Book Club Titles for 2014

Last night we had our selection meeting where we nominate and vote on 12 new titles for the upcoming year.  It is always such a lively and laughter-filled evening and I come home jazzed--a slew of "extra" titles to add to my personal reading list. 

I just love how this group gets me to read things I wouldn't ordinarily pick up, they make me think and evaluate more deeply, and though Christians, we are still quite diverse in our backgrounds and perspectives.  And I love that.

I'm listing these by the month in which they will be discussed, along with a brief description.
Let me know if you've read any of these and what you think!  (No spoilers though, please.)

MARCH
The Ditch Digger's Daughters by Yvonne S Thorton
(Memoir; the importance of education, hard work and family values)

APRIL
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
(Classic; 1890's, morality, narcissism, the soul)

MAY
Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey
(Mystery; British, impostor, inheritance)

JUNE
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
(Non-fiction; busy sales executive meets 11 yr. old panhandler)

JULY
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
(Young Adult Fiction; German girl and her foster parents, books, hiding Jewish man, surviving WWII)

AUGUST
In The Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
(Autobiographical Fiction; 7 yr. old girl, coming of age, Cambodian civil war)

SEPTEMBER
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
(Fiction; foster care, San Francisco, the meaning of flowers)

OCTOBER
The Girl With No Name: The Incredible Story of a Child Raised by Monkeys by Lynne Barrett-Lee and Marina Chapman
(Biography; child trafficking, human-animal relationships, Colombia)

NOVEMBER
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
(Fiction; college professor, early onset of Alzheimer's)

DECEMBER
Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
(Christian Living; getting to the root of busyness)

JANUARY
One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting by Maria Monville
(Memoir; wife of Nickle Mines shooter, God's redemptive love)

FEBRUARY
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo
(Nonfiction; society and culture, urban poverty, India)

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And just because we debated long and hard over this one, (but no one had read it), anyone have anything to say about Watership Down by Richard Adams?  All we know is that it is 520 pages, and an adventure fantasy about rabbits.  :) 
Let's just say some of us were seriously intrigued by that description, and others of us were laughing hysterically!

Yearly Portraits at Conestoga House and Gardens

Every year I try to have a photo session with the kids since I don't go anywhere for portraits.  My favorite spot for this casual photo shoot (ie: I click away while they roam) is a local gem, Conestoga House and Gardens. 



They are only open one day a week, have very restricted hours, and finding a Wednesday evening that we're free is slim pickings.  However, last night was the last chance we would have before they close for the season, so off we went.  (It was Pete's first time there and he had a very important job--to keep Adam out of the water hazards fountains, pool, koi pond.)

It was evident that the kids were tired and not in the mood.  Wouldn't you say?
(Note to self: avoid picture taking during the first week back to school.)

Anytime I asked if they could stand or sit in a particular place or smell this or that flower, they balked and gave me one of these:

Adam's tactic was to run.  Just run.  And the boy is quick.

(By the way, the place has a carry in, carry out policy...we brought our own flowers.)

So, I left them alone, and managed to get a few shots I could work with.  They didn't have to be contest winners.  Just one or two snapshots of who they are at this age.

And because I promised Natalia she could use my camera (with assistance) to take a few pictures when we were finished, here is her favorite shot of the night.  The horse.  That should be no surprise!  :-)

What truly made the evening was running into some friends from college and my Y.E.S. training, as well as two families from our church!  Shout out to the Planks and the Howells!  :-)  The kids had a blast playing hide and seek as the sun set.



Brunch

I love brunch, and I love the ladies in my care group from church.

I invited them all to my house this past Saturday for a time of fellowship. The simple joy of sitting undisturbed around a table, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, sharing our hearts and news of our families...it was nourishment for the body and soul.

I kept thinking, I must remember to take some pictures! Guess what? I forgot to take some pictures. Here are a few of the table at least. Simple, natural elements of autumn. My favorite type of decoration.

When it comes to hosting I know you're never supposed to try out a new recipe, but I kind of did anyway. I combined two of my trusty recipes into one, and added 2 ingredients to another, so it wasn't too risky.

Here are the recipes if you're interested.

Potato, Spinach & Sausage Breakfast Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

8 frozen hash brown patties

1/2 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. butter

1/2 c. shredded Mont. Jack, or white cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

a dash of basil, parsley & dill

4 frozen sausage links, chopped

1 dozen eggs

1 cup whole milk (or half-n-half)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grease a 9x13, create a single layer of hashbrowns in the bottom, and preheat the oven to 350.

2. Melt butter in small skillet over medium heat and saute onions and garlic for 4 minutes. Mix with cream cheese and spinach in a small bowl, then spread evenly over hashbrowns.

3. Layer shredded cheese, chopped sausage and seasonings next, then whisk together eggs and milk and pour over top.

4. Bake for 50-60 minutes till set, and let stand at least 5 minutes before serving. Makes 12 generous servings.

Baked Apple & Raisin French Toast with Praline Topping

INGREDIENTS:

1 loaf French bread (sliced 3/4" thick)

8 eggs

1 c. milk

1 c. half-n-half

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and shredded

1/2 c. golden raisins

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/3 c. chopped pecans

3 Tbsp. honey or molasses

DIRECTIONS:

1. Whisk together eggs, milk, half-n-half, and vanilla, then set aside.

2. Grease a 9x13 and put a single layer of bread in the bottom. Combine apple, raisins, nutmeg and cinnamon and then spread over bread. Finish with another layer of bread.

3. Pour egg mixture evenly over top, cover dish and refrigerate overnight.

4. Combine butter, sugar, pecans and honey (or molasses) and spread over top just before baking in a preheated 350 oven for 50-60 minutes.

Farm Show

I just love our local Farm Show...and that it is still all about farming.

I appreciate that each food stand sells a different thing, and that they and the carnival rides haven't taken over the feel of the place.

I enjoy being able to pick out familiar faces in the crowded streets, though it's been 16 years.

I take delight in the friendly but competitive fine arts contest...clearly I need to kick it into high gear though. My high school rival bested me!This was the first time I entered something in 16 years...you'd think he'd show some mercy. :-)

And I'm thrilled to see my kids enjoying the parade and the animals as much as I remember doing so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This year, since Natalia had school, Adam and I met up with Melanie and her two youngest to enjoy a morning at the Farm Show. Melanie and I became friends way back in the first grade and it was a treat to spend time with her again.

A favorite every year is this table of corn and tractor toys.And of course there are lots of real tractors and things to climb on...till Mommy noticed the new sign that was up this year. :-(

The lawnmowers didn't have a sign on them. Yay!

Keeping Up With The Joneses

Er, that title should read CATCHING up with the Joneses. :-)

As I mentioned in my Multitude Monday post yesterday, we were delighted to spend Sunday afternoon and evening with old friends.

It's usually about once or twice a year that we get together. They were part of our small group from church when we lived in Maryland and we were just becoming closer when our family moved 4 years ago.

We hung out at the house for awhile after they arrived, had dinner, then drove to Long's Park for the free Sunday night concert. The kids kept us busy but we did squeeze in some good conversation. Both Pete and I share many interests with Josh and Danielle--the kind of friends you easily pick up where you last left off, however long it's been. And that is a precious thing!

Meeting Sophia for the first time. What a sweetie pie!
Sadly, this is my only picture of the Duncan and Owen. (D is in red, O in yellow)
Our families and commitments have grown, but we appreciate the Jones' intentionality in maintaining this relationship. Love you guys!

Fun With New Friends

This morning the kids and I travelled southeast to visit my bloggyworld friend Annette and her children, Meghan and Evan.



Some of you may think it odd to find friends this way. I admit it is very non-traditional. But I am grateful to have found a new friend--and one who is similar to me in so many ways.



We had a welcome break in the heat and humidity this morning, so it was a beautiful day to spend outside.





We are still attempting to get a nice shot of all 4 of them.

Oh that our efforts would have materialized. Alas...

My little boy is such a thrill-seeker. He LOVED the slide!

The girls.

Bloggin' Buddies

I met Annette last year.

She found me via this wonderful medium we call bloggyworld, and when we compared notes I decided she was my long-lost identical twin. Not really, but the similarities between us are unreal. Except they're real. Really.

Ok, my point.

She came to visit! (They live alittle over an hour away.)

This was the second time we've met face-to-face and I hope there are many more occasions. She and her two children, Meghan and Evan (6 mos. younger than Natalia, and 2 mos. older than Adam) joined us for the morning.

The weather was perfect, the kids got along well, we only had a few toddler incidents...but that's normal, and she and I actually got to start and finish most of our conversations! :-)

Not only is Annette a sweet individual, but her family life, faith, and outlook on life makes her a kindred spirit.






Evan and Adam took alternating naps, otherwise we would have had all 4 in our little photo session. Alas, no picture of Annette and I. No other adult was present to hand off the camera.

Thank you for coming Whipples! Hope to see you again soon!

Only A Month Behind!

I know it's January, but I was reminded by my friend Lynn's recent post that I hadn't posted about the Ladies' Christmas Brunch I hosted here at my little house...a mere month ago. Part of my hesitation has probably been fueled by my lack of pictures of the event. Of the people anyway.

In any case, it was a WONDERFUL morning and I had such fun planning and carrying out the preparations. :o) And any chance to use the German-made tea and coffee set I got from my husband's aunt for our wedding is something I celebrate. It is SO me.

I'd love to make this holiday brunch an annual thing, whether I always host the same people or purpose to vary my guest list. That actually was the thing I deliberated most over, even more than my menu! Should I invite all of my aunts, collection of new friends/neighbors I want to know better, old friends, etc.?

This year I decided to invite the ladies in my Care Group from church (and my mom). There were 8 of us total, 2 couldn't make it. We enjoyed the food certainly, but more than that it was the conversation around the table that brought the most satisfaction. And I was thrilled that my mom could experience the fellowship that I've been so blessed by with these women.

We pulled some Christmas-type questions out of a bowl to answer as we ate. I completely reused the questions from a meme I had posted on my blog from a year ago. They generated so much discussion and laughter, oh my!

I closed the morning by reading one of my favorite children's Christmas stories, "A TALE OF THREE TREES". The power of the gospel message so simple, yet poignant that there were tears by the end.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In case you are interested in the menu, here 'tis! Some recipes I've linked, some are new and are tried and true favorites (especially because they are super easy).

Fruit salad

Vanilla Yogurt (PEQUEA VALLEY FARMS awesome, oh so creamy yogurt made from grass-fed Jersey cows) ***slivered almonds for on top

Lemon Scones w/lemon curd

Almond Biscotti

Assorted hot and cold drinks

Bacon and Cheese Quiche (see below)

Baked French Toast (see below)

The recipes...

Bacon and Cheese Quiche

1 prepared pie crust

6 slices bacon, fried and chopped (or 4 pre-cooked sausage links, chopped)

1 c. shredded cheese (cheddar or whatever you like)

garlic powder

dried mustard

salt

pepper

1 c. half-n-half

4 eggs, slightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, while you prepare crust.

2. Layer bacon and cheese over bottom of crust, then sprinkle seasonings lightly over top (about 1/4 tsp. each).

3. Measure half-n-half in bowl, then add eggs and beat lightly. (If you blend too much the quiche won't get as light and puffy.) Pour into crust.

4. Bake at 400 for 15 mins., then reduce temperature to 325 and bake for 30 mins. more.

5. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Baked French Toast

1-2 loaves French bread, sliced (about 3/4 inch thick)

8 eggs

1 c. milk

1 c. half-n-half

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/3 c. chopped pecans

3 Tbsp. dark corn syrup

1. Grease 9 x 13 dish well and fill w/sliced bread, up to 1/2" of rim.

2. Mix and pour eggs, milk, half-n-half, vanilla, nutmeg & cinnamon over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Mix and spread remaining ingredients over bread just before baking at 350 for 50 mins.

Alittle Of This, Alittle Of That

Well, the Pampers have been a HUGE improvement folks! Not a leak since! (Thanks to all who chimed in--one more reason I love blogs!)

Adam is doing really well, and his mommy too. The last two nights he has woken up regularly at 3 and 4 hour intervals instead of 2, and is falling to sleep better afterwards instead of being awake and fussy. This means Daddy is getting more sleep too! Cheers all around!

I feel pretty much back to my normal self aside from the altered sleep schedule of course. What a huge blessing that has been. It's more restful sleep than what I was getting the last 2 months of pregnancy, that's for sure.

Natalia is doing pretty well with having her brother take so much attention from Mommy. She's been real sweet and gentle with him, often rubbing his head and saying, "I like him." And you know how she's been practicing with her baby doll (calling him Baby Adam) since June? Well, ever since we brought her brother home from the hospital, HE is our baby Adam. The doll baby has resumed his original status as just a favorite toy.

We had such a great day yesterday. One of my college roommates, who is a dear friend to both Pete and I, was able to come with her daughter for a short visit before heading home to Virginia. It was so special to spend time with her again. Her daughter and Natalia had a great time playing together in the basement while we visited.

Adam, Julia and Natalia

Natalia, Julia, Carolyn and Adam

Then in the evening we were able to get together with our friends, the Zimmermans. We usually spend New Year's Eve with them and so it was special to be able to do that again. Kaleb and Natalia are at the age now where they can go and play by themselves quite peaceably, which is really nice. They both LOVE Thomas the Steam Engine and all things train, so Natalia was thrilled to be at Kaleb's house to enjoy his company AND his train set. ;o)



Two funny quotes to finish this post. While my sweetpea is surely sweet, this is her spicy side on display.

As Pete was sitting on the couch the other day, he told her not to touch his cell phone which was laying beside him on the ottoman. She quipped, "Relax, I'm just calling your mom."


And as we were driving home last night, she was singing her little heart out and said,
"Mom, I wanna' sing the song Single Boys."
I asked, "Do you mean Jingle Bells?"
"Yeah! Yeah! Jingle Bells!"


OH DEAR. :o\

Memories

My high school friend Jen tagged me for this one...and it sure took me back memory lane! :o)

You're welcome to join in on the fun if you'd like.


The rules were to:

1. Go to your sixth picture folder.
2. Select your sixth picture and post it.
3. Pray you remember the details, and explain what the picture was all about.


We've been saving our pictures onto our computer for a few years now, so when I did the math I ended up here:

Early May 2006



We were at my parents house for a visit and Natalia (4 mos. old) was getting a bath in Grandma's kitchen sink...look at those cheeks and her chub! Love it!
(BTW, today you barely notice her scar from surgery, it's so faded.)


She's still hanging onto those cheeks, but is getting quite tall and really thinning out. (Though I'm glad she still has those elbow dimples! I think they're adorable...except on me. HA HA)

Our sweet baby girl will be turning 3 in a month! God has been so very good to us! :o)

Hands On House

This morning Natalia and I met our good friends for a few hours of fun at the Hands On House. It's located next to the Landis Valley Museum, just a few miles north of Lancaster.



When we arrived there was a large group there on a field trip, but thankfully they were finished and out of there within 15 minutes and that made all the difference in the world.



At first Natalia was simply overwhelmed--stimulation overload--that she just wandered around, not being able to focus on anything for more than a second or two. It probably was compounded by the fact that the field-trippers were at least 6 or 7 years old and there were simply too many of them to leave anything available to play with.


When we did get our chance though, boy did we have fun! It was a bit of a challenge getting any pictures of her that weren't blurred...in spite of learning to only use the sports/action shot setting on my camera when she's involved!



The Corner Grocery was what I deemed her favorite thing--I think she could have spent the day in there!








There was an agricultural section, complete with this "milk the cow"! Natalia and Kaleb both really liked sorting and stacking the eggs. I forgot to take a shot of the wall where you could pick corn--really cute.





Then there was the dress-up room with a pirate ship.




They really are best buds, even though Kaleb finally had enough of the hugs.

When we got home I asked her what her favorite part was. She said, "Ever-thing!!!" :o)

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...

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.)