August-Is-Upon-Us Daybook

Outside my window...
The sun is setting on a beautiful day. Some nice sprinkles this morning saving us from watering the flower beds and mini-garden and a warm but not to hot afternoon and evening perfect for the kids to play on the swing set allowing mom and dad to play a card game.

I am thankful...
For Jango . . . its a free radio site online with no commercials or time constraints that allows you to create your perfect station. You enter the artists you like and it mixes them together. It's been on in our house all summer - makes great background for game playing, dinner eating, book reading or sitting in the sun with lemonade.

I am thinking about...
A friend getting ready for a big move to Denver. It's very exciting and yet equally strange to know she'll no longer be just down the street . . . I'm so happy for her big adventure and want to focus on that - I am not a fan of good byes.

From the kitchen...
Turkey - and lots of it. Along with Hannah's gluten intolerance, we discovered she was sensitive to beef as well. Tonight I did some cooking for the rest of the week. Yummy hamburgers with sweet potato fries for dinner tonight and meat balls for spaghetti tomorrow (I mix the ground turkey with an egg or two depending on how much I'm making and some crushed gluten free pretzels - it is salty and crunchy and delicious!!)

I am creating...

A wedding shower gift. A dear friend from high school is getting married next month and her bridal shower is this weekend. I'm working on one of my favorite married things for her - a "Honey I" book where we write love letters or encouraging notes to each other instead of the endless honey-do lists. I'm covering it with cute scrapbook paper (but of course not to cute so her hubby will think it is equally awesome).

I am working on...
Enjoying doing nothing. My personality is to get up and do . . . especially when I have had so many restrictions over the last couple years - I feel like I have to make up for lost time or something. But, there is so much rest and peace is sitting on the couch with my hubby reading books side by side.

I am going...
To provide a better home for our hermit crabs. They are getting bigger by the day and their cage no longer holds them happily. We're making a trip to Value Village tomorrow to look for a bigger tank at a reasonable price then on to Michaels for some bigger shells and more sand . . . photos to follow . . . I'm sure it will be quite the adventure (what isn't in our life?!)

I am hoping...
That the month of August doesn't go to fast . . . part of me is looking forward to the routine that comes with September and the school year but I am enjoying my family all together to much to be ready to see it come to an end just yet.

I am reading...
90 Days with David by Beth Moore . . . I am about 45 days into this study and am enjoying every minute of learning about the man with "a heart like His"

I am praying...
For Terri Dunn and Grandpa Curly and their families . . . it's a blessing and a curse to know when the end is so near. I am praying for a peaceful transition Home for both these special people and lots of memories, laughter, precious time and peace that passes all understanding for their respective families left on the other side of heaven awaiting their sweet reunion someday . . . I know God has a perfect plan and perfect timing but don't understand it sometimes . . .

I am hearing...
Dave Matthews on Jango and the fan running . . . and lots of peaceful quiet as the kiddos are tucked snugly in their beds.

Around the house...
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival on my cleaning angel tomorrow . . . can you find a better friend then one who spotlessly cleans your home faithfully each week knowing you can't be around the dust and cleaners? Love this woman . . .

One of my favorite things...
Jango . . . have I mentioned this already? Now I'm singing along with Jack Johnson . . . don't have to listen to commercials or change CD's to get a mix of favorites . . . you must check it out!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Lunch and spa date with my friend Carrie to celebrate her big move . . . again, not going to say good bye - just see you soon . . . did I mention I don't like good byes?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The girls a year ago . . . time is flying way to fast . . . the years are truly WAY to short!!

A Journey of a Read

I have recently received an incredible opportunity to become a book reviewer for Kregel Pulications. They are sending me books about to be released and allowing me to read them and post my thoughts on the blog. I have already received the first book to review and a personal email from the first author. I am excited and thankful for this new adventure. 

The book is called Glastonbury Tor and it is a story of a quest . . . a quest for forgiveness, a quest for knowledge, and overall a quest for self-discovery. Colin, the main character, is faced with many choices and conflicting family ideas of what his future should look like. His relationship with his dominant father is strained to say the least. His mother, who has died, always wanted him to be a monk and this guides him on a journey to discover what he wants for his life.

Set in the countryside in the days of King Henry VIII, the story is full of mystery, intrigue, relationships and belief. Although it is a work of fiction, the author, LeAnne Hardy, does a wonderful job of setting the tone and taking you back to a very different time and place.

LeAnne Hardy has traveled the world responding to God's call to be a missionary, a call that has taken her to Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe. The diverse settings and plots in her books have been inspired by her real-life encounters there. Many of the stories and scenes from her books come from her family's experiences on the mission field or are based on true stories of others.

For more information about this book, visit www.kregel.com

The author is available for questions . . . leave them in the comment section and she will respond.
For every question or comment left (and comments can be about anything), you will be entered to win a FREE copy of this exciting new book.
(Winner will be announced Monday August 1st)