My latest book review for Library Thing

Perfect for fans of romantic women’s fiction, this tender and heartwarming novel explores the trials of losing what matters most—and how there’s always more than we can imagine left to find.


The letter comes out of the blue, and just in time for Libby Moran, who—after the sudden death of her husband, Danny—went to stay with her hypercritical mother. Now her crazy Aunt Jean has offered Libby an escape: a job and a place to live on her farm in the Texas Hill Country. Before she can talk herself out of it, Libby is packing the minivan, grabbing the kids, and hitting the road.

I requested this book from The Library Things early review program because of the very cute cover and the story line of the family moving to a goat farm! I follow several bloggers who have made lifestyle changes like this book and I was just really drawn to it and was so excited when I received it! Because of personal losses we have found ourselves on a farm in the country and with a life style change that has been very positive for us. I knew I would have a lot to relate to in this story and there would be enough to keep me in the story. I was not disappointed. I was able to read this on a recent trip so I read it in 3 days. I enjoyed this book as a light read which is usually not my normal genre. I did find some parts to be predictable but the outcomes do not disappoint and there are several surprises to keep you going. Great summer beach read!

Sharing our LOVE Story link party

I know many people who say a high school romance can not survive the test of time

but our relationship has only grown stronger throughout the many trials and triumphs of our 29 year marriage.
Our story starts out with a friendship our senior year. I was holding out for another guy and really wasn't thinking much about Vallas during that year. I seemed to hit him a lot (because he was always picking on me). He made a bet with me that I could not go a day without hitting him. If I lost I had to go on a date with him. I really did not want to date him so I tried really hard not to hit him but I lost. I told him it was going to be a boring date. I wanted him to get the hint that I wasn't romantically interested. Well, after our dinner and a visit with some friends he proceeded to pull into a deserted parking lot.

I was not happy.

He asked me what I was doing sitting so far over to the door. (I was hanging on for dear life and dread, LOL)

Real quick in my mind I thought,

It is only a kiss, I like him as a person a lot, so just get it over with.

That one kiss was all it took.

I was hooked and our friendship turned into a romance.

We dated for 2 years, but he decided he wasn't ready for marriage and needed to date a few other people to make sure. He became engaged to one of the girls about 1 1/2 years later, but found out it was going to be a mistake. He called me, as his friend for advice. He decided to call off the engagement and we cautiously began to date again. After several months we decided we were meant to be together and were married 5 months later.

Our first 3 years were a lot of fun and we bought our 1st house and began remodeling and decorating. All the nesting made me want to start our family. God had other ideas. We waited 5 more long years and started fertility treatments before we were able to conceive our 1st daughter. 2 years later I was ready to try again. Having been told we would have the same problem we got our fertility meds but decided to wait to start them until the baby could be born after the 1st of the year. I thought it was so unfair to have a baby born at Christmas. A few months later we found out we were expecting all on our own! With a due date of Dec. 15th. God has such a sense of humor. Daughter #2 came late on Dec. 27th.
Life for us proceeded as most do, Satisfying jobs, new house, pets and lots of fun and love. We had our ups and downs but all the while kept a steady course even in times when we were less than thrilled with each other. The last 5 years have been extremely challenging but the worst came with my husbands open heart surgery 1 1/2 years ago and then the foreclosure of our home and loss of both of our businesses.
God has always been a guiding force in our lives but this last year He has proven His love for us exceedingly by providing for our every need.

We are truly blessed and our relationship is stronger than ever. I posted about our relationship after my husband surgery here!

http://theeccentriclady.blogspot.com/2010/09/thankful-and-blessed.html
It sums up my ideas on commitment and marriage.

My advice to couples this Valentines day is
to be patient with each other,
respect your differences and
wait out the tough times, they will pass.
Your marriage is worth it

Library Thing Book Review

I was able to snag another book from Library Thing! I am loving this site. This is the 3rd book I have received and it was one I would not have normally picked but the message has stuck with me and I feel it is worth a look.

I was plesantly surprised by this book. It drew me in right from the start. The author dangles information in pieces to keep you reading. It was not predictable as many of the inspirational books tend to be.

The subject matter many seem difficult but is presented in a way that helps you see that these things are survivable.

I did have trouble with one character through out the book. Sherriff Huff’s character is likeable enough and at some points I wondered if he was going to be crooked because of the whineing he kept doing. One inner dialoge about his desire to be with his grandkids would have been enough for the reader to get the point he did not want to remain sheriff. I found him tireing.

The author did a good job with the sadness and pain of all the characters and how we all find someone to blame for our difficulties.

The message of forgiveness and acceptance is strong and the end is inspiring. The message of the love of God is presented well without being preachy.

Many people who have not suffered may not believe some of the situations that happen but pain and hurt lead us to behave in ways we would not normally react. Even as Christians.

By putting many people who are scared, hurt and lost together, a mob mentality is likely to happen.

All in all I would reccommend this book, espically if you are going through tough times and want to be encouraged.

Thankful and Blessed

It's been a year this past week since my husband had his open heart surgery. He is doing good. Diabetes is not better so I assume the heart is not improving but he is still here and has had some work but still hasn’t been able to find a job. My business is holding it’s own but I can’t support us. We are still in our house (that is really crazy) but I am thankful.
It has definitely been a long year. One filled with hopes, then disappointment, fear, and anxious moments but God is always there to remind us:
He has everything under control.
His ways are not our ways
He is ALWAYS faithful
He will never leave us
He is our provider
He is our comforter

Several months ago when I was in one of my desperate moods He reminded me that
He Loves ME
He is never in a hurry
His timing is perfect
I need to trust Him and let go

This has been a year of growth for our family. We are strong and I am thankful. He has provided for all my daughters needs and they are growing into faithful women I am so proud of.

As for my marriage.
We will be married 29 years this March.
Our vows have truly been tested in the last several years and I know the true meaning behind the commitment we made all those years ago.
To love each other for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
Has it been easy?
Hah! No but it is rewarding to know you can count on each other and know that we have each other no matter what we are facing. It feels good to look back and see how we have honored that committment we made so many years ago when we were young and hopeful.
Looking back through the times when we weren't so happy with each other or just to distracted with life we neglected each other. I am so thankful we remembered our commitment to each other and God and stuck it out.
It's rewarding to look back and see (as my Mom used to say) it all comes out in the wash!
Sometimes life gets real tough but we have a big God who loves us and has our back. I'm still trusting that He has a wonderful plan for the rest of our lives and "This too shall pass".

Remember:
to love those around you even when they are not being lovable
stick with it.
you are not in control and you are nothing without God.
We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!

Have a wonderful week!

A Book about Dogs, Love and Houses

I just recently joined Library Things "Early Reviewers" program.
I thought it might be fun.
Well I got a book my first time choosing and what a perfect book it was for me!
Carol's story of her 42 year marriage and the 10 different dogs they had through the years sounded so much like my life!
I have only had 4 dogs and I hope I am a better chooser of breeds than she was at times. Her quick wit with the stories of her dogs made me chuckle out loud many times to where I was annoying my husband. Which leads me to her relationship with Millard, her high school sweetheart! It is so refreshing to read about a real couple. The things they loved and shared and the things they just put up with. Their love was deep and special and I am glad Carol chose to write about their life.
If you love dogs, fixing up houses, antiques and especially have a good long lasting marriage, I think this book will give you a few good evenings of pleasurable reading!
It's available now at Amazon.com or many other book stores.

(note: the real cover has a Jack Russel on the front)

What a Mothers Day gift!

Me and my first baby, Elizabeth!

My daughter who lives in Chicago, going to fashion design school, just gave me the BEST Mothers Day "blog" card ever! I just can't say how blessed I have been with the 2 wonderful daughters God gave me.
I wanted so bad to be a mom about 5 years before God had planned. I cried, monthly for the last 3 of the 5 year wait. I feared I would never be a mom. It was a very difficult time for me but a long lasting, important lesson, I have had to go back to over and over again in my life time. The hope I always come back to is that God wants the Best for us, in His time.

He gave me the Best for sure.

The best husband, the best kids and the best dog.
Everything I am experiencing right now will be OK because He always comes through!

If you want to read her dedication to me you can go here.

http://lizzziekate.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-mothers-day.html

My mom is gone but not forgotten. I owe the great parenting skills (See daughters blog, She said so) to her. She was the best and I Miss her at times when, even at 50, I need help!

I hope all you mom's have a great day.

My First Prom with a Daughter

Saturday was my 1st prom experience with a daughter.

My oldest daughter didn't get into the High School social scene and even though she had a boyfriend, they decided they did not want to waste the money on a pointless evening.

That was ok with me, saved me lots of $'s

But...

My Youngest is very much into the High School scene. She was going to her Junior prom with or without a date!

Her big sister's fashion project at fashion design school was a draping class. We decided to have her design the youngest dress for her project. How cool to have a custom designed dress made by your fashion student sister.

Great Idea!

Well...my youngest is, lets just say, a bit "picky". I began to worry that if my oldest came home on break 2 days before prom and THE dress wasn't what she had hoped, Well, it just would not have been pretty.

So,

On our way, to just go look at styles that we could tell her sister to copy. I began to think about this potential problem.

I decided to put some cash in my pocket and if she found a dress that was perfect and with in the budget, we would get it. I did not tell her this. I just wanted to have fun trying on all kinds of dresses.

We started at a local bridal shop and she found 2 crazy red carpet type dresses.

She said "I just want to see what I look like in these."

I need to interject here

my girls have listened to me for years say, "I WILL NOT spend a lot of money on a wedding gown that you will only wear for one day. I work this industry and it is all hype. I know what is reasonable and I have a budget and we are sticking to it!"

So, back to the dress shop, and the 1 dress dress that fits of the 2 size 0's.

She walks out

My heart stops

I gasp, OMG!

the sales lady tells her to step up on the podium

that was it, I was undone!

She is B E A U T I F U L

Did I mention we have no intention of purchasing these dresses. They are just for fun. They are 100.00 over what I had in my pocket (just in case).

We agreed it was way cool but we needed to look for other ideas for her sister.

We went on to the mall.

She tried on other typical prom dresses and then she finds another one to try "just for fun" and she loves it. She stands there looking at herself for 10 minutes in this dress with matching jewelry. She loves it, I love it

But this whole ensemble totals $500.00.

NO WAY!

We leave the pretty dress behind and with ideas for big sis, we leave the mall.

In the car the fears come back. I tell younger daughter, "If you still like dress #1 we will go back try it on again and if she wants I will just buy it.

She is excited! She tries it on again...She is so Beautiful!

I can't believe I caved in and spent more than I wanted.

I can't believe I did the mom thing,

Oh You are so beautiful, It's only money and it's your special night.

What will I do when it's a wedding dress?
I better start saving now!

The couple

She had a great evening,

everything went well and

she came home this morning at 7am safe and sound!

This was so much fun!
The End

New Beginnings

This week I have revisited our scare from Sept. 22 when my husband had his open heart surgery. Another blogger that I follow (http://teresaksheeley.typepad.com ) had a similar situation happen this week. As I have been thinking and praying for her family it has brought me back to the renewed sense of commitment I have to my family and especially to my husband.
I recently found a key at a craft show I was in that had a V in it. I just had to have it since my husbands name starts with a V. I had already purchased the silver heart, planning on adding it to a necklace sometime. While perusing Etsy, I found this cool soldered slider from http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtUnderGlass. It says Embrace The Moment, with a pretty image on the other side.

This is my new way of living. Living in the NOW! I have found it to be less stressful and I am open to what is happening around me more, because I am not focused on what I am doing (in the future).

I Love my husband! So now I am reminded of the blessing of the New Beginning I was given when I wear this necklace. It makes me happy :)

I found this pillow while out Christmas shopping and had to add it to my collection also.


It is sad that it takes things like a health scare or financial pressure for us to realize just what is really important in life. I encourage you to hug your kids and spouse tonight!

Embrace the Moment!

Prayers Please

I decided to take today to just spend time reading and then spending time here visiting my favorite blogs. I went to Teresa Sheeley's blog and had a flash back to my life on September 22 this year. We have really had a wake up call this last year with my husbands open heart surgery being the topper.

We have watched our businesses dwindle with the economy, the bills mount up and no answers in site. Then we add a health care bill on my part for an unnecessary test and then my husbands heart surgery. Sometimes I feel I want to give up but most days I feel God's peace that I have never in my life felt. I am so thankful for what we have been through and for the Joy, Peace and Love I feel now for so much in my life. I live simply, one day at a time, listening to what God has for me each day. I see the beauty in small places and simple things and in all of his people. He has opened my eyes beyond the mundane churchiness I was living in. I feel richer than anyone who has millions of dollars and I am grateful for such a wonderful family He has blessed me with.

I would like everyone to pray for Teresa's husband Dave and the family and their finances. They don't have insurance. Check out her blog & Etsy shop.

http://teresaksheeley.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/dave.html

Maybe buy something? Most of all pray for God's strength and peace for all of them.

Thanks.

Love

My Daughter is in love!

This car is sitting at the end of our street and she WANTS IT!!!!!

isn't it cute?

Wouldn't she be sooooo cute in it?

The Problem

Historical liscens. I guess in Ohio, if you have a car registered as historical you can only drive it on a limited basis. Do you think anyone would really know??? Maybe the neighbors, who would see her leave everyday (sometimes 2 or 3 times a day). Anyway, just look at her and tell me this is not the car for her.

She's got style!

Contemporary Portraits of Mom and Child

After visiting one of my favorite blogs The Last Door Down the hall http://thelastdoordownthehall.blogspot.com and seeing the old images of mothers and children. I decided to share some of the images I take of babies and their Moms today. Quite a difference but the feelings are the same. Capturing the love between a parent and a child and preseriving it for generations to come.

Enjoy!

Happy Mothers Day