Saturday Links

~ mailable mitten notes

~ Monica's post on their Jesse Tree this year.

~ this post from Especially Heather on friendship.

~ MomAdvice shares codes to get free Redbox movies all month long. These codes are good for the next five Sundays and only at Redbox locations at Walmart, but hey - that's five free movie rentals. :)

~ the Christmas book list post is up, finally

~ A post about the personalities behind a diaper bag. I think this may be worth a read for every new mom. :)

Bloggy Book Tour ::: In the Shadow of Lions (a repost w/ giveaway)

A Bloggy Book Tour ~ In the Shadow of Lions (w/ giveaway)

In The Shadow Of Lions
by

Ginger Garrett

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women’s history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

A frequent radio guest on stations across the country, including NPR and Billy Graham’s The Hour of Decision, Ginger is also a popular television guest. Her appearances include Harvest Television, Friends & Neighbors, and Babbie’s House. Ginger frequently serves as a co-host on the inspirational cable program Deeper Living.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she’s not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world.”

So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England’s Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book … a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More’s public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals … and the sacred book that will inspire you anew. Fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury will love Ginger’s intriguing combination of rich character development, artful settings, and inspiring historical insights.

If you would like to read an excerpt from In The Shadow Of Lions, go HERE

As a history major this was a different and new-to-me take on the woman, Anne Boleyn. A glimpse at her devotion to her faith as well as the beginning of a new religious movement sweeping across England, one whose goal is to have the Bible in hand of the common man. I enjoyed this book - historical fiction has always been a favorite! I have one copy of this book to give away - if you are interested, please leave a comment!  And here's your last reminder about the bloggy giveaway. I'll pick a winner in the morning!

Getting in the spirit...

This starts on Monday - this has been a wonderful part of my last two Christmases. Clink the picture for more information!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I like the thought of a real tree, but as I have a black thumb I don’t think I can handle the maintenance.

3. When do you put up the tree? Depends depending on the year’s travel plans. I’m hoping to do it this coming weekend.

4. When do you take the tree down? Around the first of the new year.

5. Do you like eggnog?  Yes!
 
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A typewriter. One year I got pencils with my name imprinted on them – those rocked!

7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents.
 
8. Easiest person to buy for? My brother-in-law. Slap an Alabama/Crimson Tide logo on it and he’s good. J

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.
 
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can’t think of one at the moment.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Too many to pick just one … and there are movies that I like to watch at this time of the year because of the memories surrounding them or because that was the first time I saw the in the theater.
 
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Fall.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Honestly, not that I can recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My mom’s taco dip. Homemade tortilla soup that absolutely rocks. Must make that this year.

16. Lights on the tree? Yes!
 
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Martin’s “I Am, You Are” for a non-traditional; hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” 

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Would LOVE to have Christmas at home but we travel. (Not that I don't love spending the Christmas celebration with respective families, but it would be nice to do the morning here at our house). :)

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, and the 7 dwarves, too. J

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? We have a snowman.
 
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning.
 
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People that are rude and crabby because of the stress of the season.
 
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Snowmen.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Again, my mom’s taco dip. Mama Patty’s cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole for breakfast.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Um, I haven’t gotten that far, but anything Vera Bradley works for me.

Merry Christmas! (And let me know if you do this ... I'd love to see yours.) :)

Friday Felicities ::: November 28

Things that make me happy...

• Thanksgiving
  
• The Smoky Mountains
• The Gatlinburg Aquarium
• This Christmas movie
• Heading home

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bloggy giveaway reminder: go here to enter! :)

From our home to yours...

Bloggy Book Tour ::: Faces in the Crowd

About the Book:

America continues to remain a melting pot for various internationals to call home. For hundreds of years we have opened our arms to a population of multicultural religions and spiritual preferences. In spite of our welcoming borders, our churches have struggled to effectively reach many of these multicultural groups for Christ.

Donna Thomas, a veteran missionary, writes a practical how-to book on the subject, seasoning the book with anecdotes of personal conversations she has enjoyed with different faces in the crowd. Along with the heartwarming stories, each chapter includes things to consider and action steps to help apply each lesson. Donna tackles the tough subject of finding, reaching and effectively sharing Christ's love with international neighbors. These easy-to-implement personal evangelism tools equip readers with the basic know-how and stirs up the desire to share the gospel of Jesus with others. Donna teaches by example how to start a conversation, build a meaningful relationship, share gospel truths in a cross-cultural context, and incorporate the Lord into ongoing conversations. More than that, she stimulates Christians to develop an all-inclusive love and passion for faces of all colors and people of all cultures.

About the Author:

Donna Thomas has the unusual experience of speaking and training leaders in countries as far away as China, Egypt, and India. In addition, she now has four books published and in the hands of Christian families and leaders. Pulling stories out of her, you will find that she has earned the label of: teacher, co-founder of a church, cofounder of a missions agency, co-founder of short-term missions (then an unknown opportunity) taking over 6,000 participants, pilot and manager of a 40-passenger plane, partner with twelve key international Christian leaders, funded the first church built in China in 1984 after the Communist Revolution, and has helped Christians in seventy-six countries.

Interview Questions:

1. What is the take-away value that you hope readers will gain from reading Faces in the Crowd?
I want them see how easy it is to get rid of fear, to accept their calling to obey the Great Commission and to enjoy every bit of it.

2. You share many anecdotes in the book of ways you started conversations with others to build relationships that lead to the opportunity to share the gospel. Can you tell our audience about one of these anecdotes?
Yes, just today I was in the Apple phone store with a problem on my phone. The young man that was helping me had a badge with the name Matt. I said, "I'll remember you Matt because that is the first book in the New Testament." He replied that his parents used that name because it is a Bible name. We went on to talk about his purpose in life, what he wants to do in the next 60 years (since he is 22 years old) and since he is a Christian, how he wants to make a difference in this world for the Lord.

Here's an example of a conversation starter I had with an international. I saw this fellow's name badge and it was Alpha. So I asked him, "where is Omega?" That made him want to talk with me and we have become friends because of further conversations. Now he has been to my house and I've been to his home several times. He is a Muslim from Guinea but is interested in Christian teachings, etc.

3. Why do you think Christians are so fearful of sharing about Jesus Christ with others? What can we do to overcome these fears?
We are taught in our culture not to talk about religion or politics. We are also taught to just mind your own business and leave others alone. When we tell them how Peter lost his fear and share how they can lose theirs, they are open. Give them the story of Phillip and the Eunuch and show them how the Lord used him. Also instill in them that we don't have to be successful, but we do have to be obedient. Jesus wasn't always "successful" with those he talked with. Many turned and walked away but he gave them an opportunity to know him. We give the gift of opportunities.

4. Faces in the Crowd has a very international emphasis to it, in that you discuss our need to be more aware of reaching culturally and ethnically different neighbors. What are some pointers you can give about doing this?
Start looking to see how many internationals you can see. Ask for the Lord to let you see the multitude of people through his eyes. Just start looking for them. Allow your curiosity to discover what country they are from. The interesting thing is that they would certainly like to have an American friend. When you give them a little attention they immediately give you all of theirs. They are lonesome...a foreigner in a foreign land. You can offer friendship.

5. When we look into the faces in the crowd and only see our differences, what commonality can we find to open the door to conversation with someone of another race or religion? Is there a way to ask them questions to learn more about their culture without it seeming like we are judging them?
They would love to tell you about their family and they want you to tell them about yours too. They would love to tell you about their homeland. They would love to tell you about their religion and you can tell them about yours too. It is a two way conversation. Just be open to begin a friendship. It can later enable you to talk about what Jesus means to you.

6. How can we know when others we are talking to about the gospel are ready to receive Christ into their lives and make a deliberate choice to live for Him? When we see these indicators, what's the next step?
You don't preach to them, you tell them what Jesus means to you. You tell them about some of your difficult times and how the Lord has helped you. You ask them about any difficult times they have right now so you both can pray to the Lord for him to help you in this circumstance. Address their needs. When we show them the Lord can help them, they want to meet that Lord.

7. Tell us about Donna Thomas. What makes you tick?
Oh my, I see these people and I wonder if they know Jesus, what their purpose is in life, and where they will spend eternity. Why should I have the joy of going to heaven when they don't know the way to get there? I feel sorry for them and I also feel sorry for Christians that don't care for others. Some Christians only see a physical need but don't recognize spiritual needs.

8. What are your passions? What is a normal day like for you?
Every morning I ask "Okay Father, what do you have in store for me today?" Then in all I do, I look to see the people I think Jesus wants me to see, whether they are a server in a restaurant, a repair man at my house, a lonely looking person at another table or in a waiting area. If Jesus was with me, who would he see, what would he say, what would he do, what does he want me to do? Tonight I am going back to Abuelos restaurant because of the relationships I have there with several of the waiters. I walk a mile or two in my neighborhood for exercise and now I have friends to walk with that don't really know the Lord. I get emails from around the globe asking me for prayer, for advice, and assurance. From Peru, Honduras, Mexico, Laos, China, India, Russia, etc. I am working with 12 internationals right now and I hope to find mentors for them as I cannot be with them as much as they need. So do I quit finding more internationals to talk to or do I find Christians that will come along side them and help them grow? I know a former Hindu from India who is now a Christian, who needs a mentor. It isn't easy to find mentors because many people just say they don't have time. Where are the Christians, the disciples in this day and age?

9. Give us a sneak peek into your life!
Also I have a wonderful family, 3 sons and 10 grandkids and all are Christian. Last night I got great grandson #2. Yea! I am also the American grandmother to the children of many of these internationals. Some that I have met in my obedience to the Lord and some that are overseas and I have worked with their parents for 20 plus years. What an honor. I am the American grandmother to 7 India children, 2 Chinese, 3 Mexican, 2 Nicaraguan, and these are adults now. Here in the U.S. to a student from Saudi Arabia, a child whose parents are from Guinea, and a child whose parents are from Senegal. I retired 10 years ago from my position as president of a missions organization and am now writing books, speaking around the country, and am a consultant. But I am as busy as ever, even at 80 years old. Someday I hope to slow down but so far the Lord has me very busy. Oh yes, on my 80th birthday my kids gave a party and there were 150 people that showed up from 17 countries and California, Alabama, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Kansas, and more. Before it ended there were 8 birthday parties. Now that was a celebration. Wow!

I'm still reading through my copy of this book (it's going in the bag for Thanksgiving travels) and hope to come back and edit this review w/ my thoughts when I'm done. :) And, if you haven't left your comment for a little giveaway, go here!

What's on Your Nightstand ... or in your bookbag!

The dilemna of all dilemnas. What to put in my book bag for our little Thanksgiving journey. Almost more important that what type of clothing to bring (and definitely more pondered than clothing!) :) We're only going to be gone for a few days, and I do have three little munchkins to keep up with, feed and entertain, but I'm going to be optimistic and put together a rather impressive stack for my bag. We'll see what all gets tackled!

Girl of the Limberlost - one that I have wanted to read for years, literally. I finally managed to remember to request it at the library. I've been told (from those who's opinion in books I respect) that Gene Stratton Porter is one of those authors I need to collect. So this is my first foray into her writing.

A Tale of Despereaux - with the movie coming out in a few weeks, I wanted to read this first. My friend Dana has given this book glowing recommendations and as I have a weakness for YA literature, a double bonus.

Keeping a Nature Journal - I keep checking this out of the library over and over again, and there is hope that I might finish it this time. I want to incorporate more of the outdoors in my school-time with N1 and as I am perfectly happy being an inside person (see above posted stack of books), I've been recommended this book as well.

Dickens ... I want to read A Christmas Carol this year. This may not make it on the trip for sheer size! :)

Faces in the Crowd - a book review book that I'm trying to get into. But up against these other choices, I'm afraid it might not get much time on our trip. :)

Seasons of a Mother's Heart - current parenting/encouragement book that I'm slowly working through. Sally Clarkson = excellent so definitely going in the bag.

Real Learning - current homeschool book (and a re-read). It's just packed with good. stuff.

Sharing Your Story: Recording Life's Details with Mini-books - Love the inspiration that I always get from an Ali Edwards book. This one is no exception. I'm getting ready to start a little scrapbooking project after Thanksgiving so I will be perusing this book for ideas.

Head over to Five Minutes for Books to see what others are reading this month!

A Little Bloggy Giveaway!

Thank you.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings, encouraging me, and tell me my children are cute. :)

As a small way of saying thanks, and in celebration of this extra special week, can I ask a favor of you? If you read this blog, will you please take just a second and leave me a comment? (It's been a while since I did a delurking request ... I think it was right before E was born.) For any and all that leave a comment, I will draw a name next Monday for a little goodie bag/box. It has one or two (or more) of my favorite things in it (a small hint is in the picture above, but that's not all there is!)

Leave a comment, please! And have a wonderful Thanksgiving week! We're doing some family things the rest of this week so while posts will be popping up here and there, I won't be around much from Wednesday on. I look forward to catch up with everyone next Monday (and posting the goodie box winner!)

Have you ever...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (disclaimer: 2nd grade t-ball, but it was still a homerun!)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check 
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

How about you? If you do this one, let me know. :) (See at His Mercy is New...)

Saturday Links-a-lot

It is 18* here this morning! (18*!!!!) Sounds like a good day to me to curl up under blankets and stay home. And, to help you with that, a few links from this week that I enjoyed. :)

• If you like the Pioneer Woman's recipe site, this one is worth checking out. Meet Kay, who lives in the Netherlands, and likes to cool. Yum.
• These stuffed dachshunds. How cute are they!
• Cute, cute, cute downloadable party invitations.
• Downloadable holiday list notepad. Other freebies in this same series: stickers & tags, holiday papers 1 & 2.
• Sally Clarkson writing on lonliness ... I needed this one this week.

Okay, that's all I have and little munchkins are asking for their cinnamon rolls (a Saturday tradition). :) Have a great day and stay warm!

Friday Felicities ::: November 21

Things that make me happy…
• A cold house in the morning (makes my coffee that much yummier). :)
• Inter-library loan. (I fuss about my small library, but they came through for me on the Christmas books. We will have all sorts of holiday goodness to pick up on Monday!)
• Chapstick and handlotion. Especially for this time of year when everything is so dry. (My favorite chapstick … the classic mint with spf 15. You can get a free sample here if you pay the shipping.)
• Sweet potatoes. Warm and yummy.
• And soup. Thinking about a big batch of potato soup today as I have a plethora of milk!
• This picture:

• Putting together a box of holiday goodies. For one of you. As a thank you (and to tempt you into delurking.) Come back Monday for details! :)

And, to link up your Friday Felicities, head over to Bedky’s!

Reason #4735 Why I Love Homeschooling

The girl made herself a Mayflower costume. Where does she come up with these ideas?? Also of note, underneath the Mayflower costume is an Indian costume - representing both sides as the same time. :)

Journal Your Christmas

journals of christmas past
Originally uploaded by shimelle

It's coming! I've participated in this scrapbooking class the last two years and I now count it as one of my Christmas traditions. You can find out more information about the class here. It is well worth the investment if this is your thing ... once you are enrolled in the class you are a lifetime member.

Bloggy Book Tour ::: This is the Feast

I was recently sent a copy of This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore (and illustrated by Megan Lloyd). Gentle rhymes and simple language share the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

When the Pilgrims embarked on their legendary Mayflower voyage in 1620, they couldn't predict what lay ahead of them. In search of religious freedom and a new life, the settlers faced hardships including harsh storms, illness, and unfamiliar terrain. Thanks to their natural perseverance and the help of their neighbor Indians, the Pilgrims survived their first year. And when the harvest the next fall was plentiful, the Pilgrims and the Indians joined together in a three-day celebration, the first Thanksgiving. (from Amazon.com).

I have enjoyed adding this book to our Thanksgiving library here at home. One thing I really appreciate about the book … there is no tiptoeing around the fact that God was an integral part in the lives of the early settlers. Several times throughout the story, the words “thanks be to God…” are woven into the poem. It is clear that the pilgrims gave all honor and glory to God as the one that was their strength and guide while on the Mayflower and the one who protected their lives through the first hard winter.

The art is also beautifully done. As I have mentioned in other book reviews that I’ve done, I’m drawn to art in children’s books that is more realistic and simple. Especially (for me) when reading books that are historical, I think it's very important to draw details renderings of the clothing and lifestyle to help children understand what life was like. (If you make it too cartoon-ish, then it just looks like everything available on Nick, Jr. or Noggin.) 

Thank you to Kids Book Buzz for the opportunity to blog about this book. You can check out other bloggers' thoughts and reviews around the web here: the 160acrewoods, A Mom Speaks, All About Children’s Books, Becky’s Book Reviews, Cafe of Dreams, Dolce Bellezza, Homeschool Buzz, KidzBookBuzz.com,Looking Glass Reviews, Maggie Reads, Maw Books Blog, Never Jam Today, Our Big Earth, Quiverfull Family, Reading is My Superpower, SmallWorld Reads.

 

Simple Woman's Daybook ::: November 17

Do visit Peggy's to see all the other daybook posts this week!

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window ... slowly lightening up outside, but very chilly. The bus just stopped at the corner for the kids heading to school.

I am thinking ... "whatever is true, honorable, excellent, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, and worthy of praise ... think on these things." I wish I did that more...

I am thankful for ... Mondays. My day to refocus, do laundry, and generally be home all day and plan out the week.

In the learning room ... wrapping up our Thanksgiving books and crafts this week. I want to get all of our T'day books returned to the library next week and make my list of those that I want to reserve for Christmas. 

From the kitchen ... thinking that a big batch of chicken noodle soup is in order one of these days. It is soup weather outside. I also need to gather my lists and ingredients of what I am making for Thanksgiving and get that organized.

I am creating ... two scrapbook pages last week - yea! :) Also, I'm putting together little notecard sets and notepad sets for a women's Christmas party at church. 

I am going ... to have a quiet relaxing day today. Filled with snuggling, reading aloud, and hot tea.

I am wearing ... grey yoga pants & a grey t-shirt. Sleeping attire.

I am reading ... Finishing up @ Home for the Holidays. Yes, I said that I was going to start A Christmas Carol, but I haven't yet. I picked up this fun book and was trapped. :) Also, I've been reading This is the Feast with my girls - a new review book that arrived late last week. (Look for a detailed post on it tomorrow).

I am hoping ... for cold weather all week long!

I am hearing ...  silence. Everyone is still sleeping!

Around the house ... Laundry, laundry everywhere. I try not to do laundry on the weekend and we seem to have gone through an extra amount of clothes in the last two days. 

One of my favorite things ... holiday peppermint creamer. Yum.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... my Bible study for this fall wraps up on Wednesday. The time has sure flown by with this study (1 Peter). Normal kid-sized activites of dance and Awana. There is a church-wide bonfire planned on Saturday night that I would like to go to with the family, but we'll have to wait and see on the temperature and such. 

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

One of my all time favorites ... and I think if you are a mom of girls, you might be required to own this movie! Do you have a favorite girl movie that you are looking forward to sharing with your girls/kids? (Star Wars is, of course, on my list as well, but not for a few more years!) :)

Not a Baby Anymore

Saturday Links-a-lot

~ uber-cute downloads: gift tags, cards, mailing labels.

~ House v. Home ... a post from High Desert Home that resonated with me.

~ Have I ever mentioned (oh, maybe one or twenty times) the Crockpot 365 blog? I made this recipe this week. Yum. And, because I finally figured it out, I've even made a cool little word document of the recipe (and uploaded it to Google Docs) if you want to print it out and try it. 

~ Thanks to a good suggestion from Alicia, I went and made little tags on the Thanksgiving books that we checked out from the library this month. If anyone is interested in mini-reviews on these books, click this link.

~ Happy Saturday.

Friday Felicities ::: 11.14.08

Things that make me happy…

• A sunny fall day.
  
• A trip to Target with the girls that is in order.
  
• Dr. Pepper chapstick.
  
• A date night tomorrow night with Travis.
  
• The Diet Coke that WILL find its way home with me today.
  
• Making a real scrapbook page last night, start to finish.
  

Link up over at Becky's if you want to play along!

Thursday Tea

Puppy Chow…

Our Thanksgiving Turkey to count down the days…

A happy munchkin…

This is the current smile which, I have to say, I find absolutely hysterical and adorable.

On this Wednesday

~ I am tired.

~ I don't have much to say.

~ The girls have been keeping. me. busy. lately.

~ While I truly would not want to be anywhere but home with them, days get long sometimes.

~ But I love Thursdays.

~ It looks like it will be rainy.

~ We don't have to go anywhere.

~ It's our tea-party day.

~ I'm going to make puppy chow for them.

~ How can you go wrong with that? :)

Children’s Classics ::: Make Way for Ducklings

This week, the Five Minutes for Books ladies are hosting a festival about your favorite Caldecott winners. One of my favorites is Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (the 1942 award winner). Actually, I like pretty much anything by Robert McCloskey. J

Make Way for Ducklings is the story of the Mallard family as they search for a new home. Mrs. Mallard is looking for JUST the right spot to build her nest and after several stops, they settle on a small island where they lay their eggs.

Mr. McCloskey writes simple stories. And with those stories are simple drawings. I think that is why I am so attracted to his books. The pictures are simple and full of detail. Not that have anything against books that are recent publications, I sometimes find their illustrations are so busy that it is easy for little eyes to overlook the detail that can done with just a pencil or charcoal and paper.

Robert McCloskey has written several other wonderful books for children: Lentil, Blueberries for Sal (a Caldecott honor book), and Homer Price (which was my introduction to him as a grade school student). He always was the illustrator of the Henry Reed books which were some of my all-time favorites and I am still on the lookout to complete my set of that series!

Just a note: I posted a review a few months ago of one of my daughter's favorite books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. This book won the Caldecott in 1943, the year after Make Way for Ducklings. I thought that earned it a link. J

The Simple Woman's Daybook ::: November 10

Do visit Peggy's to see all the other daybook posts this week!

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window ... Dark and chilly. It was 29*when I got up this morning and I'm wondering if we'll have another freeze tonight.

I am thinking ... that I get so much more done during the day when I make a list and stick to it. 

I am thankful for ... our home. Yes, it is full. And, yes, it's not always in order. But we are snug as a bug here, surrounded by photos and favorite (worn) books, and clothes to cover us. We are truly blessed.

In the learning room ... more Thanksgiving books and resources this week, although our focus will be more towards the turkey and less about the history/pilgrim aspect of it. Tomorrow we're going to make a tukey to countdown Thanksgiving (found this idea from Candace @ His Mercy is New). I also want to make a thermometor to hang on the wall and talk with N1 about temperature and different articles of clothing that we wear at different temperatures. :) (Not that we have discussions AT ALL about why we can't wear our summer dresses anymore, or anything like that! I wonder if this is the same for other mothers of daughters throughout the years, hmmm?) :)

From the kitchen ... Well, today's cooking is over but it did include french toast sticks for breakfast and yummy bean burritos for dinner. Tomorrow will be something in the crockpot since it's our dance class day. I also want to make more cranberry bread this week.

I am creating ... my Stories in Hand album. 

I am going ... to have a quiet week this week. I am! I am! :) Really, there's not much going on other than the usual run to dance, Bible study, Awana. A trip to the library is also in order. 

I am wearing ... grey yoga pants and long-sleeved black t-shirt.

I am reading ... my first Dickens. I'm going to start with A Christmas Carol, I think. I've been enjoying all the Miss Read books, but am now ready for something new. I am enjoying reading less contemporary fiction right now. (Although I did pick up one of my FAVORITES - SAHM I Am the other night. This book makes me laugh).

I am hoping ... for a friend's burdens to be lessened. That there was more that I could do...

I am hearing ...  the TV, the clicking of the laptop keys. 

Around the house ... it looks pretty good. Four loads of laundry today - washed, folded AND put away, thankyouverymuch. :) Kitchen floor swept and mopped. Tomorrow I have a date with the bathroom.

One of my favorite things ... the smell of clean babies. I'll be honest - bathtime sometimes falls of my radar by the end of the day. I'm tired, girls are tired, and it gets pushed back. But clean sweet-smelling babies are sooooo nice. One of the best smells ever.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... a little scrapbooking, a little time reading (with & to girls and for self), a little time dreaming and planning about Christmas, etc. :)

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