For Your Reading Pleasure

Lately life has been a little challenging.  I've had so many physical things going on since the beginning of last year, and I rounded out the year on December 28th with a colonoscopy.  Yay.  Actually, it really wasn't that bad.  I'm SO glad they put you to sleep for those things!  : )  Anyway, life continues whether or not Momma is feeling up for it or not.  My means of escape?  A good book.  In fact, lots of good books.  I've been devouring books lately, reading 2 or 3 a week.  Once I get into a story, it's hard to stop.  For me it's like watching a great movie--it's so hard to stop in the middle to see how it's going to end : ).  I probably need to put the brakes on a little so I can get more sleep...but like I said, sometimes an overwhelmed Momma needs a little getaway...even if it's just a mental getaway.  So I thought I'd recommend some of my favorites lately.  I'll start with...

Medievals!  I'm SO into this time period right now.  Especially when there are several good ones.  I'm going to include a few I read last year, too, because I honestly think I might go back and read a few of them again.

I'll start with Melanie Dickerson's Young Adult (YA) books:

The Healer's Apprentice--a Christian/medieval take on Sleeping Beauty.  I love Melanie's style and the way she interprets these classic fairy tales.  Come on...I think all of us still love a good fairy tale, right?!

The Merchant's Daughter--another fairy tale made over.  This time it's Beauty and the Beast and it is fabulous.  I think I read it in a day, so I really want to go back and read it again. 

I'm hoping to do a little feature on Melanie soon, and when I do you'll get to hear about her newest book, The Fairest Beauty, which is now available (I haven't gotten it yet, but hope to soon!).  It's her version of Snow White.  She's also coming out with a Cinderella book in October.  Love it!

Next I would LOVE to recommend Lisa Bergren's River of Time series.  Oh man.  These are also YA books, but I loved them.  The main characters are two teenage sisters who mysterious travel back in time to Italy...and encounter knights, war, danger, and love.  Oh yeah.  There are 3 novels in the series and I think there are 2 novellas so far.  All are good! 

Recently my sister and I discovered another time travel/medieval book that we both loved.  It's called Dreamspell by Tamera Leigh.  It was really good and so my sister went on to buy the first book in Tamera's Age of Faith series called The Unveiling and the next book is called The Yielding.  If you like knights, some sword action, and a little romance, you'll like these!  Couldn't put them down!

Historical Christian fiction....

I'm really enjoying author Elizabeth Camden's books lately.  In fact, I'm reading The Rose of Winslow Street right now and it's so good!  I reviewed Against the Tide not too long ago here.  The sort of prequel to Against the Tide is The Lady of Bolton Hill, which sort of gives you a glimpse into the main character in Against the Tide.  I like Camden's books because they are well written, but they also offer insight into things I've not read much about, such as the opium trade and how it has affected so many, young and old.  It is fictional, but like many books there are some truths presented even in a fictional novel.  There are elements of romance in her novels, but there's also a little suspense, danger at times, and a good level of tension that makes me want to keep turning the pages.

I mentioned Lisa Bergren in the medieval section, but last year I read her "Glamorous Illusions".  I LOVED it!  It has a great level of suspense as someone is following our main character, but we don't know who : ).  Amazon sums it up best: When Cora Kensington learns she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king, her life changes forever. Even as she explores Europe with her new family, she discovers that the most valuable journey is within. The first book in the Grand Tour series takes you from the farms of Montana through England and France on an adventure of forgiveness, spiritual awakening, and self-discovery.  Now to be able to read the sequel!  Hopefully it'll come out soon!

Tamera Alexander has long been one of my favorite authors!  Last November I actually got to meet her...AND have lunch with her!!  It was truly a treat and honor to be able to do that. Here is my blog post about our trip.  Her recent book, To Whisper Her Name, is set at Belle Meade plantation during the post-civil war era.  I love the rich history that Tamera incorporates into her novels.  It draws you into the world of the characters, which she includes those who really lived and worked at Belle Meade plantation.  My hubby and I were able to tour the home and grounds and it really made the book come to life.  The thing I love most about Tamera's book is the clear message of Christ and His love.  There is always a theme and nuggets of truth weaved into her stories that stick with me long after finishing the book.  I could recommend several of her books for that reason alone! 

I couldn't complete this post without mentioned Laura Frantz!!  I think I am one of her biggest fans ; ).  I absolutely love her books.  When I read them, the time period, the characters, everything about the story seems to come alive.  I feel like I'm watching a scene from a movie.  Her books are so detailed and filled with history--I wish the actual history books were written like this!  Maybe more people would enjoy learning it! : )  The Frontiersman's Daughter, The Colonel's Lady, and The Courting of Morrow Little all take place around the 1700s in the wilds of Kentucky.  My stomach is often in knots while reading her books...I can't hardly stand to put them down!  I loved the fact that, especially in The Colonel's Lady, that even when things seemed hopeless the main characters' devotion, dependence, and love for the Lord is what got them through impossible circumstances.  In thinking on our nation's founding, it seems impossible that our country could even be formed, if not for the dependence of our leaders on the Lord.  Love's Reckoning, her newest book, takes place in a later time in history, but still in America.  I enjoyed that book as well, but I think I'm still partial to her Kentucky books : ).

Honestly, I could recommend several more books but the hour is late and I need to finish up the book I'm reading : ).  If you have a Kindle, one benefit is that you can "share" some books with friends or family.  My sister and I have started taking turns buying favorite books and sharing them with each other ; ).  You have about 2 weeks to read a shared book once you put it on your Kindle.  It's a fun way to be able to read some of your favorite books! 

Happy reading!

On the move!

Well, my little cutie has been in this position for a month or so...just rocking back and forth.  When he wants something, he goes back to his tummy and tries to roll or scoot to what he wants.  But the other day he did something new.

He figured out how to coordinate those little hands and feet...and started to move!  He's not very fast, but he's getting it.  Soon there will be a lot of changes going on.  Little toy pieces will need to be put up high, paper will have to be kept off the floor (he's already tried to start eating it), and I'm sure he will not be confined much longer.  Our earliest baby (he came 3 weeks early), the earliest teether (first teeth at 5 1/2 mos), and now earliest crawler.  This boy is special : ).  But I already knew that!  In fact, all three of my kiddos are special in their own way.  Learning their strengths and helping them grow in them is one of my joys.  Way to go, Sethy.

Love you!

According to the Manual...

 I was so disappointed when I thought that we wouldn't be able to use our tickets to Callaway Gardens' "Fantasy in Lights".  You see, I had to have a colonoscopy the next day and it was scheduled at the last minute...so I couldn't go out of town while I was trying to prep for that.  Ugh.  So I called up there to see anything could be done about our tickets.  I was surprised to see how flexible they were about changing them for us...and relieved!  I was so thankful God provided this for us!  The only catch was that the only available time left was at 10pm on Sunday night, December 30th!  I talked to the hubby and we said, "let's do it!" : )  So we loaded up and headed out for some Christmasy fun!

 On our way to the Callaway Christmas village, Sophie and I were talking about trying to see the Gingerbread Man and the Nutcracker characters that they have there.  We missed them last year, and Sophie really wanted to see them this year.  "According to the manual," she started telling me, "the Gingerbread Man and the Nutcracker Man live there.  They live in that place." "Oh really," I say, interested in where this conversation is going and quite amused.  "Yes, according to the manual." She wanted to make sure I knew the "manual" said so. "And the manual is behind my eyes.  When I want to read it, all I have to do is close my eyes and I can see it." Barely able to control my laughter, I turn to Joe and say, "Joe, did you hear that?  Sophie just said if she blinked her eyes she could see the manual." Then I was corrected. "No, Mom, not blink my eyes, CLOSE my eyes.  Then I can see the manual." "Oh, I see.  That's interesting." She continued to tell me a couple more times about the manual.  That was the beginning of a night filled with fun and laughter...just what our family needed! : )

 I was glad the "manual" was correct ; ).  I was a little worried that our "friends" weren't going to show this year, but finally they did.  Apparently the Gingerbread Man really liked Isaac's hair...lol. 

 We didn't get to see The Nutcracker this year, but a penguin made its appearance and all was good.  After some pictures we headed off to get ready for the lights.

After we finished up and started for home, we decided to play a game where we would each tell a few lines of a story and keep going until everyone in the family at least had a few turns.  I wasn't sure how well Sophie, or Isaac for that matter, would do.  They did great!  And we laughed and laughed.  Sophie came up with a few titles, one being "Sophie, Isaac, and Seth Go To the Ball".  The story included a mean Uncle Joe Cartwright who lived at the Ponderosa (Joe is a big fan of Bonanza : )) and how he made Seth and Isaac wash the stinky, dirty clothes.  Isaac's lines really made sense until he started getting sleepy.  Then all his turns were about Abraham and his son, Isaac.  So cute.  This wrapped up the Christmas season for us and made it really feel like our Christmas was complete.  Hope yours was just as wonderful!

God bless~Stacey

Merry Christmas from us!

 We are continuing to celebrate this season making memories, talking about the true meaning of Christmas, and doing fun things.  Last night...our annual trip to Yonkers, GA to see the house that's decorated with lots of Christmas lights.  You can get out, walk around, visit Santa, and even sign a guest book.  It's short, but so worth it!  Then we drove around town and looked at more Christmas lights.  It's become one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. 

I think this is my kids' first picture with Santa Claus.  Crazy, huh?!  We have nothing against Santa, but I just want to make sure that Sophie knows the true meaning of Christmas.  It is so hard to make our teaching of Jesus being the focus of Christmas more important that the constant message of Christmas being about Santa. The kids see this on tv, the computer, and talking to friends and family.  Last night I kind of laughed as we were walking up to the lights and Sophie saw lit up Santa Clauses and she said, loudly, "I know Santa isn't real, Mom." I was like, "Sophie, that's our family secret.  Some other kids don't know the secret yet and we wouldn't want to spoil anything for them." A few minutes later she was explaining to Isaac that Santa had a toy machine and they could go tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and they could get it.  Too funny.  There's a lot of mixed messages that kids get over this holiday.  The one I want to be most important is that the reason we celebrate is because of Jesus.  Just Him.  He is worthy of our celebrating this time of year for Him.  Our gifts are given to honor Him and His birth.  All the other stuff is fun and we enjoy that, too.  Here's a song that I really enjoy that reminds us of what this holiday is about.  Merry Christmas to all of you!  God bless!

*Christmas fun*

 I absolutely love this time of year.  The weather is nice, we can do fun things together, and celebrate Jesus' birth.  Last week we invited one of Sophie's friends over to play.  Notice the short sleeves...that's south GA for you : ).

 We made some tree ornaments out of popsicle sticks, buttons, beads, and ribbon.  It was so much fun.  I love making ornments with the kids...and their friends.

 I saw something on Pinterest that I wanted to try.  We have "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and I thought making some "Grinch punch" would be fun after reading the story.  So that's what we did! 

Grinch punch: lime sherbert and Sprite

 Here's our story and there are the punch eaters.  My favorite line: "Mom, I wuv Grinch punch!" from my little guy : ).

 On Sunday Isaac made his church singing debut.  He did such a great job! 

My sweet Sophie did a great job, too! 

Next week...I hope we'll be able to make some homemade salt dough ornaments!  I have big plans to have some handprints of my babies on the tree : ). 

Merry Christmas and God bless!

Shakespeare meets Lancaster County in "Courting Cate"

*I received this book for free from Bethany House publishers to give an unbiased review"

I had a spark of interest when I read that this book was kind of a play on Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew".  I've seen the movie with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and really enjoyed it.  So I kind of had an idea of what the story line of this book might be...with an Amish twist.  What I didn't expect was the way that I could relate to the story and how real and understandable Cate's shrewishness was.

Cate is the oldest daughter of the family and has been responsible for raising her baby sister since she was a little girl herself.  Her mother passed away after giving birth and at 5 years old, Cate shouldered a lot of the burden of mothering.  Flash forward several years later.  Cate has given up her desire of having a husband and family, which is very traditional in the Amish community, and instead hopes to run her own business and provide for herself.  Her sister, now 17, is beautiful and the perfect little wife to be.  She can cook, garden, and charm...all the things that Cate feels she is lacking.  Then Cate meets Pete.  He's traveling through, but instantly Cate knows he's different.  She enjoys spending time with him until she is caught in a situation that brings up all of her old feelings from the past...humiliation and betrayal.  When her father states that Cate's younger sister can't court until Cate does, the story takes a lot of interesting turns. 

The story of Cate and Pete definitely intertwined with "The Taming of the Shrew"...but I thought it offered even more.  Cate's feelings of betrayal...stemming from being openly humiliated by some boys in her community...is so relatable.  It was easy to understand why she struggled with trust.  I honestly felt sorry for her in some ways as she had to bear the burden of raising her younger sister at such a young age, and feeling like a failure when her sister didn't act the way she should.  Cate's sister was also very manipulative, and it was hard at times to see Cate cater to her.  Love and forgiveness were also a theme through the story.  As Cate drew nearer to the Lord, her callous attitude towards those who had wronged her smoothed out.  The Lord helped change her and soothe those deep wounds.  There is one very interesting part in the story (I would spoil it if I told you what happened) that causes Cate to be humbled, but in the process she learns and grows in the areas that she is weakest in.  I know that's kind of vague, but if you read the story you'll know what I'm talking about ; ).  I found myself feeling angry towards those who had hurt Cate but it was a good lesson for me about forgiveness through these fictional characters.  Forgiveness is something that is difficult sometimes to give, but when we do we can experience a wealth of love and freedom.  I would definitely recommend "Courting Cate".

Our Jesse Tree

In true Stacey style, I decided yesterday that I wanted to do something for advent.  I definitely felt the need for our family to take Christmas back to its roots...Christ.  It's not that we haven't been talking about Jesus' birth every year at Christmas time, but I've noticed that the kids are very influenced by everything around them..tv, movies, other kids, etc.  So much so that I've asked Sophie several times what the meaning of Christmas was and she said, "Santa Claus."  Please, friends, don't go up in arms because I'm not anti-Santa.  In fact, I have a book I bought at the Christian bookstore that about the real Saint Nicolas and how he ministered to families way back when.  I grew up with Santa.  I watch movies that include Santa.  But I do personally think that Christmas has become too Santa focused.  What is Christmas all about?  Christ.  I am constantly reminding Sophie that we give gifts at Christmas because we're celebrating the birth of Jesus, just like we would celebrate their birthday.  But Jesus came to the earth, was the son of God and he died for us...and we celebrate that with gifts...not because of how good or bad they were or if they wrote a list to Santa.  This year I put the word out on facebook that I was looking for some advent ideas...semi-crafty, Christ-centered, cheap.  I got several great ideas, but I decided to go with this one:

 The Jesse tree.  I had heard of this before, but had no idea what it was.  Honestly, I thought someone named Jesse (probably a kid) came up with the idea to put some special ornaments on a tree.  Now I know...the Jesse tree is a way to take the focus of Christmas back to the lineage of Jesus...from the beginning at creation on up in time.  Here's our little Jesse tree.  Since I waited til the last minute and didn't want to buy stuff....I went and got a tomato cage from our shed, tied the prongs together at the top, wrapped it with a small piece of garland and extra Christmas lights, and put a bow on top.  I also added one of our old tree skirts...green and white gingham fabric...to the bottom. 

 Ann Voskamp, known for her book "One Thousand Gifts", has offered her blog readers/subscribers a free copy of her advent reading plan and free printables for the Jesse tree ornaments...color and black and white.  I looked at some other advent reading plans, but this one just seemed special to me.  I really like Ann's style.  I've never read "One Thousand Gifts"...I've heard of it and heard good things about it...but just never read it.  But I peeked into her blog today and was really drawn to it.  She has a lot of neat freebies on there.  I subscribed to her blog and later in the day got an email that included the link to the advent packet.  Above are all the Jesse tree ornaments...printed, glued to construction paper, hole punched, and strung.  A few still needed to dry, but I've got most of them done.

Here's a close-up of a few of them.  Aren't the pictures beautiful?!  I love some of the things she encourages you to do as a family after each day.  I really hope that we can do all of it even though we'll be pretty busy over the next couple of weeks.  I think this will not only draw us closer to each other, but closer to our Savior...who is worthy to be praised this holiday season!

God bless you...and Merry Christmas!  : )