Book Review: "A Gift of Grace" by Amy Clipston

Book 1 Kauffman Amish Bakery Series

Book Description:

When Rebecca Kauffman's older sister, who left the Amish community when she was a teenager, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two modern non-Amish teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsay. Will she be able to reconcile the two worlds in her home--or will the clash of cultures tear her world, including her marriage, apart?

My Thoughts:

I thought this was a really sweet yet angst ridden book. More than a romance, it is about family relationships. The whole family has gone through a very hard time and are now trying to pick up the pieces to create a new normal.

There were times that I got so mad at Daniel, Rebecca's husband, for not being more understanding to her feelings. Argghh! Men!

The ending finished out nicely for the main plot, although tragically for some other characters in the book.

Book 2 of the series is set up nicely in the ending. Looking forward to reading it.

Donut/M&M Teatime

A few days ago, my mom was dropped by and we needed a cup of tea. I didn't have anything homemade at the time, but we did have some store bought glazed donuts. That worked!

I found these two mugs and plate at Goodwill for $1.99 for the set. I was drawn to them so I snagged them up.

One side of the mug has a bird house. So cute!

The other side has a flower box.

I also got out the ceramic teaspoons that I won on ebay. I got six of these adorable spoons for $5.99. I was so excited when I won!

Pretty little flowers decorate the spoons.

This is my beeeautiful mommy! Check out the ponytail holder on her wrist. She was playing dress-up with the girls.

Laken had to get in on the action. She pulled out her tiny little teaset and served us.

Can it get any better than tea and chocolate? She came up with the M&M idea all by herself. That's my girl!

And that was our "Donut/M&M Teatime". You should try it.

Peppermint Patty Cupcakes

I found this recipe for Peppermint Patty Cupcakes at "A Cuppy Cake Life". I LOVE Peppermint Patties and knew right away that I had to try this concept.


I changed my version up by using a cake mix and my regular fluffy icing recipe. I didn't have the necessary ingredients for the Spong Cake used and I wanted the icing to be thicker like the actual center of a Peppermint Patty.


You can go over to A Cuppy Cake life to find the original recipe I found. Here's my quick and easy version:


Peppermint Patty Cupcakes




Cake:

Use a chocolate cake mix and follow instructions as on box. Fill the cupcake liners only 1/2 full. Bake and cool.

Icing:

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. Peppermint Flavoring

4 cups powdered sugar (est.)

Combine shortening, milk and peppermint flavoring. Beat. Add powdered sugar. Beat until well mixed. Continue beating until fluffy. You may have to add a little more milk/sugar to get the consistency you desire.

Pipe the icing onto the cupcakes.

Garnish with a mini Peppermint Patty.

I took these to a church picnic and they were devoured! They were really, really good. A must try.

Let me know if you give them a try and what you think.

Scripture Memory Verse Challenge

By memorizing Scripture, we can have instant access to God's Word. His guidelines for our lives as well as great comforts are with us wherever we go and whatever we do.

My challenge to you, my beloved readers, is to memorize the following verse this week. You can also pass along this challenge to YOUR readers. After all, the more people hiding God's Word in their heart, the better this world will be.

Scripture Memory Verse 8/29/10-9/4/10

"He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1: 13-14

Don't forget to let me know how you're doing and make sure to come back next week for a new verse.

Marriage Monday- Tell 5 Day 5

Julie of Come Have a Peace and host of Marriage Mondays gave a "Tell 5" challenge this week.

"Would you "Tell 5" with me this week? Each weekday this week, would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share "good news" about your husband with someone you talk to? You could start today by sharing a comment (at the end of this post) about something you appreciate about your man. Every day, tell one other person a bit of goodness about your guy = Tell 5. It will impact YOU in the way you think about him. It will impact the HEARER and how they think of your hubby and you. It will impact your HUSBAND as he notices your tender heart and maybe hears the good news from a distant land. Don't be the one to tell him yourself! That would spoil it. :)"



Day 5:

He looks so darn cute in his camo!

TSMSS- As the Deer

This is one of my absolute favorite praise hymns.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Feel Good Friday

"Just make a list. List 5 things that made you really happy this week. No matter how bad or boring you think your week was, I bet you can find 5 things."

1. Seeing my oldest daughter get off the bus after the first day at school.

2. Having my youngest daughter learn from our first week of doing preschool together.

3. An encouraging email from my aunt.

4. Coming home from a meeting last night and finding my girls were bathed and ready for bed.

5. We started having family devotions before bedtime. So far, so good!

Marriage Mondays- Tell 5 Day 4

Julie of Come Have a Peace and host of Marriage Mondays gave a "Tell 5" challenge this week.

"Would you "Tell 5" with me this week? Each weekday this week, would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share "good news" about your husband with someone you talk to? You could start today by sharing a comment (at the end of this post) about something you appreciate about your man. Every day, tell one other person a bit of goodness about your guy = Tell 5. It will impact YOU in the way you think about him. It will impact the HEARER and how they think of your hubby and you. It will impact your HUSBAND as he notices your tender heart and maybe hears the good news from a distant land. Don't be the one to tell him yourself! That would spoil it. :)"

Day 3:

I showed this picture the other day but it shows how much my husband loves animals. He is kind and gentle and has a big softy heart where animals are concerned. As I said in the "Floppy" post, this rabbit was a rescue rabbit.
We have two large dogs, a bird and now 4 rabbits. Doug takes care of them all. He makes his rounds before he leaves for work and then again when he gets home.

His love for animals really impressed me before we got married. It showed me how loving and gentle he could be.

But, that's enough animals for a while!

Marriage Monday- Tell 5 Day 3

Julie of Come Have a Peace and host of Marriage Mondays gave a "Tell 5" challenge this week.

"Would you "Tell 5" with me this week? Each weekday this week, would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share "good news" about your husband with someone you talk to? You could start today by sharing a comment (at the end of this post) about something you appreciate about your man. Every day, tell one other person a bit of goodness about your guy = Tell 5. It will impact YOU in the way you think about him. It will impact the HEARER and how they think of your hubby and you. It will impact your HUSBAND as he notices your tender heart and maybe hears the good news from a distant land. Don't be the one to tell him yourself! That would spoil it. :)"

Day 3:

I've literally known Doug my whole life. We grew up in the same church even though he is 10 years older than me. When we first got married he wouldn't even have thought about getting up in front of the church to speak, pray, lead the service etc. He has come so far.

He was ordained as a Deacon in our Church about 3 years ago. This is a picture of him waiting his turn to be ordained.

His ordination service. My dad is an elder and is the third from the left laying his hands on Doug to set him apart for his service.
This motley crew are the all the Deacons who were ordained that day. Of course, that's Doug on the left end.

Men. Trying to figure out how to stand for a picture! lol

I am so proud of the man my husband has become. He now leads the opening service, leads praise hymns, prays in front of the congregation, teaches Jr. Church as well as serving communion and other Deaconly duties.

That's my man!

Word Filled Wednesday

Marriage Monday- Tell 5 Day 2

Julie of Come Have a Peace and host of Marriage Mondays gave a "Tell 5" challenge this week.

"Would you "Tell 5" with me this week? Each weekday this week, would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share "good news" about your husband with someone you talk to? You could start today by sharing a comment (at the end of this post) about something you appreciate about your man. Every day, tell one other person a bit of goodness about your guy = Tell 5. It will impact YOU in the way you think about him. It will impact the HEARER and how they think of your hubby and you. It will impact your HUSBAND as he notices your tender heart and maybe hears the good news from a distant land. Don't be the one to tell him yourself! That would spoil it. :)"

Day 2:

He works hard for the money! My dear hubby works swing shift. A different shift each week. He also works a ton of overtime. This enables me to be a stay-at-home-mom.

(Doug trying not to smile!)

The girls and I went to Craft Time one Tuesday. Doug was on 2nd shift and worked late. He was still asleep when we left to go to the Church. After he got up, he came to the church to spend some time with us before he had to go back to work.

He works long hours and doesn't get enough rest. But he does so to take care of his family. He is a great provider and I am blessed to call him "Husband".

Better Than Crack Brownies and Tea on the Deck

I found the recipe for "Better Than Crack Brownies" at How Sweet It Is. I made them for a Church get-together but my mom and I had to to try them out to make sure they were "OK". hehe (Recipe below.)


It was a nice cool day, so we had teatime on the deck. The tea was definitely needed because these Brownies are so rich. They were extremely delicious! You can see that my mom drinks her tea plain and I use milk and sugar in mine.

I found this teapot, tea cups and saucers while on our Niagra Falls vacation. I came across them at Gordie Harpers Bazaar in Newfane, NY. I could get lost in that place. So many things to look at and buy.

I love this pattern. I have a fondness for roses and this set is so simple and delicate. Thank you, Laura at Laura's Rose Garden for letting me know the name of this pattern is "Moss Rose". I was wondering how I would find out.

Better Than Crack Brownies

1 batch brownies (boxed mix or homemade)

1/2 cup salted peanuts

1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups

1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1/2 Tablespoon butter

1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Mix brownies according to directions and bake for 20-25 minutes in a 9 X 13 baking dish. Remove and top with peanuts and peanut butter cups. Bake for 4-6 minutes more.

While they are finishing baking, melt chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Stir in cereal. Remove brownies from oven and evenly spread chocolate mixture over tope.

Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

This recipe is easy and fun to make. They are a must try. Yummy!

Marriage Mondays- Tell 5 Day 1

Julie of Come Have a Peace and host of Marriage Mondays gave a "Tell 5" challenge this week.

"Would you "Tell 5" with me this week? Each weekday this week, would you ask God to give you an opportunity to share "good news" about your husband with someone you talk to? You could start today by sharing a comment (at the end of this post) about something you appreciate about your man. Every day, tell one other person a bit of goodness about your guy = Tell 5. It will impact YOU in the way you think about him. It will impact the HEARER and how they think of your hubby and you. It will impact your HUSBAND as he notices your tender heart and maybe hears the good news from a distant land. Don't be the one to tell him yourself! That would spoil it. :)"

Day 1:

My husband, Doug, is absolutely the best father in the world. My girls have him so totally wrapped around their little fingers.

A few weeks ago we went to Niagra Falls. One evening, the girls wanted to go swimming in Lake Ontario. The plan was for them just to dip their feet in and wade. That way we could just hold their hands without getting too wet.

We should have known better. A little taste just wasn't enough for them. Next thing I know, they've talked Daddy into taking them out deeper. He hadn't brought any other clothes along but that didn't stop him from making childhood memories with them.

Out he went. Clothes and all. He had a very wet ride back to the bungalow.

As my littlest would say, "He's the best dad ever!"