Another Great Read!

Okay, so recently I was raving about Jodi Picoult's PLAIN TRUTH.

I went onto her website, and was looking through her other novels. NINETEEN MINUTES caught my attention and I requested it through our library.

Picoult does not disappoint!

While the subject matter was once again difficult and not easily digested, (a school shooting), it stirred me incredibly. I found myself truly wrestling with the whole idea of bullying and what advice/approach I want to take when my children potentially face this ugly fact of life.

I know what I believe from a faith standpoint.

I know the realities of wanting to fit in.

I know what public schooling is like (having gone through it for all but my kindergarten year--but overall had a very positive experience), and the "policies" often in place regarding this issue. I also know the "benefits" of private/homeschooling, but feel strongly that kids need to be able to interact with the secular world to a certain degree so they're not bulldozed later on. To what degree, and what each child can handle varies...it's a personal choice.

All I can say is, this book really got the wheels turning in my head. It is again a piece of secular fiction, but I was just amazed at how delicately Picoult handled this issue--especially in light of the school shootings that have happened in the last decade or so. It's like she crawled into an actual high schoolers head! A bit scary I admit, but a faithful rendering once again.

Read it! :o)

Keeping Little Ones Busy

Natalia is at that age where she wants to do EVERYTHING I do AND when I'm doing it.

While I'm fixing her hair, she's combing her baby doll's bare head. One day, Pete even got in on the action. What a good sport.

Bathing and bathroom related things...I don't need to say more.

Brushing teeth--she insists on doing it while I am. Somedays this is really not a good idea as my gag reflex is still quite strong.

Cooking, washing dishes...

Today I discovered a GREAT distraction! While making dinner, she was perched as usual on a nearby stool, and I dug out a blank recipe card and pencil for her. She was content for a whole 15 minutes as I dictated a "grocery list/recipe" for her to write down. Definately going to use this one again! :o)

The best part was that she was offering suggestions of things we "needed" and would say, "Oh Mom! You for-dot sum-ping!"

And of course it was hard to get a picture of her while sitting still, much less with her eyes open. So, then of course she shut her eyes on purpose! :o)

Today's weather has been gorgeous, but we've had a number of dreary, rainy days and this week may hold some more. We've been combating our stir-craziness with blowing bubbles in the bathtub. Tomorrow I may whip up a batch of edible playdough.

Here's a recipe I found in the LMHS cookbook:

1 c. peanut butter

1 c. corn syrup

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 1/2 c. powdered milk

Mix all ingredients well, adding alittle flour if too sticky. "Feeds" six children. :o)

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What other activities do you pull out of your hat to keep the kiddos busy during the rainy/cold months of the year?

Way To Go Bro!

Now I don't have any pictures, but I did see him after the race. What race? Who?

My younger brother Joe has spent months training for a fundraising road bike race for Black Rock Retreat and the race began yesterday morning at 6:30am. The course started at the retreat center and finished at Rehoboth Beach. He finished a whoppin' 125 miles in under 7 hours! Not bad for a first timer, right? :o)

A bunch of family and some friends surprised him with a party when he got home last night. He looked tired but was definately pleased with his success. We're just so proud of him!

Feels Like Home

Some of my readers have never been to Lancaster County, and even those that live within a few hours still think I'm strange. It's because there are just some things that you kind of had to grow up with to understand and appreciate.


Things like...

1. Saying something is "all".
2. Being able to distinguish different kinds of manure by smell alone.
3. Being able to tell the difference between an Amish farmhouse and a Mennonite one.
4. Knowing what it means to "red up a room".
5. If the word "ferhoodled" creeps into your normal conversation.
6. Knowing what is meant when someone asks if you want to come "with".
7. Thinking that singing in 4 part harmony is commonplace.
8. Having barn parties.
9. Iceskating on a neighbor's pond in the winter, and swimming there in the summer.
10. Knowing what a "road apple" is.


And how many of you have ever had/made the following? (Mind you, these all are made from "scratch".) :o)

1. Hamloaf or hamballs
2. Red beet eggs
3. Scrapple and puddins (and knowing the difference between the two).
4. Brown butter noodles
5. Cracker pudding
6. Apple butter
7. Chicken corn soup
8. Root beer in the summertime
9. Shoo fly pie
10. Whoopie pies
11. Pig's stomach (on New Year's Day)
12. Fastnachts (on the last day before Lent begins)


Okay, so how did you do? Any have you completely stumped? :o)

Plain Truth

OK, first of all I just gotta' say,

W O W!

This was my first Jodi Picoult novel and it won't be the last. I decided to take a friend of a friend's recommendation and check it out. It was the most educating, moving and thought-provoking piece of fiction I've picked up since A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Picoult's most recent claim to fame is My Sister's Keeper, which apparently has also been adapted to film, though I have yet to read or see either. And if you read any of her work, you'll quickly discover that here is an author who lends a keen eye and a detailed stroke to her characters. It is obvious that she painstakingly researches prior to writing a single word.

That being said, I found Plain Truth to be the most insightful piece I've read regarding the Amish E V E R ! And let's just say I've read a few...Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, etc. Except for Cindy Woodsmall, J.P.'s Plain Truth puts the others to shame in my opinion. Though I still enjoyed the stories, they just fall into a completely different category.

Beware, she always includes a twist...and boy did it surprise me! I just sat there with my mouth hanging open!

I'd describe Picoult as a mixture of John Grisham, Francine Rivers, and Khaled Hosseini: a well-scripted courtroom drama, flawed and believable characters, within an accurate cultural framework that provokes you to think deeply.

Tag...You're It!

Actually I've been tagged by Momma Roar, but if any of you want to play along...

6 Things That Make Me Happy:
(On this particular night--in no particular order)

1. A good night's sleep!
Any recently pregnant mommas out there identify with arms and legs going numb? The pillow-to-people ratio in our bed at night is getting out of hand! :o)

2. Having another baby on the way!
We waited and prayed and tried and trusted a long time for this one...God's timing and provision is always perfect.

3. Cooler weather coming!
I love Fall, and this week's 70 degrees forecast has me really happy. This hormonal woman's "glow" (a.k.a. SWEATINESS), got old 6 months ago...yes, I know that was in April!!!

4. Being so close to family!
Even a year after our big move, I still just love the thought that I can pop on over to my parent's place or see siblings and in-laws within minutes. Being "close" relationally to family is also such a blessing...I know I take it for granted.

5. Being creative!
I rarely get to do artsy things anymore, but it is a joy whenever I get the chance. Over the years I've enjoyed trying new things: decorating cakes, arranging wreaths, sewing, scrapbooking, blogging, etc. I do none of these things on a regular basis, just when the opportunities (and finances) are there.

6. My hubby and daughter!
I just marvel at how God has brought these two people into my life--my husband is exactly the man God knew I needed, to challenge, shape and bless me. Our daughter, our "gift"--I am humbled that she has been entrusted to me.

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Anybody wanna' play along? :o)

Anticipating Autumn

We are entering my absolute favorite time of year...autumn.

It's arrival seemed delayed this year. Perhaps it's because of my canning adventures. That has certainly pushed back my transition into our household's usual school/Fall routine. I always look forward to the regularity the start of school brings. I function best when there's some continuity from week to week.

Last year we were still adjusting to our recent move, Pete was doing his best to keep his head above water with starting a new job, taking classses, and everything else, and I was figuring out where the grocery stores were around here and setting up house.

One of the things I enjoy doing at this time of year is evaluating my weekly routine. What day(s) I plan our meals for the week, grocery shop, clean, go to the library, etc. This year I'm also looking forward to trying out a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group with my good friend Lisa. I have a whole list in my head of what I want to accomplish before Baby Adam arrives, not to mention the holiday shopping and baking I hope to do before I'm as big as a barn and can't move. :o)

In all of it, I want the Lord to lead and guide me...for I know my lists often need His tailoring and modification. God, please guard my heart. I can quickly rush ahead with my "good" plans while neglecting to consider what His "best" for me looks like.

And in this season when the air is cooling, the smells of harvest float through the windows, and the sound of school buses and wagons in the field are the background music of our days, I want to take time to enjoy the sensory delights God has sprinkled all around. The gradual change of leaves turning colors, chilly walks through the woods with the ground crunching beneath our feet, cups of hot cocoa, and the smoky scent of woodstoves. Snuggling close to my hubby at a local football game, buying pumpkins, gourds and mums, making pumpkin bread, and wearing jeans.

For all of you F A L L lovers out there, what are your favorite parts of this time of year?
To quote one of my favorite movies, "You've Got Mail", I'd send you all a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils! :o)

Poppyseed Chicken

Pete's not a big fan of casseroles, and well...I'm from Lancaster County so I practically grew up on them. BUT, we both really enjoy the following recipe. It's super easy, and perfect for those nights when you don't have a lot of time.

***I always have cooked chicken pieces in my freezer so that is one step done ahead of time that makes this so easy for me. I freeze it in 2 c. portions which is what this recipe calls for.

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POPPYSEED CHICKEN

2 c. pre-cooked chicken pieces, (OR 3 boneless, skinless breasts slowly cooked, then chopped)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 c. sour cream
4 TBsp. butter, melted
1 roll Ritz crackers, crushed
1 TBsp. poppyseed
***Serve with pasta (I typically use medium egg noodles)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cover bottom of greased 8 x 8 casserole dish with chicken.
3. Combine soup and sour cream then spread over chicken.
4. In separate bowl, melt butter in microwave, then add crackers and poppyseed. (I gently smash the crackers right in their sleeve.)
5. Spread cracker mixture evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve over pasta.

***Pete likes this dish really moist, so I usually add about a 1/4 c. milk to the soup and sour cream mixture.

Musical Meme

I saw this on two other friends' blogs and decided to join in on the fun.

Rules of the game: Choose a singer/band/group-- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group

U2

1. Are you male or female?
~Right now I feel like the "Lady With The Spinning Head". These crazy hormones!

2. Describe yourself.
~"Dancing Barefoot [and pregnant]"

3. How do people feel when they’re around you?
~"Do You Feel Loved?" (I hope so!)

4. How would you describe your previous relationships?
~"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

5. Describe your current relationship.
~It's "The Sweetest Thing"

6. Something you want to say to your significant other?
~"All I Want Is You"

7. How do you feel about love?
~It's like "Wild Honey"

8. What’s your life like?
~Full of "Grace" and "Mercy"

9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
~"Peace On Earth" (found in "Yahweh")

10. Say something wise.
~ Life is about "Surrender"--"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" (I'd leave out the word "sometimes".)

Please Pray

I'd like to ask you all to keep these dear folks in your prayers.

On Tuesday evening one of my high school friend's father, Bob Bruckhart, was struck and killed while riding his motorcyle to a haircut appointment in our hometown. His daughter's wedding is next Saturday. He was just 55 years old.

He was a wonderful family man, a faithful father and husband. His faith in God was strong, and he worked hard as a farmer and salesman to provide for his family. He leaves behind a rich legacy.

The timing of this all is especially painful. If you would, please pray for Sharon, (his wife), Jared (his son) and Mindi Bruckhart, Jonna (his daughter) and her soon-to-be-husband Brent, Jared and Mindi's 3 children, and their relatives and friends.

Lord, please grant them comfort and peace as only You can...

I LOVE This CD!

Hot off the press, the newest in Sovereign Grace music! The PSALMS...

You can take a listen here.

One of my other recent favorites is The Valley of Vision, listed in the right column of this link.

Yearbook Yourself!

I was visiting my cousin's blog yesterday and just howling at this. I decided to try it...laughs are on me. :oP

"Miss 1952"

"Miss 1964"

"Miss 1966"

"Miss 1968"

"Miss 1982"

And the really funny one (because it's not too far off!) "Miss 1990"

Weekend Happenings

It was a fun-filled weekend, time spent with family and friends.

Parts of Friday and Saturday we spent with our friends Ken and Lisa and their kids. Lisa and I had the rare opportunity to go shopping without our shadows and were searching for those great deals on baby/kids clothes for the upcoming year. We've been waiting to try out the Kid To Kid consignment shop in York (after I heard rave reviews from my friend Libby), and I also wanted to introduce Lisa to the great consignment shop in Mount Joy, called Barely Used Boutique. Both establishments accept mostly name-brand items and everything is in new to almost new condition. Prices are good too!

I decided this was my best opportunity to shop for our upcoming baby boy, so I was thrilled to find a variety of needed items sized through to 12 months. Here's my pile of loot! Not bad for $60 total, right? (That's with the used-once Snuggli carrier included!)



Saturday and Sunday evenings we enjoyed some great outdoor delights: grilled BBQ-ed chicken, corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, peach cobbler, etc. one night, followed by what may now be an established "Frogmore" tradition. That is what we're told it is sometimes called anyway! Our version consisted of: local sausage/kielbasa, corn on the cob, small potatoes, and shrimp, all brought to a boil in a large pot, seasoned with Old Bay, then served poured out on butcher paper covered tables. No silverware or plates needed, just you and your fingers...plus some cocktail sauce, butter and salt of course. Homemade vanilla ice cream, fresh peaches, and homemade strawberry sauce topped off the picnic perfectly.

Here's a picture of those from my dad's side of the family who could be there for the fun. There were about 30 of us...



Thankfully the two bee stings Natalia acquired on her feet last night are much better and the swelling is nearly gone. Three words: BAKING SODA PASTE (Putting it on immediately truly does work!) I was so grateful my aunts remembered this because my mind just couldn't think of what to do in the moment! And Natalia, who is my "bruiser" and normally does not cry long (if at all) after a nasty spill, was SCREAMING...poor thing. After awhile though, distractions such as visiting the neighbor's puppy included, she was running around and having fun again. (I still gave her some Benadryl last night though before bed.)

Today we're catching up on some schoolwork, household stuff and sleep. Natalia seems to be fighting a cold today and my head has been pounding--probably due to the sudden change in temperature. I can always tell when the barometric pressure changes quickly. Only Extra Strength Tylenol for me these days though. :o(

A random funny, straight from Natalia to all of you, for your reading amusement:

She's been learning and very excited to pray the "God is great, God is good" prayer before we eat lately. Yesterday, we couldn't help but chuckle at her most recent version, which included " by His hands we all are Fred (fed)". I have an uncle Fred who she's seen often this summer at church softball games.

And to finish out this post, here's a cute picture of Natalia from today. She decided she wanted to sweep the leaves off of our back deck. (Pint-sized broom courtesy of my parents who have observed Natalia's desire to do all-things-Mommy.)