Brief Update

Hi everyone.  I know I rarely update my blog with anything personal lately but life is just BUSY!

So busy in fact that I haven't even had as much time to devote to my schoolwork.  My original goal was to finish these 3 Athabasca University classes by Christmas.  Even if I work non-stop between now and then I don't think that is a feasible goal anymore.

I was losing sleep over the stress of it all, and I was also turning into super-grouchy mom.  That is not fun for anyone.

So I made a tough decision to continue working on these classes over the next semester, as I technically have until the end of March to complete them.  This means more flexibility and less stress for me.

I have also registered for 1 course at the U of R that begins in January.  It is the last pre-requisite that I need in order to actually apply for the Social Work program.  They only take applications until the middle of January, so I also need to begin working on filling it out.

I would appreciate your prayers about this application, as I need to draw from my own personal work and volunteer experiences to answer the detailed questions about why I want to become a Social Worker.  I don't think I'm great with words but I want to ensure that I do this correctly, and I believe that this is where God wants me.

Share A Smile

I love to smile!

In fact, sometimes I think I smile too much, even when I don't really feel like it.  It's a work in progress to be honest with people when I am not at my best.

However, most days I truly enjoy smiling.  It is such a good way to relieve the stress of your day, or to tell someone how much they mean to me.

Some of my favorite things that make me smile?

Chocolate.
Coffee.
A foot rub.
Practicing the piano.
My silly kids.
Going on a date with my husband.

What are things that make you smile?

Snack Pack has a Share A Smile campaign going on right now through Facebook.  It's simple to "like" their page and begin sharing smiles with your friends.  Each time you accept or share a smile, Snack Pack will donate $1 to Food Banks Canada.  Their goal is $20,000 so please help them reach that goal!

You can also register for a weekly contest to win some great prizes!  The more you Share A Smile, the more entries you will have.  Good benefits for smiling!

 Disclosure - I am participating in the Snack Pack program by Mom Central on behalf of Conagra Foods Canada. I received a gift card as a 

thank you for my participation.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Don't Look Back

Don't Look Back
by:  Lynette Eason


One man lives to see her dead--the other is fighting to keep her alive.


Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself--though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact--her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.

Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.



Lynette Eason is the author of Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, and three other romantic suspense novels. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A homeschooling mother of two, she has a master's degree in education from Converse College. She lives in South Carolina.


My Review:  This was an exciting fast-paced story.  I appreciated the exciting storyline and the fact that it wasn't extremely predictable like many stories are.  I have also read and reviewed the first book in the "Women of Justice" series and I look forward to more books to come by Lynette Eason.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group*** 

Quaker Journey To Wellness

Over the past few years I have really tried to be more conscious of the foods that my family consumes.  I have introduced more whole grains; whether it be with pasta, rice or bread.

I've also stopped purchasing bread in the stores and now I know exactly what goes into our loaves, especially since we go through so much of it.  It's also a great way to cut down on the grocery bills.  

Actually when I'm baking bread, muffins, pancakes, waffles or biscuits,  I use mostly whole wheat flour, and I also try to add a little ground flax into the recipes as well.  I have made these changes gradually over time, but no one has ever noticed the difference in the texture or flavor.

I feel confident knowing that we are eating well, in addition to keeping lots of fresh fruits and veggies available also.

Are there still ways that I would like to improve my family's overall health?  Sure.

I am trying to set a good example of balancing my lifestyle with exercise but I still feel like I fail at this sometimes.  I have been getting back into a workout routine and it feels good to keep my body active.


Quaker understands that many families are striving to obtain wellness in their own homes.  They have enlisted the help of Lynn from Walking With Scissors to journal about her family's lifestyle improvements.

Each week there are prizes to be won, simply by participating in one of three ways on the Quaker Journey website.  There is also a Facebook page where you can join in the fun.  Check it out!

Disclosure - I am participating in the Quaker Journey to Wellness program by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Co. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

What's In The Bible? Giveaway

In What’s In the Bible #4, Battle for the Promised Land, Buck Denver and cast take the viewer through Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. They also explore two more Big Questions. 

From the man who made vegetables talk (and sing, dance, and tell Bible stories) comes this engaging new series that walks kids through the entire Bible! Each DVD is filled with an entertaining cast of characters that bring the most powerful Bible stories to life using humor, animation, creative storytelling, and fun songs. Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer on a wild and zany journey and see the world’s most amazing book come to life for a new generation.

What Did Our Kids Think:  They loved this video!  It was entertaining and fun.  They both really enjoyed the music and the characters.  Brianna (age 6) said her favorite character was "Captain Pete", and Ella (age 4) preferred "Buck Denver".  When I asked them what they learned, right away Ella mentioned the book of Joshua.  Brie then talked about the book of Ruth.  Already because of this video they have learned the first eight books of the Bible.  They have both asked if we could watch the other videos in this series so I'm sure we will be on the lookout for them.

What Did I Think:  Excellent concept from the creator of Veggie Tales!  This video tackled some heavy content in a light yet educational manner.  Some tricky questions were answered in "Tricky Bits with Buck", and it also shared about the amazing message of God's love and forgiveness.  I enjoyed the humor, so it goes to show that it's not just for kids.   I appreciated the fact that my kids can learn more about the entire bible in a format that they love:  DVDs.  It also sparked some good discussion in our family as we watched it together.  I think that this video series would make a great addition to any home or church library.

For more information visit What's In The Bible or Tyndale.

Would you like to win your own DVD copy of "What's In The Bible 4?"


Simply Leave a Comment below to enter!

For extra entries leave a separate comment for each of the following:

1. Follow my blog (link on the right)
2. Subscribe to my blog (link on the right)
3. Add my blog button to your blog (code on the right)
4. Blog about this giveaway and send me the link
5. Follow Me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (once per day)

You have until November 30th to enter.

***I received a copy of this DVD from the Tyndale Media Centre in exchange for my opinions.  I was not required to post a positive review***


Giveaway is now Closed.  Congratulations to Freeshopper!  


Here are your random numbers:

2 

Timestamp: 2010-12-02 16:09:40 UTC

While We're Far Apart

While We're Far Apart
by:  Lynn Austin


In an unassuming apartment building in Brooklyn, New York, three lives intersect as the reality of war invades each aspect of their lives. Young Esther is heartbroken when her father decides to enlist in the army shortly after the death of her mother. Penny Goodrich has been in love with Eddie Shaffer for as long as she can remember; now that Eddie's wife is dead, Penny feels she has been given a second chance and offers to care for his children in the hope that he will finally notice her and marry her after the war. And elderly Mr. Mendel, the landlord, waits for the war to end to hear what has happened to his son trapped in war-torn Hungary.

But during the long, endless wait for victory overseas, life on the home front will go from bad to worse. Yet these characters will find themselves growing and changing in ways they never expected--and ultimately discovering truths about God's love... even when He is silent.


Lynn Austin, a former teacher who now writes and speaks full time, has won five Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home near Chicago, Illinois. Visit Lynn's Web site at www.lynnaustin.org.

My Review:  I always enjoy reading a good book, but Lynn Austin's books are in a completely different category!  Seriously I couldn't possibly say enough good things about how she writes such fabulous stories.  Her books are impossible to put down, as you easily get swept away with the characters and their lives.  "While We're Far Apart" is another masterpiece that should be read by every christian-fiction reader.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group***

My Heart Is Bursting

Today my sweet little girl made a huge decision! 

It is one that we have talked about for some time now, but until today she hasn't been ready for.

Normally she is a very cautious child, so I'm not at all surprised that she really needed to think things over first.

But I've seen so much change in her these last few months.  

She is more confident of herself.

More giving of her possessions.

She is very kind and caring.

She loves with a heart that is much deeper than her age.

She truly has a heart that comes from God.

And today, she gave it back to him!

She asked him into her heart.

I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for her sensitive spirit.  

He will do great things!

Head in the Clouds

Head in the Clouds

by:  Karen Witemeyer

When a recovering romantic goes to work for a handsome ranch owner, her heart's not the only thing in danger!

Adelaide Proctor longs to find a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a governess position on a remote Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her silly romantic yearnings behind.

Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, never expecting to end up with a child. To his dismay, five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon—and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the girl—and her inheritance—Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. Soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

Karen Witemeyer holds a master's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Abilene Writers Guild. She has published fiction in Focus on the Family's children's magazine, and has written several articles for online publications and anthologies. A Tailor-Made Bride is her first novel. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.Visit Karen's Web site at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

My Review:  Karen Witemeyer has great dynamics in her stories.  The characters were intriguing and the plot was captivating.  A great hit for her second novel!

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group***

Embers of Love

Embers of Love

by:  Tracie Peterson

She was certain she could strike a match

After being educated in the east, Deborah Vandermark returns to Perkinsville, Texas, where her family is part of the thriving logging industry. She brings along an unexpected companion—her best friend, who is fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in. A determined matchmaker, Deborah sets her sights on uniting her brother and friend in what she hopes will be a true love match.

Then Deborah meets Christopher Clayton, the town's new doctor—and quickly realizes she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she studied at college.  Soon Deborah is caught between her fascination for doctoring and her obligation to her family. And in the midst of her warring emotions is the doctor himself• Are her tumultuous feelings for the man, or for what he can teach her?

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. Visit Tracie's Web site at www.traciepeterson.com and her blog at www.writespassage.blogspot.com.

My Review:  I enjoy the writing style of Tracie Peterson.  She always has some interesting historical facts woven throughout the storyline, which adds to the appeal of her books.  I enjoyed the strong opinionated female characters in "Embers of Love".  Perhaps because I find myself relating to them in some way?!?  This book definitely makes a good read for a rainy day or when you need some time to relax.

***Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.  Available now at your favorite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group***