Grace Card DVD Winner is....

We have a Winner for the Grace Card DVD Giveaway.

Rafflecopter Randomly chose the winner sooo without further stalling: CONGRATS to entry #17 Christy!

THANKS to all who participated and all the new followers! Stay tuned because I have a couple more giveaways going up in the next week!

Have a great week everyone!

Grace Card DVD Winner is....

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Blog Tour: Fairer then Morning by Rosalynn Elliott, also a Giveway by the author

About the Book:
Ann dreams of a marriage proposal from her poetic suitor, Eli-until Will Hanby shows her that nobility is more than fine words.

On a small farm in 19th-century Ohio, young Ann Miller is pursued by the gallant Eli Bowen, son of a prominent family. Eli is the suitor of Ann's dreams. Like her, he enjoys poetry and beautiful things and soon, he will move to the city to become a doctor.

Ann travels to Pittsburgh, accompanying her father on business. There she meets Will Hanby, a saddle-maker's apprentice. Will has spent years eking out an existence under a cruel master and his spirit is nearly broken. But Ann's compassion lights a long-dark part of his soul. Through his encounters with Ann's father, a master saddler, Will discovers new hope and courage in the midst of tremendous adversity.

When the Millers must return to Ohio and their ministry there, Will resolves to find them, at any cost. If Will can make it back to Ann, will she be waiting?

Read an excerpt here: Book Excerpt

About the Author:

Rosslyn Elliott grew up in a military family and relocated so often that she attended nine schools before her high school graduation. With the help of excellent teachers, she qualified to attend Yale University, where she earned a BA in English and Theater. She worked in business and as a schoolteacher before returning to study at Emory University, where she earned a Ph.D. in English in 2006. Her study of American literature and history inspired her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She lives in the Southwest, where she homeschools her daughter and teaches in children's ministry.

For more about Rosslyn, visit her website: Rosslyn Elliott

My Thoughts and Review:
I was thrilled when I was selected to read and review this book! First of all it is a Historical Fiction book, which is my favorite Genre. Also, it is by a brand new author, another favorite of mine. The book is set in the early 19th Century in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. Ann Miller has been through many rough patches in life, including losing her mother as a young teenager. She falls in love with Eli Bowen in her mid teens. She "loses" the love of her life when he proposes at age 15 but she has to decline because her father would never let her marry that young. Ann continues to take care of the household, including her younger sisters. A few years go by and Ann meets a young man, Will Hanby, who also has been through trials in his life. The book isn't a "straight forward romance story", it is more a book about 2 individual people and their stories. Their lives become intertwined when Will leaves his Slave Master and goes to Ohio to find Ann Miller.

AMAZING and WONDERFUL are the 2 words that come to mind about this book. I was sooo into the book that I couldn't put it down and didn't put it down until I was done. I read the book in about 5 hours and I completely enjoyed the book. I really felt the characters come alive in the book and the theme in the book was very well written. The book contains many "historcial" markers such as slavery, the author touches on those topics with grace and compassion for that time period. Fairer then Morning is the first book in Series and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series! EXCELLENT book and a must read, especially if you really enjoy Historical Fiction!

A GREAT Giveaway hosted by the Author:

To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Fairer Than Morning, Rosslyn Elliott is giving away two fabulous prize packages. The first is brand new KINDLE in her Fairer Than Morning Kindle Giveaway. Then on September 20th she's giving away a $200 gift certificate toward a Custom-Made Historical Reproduction Dress (from Recollections) during the Fairer Than Morning Book Club Chat Party on Facebook! Sigh...romantic.

Fairer Than Morning is receiving wonderful reviews - Library Journal said, "A well-written historical series debut…". Read more reviews here.

Be sure to join the fun and enter the Kindle contest - 

One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Fairer Than Morning (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/19. Winner will be announced on 9/20 at Rosslyn's Book Club Facebook Party. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

Then be sure to RSVP for Rosslyn's Facebook Party! During the party Rosslyn will be chatting with guests, hosting a book chat about Fairer Than Morning (don't worry if you haven't read the book yet - you could win a copy!) & historical Fiction, testing your trivia skills. She'll also be giving away that $200 gift certificate toward a FABULOUS custom-made period dress from Recollections!

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book as part of the LitFuse Publicity Group Blog Tour Program. I was only required to give an honest review. I received no other form of compensation and my opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: Fairer then Morning by Rosalynn Elliott, also a Giveway by the author

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Menu Plan Monday 9/12

I am a little late with this today, but better late then never. My hubby and I were both not feeling well yesterday, him more so then me, but I didn't get a menu plan done nor grocery shopping on Sunday like I normally do. I did pull one together. I won't have much of a grocery shopping list, as I am mainly using what I already have. I have a couple of "Carry Overs" from last week and a new recipe on Tuesday Dinner that we are going to try.

Here is our menu plan for the week(the blue highlighted words are clickable links to the recipes):

Weekly Menu Plan 9/11-9/17

For more menu plan ideas and recipes visit Menu Plan Monday at:

Menu Plan Monday 9/12

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Remembering 9/11/01

I am in awe that 10 yrs has gone by since "America was changed forever". I remember the day like it was yesterday.
A song that totally is a "tear jerker" song but is so well written for the attacks is:

I was home alone surfing the internet and had Good Morning America on watching and listening. My husband was at work. He was working at WMBI-FM radio as the morning show news producer. I remember "listening and watching" Good Morning America and at 7:47AM CST the news broke that a minute before at 7:46AM CST a plane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York. I remember seeing the first news clips and everyone thinking it was an accident. Good Morning America began reporting on what appeared to be an "accident" then at 8:03AM CST a plane crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. I immediately became "glued" to the TV and the news coverage, as things began to look like a planned attack. I watched as at 8:37AM CST a plane crashed into the Pentagon and then again at 9:09AM CST when a plane crashes into a field in Shanksville, PA. Both towers eventually crumbled to the ground killing almost everyone who was in the towers trying to escape.

I was stunned and thinking "what the heck is going on???" I was also scared for the safety of this GREAT country we live in. I had just found out 9 days prior that I was pregnant with our first child. I was scared for the safety of those working in airports, including my twin sister. I had worked at Midway airport from Feb 01-August 01, but still had many friends who worked at the airport. I stayed glued to the TV and the internet the entire day. My husband who usually worked 5am-9am did not get home until 9pm that day. All Radio and TV stations had non-stop coverage of the attacks for almost 24hrs. The attacks were in the news for 2 months straight.

Many lives were lost that day: 2,988 is the count that I kept hearing being repeated today. Many "heroes" were born that day from survivors who tried to help others, to the first responders, to the Drs., Nurses, and hospitals that treated the survivors. I think the New York city Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, did an amazing job in the days, weeks and months that followed. President George W. Bush also responded to America's worries and kept us informed. The current Mayor of New York, Mayor Bloomberg, has been instrumental in making sure the Memorial Pools at "Ground Zero" were ready for the 10th Anniversary Memorial today and they were.

I spent this morning the same way I did that morning 10 yrs ago, I was "Glued" to the 3hr special that Good Morning America has on. It was very touching, especially the part where they showed the "babies" of 9/11. The babies who are now almost 10, who were either just born or being formed in the womb when the 9/11 attacks happened. Diane Sawyer has been following these babies over the years and it was amazing to see them all 10yrs later. 

10 years have gone by and things have changed for me: I am now mom to 3 wonderful boys ages 9, 8 and 6. We just started to explain to them about the events of 9/11/01. I love homeschooling our boys!

America has changed so much in the last 10 yrs. We have a new President, America has been in economic turmoil for 3 years now and we have been at war in 2 countries since the 9/11 attacks. Airlines have gone through many ups and downs, mainly downs over the last 10 yrs.

America has been forever changed by the events of 9/11/01 and I know I will never FORGET! 

Remembering 9/11/01

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Book Review: Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere

Title: Lioness Arising
Author: Lisa Bevere
Pages: 240
Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah

Book Summary (As Taken from the Book website):

In Lioness Arising, author and speaker Lisa Bevere offers the life and image of the lioness as a fierce and tender model for women. Revealing the surprising characteristics of this amazing creature. Lisa challenges women to discover fresh passion, prowess, and purpose.

Learn what it means to:
- be a stunning representation of strength
- fiercely protect the young
- lend your voice to the silenced
- live in the light and hunt in the dark
- raise a collective roar that changes everything

Packed with remarkable insights from nature and a rich depth of biblical references to lionesses, Lioness Arising is a call for women to rise up in strength and numbers to change their world.

My Thoughts and Review:
I had never read or heard of Lisa Bevere before receiving this book, I was completely intrigued by the book topic and the title of the book. I also love reading material from "new to me' authors.

I must admit, I at first had a hard time getting interested in the book as it was a little bit much for me to comprehend, but by Chapter 3 things began to get a much easier and I was very much stunned by the book. Lisa compares woman to a Lion, strong and fierce, not afraid to take on the world. The book, Lioness Arising, is about being a strong woman and taking your role as "wife and mother" to new levels. Lisa shows how a woman can use her God given roles to make changes within her own community and in the world. I have always been one who wants to care for others and make changes, but this book inspired me to do more and give more. Lioness Arising is about taking our strengths and making us stronger.

I highly recommend this book for women who want to make changes, not just in your own, but in the community and the world around you. You will love this books just as much as I did.

For more information about the book, the author, where to purchase the book and to read the first chapter visit: Lioness Arising

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book as part of the  WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program. My opionions are my own and were in no way influcenced by any form of compensation.

Book Review: Lioness Arising by Lisa Bevere

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Weekly Wrap Up: Week 1

We survived our first week of "Back to Homeschool"! We began our school year on Tuesday the 6th and we had a rough start. Getting 3 active boys to settle down and do as instructed is a hard task. The younger 2 settled down finally, but I had to deal with a 9yr old with an attitude. That quickly got changed around and we had a good day.

I allow the boys to choose the meals for the first day of  "Back to Homeschool", they each get to choose one meal. Joshua, 9, choose homemade waffles for breakfast.

I had them begin our day with 5 minutes of exercise in the front room. Jumping Jacks, Sit-ups, Push ups and more. I just saw a news report a couple weeks ago on how exercise before school stimulates the brain and helps with focusing. I figured it is worth the try. I am so far noticing it does help.

Next up we took our traditional "First Day of Homeschool" pics:

We began diving into Our 2011-2012 Curriculum. We decided that this week we would take it easy and slow. The boys liked "easing" back into the school routine and I think we are ready to go full steam ahead next week.

Wednesday we did the basics in the morning and then began getting ready for our first night of AWANA for the year. We left the house at 1:30pm and took the bus to the Berwyn Public Library as I had books to return and both my 9yr old and I had books to pick up. We got back on the bus and headed to Oak Park, where our church is located. We got to Downtown Oak Park early, so we went to Borders and looked around. We then walked to the Oak Park Library and hung out there for a while. We headed to church by 4:15pm as I help prepare and set up for the weekly Wednesday dinner. We got home around 9pm.

Thursday we covered the basics and did some review in the morning. I discovered that what I thought was the Student Workbook for Easy Grammar Grade 3 was actually the Teacher's Edition. So we finished up the rest of the basics, had some lunch and walked to Office Depot to make photocopies of the pages from the Teacher's Edition. (Easy Grammar allows photocopying for personal use) I also had other photocopying to do. The boys and I enjoyed our walk to and from Office Depot about 4 blocks away.

Friday we covered the basics again and did some baking this afternoon. I have been wanting to make Zucchini Bread for the longest time, so I finally tried my hand at it and we like the outcome! I used Oh My! Zucchini Bread recipe from Spark Recipes.

We will be in "full mode" come Monday. I will be working diligently all weekend to get things organized and in order and create a check list for each boy to help our week go smoothly next week!

Come join others and see what happened in their homeschool this week and I have linked up at:

Weekly Wrap Up: Week 1

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Book Review: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

Book Summary from the Publishers Website (Tyndale House):
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.
Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.
Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

My Thoughts and Review:
I was really excited to read this book as I had never read any of Susan May Warren's book. I love new authors and new books!

The main characters of the book were really easy to like and the topic of the book was wonderful. Isadora Presley suffers from agrophobia and PTSD because of a tragic car accident that took her mother's life many years ago. She spends her days in her house, afraid to venture out, doing a daily radio show giving advice on Love and Relationships. Issy has never had a relationship, but her listerners really love her advice. Caleb is an Iraq war veteran who suffers daily from pain  due to injuries he suffered at war. He also has a fear of what others think of him because of his injuries. A romance starts to brew between the 2 main characters when Caleb calls Issy's show one day asking for Love advice.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a "can't put it down" book. Susan May Warren did an excellent job at keeping the reader entertained and wondering "what is going to happen next". I liked how the book had many twists and turns and wasn't too predictable. I also liked that even in the midst of romance, Susan May Warren was able to bring in scriptual and Godly truth. The book has lots of great scripture references. My Foolish Heart is Book 4 of the Deep Haven series, and I will be going back to read the first 3 in this series!!  I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it!

 
About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the RITA Award–winning author of more than thirty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.

Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times and won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Four of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women's events about God's amazing grace in our lives.


For more information about the book, the author, where to purchase the book and to read the first chapter visit: My Foolish Heart. You can also visit Susan May Warren website.


Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. My opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by any form of compensation. 

Book Review: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren

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