Undone

{This post contains affiliate links. I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.}

I am never without a book on my nightstand. Reading is what I do in my "spare" time so finding myself without a book leaves me in a bit of a panic.  Before I finish one book, I make sure to have another waiting. Ironically the book I chose after Unbroken  (review here) was Undoneby Michele Cushatt-- from one book about a man whose strong spirit could not be shattered in the midst of great trial to another book about a woman who surrendered her broken circumstances to God, leaving her vulnerable to pain.



While I tend to skew more toward fiction books, this year about two-thirds of my reading has been of the non-fiction variety. Plus I've always loved memoirs so after seeing this one mentioned on another blog I added it to my Amazon wish list. When it was offered through BookLook Bloggers, I requested a copy for review.

The book is broken into two sections, corresponding with two major trials in the author's life.  In part one of the book, Michele shares about her battle with cancer, specifically how it wrecked her views on stability and her desire to maintain control of her life. In part two, she shares how she and her husband were led to welcome three young children into their home just as they were preparing to enter the empty nest phase of their lives.

It probably goes without saying that I did not agree with everything the author wrote or suggested.  Isn't that true with most books? Given the same circumstances, I may have made different parenting or personal decisions, but the overall theme of the book was a lesson the Lord  has been planting in my own heart over the past few months: the need to surrender our will and completely trust the plan God has for each of our lives. 

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." 

(Proverbs 16:9)

Have you read any books that have spoken to you lately? 
Any scriptures that have been on your heart?

My Jamberry (+ a giveaway!)

Let's cut to the chase. In theory I like cute fingernails, but in reality I don't have time.  More specifically I don't want to take the time for something that gets ruined in less than 24 hours.  Of course my clean bathroom and empty hamper get "ruined" in less than 24 hours, too, but those things seem more worthy of my time. On the occasions when I do paint my nails, all the aforementioned cleaning and laundry leaves my nails a chipped up mess. 

So when my blog and Facebook friend, Jenna, offered to let me give Jamberry Nails a try, I jumped at the chance.  Jamberry Nails are incredibly cute and fun adhesive nail wraps that stay put for up to two full weeks! Now that I can handle.

Jenna sent me a pattern called silver floral on magenta.  The instructions freaked me out a little, not because they were complicated but because I wanted to be sure to get it just right.  The first time was admittedly a little time consuming.  Remember, its hard for me to justify time devoted to my nails, BUT I figured the 45-60 minutes (which included breaks to answer questions, get snacks, talk to my husband...) would be worth it if the wraps lasted as long as promised.

The wraps drove me crazy for the first 12 hours.  I wasn't confident in my application and I had a few air bubbles that were preventing the wraps from laying flat.  The next morning I trimmed and tweaked until I got a tight seal and a look that was more pleasing to me.  But here's the thing: aside from me, no one else would have even noticed the imperfections.  Who is looking that closely at another person's nails?  If someone can see a bubble or tiny nick on your nails, they are too close!

Even Alaine (4) wanted in on the action!

Alaine's nails: pale pink with magenta accents

My magenta nails lasted for 2 full weeks, but they were showing signs of wear by the time I removed them. Again, it was wear that I noticed, not something the grocery store cashier or the teller at the bank would notice.

Jenna also sent along a sheet of accent wraps so I tried those next.  I loved the pattern and I loved the overall look, but the four nails that needed polish were too high maintenance. On days at home, I left them bare.  A funny side-note: my boys and my husband did not "get" the accent nails.  Owen (8) said, "Why would you do that?" but my girls said, "Oh, yeah, that's like Aunt Amy's nails.  She does that, too."

A couple tips and then I'll get to the fun part-- the giveaway.

• The application instructions say to chose a wrap that is closest in size to your nail.  I would revise that to say to chose a wrap that is smaller than your nail.  Otherwise, it is hard to get a good seal and the wrap bunches up.
• Apply the wrap just a teensy bit above your cuticle.  No one will see the little strip of exposed nail  and it helps maintain a tighter seal.
• After you've worn your nails for awhile, the tips are the first thing to start looking a little rough.  Instead of giving up or peeling them off, try trimming the ends (just like if you were trimming your nails) and reseal.  It should buy you a few more days.

*****

Jenna is being kind enough to give away a sheet of Jamberry Nail Wraps of your choice!  

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below.

Do you paint your nails?  Do you have a favorite polish color? Any tricks for getting a manicure to last? Have you ever tried Jamberry Nail Wraps?  Do you have a favorite pattern or design?  Tell me anything!

Giveaway ends Thursday, April 9 at 9 pm ET.  Giveaway closed.

EDITED TO ADD: The winner is Kati!

Still Life

{This post contains affiliate links. I received a complimentary copy of this book through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.}


I've done product review many times since I began my blog in the spring of 2008(!). I'd sworn off of it recently, though, because I find it difficult to talk about a product or a book objectively when I know there is a real person affected by my words. Do I sugarcoat it and recommend something I find mediocre or do I speak honestly and risk hurting feelings?

I routinely mention books on my Facebook page, but those are books I've picked up on my own and want to share with you, my fellow moms and readers.  Plus, I only need mention the good books.  The bad (or boring or weird or poorly written) ones, I just return to the library without a word.


This book, though?  With this book I was willing to agree to a review because I've read every other book the author has written and never read one I didn't like.

Still Lifeby Christa Parrish is highly character driven.  I've realized that when I'm reading a book, if characters are highly developed and the author gives them strong voices, I don't need a twisting plot to keep me interested.

Still Life flip-flops between the stories of two women: Katherine, a working mom of two teenagers, who has made decisions in the past that are leaving her wracked with guilt; and Ada, a young woman who grew up in a religious sect and escaped to marry a man she barely knew but who offered her Hope.

Though we know almost from the beginning what will ultimately weave these two women together, we watch their stories play out from a distance until eventually they meet. The plot (which includes a plane crash, a runaway, and an award-winning photographer) is interesting, but the subtlety (how each women changes internally to experience grace and growth) was more intriguing.

Admittedly, this was not my favorite of Parrish's books.  That would have to be Stones for Bread which I've mentioned over and over here on my blog and was the book that set me on my journey with sour dough bread! 

What books have you enjoyed during these cold days of winter?  Do you have a go-to author who always writes books you love?

Fresh Perspective

{As always, post about books contain my affiliate links. All opinions are my own.}

The first book I completed in 2013 was Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breatheby Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson. It was a perfect start to the new year and put my thoughts and perspective in the right place for a fresh start.  (It's still only $2.99 for Kindle if you want to grab your copy.) 

The book I'm carrying into 2014 is Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic. When I first heard of this book, my children were 8, 6, 4, 2, and newborn.  Back then, I was fully immersed in the little years.  I was nursing, changing two sets of diapers, nurturing a needy pre-schooler who cried just as much and often as the baby, plus I was struggling to homeschool two other children while in the midst of house hunting. 

I never got my hands on the book when I thought I needed it most.

Now my kids are 11, 9, 7, 5, and 3 and most days I feel only marginally looney.  Everyone can dress themselves.  No one wears diapers and I have help with the meals, so when I finally received a copy of the book in the fall, I figured I'd passed the "statute of limitations." I assumed the book was written for moms of tiny ones and that it wouldn't apply to my life with slightly older children. 



What surprised me about Loving the Little Years was how much it addresses attitude and issues of the heart...and those are things that every mother, not just a mother of babies, needs to ponder!  Instead of a how-to book with ideas of how to get through a typical day, it digs deeper into matters of pride, obedience (mine, not my children's), and grace. 

I have spent many moments contemplating what Rachel says about laying a foundation for our children to build on.  She points out that as mothers, we are equipping our children to know what the Bible says and be able to serve the Lord on their own. We have the responsibility to guide them and teach them, but our ultimate goal is for them to know and follow His Way because they themselves know it is The Right Way.  If we say, "Tell your brother sorry because I said so," we are demanding obedience (arguably a good thing in itself), yet failing to show them that we love and forgive because of Jesus' example. 

This little book is barely over 100 pages and is short enough to be read in an afternoon, but it is meaty and meant to be savored over days and weeks.  It is worth reading and re-reading and worth contemplating. 

Be looking for details of the social media party that I'm holding at the end of the month on my Facebook page where you can win your own copy of this book!

A Tale of Two Books

{I received free copies of these books from Bethany House in exchange for my review.  The links below are my affiliate links.}

Living within driving distance of "Amish Country," I have sampled a smattering of Amish and Mennonite fiction over the years. As the genre has expanded, and in an effort to keep my reading list manageable, I've stuck with a couple authors that I know I love and skipped the rest.

September in Amish Country

Beverly Lewis is my favorite Amish-genre author.  One of my pet peeves with Amish fiction, or fiction in general, is stilted or unnatural dialogue, but the conversation in a Beverly Lewis novel feels normal.  You can believe you are listening to characters talk they way you would talk to a friend. 

I also enjoy the character development in Beverly Lewis books.  There are not lengthy (tedious, boring...) descriptions of characters, but details are shared throughout the pages so that you gradually come to know the people you are reading about.

That being said, I did not love her latest book, The Secret Keeper.  The plot seemed a bit dry.  While I was interested in reading though to the ending, it did not grip me.  In fact, I was more than halfway through the book before I understood the direction the book was going, and even then I wondered how it was going to stretch out into the remaining pages.  Beverly Lewis often weaves a twist or conflict into her writing, but this book was lacking. I was expecting a big secret (hence the title), but the secret aspect of the story was disappointing.

Perhaps the problem was that this was a stand-alone novel.  Often Beverly Lewis publishes 3- or 5-book series that introduce and develop a plot in book 1. By the end of that first book,  some minor plot points are resolved without revealing what you really want to know.  Then  the book ends, leaving the reader hang until book 2.  Book 2 is more of the same... and by the time you reach the final book, you are 100% invested. 

Will I continue to read Beverly Lewis?  Absolutely.  Will I recommend this particular book to others?  Only if they are already Beverly Lewis fans.

tobacco drying in a barn: September 2013

Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl was a more engrossing story.  It takes place in a conservative (think buggies and minimal electricity) Mennonite town.  When a body is found in a secluded wooded area, residents begin to fear each other.  The suspense builds as another body is found and the list of suspects grows.  Several side stories are woven through the books to give it a softer, personal tone. 

My biggest problem with the book, though, was the dialogue.  As I said, unnatural conversation rubs me the wrong way.  Nancy Mehl relies too much on conversation to explain her characters' background information which comes across as phony.  For example, instead of explaining that a character moved into town two years ago, in the middle of a conversation someone will say, "Remember when she moved here two years ago and how we didn't know much about her until she opened her button shop?"  I don't know.  It just feels off. 

Will I read more from Nancy Mehl?  Probably not, because my book list stays too full as it is.  Will I recommend this particular book to others? Maybe, if I know they enjoy the genre. 

Spreading the Good News

We got a surprise in the mail a few weeks ago.  Our kids think it is the greatest of  privileges to be the one asked to go out and check the mail.  It's always a special thrill when they are able to come back in the house yelling, "Mail call!" and hand out letters or bills or the rare package.  On this particular day we were not expecting a package so when we opened the big yellow envelope and found that the people at What's in the Bible?  had sent us the latest DVD in the series--Volume 11, Spreading the Good News-- as a surprise and thank you for working with them, we were excited and appreciative!  (We were planning to buy it anyway so getting it free made it even better!)

Volume 11 tackles the book of Acts.  While Volumes 1-9 (the Old Testament) laid out the reasons why we need a Savior to rescue us and showed us how God had a plan for salvation from the very beginning...and while Volume 10 (the Gospels) illustrated how Jesus became Salvation and Redemption for sinners... Volume 11 shares how the Good News ripples out from Jerusalem and is carried to the world. 

The first episode focuses on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  The second episode teaches about Peter's vision of the unclean animals and the life and ministry of Paul to the Gentiles.  There is an especially moving segment about Paul's transformation from a legalistic, Jesus-hating Pharisee to a passionate follower of Christ.

Click on either coupon below and enter the coupon code at checkout to take advantage of the savings:

Our family is excited about another resource from What's in the Bible?  that we plan to use in our homeschool next year.  It is a set of 12 Scripture memory cards in color with various characters from the DVD series.  We love how Phil Vischer and the What's in the Bible? team encourage children and families to delve deep into God's Word--  memorizing, understanding, and applying what they learn. 

Click on the memory card below to download the entire set for FREE! 

What's in the Bible? Easter Giveaway

When we finished our set of What's in the Bible? Old Testament DVDs we were more than a little disappointed that we needed to wait until February to begin the New Testament series.  When I received an e-mail asking me to review an advanced copy of the next DVD in the series,  I didn't cheer like my kids did when they found out, but I was excited, just the same.  I received a free copy of Volume 10 to review, but the great part about these DVDs is that I would recommend them anyway.

Each volume is divided into 2 episodes and this new volume, Volume 10, covers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John-- the Gospels.  

The first episode opens with a description of what the New Testament means to us.  Phil Vischer describes it as coming into a story in the middle.  You begin the exciting part of an adventure story without knowing the background of how you got there.  You need the first part of the story (the Old Testament) to understand why this part of the story (the New Testament) needs to happen at all!  The episode also briefly reviews what we learned in the first nine volumes.  It touches on the historical events that occurred between the Testaments and reinforces the truth that we have been building up to all along-- the fact that we can never live up to the Law and that we are in desperate need of a Savior to rescue us. The first episode also lays a brief outline of each Gospel and explains how each is different and why we need four Gospels to tell the same story. 

The second episode shares details of Jesus' life and ministry, culminating in His death on the cross.  It also shares the plan of salvation and explains how each of us can become part of His kingdom. 

When we watch What's in the Bible? as a family, we begin by watching one episode.  Brian then leads us in discussion, using the discussion questions suggested on the insert in each DVD.  Then after we pray together, the kids gather at the dining room table to color.  Multiple coloring pages are available online for each volume, including the Volume 10 coloring pages seen by clicking here.

To purchase Volumes 1-10 for your family, click on the coupon below and enter BUNDLE10 at checkout to receive 20% off your order and free shipping!

Would you like to own BOTH Volume 1 (the first Old Testament DVD) and Volume 10 (the first New Testament DVD)?  Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for your chance(s) to win.  Giveaway ends Sunday, March 17 at 11:59 pm. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Book For the New Year

I've spent much time since Christmas speaking of my goals for the coming months and of books I want to read, both to myself and to my children.  Dare I propose to you that there is a book that all moms should read in this new year that could bring all of our goals and aspirations into focus? 

The first book I checked off my list this year was Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson.  Haven't we all been there?  I remember clearly having three small children, ages three and under.  When Owen was born, Gavin was three and Maddie was two years, two weeks old.  Owen was a fussy, sensitive, snuggly, needy baby.  Most days were about tending to the basics-- getting everyone dressed and fed-- and most days I felt inadequate and helpless.  I have good memories of that time, but I still wondered if I played enough, smiled enough, loved enough. 

Fast forward six years.  I now have five children, ages ten and under, and it's a different world.  My youngest is independent and confident.  My oldest children help with everything from laundry to dishes, plus they are companions to me and to each other.  I don't have as many feelings of desperation, but I still wonder if I discipline enough or too much, if I'm teaching them what they need to know or pushing them to learn what they're not ready for.  

Once I began this book, I wanted to keep reading.  It was a balm to my soul.  I found myself nodding along and I found myself searching my heart. I loved the conversational style and I loved how the authors took turns writing, one from a "living it now" perspective and the other from a "been there, done that" mentor perspective.  What made this book so refreshing was that it was not a how-to book of ideas or suggestions.  Instead it spoke of accepting motherhood with selflessness and of seeing our children as souls needing grace.  

My favorite passage from the book, and the one that has come back to me over and over, was when Sarah Mae speaks of a story that Sally Clarkson told from her time as a young mother: 

"She felt like her efforts weren't proving fruitful, and no matter what she did with her children or how many times she told them what to do, it wasn't working.  Clay [her husband] said to her, 'Honey, at what age did you stop sinning? Because that's when our children will stop.' " 

Desperate is not a book of formulas or trendy parenting advice. It speaks to the heart of mothers with Biblical edification.  It takes the pressure off of families to be perfect and lays a foundation for grace-filled parenting.  

Sarah Mae says, "There are forty different ways to parent, but we need to ask, 'Lord, how do you want me to raise my kids?' "

*****

I was provided an advanced reading copy of this book through BookSneeze®, but all opinions are my own.

a Birthday and a Book Review

Today my firstborn turns 10.  For a decade, I've been rocking, holding, hugging, teaching, guiding, correcting, laughing... playing games, cutting sandwiches into quarters, taking temperatures, sweeping crumbs off the floor, and loving. 

On that day ten years ago, December 8, 2002, I could not imagine my life today.  I wasn't even attempting to think of the future.  I was focused on birthing my son, waiting and laboring the twelve long hours from when I felt my first contraction in the wee hours of the morning until he was delivered later that afternoon. 

We can draw a comparison to our lives before Christ.  Weighed down with sin, in the midst of our painful aching and stretching, the longing and waiting... we are not looking forward.  We are simply waiting to be delivered.

I was recently given the opportunity to review the book by Born to Deliver by Kathy Brace (with Natalie Wickham).  Kathy is a midwife and I've always been drawn to those kinds of books (A Midwife's Story, anyone?  Or Baby Catcher, perhaps?), but this turned out to be not one of "those kinds of books" at all and beyond what I was expecting. 

This is the story of Kathy, daughter of divorce and loneliness.  As a teenager and  into adulthood, she looked for anything or anyone to fill the hunger in her heart.  She hoped having a boyfriend would make her feel loved, but boy after boy, man after man left her feeling used and empty.  She had multiple unexpected pregnancies and struggled though life as a single mom.  She eventually married, but even having the life she always dreamed-- a husband, home, and family-- didn't fill the void.

I've been floundering lately to find a book that holds my interest.  After the string of memoirs I flew through this summer, I hit a wall.  After a real disappointment, I struggled to find anything that was too good to put down.  I never quit reading-- I'm always in the middle of something-- but I wasn't reading anything I loved.  When I began this book, though, on a busy, busy Thanksgiving weekend, I couldn't stop.  The story was riveting! 

I love the double meaning of the title. Currently practicing midwifery, Kathy believes God has called her to this purpose, this ministry of delivering babies into the world, but she also believes that ultimately she herself was born to be delivered into the arms of a gracious and forgiving God. 

In the great green room there was a telephone...

...and a red balloon and a picture of the cow jumping over the moon.

If you are a parent of young children, I'm sure you recognize those words.  With all the talk of books and Christmas on my blog this week, this review is fitting.

When Maddie was a toddler, I purchased a copy of Goodnight Moon in a used book store and gave it to her for Christmas. Maddie is, and always has been, a book lover and that book was opened and read many times over the years.

We still have that book on the girls' shared bookshelf and it is now one of Alaine's favorites.  Just yesterday, I found it on the floor where someone had left it after reading.   For Christmas this year, we're giving Alaine a Goodnight Moon Felt Set  from the Cake in the Morn Etsy shop.

Because it is a gift and because I'd rather she not see it until Christmas Day, I asked Maddie (now 8) to try it out first.  We brought it out at nap time, sat together by the lit Christmas tree, and ooh-ed and aah-ed over all the detailed pieces-- the kittens, the mittens, the old lady, the red balloon, and even a bowl full of mush-- all set in their green room.  Maddie arranged the pieces in the room just so. 

We know Alaine is going to enjoy lots of imaginative play with this companion to a well-loved book. 

The Cake in the Morn Etsy shop offers other story book felt sets, too,  from classics such as The Little Engine That Could, Where the Wild Things Are,  and The Velveteen Rabbit as well as other educational felt sets, such as a Human Anatomy Felt Set and Felt Tangrams.  Be sure to order by December 10 for guaranteed Christmas delivery. 

H. Gray is the mom behind the Etsy shop.  She homeschools her four children with an eclectic mix of part-Classical, part-Charlotte Mason, and part-Waldorf philosophies.  She also runs another other Etsy shop of organizational printables,  Coffee in the Morn.

Black Friday Special

Maybe you're not out there with the Black Friday shoppers today...

...Maybe instead, you are cozy at home with your leftover pumpkin pie...

...or maybe you're like us and you're spending the day setting up the tree and visiting with family.

Either way, you may be interested in a fabulous deal 

you can get right from home!

 

From now through Tuesday, November 27, What's in the Bible? is offering their What's in the Bible? Old Testament Bundle for $30 off with coupon code 30THANKS!  The best part? The set is already on sale and you can apply this discount on top of that for a fantastic savings.

Our family has fallen in love with this series, not only because it is fun and entertaining, but because we believe it is Biblically sound!  It's simply a bonus that we are all learning to recite the books of the Old Testament in order and that my 6-year-old knows the word Pentateuch. 

With this offer, the DVDs come out to $8.89 each...plus you get free shipping!  It's a good time to catch up before the first New Testament DVD is released in 2013. 

While you're at it, you could  pick up the Christmas special, too! 

a "Teeny Tiny" book review

When author, Rosemary Evans, first contacted me about reviewing her books on my blog, I was excited.

Then I got a real case of stage fright. 

Wonder if I don't like her books?  What do I say then?  I need to be honest, but I don't want to hurt her feelings!

After the package with the books arrived in the mail, I stacked them neatly on the cedar chest in my bedroom and tried to forget about them for awhile.  I knew I was putting off the inevitable so I finally psyched myself up to read them.  I resolved that I would give an honest review, whether  good or bad. 

After a quick skimming, I called Maddie (8) and Owen (6) over to read with me.  We began with Teeny Tiny Tina: The Teeny Tiny Toothfairy.  With an all-girl character list, this one appealed to Maddie, but Owen hung in there, too.  With bright, cheerful illustrations, the story moved quickly, and to my relief, was a well-written and engaging story!  It was the tale of three sisters, two of whom were tooth fairies and one who was rather impatiently waiting to grow up and join them. 

I tried to imagine picking this book up on my own from the library and wondered if I would return it after one reading or if  it would be one that we would read again.  I can honestly say that it would be a repeat!  While I was dreading a dull, twaddly story, I was pleasantly surprised with substance. 

(The only criticism I have is that as the self-professed grammar police, I was a little puzzled as to why the title named Tina a toothfairy (one word) while in the book she was referred to as a tooth fairy (two words).  I'm a little weird that way.)

Next we read The Adventures of the Little Prince.  Though targeted for  boys, this was my favorite.  Told in classic fairy tale form, this book follows a young boy as he sets off from his home, the palace, to seek adventure.  Though he is far from home, he continues to live out the principles that have been ingrained in his heart.  Even away from the watchful eyes of his parents, he practices honesty, generosity, and kindness, showing himself to be a true prince. 

I love the last page of the book that lists the attributes of a prince that little readers can aspire to emulate:  bravery... resourcefulness... unselfishness...

When I read the list to Owen, he said, "Am I all those things?"  I love that the simple words of this book set his little heart to pondering. 

To read more about these special storybooks, plus see other books and products by Rosemary Evans, visit her website by clicking here.