1000 Gifts App

Ah so excited!

The Unplugged Family: The Stranger in My Living Room (The Better Mom Gue...

The Unplugged Family: The Stranger in My Living Room (The Better Mom Gue...: The Stranger in my Living Room came into our house by routine. He wasn’t ever invited, but he just seemed to always be there. It was a way...

What!?!? 10 days without complaining?

Kristy over at Little Natural Cottage
is hosting a 10 day challenge for us complaining ladies! Men too if they want to join! Can we go a whole 10 days without complaining?? I am going to try :)Grab the button and spread the word! Tis the season to be joyful and especially thankful..

From One Thousand Gifts

You would be very ashamed if you knew what the experiences you call setbacks, upheavals, pointless disturbances, and tedious annoyances really are. You would realize that your complaints about them are nothing more nor less than blasphemies—though that never occurs to you. Nothing happens to you except by the will of God, and yet [God's] beloved children curse it because they do not know it for what it is.  -Jean-Pierra de Caussade

The Unplugged Family: Powerful Interview with Ann Voskamp

The Unplugged Family: Powerful Interview with Ann Voskamp: It doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Ann's home is both Radio and Television free.  This is a moving, insightful, and deeply inspiri...

Behind The Veils Of Yemen

Behind The Veils Of Yemen by Audra Grace Shelby


You think you know just by observing muslim women in the US who and what they are. Or at least for me what I assumed wasn't exactly the case.

Audra and her family embark on a journey as missionaries in Yemen. The story is told about who these muslim women are behind the their modest clothing. I thought they wore those burqa's 24/7. I didn't think they ever did their hair or wore make-up! I also thought they were attached to their husband's side at every waking moment. Like I said do not assume you know anything about muslim women.

Their faith is something else altogether. Most of the women can't even read their quran. Their faith is told to them by word of mouth. They can't study for themselves and those who can have been manipulated into thinking good works is the only way to heaven.

Audra encountered some great women in her time in Yemen. The story ends and you are grasping to want to know more. What happened when she went back. How many people did she show the Light of Jesus and how many accepted?

This book gives you a renewed sense of Who loves you more than anything, Who you need to trust with all of your heart, and Who should you put your faith in!

This book was given to me by Bethany House for an honest review. all opinions expressed are my own.

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

The Mercy by Beverly Lewis

I have loved all of Beverly Lewis's books up until now. I was a little bored with this series. I was glad to be done with this third book. I feel like the story of Rose and her family are a little bit here and there from her other books. It was well written, and it didn't feel rushed, just felt as if I had read this all before. This series would be great for someone who hasn't read Amish fiction before or who hasn't read anything from Beverly Lewis.

This book was provided to me from Bethany House in return for an honest review. all opnions expressed are my own.

A Most Unsuitable Match

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

This was a great book set back in time to the late 1800's. A love story about a wealthy girl with family secrets finds love in unexpected circumstances. Twists and turns in the story will keep you guessing until the very end. Somewhat predictable, but a cute quick read!

Bethany House provided me a copy of this book for purpose of an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

Crazy-ness

Things are always crazy around here. I want to blog daily, but it just never ever seems to happen. I need to go back to my goals from quite a few months ago... Cut out ELECTRONICS! Tomorrow I am going to post about my new and axciting news...But as always don't hold your breath ;)

Recipes

Over at Heavenly Homemakers is some amazing recipes! GO NOW AND CHECK THEM OUT!

31 Days To Clean

Well since I committed to a 30 day challenge last month I am going to do another one! I hope you can all join me over at Homemaker's Challenge for this house re-vamp challenge. I read the book already, and it's fun! Go here to purchase the ebook for $4.99 or if you want to find out what the book is all about go here! Have fun with this, it's definitely not about perfection, but about having a heart for your home! Hope you can join in with the 100+ women this month! :)

Last Day of 30 Days About Me

Day 30 Your Dreams/Goals

Ah I can't believe I actually stuck through a commitment on my blog for a whole month! SOOOO exciting! Maybe this will boost my confidence :)

I have lots of life goals that run through my head on a daily basis. I hope I can actually get them out of my head and on "paper" right now!

1. Buy a house within the next 2 years! I posted my dream house idea on day 15. My actual goal is just to buy a house on a least 2 acres in the country. It WILL happen!

2. Finish Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps. I am working on step 3 right now! I guess you wouldn't technically ever finish the baby steps, so I will re-phrase it to get to baby step 7 before I'm 40 :) (12 years)

3. Write a book. No time limit on this.

4. I want to travel around the world when the kids are out of the house.

5. I want to read through the bible from beginning to end, and then study it verse by verse on my own. Even if it takes the rest of my life :)

6. Lose weight and have a healthy toned body...By next summer ;)

Ok I think that will be enough, even though I doubt I scratched the surface! It was a pleasure reading about new people this month, and I have found some new blogs I will be reading too :) Thanks to Toni for setting this up and I hope we can do something like this again very soon! :)

30 Days About Me Day 29

Day 29: Your support System

Of course I have to put Jesus down as my main support system. I would love to say that I ALWAYS lean on Him through everything, but that would be lying. However, even through my imperfections He is ALWAYS there to lift me back up. Isn't that amazing? He loves me even though I forget Him too often.

My husband is very supportive on almost everything. I say almost because he has to remind me I can't do everything alone and I also can't control every situation. He is there to listen to me rant and cry even though I know he does not always enjoy it. He is a tell you like it is kind of person, which is hard to hear most times. God gave me a great mate because even though I don't like hearing to hard truth, it's exactly what this kind of girl needs :)

My best friend is also a great supporter because she plays "devil's advocate", kind of like my husband. We call it "God's Advocate" instead because we think that's who's really the one advocating!!!

30 Days About Me Day 27

Day 27 Worst Habit

Consistancy! I am the most inconsistant person in the world. In my head I have all these "things" I want to do or accomplish. But sadly I never do or I start but never finish or follow through... Maybe that's more like procrastination... I don't know but I am sure you catch my drift.

Don't Be Confused

Don't be confused :) You are still at the right blog... I was just having fun changing it up for fall :) Have a great day :)

Goat Milk Soap

Last week I stopped at my local farmer's Market and bought some homemade goat milk soap. I chose the Spicy Apples and Peaches scent and I am in LOVE! It smells amazing. I now have my family hooked on it for life I think. I stopped by this moring and bought two more and had great conversation with the maker of these wonderful soaps! Even more wonderful she has a website The Washtub Soap Co. for you too look at her stuff. Please go buy her out of stock! You wont be disappointed!

30 Days About Me Day 26

Day 26 We Are Talking Shopping Favorite Clothing Store/Stores

I am not a great shopper. I really have no sense of fashion. My husband and my best friend do so I usually have either of them with me. I get really excited to go shopping, but after about an hour I'm done and want to go home:)


In high school my favorite store was American Eagle . I can no longer afford to shop there in this season of my life :(

Now I prefer Old Navy because it's a one stop shop for our entire family! I love their girls clothes. Their style is very casual, just how I like it! If I want to dress up I usually go to Target!

30 days About Me Day 25

Day 25 Best Friends

Jana (amber's mom), Amber and Me


My best friend Amber has been in my life since we were 11. I started 6th grade in a school that didn't feed in from my elementary school. I knew going that first day that I would not know a single person. I can vividly remember how nervous I was walking in that first day. I got to my first class and it was science. There was only one empty spot left next to Amber. I asked her if it was ok that I sat there, she said she didn't mind. The rest is history! We have been best of friends since. It was like love at first sight...BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ;) We have had some serious ups and and extremely serious downs, but in the end she was and is always there when I need her. Way more than I ever am for her :( I am the selfish friend and she is the giving friend, I am the passive one and she is the out spoken one.

My husband is also my best friend. I think he is just amazing. I am so blessed that he chose to marry me (not that there was any competition ;) He is such a great leader for our family. He is funny, outspoken, a great Daddy and a lover of Jesus!

Pattern Of Wounds

Pattern Of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand

I was thrilled to start reading this book it being my first murder mystery and all! I was hooked right away. This one will leave you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have it figured out, Bertrand throws another curve into the story and all of what you thought you had figured out goes right out the window!

I was provided this book for review from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

30 Days About Me Day 24

Day 24 Where You Live

I live in Columbia City, Indiana, a small town in northeast Indiana. I had to look up the population which is 8,750. It covers 5.21 sq miles....Like you really wanted to know that huh!?!? LOL

We have a Walmart, Kroger, fast food, a few hole in the wall restuarants. We have a hospital and a movie theater and that's about it. We do have a great park! Oh and we can't forget a hair salon on every corner :)

I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to CC 7 years ago. I will never ever move back to the "city" ever! I love it here, very freindly and very simple. We are 20 minutes from the orthopedic capital of the world (Warsaw) so great jobs are not that far away :)

30 Days About Me Day 23

Day 23 You Tube Favorite :)

My husband and I crack up everytime this commercial comes on the TV!



Seriously it's the funniest thing ever!

30 Days About Me Day 22

Day 22 Favorite Websites!

OOOOOOHHH this is definitely a great day to link up! I can't wait to see if I can find new sites that I can enjoy :)

Here are my favorites:
Amazon
Vintage Pearl if you haven't seen this amazing womans jewelry you need to go RIGHT NOW!
HomeSchool Freebie Of The Day even though I don't homeschool yet, they have great resources that are just for fun :)
Kraft Recipes simple yummy recipes for dinners you'd actually cook
No Greater Joy search this site, they have great biblical stuff on marriage, child training and of course the bible itself!
Money Saving Mom

I am sure there are lots more, but that's all I can think of this morning! :) Have a wonderful day!

30 Days About Me Day 21

Day 21 A recipe I Love

Food! I love food... obviously ;)

As fall being my favorite season I am going to share a fall related recipe I love! So simple and soooooooo yummy!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

1 package spice cake mix
1 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup oil
3 eggs
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
8oz cream cheese
1/3 dark brown sugar
1 cup thawed cool whip

Cake:
Heat oven 350*
Beat first five ingredients in a large bowl with mixer until well blended.
Stir in nuts. Pour into 2 round pans. Bake 25-30 minutes depending on your oven. Time always varies even in my oven so watch it closely ;) Cool completely!

Frosting:
Beat cream cheese and sugar in a small bowl until well mixed. Add cool whip and mix well...sometimes I add more cool whip if it becomes too thick. Spread onto first layer put cake together and then spread over the rest of both cakes. Keep frosted cake in refridgerator!

Tastes just like a pumpkin roll without all the hassle of making one... I don't know if it's really a hassle because I have never tried to make a pumpkin roll, but it look intimidating!

30 Days About Me Day 20

Day 20 Something That You wish You Could Forget

Toni's post today was amazing, raw, very personal and well just go read it!

As for me what in the world do I wish I could forget?

High School!

It's not like I didn't have good times. I did... From previous 30 Days posts you can see that. As a whole though I didn't like it. People used to say you'll want to go back, life was so easy then, high school was the best times of you life.... Uh no I highly disagree! The drama, sterotypes, trying to fit in, being who the "shallow crowd" thought you should be was just way too tough for me.

Seems a little riduculous huh? I mean I had lots of friends and the teachers were great, and I got extremely good grades, but something was missing. My parents got divorced during that time and I was on anti-depressants as a teenager! Yikes right?!?!?!?! I am so lame... I know what you're thinking ;)

30 Days About Me Day 19

Day 19 Talents/Hobbies

This is funny because I am not good at anything...Well if I could be so bold I am great at doing hair. I loved doing it even before I went to beauty school. It just come very natural to me. I love cutting and styling. I also really love to do color on other people, just not myself. I'm pretty boring whe it come to my own hair. I like all over color my favorite is a 5BR if that means anything to you ;)

Here is an updo I did last weekend:

My hobbie is reading. It's a passion really. If you know of any great books please feel free to recommend them in my comment section! THANKS :)

30 Days About Me Day 18

Day 18 All About Weddings
Share Our Wedding Or One We Dream Of!

I loved my wedding! It was low key, low budget and the end result was me and the love of my life were married!!!!

So here is the story: My husband was saved the summer of 2006 at trucking school. He thought he wanted to be a truck driver, so he spent $6,000 to go to trucking school. He met an amazing man there who was a preacher. My husband spent his time talking with the preacher about all things God. After it was all over he found the Lord. He comes home and tells me everything and see I didn't believe in God at all... I was just blowing him off. My husband decides we need to go to this small town in Michigan and I needed to meet this preacher man and his family. Well long story short and lots of crying I got saved in that small town! That was September 1, 2006. We go home and decide we needed to be married. I already had a 3 year old and together we had a 1 year old and we had been together 2 years. We planned our wedding day for January 1, 2007. We were dirt poor and livin' on love and ramen, I didn't know how we'd afford a wedding. We live in a small town too and the gezebo at our court house is free to use at anytime. So that's what we did, outside in January with maybe 20 guests. I got my dress at Macy's with coupons. We were not planning to have a reception because we couldn't afford it, but my best friend and her mom threw us one! They home cooked and baked everything! It was amazing all the people who pulled together to give us a day to remember. We still haven't went on a honeymoon, but someday I dream we will. And that preacher man... He married us ;)

My husband was a truckdriver for less than 6 months because he couldn't stand being away from his family! So the running joke is we paid $6,000 to get saved! ;) I firmly believe the Lord has a sense of humor!

30 Days About Me Day 17

Day 17 What Are You Insecure About/What Are You Proud Of?

This may seem repetitious for fellow 30 Days About Me readers, but I am insecure about my weight! I wonder how many of us are going to say this today? Sigh... I know it's silly and from reading Toni's today I was shocked she felt insecure about being 123lbs. I WOULD LOVE TO WEIGH 123lbs!! In my mind I think WOW seriously you really are insecure about that?!?! Sigh again...Honestly though I get it. I TOTALLY get it. I was that weight before I had my three girls. I thought I was so FAT then. I hated looking in the mirror because it wasn't good enough. Now I am 25lbs heavier! I feel the same way still... Is it ever good enough? Is any woman truly happy with the way she looks? I have friends who say to me "I wish I was as small as you." Isn't that a smack in the face? It just proves once again that we are our own worst critics! Does anyone look at Toni and say wow she's fat? NO WAY! Does anyone look at me and say wow butter ball you sure could lose a few..? No probably not. We don't judge the girls bigger than us, I think we judge the ones smaller than us out of pure jealously! Isn't that sad?! This post may seem harsh and I mean no disrespect to anyone. We are all there or have been here at one time or another in our life. I just needed to say all of this mainly for myself. Being insecure about weight stinks. :)

Here is the positive part of this post!!! I am proud of my new life in Christ! I am so incredibly thankful for what He did for me. The beatings, the crown of thorns, the nails... All thoses horrible things happened to Him so we could have a chance at Heaven. Isn't that amazing? That is some kind of LOVE! A love we could never imagine because we are selfish people. But isn't that the reason why He did it? I think so :) The proud part is that I was open minded/hearted enough to accept His gift five years ago in a small town in Michigan! That is something to be proud of!!

30 Days About Me Day 16

Day 16 Let's Talk Crazy
Something or someone we have done crazy stuff with!

There was a time long ago that this girl (ME) did things totally out of character for the ME now...
When I was a sophmore in High school we had a softball sleepover at one of the fellow teammates house. We had the bright idea that when it got dark we would go through town and "steal" things... We went to Burger King and took their rugs, went through peoples trash, took things off peoples porches etc... We stopped at our softball coach's house and played the knock and run game. So ridiculous right?!?!!? LOL Then at the end of our time running the streets like CRAZY kids we stopped at our high school and hopped the fence of the stadium and took the hurdles and proceeded to dump those and all of our stolen loot in the middle of the lawn... No one ever knew who did it...At least I don't think so, but not to long after that our school installed security cameras!!!

We thought we were so "cool" back then, but as I'm typing all this out it seems so silly! What possessed us to do that is beyond what I remember of that time. I'm not sure my parents even know about it, they are going to get a good laugh when they read this!

Here is a recent picture of me and one of the fellow thieves! She was my best friend then and now :)

30 Days About Me Day 15

Day 15 Describe/Show Your Dream Home

Well I will have to say this is my FAVORITE day so far! I am such a dreamer... My imagination runs wild all the time!

To begin I want a farm house! I really big old-fashioned farm house or one of those plantation houses in the south. I want at least 10 acres with 5 of thoses wooded. It will have to have a wrap around porch no exceptions on that one! I want 5 bedrooms (one for each of my girls, one for Chris and I and one to use as a library with couches and no technology allowed). I want a living room, dining room, and a sitting room with the original woodwork. I want a big kitchen with an island so my family can chat with me while I cook. I want hardwood floors (not laminate actual wood planks) throughout the house except in the bedrooms. I would love to have a master bathroom with a stand up shower for 2 ;) and a huge garden tub to relax in!

I think these are very close to what I was thinking in my head....

As for the outside, I want a 1/2 acre - 1 acre garden. I want a mini seperate garden for wild flowers to grow at random. In the woods I want trails for 4-wheelers because well we LOVE 4-wheeling! Big over sized rocking chairs on the porch where we can sit and sip sweet tea and lemonade! AHH doesn't that just sound amazing!?!?!??!?!

30 Days About Me Day 13 & 14

Day 13 Someone Or Something That Has Impacted Your Life

My number one would be Jesus. If not for Him and what He did for me I would not be who I am today. Five years ago I accepted Him into my life and into my heart. I am now a new person and so thankful for what He has done for me!

There are so many others though that have made an imprint on my life. My husband and my girls are the greatest in every way. Old friends and acquaintances who have come in and out of my life have left things to grow toward and things to stay away from. I am so thankful for these people.

Day 14 Somewhere You'd Love To Travel

I want to leave the U.S. one day. Honestly there are so many places I want to see for specific reasons....

Italy for the food
France for the love
Germany to see what's left of the concentration camps
Ireland for the countryside
Israel for obvious reasons
Greece to see the houses sticking out of the mountains or hills whatever they are...
Scotland to hear them talk and see the castles
Australia just because it's far away!
Last some place whether it be in India/Africa or Papua New Guinea to do a missions trip :)

30 Days About Me day 12

Day 12: Something I Am Particular About (aka OCD)

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA this one really makes me laugh a ton....

I can't leave my house to go places unless it's clean....WHOA right? Next to impossible with a visionary husband and 3 small girls who half the time act like boys! Seriously though it's really annoying even for me because the thought of coming home to a messy house is such a downer. It drives my family crazy because they'll be sitting out in the truck waiting for me so we can leave... I suppose it's better than waiting on me to finish make-up or something right? LOL

30 Days About Me Day 11

Day 11: Favorite Band/Artist

Ahhh why are these so stinkin' hard? I could never ever choose just one...ever!

I like some contemporary christian which is a new development.
I like bands like Muse and Black Keys while I'm alone because my husband and the girls just don't enjoy it at all :)
I like some country which I totally blame my husband and girls for because that is what they like... Taylor Swift obviously for my girls ;)
I don't like rap AT ALL EVER...
I enjoy listening to the oldies my parents tormented me with when I was young...AKA 80's love/rock
I love hymns too.

I know very strange combination...but as you get to know me I march to the beat of my own drum...which usually means no one else is marching with me! LOL

The Case For Christ

The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel


I am not sure why on earth there are such horrible reviews for this book! I honestly thought it was amazing! I would recommend this book to my fellow christian friends and atheists I know personally. I like how there was no "fluff" to this book. This book was written without the assumption of faith. Strobel wrote this book like you were a jury and he was convincing you that Jesus is real and what He did was not legend... I have been saved for five years and I wish I would have read this book before or slightly after my Faith came alive. I love history and I love how Strobel went after the facts. He sought after the people who have been studying Jesus for years!

30 Days About ME

Day 10: Before and Now Pictures!

The year is 2000 and this is Semi-Formal my Sophmore year! I am the one in the middle with the light blue dress..... ;)

This is now...Not the greatest picture :)

Spiritual Warfare For Women

Spiritual Warfare For Women Leighann McCoy

Spiritual warfare is real... The devil roams around seeking whom he may devour! This book by Leighann McCoy tells you all about this thing Pastor's rarely preach about. This unseen battle between God and Satan is all around us, and as women our struggles come in different forms, from our relationships with our children to our marriage and church. It's everywhere! Leighann begins the book with God's love and ends with how to be victorious! She even adds her own struggles throughout the book so we can easily relate to her. She never appears to have it all together or claims to be perfect. She loves God and trusts Him and shows us how to do the same!

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

Day 7: A Photo That Makes You Happy

My three girls and the two girls I baby-sit for at the Parade in our town!

Day 8: Something You Hate
Ah such a strong word... But honestly mosquitos! Horrible blood sucking insects that ruin a beautiful summer night!

Day 9: Something That Makes Your Life Easier
I would have to say that would be a dishwasher!!!

30 Days About Me days 4-6

Day 4: Favorite Book
Bible of course!

Day 5: Favorite Quote
More is caught, than taught...

Day 6: Most Treasured Item
Materialistic? My Doll House mt Grandpa made me when I was 7 or 8...
Non-Materialistic? My Marriage :)

Sale Cycles!

I got this list off a friend's blog who got it off of the Krazy Coupon Lady! Thought I would share it for all me fellow frugal friends!!
Sale Cycles

30 Days About Me

I came across this meme from a good friend and I thought I would join up for the month! It started on August 2nd so I am going to do 3 days in one post :)

Day 1 Favorite Song
Oh that's going to be hard because there are a lot of songs I LOVE! How on earth can you pick just one song out of the millions?
God Gave Me You by Dave Barnes or Blake Shelton either version is great to me... Ask me this question in a week and my song of choice will have changed of course!

Day 2 Favorite Movie
Shawshank Redemption... Hands down! I could watch this over and over and over :)

Day 3 Favorite TV Show
Jeopardy!!! No kidding really...But I like it ;) Honestly though this is really hard because I'll admit I watch WAY too much TV which is why we got rid of cable in the first place.. My choice would have been Lost, but since that's over now I'd have to say The Mentalist!

Link up because I want to know more about you!!

Good Read

Good read I came across today :) Happy Reading!
Way of Life Ministry

Facebook

I have decided to delete my Facebook account. Does that make me weird? Probably...

I really wasn't going to tell of my reasons for deleting it, but I kinda just want to get it out. DRAMA I can't stand it anymore. It's not about my wonderful friends who are going through rough patches and use their status to share a little, or my friends who like to mention their problems so we can remember to pray for them. It's the drama that gets spread around. The hurtful words, the snide remarks, the he said she said stuff that just starts trouble. I am by no means saying that everyone should delete their account or am I trying to convince you what I think is the way you should think. I wish Facebook could be used for positive only stuff, but it just brings me down a little. When me and my husband lay in bed at night and talk it's never about us or our girls anymore, it's about what is going on with everyone else. Not that that is bad or anything. I think we need to take a step back and focus on US.

I am so intrigued by people who live simply. Those of you who know me personally know that I am pretty simple. I can't live simply when I have a lap top and Facebook easily accessable. Sure I could limit myself to once a week, but I know that just isn't possible for me. I have no will power.

So, not saying I won't ever re-instate my account, but for now this is the choice I have made for myself. AHHHH so Facebook will be gone on Friday. Just so you know....This will be VERY VERY hard for me... I love Facebook and lets face it...I'm a girl, I like to chit chat :)

Giveaway

Awesome giveaway over at Raising Arrows!!

Busy Summer

This summer has been so incredibly busy. Along with having my 3 girls home I am watching 4 other girls! AHHHH Want their ages? 3,4,6,7,8,10,10! (bold are mine) We have been going to the splash pad, library, free movie every Wednesday, VBS, park etc... It has truly been a test of my patience. I have spent more time in prayer though, which is never a bad thing. I have been slacking on my Bible reading though, as well as any reading altogether. I also have been "slacking" on church. We were going whenever the doors were open Wed, Sun am/pm and a weekly Bible study at my house. Is it just because it's the summer or is it a "phase?" Oh I wish I knew... I actually miss it... I love Church, I love fellowship and I love learning more about God.

There were so many things I wanted to accomplish this summer and honestly NONE have been accomplished yet... Remember my list of my flaws? Well obviously they are still my flaws...weaknesses...whatever you want to call them.

Things are changing all around me... The girls are getting bigger and smarter and more perceptive. The old saying "do as I say, not as I do" can no longer apply in my house. Honestly though it should NEVER have applied. Oh I'm just a work in progress I suppose. The girls are learning 2 bible verses a week for church this summer and WOW I need to take a lesson from them. Proverbs 22:6 I have read, memorized and pondered and here it is finally sinking in that I need to "shape-up." The other old saying "more is caught, than taught" ha ha yup SO TRUE! I won't even go there why I saying all this. :)

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I DID IT! I finally tried out the frugal way of doing laundry! I MADE HOMEMADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT! Oh my goodness it's about time right!?!?! I will start using it tomorrow night to see the results!

A Mother's Heart Chapter 6

Chapter 6
Getting In Step With God

1. What is the most delightful thing about your child?

2. Choose three words which describe your child.

3. Pray through the section of this chapter titled Prayer and Planning for Mothers to Acknowledge, Admit, accept, Affirm, and Ally yourself with God. What did you learn about yourself from this exercise?

4. Do Spiritual Inventory of your child.

Now you are really thinking you have to get the book huh?!?!?!

A Mother's Heart
Jean Fleming

A Mother's Heart Chapter 5

A Mother's Heart
Chapter 5
God's Part, My Part

1. In what ways are you growing in your understanding that your child is from God and for His purposes?

2. In 2 Kings 3:16-20 the armies dug ditches and God sent more water to fill them. The more ditches they dug the more water could be captured for their use. List 5 ditches you might dig in your children's lives?

3. Our part is "our very best mothering-done in faith." What does this mean to you?

4. What are the things only God can do in our children's lives?

To Win Her Heart

To Win Her Heart
By Karen Whitemeyer


This was my first Historical Fiction book. I had always been a little nervous that I wouldn's be able to relate to the characters. I was wrong! No matter what era we live in we all have the same struggles.

Levi with his self-confidence and Eden with her broken heart make a great like real life story of two people meant to "fix" each other. They compliment each other so much you have to read it fast so you can find out if they ever "find" each other!

To Win Her Heart is beautifully written in a time when things were simple with no hustle and bustle of our modern ways. Wonderful scripture throught the book, reminding us of letting go and letting God.

This book was sent to me compliment of Bethany House Publishers for a honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.