Guest Blogger...Judy Fedele
(I wrote this prior to the birth of our second child because the hospital we used required a written birth plan for them to reference. My OB/GYN keeps a copy on file because he loved it so much, and I don't think the hospital ever got a birth plan quite like it!)
OUR BIRTH PLANby Judy and Nick Fedele
Okay, here we grow again! (I mean our family, not just my stomach…). Yes, well, after a hiatus of five years, Nick and I have decided to go for child number two. While in many ways we are better prepared for a second child – having had some “minor” experience and all – I personally have been a little late getting my birth plan together this time. Before the birth of our daughter Jaime, it was great fun to organize and plan all the little details (regardless of how little reality actually matched the birth plan ‘format’). But life often gets in the way of things we plan to do (much like my stomach does when I go to trim my toenails). So I thought, ‘Hey, I wrote a great birth plan before. It’s not cheating if I copy myself, is it?’ I considered cheating on a wider format, so I went out and bought some new crib sheets. College style, with fine lines. But these particular crib sheets were not very noteworthy, so it was back to plan number one. (Literally.) So here we go:
· Nutrition During Childbirth: {otherwise known as "snackage"}
Judy would favor a chocolate I.V. drip as the most expedient and efficient method of snackage during childbirth. If this option is not available, they will bring their own consumables, and consume them in the usual straightforward manner. After delivery is complete, they may order take-out, unless the take-out can be delivered during delivery.
· Options During Delivery:
Pepperoni, mushrooms, double cheese … oh, sorry, not that delivery.
Judy is willing to try a variety of methods during labor. If labor is extended, Judy would like use of the whirlpool between contractions. As for other comfort measures like massage: the more, the better.
· Room Preference:
Starting with the assumption that the Birth Place will have an available room, Judy would of course like to request the "good room", i.e.: Room A, with the private bath. Preference after A would follow with C and B, in that order because most everyone chooses B and then C, and to pick in reverse might just be advantageous. If all three of these rooms are occupied, Labor and Delivery is acceptable until a room in the Birth Place (hopefully) becomes available.
To review: A, C, or B. L & D o.k. if A, C, or B n/a. If L & D, back to A, C, or B: a.s.a.p.
· Pain Medications:
Judy's intention is to give birth naturally (numb from the neck down, as God intended) … no, no; sorry … naturally as in labor without unnecessary medications if possible. She is not adverse to the administration of basic pain meds if needed.
· Music and Lighting of Room:
Nick and Judy have very specific (and highly questionab- … pardon… highly cultivated) taste in music. They will provide their own tape player and tapes. Earplugs will be provided for the staff and attending physician. It stands to reason that while quiet and soothing music is quite suitable for digesting dinner, music with a more 'rhythmic' beat might be more a propos for hard-core labor. (Not to worry, remember the earplugs?) They plan on bringing a "birth tape" with some favorite up-tempo tunes. In addition, they will bring some lovely Celtic music for those "time between times" of pushing and/or contractions.
As for the lighting: they would prefer to avoid strong lighting. The dimmer the room, the better. Basically, enough light so the staff shouldn't trip over things, but not more than that.
· Episiotomy and Other Medical Procedures:
The only episiotomy that Judy wants is to have Nick apologize repeatedly (“appease”) for all the pain and suffering she must endure while in labor. And the other kind only if really, really necessary. As for other medical procedures, Judy would prefer no IVs if possible.
· Sibling Participation:
Our daughter, Jaime, may be present for limited visiting and participation during the birth. It is possible the extra aggravation- I mean, blessing, of an extremely bright and spirited five-year-old acting as a human pinball could speed up the delivery process.
· Cutting of the Cord:
Nick would like to cut the cord when the baby is born, unless he is shaking too much. If not the cord, then he would like to at least fill out the I.D. bracelet. Failing that, he is in charge of ordering the pizza.
· Placing of Baby on Abdomen:
Prior to handoff after birth Judy requests that the staff please blot the baby dry so she shouldn't fumble and drop a wet or squishy infant. Once this precaution has been taken please place the child skin to skin on her abdomen to allow for maximum "First Contact" protocol.
· Feeding Procedures:
Judy is planning on breast feeding. Assuming all the plumbing works correctly and the baby is cooperative.
And tha- tha- that’s all, folks.
Finding Satisfaction
I realized in my devotions the other day that often I pray for God to sustain me, I want much, but in reality I expect little. I know God loves me, but I often don’t live as if God alone can satisfy me.
I don’t know about you, but there are times when I turn to other things in hopes of finding satisfaction. Sometimes my longing drives me to the mall or to the refrigerator or searching the Internet for great travel deals. The only problem is that after I’ve spent my money, increased my waistline, or soaked in the sun, I still feel empty.
But, I’m learning what I need to be truly filled. Sometimes that means escaping to the quiet of my room, curling up in a ball on my bed, and praying to God for strength and peace. Other times its opening my Bible and filling my mind with God’s Word.
As a parent, one of the best things we can do for our children is to find room for Christ. Not allowing our hearts to be crowded or our hands to be full. Not allowing our minds to be preoccupied. It’s allowing ourselves to find intimacy with our Lord. And the only thing that will keep your children true to their faith is an intimate relationship with Jesus—one they learn from your example—for themselves.
©Tricia Goyer
Calling All Teen GIRLS!
My Life, Unscripted
CONTEST!
YOU CAN WIN A $25 iPod GIFT CERTIFICATE
Here's what you have to do. Read My Life, Unscripted by Tricia Goyer, and then write a review on her book and post it on your blog, myspace, shoutlife, or amazon.com. Sounds easy right? It really is. (Please forward this contest to any teens you think might be interested!)
To obtain a copy of My Life, Unscripted you can visit amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or check into your local Christian book store.
My Life, Unscripted explores relationships in every teenage girl's life--with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God.
Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics, make this an interesting read for teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships.
They'll also learn the importance of "scripting" their own responses BEFORE challenging life-situations arise and are able to think about, pray about, and consider how to face these situations before the scene begins. By contrasting real-life with TV or movies, teens will understand they don't have to get caught up in the drama.
In addition to the review, you may also include how you, too, have overcome temptation.
Many will enter
only Three will Win
Contest Begins NOW!
***contest ends 11/30/2007
The New and Improved triciagoyer.com!
I have a new website!
Check it out!
http://www.triciagoyer.com/! I'm so excited about all the new features! Stop by and let me know what you think!
My Tween Central and the Cheetah Girls!
Hi, Meet my friend Jeff.
He runs a web site called My Tween Central. I'll let him tell you a little about who he is and what he does at his website.
Tell me about you and your family:
I met my wife at Milligan College in Johnson City, TN, and we have been married for 8 years. We have a beautiful 16 month old little girl named Savannah. Together my girls are the highlight of my life. We like to go play at the park in the warm evenings or drive over to Sonic, lay a blanket down in the back of the truck and eat ice cream. We have seen the faithfulness of God in our lives more than ever during this past year. Starting your own business is a very difficult task, one that requires sacrifice, patience, hard work, and trust in the Lord.
How did you get the idea for MyTweenCentral?
I had some experience in online retail which had allowed me to work on promotions for several Disney artists. However, as I did some research, I didn’t find very many websites outside of Disney that were appealing to tweens that also had a retail element for parents. The sites I saw that were geared towards tweens often featured content that was not age-appropriate. A friend of mine, who is now a business partner, had asked if it would be possible to start our own company. As I became more familiar with the tween demographic, it just made sense to move in a direction towards kid-safe entertainment. I have been blessed to have some ‘mom’ experts like Stacey Kannenberg from CedarValleyPublishing.com ( http://www.cedarvalleypublishing.com/blog) who have provided advice, suggestions, and a perspective that has helped us build and shape MyTweenCentral.com.
What benefits do you hope to provide for families?
The main thing that sets us apart from almost every other online retailer that sells music, movies, and books is that we have limited our selection of titles to only carry those products which would be considered ‘mom-approved’ and safe for kids. Parents can have the peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe on MyTweenCentral.com to view CD covers, read product overviews and track listings, and check out any of the featured content we may have from time to time. So much of what is marketed today as ‘kid-friendly’ is really not, so we are making a concentrated effort to be a trusted website for tween-safe entertainment. As we grow, we will have even more features for kids that are safe and age appropriate.
What exciting opportunities do you have coming up for MyTweenCentral?
The biggest for MyTweenCentral.com right now is our partnership with Hollywood Records for the official online pre-sale of the Cheetah Girl’s new album. We are really excited because hopefully it will generate a lot of awareness to parents about MyTweenCentral.com.
We are also looking at ways to add more content, games, and interactive elements for kids. Something we have in mind is a spotlight section that highlights the creative talents and abilities of every day tweens.
Every person that comes across MyTweenCentral.com is extremely excited to have found us. This includes other websites and companies that share a similar vision. I am very geared towards partnerships and doing things that are mutually beneficial to each party involved. I really believe that more can be accomplished by working together with others than trying to do it all by yourself. Plus, at the end of the day, it feels a lot better to know that you may have played a small role in helping someone else’s company grow. All that to say we are looking at several opportunities with other websites that should continue to help get the word out about MyTweenCentral.com.
What bonus do you have for my readers today?
Thank you so much for sharing our website with your readers.
Here are a couple coupon options.
#1: 15% off when you pre-order the new Cheetah Girls CD through the official pre-sale checkout
Coupon Code: mtc07
Fun! Thanks so much Jeff!
Labels: cheetah girls, tweens
3:16 Teen Edition
Amy here, (Tricia's
devoted assistant)! While Tricia is at ACFW, hob-nobbing with her friends and teaching classes, I thought I'd pop in and tell you about Tricia's latest project!
Max Lucado's new book 3:16 came out this month! Why am I telling you this? Well because Tricia was asked to co-write the teen edition of 3:16! It will be released in February 2008.
Below is a link to the video trailer for 3:16 The Numbers of Hope.
and here's some basic info From
Amazon:
Book Description
Based on the beloved verse of John 3:16, Max Lucado brings insight to help teens apply this important teaching to their lives.
3:16 is certain to be one of Max's most important titles ever. The book is packaged with a white silicone bracelet with 3:16 printed for a dramatic effect and will be a tremendous conversation starter and outreach tool for teens.
Max offers his unique and simple storytelling for this important message while Tricia Goyer writes teen responses to Max's message, guiding teens to fully understand how this verse can impact their lives. From confession to praise, these responses are sure to bring an insightful look into the personal faith of teens.
Transformation
I watch very little television. Perhaps it's because I'd rather read. Or (which is more likely) perhaps it is because there is a husband and three teens to share the television with. My favorite all time channel is HGTV. (You thought I was going to say the History Channel, didn't you?) Yes, I love history. But I love watching a good design show even more.
For the last few months, every Sunday night after church has meant one thing, "Design Star"
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/design_star/ . It's a mix of a reality show and a design program, and they winner of each season gets their own show on HGTV. If I wasn't so busy as a writer--and if it didn't mean being away from my family for so long--I might even try out for season three!
I'm sad to see the season ending. Sigh. I'm happy that Kim (who I voted for) won!
Personally, I think my choice of my favorite show says a few things about me. I like people. I like seeing them at work, seeing what makes them tick, seeing how they handle stress, success, failure, each other.
I like design. I like to see transformation. I like color and style. I like nothing turning into something. (Sort of like books.)
I also like learning ... which in this case is about color, design, and personality.
What TV shows do you like? What do they say about you?
My Life, Unscripted Blog Tour
The blog tour for My Life Unscripted has begun!
Guest Blogger...Cara Putnam
First, it’s the only conference that focuses exclusively on fiction.
Second, at it’s opening session last year, I received my very first book contract. I will never forget that experience.
Third, God has used the people in ACFW to train me to be a writer. I’d read a ton before joining. I’d even read some craft books on how to write. But it was in ACFW that I learned what terms of art like POV (point of view) meant. I still remember going to my first state meeting and wondering at the strange terms I kept hearing. It was like another language.
Fourth, I’m excited to get to serve. This will be my first conference as a national board member. Plus, I will serve as a workshop hostess again and work in the bookstore a shift.
Fifth, I actually get to teach a bit at this conference. I love to teach, so am THRILLED to get to share some of what I’ve learned. One of the times is on a panel with several of my writing buds, so it should be fun.
Sixth, I get to meet Tricia Goyer…finally!
Enough said!
Cara C. Putman
Canteen Dreams -- October 2007; Sandhill Dreams -- May 2008 and Captive Dreams -- September 2008 (Heartsong Presents) Deadly Exposure -- June 2008 (LI Suspense)
How NOT to deal...
I found this at
Mars Hill Church's blog for women
Re:Fem...Any of you out there Not Dealing?
Here are a few simple steps I’ve followed through the years to avoid dealing with the issues in my life, I’ve found them to be pretty handy in avoiding my problems (for a while anyway), so maybe they can help you in your lack of progress too.
1. Avoid seeing that you have anything to deal with in the first place. This is the best way to not deal; however, chances are you know something is up, and that you need to deal with it. If this is your circumstance, the following may help you continue in the path of avoidance.
2. Get busy. And I don’t mean with thinking; in fact, avoid thinking as much as possible. Get busy with all kinds of things – housework, cooking, catching up on TV shows and movies you didn’t know you wanted to see, and exercising – A LOT. Also, try browsing the web – catching up on some news or angry blogs about pastor Mark or finding a very time/thought consuming hobby.
I have a friend that had this work for him for a couple years: look for the faults in your friends and point those out – this may not be the best tactic as they could bring up the very thing you’re trying to avoid, but it can work in the right circumstances.
3. Hang out with people. Constantly. But not with the people who know you really well, avoid those. Hang out with those you have a very surfacey relationship with. Do not spend time with people who will pry into your life, and especially stay away from the people who might help you deal with your crap. Simple rule of thumb: the more they care, the less time you spend with them.
4. Don’t read your Bible, or pray. These are perhaps the two greatest challenges in your avoidance. To truly avoid your issues, you’re going to have to try to avoid Jesus too, and He is the most persistent of pursuers.
5. When all of the above have failed, run away. Move. Change churches, jobs, and friends. When you have cut off all ties with those who know you, then you only have to deal with avoiding yourself and Jesus.
So, those are my steps for not dealing with your issues. I’ve tried pretty much all of these, or seen them tried by others. They do work… for a while. Use these at your own risk - I can’t say I recommend using any of them.
These techniques have brought me pain and drawn out circumstances that I didn’t need to be in; I’m sure they’ll do the same for you if you just try them.
Nichole Johnson of Women of Faith
I'm Invisible.
It all began to make sense - the blank stares, the lack of response,the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store.
Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"
Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more:
Can you fix this?
Can you tie this?
Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.
I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?"
I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?"
I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude -but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.
She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabuloustrip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.
I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to mewith a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe.
I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:
"To Charlotte , with admiration for thegreatness of what you are building when no one sees."
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me four, life-changing truths after which I could pattern my work:
No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
These builders gave their whole lives for awork they would never see finished.
They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.
The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyesof God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving atiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will becovered by the roof? No one will ever see it."
And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see thesacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become."
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my ownself-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on.
The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand-bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.
And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.
Guest Blogger...Cara Putnam
School DAZE
I’m a first generation homeschooler. My parents started homeschooling as soon as it became legal in Nebraska. That translated into fifth grade for me. I loved it! It was a perfect fit for someone who is a very self-motivated learner. Give me a textbook and a schedule, and I’m good to go. Check back next month.
My daughter is a second generation homeschooler. She’s doing great. We’re in our second year, and she’s doing a great job with second grade.
Let me tell you, things have changed. Here are some examples:
1) When we started homeschooling, people assumed we were weird, my parents were hiding us from the world, and all kinds of other lovely things. Today, if I mention we homeschool, the first reaction 99% of the time is – hey, that’s cool. Wish I could do that.” Very different reaction…one I have to get used to.
2) When we started homeschooling, there were very limited curriculum options. We used Abeka in the early years, and could only order it through a Christian school. See the challenge…mom had to find a Christian school who didn’t see homeschooling as the loss of potential students. Now a days, a person can get overwhelmed by all the choices…there is a plethora of options and supplements in every subject area. Thank goodness I already knew what we would use.
One thing hasn’t changed.
1) Support groups continue to abound. Support groups are a key way for homeschoolers to connect, to get their questions answered, to take field trips, to study electives. Now there are even coops where families share teaching. How cool is that. I just need to plug into one…because I was homeschooled, I’m more than happy to arrange my own small groups for Abigail. But this week I joined the local support group. It was time.
I love the control homeschooling gives me over my kids’ education. I also love the way it allows me to spend lots of quality time with my children. I get to be there when Jonathan sounds out another word. Or when Abigail figures out fractions. That is an incredible experience.
How do you participate in your children’s education?
Cara C. Putman
Canteen Dreams -- October 2007; Sandhill Dreams -- May 2008 and Captive Dreams -- September 2008 (Heartsong Presents) Deadly Exposure -- June 2008 (LI Suspense)The Law, Life & Books: http://carasmusings.blogspot.com Original Writer for Jake Tremaine at Scenes & Beans: http://kannerlake.blogspot.com
Like Mother, Like Daughter
I'm more like Grace than I'd like to admit!
She's an adorable, rambunctious, high-energy, intelligent, limit-pushing girl who'd never think twice about scaling a metal pole in a dress. That's why I make her wear shorts all the time.
My mom would often tell me she'd have to pull me from the chandeliers. I'm not sure if that was just an expression, but watching my daughter, I'm sure it's not much of an exaggeration.
The other day she told me "Mommy, in my dream I tell the people I'm dreaming!"
I said, "When I was little I used to do the same thing."
"You did?"
"Yes," I said. "Even when I was being chased by monsters I'd stopped and look at them and say 'You can't hurt me it's just a dream.'"
Grace looked in awe.
When I look at my outgoing, spunky, independent, adorable little girl, I often wonder what she's going to be like when she grows up. If I was so much like her, then when did I turn into an insecure, shy child?
I think I know the answer. Probably when my parents' divorced. I'm always amazed when people look at the children of divorced parents and claim they're doing fine. I don't think they're doing fine. They may get straight A's like I did, have good morals, like I did, stay out of trouble, like I did...but I don't think they're okay.
I think there's a huge hole in their heart. I think there's a part of them that cries at night and is frustrated with always having to split the holidays between two parents. I think there's a part of them that hates having to choose between their parents, and it's a lie to think you don't. You do. I still have to choose who to visit for how long and what holidays to spend with them. It's a royal pain in the butt and something I NEVER wish to inflict upon my children.
I'm not sure where this post has migrated to, but it makes me wonder what I would be like today if my parents had modeled a healthy relationship?
I know I would probably be a healthier parent and have a healthier marriage. My daughter is a lot like me, but I pray she never ends up like me. I pray that she takes all her God given potential and energy and never hides it under a bushel or questions her self-worth.
When she grows up, I pray she's develops into the person God has created her to be!
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Gina Conroy
http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/ http://www.shoutlife.com/Ginaconroyhttp://writerinterrupted.com/Proclaim you're a writer...interrupted with our t-shirts, mugs and totes at
http://www.zazzle.com/Writerinterrupted
Bloggermom...
Okay, my friend Kelli alerted me to this cool story about how a blogging, Gen X mom found a HUGE audience overnight. Also, note my esteemed agent, Janet Grant, is quoted in the article!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-bloggermom_03sep03,1,987830.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout&ctrack=2&cset=trueI thought about trying to mimic her, but that would involve taking in six kids under the age of twelve … and none of my friends would give up theirs. Go figure!
Novel in 30 words...
Sophie must leave behind the man she loves and return to the person who betrayed her. Another layer of war in Spain is revealed and nothing is as it seems.
Does it interest you?
Read the first chapter
here!
Guest Blogger...Cara Putnam
Oops. Normally Cara has Tuesday's, but in my head yesterday was Monday, and today is Tuesday...so I've messed up the schedule!
Anyway...let's just get on with it. Ha!
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I love to read, so I thought I'd share with you some of the great new Christian fiction releases this month. Enjoy!
1.
A Big Apple Christmas by Vasthi Reyes Acosta,
Gail Sattler,
Lynette Sowell, and
Carrie Turnasky from Barbour. A contemporary collection of four novellas that captures the sights and sounds of Christmas in New York City.
2.
A Mommy In Mind, A Tiny Blessings Tale, Book 3 of 6 by
Arlene James, from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A single woman trying to adopt an infant eventually realizes that the attorney behind a nightmarish custody suit is God's chosen mate for her.
3.
A Shadow of Treason, 2nd book in The Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series by
Tricia Goyer from Moody Publishers. Sophie must leave behind the man she loves and return to the person who betrayed her. Another layer of war in Spain is revealed and nothing is as it seems.
4.
A Texas Legacy Christmas, Texas Legacy series Book 4 by
DiAnn Mills from Barbour Publishing. Snuggle down between the covers of A Texas Christmas Legacy, where the miracle of love and life awaits you on every page.
5.
Boo Humbug, The Boo Series by
Rene Gutteridge from WaterBrook Press. The zany characters of Skary return in this Christmas novella.
6.
Finding Marie sequel to
Frasier Island by
Susan Page Davis from Harvest House. Marie Belanger witnesses a murder and runs for her life not knowing why, eluding her pursuers so well it’s nearly impossible for her husband Pierre to help her.
7.
Long Trail to Love 2nd in the Vermont Contemporary series by
Pamela Griffin from Heartsong Presents. Carly loses her boyfriend, her job, and the town’s respect in one crazy moment while out-of-towner Nate suffers a similar fate, but when they become “team mates” during a hike into Canada, the trek doesn’t allow for a smooth climb - in more ways than one!
8.
Mason's Link by
Bill Andrews from Xulon Press, recounts he fictional discovery of a link used to communicate with a departed loved one, considered by Heavenly powers to be the most important event since the Resurrection.
9.
Montana Mistletoe by
Lena Nelson Dooley,
Lisa Harris,
Debby Mayne, and
Kim Vogel Sawyer from Barbour Publishing. Four friends make a pact to marry by their twenty-eighth Christmas, but as the deadline looms, careers and experiences threaten to douse their Christmas spirit - and their chances for romance.
10.
Shadow of Danger by
Jeanne Marie Leach from Mountain View Publishing. Sent away from home because of an undisclosed danger, a woman locates an old friend to help, but will she find love or will the danger get her first?
11.
Sushi For One? by
Camy Tang from Zondervan. Will Lex Sakai be able to surrender her "perfect man" list and give Mr. All Wrong a chance?
12.
The Restorer’s Son by
Sharon Hinck from NavPress. A new, reluctant Restorer is asked to sacrifice for his people-if he can find a way to yield to the One.
13.
When the Morning Comes by
Cindy Woodsmall from WaterBrook Press. Wounded by her family, doubted by her fiance, Hannah Lapp plunges into life outside her Old Order Amish community.
14.
When the Nile Runs Red by
DiAnn Mills from Moody. An Arab Christian dedicated to helping the Southern Sudanese is hunted by his Muslim brothers.
Happy reading~
Cara C. Putman
Canteen Dreams -- October 2007; Sandhill Dreams -- May 2008 and Captive Dreams -- September 2008 (Heartsong Presents) Deadly Exposure -- June 2008 (LI Suspense)
Generation Next Article by Gina Conroy
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First day of School
I woke up at 6:30 and jumped in the shower ready to start the first day of school off right. After waking the older boys with a "flash" (I took photos) they eventually made it out of be and everyone made it down stairs for breakfast fully dressed and with teeth already brushed.
I cooked eggs and we had left over pancakes. My husband even did a small devotion and the only real issues we had was that Joey got upset because there wasn't a lot of orange juice left.
We planned on leaving at 7:30, but by the time we gathered up everyone and their supplies, it was 7:45. Then we hit traffic and I started to panic, but decided they'd probably give everyone grace on the first day of school.
We arrived at 8:00 and my husband took the older two to their classes. He said Chris was the last one to arrive and had to sit in the front row, which he wasn't happy about. I settled Timmy into his second grade class and witnessed tears coming from a couple of girls. Timmy was all smiles and settled in quickly. He even gave me a kiss before I left! So glad he's still little.
It's 10:00 am now and I've had a quiet morning doing laundry and playing games and puzzles with Grace. Our dog seems to notice the quiet. I know I do. I keep wondering what the boys are doing at this very moment. A part of me is sad that they're gone, but a part of me knows that this is what it's going to take to restore peace into this family. It's sad that things don't always work out how I would have liked it to. My heart still wants them home, but not the way it has been for the last three years. I think in our family absense will make the heart grow fonder.
I already think it has for this momma!
Gina Conroy
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Generation Next Article by Gina Conroy
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My Baby Boy has Grown UpTimmy (7) came to me about two weeks ago and said, "Mom, I'm not your baby any more."
Then he smiled and showed me he just lost his first tooth. (Sniffle)
I told him a while ago I'd stop calling him my baby when he lost his first tooth. The next day he lost his second. I had forgotten what we gave the other boys for their first teeth, but he was happy with $2 under his pillow. The next day he said, "I asked everyone and they said they didn't put it under there." But he didn't ask me. (We don't over emphasize/play up the tooth fairy) That day he lost his second tooth and my husband thought the other boys got $5 for their first tooth, so the next night he found $4 under his pillow. It all evened out in the end.
So now I'm not allowed to call him my baby boy. Seven going into second grade seemed mighty old to not have lost a tooth yet. I guess I should be happy that I got to hold on to my baby boy for so long, but with him going off at school for the first time, I'm nostalgic for my little guy.
I guess I can still hold onto the fact while he's not little in age, he's still little in size. Though I am praying he'll grow big when the time comes, and when he stands taller than me (5 ft. 3 1/2 in) I'll be glad!
Gina Conroy
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