Hey, It's Okay Tuesday!

I got this idea from Glamour magazine. They have a section called Hey, It’s Okay and will list a bunch of things to be okay about. You're welcome to join in and do something like this on your blog. Doesn't have to be on a Tuesday either. Just make sure you link up and that the post you link up is a Hey, It's Okay Post.

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To NOT be throwing away a going away party for the Elf on the Shelf that apparently a lot of people do. I'm going to send it off happily. Natalie will probably hug it goodbye. We allow touching.


To have loved the movie Saving Mr. Banks. Go see it! PL Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, was a very amusing (and stubborn) lady. I wonder what she would have thought had she ever seen Yo Gabba Gabba?


To feel like I'm NOT ready for Christmas tomorrow. But it's coming no matter what. Ack!


To be glad my kids don't wake up butt early to open presents. I mean, they DO but they know they have to wait in their rooms to an appropriate time of at least 8.


To be surprising Tommy with a Wii U. We had told him it was too expensive so he's going to be shocked.


To have made sugar cookies with buttercream frosting. From scratch. I rarely make things from scratch.


To have wanted to make no bake cookies but the stupid commissary was out of oats. And I was going to make puppy chow but they were also out of powdered sugar. Ugh! Note to self: get tons of powdered sugar early next year.


To love that Tom will be silly with the kids. He was being a box monster. Mind you, Tommy is all, "No thanks," and stays in his room, but Natalie loves it.

The Scent of Fear

About The Book:  After three years of tenuous peace, John and Ellie Zimmerman are shocked when two old friends show up in disguise. Their world is once again sent into turmoil.  Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the break up of a group persecuting Christians in the Lancaster Tourist Zone. Now, they're gunning for him. At first, he relies on his negotiating skills, but his best operative convinces him that won't work.  Monty, a topnotch operative, worked on the Bird-in-Hand assignment and helped bring down the New Patriots. A recurring dream prompts him to rescue his boss from possible murder. The agency might not be sending him on assignment, but he knows God is directing his path - one that could wreck his career, family, and cost him his life.

About The Author:  Susan J. Reinhardt started off as a non-fiction writer. Her publishing credits include: LIVE!, Vista, The RevWriter Resource, The Secret Place, and numerous other periodicals and anthologies. She changed gears and began writing fiction after an experience in Gettysburg. Surrounded by history, she *heard* the voices of the forefathers as fading echoes. Attempts to write a poem or non-fiction piece were unsuccessful, so she put the thoughts aside and prayed. Eight months later, Susan and her late husband were discussing that event when he declared, "That's it! That's your book, and it will be written in 4 months and be called Ghosts of the Past." The first draft was written in 4 months and underwent a name change to Echoes of the Past. Later, it became The Moses Conspiracy. Now, after 2 years of caring for her husband through cancer until his death and 6 years of honing her fiction skills, The Moses Conspiracy has been published.  A widow, stepmom, daughter, and follower of Jesus Christ, Susan enjoys reading, couponing, gardening, family time, and searching for small treasures in antique shops.
Susan blogs at: http://susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanJReinhardt
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7012233.Susan_J_Reinhardt
Twitter: http://twitter.com/susan.j.Reinhardt

My Thoughts About The Book:  I did not read the first book, The Moses Conspiracy, before reading The Scent of Fear and probably should have.  I had some difficulty getting up to speed with the second book.  I have to say that once I got past the initial confusion I was captivated by the story and amazed by the writer.  This wonderful story is filled with action, suspense, and mystery, this story expands characters from The Moses Conspiracy, sharing their lives, trials, and how they come to terms with future events.  The book is a "can't put down" one and I found myself reading when I should have been doing other things.  I plan to go back and read The Moses Conspiracy while I wait for her next book to come out.  Excellent read!  Thanks for letting me have the chance to read and review this.

 

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Diane Estrella at www.dianeestrella.com  for an honest review.  Thank you so much for this opportunity.  Reviews are published on Goodreads and Amazon too.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Christmas is in two days. I know! Cue panic! I have a list of things that I want. Maybe they'll happen?


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For everyone to stop using the word selfie. Please. I don't care if it's in the dictionary. It's an awful word that people over 18 should not be using.


For people to stop vaguebooking on Facebook. Don't post, "So depressed..." and not tell us why. I'm nosy. I want to know why. And I'll ask.


To find an agent so I can get my books published. Yes, I have The Swimmer's Assistant out but I want a REAL book and I want to be represented by an agent. Please let me find one. I've sent out query letters to several for my new book, Being Anne Boleyn, but so far, no luck.


For Miley Cyrus to go away. Seriously. Also, most of the real housewives of *insert state here* can go as well. Except Brandi. I like Brandi.


John Krasinski.


For people to stop writing checks in stores. I understand their purpose for sending bills, but in stores people want to get in and out. I'm generally behind someone who takes 10 minutes to write out a check. If you must write a check, please have everything filled out minus the cost, obviously. (My husband is really cursed. Whenever he's out, the person in front of us is writing a check like 95% of the time. Then he mutters, "Check writers! Why?")


To have a PIP. (Poop/pee in peace.)

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What do YOU want?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Review

Most of my readers are aware that my son has Aspergers. This means he likes to keep a schedule and tends to panic if he's off of it. He gets overstimulated easily. It's hard for him to fit in. When talking to his peers, he'd prefer to talk about his latest obsession. It doesn't occur to him that others wouldn't want to hear all about cumulus clouds. It's difficult for him to read people's expressions.

It's why I connected to Don Tillman, the lead character in the book The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.

Don is a smart professor of genetics and he's looking for love. He decides to start a Wife Project to help him find a mate. He winds up meeting Rosie, who appalls him at first because she smokes and is always late, two things that he disapproves of. He decides to help her find her biological father and through a series of hilarious moments, he realizes that perhaps everything doesn't have to be just so...

Don never comes out and says that he has autism but a lot of his mannerisms certainly match up with having it. I saw my son Tommy in Don. I rooted for Don, just as I root for Tommy.

If you like The Big Bang Theory and enjoy Sheldon, you'll love Don.

I love how when meeting people Don says, "Greetings," instead of the "normal" hi or hello.

If Don agrees with something, he doesn't say "yes." He says "correct."

A lot of Don's quirks are my son's quirks. Who wants to be normal anyway? I giggled through so much of this book and now I want to say "Greetings" instead of hello.

Go read this book!

And no, I was not given a free copy by a publisher. I got the book from the library and loved it so much that I wanted to share it with all of you.

You can purchase The Rosie Project on Amazon here! If you read the book, let me know how you liked it.


Here's a scene from the book that amused me and reminded me of my son. He sometimes struggles with looking at people when they speak:

“You’re unbelievable," said Rosie. "Look at me when I’m talking."

I kept looking out the window. I was already over-stimulated.

"I know what you look like.”

An Amish Miracle

About The Book:  An Amish Miracle is a collection of three novellas, by three different authors, all set in the same Amish community: Always Beautiful, Always His Providence, and Always in My Heart.  The first story, Always in My Heart introduces us to Hope Bowman and her family.  Hope is dealing with grief stemming from giving up her firstborn son.  This grief shadows the young mother's happiness  after she and her husband have their fourth daughter. Hope finds herself questioning God and wondering if God would grant her desire for a son?  In Always His Providence we are introduced to widow Rosa Hostetler who is facing losing everything. As she struggles with the possible loss of her farm and her chickens she learns to rely on God to provide and to wait on his will, yet she almost misses the biggest blessing; the possibility of loving again. Beth Wiseman's contribution, Always Beautiful, is about young Becky Byler and her struggle with her weight and self-image.  Is beauty only skin deep and can only skinny girls experience true love? 

About The Authors:  Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman
Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She's a full-time pharmacist who resides in Florida with her husband and three children.
Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish community, Geauga County. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Mary is a CBA and ECPA best-selling author as well as an ACFW Carol Award finalist and runner-up for the 2010 Holt Medallion Award.

My Thoughts About The Book:  I was excited when I realized that the stories were all set in the same town and I would be visiting with the same characters in each of the books. Each novella was well-written, the characters pop off the page and you find yourself wishing for success for each of them. These were not your run of the mill Amish romance stories where boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl marry.  There are several twists and turns and you find yourself wondering if things are going to work out for the three key women characters.  I loved everything about these novellas.  I loved the recipes at the end of the story.  I will definitely give them a try.  Especially the pineapple cake of Hopes. If you like Christian romance, or like to read about the Amish culture, you will not regret reading this book.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program for an honest review.  Thank you so much for this opportunity.  Reviews are published on Goodreads and Amazon too.

The Legend of Ranger, The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly by Alan Salisbury Review

I love holiday stories.

So I was happy to be able to review The Legend of Ranger, the Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly by Alan Salisbury, illustrated by Roberta Baird.

It also came with a CD that contained a song called Dream and Believe (Ranger's Song), that was quite catchy, as well as the audio book of The Legend of Ranger, the Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly.


The book is about what the title implies: a reindeer named Ranger, who can't fly. He's Rudolph's brother. He dreams of being able to help fly Santa's sleigh. He yearns to find out the secret of flying. Will he be able to figure it out?

The book is longer than most children's picture books, but my daughter still enjoyed it. She's learning to read, so she liked figuring out the various words:

The book is also filled with wonderful pictures about Ranger's life at the North Pole:

The Legend of Ranger, The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly is written by a retired Commanding General. You can find out more about Alan Salisbury here.

To learn more about the book, go to this website, where you can view a trailer.

BUY The Legend of Ranger, The Reindeer Who Couldn't Fly here. It's only $12.95! You can also buy the CD and a stuffed Ranger toy, or you can buy a bundle with everything for $29.

You can feel good about buying the book, because ALL the profits are being donated to the Antonia J Gaillourakis Endowed Fund in Art Therapy for Children with Cancer.

So add another fantastic book to your Christmas collection! This will be one that you'll enjoy for years to come.



**I was given a free copy of the book and CD to review. My opinions are my own**

Bound To A Promise

About The Book:  (from a press release) - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX—“Mrs. Floyd, my name is Paul Howard, and I’m calling from the United States embassy in Antigua. I’m sorry, ma’am, but I need to ask, are you Bonnie Clever-Floyd, daughter of William Norman Clever? I regret to inform you that your father has been killed.”
It was a cold, ordinary morning when Bonnie Floyd answered the phone call that would change her life forever. That date—February 1, 1994, would be seared in her heart as the day her parents had been brutally murdered. “They didn’t suffer, Mrs. Floyd; they were shot in their sleep…”Stunned and despairing, Bonnie cried, “They’re dead. They’re gone…”
Bound to a Promise tells the amazing true story of faith in the face of unimaginable loss. Bonnie Floyd’s father and stepmother had been living a dream life—serving as caretakers of a private tropical island and traveling the world in a sailboat. That life was cut short when three young men boarded their yacht as it was anchored off the coast of Antigua. Determined that there should be no witnesses to their theft and brutality, the assailants shot all four people on board.  For several years prior to that terrible day in 1994, Bonnie and her husband, Donnie, had been seizing every opportunity to share their faith with her parents. “I had done all I knew to do to share with them. They had come a long way in their views of God. They acknowledged his hand at work in their lives and in ours, and they were never against a suggestion to pray,” Bonnie recalls. “To this day I can still see the intensity in my father’s blue eyes and the assurance on his face when he said, ‘I promise you, if I ever get into a position where I fear for my life, I will pray, but I have never been, nor will I ever be in a position where I am not in total control.’”  Within six months, Bonnie’s parents were dead.
In the coming months and years, as God began to reveal what really happened that night in Antigua, Bonnie found not just the assurance that she would see her parents again in heaven, but also the power to forgive. Bound to a Promise includes the fascinating account of the Antiguan trial that brought her parents’ killers to justice, featuring some dashing Scotland Yard detectives, a criminal in search of redemption, and many other memorable characters from the island. Bonnie’s colorful descriptions of her parents’ adventures abroad and her time in Antigua lighten the mood and add a touch of travelogue to the true crime drama. In a truly inspirational twist, Bonnie arranges a meeting with one of the confessed attackers, a man who would eventually claim her as family.

About The Author(from the back cover of the book):  Bonnie L. Floyd is "real, reliable, and refreshing.  Perhaps it is because she could easily be a next door neighbor or any of us.  Bound to a Promise is a true story of tragedy and redemption that unexpectedly resulted in the opportunity to share that story with others and, ultimately, the birth of Bonnie Floyd Ministries in 1996.  For several years Bonnie served in various capacities with Women of Faith and is currently an administrator for Barry and Sheila Walsh.  More importantly, she has a deep love and respect for God's Word that is born out of her service as a teacher and small group leader for more than twenty-three years.  Bonnie has been married to "her Donnie" since 1987.  Both California natives, they now make their home in Celina, Texas-a home that provides a perfect setting to share Bonnie's passion for cooking for entertaining family and friends.  They make their church home at Genesis Metro Church in Frisco, Texas, where Bonnie, who was ordained as a minister or the gospel in 2010, is an active member in women's ministries."

My Thoughts On The Book: This story was so powerful. It is filled with drama, intrigue, suspense, redemption, and forgiveness. I am not a huge fan of memoirs but this book had me from the very first page.  As the story unfolded I could not imagine what it would have been like to have lived this horrible story.  I felt as if I were right in the middle of everything that was going on.  I really loved how Floyd included background stories to help the reader truly understand her feelings.  The book was real, frank and honest.  This could happen to anyone.  The question I was left with was would I personally be ready if it did?  When she talks about forgiveness it was raw reading.  How do you forgive someone who did something so brutal to someone you love so much?  Bonnie's forgiveness is given through the God she knows and loves.  His grace is amazing and He always keeps His promises.  Even if you do not like memoirs, this book is a must read.

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from B & B Media Group, Inc. for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to participate in this one.  It was AWESOME!




 

A Sasser Family Christmas Album Collection

 

 

Christmas at Aunt Laverne's and Uncle Wilson's house were always special.  I loved the two of them with all my heart.  Whenever we would get to Alabama my dad would wait for the light in the kitchen to come on next door and he would head over to have coffee with Uncle Wilson. There are only three girl cousins.  I am on the far left and the youngest by not even a month.  Sherry is in the middle and was always the favorite.  She is the oldest of the three.  Judy is on the far right.  Her birthday is in March, mine in April.  She belonged to Wilson and Laverne. 

 

Aunt Jeannette and Uncle Drew in front of their tree.  Drew was my father's baby brother by 11 months.  They were the parents of Mark.

Kelly and Matt belong to Mark.  Matt is his dad made over.  They are both grown now and very successful.  This Christmas picture was made at Drew and Jeannette's house in Goodwater.

Stacey belongs to Judy.  She is somewhere around eighteen months old here. She was adorable and I am so very proud of her today. 

My daughter Kat and her first bike at Christmas. 

 My very first guitar for Christmas - I was 3.

Our Christmas card from my very first Christmas.  I was 8 months old.

Aunt Virgina at Christmas at my house

Aunt MaeBelle with Brandy peeking over her shoulder.

Front - Uncle Wilson, l-r - Uncle Drew, Dad, Uncle Roy (Aunt Virginia's husband)

Uncle Roy and Aunt Virginia

 

Dougie at Christmas on Georgia Avenue.  Back in the day of real trees.

 

Cowboy Dougie

  

Dad and Mom at the lake house (top) Ronnie and Dad playing Santa(bottom) - check out that old school television. 

I have hundreds more pictures of Christmases past.  Today was just a few of the Sasser family and the pictures I had on me at school.  I hope you enjoyed my trip down Sasser memory lane.  If I left out a picture of you, please forgive me. My selection was limited.  I am working on a larger post for later with more photos.  Merry Christmas to all!

When My Son Found Out Santa Wasn't Real

"Mom? I have a question," Tommy said seriously one evening as I told him goodnight.

Oh God. Was he going to ask me something embarrassing? When Tom was in Korea he asked when he'd get hairs on his balls. I almost fell over from shock but I pulled myself together and answered the question. I never want him to feel ashamed on what he asks.

"Sure," I replied. If it were an awkward question, I'd call Tom up. This is his domain. He has the balls, he has the penis, he can answer the boy stuff. Otherwise I'm going to send Natalie to him when she wants to know what the blood in her pants mean. I mean, payback, right?

"Are you and Dad Santa?"

My heart dropped. I knew it was coming. Tommy is 11. He's probably beyond the age of most kids but he's always been so trusting.

"I--"I began. My tongue felt like it was glued to the roof of my mouth. "What do you think?" I always promised myself that I would be honest if he ever inquired about Santa. I thought I'd be able to say, "Yes. We are," no problem. But my heart squeezed a bit. This is because it's another step in my son growing up. Another notch. And soon he'll be in high school, sporting facial hair and wanting to know when he's getting a car. I panic just thinking about it. I'm finally getting over the shock of him being in middle school.

"I think, yes," Tommy admitted.

I swallowed. Cracked my knuckles even though it's a bad habit. "Well, yes, we buy the presents. But the spirit of Santa still lives," I said. "And please, whatever you do, don't tell your sister. She's only 6." I ran my fingers through Tommy's hair. "How are you feeling? You aren't betrayed, are you?"

Tommy gave me a funny look. "Uh, no. Why?"

I rolled my eyes. "Well, there are parents out there who tell their kids right away Santa isn't real for fear that it's lying to their kids or something. I think it's silly but if it's how they want to parent, so be it. Then there are some people who claim they felt betrayed when they found out Santa wasn't real. So are you? Betrayed? Should I call the therapist now?"

Tommy snorted. "Why would I be betrayed? It was a fun thing." He shrugged. "And now I know."

Oh, praise chocolate. No issues. No drama.

He's been great with not telling Natalie. If I talk about Santa around him, he gives me a wide smile when Natalie isn't looking. Like the other night I told Natalie, "Stop your yelling or else Santa won't give you any presents," and Tommy glanced over with a grin. When we went to Bass Pro Shops to see Santa, he said to me in private, "I know he's not real, but he's still a nice man."

So he gets it. He knows Santa isn't real. But he understands the spirit of Santa.

And that's pretty cool.

A Visit to a Christmas Past

I was sitting here at my desk today thinking about past Christmases and was overwhelmed with a mighty dose of nostalgia.  I sat here sad because it just does not feel like Christmas is like it used to be.  I laughed at myself because of course it isn't.  I am nearly sixty years old.  I have done the whole Christmas gauntlet from childhood, to parenthood, to grandparent hood.  As I sat at my desk I thought to one special Christmas year.  It was the year of no gifts.  We came to Christmas and somehow my presents all were left in Florida.  My mom explained the situation, told me Santa was leaving my gifts at our house because she forgot to send him our forwarding address,  and I should have put on my big girl panties and dealt with it....but that is easier said than done when you are twelve.  Yeah, I knew who Santa was....but I was not going to have the first present to open and it made me sad.  My parents spent the night with my Aunt Mae Belle and I did not want to.  So, I spent the night at my cousin Gary's house and was really having a blue Christmas.  Gary's wife, Sheila, tried her best to make it a good evening.  We made cookies and decorated them and we decorated a stocking for me to hang with theirs.  I figured I would get the traditional candy canes, nuts, an apple, and an orange.  We went to bed late and that was ok since I knew Santa was not stopping by.  Christmas morning I woke to the smell of breakfast and went to join the rest of the family.  When I passed through the living room on my way to the kitchen I was shocked to see a multitude of presents with my name on them.  I wondered if my mom was playing mind games on me about the presents left in South Florida.  We ate breakfast and gathered in their living room to open gifts.  The first present Gary put in my hands and the card read...."To Karen From Santa."  I opened the box and there was a make-up case, filled with lip glosses and eye shadows.  I was thrilled.  Everyone opened one gift and then we went around again.  This time I got some cute crocheted slippers.  Before the morning was up I had head bands, perfume, a charm bracelet, a necklace, powder, lotion...it was an awesome array of girly products and I was in seventh heaven.  Later in the morning we packed up all my gifts, got our food together and joined the rest of the family for lunch at my Aunt Virginias.  Sheila and Gary divorced shortly after that Christmas and I did not see her much after that.  I will always remember how special she was and that bleak looking Christmas that she made wonderful.  Sheila will always hold a dear place in my heart and wherever she is today I hope she knows somewhere in the world someone thinks she rocks! 

Things That Annoy Me Thursday: Wrapping Presents

Wrapping presents.

I suck at it.

People poke fun at how bad I am. Family members. Friends. Even the cat seems to smirk.

I start off thinking that everything will be okay.

But then I realize I haven't cut enough paper.

Ack!

This happens a lot. One would think I could look at a present and know right away how much paper I'll need. But no.

Sometimes I'll cut an added piece to cover the toy. This one I didn't because it's from Santa, therefore it will not be underneath the tree.

This is usually how I wrap things:

How do people get such nice corners? Mine are always loose and I sort of shove them down and quickly slap some tape over it. Most folks know if I've wrapped a present because of this.

"Oh! Amber did this one!" a friend once said as she examined the sloppy ends.

Yup.

Maybe if I slowed down and smoothed corners and all that, my presents would be pretty. As it is, I generally rush through it, wanting to slap the paper over the gift so I can be done with it. Sometimes I surprise myself and do a good job. Most of the time though...well, see above.

Lucky for me, I'm done wrapping presents this year. I await the insults.

Hi, I'm Amber, and I stink at wrapping stuff.

Sisterchicks Do The Hula

 

About The Book:  Some dreams take a while before they come true. Best friends Hope and Laurie never made it to Hawaii during their college years. But when they're about to turn forty, the islands still beckon, and off they go - with an unexpected stowaway on board (Hope happens to be seven months pregnant). A little pineapple, a little sunshine, and a surprising little surfing lesson give these two sisterchicks all their crazy hearts could hope for - and more - as they enter the next season of their lives with a splash and with a beautiful vision of what God has dreamed up for them.Wherever there’s chocolate, there’s sure to be a sisterchick celebrating, and this trip to Hawaii is no exception. Best friends Hope and Laurie are on an audacious mission to commemorate their fortieth birthdays in style. Surfing and sailing, sushi and snorkeling—these two macadamia nuts from the mainland sample it all, unhindered by a surprise little stowaway.  

 

Definition of Sisterchick: Sisterchick n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.  

 

Story Behind the Book:  We lived in Hawai’i when our son was in elementary school and have returned many times for visits. I have a deep and abiding love for all that is Hawaiian so of course the islands were my location of choice for this second Sisterchick novel. The art of hula is an intricate form of storytelling has gone through many changes over the years. Every woman’s life has a story. Every woman goes through many changes over the years. But not every woman has yet learned to "hula". This book will encourage her to "hula" through life as she learns to live out her story with the unforced rhythm of grace.

 

About The Author:  Robin Jones Gunn is the best selling Christian author of over 82 books including several series aimed at teen girls as well as Christian fiction for older women and a few non-fiction books. Her books have sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.

 

My Thoughts On The Book:  This book could have been about me and my best friend.  I found it to be an easy read that was just a simple feel good story.  I enjoyed their trip to Hawaii and felt as if the perfectness of their trip mimiced my own when I took my best friend/sisterchicks for her fiftieth birthday As an amatuer photographer I was envisioning all the pictures they made and went to find my own album so I could see how I saw the island.  I really enjoyed the interesting historical tidbits the The author added . It made me want to visit Hawaii again.  This is an easy read that allows the reader just enjoy reading a book for the sake of reading.  If you have ever been a part of a sisterchick group, then you will understand what this book is all about. 

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Waterbrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books review program in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thanks guys for allowing me to review this book. 

Twas' the Week Before Christmas Hodge Podge.....

Welcome to the Wednesday Hodgepodge! Add your link at the end of Joyce's post by clicking here, then go say hi to your neighbors. Remember...no Hodgepodge next week (12/25) but do come back to ring in the new year the week after (1/1/14).   In the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us everyone!"

1. Do you believe in miracles?  Yes I do.  I have seen many of them perfomed and am amazed each time.  My most recent experience of a miracle has to do with the premature birth (22 weeks) of little Kash and Kruze.  They were 2 months old on December 1st.  Their little lives and fight for survival has been nothing short of a miracle.

 Little Kruze

 Little Kash

2. What's a recent fad you admit to trying?  I am drawing a blank here.  I am not one to jump on the fad wagon.

3. Peppermint-are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite food or beverage containing peppermint?
I love peppermint.  My favorite foods would involve chocolate and peppermint.  I love them plain.  I love peppermint schnapps when my throat hurts or I have a cough. 

4. Break the ice, on thin ice, as cold as ice (emotionally, not literally) which phrase have you run into most recently? Explain.  I am notorious for procrasting and therefore find myself on thin ice more often than not.

5. Have you ever broken or spilled something in someone else's home? Still friends?
Red wine on white carpet and white walls.  I stepped on a doggie toy and the wine went all over the waiters coat, the wall and carpet.  I was mortified and actually cried.  The lady of the house brought out some seltzer water and blotted it all up and you would have never known it had been there.  It was amazing.

6. 'Tis the week before Christmas...are you feeling more like Buddy the Elf or the Grinch before his heart grew?  I am neither right now.  I am just trying to stay afloat. 

7. Share a favorite quote relating to Christmas."Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."  Calvin Coolidge

8. Insert your own random thought here. Here is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  when I lived away from my parents I would put this song on and sit in front of the tree missing them tremendously.  The other night I turned on my tree and this song came on the radio.  I am glad I was alone because I had a good old fashioned ugly cry.  I know with each passing year it will get easier, but for some reason this is not one of those easier years.  One day....we will all be together again....and I"ll Be Home For Christmas....right now...it is only in my dreams.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

All I Want For Christmas Is...To Pee In Peace

*Knock knock*

"Mommy? This banana tastes funny! Can I have a cookie instead?"


*Knock Knock*

"Mom? Is the WiFi down? My game just stopped working."


*Knock Knock*

"Amber? What's for dinner? Did you remember to get me more M&Ms?"



It seems the second my ass hits the toilet, I'm asked a question by someone in this house. It's like a silent alarm goes off. "Mom is about to go to the bathroom...I need the answer to my inquiry NOW." I thought since my kids got older (they are 6 and 11) that I'd get privacy. Finally! After years of one of them, or both, accompanying me to the toilet, I could enjoy some peace.

No.

Since they are older, they no longer watch me do the deed because ew, gross, mom has a vagina--but they do pound on the door, interrupting my quiet. Sometimes it's because a beloved toy is missing: "Mommy! I can't find Pinkie Pie! She's scared and lost! I need help!" (What the HELL am I supposed to do about it mid-pee? I ask you, WHAT?)

Sometimes it's because an electronic isn't working.

"Mom? My iPod won't turn on. I'm taking deep breaths like you told me so I don't meltdown but I'm very close to it.." (And then seconds later the iPod is slid through the crack under the door. Um. Can't a chick poo in peace? I even dubbed a term for it when my kids were younger: a PIP. (Poop/Pee in peace.))


My husband joins in. He'll knock on the door and go, "What are you doing in there?"

"Oh, I don't know, Tom. The door is shut, why don't you take a guess?" I'll respond. I mean, really. Duh. And I'm quick in the bathroom too. Unlike Tom, who will spend up to twenty minutes perched on his throne. Maybe I should pound on the door and go, "What are you doing in there?"

WHY DOES EVERYONE NEED MY HELP THE SECOND I TRY TO URINATE?

If I ever come across Santa and he's like, "What do you want for Christmas?" I'll say without hesitation, "A PIP."



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I'm featured today at Melissa's blog. Check it out here!

The Christmas Candle

About The Book:  Journey back to a simpler time, to a small English village where nothing out of the ordinary ever happens. Except at Christmastime.  When a mysterious angel suddenly appears in a lowly candlemaker's shop, the holy and the human collide in a way that only God could imagine.  Glowing bright with a timeless message, The Christmas Candle will warm your heart with a surprising reminder of God's bountiful love.

About the Author:  More than 100 million readers have found comfort in the writings of Max Lucado. He ministers at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and a sweet but misbehaving mutt, Andy.

My Thoughts On The Book:  I actually set out to read this short book in small sessions before going to bed each night.  I figured I could read it in a week, but that is not what happened.  Once I began reading the novella I could not put it down and ended up reading it all in one sitting.   I loved it. I am a huge fan of Max Lucado and that is why I chose to review this book! He is one of my favorite Non-fiction christian writers.  This is the very first work of fiction I have ever read and it is as well-written as the rest of his works. I loved the historical aspect of it.   I believe every one should read The Christmas Candle and catch a glimpse of actions about faith, miracles and God's power.  I don't want to spoil it for another reader but you will love the story of the angel who comes every twenty-five years to bless the candle made by the Chandler of Gladstone. I believe this will become a Christmas classic. 

Statement of Disclosure: I received this book to review from Thomas Nelson Publishing Group's Book Sneeze Blogging Program and Zondervan for an honest review.

Poetry in Motion

I write poetry. I know you find that hard to believe....not! But I have written it for years. I began writing it when I was eight; the year my brother died.  I needed some kind of outlet and poetry gave me just that.  It was a place I could release all the feelings, fears, anger, hurt and pain.  Music became my other outlet. I need music just like I need air to breathe. It is life blood for me. My grandfather was the starting source of my music. He took time with all of us when we were young and taught us all to play guitar if we wanted to learn. I was one of his students. When he died my grandmother gave me his mandolin.  It was a humped back one called a "tater bug" and it had suffered a lot of use and misuse.  There are missing inlays and it has a crack or two in the back....but I love it.  Several years later I penned this poem.

The Mandolin

Round back bent and broken

from years of nightly use

inlays missing, dusty,

rusty from neglect and abuse.

Strings that are still and silent,

out of tune, played no more.

Once a master stroked you,

coerced the sound to soar.

The songs that lie encased,

inside your wooden heart.

These songs were my beginning,

where I got my musical start.

My grandfather once held you,

just like he once held me.

And when he touched our heart strings,

set both out spirits free.

When I hold you now I know,

that I am gree to know,

where eagles fly, where steel wheels turn,

where'er I want to go.

Thank you Grandpa for this gift,

your favorite mandolin.

I'll use it - while I'm here -

and then pass it on again!

This poem and mandolin sparked another flame of musical symbolism in my soul and I began thinking about myself. The writer, the musician, the singer...and found myself asking...

Body Music

Who are you?

Where is the face I looked at yesterday....or was that last year?

God! This is so depressing.

I still feel young....yet, I am seeing my mother

in this mirror more and more.

My hands are short and stocky,

remnants of my Creek Indian Heritage.

These hands were made to work hard and the

calloused fingers are testimonials

that they have.

My eyes see into your soul.

I want to know you and I usually do...

many times on a plane higher than you are

even aware of.

My eyes are the windows to my very being.

They tell you when I 'm sick, tired, distressed,

or even....lying!

My eyes have never learned to keep secrets.

My mouth is not too big, so I don't

shoot it off without provocation.

It is not so small either.

I will strike up a conversation with anyone.

I like people.

Strangers are just people I haven't met yet.

My ears are large enough to listen when

my friends need a friend, yet

small enough to easily shut out

thinks I don't want to hear

at the most convenient times.

My body, once looked like a sleek, classical guitar

before the days of children and marriage.

Now I see a bass violin - curved, but

definitely thicker.

All in all I like me.

We can't all be classical guitars.

The worlds orchestration needs a mixture

of musical types.

I am a bass fiddle, at this time in my life...

so close your eyes and hear my music.

As I leave you with my poetic offerings today I give you this mock Irish blessing.  May your music today be soothing. May you share your song with all those you come in contact with...and no matter what instrument you play....may you know that you are part of a great earthly band called the human race.  God Bless you and yours today.