Scavenger Hunt

Today I am playing along with http://www.apreacherswife.com/. She is having a Scavenger Hunt for women whose husbands are in the ministry, to help us get to know others. The idea is to read through the answers and be able to answer questions about other ministry wives. The first two to answer the questions correctly will win a copy of The Pioneer Woman's cookbook!! If you are not familiar with her, I suggest you take a peek at her sight and be prepared to stay for a loooong time. (Hint: you might want to start by looking at these apple dumplings. They are simply to die for! Just so you know, I stole this picture from her site and I hope that I haven't done something very illegal!!So here goes...

1. First Name: Cathy

2. State and Country of Residence: Wisconsin, USA

3. Husband's Ministry Title: Pastor

4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location: 17 years

5. Children: Girl, 23; Girl, 21; Boy 18

6. Number of unique homes in which you've lived during your marriage: We have lived in 11 homes in the 25 years of our marriage. But by far the most unique would have to be the apartment we lived in for a short time when beginning seminary. The hardwood floors were painted yellow and white stripes and the appliances were painted bright blue. :)

7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? We have a light lunch every Sunday at our church. This is done on a rotation basis, so I only have to bring food about every 6 weeks!!

8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? Always on time!

9. Favorite TV show: Survivor and Chopped (the Food Network)

10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people: Well, since some of them read this blog...I find this an unfair question. ;) (There's a clue in this answer as to one person I'm referring to...let's see if she catches it!! Ha!!

11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve: People who are not willing to serve (although we do not have too many of those.)

12. One thing you need to throw away but can't bring yourself to do it: Lots of paper accumulation from 17 years of homeschooling.

13. The one food you can not live without: Coffee

14. Parsonage or have your own home: Own home

15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? It's usually a half-freakish event!!

Favorites!!!

Whenever I am on vacation and I find myself checking out the "tourist-trap shops," I always gravitate toward the mugs. I'm not really sure why, but there is just something about sitting down in the morning with a great cup of coffee with a mug from a favorite place. Each one has been carefully chosen...not only does it have to look right, it has to "feel" right, too. These are a few of my favorites!!

Levi's Will - A Review

I had a scare when trying to log into my blog. Blogger said that the blog did not exist and that the name was available. Yikes!! Fortunately, it appeared as usual with my second attempt.

Today I would like to share a book with you that was provided to

me for review by Bethany House Publishers.

Levi's Will was an excellent read. Spanning 40 years, the book tells the story of Will, an Amish boy, who leaves behind his Amish life (including his pregnant Amish girlfriend). Keeping his past a secret, he enters WWII as a soldier, marries, and begins a new life. Levi believes that he can move forward; however, he begins to discover that he desperately desires his father's love and forgiveness. Will patiently seeks his father's forgiveness over a span of 30 years. During that time will is learning much about fatherhood as he raises two boys of his own. The author, W. Dale Cramer, sums up much of the book in one simple sentence 2/3 of the way into the book. "...every man's failure dips its roots into the previous generation and drops its seeds into the next." Levi's Will is the story of one man's realization of how that truth is working out in his own life.

The story line switches back and forth between different time periods, which at first seemed as if it would cause some confusion. I must admit that after reading a section in one time period, I was anxious to get back to the previous period to see how Will was faring there. Will is not a perfect character; he made poor choices many times. The author shows that God doesn't always work in the way we think He should and that there are consequences along with our choices. I will be looking for other books penned by W. Dale Cramer.

I so often wish that I had more time to read! I'm working on a journal so that I can keep track of the books that I actually do finish! What books are your favorites?

Mackinac Island - Take 3!!

Two weeks ago, I went to Mackinac Island with my mom and a group of friends. (This was my third trip in just over a year!!) This time we actually stayed at the Grand Hotel. Our stay there included dinner and breakfast in their fabulous dining room, along with a concert by Legacy Five.

It was cold and rainy on our trip to the Island, but cleared up somewhat once we got there. It's a bit different visiting the island in October as opposed to June & July. Most boats have left the marina and the streets are a lot quieter.

The next two pictures are of the view from the balcony off of our room.

If you've never been to Mackinac, I highly recommend it! It's such a change of pace and so beautiful.

I've been trying to make links to references in this blog - but am not having success right now. I'll try again later.

Fast and Frugal Cookbook

Recently I signed on to become a book reviewer with two publishers. It's a great way to receive new books and satisfy my desire to read! Then, I have the privilege of sharing my thoughts with others. (Don't we ALL want other people to know what we think!)

The first book that I received is "Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook" by Dawn Hall, published by Thomas Nelson. The following is my review:

I was excited to receive Dawn Hall’s Fast & Frugal Cookbook. In her introduction she explains her thoughts on making choices regarding ingredient cost. It’s not always best to use the cheapest ingredients. There is a great cost benefit in making healthy choices. Most of us know though, that the grocery budget can only be stretched so far and Dawn gives some great tips to help with that.
The book is divided into nine sections. At the beginning of each section, each recipe is indexed along with the amount of time needed to prepare it. In the sidebar of each page is a convenient listing of all supplies needed for each recipe as well as a detailed grocery list. Nearly every recipe comes with a “Helpful Hint.” These hints give ideas for substitutions, money saving ideas & practical cooking tips.
The recipes themselves are simple, comfort food type recipes. (I would have liked more chicken recipes - there seemed to be an emphasis on ham.) There are many pictures, but not quite enough for me. The book ends with a very detailed index making each recipe easy to find. I’m looking forward to cooking my way through this new cookbook!