A book review-or two

I'm doing my best to raise a book lover.

With each one of my children this was a goal.

Things are different with Lil G 

but I think we are being successful in this goal.

 Currently I am reading " The Help".

Yes, I know. Old news.

 I was not reading much when it was released 

then watched the movie once it came out.

I've had it on my list to read because I did enjoy the movie.

I found it on the shelf at our Goodwill and picked it up.

So far so good.

 

I really enjoyed this book, " For such a time as this"  a first novel by Kate Breslin. 

The author chose a world war two concentration camp as the setting for her story, interestingly she used the story of Esther in the Old Testament as a parallel for her novel. In the beginning I wasn't sure if I liked how she used the scripture at the beginning of each chapter to correlate with the plot, but as the story progressed It grew on me. The main character Hadassah, was realistic and I liked the depth of her character and reading how she felt about her rescue from the first concentration camp firing squad. She had many questions about her faith and purpose in life, and where was God in the midst of it all. As the story progressed there were many twists and turns which held my attention. Sometimes I found myself questioning the situation and if it would have been realistic, but all in all it was a good book. I often found myself staying up wanting to read " one more chapter".
I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to Bethany house publishers for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

I also recently read this book,

This book, " unstoppable" by Nick Vujicic is a book full of encouragement for those suffering from depression,  job loss, marital problems, or an unexpected health crisis. Nick shares stories from his own experiences and the lessons he has learned from them as well as testimonies from others to create what he calls a" ridiculously good life" to " become unstoppable". 

This book has been sitting in my shelf waiting for me to write the review. I really have dreaded it. 

I am quite the introvert so going to big conferences or pep rallies is just not my thing. I appreciate Nick's personal story and the ministry that he has. Surely he has helped many people rise above the circumstances in life that can really throw someone off kilter. I was excited to be given a chance to read this book because I had seen a YouTube video of him that was so encouraging, I remember crying when I watched it. I just couldn't enjoy the book because it didn't flow together and seemed like more of a Pep rally to me. If you are struggling you might want to take a chance with this book, I just know the style wasn't for me.

Thank you for blogging for books, Waterbrook Multnomah for the review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

So what books do you have on your table/ bookshelf? 

Id love to know what you are reading and would recommend for my next book choice.

Under His wings,

Anna

An update & Yarn Along

I've been wanting to update my much neglected blog.

Where to start??

Only at the beginning I suppose

We've just completed another Miracle League season.

Where does the time go?!

Lil G just loves ball......

I'm So thankful for the people that give time and money

 to make this possible for families like us.

We had our IEP meeting scheduled for the Tuedsay before Easter.

I thought things were going to go well.

I had worked with the teachers outlining our requests and needs.

I recieved a call from the Liason the previous Thursday and realized, much to my dismay,

Things were not going to be that easy.

After discussing our situation at length with the private school admin and my husband 

we decided to walk away. No more drop in services.

As Lil Gs advocate I have to take all things into condsideration 

and the emotional toll is just not worth it.

We are fighting an uphill battle and just don't have the resources to get what she needs.

I am so disappointed.

                        

We had noticed an increase in startle responses recently.

This happened two years ago before she developed epilepsy.

I had it on the list for discussion at our neuro appointment.

We didn't make it that long, on Good Friday we had to rush her to the ER with seizures.

The medication has been doubled and the following week she had a sleep study / EEG.

Of course she didn't have a startle/ seizure episode while hooked up to the monitors

But did when she was unplugged in the restroom.

                       

Both papa and I have been able to record the startle spisodes on the camera and IPad.

Still waiting on the Neurologist to decide what our next step will be.

A few days later we experienced torrential rains and flash flooding.

We ended up with four inches of water in the addition - my sons bedroom and dining room.

We, like many people have never experienced 24 inches of rain in a matter of hours.

It was a terrifying experience to say the least.

( as I type this my husband is filling sandbags for this weekends weather - flash flooding in the forecast)

Some people, including the neighbors behind us, lost everything. We were fortunate.

                         

We, along with many other families,  didn't have flood insurance.

FEMA has come in and we've filled out the applications.

We didn't get help with hurricane Ivan so we aren't holding our breath.

We will just repair the drywall and replace the insulation 

and carpet from my sons room as finances allow.

Our shed was under 13"  so all the equipment in that might be a loss as well.

(Generator, lawnmower, power tools, Graces bicycle trailer is a mess )

                           

This is currently what is keeping me de- stressed.

Hope was my word for the year so I've been drinking my coffee out of this cup-

as a visual reminder. No matter what we can't loose hope!

My new Tim Timmons CD is what's on repeat right now. Really encouraging stuff.

I've also been reading a great book

                          

I was selected to review " knowing God by name" by David Wilkerson.

What a great book!

I was raised in a Christian home and have a strong foundation for my faith and beliefs.

I loved how this book actually helps someone get to know God personally. 

I can say God. Yaweh. I Am. But those are all names and don't really reveal his true character.

Why does he even have more than one name? When you and I go to a gathering and we are introduced people now know, " hey this is * insert name here" but that doesn't describe me or give this new person any idea who I really am. This book does that about God. He has many different names throughout scripture which were used to describe his character. I found great comfort in that. When going through tough stuff, who wants a God that is far away? Who wants a God that doesn't relate? I want a God that has answers, that isn't just some random being watching me from afar getting a kick out of me getting it all wrong. ( or ready to slam a book of judgement upside my head ) Far from it! This book is written very simply so even someone that is new to their faith journey or that is just searching for answers might find comfort and Hope. 

In the beginning of the book the author reminds us that this isn't an exhaustive work of all the names of God, and that we can find more I depth research if we are looking for that. He also suggests reading only one chapter per setting to process all the information that has been given on that particular name. If you are looking for a great, easy to read book for your own personal study time, a group study,or a gift for someone this would be a great choice. Id like to thank Choice books for the opportunity to read this book and for the review copy.This is my honest opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. I will be giving it five stars on Amazon.

                           

In case you are wonderng, this is what I'm knitting. My mother in law purchased this many years ago to knit this cardigan. She is no longer able to knit and we visited her last Fall she asked if a I wanted to look through her yarn and patterns. I brought this home to knit up for her. It's a beautiful variegated cotton and Im planning on making the sleeves and hem longer and adding a few more buttons on it for her. 

                             

I hope this finds you and yours doing well.

 

A book review

I just put the most recent book released by Lisa Wingate down after three evenings of  reading.

I read the " firefly Island" last year and had forgotten that " wildwood creek" was part of the Moses Lake series. Thankfully this book will stand alone so if you haven't read "Firefly Island " not to worry! In this book, we are introduced to two young ladies on the verge of adulthood. Both Bonnie Rose and Allie Kirkland are facing similar challenges in life despite the drastic differences in Eras they live in. These two young women have dreams for their future and a past that haunts them in some way. Both Bonnie Rose and Allie Kirkland have to make the decision whether to allow hardship and fears hold them victim or actually push through while praying for Gods will to be done.

   
I  loved the in depth characters that Lisa Wingate creates, the plot is perfect- a bit of suspense a dash of romance and heart issues we all find ourselves navigating from time to time make her books just perfect. This book will get five out if five stars on Amazon.id once again like to thank Bethany House publishers for the opportunity to review this book. This is my personal opinion and I was not compensated for this review 

It's already the first of March and we are enjoying the cool weather because once it gets hot outside Lil G will be staying inside, she doesn't sweat so it makes warm weather quite a challenge. Here are a few of my favorite photos:

             Staying the night at grandparents means everyone needs a bed.

Purple owl hats are perfect for any occasion! 

What's going on in my studio?

                        I made a commitment,

                       "Paint just one hour a day."

                         

                                                         Little did I know,

                                        That commitment plus sharing photos

                                           Would open up a big can of worms.

                          

                        I've had requests each day for the painting or one like it.

                                             This is not what I had intended. 

                                       It's quite overwhelming for this introvert.

                           

                                           I dreamt of being an artist one day.

                                           I wanted to illustrate children's books.

                                   (I even have one written and the ideas sketched out.)

                                                  But how to sell a book? Ugh.

                             

                                                         I  just enjoy painting.

                                            (Of course Id love to support my habit)

                                                          Money for supplies.

              Maybe have some tucked away for Graces needs not covered by insurance.

                                       I'd like to know,how do you make it work?

                                                            Business cards?

                                                             Etsy? Pay Pal?

                                    Business website or a business Facebook page?

                                                         What works for you,

                                                          and what doesn't?

                      Linking up with Jen and the ladies at " what's in your studio" 

                           

What's going on in my studio

I used to belong to a group of sweet artists that would link up on Fridays,

We encouraged one another in the creative process.

Just a bunch of sweet ladies.

I loved linking up and sharing what I had been creating.

Well fast forward and I've dusted my drafting table off

And I am painting again.

                        Between everything else I have pulling at me for attention

                      I've decided I would set aside at least one hour to nurture my creative self. 

                              

Things have been a little out if balance so Im going to put forth some effort.

I also made a comment about taking care of my physical being

My husband took that little mention

And ran with it,

I am now signed up for yoga classes.

Yes. Me. Shaking in my shoes.

No turning back.

The hours, days, and weeks add up.

I have to start somewhere.

                             

        This little bird paid a visit while I was reading over at Incourage with Ann Voskamp today.

                                       I  thought this might look sweet behind it. 

                                                              Matthew 6:25,26 

                                 a photo of Little G in case you are wondering how she is

                                 We braved the Fl cold and went to her Yearly physical.

                                                                  We love her Dr.

                                  

                                     

                                                      We then got her glasses fixed.

                                                              Quite a productive day.

                                                            Of course if you are little G 

                                    no stressful day would be complete without French fries.

                                      

                                             I  hope this finds you and yours doing well.

Reading and Down Syndrome

Dr. Seuss. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. 

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Now that I am on top of all my book reviews,

Whew! That was crazy.......

Id like to update you where we are 

and a bit about the process.

We have still been working hard on reading. 

For so long it felt like we were never going to actually be able to " read".

I've been using these flash cards purchased at the $ Tree for a single dollar per pack!

When I can I purchase two packages of each category-

This really helps when we want to play a matching game or I can add both words to our stack

Then when using the fast flash method I can go through the set twice easily. 

If you are new to teaching reading to little ones with Down Syndrome

This book was a great place to start.

It now comes with a CD so if you have an old version like I did 

You can purchase the CD separately.

It's really great to print off what you might need.

If you know where the CD is.......

I have found that adding five new words at a time works best for us.

Always using positive reinforcement, I never say "No". 

If she misses a word or pauses more than a few seconds,

 I just say the word and move on. 

When she knows those five words I add in new ones. 

I try to add words that don't resemble others visually at the same time. 

So maybe words that begin with a different letter? 

Not sure if this makes sense but she is learning how to read these visually 

and that is one of her weak areas, since she is legally blind, 

I want success as often as possible! 

She loves clapping and cheering when she is successful 

we want school / learning to stay fun, positive and upbeat.

We started using these sentence strips when we had a limited vocabulary

Reinforcing left to right tracking.

These were also purchased at $ Tree!

You can see there are other colors and currently I have left the pink and yellow for later.

I don't want her to see a yellow card and memorize what is on that strip.

Yes, she does that. 

Some of the word cards are light blue-

she will say the word without " reading it".

She knows its either "do" or " but" 

Ugh.

These were some of the first sentence strips

                               

                                             This is what she read yesterday. 

                      ( I would love to add bold, large typing, and italics, and undlerine to that sentence)

Quickly, and with ease.

I think the most exciting part is that she did it verbally and with ASL.

Her speech has come so far!

 We also have this flip book and are working on phonics

In addition to sight words. She is doing phenomenal with this!

I've seen on pinterest an idea for making your own flip books using spiral bound 3x5 cards.

                      

                      

My next project is making some books without pictures using her words

I'm going to use these books I bought for $1 at T@rget!

Reading is possible!

She is 8 years old 

But when you take into consideration that at 4.5 years of age she was on an airplane

No spoken language,

Only comprehended Spanish.........

Legally blind.......

Quite amazing if you ask me.

I'm quite humbled to think of all the tears I shed.

What a great Christmas vacation!

So, without further ado,

Photos from our trip to Ks

We braved the ominous Weather Channel forecast 

And left Saturday the 20th and enjoyed a week of winter wonderland.

It was beyond words.

Of course we ended up sick.

And feel behind the 8 ball now that New Years is past and life back to normal is on the agenda.

But hey, we made some incredible memories.

                                   ( this is what the Florida girl saw when we arrived! )

                                    

                                                   My husband and I 

                                

                                   Little G, her big sister, and her sisters boyfriend.

                                 

                              A Christmas Eve battle - soldiers from the Nutcracker tree.

                                                     Ice skating

                                                And snowball fights!

          I pray you and yours found plenty of moments to pause and savor the little things,

                    I am finding the ones that seemed little are quite big in hindsight. 

  

               

Forever Friday

As promised I have a book review to share today. 

I just read " Forever Friday" by Timothy Lewis.

I didn't know what to expect because this is a new Author for me.

 I love a good book with well developed characters and this book did not let me down. The author chose to have two plots, a past and present with two main characters moving forward in time simultaneously. He did a great job at keeping my attention and I didn't find myself favoring one plot above the other. The main central theme happens to be "Hope" which is the word I chose as my word for this New Year. I love how the author offers hope to young and old, relationships can and do last even in this disposable society, we just need to choose faith, hope, and love. I look forward to reading more by Timothy Lewis, thank you to Blogging for books for providing the free copy for review purposes. This review is my honest opinion and I was not compensated in any way for this positive review. 

If you are interested go read the first chapter over at blogging for books here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/sneak-peek-forever-friday-by-timothy-lewis/

I will also include a photo of Lil G.

You can see here that she is being an efficient secretary,

I'm not sure about you but I sure could use one of those as I navigate 

Insurance company nonsense,

School stuff,

Church, hobbies........

Two book reviews to end the year!

I have two book reviews to end the year. 

They were both good books.

First I will share my review about the Miners lady.

I have read several books by Tracie Peterson and was glad to be chosen to read this one. I really enjoy a good historical novel. I enjoyed the small mining town and reading about the Italian families settled there, the feud between two families stretching back so far back that the current generations didn't even know the details of how the discord started. It made me really think about family dynamics and forgiveness. I also enjoyed the love story and how they were willing to do anything for love. It was much like Romeo and Juliet yet the plot just wasn't as heartfelt as I would have liked.. I did feel like much of the story could have used some deeper details and the characters seemed undefined per se. I found myself reading it just to get to the end of the story not really Savoring the process. For those reasons I will give this book three out of five stars.

The second book, " An elegant solution" was not a read- in -one - night - sitting book. It took putting the little one to bed and burning the midnight oil while the rest of the house was sleeping. The author did an impeccable job of developing the plot and characters. I love a book that really requires thought and where details matter, this book was quite a surprise and gave me something to chew on and look forward to each evening. Many of the books I read this past year I wouldn't recommend to my husband or sons, but this one would really be something to hold their attention. ( Especially my engineer / mathematician bent son)  If you enjoy a book with suspense, well researched historical content, and well developed characters I would highly recommend you read this book. I will give this one five stars on Amazon.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers for the copies of these books for review purposes. The review are my honest, personal opinions and I am in no way compensated for my review.

Edited to add: it does not sit well with me to open my blogger tool to find an error message " retry publishing" which means this post sat for two plus weeks without being posted. I've had many blogger friends switch to another format and Im highly considering it for myself. I will spare you the book review I was signing on to publish and do that tomorrow. 

Here is a photo to share what we did over the Christmas break.

Come back tomorrow and I will share more!