for the grandparents

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

I have mixed feelings about this book--although a (sometimes) funny read and a clever storyline, it definitely falls into the category of chic-lit. The story follows the life of Jessie Stone, a woman who is extremely discontent with her relationships, work and life in general. It seems she has just been coasting through life waiting for "the one" to take her away from all that is familiar to give her what she has been dreaming about.

God enters the picture in a quirky sort of way and attempts to almost coerce Jessie into a life lived for Him. I wasn't overly impressed with the way the story played out, the representation of God or that in the end Jessie didn't really learn anything about her relationship with Him. She gets the guy in the end but it still seemed that all of her hopes and expectations were wrapped up in that relationship and she never really learned how to trust and hope in the One who really writes our stories. There are better chic-lit novels out there; I'd skip this one.

I received this book as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program.

The First Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones

Once again Denise Hildreth Jones has delivered on a good book. I have to say, though, that this is definitely the saddest book, to date, that she has written. Even so, Jones writes with a clarity and genuineness on grief and suffering.

Gray and Mackenzie London (TN's first family), Eugenia (Mackenzie's mother), and Jeremiah (the gardener) all suffer through a tragic loss but are brought together by the healing that takes place once we surrender ourselves to what God wants us to "go through" not "go around." The characters are real, their emotions are real and the healing process is real and Denise does an excellent job of including us in their lives.

If you are a fan of Denise, definitely add this to your collection. If you haven't yet read any of her books, now is a good time to start and then make sure you follow up with her other novels (the Savannah series is laugh out loud funny!)

I received this book as part of Tyndale Blog Networks review program.

I wonder where she gets it from?

This is Anna Claire playing with her flashcards. Notice how they are all lined up. Notice how they are all facing the same direction.

This is Anna Claire drawing. Notice how all of the markers are lined up together. Notice how all of the crayons are lined up together.

If I was brave enough to take a picture of my closet you would see my clothes hanging according to short/long sleeve, then by color. Pants hang together. Skirts and dresses accordingly. And my shoes are kept in shoe boxes.

My cupboard is borderline the crazy husband from Sleeping With the Enemy, you know, where all everything is facing the same direction?

I love ziploc bags, any sort of container, box or bag. I love being organized.

In fact, I found this picture and my first thought was, "look at how pretty that is!"

So, with that being said, I think it is safe to say...in all likelihood, she gets it from me.

Counting #166-180

166. four consecutive hours of sleep
167. party planning
168. air conditioning
169. a non-eventful trip to the grocery store with both girls
170. friends who offer to help

171. books in the mail for Anna Claire
172. Molly's first smile
173. a husband who takes care of his family
174. handmade and homemade goodies from a friend
175. homemade lemon curd

176. Anna Claire's love of the outdoors
177. a safe trip for my sister and her family down to their new home (read about it here)
178. walks in the late afternoon
179. Anna Claire's imagination
180. Mike's ability to fix just about anything

A Few Random Things

1. Pinterest....there is nothing else to say. Except that it's addicting.

2. If you know the names Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield this might be of interest to you,  Sweet Valley Confidential.  Based on the reviews on amazon.com, it doesn't look like that great of a book, but it sure was nice to take a trip down memory lane in the middle of the Sam's Club last night.

3. It's hot.

4. I got my first smile from Molly yesterday. I'll remember it forever.

5. I'm sure you all know this, but Pioneer Woman's show on Food Network starts August 27th...I already have my DVR set.

6. Having just had a baby, this post is hilarious!

5. It's still hot.

8. My birthday was a couple of weeks ago and I'm still finding it ironic (or a friendly reminder) that the Living Social Deal of the Day was for Anti-Aging Therapy.

9. There is someone who owns a Smart Car here in our town. I laugh every time I see it.

10. Mike asked me if there were any songs I wanted downloaded onto his iPod. I told him the only songs I know right now are "the ABC song," "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" and "The Wheels on the Bus." I don't get out much these days.

Have a great Friday. I hope it's cool where you are.

Cousins and Build-A-Bear

I mentioned in a previous post that my niece, Jessica, was going to be heading to Australia for school. Before leaving she was able to spend a few days with us in Nashville. It was the most fun we've had in a while!

Last week we all packed in the cars and drove her to the airport. 



Before goodbyes were said though, fun was had! My sister, aka "Sissy," treated Anna Claire to a Build-A-Bear experience. What was so fun is that when Jessica was little, I did the same thing for her! Here she is putting the heart inside the Bunny she chose to build.

After being stitched up, Bunny got a bath and her hair brushed.

Here she is ready to go home! Notice the bare feet with painted toes. The painted toes are courtesy of Jessica; the bare feet are courtesy of being 2.



We got in as much fun time that we could fit which included Jessica taking tons of pictures on her iPhone.

I love to watch these two together. They love each other so much!

Jessica, if you are reading this, we love you so much and are so proud of you! Remember the TimTams when you come home!