Wordless Wednesday--So what is the reason?

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday

Linking with Christine at Amandas Books and More. Click Here to visit or join.
  Linking with My Journey Back for  Count Down To Christmas.  Click Here to visit and join

Welcome to Mosaic Monday hosted by Mary . . . Today here's a few images I found on the web that speak Christmas to me. Enjoy!


Merry Christmas

A Rush of Wings--Book Review

Welcome to my first book review post here at My Home Sanctuary. Since it is my first post I chose one of my favorites from the last few weeks.

This is the second book I have been able to read by this author. And when I was offered this book I jumped on it. I am becoming a fan of Ms. Heitzmann! I think you will too.

It is categorized as Christian Fiction but I would have to add there is a little suspense and romance in it which made it even more interesting for me. This book was easy to read for me possibly because these categories are really my favorites!

From the first few lines I was drawn into the story which begins with Noelle St. Claire about to get on a bus. She is scraed and frightened and she isn't really sure why which leaves the reader interested in what is going on.

As the story unfolds she ends up in a Colorado mountain town and finds a room at a dude ranch.

Here's the info. from the back cover: Though her panic is real, Noelle St. Claire is uncertain what danger she is fleeing. Fragmented images and slivers of memory have driven her to abandon her wealthy, sheltered life in New York for the hope of a haven—remote and safe.Noelle's arrival at the Rocky Mountain horse ranch owned by Rick Spencer and his brother Morgan causes more than a little stir. Beautiful, vulnerable, yet strangely secretive, Noelle is an enigma the two contrasting brothers seek to unlock. But as their attentions breach the wall she hides behind, the past becomes a menacing threat from which Noelle can no longer hide.

Miss Heitzmann did a great job of developing each of the characters. I was left wondering about some of them and I look forward to reading the sequel.

I was also pleased with the way Noelle's character jaded as she was from the earlier events in her life that she was able to get past them and reach out to God.

I would recommend this book for almost any reader. A late teenager would enjoy it as well as an adult. It would make a great Christmas present for the avid romance reader! There's still time to go over to Amazon and order one for Christmas or you can get it at Barnes & Noble.

Here's the product information
Price:$14.99
ISBN:978-0-7642-0845-4
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 382
Publication Date:Oct. 10
Formats: Paperback

Are You Busy?

I don't know about you but it I am crazy busy right now. I just wanted to leave you with a little encouragement. Even while we're running around with the shopping, organizing and cleaning and visiting and playing Santa. Don't forget the real reason for the season. Here's a little reminder.

Merry Christmas

Oh My Gosh check this out!

Isn't this the prettiest table! I love, love these dishes and guess what yep you guessed I know you did. The Inspired Nest is giving them away. Now I don't know if I really want you to go over there because I want to win. But, I have to share it with you to be nice. Plus it is one of the rules. Dang it! So go over here and check out the post and get your name in the hat!

Tablescape Thursday Thanksgiving

I haven't gotten to join Tablescape Thursday in awhile. And, I think this one is the perfect one to come back with!
Here's the lovely table our daughter set . . .



I had to share this particular shot because of the addition of the guitar. You can see a few more photo's and captions over at My Journey Back.
Thanks for stopping in. Happy Table scaping! And for more great tables go over to the Between Naps on the Porch.

It's Such a Challenge ...Falling into Reading

And it is a huge challenge for me because I just found this and the deadline is December 20th.
I have a list of books I have been wanting to get to. And so I decided to join up. Even though I am late. Here's my list . . .

I jumped on this offer. Sometimes I find myself not knowing what to post about. And so I need these challenges and meme's. But this book promises to solve problems and generate ideas. We'll see.

I love action and suspence. This one looks like a page turner!

Hmmm we'll see . . .

Another suspense, thriller I can't wait to get started on it!

And last this one promises to be a fast paced mystery. . .

And I have a few I have finished reading and I have to get some reviews written. I even had a plan to do them last weekend but my plans went down the drain when the internet acted up most of Friday and then Saturday afternoon and evening I got to spend with our daughter and grandbaby.

So here's my list of reviews to write and post this weekend. I hope you'll come by and check them out.

Me Myself and Paris by Ruth Yunker

A Rush of Wings by Kristen Heitzmann

A Higher Court by John Betcher

and my second cookbook review!!!! I can't wait for more cookbooks.

Kosher by Design Teens and 20 Somethings

Just to give you a hint you might as well go check these out why wait for my reviews. Get a jump on Christmas shopping and pick them up at Amazon.

So there's my list I want to follow up on all the Tuesday posts and questions that I missed for this challenge when I am taking a break from reading.

See you soon.

Blue Qilts 4 Blue Monday

Welcome to Blue Monday . . . since it is getting a little colder outside and since some people are already posting snow photo's I thought I would share a few quilts to help you warm up today in Blue of course!

This was a personal favorite. It started with the light blue in the center section. You can't see it but it has tiny orange flowers. I found the brighter blue just about the time I found the orange and it all just started coming together. And the the stripe of course I think just topped it off! Loved this one!

Sometimes it is a litte of a challenge finding fabrics that go together but I think the little clouds worked perfectly with the Noah fabric. The tan matched the lions faces perfectly.

This one wasn't a favorite and it was a real challenge. I really don't like the dark navy but at the time I was under the gun and had to get some kits ready.

Kits? You ask... yes kits. Nope not for shop or a store class. But for a class of teen age girls from a Halfway House where we are volunteer chaplains.

And I bet your wondering why choosing fabrics was/is such a challenge? All the fabrics are donated! I never have to buy fabric. And it always seems that just the right donation comes along to pull some great looking quilts together!

And, even when they really aren't my favorite I know the babies and children that receive them are excited and really appreciate it! All of our quilts are donated to charities!

For more about the quilts and our ministry check out our ministry blog and the photo blog where more of th quilt photo's are archived.

And go over to Sally's to see more photo's in Blue.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Beautiful fall with lots of leaves on the ground. After a brief 24 hour cold snap it was just gorgeous over the weekend!

Things that make me happy:

This one is silly but here goes I love writing with colored gel pens. I especially enjoy writing in my prayer Journal and using a different color pen each time I write. Told you it was silly!
Book I'm reading:

Murder by anothe r name By:Jo Stone
I'm enjoying on TV:

Last night it was Sarah Palin's Alaska and Kate Plus 8 . . . probably the last 'real' watching I'll do all week.
On the menu for dinner:

Cowboy works tonight probably something simple that I can serve at 9pm.
On my To Do List:

For the ministry planning a Food Distribution fair for February.

For the family getting the tree up today, finishing laundry,checking out a Christmas light display I heard about on t.v. last night, finishing up rearranging the sewing room because I bought a day bed last week at a garage sale for our halfway house. Getting it tomorrow I hope
New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Ranchero Mexi-Chicken Crostada

In the craft basket:

Always a quilt in there. Want to work on some new aprons to maybe give a way in the New Year.

Looking forward to this week:

Starting Drama Team again and adding a choir to it. And posting more here.

Tips and Tricks:
Bible verse memory. I open a word document and type verse I am working on. Over and over. If it is a long verse I begin with just one section and type it 3-4 times until I remember it then add another section until I think I have the whole verse memorized.

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my sheild.

My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

My favorite blog post this week:

My Marathan Weekend of Book Reviews. The first review is here.
Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I love Tamara’s profile info…I am a wife of 19 years and a Homeschooling Mom, training the hearts of 5 beautiful daughters.
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):


Lesson learned the past few days:
I strive to be the ‘mature’(because of my age) Titus woman but I realize I learn more from you younger girls. Read my post tomorrow for links to amazing ‘younger’ Titus women!
On my mind:
My blogging friend who isn’t posting. My drama team begins again on Wednesday. The boys I already recruited and two boys that I am praying about because of their motives.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield
My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Don't forget to stop over at Sandra's and join up for Happy Homemaker Monday!

Should I wear . . . Blue Denim?

Welcome to Blue Denim day . . .
I was thinking of wearing jeans and so I thought I would google Denim.
Here's a little of what I found.
Too cute. I googled baby in denim overalls. Loved this one.
Looks like these need a little attention!

Fun Eaude Toulette!

Wonder if this one has any money in it!

Did I really wear denim today? Nope but I thought it would be fun to pretend so I would have something to share with Sally over at Blue Monday!

And I thought I would put a few together and share over at Mosaic Monday too.


Photo credit: All images were found on google images

I was feeling a little Blue

I was feeling a little Blue and then I read this book. (Click here for my review.)


And I realized Dorothy loves blue dresses.

And Toto has a cute Blue blanket in his basket.

And the sky is so Blue.

Are you feeling Blue today too? Maybe it is because it is Blue Monday. Maybe this will cheer you.

If your thinking of the holidays and stressing out over all the cleaning and planning go over and check out this blog. There are some great suggestions.

Or go over and see Sally she will make you smile.

Happy on Monday

Hosted by Sandra at Family Corner

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Lovely fall weather. A bit nippy in the morning but lovely afternoons. Lot's of leaves on the ground.

Things that make me happy:
Nothing. Actually having nothing on my list and nothing to do but nothing!

Book I'm reading:
For review: Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

What's on my TV today:
Cowboy works tonight so I'll have the remote. Last night we watched Sarah Palin's Alaska on TLC

On the menu for dinner:
Gumbo in the crock pot. Perfect for late dinners. Leaves me time to play while I am alone in the house.

On my To Do List:
Finishing the book I am reading so I can get a review posted this week over at
My Journey Back.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Southwest Rotisserie Wraps from Kosher by Design Teens and 20-somethings
Here's a link for a review with the recipe. (I'll have a copy to give away come back for my review)

In the craft basket:
A quilt made from the grandbabies onesies

Looking forward to this week:
I am a week ahead but I am looking forward to cooking next Wednesday at my daughters.

Tips and Tricks:
Save your babies onesies and bibs from his/her first year and make a quilt.

My favorite blog post this week:
Loved the burlap tree tutorial over at Shabby 2 Chic

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I am lovin' Shabby 2 Chic
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share:

Lesson learned the past few days:

Sometimes no matter how hard you try you just can't please some people. And, everyone has crazy families. I am tryin' to ignore the craziness this holiday season and just focus on the good.

On my mind:

A blogging friend who is ill and been off-line for a few days.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

"My child, don't make light of the Lord's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." Hebrews 12:5-6.

Happy Homemaker Monday Night

Happy Homemaker Monday is hosted by Sandra at Family Corner

The weather in my neck of the woods:We are being blessed with wonderful fall weather. Kind of hot but beautiful.Things that make me happy: Listening to water fountains

Book I'm reading:Romance Novels reviews beginning tomorrow.

What's on my TV today: Football (writing this on Sunday) On the menu for dinner:
Stuffed pork chops, augratin potatoes and green beans
On my To Do List:Slowing down and Finishing laundry
New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:from new 20 something cookbook
In the craft basket:
When I get my sewing room back in order. Aprons and quilts
Looking forward to this week:hmmm….Always look forward to Wednesdays and Sundays

Tips and Tricks:I need some from ya’ll how do you organize photo’s for your blog.

My favorite blog post this week: my post here . . . a book review and give a way

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers): 100 days to Christmas

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

Lesson learned the past few days: There's really only one person you can truly count on no matter what. Well actually three.
On my mind:
A friend who is over her head in her job.
Travis and James (youth we work with)
Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well . . . 1 Thessalonians 2:8
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Mosaic Monday

Sharing today a collage I made last year. You can go here to read the post. Just a few photo's I found that spoke fall to me and shared some of my favorite things.
Thanks for visiting and go over and visit Mary at Dear Little Red House for more mosaics.

The Greaat Pumpkin!

I loved the flat pumpkin. Looked just perfect to sit on!
What a fun day at the pumpkin patch!
We can't wait to go back to the farm to see the babies in the spring!

Happy Homemaker Memories . . .

Welcome to Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra. Today I am a little short on time so I am posting without Sandra's template. Let's see how many topics I remember.

The weather in my neck of the woods: Cooler mornings, warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Fall is in the air and leaves are showing up around my door.

Things that make me happy: Holidays everything about them. The planning, the cooking, the shopping, the people! I am just smiling!

Book I'm reading: Finished all my review books at least for today and reading a novel donated to the girls halfway house called Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith. It's a page turner.

On the t.v.: As always nothing.

What am I cooking for dinner: Not really sure we need to do a major grocery shopping. Have no idea when that will happen. But I have shrimp in the freezer and chicken. Maybe tortilla soup if I can stop and get a ripe avocado. Yum.

On my to do list: laundry, finishing up unpacking boxes brought home from storage and moving things around in my 'small space'.

New recipe I want to try: The photo's speaks for it.

I found this at Monica's it is from Taste of Home. These are called apple nacho's I am planning on making them for a Fall party for our apartment ministry.


In the craft basket: Aprons to finish once I un-bury the sewing machine, a quilt to finish binding only have about 12 inches to go might get that done quicker.

Looking forward to this week: I always look forward to Tatooed Hearts and Sunday Worship. I love my boys.

Tips and Tricks: Just figured one out. My memory isn't what it used to be. I didn't get past the weather. So I opened a new window and put up Sandra's last post. Now I am going back and forth between windows reading her topic questions then typing them in my post. It's working for me today! FYI be sure and save every few minutes just in case!

Favorite Post and New blog: I found a great craft project over at Tator tots and Jello it's a really cute blog too. The post is a tutorial showing how to make black spiders out of beads.
I loved it I am going to make some for our apartment Trick or Treat event.


No words needed photo:

Don't forget to help Stamp out Hunger donate to a food drive in your community.

Lessons I learned this week: I have words from The Word hidden in my heart. Some forgotten. I need to work at memorizing scripture. When I was helping the boys last Wednesday they were working on verses I should have been able to recite too. Need some practise!

On my mind: Working on calendar for apartment ministry and finding time for required activities around our ministry and holiday activities.

Scripture or Devotional: We loved You so much that we are delighted to share with You not only the gospel but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (paraphrased)

Beyond the Brady Bunch

Beyond the Brady Bunch Hope & Help for Blended Families by Ray & Debbie Alsdorf
I enjoyed this book. I have never experienced the trauma of divorce or the struggles of blending a family but I have had many friends that have been through both.

I wish I had been able to share with them some of the truths brought out in this book.

Blending a family is far more messy and complicated than any television show portrays. Beyond the Brady Bunch is a heart book, not a how-to book. Christians who find themselves in the midst of step family life often feel hopeless and far from God, struggling with grief and unforgiveness. From personal experience, the authors have found that all the how-to steps in the world don’t work if there isn’t first a heart change. Speaking with honesty and vulnerability they share their mistakes and how God dealt with their hearts. The book will help stretch hearts, minds, and homes past the image of “perfect” and another "happily ever after” into the hope of God’s promise to restore, heal, and rebuild.

I really liked what Dr. Gary Smalley had to say about the book . . .

“This book is a treasure chest of encouragement, hope and inspiration for the blended family. It has been said that some families cannot blend, they can only collide. Not true. The Alsdorf family have “collided” well. They are the real deal and a beautiful picture of a fantastic blended family.” -Dr. Gary Smalley

It is indeed a treasure chest of encouragement. The book includes personal stories and stories the Alsdorf collecting from friends and other couples they have met through ministry.

Each chapter includes sound Biblical truth and each topic is discussed and then referenced back to scripture.

Toward the end the Alsdorf's even included a chapter titled From the other side our children speak where they interviewed their children and then included their perspectives.

I found an excerpt of Chapter One here. I would highly recommend this book. Even if you have not experienced divorce or death of a spouse you may know someone who has. This is a great book to give to a friend struggling with blending a family.

I am going to donate my copy to our apartment ministry library. I know that many families can benefit from the sound advice and encouragement found in Beyond the Brady Bunch.

You can purchase online at Amazon and Christian Book (dot)com

And also at Family Christian Book Stores. (click on the bold colored words to go directly to the links).

I received this book to review from B&B Media. Thanks to Karen Davis for offering this book.

I finally made a desperate phone call!

Well actually I really didn't call but back in the day I would have. I actually just got up the nerve and drove down to a cheap $10.00 haircut place that is actually $13.00 for a cut and blow drying started at $10.00. Yes I said started at $10.00 at one of those cheap places!
Now if I had a lovely 'up do' like the one photo'd or if mine would do that then I would not have resorted to desperate measures.
But alas it was desperate measures I had to take. The jury is still out on whether I like my hair or not.
Mainly because I had made a huge mess in the bathroom this morning trying to find some barette's or pins or something because my bangs just weren't cooperating today.
And btw I was in a rush and didn't clean up the mess I made. Which I forgot to mention included all the electrical devices I own trying to find something that would work.
But, I did get two compliments today on my hair so I guess it turned out o.k.
And then when I came home and finally checked the computer I saw that Rachel Anne suggested cleaning up, straightening out and sorting through all our hair stuff. And so even thought I made a huge mess this morning I get to get points for cleaning it up.
And I really do need to sort through all that stuff anyway and figure out what I need to keep. Don't need all those hair scrungies anymore because there won't be any pony tails here again!

Cupcake Challenge Part Two

Cupcake Challenge secret ingredient revealed.

I really wasn't sure how these would turn out but they are great. I am so pleased. I struggled with this all week trying to find a recipe and finally ended up adapting from the good 'ole Betty Crocker cookbook! You will have to look really, really close but inside the cupcakes are crushed Fruit Loops.

Like I said I searched for a recipe and found a great one that used orange, lemon and lime zest but I never got to the store for the fruit.

Now about myself and why I chose the secret ingredient.

1. Probably a lot of people would think I am a little Fruit Loops. My husband and I are volunteer chaplains at a prison for teen age boys and girls. (seperate facilities for each) In fact the cupcakes are going to the boys tomorrow and they will love them.
2. I tend to 'wing it' a lot with my cooking and baking and when I saw the Fruit Loops used on an episode of Chopped I knew I wanted to try it. On my budget many times I have to 'wing it' and make substitutions. The reason for the Fruit Loops. I happened to have them because I used them for a project for our 'apartment ministry' and I needed to figure out a way to use the rest of the box. Now I can share the recipe with my Mom's of Preschool group.
3. And, one of my favorite things to do is to take an item and re-purpose it. The fruit loops were perfect to try and re-purpose.
4. I love cake especially bakery and wedding cake. My icing is a buttery wedding cake recipe and it turned out perfect.

So that is about it for this little Fruit Loop girl. Please com back and visit next week Amy's challenge is our closets. Oh wow!

Lovely Fall Scentsy Wickless Candle Giveaway! over at Proverbs 14 Verse 1 this is what June said about these wonderful Wickless Candles.
"Homemaking is a beautiful thing. It is so exciting to be able to go about your day and create a beautiful, peaceful home for each and every single one of our family members. I know that one of the ways that I personally love to do that is by creating an ambiance in the home. I will turn on some low classical music or hymns, turn on some glowing lights and maybe light a candle or two.
As keepers of the home, wives "set the stage" for comfort and hospitality. Fragrance is a big part of this, and a lot of us light scented candles. However, because of the safety factor we limit candle time. But now all that can change-- let me introduce you to Scentsy! Scentsy uses a light bulb to melt wax cubes in a small plate, making it much safer than an open flame. They also have 80 incredible scents from which to choose that makes a better selection than an air fresheners from the store!Safety is one of the major benefits of this product. No burning means no smoke in the air. The fragrant wax is chosen because it melts at a lower temperature and won't burn a child if they were to stick their hand in it. The warmer itself feels like a coffee mug when it is hot.
We got our warmer system kit in the mail and tried it out. I could not believe how wonderful they made my home smell! Fragrance is a powerful thing as it conjures up old memories and new--and with Scentsy you will be glad to know that these fragrances last a LONG time (even after you turn it off), and is much better than your average candle! The great news is that it is safer than candles and that is is important if you have lots of little ones like I do. I remember when I used to lament about not being able to use many candles but Scentsy really solves that dilemma. All you need to do is put a few blocks of wax on the top plate, turn it on and enjoy!
There are also small openings on the sides where the light can shine out of and reflect beautifully on the walls, the reflection on ours actually looked heart shaped. Our family likes to dim the light of the room to experience and enjoy the natural, calming ambiance that Scentsy creates.Scentsy also carries holiday warmers, fragrance foams, room sprays, do-it-yourself kit warmers, Scentsy bars and bricks, and my favorite-the Scentsy Buddy--a stuffed animal for children containing one of Scentsy scents packs inside!
Now, Toni Swayze, who is an Independent Consultant for Scentsy has generously offered a free warmer system to one of my readers! That's right---take a look:
This warmer is just beautiful and oh-so cozy for decorating your home just right in time for fall! It will also come with three amazing Scentsy bars--Maple Butter, Clarity and Eskimo Kiss that can be reused until the fragrance is gone. "

Click here to go by her blog and see the great photo's and check out the Scentsy website too.

Did you say cake? No I said . . .

Cupcakes. Actually it was Amy that said cupcakes. And I am accepting her challenge.
I have pulled together my ingrediants . . .

Except for the secret ingredient that I am not sharing. Yet.

And I got . . .

a major tool. Isn't she pretty. (not actually mine but this was a pretty photo. I'll have to make one of my little cobalt blue girl). And I made a plan. And then. It happened.

Blogger decided to act up and not let me load the best of the photo's! I bet your thinking it is the photo of the finished product. Nope I have to tell you it isn't.

I'll show you later but let me tell you why no cupcakes yet.

I got a phone call from . . . (insert photo when blogger decides to cooperate)

my sweet grandbaby that is 2 and once I deciphered his words . "eat mexican food GiGi". The cupcake plan went awry. At least until after I eat lunch.

So come back because I know you want to see the finished product.

BTW I will be taking my lovely creations to a birthday party tomorrow. More on that later too.

Stairs, Door Knobs and Chair Backs a Small Thing

Today Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary suggested a Small Thing. Clean these . . .

Beautiful but without the budget to have one of those nice little ladies around I sure wouldn't want one.

This is a little more my style. In fact it reminds me of the staircase in the house that we lived in when our children were young. See the arched doorway? Well ours was a door way to a closet that was under the stairs. It was the neatest closet. I stored all my holiday decorations there. I sure do miss that closet and that stair case.

But that is a rabbit and I must get back to the Simple Thing at hand. What Rachel suggested was picking up those items that you leave at the foot of the stairs. You know the shoes, toilet paper, errant books, clean clothes. All that stuff you come across during your daily activities that need to go up.

Well I no longer have a stair case. My nemesis is . . .



The backs of these chairs. And . . .

Door knobs! Yep. Door knobs.

My Cowboy has this habit of going to a dollar store and buying something for the car like windex or I don't know just stuff and he has the habit of walking in and leaving the sack hanging either on the above chairs or on a door knob.

Today I removed and put away: fix a flat, dryer sheets and gum. That was only from one door.

The bar chairs were nicely displaying the bag from the dry cleaners.

Now I can see and enjoy my lovely vintage door knobs while I count the points that I have been collecting this week by doing the Small Things. Well actually I don't have any vintage door knobs I found that cool photo on the net. But it is nice to dream.

If my calculations are correct I now have 140 points! WooHoo!