Numb....

Well, it has been 8 years since that horrible day that my brother passed away in a car accident. Every year, somehow I think it will get better, but it never does. Really, it even seems to be getting harder and harder to bear sometimes. I usually pull a poem from out of no where that shows my feelings for this day, but at this point, I can honestly say that I have not one, nil, notta, blocked....just, numb.

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight

Book Review: By Faith, Not by Sight by Scott MacIntyre

"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: Is it possible to be high on a mountain and deep in a valley at the same time?

This isn't a riddle, it's Scott MacIntyre's life. Each time his dreams came true, Scott found his nightmares not far behind. Some call it Murphy's Law. Others call it bad luck. Scott has learned to call it a blessing, even when circumstances have threatened to take everything away.

Graduate. Marshall scholar. Recording artist. American Idol. Blind from birth, Scott has had to work harder and longer to achieve his goals. But when a silent killer begins to undermine his success, Scott cannot work it out alone. Once again, he must lean on his faith, his close-knit family, and the life-giving aid of friends to survive.

Follow Scott's roller coaster ride to see how God used the mountains and valleys to give him perspective, hope and ultimately triumph.

 

My Review:  I was not sure how much I was going to enjoy this book. It did begin very slowly and took some time to catch onto, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. To read who Scott is and to understand how much he has been through and still accomplished so much in his life is truly amazing. You could feel his pain through everything he had to endure as written in this book, but more than anything, you could feel his passion to survive, to become something, someone. To say that Scott is someone with a handicap would be an error in words...to say that he is he is an inspiration would be dead on :)

May I Have S'more?!

August 10 was National S'more's Day and we celebrated, like you are supposed to ;) With a few different S'mores treats!!

 

 

 

Kaplyn wanted to make her own (with a tad bit of help from me) She decided on S'mores pops. Here she is putting the marshmallows on skewers to dip in the chocolate. After that, they are rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All finished! Yummy!!

 

 

 

 

For my dessert, I found a S'mores bars recipe. This was so unbelievably easy to make. This is the dessert all put together. Has some richness to it so be sure to drink with a glass of cold milk!

 

All cut into bars and ready to eat!!

 



A yummy, ooey, gooey, chocolatey day!! 

A Pirate's Life for Me....

We began our own "Story Time" back up this past week. We started off with the story...Alvin and the Pirate :)

The story talks of a little boy who becomes the captain aboard a pirate ship. While aboard, they come upon the enemy ship and decide to fire! However, they have run out of cannonballs and bullets. So they use fruit!!

We made a fruit salad to go along with the theme of the story :)

  For our craft, we decided to make our own "Fool's Gold". A few rocks, gold paint and gold glitter. For the pouches, we used black felt and gold thin ribbon.

The kids had a ball painting, glittering, crafting :)

                                              

They were very happy with their treasures!

The completed project! A great night :)

Book Review: God Gave Us You

Book Review: God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Book Review:

When a young polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her mama a very important question:

 

"Where did I come from?"

 

As Mama Bear tucks her little one under the quilts, she lovingly explains, "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because....

 

"God gave us you"

 

In a sturdy, format, ideal for the littlest hands at story time, bedtime or anytime, God Gave Us You assures each child that he or she truly is a treasured gift from the Lord.

 

 

My Review:

This book was unbelievably adorable and gave a wonderful representation of where the young cub came from. The photos are beautiful showing polar bear angels, other animals, expecting photos and prayer photos. A loving mother explaining to her cub how much she wanted her and how she came to be. A colorful, board book made just right for those young hands beginning to ask question. This book is a must!

Dry Idea Giveaway!!!

As a Purex Insider, I was recently sent a sample of Dry Idea Advanced Dry. It has 24 hour protection, fast drying MicroCotton Formula, Hypo-allergenic and contains Vitamin E. Available in 3.25 oz, it is powder fresh, yet unscented.

After using the product, I found that it rolls on, but dries very quickly. It kept me smelling fresh with no worries for the day and overnight. A definite plus for any woman :)

I am holding a giveaway for Dry Idea Advanced Dry. I am giving away 3 coupons that you can redeem for a FREE bottle of Dry Idea Advanced Dry. Tried this before? What better way to try out your first bottle for FREE!!! Worth $5.50!

The rules are simple!

1. Comment on this blog about wanting to try Dry Idea Advanced Dry.

2. Pass the giveaway word on via facebook and/or twitter.

A winner will be chosen this Sunday, July 29.

Good Luck!!

Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life

Book Review: Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll

"I received this book for free from BookSneeze for this review”.

Book Review: Is it possible to stay full of life, laughter, love, and the Lord through eight decades in this crazy world? Is that even realistic? Yes! There is hope, and Luci Swindoll is living proof. when heart and humor, this best-selling author and belived speaker lays out the truths that can help us all become and little more creative, organized, healthy, and happy. This is not a complex prescription for how to become superwoman. These are simple secrets, the wisdom produced by years of walking with God and living well.

We don't need more tips for "having it all," but we could all use insight on "having whtat matters," and there is no better guide than Luci Swindoll. Slip into this collection of proverbs, stories, and friendly advice and come away inspired, equipped, and encouraged.

My Review:  Before this book, I had never read a Luci Swindoll book. She is now one of my absolute favorite authors :) It begins with a very simplistic, but beautiful cover. Each chapter is labeled and tells a story of events in Luci Swindoll's life that has to do with the chapter's title. The stories not only give you the secrets to a happy life, but they also relax you. Each chapter is short and right to the point. It gives you a refreshing feeling when you end each section. From the very basics to achieving balance, to staying connected...everything you need to lead that happy life is included in this book. Thumbs up!