Book Review: Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book: Love Without End || A King's Meadow Romance

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard's life was forever changed when his 17-year-old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious 15-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King's Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of becoming involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When octogenarian Anna McKenna returns to King's Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet may discover that true love has no end.


My Thoughts: I always enjoy Hatcher's book and this one was no exception.  I have not read any other books in this series and found that this definitely worked as a standalone book.

I particularly enjoyed how the main male character's story was highlighted perhaps even more than the female's - which is uncommon in fiction.

I liked that the storyline and characters were all realistic and believable.  And I enjoyed getting glimpses into Nana Anna's story as well. It was neat seeing both the young and the old Anna.  Sometimes, when we're relating to the elderly, we forget that they were (obviously) young once too, and that we can learn so much from them and their stories.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, and Sarah Sundin

About the book: 

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

My Thoughts: I like romance, and historical fiction, particularly war time history, and have long been a fan of both Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin (Cara Putman was new to me) - so this was looking like a sure thing.  I was not disappointed.

Three novellas centered around three different siblings written by three different authors was a great concept, and one that worked well.  Though there was a slightly different feel to each story, they still felt cohesive.

If you're looking for a book to read to put you in the Christmas mood, look no further!

My favourite?  Tough one, but I'd say I'll Be Home for Christmas by Sarah Sundin.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Book Review: Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

About the book: Children ages 4-8 will be delighted by these rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Featuring lyrical stories full of lighthearted moments, this colorful collection of Magnificent Tales is perfect for reading out loud. As families read these stories night after night, they will make memories together while learning about the Bible.

My Thoughts: I love Bibles, especially children's Bibles.  We have several and The Jesus Storybook Bible is likely my favourite, but this one is quickly becoming a close second.  

The first time I read this to my 6 yr old son and 9 yr old daughter, I literally read over 100 pages and they still weren't done - but my voice was!

It's difficult to rhyme, nevermind rhyme with accurate theology, but this storybook Bible pulls it off.  There's even a list of animals from a-z in the creation story which I thought was a tremendous feat on it's own, but even more so with the rhyming verses.  

The artwork is completely engaging and fun as well.

This Storybook Bible will be well used in this household, that's for sure!

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

From Pinned to Practice - earring display

Finally, another episode of "From Pinned to Practice"!

I've always had a major earring sensitivity.  Nickel free doesn't cut it, it's gold or white gold only for this girl, which makes for some expensive earrings and not very many of them to choose from.  I even tried stainless steel and sterling silver, to no avail.  One day I emailed a local jewelry maker and asked her if she had any ideas of another material I could use that wouldn't break the bank.  She had two ideas and so I purchased two pairs of earrings from her, hoping one of the options would work.  Turns out, they both did!  The titanium was the best so I decided to stick with that.  I then proceeded to send her all of my cheap earrings and replace the hooks with titanium ones - I was so excited to get them back and have earring options!  But then the problem was - how to display them?!  Especially the longer ones that get a bit tangled if you just throw them in a container.

So, I turned to Pinterest.  And found this.....

and this....

and this....

I was recently out on a girls weekend with my best friend and I had mentioned this idea to her.  With a little bit of prompting by her, along with a generous offer to use her just purchased blue burlap, I picked up a cork board (Hobby Lobby) and 3 charm necklaces (Joanne's Fabric).  When we got back to the hotel we decided to do a bit of crafting!  I asked the guy at the front desk if I could borrow his scissors and we quickly cut the right amount of blue burlap.  When I returned the scissors I thanked him for lending them to me, he thanked me for returning them, and I asked to borrow a stapler!  After completing the project, I returned the stapler and he asked if we needed any paper clips! Ha ha.

When I got home, I mounted it on the wall (came with double sided "tape"), hung up the necklaces with a few tacks, inserted the earring hooks into the chains, and voila!

I love it!

Book Review: Before Amen by Max Lucado

About the book: We all pray . . . some.

We pray to stay sober, centered, or solvent. When the lump is deemed malignant. When the money runs out before the month does. When the marriage is falling apart. We pray.

But wouldn't we like to pray more? Better? Stronger? With more fire, faith, and fervency?

Yet we have kids to feed, bills to pay, deadlines to meet. The calendar pounces on our good intentions like a tiger on a rabbit. And what about our checkered history with prayer? Uncertain words. Unmet expectations. Unanswered requests.

We aren't the first to struggle with prayer. The first followers of Jesus needed prayer guidance too. In fact, prayer is the only tutorial they ever requested.

And Jesus gave them a prayer. Not a lecture on prayer. Not the doctrine of prayer. He gave them a quotable, repeatable, portable prayer. Couldn't we use the same?

In Before Amen best-selling author Max Lucado joins readers on a journey to the very heart of biblical prayer, offering hope for doubts and confidence even for prayer wimps. Distilling prayers in the Bible down to one pocket-sized prayer, Max reminds readers that prayer is not a privilege for the pious nor the art of a chosen few. Prayer is simply a heartfelt conversation between God and his child. Let the conversation begin.

My Thoughts:  Like all Lucado books, I found this to be a quick, yet thought provoking read.  Somehow Lucado is able to hit home with solid truth, without coming across as a heavy book on theology (not that those don't have their place!). This is a book written to a large audience, to anyone who simply wants to talk to God as a child does with his dad, because that's what prayer is.  Nothing in this book is revolutionary, or even anything new, but it's a simple reminder of things we know but have maybe forgotten.

Lucado sums up, and then unpacks, the Lord's prayer into short, pocket-sized prayers.  Father, you are good. I need help.  Heal me and forgive me. They need help. Thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book....

If prayer depends on how I pray, I'm sunk. But if the power of prayer depends on the One who hears the prayer, and if the One who hears the prayer is my Daddy, then I have hope.

The storm was bad, but the pilot was good....everything changes when you know the pilot.

The moment you sense a problem, however large or small, take it to Christ.

Jesus will heal us all ultimately.  Wheelchairs, ointments, treatments, and bandages are confiscated at the gateway to heaven.

Confession is not a punishment for sin; it is an isolation of sin so it can be exposed and extracted.

More than a hundred times, either by imperative or example, the Bible commands us to be thankful. If quantity implies gravity, God takes thanksgiving seriously.

Prayer changes things because prayer appeals to the top power in the universe.....The phrase "In Jesus' name" is not an empty motto or talisman. It is a declaration of truth: My cancer is not in charge; Jesus is.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy

A Simple Woman's Daybook - August edition

Outside my window...
The sudden afternoon rainstorm is over, giving way to blue skies with some white fluffy clouds.

I am thinking...
That I am overwhelmed by how much I have not yet accomplished for this summer that I had originally planned.

I am thankful...
For family visiting from the West.

In the kitchen...
Couple things still need to be handwashed, and my island is rather cluttered, as usual.

I am wearing...
Workout gear - black capris and coral tank top

I am creating...
Three hair do's for three girls and a video they're making.

I am going...
to relax and watch some TV tonight - Bomber game, Amazing Race Canada, and possibly Castle.

I am wondering...
how long it will take to catch up on my office work

I am reading...
way too much instead of working

I am hoping...
to find my motivation

I am looking forward to...
going out tomorrow with Emma for our annual mother/daughter day - optometrist, dentist, lunch, shopping

I am learning.....
John 1-3.  Memorizing it in moral support of Emma as she's memorizing it in order to go to the youth retreat for free.

Around the house...
let's not go there

I am pondering...
the sadness of suicide (with the recent news of Robin Williams death).  What I find the most sad is that he likely ended his life thinking nothing could possibly be worse than what he was currently experiencing, but (unless he cried out to God in his final moments) he has just discovered how much worse it can actually be, except now it truly is never-ending.  So sad for the families of everyone (whether well-known or unknown) who has lost a family member this way. Thankful for God's mercies which are new every morning - great is His faithfulness.

A favorite quote for today...
Psalms 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

One of my favorite things...
relaxing by our pool in this beautiful summer heat

A few plans for the rest of the week:
day out with Emma tomorrow, more swimming, a niece's birthday party, Tinkertown and other get togethers with out of town family

A peek into my day...

Book Review: Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

About the book: 

His mission.

His team.

Captain Dean Watters keeps these parts of his life in laser-like focus. So when hackers threaten both his mission and his team, Dean's Special Forces training kicks into high gear. Ten military super-secure computers are missing-which if opened, would give America's enemies a blueprint of US military intelligence. Failing to stop the hackers isn't an option.

Zahrah Zarrick is a missionary teacher to Afghan children in Mazar-e Sharif. She's also a target. Her expertise in quantum cryptology makes her an unwitting pawn in the hackers' deadly game. They're coming for her, and Dean and his team must stop them.

Before the team can get to Zahrah, she disappears. Now Dean must race to rescue her and stop the hackers from unleashing terror on millions across the globe. But to do so, Dean will be forced to crack open the steel box around his heart-a move that might come at the highest cost.

My Thoughts: Along with historical, romance, and drama - I also really enjoy action movies and books.  Especially when it combines suspense and action with faith and even a little romance.

The realities of military life are not glossed over in this book, neither are the faith struggles that can go along with this reality.  Though this is a work of fiction, it still pays tribute to the sacrifices made by our military heroes.

I enjoyed the story line, the characters, the relationships, the suspense (the mole!), the writing - everything!   This was my first read by Ronie Kendig but it won't be my last.


Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy

Book Review: Out of the Ruins by Karen Barnett

About the book: 

Abby's shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn't expect, however, is for God's answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby's feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

My Thoughts: I really love reading historical fiction, especially when the author does her job well and you feel transported back in time as though you were there yourself.  Barnett achieves this and more in this great read.  

I also enjoy it when books explore theological issues such as, in this case, God's sovereignty throughout the good and bad in our lives.  Barnett addresses this but does so in a way that doesn't make it feel like a heavy or ponderous read.  God is with us, He is good, and He is faithful.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy

Flexi-Clip Winner!

The winner of my Flexi-Clip giveaway, courtesy of independent Lilla Rose consultant Emily Anne, is....

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congratulations Dana!  I will email you to let you know, and forward your email address to Emily Anne.  Have fun picking your prize!

And, more good news for the rest of the participants in the contest - Emily has generously offered a 10% off coupon to everyone who participated - thanks Emily!  To use it you'll have to contact Emily via Facebook and arrange the order with her, citing coupon code TAMMY10 - happy shopping!  Coupon is valid for 30 days.

Book Review: All My Belongings by Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: A new life and a new identity can't protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she's wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca's patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

My Thoughts: As far as I can recall, I've never read anything by Cynthia Ruchti before, but after reading this novel, I'll definitely be looking for more of her books.  This was just such a well-written story and I could not put it down - I was so swept away by the storyline and completely invested in the character's lives and how things would play out.

I particularly appreciated how sensitively the author handled the topic of dementia, and the importance given to the value of all human life.  She wrote in such a way that made the characters seem completely authentic as we watched them grapple with numerous issues including adoption, faith, healing, euthanasia, forgiveness, responsibility, and the struggle to find out what it is that makes us who we are.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy

Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip Review and Giveaway

An online friend of mine recently became an independant Lilla Rose consultant.  When she offered me two of the clips to do an online review and a giveaway, I jumped at the chance!

We have many different hair types in our family, so it was interesting to see how the flexi clip worked with our girls' hair.

She sent me both a medium and an extra-small flexi-clip (sizes range from mini to mega) - the sizes are engraved right onto the clips, which is convenient.

The same day the clips came in the mail, I tried the medium on Emma's hair in a tails up hairstyle - doesn't it look great?!  Emma's hair is thick, curly, and has a coarse texture - the flexi-clip worked great.

I wasn't so sure the clips would work in my hair.  I general don't wear clips because my hair is quite fine and slippery, so they just don't work - at least not to secure the hair (I do wear clips as accessories, but they're not what holds my hair in place).  Well, the Lilla Rose flexi-clip works! The clip has kept my hairstyles secure all day long - with no sliding or flopping.

I've worn the XS in a half up....

  

And also to hold a twist.....

I think I'm going to have to get myself a size S yet as well - the XS is just a little small for a full pony tail in my hair.  And this is such a quick and easy way to turn a regular old ponytail into something a little extra.

Olivia's hair is thicker and curlier than mine, but also quite slippery.  Flexi-clip works for her hair too!  Here is the XS in Olivia's hair....

Check out my friend Emily Anne's Facebook page or her website to check out all the amazing styles available.

I prefer simple designs in either silver, black, or white - but they have lots of colourful options for those of you who are more adventurous!

They have several other products including headbands, bobby pins, and more.  Check them out! (Click on the "Go Shopping" link to see specific products)

That leads me to the giveaway portion of this post!  Yes, Emily Ann has graciously allowed me to host a giveaway.  The giveaway is open to new Lilla Rose customers (so as not to steal clients from other consultants) who live anywhere in the US or Canada, and the winner will receive a product of their choice from Emily's site, up to a $16 value.

How to enter?

Normally, when I do my own giveaways, I simply have you comment on my page and that's it, because I want the winner to be one of my regular blog readers.  However, for this giveaway, the purpose is to spread the word about Emily's new business, so we're going to go that route....

Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the contest.  You can get up to 3 entries....
1) One entry for commenting on this blog and sharing which one of the items on Emily's page is your favourite.  This is not written in stone - you can pick something else if you end up winning the giveaway. I just want to make sure you've taken a bit of time to browse her site.
2) One entry for liking Emily's Facebook page.
3) One entry for sharing this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram (only one of them, whichever is your social media outlet of choice) with a link back to this blog.

The contest will be open for 1 week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for providing me my complimentary clips Emily!  Now to figure out what I'd like to get next....

Book Review: The Heart's Pursuit by Robin Lee Hatcher

About the book:  A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.
A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.
An arduous trek toward justice---or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver's already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared's secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father's fortune. And Jared's in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family---even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn't theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven't dared voice: What happens next?

My Thoughts: I always enjoy books by Robin Lee Hatcher and this one was no exception.  I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the storyline.  I thought one or two things were a little too unrealistic (like an honourable man agreeing to have a single woman accompany him unchaperoned on a trip of any length - during that day and age).  There is one other thing I thought was unrealistic but it would involve a spoiler, so I'll leave that one out.  

Aside from those two picky details, I immensely enjoyed this book and would recommend this, and any other work by Hatcher, wholeheartedly.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for organizing this tour and providing me with my complimentary review copy.

Disney through the eyes of Sophia - Part 2

Here is Part 2 of our Disney trip, as recorded by Sophia in her journal.

For Part 1 click here.

Day 9 - Friday April 4 2014

Today we went to Denny's for breakfast. I had French toast with sausage and scrambled eggs. After Dad dropped me, mom, Emma, Olivia and Jacob off at Blizzard Beach while he dropped Grandma and Grandpa off at their cruise. At Blizzard Beach I went on the family raft first. We went on that twice and then went to the kid area. In the kid area I went on a tube slide, ice bergs that you jump on to, and other little water slides. In other places I went on the Double Dippers water slide. You race someone down a REALLY fun water slide. It has two big drops that put my stomach in knots. After that I went on another racing ride. You go on a mat on your stomach and race two other people down the slide. After that I went back to the kid area and went on everything again. We found a different slide on the kid area that's hidden in the back! It was really fun! It was a tunnel slide. Then Dad came to pick us up. We went to Mc Donald's for lunch. We got chicken burgers and Mc Flurries. We went back to the house for more swimming and then got ready for supper. We went to Chuys. It's a Mexican restaurant. I had a taco. After we went to the outlets. I got my friends presents from the Disney store. I got them Disney cups and Mickey earrings. There was like a party going on at the outlets so it was very buzzy. We didn't stay long because of that. We went straight to Payless after that because us girls needed shoes for the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique tomorrow. We found the shoes we needed and went to the house. Dad got donuts so we ate them and then went to bed.

Day 10 Saturday April 5 2014

Today we went to Magic Kingdom. We went on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad three times, Winnie The Pooh twice, Peter Pan once, Under The Sea once, Pirates Of The Caribbean once and Jungle Cruise once. After we left Magic Kingdom we picked up subs from Subway and went back home. When we got home we ate right away. After lunch me, mom, Emma and Olivia went to Downtown Disney to get our hair done at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! Mom already got our dresses earlier in the year, they weren't princess ones, they were regular dresses. We had to wait a little bit before we got in so mom got us a drink. Me and Olivia had water and Emma got a smoothie, but we all shared. Then we got called in. The laddie that did my hair was from Philadelphia. Her name was ________. I felt like a real princess the whole time she was doing my hair. We got to pick nail polish, eye shadow, lipstick, a comb, a jewel to put on our face and a crown for us to use. I picked blue nail polish, red and blue eyeshadow, red lipstick, a purple comb, a star jewel and a blue crown. They put A LOT of gunk in our hair so it stays in for along time. After the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique we went back to the house to get ready for supper. We were going to one of Magic Kingdoms many resorts, called the Grand Floridian! It was super fancy! It was like a castle in there! It was a buffet so we got our food faster then other places. I had Root Beer to drink and had chicken fingers, Caesar salad and strawberry soup. I thought the strawberry soup would taste weird, but it was actually the best soup I've ever had (considering I am not a soup person). Cinderella, her stepmother and stepsisters were coming around talking to us, signing autographs and taking pictures with us. After we had supper we went to see the electric water parade. It was a very short show, which I say took about 5-10 minutes or so. After we went home, watched a show and then went to bed. It was also Olivia's last chance to see Beth again and exchange phone numbers and stuff. But they didn't get to. I feel bad for Olivia.

Day 11 Sunday April 6 2014

Today we went to Blizzard Beach. I know it's not the best idea going to a water park right after getting your hair done, but at Blizzard Beach you can only get your body wet. Anyway, we went on tube slides, the lazy river, the kid area and some racing water slides. I had so much fun! After Blizzard Beach we picked up from Mc Donald's, I got a chicken burger and fries. After lunch we went swimming and got ready for supper. We went to Chili's. Me, Emma and Olivia shared 3 meals. We got a cheese quesadillas, grilled cheese and cheese pizza. I had Coca cola to drink. After supper we went to the outlets. I got mom's birthday present (hair accessories), loom elastics, and me and Emma together got nail polish to help your nails. Dad got me two Under Armour t-shirts. After the outlets we picked up Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and went to Target.

Day 12 - Monday April 7 2014

Today Dad and Jacob went to pick up Grandma and Grandpa from their cruise. So they were gone while I was asleep. I made eggs for breakfast. After breakfast we got ready for swimming right away. Me, mom, Grandma, Emma, Olivia and Jacob beat the Keep It Up record of 78 hits. Me, Emma and Olivia started a loom bracelet company. We made a lot of bracelets. After swimming we got ready for supper and outlets. We went to Cracker Barrel. I had a cheeseburger with fries. At the outlets I got Emma lip balm and nail polish. I got Olivia different lip balm and different nail polish. After the outlets we went back to the house. We had night snack, watched a show and then went to bed.




Day 13 Tuesday April 8 2014

Today we went to Hollywood Studios! It's my 2nd favourite park because of Rock'n Roller Coaster and Tower Of Terror. We went on both Rock'n Roller Coaster and Tower Of Terror except for Jacob and Mom. Jacob was too short for Rock'n Roller Coaster and was too scared of Tower Of Terror, and someone had to watch Jacob so mom did. On Tower Of Terror there was a high school group of 18 kids right in front of us in the line that were pretty annoying. But then the loudest guy yelled, " Hay! Let the family go through." So then their whole group moved out of the way and was clapping and cheering us on. It was weird. We also went on The Great Movie Ride, I thought it was a little boring, but everyone else seemed to like it. We also went to see Indiana Jones. It was raining the whole time so they didn't do all the scenes. Which was a bummer, because they didn't do my favourite scene. Where they fight each other, chase people and a bunch of falling off tall buildings. After the Indiana Jones show we went home because of the raining. When we got home we made loom bracelets and watched Dukes Of Hazard. We went to Carabas for supper, I had pasta and some of mom's salad, because she didn't like it. What a surprise. After supper we went back to the house. We had Mc Flurries from Mc Donald's. We picked them up at lunch time, but we didn't want them then, so we decided to have them for night snack. After night snack we watched a show and went to bed.

Day 14 Wednesday April 9 2014

Today it's mom's birthday! We went to Epcot because that's were she wanted to go. We went on Soar'n, Test Track, Norway, The Mexican Fiesta and Spaceship Earth. After the rides we picked up from Subway and went to the house. After lunch we went swimming. After swimming we went to Long Horns. Mom got to pick where we went because it's her birthday and all. I had steak with fries and oranges. After supper we went back to the house. We watched shows and then went to bed.






Day 15 Thursday April 10 2014

Today we went to blizzard beach. Guess what?! I went on Summit Plummet for the first time! I'm very proud of myself. After me and Dad went on Summit Plummet, Dad took Olivia on Slush Gusher. After Slush Gusher we went on the family raft. We went on it twice. Then we went to get in line for the Down Hill Double Dippers. The line looked long but we decided to wait. Not even half way through the line and we decide not to go on it because it would take too long. So we went on the red slope tube rides. We went on those twice, and boy, there are a lot of stairs to walk up. After that we went on the lazy river and went back to the house. We picked up from Mc Donald's. After that we went swimming. Me, Grandpa, Olivia and Jacob went for a walk. We went on almost every street in the area. We went to a little park and played there a little. Then we went back. When we got back I had to take out my Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique hairdo. I was disappointed, I loved it so much, but it lasted a LONG time. 5 days! Then we got ready for supper, Buffalo Wild Wings! I had wings with Root Beer. After supper we went to the outlets one last time. I got two lip smackers and nail polish. After the outlets we went back to the house and straight to bed.

Day 16 Friday April 11 2014

It's our last day. Today we went to Magic Kingdom. We went on Peter Pan twice, Whinny The Pooh twice, Under The Sea twice, Pirates Of The Caribbean once, Splash Mountain once, Goofy's Barn Stormer once, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad once. It was a lot of fun, but sad because it's our last day. Every time we went on a ride I said, "We won't go on this again until next time." Which was sad. After Magic Kingdom we picked up from Chick-fil-a and went swimming for the last time. After swimming we got ready for supper. Cracker Barrel is where we went for the last supper. I had my usual there, a chicken burger. After supper we went to the house to pack up. While we were packing we saw a lizard in Emma's bed! It scared all of us! We still don't know how it got there because Emma's bed is upstairs. She didn't want to sleep in her bed so she slept in my bed. Olivia came to join us because she was scared a lizard was gonna go in her bed. Anyway, after packing we had night snack. We had chocolate covered strawberries Mr. Mark and Mrs. Holly dropped off, with some Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. After night snack we watched a show and then went to bed.

Traveling Saturday April 12 2014

I am writing now as we're flying back home. We're all sad. But it has to be over at some point, which I don't like. I do look forward to seeing my friends though. Anyway, guess what time we woke up this morning? 4:00 am! That's ridiculous! So we drove to the airport. I slept the whole way. Once we got to the airport they weighed our bags and we went right to security. After that we got breakfast. I had a breakfast sandwich. It tasted so good, I think it's the best breakfast I've ever had. Well, I was extremely hungry right before I had it, so it probably wasn't the best breakfast I've ever had. But it was really good. After breakfast we went to the bathroom and got on the plane. I can't write any more until later because I'm on the plane right now and I can't predict the future. It's later, and I'm not liking "later" very much, because we're not in Florida. Anyway, after the flight we went to Menards (which is in Grand Forks, which is where our plane landed), because Pizza Ranch didn't open yet. We just looked around Menards and then went to Pizza Ranch. I had a piece of Buffalo Chicken pizza and a piece of Hawaiian pizza. For dessert I had ice cream with a piece of dessert pizza. After lunch we went to Scheels. I didn't get any thing there, but I think Mom and Dad got some shirts. After that Grandma and Grandpa went home, and we went to the mall. I got two sleeping masks at Claire's. After that, we went to Paradiso for the last supper. I had a taco and fries with a slushy to drink. After that, we went home.



And there you have it - our trip through the eyes of Sophia!

Disney through the eyes of Sophia - Part 1

On our relatively recent trip to Disney, Sophia kept a journal of all the things we did on our trip.  When I eventually get around to making a photobook of this trip, I am planning to use her journal to make it.

Here is the tale of trip, through the eyes of Sophia....

Day 1 Thursday March 27 2014 

Today we woke up at 4:25 am! I know what your thinking, how could people do that to Sophia? It wasn't as bad as I thought. Anyway, we drove to Grand Forks and had breakfast at Denny's. I had chocolate chip pancakes and water. We then drove to the airport. Moms suitcase was too heavy so she had to put some stuff in Jacob's suitcase. Then we went through security, which went faster then I thought it would be. It usually takes 20 minutes, but it took 5-10 minutes. We waited a long time before going on the plane. Dad got me and Em a sandwich to share, and a water. We all went to the bathroom, and then got on the plane. When we boarded, it took a long time before we took off. Once we started going onto the runway we went pretty fast. Then we lifted off the ground and were above the clouds! It felt pretty cool. My ears didn't pop as much as I thought they would. I played on my iPad mostly the whole time, the flight was just under 4 hours. When we landed we rented a vehicle that seats 8 (me, mom, Dad, Emma, Olivia, Jacob, Grandma and Grandpa). It was an hour drive from the airport to the house (We rented a house, not hotel). Once we got to the house, we unpacked and went to Buffalo Wild Wings for supper (I got the jungle room).Me and Emma shared two meals of wings off the kids menu. Emma ordered BBQ wings and I ordered honey garlic wings, and Root Beer (which I obviously didn't share). We went back to the house after supper because we were tired from all the traveling. But we decided we could still go into the hot tub before bed. 

Day 2 Friday March 28 2014 

When I woke up this morning I heard everyone (except mom and Emma who were sleeping in, what a surprise!!) in the kitchen making breakfast. By the sound of dad's voice talking to everyone I knew that he knew I was awake and wanted me to get up and help in the kitchen. So I went downstairs (my room was upstairs) and started making breakfast. Once we finished making the breakfast Emma came down as though she knew we just finished the work so she didn't have to do any. While we were eating Dad made a rule that whoever doesn't help make the meal has to clean the dishes. We all agreed except Emma of course. Then mom came down and made her own meal so she didn't have to do the dishes. (Btw, we had scrambled eggs that I made, toast and orange juice which I just love!) to be honest, I don't know who ended up doing the dishes. It wasn't me though. After breakfast we put our swimsuits on and went to the pool. I wanted to get a good tan. It wasn't too warm so we didn't last out there very long. So we went inside to shower off. After I finished showering I played on my iPad a little and had some lunch. We had left over wings from last night with a banana. I played on my iPad some more after lunch and played with Jacob. I then got ready for supper, by then it warmed up a little. Giordano's was on the menu tonight for supper! We all had pizza obviously. The adults shared a deep dish pepperoni, bacon, and mushroom because mom doesn't like anything else, and the kids ordered a split pepperoni and cheese. The kids don't like anything else, I don't know what their problem is! After Giordano's we went to the outlets. I got two packages of loom bands. Pink and white. Then we got Krispy Kreme and went back to the house. Once we got back we ate the donuts and went right to bed. 

Day 3 Saturday March 29 2014 

Mom woke us up early as we went to Epcot today. We had toast for breakfast and left right after. Once we got to Epcot we went straight to Soar'n as that is the busiest ride, and one of our favourites. After Soar'n we went to the Finding Nemo ride and to Turtle Talk with Crush. Jacob and Olivia got called up to speak with crush and Jacob was really funny. After we went on a Norway ride which Olivia complained not to go on. After we went on a Mexican ride that wasn't as good as the others but was still a good ride. We went to our favourite ride next, Test Track! It's where you design your own car and test it! You go on your own car and go SUPER fast! Then we went back to the house. As soon as we got into the vehicle it started raining, as if the rain waited for us to get to a sheltered area. We picked up food from Chick-fil-a for lunch. We all got chicken burgers except Jacob, he got a bun. Once we finished eating we all stayed in our rooms to watch tv and have quiet time because it was raining outside. We all got ready for supper. We went to Carraba's. The wait was very long! They told us 10-15 minute wait. It ended up being a 40 minute wait. We were a party of 8 and they sat 2 other party of 8's. We went and complained and we got our table right away. After that we went to Target. I got Emma a blue eos for her birthday. After that we went home and went to bed. 

Day 4 Sunday March 30 2014 

Today it's Emma's birthday! She is now 13. I'm to tired to write very much so this will be short. We went to Magic Kingdom for Emma's birthday. We had eggs for breakfast, chicken burgers from Mc Donald's for lunch, and went to Long Horns for supper. I had chicken salad there. After we got Emma an ice cream cake for her birthday from Target. Btw, Olivia met a friend from England named Beth, she has the most adorable accent! 

Day 5 Monday March 31 2014 

Today we stayed at home, not doing anything except swimming all day. My hands are all pruned. Like prunes! We went shopping at the outlets. I got cheetah pj shorts, two packs of loom bands (orange and yellow) and Jolly Rancher lipstick that I'm sharing with Emma. 

Day 6 Tuesday APRIL 1 2014 

These days are going by SO fast! Not cool. Happy April fools. Today we went to Hollywood Studios! I went on Rock'n Roller coaster, Tower Of Terror, Toy Story Mania and Indiana jones, which is a show, not a ride. Tower Of Terror is awesome! It was the first time I've ever been on the ride. I was really scared, but excited! I squeezed Emma's hand, and squeezed dad's shorts. Only me, Emma, and Dad went on. Mom went later with Jacob Emma. I wanted to go again but I couldn't. Olivia didn't know what dad's name was until today. She thought it was Nathan but it's Nathaniel. That girl. We went to Cracker Barrel tonight for supper as a joke, but we ended up liking it. I had a burger with fries. 

Day 7 Wednesday April 2 2014 

Today we went to Blizzard Beach! My favourite water park! Its winter themed. It feels strange when I just got away from the cold and back into it. Mom forgot grandma and grandpas passes to get in so Dad went back with them to get them. (My note: Grandma also admits to forgetting the passes, so we've decided to share the blame on this one) While they were gone the kids and mom went to the kid area. There was a zip line, tube water slides, other water slides and icebergs to walk on. When they got back we went on a family raft and went racing on toboggans. After we ate lunch, I had a hot dog. We then went on really big tube rides. There were two different kinds. I went on both. One was in the dark and the other was bright. After that we went on the lazy river with tubes. I pulled everyone along. After we went home. We went to Giordano's for supper. Everyone had the same stuff as last time. We all had left overs as well. 

Day 8 Thursday April 3 2014 

Today mom and Dad went to Universal Studios, or whatever that park is called. It's an adult park so Grandma and Grandpa stayed at the house with the kids. We watched The Aristocats while they were gone. I made a loom bracelet and swam. We had left overs from last night. We swam the rest of the day and went to Outback Steakhouse for supper. I had a burger with fries. Olivia had ceased salad and didn't finish so I finished it for her.matter we got Cold Stone ice cream. I got fudge truffle with Reese's, it was so good! After we went to bed. Btw, Grandma and Grandpa are going on a cruise tomorrow. That was sudden!

Stay tuned for the second half of our trip, through the eyes of Sophia!