Best quote of the evening ...

Me: [to Bucket, as she's eating dinner] Do you like peas?

Bucket: I LOVE peas! They make my brain happy!!

... It kinda makes up for the fact that Bruise barely touched dinner.


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In other news, the worst part about being a holds shelver (that's what I do when I volunteer. I shelve the books that people have on hold) is that you CAN'T check out any of the cool books that you see. (When I first volunteered at the library, I shelved the new books. And I was SPOILED! You could nab ALL THE BOOKS YOU WANTED! ... well, as long as you read them in two weeks ... since that's when they'd be due. Man, I had some varied reading during that 18 months. I'd just put anything that piqued my interest aside to check out. ... And I had tons of time, since I wasn't working and I didn't have kids ... though, at the end, I was heavily pregnant. But I still had tons of time to read.)

Now, when I see any books that catch my interest (and, yes, sometimes I DO judge a book by its cover), I have to actually *GASP!* remember the title or author or keywords and then put a hold on it when I get home.

Now, I saw TWO books that looked REALLY good that I hadn't seen before. I only remember ONE of them. *grrrrrumbles*

I don't remember much of ANYTHING. Except that I think it was a YA novel. And it was blue. ... I think it was blue ... I shelved a LOT of books ... and I was kept quite busy. I managed to get us all caught up on the holds by the time I left. I think I shelved ... um ... *counts* ... maybe seven or so carts. And I did run back a few times to check the carts in the back (the ones I hadn't gotten to yet) for holds for patrons.

And C, one of my library ladies, sent me home with some (unclaimed for MONTHS) goodies from the lost and found. A light jacket and a sweatshirt for Bucket. A jacket for Bruise. And a couple stuffed animals. Bucket's claimed the small dachshund ... and has branded it a chihuahua  ... since she REALLY loved the Skippyjohn Jones books. You know ... the whole, "My ears are too beeeeg for my head. My head is too beeeeg for my body. I am not a Siamese cat, I am a CHIHUAHUA!!!!" thing.

(Srsly, if you haven't read any of the Skippyjohn Jones books, HIE THEE AND GO READ(eth) THEM!!!!)
(No, really. They're WAY CUTE.)

Okay. It's time for me to close this up and read Scripture story and story-story (at present, still Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Magic). So I'd better get this show on the road.

Especially seeing as how Bruise is dressed up in his "How to Train Your Dragon" Toothless pajamas. Complete with hooded cape. And the hood has Toothless' face on it.

And he's getting squirrelly in it.

Oh dear, he's taken off flying with it.
(Not FLYING-flying ... just the regular 4-year-old "flying.")

Okay. Shutting up now! Gotta go!

Book Review - Nelsons' Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts (Third Edition)

Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts is a very nice resource to supplement one’s study of the Old and New Testament. Handily, its sections are compiled in the same order as the books of the Bible, so it’s easy to find which sections you’re looking for. This book contains all the maps contained in many of the bibles published by Thomas Nelson … and they recommend that you copy them and use them for personal or class study.

This is a BIG book … over 400 pages of maps and charts and references. I originally ordered this because my children love to look at maps, to know where things are. I plan on using this as we read the scriptures together. And, as they grow, we can use some of the discussion in the book – there are sections that discuss the author of each book of scripture or the historical context or the literary themes occurring. If you’re looking for a beautiful reference manual for help in your own personal bible study or to help facilitate class discussion and understanding, you should give this a try.
(Seriously, EVERY PAGE is in color. And the maps are very clear. It’s PRETTY.)

Disclaimer: As a Thomas Nelson Blogger, I received this book for free. This is my honest opinion. If you would like to receive free books as part of their BookSneeze.com book review program, go sign up. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

You can, too. ... If you want to. No pressure. But I'm not going to say no to free books.
Yes, I have a problem. I'm aware of it. :P

Review: Rick and Bubba's Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage

Rick and Bubba’s Guide to the Almost Nearly Perfect Marriage tells of what Rick and Bubba (and their wives) have learned in their own marriages – and from watching others’ relationships. They give short, to-the-point lessons infused with plenty of humor. The lessons are rather simple, but easily applicable to anyone’s life.

I enjoyed this book overall. There were a few things that Rick and Bubba discussed that I should work on in my marriage. Their writing didn’t ever feel preachy or condescending … More like two funny men (and their wives, who chipped in some advice on occasion) discussing life. The only think that bothered me a little is that sometimes Betty comes across as a little … gruff and less-than-charitable. However, “The Book of Blame” (a bonus chapter) had me snickering to myself.

Overall, I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I would have adored it if Betty hadn't seemed to snippy when she talks about her husband, Bubba. Though, her griping about his weight could just have come across as such because I'm heavier than I should be and am a bit sensitive about it. We can't all be aerobic instructors.

As a Thomas Nelson book reviewer, I received this book free to review. This has been my honest and unbiased opinion of this work.

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If you are interested in reviewing Christian-genre books, go to booksneeze.com and sign up.
Yes, this is one of the ways that I feed my addiction. ^_^

The Sweet By and By - Sara Evans (Book Review)

The Sweet By and By is about Jade, whose upcoming marriage is swiftly approaching. She debates whether or not to invite her mother, Beryl – who is just about Jade’s polar opposite, a free spirit who enjoyed Woodstock, in comparison to Jade’s staid existence as a shop owner and the soon-to-be wife of a lawyer who often suffers from panic attacks. Before Jade’s marriage, she has to come to grips with her past and her family – as well as adapting to the differences in the family she’s marrying into. Will Jade be able to let go and heal from her past or is her upcoming marriage going to fail before they even exchange their vows?

Overall, I mostly enjoyed The Sweet By and By. The family dynamics in both Jade’s and Max’s (her fiancé) families were interesting. Also, having a novel with romantic elements but without premarital intercourse was a refreshing surprise. The writing is clear.

However, as I read, the plot seemed to all move along well enough until about three-quarters of the way through. Then it all seemed to rush into a huge climax … and then peter out a little. The pacing in the beginning worked well. Toward the end … I just am not so sure about it.

The plot is original enough. Some events are a little predictable, but not too many. The characters are original and have believable dialogue. Still, with all the strong points, I don’t know that I would re-read this novel. But, if you’re looking for a quick read without graphic language or sex scenes, this might be the book for you.

I am a reviewer for Thomas Nelson Publishing. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this book review. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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If you want to review books for Thomas Nelson, here's their website: http://brb.thomasnelson.com/join

They do mostly Christian fiction and non-fiction. You can request one book at a time. After you review it on your blog (and you can create a new blog just for reviewing these books) and on a consumer website (e.g., Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, etc.). They'll ship you your book for free.

Right now, I still have one more book to review (I've been procrastinating terribly). This book, I was able to get because, every so often, Thomas Nelson will offer (on a first-response-first-gets system) a bonus book. Usually due to the fact that this book is a new book that they're publishing. And getting reviews put out on its first day helps. ^_^

This is my ... what, fourth book review for them. So, obviously, that means that I've gotten four free books. And, after you review the book, you're free to keep it or give it away or whatever.

This review, is the first time that I've reviewed a fiction work. All the others have been either Non-fiction or self-help.

(Coincidentally, I didn't enjoy this novel as much as I liked the other books I've reviewed. Probably because I have higher standards and read a heck of a lot more fiction. :P)

But, yeah. If you want to get some free books. And you don't mind writing around 200 words and posting it two places (so, all in all, depending on your writing speed, maybe one hour of work in exchange for a book), go for it!

(Sometimes it's not just books. My friend, Katie, who also signed up with Thomas Nelson, got to review a DVD with her kids.)

Figured that I'd share the wealth. And, really ... if I worked harder, I'm sure that I could have received at least double the books that I have currently gotten. Speaking of, probably within the week, there'll be another book review. So that I can get a new book. ^_^

Ten days later ...

I'm doing better on being in the holiday spirit. I read The Little Book of Christmas Spirit by John Hilton III (it was a free download over at DeseretBook.com). Today, I read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the kiddos.

The blue truck (the work truck) was running oddly on Wednesday, so Michael took the van. Mom and I went into town with the kids, ate at McDonalds (with the INDOOR PlayPlace), and while I did my volunteer stint, shelving holds, Mom took the kids to ANOTHER indoor play area (and the kids had a BLAST - Even though a CERTAIN CHILD had a poo incident. ... NOT the same child that had a pee incident after the Christmas parade. They take turns, so it seems).

What else have we done? We went to Storybook Land (lots of little displays of Christmas scenes and vignettes from stories and nursery rhymes ... and SANTA!). Mom and I renewed her Costco membership (and bought lots and lots of good food!) ...

Mom and I wrote replies to the kiddos' letters to Santa. Bruise and Bucket liked that Santa wrote them back. ^_^

I colored my hair today. It was getting ... weird-looking. To me, anyways. So, instead of being the light marmalade shade that it was getting to be, I colored it to a chestnut hue. And I like it better. I do keep thinking of trying to get it a real medium-type brown. I've never really been a brunette ... We'll see.

Read some books. I just finished Souless (Gail Carriger). THAT was a fun little read. Supernatural/Regency era/steampunk/romance/mystery. (Jenny and Cynthia, I think you'll both really like it. Aubri, if you have time, you'd probably enjoy it, too. ^_^) ... There are a few steamy scenes. I wouldn't be letting my almost-four-year-olds read it. But I really enjoyed it. There are some laugh-out-loud bits in there, too.

I've been wasting spending a lot of time on Facebook. Dang addictive games. I think I'm going to have to quit some. Even though I really like them.

Haven't gotten an OS loaded onto my computer yet. If I can't get it done this weekend, I'm not going to get to it until after Christmas. And then I might borrow Jenny's husband. Since Jenny DID offer the use of Joseph's mad skillz. ^_^

My mom bought me new jeans last week. I am still TOTALLY STOKED. My old jeans ... well, half of them have HUGE, GAPING HOLES in the right knee. And I felt kinda shlubby wearing them. My new jeans look so nice. And I don't have that nasty ... issue ... where the zipper and seam ... are really tight ... and it looks tacky... and it's embarrassing and kinda gross. (camel toe. ew.)

So, yeah, that's most of what all is going on here. Reading and facebooking and wearing new jeans and sporting a new hair color.

I should paint my toes. Like, RIGHT NOW.

Oh ... most of my nails have broken. Occupational hazard when shelving carts of books. Oh well.

Also, we're almost through The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We should be starting The Silver Chair on Sunday night.

Oh ... in other news, this week, Bucket got through all the word cards in her "Magic Word Box." I was impressed. She'll be reading this time next year. Crazy, huh?

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

DISCLAIMER: I am a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson. I have received a free copy of Max Lucado's book, Fearless, for my review. This is my honest opinion regarding this book.

If you'd like to join Thomas Nelson's book bloggers (and get your own free books to review), you're more than welcome to join here.

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Fearless is all about how to maintain hope in the midst of adversity and these increasingly perilous times. Max Lucado draws upon scripture, real-life examples, his own experiences and one of the stories he’s written for children in order to help teach how one can live without dread and worry. The main concept that helps to eradicate this fear is faith. Where there is faith (and hope), there is no room for fear. If we know that God loves us and will help us, we will be able to withstand any and all trials with which we find ourselves faced. Lucado shares this comforting message with love.

As I read Fearless, I was gladdened to find some tools to help me stop worrying so much. (Confession: I’m a world-class worrier. Just ask my husband!) I need to remember to rely more on the Lord and His teachings.

Out of fifteen chapters, Lucado spends thirteen discussing fears that people might have. One of them is about money and preparedness (Chapter 9), which is usually what I worry about most. I also found chapter four (Woe, Be Gone) with its list of eight ways to stop worry to be very helpful.

With the world in this state of unrest, I think that a lot of people would welcome the calming message of this book. This book would also be a nice gift for someone struggling with having quite a bit of misfortune on his or her plate.

Book Review - The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer starts with Andy living under a boardwalk in coastal Florida. He hates his life, feels completely abandoned by his parents’ recent deaths, and is doing all he can do to keep himself fed and reasonably sane.

One evening, his solitude is disturbed by a stranger … a stranger who knows his name and knows that his parents have died. Andy is a little disturbed that this stranger knows all these things about him – how? The stranger describes himself as “a noticer,” he notices details that a lot of people overlook. He helps Andy, among others, to change their perspective in life for the better. This book, more than being about Andy’s change, is about the impact of one’s perspective on one’s life, relationships, and overall happiness.

 

As I read this book, I enjoyed the ways that Andy Andrews incorporated wisdom that he’s gleaned over his life into this fiction work. At times, it reads almost like a real-life study … especially since the protagonist shares the author’s first name.

 

Andrews writes characters and ideas that are easy to relate to: an adult left on his own after his parents’ deaths, a married couple at the end of their rope, teenagers wondering about marriage, a man trying to provide his ideal of living for his family …

There are some parallels between Andrews’ writing and some other books that I’ve read in the past. One chapter draws on the ideas from Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages. There are also some similarities in tone to Mitch Ablom’s books, which I have also enjoyed.

 

This is a good allegorical work with some very important life lessons. It’s also a refreshing and enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it. 

I was able to review this as a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review group:  http://brb.thomasnelson.com/