Taming the Wind - Book Review

I really enjoyed reading this book! It is SO nice to be able to read a book that has a positive message and continues to remind the reader of God's presence in our lives.

Ms. Peterson does such a great job of bringing history to life with her detailed descriptions of the land and the attitudes of the people of that period. I appreciate the research that must go into these historical fiction books to make them so true to the period. Also, she is able to pull the reader into her books. While reading, I found myself pulling for the characters and hoping for a happy ending for them. This book is full of adventure, love, hope and a few twists and turns, too.

I have read all of the books in the series and highly recommend them. I enjoyed this series so much that I'm sad that this is book is the last one in the series. This series has made me want to seek out other books by this author.

I was sent a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, however all opinions are my own.

A Perfect Word For Every Occasion - Book Review

As someone who knows how they feel, but has a hard time expressing those feeling in words written or spoken, I found A Perfect Word For Every Occasion to be a very helpful and practical guide to finding the right words. Many of us, I know, have been in a situation when we just didn't know what to say. Mrs. Duckworth breaks her book down into chapters dealing with many different situations you may find yourself in and helps us to find the right words to say in each. Also valuable, are her sections in each chapter that lists things NOT to say. Overall a very helpful and useful guide. A guide that will have a permanent space on my bookshelf.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher in return for my opinion of the book.  All opinions are my own.

Touching the Sky - Book Review

Touching the Sky is book 2 of the Land of the Lone Star series by Tracie Peterson. If you haven't read book 1, Chasing the Sun, you can still pick this book up and not be lost from the get-go. It's the second book in the series, yet could be a stand alone book as well. I enjoy reading in the historical fiction category and this book does not disappoint! Not only do you get a sense of what trials the people had to go though at that time, but you get to know and care for the characters that are developed. Ms. Peterson has a way of drawing you in to her characters and making them real. As you read the book you come to care for the characters and want the best for them. It's a love story with mystery and suspense intertwined. This book is full of twists and turns so that you will not want to put it down!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The Fiddler - Book Review

I am a fan of Beverly Lewis and her Amish based books. Although I did enjoy this book, it seemed to have some slower sections, and wasn't always the page turner I have found some of her other books to be. All in all though, it was a good book and definitely worth reading. It is so hard these days to find good, clean and encouraging books to read. I know I can always find that in Beverly Lewis' books.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Chasing the Sun - Book Review

This is the first book from Tracie Peterson that I have read, and I was NOT disappointed. The book drew me in from the very beginning and never slowed down or stalled out like some books do. The character development was great and I felt like I really got to know the main characters. I also love the historical setting and references to events and places that were part of the Civil War Era.

There were also a few twists and turns in the book that I didn't see coming. This kept me reading and engaged in the book. Overall I thought this was a wonderful book and I will definitely be seeking out other Tracie Peterson books in the future. I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House Publishers.

 

I would encourage you to pick up this book and give it a try! :)

Raegan Falling Asleep at the Table

About a week ago, I was gone one evening and Brent fixed oatmeal for the kids for dinner. Raegan had had a busy day and ended up really tired at dinner time.  She can hardly keep her eyes open.  I had to share these videos.

Natalie & Brandon's Teachers Blog

 If anyone is interested in seeing what is going on in Natalie & Brandon's classroom, check out their teacher's blog.  :)

http://www.lakelocal.org/teacher/ue/stair/default.aspx

Singing Through the Seasons

Tonight the twins were part of a kindergarten concert.  Their class teamed up with another kindergarten class to sing songs about each of the four seasons.  They did a great job, but boy were they tired when it was over!  Performing sure takes a lot out of ya! :)


Here are a couple of the songs they sang. 

I apologize if the picture is shaky...I was videotaping with one hand and trying to keep Raegan from running around with the other.  Haha...  I think she would have ran up on stage if I would have let her.

My babies are 6!!!

"Time sure flies when you have kids".  Well that's what they tell you and you know what...they're not lying!  How it is possible for my babies to have just turned 6, I have no idea!  But what I do know is how precious they are to us!  I am thankful to God for allowing me to be their mom.  

You only turn 6 once, so we invited all of their friends and everyone in their class at school to celebrate the occasion by bouncing and sliding to their hearts content.  If you have never been to Pump It Up, you definitely should go!  All the kids had a great time, and although presents were discouraged on the invitation, the kids made out like bandits!  It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to see how many people love my  kids just as much as I do.  Well maybe not quite as much as I do - but close.  :)

Doing the robot dance before going into the inflatables room.

They had a great turnout!  Everybody say cheese...

 

Silly face time!!

Sitting on an inflatable "throne" to open gifts!

Trick or Treat

Trick or treating fell on Sunday this year, so we weren't able to trick or treat in our own neighborhood. We went Saturday night with our neighbors, the Mikes', to Susie's mom's neighborhood and boy did we bring in a haul! I didn't get a lot of pictures, but here are a few. :)


Before trick or treating.




During trick or treating.



Natalie dressed as a fairy.



Daddy and Princess Raegan. This was the only thing I could get her to wear!


Enjoying popcorn at Bubbie's house after trick or treating.