Our Seventh Anniversary

 Ralph and I headed to Bainbridge Island to celebrate our anniversary. We found a terrific Boat and Breakfast on AirBnB. Tami, our host, was fantastic and Lille Danser (the boat) was beautiful. We want to bring the girls out there sometime and introduce them to sailing.

 It was our first visit to the island. We took the Bainbridge ferry over and the Kingston ferry back. We had two great days of just wandering with no specific plan. It was nice to hang out, talk, walk and be surrounded with the beauty of God's creation. We will definitely be going back soon. There is so much more to explore!

The Bloedel Reserve

 This reserve was so beautiful and such a neat story. Click on the link and check it out. Just beautiful.

Lille Danser

 We had a terrific picnic dinner on the boat of rosemary bread, brie, Beecher's smoked flagship, Sopressata salami, proscuitto, Rainier cherries, local strawberries, and sparkling French berry soda. For dessert we picked up some local fudge: chocolate peanut butter and dark chocolate salted caramel with coffee.     

The girls were so cute. When we left Zita wanted to come too. She kept running to the door, plopping down and sticking her feet in the air so we could put her shoes on. Nugget, on the other hand, was quite thrilled with the mom/son duo who came to watch them and kept asking, "Can you leave now?" When we got home, both girls were wearing HUGE smiles, Zita wouldn't let us put her down and Nugget kept saying "I am SO GLAD you are HOME!" It was nice to have some time to ourselves but we were glad to get back home to our girls!

Anniversary

On Sunday, Ralph and I will have been married 7 years. It hardly seems that could be possible. It feels like yesterday. Then I look at all the ups and downs we've gone through: loosing a nephew, Ralph's mom's breast cancer, financial struggles, the challenges and joys of shepherding our house churches in Dayton, moving across country, the joy of creating and meeting our two beautiful girls, the amazing vacations in God's beautiful creation, etc. There have been so many big things and so many little things all wonderful and sorrowful and mundane that have filled the last 7 years. There is no one I would rather be doing life with than my husband. We fight. We laugh. We play. We agree. We disagree. We have the best road trips together. We make beautiful babies.

Tomorrow we head out on a super fun adventure. We are going to a Boat and Breakfast on Bainbridge Island. This will be our first trip over there. We have a friend coming to stay with the girls with a little boy of her own. They will all have so much fun playing. We will have a two hour sail and then have the boat to ourselves for the night. Really looking forward to this.

Us at Deception Pass this month

Us in 2007 with Ralph's niece

Our Wedding 2004 photo by Locke Innovations

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband! He does such an amazing job of taking care of all 3 of us girls day in and day out. I could not ask for a better father for my girls. He loves them. Makes time for them. Teaches them all sorts of useful and silly things and even makes the useful things silly. He spent the whole day before Father's Day building this awesome slide for the girls with our terrific friends Matt and Erinn.

We had such a wonderful day today. We woke up and made Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Rolls. Went to church as a family. We had a delicious dinner at Emory's On Silver Lake. Then we all came home, played on the slide a bit and took naps. Love Sunday afternoon family nap time.

I am so blessed to be married to this man. Our girls are so blessed to have him for their Dad.

“Time is of the Essence” - Cold Mailman This has... • Helm's Deep

“Time is of the Essence” - Cold Mailman This has... • Helm's Deep

My husband finds the coolest stuff! I just had to share. Enjoy!

A Reluctant Queen (And a Free Book!)

Thanks to the LiteFuse Publicity Group for a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Oh. Wow. People. I loved this book. I must admit initially I wasn't too sure about the idea of the book. I've read a few retellings of Esther and I was thinking, "Really, another one?" I could. not. put. this. book. down. Seriously. Now, she admits to using some artistic license with the story to keep the plot going and you'll notice them but I felt she stayed true to the spirit of the story. 

It came alive for me more than it ever has. She gave all of the characters very plausible, real motives. That make sense and make for a very compelling story. I was hooked from the first couple pages. In fact, I got the book on a Saturday after working 12 hours and had another 12 hour work day on Sunday yet I managed to finish the book by Tuesday afternoon. It was so good I just couldn't put it down. 

I would read a sequel to this. I loved the characters. I loved the story line. I love her writing style. It was exciting and romantic and fun. Put it on your list. This is a must read. I am off to check out her website and see what else she has that I can pick up. 

Oh, and I have an extra copy! Through some mix-up I got my book super late and then got 2! I have one book to give away to someone. Leave me a comment letting me know you're interested. Monday I'll us The Random Number Generator and pick a winner. Then I'll have your book in the mail to you by Tuesday! I am so excited for you, my friends and family, to read this! Good luck!

the book: A Reluctant Queen 

An inspiring re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue . . . and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Xerxes was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity. More here.

About Joan: Joan Wolf was born in New York City but has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Connecticut, where she raised two children and countless numbers of assorted animals. Joan is the author of numerous historical novels including The Road to Avalon which Publishers Weekly lauded as “historical fiction at its finest.”

For more about Joan and her other books, please visitwww.joanwolf.com. 

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Queen-Love-Story-Esther/dp/1595548769/ref=sprightly-20

Blog tour schedule: Click on the link!

To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive: * A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen * A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE) To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st!  Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

Q & A with Author Joan Wolf

A Reluctant Queen, Thomas Nelson, June 2011

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13334561

What draws you to historical/biblical fiction?

           

I have always adored history, a love I inherited from my father.  He used to discuss people from history as if they were people in the current newspapers.  I think almost 90% of my books must have an historical setting.

You’ve had a successful career writing for the ABA, why start writing for the CBA now?

           

A few years ago I had an extraordinary experience where God touched my life.  This encounter stirred my interest in writing about other people who had experienced the presence of God in their lives and the CBA seemed to be the best place for me to do that.

What is it about the historical account of Esther that led you to write a romance story about her?

           

When I was a girl Esther fascinated me.  It seemed wonderful that God had chosen a woman to be the person who would save His people.  And, since I am a romantic soul, I also thought that there must have been a great love between her and the king for him to have done as she asked.

Why did you move away from the traditional interpretation of King Ahasuerus’ conduct?

           

I always thought that Ahasuerus must have loved Esther deeply because he listened to her and revoked the edict that Haman had sent out.  A king who not only allows his wife to break into his religious feast without punishment, but also comes to have dinner with her the following day, must care for her very much indeed.  And such a man must be a much nicer person than the king traditionally portrayed by Xerses/ Ahasuerus.

You love animals.  Do you ever incorporate them into your books?

           

Do I not ever incorporate animals into my books?  I am famous for my horses, but dogs play their part as well.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t put Esther on a horse, but I did make Ahasuerus a fanatical horseman.

What is your favorite historical era to write about?

           

I love to go way back in time, to periods where the records are mostly archeological.  I actually did three books set in the Upper Paleolithic, the period of the last ice age.  My next book is about Rahab, and I’m having such fun reading about pottery and stone remains from the late Bronze Age.

Spring for Susannah

Thank you to LitFuse Publicity Group for providing this book in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. 

This is a great book. I was quite surprised to realize that she is a first time author. I had a hard time putting this book down. I fell in love with the characters and needed to know what was going to happen next! Now, I have been to North Dakota and South Dakota. She is such a good story teller she almost had me believing Dakota was beautiful! The booked flowed well and was not as cliche as this story line could be. There are the parts that you probably know are coming but the route she went was different. The story was fresh, it didn't feel "done before." If you're looking for a good book to throw in your bag and take to the beach/pool/enter-name-of-outing-here, this is it!

I am looking forward to Catherine Richmond's next book. I feel there may possibly be a sequel or series in this one. If so, I would definitely read them!

About the book: Spring for Susannah

Booklist says, "Inspired by [folk] lyrics, Richmond arrives on the inspirational fiction scene with a moving debut novel. Readers will be filled with hope that Susannah will learn the true meaning of love. Highly recommended where inspiring, romantic historical fiction is in demand."

Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.

When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.

Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.

When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.

She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.

About Catherine: Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.

For more about Catherine, please visit www.catherinerichmond.com.  

Link to buy the book: 

About the giveaway and party:

To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah Prize Package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive: * A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen * Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE) To enter just click one of the icons below and then tell your friends! But hurry, giveaway ends on June 27th. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28th at 5 PM (6PM MST, 7PM CST, & 8PM EST) during Catherine's Spring for Susannah Book Club Party on Facebook! Catherine is rustling up some fun for the party - she'll be chatting about the story behind her novel, hosting a book club chat, testing your mail-order bride trivia skills, and giving away some GREAT prizes! Don't miss the fun and tell your friends!

Ahem, Laugh or Cry?

 So, um, this may or may not be what Ralph came home to after running out to pick up our new umbrella stroller from a fellow Freecycler.

 I may or may not have been on my laptop working on an e-mail. I may or may not have burst out laughing at the girls and Ralph's expression.

Hmm, I wonder where they are now? JK--they are safely strapped into their seats eating. This will make great blackmail someday!

My Foolish Heart

Thank you to LitFuse Publishing Group for providing this book in exchange for my review. I was not required to post a positive review.

I was so excited to receive this book to review! Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors. I love the way she writes and the characters that appear in her books. It doesn't hurt that she is from Minnesota as well. *grin* Her Deep Haven series is one of my current favorite series. This little Minnesota town reminds me of home and seems very real. I could really see some of the scenarios really happening. One neat thing about this series is that each book can stand on it's own. 


My Foolish Heart is a great story. So sweet! The characters all have to overcome so much. It's a bit over the top but in a good way. Isadora and Caleb were such great characters. They were fun and engaging. Despite being an amusing, incredible story I felt I could relate to them. They definitely don't have "everyone's life" but they are lovable and entertaining. These two definitely put a new spin on overcoming. I enjoyed getting peeks in to the lives of former characters of this series. Watch out, though, you may walk away with a huge donut craving after reading this book.  I think I almost read it in one sitting. Throw this one in your beach bag--it's a great summer read. The only disappointing thing is that I am now caught up on the series and don't have another one to read. 

About the book: My Foolish heart

Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast. 

Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?

Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/

About Susan:  Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia, Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder ofwww.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:www.susanmaywarren.com.

Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/My-Foolish-Heart-Deep-Haven/dp/1414334826/ref=sprightly-20

About the giveaway and party: 

Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her latest Deep Haven book, My Foolish Heart!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

Win a Romantic Night on the Town from Miss Foolish Heart! Susan May Warren is thrilled to announce the release of her latest Deep Haven book, My Foolish Heart! Read what the reviewers are saying here. To celebrate this charming novel about a dating expert who's never had a date, Susan has put together a romantic night on the town for one lucky couple. One grand prize winner will receive a Miss Foolish Heart prize package worth over $200!

The winner of the Romantic Night on the Town Prize Pack will receive:

 * A $100 Visa Gift Card (For Dinner) 

 * A $100 Gift Certificate to a Hyatt/Marriott Hotel 

 * The entire Deep Haven series 

 To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on June 16th. The winner will be announced that evening during Susan’s Miss Foolish Heart Party on Facebook! Susan will be chatting with guests, hosting a book club chat about My Foolish Heart, testing your Deep Haven trivia skills, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Gift certificates, books, donuts, and more!) Don't miss the fun and BRING YOUR FRIENDS! 

Blog tour schedule: Check out what others are saying by clicking the link!

CaringBridge / joybarringer / Welcome

Please be praying for this precious baby. She is the granddaughter of my childhood pastor. She has 3 older brothers and a large, beautiful family that loves her so much already. If you have a minute, leave them a note and let them know you are praying. Thank you.

CaringBridge / joybarringer / Welcome