Warm Heart Wednesday/More Than A Friend

                                      
A few years ago I wrote a few posts called More Than A Friend.
I enjoyed writing about a few blog land friends.  
Now a few years later I have many more friends.  I'm so thankful for you guys that come by every week and visit and comment. 
                  
Iwish we could get together in 'real life' and visit and eat, have a glass of wine and go shopping.  

                  Just like we girls do with our girl friends.  
                                
              But, this group of girl friends are long distance.  

I enjoy visiting you guys each week.  Sometimes your better friends than I am.  You visit me and I miss coming by your sweet little blog homes.  I really need to get more organized.    I' m working on visiting more.  It's not that I don't want to I just actually forget.  
                                                        I need a list.  And so with all that said I'm making a few changes to the blog.  I've been thinking about this for awhile.  

The thing is.  I write to reach you.  To share myself with you.  
To meet you and get to know you so we can be friends.  
                                                      So over the next few days you'll see some changes.  I hope you enjoy them.  One of the things I'll be changing is adding my friends list back to my sidebar.  I haven't decided exactly how but soon you'll be seeing your blog listed on my blog!  

I've always enjoyed the bloggers that have friends lists.  That's how I've found some great friends.  Like Daisy's friends Mitch and Molly.  I found them over at Becky's at Sweet Cottage Dreams.  I'm so glad I clicked on the link.  They've been sweet friends!   I love visiting them each week.  And love their visits and comments.  
Thank you Mitch and Molly for being great friends!

Do you have a special blog friend you want to acknowledge and share a little love?  
     
I found some darling vintage Valentines to share with you and your friends.    Grab couple and share the Love.


                        Happy Valentines Day 

Linking with Jenny for Warm Heart Wednesday
Linking at The Loft

Kissed by a Cowboy--Book Review

                                          
I had to giggle when I was offered this book for review.  
All my readers know that my husband is referred here on the blog as The Cowboy.  

I enjoyed the story line in this fun little book.  It's a little bit of the typical story of boy meets girl.  Boy runs from girl/romance.  
Girl gets married/divorced and comes back to town and that's kind of where the typical ends . . . 
The story of Rancher Jarrod and Cassidy's budding long overdue 
romance is charming, funny and eventful.  
Jarrod's character is strong, stoic and exasperated with Cassidy's 
stubbornness.  Her quirkiness keeps him on his toes.
Their romance is woven around her plans to open a Bed and Breakfast and Jarrod's own struggle of running the family ranch while his cattle are being rustled. 

I loved this modern day Cowboy romance.  

I was a bit sad to see that this is the 3rd and last installment in The Four Of Hearts Ranch series.   I'd love to read books 1 and 2.

It's setting in Wishing Springs, Texas was pure romance for me. 
I'd like to see more of the characters in Wishing Springs.  

On a side note: This book is published as a Christian novel yet it isn't overly 'church ie' feeling which I think might appeal to someone who doesn't normally read this genre.  

And I think that is a good thing. 

Overall this was a fun 4 star read.  

This book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book (dot) com.

Fine Print:
I received this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review--A Son's Vow

                                         

Book One of   The Charmed Amish Life a series taking place in Charm, Ohio a fictional little town.  The book is complete with a fun little map in the front.  I caught myself looking over the map as the story progressed. 
Book One is the story of a romance between Darla and Lukas. 
They've known each other all their lives growing up as best friends but when a tragedy strikes the town they drift apart. 
The author wove a sweet little romance together with the drama of 
domestic violence.  
This wasn't a story that I felt 'I knew what was going to happen'.
In fact I was pleased and surprised.  I had it all figured out based on the title and boy was I wrong.  
                     Isn't that what makes a good story?
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and I look forward to the 
opportunity to read more.  
I want to know what happens with the sub characters like Hannah that worked as a nanny for an 'English' couple.   And the dog Rose that lived in the neighborhood where Hannah worked. 
                                   I look forward to the installment that tells Hannah's story!

On the negative side.  Yep there is one.  It's personal but I still want to include it. Get it said and be done with.  Personally I thought the inclusion of the Amish words was annoying.  Whew I said it. 
I might be the only one that feels this way.  But I personally didn't think it added to the story or to the realization.  I haven't been around the Amish and I might be totally off here.  But I think one word here and there was just annoying.  Personal opinion. 

One more negative for me. And it's not really negative exactly . . . 
 There was one point in the story.  A little mystery that was hinted at but didn't get solved and isn't really mention as if it will be solved in follow up stories.   
I don't want to give the storyline away.  But I'm just wishin' to find out what happened! 

All in all.  This was a great book.  I started it couldn't put it down. 
                              To me that's a good read.  

So here's my 4 stars for A Son's Vow. 

This book is widely available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and
Christian Book(dot)com
Here's the fine print . . .
I received this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group for my honest review.

CPR Training

                                                             
Today I want to share with you a different kind of post. 
As a childcare worker I'm required to have CPR.
                                                                   
I've taken the course many times.  Always offered through my work, at my work during working hours. 
                                          

Now that I am a Nanny I'm required to obtain trainings on my own.
I was in need of re-certification. Honestly I hate to admit it.  I was dreading dealing with the whole idea of going to class and spending an afternoon and the money. 
                                                          
As I was dreading this whole course thing I looked at classes and locations and the cost.  I began to dread it more.  A normal class is around $35.00-$40.00.  (I dreaded it because since making the decision to nanny I haven't really gotten a job.  So I've had no income for 3 weeks.  I have had a few temp jobs but not enough to 
pay the bills)
 I got to thinking maybe there is an on-line class.  Sure enough there was.  I called the nanny office to find out if the class was acceptable.  And it was! 

Standard – CPR / AED

Only $15.95 

Was $17.95

CPR - Adult / Pediatrics
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Begin Course

And on sale!  I took the class today.  I'm finished and now current for 2 years.  

Let me encourage you if your like me and you dread taking a class please consider an on-line course.  
                                   
You never know when you might be put in a situation where you can save someones life!

My husband is a drivers education instructor. Just before Christmas his co-worker had a heart attack while teaching a class. He was the passenger in the car.  The student a 15 year old was driving.  Another 15 year old student was in the back seat observing.  The instructor realized they were in trouble and managed to tell the student to pull over.  The student in the back seat was trained and immediately jumped to the aide of the instructor.  

I was fascinated with this story.  Can you imagine being the parent of that student?  To have the knowledge and be able to make a decision so fast to save someones life!
                               
                If you've never taken CPR may I encourage you to consider a course?  

Just google it.  It's simple to find a course in your area.  Some programs offer groups.  Why not get a group together.  Consider getting your church small group or Ladies group.  Maybe just get your family together.  Do you have teenagers?  

I would suggest if this is your first time take a class.

And, if you've been trained and are in need of re-certification check out  National CPR Foundation.  Click here.  This was a simple 
and fast refresher course.  I finished the course.  Took the test and paid and within moments I had already receive an email confirmation.  A wallet card is being mailed to me.  
                                            

Linking this post with Link Parties this week.
                                 

Happy Homemaker Monday

                                      
The Weather . . .
The sun is shining.  It's a little chilly but it'll warm up nicely. 
It's been a very nice beginning of the year here. 

Right Now I Am . . . 
Sitting at the computer in the living room drinking a Dr. Pepper.
Daisy is at my feet the Cowboy is laying on the couch with his kindle. 

Thinking. . . 
I'm happy I am sitting at my computer at 9:12 in the morning and not on a job.  

On My T.V. 
The Cowboy has been recording movies.  We watched the Wind in The Lion the other night.  It had been a long time since we'd seen it when we were dating.  I feel old. 

On The Menu . . . 
I'm not making a menu this week because I'm trying to clean out my freezer.  
But I know today we are having Beans and Cornbread.  Had some mixed beans in the freezer I pulled out last night.  Oh and ham. 
We got on on sale the other day.  I'll cube some up and put in the beans.  

On My To Do List . . . 
Not working this week so have a lot planned.
Cleaning freezer of left overs/ cooking the leftovers
Painting some frames for Valentines Dinner
Planning and preparing for Valentines Dinner
Work on Heart Quilt blocks
Planting onions and Kale in pots on patio
Tidying, re-arranging etch.

In The Craft Basket . . .
I started this quilt on Friday 
s
I made two scrappy blocks then remembered I had some fabulous 
pinks.  Got them out and got to sewing.  It's going to be pink. 
Don't know how many I'll make.  We'll see.    

Looking Forward To This Week . . .
Being home.

Looking Around The House . . .
It's about as clean as it ever really gets.  I do need to vacuum
but that could be done 3 times a day!

From The Camera . . . 

My dog is so hard to take pictures of.   She'll stand still for 
Chick Fila and a bowl of milk.  I had to laugh she left a little in the  milk bowl to go back and lick her plate.  Which btw there wasn't anything on the plate the chicken was in the box.  

On My Prayer List . . . 
Praying for Sandra

Bible Verse or Devotional . . . 
                                         

                                               Small is the gate and narrow is the road

                                                 that leads to life and only few will find it.

                                                                     Matthew 7:13-14

Shared this one on Sunday.  I loved the verse with this photo.

Well that's my weeks plans.  What do you have planned?

                    Have a Happy Week

Linking with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Click here to visit and/or join. 

Blue Monday

                      
Our Monday isn't Blue around here.  It's a blessing to see this
smiling face.
This is our grandson.  He's 7 1/2.  Last week he had surgery. 
You can read a little about it here. 
Long story short after 2 months of recuperation he'll be back to well maybe not running but he'll be on the 'fast track' so to speak. 
We are Blessed and Grateful. 

It's a Happy Blue Monday. Have a Happy Week. 
Linking with Sally

Sunlit Sunday

Joining a new party today.  

           

                                                Small is the gate and narrow is the road

                                                 that leads to life and only few will find it.

                                                                     Matthew 7:13-14

                   Loved this one for the top of Sunlit Sunday.  

 

Join me later today for a few more shots and a fun Mosaic to share on Mosaic Monday.  

                              I hope your day is Blessed 

Linking with Sunlit Sunday

The Call Of The . . .

Wild?  Nope.  It's the call of the sewing room.  

My little workhorse sewing machine has been whispering to me.

And then the other day I was sitting down working on the Art Journal for my daughter and these teeny tiny little fabric blocks 
chimed in . . . 

They've been sitting in this cute little box for forever. (sorry this shot is blurry) 

I wasn't even thinking about them and then . . . 




I saw this and my heart went pitter patter.  But I kept telling them I'm too busy to sew.  And then this morning I saw this!

And crazy person that I am I realized I needed a heart quilt for Valentines Day!  
So the heart pillows I was thinking about making today. Hmm. 
We'll see what happens.  

I might end up making pillows.  I don't have a pattern for this quilt. 
I'm 'winging it' but that's what I usually do. 

Stay tuned...

Oh and this beckoned me too . . . 


Oh soo many ideas!  Hope you have a Fabulous Friday!

Friday's Hunt Featuring Letter "F"

Had an idea of what I was going to do for letter "F" then saw this on Facebook!  I had to share it . . . 

                                                                  Source
This story is in Grit magazine.  This Farm to Table dinner party is to raise money for the local Farmers 

Favorite Photo featuring Faithful Friends and a Faithful God.
Yesterday my grandson had surgery.  One of my daughters friends from church owns a local Farmers Market.  They brought a care package. 
updated:  My daughter work up yesterday with a cold and sore throat. She found this on her porch . . . 


Negative Space . . . 
This prompt was a little hard for me.  Here's what I came up with

My mantle with nothing on it.  I've been planning a post sharing all the areas I normally decorate minus all the Christmas decorations. 
The mantle, the glass shelves, the breakfast bar etc.  This is a sneak preview.  heh

And then I found this I wanted to add.  I wrote a post yesterday for Good Fences this one would have been perfect for that post . . . 



Click here to read my Good Fences post. 

Linking this Letter "F" post with Friday's Hunt at Eden Farms

Over The Good Fences

Sharing a collection of a different kind of fence today . . . 


                                          Source


                                                          Source

                                                     Source

                                                        Source
And a simple and sweet one . . . 


Linking with Good Fences
Linking with Camera Critters, Eileen's Critters
Linking with Wordless Wedenesday

Tomato Plantin Time?

Call me crazy but I'm already thinking about planting tomatoes!
                                                Why? 
Because The Cowboy bought me this . . . 

 Now I'm asking why myself.  Because I'll be planting on our patio which gets the afternoon sun and they'll burn up.  

But I smiled and said thank you.  

All the while wishin'  I could take a pic like this later in the summer
                                     
This is my kitchen window from a few summers ago.  We got the chance to live for a few years in an old farm house.  I loved that 
little house.  

And the garden I was able to grow.    It was a good year for a garden.  

My very smart son told me how to cut my tomato plants back in July and keep watering them.  We had fresh tomatoes for Thanksgiving.  He's so smart.  

Doubt I'll be able to duplicate that here on the patio but it's worth a try!  I may end up having to hang them on the front porch.  Won't that look lovely.  

Or maybe The Cowboy has finally decided to agree to move and he has a plan for moving before summer!  

I can only hope!  

Oh and if you happen to have any tips on porch gardens let me know!

Before I go I want to thank everyone for the prayers and sweet comments and messages today.  
Surgery went well.  He was indeed a little trooper.  2 months recovery and he should be back to Karate!
                                    
Home laying on the couch with the turtle that went through surgery too.  His t.v. remote, the quilt I made for last surgery.  And the kitten he took wrapped in his baby blanket.  He swaddled it! 

He's showing off the blue tape they put on his hand.  He loved that tape.    

He asked the doctor to save the metal hardware they were taking out.  He plans to display it on the mantle!

We're all smiles and Happy.  Thanks for the prayers.

Linking with Simple Homestead Blog Hop

WordFilled Wednesday/Prayers Please

Good Morning.  I hope your morning is off to a great 'warm' start!
Today I'll be a 'off the grid'.  I am at the hospital with my grandson. 
He had surgery last June.  Some of you might remember . . . 

He was a trooper.  See the blue wrap on his arm.  He tickled us he wanted to take it home.  
He loved it when Pa visited.  The hospital stay was a little rough.
He was in a lot of pain. 

Day two at home.  He isn't a really happy camper.  He has a cast around his waist and all the way down his leg.  
He had the cast for 8 weeks.  After about 4 weeks he learned to crawl out of bed and around the house.  He was a hoot!

He got lots and lots of good wishes.  And silly toys and things to keep him busy.  It's hard to stay in bed for 8 weeks when your 7.

The blue/green crochet blanket was a prayer shawl their church brought to our daughter on surgery day.  She was Blessed.

But he finally got the cast off and he's been back to normal after a few months in a wheelchair. Well till December actually.  

He's had a couple of months of normal activity.  

And now.  Well.  It's back to surgery again.  In June they repaired 
his growth plate.  There was damage due to an injury.  They had to put pins in to hold the bones together.  
Tomorrow they will remove the pins.  It'll be a quick procedure. 
But, more convalescents. He'll be back in the wheelchair for a couple of weeks and then the walker again.  

So.  dear friends.  Can I ask you to say a pray for the little guy?
He needs strength and stamina.  And he needs to be still.  Which is hard to do!  

I'll be at the hospital for the day.  Hopefully I'l be home by 5:00 if all goes well.  

Prayers please!  
XXOO

Vintage Cakes--Cookbook Review

                           

The cover caught my eye.  Yummy!!!!!   And, I love anything Vintage so I knew I would enjoy this cookbook.  

Vintage Cakes offers a fun collection of updated recipes for both classic and forgotten cakes.  Some I was familiar with but some were new to me.  

There are recipes for layer cakes, rolls, bundt cakes and even no-bake cakes. And of course cupcakes!  There are over 50 different recipes with wonderful color photos.  I loved the use of vintage items in the photography.  

The author tested 'old fashioned' grandma recipes and made some changes to update . . . 
"I was happy to rid the recipes of any Crisco, Primex, Sweetex and margarine! I replaced the processed fats with good old-fashioned butter for the yummiest flavor and canola oil for tenderizing the crumb and adding moisture to the cake," Richardson said. 

This site actually has some of the recipes and great photo's from the cookbook.  Click Here. 

I really enjoyed reading this cookbook and looking at the photo's.  I was inspired to try a few of the recipes. 

I looked around the internet to see where you might purchase.  It appears to be widely available at 
Amazon and a few other places.  

Check it out.  You might consider purchasing a copy for a new bride.  I think it would make a great wedding gift. 

Thanks for visiting today.   I am off to the library for a new cookbook to share with you next week. 

Linking with The Art Of Homemaking.
Linking with There's No Place Like Home

Happy Homemaker Monday

                           
                                   
The Weather . . . 
It is absolutely beautiful.  It's a spring like day!  Thanking God for this lovely prelude.  Hopefully it'll last!

Right Now . . . 
I'm thinking how grateful I am for such nice weather.  I'm trying to get out more and walk the dog.  It's so nice.

Thinking. . .
About plans for the week.  Planning for Valentines Day Dinner

Looking forward to . . . 
Valentines Day Dinner.  We do an annual dinner for our daughter 
and our grandson.  It's a special time.  The come to our house.
I'm the chef and the Cowboy is the Maitre De.  The first year our 
grandson called him 'That Man' because he was in a suit!

On My Reading Pile . . .
Totally empty of review books.  Waiting for more. I do have  one Miralee Ferrell y/a book left.  This is a great series for young girls.

On My T.V. 
Not much just cooking channel
The Cowboy loves Oak Island
Occasionally a movie

Things That Make Me Happy . . . 
Not working.  Or at least not working everyday
Being able to make a menu for our dinners.

On The Menu . . . 
Monday- Pork and Stuffing in the Crock Pot, Salad
Tuesday- Chili Rellenos, Rice, Refried Beans, Salad
Wednesday- hmm how about a Quiche
Thursday-- Rib Eye, Potato and a Salad
Friday-- Chili

On My To Do List. . . 
Get all Christmas into garage and get garage back in order
Finish the scripture book I'm making for my daughter
Decorations for Valentines Day

What I Am Creating . . . 
Still working on the pink afghan actually haven't touched it since before Christmas.  Need to get back to it!

Looking Around The House . . . 
I see a clean/blank pallete.  Usually my house is a little cluttered in a good way.  At least I like to think it is.  My shelves are filled with books, nick nacks and candles.  The mantle is decorated.  The kitchen counter and table is decorated.  I'm living it all 'clean' this year till Valentines.  I think I'm starting a new tradition.  Less is more for January!

From The Camera . . . 

On My Prayer List . . . 
I've been praying for this girl at work.  She just keeps coming to my mind.  She is young and living with a boy friend and his parents. 
The are in their 20's she has a 3 year old and is pregnant.  There is 
so much more to the story.  I just pray that she is ok.  And that 
God protects her and the children. 

Bible Verse, Favorite Quote or Devotional . . . 


May your day be filled with Joy

linking with Happy Homemaker Monday over at Sandra's

Pink Monday or Blue

So I've been in this whole Pink mood.  I keep seeing these tea cups
and chairs.  And I just want Pink.  
I'd love to have a Pink corner.  Sadly I don't think it's an option just ask Sally.  
Let's think about it. K?

                                              source
Serious Sally what's so wrong with Pink?


                                            Source
I want a fish bowl!

And, 

                                                   Source
A Pink corner.  See isn't this Fabulous.  But I'm not too sure this isn't enough Pink.


                                                      Source
Perfect for my little Pink (clearing my throat) Blue "HeHe" corner!

Now I need a chair so I can sit and . . . 

                                          Source

Drink a cup of tea.  Because I'm going to be tired from  . . . 

Making Blue Berry muffins with my Fabulous Pink stand mixer!

                                                 Source
And while I sip my tea and munch on my Fabulous muffin I'll look at the mantle and . . . 

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. . . plan to paint a few frames for Valentines Day.  
Which btw I have the perfect new frames I got for $1.00 each at the thrift store last week!  I love not working!

                                                              He He
Linking with Blue Monday
Linking with Pink Saturday