Book Give Away!

OH oh oh! I LOVED this book for several reasons...one, it was written to moms BY a mom. A REAL mom. One who struggled/struggles/triumphs/learns/perseveres. Two, I loved the "homeschool" chapter. It really spoke to me right now. Three, it is written from a faith-filled perspective. THAT is very close to my heart. Four, I honestly learned some things. I would tell you what else I learned but I'll let you do that when you read it! ;0

I DO have ONE COPY to GIVEAWAY! So, leave a comment and I will draw a lucky name next Wednesday, which I think would be August 5th! If you do not win but would like to purchase this book, you can visit this link to do so.

Blue Like Play Dough
by Tricia Goyer

In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.


Author Bio:
Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana .

This Photo Totally Does Me In....

Looking at this makes me cry...

My husband shared similar sentiments...

It also makes me want to order 10 more of 'em up! LOL! But, I'd do with one more! LOL! Who knows what God has planned!

Anywhoo....I have more photographs but I want my blog to settle its attention on this pic in particular for a few days...just because. I don't think Will David would mind!

Sunday Best

First things first! Sarah Dawn- please send me your address to amycthphoto@gmail.com so I can mail out the book you won (er..from a couple weeks ago?!)..SO SORRY ABOUT THAT! I certainly have been slow with things!

Did you dress in your "Sunday Best" as a child? My brother and I would..I remember clearly loving to dress up, especially when in High School. I think it helped my self confidence. And early in our marriage (er..rather...before babies, or at least after the first!) I liked to as well..a break from the "mommy at home" duds I donned. I try to have our children dress their best...it is a compromise these days. I honestly am not that fussy...Buddy even wears jeans sometimes. Well, all the time! Ella is so good though- she willingly wears a dress. I struggle with what to wear these days- need to start walking again (the past couple weeks I haven't been able to as much!) so I can feel thinner. I had an adjustment made to my thyroid meds a few weeks ago. saw a slight change to a thinner me, but now I don't think so, so I am disappointed. And it makes it hard to feel self confident in anything I would wear. Oh well. There's bigger fish to fry, as they say...

Will David has a very mild case of Hand/foot/mouth Disease..yeah...bummer. He has ulcers in the back of his throat and a runny nose. No rash or fever to speak of. He had been pulling at his ears all week, and so that is why I took him to the dr.s and had him checked out finally. No ear infection..that suprised me...but not the doctor. She guessed right away. Turns out there have been numerous visits to her office with the same thing going on. Doesn't seem like the kids have it....their immunity is good to this, as she said would probably happen, so that's good. He has been nursing sooooooo much more again, and I suppose that is because it soothes his throat. Nighttime has been certainly rough..hoping to get some better sleep SOON. I was very ragged today..very ragged indeed. Had to take a nap (or two) this afternoon when Rich came home from his Civil War event...

Speaking of which...the Nineteenth Century Acoustic Society played for a barn dance last night. Rich (and my dad!) are musicians for it, and I am very sorry I missed it. I heard it was fantastic. One of these days, I'll go, and I'll get some photographs that I have been wanting to take! Today was also a reinactment of a battle, and Rich actually got to participate as a soldier in that. Don't know how I feel about that..haha...

I do plan on making a fan page for the NCAS on Facebook someday soon. They are beginning to become quite popular. Some great musicians in that group! :)

I went to a wonderful friendly crop at my church last Monday. The next one is August 3rd and it can't come fast enough. Really. I had a hard time gearing myself up to go last week, but eventually got there (20 minutes late) but had a fabulous time. I met some great people, from our church and outside of our church. Also, they had a declicious dinner, including dessert, and I found out they do that each time they meet. Oohhhhohh....food usually gets me anymore. I think because I am nursing. LOL. I still get famished at times. Next time I hope to just take one small SC kit and a few punches, inks, whatever instead of a huge box and bagful. HA! I got three pages completed anyways! Will show them here later this week.

Our homeschool curriculum is finally going to be on its way! It's an eclectic array of materials.....I didn't go with just one company. I am most excited about the English for The Thoughtful Child program and the First Language Lesson as well...kind of classical in a way, as far as form of educating, with some great copywork (verses, poems, etc)...Ella is really excited for our school to start. I am trying to get a little spot in our basement for an optional work area for us, but it is slow going. We did get Buddy's toys in his room REALLY pared down and organized so that is a great help in his room at least. We are going to have a garage sale in a few weeks (time still undetermined) and getting all this stuff sorted, etc., is great timing.

Well, it is quite late and although I would love to share more, deeper thoughts, I cannot. For my nights are interrupted, short, but sweet too...I get to hold a little baby boy close and pray for him while he eats and sleeps. Sigh....

It's time to blog

a real post.

or tidbit.

or ramblings.

i guess, just something, right?

my days have been summer-fun-filled with these three children of ours that i watch 24-7.

'nuff said.

there have been wonderful days, not so wonderful days, fun outside, fun inside, tears from boo boos, looking for lightning bugs, campouts in the backyard, neighbor kids over (and over some more), VBS, piano camp, buddy learning how to ride without training wheels (yeah!), looking at homeschool curriculum, daddy playing music, wd crawling, wd pulling himself up!, time with great gram, time with grandparents, homemade ice cream, worm findings, playing in mud, roller skates, fighting mosquitos, no ac in van, no ac in neon, great ac in house, new mulch, finding feathers, eating hotdogs, making smores, being thankful for rich's job, trying to find joy in every day, praying for health and safety, looking forward to the rest of summer...whatever it may hold.

A Fabulous Book Review!

i thoroughly enjoyed this new book by Liz Johnson. i believe the storyline was quite original, well thought out, delivered, and quite engaging. i can't wait for more like this!

The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn
By Liz Johnson



Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love.


About the Author

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.
Liz lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.

Blog Tour and Giveaway!

The Holy Roller
by Julie Lyons



Julie Lyons was working as a crime reporter when she followed a hunch into the South Dallas ghetto. She wasn’t hunting drug dealers, but drug addicts who had been supernaturally healed of their addictions. Was there a church in the most violent part of the city that prayed for addicts and got results?

At The Body of Christ Assembly, a rundown church on an out-of-the-way street, Lyons found the story she was looking for. The minister welcomed criminals, prostitutes, and street people–anyone who needed God. He prayed for the sick, the addicted, and the demon-possessed, and people were supernaturally healed.

Lyons ’s story landed on the front page of the Dallas Times Herald. But she got much more than just a great story, she found an unlikely spiritual home. Though the parishioners at The Body of Christ Assembly are black and Pentecostal, and Lyons is white and from a traditional church background, she embraced their spirituality–that of “the Holy Ghost and fire.”

It’s all here in Holy Roller–the stories of people desperate for God’s help. And the actions of a God who doesn’t forget the people who need His power.

about the author..

Julie Lyons is an award-winning writer, editor and investigative reporter who for more than 11 years served as editor-in-chief of the Dallas Observer, an alternative weekly newspaper owned by Village Voice Media. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English from Seattle Pacific University . She and her husband, Larry Lyons Jr., live in Dallas with their son.


***************I have one copy to give away to a lucky reader! Please post a comment and I will draw a winner Monday evening!**********************And if you do not win, fear not, you can purchase here!***********************************************

I am reading this fantastic book...

that has helped me understand myself as a mother a bit better. And appreciate where I am at, spiritually and emotionally. There is a homeschooling chapter that included this particular verse, from The Message (modern vernacular version)....it reminded her that God is in ALL parts of her life...

"Remember your history, your long and rich history.

I am God, the only God you've had or ever will have-

incomparable, irreplaceable-

From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be,

All along letting you in on what is going to happen,

Assuring you, "I'll do exactly what I set out to do."

Isaiah 46:9-10

Her prayer was this, as she laid forth her daily desires, plans, shortcomings, etc...

"Okay, God, can you show up today in a big way? I need you. We need you."

...and continued to say that she needed His wesdom, patience, and guidance so she could train "tender hearts" and fill "young minds."

I see myself in these pages....wanting to show God to my children, and wanting to give them time, but seeing that God will probably end up teaching ME more than I teach them. Amazing.

So, if you are a mom, and possibly of ANY age, standing, etc., please pick up Blue Like Play Dough, by Trician Goyer. I love how she saw her life being transformed by God just as hands transform a ball of play dough. Prodded, poked, squeezed, kneaded, stretched...She ventures to discuss her relationships, with friends and her husband, what she expects of herself as a mom versus what she can do, and what she can do with God, and soooo much more. I feel like God has dropped a gem onto my lap just for me.

Just for me...you know, the other day, Friday actually, at the Indians game, I was taken aback over how many people fit into that stadium space. I must use this word again..Amazing. And after the game, as we were all leaving, I tried to pick just one face from the crowd....that was really difficult. We were all moving at a very fast pace. I had to concentrate on where Ella was. I had to follow my dad.

How does God do it? I know He is there for all...and I am...wait for it, wait for it...Amazed. I couldn't do it. Glad I don't have to. Glad that He has given me what I can handle and is here with me each and every single day. What a blessing. May I try to show that blessing to others....

Back to the topic of homeschooling....do you think God could give a mom such a desire to learn that it would inspire HER when she is picking out curriculum and planning out on her own what to teach her children...with a template of sorts, of course...but can this happen? Can I take joy in finding new things for my children, for my first grader to be in particular? Can I confess that I have missed learning and feel that this is God's way to bringing me back to a place I have missed so, so much? And in the process, teach my daughter, my son, and other son what they need to know to experience life at the fullest? I do...I do....I do......in my heart I do.


To end, some photographs of the fourth.

Testing, testing, testing!

I found a free web-design website with hosting...a little rough, but here is what I think I shall go with to finally have a decent photography site! I wish I had more time to chat..there seems to be plenty of summer to enjoy, so blogging time just doesn't exist.
But, real quick, though.....my dad, Ella, and I are going to a Cleveland Indians game tomorrow night. Buddy, Ella and I got haircuts. Daddy cut Buddy's hair and my friend, Claudia, cut the girls' hair...and she even french braided pigtails for Ella. Beautiful! The next day, when Ella wanted her hair down in the evening, it was all crimpy like. I have photos for another day to share of that. It was neat to see her hair curly...
Had some playdates recently...which were wonderful. Had a bit of time to scrapbook tonight, and even stitch on some pages! Thank you sweetie for watching the babe and to my sweet neighbor for assisting me with my sewing machine!
The children have had a blast playing with neighborhood kids....riding the Gator, their scooters, catching lightning bugs..
The baby enjoys the grass..putting it into his mouth. Heehee....he's so cute. He loves his bath time, too. And pushing down the drain tab. He's sneaky with that.
Will David has some more teeth coming, and it has made nighttime difficult, as well as daytime. Whew....REALLY tough...having to hold him so much, and give him comfort.
An important appointment for myself coming up on Monday. In Pittsburgh...please pray that this thyroid checkup, etc., can be non stressful. I am already stressed. Not good.
Enjoying a fabulous book called Blue Like Playdough. This will eventually be a review and giveaway, so watch out! It's a keeper!
Have a wonderful evening, and July 4th weekend!

misc. photo post-ette! heee!

my girlie and her new little bear....
i just LOVE this photograph...so simple yet it beautifully portrays the grandeur of playing with a pinwheel on a fine summer day...
at the very last teeball game of Ella's...my honey and Will David...
and a few more from the other day of my niece, Sydney...

I Heart Faces, Let's Here It For The Boys Challenge Week

So, this week is "boys" week at I Heart Faces. I have already seen some amazing shots over at their blog. Very, very inspiring. Here are my entries.

First, for the kids' entry, a photograph of my son, Philip, holding a newly found toad. He LOVES toads. LOVES them. He would keep each and every one he found if I'd let him. I think he is actually magnetized to toads..he finds them insintively!



Next, for the adults' category. My husband was playing with sweet Will David this afternoon....

He Does This

lets me go to an Indians game with my daughter and father soon..instead of him...

takes Ella and Philip to fly rockets, maybe 2-3 times a week...

absolutely loves his newest child, Will David, to pieces...

reads the Word...

takes time to pray for each one of us every single night...

calls me beautiful even when I do not feel like I am...

treats his mom and dad with so much love and respect...

shows his love and respect to my own parents as well...

adopted my cat, Kodak, as his own...

cares when Ella is sensitive, or upset up things...

deeply cares for his son and his love of finding toads....

looks adoringly at the baby when he gets excited and waves his arms and feet...

does this goofy dance that makes us all laugh...

plays music on his harmonica that mesmerizes me and so many others...

works hard at work, works hard at home, but knows when he, and us all, need to relax...

loves tenderly, believes fiercly, gives unselfishly...

likes to be a kid at heart...

takes the time and makes the effort for others around him...

keeps himself in shape so he can be here with us as long as possible...

gives the best and warmest hugs....

has the strongest arms to hold me...

has the strongest arms to lift his children up...

has the sweetest voice and smile to melt my heart...

has the sweetest voice and smile to melt our childrens' hearts...

bless us each and every single moment of every single day...

sweetie-- I love you...Happy Father's Day!


(back left-my dad; middle- my sweetie; right- my brother, Bill)

Sydney- the dancer!

the following photographs are of my niece, Sydney...and her dance recital costumes. oh my...i adore the "mary poppins" outfit. to die for, really. i have more i am not sharing, but here are some of my favorites. i cannot wait for my sister in law to see them. i took them at rich's aunt denise's house...her backyard is meticulous, as her husband puts so much time and effort into making it the beautiful landscape it is.

i heart faces adults entry sepia week

I am happy to share this self portrait of me, pregnant with Will David this past fall! It is my adult entry at I Heart Faces! Thanks for stopping by!

I Heart Faces Sepia Week!

Vintage looking photographs are divine! I thoroughly enjoyed this week's challenge at I Heart Faces. Here is my children's entry. These three cousins (from l-r is my daughter, Ella, her cousin, Abigail, and my son, Philip) had fun hiding behind the "tree" from the neighbor at grandpa's house. I love this photograph. It honestly warms my soul. I love the innocence of childhood that it brings to my heart. Each face has a different expression, which is really intriguing- Ella is slightly more serious, or into the game, Philip is really enjoying this and being kind of silly, and Abigail- you can tell she is having fun!

Just for fun....tidbits from our zoo trip last week.

when exhaustion sets in.

it sets in.

i am literally falling asleep on my feet tonight. i am. a. tired. mom. of. three.

please pray for me as tomorrow is the long awaited girl scout trip to the zoo via the railroad.

i am NOT...i repeat NOT...ready for that. i am very thankful Rich shall be driving and joining us for the day there.

this past weekend was super busy- the two oldest kids and Rich camped out in the backyard in his tent. they loved it. we took the same two kids to see the new Night At The Museum movie. they loved that, too. rich and i got new phones...i l-O-ve this new phone...can take pics and videos, and we have unlimited text messaging, too. oh- rich has his own phone now too, i should clarify.

***My winner for the last book/blog tour is actually two winners since I forgot that I actually had TWO books to give away- so, Houston and Kimberly, give me your addresses so I can mail the book Saints In Limbo to you! My email is: amycthphoto@gmail.com****

Well, honestly, that will have to suffice for now. they baby has been very needy lately..and he should be as he recently got his SECOND tooth. so, sleep has been difficult, and very much interrupted.

have a wonderful middle of the week day tomorrow!

keep us in your prayers as we travel and experience the trip! thank you!

Suggestions Please

I am working on a project- so, if you would, please comment on which photos you think would work best on a wall. I would love to do a grouping of at least 3. Big. Maybe adding some small. Possibly adding other children's photos around the chosen "Ella in the Field" pictures at a later date. I am not good at making decision like these- for one, it could be pricey. Two, I just love them all. ;)

Thanks!

Book Review and Giveaway!

It seems to have been awhile since I had one of these! I am excited to have one for you today! I only have one copy of one of the books, hoewever- Saints in Limbo- to give away. Just leave a simple comment and I shall choose a winner by Sunday morning. You may get these books here and here, if you like!

Saints in Limbo

by River Jordan



Ever since her husband Joe died, Velma True’s world has been limited to what she can see while clinging to one of the multicolored threads tied to the porch railing of her home outside Echo, Florida.

When a mysterious stranger appears at her door on her birthday and presents Velma with a special gift, she is rattled by the object’s ability to take her into her memories–a place where Joe still lives, her son Rudy is still young, unaffected by the world’s hardness, and the beginning is closer than the end. As secrets old and new come to light, Velma wonders if it’s possible to be unmoored from the past’s deep roots and find a reason to hope again.


Author Bio:

River Jordan is a critically acclaimed novelist and playwright whose unique mixture of southern and mystic writing has drawn comparisons to Sarah Addison Allen, Leif Enger, and Flannery O’Connor. Her previous works include The Messenger of Magnolia Street, lauded by Kirkus Reviews as “a beautifully written, atmospheric tale.” She speaks around the country and makes her home in Nashville .



Stealing Home

by Allison Pittman



It’s 1905 and the Chicago Cubs are banking on superstar Donald “Duke” Dennison’s golden arm to help them win the pennant. Only one thing stands between Duke and an unprecedented ten thousand dollar contract: alcohol.

That’s when sportswriter David Voyant whisks Duke to the one-horse town of Picksville , Missouri , so he can sober up in anonymity. He bides his time flirting with Ellie Jane Voyant, his unofficial chaperone, who would rather hide herself in the railway station ticket booth than face the echoes of childhood taunts.

Ned Clovis, the feed store clerk, has secretly loved Ellie Jane since childhood, but he loves baseball and the Duke almost as much–until he notices Ellie Jane may be succumbing to the star’s charm.

Then there’s Morris, a twelve-year-old boy, whose only dream is to break away from Picksville. When Duke discovers his innate talent for throwing a baseball, Morris might just have found his way out.

Four individuals, each living in haunted isolation, each harboring a secret passion. Providence brings them together. Tragedy threatens to tear them apart. Will love be enough to bring them home?



Author Bio:

Allison Pittman spent seventeen years as a high school English teacher, and then shunned the advice of “experts,” quit her day job and set out to write novels that bring glory to God. She relishes inspiring other writers and leading the theater arts group at her church. She and her husband and three sons live in Universal City , Texas.

Meanderings.....