Question

I recently won a $30 iTunes card at Beachy Mimi, and I'm having a hard time deciding how to spend it. I know I'd like to save $10 for Casting Crowns' Christmas album that comes out on October 7th, but other than that, I'm open.

Do you have any favorite songs or artists I should check out?

Here are some of my favorite artists:
Casting Crowns
Brandon Heath
Billy Joel
Chicago
Harry Connick, Jr.
Matchbox 20
Newsboys
TobyMac
Journey
...and a bunch of other random stuff. Nothing wild, nothing too loud, nothing with bad or offensive lyrics.

The Rest of the Story

Many of you know that James and I have been trying for Baby #2 for one year. It's been a stressful year, with many ups and downs and false alarms. We were completely unprepared to deal with infertility, because we conceived the first month we tried with Wendy.

I strongly suspected that this was no false alarm, especially after having quite a bit of nausea over the weekend. I finally tested on Sunday, when I was 4 days late, and was SO happy to see the plus sign!!

Two funny things about us finding out:
1. I had a fertility consult scheduled for this morning, to try and find out why we were having trouble conceiving this time around. I got to cancel THAT appointment, and schedule a prenatal one instead!

2. Shortly after we found out, James and I were laying in bed, talking & dreaming about the new baby. When will we tell people? How will we tell people? How old will Wendy be when the new baby arrives? As we lay there in our snug little cocoon, dreaming of Baby #2, we heard a splash from our bathroom. James got up to check it out, and our toilet had flooded our bathroom! We spent the next several minutes with towels & mops, trying to minimize the damage. How's that for ruining a moment?

Thanks for being excited with us. Our first appointment is Oct. 28th; please help us pray for a healthy baby!

And there was much rejoicing...

Full story to follow...
(and yes, that's cat hair under the test. I took the picture on our bed, and our cats think OUR blanket is THEIR blanket.)

My Little Sidekick

A strange thing has happened at our house this year. Someone took our baby and replaced her with a little girl. I'm not sure how this happened, and sometimes I wish I had our baby back...but only sometimes.

Today is Wendy's second birthday. To me, this milestone means that she has graduated from babyhood. She's now a full-fledged toddler - and an adorable one, at that.

Wendy as a toddler is adventurous and fun-loving. She is very physically active, preferring to run when she could walk, and to jump when she could stand still. As for sitting still, like in church - HA! You'll very seldom see this girl just sitting still. (And if you do catch her sitting still, she's most likely working on a diaper.)

She loves balls and blocks and books. She loves swings and slides. She still loves her Blankie, even though the Binkie has been put away for seven months now. She likes to eat green beans, tortillas, cantaloupe, applesauce, chicken nuggets, strawberry mini-wheats, and yogurt. She no longer drinks formula or even whole milk; she's on skim milk now, and doing great.

And her vocabulary...oh, her vocabulary! Just a few short months ago I was concerned because she only had about ten words and wouldn't even say "Mama." Now, I'd estimate her vocabulary is around 200 words (expanding all the time) including 3- and 4-word sentences...and the beloved "Mamam."

Wendy, you've been Momma's sidekick since Day 1, but you're truly turning into my little helper as well. You're so big, and you can do so many things! I'm being surprised all the time by the things you've figured out and the things that fascinate you. I love reading you books, I love tickle-wrestling with you, and I love running around the backyard with you. I love seeing things for the first time, through your eyes - I especially enjoyed our first trip to the zoo!

You're my Chicken Potato, my Girlie, my Kroger buddy, my Wendy Mouse, and my Cutie Patootie. You're my favorite girl, the best Wendy on the planet. I love you more than you'll ever know.

I look forward to this next year, as we grow and learn more together - what fun we'll have!



Happy birthday, sweetheart. Now let's go eat some cake!!

Pensieve's Poetic License

This month, Robin of Pensieve's Poetic License challenge is to write a fall-inspired cinquain. Fall is my favorite season, so I was happy to see this month's challenge! As far as the cinquain goes, though...it's my first attempt at one. You be the judge.

Leaves

Leaves
Crisp, red
Falling, dancing, whirling
God's canvas in motion
Beauty

(image credit)

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WFMW: Coping with Anxiety Attacks

Every Wednesday, Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer hosts a tip carnival called Works-For-Me Wednesday. Bloggers from around the world join in and share all kinds of advice about all kinds of things.

About six years ago, I started suffering from anxiety attacks. I was in vet school at the time, under a lot of stress, working too hard and sleeping too little. Some days were fueled purely with adrenaline, peanut M&Ms, and my morning SlimFast. (By the way - it's hard to work an 18 hour day on one can of SlimFast and one packet of peanut M&Ms.)

At first, I wasn't sure what was happening to me. I'd be going along, taking care of business, and suddenly something would come over me. I'd feel flushed, dizzy, shaky, and weak, with an overwhelming feeling of needing to GET OUT. The anxiety usually wasn't about anything specific, but was in reaction to stressful circumstances.

After I was able to identify what I was feeling as an anxiety attack, things became more clear. Several things have helped me over the years, including medication. Since we're still trying to get pregnant, medication is off my list of options right now. I thought I'd share my non-medical coping strategy.

1. Prayer. Pray for peace, for comfort, and for a clear mind. Pray alone. Pray with your spouse. Pray with your best friend. Just pray.

2. Quiet place, deep breaths. Seriously. It sounds simple, but it's the easiest way to calm down when in the throes of an anxiety attack. It's good for your body physically, and it helps to clear your mind as well.

3. Try to find the source of the anxiety. Sometimes this is confusing, since once you get to a certain stress level anything can trigger the symptoms. Evaluate the stresses and conflicts in your life to see where the problems originate.

4. Deal with the anxiety, instead of shuffling it aside. This has really been key for me. My gut reaction, in times of anxiety, is to push it to the back of my mind and just move on. That's fine for a short time, but it won't help solve anything in the long run. Instead, take some quiet time to focus on your anxiety. What is it that is really bothering you? What about the situation is scary? What factors do you feel might get out of control? Once you've identified the source of the fear, you can figure out how to deal with it. If the worst happens, what will you do? What will be the most likely result?

5. Medication. If anxiety is overwhelming you, if you're having trouble coping, or if it interferes with your career or your family life, seek help. There are some great anti-anxiety medications out there that can really help get you over a time of stress. Anxiety is a physical reaction, and dealing with it in a physical way is sometimes the most effective.

I hope this helps someone out there. I hope that if you're suffering from anxiety attacks, you find coping mechanisms that work for you. And if you need someone to talk to, e-mail me!

For more great tips, visit Works-For-Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!

Ailurophile

Main Entry: ai·lu·ro·phile

Pronunciation: \ī-ˈlu̇r-ə-ˌfī(-ə)l, ā-\
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek ailouros cat
Date: 1927
: a cat fancier : a lover of cats

That's according to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary. I am, and always have been, a cat lover. Cats have always delighted me. From their birth as blind, fuzzy little mousies; to kittenhood as obnoxious, fluffy pranksters; to adulthood as somnolent, purring sunshine-seekers; to geriatric life, as cranky, scrawny, dictators. No matter the stage of life, I enjoy them.

I love their huge, luminous eyes. I love their dainty, prissy paws. I love their dramatic, varied facial expressions. I love their individual, quirky personalities.

I have almost always lived with at least one cat. Many have come and gone: Bandit, Friskie, Trouble, Piano, Fortissimo, Giocoso, Formata, Staccato, Allegro, and my special Sebastian. Each came into my life for a time, was fiercely loved, and left either for a new home or cat heaven. (And don't try to tell me there aren't cats in heaven - God loves them just as much as I do.)

Currently we have five cats: Minuet, Sonata, Maestro, Oreo Speedwagon, and Birdie. There's also the outside cat, Matilda, who supposedly belongs to our neighbor. (Funny, though, how we're the ones who got her spayed, feed her every morning, and take care of her flea prevention.) I know these kitties inside and out - quite literally for Birdie, who I performed surgery on several times in her kittenhood. They are my daily annoyances, who distribute cat hair to every household surface, who trip me on my way to the kitchen, and who try to jump into my bowl of ice cream at every opportunity.

The benefits far outweigh the costs:

• Cats are excellent nap buddies. All I have to do is act like I'm about to lay down, and Maestro and Birdie are on the bed, waiting to snuggle.
• They let me know when it's bedtime. Their food bowl gets refilled at bedtime, so around 8:30 p.m., they gather around me and stare, trying to will me into feeding them.
• They (usually) reduce my stress level just by their presence. Snuggling them & talking to them calms me down when I'm anxious or sad.
• They're also good mousers. Except for Minuet, who once bopped a mouse on the head in disgust, and then promptly took a bath.

Besides, who can resist these faces, or the way they intertwine their paws?

Sonata, L, and Minuet, R

How time flies...

I was looking through some pictures on our hard drive, in preparation for some posts for later this week, when I came across this:


This was Wendy one year and three days ago. You can't see it, but her onesie says, "Little Girl, BIG attitude!" She is so different now in many ways, but that charming grin & big blue eyes are just the same!

A Questioning Season

I've heard a lot of talk lately about "seasons of life." The thought that we go through "seasons" is comforting, knowing that each particular stage of life, no matter how complicated or difficult, is a temporary stop along the way. We recently finished Beth Moore's Stepping Up series in our ladies' Bible class, and it reinforced the theme that we are on a journey - where we are now is not where we're going to stay.

All that being said, some seasons of life can be pretty confusing. Now, for instance, James and I have many questions about our immediate and long-term goals regarding our finances. We want to be good stewards of all we have been given - our money, our time, our blessings, our family. Trying to decide how to fulfill our obligations and do what God would have us to do is a complicated matter.

It would be nice if God would speak to us directly and tell us which options to pursue. It would be helpful if the way to go was made obvious to us. There's a book called "Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On," by Stormie Omartian. I haven't read it, but the title definitely speaks to me in this season of life.

Even in my uncertainty, though, I do know a few things. Very important things.

• We have been blessed beyond measure in our home, our family, even our finances
• The things that matter in life and eternity aren't those that require money
• God knows where we are and where we're going
• Eventually, whether here or in heaven, God will lead us to peace

I take comfort in those things, and try to remember that this time of questioning and wondering is just a season. God is in control, and He will show us the way in His time.

Tilapia Tacos with Fresh Peach Salsa

I decided to walk on the wild side this week and make something totally, completely different from our usual fare. This recipe is one I stumbled across a month or so ago, and for some reason it intrigued me.

It was very easy to make, and definitely healthy. The peach salsa, in my opinion, could use some tweaking. The red onion was too strong. I think if I make the salsa in the future, I'll just use onion powder to taste - something about those raw onion bits is just too much.

The tilapia itself was fantastic. It was great in the tacos, and it was equally great as a leftover sprinkled with lemon juice. It's a little pricey, like all fresh fish, but definitely worth the expense for a special dinner.

Without further ado, here it is:




Tilapia Tacos with Fresh Peach Salsa

Salsa:
2 cups finely chopped peeled peach (about 2 medium)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (I used parsley)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped ( I omitted - we're wimps)
1 garlic clove, minced

Remaining ingredients:
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 pound tilapia, cut into 2-inch strips
Cooking spray
8 (6-inch) flour tortillas

To prepare salsa, combine first 8 ingredients in a medium bowl. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine panko, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Add fish to bowl, tossing to coat. Place fish in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning once.

Heat tortillas according to package directions. Divide fish and salsa evenly among tortillas.

You can find the original recipe, along with nutritional info, at Cooking Light.

(photo courtesy of Cooking Light)

Step Aside, Auntie Anne!

I've always loved soft pretzels. I think the love affair began in high school, where I could purchase a soft pretzel with a little tub of nacho cheese for $1.35. I've had many different versions (flavored, plain, salty, sweet) from many different vendors - but until today I had never made my own.

Now that I have, I'm never going back.

I found this recipe for pretzels at Blissfully Domestic, the e-zine that I will be writing for soon. (Just thought I'd throw another plug in there!) It looked simple, and I had the ingredients on hand, so I decided to give it a try.

It's so easy, so quick, and so very yummy that I will definitely be making them again. Probably too often for my own good...

One Basket

Shopping with a 2 year old can be an interesting experience. Wendy loves to go to the store, any store, as long as she gets to ride in a shopping cart and look at things. As an infant, her favorite store was Lowe's, which is one of my favorites, as well.

Yesterday, we went to the grocery store. We had a long list, so I knew it would take awhile. Wendy was being very good, jabbering & chatting with me, and pointing out all the things she recognized. Nanas! Apows! Breh! Mowk!

She has added the word "want" to her vocabulary this week, so there was also a lot of pointing and "Want!"

All in all, it was a pretty good shopping experience, until the shampoo aisle. I was facing the shampoo shelf, pondering my choice (even though I always end up buying the same thing) when, out of the corner of my eye, I see Wendy turn and reach into the cart. I focus my attention on her in time to see her grab the lid of a carton of eggs...and in slow-motion the lid opens...the carton tips...and all the eggs go rolling into the groceries.

I stood there aghast for a few seconds before my brain registers: Eggs! Spilled! In the groceries! Ick! Ack!!!

I located all the eggs while muttering, "No, no, no!" to a wide-eyed Wendy. I wasn't too hard on her, since I know she didn't intend for the eggs to spill. Somehow, some way, none of the eggs broke enough to leak. Five of them were pretty well cracked, but the inner membrane was still intact, keeping the goo contained.

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket?"

Here's a new one:
"Don't put all your eggs within reach of a 2 year old."

WFMW: Smooth Legs

Every Wednesday over at Rocks in my Dryer, Shannon hosts a tip carnival called Works-For-Me Wednesday. It's a great place to get advice on topics relevant to any aspect of life.

My tip today is nothing new; I think I've read the same tip several times on the WFMW circuit. I finally tried it myself, though, and I just have to share:

Use conditioner instead of shaving cream when shaving your legs.

That's it.

Seriously.

It protects from nicks at least as well as shaving cream, and you won't believe how smooth & silky your legs will feel. It also means you can have one less bottle in the shower, which helps cut down on clutter. I recommend you rinse the tub well after doing this, as it makes the tub kinda slick.

For more great tips, head over to Works-For-Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!

A Bit of Inspiration

So. I mentioned yesterday (in that really whiney post) that I'm going to be writing for Inspired Bliss. What is Inspired Bliss? I'm so glad you asked!

Inspired Bliss is the faith channel for the e-zine Blissfully Domestic. BD has several different channels focused on different areas of interest: cooking, financial well-being, marriage, technology, family, homeschooling, crafts, etc. Inspired Bliss, once it is fully up-and-running, will have devotional thoughts, advice columns, book reviews, music reviews, hymn stories, and much more.

In writing for Inspired Bliss, I will be taking a great leap of faith - that my writing is good enough, that my thoughts are clear enough, that my time management will improve, and that God will lead my every step. I will be starting with contributing some devotional thoughts and a weekly article on hymn stories. We'll see where God leads from there!

I'd appreciate your comments, especially if you have suggestions for writing topics for me. I'd appreciate your enthusiastic readership over at Inspired Bliss, and especially your comments on my writings there (as I'm quite insecure some most days). Most of all, I'd appreciate your prayers for me and the entire Inspired Bliss team, especially our leader, Robin.

The site should be up and running within the next two weeks. I'll keep you posted!

When it rains...

If it looks like I've been neglecting my blog this past week, well, I kinda have. But not intentionally. Last week was a bit crazy - here's a recap:

• Sunday - starting to get sick. Make it to church & small group anyway, even without an afternoon nap.
• Monday - SICK. Girlie banished to her grandparents' house.
• Tuesday - a wee bit better. Go to grandparents' house to pick up Girlie. While there, Girlie dislocates her elbow again. Rush Girlie to doctor. All's well that ends well.
  
• Tuesday night - insomnia, hit with Random Stomach Bug of Doom.
  
• Wednesday - Girlie banished to her grandparents' house again.
• Thursday - a little better, still not fully functioning.
  
• Friday - spend the day working on writing for Inspired Bliss.
• Saturday - wrestle with WordPress for hours, trying to get things posted for Inspired Bliss.
• Sunday - Inspired Bliss reprieve, work on cleaning/organizing kitchen.

And so, at the beginning of another week, I've got lots to do - books to read for review, a bunch of writing to do, laundry (ALWAYS), etc.

But today? Today, the Girlie and I are going shopping, and then meeting a friend for lunch. No deadlines, no big to-do list, no critical things that just have to get done. We're taking it easy today. We're even having leftovers for dinner, so I don't have to cook.

So tell me - how often do you give yourself a "day off"? What do you do?

Another Side of the Story...

"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world."

So begins the narration of an angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book ... a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

In The Shadow of Lions, by Ginger Garrett, is certainly an interesting read. The story jumps between three different women, which can be a little distracting, but the main storyline is very interesting. As I read, I felt a real sympathy for both Anne and Rose, who both end up in very difficult situations.

To read more about In The Shadow of Lions, by Ginger Garrett, visit the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

WFMW: Toddler Buttons

Today over at Rocks in my Dryer, Shannon is hosting her weekly Works-For-Me Wednesday tip carnival, which is a great source for household tips and shortcuts.

Last week, I needed some quiet time. Some time without Wendy climbing all over me or demanding more Goldfish or more Winnie-the-Pooh. All I wanted to do was put together a grocery list, but sometimes even the simplest tasks are complicated by a busy 2 year old.

I happened to have a box of craft supplies in the dining room (doesn't everyone?) so I grabbed my decorative craft buttons and my embossing tray - any tray or cookie sheet with sides would work. I gave Wendy a handful of buttons, and she was completely engrossed in button-sorting for over half an hour!! I did have to pick up a few off of the floor when she was finished, but that's a small price to pay for half an hour of quiet, constructive play!



(I would caution that you only do this under supervision, since decorative buttons look pretty yummy!)

For more great tips, head over to Works-For-Me Wednesday at Rocks in my Dryer!

Same Song, Second Verse...

Wendy spent the night at her Grandma & Grandpa's house, so that poor, sick Mama (that's me) could get some sleep. I went over to their house this morning to help them with a few things and pick up Wendy.

At about noon, I was on my knees scrubbing their upstairs toilet bowl, when I heard her screech and then start crying. Not fussing, but really serious crying. In between sobs she was saying, "More Mama!" I quickly washed my hands (duh) and took her from her Grandpa, and I knew right away what was wrong.

See, back in February, we had to make a little trip to the ER. Wendy had dislocated her elbow, and after a short wait, some radiographs, and about $600, she was fine. We were warned that this could very easily happen again, and we've been very careful since then not to lift her by the hands or anything like that. And then, in an instant, out popped her elbow again.

We made it almost seven months, so I guess that's good.

This time it happened during office hours, and I'm SO grateful to our pediatrician for fitting us in, so that we didn't have to return to the ER. That saved us about $580, so thanks!!

I did think it was a little ironic that Wendy's elbow was back in place by the time we saw the doctor - getting her out of the car seat was enough manipulation for it to slip back into place. If this happens again, maybe I'll just strap her into the car seat & then take her back out, and see if that helps!

Wounded: A Love Story by Claudia Mair Burney

Gina Merritt, poor in health and rich in faith is the last person to expect a miracle to happen to her. As she sits in a pew on Ash Wednesday with throbbing pain in her knees and a raging migraine, she turns her concentration elsewhere and silently prays, "Share with me, Jesus." Instantly she has a vision of the Son of God kneeling before her. As tears fill her eyes, Christ kisses Gina's hands, leaving two perfect red roses. When the vision fades, Gina's hands are bleeding.

Anthony Priest, the junkie sitting beside her, instinctively touches Gina when she cries out, but she flees in shock and pain. A prizewinning journalist before drugs destroyed his career, Anthony is stunned that he is suddenly overcome with a sense of well-being and he instantly knows that he is cured of his addiction. Wanting an explanation, Anthony follows Gina home.

Is it a miracle, or just a religious delusion? It seems like everyone who knows of the mysterious stigmata has an opinion, and it's not always favorable. Putting aside their difference and their mutual distrust, Gina and Anthony embark on a search for answers. Along the way they encounter an uncertain evangelical pastor, a gentle Catholic priest, a certifiable religious zealot, and a transvestite drug dealer, all of whom lend their voices to the tale. It's a quest for truth, sanity, and grace…and an unexpected love story.

If you would like to read an excerpt from Wounded: A Love Story, go HERE

FYI...

I'm just writing to let you know I won't be writing today - how's that?

Wendy is learning to share - and she shared her germs with me. If anyone wants me, I'll be the big lump under the quilt, surrounded by crumpled tissues.

Political Funnies

I don't talk about politics on this blog, mainly because I haven't made my mind up yet and don't want to get into an argument. But I had to share this funny video:

Inertia

When it comes right down to it, I'm simply a victim of physics. When Newton described his first law of motion, he was talking about me. "An object at rest tends to stay at rest..." That single principle describes one of my biggest struggles - overcoming inertia.

Today is definitely one of those days. I set my alarm for 6 a.m., fully intending to get up before Wendy so that I could get some things done before resuming my "Mama" duties. I know, I know, that my day goes a lot better if I can get a head start on my chores before Wendy wakes up...and yet...I turned the alarm off and snuggled back into my Blankie, and slept until Wendy called for me.

And now, it's almost 10 a.m., and I have accomplished exactly nothing. True, I fed Wendy - how hard is it to unwrap a couple of Nutri-grain bars? I also...no, wait, that's it. That's all I've done. My to-do list overflows with things I could and should get done today. And yet, I am like this polar bear:


I know I'm not alone in my struggle to get with it in the mornings. Do any of you have a good strategy? Any ideas for boosting my self-discipline, for getting me up and going and accomplishing things??

Rambling Wendy-isms

I haven't shared any Wendy updates lately, so be prepared for some rambling.

This past Saturday, we had the fun of meeting our good friends at the Memphis Zoo. They have a daughter who is 9 days older than Wendy, and we are brainwashing them now to be the best of friends and eventually college roommates. (I'm kidding - sort of...)


Little Arithelle is on the left, and Wendy on the right. Arithelle is a petite little thing, just like her Mama. Wendy is NOT a petite little thing, just like HER Mama!

Look how dainty Arithelle's legs are next to my big girlie!

We had a great time at the zoo, even though it was very hot. We took Wendy's canopied wagon, which she rode in about 15% of the time. This conversation happened about ten times during the course of our zoo visit:

Me: Do you want to ride?
W, with hand thrown out like a "STOP" sign: I no wide! More walk!

It's hard for me to believe that just a few short months ago, I was concerned about her verbal development. She was definitely behind - she didn't talk much at all until 19 months, preferring to use sign language to communicate what she needed.

She finally said, "Mama" at 19 months, the day before Mother's Day.

Now, just a few weeks shy of 2 years old, her vocabulary is about 200 words, and she uses sentences of up to four words. I think that's amazing progress!!

Most of her talking is in Wendy-speak, but it's getting more and more clear. She can also name many animals, and make appropriate sounds - we just added monkey today! (Monkey says, "Ooh ooh aah ahh!" in case you didn't know!)



Here are some common Wendy-isms:

"howise" = horse
"baise" = blankie
"ju-jus" = upstairs
"I yo" = I love you
"Ay-yay" = Avery, her cousin
"Yide" = outside
"Poo-poo-poo Bear" = Winnie the Pooh

Today, Grandpa came to visit for a short while. About 20 minutes after he left, Wendy climbed up on to the chair to look at the street and said, "Bye-bye, Pawpaw! I yo!" That's just sweetness.

Book Review - Up Pops the Devil, by Angela Benson

Preacher knows that he wants a clean start. After serving time on drug-related charges, he has been converted, and wants to start living a good Christian life with his sons and their mother.

What he doesn't know is that his previous "business" associates, including family members, have just been biding their time, waiting for Preacher to be released so that he can resume the reins of the operation.

Will Preacher be able to stay on the straight and narrow? Will his fiance accept his new lifestyle?

To read more about Up Pops the Devil, by Angela Benson, visit the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

Book Review - Back to Life, by Kristin Billerbeck

When Lindsay, a 30-something organizing beauty, loses her much-older husband, she is unprepared for widowhood. Her friends rally around to support her and to urge her to enjoy the things she used to love. Lindsay seems stuck in a rut until...

...her husband's first wife knocks at her door, and announces that she is the "unnamed executor" of the will.

Complications, conflicts, and cats all work together to nudge Lindsay out of her rut and back to life. This was an enjoyable read from beginning to end!

To read more about Back to Life, by Kristin Billerbeck, visit the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

Backwards WFMW: Potty Training Advice

Today over at Rocks in my Dryer, Shannon is hosting a Backwards Works-For-Me-Wednesday. This means that instead of the usual tip carnival, people are asking for advice.

My question involves potty training. We are about to start potty training our girlie, who will be two in a few weeks. She's showing all the signs of being ready, and we've got the potty and some board books about potty-time.

I'd love any tips, suggestions, or novel ideas that worked for you when going through potty training.

And some specific questions - we'll be using cloth training pants at home - what do we do on the go? Pull-Ups? Vinyl pants over the cloth trainers? And what about using a big, scary public restroom? How do we handle that?

To see more questions - or to post your own - head over to the Backwards Works-For-Me Wednesday carnival at Rocks in my Dryer!