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Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Cowboy Joel And The Wild West-Book Spotlight/Giveaway-I Read Book Tours

Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West by the Gagnon Family

About the book 
Cowboy Joel and Blackbeard find themselves face to face with El Maton, the most feared desperado in the West. When El Maton mocks him for the way he looks, Joel must confront his biggest fear; a tongue-slingin' with the outlaw. Can Blackbeard convince Joel to do it? Will Joel find the courage? Note to Mom and Dad: Cowboy Joel will teach your child that it's not always about punching the bully. It's about being confident in who God made them to be, and using those truths to fight the battle in their mind.

Meet the authors
Picture
The Gagnon family is an atypical, hodgepodge mix of humanity. The entire family enjoyed writing this book, with each one contributing their own input. Every child in the family has their own special story, and every one faces their own unique challenges. Stacey, the mom of this bunch, also has a blog called Ransom for Israel. She presents an honest assessment of the orphan crisis and the desperate need for families willing to adopt. After the adoption of their youngest daughter, the Gagnons started a non-profit called Lost Sparrows. Lost Sparrows is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and those with special needs through education, proper medical care, and adoption. Their current focus is in areas of Eastern Europe and Bulgaria.

Connect with the authors:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram 

Buy the

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Saturday, August 24, 2019

This And That And The Kitchen Sink

We're having a lazy morning around here today

Yes that is a skull and cross bones flag left from our Pirate party.
Do you remember when Jack Sparrow visited me?

This happened . . . Well not when Jack visited. This week . . . 
The end of summer is always Hot here.  And then what made it worse this week was the a/c went out in the car.  Still trying to find someone to fix it! 
Image result for no a/c

Image result for dog days of summer
And a little of That . . . 
Started a new job it always takes a lot out of me because I work really hard to make a good impression and I don't sleep well.  
. . . Also a client that just got married went to Hawaii and I went over to the house extra to water the plants.  

It was a busy week.  And then The Cowboy bought chicken and so for some crazy reason I decided to fry it.  Wasn't sure I remembered how!  
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And so. . .The kitchen this morning is a mess.

I wish I could curl up in a comfy chair. Actually I can and it is across the room and I can see that sweet dog and I remember when Jack visited.  
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Awe






Saturday, August 17, 2019

Happy Homemaker in Texas



Hello . . . How is your Saturday going?  I am writing a bit late today . . . Normally I get my post up early but today I had to finish mowing the front yard.  Now I have had a bit to eat and cleaned the kitchen and now it's time to share.  

I'll be joining Sandra again for her weekly gathering.

The weather 
Hot..we got some relief last Wednesday from a few showers on Tuesday night . . . this week 100' expected though Wed and then upper 70's in the mornings and upper 90's thru next Sunday.  It will feel like a cool front with lots of Sunshine . . . 


On the breakfast plate
At bit of Brunch after getting up early to mow.  I scrambled a couple eggs and cut hunk of a piece of nice leftover grilled steak.

On my reading pile
 A summer read?  I have time it's on tour in October.

A Sweet Thing
The Cowboy went to the store the other day with a 'List'.  I did not realize I was out of D.P.(which translates to pick up Dr. K. the store brand) so called and he said he had just left the store.  My sad response was 'O.K.'  A bit later he walked in with Dr. Pepper. 
He had stopped at Dollar General on the way home.  

Image result for dr pepper
Something fun to share

It's time to open up the Autumn Pen Friend Exchange! 
If you enjoy handwritten correspondence with like-minded women, The Victorian Letter Writers Guild may be for you! 
Autumn signups close August 18.
Click here to join the group


On the menu back to trying to plan a menu. Hope I can keep up
Monday
Pork Lo Mein, Egg Rolls, Salad
Tuesday
Grilled Steak Tacos
Wednesday
Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle, Green Beans, Salad
Thursday
Bisquick Impossible Quiche, Salad, Bread
Friday 
I have been craving Pizza!  

What we ate
Last week we had some great meals many from left overs.  I have a client that always cooks way too much food. 
Monday 
We had nacho's from left over chicken and cheese only  and ground beef , beans and cheese.   I had cooked the chicken and beef over the weekend.
Tuesday
Leftover steak sliced thin and warmed, Brown gravy and mashed potatoes, sliced tomato's and cucumber
Wednesday
Dirty Rice,  A duck breast from the freezer and Broccoli
Thursday
Ready made Cuban Style Chicken with Black Beans...we did not eat the beans it was a yummy simple dinner the chicken was in a package that you put in boiling water we surprised at how good it 
was. 
Friday
Leftover Steak warmed in the oven, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans

My 'Duh' 'Wow' moment of the week
I am in some fun Face Book groups.  One group had a Secret Santa this month.  Each person listed 5 things that the wished for...related to crafting mostly Junk Journals.  My partner wished for what to me was obscure items that I had never seen in the stores that I normally shop (Hobby Lobby, Tues. Morning, Michaels) I was stressing and worrying about what I could get her and considered a H.L. gift card.  We had a $15.00 limit which included postage.   Last night it dawned on my I had a $30.00 gift card at Amazon...Guess what my Secret Santa got?  Exactly what she asked for and I still have a few bucks left to spend on myself. 
Duh

In the craft basket
   

Two fold tag and book marks I made for a SWAP

Something sweet to share
In another group we do a monthly "Wish"  I wished for pink things 
paper,crafting supplies etc.  to put in a 1/2 Birthday box for my 
Grand Daughter in Missouri.  I was so surprised how many people sent fun things....I know she will love this . . . 
What little girl wouldn't love a Girly Pink Frame that she can put a photo of her horse in!

From the camera
My Zinnias did not do near as well this year as last year.  But I got a few pretty blooms

Devo/Scripture


Have a Blessed Week






Thursday, August 15, 2019

How We Spoil 'Em Around Here

Hello welcome back.  Today I am sharing the story behind 
yesterdays Wordless Wednesday post. 

My D.I.L. texted these pics to me with the caption . . . 


How we spoil 'em around here.
This is our son holding his daughters cat Maggie
When he was a child he loved cats.  His daughter is a cat lover too.
this is the newest one they are calling Pumpkin...it just showed up on the porch.

This is the newest member of the family.  His name is Pumpkin. 
He just appeared on the front porch.  I don't think they originally
planned on keeping him but he became best buds with Nacho .  .  .
The bigger on is Charlie's cat Nacho...they brought from the barn.  He is the half brother of Libbys cat Maggie..Nacho is younger.
Nacho is sharing his hammock with his new 'Bestie'  the hammock is really his carrier but he sleeps on top of it.  

It was good Pumpkin came along Nacho and Maggie did not really get along well.  Maggie is 2 and Nacho is younger they both came from the barn where my son previously worked.  

Now the horses and the cats all live at home.  I bet there aren't any mice in that barn!

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Make MaMa Smile

Welcome to my first Make MaMa Smile post.  Today I am sharing a proud MaMa moment.  

This summer my daughter began a 4 week project at her work. 
She had seen a photo on FB that brought back a sweet memory.
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When our kids were young (8 and 10) we leased pasture land for our horses.  Everyday I would pick them up from school and go hang out with the horses. They lived out free in the pasture but at feeding times we would bring them in to stalls.  There were many hours spent doing spelling words and math and reading on horse back at our place. 

Now my daughter is all grown and has an 11 year old son who loves horses too!  

She teaches at a local barn this summer she decided to start a reading program for her students. 
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Reading Club was a huge success!
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The horses and the kids loved it
And on the last day even 
Hamlet the Pig heard a story

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Everyone had a great time. 
All the Mom's were happy to see their kids reading. 
There were many Make MaMa Smile Moments!

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris-Revell Books Tour

Many thanks to Revell for allowing me to join this tour.  This was my first chance to be on a tour and read one of Lisa Harris books.
 Cover Art
About the book 
There is no such thing as random
Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victims' husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.


And others are saying (from Revell's website)
"An exciting, well-crafted tale of romantic suspense from veteran thriller-writer Harris."--Booklist

"Lisa Harris takes readers deep into the heart of fear."--Family Fiction

"[Harris is] a master of the genre."--Midwest Book Review

And I thought
All that I expected and more!  I really enjoyed this page-turning ride.  
The story/plot is interesting and a bit scary too. 
I loved the main characters Caitlyn and Josh.  There wasn't really a supporting cast but there were a lot of characters introduced that Caitlyn and Josh interviewed.  
And there were a lot of them.  There was also alot of crime.  The victims piled up even before Caitlyn and Josh got together to investigate.  When Caitlyn put 2 and 2 together a few random deaths of co-workers didn't add up to random. 

Since Josh is a police detective Caitlyn approaches him because his wife was the first co-worder that died.  

The two end up thrown together in a wild and dangerous journey that uncovers more and more questions and more and more deaths.

One of the main things that I really like about how Lisa Harris portrayed and built Caitlyn and Josh's characters and their romance is that they were both fully relying on God.  There wasn't the normal plot you see of one of the other being confused about his/her relationship with God.  This was refreshing to me. 

And, I like that their relationship with God is part of the story but it is written in a way that non-believers won't be threatened.  

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post I am Thankful that Revell gave me the chance to read Deadly Intentions.

I received a complimentary copy. 
My review will also appear on retail sites, Good Reads and on my book blog My Reading Journeys. 
I will also feature Deadly Intentions at blog parties and on social media. 

Buy the book




Saturday, August 10, 2019

Happy Homeker in Texas

Hello Welcome to Happy Homemaker . . . On Monday I'll be linking with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.  I like to share my post on Saturday.  I am glad to be back after a waaaaay
toooo loooong absence.

Sandra provides the prompts but I add a few of my own . . .

The weather
It's summer time in Texas.  We hit 100's most days.  Upper 80's in the morning but on Wednesday we are expecting a cool front upper 70's in the morning!

On the breakfast plate this morning
Probably no breakfast today but I have a nice Ceasar Salad waiting for my lunch. 

Right now I am 
Happy to be writing this post.

On the beside table
I don't have a bedside table.  I am a minimulist in the bedroom.

On the reading pile
It's always a big pile . . . 
Image result for Desolate Shores Daryl Wood This one is for fun.  Not required to review by the author or on tour.  
    

On the menu
No menu planning for the next few weeks.  We are eating out of the freezer and pantry.  I am just winging it for awhile. 

Something fun to share
A new feature on the blog I am planning.  I have been approached by a couple tours promoters that promote children's books and Christian fiction so I'll be sharing a few more reviews here.  I am also starting a new feature "Cover Story"  I'll be featuring book covers. 

Another new feature
I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for my new feature.  I already have the post done and can't wait to share it with you.  I am calling this 
feature . . . Make MaMa Smile a  sometimes feature when I have something to share that just makes me Happy.  Come by tomorrow!

On the t.v.
Sandra provides lots of what I am watching on t.v..... but I watch very little t.v.  so I am skipping that one.

What I am sewing, crocheting or creating
Mainly I am creating junk journals and crochet.
No photo description available.

Looking forward to
Have a new job starting next week I think.  A past client that I helped organize her kitchen called and wants me to clean house for her.  

From the camera

Devo's or scripture
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Linking with Sandra on Monday 

Click here to link