Fun in the Snow!
Trying something new with a slideshow. I wasn’t pleased with all the quality of the photos I took, but I forgot to change the settings so I could take pictures fast! Still learning the technical side of photography. But I am also not too impressed by what Flickr’s slideshow does to the photos either. Don’t they look all pixel-y to you? (in full size view that is)
Ta-da! Our new header! Somewhere between last night and this morning a little “elf” was at work getting our new look uploaded! Still a couple of things to work on, like social media sites and my widgets but we are liking what we see! Big round of applause to Jocelyn at Feelin’ Feminine (her business site is listed at the bottom of the blog:-)) for her creative work!
Just finished Chasing Mona Lisa over Christmas weekend. Yes, our Christmas was that low key! I started reading it the week before Christmas during my nursing sessions with my 16 month old and was able to get it done. I have obviously heard of the Mona Lisa, but I had not heard of its theft as mentioned in the book. It is quite the interesting tale.
This book is set in WWII. The year 1944. A member of the French resistance and two Swiss agents are tangled in a web of honor and deceit as they try to protect the Mona Lisa from Nazis and keep her in France.
The story line held me in suspense, as I kept waiting and waiting for the plot to get to chasing the Mona Lisa. I had to wait until chapter nine to find out that the hunt was about to begin! While waiting the plot was just thickening in preparation for the chase!
There seemed to be more characters than usual, for a paperback book like this one, so my mind worked hard to place everyone in their appropriate scenes and relationships. This actually created a bit more intrigue as I tried to figure out who was where, doing what, with whom…you know what I mean?
Chasing Mona Lisa is very mild in terms of the events occurring through out the story, especially considering all the heinous crimes committed during that time. Nevertheless, the authors conveyed these things through the hatred displayed by certain characters. The blood they shed and crimes committed by both sides because murder was committed by so called good people but usually in self-defense.
While Romance was hinted at throughout this book, this was not a gushy romance novel, it was a historical fiction filled with adventure. It was filled with secrets, bravery, espionage, loyalty and a love of art. A great change of pace! I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and characters. The way it ended left me thinking there wouldn’t be another book, yet the story line left me wondering about a couple of characters that I truly hope there is another book in the works!
I admired the loyalty, courage and commitment to the cause, which was liberating Paris and restoring the country’s extensive art collection. I was held in suspense with the twist on the art smuggling and sales. Chasing the Mona Lisa created a desire to learn more about the Mona Lisa and Paris. I also want to write the first book of this sequel, The Swiss Courier as it is based upon one of the characters in this book! Might have to spend some of my Christmas money on a copy! (Scratch that, my daughter bought it for me!)
This was a great read and I highly recommend it! A word of warning though, if you are looking for a book with a spiritual theme, you will not find it in Chasing the Mona Lisa. If you are looking for a clean plot about history, fiction and adventure, then this is your book.
“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
As you may have noticed, life is busy here in our home and reading is something that I do just to relax and zone out. It helps me take a break from all the things pressing for my attention and allows me to escape only to have a better focus on what needs to be done. I certainly have more time to read during the colder months of the year than I do during the warmer months, as is evidenced by an almost weekly supply of book reviews lately! 😉
This next book review is by an author I have come to love. I get excited when I see Suzanne Woods Fisher’s name on an upcoming blog tour list! It is a contemporary romance but what I like about Suzanne’s books is the relationships and life lessons God is teaching her characters. There is always something for everyone in her books. Whether you are grieving, holding on to something that it has become an idol or plain need to slow down and take it easy The Keeper will teach you something.
I loved the Lapp’s family dynamics. Their love and care for one another is as it should be within a family unit. I loved how the character Fern seemed to know just how to bring out the best in each of the family members. I loved the sweetness and innocence of Menno, may we all have child-like faith and love like his.
I grappled with the heart transplant issue as I have never really come to a decision on what I believe about it. And I truly wonder what the Amish think about it all. I know all the finer points and the benefits of organ donors and transplants, but there is a fine line there in harvesting them and truly knowing the heart of God in a matter like this one. This is a whole can of worms, I know, but I am just being honest here.
Suzanne had me laughing and thoroughly amused through most of the book. Then towards the end I was crying. My oldest said, “You always cry in her books.” I snapped, “You would too if…….” Sorry I didn’t want to reveal a spoiler! You’ll just have to read the book yourself.
Two thumbs up from me!
“Available January 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
Ok, this new look is not the new look I was talking about. As I was writing my Fun with Food post I hit preview and got an error message and then I couldn’t access the blog! Contacted my hosting company and he thought it was the theme, so I tried changing the theme and it worked. Then I had to find a theme that didn’t mess everything up. So this is temporary and I am trying to find a theme that includes all my widgets. Just when I was finishing up for the day, technology issues a blow to slow me down. Sigh. This too shall pass….
I introduced Fun with Food Fridays last week. It is simply me (or my daughter or a combination of the two) taking pictures of food. This week’s feature includes clementines, bananas, and peanut butter and honey popcorn.
Clementines
by moi
Peanut Butter Honey Popcorn
by moi
Unripe Bananas
It’s hard to remember to take pictures of food when you are trying to feed ten hungry people!
I forgot one more new thing for 2012…it has to do with this blog. We are getting a new look! 
Yep, finally biting the bullet, no more procrastinating about it. Remember when I said I was going to play with my header photos, well I never did. Nothing like stating the obvious there! Ha! Though now we have a great camera to create decent header photos. The “other” photographer in family may have to take that on, but she’s got so much on her plate that I doubt she’d have time. That’s why we recruited her online friend to spruce up our blog. I got a sneak peek the other day and I really like it! I am excited and hopeful that our friend will have it completely done soon. So stay tuned…..soon and very soon….
Well, things have definitely changed around here weather-wise. The weather men were right! Take a look at these from our doorways, but first a before picture of the fields behind the horse barn:
Before
After
It’s suppose to continue snowing all day. Looks like we may end up with 4-6 inches….maybe. The children have been out to play, but I did not get any photos of them yet, thought my daughter was going to and she didn’t so that is on my agenda! After all it is the first snowfall of 2012 and the latest snowfall we have ever had in the Chicago area! Fun in the Snow!
I need all of you Facebook users to do me a favor if you “like” company sites with your FB account. Check out Brilliant Baby Products. Brilliant Baby Products desire is to make parenting easier and fun! If so inclined, please “like” them and spread the word to your friends. A comment or like here and there would be appreciated too! After all we all want to share “brilliant” products, right?
Ok, I know, I know talking about the weather is pish-posh, but seriously is this going to be the winter without snow? I have lived in Illinois for nearly 18 years and while we have had winters without much snow, but we have never, ever gone until mid-January without any significant snowfall. We experienced 50′ weather over the weekend! Today and tomorrow is much of the same. I am not complaining at all and would like to see a very short winter, as it is my least favorite season. I wonder if this will be the latest we will get snow in Chicago? What if we don’t get any?
What I Like About Winter
I love skating, but don’t get to do much of it with many of my little ones needing lots of help, so I rarely get ice time when we go.
I love cross country skiing but we need snow to do that activity.
I enjoy sledding with our children.
I love the first big snow fall or snow storm.
Snowball fights.
Making snow angels with my children.
Even though winter has nothing to do with this holiday, I still love a white Christmas.
What I Dislike About Winter
Being cooped up inside.
The cold.
The shorter days.
Less sunlight.
Driving in snow.
After writing those two lists, it appears that I do not hate winter as much as I thought I did.
How about you? How’s winter where you are?
