Books Books Books

I love them! My life can literally revolve around books and I would be happy. This is not to say I don't also enjoy living. I do. But there is something unique and special about getting lost in a story totally unrelated to your own.

I wanted to talk a little more about the Children's Literature Festival I just attended with Gabriel in Warrensburg, MO. It was so much fun; you should be jealous of me. Gabriel's teacher recommended the festival to me at the beginning of the school year. She saw his talent and dedication to writing and knew this would be perfect for him.

A couple of times she reminded me of the festival, but never gave the exact dates or name, just some generic information and the fact that I must take him. There was no question that he would enjoy himself.

A couple weeks ago, I realized I still didn't receive the information and thought maybe I should check it out myself. It was God's timing! I missed the deadline to preregister by 4 days! 4 stinkin' days! I was so upset I couldn't sleep that night. The next day I talked with the program director and as it was just me and my son attending, she said it would be no problem at all for us to show up. The authors would be chosen on a first come first serve basis and since we didn't register early we would run the risk of not having room for us. Not once were we turned away. Every single author we wanted to see, we got to see, and we got to see them when we wanted to see them.

I am so thankful to God that we didn't miss the conference. His timing is always flawless. If I had waited one more week, we would have been out of luck. This is something we had been talking about doing for over 6 months! Imagine how sad we would have been to find out it wasn't possible to attend.

This festival was celebrating its 44th year! I can't wait to go next year for the 45th. That will be amazing. Some of the authors we met have been attending the conference for 15 or 20 years. They all said the same thing too. This is their favorite place to speak.

Here's how the conference works. The day takes place on a university campus. 34 authors showed up to speak and sign autographs. Our time was broken into 1 hour segments starting at 9am going to 3pm. Each hour you can choose a different author to see. All the authors will speak to you for around 40 minutes, and then sign autographs for the last 20 until the next session starts. Since this took place on a large campus there wasn't always time for autographs as we were running across campus to find our next speaker.

We met such wonderful individuals! I learned so much about writing and illustrating. I could literally write for hours on all that I learned, but I won't bore you with those details, yet.

Our first illustrator we listened to was Brad Sneed. He was my favorite speaker. I hung on every word. Mind you everything was directed at kids, and I seemed to fit in quite nicely. I don't know what that says about me.


June Rae Wood was there! Can you believe it? It was so exciting to meet her and spend a few minutes talking. If you aren't familiar with her name, maybe you've read the book The Man Who Loved Clowns? It's a children's book about a young girl, Delrita, who has an uncle, Punky, with Down syndrome. It will have you crying and laughing at the same time.


The book is based on the author herself as a young girl. She grew up in a family of 12, one of them being her brother, Richard, who was born with Down syndrome. Multiple times during her session I was in tears. I loved every moment of it. We spent 40 minutes getting to hear about and know the real man behind the book, her brother.

This author was specifically mentioned to me by Gabe's teacher and talked very highly of. In fact, June Rae Wood has dedicated one of her books, When Pigs Fly, to Mrs. Heil my son's 2nd grade teacher. It was fun to tell her that Gabriel is a student of Mrs. Heil.

The festival is full of school students ranging from 4th grade to 10th grade. Buses fill the parking lots and children fill the streets. Most schools will choose one of the two days to attend. Since we were attending by ourselves, we chose to stay for both days. The registration fee is good for Monday and Tuesday, so we figured we might as well take advantage of it. It's very inexpensive to attend! $15 for an adult, and only $8 for a student.

We found a hotel in a nearby city and learned to rely heavily on God. If you've talked to me personally about the trip, you totally understand my meaning. The hotel was a trip to the end of the world, and back. We survived!


The next morning we were fortunate to see Mary Casanova. She is currently an author for American Girl. If you remember a movie that came out awhile back, Chrissa Stands Strong that was based on a book series authored by her. It was about bullying in the schools. I believe every school age girl should watch it. I'm an adult and I fell in love with it. It has such a great message to it. No child should feel the way Chrissa does and I'm glad there is someone out there talking about it.


Mary Casanova is currently writing the McKenna books, the newest American girl doll that came out. In fact, she told us that this coming summer, they will be coming out with a new movie based on McKenna. I'm so excited! We have all four of the other American girl movies. I can't help it that I'm a young girl at heart. I grew up on American girl, and interestingly enough I haven't yet felt that I've outgrown it all.

The festival was amazing! I don't have enough time to share about all the wonderful things we did and learned from all the wonderful authors.

As this week has been Spring break for my kids, I couldn't help but plan a day at the library. Before we left we made a gigantic list full of books from all the authors Gabe and I met. We were able to find something from each one. Next year when we have more time, we'll try to research our authors a little better. That way we can read their books ahead of time in order to have something to discuss, rather than after the initial meeting where we must take their word for it.

I know I've mentioned many times how I love our library's bag day book sale, but I also wanted to mention you can find used books at Goodwill. We turned our library day into a book day. We didn't want our fun to end. Everyone was given the chance to choose a book to take home for keeps too. All children's books at Goodwill are only $0.59.

I ended my book day working on a gorgeous book inspired craft. I found the idea on YouTube and had to have one for myself. The entire craft cost me around $4, and was well worth it. I already have found myself walking by it several times just to stare at it. I love it!


If you can't tell from the photo, it's made out of the pages from an old book. I found In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, at Goodwill for only $0.59. I already own a copy of this book. As a book lover it makes you cringe a little to open the spine of a book. I would say, as difficult as it was, I still would do it again. The book has just taken a new form, it's not destroyed. I made sure to roll each page with the title showing at the top. I also looked for key words and made sure to have them on display. I've only had the wreath on my wall for one day, and I've stopped to read it multiple times already.

I love that it has meaning behind it. In His Steps. We all should be walking in the steps of Jesus. This wreath is going to be a beautiful reminder to me to constantly be asking myself What Would Jesus Do?

I'm very excited to be finishing up my special week of authors, illustrators, books, and reading, by having my book club night with my girl friends. Every month we choose a new book to read, and then we try to watch the corresponding movie. This month is one of my favorites, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I get lost in the language and find myself on pins and needles waiting for Elizabeth to put away her prejudice toward Mr. Darcy. It's a love story that gets to me every time. I can't wait!

"You don't have to read every day;
Just on the days that you eat!"

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I spent the past two days in Warrensburg, Missouri with my 8 year old son. We were attending a Children's Literature Festival. For two glorious days we bounced around the University of Central Missouri listening to some very talented children authors and illustrators. If you remember my love of books, you can imagine how fun this was for me. Gabriel is a man after my own heart. He loves to read and write too!

I don't remember how the topic came up on our drive home, but we began to discuss fighting. He made the observation that kids keep on fighting until the parent comes and breaks it up. I found this idea to be rather interesting since it's the opposite of what I've been trying to teach him.

On many occasions you will hear me answering my children in regards to the latest argument, "I DON'T want to hear about it." No matter what, I will try not to get involved in their disagreements. That is unless it's absolutely necessary. I won't tolerate blood or beating, and if someone is definitely being picked on I will step in.

I tried to explain this to Gabriel. My reason being, there are a lot of grownups who fight and still need a mediator. When you become an adult your parents are no longer supposed to be in the middle of things. The correct thing to have happened is the child learned young how to mend an argument, and can do it now in adulthood by themselves. That is why I don't like to get involved. I am trying to train them to think for themselves.

To this Gabriel responded back to me, "You mean you're not going to make my wife sit on your bed?"

Math Club

For the past couple of months Ariel has been a member in the Math Club at her school. The first month was open to everyone, and then they had an elimination test. Ariel was one of the 6 final 5th graders who passed. The club meets twice a week where they learn various math problems and other things. At the end of this month there is a special "Sum Day" where they will all compete against other 4th and 5th graders. It's been quite enriching for her!

Today I got a small taste of her homework; one of the problems they were assigned to complete. I enjoyed working the problem out with her so much I wanted to share it with you here.

(Ariel's teacher changed the original problem to be better suited for the students. Instead of brands of cigarettes, she switched them to hobbies.)

Here's the problem:


Who Owns the Zebra?
1. There are five houses, each of a different color and inhabited by men of different nationalities, with different pets, drinks, and hobbies.

2. The Englishman lives in the red house.

3. The Spaniard owns the dog.

4. Coffee is drunk in the green house.

5. The Ukrainian drinks tea.

6. The green house is immediately to the right of the white house.

7. The golfer owns snails.

8. The photographer lives in the yellow house.

9. Milk is drunk in the middle house.

10. The Norwegian lives in the first house on the left.

11. The tennis player lives in the house next to the man with the fox.

12. The photographer lives in the house next to the house where the horse is kept.

13. The gardener drinks orange juice.

14. The Japanese man likes to paint.

15. The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.

NOW.. Who owns the zebra... AND Who drinks the water?

I've included a worksheet if you want to print it out. We used it to take our notes on.


We systematically went down the list and crossed off all the things that didn't apply, and circled when we found a match. We also got some crayons out and colored in the houses as we figured out their color. Some things were very easy to cross off and figure out, and some required intense thinking.

It was quite fun to work through the problem with my daughter. We had it finished in about 30 minutes!

So... Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

So Long, Insecurity

For the past several months with some close friends I've been doing a book study by Beth Moore entitled "So Long, Insecurity." It's been wonderful and difficult all at the same time.

I have found one of the most helpful things for me is to post scripture verses all around my home. I tape them up in the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, anywhere I travel to frequently.

There is so much power in scripture. It can literally change your life. Today this verse in Galatians was part of our reading. I found it to be exactly what I needed to hear, and I wanted to share it with you.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

One of my favorite stores is Goodwill. I love to shop there! I always find the best deals and the best things. If you remember a year ago, I got an American girl doll for my daughter for only $1.99. And at Christmas I found Gabriel a huge castle worth a couple hundred, for only $30. If I'm ever feeling down, this is my favorite place to go. I find such wonderful treasures there!

This time I found Zech a handmade quiet book for only 59 cents! I could have saved myself the trouble if I'd only known... Once I get it all fixed up I'll share some pictures with you. There were just a few things that were broken on the book, but I know how to fix it!

Last week, Zechariah found himself a new treasure, a pirate boat for $2. It was like new and seemed hardly played with. As soon as we brought it home I explained that I needed to clean it up a bit just to make it new again.


When Grandma came over a couple hours later, Zech raced to show off his new toy.

"My boat!" He said excitedly. Then in a very serious tone, "It had worms all over it but Mommy cleaned them off!"

After some confusion, I explained, "yes, Mommy cleaned all the 'germs' off of it."

The concept was still difficult for Zechariah. He was certain he bought it new at the store and no one had touched it before. I tried to tell him that some other person played with it for awhile, and when they were done that's the store you bring it to.

He seemed appalled. "I will never be done with my boat. I want to keep it forever!"

The next day, Titus was off of work, and we were celebrating. It was income tax refund day. We all were going to buy a new toy for ourselves. When I told Zech he could pick something out fun, he got upset again.

"No, Mommy. I said I want to keep it forever. I don't want a new toy. I still not done with my boat. I don't want to give it back."

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This afternoon, Zech and I made a trip to Lifeway to pick up the brand new VeggieTales movie, Robin Good. Today was the first day you could buy it.

As we walked in the door, I asked Zech, "Do you want to just get the movie, or shop around for awhile."

"I want to buy the movie and look around."

Zech loves to play in the kid section with the Princess SweetPea Beauty castle. It may be pink and purple, but it's still a castle. Sometimes he will request for fun to go inside Lifeway and browse the toys. It's a cheap date for me!

As we made our way to the back where the toys are located Zechariah recognized a song playing on the loud speaker. "Hey! We have that song, Mommy!"

I was impressed.

"It's on our Air-1."

Now I was really impressed. I didn't know he paid enough attention to the radio station we listen to.

After we spent a few minutes playing with the pretty pink princess castle, I talked Zech into picking up our movie. We had the preorder receipt ready, and we were on our way to the counter. He asked if he could carry it, and I didn't object.

Right by the front door there was a big display full of the new movie. I had already explained we would have to wait in line and they would hand us our copy. We didn't need to get it ourselves.


Zech got this grin on his face and slowly whispered to me, "How about we sneak buy it?"

I could tell where this was going. "How do we 'sneak buy' it?"

"We grab that movie and then we run out the door fast!!"

I tried not to laugh at him and responded, "Ohh. That would be stealing it."

"Okay. How about we steal it?" He said with an ornery smile, yelling it loudly this time for all to hear. "I don't want to wait in line."

Talk about embarrassing!! I was not trying to correct his vocabulary. I thought if I said it was stealing he would be discouraged. That was not the case at all. He seemed to think that it sounded even more exciting.

My Favorite Things

You would not believe how long I've been thinking about this. Probably 5 months ago, I first got the idea. What are my very most favorite things? Not people, or characteristics, ideas or feelings; I'm talking about actual material things. This might sound a little superficial, but I've given this quite some thought.

There are days when I sit in my home and think about all the luxuries I've been given. My home is my haven and I wouldn't change a part of it. There are also days where I sit in my home and feel stuck, as if the walls are bars holding me back and I want to break free. Surely everyone has those kinds of days? Where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and absolutely nothing makes you happy? I try to dwell on the positive. I have been given so many blessings from God and many of those blessings are "things". I'm not saying I couldn't live my life without them; I'm just so pleased that I have them.

I have studied and thought about various items in my home either storing them mentally for my favorite list, or I've tossed them aside telling myself they have little meaning to me. And then there have been some things that I desperately wanted to add to my list; it's so hard to narrow it down to 10 things. Why I chose ten, I have no idea, but I did.

These are the ten things in my life over the past several months that have brought great fulfillment to me.

Starting with Number 10:
My Jacuzzi Tub

For years I dreamed of this tub; I couldn't wait for it to be mine. Two years ago, we finally got it! Every time I allow myself a soak in the tub I am reminded of God's provision. I didn't need it, but still He gave it to me. Unfortunately, it has become one of those things I take for granted. It's always there whenever I desire, so I no longer dream of it. I could probably count on one hand the amount of times it's been used in the past 12 months. This is not to say it goes unappreciated. For the times it does get used, it's like a dream come true. I am reminded of how much my God loves me.

Number 9:
My big comfy couch

You wouldn't believe how many hours I have logged on this couch. It's so comfortable! I love to curl up under my soft green blanket with a good book and a hot cup of tea. It's perfection. If I'm having a bad day, my couch is where I will run to. There's something very soothing about laying my head down on the arm that puts everything back right. If I'm sick, I would prefer the couch over my bed any day. Having three children, I have taken many stolen naps on that couch. I am a sleeper, and you don't want to see me if I haven't gotten enough of it. God blessed me so many years ago when He bestowed those two green couches on my family. I am counting my blessings and this is one of them!

Number 8:
My Whirley Pop

Who wants to eat popcorn out of a microwaveable bag after you've eaten it from a Whirley Pop? Certainly, not me. It tastes so phenomenal when cooked properly on a stove. I practically live off of popcorn so this is a definite must on my list of favorites. You don't know how many lunches I've consumed that was popcorn. I like to spend so much time being crafty and reading that I rarely feel like cooking something for lunch. Popcorn is my solution! It's easy to snack on and won't keep you from doing what you love.

Number 7:
My Breadmaker

I don't remember how many Christmas' ago that I received my breadmaker as a gift, but I find now I can't imagine life without it. Homemade bread is so supreme. While we still buy bread in a bag, I love to indulge myself every once in awhile on a loaf of homemade bread. The breadmaker gets used most often to make pizza dough! It's a family tradition we began when Ariel was a baby. Friday night is pizza and movie night! If we have other plans, we change it to Saturday night instead. I believe it's been Zech's entire life that I've been making homemade pizza. Every Friday I diligently start the dough before I head to the kid's school to pick them up. After you've had homemade pizza dough, you can't go back. Frozen doesn't even begin to compare, and we all even prefer it to carry out. It's a sad day when the pizza dough is neglected! Every bite makes me happy to be alive. These are the things that God has divinely blessed me with!

Pizza dough in the breadmaker:
1 ½ cups Lukewarm Water
4 tbs. Oil
4 cups Flour
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Active Dry Yeast

Once the dough is ready, I use cornmeal instead of flour on the bottom of my pizza pan. You roll the dough out, let it rise for at least 30 minutes, then add your toppings. The pizza cooks at 425° for 25 minutes. (This is a double recipe, but that's how we like our dough.)

Number 6:
My Camelbak Water Bottle

Until I had this magical water bottle, I never drank enough water. Seems funny, but it's so true. I have always loved the taste, but I've never been able to drink as much as they tell you to. Once I bought my pretty purple cup, I almost always drink the required amount. There is something about carrying around your water bottle that helps remind you. The nice hook on the top makes it very convenient to hold too. If your kids are small enough for an umbrella stroller, it hooks perfectly on the handle. I love my cup! Sadly it doesn't get washed as often as it should. I'm always using it and I hate to part with it. I need to purchase myself a new one to use as backup!

Number 5:
My Sewing Machine

Where would I be without this one? Let's just say I would have a lot more free time on my hands if I didn't have my own sewing machine. This one is very new to me. It's only been in my possession for a year now. Before, I always traveled to my mom's to borrow her machine. I have no idea what took me so long! I should have gotten myself one years ago. I am always using it. I get frustrated to no end on some of my projects but that's not to say that I'm not in heaven being frustrated. God blessed me with a creative mind and when it's not being put to good use part of me is missing.

Number 4:
My Camera

I don't think I could go on living very long without this one. Just kidding. I do love it so. All of my life I have been taking pictures. From the time I turned 8 years old and bought my first 110 camera. I've had the desire in me to capture moments in time. I experience life so clearly through the lens of a camera. I have thousands of pictures and they all are very dear to me. I believe God gave me a great blessing when He lavished His love on me through the gift of my cameras.

Number 3:
My Fuzzy Pink Bathrobe

My husband would call me a liar if I didn't include this one. I wake up every morning and first thing put on my slippers that match my fuzzy pink bathrobe. I might be embarrassed to admit it, but I'm in love with this robe. There are many mornings that I voice my love. It's so comfortable!! My husband bought me the biggest fluffiest one he could find. I am often found complaining that I don't want to take it off. And sometimes... I don't. I may still get dressed for the day, but my fluffy bathrobe gets put back on top. I love to curl up on the couch in it, sit at the computer wearing it, and I hate to launder it. I can't stand not having it with me. It's my grown-up security blanket. God did a wonderful thing when He gave me my husband. He showers me with blessings and gifts that I can't turn away.

Number 2
My Heated Blanket

This is the one that started it all. Every single night my husband has to hear me say, "I LOVE this blanket!!" A huge sigh leaves my lips. Pure satisfaction. I can remember life without it, and it was a cold dark place. I remember shivering in my blankets, my toes frozen each night. But no more. God brought me heat!

I coveted the blanket for a long time before I finally called it mine. I would see it in the store, but couldn't afford to bring it home. Then one day, in January of last year, a blizzard was headed our way.

I called my husband on the phone and did my usual whine.

"Do you think I should buy the blanket?"
"Buy it."
"No. Do you think we really have the money for it?"
"Yes. Get the blanket."
"It's just too expensive. I don't think I can get it."
"I said YES."
"Maybe later. I just don't think we can afford to buy it."

I walked away very dejected and sorrowful. I needed to pick up a prescription and headed to the pharmacy. $40 for some medicine, pitiful, I cried. Who really needs it anyways?

I handed my debit card over to pay, and she gave it back to me. "Your insurance covered it. You don't owe anything."

"Really? I always pay. You better check again. I don't want to get a bill later for it."

"It's covered. Your insurance must have changed."

I almost argued with her back that it's the same, but finally walked away. She didn't want my money. I was free to go. When it finally hit me, I ran back to the electric blankets. This time it wasn't going to get away from me. I was buying the blanket.

That night it snowed. The kids didn't have school the next day because of the blizzard, and I was warm in my bed. God is good!

It may sound so simple to you, but it was so big to me. That blanket has symbolized God's love to me night after night. I never am cold; I'm always warm.

Number 1
My Jesus

I couldn't fit all this in just one picture to my satisfaction so I broke it up into two. The first thing I love is my notebooks. They are filled with knowledge of Jesus Christ. Every Sunday and Wednesday night I take notes on the sermons. I've looked back over the past several years and tried to decide where the biggest change in me happened and why. I believe one of the most important things is taking notes.

How can we ever expect to remember it all? If you plan to go to the grocery store, you make a list. You don't want to forget anything that's important, right? Our lives are so much more important than a trip to the store. When you hear something good, WRITE IT DOWN; I guarantee you won't remember later.

I have a notebook that's on the bottom of this stack from 11 years ago. Only the first few pages are filled in and then it stops. It's very symbolic to me because my life went through some pretty hard times there and I don't believe I depended on God like I should have. My notes stopped because I didn't care.

The notes don't start again until 2005. When I think on a deeper level, that's probably when I made a real commitment to change. I wanted to do whatever it took. It was suggested to me by someone I cared about that I should be taking notes. As soon as I brought my pen and paper, the messages came alive to me. I found that I listened so much better and I was able to apply it more.

It's one thing to hear it, but when you are writing it, the truth gets in you. You also have something to fall back on when you do forget. Because you will. If I didn't take notes, my mind would wander. What's the whole point in putting yourself in the situation? To be entertained for 30 minutes, or to be changed?

I strongly suggest, if you're not a note taker, go out and buy a pretty notebook. (I always am tempted to use it more if it's pretty) Get some highlighter pens, and use the book. You may not be able to get everything written down, (I've had kids and other distractions) but write down what you can. My notebooks are very precious to me. They symbolize my commitment. I'm not going to just sit by and let life happen to me; I'm going to be active and show where my heart is.


I shared with you at the beginning of the month about my commitment to read the Bible through in one year. I am proud to say that two months are gone and I'm still going strong. God has become more real to me than ever before. I always said I loved Him, but I never really showed Him that I did. I'm an active participant now. I'm not going to just sit back and say, "God, I wish you were there to help me." I'm going to get the help I need, when I need it. The Bible is alive! I have fallen in love with it. I don't say that lightly either. I really am starting to feel the heart of God, and know what He wants from me.

My faith has been tested, and I'm growing. I refuse to stay the same. I am a new creation!

"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

What are your favorite things in life?