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Today, my Nana would have been 77 years old. She passed away 8 years ago – shortly before Emma was born. When we were growing up, Nana used to sing us this song. It was one of the first songs I sang to Emma when she was a baby. I thought I’d share my memory with everyone. 
And, what a lovely young lady she has turned out to be! I’m truly blessed to call her my daughter!
My sweet girl is turning 8 this week. We hosted a Hello Kitty themed birthday party this weekend. Emma invited her friends to sleep over – her first birthday party sleep over.
She had so much fun picking out decorations for her party. Here’s a peek at some of the décor…
We went with pink/red foods for dinner. The menu consisted of pb&j sandwiches and cheese quesadillas, chips, watermelon balls, and pink punch.
For dessert (in addition to cake), we had pink chocolate covered strawberries, flavored popcorn, jellybeans, and red/pink Starburst candies.
And, they had a water balloon fight…
Emma picked out a sleep-over movie
(then fell asleep 5 minutes into the movie 
)
She had a wonderful birthday! Thank you, Lord, for such sweet friends!
Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer
From the publisher: Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?
Having raised his nephews since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty—and just might make a good mother for his boys.
When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?
My thoughts: This was my first book from this author, but it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the way the author was able to weave the characters together into a believable story full of mischief, spunk, and a bit of romance. It was a quick read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book to any who enjoys historical romance.
I received this complimentary book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.
Blue Like Play Dough by Tricia Goyer
From the Publisher: The everyday push and pull of motherhood often leaves Tricia Goyer feeling, well, smooshed. Can you relate? In Blue Like Play Dough, Tricia shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own.
Sure, her life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places – in a bowl of carrot soup, the upteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is-me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.
As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she ever imagined. Much more. But only if she lets him mold her life for good.
In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find laughter, understanding, and inspiration for your own story. And in the midst of your daily demands, you’ll discover the hands of God at work…and know he has something beautiful in mind.
My thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. As I first came to know her name when I was a member of our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. When this book became available to review, I knew I wanted it. Tricia provided an honest, funny, hope-filled reminder that God has a plan for my life – and yours. He knows what he’s doing as He’s molding you through your daily accomplishments and your daily struggles. She reminds us that we’re not alone on this journey we call motherhood. I recommend this book to all my mommy friends!
The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman
From the publisher: The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon—and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love Christian fiction, and this book did not disappoint. This book takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as she tells the story of Saphora Warren who is planning to leave her husband – until he comes home that very day to tell her he is dying. The author throws another pivotal character into the mix. There seems to be a new twist or turn around every corner when reading this book. I recommend it to all of my fellow book lovers.
The publisher provided me this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.
I’ve decided that I want to sew again, but I’m pretty uninspired. It’s probably due to the VERY MESSY state of my sewing closet. But, I came across a link for a patchwork doll quilt that looked easy enough. Well, it’s easy, but I definitely need to get back into the swing of things. My lines are so not straight. But, Emma won’t mind. She thinks it’s beautiful. It’s pinned, but not bound yet. I’ll post an update when I bind it.
My next project is a skirt for Emma. Then, I plan to help Emma make a doll quilt of her own.
My fabric choices…
All pieced together…
I’ve got the border sewn on.
I made two of them.
My ‘sandwich’ – top, batting, and backing…
Pinned together and stitched…
Just need to finish it now…
Last week, I posted pictures from Day 1 of Emma’s Spring Recital. Here are Sunday’s pictures. Emma performed the opening number again. She performed in the ballet – Copellia – for a second day. She also performed a jazz and a tap routine before performing in the finale.
Emma is on the far right.
Emma is on the far left.
Emma got an award for her third year at the studio. 
Emma is in the center.
The Time - Jazz
Emma got flowers from Logan.
Emma is in the center.
Who Let the Dogs Out – Tap
The Finale – Blow the Roof Off
Emma is far right.
Emma also got flowers from Daddy and Isaac.
Em’s BFF from across the street came to see her dance on Sunday.
And another year is almost over. We head to Galveston for Nationals in July to finish off the year!
I know it’s a bit late, but better late than never. Right? Memorial Day weekend my neighbors and I had a block party. Ten families were invited, but only 7 were able to come. We had TONS of food, LOTS of good conversation, and LOADS of fun!
