Photo Hunters ~ Technology

Today is a fun theme in Photo Hunters. There are so many directions one can take with this. I chose one of my favorite pictures. It's my Mom talking to my oldest, her first grandchild, on Skype. There was just something about seeing the headphones on her head, a grandma using modern technology to talk to her granddaughter. It makes me smile.

For more technology themed photos or to join in see Photo Hunters.

Book Review ~ Julie and Julia

Another on my Fall Into Reading list in done. Loved the movie, what did I think of the book?

The review is here. Scroll down to #27.

Friday's Fave Five #64

Hellooo? Is anyone out there? Or you all lined up at Black Friday sales sinces 4 a.m. I tell ya, that is an American tradition that I'm sorta really glad hasn't crossed the border. I cannot imagine myself doing that. Uh, uh. No way. Now a midnight madness sale, I just might consider. LOL. So if you're not in a coma from too much turkey dinner and/or you're not standing in line and you've decided to still join me, welcome to you! We'll get right into it!

1. A nice, patient person on the other end of the phone line when I called customer service for a problem with my daughter's cell phone. She took a long time and did not give up or get frustrated until the problem was solved. Thank you, nice lady, for your wonderful service.

2. Warm, fuzzy housecoats. Such a simple thing, but I love a nice soft housecoat. Perfect for when the evenings start getting colder and can't be without it on a Saturday morning sitting around feeling cozy with coffee in hand reading blogs and books.

3. Perogies. Love my perogies. Especially bacon and sauerkraut. Yum. Yum. And don't forget the sour crean!

4. Hubby's birthday. Or more specifically, planning hubby's birthday and having him love it from beginning to end. I love it when it works out great. Hubby is not a party type person so it was just the four of us (unfortunately the older girl can't make it home from school). We took him to A Christmas Carol 3D. And he thoroughly loved it. Once our tummy's digested all the popcorn we then took him to the mexican restaurant for one of his favorite meals. And then we just let him relax. A perfect day for him.

5. Being in a reading groove. I love being in a reading mode. I love those waves where I just soak up my books one after another and it's no effort whatsoever. Where I'm turning to my books rather than the tv remote. Where I can hardly wait to get a break to get into the book again. I'm in one of those modes now. Heavens, I'm even getting through some non-fiction. Now that's a good reading groove, if I ever saw one. LOL.

What are your favorites this week? If you have done a post please sign onto Mr. Linky linking directly to the specific post, not your home page please. We'd love to come and visit you!

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody who is celebrating! My mouth is so watering as I imagine everything you all are eating today.

And in that mindset, I want to ask a question. Those of you who have tried them, which is better: the Wii Fit or the Wii sport active?

I want to get one for Christmas but am not sure which one I should get.

Random Dozen Early

Linda is doing the Random Dozen early this week due to you American friends celebrating Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, here in Canada, it's business as usual. No day off, no party, no turkey, no pie for us. Bummer.

Anyway, we do have Lid's Random Dozen. Join in and link up at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous? We love tradition at our house. The basics have to be there: turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes, gravy, chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pie. The sides is where I usually play a bit. I have to have some form of spaghetti squash and some form of yams (we don't get sweet potatoes up here). Although this last Thanksgiving I found an awesome recipe that was a bit hit so that too will be shuffled to the traditional must have list. That recipe is here. You have got to try it, it's awesome!

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.") I am thankful for my family. I'm thankful that in spite of our quirks we love each other and stick together.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for. I am thankful that God says in the bible that I can "cast all my care on Him because He cares for me!" That brings me much comfort and peace.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory. Our family always got together with my godparents and my sister's godparents. We were each other's family as none of us had actual relatives here in Canada. It was always fun. My parents would always some card game that I never the English name of but I think it was some form of rummy.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year? Well our Thanksgiving was in October but I can always guarantee that I will most definitely over eat! It happens every single year!

6. Do your pets get any left-overs? Absolutely.

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying? Yes we do. We usually just all gather in the kitchen, not enough room around the table for everyone and bow our heads. No hand holding as we're scattered all over the room. Hubby usually does a spontaneous prayer.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing? Not a lot of sports fans in my family, we usually put a movie on, that some watch, some prefer to just visit.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing? Gag! No! That is just a travesty!

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving? The very basics.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying? I prefer my chocolate pumpkin cheesecake, but I do love pie too. Most any kind except mincemeat. I usually buy a pumpkin pie for those who are pumpkin pie purists and think the cheesecake is just unacceptable and usually some other kind of fruit pie for those who can't stand pumpkin.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!) I don't really think about it, it is what it is, but if I paused and did I might.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all you who are celebrating! And please, don't feel one speck of guilt if you think of me working away as usual, probably having mac and cheese for supper. Don't give it a thought. :v)

Photo Hunters ~ Birds

Today's photo hunter theme is birds. I had to dig into my archives for this one. I wish I had some pics of exotic type birds, but I don't. Geese and land gulls proliferate around here and they are easy to capture with a camera compared to the other, cute, little, fast variety. So I chose these. I shot them at the lake and it was a windy, grey day which sorta made for some neat monochromatic type pics.

Sharing the dock.

Mr. & Mrs.

"That water looks cold!

For more on the Bird Theme visit Photo Hunters.

Friday's Fave Five #63

Welcome everybody! Wow, are we getting close to the end of November aren't we? I'm going to have to work on changing the button again pretty soon. Anyway, thanks for sticking around and playing along for all this time. If you are new, you can go here if you need details, then just join right in.

1. Invitation only shopping. There are a few stores around here that have an evening where it's invitation only shopping on an evening before Christmas. They are a lot of fun. There is usually lots of snacks, and door prizes and scratch and saves handed out at the door. A few friends and I went to one at a Home Hardware store that happens to have a really, really nice decorating section. It was lots of fun. Lots of fun Christmas items. Unfortunately, I didn't scratch the 50% off, but oh well, I got a couple of cute things.

2. A night out with friends. After the shopping what else can one do but stop somewhere on the way home for a coffee and more snacks. Too fun! And totally a destresser.

3. Deep fried mushrooms. Oh my word. So, so yummy. Only a once in awhile treat though as they are not too terribly healthy. Nice big mushrooms dipped in a coating and deep fried. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I had to borrow a picture. But mine pretty much looked just like this.

4. A devotional that really hits home and speaks to me right where I am. I'm not really a regular devotional reader. I go in spurts and waves with them. But I ablsolutely love it when I hit upon one where almost every devotional in it just hits me right where I need it. I am in just such a one now. "The Love as a Way of Life Devotional". So good. For example a quote out of today's devotion: "People notice when we are patient...because it is so much more common to show impatience" and "When we are noisy and when we are hurried, we are incapable of intimacy-deep, complex, personal relationships". You know how you know something sorta in your head but sometimes it just hits you right in the heart and then change can come. These two sentences were awful profound to me today. And that's what this whole devotional has been doing for me at this time. Love it.

5. Slow Cookers. I love cooking with slow cookers. I've used mine 2 or 3 times already in the last week. I find cooking in them so easy, and some of my favorite foods come out of them. Stews, soups, tough old cheap roasts come out fork tender. And I love the throw it in and forget about it aspect. Since I'm into forgetting lately, it comes in darn right handy.

What are your favorites for the week? What has touched your heart? If you do a post, please sign onto Mr. Linky so we can come and visit you.

Book Tour ~ Double Cross

"Double Cross" by James David Jordan

Publisher's Summary:

The day my mother came back into my life began with a low December fog and a suicide.” So begins James David Jordan’s latest novel, Double Cross, which follows the exploits of Taylor Pasbury, a young ex-Secret Service agent with a checkered past and a penchant for finding trouble. Even as a high school kid, Taylor knew she was not like most other girls. Raised by her father, a retired Special Forces officer, she learned to camp, shoot, and most of all, take care of herself. Now a young adult, Pasbury opens her own security agency and finds herself in the middle of a mysterious case full of danger and intrigue.

When the top assistant of her former client turns up dead, all signs point to embezzlement and suicide. But in the world of Taylor Pasbury, nothing is as it seems. A trail of clues leads to Taylor’s mother, who abandoned her when she was nine. What begins as a suicide investigation becomes a personal quest to find the truth about her past.

Double Cross is an action-packed story that provides thrilling twists and turns as well as a thought-provoking look at the personal and spiritual struggles of characters who are as complex as they are flawed. Ultimately, it’s a story of self-examination that describes Taylor’s journey toward the conclusion that some sacrifices can never be earned.

Author Bio:

James David Jordan is a successful business attorney in Dallas, Texas, and was named by the Dallas Business Journal as one of the most influential leaders in that legal community. Jordan followed his aspirations of becoming an author, taking five years to create his first book, Something That Lasts, which was well-received by both critics and the public. His second book, Forsaken, won the Reader’s Choice award from RelzReviews and The Suspense Zone.

Jordan writes with a commitment to tell page-turning stories that challenge readers to explore and grow in their faith. With gripping authenticity, Jordan examines subjects of family and faith and skillfully draws readers into the crisis faced by Taylor Pasbury. Along the way, readers will find ample opportunity to re-assess their own life situations and wrestle with their own thoughts about forgiveness and grace.

My Thoughts:

I was very excited to see that the second installment in the Taylor Pasbury story was ready for release. The first book, Forsaken, left a profound impact on me and made me really think what I would do if I had to make a choice between the life of one of my kids and standing for Christ. A year later I still think on that story. Now in this novel, Jordan takes us further into ex-Secret Service agent Taylor Pasbury's life and explores her relationship with her mother. Taylors mother, as told in the first novel, had left her when she was 9 and she was raised by her father with no contact with her mother whatsoever. Now in the midst of a unexpected suicide investigation, Taylor's mother is shockingly back in her life and Taylor is forced in more ways than one to once again face her past and learn that grace is not something you earn.

I once again was touched by the flawed characters in Jordan's story and how relatable they are in their feelings and reactions. While Taylor is struggling with her private life and how it relates to Christianity, we are privy to her thoughts and self conversations. Tough on the outside, but hurting on the inside, Taylor's character is like many of us. Her mother showing up unexpectedly only makes more of her inner struggles and vulnerabilities rise to the surface even as she is figuring out if the suicide they came upon is really a suicide or a well covered murder.

Double Cross will appeal to both male and female readers and both Christian and non-Christian. The message is there but not in your face and makes for a "cannot put down" fast paced reading that will leave you thinking about your own thoughts on grace.

Thank you to B&B Media Group for providing the book for review.

Visit James David Jordan to learn more and to purchase "Double Cross"

Another Edition of the Random Dozen

It's time for Linda's Random Dozen. Check it out and join us for some fun questions.

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be? I should probably answer hockey, being Canadian and all, but while I love to watch hockey I can't see myself playing it. I think I would love to master skiing. I used to ski in my late teens but never enough to get really good. I think I would love to be really, really good where I could go to the higher runs. Something about being in the midst of the majesty of the mountains, with crisp white snow and blue skies zooming down a mountain slope.

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision? Usually gut instinct. I'm not one for spending tons of time researching.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name? Well this wouldn't work for me seeing that the street I grew up on was a number, not a name.

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food? Sigh. If I had to, my favorite music, I guess.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference? How about in between those two points. I don't like any kind of green on the banana at all, or that texture that they leave on your tongue when they are not quite ripe but I don't like it when they start to get too soft and the taste is really concentrated either. Somewhere nicely in between. How's that for an answer.

6. Your favorite tree is? Maple trees in any variety.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you? I guess if I'm not sure how to answer this queston, the answer is not very. Put it this way, I don't even know how to work my kids MP3 players. And my husband's 7 in 1 remote? Not a chance. If the DVD player ever needs reprogramming or the tv needs adjusting I'm calling his name.

8. Has H1N1 touched your family? Praise God, no!

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing? It depends on what we are talking about but for the most part, I think I might be on the analytical side.

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala? I'd say some of all. I'm loyal like a dog, independant like a cat, and like hanging around like a Koala? Again, how's that for an answer?

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago? Not really, and that is probably why I'm not into facebook.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why? The express lane because even if I am moving up a foot every few minutes, I am moving. It makes me think I'm getting to my goal, the checkout, faster than just standing in one spot forever waiting on a big order.

Fall into Flavor ~ Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce

Today is the last installment of this years Fall into Flavor. Check it out over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for some great fall recipes.

I found this recipe a couple weeks ago through someone's link. Sorry I can't remember who that was. Now we all know I find baking a wee bit frustrating so anything complicated is not on my radar when looking for recipes. So when I saw this recipe, it seemed easy enough and sounded delicious. The thought of the lemon sauce clinched the deal and I gave it a try. I even doubled the recipe and made two, one for my family and one to take to my ladies group. It was met with rave reviews. I didn't embarrass myself! Score! I had them eating out of my hand. Or rather off my serving plate. I mean... Oh, you know what I mean! I'm even thinking I might make this as Christmas gifts with the lemon sauce in a nice little pouring or canning jar. It's that good.

GINGERBREAD WITH LEMON SAUCE

Thank you to Tiffany at Eat at Home for this wonderful recipe. I am indebted. The only thing I changed was that I baked it in a 9" round pan rather than the square because I liked the wedge look rather than square and I too, baked it 35-40 minutes as she mentions in the recipe. Check out the recipe, you won't be sorry. And while you're there, browse around a bit. She's got awesome, easy, everyday type recipes. It's a great site!

Photo Hunters ~ Music

For more "music" with Photo Hunters go here.

Book Tour ~ The Last Word

Publisher's Summary

Heart-pounding suspense meets heart-challenging truth as best-selling author Kathy Herman returns to Sophie Trace in her new page-turner, The Last Word (David C Cook, October 2009). Based on Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the gentile,” Herman’s second installment in the Sophie Trace series triumphantly demonstrates God’s miraculous ability to heal the broken.

This theme comes to life in Vanessa Jessup, a twenty-year-old college student who becomes pregnant while having a secret love affair with her psychology professor and has to make a choice: either end the pregnancy or end the relationship. The biblical truths she learned growing up prompt her to choose life and to go home to the refuge of her parents’ counsel and a right relationship with God.

When Vanessa arrives home, her mother, Sophie Trace Police Chief Brill Jessup, is stunned to see that she’s pregnant—and by one of her professors. While Brill is glad her middle daughter rejected the father’s abortion ultimatum, she’s also hurt that Vanessa ignored her upbringing and angry that the professor has disappeared without as much as a nickel of child support.

But that’s not all Brill’s got on her plate. One of her detectives has been killed, and the attacker has threatened to come for her next. When a second cop is wounded, public criticism mounts as Brill attempts to stay alive long enough to catch the perp. And she’s trying to find the deadbeat dad as Vanessa struggles to make decisions about her future.

In spite of Brill’s best efforts to stay safe, the murderer finally kidnaps and threatens to kill her and then commit suicide. As her life hangs in the balance, Brill becomes concerned that her attacker is about to die and is not saved and refuses to be silenced in her witness of God’s love for him. In a show of grace under pressure and fierce determination, Brill will manage to have the last word, even if it kills her.

Author Bio:

Best-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written fifteen novels, including CBA bestsellers The Real Enemy, Tested by Fire and All Things Hidden, since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. Kathy and her husband, Paul, have three grown children and five grandchildren and live in Tyler, Texas.



My Thoughts:

Does that trailer not grab you? And I must say the book lives up to the trailer. I had read Kathy Herman's Baxter Series a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. So when I was asked to review this book for the book tour I jumped on it even though I had not read any of the series. The second installment in the Sophie Trace Trilogy, this book easily stands on it's own. The author makes references back to the first novel and even though you might not know the exact story, you are not left confused and you pick up on the gist of what happened with the main characters easily. I could not put this book down. While full of suspense and a definite page-turner, the family dynamics part of the story is also gripping and the telling of it never suffers at the expense of the suspense. The only part of the story that left me a little confused at times was how grown up young Emily seemed to be at times and then at other times how much of a little girl she seemed. I was a little confused as to how old she actually was until it was finally mentioned.



Kathy Herman's stories are full of inspiration mixed with the suspense and this one's theme was based on God's power to heal broken people. I love how the Christian characters are not perfect people but have their own issues they are dealing with or trying to overcome. While not preachy the story definitely leaves a message. I can hardly wait to read the 1st and 3rd installments of the series.



Thank you to B & B Media Group for providing the book for review



"The Last Word" is available at David C. Cook

Friday Fave Five #62

Sorry guys. I accidentally had this set to autopost at pm rather than am.

Welcome to Friday's Fave Five. It's time to look back over your week and find five favorite things from it. If you need more detail you can go here. Otherwise, on we go!

1. The way a house smells after a good cleaning. I just love when I get a chance to go on a powerclean (not the part I like) and the house smells so fresh and clean (the result I like) from all the different cleaners. Brings me memories of childhood and of calmness and security.

2. Holiday Chai candle. So nice and not overwhelming. Just the way I like it. I have no clue what brand it is.

3. Chocolate Egg Nog. Yup you read that right. Chocolate egg nog. I wouldn't want it all the time but it was a nice treat this week. Next week the serious egg nog will start showing up so that I can put it in my coffee.

4. Encouraging words. On Wednesday, in Linda's Random Dozen, she asked in question #5 to share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to us lately. Everybody's answers were a real blessing as I read through them.

5. Homemade spaghetti sauce. Oh my word. I have never had totally home made from fresh tomatoes spaghetti sauce. I am forever spoiled now. I was blessed with a huge box of tomatoes and decided I was going to give this a try. So worth the effort! This is a big 'ole spaghetti pot and it's almost full so I'll get about 3 or 4 meals out of it. Yummy!

What were your favorites from the week? If you share on a post, please sign up to Mr. Linky so we can come and visit!

Only in My World

So I started the week off with a bang this Monday by totally embarrassing myself. I phoned my clinic to set up an appointment and got the familiar recording "I'm sorry, all our receptionists are busy with other patients, please stay on the line". Just when I heard the "I'm sorry" part the little one from dayhome walked past me and an odiferous scent followed her. So while the recorded message was playing, and me in my wisdom knowing what it was saying, asked the little one "Are you poopy?". As soon as I said that I realized someone had interrupted the familiar recording and had said hello and now was saying "Pardon?". I realized I had just inquired of the lovely receptionist if she was poopy. I, of course, started to laugh nervously and apologize, and she said that was ok, but I noticed she wasn't laughing and transferred my call pretty fast. Maybe I'm onto something for obtaining quicker service. LOL. The original little poopy offender, as my life seems to dictate, was not after all.

The whole situation got me to thinking about a comment my Mom had given me not too terribly long ago. She was having tea with me in daytime and it was a time when 4 of the six of the dayhome kids were still in diapers at that time. She said that I would never be out of the diaper stage because when I ever got out of dayhoming I would probably have grandkids coming. The thought, if I let it, almost sends me into a panic. LOL. My oldest is turning 20 in February and I have been dayhoming since starting a family so that has been 20 years of diapering several children several times a day for 20 years. I wonder how tall a pile of diapers that would make? Hey, maybe I can get my name into the Guiness World Book of Records. Maybe I should give those people a call! Do they give cash awards?

Clearly, diapers have been on my mind for way too much of my adult life and maybe I should start considering another vocation for my remaining work life.

Honoring Our Service Men and Women

For all our veterans, and our present service men and women, words aren't enough to say thank you!



We take that moment and remeber your sacrifice!

Random Dozen

Another random dozen coming our way courtesty of Lidna from 2nd Cup of Coffee.

1. What was the last song you listened to?

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything? Usually over exercise equipment. LOL. I always have such good intentions.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing) I know there is some but off the top of my head I can't think of a specific one. I'll have to mull it over a bit.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon? I've never seen the parade. We don't get it on tv here that I know of.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ --right up to the time of His return--developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you"

Philippians 1 : 6 Amplified Bible

Thank God He does not give up on us!

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention this blog is rated G? Probably watching too many movies. Or wasting time playing "Zuma's Revenge". I know, I lead a way wild life.

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to? Well, we've already had Thanksgiving here last month. But it's always the turkey, stuffing and gravy!

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book? My absolute favorite to read to my kids was Bears in Pairs . I had such a nice rhyming flow to it and was about all sorts of teddy bears on their way to a tea party. The oldest actually taught herself to read from this book. I actually bought an extra copy of this to ensure that I would have it to read to any grandkids in the future. I also loved all the Sandra Boyton books. Again fun stories set in rhyme. And my kids loved the silly pictures of the animals.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.) Uhmm, dust. LOL. When first married I was collecting the Precious Moments but family soon got tired of buying them for me because they got so darn expensive. A few years back I started collecting the Willow Angels. I really like them but don't really have anywhere nice to display them so they get rotated. I think I've mostly given up on collecting things. I get tired of the clutter they produce after a while and note the dust comment. I really, seriously do hate dusting. But books. I'll never stop collecting books.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper? Both?! At Christmas, it's definitely paper. But birthdays and other occasions it's usually a gift bag.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day? Oi, that's going back there. I don't really remember routines or exactly what I used to do. Now this is going to bug me until I do remember something.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? Do you feel for the fish?? This cracks me up because I'm always giving hubby a rough time because he definitely feels for the fish. Even if they are thrown back in, he feels for them getting hooked. Me? I leave the fishin' to my son. I bring my chair, sunscreen, bug spray and a good book. As for feeling for them, I don't know if it's feeling for them or just not wanting to deal with all the icky factors of fishing.

Book Tour ~ White Picket Fences

"White Picket Fences" by Susan Meissner

Publisher's Summary:

Amanda Janvier’s idyllic home seems the perfect place for her niece Tally to stay while her vagabond brother is in Europe, but the white picket fence life Amanda wants to provide is a mere illusion. Amanda’s husband Neil refuses to admit their teenage son Chase, is haunted by the horrific fire he survived when he was four, and their marriage is crumbling while each looks the other way.

Tally and Chase bond as they interview two Holocaust survivors for a sociology project, and become startlingly aware that the whole family is grappling with hidden secrets, with the echoes of the past, and with the realization that ignoring tragic situations won’t make them go away.

Readers of emotional dramas that are willing to explore the lies that families tell each other for protection and comfort will love White Picket Fences. The novel is ideal for those who appreciate exploring questions like: what type of honesty do children need from their parents, or how can one move beyond a past that isn’t acknowledged or understood? Is there hope and forgiveness for the tragedies of our past and a way to abundant grace?

Author Bio:

Susan Meissner cannot remember a time when she wasn’t driven to put her thoughts down on paper. Her novel The Shape of Mercy was a Publishers Weekly pick for best religious fiction of 2008 and a Christian Book Award finalist. Susan and her husband live in Southern California, where he is a pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. They are the parents of four grown children.

My Thoughts:What family does not harbour some kind of secret out of their past? And how many of us try to give the illusion of the perfect, happy family living behind the white picket fence even as we struggle inside. I found this book touching and thought-provoking and hard to put down. The story is written beautifully and with sensitivity. Each character is developed well and I could feel for what each one of them was going through. I also was really touched by the Holocaust story and how it affected the lives of the teenagers as they talked to the survivors. But I think what struck me most was the way in which Amanda and Neil each handled the family secret. A story well worth reading. This is a keeper for my book shelf as I'm sure I'll be reading it again!

White Picket Fences is available through Random House here.

Thanks to Waterbrook Press for providing the book for review.

Photo Hunt ~ Veteren's/Military

This week's photo hunt theme is Veteran's/Military. I just didn't have time to go out and get the picture I wanted but I got this shot the other day when I was at the lake. I have no idea who the couple is. But the picture of it really struck me. The cannon from WWII (I think) and then them sitting there in such peace obviously enjoying each other's company. It reminded me of how we are in peace and have freedom because others have given their lives and fought for that. It also reminded me that there are service men and women who, at this moment are away from their loved ones, serving their countries in varied capacities, whether in war or trying to maintain peace for others. Thank you to all our service men and women and the veterans!

For more Photo Hunt go here.

Friday's Fave Five #61

Update Note: I added the pics of the weird squash for those of you who asked. If anyone knows what they are and if they are actually eating squash, let me know!

I can't believe this week just flew by like it did. My goodness where did it go? It's time to look back and look for those favorite five things that made your week happy, those things that were a blessing to you. If you are new, click on over here and then come back and just join in.

1. Trying a Mexican restaurant for the first time in years with hubby. There is a little authentic mexican food restaurant in my neighborhood that we finally tried last week. Oh my. Was it ever good. My mouth waters as I think of it. And there was so much food we could hardly eat it all. It came with a bowl of this wonderful tasting mexican soup and a good serving of salad. And I'm not talking about the wimpy iceberg lettuce with a few purple cabbage strands thrown in for color. This salad had lettuce, peppers, real grated parmesan cheese, olives and it was good! Then the ordered meal came. When they put the plate in front of me I had to make the executive decision to not touch the rice as I knew I couldn't eat it all. So the rice was sacrificed. Everything was so good!

2. A nice cup of hot mint tea after supper in the evenings. Now that it's cooler out I'm back in the mint tea habit. I don't know what it is about it but I really enjoy it in the evenings. It really does bring out an "Ahhhhhh" content moment.

3. An unexpected walk around the lake in the daytime with the dog. I rarely get to go to the lake for a walk in the daytime during the week because I'm working. It was really nice to get that chance this last week. The breeze was quite nippy coming off the lake but I still savored the moment. Who knows when I'll get that chance again.

4. A last trip to the Farmer's Market. Now done for the year, I was able to get in on the last day where I found a huge spaghetti squash which promptly became part of the next days dinner. Yummy. And I found the two neatest shaped squashes to put into my flower pot by the front door. Ok, I ran out this morning and took this pic for those of you who asked. I like them because they are this pastel kind of dark green and shaped weird and then to offset them I put a perfectly shaped little pumpkin. I still need something to cover the dirt. Little pinecones maybe? Did I ever mention I love fall decorating? Does anyone know what the weirdo ones are?

5. Getting the flower beds cleaned out for the winter. I so glad I was finally able to get to that job this week and to finish it. It feels great to have it done. Another "to do" thing crossed off the list.

What have your favorite moments been this week? Please sign Mr. Linky if you've done a post so that we may come and visit you.

Decisions, Decisions

I have no idea what to post on today. Things are very slow and yet at the same time there is so much going on. I am standing at a crossroads in my life right now, specifically my job/career life. And it seems the decision of which way to go is what is taking up much of my mind and heart. It will take faith to go either way. There is much unknown no matter which fork I take. I am usually not a huge risk taker. I mull things over way too long. Weighing pros and cons. Trying to think of all the consequences of both choices. And of course, one can only see so far down the road. Once that first bend is there only the Lord God knows what is around that corner. And I guess that is where trust and faith come in, isn't it? I have to believe when He tells me in Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

And it's really funny how He brings around just the right encouragement when we need it. Just when you feel you're going to go under in panic. God is a good God and doesn't want us to flounder. If we would be open to it, He sends encouragement in all sorts of ways. This time, for me, happens to come in a book. And we all know how I love books. Is there such a love language as books? If there is, that would be me. Anyway, awhile back I recieved a couple of books for a blog tour. I didn't have time to read them at the time so just posted what the publisher sent me and then put them into my book basket. I remembered them when the Fall Into Reading came up. I chose this one. And wouldn't you know, it's exactly what I'm needing right now. I've only finished the first chapter and already it's speaking directly to my heart and stirring up some much needed encouragement and faith.

The book is all about offering hope and peace for the person waiting on God and helping us remember that God is always faithful, worthy of our trust and never late with His help. And it's done in a setting of humor. One of the very first quotes that got underlined by me (yes, I'm one of those underlining maniacs) in the book is:

"Humor is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles."

And I definitely need that because I can tend to be waaaaaay too serious in these times. Which breeds worry. Which breeds health stuff and a grumpy face. And we don't want that now, do we?!

So enough about moi. What's new on your farm?

Random Dozen with the Lid

Join Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for this fun meme.

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light? I haven't seen 2 a.m. since my kids slept through the night. But hypothetically, I'd probably run it. True story, though. Hubby when he was single, did have this happen to him. He ran it. Cop was down the street and pulled him over and asked him why he did it. Hubby answered truthfully, "I didn't think anyone was watching." And he got let off the hook!

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything? I'd wake up without a massive headache.

3. When you reply to someone's comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her) Hmmm, some of all three? If I figure it's a comment that directly will add to my post or clarify something in my post, I'll answer in my comments section. If the person is new to blogging I'll go to their site and welcome them to blogland. Usually though if I reply it will be by email.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is: I have to pick just one? That is just too hard! If it's cartoon I think maybe Beauty and the Beast, Fox and the Hound and Jungle Book are in a tie and if it's just any Disney movie I think "Cool Runnings" is one of my all time faves along with National Treasure, the first Pirates of the Carribean, and Holes. And I can't forget Mary Poppins. Love Mary Poppins.

5. Do you recycle? Yes, I do. Unfortunately in our city we don't have curbside pick up through the city, unless you pay a private company to come get it. So we have to haul it to the recycling bins and in my humble opinion, there is not enough of them around town. And sometimes they are overflowing which is very frustrating. Also I found we were making 2 or 3 trips to the bins because I try to recycle everything I can. So we just had to make an executive decision that we were only going to make one trip a week unless we were going by there anyway. So now if our big bin fills up faster then the rest is trashed for the week.

6. Games of strategy or games of chance? A bit of both. I don't like games to be too complicated though. If there is 50 million rules to remember it's not fun anymore.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams? I don't dream. At all.

8. What did you learn from your first real job? How to make the perfectly shaped DQ ice cream cone with the perfect curl. LOL. I learned that I like to have spending money. And how to work hard.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books? I do both. Lately I get alot for review too.

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did? I can't think of one off the top of my head. I basically live by the mantra "If I've already done it once, I'm too old to do it again."

11. When do you start Christmas shopping? Usually mid November or so I start thinking of what I'd like to give and start looking for the deals.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion? I don't recall doing this but who knows, I just might have.

Fall into Flavor ~ Mashed Cheesy Cauliflower

Such is the story of my life. I actually, for once had a post all ready to go the night before and then the internet went down in the night and it didn't get posted. Sigh. Oh well. It's week 3 of 5 weeks of Linda's Fall into Flavor. Check out her place for some great fall recipes.

Mine this week is something I made last week for my family. You'll have to so trust me with this one. It is absolutely delcious. I had this head of cauliflower sitting in the fridge but didn't feel like just having normal cauliflower. So I looked around my recipe sites a bit and saw that you could actually mash cauliflower but the consensus seemed to be that it was too watery. So I played around a bit and this is what I came up with to rave reviews from hubby and the kids. And it has Linda's requisite butter. :v)

MASHED CHEESY CAULIFLOWER

-1 head cauliflower
-4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks for cooking
-3 packets of chicken boullion
-3 Tbsp butter or marg.
-3/4 cup cheez whiz or other processed cheese product
-1/4 cup parmesan cheese
-1/8 tsp. cayenne
-salt and pepper to taste

Wash cauliflower and break or cut into large florets. Put in dutch oven. Add the potato chunks. Add water to cover. Bring to boil adding the chicken boullion when the water is hot. Boil for approximately 20 - 25 minutes until the cauliflower is very tender. Drain well in a colander to get as much water off as you can. Put carefully back into pot and put back onto the stove element. Now this is the secret (along with adding potatoes to the recipe) to get as much moisture off as possible. Put on very low heat and just let it sit with no lid for a couple of minutes gently stirring occasionally and let that extra heat cook off the water. Don't let it burn. If it's too hot turn off the element. The residual heat should be enough, too. Now add the rest of the ingrediants and mash with a potato masher, stirring vigorously as you go until it is as smooth as you like.

The nice thing about this recipe is it's even yummy for those that normally don't like cauliflower. You can play with the potato to cauliflower ratio until it suits any picky eater. Because of the cheese it's a wonderful side dish to ham or chicken or sausages.