Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Happpppppy Tuesday you guys,

This has been one of those weeks that has made me count my blessings over and over (and over) again.

Thanks so much for all the prayers this past week. I'm starting to feel a little better every day --- there is nothing on my face anymore, other than some redness, which is a big relief to me. I was especially worried about that, because that's where the Steven Johnson's syndrome can do the most damage/spread fastest (around eyes/mouth.) Those soft-tissue areas are more prone to infection.

My advice to you from my experience with this is if you think there's the remotest possibility you may even possibly be having an allergic reaction to a medication ---- even if you've been on it several weeks --- go in IMMEDIATELY. If they don't do anything about it, ask to get a second opinion. My reaction went from slightly noticeable and uncomfortable (when I went in the first time and wasn't given anything) to extremely dangerous in just a week. 

I had to wear a short sleeve/baggy shirt at school yesterday and today, because having material over my arms irritates it more, and some of the kids thought they were going to "catch it" from me. I tried to explain that if I was contagious I wouldn't be at school -- but I can see where they were coming from -- it isn't pretty, haha. I considered staying home, but I needed something to take my mind off of it. 

We're still having a lovely, snowy, windy, freezing, icy spring. Emphasis on the icy today. Yikes. I drove about 5 mph the whole way to school and then about fell 4 times in the parking lot. Just the kind of spring we all love, right? Looks like warmer weather is on the horizon, though! 60s and 70s this weekend?!? I'll believe it when I see it. ;)

I have another recipe I want to share with you guys. I haven't made these for a couple years, because I always forget about them, but last time I took them to a potluck they were a HUGE hit. I found the recipe and picture on the blog, "Baked Perfection." If you enjoy baking, you'll love her blog!

Here's the link: http://www.bakedperfection.com/2012/01/homemade-oatmeal-cream-pies.html

The recipe is amazing as is. One minor change I made was DOUBLING the amount of cream-filling that they call for. If you want a nice, thick, fluffy layer of cream, like it shows in the picture, you need much more than the recipe makes.

Small little change to an already amazing recipe!

You could also make these using other types of cookies, if you don't like oatmeal. Chocolate chip cream pies? Peanut butter cream pies? Double chocolate cream pies? Monster cookie cream pies? Snickerdoodle cream pies? I absolutely LOVE oatmeal, but with or without, the options are endless.

Like I said, I've personally tried these and approve them! I know trying new recipes can be daunting, because you don't want to spend time and money on something new and have it flop.

These won't disappoint.

Prayers that you have an amazing day,

Emily

Bahamas Cruise Itinerary!!!!!!!

So, like I mentioned a few weeks ago -- less than a week and I'll be on a cruise with my friends. Who cares that I look like I have the chicken pox mixed with a sunburn with all the spots/redness all over my arms, legs, stomach, back, and now my face (my face!) I have from my allergic reaction? I went to the emergency room yesterday, and they explained to me the reaction had progressed into the beginning of Stephen Johnson's Syndrome.

Then, the other doctor said:

"It's good this is happening now, when it's cold out, so you can wear pants and long-sleeve shirts, and it's not 80 degrees outside. And you need to stay out of the sun."

Yes, that would be good. Except in 6 days I WILL be in 80 degree weather or hotter. And it will be impossible for me to stay out of the sun.

Oh well, I already have a guy who thinks I'm beautiful anyway and don't think my friends will care. That being said, it would be nice to at least have this rash get a little (or a lot) better by Sunday...

Working today - Friday, packing Saturday, and plane leaves early Sunday morning.

I've had a few people ask me "What do you actually do on a cruise?" haha. If you're wondering what we'll be up to, here's a sneak peek into our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Miami

We'll land around 2pm -- run some last-minute errands before cruise departure/hang out at the pool/stay overnight in Miami

Day 2: We set sail!

Up bright and early to head to our port! Although the process of getting on the ship is kind of long and not super fun, it will still be a great day -- just exploring the different areas of the ship and our first dinner and show aboard. I'm pretty sure we'll be up all night sitting outside feeling the warm, Caribbean, ocean breeze and talking in the tiny room we're all sharing. Yes -- there will be 4 of us all in one room! We're really going to get some great bonding time in on this trip. ;) But I'm sure the only time we'll really be in our room is to sleep and shower. There's always a show to go to or karaoke or something to do while onboard -- no reason to stay in your room.

Day 3: Day stop in Nassau, Bahamas

We're up bright and early again on Day 3! We're doing a catamaran sail and snorkel excursion right away in the morning when we arrive in Nassau. All four of us are so excited (and a little nervous) for this, but I think it will be awesome. I've never been to the Bahamas, so I'm excited to see what it's all about!

When Preston and I went on our honeymoon to Jamaica, we signed up for a similar activity to this -- and although I LOVED the boat ride to take us deep into the ocean where we were supposed to jump in and snorkel, I ended up too afraid to get off the boat and just took pictures of Preston snorkeling. I felt SO lame. So last year, when we went to Hawaii, I redeemed myself. I snorkeled multiple times and LOVED it. There was a really nice couple from Canada who patiently taught me, and I'm forever indebted to them.

I've got my waterproof camera ready and snorkel gear all packed! When we were in Hawaii, one of our only regrets is that we didn't have a waterproof camera to take pictures when we were underwater.

Here are some pictures from the description of this excursion:

I love how the name of the boat is "Sweetie Pie." :)

After that adventure, we still have 4 or 5 hours in Nassau. We haven't really talked about what we're going to be doing, but I'm guessing we're going to spend the rest of the day exploring Nassau a bit, maybe doing some souvenir shopping from some of the local vendors (much more affordable than the gift shops on the ship and cooler stuff in my opinion), and most importantly laying on the beach.

Then, at 5pm, we're back out to sea! I'm so excited for the unlimited food and getting to dress up for fancy dinners. :) I know these days you don't really have to get dressed up for dinner on most cruise ships -- but what girl doesn't like an excuse to dress up? There's no better time to put on a cute dress than when you're in the middle of the ocean. And I know we're going to take lots of pictures and would MUCH rather have my picture taken in a pretty dress than in my swimsuit! ;) 

Food-wise -- I know the suppers especially will be amazing. The last cruise we went on with Preston's family, practically everyone ordered chocolate melting cake for dessert every night (even though there were other options) and he and his family still talk about that dessert to this day. This cruise was after we got engaged/before we were married -- so over 5 years ago. I wonder if they'll still have chocolate melting cake now?

Day Four: Day stop in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

I am sooooo excited for this stop. As far as I know, we're going to spend our 8 hours in Half Moon Cay laying in the white sand with fresh, cold, fruity drinks in our hands and periodic dips in the beautiful, clear water to cool off.

No fancy excursions planned for this stop, so it'll be fun to just wing it and see what we feel like doing. I would be totally great with a beach day, though!

Pictures of Half Moon Cay:

I very likely may never leave.

Day Five: Day stop in Grand Turk

We only have about an hour to wander around Grand Turk before we head off on our Clear Kayaking and Eco Safari excursion. I am a little nervous that the website says the intensity level of this activity is: "difficult." The kayaks have glass bottoms, which will be so cool! And it sounds like the 4-hour excursion is really well planned out and will be amazing. Here are the details from the website:

"Enjoy the natural beauty of Grand Turk as you kayak along the mangroves and explore the coast on foot. Take in the beauty and tranquility of nature as you paddle through gentle, shallow waters surrounded by mangroves.  Explore small coves and learn about the importance of the mangroves to the ecological system.  

Along the way, your guide will point out various plants and birds, an impressive Osprey nest, and answer any questions regarding the mangroves.  The clear bottom kayak will allow you to see the marine life that lives in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.  

After kayaking, follow your guide on an eco-adventure walk along the coastline giving you the opportunity for bird watching, to search for shells, and soak up the beauty of Grand Turk."

I'm in!!!!! I don't have any idea what a mangrove is (which is very sad I'm sure) But kayaking in a glass-bottom boat, exploring coves and whatever mangroves are (apparently something very important. Ok, I've heard the word before but if you asked me to draw a mangrove I wouldn't know how), walking on the coastline searching for shells........ paradise.

Pictures below are from the website's description of this activity:

maybe a mangrove?? we'll see I guess!

Day 6: Free day at sea!!!!

I can already hear the pool beckoning me and the deck chairs calling my name. The ship we'll be on is the Carnival Victory, and it looks nice! I'll be happy to call it home for a week. :)

Here are some pictures from the website/google: I apologize for many of the cheesy, posed shots -- that's pretty much all I could find. I would've preferred just pictures showing all the rooms and pools -- guess I'll just have to wait until we're on the ship for that.

coffee bar

atrium

stage shows

fitness center/yoga and pilates class

art gallery

mini-golf

pool and deck parties

Seaside "dive in" theater

24-hour room service

casual dining

chef's table - good thing about a cruise is that if you HATE your meal, you can go grab a cheeseburger and some ice cream later :)

Serenity Adult Retreat - no kids allowed!

Really, the food and entertainment options are ENDLESS. They have a piano bar, comedy club, BINGO (seriously, hahaha), nightclub, live music, shows, arcade/casino, spa and fitness center with a jogging track/yoga and pilates classes, shopping, sushi restaurant, casual daytime dining options, fancy evening dining..... just to scratch the surface. It's your own fault if you get bored on a cruise I think -- there is more than enough to do!

Day 7: Arrive back to Miami

Flight to Sioux Falls leaves around 6pm that night. I have a feeling I will be completely exhausted (in a good way) by the time I hop on the plane home.

Anyway, there's what we'll be up to during our week floating around the ocean. If you've never cruised before -- I would highly recommend it! It is the most affordable way to travel in my opinion -- and much more stress-free because you pay for everything before you go on the trip, so you don't have to worry about how much you're going to spend on food, etc. It's especially fun when you can make multiple stops throughout the week and explore different places. Having the day excursions and nights on the ship is perfect.

Got any cruise tips/suggestions?! Let me know! I'll be sure to let you know how our experience goes when we get back to SoDak.

We're all keeping our fingers crossed that we aren't on one of those boats that you see in the news that gets stuck in the middle of the ocean. Although that would be a good story to tell.

Congratulations if you actually made it to the end of this long, LONG post! If there is anyone who did -- I am proud to call you my devoted reader. ;)

Have a great Monday, everyone!

xo,

Emily

the funniest/saddest thing you'll ever watch -- all rolled into a 2 minute video

You guys are the BEST. Thank you all for the nice messages and encouragement from my last blog post, and my blog in general since I've started it.

I know yesterday's was kind of a serious one, and not everyone agrees with me on everything I wrote or whether I should have written it, but either way I sincerely appreciate and welcome your feedback.

I really love hearing from you guys!

On a lighter note, last night I watched a video from last Easter of one of my nephews that ALWAYS makes me laugh (and a little sad too.) Let's just say, we did NOT put any chocolate bunnies in his Easter basket this year. But seriously, watch this!! You won't regret it - hilariously heartbreaking.

I've had a lot of people tell me that they have thought about starting a blog but haven't gotten around to it, and my advice is: Go for it! I'll read it! :) You'll find it really isn't about who agrees with you or likes what you're reading, it's just fun to write what's on your mind. You may find it's not for you, but you may find yourself looking back on previous blog posts and being happy you wrote them. Almost like a journal. :)

Anyway, went on a little trip to the ER today, since Friday's trip to acute care didn't help. The adverse reaction to my medication has gotten worse.


So now, (you'll need to pay attention here) I just have to deal with the side effects of the steroid I'm on to cure (what they originally thought was) the allergic reaction to the antibiotic I was on for my sinus infection that wasn't really the cause of my adverse reaction at all. I found out today it was a different med. that caused the reaction, so I have to start all over now and try a new medicine that hopefully won't give me another adverse reaction.
Did you get all that? ;)

Hope you're having a better weekend than mine.

xo,

Emily

From Victoria's Secret models to C.S. Lewis

I'm currently feeling sorry for myself, because I had a terrible allergic reaction to the antibiotic I'm on for a sinus infection. As I sit here pitying myself, I feel ashamed, knowing how blessed I am and how petty I'm being.

 

I most recently read The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. I sat down and read it in one sitting, in about 3 hours. I'm not bragging -- I'm just trying to tell you that so often "religious novels" seem daunting and hard to finish to me. But this, fictional, tale had so many truths woven in.

 

The main lesson it taught me is you can't hang on to earth or its harmful pleasures if you want Heaven and Jesus.

 

It reminded me of something my pastor recently said at church. He said "Christians want to have their cake and eat it too" when it comes to Heaven -- they don't want to give up their earthly sins and lifestyle, but they want the rewards and eternal happiness of Heaven too.

 

I don't know about you, but lately my Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest home page, even national news websites have been full of people that are SOOOO INCREDIBLY, CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT IT, EXCITED about their new "diet plan" or "healthy lifestyle" or "weight loss shake," etc.

I read these posts and think, "WHAT IF EVERYONE GOT THAT EXCITED ABOUT JESUS AND ETERNAL LIFE?" 

We have something so much larger (no pun intended) to be excited about. 

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge advocate of living a healthy lifestyle -- but there are much greater things, including eternal life, than looking like a Victoria's Secret swimsuit model.

Unfortunately, I think too often trying to change our appearance becomes an 'unhealthy obsession' instead of a 'healthy life change.'

 

Oh how easy it is to get caught up in this. Trapped in worldly body image nightmares and struggles with how I look led me to a battle with an eating disorder last year. I can personally sympathize with worldly pressures put on appearance. I write that in case anyone reading has felt the way I once did.

 

But from an eternal perspective, how we look is irrelevant, and what is in our hearts is what matters.

 

Rather than give a lengthy review, I'd rather have you pick up the book and read it for yourself. I have it and would be absolutely thrilled if you asked to borrow it from me -- I'll even drop it off at your house for you! That's how much I want you to read this book.

 

Here are five of my favorite quotes, and boy was it hard to only choose five.

“And yet all loneliness, angers, hatreds, envies, and itchings that it contains, if rolled into one single experience and put into the scale against the least moment of the joy that is felt by the least in Heaven, would have no weight that could be registered at all. Bad cannot succeed even in being bad as truly as good is good.”

“I believe, to be sure, that any man who reaches Heaven will find that what he abandoned (even in plucking out his right eye) has not been lost: that the kernel of what he was really seeking even in his most depraved wishes will be there, beyond expectation, waiting for him in 'the High Countries'.”

“If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: if we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs of Hell (or even earth.)"

 

“Reality is harsh to the feet of shadows. But will you come?”

 

"I wish I had never been born," she said. "What are we born for?" "For infinite happiness," said the Spirit. "You can step out into it at any moment...”

 

Those are only 5 short quotes from a short book that can make an eternal difference for you. This would be a great introduction to reading Lewis, if you haven't in the past, because it's short and 'fiction.'

Most of Lewis' books are nonfiction, which I also love but I know can be daunting or unappealing to people who are new believers or non-believers. Lewis says himself in the prologue -- this is just a fictional tale with eternal lessons.

 

Whether or not you believe in Heaven and Hell, you're missing out if you don't take a couple hours to read The Great Divorce.

 

 

 

It's at Barnes and Noble, so you can pick up a caramel frappucino with whipped cream while you're there (or whatever your fave is.) Have a maaah-velous Saturday night! Talk to you soon.

 

xo,

Emily

quick, easy, & delicious

Alright my blog-reading peeps. I don't have much time to write today. But I was thinking about you guys and didn't want to leave ya hanging... and I have a few minutes. ;) So -- I want to share a recipe with you that totally changed my life. No exaggeration.

You see, my track record with Pinterest recipes/crafts/ideas in general is awful. I've heard similar complaints from other people and have seen whole blogs/webpages devoted to revealing major Pinterest fails so others don't repeat the same mistake.

Although my "Pinterest failures" have come in many forms....... chalk-like hard-as-a-rock cookies, a melted-crayon-splattered-disaster all over my parents' beautiful tile floor, crockpot recipes that went immediately from the crockpot to the trash can (some that were so traumatizing I have never spoken of them since) -- I could go on and on and on.

But, like I said -- not a lot of time to chit chat today. So, let me share with you the recipe that redeemed my faith in Pinterest. I have made it several times for us and for others, and I can tell you that it gets my personal seal of approval. So, if Pinterest has let you down before --- try this recipe and maybe it'll make you a believer again.

Rather than re-typing the whole recipe, I will give credit where credit's due and redirect you to the blog where I found this recipe! It is quick, easy, and delicious crockpot cream cheese chicken chili. We like to eat it as a dip with tortilla chips too. It also would be a yummy enchilada filling. I use the "Fiesta Ranch" seasoning packet instead of plain ranch -- either would be fine.

So, without any further ado, here's the recipe folks:

http://rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com/2011/11/crock-pot-cream-cheese-chicken-chile.html

This rainy/cloudy/possibly snowy weather makes it a perfect week to get out your crockpot and make some good ol' comfort food. Enjoy!

xo,

Emily

new topic

Ok... so I realized my last few posts have ALL been about reading. Since I'm working in a library and read a lot in my spare time, I'll say it's ok. But time to move on already, sheesh.

Other than reading, what have we been up to lately? Working!!! We're young and capable and like to work, so it's good. Especially when the weather forecast continues to NOT reflect spring (more snow tomorrow? Some rain would be nice instead.)

When (or if) the nice weather finally does arrive, I've decided I'm going to just live outside in my backyard in a tent or something. That's about how sick I am of being inside.

A few weeks ago, I wrote that Preston and I were trying to decide where to take our vacay this summer. We had kinda narrowed it down to five options, and this past weekend we decided for sure.

We'll be off to Mallorca, Spain July 20th until around July 30th. So we'll leave exactly a month after our 4th wedding anniversary (absolutely crazy we've already been married for almost 4 years!)

I keep looking at pictures of Spain and can't get over how beautiful it is. But I have a little 'problem' some may call it with beautiful places. I take pictures constantly.

I think Preston would prefer for us to go somewhere really, really ugly --- because he gets SO SICK of taking pictures. He told me that taking pictures is the only thing he's dreading about our trip. I guess I'll need to cut back on the camera time... or maybe not. We'll see.

It's so hard for me NOT to take pictures of everything, because who knows the next time we'll go back to Spain? Unless we completely fall in love with it, this will more than likely be the only time we go there. It's not on our list of places we must go to more than once (that list is pretty short!) And my memory's not good -- it's awful. So, pictures are good, right?! ... RIGHT?!?

Anyway, we're trying to decide what activities we want to do while we're there. So today while watching (cough) "Dancing with the Stars" (cough) and then "Django Unchained" we both were online researching. We know where we're staying for sure and when we're going for sure, and absolutely nothing else.

I found this article on the 14 biggest tourist traps in Mallorca, which was helpful. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Spain/Balearic_Islands/Majorca_Island-261896/Tourist_Traps-Majorca_Island-TG-C-1.html

I feel like I might blink and it'll be July already. So, I'm trying to use this dreary weather as a time to get some planning in. I've been researching my little heart out and feeling overwhelmed with the number of activities available. So when everything gets overwhelming and out of control, I do what I do best: make a list. Well, two lists, actually in this case. And I'll include some pictures to make it more interesting for you. :)

Can't-Miss Activities:

(this is our no exceptions, won't get on the plane back home until we do all of these, can't-miss list)

1. "deep water soloing" in the sea near Santa Ponsa

It's ok... they have boats ready to swoop you out of the water if you fall and are knocked unconscious. Totally safe.

       

2. Valldemossa Tour (famous for inspiring Chopin during his stay there)

3. Hiking (and maybe horseback riding?) in the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains

4. Visit the 14th Century Castell de Bellver

5. Visit the Fundacio Joan Miro

6. Snorkeling -- we do this at every possible opportunity!

7. Eat popular local foods, such as Ensaimada and Coca de Patata 

8. Visit the Cathedral La Seu

 

9. Day spent walking aimlessly around town, just seeing the sights

I read an article that said, "There are many things to discover here  (Mallorca) like its Gothic architectures, hilltop villages, olive groves, hidden beaches and coves, castles..." Sounds good to me!

 

10. Day spent exploring our resort grounds/pool/beach area/spa

11. Visit Sa Calobra

Maybe Activities:

(would be fun, but wouldn't break our hearts completely if we don't have time for them)

1. Tour of Santa Catarina Winery in Andratx

2. Tour of La Petra and Montuiri Pearl and Leather Factory

 

3. Cave exploration -- they look amazing, but I've read they take huge groups and really rush you through them

4. Shopping

5. More museums (Es Baluard)

6. Golfing at one of the many courses

It is going to be the longest plane ride either of us has ever been on --- and I'm not completely sure weather-wise what to expect. My research says it'll probably be hot, but you never know. So I have a feeling I'll be packing a ton.

Been there, done that? Please be a dear and tell me if we're currently overlooking any can't-miss activities.

My hope is that the summer goes reeeeaaaalllly slowly, and it takes forever for our trip to get here. Because by that time we only have a couple months or so of nice weather left. If the nice weather ever gets here, which is doubtful. ;)

Are you taking a vacation this year? Where is the best place you've ever traveled?

xo,

Emily

new job

Far too often the following statement is true for me.

There have been many, many nights where I've been up until 4am, unable to break myself away from the last few chapters of a book -- and then the next day is spent in a half-awake daze -- but I still justify my decision as being the right one.

Here's another totally relatable cartoon:

Right?!!?

Ok, now on to my point. I've been substitute teaching since last fall along with giving piano lessons after school. I completed a 3-month position as a middle and high school Spanish teacher, and a couple weeks ago I started my next adventure as the librarian at the Intermediate School (grades 3-6) for the rest of the school year.

 

As an avid reader, this has been so fun for me.

Substitute teaching in general has been quite the learning experience! If you would've told me a year ago, that I'd be substitute teaching full-time right now I never would've believed it. It's unbelievable how God provides new opportunities for us and opens doors that we never would have imagined opening.

I have absolutely zero prior experience working in a library, but I do have lots of experience spending time in libraries. :)

 

Especially when I was growing up. Some of my best summer memories were the days when it was way too hot to be outside. We'd head to the library and get to pick out a bunch of new books in the nice, air-conditioned building. I felt like a kid in a candy store and always picked out way more than I could ever read before the next time we went to the library. Then on the way home we'd stop and get some ice cream, and then literally read inside in front of the fans blowing, drinking ice water and iced tea, all. day. long.

 

I know that's a tradition my parents keep going with my little sister -- and all the librarians in town know her by name and love her. :) She's definitely more likable than I am -- and more responsible. She never gets late fees or loses books, so no wonder they like her better than they liked me.

 

Although I have a local library card, now I tend to go to Barnes and Noble and buy the book more often than checking it out -- because I get fairly attached to a good book and sometimes hate having to return it to the library.

It's a little ironic that I'm working in the library, because there was a period of time when I aspired to be a librarian. Part of the reason I changed my mind on that, is because I was really scared of some of the librarians at our local library. Looking back, they were perfectly fine. It's probably because I had those previously mentioned bad habits of getting late fees and losing books.

I especially like children's books. I still read them now. I love giving books to my nephews and little sister, so I always check out the children's section in the library/bookstore just to check out what fun new characters they're introducing and what's popular.

My faves were Boxcar Children mysteries, Nancy Drew mysteries, Pippi Longstocking, Little Critter, Clifford, Dr. Suess, anything by Louisa May Alcott... man, I could go on and on.

 

It's seriously SOOOO cool to see kiddos STILL reading the same books I did when I was their age and getting excited about them. Clever, new books are constantly coming out, but I think those classics that can stand the test of time are so amazing.

I've especially noticed Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew to be two of the most popular series to get checked out!

I've never had lofty career goals to be a doctor or actress or Olympic snowboarder (ha, ha, and HA) 

But I think one of the all-time coolest jobs would be to write children's books -- especially chapter books. I loved"Anne of Green Gables" and Louisa May Alcott. And who can forget Laura Ingalls Wilder's books?

Without those books, I know I wouldn't have ended up having the love for books I do now.

 

Maybe someday.

 

xo,

Emily

To see what I'm reading now, click here :)
 

What I'm Reading Now - April & May 2013

Click here to see my list of "All-Time Favorite Books!"

April & May 2013

• Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls: 8 out of 10. I think everyone should read this. I really loved Walls' writing style and hearing her story. Very thought-provoking.
• My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares: 5 out of 10. This often confusing tale that centers around reincarnation and memories from past lives was NOT what I was expecting from the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. It was very strange (kind of reminded me of A Time Traveler's Wife - which I liked- only way more bizarre.) I liked the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. and also liked Brashares' The Last Summer (Of You and Me) But not a fan of this one unfortunately! I gave it 5 stars, because as strange as it was -- it was a love story, and I like love stories.
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: 7 out of 10. Told from the perspective of a little boy (whose father works as a Nazi soldier) who befriends a boy living in a concentration camp. I hadn't read this or seen the movie, when someone donated it to the childrens' library where I'm working. A heartbreaking yet necessary reminder of the indescribably horrific events of the Holocaust.
• Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell: 8 out of 10. I really enjoyed hearing Claude Monet and Madame Monet's love story, from a "historical fiction" perspective of course. Very well-written. Reading it inspired me to research Monet's work and correlate what was going on in his life to influence each painting he created. His story of struggle and success is very moving.
• Body Surfing by Anita Shreve: 6 out of 10. I've read several books by Shreve and am just not a huge fan. So, for those who are Shreve fans you may have a completely different opinion of this book than I do! It was well-written. Found this on a bargain shelf at B&N so gave it a shot. This was a quick read but not spectacular.
• Faking It by Jennifer Crusie: 6 out of 10. I read another of Crusie's books - (Bet Me, I think?) a couple of years ago and liked it. This one was on a clearance rack for $1.25! How could I pass that up? It was cute but predictable -- glad I didn't spend more than a buck on it, not a book I'd read again or lend to a friend.
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis: 10 out of 10. Ya need to read this one. Click here to read my review of The Great Divorce
• Fly Away by Kristin Hannah: 9 out of 10. Definitely had to read Firefly Lane first to enjoy this one.
• The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks: 8 out of 10. If you like Sparks' books you'll enjoy this one. 
• Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst: in the middle of this one
• Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand: 7 out of 10. I like Hilderbrand's writing style -- she always keeps you guessing. She does use harsh language, which I don't like. But you can always count on an interesting story from her! Good summer read.
• Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee: So far so good! Really liking this one!

My All-Time Favorite Books... as of April 2013

 Well, thankfully now the majority of the area once again has power and has begun recovering from the ice storm of 2013. It breaks my heart to see all of the broken trees and fallen branches everywhere -- truly surreal.

If there was anyone who wasn't that anxious for summer before this storm happened, I'm pretty sure they're now starting to unpack their swimsuits, shorts, and flip-flops from storage and dusting off their grills and golf clubs.

I don't know about you, but when I think of summer I think of swimming, going on vacations, drinking raspberry lemonade and iced tea, long days spent at the beach or pool, grilling delicious food, playing tennis and going for bike rides, the 4th of July, roasting marshmallows and making s'mores, and... reading.

Now if you're thinking, "The weather is only warm in SoDak for a few months of the year and you spend it reading?"

Let me explain myself.

I feel like the summer months bring so many opportunities to read a good book. 6-12 hours on an airplane? No problem if you've got a great book. Long car-ride to visit family or friends? Yet another perfect opportunity to delve into a new story. And my personal favorite: when I'm not actually in the water, my favorite thing to do by the pool or on the beach in the summer is lather on some coconutty-scented suntan oil and get lost in a good book.

So, my friends, if you "aren't a big reader" or just need some book suggestions -- here are my all-time faves (I'm sure I'll edit this list a million times, because I'm kind of rushing through it and love so many books.) 

 

I strongly believe that everyone can fall in love with reading, but it can take some time to find the right type of book for you. If that's you -- don't give up. One of my favorite quotes:

To see what I'm currently reading (but hasn't made the 'All Time Fave' List yet, click here!.

My All-Time Favorite Books

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Since Nobody's Perfect... How Good is Good Enough? by Andy Stanley

Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (and Sense and Sensibility... and Emma...)

Anything by Nicholas Sparks! These are great "summertime - laying by the pool or on the beach reads." The Notebook is my favorite, but I've read 'em all.

Another author who writes good "beach/pool reads" is Kristin Hannah. I've read Firefly Lane, True Colors, Winter Garden, Night Road, On Mystic Lake, Summer Island, and maybe a few others that I can't remember right now. Hannah has a new one coming out this month -- a sort of 'sequel' to Firefly Lane that I'm really looking forward to reading. She is a great story-teller.

The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

God Is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg

The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer  

A Room With A View by E.M. Forster

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Gift for All People: Thoughts on God's Great Grace by Max Lucado

The Feeling-Good Handbook by David Burns

In Search of a Confident Faith by J.P. Moreland

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

Villette by Charlotte Bronte 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo  

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott 

Gift from the Sea by Anne Lindbergh 

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Bible --- How can I make an all-time favorite book list and leave the all-time greatest Book off of it? I can't. Honestly, the last few years I've really struggled to find the 'right version of the Bible for me' --- for so many years I used my "Teen Devotional Bible" and hated to 'start over' when I had so many notes and highlighted passages in it. A few months ago I bought

 

 It has quotes from so many of C.S. Lewis' amazing books to help explain certain difficult passages. I love it! I would definitely recommend it.

So, that concludes my "Favorite List" (for now, anyway :)...)

 

Have a wonderful weekend, and find a good book to read if you haven't already. :)

 

xo,

Emily

lesson learned the hard way

Well, greetings my friends, from icy South Dakota! Preston and I have been fortunate that we only lost power for a few hours this morning. I know of people in town who have lost power and ended up in hotels, because their houses got so chilly -- so I'm not complaining.

I saw this hilarious picture the other day.

This and other versions of the picture have been spreading across the web like wildfire -- too funny.

This is the house across the street from us.

 

 

And here's the lovely view from our windows:

 

 

 

 

We're also double-fortunate, because school has been closed for me and Preston has been able to work from home the past couple days. We're blessed he has a job where that is possible when driving conditions are less than stellar, especially since he has a 30-min. commute.

I've always made fun of the fact that every time the news channels start telling us there is going to be a "Winter Storm" -- the whole town floods to the grocery stores and stocks up as though they may not get out of their house for weeks. I used to work at a grocery store, and it was always mass craziness the minute that winter weather advisory was announced.

This storm kinda crept up on us, and we did not make it to the store before all our doors froze shut. Alas, I will now be one of those over-prepared people stocking up the minute I hear a winter storm (might be) blowing in. It's much more fun to be stuck at home if you have lots of good food to eat. :) I totally get it now. Yet another lesson learned the hard way. ;)

Despite being stuck at home, and having all of our windows completely covered in ice and our doors frozen shut, and of course the safety concerns that accompany a storm like this ---- there is something so beautiful about the icy landscape.

Hope you all are warm and safe! We have power, so if you need help or somewhere to warm up please give us a call.

xo,
Emily