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Monday, March 22, 2010

Seedling Comparison

Since Spring arrived (on Roosie's 10th birthday *smile*), and the growing season is here; even though it snowed yesterday, we began a new project for school. Hoopy, Roosie and BabyGirl each planted the seeds of their choice in two containers. One container is clear and the other is opaque. We will be measuring their growth over the next week or so. The goal is to see if there is any difference in growth speed due to the container type. Hoopy and Roosie added to the experiment by putting lids on one of their containers to see if there is any growth difference for those in the mini "greenhouses". I created a worksheet and posted it on HSLaunch if you would like to download it and try this experiment. The link is in the HSLaunch feed app on my right sidebar. We will keep you up to date on this experiment . I will add pictures too. Also a heads up for those preparing seedlings for planting; those plastic cupcake containers and cake containers that you get from the grocery store make excellent mini greenhouses for starting seeds indoors. I tried them last year and they were super. So tell your friends and family to save those containers for you.
In other news Tman and BabyGirl brought home several medals from Student Convention this year. They had a great time and I really enjoyed myself too. Looking forward to doing it again. Toodles is enjoying his new job. We are very thankful that we had such great friends and family praying for us. Blessings! ~ Nikki

Friday, March 12, 2010










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Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:




Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue.
While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including
Dalton’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out.  She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton, or let him die so that others may live.




This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.




Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781601421272










My Review: Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black







Having read the first 3 books in the Kingdom series, and none of the Knights of Arrethtrae series before, I have to say that this book is very easy to pick up, even if you haven’t read any of the others. The author fills in some of the events of the previous book, helping to identify some of the characters and to tie in with the other books. The locations, events and characters are very well-described as well.  The book doesn’t take long to get into the story, and is well-written, easy to read, and I enjoyed it. If you like stories of bravery and battle, then you will probably enjoy this book too.











Raven’s Ladder:




Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.
But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this
oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.
Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.
If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.
As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.




This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.




Buy it here: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400074679










My Review: Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet







This book was hard to pick up on, since it is the third in the series, and I’ve never read the first two books. It has its own storyline, but a lot of it is meant to tie in with the other two, and so I couldn’t really get all of the storyline. Parts of it to me were a bit slow, but it was a good read. Like Lady Carliss, it is full of battles and adventure. Aside from not knowing the full story of the series, this was also a good read.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Book Review : Mother Daughter Duet & Dancing With My Father

Summary:

When a daughter is born, her mother has a thousand hopes and dreams for her, especially that they will be best friends one day.



 



Unfortunately, even the best of intentions can go awry. There are so many challenges on the journey to adult friendship that the reality is fraught with friction and frustration. But a harmonious relationship is possible.



  Award-winning author Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali Plum, have been there and have discovered the keys to a healthy relationship. In Mother-Daughter Duet they share their story—each from her own perspective—in which they have experienced distance and tension, growth and challenge, and, ultimately, acceptance and harmony. Filled with personal anecdotes and based on several basic principles (letting go; listening; respect; setting boundaries; and more), Mother-Daughter Duet helps moms repair the breach so that daughters want to draw close.



  The mother-daughter dynamic is intense, personal, complex, and unique. But mothers and daughters can achieve mutual respect and learn to celebrate their differences when they learn the two-part harmony of the mother-daughter duet.



 





 



Author Bio:



Cheri Fuller is a best-selling, award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. She speaks to a wide range of women at women’s conferences and is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs.



Ali Plum is Cheri’s daughter, a writer and songwriter, a wife, and a mother to Noah and Luke. She and her mom have weathered the ups and downs of their relationship to find one of the most treasured, honest relationships of their lives. Ali has recorded background vocals for popular musicians, and Mother-Daughter Duet marks her debut into book publishing.



  My Review:


I enjoyed this book and the truth it spoke of the ever changing dynamics of the relationship between a Mother and Daughter. As our daughters mature and set out on their own adult journey it can be a stressful time for us as mothers. I think this book is a must have . It is easy to read, very enjoyable and has many helpful insights and real life examples of how we can strengthen our relationships with our daughters or maybe even our own mothers. Be sure to pick up this book here : www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Summary:

The reality of living in a broken, fallen world can leave women feeling overcome by fear, guilt, and weariness. Many develop “sawdust souls,” numb to any sense of joy.



 



In this warm and wise book, author Sally Clarkson invites readers to take God’s hand and let Him lead them into a life of anticipation, passion, and purpose. With the voice of a trusted mentor, she reveals how, by getting in tune with the rhythm of God’s presence, women can nurture an inner attitude of anticipation and celebration even in the stressful seasons of life.



 



Through rich biblical insights woven with real-life stories, women will be inspired to recapture a spirit of joy as they follow God’s lead on the dance floor of life.



 





 



Author Bio:



Sally Clarkson is a popular speaker, known across the nation and internationally for her work with women. She is the author of several books, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, and Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. She has worked in various ministries, including Campus Crusade for Christ. With her husband, Clay, she is cofounder of Whole Heart Ministries, which encourages and equips Christian parents. The Clarksons, parents of four, live near Colorado Springs , Colorado .


My Review :
I loved this book. Ms. Clarkson weaves a wonderfully uplifting journey of finding our joy in the Lord. This book is filled with uplifting instances from her own life. Sometimes we let ourselves be robbed of the joy and peace of mind that our loving Heavenly Father gives. We will never know true joy until we find it in Him again. You have to read the section called " A man with a different heart" You will love it. I like the questions at the end of each chapter that make you question your own walk with God. Be sure to pick up this book here : www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Hey guess whati ?! You can enter to win a free copy of each book. Leave a comment here with your name and email and I will draw for a winner on Saturday March 13. ~ Blessings! ~ Nikki