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Monday, July 6, 2009 - I'm home.....with a giveaway.... check it out.

Posted in Contests


I'm back from vacation and trying to catch up on my e-mails...  However, I had to post a book give away that I'm hosting. 
(this message will remain at the top of my blog till after the giveaway.  Please scroll down to read new posts.  Thanks.)




Go here to find out the details....








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Saturday, July 4, 2009 - Happy 4th....

Posted in this & that
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Some awesome videos to watch:
My Beautiful America
Battle Hymn



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Saturday, July 4, 2009 - cherry coke salad

Posted in In the Kitchen
cherry glitter


Cherry Coke Salad

1 can cherry pie filling
1 & 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1 can of coke, room temperature
2 small pkgs. cherry jello

Use large mold (bunt cake pan works well)

Mix pie filling, water and sugar.  Boil mixture until it is no longer cloudy.  (I generally boil about 5 min.)  remove from heat.  Add jello. Stir and cool.  Add room temp. coke.  will be foamy and frothy. Pour into mold and refrigerate until firm. 



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Friday, July 3, 2009 - The Flag of the USA...

Posted in poems/stories
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THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.

I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a
little higher, my colors a little truer.

I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for more
then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and
Appomattox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches
of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and
the beaches of Normandy, Guam.

Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there. I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets
of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am
invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on
the streets of my country. And when it's by those whom
I've served in battle - it hurts.

But

I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over
the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage
point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all
of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my
wounded comrades on the battlefield, When I am flown at
half-mast to honor my soldier, or when I lie in the trembling
arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son
or daughter, I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN
LONG MAY I WAVE

~author unknown



 
 
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Thursday, July 2, 2009 - Freedome isn't Free

Posted in Thoughts
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Freedom Isn't Free!!!!
(author unknown)

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.


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Wednesday, July 1, 2009 - 4th of July Carnival of Goodies

Posted in Cool Fun
Celebrate the 4th of July with...


Glitter Words


Better Homes and Gardens
Kaboose  (cool clip art images)
Good Housekeeping



Glitter Words


Family Fun  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
T-shirts and Hats
Fun Accessories

Glitter Words



Family Fun  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
Crafts and more....
More family Fun  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
Crafts
Decorations
Invitations and more....
Better Homes and Gardens  
Kaboose


Printables for the 4th Printables for the 4th
Super Stickers
4th of July Matching Game
Patriotic Frame
U.S.A. Paper Plane
Red, White & Blue Pinwheel
Star Pattern


Uncle Sam Pin Hats, Pins & More
Uncle Sam Pin
Crowning Glory
Lady Liberty Crown & Torch
Liberty Shakers
American Flag Fan
Bicycle Decorations

    Dandy Door Hanger
    A spiffy door hanger -- perfect for door knob decorating during the holiday weekend.
   
 
    Patriotic Pins
    Show your spirit with these cool pins.
   
 
    4th of July Streamers
    Great for a block party or a backyard BBQ, string up these streamers!
   
 
    U.S.A. Paper Airplane
    Find out how far and how high this red, white & blue plane can soar.
   
 
 
check out Crafty Crow
archives too



Glitter Words


Family Fun  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
Party ideas
Printables
Games and more....
Kaboose
games and fun...
coloring pages
puzzles and printables...
Other goodies
party poppers

Glitter Words

Family Fun  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
Red, White and Blue treats
Cakes and Sweets
Frozen Fun
Summer Recipes
BBQ Fun
4th of July Picnic Foods and More...  (scroll way down the page - very close to bottom 1/3)
Cool Drinks
Picnic Fare
Fun Starters
Sides
Desserts and more....
Good Housekeeping 
Lemonades, punches, and more...
Breezy desserts and drinks
Frozen Treats
Frozen Drinks and Smoothies
Better Homes and Gardens
Festive Sweets
For the Grill
BBQ sides
Ice Cream Treats
Iced Coffee and Teas
Kaboose


Idea Center ~ Molly's Money Savings-Digest
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I do believe that 4th of July is my most favorite holiday. I love the barbecue get-togethers, swimming with friends, fireworks, and being with family. But more than that, I love what the 4th of July symbolizes--freedom.
 
Here are some great links I found this week that I know you are going to fall in love with. They are sure to make your 4th of July go out with a "BANG!"
 


Homeschool Freebies
Molly Green, Econobuster
 
Independence Day! It's about so much more than barbeques and fireworks. This year, I have determined to really teach my kids the meaning of the day and the price that was paid for our independence. And the price that is still paid.

Of course, they first have to understand they are free from the bondage of sin because of what Christ has done for them.

Here is a sermon by Charles Spurgeon about spiritual liberty. What a way to start a study on independence!

Learning about independence and freedom without considering the price Christ paid for our sins can be futile. When we understand what was done for our freedom from sin, it's much easier to understand the sacrifice our founding fathers paid for our country's freedom. Get a free lesson plan on the history behind the celebration.


If you are looking for still more creative ideas, ABCTeach.com has free puzzles, games, crafts, coloring pages, and even downloadable books.

One of my favorite finds was on ILoveWavs.com. They have an entire page of links to patriotic songs to download and listen to.

One other way to help teach sacrifice is to write a letter to a soldier. Letterstosoldiers.org is a great resource for finding ways to write to soldiers and send them an encouraging note.

Last but certainly not least, homeschoolforfree.com has a thorough page of July 4th freebies that are bound to encourage you in your faith in God and country.

I hope these freebies will inspire you this week before Independence Day.

Happy homeschooling, and enjoy those freebies!
 
Molly


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Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Love's Pursuit

Bethany House (June 1, 2009)

by

Siri Mitchell



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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

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

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

A Constant Heart was her sixth novel. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. She has been called one of the clearest, most original voices in the CBA.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's Pursuit, go HERE






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Monday, June 29, 2009 - THC # 102 ~ Something for Everyone Edition

Posted in HS Carnival
Welcome to the 102 Edition of


Something for Everyone Edition


MySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace Layouts
MySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace Layouts

SeaBird Chronicles has presented Summer Treats...this looks oh so refreshing for a hot summer day. 


Musings from Montana presents The Country Mouse...cute story the whole family will enjoy.


Crystal @ Walk with God presents  Daily Planner...which will be a help the whole family with keeping the busy summer organized.


Dora has this to say about her post...
"Here is a post on our homemade solar oven. We made manicotti in it tonight and it turned out pretty good. Doesn't heat up the house (because it's outside.) Doesn't cost money to run."  She posted @ Y-2K Hippie


Mama Hall presents a breakfast pizza...why not try one in your solar oven?  If it is hot enough outside at breakfast it just might work. 


Belle @ Homesteaderbelle's presents
How to pasteurize goat's milk...



Texas Homesteader presents Jalapeño Jelly...


Stephanie @ Make if from Scratch presents Blackberry Freezer Jam...


Catherine @ Ramblings from my Heart and Home presents Lemon Curds with Herbs...



Our Red House presents Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce...I'm going to have to try this.


Mario presents The Original Tiramisu...this looks ever so yummy!!



MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics


MySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace Layouts

Jim says...
" take a look at how to make home gardening more efficient, square foot style!" about his Square Foot Garden @ Bargaineering...


Kim presents an idea for a Potato hiller @ Homestead Acres...


Wilderness•Survival•Skills presents a Lean-to Dubree hut...


How to get rid of Paper Junk Mail is presented @ MBB...


Poor Man's guide to Rain Barrels presented by Jim...


MySpace Graphics

MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics

MySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace Layouts

Stephanie @ Make if from Scratch presents Basic Canning Equipment...


Carole presents tips on selling Fresh Eggs @ Fowl Visions...


Beauty and Personal Grooming presents Strengthening Weak nails...


Brenda @ THECFARM presents 11 Free Clothespin Bag Patterns...if these aren't the cutest things.


Smart-Bottom Enterprises presents Paper-Covered File Cabinet...


Darcy presents Paper-Covered Wall for $13...



MySpace Graphics

MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics
MySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace LayoutsMySpace Layouts

Mixed Media Artist presents
Twisted fabric painting...


Gabby presents a frilly apron for the little princess @ Gabbie's Crafty Pudding...


The Sojourner presents Homemade soap...


Mindless Jibber-Jabber presents How to make your own Water Colored Paints...


Alex @ Home Life Weekly has this to say about her post...
Make your own Mom Birthday cards its really easy to make all you need to do is download the Mom Birthday Cards printable design then print and fold." ...


MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics


Thanks for stopping by this week's carnival be sure to join us for
Next Week's Carnival @ the...

Thanks to all that submitted a post to this week's carnival. 

Find out more information about being a host check here...




MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics
MySpace Graphics
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Monday, June 29, 2009 - ABC ... BBQ tips

Posted in In the Kitchen


I thought these tips were neat!  They are from KABOOSE site:  Why not poke around Kaboose and see what else they have to offer for the 4th of July tips.  I'm going to try to get a 4th of July post up soon. 





The ABCs of Safe and Healthy Grilling

Ready to fire up the grill? Boost the flavor and nutrition of your foods and avoid harmful pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli with the following barbeque tips from expert sources at the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A is for absolutely avoiding using the same plate for raw and cooked food.

B is for brush – use a separate one for marinating and another for basting cooked meat.

C is for cleaning the grill with hot soapy water before you use it. This prevents sticking, burning and any off-taste from built-up grease.

D is for defrosting meat and poultry in the refrigerator -- the safest method. Check out our chicken, pork and beef tips for more information on how to buy, prepare, cook and store these meats.

E is for extremely delicious. It's the most apt description for our Marvelous Meat Marinade.

F is for fruit, which becomes even more juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you're barbecuing fruit alone, opt for a lower heat.

G is for ground meat, which because of the grinding process is typically more exposed to harmful pathogens. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160 degrees F.

H is for hacking off visible fat from steaks, chops and other meats before you grill for a leaner, healthier meal.

I is for identifying the thickness of your meat. Cook thinner pieces faster at a higher heat and thicker pieces slowly at a lower heat. To ensure proper doneness, use a meat thermometer.

J is for juicy. We're talking about our double-decker Pineapple Bacon Burgers. Yum!

K is for keeping cooked meat hot. Aim for at least 140 degrees F until you're ready to serve it.

L is for low-fat marinades. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends salsa, low-calorie salad dressings, wine, pineapple, papaya and citrus juices to add a flavor boost without extra fat.

M is for marinate. Do it in the refrigerator and discard the marinade immediately after use. Boil any marinade you've used on raw meat if the recipe calls for you to use it on cooked meat, too.

N is for ninety degrees Fahrenheit. If it's that hot or hotter outside, refrigerate food after one hour of exposure.

O is for oiling the grill with a small amount of vegetable oil before you cook. This prevents sticking and adds those cool-looking grill marks to your food.

P is for packing food into a cooler with ice packs if you must transport it. Waiting until the last moment to take it out of the fridge and pack it will also help prevent food-borne illness.

Q is for quick and yummy. That describes our Chicken and Bacon Kabobs in a nutshell.

R is for reheating cooked meats safely to a temperature of 165 degrees F.

S is for shallow containers – they're best for refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking. (See “N” if it's a very hot day.)

T is for thermometer – don't start grilling without it. There's no other safe way to protect yourself from food-borne bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli than to use a meat thermometer and ensure that steaks reach 145 degrees F, ground meat and all pork cuts reach at least 160 degrees F, and poultry reaches 165  degrees F.

U is for unbelievable great taste. Cook up a batch of Almond Chicken Kabobs and experience it for yourself.

V is for vegetables, which are delicious when cooked on the grill. Marinate them, then grill directly on the barbecue or wrap in foil to steam them.

W is for washing your hands before, during and after handling food.

X is for X-treme heat. Check out our chili tips to find out about how to buy and store chili peppers for your spicy barbeque dishes.

Y is for yikes! If you've charred your meat, cut off the blackened exterior. Eating charred meat frequently may increase your cancer risk.

Z is for zany flavor levels. We're talking about our Barbecue Chicken Kisses.



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Saturday, June 27, 2009 - Catchin' up and up and up....

Posted in this & that


Hey all just wanted to let you know I'm living.  I'm trying to get caught-up from my absence while on vacation.  Please bear with me.  I had over 1,000 e-mails to weed through.  Ugh!!!  I think that is pretty much caught up with.  Yes!!!!  Remind me why I don't like to take vacation.  It puts me too far behind that's why.  Especially when I am completely disconnected from the computer.  I'm getting caught up so I can get behind again at the end of July when I go to church camp.  It is only a week then though so maybe it won't be as bad as two weeks with no computer.  Well, I must get off here dd is wanting some lunch and I'm getting hungry too.  I ate breakfast with hubby at 5:30 am before he left for work and it is now after 12 noon. Then I have to take a look at the sewing machine.  It wouldn't work for my dd on Thursday.  ARGH!!!  It worked for me to get the quilt done in May.  I have never had a sewing machine that was s-e-w  temperamental.  It doesn't like certain threads.  It will only sew once then must be serviced and cleaned.  It must be threaded just right and I mean just right, tightness and all.  Well, enough talking I'm out of here for now.  Besides this computer is giving me fits too.  It keeps shutting off on me for no reason.  And I need to take a walk  so I have lots to do.  Til next time~~~ have a good one.



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Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Summertime chore time fun tips...

Posted in guest articles

Summertime is full of relaxing, sleeping in and hanging out. And basically doing a whole lot of nothing some days. That's fine, but life is also full of chores, and the summertime is the perfect time to get your kids onto a helpful chore schedule making your life a whole lot easier.




Responsibility is taught. It is not an inborn trait in our children. And involving your children in the household chores is a great place to start.



So, here are 5 tips to making summer chores fun for kids.



5 Ways to Make Summer Chores Fun for Kids



1. DRAW - Sit down with your family and write out all the daily and weekly chores that are needed to keep your household running in tip top shape. Write each chore on an index card, fold it and place it in a jar or bowl. Each morning after breakfast, each person in the family randomly draws out their chore for the day. Put some music on and make the work fun for all!



2. AUCTION - Make a list of the daily and weekly chores you'd like to accomplish. Then label each chore with a value of tickets. Washing the dishes after breakfast might be worth 5 tickets, running the sweeper 7 tickets. Buy a large roll of tickets from Staples (or make your own by hand) and as each child chooses their daily chore, they are then awarded the appropriate amount of tickets. AT the end of each week, or month, you can then hold an auction and auction of desired items, like an ice cream cone from DQ, an extra hour of stay up time past bedtime, or a date with mom or dad out to supper. Get creative and make it a blast for the whole family, all ages.Summertime is full of relaxing, sleeping in and hanging out. And basically doing a whole lot of nothing some days. That's fine, but life is also full of chores, and the summertime is the perfect time to get your kids onto a helpful chore schedule making your life a whole lot easier..... (read the rest of the article here)




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Monday, June 22, 2009 - Multiple Streams of Contentment by Karen Whiting

Posted in guest articles

Multiple Streams of Contentment

By Karen Whiting

 

My mother didn't smile on my wedding day. She spent the day overwhelmed with sadness although she loved me and loved my fiancé. He was everything she wanted in a husband for me. The wedding stayed within budget and everything went off fairly smoothly. My extended family all attended, everyone got along, and tried to cheer her up. Yet, my wedding photos will always show her sad expression.

 

The day before the wedding my mentally handicapped brother had lost his little job of waiting on tables at a school cafeteria. Although social workers could easily place him in a new position, mom remained discontented and focused on that problem the entire day. She made the mistake of magnifying one problem, so that it robbed her of joy on such a happy occasion.        

Many people let one problem override all the blessings in their lives. It steals their contentment. They forget to trust their anxieties to God and rejoice in the blessings he has given them.

Some people fixate on something until it changes their personality and fills them with negative emotions that spill out in sin. Herodias, in Matthew 14, is an example of a person whose discontent led to a life of sin. She had a husband but chose the sin of adultery. She must have been discontent with her husband. She felt more discontent at hearing John the Baptist speak of repentance and point out her sin. That led to her plotting the murder of John the Baptist. She trampled over people and even used her beautiful daughter to get her way. She ignored John's calls to repent, the one action that would have healed her heart and given her joy. Her bad choice snowballed into disaster for many.

 

In contrast, Paul spoke about contentment, in Philippians four, and said that he had learned to be content in prosperous circumstances and impoverished situations. His circumstances could not rob him of his joy or peace. It is very seldom that every detail in life is perfect because we live in a fallen world, but we can make choices that help us remain content despite our circumstances.

         

My mother finally discovered how to be content after a stroke left her partially paralyzed. She started to listen as we expressed gratitude for her life and what she could still do. When she complained that she could no longer do crafts, I mentioned that with her good hand she could write letters, a lost art, to grandchildren away at college and to her friends. She struggled to use a walker and spent much of her time in a wheelchair, but she spent time thanking God for her blessings of family, the patient care-giving of my father, the use of one hand, and a new ministry of writing letters of encouragement to family and friends. She realized that joy came as she filled her life with multiple streams of contentment....     (for rest of the article click here.)

 



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Saturday, June 20, 2009 - What we think about Father through the years....

Posted in Laughs
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4 years: My Daddy can do anything!
7 years: My Dad knows a lot…a whole lot.
8 years: My father does not know quite everything.
12 years: Oh well, naturally Father does not know that either.
14 years: Oh, Father? He is hopelessly old-fashioned.
21 years: Oh, that man-he is out of date!
25 years: He knows a little bit about it, but not much.
30 years: I must find out what Dad thinks about it.
35 years: Before we decide, we will get Dad's idea first.
50 years: What would Dad have thought about that?
60 years: My Dad knew literally everything!
65 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

It reminds me of Mark Twain's saying: "When I was 18, my father knew nothing. By the time I was 28, I was amazed at what he had learned in just ten years."


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Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - A Bride In The Bargain by Deeanna Gist


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Bride In The Bargain

Bethany House (June 1, 2009)

by

Deeanne Gist



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

Since the debut of those novels, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wedding Is All Planned...
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride

In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride In The Bargain, go HERE

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Monday, June 15, 2009 - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt

I'm giving away three copies of this book read to end of post to find out how you can win a copy.


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

FaithWords (April 16, 2009)

by

Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt



ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

ANNE DAYTON graduated from Princeton University and is earning her master's degree in English literature at New York University. She works for a New York publishing company and lives in Brooklyn.

MAY VANDERBILT graduated from Baylor University and went on to earn a master's degree in fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in San Francisco, where she writes about food, fashion, and nightlife in the Bay Area.

Together, the two women are the authors of Miracle Girls



ABOUT THE BOOK

Ana, Christine, Riley, and Zoe have grown closer than ever over the past few months, but summer is over and it's time to put their friendship to the test.
It's been a little over a year since Christine Lee's mom passed away in a tragic car accident. Now her dad is engaged to Candace--"The Bimbo"--and Christine couldn't be less thrilled. When her attitude starts to take a toll on her schoolwork, the administration forces her to attend counseling sessions. At least she gets to skip gym class!
But with her father's wedding inching closer, Christine is growing even more bitter. To make matters worse, the Miracle Girls are beginning to drift apart. Christine's anger and the pressures of high school threaten to break the girls up when they need each other the most. Will they find a way to join together to help Christine come to terms with her mother's death . . . and her father's remarriage?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, go HERE




I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway.  Since I've been on vacation the past two weeks and I'm a little late in posting I'm going to make this easy to win.  Just leave me a comment.  Tell me where you'd like to go on vacation.  Your dream vacation or maybe you took a vacation you'd like to tell me about.  Be sure to leave me your e-mail address so I can contact you if you are one of the three winners.  Contest open to residents of the US/Canada.  I'll leave this contest open until Monday, July 6th.

Bonus entries:
If you are visiting my site by way of my 4 the LOVE of BOOKS site please tell me: 1 extra bonus
If you are a subscriber to my 4 the LOVE of BOOKS site please tell me:
2 extra bonuses
If you didn't come by way of my 4 the LOVE of BOOKS site but go and visit return and tell me and I'll give you a bonus; if you subscribe I'll give you two extra bonuses.
  



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Monday, June 8, 2009 - Saved by the Bell

Posted in guest articles

Summer Survival Tips for Moms

Mom and Loving It! Author Offers Timely Tips for Summer

(Northeast, Texas) - The dog days of summer are upon us and with that brings bored kids, frustrated moms and endless hours of television. Why not make this summer different? Take the opportunity to let your readers cool off with the creative tips and suggestions offered by Mom and Loving It! co-author Sharon Lovejoy Autry. She's compiled a list of low-cost summer ideas that will have kids and parents wishing the summer would never end. Below is the free content article Saved By the Bell.


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Saved By the Bell
A Summer to Remember

Sharon Lovejoy Autry

The final bell rang. The kids screamed for joy. Mom sits in the carpool line wondering, "What in the world are we going to do all summer?!"

Maybe as summer has begun, you've found yourself resentful and angry because your children constantly "interrupt" your schedule. If that's how you're feeling, you're normal.

But, wait. We wanted these kids, right? Are they really interruptions or blessings in disguise? How can we move from simply surviving the summer to making it a summer to remember?

Here are a few ideas to get you out of the summer survival rut:


1. Realize they won't be this way forever. What is it about your kids that you won't have in two years? If you are a parent of:
* Preschoolers: Look at their hands and notice how tiny they are. Enjoy that.
* Elementary children: When you're away from home, call them. Their voices sound small on the phone. That always reminds me to enjoy their innocence rather than expecting them to act like little grown-ups.
* Tweens: Laugh at and enjoy their giggles (usually girls) and the fascination they have with being gross (usually boys)! Hopefully that won't last forever!
* Teens: Even if they are driving you crazy, make your home the safe place. I still remember the fun place our parents created at home. It was our refuge. Let kids feel safe in your home by cutting down on the criticism and looking for ways to build them up. Mom and Dad's secret was a ping-pong table. We spent hours there.
2. Say "no" with a smile. It makes you and your child feel better. They know you have some regret at having to say no. You are on their team.

3. Play music. Anger and music don't usually dance. Movie soundtracks, praise songs, music from my teen years or even classical stations. I rarely find myself upset with my kids when we have music playing in the background.

4. Go outside. Sometimes taking a walk or bike ride with the kids can do wonders to change everyone's perspective.


5. Things aren't always as they seem. Remember that the way you are seeing things at this moment is probably not how it will look in a couple of hours. Frustrations can build and dissolve quickly when you have kids.


6. Offer them 30 minutes of your time. After they have helped pick up around the house let them pick what the two of you will do together and watch their eyes light up! For older kids, offer them the day off after helping for an hour.


7. Ask your kids what they think is fun. You might be surprised to find that their idea of fun often doesn't cost any money. My sister was amazed to find that her 7-year-old son's idea of "fun" was playing tag in the front yard with dad, mom and his little sister.


8. Slow down. Successful parenting doesn't mean you have your children involved in every possible extra-curricular activity. Successful parenting means you are there for them. If you've been running all year, it takes "practice" to enjoy staying home. Don't give up. Turn off the computer, TV, cell phone, etc. and read or play games (no matter what the age of your children).

9. Pray. When you are at your wit's end, ask God to help you remember what to do with your kids. On our own, it's hard to enjoy the moments because "life happens." But God has a way of giving us perspective that will slow us down and help us see our families the way He sees them: with love and compassion.

The next time you blow your top or realize you're just surviving your kids instead of enjoying their clumsy feet, silliness, or their constant desire to talk on the phone, stop and think, "one day I'll miss this!" The funny thing is, tomorrow we'll be longing for today. If we choose to think like that long enough, the kids won't be the only ones sad to hear the school bell ring this fall.



Sharon (Lovejoy) Autry, a mom of 3, co-authored Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in REAL Life with her sister, Laurie (Lovejoy) Hilliard, mom of 4. http://www.momandlovingit.org/







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Saturday, June 6, 2009 - Vacation time...

Posted in this & that


I will be on vacation and Away from computer access From June 6-20th.  See you all when I get back home. 


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Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - Fishing with dad

Posted in Cool Fun

With Father's Day approaching just figured I'd post some fun stuff concerning fishing on here.  I'm leaving on vacation end of this week and won't be back until FD weekend so it's now or never. 

Make it from Scratch has posted a nice cane pole you can make with your child.  Check it out here.


One that I've made using a pop can is:  (taken from MN DNR site)

Make A Pop-Can Rig

Here is what you'll need.

  • Clean, empty pop can with the tab still attached (It must be clean: sugary pop attracts bees!)
  • 6- to 8-pound-test fishing line (You need enough for about 50 wraps round the pop can.)
  • Fingernail clipper or scissors to cut the line
  • Masking tape
  • Hook (size 6 or 8)
  • Split-shot sinkers
  • Bobber.
  • Build Your Pop-Can Rig

    1. Tie one end of the line to the tab on the can.

    2. Securely tape the knot and fishing line near the top of the pop can.

    3. Wrap the line around the can 50 times and leave 2 feet hanging free.

    4. Attach the bobber about 2 feet from the free end.

    5. Attach the split-shot sinker about 1 foot from the end.

    6. Tie on the hook using the improved clinch knot.

    Cast Your Line

    1. Unwind about two feet of line.

    2. Hold the top end of the pop can in one hand and the bobber in your other hand. Remember to keep your hand off the line wrapped around the can as you cast.

    3. Point the bottom of the can at the spot where you want the bobber to fall.

    4. Toss the bobber underhanded toward the water.

    5. The rest of the line should unwind and follow.

    Reel in Your Fish

    If your bobber goes underwater (you've got a bite), give the line a quick jerk to set the hook in the fish's mouth. Then wind the line around the can, keeping it tight until you can grab the fish.

    Find step-by-step instructions for building a pop can rig and tying an improved clinch knot.


    Check out the MN DNR site they have some tips and ideas here
    A 16 page pdf teacher's guide here
    A 6 page pdf fishing pole guide here



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    Tuesday, June 2, 2009 - Carnival update

    Posted in HS Carnival

    Jocelyn @
     

    Has supplied us with the carnival this week. Boy has she done a wonderful job on the

     ACCORDING to the
    Edition
    you may visit the carnival here.

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    Tuesday, June 2, 2009 - Breathe by Lisa Bergren


    This week, the

    Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

    is introducing

    Breathe

    (David C. Cook; New edition June 1, 2009)

    by

    Lisa T. Bergren



    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award winning author of over thirty books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. A former publishing executive, she now splits her time between writing and freelance editing and parenting her three young children with her husband Tim. She lives in Colorado Springs.

    ABOUT THE BOOK

    To make a new life, she'll have to learn how to breathe again...

    By the time Dominic and Moira St. Clair get their ailing sister, Odessa, to Colorado Springs in the winter of 1883, she is nearly dead. Odessa has been seriously aling for the past year from consumption, an illness that claimed the lives of four of her younger brothers, prompting her father, to send his only surviving children west to chase the cure.

    Moira is beautiful and dangerously headstrong; and pugnacious Dominic is charged with establishing a new arm of the family business--a business he doesn't want.
    Several days after her arrival, Odessa witnesses what she fears is the murder of miner Sam O’Toole, friend and neighbor to the charming Bryce McAllan.

    What’s more, Sam leaves her a poem containing clues that seem to direct her to his mine, which is purported to carry a fantastic vein of silver. But if she is ever to rise from her bed again, she must first concentrate on conquering the giant that threatens her─consumption. Indeed, she must learn to breathe again─daring to embrace her life, her future, and hope in her God.

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


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    About Me

    We all must have a lighter side to us and I'm hoping that in my blogs to share crafts, game ideas, recipes, funny happenings etc. I have another blog with my quiet spiritaul thoughts as well.







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