought I was waving at him because he (and Al) both waved back to me!!!

Holly and I saw our good friend Jen and her little girl Ava so we sat with them to watch the parade! The main draw of the parade is the cattle drive (the rodeo is the opening activity in the Grandstand before all the concerts)

Later that day I found out that a few of these cows diverted from their pre-determined parade route. As they were clip-clopping down the street a few of them decided to detour into a gas station for a snack! LOL

A wrangler on a horse actually rode in after them to herd them out...

nothing like a little excitement to start the day!We had an Elvis impersonator, uni-cycling, juggler to keep us amused!

My alma mater...Sumner High School (Go Spartans!) High School Marching Band

There were also wagons, carriages, military men and other marching bands leading the way to the Fair. After the parade you were able to get in free to the Fair for the first couple of hours. My sister Camille and I took advantage of the free admission!

Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:24:00 +0000

I went fishing with my Dad a few weeks ago out on Puget Sound and was expecting big things; however, I went home empty handed...I guess that is the life of a fisherman! LOL!!

We were fishing for Silvers...which means you put your line in the water sink it down towards the bottom and then troll the waters looking for a fish to bite your line!

A few times my Dad pulled the lines to check them and a few tiny fish (2 inches or so) were stuck on the hooks; consequently, the big ones we wanted weren't biting...little suckers!

This is a shot of my Dad's fish finder...

It's kind of cool...shows you the depth, how fast you are going and some other things! Those little fish symbols are actually fish!

WOW!!!

Look at all the FISH!!!

Sadly, these weren't silvers but rather pinkies...and we weren't fishing for those....my Dad doesn't really like how they taste.

He did spend about 20 minutes fishing for these just so I could possibly take a fish home...yet, nothing!

That's ok...it's good just to spend time with my Dad!

Bruce Wilkinson Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:32:00 +0000

You Were Born for This

Miracles

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe they can happen to anyone and everyone? I do! In the book You Were Born for This Bruce Wilkinson (author of The Prayer of Jabez) and David Kopp talk about what would happen if everyone walked around expecting miracles to happen. We pray and ask for miracles; however, many of us don't really expect a miracle to happen. I personally believe in miracles and have seen them happen in my life, in the lives of friends and family and in the lives of people I don't even know! I just need to be more open to expecting miracles to happen everyday!Summary:

Anyone can do a good deed, but some good works can only happen by a direct intervention from God. Around the world these acts are called miracles—not that even religious people expect to see one any time soon. But what would happen if millions of ordinary people walked out each morning expecting God to deliver a miracle through them to a person in need? You Were Born for This starts with the dramatic premise that everyone at all times is in need of a miracle, and that God is ready to meet those needs supernaturally through ordinary people who are willing to learn the “protocol of heaven.”

In the straightforward, story-driven, highly motivating style for which he is known, Wilkinson describes how anyone can be a “Delivery Guy” from heaven in such universally significant arenas of life as finances, practical help, relationships, purpose, and spiritual growth.

You Were Born for This will change how readers see their world, and what they expect God can do through them to meet real needs. They will master seven simple tools of service, and come to say with confidence, “I want to deliver a supernatural gift from God to someone in need today—and I expect to!”

Author Bios:

One of the world’s foremost Christian teachers, Bruce Wilkinson is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller The Prayer of Jabez. He is also the author of numerous other bestsellers, including A Life God Rewards, Secrets of the Vine, and The Dream Giver. Over the past three decades, Wilkinson has founded several global initiatives, including organizations that recruited and trained thousands of Americans to address hunger, AIDS, and poverty in Africa. Bruce and his wife, Darlene, have three children and six grandchildren. They live outside Atlanta.

David Kopp has collaborated with Bruce Wilkinson on over a dozen bestselling books, including The Prayer of Jabez. He is an editor and writer living in Colorado.

You can watch a video clip of Bruce introducing his book to readers: Click Here

If you are interested in purchasing this book, you can purchase it from Random House

I have an extra copy to giveaway! Simply leave me a comment and you are entered to win!! If you follow me I will give you another entry; however, you must leave a separate comment stating that you are a follower! If you blog about it and leave me a comment I will give you another entry. Due to the size and weight of this book (much heavier than usual) I am limiting this giveaway to US Residents only (I will have more giveaways in the future when I will ship internationally!). I will draw a winner Friday September 25th!

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Yeah Me!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:49:00 +0000

It's my birthday, it's my birthday, it's my birthday!!!

Yeah, I know...I have no shame in telling the whole wide world that it is my birthday!

I'll even tell you how old I am!

35

Wow, almost 40! It's a good thing that I am comfortable with my age.

If you know me, you know that I LOVE, absolutely LOVE my birthday!!! It's really celebrated all month long...I have no shame! I've been going out for free meals for the last week or so (there are so many free coupons you can get on your birthday..google free birthday coupons).

This morning I went to Denny's for a free Grand Slam with Holly, I'm going to Sushi Town for lunch with my Daddy and for dinner I'm heading out to the Spaghetti factory with Charlie/Barb and Rodney/Holly! YUM!!

Saturday is really exciting...my Mom is coming up from Vancouver and we are going to the Melting Pot and to see Wicked!! OMG...I can't wait to see it!!!

PS...I take cash! **SMILE** Gotta pay for my vacation in December somehow!

Stop...Don't Drive Around!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:54:00 +0000

Today, my friend Holly and I decided to head over to JoAnn's and Michaels to check out the sales and get some Halloween stuff (side note: we are having a Halloween shindig this year...more about this later!).

Driving around Puyallup right now is a bit difficult as we have the Puyallup Fair going on and there is tons of construction work going on up on the hill. Today we were driving on the south hill going the back way to the stores. As we were coming to a four-way stop there was a huge truck/van stopped in front of us. We couldn't see around the truck and Holly thought they weren't actually doing construction work today. We tried to look around the right side of the truck and couldn't see anything.

So....

Holly decided to drive around the truck so we could go on our merry way.

OMG!!!

As we drove around the truck we saw a man was actually in the truck waiting...

Waiting for what you ask?

Waiting for the construction worker to turn his sign around from Stop to Slow....

Oh Holy Cow!!

It was the funniest, most-embarrassing thing I've been a part of for a long, long time...I was laughing so hard I thought I might pee my pants. And then I didn't want the construction worker to actually see me so I was laughing behind some papers.

Holly actually rolled the window down and explained to the construction worker...he just laughed at us!

So some advice for you:

Please stop behind all vehicles and wait a long time before driving around said vehicle. Thanks Holly for the funny memory!

Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Summary:

In Stray Affections, the last thing that Cassandra expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snow globe. She’s enjoying some shopping time, with husband Ken at home tending their brood of four young boys, when she’s utterly charmed by the one-of-a kind globe containing figures of three dogs and a little girl with hair the color of her own. She can’t resist taking the unique globe home—even if means wrestling another shopper for it!

The beautiful snow globe sparks long-dormant memories for Cassie, of her beloved Grandpa Wonky, the stray she rescued as a child, and the painful roots of her combative relationship with her mother, “Bad Betty” Kamrowski. Life in Wanonishaw, Minnesota is never dull, though, and Cassie keeps the recollections at bay, busy balancing her boys, her home daycare operation, and being a good friend to best pal Margret. But after a strange—flurrious, as Cassie deems it—moment happens with the remarkable snow globe, Cassie and the people she loves are swirled into a tumultuous, yet grace-filled, and life-changing journey.

“As a believer, I know the power of forgiveness and new beginnings, and of a God, and family and friends, who love me the way I am,” Charlene Ann Baumbich says. “The heartbeat of change flows through those wonderful gifts.”

With the quirky, close-knit Midwestern small-town feel that made Charlene Ann Baumbich’s acclaimed Dearest Dorothy novels so popular, Stray Affections invites readers to experience the laughter and the healing of second chances.

Author Bio:

Charlene Ann Baumbich is a popular author and speaker and an award-winning journalist. In addition to her Dearest Dorothy series of novels, she has written seven nonfiction books of humor and inspiration. A bungee-jumping, once motorcycle-owning grandma and unabashed dog lover, Charlene lives with her husband and rescued dog Kornflake in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She loves telling stories, laughing whenever possible, and considers herself a Wild Child of God.

You can watch a clip of Charlene introduce her book either on Facebook or Youtube.

If you'd like to purchase this book it can be found at Randomhouse.com.

Happy Reading!

PS...did you know September 20--26 is National Dog Week? This would be an excellent book to read in honor of all the furry animals out there!

Free Fair Friday....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Yeah!!!

It's that time of year again...

If you are native Washingtonian from anywhere near Puyallup you know that the Puyallup Fair starts tomorrow!!!

Woo--Hoo!

Is the theme song running through your head..

"Do the Puyallup!!"

Rides....Food....Animals....Corn on the Cob....Cotton Candy....Concerts....Piroshskies...Exhibits...

You can go for FREE tomorrow...the first day of the fair between 10am and Noon...Come on down and find me...

It's Official...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I received a big manilla envelope the other day with this logo in the corner!

It is from the Superintendent of Washington State Schools!

Do you know what that means?

It means my first ever teaching certificate arrived! I am officially licensed as a Washington State History Teacher!!

Yeah!!!

Too bad I didn't get a job this fall; however, I'm still believing that a door will open up this school year. Until then? I'll substitute teach!

Sad, Sad Day....

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:05:00 +0000

This ring is one of my most treasured pieces of jewelry. I wear it all the time! In the shower, at the lake, traveling around the world...get the picture? It doesn't come off!

It is also one of those pieces of jewelry that you feel all day with your other hand...kind of like a security blanket!

The other day I was touching it and actually looked down at it and noticed that the middle Sapphire was missing!!!

Oy Vey!!

I was devastated! It could be anywhere. I looked throughout the house and dumped the vacuum cleaner yuckies out; however, I didn't find it! The day I lost it I was still moving boxes, cleaning house, walking all over the yard, went to the store...etc, etc!

So now, I'm just a bit sad!

Traditional Hanbok

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:54:00 +0000

My understanding is that this dress my niece Dajia is wearing is a traditional Korean Hanbok. A lady that my Dad has worked with for over 15 years gave this to him for his grand-daughter. I guess she has two young grandsons and no grand-daughters to wear something like this.

Isn't it gorgeous?

The bottom has embroidered flowers and butterflies as well as an embroidered hem as well as hand-painted flowers on the jacket.

The hat is supposed to fit a bit more snugly on the head; however, Dajia has a slightly large head and it didn't go on all the way!

Happy Birthday Mason

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:22:00 +0000

Today Mason turned six!

And he started first grade last week!

Where does the time go?

Maddy and Mason hamming it up while we visited my Grandparents last month.

Mason with his Great-Grandma Pat!

Mason with Great-Grandpa Shorty!

Happy Birthday Baby...I sure miss you, your smile and your goofy antics! You are one of my very favorite people! I pray that you will grow up to be a Godly man of character and make an even greater impact on this world than you can imagine!

Love you, Auntie!

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:12:00 +0000

I know, I know I haven't been blogging much...I just haven't had much inspiration! I don't want to use this blog as a complaining board nor do I want to feel sorry for myself...so I'm NOT!!!

Anyways...here's a quick catch up of my life:

* Still no job...going to sub and pray that I get a long-term sub job that turns into a full-time job!

* I'm moving....in fact, I'm moving in 3 days!!! Since my family no longer lives in Moses Lake and I don't have job opportunities here I felt it was best to move back to Puyallup. I already have a house lined up to rent with my friends Rodney and Holly, there are more job opportunities there and more "things" to do there!

* I'm turning 35!!! OMG...that means 40 is just around the corner! However, I'm not complaining...I love how old I am and the things I've gotten to do!

* I'm finally getting to see Wicked, the Broadway musical! I'm going for my birthday with my Mom and I am so super stoked!

* I'm going to Hawaii in three months!!! Yeah, 11 days in Kauai with my friends Ismo and Christina....ah bliss....no snow this Christmas!

* I changed my hair color! Such a highlight of my life....sheesh! But I really do appreciate having a sister who does hair! I'm thinking I want to go a bit blonder though....

That's about it for now!

Fiction Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:47:00 +0000

This time around, I received three books to read and review. I read two of the three and really enjoyed them!
The first one I read was The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo. This book is set in the 1880's with a debutante girl from back east desperately searching for a wild west adventure. She is a young lady reading a series of books about a female character who takes on bad guys and other adventures out west!

An opportunity comes up for Eugenia, Gennie, to become a nanny (sight unseen) to a single father out west! She gets a bit more adventure than she bargained for when starting out, but in the end she gets it! This was a good book to read!

Kathleen Y'Barbo's Bio:

Best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, novellas, and young adult books, with more than a half-million in print. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she is currently a publicist with Books & Such literary agency.

The second book I read was Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner. This book centers around a house surrounded by roses and each person that visits receives something different from the house: inspiration, peace, tranquility, etc. On her visit Lillian is mourning the loss of her husband and children in a tragic accident. She leaves the house in confusion though as she feels there is someone following her. Four years later she is back at the house and sees a painting in a local gallery of her as she was on her first visit. The story evolves as she seeks to find out who painted the picture, why/how her family died and how to get past her grief. Even though I don't normally read these types of books I found this one hard to put down!

Tina Ann Forkner Bio:

Is the author of Ruby Among Us. Originally from Oklahoma, she now lives with her husband and three children in Wyoming, where she serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation’s board of directors.

The third book I received was The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Patillo. Book summary:

Once a month, the six women of the Sweetgum Knit Lit Society
gather to discuss books and share their knitting projects. Inspired by her recently wedded bliss group leader, Eugenie chooses "Great Love Stories in Literature" as the them for the year's reading list--a risky selection for a group whose members span the spectrum of age and relationship status.

As the Knit Lit ladies read and discus classic romances like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice, each member is confronted with her own perception about love. Camille’s unexpected reunion with an old crush forces her to confront conflicting desires. Newly widowed Esther finds her role in Sweetgum changing and is surprised by two unlikely friends. Hannah isn’t sure she’s ready for the trials of first love. Newcomer Maria finds her life turned upside-down by increasing family obligations and a handsome, arrogant lawyer, and Eugenie and Merry are both asked to make sacrifices for their husbands that challenge their principles.

Even in a sleepy, southern town like Sweetgum, Tennessee, love isn’t easy. The Knit Lit ladies learn they can find strength and guidance in the novels they read, the love of their family, their community–and especially in each other.

Beth Pattillo Author Bio:

RITA Award-winning Beth Patillo combines her love of knitting and books in her engaging Sweetgum series. Pattillo served churches in Missouri and Tennessee before founding Faith Leader, a spiritual leadership development program.

The Friends We Keep and a 40-minute Bible Study

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:45:00 +0000

**Sorry it took me longer than a week to get a winner...I've been packing to move! So the winner for this book is Marcie...CONGRATS...book is in the mail!**

Every woman needs friends...someone to confide in and hang out with...I've learned that there are friends that belong in your life forever (yeah for BFF's) and some for just a season. This book addresses that...and ladies, believe me it is ok to have some friends for just a season. I've learned that God places people in your life to teach you a lesson, help you get through a difficult situation or for you to impact their life.

I have two books for you: The Friends We Keep and a 40-Minute Bible Study

The Friends we Keep Book Summary:

During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:

• Why do we long so for women friends?
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?

With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.

40-minute Bible Studies:

The 40 Minute Bible Study series from beloved Bible teacher Kay Arthur and the teaching staff of Precept Ministries tackles important issues in brief, easy-to-grasp lessons you can use personally or for small-group discussion. Each book in the series includes six 40-minute studies designed to draw you into God’s Word through basic inductive Bible study. There are 16 titles in the series, with topics ranging from fasting and forgiveness to prayer and worship. With no homework required, everyone in the group can work through the lesson together at the same time. Let these respected Bible teachers lead you in a study that will transform your thinking—and your life.

Titles Include:

•The Essentials of Effective Prayer •Being a Disciple: Counting the Cost

•Building a Marriage That Really Works

•Discovering What the Future Holds

•Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past

•Having a Real Relationship with God

•How Do You Walk the Walk and Talk the Talk?

•Living a Life of Real Worship

•How to Make Choices You Won’t Regret

•Living Victoriously in Difficult Times

•Money & Possessions: The Quest for Contentment

•Rising to the Call of Leadership

•How Do You Know God’s Your Father?

•Key Principles of Biblical Fasting

•A Man’s Strategy for Conquering Temptation

•What Does the Bible Say About Sex?

Author Bios:

Sarah Zacharias Davis is a senior advancement officer at Pepperdine University, having joined the university after working as vice president of marketing and development for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and in strategic marketing for CNN. The daughter of best-selling writer Ravi Zacharias, Davis is the author of the critically-acclaimed Confessions from an Honest Wife and Transparent: Getting Honest About Who We are and Who We Want to Be. She graduated from Covenant College with a degree in education and lives in Los Angeles, California.

Kay Arthur, executive vice president and cofounder of Precept Ministries International has worked with her teaching staff to create the powerful 40-Minute Bible Studies series. Kay is known around the world as a Bible teacher, author, conference speaker, and host of national radio and television programs.

Would you like a copy of the book The Friends We Keep? As well as the 40-minute Bible Study Building a Marriage that Works?

I have a copy just for you! Simply leave me a comment and you will win both books. Good luck and Happy Reading!

LaCrosse Justice

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:15:00 +0000

My maternal grandparents live in a small farming community, LaCrosse, in Eastern WA (about an hour or so from Pullman) and not much happens in their small town.

Much to my surprise when I clicked on Komonews the other day to read up on the daily headlines I saw an article about LaCrosse.

Here is the article for you:

LA CROSSE, WA. - Some are calling it La Crosse justice after a man stole another man's wallet and ended up getting tackled, hog-tied and left in the middle of Main Street for police to find him.

The other day 25-year-old Sean Lee stopped by 69-year-old Larry Garrett's house in LaCrosse with a sad story to tell.

"I need to get some gas, from Seattle, my wife's having a baby in Lewiston and I'm out of gas," Larry recalled.

So Larry paid for Lee's gas, even made him some food.

"He said, 'Oh my God, I'm so hungry, hadn't eaten in three days,' so I said well I'll get you something to eat," Larry said.

He says he had just finished heating up a plate of frozen taquitos for him when Lee stole his wallet.

"I went over to put my card in my billfold, and my billfold was gone," Larry said.

Lee then took off.

"Boom he was gone. That (guy) can run like a deer," Larry said.

It turns out Sean Lee should have stayed inside because outside, Lowell Garrett - Larry's cousin - was waiting.

"All of a sudden they stepped out on the porch. This guy was on the dead run," Lowell said. "They said, 'Stop him, he's got my wallet!' "

Lee tried to get in his car to make his getaway but Lowell wasn't letting him get away that easily.

"I grabbed him right by the front of the shirt, pulled him, jerked him," he said.

Lowell then wrestled the man out of the car and onto the pavement.

"Laid him in the street, then June came over and sat on him. I told Steven my brother, I said, 'Don't let go of him!' I went and got some plastic ties and put those on his legs," Lowell said.

Once they all tied Lee up, then they called the police. Instead of taking him over to the sidewalk. They just left him sitting tied up in the middle of the road.

And so there Lee sat under Lowell's watchful eye.

"You leave that rope alone or I'll break your fingers," Lowell recalled telling him.

So in the middle of La Crosse's main street, Lee sat hog-tied until the police arrived 20 minutes later. Larry Garrett had some choice words he gave to Sean Lee after the man tried to steal his wallet.

"What the hell's a matter with you?" Larry recalled telling him.

The sheriff said that they don't recommend citizens taking these kinds of measures to apprehend someone but in this case it did help them collar a criminal.

I guess you shouldn't mess with the men and women of LaCrosse, WA...they might just hogtie you and leave you in the middle of the street!!

Although I have to say if you are an honest person and are passing through and need help they will definitely help you out. The townspeople are quite friendly....especially my Grandpa and Grandma!

Book Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

**WINNER ALERT** Kate...you won!! Email me your address and I'll get the book out to you as soon as possible! Congratulations!!

Summary:

Raised in foster care and now the widowed mother of a little girl, Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and Lori out of New York City toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers and a fresh start. She discovers that long-held secrets about her family history ripple beneath the surface of Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, and it’s no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God–“Be me to her”– despite how it threatens his way of life.

Completely opposite of the hard, untrusting Cara, Ephraim’s sister Deborah also finds her dreams crumbling when the man she has pledged to build a life with begins withdrawing from Deborah and his community, including his mother, Ada Stoltzfus. Can the run-down house that Ada envisions transforming unite them toward a common purpose–or push Mahlon away forever? While Ephraim is trying to do what he believes is right, will he be shunned and lose everything–including the guarded single mother who simply longs for a better life?

Author Bio:

Cindy Woodsmall is the author of When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and The New York Times Best-Seller When the Soul Mends. Her ability to authentically capture the heart of her characters comes from her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families. A mother of three sons and two daughters-in-law, Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty-one years.

New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall is on tour, and she may be coming to a city near you! Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Cindy and have her sign her newest title The Hope of Refuge at one of the following events.

Tuesday, August 11 7 – 8:30pm

Barnes & Noble

5141 Peachtree Parkway, The Forum
Norcross, Georgia 30092
(770) 209-4244

Wednesday, August 12 7 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble Opry Mills

515 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
(615) 514-5000

Thursday, August 13 6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

2540 Futura Pkwy. #135
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
(317) 838-7941

Friday, August 14 6 – 8pm

Barnes & Noble

1550 West 75th
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
(630) 663-0181

Saturday, August 15 1 – 3pm

Baker Books

2768 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-6139
(616) 957-3110

Sunday, August 16 2 – 4pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

3700 Rivertown Parkway Ste. 2058
Grandville, Michigan 49418
(616) 531-1825

Monday, August 17 7 – 8:00pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

1739 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 298-9516

Tuesday, August 18 7– 8:30pm

Joseph Beth Booksellers

2705 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
(412) 381-3600

Wednesday, August 19 6 – 8pm

Hackman’s Bible Book Store

1341 Mickley Road
Whitehall, Pennsylvania 18052-4610
(610) 264-8600

Thursday, August 20 1 – 3pm

Rachel’s Country Store (Amish dry goods store)

6352 McClays Mill Road
Newburg, Pennsylvania 17240
(717) 530-9452

Can’t make the tour? You can still follow Cindy’s adventures on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. See you there!

Giveaway:

I have one copy of this book to giveaway to anyone who is interested. Simply leave me a comment and I will choose a winner by next Friday, August 14th using random.org.

Playing with Dinosaurs...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel Ann) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:50:00 +0000

My sister Shannon and her family, and I, went to Grandma and Grandpa's house yesterday for a little visit! While there Mason and I played dinosaurs (got 2 bags of dino's at a garage sale a couple of months ago for $1 a bag!!).

This is the view of Dino Land from the top!

Then we got a little creative....or should I say I taught Mason how to get creative with the dinosaurs...

This T-Rex is enjoying a mini-soldier for lunch....

Yummy....

Here's another man down!!

We are wondering how this dinosaur got stuck on Rexie's arm? Hmmmmm....maybe it's a baby dinosaur and he's teething?

This was probably one of our favorites....

again...a much smaller dinosaur going for the big guns...

doing a face plant!

This is how you have fun with your six-year old nephew!!!