Forget Me Not Winner

A big "THANKS" to the two participants (Diane and Ashley).  I plan to give you each a copy of this book!  One will receive the copy I read (it's still in mint condition) and the other will receive the free giveaway copy.  Since I already have both of your addresses, just be on the lookout for your book to arrive! 

Lots of Love!

Winner Revealed!

First I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to all who participated in this drawing.  It was my very first book tour/review and your support means the world to me!  I wish I had enough of these to go around but they only gave me one for giveaway!  >> Good Luck All!

Using Random.org The winner of This Little Prayer of Mine is.....

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Comment number 6 - Ash!!  I know that with three little ones, home schooling them and raising them in The Word, this was God's doing.  Congratulations!  Please send an eamil to amanda dot logo at verizon dot net with your mailing address as soon as possible!

The drawing for Forget Me Not is next week y'all... there are only 2 participants so far... get on over there and post your comment for your chance to win!

Giveaway reminder

I know, I know, I've been gone for a while but i haven't forgotten that the drawing for This Little Prayer of Mine book is coming up (tomorow to be exact) so make sure you've commented so you can be in on the drawing! 

Also, the Forget Me Not drawing will take place next week so be sure to stop by and comment for that one too! 

Good luck!

Forget Me Not - Blog Tour & Giveaway

This was book was provided for review by:

Tour Dates: April 12-16, 2010

Summary:

Their elusive enemies took everything. Now they want more…

Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man – in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determined to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.

Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help – a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except hr faith – and Susan’s necklace.

The connections between the two women mount exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?

My Review:

Although this is a good story, worth reading, it was difficult in the beginning to really dive in to. There are so many characters and the story jumps from one to the next without fully explaining who they are. The characters use first and last names (not always together) in reference to one another before the reader has fully grasped each person well enough to know who is being referenced. I found myself turning back to reread sections in order to follow the story line.

Having said that, this Christian Fiction Novel is a romantic-mystery and some things are necessary to keep hidden from the reader in the beginning to allow for the shock factor when the truth is revealed. Once you get past the character introductions the action draws you in to the point of no return.

A man who knows exactly who he is, however lost in his faith is forced to collaborate with a woman who has no idea who she is but knows whose she is; this is a story of how God turns that which is meant to harm us into something to prosper us.

I would recommend this to those who like mysteries as well as romance since it has plenty of both combined with loads of action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Giveaway:

To win your own copy of this book, simply post a comment to this blog entry (if reading from Face Book, please click the link; it will take you to BlogSpot to post your comment to enter the drawing). One entry per person, please; must enter by April 28, 2010

The winner will be revealed May 1, 2010 so be sure to visit my blog again to find out if you won! –Good luck!

If you are not the lucky winner or just can't wait to find out, click this link to purchase this book!

>This review automatically copies to Face Book<

Option for leftover ham!

I don't know about you but I am always searching for unique, delicious and fun ways to serve the Holiday left-overs to my family.  Yesterday I threw together these amazing-tasting pot pies!

Ok, so I failed to get a photo of it all cooked up 'cause it smelled so good I just couldn't wait to eat them!

I chopped up the ham, mixed in a can of cream of celery soup, frozen stew vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery, pearl onions), edamame, minced onions & greek seasoning.

Lined my mini loaf stone with pie crusts:

Fill the pies with the mixture and wrap them up tight!

Bake at 450* for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

*again, sorry for no "after" photo*

This Litle Prayer of Mine - Blog Tour & Giveaway

This book was provided for review by

Tour Dates April 5-9, 2010

 Summary:

I know you're up in heaven, God,  

and can hear my voice from there.

I'm just a little child.

Will you answer my short prayer?

So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age.

With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening, caring, and eager to respond to their requests. They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy.

Most importanly, This Little Prayer of Mine reminds children—and those who love them—that they can trust God to tenderly care for them, no matter what the future holds.

My Review:

I read this book to my four sons (ranging in age from eleven to three), and they all found something beautiful in this prayer.  The illustrations are perfect and simple with unexpected details that coincide with the lines on the page; they are absolutely perfect for children who are too young to read along.  It's insightful to those who may just be learning what it means to have a relationship with God through prayer.  It's rhythmic and inspirational,  but most of all it covers all the bases.  A perfect starter prayer for kids to recite, it could easily be put to music for effortless memorization too!  We loved it!  I am blessed to be a part of this blog tour, to add this book to our collection and to share one with a very special someone!

Giveaway:

To win your own copy of this book, simply post a comment to this blog entry (if reading from Face Book, please click the link; it will take you to BlogSpot to post your comment to enter the drawing). One entry per person, please; > if you are a "follower" to my blogspot or become a "follower", you can submit a second comment stating that you follow or you're a new follower and you will double your chances of winning! <
 must enter by April 21, 2010


The winner will be revealed April 24, 2010 so be sure to visit my blog again to find out if you won! –Good luck!

If you are not the lucky winner or just can't wait to find out, click this link to purchase this book!


>This review automatically copies to Face Book<

Mod Podged My Cell Phone Case!

I've been wanting to use the bottle of Mod Podge I bougt a couple of months ago and finally have!  My white cell phone case was a bit boring. 

Also, it cracked when I dropped it (typical) so before the piece broke off completely and I lost it I thought I'd be able to salvage the case by reinforcing it with a little Mod Podge and make it cute and original while I was at it.

What do you think? Mission accomplished?

I L*O*V*E IT!

Very Spring-y, right?  With a bit of Autumn coloring?  This one can go with the Seasons well but most importantly, it goes with ME!

Family Matters

Ten years ago I was told by my father that he had fathered other children;  female, born in 1990, who, chances are, knew nothing of my existance or the existance of the other children he had fathered.  I'd most likely never meet them.  Siblings.  Sisters.  Twins.

Bonnie, the first born, my sister, never gave up hope.  Even struggling through three deployments to Afghanistan she searched and searched.  Her efforts were not in vain!  She has found them!

Brittny-Anne and Branae

We have been united through the internet and have been getting to know each other over the phone. 

Truth: they knew nothing of our existance. 

Blessing: they want to build a relationship with us and be a part of our lives! 

Still curious as to whether or not this is true (we hope for a blood test in the future) we are all sort of riding on faith that we are in fact related.  There is truly no doubt in my mind, just look at their childhood photo!

(Branae, far left & Brittny-Anne, far right)

I see so much ressemblance there's no question!  I pray for the truth to reveal that what I believe is true and we all live happily ever after!

Bonnie (1975), April (1983) and I (1977) were born to Michael & Diane Jinks

Casey (1986) was born to Michael & Toni Jinks

Brittny-Anne & Branae (1990) were born to Michael Jinks (?) & Stacey

Elizabeth (2001) was born to Michael & Donna Jinks

I see a (re)union in the near future for ALL of us!  Praise God we've found each other!

FOR FUN:  More photos

Brittny-Anne:

Branae:

All God's Blessings

God has been pouring out his blessings on our lives lately!  They are all worth mentioning so, here you go!

1. 
   
   Last Autumn I was introduced to Celebrating Home by way of an in-home party.  The designer, Karen, was perfect in every way; I just HAD to host my own party to share her with my friends & family.  I just recently hosted my second CH party with Karen during their anniversary week (the one-year anniversary of Home & Garden Party buying out the bankrupt Home Interiors and becoming Celebrating Home).  I was entered into a drawing for booking during that week and WON $500.00 worth of free CH product!  If you're interested, connect to Karen with Celebrating Home yourself here.  I'll post photos of my choices when the order arrives! 
2. 
   
   

   I've entered a hand full of blog drawings for various items and won the book Mother Daughter Duet from Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom, a name doily from Jena at Crafty Mom of 4 Boys, and "System" by Art Prints for Kidz from Tiffany at Making the World Cuter! 
3. 
   
   I never shop yard sales, my philosophy is "why look if you don't need."  Well, I've actually been waiting to purchase these things (new) when we had the money!  God blessed me with what I was looking for sooner rather than later and at a much more desireable price!
1. 
   
   This sewing table alone was $669.99 on sale for $459.99 but I got the exact same one (only in maple instead of white) for a whoppin' $22.00!!  Great condition too! 

(machine and accessories not included in the purchase, haha)

2.  I've had my heart set on an old book shelf to revamp and found this for $12.00...

...and did this to it! 

3.  I have been waiting for the right time to add some nightstands to Hayden's bedroom set; it's the right time and the right price at only $20.00 for the two!

And they match his dresser, which is actually a changing table without the pad on top!

Yes! Yes!  Blessings galore!  But OH wait; there's MORE!!! 

Keep a lookout for a blog titled "Family Matters"