Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

I just love books by Nicholas Sparks. I really like his writing style. His characters are very real. I just think he is a fantastic writer. This latest book of his --- another winner. I finished it in two days - just couldn't put it down. There are parts that you expect but also a certain twist at the end that is totally unexpected.

Katie comes to Southport, North Carolina. She has a secret and is trying to start over. She meets Alex. Alex seems to see into her sole, understands her and loves her. It is a great story about overcoming the past and moving forward to a new life. Really a wonderful book.

Impossibly Easy Taco Pie

This is a recipe that I got from the Betty Crocker website - and it was so easy - and tasted fabulous. I didn't have any green chiles - so I used mild jalapenos - cut up. It was nice and mild - which we loved. I topped it with fresh cut up tomatoes, salsa and sour cream. I would think black olives on top would be good, too!

1	pound lean ground beef
1	medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1	package (1 ounce) Old El Paso® taco seasoning mix
1	can (4.5 ounces) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles, drained
1	cup milk
2	eggs
1/2	cup Original Bisquick mix
3/4	cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese (3 ounces)
	Old El Paso® salsa (any variety)
	Sour cream, if desired Heat oven to 400°F. Grease 9-inch pie plate. Cook ground beef and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in seasoning mix (dry). Spoon into pie plate; top with chilies. Stir milk, eggs and Bisquick mix until blended. Pour into pie plate. Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 8 to 10 minutes longer. Cool 5 minutes. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

Oh I really loved this book. Very good story. It is a story about forgiveness and about finding the way back after being lost. Lena Markham was just released from prison. She feels like God has not been there for her because what kind of God would allow her to pay the price for a crime she didn't do. She struggles with understanding what God is like and why He allows bad things to happen to people like her.

She gets a second chance and arrives by bus in New Haven. She is suppose to work at Harrington's but the department store is not doing well. It has laid some of its employees off. Still, Lena is a perfect fit for playing Mrs. Santa at the store so she gets a job. She thinks that life is finally turning around for her but then someone complains that she is an ex-con. She gets fired.

The story is a great story about second chances and about healing. A nice story with a great holiday spirit. It does end upbeat. A nice holiday novel.

The reason for the season

Book Review and Giveaway

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

I received this book from WaterBrook Maltnomah Publishers for the sole purpose of reading and doing this review.

This was a cute, whimsical story. The story begins with two lonely hearts that meet in a book store. Although, they work together they really don't know each other. They both receive a ticket to the Christmas ball. The Christmas ball is a magical ball designed to draw lonely hearts together and fall in love. I really enjoyed the story and found it a fun book to read. It is light hearted romance. I really like that in the story Simon, one of the two main characters, believes in courting and not dating. That is a nice aspect to the story. On the other hand, the author also portrayed wizards as being different from witches. It is kind of implied that witches are evil but that wizards are okay. I find this troubling and don't really agree with that interpretation.

A quote from the book (p. 108) "Of course I'm not in favor of witches and goblins and dealing with the dead. Actually, the Anglo-Saxon term 'wizard' simply refers to older, wise people, as in 'wizened.' So wizards are not closely associated with witches."

Hmmmm. I believe this is splitting hairs especially since in the book the wizards had the power of knowing things about people and events. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 it states "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord." God very broadly defines what is detestable to Him and while the exact term of wizard is not used it seems to me to fall into this category. In the book the wizards are good and are portrayed as doing God's work. I believe that angels are sent to do that job and not wizards.

Now while I will say that I draw this distinction, I do also recognize that there is much debate in the Christian world on this subject. Many Christians read and believe Harry Potter is okay and many others do not. My personal beliefs are that witches and wizards exist so I do not say that books shouldn't have them in the story. I just prefer for them to be shown in a negative or evil light instead of portraying them as something good. (My opinion.)

This book didn't bother me as much as some that have witchcraft in them as the wizards weren't really of this world and although they were shown to be 'good' (which I debate) at least the powers were more behind the scenes and not obvious. The main aspect of the story is the budding romance between Cora and Simon. And that is a wonderful, lovely romance. The romance is handled in a very tasteful light.

The story is well written. It really is a delightful read and an enjoyable story. I just wanted to be clear about the 'magic' aspect that is in the book.

I am giving away my copy of the book to one of my blog readers. I don't want my review to scare you away as it really is a delightful read. I just wanted to be clear that there is magic in the book. If you are interested in the book, leave me a comment about one of your most favorite Christmas traditions!

I will tell you one of mine --- I love to get a good book. I stay up late reading - wrapped in a blanket with the wonderful beauty of the Christmas tree lights on in the room. It is my special time and I just love the quiet time to enjoy the lights, a good book and a warm cup of herbal tea!

Giveaway ends December 17th. And please be sure to include your email so I have a way to contact you if you win!

Decorating the tree

Many of our ornaments have special memories attached --- many are ornaments that the kids made over the year, some are ornaments from places we visited or traveled to. It is so special to reminisce as we hang the ornaments. I shared some of my special memories with my youngest. Really enjoyed it.

Art class - Rose Windows

We are so blessed to have a wonderful art teacher --- she is fabulous! She taught the kids about Rose windows - which tied in nicely as we had recently visited/toured one of the beautiful Catholic churches in the area - that has beautiful stain glass windows - one of them is a Rose window. Click here to see the posting on the tour & a picture of the Rose window. It was wonderful to have the kids learn more about Rose windows and then have the opportunity to make one.

We used a black board with oil pastels for the 'glass' and glue for the tracery. They focused on radial design and learned about Gothic windows and churches. Our art teacher had been to Europe and had slides of churches that had Rose windows. One of the most famous is Notre Dame Cathedral.

ornament exchange

I belong to an on-line homeschool group. It is really a fun group and I gain alot of insight from them. Every Christmas, there is an ornament exchange for those that want to participate. My kids and I get a kick out of figuring out on a map where the ornament I am sending off is heading. And they just love it when the package arrives in the mail. I think they enjoy it as much as I do.

My ornament arrived recently and it is gorgeous! It is from Katrina - thank you Katrina. We love it. Below is a picture of the ornament.

Pork Sausage Apple Loaf

I made this tonight - it was really good.

It is from Betty Crocker - and you can find the recipe by clicking here.

Christmas - Candy Cane legend

I posted about the Candy Cane legend - with two books to read. A blog friend of mine has a wonderful craft and a treat to make.

Check it out - Lamp Unto My Feet blog.

more Christmas favorites for kids

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

This is a different story than the one I posted about before. This one a new man moves into town and they aren't sure what type of business he is setting up. Turns out, to the delight of the children, it is a candy store. One of the candies he sells is the candy cane and he tells the significance of the candy cane to the girl helping him unpack. The illustrations are wonderful.

The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne

This one is really a favorite. In the story, Dad is upset by all the commercialization of the Christmas holiday. They end up at a Christmas tree farm where there are 3 trees already set up at the entrance. The man in charge tells the significance of the trees and why it all ties in to the birth of Christ. Neat to use a tree as a way to tell the story of Christ. It is really a nice book. He also has one called The Legend of the Christmas Stocking. I just ordered that one from the library. We haven't read that one yet.

Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo

This story is the legend of tinsel. It is a very cute story. The setting of the story is in Germany. After reading this story, many years ago, I find I still walk around and say, "it's time to make Christmas" when I make Christmas cookies.

Silver Packages by Cynthia Rylant

This is an Appalachian Christmas story. It is about giving back. And has a great message about God fulfilling our needs at just the right time we need them fulfilled. God is not specifically mentioned and given the credit but it is an easy tie in to talk about with your child.

Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco

This one is about a pastor's family. They move to a new location which is in Detroit. The church needs to be revived and he is the pastor to do it. The son is upset about leaving their home and sees nothing good about their new location especially the church itself - it is rundown. A leak in the roof causes damage to the wall. The son is devastated. Then, they are to go pick up Christmas decorations that the mom ordered and the car doesn't start. The father and son take the bus. It is due to the journey - and who they meet along the way that a wonderful story unfolds. In the end, they realize it was all part of God's plan - that all the pieces were beautifully woven into a tapestry and each part of daily life was a thread in that tapestry that when woven together made a beautiful picture. Really a very wonderful story.

There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed books

My son just loved these books. They are really kind of funny. Great rhyming books.

Both are by Lucille Colandro.

Libby

Isn't Libby a hoot! She loves to crawl into the case of bottle water! Then she will lay upside down and play with the wrapper. I think it makes a cool crinkly sound that she loves.

fun treats

Our dog loves peanut butter. We let him lick the empty peanut butter container. He thinks it is quite a treat! Here he is ---- if only he had a longer tongue!

excellent recipe - potatoes

A friend from church told me his wife makes this for him and he loves it. I decided to give it a try and it was truly wonderful tasting. (Sorry no picture - I completely forgot to get the camera out!) Trust me though - these are really good.

And so simple ---

Take some potatoes.

Now my friend said to peel them first but I think the skins are good - plus lots of vitamins in the skins. So I kept the skins on. Washed the potatoes and then cut them into wedges.

Put some olive oil in a bowl.

Also take some cornflakes - I took a glass and rolled it over the cornflakes so that it crushed them up.

Dunk / roll the potatoes in the olive oil.

And then roll them in the cornflakes.

Put on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil.

Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes at 375. My friend just said cook it until it seems done. I choose 375 and they were done in about 50 minutes. Basically, they should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

They were very, very good. My husband and oldest son were 'fighting' over them. My two youngest didn't eat them - but they are not a good judge of things - they are my picky eaters. If we all ate what they liked we would all have to live on peanut butter and jelly.

World Made by Hand by James Howard Kunstler

World Made by Hand by James Howard Kunstler

This book is similar to One Second After. It is about survival after the grid collapses. In One Second After the grid collapses due to an EMP being set off. In World Made by Hand there is a crisis with oil --- there is not enough oil and countries begin fighting over the world's resources of oil. It leads to war. In the book, it does talk about Washington D.C. being hit and gone. Both books are kind of futuristic. They remind me of Brave New World - and how when that first came out no one thought that look into the future could ever happen. Now, looking back we can see that some of it did come true. I do pray that none of the things in either of these books comes true. I had trouble getting through this book - it wasn't a hard read but hard to think about any of this happening. Then I kept thinking about how our family would survive. It is just a tough subject.

This book is written from a more liberal point of view than One Second After. In World Made by Hand several of the main characters find God to be distant and not very helpful - after all He allowed their world to collapse (their perspective - not mine). There is a group that knows Jesus but they are portrayed as a religious cult. Still, in the end they are shown as being very helpful to the community.

I really enjoyed the book. It is very well written. I think it offers up alot of 'food for thought'. One interesting note is that in both books after the grid collapses a major flu epidemic sweeps through killing a good portion of the population. Interesting to think about the flu being that deadly. We have such a good standard of living that the flu really is no big deal. Yet, in the past, there have been major epidemics of the flu that have killed alot of people. I know there has been alot of talk about a flu epidemic - such as bird flu, swine flu, et. Still, they haven't amounted to much. A major collapse in the standard of living where fresh water isn't available would certainly create a breeding ground for an epidemic to occur.

Advent book for kids

One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham.

This is really two stories in one. First story is about a boy who goes out walking in the woods in the mountains. The weather gets bad and he makes it to a neighbor's house. He ends up spending several days as they are snowed in.

While he is there the lady of the house entertains him with the story of Christmas. She starts with creation and Adam and Eve. After all, if sin hadn't entered the world there would be no need for a savior. To truly understand the meaning of Christmas we have to understand why we need a savior in the first place. I love how she walks through many of the important events of the Old Testament. Then she gets to the birth of Christ. But she doesn't stop there as that is just the beginning. She talks about his death and resurrection. This is a great book that will really tie in the true meaning of Christmas for children. We really enjoyed reading this book. The pictures in the book are marvelous too.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

A wonderful, delightful book. The book is based on the fact that guardian angels exist and play an active role to help people. Emily Merkle is just such an angel. Her name on her name tag gets missed spelled and she becomes Mrs. Miracle. And she works to bring the spirit of Christmas and love into Jake and Holly's lives. The book starts each chapter with a quote from the characters of the book. They are really neat and fun.

Here are a few:

Exercise daily - walk with the Lord. - Mrs. Miracle

If God is your copilot, trade places. - Mrs. Miracle (I loved this one!)

Lead me not into temptation. I can find the way myself. - J.R. Finley.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. - Mrs. Miracle.

She also includes a couple of recipes. The one for sugar cookies looks very good.

This was just a great book to get in the Christmas spirit. I hope you will read it. It is very enjoyable.

Advent book - The Candymaker's Gift

by David and Helen Haidle

The Meaning of the Candy Cane - (this is from a card that I got - this attaches to an actual candy cane so that you can pass the meaning on to others).

"Many years ago a candy maker wanted to make a candy that would symbolize the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus.

The hard candy was shaped like a "J" to represent that Jesus is our rock of all ages. The candy was made of white to stand for the pureness of Jesus. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed to save us from our sins.

So the next time you see a candy cane take a minute to remember the real meaning of Christmas."

This book tells the story of the candy maker wanting to come up with a candy that would explain about Christmas to the children in the village whom he loved so much. He prayed to God for a solution and as he talked to his Granddaughter the idea came to him. It is a wonderful book and at the end the author lists the meaning of the candy cane with bible verses to go along with the meanings.

Here are a few of them -

Hard Candy

This reminds us that Jesus is like a "rock," strong and dependable.

Read Psalm 31:3

Peppermint Flavor:

This reminds us of the gift of spices from the wise men.

Read Matthew 2:11

Cane:

This reminds us of a staff used by shepherds in caring for sheep. Jesus is our "Good Shepherd."

Read John 10:1-18, 27-30.

This is really a great book to talk about the meaning of Christmas - Jesus.

Wonderful book. Enjoyable story and there is a recipe for Candy Cane Cookies at the end. This would be a fun project to do.

Advent books

I just wanted to share a few of the books that we enjoy reading during Advent. These are all wonderful stories. Hope you enjoy them also.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski. This is really one of our most favorite books of the season. Jonathan is a grumpy man because he is sad. His wife and child died and he is grieving. Jonathan is a woodcarver and it is through the carving of a nativity set that the healing begins.

Bright Christmas An Angel Remembers by Andrew Clements

Many times when God has wanted to send a message to the people on earth He has sent angels. The story of Jesus's birth is told from by an angel. Very nice story.

This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar

Rhyming poetry. My son really enjoyed this one and started to say the lines with me.

Josie's Gift by Kathleen Long Bostrom

A very nice story that takes place during the depression. The father of the family has recently died and it is the first Christmas without him. Things are tough, money is tight. Still, this family is better off than many in the depression era - they have a farm and food. Josie really wants a blue, store bought sweater for Christmas. Her mother is not sure she can afford it. In the end, Josie sees a family that is without shelter and has very little - all they have they are carrying with them. It is through meeting this family that Josie realizes how much God has blessed her. She learns that "Christmas is not about what we want. It's about what we have." And being thankful for what we have. It was a very good story.

great meal - Tortellini with Fresh Vegetables

A friend of mine posted about a new meal she made. I tried it tonight and it was really, really good. Here is a link to her blog click here. Give it a try. It was very good!

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles by Karen Kingsbury

These are true stories that show God's presence in people's lives. It is a very touching, warm hearted book. (Okay - be sure to have a box of tissues close by when reading it!) I really loved this book because I like to know that God reaches down and helps us in tangible ways. Some times they are just little, small miracles and sometimes bigger miracles. But they are miracles and I love knowing that miracles are possible. That they still happen. And that God is actively taking part in people's lives. These stories re-affirmed that for me. It was a very good book and I hope you will take time to read it this holiday season.

Tree of thanksgiving (or Thankful Tree)

We read this book which was just delightful. Then we read Psalms 92 and talked about that. Then we made a thankful tree.

Here JJ is hard at work writing "Give thanks to the Lord" on his thankful tree.

He is 'thankful' (and excited!) he is done!

We then hung up the tree. JJ came up with things he was thankful for and we wrote them on leaves and taped the leaves to the tree. Throughout the coming week we will continue to add things we are thankful for. As I thought about it our tree is the opposite of what happens in fall. In fall the leaves fall off - ours the colorful leaves keep adding to the tree! It is a neat, visual reminder that we have much to thank God for each and every day.

Waiting for Christmas - Advent story for kids

Waiting for Christmas

A Story about the Advent Calendar

by Kathleen Long Bostrom

There is an author's note at the start of this book explaining how and when the first Advent calendars came into being. Very neat information. The story told in the book is based on the tradition of how the first Advent calendars started. It is a very cute story. A wonderful read. Aimed more at younger children.

At the end of the book are five suggestions for creating your own Advent calendar, chains, and pictures of art wall. Great ideas. I recommend getting this book now so that you can utilize the ideas and be ready for the coming Advent season. Great suggestions. One I will share here because my youngest wants me to do this for him. All my children love the Advent calendars that have the chocolate candies in them but my youngest is allergic to dairy. He can't eat that chocolate. He is such a good sport - he asks if he can be the opener and they can be the eaters. Isn't that the sweetest thing. Children who live with allergies, I find are so used to not being able to eat certain things that it just become accepted to them. It has just always been that way for my youngest and he just knows that is how life is. I do try to do things just for him (to the point where the others actually comment on why is it all about what he can eat! Moms can never win!)

Anyway, the one idea from the book for an Advent calendar is to make a treat calendar. Tie twenty-four pieces of candy or cookies onto a piece of cardboard that has been decorated for Christmas. Remove one treat each day! Since we would make this ourself we could ensure that only things JJ can eat would be on it. I am thinking of doing this one this year! I will take a picture if I get it done. We first have to do our Thanksgiving Tree. More on that in a day or two!

a gift from my husband

What a wonderful day.

I was suppose to take my son to hockey late this afternoon. My husband made it home from my older son's hockey game early - he actually had time to fix the leaky faucet in the kitchen. And then volunteered to take both kids to their evening games. I love to see them play but sometimes it is a treat have some Mommy time. And that is the gift my husband gave me this afternoon and evening. Roughly 6 hours of Mommy alone time! I read a whole book. Did some laundry and just had time to myself. It was fabulous! Thank you, my dearest hubby!

A Plain & Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston

A wonderful Christmas story about the power of forgiveness. Very heartwarming story about the reconciliation of a family. The youngest daughter of the family, Anna Mae, leaves the Amish community to marry an Englisher. Her father is the Bishop of the Amish community and he feels betrayed that one of his daughters left the Amish faith. Being the Bishop he feels this reflects badly on him and his teachings. He feels betrayed and hurt by her actions. Anna Mae didn't do it to cause pain but because she truly loves Kellan, her husband. He is a good, Christian man - but not Amish. It is a quick easy read and a very enjoyable book.

I am not sure about the 'rules' of shunning though. Found that interesting. In this book, it states that "the shunning tradition dictates that we can't eat at the same table as she does and we can't conduct business with her. It says nothing about visiting with her...." p. 110. In other words, they were allowed to talk and have contact with the shunned person. I guess I didn't realize this was the case. I thought shunning was more along the lines of completely not acknowledging the shunned person at all - no contact. No reading their letters. No correspondence. No seeing and visiting them. That was not what was indicated in the book. So now I am curious - do different Amish communities have different rules regarding shunning? What are the rules? I guess I will have to do a bit of research. Anyone have any insight on this?

Art class - Ancient Greek Architecture

This art class ties in with our history studies. She taught them about Ancient Greek architecture. They learned about the column types - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. They were to create the facade of the building using foam core and paper.