"The Goodbye Quilt"...A MUST Read!

Have you ever picked up a book and, from the moment you began reading it, felt that it must have been written specifically for you?  Have you ever been touched so deeply by the written word that your eyes well up with tears?  Well, I just finished reading "The Goodbye Quilt" by Susan Wiggs and I found it to be one of the most moving books I've read in a very long time.

The story is about a journey of self-discovery between a mother and her daughter as the daughter prepares to move away for college. The mother and daughter duo in this book embark on a cross-country road trip to take the daughter to the college where she's earned a scholarship.  All the while, the mother creates a quilt of memories to give to her daughter when they arrive. There were so many parallels in this book that reminded me of my relationship with Brittany and what it was like for me to let her go.  As you may recall, it was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences I've ever had to face. I, literally, felt like my heart was being ripped right out of my chest.  So many memories came flooding back, not to mention all the 'what ifs'.  Had I taught her enough about life and love?  Had I instilled in her everything she needed to know in order to be able to survive without me by her side?  Had I mothered her too much?  All of these questions and raw emotions came pouring down on me.  This past year has definitely taught me a lot about myself.  I've learned that letting go of someone you love dearly does hurt immensely, but, in essence, it isn't the end...only the beginning. 

So, needless to say, this wonderful book really hit home with me from start to finish.  I highly recommend it for any mother of a daughter.  It's, especially, poignant for those whose daughter is about to leave the nest  and venture out on her own or for "empty nesters".  Sure, it will make you cry and experience many emotions you may not quite be ready to face...not yet.  However, it will give you a greater understanding of the tremendous bond between a mother and a daughter and how love lives on...regardless of the miles that come between you.  It earns 5 STARS from me!

Scenarios For Girls~Book Reviews

I think we can all agree that kids these days are faced with a lot of "peer pressure" to do this or to try that. It can be quite overwhelming at times, not only for them, but for their parents, as well. Temptation lurks around every corner. Those of us who've grown up and matured know exactly what it's like. You have a deep-rooted desire to" fit in", yet the thought of compromising your values and morals is very daunting. It's not an easy road to travel, that's for certain.

Well, one of my good bloggy friends, Nicole O'Dell, is a talented Christian author who has written two books for girls that deal with some of those tough issues. Awhile back, she asked me to read and review her books and, of course, I gladly agreed. You can visit her website at http://www.scenariosforgirls.com/ for more information. Here's a short synopsis of both books.

Truth or Dare:
Lindsay Martin is faced with a tough choice: Does she give in to peer pressure and make her friends happy or does she do what she knows is right—even if it means losing her friends forever? Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Lindsay’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

All That Glitters:
Drew Daniels finally has what she thought she wanted—popularity and a cute boyfriend. But now she’s faced with choosing between pleasing her boyfriend and doing what’s right. Tween readers make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Drew’s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

Now, the first book I read was Truth or Dare. It's about an 8th grade girl, Lindsay Martin, who wanted to appear "cool" in the eyes of her friends by participating in a game of "Truth or Dare" that went too far. Her so-called "friends" dared her to do something that went against everything she'd been taught and believed in. The great part about Nicole's books is that you, the reader, get to decide how the story ends based on what you might do in the same situation. It truly allows for some serious and open discussions, which I think it vital when raising preteens and teens. The ending I chose was not necessarily the favorable one, but one I thought was realistic. Lindsay learned a lot from the particular choice she made and saw how much it affected not only herself, but those who loved her dearly.

All That Glitters was the second book I read. It revolves around two twin sisters, Drew and Dani, who are both high school freshmen. Drew is very much into the whole "popularity scene" and her sister, Dani, feels like she's the "forgotten one". I could relate well to this book because some of the feelings expressed by Dani are often true of how Abby feels. I think she often feels lost in Brittany's limelight with her running accomplishments and all. Drew, like so many teenage girls I know, is far more interested in being the popular girl and hanging out with the "in crowd" than she is about being a caring sister and daughter. She takes some risks and chances that she never thought she would and, due to the ending I chose, hurt a lot of people in the process, mainly her family.

Chris and I have raised our girls to always remember that with every action or choice they make in life, there will be consequences...some good, some bad. However, the important thing is to hold fast to their morals and values and to never compromise them for anyone or anything. Nicole's books help tween girls and their parents see the importance of open communication...and a strong and unwavering faith in God. I highly recommend you order your copies TODAY!

Birthday Wrap-Up...Book Review!!!

Thought I'd share a few photos from Brittany's birthday. I STILL can't believe she's 17 years old!!!

Here's the birthday cake Abby and I made for her. We decided to go with a Valentine's theme...I think it turned out pretty good. Chris is always giving me such a hard time about my cakes being lopsided. I must admit, he can make a "mean" birthday cake! One thing we got Brittany for her birthday were two patches for her letter jacket. She'll be the only girl at her school that has these particular ones. She was SO excited!!!
Here's something else we gave her...she loves the saying on it! As many of you might know, Kenyans are very fast and talented runners, so this inscription on her necklace was perfect! I found it on ETSY; it's made out of a bottle cap!
Abby created the sweetest card for Brittany on the computer and spilled her heart out in it. Brittany read it and started crying. I think my poor hubby is about to head for the hills with all this boo-hooing going on! Isn't this a wonderful "Kodak moment", though?
Look at Brittany's red eyes! They love each other so much.
So, all in all, I think she had a great birthday!!!

Today, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite books. It's called "Letters For Emily" written by Cameron Wright. Here's a summary from the book's website ...

"Harry Whitney, is dying -- not only dying, he is losing his mind. Afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, he knows his ‘good’ time is short. Worried he’ll ultimately be remembered as mean and contemptible, he compiles a book of his own poems as a final gift to Emily, his favorite granddaughter. Harry’s secret hope is that somehow his words will heal tenuous relationships in a family that is falling apart. His book of poems is discovered, but it does little to ease the tension as the writings are quickly dismissed as the babbling words of a crazy old man; that is, until secrets are discovered hidden within each poem.
How could an old man afflicted with Alzheimer’s have created such intricate hidden messages? And what of the hidden gold to which Harry alludes in his poems? As Harry’s secrets are uncovered one by one, his children learn about romance, forgiveness and hope.
Will it be enough to change their attitudes and bring them closer together, or will greed take over and destroy them forever? For better or for worse, their lives will be undeniably altered by Harry’s words in his Letters for Emily."

This is a remarkable true story of the love a grandfather has for his granddaughter, and the lengths he goes to in order to ensure that she will never forget him, even though he's rapidly losing his own memory. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! I think I've read it, at least, 3 times. Trust me, it will touch your heart! I highly recommend it...but, be sure to have a Kleenex handy!

Please hop on over to wish my sweet blogging buddy, Debra, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I know it will make her day! Enjoy your Monday!!!♥

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."~George Eliot