Book Review Friday

Adult Non-Fiction

"All Things Bright and Beautiful" by James Herriot

I have my parents to thank for finding and loving these great books. They urged me to read them when I was a teen and I just couldn't summon enough interest to get started; now they're a part of my library! Written by a veterinarian who chronicles the joys and sorrows of life with animals. There are four in the series; the other three are:

"All Creatures Great and Small"

"All Things Wise and Wonderful"

"The Lord God Made Them All"

Time Waster

While browsing recently I came across a fun website and wasted a good hour of my life. But it was fun. I highly recommend it. As you can see from the pictures below, my family is all over the place!

Still interested? To do this with your photos, go here. Oh, and let me know if you post some on your blog!

Book Review Friday

Adult Fiction

"The Note" by Angela Hunt

One of my favorite fictional books, it tells the story of a journalist who comes across a note after a wreckage of an airliner. She starts writing about the note to revive her failing newspaper column but gets more than she bargained for in the end. Warning: might make you cry!

Children

"Tear Soup" by Pat Schweibert

This family story book tells the recipe for healing after loss. I think the hospital gave it to us when Isaac died, and it was really good to read with the kids. The story centers around an old, wise woman and her "recipe".

Book Review Friday

So a friend recently asked me to review books on my blog, because I read with the zeal of a tent preacher. I don't know if these reviews will be helpful for anyone else, but here goes . . .
Adult Non-fiction

"Created to Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl

I have to start with this book because it has absolutely changed our marriage. The author writes about the role of wives in a marriage and why following Biblical principles will bring true joy. She includes letters from women who have overcome great odds in their marriages. Definitely a must-read for any married woman!

Children

"The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!" by Mo Willems

Silly story of a pigeon who really, really, REALLY wants a puppy. Others in the series include "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" and "The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!" Easy, quick read.

Before and After

Haven't blogged in a while thanks to this fun project . . .

Lots of sod. Six thousand square feet, to be exact.

Looking out the front door. I can't believe how green and perfect it is!

Here's the side yard that we had to leave open. We would have liked to have put the fence closer to the sidewalk but the CC and R's said no. We like the fire hydrant but I'm sure it's going to be a main attraction for all the neighborhood dogs.

Got the dresser finished. I guess these pictures don't show the paper up close enough but it has little crowns and sparkles all over it. The girls were ecstatic. :)

Other news?

* Some great neighbors had to move due to a job change and we are trying to help them find buyers for their house. It's over 2,700 sq. ft. and listed at $164,000, but they said they will be dropping the price very soon.

* Emmie looked up in the sky yesterday, squinted, and said, "I think I can see God's toes!" (Totally serious.)

* I made pizza meatloaf tonight and the kiddos loved it. They don't like regular meatloaf so much but they scarfed this down. Got the recipe here.

* A friend gave Ethan a road bike! He really wanted to do this benefit bike ride for kids with AIDS but we knew there was no way we could buy a bike. So we prayed about it and just asked God to provide one if it was His will. Our friend Eddie called last week because he had fixed a car for a friend who couldn't pay . . . but he gave Eddie a bike in trade. So Eddie gave it to Ethan. Very cool!

* Allie is done with Kindergarten and ready for first grade. I'm going to spend the next couple of months getting ready for longer and more challenging homeschool days. Should be an adventure!