Cookin' Up Something Cute.....

I  made these ♥super sweet♥ aprons a few weeks ago to donate to a silent auction.  I thought I had already posted about them, but as I scrolled through my past posts I realized what a neglectful blogger I have been! = (  I think I posted the pics on Facebook and then my mind just checked them off as "done".  Sometimes my mind and reality do not agree!!  ; ) Going to try to catch up on posting most of my latest crafty endeavors this week......the ones I took pictures of, anyway (and the ones whose pictures weren't accidentally deleted)! 

For the Super Cute Female Assistant, I made this Girl's Toddler/Child Apron ~ because even when we're cooking, every girl should celebrate her own sense of style ;).....

This ♥sweet♥ little apron is constructed of a brown and blue floral print and accented with contrasting brown and blue polka dots straps, 3 rows of very ♥sweet♥ feminine ruffles, and an appliqued center flower.

Neck ties criss-cross in the back and loop through two side loops to tie at the waist. Straps are generously cut to make this apron fully adjustable.

Embroidery inside the appliqued center flower says: Super Cute Assistant =) but may be embroidered with the name of monogrammed initials of your choice.

For the little men out there, I also donated this Boy's Toddler/Child Apron ~ because who says boys can't cook....and when they do, they sure don't want to wear a girly-looking frock!

This ♥sweet♥ little apron is constructed of a blue denim with a plaid contrasting fabric, 3 front pockets. Inspired by my own train-loving little chef, it is embroidered with a very cool train design and chef's hat with the phrase "Master Chef in Training" ~ pun intended! ; )

The apron may also be embroidered with the name of monogrammed initials of your choice instead of the chosen phrase ~ or if you desire a different graphic ~ please contact me! I ♥ special requests and would love to customize one for you!! .

The apron ties behind the neck and also at the waist. Straps are generously cut to make this apron fully adjustable.

Sizes available are:

Size 4 ~ Chest 24", Waist 22", Height 42"

Size 6 ~ Chest 25", Waist 23", Height 46"

Size 8 ~ Chest 26 1/2", Waist 24", Height 50"

Size 10 ~ Chest 28", Waist 25", Height 54"

Size 12 ~ Chest 30", Waist 26", Height 58"

I had so much fun creating these................and have more in the works, so stay tuned! ; )

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And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17

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Linking up with:

Happy Homemaker Monday

Yes, I know I already did a blog post today.....but I've not posted as much lately, so it's okay ~ I can go a little crazy and do two!  Plus, my kids used all the hot water and I'm waiting for it to return for my Calgon-Take-Me-Away experience. ; )

The weather in my neck of the woods:

Hotter than I want it to be!



Things that make me happy:

• having hot water for my end-of-the-day bath  =)
• homemade Mother's Day cards
• This:

I was coming down the stairs and heard my husband say to my 9-yr.-old who was bouncing off the walls,  "Don't you have something to do?!" just as I hit the last step.  Without missing a beat, Robert bounced over to me and said, "Oh, yes....I definitely do!" and gave me a big hug, then followed me to the kitchen.  "I'm going to watch Mom cook dinner.......she's a lot better to watch than Food Network!" ; )

Book(s) I'm reading:

Quite a few......several for book reviews.  "The Traveler's Gift" and "The Final Summit" by Andy Andrews, "MacArthur:  America's General" by Mitchell Yockelson and Stephen Mansfield, and "I Am His" by Rita J. Platt

Also, "Things We Once Held Dear" by Ann Tatlock.............just because I like her!



What's on my TV today:

I don't know..........Jeopardy was on earlier.  My husband can't miss an episode. =)
I am planning on watching yesterday's episode of Army Wives online once I get everyone to leave me alone ; )


On the menu for dinner:

We had Lemon Pepper Chicken, Broccoli and Carrots with Whole Grain Angel Hair Pasta ~ it was yummy!

On my To Do List:

More than I want to think about right now!

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:

Cilantro Chicken with Ginger

In the craft basket:

Next project:  A backpack to be cut out, quilted and sewn

Looking forward to this week:

No homeschool co-op, getting end-of-year testing over with {I think this calls for a homemade ice cream celebration!}, beginning the task of painting my boys' room

Tips and Tricks:

Magic erasers are amazing.  I will never be without one.

My favorite blog post this week:

Not much blog reading last week......

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):

See post above

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

it actually does need words ~ this has always been one of my favorite pics of my then LITTLE girl and my BABY boy ♥

Lesson learned the past few days:

It's really not worth getting all worked up over.  Really.....and getting all worked up over it rarely makes it better, anyway.  Save your energy for better things. =)  {insert whatever gets YOU worked up where you see the word "it"}

On my mind:

Vehicle shopping, and......do you think I've got enough hot water for my bath yet??

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24).

Multitude Monday: 1,000 Gifts 191 - 221

"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"

~Henry Ward Beecher

191.  no words needed.....

192.   A day of no cooking =)


193.  ♥ M-O-M ♥


194. The last day of co-op = a slightly more relaxed schedule


195.  ♥ "Can you teach my writing class next year, too?  I really want you to be my teacher again!" ♥


196.  New sewing  students =)


197.  New ideas


198.  Improvements.....in more areas that one =)


199.  New days...........to try it again, and again, and again (in more areas than one)


200.  Advice that's actually helpful  ; )
         ~ ~ ever notice that those who have never walked in or near your shoes are the ones most willing to give advice because they know it all.............and those who HAVE, realize they don't know everything and you have to seek them out to ask them for it?  Their advice is often valuable ~ ~ and sometimes they have none,  but the fact that they've been there and can relate is often the most helpful thing of all.


201.  "Mom, you're my most favorite person in the world"


202.  A birthday celebrated...


203.  ....and, "You look so much younger than you are!" =)  =)  =)


204.  Two birthday cakes...


205.  ...and people who live with me who are more than happy to help those cakes disappear!


206.  Gift cards!


207.  Gift card + clearance racks + additional 40% off at my favorite clothing store = very happy me!


208.  The fact that on a recent field trip to a horse supply store, my 12-going-on-13-yr.-old found a shirt that said:

"Here's a girl who'd rather be whispering to horses than talking to boys"

......and she couldn't agree more =)  (I am so absolutely, positively, without a doubt encouraging this horse love for as long as I can!!!)

209.  Carpooling

210.  Having a day when I don't have to go anywhere....

211.  ....and the days when I get to go somewhere fun!

212.  My children's Sunday School teachers....

213.  .....and choir teachers....

214.  .....and workers & volunteers in all of the ministries they are a part of

215.  Getting to see children I had as 2-yr. old preschoolers follow the Lord in Believer's Baptism......I got to see 2 of them this Sunday, & another make his FBC singing debut! =) They may forget me, but I never forget them! ♥

216.  ♫Since I started for the Kingdom,
            Since my life He controls,
            Since I gave my heart to Jesus,
            The longer I serve Him,
            The sweeter He grows.


217.  ♫The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows,
            The more that I love Him, more love He bestows,

218.  ♫ Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows,
             The longer serve Him, the sweeter He grows,


219.   ♫ Ev'ry need He is supplying,

220.  ♫ Plenteous grace He bestows,

221.  ♫ Ev'ry day my way gets brighter,

            The longer I serve Him,
            The sweeter He grows.

"Max On Life" by Max Lucado ~ Book Review

Book Description:


"We have questions. Child-like inquiries. And deep, heavy ones.

In more than twenty-five years of writing and ministry, Max Lucado has been the receiving line for thousands of such questions. The questions come in letters, e-mails, even on Dunkin Donuts napkins. In Max on Life he offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter.

Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions—parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships—as well as to the profound: Is God really listening?

A special addendum includes Max’s advice on writing and publishing.

Including topical and scriptural indexes and filled with classic Lucado encouragement and insight, Max on Life will quickly become a favorite resource for pastors and ministry leaders as well as new and mature believers."

I'm going to come right out and admit it......I'm a big Max Lucado fan.   I have almost all of his books.   So, when I saw this e-book up for review through Book Sneeze, I jumped at the chance to get it for free. =)

This book is not like any of his other books that I have read.  As the description states, it is a collection of the most often asked questions that he has collected over the years and his answers to them.  As always, he is easy to understand and his answers are Biblically grounded.  Perhaps because I am blessed to have attended a strong Bible-believing church for years, none of his answers jumped out at me and grabbed me in some of the "Ahhh-ha!" moments I sometimes find in his writing. 

The questions he answers are organized and answered in the following categories:

• Hope:  God, Grace, and "Why Am I Here?"
• Hope:  Conflicts, Calamities, and "Why Me?"
• Help:   Prayer, Scripture, and "Why Church?"
• Him/Her:  Sex, Romance, and "Any Chance of a Second Chance?"
• Home:  Diapers, Disagreements, and "Any Hope for Prodigals?"
• Haves/Have Nots:  Work, Money, and "Where's the Lifeline?"
• Hereafter:  Cemeteries, Heaven, Hell and "Who Goes Where?"

None of his answers go into great depth, but I do believe this book would be a good starting place for a new Christian and does cover a lot of questions with very sound answers rooted in the Word of God. With my children growing up and asking many of these questions as they do,  I  plan on keeping this as a resource for them as well as to pass on to others to whom I think it would be useful. 

For those who may not be firmly grounded in a solid evangelical church with a pastor of their own, this book and it's insights could be very valuable.   Max Lucado speaks in this book as if he is speaking to his own church.  His answers are not over-your-head or condescending, but rather are "spoken" with shepherd's heart in his desire to draw Christians closer together and closer to the One for whom he wished to draw you ultimately to.

This book was provided by the publisher through  BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

I got this recipe from Taste of Home, and the only think I've change is the flour ~ I often use freshly ground soft wheat or a combination of freshly ground oat groats & all-purpose flour. =)

The tantalizing aroma that fills your home when these are baking is reminiscent of the things of Fall, but I personally see no reason to limit our enjoyment due to the season. ; )

Above, you have a pic I snapped in a rush due to what seemed like an army of hands eager and impatient to snatch one {or two} up while they were still warm.  They beg for a cup of coffee and a few stolen moments in time on the back deck to relax and enjoy with them ~~ or, maybe that's just me! ; )

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

photo from Taste of Home

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 3 to 3 1/4 cups freshly ground soft wheat; or, 1 cup freshly ground oat groats plus 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional sugar

 Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Combine the next eight ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Shape into 1-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

"The First Escape" by G.P. Taylor ~ Tyndale House Book Review

#1: The First Escape, The Dopple Ganger Chronicles By G.P. Taylor / Tyndale House Mischievous identical twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple live in the same orphanage as their only friend, Erik Ganger. When wealthy Muzz Elliott adopts Saskia, Muzz's own twin plots against her. Saskia tries to foil the crime as Sadie and Erik search for Saskia. Taylor's exciting "illustra-novel" combines graphic format with traditional text. Ages 8 to 12. 288 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

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As a book reviewer for Tyndale House, I saw this book up for review and thought I'd give it a try. As a mom of three, I'm always on the look-out for a quality read for my children and thought I'd choose a book that they might possibly enjoy as well. The book is marketed to the Christian genre, yet the style is compared to that of the Potter books and is also compared to C.S. Lewis.

Unfortunatley, I have to disagree. Not a fan of the occult theme of the Potter books, when I saw the comparison to C.S. Lewis and the fact that it was being pushed in the Christian market, I thought it would be free from the occult influences. The book is quite dark and the inclusion of a seance was quite disappointing to me. I have yet to find anything decidedly Christian about it, and think that the comparison to C.S. Lewis is a bit over the top.

The "mischievious" twins are rude, mean, disrespecful, dishonest and downright bratty. All of these are qualities we can all possess in our sinful nature, but none of which are qualities that I feel need to be encouraged in my children. The storyline is dark, involves murder, people willing and ready to hurt children, guns carried by evil people more than ready to use them, and references to the occult. It is marketed to children ages 8-12 and I feel that none of these subject matters are appropriate for those age levels.

With my children being avid readers and the wealth of worthwhile books available to them, I feel no need to add this one to their reading lists.

This book was provided by Tyndale House in exhange for my honest review.

"Promises to Keep" by Ann Tatlock - Bethany House Book Review

Promises to Keep By Ann Tatlock / Bethany House Eleven-year-old Roz (Rosalind) Anthony and her family have just moved to Mills River, Illinois, to escape an abusive situation. Only days after settling into their new home, they are surprised to find the previous owner, Tillie Monroe, on their front porch reading the newspaper. Though her sons have sold the house and sent her to a facility for the aged, she is determined to die in the place she lived her life and somehow manages to find her way "home" day after day. Feeling sympathy for the elderly woman, Roz's mother allows Tillie to move back in. Mara Nightingale becomes Roz's first friend in Mills River. In spite of their many differences, the girls discover they have something in common that binds them together-both are hiding secrets. So they make a promise -"cross my heart and hope to die"-never to tell anyone else.

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Set in the late 1960's, this is the story of a mother and her three children who flee Minnesota and an alcholic, abusive husband in the hopes of a better life ~ or just a safe one ~ in her hometown of Mills River, Illinois. Told from the perspective of the 11-year-old daughter, this story is one that had me smiling, laughing, and almost crying at times.

Roz's childhood innocence and perspective are wonderfully displayed and had me hurting for her at times and wanting to reach out and help her make sense of her world when those around her are unable to do so. I could empathize with her older brother, Wally, and the anger and frustration he was dealing with from enduring years of watching helplessly as his mother was abused, and then, he as well in later years. As a mother, I found myself feeling for Janis, doing her best to provide for her family and make a new life.....while trying to heal and move on from her abusive past.

And then, there's Tillie. The family's unexpected "houseguest", at first considered a nuisance.....and then proven to be the family's rock. Tillie gives Roz and her little sister Valerie, the security they need, the solid figure on which to lean when everything seems unstable. As Roz especially journeys through a time of confusion and upheaval, Tillie is there. She subtly points Roz and her family to faith in God during a time where they are all learning how to cope with the loss of innocence, love and trust ~ and how to learn to love and trust again. The unexpected intrusion of Tillie into their lives is just what they needed and with her age-earned wisdom, eccentricities, gentle kindness and iron will, they learn how to find their Father....and learn what a true family is.

This is the first book I have read by Ann Tatlock and I found it to be very well crafted. The characters were well developed and ones that I could easily identify with. I love her use of words and phrases....tugging at your heartstrings, bringing a smile to your face, sometimes a giggle from within, and often a moment of reflection at the power of the written word. Although it is the first I've read, it will not be the last.

Many thanks to Bethany House, who provided this book in exchange for my honest review.

"If God, Why Evil?" by Norman L. Geisler ~ Bethany House Book Review

If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question By Norman L. Geisler / Bethany House Why does God allow evil to exist? Good question, says Geisler. Addressing metaphysical, moral, and physical complexities, he surveys evil's nature, origin, persistence, and purpose; offers a biblical discussion of why a loving God allows some people to experience hell; and shares personal stories of believers who found real-life solutions to the conundrum of pain and suffering. 176 pages, softcover from Bethany.

"Where does Evil come from? And Why Doesn't God Do Something About It? The problem of evil is probably the most difficult question the Christian must face. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? Can't God put an end to murder, rape, and starvation? What about earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis? Why couldn't a perfect God have made a perfect world?

In this concise but thorough book, Dr. Norman Geisler carefully answers these tough questiopns, using step-by-step explanations and compelling examples. He walks the reader through time-tested answers, but also provides a new approach revolving around whether or not this world is the 'best of all possible worlds.' All this adds up to comforting news for believers: We can rest assured that God is both all-loving and all-powerful."

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How many times have those of us in the Christian faith been confronted with these types of questions? My typical answer is that while we may not understand now, we will see it all clearly when we reach Eternity. God's ways are not our ways, and our human intellect can not always see the reasons why ~ that's when our faith is tested and when we put what we say we believe into practice. There is always a bigger picture and our faith is what gets us through, trusting that He indeed works all things for good.

I do, however, understand that while faith comes so easily for me, for many others it does not. As a Bethany House book reviewer, I jumped at the chance to receive this book. I was hoping for new insights, hoping to be armed with helpful, Biblical responses to those struggling with belief in God as well as those faltering in their faith during tragic times.

This book is described as being written with the layman in mind, but I have to disagree with that description. While the book is very thorough and scripturally sound, and I like to think I'm a fairly intelligent person, I found it difficult to follow and would often have to read each point several times to try to wrap my brain around what the author was saying. It often made me think of what it was like sitting in a difficult professor's college class. =)

There were several times that I set the book aside, thinking I had read all that I could handle. I persevered, however, and managed to get through....in part due to determination, and in part due to pride! I like to think that I'm a pretty smart cookie and refused to let this book get the best of me! It is theologically and scripturally on point, but I also think it's a book that someone like myself would have to read again and again to ever get all of the concepts presented.

As a homeschooling mom, I've learned all about personality types and learning styles, and this book was definitely not written for mine.....or, I think, the "layman", as suggested. This book is extremely intellictually and theologically deep ~ very deep. It would most definitely be a worthwhile read for one to whom this type of writing appeals to. I kept thinking as I was reading, "I bet my husband would like this book".

Maybe he can read it and explain it to me. ;)

This book was provided by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Suwanee Soap - Review

Several weeks ago, one of my favorite fellow bloggers ~ Rebecca of Mom's Mustard Seeds ~ announced the launch of her new home-based business, Suwanee Soap.  As soon as I read about it, I couldn't wait to try it out!  She kindly sent me a complimentary bar and my intention was to write a review as soon as I received it and tried it out.

My life has a way of getting in the way of my intentions lately, and that review that I intended to do right away kept getting put off as time for blogging is sometimes hard to come by.  At first I felt very guilty, but now......I'm actually glad I waited.  I'm hanging on to the last sliver of her soap that I have left and sad to see it go!  I can honestly say that I like it more now that I've used almost all of it than I did the first day!

Originally I was interested because it was an all-natural product, and even more so because it was a fellow homeschool mom's business.  I'm all for supporting small businesses and especially one that will help keep a Mom  home where she wants to be.  However, as the weeks have gone by and I have used her product daily....the quality has me sold. =)

I am not usually a bar soap person and prefer body wash most of the time.  Day after day, however, I've found myself reaching for Rebecca's soap instead.  I have purchased all-natural, chemical-free household cleaning and personal care products for years from a wonderful company and have always been happy with what I get from them.  I have to say, though, that their bar soap doesn't impress me as much as Suwanee's.

Suwanee Soap currently offers their safe and pure soap in Patchouli Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Tea Tree Essential Oil, Lavendar Essential Oil w/ Lavendar Petals, and Lavendar Essential Oil.  I received the Lemon Essential Oil soap after mentioning that I love the scent of citrus. =)  The soap comes in what I think is very quaint and charming packaging perfect for the product that lies within.  Simple and pure.  It reminds me of something you'd find in a country store off the beaten path, which is where some of the best natural products can be found.  Lately, in our busy,never-stop, ever-increasingly complicated world, I find myself drawn to and longing for sweet simplicity and how refreshing it is when I find it {not to mention the refreshment I get from that squeaky-clean sensation that comes with using the soap - haha ; ) }!

The bars are wrapped in muslin and tied with a brown string.  Simple, yet appealing.

Inside you find the pure goodness, not perfectly stamped out bars of manufactured goods, but that of a product that is handmade, and made with care. =)



The above is a photo of the Lemon Essential Oil.  I borrowed the pics from Suwanee Soap's site and Facebook page because I forgot to take pics of my own.  I didn't think Rebecca would mind ~ I think she'll just be happy to see the review finally be posted.  ; )

The scent makes it's presence known while being soft and not over-powering, which as someone who is highly sensitive to many scents, is something I can really appreciate.  It lathers extremely well, another feature I love.  The soap from the other company I order from doesn't lather as well which is why I usually prefer body wash.  I like bubbles. =)  It also rinses cleanly away, leaving no hint of residue and the scent doesn't linger heavily on your skin so as not to conflict with any other scent you may wish to wear.

I wanted to try this soap for the simple reason of helping another homeschooling mom start her business, because she is a mom I relate to so well.  Now, after using the whole bar, I can honestly say that I really do LOVE it and will be using more of it!  I'm thinking it would make a really nice gift and think it would look too cute partnered with embellished hand towels, dish towels, kitchen towels, etc.  If you are a person who might receive a gift from me for any reason, don't be surprised it you find a ♥super sweet♥ set such as this in a gift bag with your name on it. = )

You can find Rebecca and her handmade soap at her websites:

Mom's Mustard Seeds

Suwanee Soap

or on Facebook:

Mom's Mustard Seeds

Suwanee Soap