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Friday, September 30, 2016

10 Keys to Christian Living with #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -
Make My Saturday Sweet #191!


The 10 Keys to Christian Living below are from a shortened list of notes from a Sunday message given by one of our house church members. I liked his list enough to share it here with you.

10 Keys on Christian Living
by Werner Voigt


    1. When you don't have control
        - Remember God's assurance and faithfulness
    2. When you have control
        - Thank God for the privilege of leading and guiding others
    3. Fear wants to take the place of knowledge
        - Seek knowledge
    4. Wisdom is gained through experience and responsibility
        - Share, teach, and advise others
    5. God is not random
        - Believe in divine appointments
    6. God loves to converse with us
        - Talk to Him about everything
    7. Don't have too many high expectations in yourself or in others
        - Have high expectations in God
    8. Reflect often on things that worked out
        - Things that went according to plan or brought happiness
    9. Surround yourself with good friends and family
        - You are not meant to be alone
    10. Try something new
        - Keep developing, don't be boring


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My Latest Book Posts:

Beyond the Lines



Pickled Pumpkin Pie:
A Thanksgiving Treat
with a $25 Giveaway!


*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

Weekend Linky

This is a blog hop!



Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

New Braces and More with #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #210!


Amanda has been playing netball at school. The game looks similar to basketball, but the rules are a bit different. She's been playing friendly matches against other schools and enjoying it, so we got her a net and measured how high it needed to be for her age. I'm kind of sad that the season is over. It's a winter sport and we are now heading into summer.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on my photos to see them at their best!


Recently I shared photos of our pool getting redone and one of my bloggy friends asked to see a picture of the whole pool, so here it is from end to end. In this picture, Amanda and her daddy are checking the pH, alkalinity and chlorine together.


Amanda has new braces! Her upper teeth need to grow properly, but her lower teeth have been preventing that. When she bites, her lower teeth are in front, so she needs these braces to help move her upper teeth forward.


Samantha wanted to take a shower the other night when she found this large rain spider looking down at her. You can imagine that she got quite a fright. Robbie caught it in a container and released it outside away from the house.



*********************

Check out my latest post
on 1camera1mom:


Samantha and Jessica


*********************

My Latest Book Posts:

Beyond the Lines



Pickled Pumpkin Pie:
A Thanksgiving Treat
Free eBook 27 & 28 Sept.
with a $25 Giveaway!



*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.



Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat

Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat
written by Deb Troehler and
illustrated by Jaime D. Buckley
Book Blast with $25 Giveaway!

pickledpumpkinpieblastbutton_1



About the Book

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Title: Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat | Author: Deb Troehler | Illustrator: Jaime D. Buckley | Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 38 | Publication Date: March 9, 2016



amazon2 


Book Description: Thanksgiving is almost here and Dillon can’t wait to see his lovable Uncle Pete once again. Uncle Pete’s visits with his peculiar penchant for pickled pumpkin pie always bring an extra helping of laughter to the dining table. Join Dad, Mom, Uncle Pete, Dillon, and their dog, Baxter, for togetherness, laughter, and a dill-icious meal. Pickled Pumpkin Pie is a read-aloud book for children ages 3-7.

Pickled Pumpkin Pie will be FREE on Amazon September 27 & 28

Review by BeachBoundBooks


Pickled Pumpkin Pie is a charming picture book, told in delightful rhyme, and filled with colorful and fun illustrations.

It's Thanksgiving and Uncle Pete can't wait to eat, but it's not turkey, potatoes, or cranberries he's after. Uncle Pete is waiting for dessert and not just any dessert. He wants pickled pumpkin pie. As the scrumptious meal comes to an end Uncle Pete's excitement builds. Will he finally get his Thanksgiving wish?

Pickled Pumpkin Pie is well written, engaging, and highly entertaining. The book also contains several activities and of course gives readers a chance to create their own pickled pumpkin pie. This is certain to become a fast holiday favorite among children and adults.

I recommend picking up a copy.


About the Author:
Deb Troehler
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Deb Troehler has worn many hats over the years—teacher, fabric artist, author, illustrator, gardener, mother, and grandmother. Although each hat is unique, they are all stitched with a common thread—Deb’s connections to her loved ones and the world around her.

Mrs. Troehler was a special education teacher for 15 years. After leaving the classroom due to a recurrence of cancer, her family moved to West Michigan to spend time with her husband’s family. To help make ends meet, Deb wrote instructional material and stories for several trade magazines such as Doll Crafter, Doll Reader, and Soft Dolls and Animals. Eventually, the magic of West Michigan motivated Deb to put pen to paper and record the stories inspired by her treks up and down the shores of Lake Michigan. Pickled Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving Treat is Deb’s third book for children.



About the Illustrator:
Jaime D. Buckley
jbpicstblog


Jaime Buckley is an author, illustrator, father of 12 and the creator of wantedhero.com, which has been entertaining youth and the young at heart for over a decade.




Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice. Giveaway ends: October 10, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally. How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Deb Troehler and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.





Friday, September 23, 2016

Serenity, Courage and Wisdom with #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -
Make My Saturday Sweet #190!


With the racial tension right now in Charlotte, USA, I would like us to consider how we treat people in general. Racism comes in many different forms. We need each other and so we should set aside our differences and embrace each other's strengths and talents. We can do so much more when we work together! Check out my photos with texts below and the related post, The Rainbow Nation. Interestingly, my latest book post has a similar theme running through it.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on the photos to see them at their best!


Do Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
with Your God - Micah 6:8

Related Post:
The Rainbow Nation


*********************

My Latest Book Post:
Beyond the Lines
middle grade fiction
with $25 giveaway



*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

Weekend Linky

This is a blog hop!



Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Beyond the Lines

Beyond the Lines
by Claudia Whitsitt
Blog Tour with $25 Giveaway!


About the Book



Title: Beyond the Lines | Author: Claudia Whitsitt | Publisher: Claudia Whitsitt | Publication Date: February 27, 2016 | Genre: Middle Grade Fiction | Number of Pages: 260



Book Description: The Dream Girls—Hattie, Crackers, and Beverly Jo—are back with the same determination and resolve they displayed in Between the Lines. This time, it's Crackers who has a dream. She has oodles of talent, can outshoot any guy, and she wants to be the first girl on the boys' basketball team. Everybody knows she's the best player at school. The problem is, the rules say: No girls allowed on the team. Ever. But the Dream Girls have challenged old-fashioned notions before, and they're not about to give up now. Beverly Jo rocks the world with an ingenious plan, Hattie sets the wheels in motion, and Crackers gives her all. For this threesome, nothing is impossible.


Beyond the Lines 
An Excerpt

Four months ago, I thought my life was over. But just look at me now. I’ve gone from a Catholic school kid to a public school student and from a knock-kneed scaredy-cat to a mostly brave girl. Not only that, but I’ve made the best friends ever. Beverly Jo is not just the smartest girl I know, but the friendliest, and Crackers, well, she’s the life of the party, whether there’s a party or not.

Which brings me to our 5th grade holiday break celebra-tion, a sleepover at my house. The aromas wafting down the basement stairs right now awaken me in the best possible way—with a gigantic grin on my face. There’s not a better smell in the world than bread frying in a custard of milk, eggs and butter, crackling bacon, and warm maple syrup.

I stretch my arms over my head and untangle my sleeping bag from the cocoon its coiled around my legs, peeking out to see if either of my friends’ peepers are blinking yet.


What others are saying...

"BEYOND THE LINES is a refreshing story of true friendship." - Lori (Amazon)

"A delightful story of true friendship" - David (Amazon)

"Great characters, superlative writing and the sense of being dropped into the mist of a Dream Girls meeting makes "Beyond The Lines" a wonderful book." - DJ (Amazon)

"Beyond the lines is a beautiful story of friendship." - (Amazon)


About the Author:
Claudia Whitsitt



Claudia Whitsitt spent a lifetime teaching special education and writing before becoming a full-time author. She believes in the power of friendship, small acts of kindness, and paying it forward. Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her children, which includes not only the five she raised but the countless students who touched her life over the years.



Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: September 27, 11:59 pm, 2016

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Claudia Whitsitt and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.




Tuesday, September 20, 2016

A New Hair Cut and More with #Linky

Welcome to my Picture Perfect
Party Linky #209!


Today I'm featuring my two teenage daughters. The photo below was taken last year of the two girls. Samantha recently went on a hike in the mountains and I have just posted about it on 1camera1mom. This past weekend Jessica asked me to cut her hair. She wanted something different for her upcoming prom. It's called the Matric Farewell in South Africa and hers is just a few days away! (The school year started in the middle of January and ends around early December.) So, on Saturday I cut her hair to the style she wanted and on Sunday Samantha helped her dye it.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on my photos to see them at their best!

Sisters: Samantha and Jessica

Jessica with her newly colored hair -
Nice 'n Easy Natural Dark Caramel Brown



*********************

Check out my latest post
on 1camera1mom:
Hiking in the Mountains



*********************

My Latest Book Review:

Bravo and Elphie
about friendship, responsibility and bravery



*********************

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Come link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow me on one or more links above or via email.
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • If possible, copy the button code below and add it on your linked post or blog's side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.



Visit my Blog Hops page to see the hops that I often link up to.

Friday, September 16, 2016

Paralympics 2016 with Weekend #Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -
Make My Saturday Sweet #189!


Who's been following the 2016 Paralympics? We were watching the news when we heard that four 1500m runners finished faster than the Rio Olympics gold finishing time! The fastest runner of the four was gold medalist Abdellatif Baka of Algeria. The second, third and fourth winners also ran fast enough to win gold had they competed in the Olympic Games. Baka, a visually impaired middle-distance runner, now holds the fastest 1500m time recorded by an able-bodied or disabled athlete in Rio over both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. You can find out more in this article from the Independent.

This blog is best viewed in Google Chrome.
Click on the photos to see them at their best!


I was invited to Kaleidoscope's annual function that took place yesterday. It was formerly named the Institute for the Blind. I have been working there since 2010 as a volunteer reader. Part of the function included a tour and I was impressed to find out what new things they have been doing since last year. For example, the paintings in both photos were done by visually impaired people and are on sale in their new art gallery. As you can see, one of the paintings already has a sold tag underneath it. If you want to learn more, then please visit my post from last year, Institute for the Blind.


Related post:
Institute for the Blind


*********************

My Latest Book Review:

Bravo and Elphie
about friendship, responsibility and bravery



*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Here are the easy rules:
  • Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
  • Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.
Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

Weekend Linky

This is a blog hop!



Visit my Blog Hops page to see
what link-ups I take part in.