Mom Thoughts

I'm going to be an Aunt! Again! One of my sisters is expecting her first baby. A precious little girl whose gender was revealed to us on Christmas day with a large box of pink balloons. It was so fun to wonder and guess, and revel in the excitement of new life all over again.

It makes me all misty eyed, because...

...I was born to be a mom! No other career choice held any sort of weight or passion. In fact, I knew at a very young age that motherhood was something that God specially crafted into my being.

Kindergarten, 1986 - Proof of my desire...and bad handwriting.

As a child, my mom kept a "School Years" book for each of our yearly accolades, grades, photos, etc. But the thing I remember the most about filling out the pages each year with my mom was the question at the very end that said, "when I grow up I want to be..."

Without fail, from kindergarten through 8th grade (which is when that particular question ended) I would check the box marked Mother. And then I'd have to sign my name declaring that I had chosen that path.

It was fun! But it was also a sign of things to come. Because even as I grew, motherhood never drifted far from my mind. Even in high school and my young adult years, I would long for the day when the joy of being a mommy would be mine.

I was beyond eager!

So I love that my sister is experiencing all this mommy stuff for the first time. It's the best kind of adrenaline rush of emotions.

The other day I told my sister to go and complete her baby registry. "Have fun", I texted her and my brother-in-law as they drove to Babies R Us. Because who doesn't like shooting that little registry gun at all the adorable baby stuff? I know I had a blast...a five hour blast if I remember correctly, but I'm a shopper by nature. ;)

So I was surprised when I spoke with her later. Her response was that the experience was "overwhelming". It didn't quite compute for me. Although part of that problem was probably going with her hubby. (Guys just don't get that kind of thing.) She should have taken me!

All this mom and baby talk has me wondering what kind of motherhood experience you had.

So please share with me: Are you a mom? When did becoming a mother hit your radar? And were you overly eager like I was, from a very young age, or were you overwhelmed? Somewhere in between? What adjective would you put on your past (or future) mommy experience?

January's Book Club Pick and Winners!!!!!

I feel refreshed! Maybe its the new calendar year. Maybe its cause I slept great last night...

Actually, I think its because I have a spark of an idea about what I want to do with this blog! For crying out loud...it took me long enough! LOL Anyway, I'm really excited and hope to have some fun reveals coming up!

***

Author, Dani Pettrey

It didn't take me longer than a millisecond to come up with January's title. I've been hearing great buzz, I was intrigued by the backcover copy, I downloaded a sample onto my Kindle...and didn't breathe for the entire first two chapters. I was on the edge of my seat. So I'm excited (and already convinced I'll love this book) to announce that my book club pick for January is:

Submerged by Dani Pettrey 

Read along with me...pretty please! It's a good one. I can already tell! We'll share our thoughts at the end of the month. 

***

And now, I think I get to reveal some winners!!! I love this part! ;) The winners of my mystery prizes are....(in my best Oprah voice)

Everyone!!! 

If you commented on yesterday's post (at the time of this writing), then I have you down to receive a super, top-secret box from me!! :) 

*Jaime*

*Lindsay*

*Marissa*

*Jessica*

*Mary*

*Karen*

Ladies, send me an email with your mailing address, and a box will arrive on your doorstep! (standard shipping times apply...I couldn't resist...I had to say that! LOL) 

lacie0430(at)comcast(dot)net

HAPPY FRIDAY! And get reading! :) :) 

Review Day - A Bride Sews With Love by Erica Vetsch

The lovely, Erica Vetsch

I’m excited to finally be posting my review of A Bride Sews With Love in Needles,California by Erica Vetsch. I owe her no shortage of apologies for taking so long in completing this task. I assure you, the delay has nothing to do with the delightful story that Erica penned, rather the fault is my own, paired with the busyness of my December.

A Bride Sews With Love is the story of Meghan and Caleb during WWI. Meghan is a young, impetuous, and devastatingly loyal patriot that’s newly hired on as a Harvey Girl in the desert town of Needles, CA. Caleb is a withdrawn and dashing rouge that trains horses for the military, with plenty of secrets in his past.

Right from the start an antagonist, in the form of Meghan’s boss, makes her appearance, and succeeds in moving the story along at a brisk pace. I found myself waiting for the moment of revenge or pay-back for the filthy bitterness she spewed wherever she went. Surly a pie in the face could have been worked in there somewhere, no? But Vetsch instead teaches us some grace, forgiveness, and compassion through this character.

Apart from the sweet storyline itself, I was amazed by how aptly the author wove in details of the time period, the Harvey company, and facts about WWI. It was an enjoyable read that never once felt like a history book. And yet I feel as though I learned quite a bit.

Another thing that pleasantly surprised me were the twists and surprises. Every now and then a romance novel can feel a tad repetitive compared to other titles. I’m happy to say that A Bride Sews With Love is truly unique. There were at least three twists (yes, I counted) that came out of left field for me. A sure sign of a talented and capable writer! 

The love is sweet, the fights are fraught with tension, sympathy runs rampant and the kisses…well, those don’t disappoint either!

If historicals are your thing, you must read A Bride SewsWith Love!

I have a fun, (BIG) surprise giveaway for one lucky commenter today. Simply answer this question in the comments to be entered: If you lived during WWI, would you rather have been a nurse in a military hospital or a Harvey Girl stationed somewhere in the states? And why? 

Share with me: Have you read this book? What did you think of that mean ole Mrs. Gregory? :) If you haven't read Erica's book yet, might I suggest you add it to your to-be-read pile?

Happy New Year!

January 1st! Wow! I can't believe it's here!

I love the newness of the beginning of a new year! It's always so full of possibilities and dreams--a fresh start.

As my lovely Anne-girl said in Anne of Green Gables, "...tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it..." I draw on that sentiment a lot. :)

Last week I was happily driving along, singing loudly to K-Love as I ran errand after errand, when my mind wandered to my goals for 2013. Did I want to make a resolution...again? Did I want to declare a theme for the year? I wasn't sure how I wanted to participate.

Then my heart whispered..."relationships". And I had a head-nodding moment, because that's truly what I want. More than time for my many (some off-the-wall) hobbies, more than time to write, more than fitness goals, or big, fluffy dreams, I want to deepen my relationships--with God, with my family, with my friends!

So, if I know you in any facet of my life...whether that's my day-to-day life, through the internet...if you're my closest friend or a distant acquaintance...look out! (Fair warning!) I'm coming for YOU and I'm a hugger! :)

2013 will be all about RELATIONSHIPS for me!!! 

***

Back to regularly scheduled programming...

Thursday the 3rd, I'll be posting my very tardy review of Erica Vetsch's novel, along with a big surprise for one commenter! (Think "leftover goodies" from my Blog Bash!) Stay tuned.

Then on Friday the 4th, I'll announce my January Book Club title. I've heard good things...Yay!

Tell me: Are you ready for life to resume its normalcy, or do you prefer the rush, rush of the holidays? What is your word/phrase/goal for 2013?

Gone Fishin'...

...Well, not exactly. But I'm like the rest of the world...scurrying here and there, preparing and planning and enjoying this time of year with my friends and family. 

I love the months of November and December for this exact reason. Everyone's so busy and festive. It just makes me happy and joyful! I feel like caroling...but I won't! :)

I'm happy to report that my Christmas shopping is finished and wrapped! I'm done!! Just sitting back and enjoying everything around me. 

I'm not happy to report that I owe y'all a review of last months book club title, A Bride Sews with Love by the sweetest of sweets, the lovely Erica Vetsch, and I just can't get to it right now. I've read the first few chapters and I'm hooked already, but unfortunately, reading has become one of those luxuries that I can't seem to squeeze in!!

I'm hoping to finish it and post a review before Christmas though, so keep your eyes peeled. But in the meantime, if you've read A Bride Sews with Love, will you do me a favor and rave about it in the comments, please? 

Most importantly, I just wanted to pop in here to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas! Big hugs and happy wishes of family gatherings, piles of scrunched up wrapping paper, way more Christmas cookies than are healthy, and blessed spirits to you all!!!! 

November Book Club Selection

 Happy November 1st everyone!!!

I'm so excited to announce the 2nd title in my little book club series! 

Last month we read Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz and it was breathtaking! Today we turn our attention to a book that's release day is also today! 

My November selection is: 

A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California

by Erica Vetsch. 

I've had the privilege of reading Erica's books before and they're always so romantic and engaging! So I have high hopes for this new release of hers! :) 

Grab yourself a copy and read along with me!!! (Click the title link to purchase your copy from Amazon.) We'll discuss our thoughts at the end of the month!! 

(Just a reminder that I'll be typing furiously this entire month so you may not see me as often. But in my spare time...I'll be reading Erica's book!!!) 

Share with me: Will you read along with me? Have you read Erica's wonderful books before? 

Nervous Jitters, Radio Silence, and Happy Halloween!

I'm a bundle of nerves! I can't think clearly for longer than ten minutes. My mind keeps wandering from any given task back to how quickly the clock seems to be ticking down...reaching for Thursday! Doomsday. Also known as the kickoff to NaNoWriMo.

I'm as ready as I can be...I think. I'm all plotted out. I know where I'm going, or at least where I think I'm going. I've got nothing left to do but wait and jot down random ideas that occur to me.

So to fill the time, I've been trying to Spring clean my house. Don't ask me why. Apparently, I'm literally going to die from this next months task, and I don't want to suffer any humiliation in Heaven as I witness my relatives rummaging through my junk-filled house. (Who thinks like this??)

It's gotten a bit silly the last few days. My family would probably label me crazy and mad instead of my nicer word choice. But, really, I had my kids Clorox-wiping door frames full of fingerprints at 8:00pm the other night--granted they were their dirty fingerprints, but...I think the term crazy just might fit.

**Beginning next week, my poor little blog will be entering a Radio Silence phase. (I will still announce my November book club title on Thursday the 1st and we'll still be reviewing said book in the comments at a date to be specified later! Actually, I'm really excited about the next book...so come back in two days and grab yourself a copy and read along with me!!!) During the month of November, I'll be devoting all my free time, and much of my not-free-time to writing so I won't be updating my blog or hanging around Facebook as much. Who am I kidding? I don't think anyone could label my social media usage as "much". :) But just so you know...

I'd like to wish anyone else out there NaNo-ing a huge and hopeful...GOOD LUCK! We can do it!!!

Finally, tomorrow is Halloween. However you choose to spend this holiday, I hope it full of laughter with loved ones, safe adventures, and lots of sugar!!! Mine sure will be! 

Happy Halloween!