Book Reviews and a Day in pictures!

I have but ONE book left in this Trilogy and I'm just loving them. The Tucker Mills Trilogy is written by one of my favorite Christian Authors...Lori Wick!

In the first book "Moonlight on the Millpond" we follow the story of Maddie and Jace as they grow to love each other and struggle with the questions they have about God and believing in him, faith and trust and being a Christian. In this book we also get to know Cathy and Doyle who are like parents to Maddie, Woody Randall who is Jace's uncle and owns the local sawmill and who Jace works for and Eden, Jace's sister who has looked after him for years and feels entitled to run his life and tell him what to do.

I just loved the interaction between all the characters and even Eden who annoyed me so badly became one of my favorites in the end. The book ends with Jace and Maddie married and expecting a child.

Now in the second book "Just above a whisper" we are again following the story of Jace and Maddie as they grow in their marriage and in their relationship with God, but we are also introduced to Reese Thackery who is an indentured servant to Mr Zantow. When he dies, the local bank gets ahold of her papers and wants her to work for them until the debt that Mr Zantow owes is paid off. The local pastor gets in touch with an old friend who is the owner of the bank and asks for help in getting Reese released as a servant.

Conner Kingsley we meet in the beginning of the book as he at the age of 12 years old, travels with his sister in a carriage, they are attacked and everyone is killed and Conner left for dead with a cut on his throat which affects his vocal cords....he had to learn to talk again and now only whispers. He along with his brother is the owner of the bank and comes to Tucker Mills to fix the problem with Reese..........I'm sure you can already tell that these two will fall for each other, but not before overcoming some obstacles in their path and growing in their love for the Lord too.

LOVED LOVED both books and am now starting on "Leave a Candle Burning" the third and final book in the trilogy. I can't wait!



Jasmine is back at school, she has a bit of a cough and is still sounding sick but no longer has a fever which is great....I also can't keep her home indefinitely until she is 100% because that would probably mean missing school for the whole winter. Yeah, not going to happen.

We're all slowly getting better, I tend to take the longest to get over things and I think it's because as a mother I can't exactly go lay down and take a nap or sleep in or rest, I have to be the caretaker and the one making everyone feeling better. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining and I'll gladly be the one holding on the cold a little longer as long as my kiddos are fine.

It's a cooler day here in Arizona, though we've been above average and in the 90's...can you believe that??? Boy do I miss Idaho and the cooler temps, by now we would be looking at maybe getting some snow, that's one thing we'll miss for sure.

Curt is working day shift still and he's been loving the recognition he's getting here. After being in the military for 16 years it's nice to feel like you're rewarded and acknowledged for all your hard work, he's been getting awards for Crew Chief of the Month and Cleanest Jet and so forth, he loves it.....though he still wants to go back to Mountain Home and has actually already put in for it LOL

Yeah, I think we adopted Idaho as our home state and just fell in love with it, now we miss it terribly and can't wait to return in 4 years when he retires......if we're lucky we may go back sooner, who knows with the military right???

So here's my day in pictures:

Dishes to be done in the sink.........

The last of the laundry to bet put away, it's such a small pile it won't take me but a minuteA package ready to be mailed to South Africa tomorrow morning....YAY

A chicken waiting to be roasted for dinner......

A small pile of paperwork waiting to be filed

And what are the pugs up to today? Well napping of course....Bella in her bed

Lola on the couch

Before I leave I want to bring to your attention a couple of things going on in Blog land.


The wonderful lady at Overwhelmed with Joy is hosting a Pay it Forward contest, she's giving away 3 or I think now it's 7 really good books, so if you're interested in entering, go on over to her blog and add your name to the list......and all you gotta do is mention the contest on your blog, just like I did, wasn't that easy and well worth 3 great books???

The amazing Kelli at There's no Place Like Home is going to be doing a great feature next week, she's calling it "Giving Thanks" and it will run through next week, she'll be sharing recipes, craft ideas, Thanksgiving menus etc, but the fun part is that we get to join in because she'll have a Mr Linky up everyday.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks is one of my all time favorite blogs, this woman can COOK and she's hilarious too.
She's doing a whole series of holiday recipes and cooking lessons including start-to-finish Thanksgiving turkey with all the fixings. She is amazing, so go on over and see what she's cooked up so far and laugh along with her witty way of writing.

And that's it, I know there's a ton of Bloggy Giveaways going on but I am too tired and sick to go looking for them all, I'm sure you'll come across them on your own :)

I'm about to go do all the things I have on my list and then maybe see if Nicholas doesn't want to lay down with me for a bit, not to nap of course, we can't tell him that because he'll quickly get up and say "I'm not tired". *snicker*

And there I go again..............

I am pretty good about blogging but then there's times that a few days or a week will go by with no posts and that is usually when life comes at me full force, I'm caught between kids and hubby and housework and all that other fun stuff. Yes, it's fun for me, I've always wanted to be a mom and wife and have my own house so to me this is living my dream......only in my dream I had a bit more money, but that's neither here nor there LOL

So how was your weekend??? Mine was quiet and slow and not much got accomplished, we went out on Saturday to try and get the kids Halloween costumes, only to return home with nothing, zilch, nada. Either everyone around here is wearing more than one costume or the stores didn't have enough in stock. Of course I tried to coax Nicholas into being a Peanut or a Little Devil but he was not thrilled and specifically told me that he is to be a COWBOY, all other deals are OFF the table.

Jasmine is going as a Fairy and we've got her wings and her wand, we have her flower crown but no dress, yes my friends, she still doesn't have the most important part of the outfit. But, I'm not going to fret or get upset. I was going to order it online and then realized that I have but a week before Halloween and the only time to ensure that I get the costumes here on time is to pay a ludicrous amount for shipping.....no can do. I will just keep looking this week and we still have this coming weekend to find something.


I've finally finished my first book from the Fall Reading 2007 List and I loved it. It was "Moonlight on the Millpond" by Lori Wick. The first book in the Tucker Mills Trilogy and it did not disappoint, though I admit that when I started reading it I had just finished Lori Wick's other series "The English Garden Series" and this one seemed a bit slow in the beginning, but boy am I glad I hung in there.

In all of her books there seems to be a theme of "finding God and having faith" and to me there's nothing better than to go through the ups and downs and watch a character who is distant from the Lord, finally realize that they need Him in their lives and them make the necessary changes, I get almost giddy everytime one of these men or women reach that moment where they drop to their knees and welcome the Lord into their hearts......

I'm starting the second book in the series tonight and I can't wait!


I've just posted my Menu Plan for this week too, it's on my food blog as always. I ended up not making some of the meals last week and I've brought them over to this one.....I like having a menu that is but a mere draft or idea of what the meals should be, I don't necessarily like feeling like I HAVE to eat that certain dish that certain day.

So anyway, I am cutting this one short, I have to finish the laundry and then go pick Jasmine up from school. I hope you're all having a great monday!

God Bless

LOVE Fall season!!!

What gets me is not just the changing in the colors, the brisk air, the cuddling on the couch with a blanket or smelling the stew or soup cooking away on the stove....I mean all of those are just but a fraction of why I love Autumn so much, but with it comes the TV line ups, the new shows and the return of beloved old ones. I'm so excited, it's like being pregnant and after months and months of anticipation you're finally getting to see the beautiful baby in your arms....but without all the pushing and pain of labor. LOL

Well I'm there people, I'm oohing and aahing over the tv line ups, all my favorites back and with a vengeance.

Last night marked the return of Dancing with the Stars and good grief was I blown away, I've always loved Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond and I remember Jennie Garth from my younger Beverly Hills 90210 days, but watching them perform I was just amazed at how good most of them were, I mean I have to say the only one that really didn't catch my attention at all was Josie Maran, I think she's the first out of there........but then in comes Sabrina (Cheetah Girls) and LORDY she shocked me. I had the goofiest smile on my face and couldn't believe my eyes, this girl can MOVE and I think this is one of the couples to beat.

I can't say for certain, I haven't seen the men yet, I'm so excited to see Cameron Matthison and Wayne Newton on there, who do I root for???? I am a little shallow, so I'm eyeing out Cameron and secretly rooting for the professional dancer Maksim...........just because they're so delicious LOL

Then I watched The Bachelor Season Premiere.......I don't know, I think he's very good looking and a wonderful guy but some of those girls....ay ay ay. What was up with the webbed feet and the broken face and nose and the human pretzel????

I just can't help but shake my head at the extent some of these girls will go to try and get the bachelor, it's actually pretty disgusting so I'm not sure I'll continue watching this show.

Not that it matters because between Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Ghost Hunters, Most Haunted, Gossip Girl, Dancing with the Stars, Private Practice, October Road and my FAVORITE FAVORITE Brothers and Sisters, who has time for more shows????

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I have to remind you again of Katrina's Fall into Reading 2007, I loved visiting all the lists and seeing what is being read across blog land. There were some really good books out there. It was funny cause I sat down to go through the blogs and Curt asked why I had a drink, a notepad and a pen just to visit blogs LOL
Well honey, there's so many good books out there, I had to take notes and that's exactly what I did, I noticed that a lot of you are talking about Peace like a River so now I need to read it too, I don't want to be left out of the loop.

I'm almost done with the first book in my list "Moonlight on the Millpond" by Lori Wick, goodness I love this author and I zip through ther books. Really enjoy the Christian romance that she writes.

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Sunday I made The Best Chili Ever and I tell you, the name does NOT lie. I had it slow cooking all day long and the last hour or so the family was constantly asking me "is it ready?", "can we eat now?". It was REALLY good and it was easy and that made me happy. I've written it down to the family favorites and will definitely be making it again, so thank you Betsy for the recipe. BIG THUMBS UP!!!

I also tried the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken last week, it was ok, we enjoyed it but it's not one I think I will be making again, the family wasn't too impressed.

Now do you want to see what I have in my crockpot right now???


It smells heavenly, I've had this on my menu for the past 2 weeks and somehow always ended up not making it, so today was the day. Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken with Mushrooms and Potatoes.

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Curt has the week off so I've enjoyed having him with me during the day, the kids are thrilled to see daddy all the time and Jasmine is especially happy that daddy gets to walk her to and from school, something that does not happen very often.

Jasmine is doing great in school and is being tested for the Gifted Program so she's super excited. She really is a great student and loves school and learning, of course I don't fool myself into believing this may always be the case, I have myself as an example of that, I started off loving school and then grew to despise it. Just hope she's able to keep this attitude.

Nicholas is growing and being a usual 4 year old boy, he's pushing our buttons and seeing just how far he can go. It's hard and it's at the point where taking anywhere is a hassle, he doesn't listen, he is very set in his ways and it has to be NOW. He doesn't understand why things have to happen at a certain time and I find myself looking him and seeing myself and my relationship with God.

I tend to do the same thing, I want something and I want it NOW....why do I have to wait??? Why does it have to be when He wants it and not when I think I should have it??? I'm but a child in this aspect, throwing my tantrums and pushing his buttons and demanding things be taken care of right this minute. I have to keep reminding myself that just like I feel frustrated when I know that Nicholas not listening even when I know something is for his own good.....that is how God must be feeling with me. Certainly a lesson in patience and "waiting with a purpose".

Anyway, I need to finish my laundry and other housework I have before Curt and Nicholas return from picking Jasmine up at school. I hope you all have a wonderful tuesday....I'll be watching the men dancing tonight, keeping my fingers crossed that they all do well :)

I'll also be trying to come by and say hi to you all, I truly apologize for slacking in that area but I will make it up to you.

God Bless,

It's that time again!!!!

I LOVE Fall, it's by far my favorite season. With Fall comes the changing colors of the leaves, the brisk cool air, the smell of stews and soups and the chance to cuddle on the couch with a blanket and a good book.

Callapider Days Fall into Reading 2007 is starting and I'm like a kid in a candy store, running around getting my books together and eager to get through my TBR pile.

So come along, if you want to participate all you need to do is grab a list of your books to be read and run on over to Callapider Days. One thing I love about this is that I get so many good ideas for other books to read, by the end of the challenge I'm usually doubling or tripling my pile with all the great additions.

I've got mine all ready and here we go:



The Tucker Mills Trilogy by Lori Wick

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Highlander in her Bed by Allie Mackay

This randy paranormal romance pits a burned-out ghost-hunting tour guide against a cranky person-hunting ghost. After her last skeptical jaunt into London's haunted past, Mara McDougall stumbles upon an antique store and finds the enormous medieval bed of her dreams. She buys it, despite the strange warning of a stunning but rude man who tells her, "The bed is mine, wench." Just as she's about to leave London, she learns that a friend in the tourist business has left her a huge Scottish castle—and a catch: she must make the place into a memorial to the MacDougall clan of Scotland.

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By Design, By Arrangement and By Possession by Madeline Hunter


Another trilogy from the Historical Romance Author, the are all set in the 14th century.

By Design - A woman with a hidden past, running from danger and pursuing a quest for justice A disillusioned freedom fighter, being drawn into a rebellion he would like to avoid Fate brings them together---and then threatens to tear them apart.

By Arrangement - He saw her and wanted her and paid the King a fortune to have her.
At least that is what everyone thinks.
But Christiana suspects that there is more to her arranged marriage than that, and much more to her future husband than he lets the world see.

By Possession - A returning hero, scarred in body and soul. A serf-born woman, who had once loved him from afar. A passionate desire, and an impossible love.

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The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn

This Regency concerns Miranda Cheever, who fell in love with the aristocratic Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner, when she was 10 and he 19. Now 20, and still in love, Miranda's designs are thwarted by the indiscretions of Nigel's late wife—heartbroken, Nigel isn't willing to risk another shot at love, even if it means hurting his close friend Miranda.

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To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn

After a year of secret correspondence, Eloise Bridgerton traveled halfway across England to meet Sir Phillip Crane, the man she hoped would be her perfect match.
He wasn't.
But she can't help but wonder... could this imperfect man be perfect for her?

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On the way to the wedding by Julia Quinn

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar...

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Wedding Ring by Emilie Richards

For Helen, Nancy, and Tessa, three generations of Henry women, quilts truly represent the fabric of their lives. Using scraps of feed sacks, wedding gowns, and baby clothes, matriarch Helen has chronicled her family in the hundreds of quilts she's made. Helen is now a recluse beset by an irrational paranoia that induces her to hoard everything she can, and her bizarre behavior motivates her daughter, Nancy, and granddaughter, Tessa, to spend their summer cleaning out their Shenandoah Valley homestead.

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My Heart may be broken, but my hair still looks great by Dixie Cash

Welcome to Salt Lick, Texas, home of big hair,big ranches, and two of the biggest busybodies everto wield a blow-dryer -- Debbie Sue and Edwina,also known as the Domestic Equalizers. Their motto:Don't run over him -- get over him! Their mission: Track down and expose your straying man. And theywon't stop until female domestic justice is served. Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin have never encountered a problem that couldn't be fixed with a strong margarita, a whole lot of hairspray, and an ear for gossip.

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NON FICTION

Pursued by the Shepherd by Karon Phillips Goodman

At one time or another, most women feel like lost sheep desiring to be rescued by the Shepherd. Whether misguided by mistakes, lost in muddled priorities, or alone in denial, every woman needs encouragement, understanding, and guidance on reuniting with God. Karon Phillips Goodman’s Pursued by the Shepherd explores how women become lost and reveals they are never so lost that the Shepherd won’t search for them.

Escape the Coming Night by Dr David Jeremiah

No one can deny that the world is in trouble. Tragedy stalks our streets. Violence and bloodshed fill the news. How do we explain so much chaos? Is there any hope for peace in our time? Dr. David Jeremiah's dramatic narrative on the Book of Revelation answers these and many more challenging questions, by unraveling the imagery and explaining the significance of the events described in the last book of the Bible. Within its pages are the hope and encouragement we need to lift us from the gloom of present events to the promise of a brilliant future.

The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel

Strobel, whose apologetics titles The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith have enjoyed strong popularity among evangelicals, approaches creation/evolution issues in the same simple and energetic style.

And there you have it, my list or should I say, PART of my to be read pile, couldn't possibly list all the books on my shelf, there's too many, so I picked the ones I really want to get to this fall and I'm sticking with these. I do tend to read books really fast so I'm sure I'll add more eventually.

For now, I'm done, and I'm heading to my reading chair with my first book in hand.......feel free to look around, help yourselves to some tea or coffee or one of the yummy snacks I always have laying around.