See Mom Run.

(Cue the circus music--calliope and all...)

Watch the amazing mom!! See her juggle!!!

Watch her clown around!!

See her build a house of cards...

(The needle scratches off the record somewhere around here...leaving some ominous rumblings.)

And watch it all come tumbling down!!!

Joyful Days will be taking a bit of time to break and recoup a little. Please excuse the debris, watch your step, and check back next week!!


For all of you entered in the latest book contest this means it will be extended for a few days. The winner will be announced Monday, June 18th. Thanks for your patience.

I will be meditating on this and thought I would share.

Matthew 7:24-29

24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Many blessings and Prayers!!

Time Travel Tuesday--Vacation Edition

This week for Annie's Time Travel Tuesday we are taking a trip back to...a favorite trip!! I was inspired to suggest this because Annie's daughter is traveling this week and to the location that brings back some wonderful memories for me--Canada!

Right after my graduation my seven members of my French class took a trip to Canada, chaperoned by my French teacher and several of her friends--at least one of whom was another teacher. If my (old) memory serves me, there was a chaperone for each student. Pretty fair ratio, there. Our supposed intent was to flex our extensive French vocabulary. I had taken three years and most of the other girls had at least two years of French. (I'm the one in the back on the far left.)

This trip provided many firsts. My first plane travel, my first time east of the Mississippi, my first (and only) trip out of the country. Lots of memories.

We flew to Toronto. We shopped until we dropped. We ate wonderful food and saw the sights, including the CN Tower. I truly don't know how much it has changed but I marveled at what a clean, attractive and seemingly safe city Toronto was. I actually have Canadian friends who lived there who say it is wonderful--but big.

We next took a train ride to Quebec, mostly to see Old Quebec. The train ride was probably my favorite method of travel. And Old Quebec, it was quaint and charming, but very, very, decidedly French.

Now we were an older group and pretty responsible, but somehow our chaperones were convinced to let us take a bus back to the hotel--alone. Somehow we got on the wrong bus. And we were the only ones on the bus. And our bus driver (I'm sure overhearing our conversations) had NO intention of speaking English to us--although I remain positive his English was far superior to my French. When he (and we) figured out we were not going where we wanted to go, we tried to ask him how to get to where we needed. He was very kind. Very patient. But... Refused. To. Speak. English. And I got nominated to do the talking. He got through to me that since we were there to learn the language, as well as see the sights, this was going to be Crash Course Francais 101. Somehow we got directions and the bus number we needed, and changes to the right bus. And arrived finally at the hotel. Whew...I don't know that I planned on exercising my French THAT much!

My favorite place in Quebec, in the old city was Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Several of our group attended Mass there on Sunday morning and it was a testimony to the fact that Mass is Mass and we could follow along quite well. Our French was at least that good. What a blessing for our trip.

We took a day trip, north, from there to St. Anne de Beaupre a beautiful shrine.

Then off to Montreal and another day trip, via bus, to Niagara Falls. I don't know how anyone can see a wonder like this and not be stirred. Creation proclaims our Father. The power and beauty there were inspiring.

We spent a couple days in Montreal. Two places that I was struck by were Notre Dame de Montreal Basilica, a beautiful cathedreal.

And L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal which includes a huge Stations of the Cross that goes up a steep hillside.

Canada was full of beautiful old and inspiring architecture. It was a culture shock without leaving the continent and left me with lovely memories. Visit Annie at My Life as Annie... to find more Tuesday Time Travelers. Thanks Annie!!

Menu Plan Monday

"On the road again...just can't wait to get on the road again... " Everybody sing! Okay...well, it is a bit early for a sing-along and Willie isn't everybody's favorite, so let's move on.

The boys and I will be driving five days a week again. I know you moms who work out of the home everyday think I am a wimp--but humor me. It is hard to get out the door and I don't know how y'all do it.

So a bumped up schedule definitely calls for a menu plan. Here's what I am aiming for:

Monday--Stir fry chicken and rice and veggies
Tuesday--Grilled turkey burgers, broccoli
Wednesday--Beef roast, potatoes and carrots
Thursday--Tacos
Friday--Something grilled (based on what's on sale), sauteed mushrooms & onions, corn on the cob, salad, fresh bread

For some really wonderful menus visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie and check out all the Menu Plan Monday participants.

There is another book up for grabs this week, courtesy of Glass Road Public Relations. Check here for details.

Book Giveaway--The Divine Appointment

Glass Road Publishing has offered another book for giveaway. This definitely has an interesting slant. All you need to do to be considered to win this book is leave a comment in this post I will draw a winner's name Friday, June 15th. That's it!!! I am waiting to see the copy of this book. Sounds like a good read.


RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES?
New Legal Thriller Mirrors High Court Drama

In The Divine Appointment, Supreme Court Justice Martha Robinson has died, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for conservative president, Richard Wallace, to impact the direction of the highest court in the land for years to come. The Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution, and in the process, to shape the nation. Not everyone is thrilled with the president's nominee, however. And some will stop at nothing, including murder, to prevent his confirmation by the Senate.

Interview with the Author:
(Courtesy of Glass Road Publishing)

1. Who is the target audience for The Divine Appointment?

[Jerome Teel] The audience is wide and I believe The Divine Appointment can reach different segments of the Christian community. Specifically, though, I think the target audience is politically active Christians such as members of Christian Alliance organizations, Right to Life Organizations, American Family Association, etc.

2. How do you describe your genre for this book?

[Jerome Teel] Christian fiction political thriller.

3. Where/How did you birth the idea for this book? How did it come about?

[Jerome Teel] The idea for this book was two-fold. First I think that Roe v. Wade was a very bad decision and it should be reversed. Secondly, the appointment and confirmation processes for Justice Roberts and Justice Alito were very intriguing and I wondered what it would be like if there was a true conservative, Christian jurist going through that process who would openly say that Roe v. Wade should be overturned. I found that concept very intriguing and turned it into a storyline.

4. What sort of research was involved to make The Divine Appointment sound authentic/realistic?

[Jerome Teel] I researched the Washington D.C. geography to make sure I had names of buildings and streets accurate. Google Earth is an amazing tool. The legal aspects of the book and the courtroom scenes come from my many years of experience as an attorney.

5. What takeaway points do you hope the reader pulls from this book?

[Jerome Teel] I hope that readers will realize that it is important for Christians to be part of the political process.

6. Is The Divine Appointment part of a series?

[Jerome Teel] It is not designed as a series yet. However, like The Election there could be follow-up books that would track some of the characters.

7. How do you deal with your other obligations (job, family, church, etc.) when it's crunch time near deadlines?[Jerome Teel] This is one of my most difficult tasks. I'm a partner in a law firm and that is a full-time job. Part of my practice is that I represent the local county government, which at times is very consuming. Currently I am helping coach three separate baseball teams. I am the incoming board president for a local charity. I teach a high school boys' Sunday School. And our family life is extremely busy. As you can see, there are very few unoccupied minutes in my life. When I'm working on a writing project my writing time is very late at night--typically from 10:00 p.m. to about 1:00 a.m. When a deadline is rapidly approaching I have to take time away from the office and stay at home until I'm able to get the project completed.

8. Do you plan character development and then let them run with the story, or do you plot the story in advance?[Jerome Teel] I don't know how unique my writing style is but I cannot write from an outline. The first thing that happens is that I see the beginning of a story and the end of the story, and then I begin to write. I outline as I go along and I keep a timeline. The characters begin to take on lives of their own and lead me through the story. When I get to about 30,000 words I begin to fully see the story unfold. It is at that point that I make a few notes about the direction of the book and it is all I can do to write fast enough to complete the manuscript.

9. Do you have an organized office and set times to write, or do you find yourself writing at unusual times or places?[Jerome Teel] I write at unusual times--typically very late at night. But the place is always the same. I have a study in my house and I do all of my writing there.

Thanks, Jerome, for giving us a glimpse at your life as a writer, and why you wrote The Divine Appointment.

Grains of Gratitude

I got very little of what I had planned done this week. I am so grateful for a husband who is very tolerant of my flaky and distractible ways. It really is not a joke when I say I am a haphazard person—something I need to work on.

My dear friend turned 30 this week. Her very devious husband planned a surprise party for her at Chuck-E-Cheeses. Oh. My. Goodness. I have never been to Chuck-E-Cheeses before. I will be getting even with him, because of course I took my children.

I have to tell you about my friend a little—it is her I am very grateful for (not for the visit to the rat whose home has many games). As I said she turned 30. We have known each other for at least 15 of those 30 years. I gave her riding lessons at one point; she gave me much better riding lessons at another point. She often drove a group of girls to visit me after I moved away. (I could never understand how their parents let them get in a car and drive and stay with me—but I was so blessed they did. These young women have grown and it has been inspiring to see that.) She visited me within days of my Roo being born—she lived almost six hours away. She stayed in touch with me when many of my friends allowed distance to limit our relationships to a few talks and cards a year. She is one of my children’s very favorite people. And she married a man who quickly became one of my children’s other favorite people. She is someone I can say almost anything to. God has used her in my life and I am so grateful she is my friend.

I am grateful that my children were well behaved at Chuck-E-Cheeses. They received compliments from some people whose opinion I value. They were good boys. They were wired when they left but they were good boys.

I am grateful for the gentleman who fit my son for jazz shoes. I must have had a stressed look on my face because he said, “Oh, Mom!! This is easy. No problem. A simple thing.” And it was. It was the easiest shoe fitting I have ever seen. He was knowledgeable and quick and polite and positive. Customer service at its finest. I’ve heard wonderful things about him before—a good reputation is priceless.

Oh…sigh…I am grateful that tomorrow morning I will start rolling the boys out of bed no later than 7 a.m. That means rolling me out of bed at least by 5:30. We are an eclectic and relaxed (emphasis on relaxed) homeschool family. I am a night-owl by nature, as are my children. But I am grateful because the boys will be able to participate in something they love on a very intense basis for four weeks. The early hours (for us) and the drive involved will be worth it.

Grains of Gratitude is a meme for Sundays to look both backwards and forwards with gratefulness. Don’t hesitate to join! It was started out by Christine at Brady’s Bunch. She has a beautiful new blog design this week. Take a peek.

And We have a Winner!!

Thanks to all who participated in the book giveaway. Five great books are going to Sheryl at Taking the Challenge. Sheryl if you can e-mail me I will be sending those books to you.

And if anyone is interested I will be listing a new book for giveaway tomorrow morning. It looks like it will be a really good read. I will draw a winner on Friday morning for that. Plenty of time to play.

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for the books to giveaway!!

Song and Scripture

Psalm 89:1-6

1I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

2For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

3I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,

4Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.

5And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

6For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

This is a beautiful Psalm. I recommend looking up the rest!




I Will Sing of The Merciesof The LORD Forever

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:
I will sing, I will sing.
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD.

With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness.
With my mouth will I make known
Thy faithfulness to all generations.

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever:
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD.

Music by James H. Filmore

Favorite Ingredients Friday--Pesto Cheesecake

Shameless Book Giveaway Promotion Edition--Mary Alice's Pesto Cheesecake

I have to tell you when I read the name of the recipe in the press release promoting this book, I said, "Huh???" Because I am very eloquent like that.

I just couldn't wrap my cheesecake loving brain around a cheesecake that was not sweet and traditional.

But then I got the book, and I read the recipe and the light in my brain went on, and I said, "Ooooooooohhhhh." More demonstration of my extensive vocabulary.

But now that I get it, I am just waiting for a chance to try this out. I have a get-together coming up with five of my oldest friends and I think that will be appropriate given this was served to the group of friends in this book.

So without more babbling...the recipe:

Mary Alice's Pesto Cheesecake (from Crime & Clutter by Cyndy Salzmann)

1 tablespoon butter, room temperature

2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 large eggs

1/2 cup prepared pesto

paprika and basil (to sprinkle on top)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Rub 1 tablespoon butter over bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

3. Mix bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons grated cheese. Coat pan with crumb mixture.

4. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, ricotta, remaining Parmesan, salt and cayenne pepper in large bowl until light. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Transfer half the mixture to medium bowl. Mix pesto into remaining half.

6 Pour pesto mixture into prepared pan. Smooth top. Carefully spoon plain mixture over pesto mixture, and smooth top. Sprinkle to of plain mixture with paprika and basil.

7 Bake until center no longer moves when pan is shaken, about 60 minutes.

8 Transfer to rack. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate.

9. To remove from pan for serving, run a small sharp knifearound sides to loosen cheesecake. Release pan sides.

10. Transfer to platter. Serve with crackers.

The book is one of set of five that is being given away. The winner will be drawn Sunday and hopefully listed Sunday night at the latest early Monday morning. Check here for the rules and specifices .

Many thanks to Overwhelmed With Joy for being the gracious hostess of Favorite Ingredient Fridays. There are so many neat recipes to be found at her site (and at all the sites of the ladies who are participating) so, go! Visit! Cook fun and tasty things!!

Fair Game

MYSTERY & MAYHEM AT WORLD’S FAIR

Best-selling Novelist Carol Cox Releases Fair Game

Dinah Mayhew couldn’t foresee the mystery and danger that would soon enter her life when she became a file clerk for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Neither could Seth Howell, the man whose eyes reflect a romantic interest mirrored in Dinah’s heart.

But the arrival of Dinah’s cousin could be the frost on their romantic bloom.

Cousin Gladys is on the prowl for love and she’s looking in all the wrong places. Upon her sudden, inexplicable disappearance, Dinah and Seth begin searching for answers, only to find themselves trapped in a maze of secrecy and deception. Will they live to expose the truth or find themselves facing the point of no return?

CAROL COX is a native of Arizona whose time is devoted to being a pastor's wife, mom to her grown son, and a homeschool teacher to her young daughter. She also serves as church pianist and youth worker. She is involved in her local historical society and plans to write more historical inspirational romance in which her goals are to encourage Christian readers with entertaining and uplifting stories and to pique the interests of non-Christians who might read her novels.

This is one of five books in the giveaway this week. Don't forget to leave a comment for this post or any one of the other review posts & link back to the rules post. I will draw a winner's name Sunday (check in the evening or Monday morning) to win all five books. Great summer reading to be sure.

Book 1: Gone with the Groom
Book 2: Crime and Clutter
Book 3: Veil of Fire
Book 4: Bygones

Bygones

CAN A WOMAN RETURN TO HER MENNONITE ROOTS AFTER SHE'S BEEN AWAY TWENTY-FIVE YEARS?

Kim Vogel Sawyer's Bygones

After being shunned by her parents for marrying someone outside the Mennonite community, widow Marie Koeppler left her childhood home and never looked back. It was too painful. Now, nearly twenty-five years later, she's stunned to see her former beau walk through the doors of the truck stop where she waitresses. He brings unexpected news.

Marie's aunt has died, and to everyone's surprise, she's left herhouse, belongings, and café to Beth, Marie's daughter. But there'sone catch. To receive her inheritance, Beth must come and live within the Mennonite community for a period of no less than threemonths. Beth determines to live there so she can pay her mother back for all the sacrifices Marie made for her growing up.

Marie returns with Beth to help her adapt to the Mennonite lifestyle and finds more than her lost beau waiting for her. It isn't long beforeshe finds herself wanting to remain. Beth, however, finds herself living under a shadow of suspicion when homes are broken into and antiques are stolen. Loyal to her daughter, yet missing the simplistic lifestyle, Marie is once again faced with a heart-wrenching decision.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has written two novellas for Heartsong Presentsand the popular novel Waiting for Summers Return. She writes gentle stories of hope, offering her readers encouragement. Bygones is the first book of the Sommerfeld Trilogy.

I went ahead and read at least two chapters out of each book yestersay. Let me say it was HARD to put each one down. They are so very different, but all so very easy to get lured into. So if they end as well as they start they will be very good reads.

Also it looks like I will have a new book giveaway next week. Just a single book this time. And it looks good. Again a totally different perspective. I really like variety. More info to come.

This is one of five books in the giveaway this week. Don't forget to leave a comment for this post or any one of the other review posts & link back to the rules post.

Book 1: Gone With the Groom
Book 2: Crime and Clutter
Book 3: Veil of Fire
Book 5: Fair Game