Apple Picking Season!!

Yesterday, we went apple picking close to home. We've gotten apples there about 5 times. One year they didn't have any apples, and one year we just forgot. This year they came and let us know the apples were ready. It was a blast!! I was so bummed that I didn't bring my camera. The elderly gentleman brings out his ladder and holds it while the kids take turns getting the "best" apples from the tops of the trees. Too fun!! The trees were just LOADED. I brought two little paper bags from home, and Darling enjoyed getting to pick her own apples from the low branches and putting them in her own bag. Just too cute! :-) We brought them some homemade raspberry jam, which they said they were delighted to get, and then they brought out the empty jars from the jam we gave them last year! Too funny. They are just the sweetest couple.
I am looking so forward to apple pie, apple crisp, and my favorite apple strudel. I really need to get a apple corer, peeler, slicer. Anyone have a recommendation for what kind I should get?

My Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to Me. :-) Isn't this a great cake!! It is loaded with roses which means loaded with frosting - and I love frosting! Everyone got to have a rose on their piece. I had a nice birthday and finished the evening off at Ladies Night Out at our church. It was lots of fun! I made a point of running 3 miles the morning of my birthday, so I could look back and remember I could do it on this birthday. :-)

Dime Promotes

Last Monday Dime promoted at CAP. He was excited even though he didn't look it in the picture. I think they make it their job to look stoic at promotions. Grins come later. :-) We are proud of his efforts. Congratulations, Dime!

Darling's Perspective of Cameras

In an effort to show you that our life is more than book reports - I bring you this picture:This was taken when she was in a good mood, and then the camera came out. Darling hates having her picture taken 95 % of the time. The other 5% she didn't realize she just smiled for the camera or she wasn't looking at the camera or she just had a burp in her brain which made her forget her passion against cameras. Her biggest problem with her new Sunday School class was they insisted on taking her picture. I'm hoping she is not scarred for next Sunday. :-)

Stray Affections - A Book Review

Wow, life sure has been a zoo lately. This review was supposed to be out last week, but I just haven't had time. I feel like I'm living several days each day. So, here's to a late review and a goal to get some more posts up soon!

"In Stray Affections, the last thing that Cassandra expects out of her Sunday is to be mesmerized at a collectors’ convention by a snowglobe. 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 snowglobe 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 snowglobe, 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."

I enjoyed this tale except for one detail - the "flurrious" happening. There is no resolution to what happens with the snowglobe. It defies reality - which the story is good at being realistic otherwise. I can easily accept what happens after purchasing the snow globe as an incredible God-incidence. But, to ruin it by having a flurrious happening with no explanation made me distracted while finishing the book. If you can ignore this detail, the book is a great glimpse into the not-so-simple lives of ordinary people and how God can orchestrate some fun God-incidences to touch a number of lives. Having four boys of my own, I enjoyed the reading about the life of Cassie and could empathize with some of her feelings about getting out.

Here is a video link of Charlene introducing the book to readers.

To learn more about or purchase this book visit RandomHouse.com or Waterbrookmultnomah.com.

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.

Would you like your own copy? Comment below, and I'll send one to the first two people who want it. Happy Reading!!

Back-To-School Fiction Blog Tour

Kids headed back to school, and you have some quiet time at home? Starting homeschool and need an hour in your room to relax? Busy with school work and need a fun break? Here are three great stories to keep you company.

I grabbed the "Rose House" by Tina Ann Forkner to read first. I loved the title, and it just yearned to be read. The summary that was sent did a great job capturing the basics of this story:

A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope.
Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.
She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.
What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian’s pain? As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.
A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life.

I would add that there is a bit of adventure in this book! A secret that kept me reading until very late at night to discover the truth. Whew! The only problem I had with this book was three or four kissing scenes. Not long, but just not needed. Simple kiss would have been fine. I don't like watching long kisses in movies, and I don't want to read about it either. I plan to black out those paragraphs so that my daughters can enjoy the book, "Rose House". I think they were drawn to the title and cover as well, because they asked me what it was about, and if I'd read it yet. :-)

We have been so busy lately - getting ready for school, cabin, annual gameathon - so I didn't get a chance to read the following books yet. I'm so looking forward to them. I enjoy reading a mix of genre: historical fiction, Bible studies, dangerous adventures, etc. These books I consider like candy. They are for fun times and made extra delightful with a great snack. I am grateful for authors who use the pen to create a delightful, sweet, serious, thought-provoking, and romansical tales.

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper

The future is clearly mapped out for New York socialite Eugenia “Gennie” Cooper, but she secretly longs to slip into the boots of her favorite dime-novel heroine and experience just one adventure before settling down. When the opportunity arises, Gennie jumps at the chance to experience the Wild West, but her plans go awry when she is drawn into the lives of silver baron Daniel Beck and his daughter and finds herself caring for them more than is prudent–especially as she’s supposed to go back to New York and marry another man.

As Gennie adapts to the rough-and-tumble world of 1880s Colorado, she must decide whether her future lies with the enigmatic Daniel Beck or back home with the life planned for her since birth. The question is whether Daniel’s past–and disgruntled miners bent on revenge–will take that choice away from her.

The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love

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 theme 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.

Author Bios:
Tina Ann Forkner 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.

Kathleen Y’Barbo is the 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.

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.

To learn more about or purchase these books, visit RandomHouse.com:

The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper

The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love

Rose House

Happy Reading!! :-)

"Shall We Dance?"

The other night we watched "Shall We Dance?", a movie I've been wanting to see again, since I first saw it a year or so ago. I Love it. I feel it. I love the ballroom dancing. I adore the ending. The kids watched (we did a little screen cover up here and there). Afterwords, I had Dessert take a shower. Later, I was headed into my room and he was standing in his room with the towel wrapped around him. He looked at me through his water splattered glasses and said,
"Mom."
"Yes?"
"I like that movie." (said with feeling)
"Uh-Huh. Would you like to learn to dance?"
"Yep. I am already practicing!" (and he flung his left arm out to the side like in the movie)
I went to my room with a smile. :-)

Melt Down - A Book Review

"Melt Down" by Chuck Holton was interesting. Mr. Holton has a great adventure to share, with quite a thought-provoking message at the end. I was a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of characters in this book. Some chapters made me wonder what was going on, and why did I need to read this. The answer would always come clear before long, but I prefer knowing a little sooner. :-)

"The global war on terror has reached catastrophic proportions, leading the U.S. Special Operations EOD team—Task Force Valor—to Chernobyl, where ghosts of past disasters are nothing compared to the nuclear nightmare about to unfold. With CIA Agent Mary “Phoenix” Walker heading her first Special Ops mission and Master Sergeant Bobby Sweeney fighting demons on and off the battlefield, Task Force Valor races to stop a terrorist threat in the Ukraine before Europe is turned into a radioactive wasteland.

But when the terror reaches American shores, the team is powerless to help until they can save themselves. And when they finally track down the source of the chaos, what they find is worse than anything they could have imagined.

Author Bio: Chuck Holton has traveled the world, experienced combat, served in the Elite 75th Ranger Regiment, and is the author of six books, including Allah’s Fire, Island Inferno, Bulletproof, Stories From a Soldier’s Heart, and A More Elite Soldier. His journeys have taken him from the depths of the Atlantic, to the mountains of Burma, from the dogsleds of Alaska, to skies of Iraq. Chuck lives in Appalachia with his wife, Connie, and their five children."

To purchase the book online go to:

- www.Amazon.com <http://www.amazon.com/>

- www.ChristianBook.com <http://www.christianbook.com/>

- www.FamilyChristian.com <http://www.familychristian.com/>

Or comment below by August 24 for a chance to get your own copy!

North! Or Be Eaten - A Book Review

"North! Or Be Eaten" by Andrew Peterson was a gripping tale!! I can hardly wait to get book one, so that I can read it to the kids before I read this book to them. (Although it was just fine as a book by itself - but I'm also buying the sequel as soon as it comes out!! Not sure if there is one - but there sure should be!!) Boys or girls could love this story. This story had twists and turns everywhere. A great read aloud for the 7-10 year olds, and a fun book for any age who likes fantasy and adventure.

Only problem I found with this book, is that I wasn't crazy about the title or the cover art. I really wondered how good a story it would be. I'm glad I had the opportunity to review this book, because it is so interesting, and I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. I think everyone has different ideas of what is attractive, so I'm ok with what the author wants to do, but in my opinion, don't judge this book by its cover.

The main characters in this story are all part of the Igiby family:

• Grandfather Podo
• Mom Nia
• Three children: Janner, Tink, and Leeli
• Enormous Dog Nugget
• Artham Wingfeather alias Peet the Sock Man

Fleeing their home in Fingap Falls, the children struggle to grasp the new-found reality that they are royalty exiled from the far away land of Anniera. The wicked Fangs want them dead, so escape to the North Prairies is first on the priorities. The cold keeps the Fangs from traveling there. Then they will figure out how to get back to Anniera.
Tink discovers he is the Throne Warden. It is his job to protect his younger brother, Tink, the King of Anniera. This is proving to be quite a challenge considering who they are running from. In the meantime, Tink wonders whether he really wants to be King of Anniera.

"Their escape brings readers to the very brink of Fingap Falls, over the Stony Mountains, and across the Ice Prairies, while villains galore try to stop the Igibys permanently. Fearsome toothy cows and horned hounds return, along with new dangers: a mad man running a fork factory, a den of rockroaches, and majestic talking sea dragons."

'Andrew Peterson’s lovable characters create what FantasyBookCritic.com says made Book One “one of the best fantasy novels in a very long time,” and Book Two contains even more thrills, exploring “themes universal in nature, ranging from the classic good versus evil, to the importance of family, and burdens of responsibility.”'

Author Bio: Andrew Peterson is the author of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats. He’s also the critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter and recording artist of ten albums, including Resurrection Letters II. He and his wife, Jamie, live with their two sons and one daughter in The Warren near Nashville, Tennessee. Visit Andrew’s websites: www.andrew-peterson.com and www.rabbitroom.com.

My copy is making the rounds in my family. Want your own copy to enjoy?!

Comment below by August 24. You'll be glad you did!!

Darling's Been Busy

This morning Darling was up early - 5:45am!! She nursed and tossed and turned until 7. I kept thinking she was back asleep, and then she would open her eyes again and squirm. Finally, I decided to just get her up. She was chatty and busy. She ate a little breakfast, trucked around, then gave her bunny, Pearl, a ride in her bike basket.








We tried out water painting the other day after seeing Sassy Frazz's blog, and discovered a new love. The paints have been used every day since. This morning she painted four pictures, then trucked around again.
Now she's down for a late morning nap. :-)

The Friends We Keep & 40 Minute Bible Studies - Book Reviews

"The Friends We Keep" is a book about making friends, being friends, falling away from friends, and coming back to friends. Sarah Zacharias Davis' subtitle is "A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship." "It is Sarah's thoughtful account of her own experiences and those of other women in navigating friendship."
My daughter, Joy, really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the different stories and some interesting analogies. The book says it addresses questions like: Why do we long for women friends? What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships? When is it time to let a friend go, and how do we do so? I found during most of the book it discussed the truth that these topics are real and found in many friendships. At the very end of the book, Sarah gives a summary of friendship and gives some answers to the questions she raised. Very good.

"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?

I thoroughly enjoyed the two books I received - "Rising to the Call of Leadership" and "Key Principles of Biblical Fasting." I thought the lay out for this set was excellent! They have the Bible verses along the wide margins of the books and the questions and comments set in the middle. I like the way they have a person underline and box words in the Scriptures. It was amazing to realize how many times the word was actually said, or the different contexts it was placed. I would agree that these are Bible studies, not just devotionals talking about verses. These books will help you discover Biblical truths and grown in your understanding of the Word of God. They are designed as 6 week small-group studies, but they would be very applicable for individual Bible studies set in your own time frame. Definitely a fun treat!

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.

To learn more about or purchase these books visit RandomHouse.com.

A Summer Update

I haven't been very good at taking pictures lately. One excuse is: My husband and children like to walk around with my camera and then I don't know where it is. Another, better one is: I've been too lazy, or busy. The bummer of it, is that I don't have a picture to put with my blog and memory.
When Dime gets home from camp, and I get a minute with the others, I'll have to take pictures of their BAC 2 One art projects! I was late registering this year. So late, they almost didn't make it in. PTL, they added a few spots so a number of us extras could join. They had a great time!! and did a number of great projects!! We got a mini video clip of Dime doing his boomwacking song. He did an impromtu dance movement with his buddy at the end, which had the audience laughing and loving it. (Hopefully the teacher was ok with it. :-) He was also in a play as an old man with a cane. Great story!
Dot's dance class did a great job performing. She survived the week of being a dance class teacher and a small group leader, and helping out in other classes. She brought busy to new heights. She was a little spacy and wore out by the end of the week. We took two cars to the program, so that she could stay, visit, and then help clean up, while we went to a birthday party. She was supposed to join us at the party. Instead, she got home and worried where we all were, til it finally clicked in.
Deer did a sewing project of a jean bag. It turned out so cute!
Drum helped out as a small group assistant, and then worked with different classes. He really enjoyed helping at the rap class. We so appreciated the way they helped them learn to be leaders.
Duke did a drawing class, watercolor, etc. It was great for him to try something new.

The birthday party was for my friend, Pam, and Darling's friend, Kassie. Together they turned 51! :-) Jeannie did a great blog of the party. Check it out. Darling's favorite reason to go to church is to see Kassie.

Saturday we headed north to two family reunions!! We mostly spent the time at our cabin with my mother's side of the family. We spent over an hour at my Dad's family reunion which was at another cabin at the same lake. It ended up being a pretty windy and chilly day by the lake, so not alot of swimming was done. More games and visiting. It was great to see family we haven't seen in a year. We brought up our four new bunnies. They were a big hit! I wasn't sure Darling's favorite cousin, Kyle, was going to let us take his adopted bunny home. So cute!! (Sorry, no pictures. The camera was in the bottom of Darling's backpack. Papa got some.)

Sunday we dropped Dime and his friend off at camp. They are having a blast this week, I'm sure. After more visiting, we headed home.

Monday we caught up with laundry, etc. My Aunt and Uncle stopped by on their way back to Kansas. It was so fun to get to see them and visit! Then Deer and I went to check out her special garden at Papa K's, plus she mowed lawn there. So nice to have an occasional paying summer project. PTL for grandparents!

Talking of summer projects - Papa W is putting a new metal roof on his house. Starting Tues. Drum, Duke, Dh, and Deer have been working on the roof taking off the shingles, and helping to put on the new one. They are probably a third of the way through the project. I've had alot more time with just Darling while the crew is up the hill. It takes a lot longer to get through dishes and chores with my big kids working. :-) I don't mind the quiet though. :-)

Last night, Deer, Dot, and I went out with a sweet friend of ours who is headed to college, and her sister. Boo-hoo for us that she is going, although we are excited for her. We had a great time visiting and talking about ballet memories. It will be fun to hear how college goes and the fun experiences she'll have there. Dot mentioned she wondered years ago what it would be like when she headed off to college and Dot would be driving and 16. Now she knows. Sad, fun, bittersweet. Our girls are growing up. Dot and I really, really want to visit her there. We'll see if that gets to happen. Papa K watched Dessert and Darling while we went out. They had such a great time and were so happy. Putting Darling to bed took about 3 minutes. Jammies on, sit in the rocking chair, say goodnight, out like a light!

Today I'm taking a break from running and instead catching up on blogging and eating leftover peanut butter m&m's. Mmmmm.. :-) I gotta get those kids rolling though for another day at work up the hill! Plus, Deer's having a scrap-booking friend over, and I have a shower to go to tonight. I also need to plan this school year, plus pay bills, my ironing pile is still there, and someone filled the laundry baskets last night and had snacks in the living room. During it all, people will ask what's to eat. Another busy day shapes up. :-)

The Hope of Refuge - A Book Review

Cindy Woodsmall is a fantastic author. I was delighted to get to review another of her stories in an Amish setting. The characters feel so real, one wants to go visit them.

Cara Moore is an orphan passed around in the foster care system. She struggles to make her own way, marrying to get rid of a stalker, but finding love in the process. Unfortunately, her brief marital happiness is cut short in the death of her first husband. When the stalker discovers she is alone, Cara and her sweet daughter begin life on the run, taking few belongings, but not leaving her precious mother's journal. The stalker again discovers her whereabouts, but this time figures out where her daughter is going to school. Desperate, Cara again remembers her one fond childhood memory of visiting a place with trees ... A place with love and security. Craving to recreate that for her daughter, and finding a hidden address in her mother's journal, Cara sets out to get as close as possible to those memories.

"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."

Will Cara discover who she really is in this closed Amish community? Will she leave never to know the love that was available? Why is Ephraim willing to help her?

"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." Ada comes up with a plan that helps Cara build hope, and rescues Deborah from despair. Will it work?

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.Cindy was recently covered on ABC Nightline. To hear her interview, visit here.

You can purchase the book online at: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400073962

Or comment below by August 10th to win your own copy of "The Hope of Refuge".

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!

Happy Reading!!

Trials of Life - Braces

Drum wears a bridge expander on his upper jaw.
This is the tool used to daily expand it a tiny, tiny bit:

This is how it is done:

This is how one feels afterwards:
He has to do this for two to three weeks. Then it stays in place for 3 months. It affects his speech and the speed he can eat. He is now the last one at the table, taking the time to slowly get his stomach full. I'm glad it is summer and he doesn't have to do algebra problems with a mouth that feels like this.

Darling's New Bike

Darling received an early (very early) present from her Grandpa & Grandma K.
A NEW BIKE!!
She just loves riding it around. When the other kids ride, she begs for someone to push her. Now she has her own set of wheels. Have fun, Darling!! It is such a treat to watch you! :-)

Deer Draws

While at the cabin, each of my children have different ideas on how they enjoy spending their time. Deer enjoys drawing, and thanks to some lessons from her Uncle James, she has a few guidelines to help her drawings be a success. This is a great reminder of the loons we see each night on the sunset cruise.

Grandkids!!

While at the cabin, my brother took the opportunity to take pictures of my folks and all their grandchildren. I thought they turned out great!!! The weather was perfect - not too sunny. My only regret is that I didn't have him take a shot of just my kids.

I just wasn't thinking of it because they didn't have co-ordinating outfits or anything, plus it was Dime's birthday, so I needed to get his cake in the freezer (it was an ice-cream cake). I really should have gotten my priorities straight.

Thanks so much, James, for taking the time for these awesome shots!

I feel like I should say something.
But, life has been so busy, I hardly know what to say.
Sometimes I've got to just say something to start it off,
And then I know what to say! :-)

There....Did I say something yet?

Well, I had finally posted about Darling's potty training, and she wet the bed two nights in a row!! First hers, then mine! Lots of laundry. I worried about it and slept light the next several nights. I've been relaxing again, and last night I got another wet bed. I think I better get something for under the sheets, for the just in case nights. This is just too much work. I can hardly keep up with the regular laundry.

Our totally awesome swimming pool got a hole. Somewhere in the top layer, and a small one in the second layer of air. It goes out kinda slow, but we've got to be watchful to keep it full. We just let it go while we were up North, so today we'll get it going again.

My dear mother had a bike accident. A pit of sand alongside the road caught her tire and sent her flying. She didn't break a bone, but the bridge of her nose swelled up tight, and her knee was injured. They figure a blood vessel probably broke in there, which is why it swelled up so much, and it will take a long time to go down. It's been 3 weeks, and her face still has two small bruises. She can hardly use her knee. It will probably take at least another month before that knee can work again. Her bruises are HUGE! I wish I had a picture of the kids' faces when she showed it to them. I feel so much for her, as it is summer, and she was so enjoying getting out biking.

Last night, Dh and six kids went to a pot luck and archery night with our church group. They had a blast. Dot used what she learned from a documentary about Susan in Narnia, when she was shooting, to help her shoot better. Stuff like holding her elbow up, etc. She said it really worked!

Then they headed over to our church for a karaoke night. I heard just a smattering of stories, which I can hardly remember this morning, when they came home last night at midnight. They were happy and loud, which says they had a great time! Darling and I stayed home to do laundry, etc. She took about an hour nap, and then was happy as all get out. It was good to spend some time with her reading, doing puzzles, cooking (we made tapioca pudding), a bath, watching her jump on the mini-tramp, and cuddling. She can get very chatty! She kept up a steady stream of conversation with me. :-)

Holy Roller - A Book Review

My post for "Holy Roller" by Julie Lyons is a little late. Please read quickly, so I can catch up. :-)
I started this book with some misconceptions. I thought it was fiction. I just did. Within the first chapter, I figured out it was a true story, which helped make its introduction make more sense.

I still struggled with getting a grip on how the book was laid out. ie. What is the point? Where is this story going? Is there a plot? I really wanted to finish the book, before writing about it, so I would have a better handle on where the book was going.

What I discovered is that they told me on the back page. "It's all here in 'Holy Roller' - the stories of people desperate for God's help. And the actions of a God who doesn't forget the people who need His power." The stories are all set around personal recollections of Mrs. Lyons.

Julie, 27, was working as a crime reporter in black South Dallas in April 1990 when she first discovered The Body of Christ Assembly. She "set out to find a different kind of story for the 'Dallas Times Herald'." She heard about "drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?" She found that and more. (Want to know how she found the church? Get the book! :-) ) After publishing her article, She soon joined the church, and she and her husband traveled every week into the South Dallas ghetto to see and feel God at work. As the subtitle states, she found redemption and the Holy Ghost in a forgotten Texas church.

The book is set along the time line of her introduction to the church, her experiences while going, and where they are at as a church now.

Having participated in a semi-pentecostal church growing up, I enjoyed reading about the singing, praying, ministering in tongues, words of the Spirit, and good sermons that went long. Having been to an all black church, and one in Colorado which was definitely black styled, I could envision the spiritual atmosphere, and the 'amens' being bounced around the room. The worship definitely takes on an involved, active feel vs. watching and participating from the sidelines.

I really enjoy reading true stories about God at work, today, in the here and now. This is not a story of "Sha-zam! and the drug addict is healed. It is a story of prayer, the Holy Spirit working, and how people respond to Him. Julie talks about people who were healed, and those who were not. She shares about empty pews, empty hearts, lost people, an active God, alive people, demons, and the Holy Ghost. Her stories are about as random as that last sentence, but the theme is there.

Author Bio: Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University. She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.

Looking forward to reading this story? To learn more about or purchase these books at RandomHouse.com go to: https://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307457899

Or, Comment below by July 25th for your chance to win your own copy!

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn - A Book Review

I really enjoy mystery books with suspense, a little romance, and a good twist where the plot is not readily foreseeable. This book hit all those buttons. "The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn" by Liz Johnson was a great summer read!

Kenzie works teaching at the Oregon Department of Corrections Facility. After authorizing the program two years ago, she has worked tirelessly to help get inmates ready to take their GED test, a job she really enjoys. It has been difficult at times with budget issues, but Kenzie hoped to change that in the next year. She loved teaching the men, and praying for them was a natural outlet to her passion for helping give them hope. This session though, she is given a new student who is too smart and cocky, and yet she is drawn to him at the same time. How will she deal with Myles Parsons?

Kenzie's Grandpa and Grandma have raised her since her parents died when she was five. They have been there for her and supported her over the years. Grandpa has now become Governor Mac. His one lack of support has been for this teaching job. Every chance he gets, he continues to urge Kenzie to change her location and teach at a private school. Meanwhile, Governor Mac has a big election coming up, and the heat is warming up. His opponent, Ms. Suarez has been stirring rumors about his responsibility with the state budget.

Myles Borden enjoys his job as a FBI agent. His latest undercover assignment, to keep an eye on Kenzie Thorn from inside the prison, was definitely giving him a run for his money. As a prisoner, being asked by a guard to kidnap and do away with Kenzie was a unexpected turn that he thought he could deal with. He would kidnap her. But, he would only keep her out of the picture until he figured out exactly who was wanting her dead. Dealing with Kenzie was more than he bargained for. "His plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house - but the stubborn woman won't go! He struggles to protect her even as she takes care of him. He tries to keep his distance...and finds himself falling in love."

My favorite part of this story is while the two of them are together and running from those who are trying to catch them and do them in. Liz Johnson paints a picture of suspense balanced by humor with enough romance that is fun to read!

I was privileged to be able to interview Liz Johnson.
I e-mailed her, and this was her prompt reply:

1. How long did it take you to write this book?

When I first started writing The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, I wasn’t really focused. Just playing around. But when I got serious about writing, it took me about 3 months to finish the last ¾ of the book.

2. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Oh, wow! I don’t know if I have a favorite quote. One that I do love is from Jim Elliot in a letter to Elisabeth before they were married. “I must not therefore query God as thought He robbed me-of things that are not. Further, the things that are, belong to us, and they are good, God given, and enriched. Let not our longing slay the appetite of our living.”

3. Having a book in print has got to feel wonderful, what did you do to celebrate?

It does feel pretty wonderful! Holding my book is like holding the tangible evidence of God’s answered prayer. It’s a pretty amazing experience. I’m really blessed to have friends who want to celebrate with me. My Colorado friends and I are going to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate. I love cheesecake! And my friends back home in Arizona are planning a little launch party when I visit later in July. And I’ve received a ton of phone calls from excited friends and family when they received their books. It’s been amazing!

4. I have 2 aspiring authors in my home. What recommendations would you give them?

Keep writing. Practice doesn’t make perfect in writing, but it does make better. Take classes and workshops to learn as much as you can about writing. But nothing replaces practicing. Nothing replaces the experience of putting fingers to the keyboard and creating an imagined world with characters that are all yours.

5. Did you climb through any windows, or copy any of the Myles and Kenzie's stunts to help them seem so realistic?

I didn’t actually recreate any of the big stunts in the book. Thankfully there were no races through the woods or anything like that, but I have a habit of enacting the smaller things as I’m writing. I stop for a moment and put my hands the way my character is at that moment in the story. I scrunch my face up and try to picture what it looks like just so I can describe it. Sometimes I stand up and twist or wave my arms or whatever I need to just to get my description right. And I look like a bit of a fool the whole time. It’s great!

6. Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have a ton of favorite authors! In the Christian market I enjoy Cindy Woodsmall, Tamara Leigh, and Lori Wick. In the mainstream, I’ll pick up anything by Meg Cabot. I’ve only ever read one book by William Goldman, The Princess Bride, but it’s one of my all time faves.

7. Do you have another book in the works?

I do have another book in the works. In fact I’m taking a break from working on revisions for my next romantic suspense for this interview. :) It’s not under contract yet, but I’m working with my editor to get it to the contract stage. It features Nate Andersen, Myles’ boss from The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, and it’s a fun romp through fictional Crescent City, Colorado. I can’t wait to see what happens with this story.

Thanks so much for having me! :)

"Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com."

Purchase a copy and find out why Myles has to go into the prison to watch Kenzie, who is behind the attempt on Kenzie's life, how do the bad guys keep figuring out where they are hiding, and what happens with her Grandpa's election? Obviously, Myles and Kenzie get together!!