If I could, I think I would be happy living inside a library. Just imagine being surrounded by stacks and stacks of books of all genres, on every side, and inhaling the scent of book pages. That probably sounds a bit weird to say out loud, but I have a feeling many of you will understand what I'm saying and even nod in agreement.
Something else I've been trying to focus more on, is cooking and baking. With all the running around, I feel like I haven't been cooking as much as I would like to.
So I've been in the kitchen more, trying new recipes and hoping to kick start my interest back in sharing recipes on the food blog. Not just because I love sharing with you all, but even for myself, I love having a bunch of different recipes for myself and for my children to look back on when they're out on their own.
The picture above is from an Instant Pot Caramel Pudding I made, that turned out delicious. It's so easy to make and so quick too. I will share the recipe sometime this week, and if not, then this weekend it will be on the food blog.
We are also down to the crunch with Nick's school, and in just a little over a month, my baby boy will be graduating High School. That will be it for me, no more babies at home. He is also turning 18 this Sunday, so there's that as well. Good grief time flies.
Jasmine is doing brilliantly in her new job. She has already been promoted and made it to the top 10 reps in the country. Wow!!!
We are so proud of her and her accomplishments.
Curt is also doing extremely well with his college courses. His new classes just started 3 weeks ago and he is really enjoying his courses. He is taking Evangelism and something else, I can't remember now what it is.
Elliott is being his usual adorable naughty kitten. He is so good for the most part, and then every few weeks he has a day or two of craziness. Has to be up high on all my furniture, kitchen cupboards, bathroom window etc. Zips around like a tornado, jumps on people, chases the dog, and so on. Life with a cat right?
As for me, I am just taking care of everyone and the home, trying to keep it together, praying, reading my Bible, homeschooling and driving people to appointments, while still plodding along with the whole perimenopause journey.
That's basically what has been happening around here. I hope you are all doing well, and thank you again for always checking on me and praying for our family and pets. It means so much.
I'll be back tomorrow to show you the latest books on the shelf and anything else that I manage to do and take pictures of, around here.
A young prodigy in need of family. A painting that shatters a woman’s peace. And a decades-old mystery demanding to be solved.
Australia, 1906
Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship— having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.
Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.
But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and the present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel Elizabeth’s story before it is too late.
From the gritty reality of the Australian goldfields to the grand institutions of Sydney, this compelling novel takes us on a mystery across continents and decades as both women finally discover a place to call home.
Tea Cooper is an Australian author of historical and contemporary fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.
NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Former Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford draws on stories from her remarkable life to weave together a beautiful reminder that whatever circumstances we face, God is still dreaming big for our years ahead.
When Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down as cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show with Hoda Kotb, you might have thought her best days were behind her. It turns out, she was just getting started. As Kathie Lee says, “I’m not retiring; I’m refiring!”
Taking us from her Chesapeake Bay childhood when she first heard God’s calling, to her skyrocketing fame with Regis, to her decision to leave television for Nashville, Kathie Lee inspires us to pursue what really matters. Because it’s never too late to forgive, to dance the cha-cha, or to make a difference in the world.
God placed His dreams in your heart for a reason. And like Kathie Lee, you might just discover that the best is yet to come. Whether you’re an empty nester, newly single, navigating a career change, or just eager for any change, Kathie Lee helps you hear God’s loving calling because It’s Never Too Late to . . .
Is it time for you to rewrite your story, unearth your hidden passions, and live with a renewed purpose? It’s never too late.
Kathie Lee Gifford, four-time Emmy Award winner, is best known for her eleven years cohosting the popular fourth hour of the Today show alongside Hoda Kotb. Gifford continues to pursue her dreams as an actress, singer, songwriter, playwright, producer, and most recently, director. She has authored numerous books, including her most recent children’s book, The Gift That I Can Give, and four New York Times bestselling books, including The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a review copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I thought I would keep with the celebration of our Lord's resurrection, so today's verse is about just that, and what it means for us as His children.
1 Peter 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
We are under such a tremendous spiritual war. As Christians we need to be praying without ceasing, and we need to remember to put on the Armor of God, daily. It really is imperative that we do this without fail.
Monday - Rain, 60
Tuesday - Sunny, 71
Wednesday - Cloudy, 63
Thursday - Rainy, 61
Friday - Cloudy, 77
Saturday - Sunny, 79
Sunday - Sunny, 71
• Publisher: National Geographic; Illustrated edition
• Hardcover: 384 pages
Written by best-selling author Jean-Pierre Isbouts, Who’s Who in the Bible is the ultimate reference guide to the men and women in the Bible, featuring more than 2,000 entries spanning Genesis to Revelation. From the author of In the Footsteps of Jesus and The Biblical World comes a vibrant family reference that brings to life the fascinating characters of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. From the fall of Adam and Eve to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, the key events of the Bible are expressed through the lives of hundreds of people.
Told through exquisite art and artifacts, intriguing sidebars, and unique family tree features, this illuminating volume tells the stories of Biblical characters and highlights their greater meaning for mankind. Illustrated with lavish color photography and exquisite historical artwork, this reference runs chronologically, with each person listed by order of appearance.
JEAN-PIERRE ISBOUTS is the author of National Geographic’s best-selling books The Biblical World and In the Footsteps of Jesus and the director of Charleton Heston’s Voyage Through the Bible. He is a professor at Fielding University in Santa Barbara, CA.
Monday - 72
Tuesday - 84
Wednesday - 65
Thursday - 64
Friday - 65
Saturday - 72
Sunday - 71
My heart is just broken. I mentioned our friend Isa and her battle with cancer. She had been battling ovarian cancer for about a year now. About 2 or 3 weeks ago her doctors had told her she had but 2 to 3 months left. Unfortunately she went home to be with the Lord last week. Isabel left behind her parents, a sister and a brother, and her husband and two children, the oldest was only 15. Heartbreaking!
A day after Isa's death, we found out an old friend of ours in Portugal passed away. Just 5 days later, his brother passed as well.