Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/29/16

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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Happy Leap Day!
 

The weather outside is::::

 Gorgeous!  A little rainy this morning, but it is supposed to get sunny this afternoon :)

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

 

Frosted Mini-Wheats

As I look outside my window:::

 

  The snow is gone!
 

As I look around the house::::

 

It isn't too bad for a Monday! 

On today's to do list::::

 

  Cleaning and Laundry 

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.....Cleaning Day, laundry, cheer practice, play practice.
Tuesday....Fold laundry, cheer practice, play practice.
Wednesday....Prayer Meeting, Cheer Practice, play  practice
Thursday..... Menu/Grocery List, cheer practice, Play practice
Friday....Groceries, Cheer Practice, Family Game Night.
Saturday....Clean Bedrooms, Schedule for the week, Family Time.

Currently reading::::



"Whenever You Come Around" is a Contemporary Romance by a beloved author.  I'm about half-way through and am enjoying it :)

On the TV today::::

We watched a movie on Netflix called "The One I Wrote for You" about a man whose young daughters enters him in a song-writing competition.  It was sweet :)

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Dinner
Wednesday - Dinner at my brother's.
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Nuggets, Fries
Saturday - Pancakes, bacon, eggs
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment:::: 

 

 Moogly CAL Blocks 3 & 4:

 

Winter Bloom Afghan Square

 

 

Cathedral Window Square

  

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Happy Monday!!!

Linking up to :  Menu Plan Monday

Yarn Along ,  Keep Calm Craft On.

Stacking the Shelves ~ 2/27/16

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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This week I added the following to my shelf:

Can Julianna and Daniel start a new life in a new country? Julianna Wayland is running for her life! She hides in a crate on London’s dock, only to be loaded onto a ship bound for America. During the voyage she meets Captain Daniel Sundberg, and by the time they reach New York’s harbor, she is certain she’s in love with him. The only problem is, Daniel has plans for himself--plans that don’t include her.

 As Julianna struggles to find her way in a new world, will trouble from her past derail the life she is looking for?

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Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he's worked for. He's determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry up with any of them. He's drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn't want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps--and the man obviously didn't die from natural causes--things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb's business--and romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?
 

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Happy Reading!

Tea Time ~ Cheer Comp and Game Night ~ 2/26/16

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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This week was a bit hum-drum, so my five aren't very exciting.  lol

~The weather this past weekend was beautiful!  We went for a family walk :)

~I was able to take a Sunday afternoon nap!  Love them :)

~Kaylee's Play Practice started this week!  She's excited, so I'm excited :)

~Laken has been practicing for the Cheer Competition!  It is her first one, so I can't wait :)

~Tonight we're having a Family Game Night!  Any suggestions on games? :)

 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Love Made My Home.

 

Three Things ~ I Love About Being a Mom ~ 2/25/16

 

 Absolute Mommy & The Foley Fam are hosting a new linkup!

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3 Things I Love About Being a Mom

 

  

1.  Brushing and braiding hair before bedtime! Such a sweet time together :)

2.  Big old smoocheroonies!  (kisses :)

3.  Looking into their chocolate brown eyes that are so much like their father's!


Again, I could go on and on but I'll keep it to three...

 

 

 





Book Review ~ The Lady of Bolton Hill by Elizabeth Camden ~ 2/25/16

 

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Blurb:

 

When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts--and lives--hang in the balance?  

My Thoughts:

 

First, I have to say how gorgeous the cover of this book is!  Don't you agree?

 

Now, onto what I thought of the inside of the book...

 

This was a very complex book.  There were so many factors that I don't even know where to start.

 

I love that Clara and Daniel had the kind of friendship that spanned the years even without having communication during those years.  That is how you know it is true friendship.  When you pick right back up where you left off.

 

However, many things had changed in those years that made it difficult to pick right back up.  Daniel is filled with the thirst for vengeance over his father's death.  Clara is a bit naïve thinking that she can save Daniel from himself and unforgiveness.

 

I really enjoyed both characters even though they were both flawed and had weaknesses.  I enjoyed seeing them evolve throughout the book.

 

The romance part of the story was superb!

 

I'm looking forward to reading more from Elizabeth Camden :)

 

Linking up to:  Inspritation2 , Creative Ways,  Create It Thursday,  Homemaking Linkup , Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation.

Book Review ~ The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson ~ 2/24/16

 

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Blurb:

 

Merrill Krause longs for a family of her own, but she's bound by a promise to her dying mother to care for her father and older brothers until they no longer need her. She enjoys being part of the family business, harvesting ice during the brutal Minnesota winters. Merrill actively takes part, possessing a keen ability to work with the horses--despite the advice of her good friend, who disapproves of her unladylike behavior.

When Rurik Jorgenson arrives in their small town to join his uncle doing carpentry, he soon crosses paths with Merrill. But unlike other men, who are often frightened away by her older brothers, Rurik isn't intimidated by them or by Merrill's strength and lack of femininity. As he thrives under the mentorship of his uncle, Rurik dreams of inheriting the business and claiming Merrill as his wife. But while he is determined to start a new life, the past is determined to follow him when his former fiancee and her brother show up in town.

 

Soon Rurik is put in the center of a major scandal that may damage his relationship with Merrill. Can they learn to trust God--and each other--and embrace the promise of love?  

My Thoughts:

 

This book had such an interesting storyline.  I loved the fact that Merrill had 4 brothers who were very protective.

 

Merrill could work alongside any man and baked goods that she made were enough to make me want to whip something good up!  She took good care of her father and brothers to fulfill the promise she made to her mother.

 

Rurik was a good hero for the story.  He was very loyal and upstanding and not a push-over even when it would have been easier to go with what others thought he should do.

 

The setting was very fitting for the winter we've had.  Snowy and cold.  Very cold.  I can only imagine a Minnesota winter!

 

This is the first book in the "Land of Shining Water" series by Tracie Peterson.  The other books are already on my wishlist :)

 

Linking up to  WholeHearted Wednesday, R&R, Word Filled Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation, Ladies Collective,   Party in Your PJs,  The Mommy Club, Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and  Women with Intention.

Teaser Tuesday ~ Brentwood's Ward ~ 2/23/16

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 

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My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~"You, sir, are a rogue!"  Emily Payne scowled into the black marble gaze fixed on hers, determined to win the deadlock of stares.  Horrid beast.  Must he always triumph?"~

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Also linking up to:




Happy Tuesday!

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 2/22/16

Come join Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday.

 

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The weather outside is::::

 Enough to give me Spring Fever!  It was a beautiful weekend here in PA!

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

 

Vanilla Almond Special K Cereal

As I look outside my window:::

 

  I see that most of the snow has finally melted.  I did hear that we're supposed to get a bit more this week though :(
 

As I look around the house::::

 

It isn't too bad for being Monday! 

On today's to do list::::

 

  We'll be heading to the gym this morning.  Gotta get back at it! 

 

Happening this week::::

 

Monday.....Gym, dishes, laundry, cheer practice, play practice.
Tuesday....Cleaning Day, play practice.
Wednesday....  Gym and Fold/Put Away Laundry, Prayer Meeting, play  practice
Thursday.....Bills, Menu/Grocery List, cheer practice
Friday....Gym, groceries, Family Game Night.
Saturday....Church Cleaning, Clean Bedrooms, Schedule for the week.

Currently reading::::



"Brentwood's Ward" is a Regency Romance by a new-to-me author.  I've just gotten started reading it but so far, so good :)

On the TV today::::

I can honestly say that I did NOT watch any TV this week.

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday - Weiner Winks, French Fries, Green Beans
Wednesday - Dinner at my brother's.
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Meatloaf, Baked Mac-n-Cheese, Broccoli
Saturday - Pancakes, bacon, eggs
Sunday - Dinner at Church

What I am creating at the moment:::: 

 

Fan Dance Square the BAMCAL 2016 Filler Square.

 

  

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

 

Happy Monday!!!

Linking up to :  Menu Plan Monday

Hooking on Humpday, Yarn Along ,  Keep Calm Craft On.

Songs on Sunday ~ Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokey ~ 2/21/16

Please take the time to listen to this story as told by Danny Gokey.  It is amazing!

This song is so moving.

I hope you can tell you heart to beat again.

 

 

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

I'm also linking up to Spiritual Sunday and Counting My Blessings , Faith And Friendship , Grace And Truth , Dance with Jesus, Sunday Stillness, Give Me Grace , Sunday FUNday and The Weekend Brew and Social Butterfly.



Stacking the Shelves ~ 2/20/16

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This week I added the following to my shelf:

Spunky Contemporary Romance from a Sparkling New Talent

Miranda Woodruff, star of the homebuilding show "From the Ground Up," will do anything to keep the job she loves. Due to a painful broken engagement and a faith she's mostly forgotten, she's let her entire identity become wrapped up in the Miranda everyone sees onscreen. So when she receives news that the network might cancel her program, she must do the very thing she fears most: let the spotlight shine on her closely guarded personal life. The only problem? She's been living a lie—letting viewers believe she's married—and now she's called upon to play wife to a sweet, if a bit goofy, pretend husband to boost ratings.

Desperate to help his family and prove he's not a total failure, reporter Matthew Knox is looking for a breakout story. When he's offered the opportunity to do an online serial feature on Miranda Woodruff, he jumps at the chance, even if celebrity reporting isn't really his thing. But as soon as he meets Miranda, he knows she's keeping secrets.

When Miranda's former fiance suddenly appears on the scene again, she doubts her life could get more complicated. Juggling three guys, an on-the-rocks television show, and the potential exposure of her deception is way more than she bargained for. Can the woman who makes things look so good onscreen admit it's time to tell the truth about who she is? And if she does, will the life Miranda's built come crashing down just as she's finally found a love to last?  

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For young widow Evie Bennett, moving forward will mean deciding what to leave behind . . . and what to keep.

Widowed at the age of twenty-five when her firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, Evie Bennett has spent the last thirteen years raising their son, Cody, in the close-knit community of Banister Falls. As the women’s ministry director of her church, Evie encourages women to boldly pursue God’s plan for their future . . . while she is content with her memories of the past. But Evie’s well-ordered life begins to change when she meets Jack Vale.

As Evie gets drawn into Jack’s world—a world that isn’t as safe and predictable as the one she’s worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems in the community . . . but will Evie open her heart to love again?

Because even though Jack isn’t anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.
 

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Happy Reading!

Tea Time ~ Softball and Snow Tubing ~ 2/19/16

Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or your favorite drink
while I share a few things that made me smile this week :)

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~Doug and I had our Valentine's Date!  Great movie!  I cried  :)

~We also had a Valentine's Day Dinner at Church!  The youth group served the adults and we had a great time :)

~Softball sign-ups were this week and Laken decided she wants to play!  I can't wait to watch her play ball :)

~We went snow tubing last night with the youth group!  I watched safely from inside the nice, warm building :)

~ Kaylee was accepted into the National Honor Society!  So proud of my girl :)

 

What made you smile this week?

Please leave a comment with a link so I can return the visit!

Linking up with Friendship Friday, Friday Fragments, Five on Friday, Show Off Friday, Awesome Life,  Friday Favorites , High Five for Friday , Diary of a Real Housewife and Love Made My Home.

 

Three Things ~ I Love About My Husband ~ 2/18/16

 

 Absolute Mommy & The Foley Fam are hosting a new linkup!

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I know Valentine's Day is technically over, but I can't resist telling you:

  

3 Things I Love About My Husband

  



1.  He works so hard for us!  He takes all the overtime he can get so that I can be a stay-at-home-mama :)

2.  He's such a great daddy!  There is no doubt that he loves his girls :)

3.  His chocolate brown eyes!  I love chocolate :)


I could go on and on but I'll keep it to three...

 

 

 





Book Review ~ Where Wildflowers Bloom by Ann Shorey ~ 2/18/16

 

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Blurb:

 



 The War Between the States stole a father and brother from Faith Lindberg-- as well as Royal Baxter, the man she wanted to marry. With only her grandfather left, she dreams of leaving Noble Springs, Missouri, and traveling west to Oregon to start a new life, away from the memories that haunt her. But first she must convince her grandfather to sell the family's mercantile and leave a town their family has called home for generations.

When Royal Baxter suddenly returns to town, Faith allows herself to hope that her dreams might come true. Does he truly love her? Or could another man claim her heart? Will she find that following her dreams may not mean leaving home after all?

The characters in "Where Wildflowers Bloom" jump off the page and into the reader's heart. Author Ann Shorey infuses her characters with the virtues and quirks that bring them fully alive as they search for contentment and love.  

 

My Thoughts:

 

This was a very sweet book :)

 

It was an "almost wagon train" story.  Faith wants to leave Noble Springs and take her grandfather to Oregon to escape the memories of losing their loved ones.

 

There were times I was frustrated with Faith's stubbornness and determination to leave her hometown.  She almost ruined everything for herself!

 

I love how the story ended but I don't want to give too much away.  I'll just say that there was a love triangle and Faith ends up with the better man but not before making a mistake or two.

 

This is the first book in the "Sisters at Heart" series.  I look forward to reading more and hope that I get to read more about Rosemary and Amy, two of Faith's friends.  I'd love to read their stories :)

 

 

Linking up to:  Inspritation2 , Creative Ways,  Create It Thursday,  Homemaking Linkup , Share Your Cup;  Grandma Ideas, Literacy Musings and Saturday Situation. Booknificent, Party at My Place

Book Review ~ Kissed By a Cowboy by Debra Clopton ~ 2/17/16

 

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Blurb:

 

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . not for a cowboy to steal her heart.

 

Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.

 

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.

 

Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever?  For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.     

 

My Thoughts:

 

This was the first contemporary cowboy book I've read in a while and I thoroughly enjoyed it :)

 

Jarrod was the perfect hero!  He had made mistakes in the past and has worked really hard to build a life that he can be proud of.

 

Cassidy is determined to remain single forevermore but just can't resist Jarrod's charm!  She was a bit harsh on him in the beginning and I was a bit put off but she came around in the end.

 

I really enjoyed the community that was written into this book.  It was small town living at its best.

 

This is the third book in the "Four of Hearts Ranch Romance" series but the first that I've read.  It definitely held its own and I didn't find it hard to pick up the series with this book.

 

In fact, it was the first book I've read by this author.  I'm glad to say that I've found a new author to add to my "must read" list!

 

 

 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review as part of a 

Litfuse Publicity Blog Tour.  
 

 

Linking up to  WholeHearted Wednesday, R&R, Word Filled Wednesday, Coffee and Conversation, Ladies Collective,   Party in Your PJs,  The Mommy Club, Works or Me, Wake-Up Wednesday and  Women with Intention.

Teaser Tuesday ~ The Wishing Season ~ 2/16/16

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm. 

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My teaser for this week is from:

 

 

~"PJ McKinley was almost ready to call it a night when she heard the sound.  She paused in her bed, hand stilling over her tablet.

Slam.

It was probably just the wind.  Or the old furnace or a loose shutter.  She'd been in the rental less than a week, wasn't familiar with its sounds.  She needed to chill.  She was always freaking out over nothing."~

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Also linking up to:




Happy Tuesday!