Christmas pictures

Since I did not get photos or cards out this year I thought I would just post it here and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Lauren's Birthday

We entered the season of birthdays.  Lolo turned 12!  She celebrated with a sweet group of friends and everyone could attend even during the Thanksgiving break on her actual birthday (she was estatic about that fact).  We went to a local facility that has wall to wall and on the wall trampolines.  

The girls played several games of dodgeball, as well as bouncing into a large foam pit.  Everyone had a great time.  We only needed an ice pack, once.  However, I had to make several bathroom trips (having babies is not good on the bladder).  

Lauren and I made a Cherry Limeade Jello Cake.  

My zanny second daughter has brought so much laughter and 

  

Another Book

I recently received another complimentary book from Bethany House, Almost Amish.  Summer was upon me and I was loving the idea of laying poolside and doing what I do best-relaxing and reading.  The premise of this story was very intriguing and almost anyone in today's modern society with its constant demands and urgency would find it appealing.  A reality show that tries to duplicate Amish life.  The main characters were highly relatable.  I enjoyed the insightful revelations and continued aspect of all things simple are not necessary easier or convienent.  However I did not feel that there were any real surprised that were not to be expected.  This story is a good summer read with a predictable ending.

Good new series

I love to read.  Yes, it is usually just for fun and it thrills me to no end when I find a great good that keeps me up till the wee hours of the morning because I just have to know what happens next.  Well...I recently received Submerged, by Dani Pettrey, and that is what happened.  The story is an immediately gripping tale that draws you in and has you rooting for the characters.  The regrettable past and pain are excellently portraited for Bailey.  Cole emerges as a deeply loyal and caring character that instantly shows all the attributes of a hero.  I enjoyed all the characters and their interactions as well as the suspense and the intertwined love stories.  The scenery and descriptive imagery was fascinating and the history was interesting.  The end was a bit abrupt but I am definitely hooked to get the next book in the Alaskan Courage series.  

Another read

I recently received a free book from Bethany House publishers, Prize of My Heart, by Lisa Norato.  The story was an interesting one and I enjoyed the unexpected twists of events.  I do wish she would have taken more time to compare the main character with our Lord God, and our adoption as child of God.  I would not give great praise but it was a nice pool side summer read.

Family talents

Just some of the crazy talent that shows up at our house most evenings.

Fun with Friends

We have a wonderful group of friends in our Lifegroup class AKA Sunday School class.  Almost every month is a planned social time and we have had some wonderful time.  Recently we had a blast from the past.  Can you guess the decade?