Day Three- Monday, June 20 Destination Badlands, Wall Drug and Mount Rushmore

Waking up on Day Three was an adventure in itself. I love camping, although I have to say if there is one thing I don't really care for (aside from bugs), it would be the fact that you have to leave the warmth of your sleeping bag, and tent (or in this case covered wagon) and walk sometimes quite a distance to the bathroom. So on this particular morning I had begun waking up around 5am as the wind and thunder were making it harder to sleep. I laid there for a bit thinking, maybe I can just fall back to sleep and not worry about having to go down a hill, and across the prairie a little bit to the restrooms. Then at 6am Zach woke me up. He also had been hearing the thunder and had decided to make the trek to the bathrooms, but wanted me to know where he was going. At this point I needed to get up too, but unfortunately it was now not just windy and thundery (is that even a word?) it was also pouring! When you need to go, you need to go, so we grabbed umbrellas and headed out door of the covered wagon with a huge bang as it almost flew off the hinges. We were no sooner out the door then we realized the umbrellas were not going to do us any good and we were soaked! By the time we got back to the covered wagon from our journey we no longer needed showers at all. As I stood there dripping wet I began to think about Pa, and getting caught in a blizzard on the prairie. I realize this was rain, but if snow was falling and whipping around the prairie I could understand how someone could get disoriented and loose their way back home in such a storm.
The plan had been to cook up some pancakes (flapjacks) and bacon on the prairie as that would have been a somewhat common meal for the Ingalls family, but with the rain we decided to pack up the van and head out for the Badlands. It took a few hours to drive across the state to the Badlands National Park. It was a cold, wet day and while we did have moments of clearing as we entered the Badlands we decided to mainly just drive through, instead of doing any hiking. The last time I had been in the Badlands though was during a tornado when my father had just come up to the gate, found no one there and just drove on through, so I figured we were doing much better if this time we were only dealing with rain and wind!
The Badlands are breathtakingly beautiful, as we rounded each corner of the windy road it was hard to not stop and take another dozen pictures. The various colors of the stone against the grey sky were stunning. Luckily, as we drove through the rain began to slow down and by the end we were able to take pictures from the windows without trying to keep the cameras dry. One of our favorite places in the Badlands was Robert's Prairie Dog Town. In this area the prairie grass just has mound after mound of prairie dog homes in in. We watched for several minutes, and even with the rain were able to capture these cute creatures.
Leaving the Badlands we headed to Wall Drug. This tourist trap, is something you just have to stop at! We didn't stay very long, simply walked through 5 gift stores, but it would be easy to spend hours wandering through the stores inside this building. After picking up a few things we hit the road again hoping to make it to Mount Rushmore before dinner.
Mount Rushmore is up a windy road with needle like trees on either side. The drive up itself is beautiful. As you round the corner and see it for the first time you can't help but think about how much work went in to creating this sculpture in the store surface. We had purchased a National Parks pass at the Badlands gate, which did not cover the parking fee at Mount Rushmore. We were both shocked that they will also only accept cash for the parking area. Luckily, we had planned ahead, but I can only imagine how many people don't have cash when they get to the gate. We spent a couple of hours at Mount Rushmore, taking photos and walking the mile long Presidential path. The path had quite a few stone steps and we ended up hot and tired by the time we finished hiking it. It was still chilly out, with a forecast for more thunderstorms so after leaving Mount Rushmore we headed to the Custer Crazy Horse Campground to stay in a cabin for the evening. While I'm glad were were in a cabin, which I'm sure kept us warmer then a tent in 40* and wind would have, I wish we had camped at Custer State Park, which we would head to the next morning.
The sights of the day were beautiful, from God made to man made. Falling asleep in the cabin after a full day of driving and sight seeing we prayed that the weather and temps would improve and for another fun filled day to follow.

Day Two- Sunday, June 19th Destination Ingalls Homestead, De Smet, South Dakota

Headed to the Little House on the Prairie!




Day Two started at 6 am. Vacations are meant to be a time to relax and sleep in, but when you have at least 6 hours to go before your next destination it becomes necessary to get up and get moving. It was hard to pull away from the Fisher's house. Seems that we let too much time pass before talking to each other, each with our own lives and schedules and then visits are also too far apart. We had a wonderful evening catching up and now we were off again. Our plan had been to go up the western side of Iowa into South Dakota, but we were alerted to the fact that several places along the highway we would have needed to travel were flooded so instead we headed north into Minnesota and then west to South Dakota.
The morning started off with a very heavy fog. Once the fog was lifted and we were in Minnesota we saw mile after mile of wind farms. I know that people say they are ugly, but there is something almost majestic about these towering windmills along the highway. They are peaceful and against the farm land even beautiful. Not only did we see the windmills we also saw a lot of flooded farm land. In one place, after crossing into South Dakota we even saw an area of road that appeared to be raised up between two small lakes. The only problem was that they were not two small lakes but rather fields that were simply under water. It brings to mind all the people that depend on farming for their livelihood and how weather certainly effects them.
The other thing you begin to see as you are traveling into South Dakota are signs for Wall Drug. They have many different messages and were quite interesting to read as we went along. Around 1 pm, after a picnic lunch stop in Minnesota, we arrived in De Smet, South Dakota home of the Ingalls family. If you are familiar with the books at all it is in De Smet that they spent the long winter in the Surveyor's house when Pa had gone west to work on with the railroad. The Surveyor's house is still there and we were able to tour it as well as a replica of the school Laura would have first taught in, and the actual school where Carrie got in trouble for rocking the bench. We also went through the family's home. Hearing about the family first hand, and what really happened in their lives was intriguing. I'm interested in seeing if I can find any more of the books about the family, the Caroline years as well as the Rose years from the library. I always loved the television show, so knowing that life wasn't quite like that is always a bit hard to understand. Having read the books though, as a family, we realized that many of the things that happen on the show were added to make a good television series and not because they were true to life.
After visiting the museum and house tour we continued to the grave sites of Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura and Almanzo, Carrie and Grace and their spouses. It was sad to think about the fact that the family line ended there in De Smet with no one left to carry on the Ingalls name. A short ways away from the grave site we arrived at the site of the original house on the prairie. It is now the Ingalls Homestead and offers camping, in either tents, their bunk house or in covered wagons. This tip I had gotten from our good friends the Perry's and so I had secretly reserved a covered wagon for the night. The kids were so excited! It was a really neat experience to be out on the prairie in a covered wagon for the night.
The Ingalls Homestead http://www.ingallshomestead.com/information.html, is a neat place to visit. The kids were able to ride miniature horses, and in a buggy, make corn cob dolls, rope, and do laundry with wash tub and ringer. As a family we were able to explore a dug out home, a barn, and a replica of the house they would have lived in. We also took a covered wagon ride across the prairie and visited a school. In the school the kids dressed up and the teacher led them through a sample lesson. Katie absolutely loved the horses! I know she would like to have one someday, but I don't foresee that happening! The main area of the Ingalls homestead is open to 6pm and while we did see the majority of the things we had wanted to we had not had a chance to look through the house before that time. Just the same the lady who was dressed as Ma, stayed an extra hour to show us around the house and teach the kids about life on the prairie. While we cooked our dinner the kids had a chance to try to wash clothes again and then we settled in for an evening on the prairie. The wind was whipping around so shortly after dinner, and of course some smores, we settled into our covered wagon for the evening. It had been another long day, as we had gotten up at 6am and it was now close to 10pm.
The prairie was beautiful, the prairie grass swaying in the wind, the birds and crickets chirping. As I cooked dinner I could hear cows mooing in the distance, and you could just feel the vastness of the space around you. The sky was huge. Clouds were starting to roll in and as we drifted off to sleep it was hard not to think about Laura and her family and all they went through living out in this area.

Day One- Saturday, June 18th

Day One- Destination Johnston, Iowa and the Fisher Family

The journey started at 4 am this morning. In actuality it stated much before that. Really it began when our good friends Amy and Ted told us about their adventure in following the Louis and Clark trail a while back. From there we began thinking about how neat it would be to travel to the Laura Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota. Of course when you begin to think about driving all the way to De Smet, you begin to realize that if you're going to go that far, you might as well go to the Badlands, and Mount Rushmore. From there you realize that if you've already traveled that distance the Rocky Mountains are beautiful as well, and what about the Grand Canyon? Suddenly, you realize you've created a whirlwind trip and wonder if it is even possible.

After much discussion we decided that driving and camping on a two week adventure was feasible and so the planning began. We created a list of places we wanted to see and then determined, thanks to randmcnally.com what order to visit these places. Lists were made, just part of who I am I guess. Supplies were gathered, and the van was packed. Everyone went to bed early on the night of the 17th, and so when the alarm went off at 3 in the morning on the 18th we were mostly awake and definitely excited to get going.

At 3:30 am we woke the kids, gathered the last items out of the house, locked the doors and headed off. Praying in the car before the journey we asked for traveling mercies, for everyone to get along and for an exciting time. At 4:15am we approached a rest stop along the Ohio turnpike. What a welcome site to find that Starbucks was already opened. We grabbed peppermint mocha's to go with the muffins we had made at home and continued on our journey. The rest of the day was spent driving from Ohio across the I's. Indiana, Illinois and finally into Iowa! Drive was the word of the day. We tried to make our stops as quick as possible and after 11 hours and one lost hour due to a time change, we arrived at the home of the Fisher Family!

We were so excited to see them, as it had been 2 years since the last time we were able to be together. We spent the rest of the day catching up with their family, and also took a run over to the home gym of Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson.
While we missed her that day, we did get a few pictures of Katie in front of the gym.

Following our run to the gym we picked up some very yummy bbq for dinner as well as a giant ice cream cake to celebrate Father's Day. It was a great visit, and while we certainly wished we could stay up all night catching up we knew that the next day we had more driving to do before arriving at the next location. We headed to bed around midnight, which was really 1 am for those of us that had woken up in the Eastern time zone at 3 am! The next day was on the horizon so we tried to get to sleep as quick as we could. If we could do this leg of the trip over again we'd try and plan a bit more time in Iowa. Seeing the Fisher's every 2 years just isn't enough!

Randolph Family Out West Adventure- opening log

5063 miles and 14 days later I find myself sitting in my office reflecting on the Randolph Family Out West Adventure. It was a journey, perhaps of a lifetime. It was filled with incredible moments, and to be honest moments where we needed to exert our parental controls with a firm voice, but non the less it was filled with MEMORIES. The saying goes Life is not about the destination it is about the journey, so now at the end of the journey I find the need to go back and journal the trip and reflect on the time spent with the family.

Book #5 and Book #6

I like to read books that have more than one book in the series. It allows the story to continue when you get to the end of the book, without it just being in your mind. This latest series was suggested by a parent on my son's hockey team, whose son was reading it for school. The book is called City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. Apparently, it is also a movie, but I have not seen that yet, and I'm not sure I will since I really enjoyed the book.
It is an easy read, being a juvenile series, but just the same it is very captivating.
Book 1- City of Ember takes place in the underground city of Ember. Although at the time the inhabitants don't know that the city is underground. What they do know is that their city is no longer working right. Power is going out, supplies are running low. At the age of 12 the citizens must take on jobs in the city. Lina and Doon, have just turned 12 and as fate happens are also reconnecting with each other as friends. Doon is sure the city is doomed, and is desperate to fix it. Lina, only begins to realize the problem when she discovers a mystery letter. Will they get out in time? Only by reading it will you find out.

Of course, that's not entirely true since I also read book 2 The People of Sparks. Sparks is an above ground city. In this city the people are learning to live again after war, and disease has destroyed so much of their world. They are on the very of finally having enough when 400 new people show up. Should they take them in? If they do, should they help them forever or just for a little while? What if their food runs low, or they don't get along? The people are not sure what to make of the strange visitors, and not sure how to best help them. Of course everyone is feelng the stress of the living situations and when stress rises so do tempers. What will happen to the people of Sparks and their visitors? Who will be able to stop the inevitable downfall of the people?

Time to check these 2 books out to find out!

Book #4 Unlocked

Book #4 is Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

This is the story of a young man who is locked behind the wall of autism. The onset of his autism happened around age 3. At that time his Mom became his primary caregiver, and after trying desperately to unlock his son his father left the area to battle the seas of Alaska as a fisherman. His mom not only lost her husband to Alaska, but her best friend as well, who didn't know how to deal with this precious little boy changing and being locked inside his own world.
Fast forward to high school and suddenly Holden, who is very interested in music is fascinated by Ella Reynolds who has been cast as the lead in Beauty and the Beast. Life at the high school is not an easy thing. The football players rule the school and they don't like kids like Holden who are different. Will the bullying continue, what will the cost of it be? Who will take a stand?
The story unfolds to show us that we are all locked up in some way. Some of us are locked up emotionally, some of us are locked into who we are seen by others to be. Hardly, any of us know how to deal with everything going on around us. Will that change?
I could tell you more details of the book, but really you just have to read it to find out!

Book #3 Made to Crave

I've been doing an online Bible study called Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. It's a really good book that has given me some valuable insight into eating better, and why I should even bother. The bible tells us that everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23. Yes, I can have fries, and a burger and a pop. Will it fuel my body and help me to run the race that life has in front of me. Maybe briefly. But there are better choices that will fuel my body for longer. It doesn't mean I can't ever eat those things, but for my life I need to avoid them as much as possible.
We spend so much time thinking about "have to" I have to do this, I have to do that. That sometimes we've missed out on the want to. Want to's don't have to be selfish. I want to take care of my family and create a smoothly run home. I want to have less stress so that my family does not feel as stressed. Those are good want tos that will find me making sacrifices such as doing laundry a little everyday, or reorganizing the cupboard or getting up early to make things run more smoothly. Having a want to attitude can help change how we focus on food and exercise as well. I want to get in better shape so I'm going to sacrifice time I could be watching tv to walk or run on the treadmill. I'm going to sacrifice time to make myself lunch instead of run though the drivethru. It's not always an easy choice, but the more the have to changes to a want to the more driven I am to do what I should.
If you're looking for a Bible study that will draw you closer to God and help motivate you to eat healthier this is a good one to look into.

Book #2 Reshaping It All

Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure is an amazing book. Yes, I started to become interested in it simply because I followed her when she played DJ Tanner on Full House. Then I started following her on Twitter and watched how even with her busy "actress" schedule she always was talking about her family, and her beliefs. Not many Hollywood people do that. In fact, most talk only about themselves. Seeing how I've decided to make 2011 about getting back in shape and healthy it seemed like a good time to pick up her book. Which, was a reward to myself for losing my first 15lbs!
The book isn't about "look what I did" it's about look what God has allowed to happen in my life, the path He has led me on, and what I can do because of Him. It's about living the way God intended us to live. Do we all need to be a size 2, no, but we should all strive to life a life pleasing to God and the holy temple that is inside of us when we have Him in our lives. Satan wants us to look at ourselves and say "guess I might as well give up since I've been like this for so long", but God wants us to pursue Him, and in the process we will most likely crave wanting to be more then we are.
She gave recipes, and insight to what has worked for her in her battle with eating well and food. She talked about choices and how what we choose reflects back on God. Whether it is a food choice, a work choice or how we raise our kids. The book talks about nothing being forbidden in terms of food, but that we need to make the choice of what is best for our bodies. Yes, you can have the brownie in moderation, but a pan of them is not good for you. It touched on the fact that our culture is supersized. That we eat more then we should, because portions are just out of control and that we need to learn to stop when we are satisfied, not when we are full. That is truly a difficult process.
Perhaps my favorite thing I've taken away from the book is whether or not the sacrifice I make today is worth it. If it's not fine, don't sacrifice, but if taking time to work out, or eat healthy is a sacrifice I'm willing to make I might miss out, in the world's terms, on something, but I will gain so much more in God's terms. Which do I want to live by God's or the world's?
I highly recommend this book. Even if weight and working out isn't a struggle for you. Maybe there is some other area that you just need to reshape, and start fresh with.

Book #1 The House that Cleans Itself

Book #1 of 2011 is finally finished. It was a great book, but self-help type books just take longer to read. I'm always drawn to the organizing section of the book store, ask my best friend! Just the same you could also ask her and she'd tell you for the most part it's not something I really need help with, at least to the normal observer. To me, it's always something I can improve.
The House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark was a book that I picked up because I knew it would help me improve in some way. It is a great book of ideas, and for some I'm sure the ideas and steps are intended to be followed step by step. For me, I felt I just needed to pick and choose my way through the book and pull out things that would help me. I was happy to know some of the suggestions I already use. For instance, not putting the mail down without doing a quick sort. I have been doing this consistently. As I walk in from getting the mail I put the things I need on the top and the things I don't need on the bottom. I walk straight to my desk and dump the junk mail in my recycling bin. Then sort the rest of the mail. If it is bills they go in my financial folder, the other items that need to be taken care of immediately go in my to do file on my desk. It keeps my desk neat and also helps things get into the right spot.
Another suggestion was finding the room that you feel horrible about when it is a mess. For me it's the front hall closet, my office and the kitchen sink. When those things are picked up and neat the rest of the house doesn't seem so bad. I've made it a point this year to reorganize the hall closet so it works for our family, and when hanging up my coat straightening it quickly at that point. I've made sure that each night before going to bed my office is picked up, supplies back where they go and if piles of projects are needed they are stacked neatly on my craft desk so I don't feel overwhelmed when I look at it. Lastly, either last thing at night or first thing in the morning I tackle any dishes left in the sink. That way I don't feel like they are staring at me during the day. There were lots of other great suggestions in the book, and I'm sure I will be refering back to it occasionally as I continue to improve the "mess" of our lives and reorganize the house to my standards.
I'd mark it as - great book, definitely needed for the person who wants to become, or stay more organized.

Next book- (can't wait to read!!!) Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure

New Year Book 1- The House That Cleans Itself

Book 1 for the new year is the House that Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark. So far it has some good ideas, about 1/2 way done though so check back for the final report!

It's a New Day Challenge/Week 2

Made it a whole week without one single can of pop! Not only that, haven't had a sip of soda since the 1st and you know what, I don't miss it! Can't believe it since so many times in my life I have felt like I can't live without it. Feels good. I've had more veggies and fruit and less sugary stuff this week then anytime I can even remember. It's been amazing! I feel good, not as tired, and to add to it all lost 6 lbs this week! Huh, I wonder if I keep doing what I did and start exercising more what will happen next week. Can't wait to find out!
This weeks challenge though isn't about exercising, it's about shopping once and cooking for a week. This one is easy for me. I've been planning menus out for years, and then hitting the store once. Not only does it help with eating issues to not wonder what is for dinner, it helps with budget and busy schedules. Tonight we did try a new type of premade frozen chicken noodle soup mix. Added water and some chicken (only 4 pts a serving) and it was awesome! Tomorrow, a found a cool new zucchini recipe to try. Kids won't like it, but oh well!

It's a New Day Challenge/ New Year

Just read the new day challenge for the day from Weight Watchers. This week it's to try a food I've never tried before. I've chosen to try whole wheat spaghetti. We'll see if the family likes it. They weren't all crazy about tonight's dinner which was mainly vegetables! Oh, well. It's a new year and a new day. One step forward and not looking back.

Book 44 The Way to A Man's Heart

This is book three in the Miller Family Series by Mary Ellis. All three books were very well written. They are about Amish women and the struggles they face with determining the true path for their lives. The stories were all very nicely done and seemed very accurate. Is Leah old enough to stand on her own and make wise decisions, or is she too naive to understand the world around her? The characters are so real you find yourself really wanting them to succeed at what they are doing. Or, yelling at them when the mess up!

Definitely, a good series to read.


Not sure if I'll manage to finish another book before the end of the year. I had decided to read 12 novels this year, one per month. So far, at least by the ones I remembered to blog, I've read 44! Not bad. Guess next year I'll have to see if I can beat it! Happy Reading. Pick up a book, it will take you someplace you never imagined you would go.

Book 43 Happy Ever After

The final book in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts was Happy Ever After. It was a great end to the series, although to be honest 1/2 way through book 2 I think I could have named who would end up with who. Just the same, it was a quick read filled with love and friendship and trials. Will they work it out and make it to the end of the aisle, or will they determine they are not meant to be? Guess based on the title, you could pick which it will be, but getting there is over 1/2 the story. Still would recommend the whole series.

Book 42 Running Out of Time

Book 42 is Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This book, once you start reading is really hard to put down. The primary audience is young adults, and the book is only 184 pages, but it is full of twists and turns. In the story there is a community that believes it is 1840, the problem is it is really 1996. Some of the people in the community know that they are not living in the right time, as it was set up to be a sample of life in the 1840's for tourists to see. The problem is to begin with the people were still getting 20th century medical care and now when things are not going well that medical care is no where to be found. Seeing no other way Jessie, a 13 year old girl, that only knows life in the 1800's is sent out of the community secretly to get help. Will she succeed? Only through reading it can you find out.

This author also wrote the book Among the Hidden, which having read out loud to 5th graders through the course of subbing I highly recommend too!

The Lost Hero Book 41

Sometimes reading books written for the tweens is not such a bad thing! Since last September I have read the entire Harry Potter series, the Percy Jackson Series and most of the Artemis Fowl books. All have been wonderful. This new book The Lost Hero by Ric Riordan is a new book in a series that deals with the Heroes of Olympus. It has some characters from the Percy Jackson series but also introduces a whole different group of characters.
I had a hard time putting down this action pack, twist and turn filled book. Will they follow the quest that their friends at Half Blood Hill think they are on, or will they listen to the dreams that beg them to do something different. Who is on which side, who will betray who, who will win in the end? These questions keep the book interesting and hold the reader spell bound. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the next thing happened and threw my prediction off. Zach just started reading it today, wonder what he will think is happening. He has already made guesses, similar to what I thought, only to discover that some of what he thinks is true, and some of what he thinks is not!
Great series, great author. Now if he could just hurry up and get the next book out that would be great! Unfortunately, book 2 is not due out until next fall!

Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony Book 40

Ok, yes I'm possibly addicted to this series. They are fairly quick reads, and I like to know I've read every book in a series. It's a challenge I guess. Of course I've read every book Karen Kingsbury, the previous reviews author has ever written, also a challenge I suppose.

This book by Eoin Colfer introduces a new female counterpart to Artemis. She is equally smart and also knows about the fairy people. She has even discovered the demons and when they will appear in the human world. She takes a chance and actually beats him to capturing one which creates a new contest. Not only does Artemis have to figure out how to get the demons back from her, he also must do so while saving the demon world, the fairy peoples privacy and protecting the humans. The adventure is full of surprises. With more books in the series there were certainly be more reviews to come.

Take Four- Book 39

Love Karen Kingsbury books! Love the fact that the characters grow and change in each book and that you really don't lose the characters when you go into a different book by her. Instead you are reading about a whole community and how the people interact with each other.

Take Four was no exception. In this book you get to follow Andi, and her decision on whether or not to keep her baby. Will Bailey and Cody finally get and stay together. Who will make the next movie? All these questions get answered as the story evolves. Of course some are also left unanswered giving you the desire to read Leaving, a story about Bailey that will be out in March of 2011.

These books are full of faith, family and friends and the trials that come and go in life. She is a must read author.

Artemis Fowl and the Opal Deception Book 38

Haven't had much time to get up on my book blogs lately so I've fallen a bit behind. I actually read this book back in September, but here's the review:

In this book Artemis Fowl has had his memory wiped by the LEP (Fairy police) for the other times he has infiltrated the fairy people. Of course Artemis, being who he is, knew that they were going to wipe his mind and Butler's so he made preparations for such an occasion. Also, in the previous book Opal has been taken down in her plot to overthrow the fairy people. Of course she, also being incredibly clever, has developed a plan to fool the people into thinking that she is in a coma and trying once again to take over the world. Holly, Captain Short, Foaly, Butler and Artemis are brought back together to save not only the people but the Mud men (humans) as well. Will it be enough? Will they be able to stop Opal's Deception.

Guess you'll have to read it to find out!

More books!! book 37?!

Realized as I was writing on the blog today that I never posted a review on Bed of Roses or Savor the Moment book 2 an 3 in the Bridal Quartet Series by Nora Roberts. Actually, read them this summer, but since I am keeping track I'll call them books 37 and 38! (think I went well above the 12 I was planning on reading this year!)

Bed of Roses is the story of the florist in the Bridal series. Emma, is a true beauty who men swarm around, but she hasn't been able to find the right one. In this book she realizes that sometimes you have to look close to home to really find happiness.

Savor the Moment is book 3 in the series. In this book pastry chef Laural finally realizes her dream of knowing true love. She has perfected her world of pastry can she perfect and keep a relationship alive.

Both books were great romance stories. Looking forward to Happily Ever After which is set to be released in November of this year.

Choosing to See ( Book 35)

It's hard to even start this review. Book 35 was Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. Wow, doesn't even begin to describe the life she has lived especially these past several years. As long as I can remember I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman's music. So in May of 2008 when I heard the crushing news that his daughter had been killed in a car accident I felt compelled as so many across the world did to pray for his family. At the time I had just purchased a CD of his with the song Cinderella on it. It's a song about how quickly little ones grow up, and that before you know it they are ready to be on their own and gone. For days after the accident the radio stations would play the song and I'd have to shut it off, sick over what had happened to their family and wondering why God would allow this to happen to a man who had spent his adult life telling the world about God through his music.

When I heard Mary Beth Chapman was writing a book about what God has taught her over the years I knew I had to read it. Part of me was curious, would she say what really happened, at the time of the accident there were only sketchy details, would she talk about how she simply trusted God and moved on? While she did tell of the accident, and her life before and after the book was so much more about journeying with God. Yes, she absolutely trusted God, before, during and after the accident. But at the same time she trusted Him with her heart, and her family, she struggled with, and most likely still does struggle with questions that may never be answered this side of heaven. She poured her life out on the pages of the book. At times I'd find myself laughing over different stories she was telling, and the next I was brought to tears.

Real. That is what she allowed herself to be for everyone through this book. She shared with honesty her struggles, her questions, her trials. Yet, as she did I found myself drawn to the fact that regardless of the storms life may be throwing at her she was going to hang on, if only by a thread to the fact that God is in control, that His love is real, and that He will never leave us. We might not feel His presence at times, we might wonder why He would allow something to happen, and we might honestly scream out to him in anger. Yet, He knows how we feel, He has felt our pain, and He alone will be with us no matter what. I don't often buy books, but this one I knew I had to purchase. Not so it will sit on my shelf for years to come, but so that I can pass it on to someone else to read. Perhaps her story will help someone find the peace, the hope and the joy that comes from knowing the Lord. That they too will choose to see God, perhaps for the first time.

The Chapman family is till in my prayers. I pray for them as they live without their precious daughter, and as they continue to show others what it means to really walk by faith.

Books 33, 34, and 36.

It's been awhile since I've taken the time to update my blog book reviews. I have been reading, in fact I read books 33 and 34 back in August, followed by an attempt at 2 different books that I just couldn't get into. Book 35 deserves it's own entry, so for this post I've included the books on either side of it.

Book 33 Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson. It is book 1 of a set of 9 books that focus on Betsy, who has turned into a vampire. Now if you like the Twilight series or the Vampire Diaries you might not find this book to your taste. In fact, it's not one you can really sink your teeth into. It's more of a snack. (I know enough with the Vampire analogies) This book was a fairly quick read, and despite the fact the lead character has turned into a vampire, it is a pretty light hearted book. The main character knows she died, but can't figure out why she is still alive. It takes a bit to determine why when she was killed in an accident she comes back to life. Her family and friends have to learn how to deal with this new part of her life, will they stand by her or turn away? Of course there is also the problem that she is being hunted by a group of vampires who feel that she is unworthy of the status that she has earned. Will she be able to save the vampire world from destruction? To answer these questions you'll have to pick up the book and read it. It was a fun book to read, not sure I'll read the rest of the series or not. I'm not addicted to vampires so I could take it or leave it. Guess I'll have to see what other books cross by path first.

I guess on that note I have to say that if you are really into vampires you might like the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I started book one, and was told ahead of time that it was pretty edgy. I thought I'd give it a try, as it was recommended, I made it to page 100. At that point I decided it just wasn't for me.


Book 34 Artemis Fowl and the Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
This series is one I keep returning to. I guess mainly to see what more trouble Artemis can get into. In this book he has stolen Fairy technology that he has decided to sell. Of course that doesn't go the way he has planned and requires Fairy intervention to help him escape a bad situation. This character is like James Bond/Sydney Bristow meeting a 6th grader. It's quick, funny, and intriguing as to what could possibly happen next. I have the next book The Opal Deception in my teaching bag ready for down time. This series is perfect for your late elementary school student too, although mine is currently reading about 5 different novels depending on which one he picks up at any given moment!

Before reading book 35 and 36 I did attempt to read Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. It was a good book, I just couldn't quite get into it. I don't know if it's because at the time so much else was going on that I never found time to really read for long enough periods. I may go back to it again sometime. It's the story of friendship, love and relationships.

Book 36 UnBridaled by Eileen Rendhl
To be honest I picked up this book because I found the cover amusing. After reading the back of the book, it reminded me of the Julia Roberts movie Runaway Bride, which was pretty funny, so I decided to read the book. It was just a light, quick, read that didn't require much thinking. Sometimes, I don't want to have to spend hours contemplating the world and the relationships of people. It just unfolded. Chloe the main character leaves her husband to be at the alter. What happens next is a tale of realizing that life doesn't always happen the way we expect it, but the way it should. She does have other books with similar titles, may or may not read them. It will depend on recommendations, or other books that just leap off the shelf at me between now and then.

The Red Pyramid #32

32 books this year?! Wow! The crazy thing is I have two more at home already set to read and two at the library waiting to pick up. Truly, I am not spending all my time reading either, it's crazy!!

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan was wonderful! The books target audience is about 4th grade and up, and my 5th grader loved it too. This book is the first in the Kane Chronicles which will follow Carter and Sadie Kane, children of parents who made it their life work to study Egyptian artifacts and mythology. Through the story you discover that Mom and Dad were more then just interested in Egypt as a career, they were interested as it was a part of their lives from the time they were born. Which in turn has now made it a part of their children's lives.

Dad finds himself opening a portal and allowing multiple Egyptian gods loose. Of course in the process the evil god Set captures Dad and now Carter and Sadie find themselves on an adventure to stop Set before he destroys North America. The story has many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. The book being based on Egyptian mythology helps you to understand their philosophy in how things were built and what their belief system taught them.

While the book was good and both Zach and I look forward to the next book in the series, I did notice that Disney was on the spine of the book. With the very remote chance that they would ever see my blog... "PLEASE FOLLOW THE BOOK IF YOU INTEND TO CREATE A MOVIE AS YOU SCREWED UP PERCY JACKSON FOR LOTS OF READERS!" Just thought I'd let them know.

(by the way, the Percy Jackson movie is good, if you don't read the book, but since Zach and I like to read...we didn't like the movie all that much!)

Sisters Book #31

I haven't been reading Danielle Steel for quite awhile now. Mainly because she started to go way beyond what I wanted to read in a romance novel. This book however was completely different. I picked it up mainly because of the title Sisters, which caught my attention having just read a few books by Nancy Thayer about sister and their relationships with each other. Danielle's book was just as good as those, this time.
This book explores the lives of the Adams sisters. All four are different, their is a lawyer, a producer, a model and an artist. They are all incredibly close to their parents and head home for the 4th of July celebration when tragedy strikes. How will they deal with the difficult situation that lays before them is the tale that fills the rest of the book. The sisters show you a side of love that you wish every family would find. You want to laugh with them, cry with them and smack at least one of them around a bit. Much like real family life. In the end you want to be like them, and have the relationship with your siblings that they have with theirs. A great quick read!

Sarah Palin's Going Rouge An American Life Book #30

I know this post will generate several opinions. You either like Sarah or hate her, and I can deal with that. Personally, she intrigued me. Not because she was the best politician ever, but because she seemed to want to tell it like it was. This book, written by her, is a way of understanding where she came from, what she wanted to do and where she was going. Did she succeed. Not really, but not necessarily because she wasn't the trained speaker that other candidates were, but rather because she was made to be a scapegoat for failure. She prided herself on being her own person, and making decisions based on what was best for the people she was serving. She didn't care if she was a Republican by voting status or if she was siding with the Democrats. She cared about her city, her state, and her country. The Republican election committee made her say, act and be someone she wasn't and when she bucked the system she was considered to be "going rogue". I don't know that she would have been the best person to be elected, maybe she'll run again on her own terms and we'll find out. What I do know is having read this book, I feel even more strongly about how the true picture of who the candidates really are is something that we very rarely ever see. We see who they want us to believe them to be, or who the press wants us to see. And if the press doesn't like you or agree with you LOOK OUT! I respect Sarah for writing this book and at least to those who read it exposing the truth of the situation. Maybe if a few more American Politicians decide to Go Rouge, we might actually have a fighting chance of getting the country back to the Glory Days. You Go Sarah!

Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident Book 29

The book Artemis Fowl: Arctic Incident is book two in the Artemis Fowl series. It can be found in most young adult sections of the library and is a great read. My son really likes the series, and honestly so do I. In this book young Artemis discovers that his father may actually have survived the destruction of his ship, from book one, and is possibly being held captive by the Russians. While attempting to discover if this is true, he is once again caught up in the Fairy World when the take him captive to accuse him of sabotaging their world. Did he do it, or is it someone else?
As Captain Holly investigates she learns that working with Artemis might be the only way to discover the truth. The story is filled with spy like action, twists and turns. Definitely, a good series to be reading through. I've already reserved book 3, of course it's on a list behind 4 more books I would like to read!

Summer Hours Book 28

Summer House was the 28th book I've read this year! It took awhile for me to get into the story, perhaps as I was laying on a beach in 98* weather and it was hard to concentrate. Once the characters began to unfold it was hard to put the book down.
The story, by Nancy Thayer, follows the lives of the Wheelwright family. This family is rooted on tradition, and banking, but one of Nona's sons children are not the "respectable" family members that her daughter's family thinks they should be. The family conflict is real, and reminds you of the shortcomings that all families have. Will they learn to love and support each other in the end, no matter what it takes to get there, or will they tear each other apart?
Another book that I would recommend for light summer reading, on a beach or a hammock, it was a story that pulled you into another place and found you fighting for the characters that you felt were right.

Moon Shell Beach book 27

Summer reading should be fun and light. Something that can transport you to a dreamy vacation spot or catch you up in the tale of friendship and love. Moon Shell Beach by Nancy Thayer was just that. This book follows the lives of 2 friends Lexi and Clare as they move from childhood to adulthood. Will their friendship survive the challenges that teenage and young adult years bring? Will they learn from their mistakes what it takes to keep a friendship alive? Can they restart from where they left off? All these questions run through the book, as the tale of true friendship unfolds.
Friendship isn't just a day to day thing, when it is a good friend. Rather it is a lifelong learning process of building and learning to trust enough in a relationship to make it last. This book as the jacket on it says, makes you want to grab your best friend and walk on the beach with her.

Beachcombers- Book 26

Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer is a magnificent summer read. The story is about sisters, and the sibling/friend relationship and the complications and blessings it brings. The sisters are all back in Nantucket for the summer, trying to help the one overcome her loss of job and finance. In the meantime, their father is falling in love after being alone for over 10 years since the time of his wife's death. Summer is the perfect time for romance, and for friends. The girls truly learn what it means to be friends as adults and how to help each other through the difficult patches in life. It was a quick and easy read, and I would highly recommend it.

Artemis Fowl- Book 25

Artemis Fowl is a book series by Eoin Colfer. In this series Artemis, a pre-teen age boy, finds himself as the head of his criminal family after his father's ship is destroyed. His father, at least in book one, is presumed dead. (Haven't gotten past the first book so that may change!) Artemis decides to try and capture the one treasure that he feels has eluded the criminal world, fairy gold. He succeeds in finding out how to capture and keep a fairy, in fact he thinks he has it all figured out. In the end though he realizes that while he may be richer, he had to compromise on things he wasn't quite ready to compromise on. This book, while written for the tween audience, is captivating. I found myself wanting to turn the next page just to see who would win out. He is super spy bad guy, it's almost like reading a Harry Potter book, but focusing on the evil world of Slytherin! Worth the read. I'm taking a break before reading the second book in the series, but I do plan on getting back to it at some point.

Books 22, 23, and 24!

Book 22 Southern Storm book 2 in the Cape Refuge series by Terri Blackstock. Police Chief Matthew Cade is patrolling the island during a bad storm when a man walks out in front of his patrol car. The man ends up dying, leaving Cade feeling guilty for what has happened in this unbelievable accident. During the autopsy they discover evidence that makes it seem as though he was going to die anyway. Will the Chief be cleared, will the real murderer be found. And what of the widow of the man, what will she do in response. I'd tell you more but then the story would be wrecked. The twists and turns of this book led me to read it in 2 days! Great story.


Book 23 River's Edge book 3 in the Cape Refuge series. Again a book that only took 2 days to read (mind you that is between doing laundry and remembering to take care of the other things I have to do each day!) This book too is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think you have it all figured out you find out you are wrong! 3 men are running for Mayor to fill the gap left by the jailing of the previous Mayor for the murder of Morgan and Blair's parents. Suddenly, one of the candidates wives ends up dead. Who did it? Was it the husband who seems to have been having an affair or one of the other candidates, or the fertility Dr? Only by reading the book will you be able to figure it out. Again, telling you to much will spoil the book.


Finally, book 24 Breaker's Reef the final book in the Cape Refuge series. This was by far the book I knew I had figured out from about the 4th chapter. Only later did I find out I was WRONG! It wasn't until the final chapter that the true murderer was revealed, and I was shocked that it was not who I thought it would be. In this story young girls are turning up missing and dead. What is the connection, who is doing it, why does it resemble the murders in a mystery writers books and why is the Chief once again being blamed? Wonderful, intriguing stories that you just can't put down! Great summer reading. I can't wait to read some more of her books. Now if the library would just hurry up and get them in!

In the meantime I'm reading Artemis Fowl, a book my son picked up. It's interesting...you'll have to come back to read the review later.

Cape Refuge (Book 21)

Wow! This was a really good book. I thought I had it figured out early on, but then the twists and turns led me in a whole different direction.
The story is about 2 sisters whose parents are murdered. The family runs a house on Cape Refuge that takes in people trying to restart their lives after tragedy or jail time. Who could kill such nice people? Why would someone do such a thing? Could their son-in-law really be guilty of the crime? All these questions run through your mind as you try to solve the case before the local law enforcement agent does. It will keep you twisting and turning right until the end!
I can hardly wait for the next book in this series by Terri Blackstock...the library just called, I think my book might be in. Got to run!!!!

Addicted to Reading books 18,19 and 20!

I guess I have to come clean. I'm addicted to reading. I don't know how or when it started, but when I find a book I enjoy, I can't put it down. My goal this year was to read 12 novels, that's it 12. Well, it's not even June 1st and I've read 20! 3 of which I read in the last 3 days! It's not like I'm sitting around reading either. I've weeded, trimmed bushes, done dishes, laundry...etc. I'm just finding that I'm becoming more productive in my work time so that I can take a 15 minute break to read.
I started reading what I thought was going to be book 18 two weeks ago, before realizing it was too much for me. It was good book, and I would recommend it to anyone who really likes Historical Fiction. It is by Bodie and Brock Thoene and called First Light. It is the story of Jerusalem and Jesus' arrival there. The history of what was going on at the time was fascinating and I'm sure the author checked in to Hebrew spellings of names. I couldn't read it quickly as I had to keep stopping my mind so that I could read Jerusalem, when it was spelled Yerusalem and Jesus as Yeshua. There were other examples but those are the ones that stuck out to me. The overall story was good, but considering I usually read in 15 minute increments I want to feel like I've gotten somewhere in the book.
I mentioned to Zach's teacher that I enjoy reading and was looking for a new author having read all of Karen Kingsbury. She suggested Terri Blackstock. I picked up the book Miracles at the library the next day. It is 2 novels in one, The Listener and The Gifted. It was FABULOUS! The characters were real, and the situations were ones that you felt drawn into. The stories both unfolded with Christians that had lost their passion for following Christ. They thought they were doing the right thing, but it took miracles by God to help them see that they could do more. Both stories were easy to read and enjoy. I'm going to read her Cape Refuge series next. This is a series of mysteries she has written. Can't wait!
But...before I start the Cape Refuge series I found the book Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge. I love reading about the Amish, and the simplicity of their lives. This book I stumbled upon as it was in the New Book section at our library! It too was a wonderful book. The main character Jayne Tate is a reporter who has lost her edge and is sent off on a three week vacation. She decides to story hunt instead and finds herself in Amish country. While there she learns that the life she thought she enjoyed was really not what it should be. So she begins to make changes to make her life what she wants it to be. The characters are fascinating and the book was hard to put down. Just when I thought it was wrapping up another twist was thrown in. I loved it. The next story is Simple Sara, which I'm really disappointed won't be out until September! Guess I'll just have to wait.
Until then HAPPY READING!

Take Three by Karen Kingsbury Book 17!

Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. I love reading a series of books as it is almost like creating an entire TV series with your brain. It gives you time to get to know the characters, and feel like you are almost a part of their lives. Take Three is Book Three in the Above the Line Series. Being that it is book three I'd definitely recommend reading Books 1 and 2 prior to this book just so you have the background for the continuation of this story. This story has several story lines running through it. First, will Keith and Chase continue to produce successful faith based films, will their friendship last when changes occur, will their marriages survive the changes? Then there is Andi, Keith's daughter, will she confess the choices she's made and learn to live with her decisions or will she continue to hide herself away and hope that things will just take care of themselves. What about Bailey, will she stay with Tim or realize that she should move on and be with Cody? If all those story lines aren't enough there is also Dayne and Katy to think about and Luke and Regan and ...
Regardless, of the story line Karen touches your heart with her faith based writing. She allows the characters to learn from each others pasts, and guides them in a direction of truth. Wonderful author, wonderful book!

Spring Break for Flat Stanley

Flat Stanley arrived home just in time to head off on a Spring Break adventure to Columbus, Ohio. He was a little nervous when he saw the Titanic at the museum. He was relieved when we said it was just a model and that we weren't going on a boat ride. The first stop found us at COSI, one of Columbus's best known museums. This museum is all about hands on Science. Our favorite part was Grossology, and walking through a Black Hole!Flat Stanley thought traveling by train may be safer then going into space!
After our visit to COSI we headed south to Chillicothe. We lived there for 4 years up until the time Zach was born. Flat Stanley enjoyed visiting with the Perry family and stopping by the Indian Burial Mounds.
Our final stop took us to Fort Rapids, Waterpark in Columbus. Flat decided he wasn't in the mood to go swimming so he just hung out in the hotel room. He figured he needed to get some rest before he heads off on another adventure.

Flat Stanley returns to the States

Flat Stanley returned to the States from his trip to England just in time to head out again with Katie's Daddy on a business trip.

This trip took him through Chicago's O'Hare airport and then onto Seattle, Washington.
He enjoyed many of the sites while in Seattle, of course visiting the Microsoft Corporate Headquarters was one of his favorites.
He even had time to come up with the idea for Windows 7 (the commercials are all wrong, it was really Flat's idea!)
Flat Stanley had a wonderful time on the trip, but he was excited to know that when he got home he'd be headed off on Spring Break with Katie and her family.

Fact or Fiction- Book 16

The latest book on my list was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This is the story of the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob. Jacob is most often remembered as the Father of Joseph (aka Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat) In the Bible Jacob and Leah do have a daughter named Dinah. A daughter who is taken by a man of great wealth who after sleeping with her wishes to claim her as his wife. Her brothers, 2 in particular, are outraged that he would disgrace her is this way and request that her Father along with the dowry request that the men be circumcised. The man loves her so much that he agrees, and all the men of the city are commanded to do this as well. The Bible then goes on to tell us that her brothers take further action against the men and that Dinah leaves the city and lives the rest of her days with her brother Judah and his family. That is the Bible, the truth of the story.

This story is based on characters of the Bible, but then greatly deviates into a fictional world. It is important to realize this because unfortunately many people read fiction based on the Bible and then believe the Bible to be to also be fiction. It is not. It is God's Word, that has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. This story is a good story, it takes known characters and gives them a life outside of what is read in the Bible. It gives us a picture of life in biblical times, that revolve around the Red Tent or the tent where the women would go during their monthly cycle when they were considered unclean and needed to be set apart. It was an entertaining story, that for me made me go back and read the parts in the Bible discussing these people to see what is real and what is fictional. Even the author states that the book is NOT a translation but a work of fiction. It is a book about the relationships of the females during this time period, their relationship with the men in their lives, the complications of multiple wives and raising of the children. In the reading group guide at the end of the book the author states that she felt the story of Dinah needed an explanation so "I decided to imagine one"
If you want a captivating story, with names you may be well aware of from reading the Bible this is a good story to read. Just be aware that it is FICTION, God's truth and his word is real, and this book may be confusing for someone who is not fully aware of the actual account in the Bible.

Capturing Romance Book 15!

Pictures catch our attention and for me, that is what drew me to book 15 (and soon to follow book 16) of this year. The newest novel I just finished is Vision in White by Nora Roberts. In this book 4 friends who played wedding over and over again as children have found themselves working together as adults to run their business Vows, a wedding planning company. Book 1 of this 4 part series is about Mackensie, the photographer of the business who has the view that true love can not be found. That she can not afford to give her heart away because it won't last. The reason she is a photographer is even based on the fact that we need to capture those happy moments due to the fact that in her life she knows they never stay happy.
Her business leads her to Carter the brother of the latest bride to walk through the doors for their services. Carter and Mac went to high school briefly together, and he always dreamed back then of them being together. Now when they are on the verge of finding happiness together they discover that perhaps their worlds, that are so different, will not allow them to be together in the end. You'll have to read the book to find out if love wins out...just a hint, she does help run a wedding business!

Need a Whole Box of Kleenex for book 14

You'll need a WHOLE box of Kleenex if you decide to read The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. This is the 14th novel I've read this year and is not just a tear jerker, it is a sob fest waiting to happen. So if you need a good cry...it is the book for you.
This story is about a young girl on the verge of turning 18, a girl who is rebelling against her parents as she tries to understand how her father could have left her family just 3 years earlier. Her mother is forcing her to go away for the summer with her 10 year old brother to stay with the father that she hasn't spoken too in those 3 years. From New York City to the small beachfront town of Wrightsville, where she finds life to move at a much different pace. She knows she will hate life there, it is after all so different from what she knows. After meeting potential friends her first night there she begins to find out who she really is, and who she wants to be. She finds love and acceptance from a father that she is trying to continue to rebel against, and she comes to find that being who she is is not who she wants to be.
When faced with multiple problems she is forced to make a decision to stand and fight or once again to run away. What will she choose? To find out you'll have to read the book, just be sure to have those kleenex handy. You might want to explain to anyone who will be in listening distance why you will be suddenly sobbing too!

Book Review- Though Waters Roar

Just finished book 13 for the year, this time it was Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin. This book is historical fiction taking place in both the time period of the Civil War through Women winning the right to vote. The main character finds herself in jail, and then begins to recount stories of her Grandma Bebe and the trials and events that took place in her life. You instantly get wrapped up into the story of the Grandma when suddenly it switches back to the Granddaughter's time period, then just when you are absorbed into what is happening with her it switches back again. This back and forth storytelling captivates your attention and keeps you interested in both characters and the lives they are living.
I would recommend this story and plan on reading other books by Lynn Austin in the future. For more on Lynn Austins books go to.


http://www.lynnaustin.org/ME2/Sites/Default.asp

Book Review- Never Far From Home

To be Amish or not to be Amish, that really was the question. Falling in love sometimes leaves you with the desire to follow your heart even if it means forsaking everything else you've ever been taught. For Emma Miller the choice she was facing was difficult. An Englisher would never become Amish for you, but could she forsake what she had known, the family that loved her and the world that she was used to for him?
The book Never Far From Home by Mary Ellis leaves you in a world of wondering what if, could it work, what will happen? It winds the family characters together helping you to see what life is like in both worlds and wondering which world will win out.
It is an easy read, and very enjoyable. Of course you may end up walking around say jah instead of yes, but it is definitely worth that risk. This book and the previous selection A Widows Hope get 2 thumbs up!

Count since the start of 2010, by goal to reach 12 novels by 2011 has been reached! Now to see if I can double that.

Book Review of A Widow's Hope

Just finished reading A Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis last evening. It was a wonderful story. The characters were developed in a way that you felt like you honestly knew them and could feel there lives unfolding around you. The story involved several people, but the main characters Hannah and Seth and two people that find themselves living alone after they have lost their spouses. They have their share of difficulties and find themselves wondering if they are destined to be alone. The Amish traditions, and lifestyle are also a large part of the story. How the families work together through joyous and tragic times teaches a valuable lesson that we really should be paying attention to in our lives today.
I would definitely recommend this book. I'm about to pick up the second story in the Miller Series entitled Never Far From Home. The continuation of the first book. This time the story revolves around Emma, Hannah's niece.

Crossing the Atlantic

Flat Stanley having visited Washington DC has still been thinking about politics. He loved seeing the museums while in the DC area, so he decided that perhaps he should experience the Nation that many of our original settlers came from. Here is the email we received when he arrived on the other side of the Atlantic.

Dear Katelyn,

Flat Stanley here,

I've made it to England via the Royal Mail! After a brief stop at Buckingham Palace to visit the queen, where I received my new palace guard outfit, I took the Royal Mail Express and I reached my final destination, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Stead. While there, I visited Mow Cop, which is the remains of an old castle that was built in 1754! I've also been to the Tunstall town square, and had the opportunity to taste the local dish, Oatcakes!

Mr. and Mrs. Stead are very active and took me to the gym to work out. Even though I'm flat, it's important to stay healthy and fit.

My visit here is coming to an end soon and I'll be on my way back to see you. Until then, take care!

Love,

Flat Stanley

Slacking on Book Reviews

Since my last book review post I've done quite a bit of reading.

First, I finished Night Fall the final book in the Vampire Diaries. It was interesting. It did not turn out how I expected, which is unusual as I am typically pretty good at picking the way a book will end about half way through. It was a decent book. Although, perhaps it is because I read it first, I still prefer the Twilight Series. Both books are very similar, but the Twilight series seems a bit more believable at times, if that is possible for such a fantasy type series.

Next I read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. http://www.percyjacksonbooks.com/
This book series by Rick Riordan was wonderful. I started the series as my fourth grade son was reading it at school and I wanted to see what it was like. It was light hearted, adventurous and engaging. It was easier to read and understand then the Harry Potter series and definitely geared towards a younger generation. Each book builds the foundation for the next book so it would be best to read them in order. That order being Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief, Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, Battle of the Labyrinth and finally the Last Olympian. My favorite of the series was the final book. Which in all honesty has left me wanting there to be another book added to the series.

The only problem with the series is the recent movie that has come out. While it is wonderful movie on it's own, full of adventure and amazing computer graphics it has only 3 things in common with the book. First, the main character is Percy Jackson, second he is the son of Poseidon and finally he has to retrieve the Lightening Bolt. That is where the movie and the book stop being the same. I took my 4th grader to see the movie and he was so excited because he had read the book series based on a 6th grade boy. Hollywood of course had to make the movie based on a High School boy. Again, it is not that the movie is bad, we really enjoyed it. But it did make my son no longer interested in reading the books because it changed the way he visualized the characters. Thanks Hollywood!

The best advice is read all the books, enjoy them all and then see the Movie OR see the movie and think of it as just another film and not based on any book.

I believe my goal of 1 book a month is up to 10 books read so far in 2010, and I've just begun a new book called Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis. It is book one of the Miller Family series. I'm only on chapter 3, but already really enjoying the characters and especially the times where the characters speak in the actual language used by many Amish people. Come back soon to find out what I really think about the book.