Book Review: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

Book Description:

Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?
Filled with daring and romance, Blue Skies Tomorrow will capture readers' hearts.

My thoughts:
Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin is the last book in the Wings of Glory series. Blue Skies Tomorrow kept up the exciting and suspenseful pace that this series has had since the first book, A Distant Melody. The characters have to fight past personal demons that are haunting them, which literally makes it a fight for their lives--separate from each other. Blue Skies Tomorrow left me holding my breath hoping it all would come out right! Highly recommended!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



An Infamous Army - Georgette Heyer

I am still reading the same book as last week (sigh), but I am coming in close to finishing it off. Here is my teaser:

"I cannot conceive what possessed George to look twice at her. She is quite insipid." p. 453

The Homeschooler Mother's Journal - September 26-30, 2011

Out for a nature walk!

 I really took the picture because my youngest daughter's outfit made me giggle.

In my life this week…
It was a pretty uneventful week. I did have to go to the dentist, which I NEVER look forward to.

In our homeschool this week…
It was a smooth week.  Our schedule seems to be working good. We were also able to take a nature walk, an item I always have on my list, but never get to. I don't know how much nature we saw, but the kids seemed to really enjoy it.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
The Handbook of Nature Study - Getting Started with Nature Study is what gave me that little push to go on our nature walk.

I am inspired by…
Delani who is learning Psalm 23:1.
I ask, "Who takes care of you?"
The answer should be, "The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalms 23:1. 
Her normal response is, "God takes care... (I interrupt with "The Lord")...is my shepherd and he takes care of me. Number 3:1" Too cute and so precious!!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Destini and I are working our way through Beautiful Girlhood and the Companion Guide, so we went to MacDonalds for some together time. Then it was time to head off to her piano lesson.

We went to a local park for our nature walk.

My favorite thing this week was…
Having  beautiful weather!!

What’s working/not working for us…
I am really enjoying A Reason for Handwriting books that Destini and Chantry are using. Both kids really needed to make their writing neater. Chantry is doing the Transitions book and Destini is doing book E.

Things I’m working on…
I am trying to update the notebook for the homeschool mom's group that I am a part of. Since all I received was sheet to copy I have to re-type every page to make changes.

I’m reading…


I’m grateful for…
My husband--who works a physical job, pastors, keeps me in line and then helps the kids with their problems in their school work. His job got him all primed for doing a 4 day week, but then they changed their mind. I know it was disappointing to him, but I appreciate his willingness to provide for our family.

I’m praying for…
My husband--I know how very tired he is.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Check out that pine cone!!

See what others are doing over at The Homeschool Chick.

Book Review: Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (Audio)

Book Description:

The lovable Jo March, introduced to us in Little Women, is now married with two sons of her own and an adopted family of 12 boys. And she couldn't be happier. Since starting an informal school at Plumfield, Jo and Professor Bhaer provide a haven for poor orphaned boys who thrive on warmth, goodness, and the affectionate interest of the March and Bhaer families. Sometimes it's difficult to tame the wild manners and spirits of wild boys who have had no nurturing. But the Bhaers have time for all and are rewarded with the trust of the boys who confide all their hopes, plans, ambitions, and misfortunes.

My thoughts:
I can't begin to express how much I enjoyed re-reading Little Men by Louisa May Alcott. The wild Jo March has been tamed into a wonderful mother, wife and caregiver to her little school of men. In case you think it might be full with the wild romping of boys that are a few little girls involved also. This story is full of delightful adventures, disasters, and learning the boys (and girls) experience at Plumfield.
If you are a mother this book will really tug at the heartstrings. I found as I listened that I could learn a lot from the Bhaers and their parenting techniques, the main one being the unconditional love they showed to their boys. Not only that but I really enjoyed the view from the past of how the children in those days entertained and themselves. It was very enlightening and educational! Overall, Little Men is an enjoyable yet very touching story.

On a side note: If it bothers you that Jo married Mr. Bhaer then I highly recommend reading Little Men. It really helps to see how their relationship works out.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



An Infamous Army: A Novel of Love, War, Wellington and Waterloo by Georgette Heyer

"Well!" Barbara said. "You will allow that at least I never contracted a secret marriage!" p. 355

What's On Your Nightstand - September

September reading:



From my August post, I read:
These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer
Don't Make Me Come Up There!:Quiet Moments for Busy Moms by Kristen Welch

I also read:
Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer
Young Men in Spats by P.G. Wodehouse
Secrets of the Heart by Jillian Kent
Mom's Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl World by Nancy Rue
A Positive Plan for Creating More Calm, Less Stress by Karol Ladd
QBQ!The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life by John G. Miller

I listened to:
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

I didn't read:
Beyond All Meausure by Dorothy Love - I had to return this to the library before my trip last month and I am now on the waiting list and hoping to read for this month.

See what others are reading over at 5 Minutes for Books.

The Mother's Homeschool Journal - September 19-23, 2011

Delani playing with her puzzle.

In my life this week… Life resumed back to normal.

In our homeschool this week… After a 2 week trip seeing my mom and dad and then 1 more week to recover it was time to put our nose to the grindstone. School started back up in force!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… I just reviewed WonderMaps by Bright Idea Press for Timberdoodle. Check it out here.

My favorite thing this week was… I made it through 75% of Delani's school schedule. She loves her learning chart and the time we spend reading books. I bought the Preschool Package from My Father's World and we have used a couple of the puzzles, but I haven't got around to using them with the activity cards.

What’s working/not working for us…
I dumped Our Mother Tongue with Caleb and for now have pulled out the Easy Grammar Ultimate Grade 9 that we didn't finish last year. Our Mother Tongue looks great, but it is not for Caleb.

Things I’m working on… Ummm, does ironing count? I finally got the kids' schedule's printed off and put in their binders.

I’m reading…



I am linking up at The Homeschool Chick.