Book Review: What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Review: What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer


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

Book Review: A woman meant to serve, a child in the dark, a man standing apart--can these three souls embrace a God with new plans for them?

On a small Kansas farm, Christina Willems lovingly shepherds a group of poor and displaced individuals who count on her leadership and have come to see the Brambleville Asylum for the Poor as their home. But when a fire breaks out leaving the home uninhabitable, she must scramble to find shelter for all in her care, scattering her dear "family." With no other options, Christina is forced to approach Levi Johnson, a reclusive mill owner, to take in a young blind boy named Tommy Kilgore. Levi agrees, with reluctance, but finds himself surprised by the bond that quickly grows between him and Tommy. As obstacles to repairing the farm pile up, Christina begins to wonder if she can fulfill the mission to which she's dedicated her life. And when an old adversary challenges Christina, will she find an unlikely ally--or more--in the aloof Levi? Can Levi reconcile with the rejection that led to his hermit-like existence and open his heart to something more, especially a relationship with a loving God? 

My Review: This book was like entering a far off place from the second I looked at the cover. With softened edges, the photo takes you back to the Victorian era. A woman, Christina Willems, running a home for the poor has become family with each and every member living there. After a fire, they all have to temporarily go in different directions and deal with life as they do not know it with caretakers that are very different than Christina. While Christina tries her best to find ways to get the house rebuilt, family members are slowly falling away to other places. Will she be able to find a way to rebuild before she loses all family members? Will she make new family members in the process as brought on by God and will she be ready for them?  A very good book that I could not put down once I picked it up. Highly recommend! 

2014 Resolutions...

 

For my 2014 New Year's Resolutions, I decided to look back at last year's resolutions and see how well I did and how I could change or make any better somehow, give you all an update per se. Here goes!

1. Find a Church. Why is this so unbelievably hard? Almost 13 years in PA and none! It is so strange that you actually start to think that your religion can be a problem in some instances until you come across someone from another religion who puts it right into your face that they are so much more "holier than thou" and they judge you and your ways. I would rather be a clean, true Catholic than a wolf in sheep's clothing other religion any day and trust me, there are quite a few that showed themselves to me in the past year. I am not saying anything against any other religion...those specific people that I have dealt with will have God to answer to. Maybe some should re-evaluate themselves a little and remember that only God has the right to judge. God, please point me down the correct path to your home, but until then, I will remain your faithful servant teaching myself and my family your ways.

2014 Update: Can you believe that we still have not found one in almost 14 years?!!! God, I still have all of my faith in you that you will lead us to your house, the one that all of us fits into :)

2. Greet my Facebook friends. I have over 1,000 FB friends. These are all people I have encountered at one point in my life whether they be friends I see everyday, high school friends, acquaintances, etc... I do notice, however, that there are many that I do not interact with very often...so why are they even on my list entitled "friends?" I want to make it a point to contact each every so often to let them know they are in my thoughts...you never know what positivity could come out of a few kind words :)
2014 Update: I did this last year and loved the way it turned out. I did go through my friend list and weed out a few which helped.There were quite a few friends that were so happy to hear from me out of the blue. I want to continue this one (and already have!)

3. Lose 10 more lb. I made one of my resolutions last year to lose 50 lb...and I did it!!!! I would love to lose 10 more and be at my pre-pregnancy weight. it will be hard, but I have the same willpower to continue and hope to pull the hubby along as well. I also want to set a goal to do some sort of exercise 5 days a week. My 9 year old daughter is a great partner in this!

2014 Update: Got down 3 of those 10 more lb for a total of 53 lb down and ended up pregnant with #7...guess I just looked TOO good ;) After giving birth to my baby girl in October, I had to make a plan to lose the 51 lb that I gained. 20 lb just dropped off of my body. 31 more lb to go to get back to my goal weight and then we will see about that extra 10 lb. I am making a new chart to help me get there (the first one worked magic!) I would love to lose it with my husband and daughter. Wish me luck!

4. Kids/Family Time. We currently have story nights every Wednesday which I would like to continue, but cut back to only twice a month. It was a little overwhelming to try to get it in every week. Along with this, we need to get back on board with our "Family Fun Box" and "Parent/Child Day Out." These are memories in the making and a thrifty way to spend some quality time together :)

2014 Update: I did cut back on these and it went much more smoothly. We did a few family things over the months, but did not get back to the actual Family Fun Box. Still want to do that, even added more things to do in the box. We did a lot of Parent/Child days out and had a ton of fun! When it comes to the kids, I would like to allow them to have more sleepovers and/or play dates.

5. Me. I need me time! I would love to have 1 day a month of time to myself...shopping, reading, etc...Even I need that little breather every now and then.

2014 Update: I did get these days some, but then after getting pregnant with #7, I wanted my hubby to spoil me (which he did) so I stayed around him a ton! Want to try to get some private shopping time in, maybe a few girls days out. I would also like to learn something new a few times a year, maybe even every quarter (every 3 months.) Just liked to be a very well-rounded person. Having some new skills would do that for me!

6. Dede and Greg. We are currently doing date night twice a month and are loving every second. Would like to stick to this and maybe even plan a few mini trips a year with just us. Even overnight at a B&B would mean the world! Prayers that we can get someone to volunteer with the kids on these days.

2014 Update: We continued our dates every other week, but are thinking of making a change. Still every 2 weeks, but this year, 1 out and 1 at home. When you mix 2 dates a month and 2 family days and parent/child day out together, you end up with an empty wallet! So, we will have one date out and two weeks later, another date in (movie, dinner, etc..) This will also keep us home near the kids which they like better. We did not end up doing any "us" trips this year as we just decided that we really did not want to be away from the kids...we are crazy about them!!

7. Extended Family. I would like to make a once a month trip to WV and stick to it! I am so out of the loop with family. I know that my family can just as easily come here, but for some reason, I am the only person with that realization. I would like to start a once a month dinner for the family at each house. Maybe this idea will get some play :)

2014 Update: This didn't happen. I ended up in WV just as much as usual due to gas prices. Am I the only one that can even mention trying to make an effort?

8. Crafting/Upcycling/Hobbies. Where does my time go? I used to be the biggest crafter. Now, it takes a year of planning to get one idea done. I have so many ideas and just not enough hours in the day. Scrap booking is a must! Let me get passed the year 2,000 please!!!

2014 Update: Still on the year 2000 for scrap booking, but am determined!! Definitely could not do much with the pregnancy anyway. Sleeping got in the way. Just this week, I pulled out some scrap booking bags and have started organizing. Hope this gets me moving. I did a few Halloween crafts and a Christmas one this year. Small amount, but hey, it's a start :)

9. Saving $$$. We need a new idea on a savings account. We have so many going in different directions that they can sometimes be very confusing :/ I want one place and a designated amount from all aspects. I also would like money deposited into the kids' accounts every quarter. Just having those nests gives me peace of mind. Speaking of saving, back on the coupon train!! It is easy to fall off when you don't have the time. I need to get a day scheduled back in along with a computer time schedule and do not veer from it. While I'm on schedules, a new chore chart for all would be next on the list. Giving the kids some lessons once a month could prepare them for that hard road ahead called "life." Menu plans have been re-added as well :)

2014 Update: We made it back on the coupon train and stayed on! Got a ton of good deals over the year and fed this huge family well. A new chore list went great this year. Kids learned some new skills and took on more responsibility for their ages. I have decided to stick with this system for 2014 and have added a surprise gift incentive (along with their allowance) every 2 weeks to keep them on track.

10. Helping Others. I am always coming up with ways to help others that I actually think I do that more than anything else in my life. Not a problem really, but would love to be more scheduled and once every quarter, do something larger, maybe even with the kids. After all, isn't helping others what makes everyone happy :) I know it does me. I will continue by recycling, doing projects that help others and add where I can. After I recruit others to do some projects as well, maybe we could do a girl's day/night out to discuss new possibilities. We will see...

2014 Update: The kids and I were involved in a few projects this year including 2 angels at Christmas, making meals for families, cleaning roads and recycling. Glad to continue this resolution!

I have updated my 2013 Resolutions list with all that I have done. I will be referring back even more this year to stay on track. Fingers crossed!!!

Book Review: Stones for Bread..A Novel by Christa Parrish

 

Book Review: Stones for Bread...A Novel by Christa Parrish

 

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

Book Review: A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could collapse her entire identity.

 

Liesl McNamara's life can be described in one word: bread. From her earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.

 

But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated. Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as an apprentice. Her waitress submits Liesl's recipes to a popular cable cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour--a single father with strange culinary habits--seems determined to win Liesl's affection.

 

When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family's past. With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse, or take a leap of faith into a new life.

 

Filled with both spiritual and literal nourishment, Stones for Bread provides a feast for the senses from award-winning author Christa Parrish.

 

My Review: A very comfortable cover draws you in to the book immediately...flour covered hands with a heart shaped piece of bread dough. This book has it all; a life story from childhood to adulthood, a budding romance and a mother/child relationship and bread recipes!! While Liesl McNamara had a life that she loved growing up, she did have some sadness throughout that she soon finds out that some minor twists and turns could have prevented. Still, the life she led was the hand she was dealt and she made the very most of it. Once on television to prove her breads are the very best, she encounters some decisions that could take her life in many different directions...which road shall she take? After getting a phone call from a woman claiming to be her half-sister, it throws her in yet another direction of a life she was not familiar with and is unsure that she wants to deal with. Can her decisions put her down the path that she wants to take?!!

Book Review: Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

 

 

Book Review: Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall


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

Book Review: Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells: Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth's soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it's not that simple--will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she's always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing: Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon's rejection restore her Christmas joy--or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

The Dawn of Christmas: Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it's time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan--but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

My Review: Romance, romance, and more romance!! I absolutely loved this book!! As my first time reading a book about the Amish, I was mesmerized by the stories in this book. When I had ordered the book to review, I had no idea that there were 3 stories involved and worried that I would not have enough time to get it read and reviewed, but once it arrived with its gorgeous, Christmas cover, I could not put it down! I loved each story in its individual state and the way that each was somehow woven into the next with the characters, this way, you got to keep up on them from the stories you had already read. I have a new favorite author and a renewed love for the Amish :)

Book Review: The Beauty of Broken...My Story, and Likely Yours Too by Elisa Morgan

Book Review: The Beauty of Broken...My Story, and Likely Yours Too by Elisa Morgan

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

Book Review: Find beauty and hope for the messiness of family life. 

Are you exhausted by the fairy-tale idea that following Jesus will mean our families won't suffer? That a parenting formula can guarantee our children will turn out okay? That our families will be immune from being broken because we love God?

In The Beauty of Broken, Elisa Morgan, one of today's most respected female Christian leaders, shares for the first time her very personal story of brokenness--from her family of origin to her family of creation, represented by her husband and two grown children. Over the years, Elisa's family struggled privately with issues many parents must face, including: alcoholism and drug addiction, infertility and adoption, teen pregnancy and abortion, divorce, homosexuality and death. 

Each story layers onto the next to reveal the brokenness that comes into our lives without invitation. "We've bought into the myth of the perfect family," says Elisa. "Formulaic promises about the family may have originated in well-meaning intentions, but such thinking isn't realistic. It's not helpful. It's not even kind."

Elisa offers hope in the form of "broken family values" that allow parents to grow and thrive with God. Values such as commitment, humility, relinquishment and respect carry us to new places of understanding. Owning our brokenness shapes us into God's best idea for us and enables us to discover the beauty in ourselves and each member of our families. 

 

 My Review: The cover of this book immediately drew me to the book as did the idea of listening to what Elisa Morgan, the leader over all of the MOPS groups, one of which I attended, had to say that would be considered different from what we learned from her every MOPS meeting. I must say that I was actually quite disappointed in this book. It lost me very quickly. There was a little too much Christian talk in between stories and it drug on getting to the point of anything she was trying to tell the readers. Once you got to an individual story, it was a good one, but actually getting from one story to the next seemed like it took forever and came across as being very boring. I almost felt like I had to skip ahead to the actual story and not read what was in between. I wish I could have reviewed this better, but honestly, I only made it to Chapter 6 because there was just not enough of interest in this book. I will let anyone be their own judge, but personally, I would not recommend this book. 

I'm behind!!! The Week in Review...Italian Festivals, Old Friends and Mac & Cheese

The Week in Review...Italian Festivals, Old Friends and Mac & Cheese

Looking back on the week of August 26-Sept 1.

 

I can't believe with being pregnant how far I have gotten behind on my blogging...geesh!!! Be sure to smack me around if you see me in person please!!

 

 

We begin this blog with the first day of the 2013/2014 school year for my first 4 school aged kids.

 

Waffles for breakfast and then off for another exciting year. My oldest son is a sophomore this year so he is no longer the lowest on the high school totem pole...yay!! Same with my middle school son who is now in 7th grade. My oldest elementary child is beginning her last year before she hits middle school and my 1st grader is still having a ball just being in school in general. All had a great day and came home full of smiles so I will point out....SUCCESS!

 

You Gotta Love Being Home...

 

I have gotten back in touch with an old friend from high school through FB and must say that it feels good to have a nice conversation filled with memories :) It has been 19 years so there is definitely a lot of catching up to do! Haven't seen each other in person yet, but hope to get together for some Starbucks soon.

 

While in WV for the weekend, we made a trip to the mall. Haven't been there in ages so I was very excited to go. Hit some nice sales and got to visit with my youngest sister who is a manager at Spencer's. Cool to see her at work!

 

After the mall, Mom bought us T&L Hot Dogs

 

 

 

(can't go to Clarksburg without getting some T&L)

 

We then headed back to her house to eat and have some convo. Let me just say, to any of my friends that are not in the WV area, if you ever visit Clarksburg, get a T&L Hot Dog! You have not experienced a good one until you have had their sauce (and I had the joy of being raised here). After eating, I got to spend some time with my new niece who my mom was babysitting while my sis and brother-in-law went out for a few hours. What a great way to end my night :)

 

Dislikes :(

 

We decided to try some of that new flavored boxed Kraft Macaroni and Cheese since I had some coupons that bought it next to nothing this month. The Buffalo Chicken was the one we decided to brave....yuck!!! Anyone who knows me knows that I am just a regular old Mac and Cheese person so most likely I would not have liked it, but none of the other 7 members of this family liked it either!! Put that one on the definite "dislike" list!

 

 

Woo-Hoo!!!

 

Got some cleaning done this week. I got down on the ground in my kids play area and decided to really clean out the dress up bin and fake food bin. It was out of control!!! The fake food was all separated and put in order by what restaurant it went with; Subway, KFC, McDonalds and so on...also have a huge stack of dress up clothes to put up for sale since we keep inheriting so many!! Upper level was cleaned big time on Thursday. Getting things under control in the bedroom areas just makes it so much more relaxing...wouldn't you agree?

 

~New Recipes~

 

We had Frito Pie Hot Dogs this week. Oh, yum!!! That one is a keeper!! Lemon and Garlic Chicken and Pasta was another new one this week. It was a little too lemony for the kids, but turned out great once it was refrigerated and served cold the next day for lunch :)  

 

I have been trying to get my Disney World blogs going as well, but they take a little more time to get everything summed up the way I want to. Will try to get busy on those when I can :)

 

 

Festival!!!

 

This weekend was our annual trip to my hometown in WV for the Clarksburg Italian Heritage Festival.

 

 

We enjoyed the parade with the kids (Kaplyn rode with my dad in his "Batmobile" with the person he was driving in the parade)

 

 

Saw many people I knew and grew up with...always love seeing familiar faces :) Afterwards, Cameron and I walked through the festival to grab our lovely Frittis! Greg took the rest of the kids back to the house to wait for us. We had our Minards lunch with Mom, Dad and my sisters. Meatball hoagie for me...yummy!! 

 

Kind of a shorter, nothing going on kind of week, but I'm sure it will pick up now that school has started. 

 

Will try to keep up just a little better in the upcoming days for you all. Have a great week!!

 

                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                               Dede

Our Disneyworld Adventure!! Day 4 :)

Our Disneyworld Adventure!

Day 4: July 7

Animal Kingdom :)

We decided to go for an earlier breakfast this morning. We also brought it back to the room for a nice breakfast in with the family. Food in our pj's :) Eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, blueberry muffins and fruit salad...yummy!

Animal Kingdom today! AAA Diamond was filled so we were in Dino parking which wasn't very far from the entrance which made for some happy people :) First stop, DinoLand.

The kids were involved in a Passport Badge Program.

 

They got to do some fun activities for badges. Rode the flying dinosaurs and Greg with the older kids went on a "mouse type" roller coaster (too rough for my growing belly) After, we went to Dinosaur which was an extremely cool ride! Dino Dig was next. The only thing was, you did not dig in sand, but in birdseed. It actually kind of hurt to walk in it! The kids received their first badge here.

 

The older kids rode the mouse ride again while the youngers enjoyed some digging for dino bones!

 

Asia was our second stop. Here, we rode the rapids...

 

and Expedition Everist. Everist was one of the best rides in Disney by far! Got on very quickly which was even better!! Did some more badge activities.

Our snacks in the area included Mouse shaped pretzels!

 

Mouse Shaped Ice Cream!

Don't you know that everything tastes better with mouse ears?!!!!

The kids used their gift cards on some specialty drinks. It was very hot so had to use a lot of sunscreen!

Africa was 3rd and very crowded when we first went in since the parade had just finished. We went to the safari ride. Very bumpy, but lovely! Saw zebras (black with white stripes due to noses color), giraffes, hippos, flamingos and some other cool animals :)

Headed back to "The Tree of Life" for A Bug's Life 3D. One of our faves!!

 

 

 

Reiner and Brandis both disagreed on the whole "favorites" statement, they didn't like this attraction at all!! The stink bug scent and stingers really bothered them....

After this activity, we were finished with Animal Kingdom and headed to Downtown Disney to take another chance in finding a parking spot. Success!!! Very crowded and we aren't too much for crowds. We went into Ghiradeli for a chocolate sample which my sister Gina suggested. Very good :) Went to a Disney Sports store where Genin bought a Disney 2013 baseball for his collection.
Also went to World of Disney, the biggest Disney Store in the world! Kaplyn and I both bought "mouse ears" ornaments. I bought the original set for the Game Room TV/Movie Christmas Tree and she bought a pink princess set to begin an ornament collection :)

Kaplyn and Genin were very excited with their finds!

Onto Lego Land where the kids played a little with sets, posed for some lifesize Leg photos and we were finished with that crowd!

Back to the hotel for some dinner and swimming. Sandwiches for dinner along with chips and an awesome new dip, don't forget a pickle on the side ;) Afterward, I read some of my book while the kids swam....Matlyn loved it!!

Cherry Ice Bars for dessert and we were off to bed.

Day 5 coming...