Book Review: Look to the East by Maureen Lang

I absolutely love reading Maureen Lang books after reading my first book by her a few months ago.  I didn't think that anything could top Springtime of the Spirit but this one is just as good!  It was hard to put down and when I had to part ways with my book, it was easy to jump right back in where I left off.

Look to the East is an installment in the Great War Series.  This book is set right before World War 1 when Germany was invading France/Belgium.  At this time, the Germans were taking over villages, land, houses, and possessions that they came across.  There were so many Germans in the army that they were able to defeat France in certain villages.  The village of Briecourt was set apart from the earlier battles, but the Germans easily took over this town as well.  Briecourt had a longstanding feud going on between two families...the Toussaint and the de Colvilles.  (Fun fact: to this day, no one knows why it started, but it's still going on apparently.) 

Julitte Toussaint is an outcast among some of her family and most definitely to the de Colvilles.  In fact, the de Colvilles hate her so much that they told the Germans she had leprosy so that they would confine her and her family to a house.  Charles Lassone is a Belgian entrepreneur (who likes to play sports for a living).  He's wealthy, handsome, and wants to join the Belgium army and not the French army.  However, in his quest to reach Belguim, he gets entangled in the war and ends up in hiding.  He must stay hidden or he risks the lives of the entire village, including Julitte, and even his own life.  If only he would have gone with Mantoux and he'd be far from danger instead of living with no direction or purpose.

I definitely recommend this book!  It's a great history lesson, as well.
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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers.  In exchange, I offer my review.

Thinking Chair

I was sitting on the toilet seat watching the kiddos take their bath (and waiting for them to finish playing) when B, who was lying down on his back in the water looked at me.  The following conversation took place.

B: What's the matter, Mommy?

Mommy: Nothing, B.  Mommy's just thinking.

B: Oh....like Blue's Clues?

Mommy: (laughing) Yeah, like Blue's Clues!

Guess B thought that I was sitting on my thinking chair!  He cracks me up!

They say the cutest things...

B loved going to VBS at our church last week.  He had a blast.  It was definitely the highlight of his days and he'd wake up asking when he got to go.  Then, about every 30 minutes or so he would proceed to ask again.  When Daddy T would go to pick him up and B would walk through the door at our house, he'd proudly show me what they made and tell me what he learned and then....yes....tell me what he ate.  Sometimes I didn't really want to hear that part, but I realized it was a special thing for him to do! 

On the last day, B came home and looked me in my eyes and said, "Mommy, they shut down VBS."  He was so sad!  I didn't know what to say.  I tried to explain to him what happened, but I still don't think he grasped it.  I'm so thrilled that he liked it and that it was fun for him and that he learned so much.  Too bad it "shut down!"

Train Ride

Over the July 4th holiday, we decided to go take a train ride since my parents were in town and we needed to use our Groupon!  It was extremely hot.  I mean really hot.  We, thinking it would be a fun experience for B, chose to sit in the non-air conditioned cab.  Bad choice, as you can tell by our rosy red cheeks and our sweaty shirts.  It was a fun trip, though.  I'd like to go back when Thomas the train is there or at Christmas time to do the Polar Express.  I think we'd like the cooler weather better!

Change

We have entered the season in our lives where change is happening.  We've had to make many decisions as to where and which ministry we feel God is leading us to, house decisions leading up to selling, job decisions, and more.  I hate change.  I think I can say I despise it.  I am like my father.  I like routines and predictability.  I don't like not knowing what's coming up because I like to plan.  I like familiarity.  At this moment in our lives, change is happening almost daily and important decisions are being made.  I'm learning to let go and to take things on that I'd never thought I was capable of doing.  I've sought a lot of wisdom on these matters and feel at peace with all but 1 work decision so far.  However, I think God may have started to answer that prayer today!  So, if you remember, pray for me to accept the changes coming and that have already occurred and to "go with the flow."  This is one time I wish I was more like Daddy T....laid back and change can happen and he hardly notices.

On another note, please add our nephew D to your prayer list.  He found out Friday that his father died.  Uncle Mike had to break the news to him.  Pray for Uncle Mike, Aunt Lea, and K to be able to know how to encourage D and to know how to love on him.  Pray for D especially over the next few days as there is the funeral and all the events that go on with that.  Pray for comfort for D.

Reunions

We had a family reunion that we go to on a yearly basis.  It's on my mom's side of the family and it's a good time for us to see people that we don't see very often.  Sadly, not many people came this year.  I will say, it was EXTREMELY hot out, as you can tell by B's red cheeks!

The Errand List

I'm notorious for having several different pieces of paper stuffed in my purse for me to pull out when I have to go shopping for things at different stores.  Inevitably, I lose the little piece of paper and carrying around my notebook hasn't worked for me either.  So I created the Errand List for me to keep track of what I need at different stores so it's all on one piece of paper so I won't lose it or forget what I need at a store I don't go to very often.  Once again, I'll share it with you as well.  Just email me if you'd like me to send you the actual document.  (I'm looking at changing to Wordpress so I can link my documents.  That may be in store, we'll see.)

Something to Ponder

As I mentioned in my book review below, I am really enjoying reading the book Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman.  He has done an excellent job in making the reader really think about our relationship with Christ.  I tend to pull out some top things in a series of posts that really spoke to me and have left me saying "wow...good point.  I need to think about that some more and let it resonate."

I'll mention the first one today.  I'm just going to quote the paragraph because I can't do it justice if I don't.  It's powerful and I don't want you to miss it, either.

"A few months ago I was speaking in Houston, Texas, and a good-sized man, with a good-sized belt buckle, came up to me with tears in his eyes.  He began to tell me the story of his prodigal daughter, how she went to college and totally turned her back on the faith.  As soon as he started the story, I knew how it would go.  I've heard it so many times, even the details seem predictable.  But when he finished, he didn't ask me why she was doing this or what had gone wrong.  He wasn't looking for an explanation.  Instead, with one sentence he put his finger on what he thought happened.  Here's what he said...'We raised her in Church, but we didn't raise her in Christ.'

You hear what he is saying?  We raised her to look right on the outside but didn't teach her about the inside.  We taught her to keep all the rules, but she never really had a relationship.  We made her feel guilty for the wrong things she did, but somehow she missed God's amazing grace.  We taught her to be a fan of Jesus--instead of a follower of Jesus."

Wow.  Yet, how true is this statement in some of our own lives?  We're taught religion and rules, but often we don't teach our children to fall in love with Christ.  To want Him like no other.  To want to please Him.  To love Him and trust Him no matter what.  If you were honest, are you a rule-follower or are you deeply in love with Jesus?  Not to the point where you just do what He says because you HAVE to, but because you WANT to?  When your children look at you, do they see a reflection of Christ or do they see someone who thinks Jesus is good and all but will only follow Him to a certain extent or when it's convenient or when it doesn't make too many waves?  I think another powerful statement Kyle made was,

"The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren't actually interested in following Christ.  They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything."

I find this is true in so many churches and in Christianity, in general.  Why do we stop following Jesus when it requires us to give of ourselves or our resources?  I don't want to just be an enthusiastic admirer.  I want to be a whole-hearted devoted follower of Christ. 

Shopping Lists

I'm on a quest to be more organized and to purge and clean out my house since we're hoping to move soon.  I'm a list person and I tend to do better when I have a list and when I can mark things off.  Over the past month, I've been doing E-mealz, which plans healthy meals for me according to what is on sale at the store.  I love it!  I can't seem to find time to pair up coupons with items that I would actually eat because it's healthy.  Most of the coupons tend to be junk food items and things I don't really need or use.  With that said, e-mealz takes care of that for me when it comes to dinner plans.  That leaves 2 snacks, lunch, and breakfast to plan for.  Yes, I'm turning over a new leaf and cooking breakfast, too.  AMAZING!  I'll share some things along the way, but for the moment, I'll leave it at that. 

E-mealz has you print off a grocery list, but it still leaves me frustrated when I have other items for the rest of our meals that I have coupons for.  I haven't been able to find a great way to mark the fact that I have a coupon for a certain item so I can remember to use it.  With that said, I created a shopping list form so all I have to do is check the box when I bought it and check the box on the other side if there's a coupon to go with it.  Because I love you so much, I'll share it with you.  It's nothing fancy, but it's not like it's going to be hung up and framed!  If you want the actual document, send me your email and I'll forward it to you.  Perhaps it can be useful to someone else besides me!

Book Review: Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

If you want to be challenged in your Christian walk, pick this book up and read it.  It's not a book that is easy to read because it tends to show you how short you fall as a follower of Christ.  Too many of us are simply fans of Christ.  In the words of Kyle, "The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren't actually interested in following Christ.  They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them."  I think that describes pretty accurately many Christians today.  In America, we don't really know what it truly means to be a follower of Christ.

Kyle points shares a story of a pastor in Russia during the communism era who saw many people come to know Christ.  However, when they would tell him they received Christ, he would say, "that's great, but do you know what it's going to cost you?"  After they made that decision, they went through a 3-month course to make sure they fully understood the cost of being a Christian (loss of family, friendships, jobs, kids, wife/husband, or even death) before they went public in the statement of baptism.  He wanted to know they were committed and that they had counted the cost.  Wow.  That stuck out at me, as well as how God doesn't want to be first place.  He wants to be THE person in our lives.  Not one of many.  And since I've been struggling and being frustrated with keeping my house clean, it really hit me when he talked about how the things we tend to get frustrated with show us our priorities and what could compete with our focus on God.  Ouch.  Talk about perfect timing when I had just spend 2 days focusing solely on cleaning my house.  (Not that a clean house is bad...but I tend to stress when it's even a little messy.)

So much in this book is great.  The whole question to answer is: Are you a fan of Christ or a follower of Christ.  Kyle wrote with passion, love, and even humor.  I loved the footnotes at the bottom.  They made me laugh when I read them.  I will also say that it had the best prologue that I have ever read.  It sucked me into the book and the purpose before I even started Chapter 1.  That hasn't happened in a long time.  Can't wait to read more by him!  I challenge you to read this book, too, and become a follower of Christ and not just a fan.
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 I received the book from Zondervan for free.

The Thoughts of Babes

It always amazes me now as B is talking more and sharing more of this thought processes with me.  It reminds me that he's growing up and he's looking like such a big boy. This morning, however, I couldn't help but crack up listening to his thoughts work their way out his mouth.

We were sitting at the table with my mother and he had asked her to make waffles.  (It's no secret that he likes Waffle House.  I don't really know why, except for the fact that it's at the end of our road and he sees it EVERY time we go down our road.)  Anyway, she made him some and then asked him if they were as good as Waffle House's waffles.  He said "no."  She asked him if she could work there because they were so good and he said "yes."  A little bit later, she put on her sun visor so we could go to the pool and B turned to her and said, "You have to put that on to go to work at Waffle House?"  No joke!  I couldn't hold back my laugh!

Happy 4th on the 18th!

I know it's a tad bit late, but cut me some slack!  We've been on vacation and I just couldn't muster up the strength to blog much while at the beach.  The beach definitely came before the blog.  Sorry!

We spent the 3rd of July outside with my mother-in-law, my parents, most of our Sunday School Class, and some dear friends from orchestra who all came out to listen to me play in the orchestra.  It was great, but extremely hot!  I had to keep wiping my face with one hand during all rests.  Playing during the fireworks display was so awesome.  There's something so special and moving when you pair live patriotic music with fireworks.  It can't help but remind you of our freedom and those that are fighting or have fought for our freedoms that we tend to take for granted now.  I got to catch the last few fireworks.  I had to wait for the fireworks to light up the sky so I could take a few steps to make my way through the crowd to our family and friends, so that took a little bit of time.  B loved it this year and wanted to watch more.  Baby M stayed awake all during the music and they both would clap, but when the fireworks started, she fell asleep.  Seriously.  The girl can't sleep if you sneeze, but she can muster up a snooze with fireworks. 



Watching the fireworks

My mother taught me....

This was something that was handed out to us at a mother/daughter banquet at my mother-in-law's church. I thought it was very cute and wanted to share it with you. I don't know where it originally came from, so you may have already seen it.


My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."



My mother taught me LOGIC.

"Because I said so! That's why."



My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."



My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."



My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"



My mother taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."



My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."



My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"



My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."



My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"



My mother taught me about the WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."



My mother taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."



My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"



My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."



My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.



My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."



My mother taught me about RECEIVING.

"You are going to get it when you get home!"



My mother taught me about MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."



My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."



My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"



My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you!"



My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."



My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like you're father."



My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."



My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

Book Review: The Blessed by Ann H. Gabhart

Before reading this book, I can honestly say I didn't know much about the Shakers or their lifestyle.  I knew how they got their name but that was about it.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and Ann did a great job including the history behind the Shakers but not making it boring.  It fit into the story perfectly. 

This book is her 4th book in the Shaker series.  After reading this one, I'm going to track down the previous 3 to read.  The Blessed starts out in the year 184.  Lacey Bishop has had a very interesting life which has led her to the point in her life where she has ended up married to the Preacher.  However, this was not a marriage of love, but of convenience.  After the Preacher was visited by 2 Shaker men, he decides that perhaps this is the life for him since Lacey considers her marriage to him as an abomination.  Because Lacey wants to stay with Rachel, her kind of-adopted daughter, she goes to the Shaker village, as well.  While there, she discovers Isaac, a man who has entered the Shaker community to find food and shelter.  There's one problem, though.  In the Shaker beliefs, they are not to marry.  Can Lacey find happiness?  Will she be able to stay a part of Rachel's life or will the Shaker women take over the raising of her? 

I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes fiction. 

****Available July 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group****
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I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  In return, I was asked to write my  honest opinion of this book.

Decisions Part 1

Let me start this post with the fact that I know everybody is different.  I knew that thought would come up as a response to this post, so I figured I'd go ahead and say it!  However, that said, I have prayed for clarity this week in how my fall schedule should look like.  It's been a blessing that my music therapy business is getting so many offers and many want to take lessons and Kindermusik and Sign classes.  I'm thrilled that so many people are interested in all of this.  I truly am.  However, I am one person who has 2 kids under 2 (until next month!  Just the age changes, not the number of kids I have...just to clarify...) and I am a wife that has a house that is full of jobs to do in order to enter the next big thing in our lives that I'll share more about later. 

Those who have all of these descriptions as well will relate when I say that there's not enough of me to give to all of that.  I've known that I couldn't take on too many more therapy jobs since I'm determined to only work 1 day away from my kiddos and that is truly a great break for all of us.  Not that I want to get rid of them, but I love what I do and the kids get to go play with their friends so we all win.  I've sent some replies back and have been saddened to have to put them on waiting lists, but I know that this is what I'm at peace doing. 

That said, knowing that God has called me to minister to my children and that I want to be at home with them so that I can develop a deep relationship and enjoy them as much as I can, why is it so hard to give up job opportunities?  (By the way, I'm not saying that those who work outside of the home cannot have the same relationships and enjoyment with their kids.  I just feel that my main focus needs to be at home.)

I think the answer is a selfish one for me.  Yes, I do enjoy it and yes it brings in money.  However, what do I have to sacrifice for that?  My sanity is one and I find that when I'm balancing too much on my plate then my kids and husband suffer.  Mostly it's B that suffers because I tend to take it out +on him.  I find that I'm stressed and can never get things done.  I end up in tears by the end of the day because I feel like I've failed yet again.  This is what has led to me making some big decisions about my schedule and I've realized (thanks to my husband) that it's okay to say "no" even if you really DO want to do something.  Sometimes, that's not the best thing for my kids or me for that particular week.  That's hard because I do love playdates and letting my kids be with friends.  However, I don't want to have to be gone every day of the week especially because of the new stresses we are about to be adding to our already crazy lives!  So if I say "no", don't be offended!  I'm just trying to simplify our schedules and make room for the homeschool schedules that will need to be added into our days, as well. 

My head is still swimming with trying to figure out what else needs to be changed in our schedule, but at least I'm getting some answers about where my focus needs to be at the moment and what needs to be set aside for a different season in our lives. 

I'm just curious, though.  Has anyone else had to simplify their schedules to make it a little easier once you had 2 kids?  What did you find was not as important?  What was the most important?  Do you regret what you took out at all?

Actual Birthday

We spent Baby M's actual birthday as a family.  Daddy T had to go to K-ville the night before (just like when I went into labor and he had to come home early that morning after me waking him up saying I was in labor) so when he got home he slept a little before going in to work.  We had a birthday dinner at a local Japanese restaurant that is one of our favorites and they brought her some ice cream with a candle.  My mom came to stay the night and visit so we decided to take the kids to the children's museum.  They had so much fun!  I think I was still in denial that my baby was 1.  I knew if I stopped to really think about it, then I'd cry. 

Baby M, I can't imagine our family without you.  You balance out B with the COMPLETE opposite personality.  You listen and obey even at this early age.  You love for me to cuddle you and I love it too because I know that one day too soon you'll be independent and want me away.  We love you precious girl!  You make us laugh so much with all of those "girly" things you do.  Who knew that girls are ingrained to do certain things, just like boys.  Girls come out knowing what to do with babies and phones and kitchens.  Boys know how to make car noises and pee outside!

Oh....in case you haven't figured out, we love Bob the Builder!  Happy 1st Birthday Baby M!

Book Review: A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley

Set in Rocky Creek Texas in 1882, lives a girl in a town where everyone are neighbors and know what you do and when you do it.  However, there's a guy that's entered their town that is full of secrets and makes everyone feel a little uncomfortable.  Lucy helps stop a wagon from being robbed and that is when David, the man with secrets, falls in love with her.  However, he doesn't realize that it's love at first and is kind of annoyed with her.  You'll have to read the book to see how the twists and turns guide them to find and admit their love for each other.

Margaret does a great job writing an enjoyable book that is fun to read.  She is full of humor and this book is one that keeps you turning the pages, even if you know how it might end.  I will definitely be reading more of her books!
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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Baby M turns 1!

Can it possibly have been a year?  I mean, wasn't I just having Baby M and bringing her home to meet her brother?  So much happens in the first year!  Baby M started crawling and moving and was walking at 10 months, just like her big brother.  I always say she learned to walk for her safety so she could get out of the way of B!  She'll be running soon, I just know it.  She's already walking faster and faster.

Baby M has the sweetest temperament unless she doesn't get what she's wanting.  She smiles a lot and very rarely gets in a bad mood.  She loves to cuddle and be held.  She doesn't like to be left alone and only goes to certain people without screaming.  She is totally girl....loves purses (which she never puts hers down), dresses, shoes, and phones.  She talks ALL of the time.  It doesn't matter if anyone is listening or not, she still wants to talk.  She loves music and actually has really good rhythm, just like her brother.  She likes to play the piano and anytime she hears music she stops what she's doing and dances.  She likes to play all of my musical instruments and sing.

At her checkup yesterday, she was 17 pounds and 30 inches long.  Her head was still in the 90th percentile!  All those brains....

Because of so many pictures, I'll post her actual birthday pictures later.  We had her party on Saturday and her birthday was on Wednesday.  We had just a small family party and it turned out so nice.  My mom even embroidered her birthday shirt for her.  It turned out so cute!