The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews - Book Review

My intention was to read The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews to my multi-age Children's Church class, but after reading through the book and having a really hard time keeping the characters straight, I decided that using the book for the pictures and re-telling the story in my own words would be better received by my class of 2-12 year olds. I was right. Even my 17-year-old was confused. She read and re read and said to me, "Mom, I just don't get it." I explained the connections as best I could, but I couldn't imagine that younger kids would get what a teenager couldn't grasp. It's not the concept, it's the complicated web of characters who have impacted the world.

The artwork by Philip Hurst is great. The illustrations are beautiful watercolors, deep colors and fanciful butterflies on each page that further illustrate the theory. The kids loved looking for and identifying the butterflies throughout the story.

I received a free copy of The Boy Who Changed the World through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews - Book Review

"How Your Life Matters" is a fitting subtitle for Andy Andrews' new book, The Butterfly Effect, because your life really does matter, not just to yourself, but to and in the lives of others, those you have contact with and those you don't even know exist. Decisions that you make today may impact people miles away or decades away, the effects go on and on. This book may entice you to ponder a bit before you make your next move!

I have read Andy Andrews before and have been pleased. This short and easy to read illustration of how everything that you do has an effect outside of your little bubble. I had considered this concept before, but the way that Andrews shares his spin on it is interesting. Without retelling the story, I have to say that there is a little confusion about who is related to whom and how they effect the others, but once I slowed down and carefully thought through each character and how he related to the others it clicked. The book is wonderful and I will share my copy.

By the way...this is another one of those Booksneeze! reviews :)

Book Review- Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

I received a copy of Outlive Your Life as a reviewer for BookSneeze! For this book review I went in expecting much and came out with much more. Outlive Your Life is much more than an inspirational word from Max Lucado, it is a call to action. Each chapter challenged me to look at other people's lives and the impact they have made on the world that will go on to generations beyond them, and then to reflect on my own life and how I want to impact the world I leave behind. Max Lucado made me re-think loving like Christ loves, loving people who I may never see, but loving them and touching them in a way that is immeasurable. I certainly did not take enough time to treasure this book for what it is. I needed to sit quietly with Outlive Your Life, a blank journal and my Bible. The book includes a Discussion and Action Guide. Much appreciated, I used the guide as a personal study guide. I just wish there had been room set aside for me to jot thoughts in the guide. That being my only downside to the book, I digress...I have a lot of work to do.

Finished Pigs

Finished the blocks. They turned out very nice. I'm so pleased. And all while the kids were napping. They are sick so I had an extended amount of quiet time. But they are starting to get up and move around, maybe they are starting to feel better. I have to pack up the machine...

I put a plain blue and white gingham print on the back and repeated the blue swirl on the binding on both squares. The pieces are identical in both, I just changed the layout. Made two totally different looks. I love it. Wish I could quilt more but the machine and the pins and the scissors and cutter are too dangerous to have out all the time.

One day...a sewing room :)

Coming Off the Craft Table

I guess I really don't have a craft table...I should put the kitchen table, and my lap, and my bed, and... anyway, here are some of the projects I have recently completed, or near completion:

Chanson en Crochet is a free pattern from Knitting Daily. There are lots of corrections, so look for errata. I have made a bunch of these, maybe 8 or so. This is the latest.

Granny square afghans...you gotta love 'em. Especially if you crochet. Quick and easy. Used some of grandma's stash that she most generously shared!

Starry Eyes Scarf

                                                                            Oh, this lovely scarf is a free pattern from Ravelry. I got the lovely yarn from Daily Fiber Yarn Company. I don't know the kind because...I...um...threw away the label :(


Quilting too...yep...I was watching something on tv and saw this block. My goodness, that is pretty. I ran out to the garage and rummaged through my stash and found these prints. I decided to make two opposite blocks. They aren't finished yet. I need to find backings. I have already cut my binding. And I will make two wall hangings. If you get these for Christmas act like you have never seen them before :)

Pigs in a Blanket