God Gave Us Two

I have really enjoyed being part of the Blogging for Books program.  It's pretty simple, I go through the list and pick a book (or ebook), read it, review it and then pick a new one.  This last time it was time to pick a book, I was skimming the childrens' books because I really wasn't sure how much reading time I'd have between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

One of the children's books available was God Gave Us Two by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant.  Since we had just found out we were expecting our "Number Two" it was a perfect pick!  It sat on the shelf for a couple weeks as we waited to tell GTot that she was going to be a big sister.

God Gave Us Two is a beautifully illustrated story of a polar bear family expecting their "Two".  The older child wonders what life with the baby will be like and the theme that children are a blessing from God runs strong through the story.  The big sister asks the questions that I think most kids ask: What if I don't like the baby?  What if the baby doesn't like me?  What if the baby cries too much?  Each question is answered gently and kindly with reiteration of the blessing of a new child.  The illustrations are beautifully done and can tell much of the story on their own.

This is a great story to share with your young children the idea of a new member of the family on the way.  I know we're enjoying it!

December Musings

Life has been full.  I thought things would calm down once the dust settled from the flood this fall.  It didn't.  It only seemed to speed up.  November brought precious family moments and time with friends and visits from some of GTot's aunts, uncles, and grandma.  Thanksgiving rushed upon us and I did precious little cooking for Thanksgiving - I let HandyMan and his brother and do most of it.  It was quite a break - and a treat.

The beginning of Advent came right on heels of Thanksgiving, as it always does, and so begins our Christmas season.  I've begun making Christmas candies- good news!  Now they have to last until Christmas - bad news!   I'm working on the post to share the recipe for some amazing praline caramels that I made on Monday. I'm also working on a book review of a precious children's book that has become a regular in our reading list. 

Life is full.  We are blessed.  May joy, peace and love fill your Advent season.

Practicing contentment by remembering thegraces of the week and practicing gratitude through giving.


I'm thankful for grocery deals, for mechanics who can turn a $340 job into a $40 job, for friends.  For delicious smelling foods of the season and yummy tasting treats.  For health and great doctors who not only have great bedside personality but are great at their jobs too.  For cookies & milk and freezer meals.  For visits from family and time watching GTot enjoy her aunts and uncles.  Facebook conversations and text chatter.  


Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:16 -The Message) May the light of the Father brighten your week!

Sunday Sunshine

Practicing contentment by remembering thegraces of the week and practicing gratitude through giving.


This week I am thankful for . . .


:: Friends. The ones who you can call for help in the middle of the night, who come and hang out and chat over pizza, the ones you catch up with over a long distance phone call or steaming cups at Panera and new friends made over a meal and bonfire.
:: The Non-Routine.  The routine of this week was all messed up and it was good!
:: Folks who will pitch in to help out a stranger in a time of need.  Good people around here!
:: Tortellini Alfredo. mmmm...
:: The hilarious things that come out of my daughter's mouth.  Things only a 2 year old can come up with!
:: Surprise calls and visits from siblings. 
:: Warm house as the temperatures drop.
:: Sunny, clear fall days.


Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:16 -The Message) May the light of the Father brighten your week!