I Can Learn To Pray/Children's Devotional Review

                                                       
I Can Learn To Pray is a fun, sweet devotional book for children.
The book contains 52 devotionals suggesting one devotional a week.

I enjoy the fact that it is current.  In the week 1 devotional it talks about how to communicate with God.  By cell phone, text message, sign language, or a walkie-talkie.  

The illustrations are fun and friendly.  

The 52 week devotions are divided into 7 sections:
1. Learning to Pray
2. Thank you Prayers
3 Wow Prayers
4 I'm Sorry Prayers
5 Help! Prayers
6 How to Listen
7 Jesus Prayers

Each devotional has questions and suggestions to do during the week and a simple prayers.  

This book is an excellent resource tool for families.  
It's recommended for ages 4-8.  I know my 7 year old grandson could read it.  I find it a little too much for the 4 year olds that I know.    I think it's best being a parent led devotional.  

It would also be an excellent resource for homeschool.  I could see activities to use through the whole week.  The actual prayers are short and would perfect for a writing lesson.  As well as learning the individual prayers.  

I highly recommend this fabulous book.  This would be the perfect gift for Easter.  

This book is the second from author Holly Hawkins Shivers.

Meet the Author

Holly Shivers is the author of I Can Learn the Bible and I Can Learn to Pray. Holly has served as a staff wife for over a decade at Prestonwood Baptist Church, where she stays involved in women's and children's ministries. She received her Master’s degree in counseling. Holly enjoys contributing to various writing projects and ministry blogs but is most passionate about writing to kids. Some of her favorite things are Dr. Pepper, rainy days, family time, and especially those Dallas Cowboys! Holly lives in Texas with her husband and four kids.

It is widely available and if your an Amazon Prime member you can receive it the next day.  

It is also available at Barnes and Noble  and Christian Book(dot)com.

This post will be linked to the following blog parties . . .
The Art of Homemaking,Good Morning Mondays, Mommy Moments, Modest Mom's Monday Linky Party, Tuesday at Our House, Sitting Among Friends , Party in Your P.J.'s at Grand Ma Ideas, Wednesday Party Titues Tuesday,  Titus 2uesDay,  Tweek It Tuesday, Show and Share at Coastal Charm, Show and Tell at Flamingo Toes, Tuesdays at Our House, Talk of The Town, Wow us Wednesday, Katherines Favorite Things, Weekend Wrap Up
I wish to thank Tommy Nelson Publishers and the BookLook program for allowing me to review this book.
I received it free for writing my honest review.  I was not asked to write a positive review.

Pitchin' A Fit Overcoming Angry Stressed Out Parenting--Book Review

                                         
They had me at the introduction when a story is told about the family leaving on a trip and one of the 9 children is asked to feed the chickens.  I thought the story was funny but if you were there as one of those parents it wouldn't have been too funny.  

The book is filled with personal stories.   The authors do an excellent job of keeping the readers attention while presenting some relevant and practical information for parents.  It's not just about their opinions or what works for them it's about Biblical parenting. 

In 12 short chapters the authors share how not to parent with/in anger . . . 

1. Stressed Out and Overwhelmed
2. Is It Wrong to Get Angry?
3. What Causes Anger?
4. Provoking Our Children to Wrath?
5. Trigger Happy — What Sets You Off?
6. Yelling Moms, Hollering Dads
7. “But I’m Not Patient!”
8. What Patience Is and Isn’t
9. Nurture in the Heart of Correcting
10. The Power of Affirmation
11. Creating Peace in the Home
12. Accountability

From the back cover:

• Provides practical and biblical solutions to get to the other side of the issue
• Gives hope and freedom from the tyranny of stressed out and angry parenting.
• Offers solutions that are ideal for any family

The authors also offer practical help and resources through their website , blog as well as Facebook groups.  (bold words are direct links)

For an interview with Shaun Tabatt of Cross Focused reviews click here. 

This book is a super easy read.  The chapters are a little long but they are broken up with sub thoughts that make the reading really easy.  

This is a good and practical book for any parent.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christian Book(dot)com.  

If your interested there is a reading group here. 

Thank you Cross Focused Reviews and New Leaf Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was only asked to provide an honest review. 

Linking with The Art Of Homemaking, Titus Tuesday, Share Your Cup, Home Matters, Home Sweet Home and Katherine's Favorite Things
This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book(dot)com and on Facebook

Happy Homemaker Monday

A peek into my week

The weather.....
Been cooler and windy had to move the veggie's in


Right now I am....
Trying to get the weather app on my phone to work.  Drinking a Dr. Pepper and typing this post.


Thinking....
I have a lot to do this week.  Planning my veggie garden and praying it produces.


On my TV.....
We've been watching the network that shows all older shows.  Recording Mr. Ed and a few others
for our grandson.  He was here yesterday we watched Adams Family.   The old shows are just clean and funny.
.On the menu for this week....

Monday -  Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Cream Gravy 
Tuesday - Goulash (what we call Ground Beef, Tomatos and Pasta)
Wednesday -White Chicken Chili
Thursday -  Beef
Friday - Can I Go Out?

On my to do list....
Organize my posts for the week.  Get a couple of reviews written.  Clean the house.
Finish laundry today after going to buy soap.  I really hate running out of things. 
Straighten and finish organize the cottage.

Looking forward to this week.... 
Had a good job interview last week.  But didn't get the job. But they said there might be an opening by the 
1st and it's mine.   Really?  I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket!

I do have an interview today at a Preschool teaching 3 year olds.  

Looking around the house....
My veggie garden is in my dining room.  We had a cool front!  I think it'll stay till tomorrow afternoon.

From the craft basic . . .
Back to working on an art journal for my daughter.  Her birthday is the end of 
the month.  I love this new project. 

From the camera....

The last bite of his hamburger.  Friday we went to the zoo and the to In and Out Burger for a late lunch.

On my prayer list.....
My job situation.  I really need to find something.  I really want the office job at the vet clinic.  But everything 
seems to be pointing toward the preschool job.  
I'm praying that I can get any office job that is less physically demanding the preschool.

Bible verse, Devotional....


Linking with Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday.

Add A Caption?

.Wordless . . . 
                       
                                                   Wanna add a caption?
Sorry I was AWOL today.
Linking with Wordless Wednesday, Warm Heart Wednesday ,Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minute Mom, Wordless Wednesday at Crafty Spices

Parks In Texas--America The Beautiful

We are on Spring Break this week.  It's a perfect time to visit 
some parks in our great state . . .
                                      


                                            Mineral Wells State Park
         Gorgeous view.  Pretty cool fence too!

                                            Source
There are some fun places to visit. Texas Freshwater Fisheries 
located in Athens, Texas. 
  
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Spring is here in Texas.  Our beautiful wildflowers are popping up in fields.  You can see some gorgeous fields along the highways and by ways . . . 

                                                   Source
Our state flower is the Blue Bonnet.  They appear along our highways in huge fields.  The bluebonnet fields are a great photo opportunity!
                     Watch out for slithery critters!


                                                                Source
The Alligator Gar is an interesting fish found in some of the rivers in Texas.  Click on the source for more info.  about fishing for
Alligator Gar.

                                                         

                                                 Source
Our parks are a great place for cyclist enthusiasts!  

                                                      Source
Big Bend National Park is a favorite place for races and events. 


                                                                    Source
Last spring we had an unusual amount of rain.  Pretty much everything was underwater.  

                                                                         Source
The Texas parks offer some great places for walks and hikes.


                                                 Source

                           
                                                                          Source
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides many activities 
for the visitors to the parks. 

Our great state is home to a host of wild life . . . 

              
                                                Source
    







     

Our state parks offer lots of different types of lodging . . . 

                                                            Source Garner State Park
        

                                   

                                                           Source Davis Mountain State Park

              Are you planning your families summer vacation?    
Our big 'ole state of Texas offers lots of fun!  Come and check it out!

Linking with Good Fences, Eileen's Critters,  Camera Critters,  Blue Monday, Sunlit Sunday,
The Art of Homemaking, Wow on Wednesday, Share My Cup Thursday, Anything Blue Friday

Spring At Pier One

Oh my goodness.  I saw a pin.  And I went to Pier One and Oh My Word . . . 

Look at the Rabbits!

Oh My!  I want this guy.  He's on sale for $55.00 and some change!

 
And then if you have a mere $95.00 you can take this guy home.

Look at this cute guy.  He's on sale  for $19.96

And then there's the sweet one that I bought . . .


I had a hard time choosing. But I took this precious one home. 
Look at the little flower crown.  I had only a few bucks to spend. 
She was $11.96.

I can't wait till they go half price!  I hope I have a few bucks. 

If you have a few bucks and want to decorate for Easter and 
Spring go and check out Pier One.  

There are all kinds of Easter and Bunny items.  You'll love it!

I'll be showing you my Tablescape with my new Bunny in a few days.   I hope you can come by!




 

We Bought A Mini Donkey Part 1

Joining Linda Kaye for Wednesday Wit and Wisdom a topic drivin' party.  The instructions share a photo or picture and write a story.

                                            
She was 13 when we lost her first horse.  It was a bad year for a young girl.  She began riding another horse in the string.  But it just wasn't the same.  
In January the Stock Show and Rodeo is held in our city.  As ranchers we always find the time to visit.  We aren't/weren't show people but we loved visiting and seeing the show and enjoying the rodeo. 

First the first time that year we (daughter and mom and brother The Cowboy still worked in the corporate world) happened to be there the day that the miniature donkeys showed.     

                   We'd never seen anything like it!

They were fascinating.  They were adorable.  We were sold!

Here birthday was coming up.  She got it in her head that she wanted a mini donkey. A mini donkey is less than 36".  Basically the size and disposition of a big dog.

So being the father that the Cowboy is when she asked he looked at me I nodded and he said 'Sure'. 

That was our first mistake.  Since The Cowboy was working and the kids were in school it was my task to investigate and find a mini. donkey for her Birthday present. 

It only took me a few minutes to realize that we might have made a huge mistake!

Our thought process was Horse are big and cost $____.  Donkeys
are a 1/4 the size and would cost 1/4 the price of a horse.  Wrong.

Back in 1995 mini donkeys were considered an exotic.  And the were priced as an exotic!   They cost as much or more than some horses.

I was crushed. I wanted one as much as our daughter. HeHe!  

Or course I broke the news to the Cowboy first.  And being the 
master of the bank account he kind of had a little set back and said "Well we can't spend that much for a birthday!"
And then the next statement was "And if we did the precedent would be set and we would have to spend that much on Brother!"
Hugh Sigh...."Well what are we gonna do?" And my answer was "I'll figure it out!" 

And I did.  I found a breeder that was willing to see a totally so sweet 'not weaned' little gelding (a boy that was fixed) for a very, 
very good price!

This isn't the end of the story.  You have to come back for part two!

But, We ended up with two mini donkeys! 

This post was written with The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band singing in the background a PBS special.  I'm tappin' my foot. 


This isn't a great video.  But I hope you enjoy it as much as I didn.  If this concert is available on your PBS station check it out!

Linking with Wit and Wisdom, Warm Heart Wednesday and
Make my Saturday Sweet.   Because mini. donkeys are super sweet
you need one!
                                        

Happy Homemaker Monday on Tuesday

Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/14/2016 On Tuesday

I missed joining Sandra yesterday.   I had the privilege of spending the day with an old friend I met at work.

She was my assistant at the preschool where I worked.  She quit a little over a year ago to foster children. 

Yesterday she had to take a 5 day old new born an hour away to visit her mother.  It was a Blessing and quite 

the experience for me.   

I hope you don't mind a late look into my weeks plans. . . 
                                                              

The weather.....

Gorgeous! In the 70's and beautiful sun!

Right now I am....

Sitting at the computer drinking a Dr. Pepper and eating a couple of mini quiches I snagged at our crazy Kroger
the other day.  There are 16 in the box and marked down to $1.29!  These are usually at least $5.00.  
Yummy and what a bargain!

Thinking ....

Work.  I mentioned a Pre-K job the other day.  After going over details I decided not take it!  So I'm still
on the hunt.

On my TV.....

Not much just watching a few cooking shows.  I'm enjoying All Star Academy

On the menu for this week....

Monday -  Shrimp Etoufee, Jalepeno's Pinto's, Mustard Greens and Crawfish Cornbread

Tuesday - Some kind of fish recipe for Whiting Filets, a veggie and leftover Crawfish Cornbread

Wednesday - Big 'Ole Bowl of Chili (got ground beef on sale The Cowboy loves chili)

Thursday -  Pepperoni and Chicken/Spinach Pizza's

Friday - Food Truck meal!  Going to the zoo.  There is a food truck park across the street.

On my to do list....

Move the computer, rearrange books in the living room, set the dining room table, a little laundry, 

finish cleaning the fridge

Looking forward to this week....

Today an interview at a Chiropractors office.  I'm looking forward to it.  And kind of hoping this

is where God wants me.  For many reasons!  We'll see he'll open that door wide or slam it shut!

Looking around the house....

A little chaos right now.  I was gone most of the day yesterday so didn't get it straightened up.  clean 

laundry on table and books in a chair.  We're trying to get the garage cleaned out to get more stuff out of 

storage.

From the camera....

This Poinsettia just keeps hanging in there.  This photo is from this post. 

On my prayer list.....

Sandra and her family,  My friend the baby and the babies family and my job search.

Bible verse, Devotional....

                                                                       Source

Linking with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday

                              Have a Good week

                     

The Bronte Plot--Book Review

                                                     

From the back cover . . .

When Lucy’s secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

I loved what author Debbie Macomber had to say. . . "Katherine Reay is a remarkable author who has created her own stub-genre, wrapping classing fiction around comtemporary stories.  Her writing is flawless and smooth.  Her storytelling meaningful and poignant.  You'r going to love The Bronte Plot"

I loved that reading The Bronte Plot compelled me to go back and read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. I have never read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. (for info. on The Bronte Family click here.)

This was however a bit a slow read for me.  I really didn't develop a strong attachment to the characters.
I really wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. It was kind of a heavy read.  

If your a lover of  classics and literature you'll enjoy this book.  

For more information about the author and her other books click here. 

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

The fine print . . . 
I was offered this book for review by Harper Collins Publishers and Book Look in exchange for my honest review.  

Better Late Than Never . . .

For Today/Tonight... 

I spent the day with an old friend.  I had a great day driving her and a brand new 5 day old foster baby for a family visit. 

She hired me to 'help' with the children while she organized and made the home tidy. 

I offered to come and clean.  

We agreed that I'll come once a week and clean her house. 

While I was with her today she was texting a friend offered me a job cleaning her house.

Outside my window...

Beautiful bright sunshine.  

It was actually in the 80's today

I am thinking...

God is good.  He put me with me friend to help her today.

I am thankful...

That God provides.  We just need to be patient. And open. 

I am wearing...

It's the evening.

Athletic pants a tank top and an apron. 

Dinner dishes soaking.  I need to load the dishwasher

I am creating...

Always a quilt block to work on. 

But nothing specific except a project for a Swap.  Can't tell. HeHe.

I am going...

On three job interviews this week.

I am wondering...

What job God has planned for me

I am reading...

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

I love anything related to horses, Cowboys and ranching.  I'm really enjoying this book.

I am hoping...

I am able to be patient and listen to God and take the right job.

I am learning...

Patience and understanding

In my garden...

Click here for the post.

In my kitchen...

Source

Made this recipe for Crawfish Cornbread tonight.  It was really yummy. 

I cut the recipe in half and baked in a square brownie pan. 

In the homeschool room...

My grandson is homeschooled.  We're using the garden as a project for him.  He'll be charting and graphing the plant growth.  He planted seeds last week and learned about

Horizontal and Vertical.  We are planting a vertical garden. 

I explained the difference by using the example of his "Pa" lays on the couch taking a nap that is horizontal.  

A favorite quote for today...

A peek into one of my days...

Lately I've been able to spend time at home.  Getting my house back in order and clean.

And spending time organizing my sewing space and sewing a few quilt blocks. 

When I'm not working I'm sewing or reading. 

One of my favorite things...

Hot tubs

From the board room...

Source

Must have cake.  Chocolate!

BTW I have these exact plates from Pier One!

Post Script

Check out my Book Review page I've featured some great novels and cook books!

Linking today/tonight with The Simple Women's Daybook