Book review: Luther and Katherina

Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion

You may have read about the Reformation Day Festival that our family went to a couple of weeks ago.  This is something we enjoy every year.   After doing some research on Katharina (Luther's wife) for our Reformation Day project last year, she is definitely a lady of interest.  The woman behind the man.... but she was a strong woman with lots of ideas and projects of her own!  I jumped at the chance to review this book.

This historical fiction workgives us a look at how things might have been as Luther and his Katie became a couple, but who actually knows?  The portrayal in this book isn't how I personally imagined it happening, but I enjoyed an alternate view and it was a very good read.  Do note: along with this time period of history comes a certain amount of violence and subject matter that isn't child friendly.  I wouldn't recommend this in any way as a book for children or youth as some of the theme matter is pretty disturbing.  It is intended as a book for grown ups.

 ** I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

November Birthdays!

Birthdays happen pretty often with my big family. But November is the biggest month for us with SIX! Two daughters, a son (Isaac) two grandsons and myself all celebrate November as the month of our birth.

 Our family celebrations are simple, but often noisy events!

 

Yeah, um those are the candles in my cupcake....

teenager!

 

 

 

Guess who else has a birthday in November????

Oh Sweet Susy!  She will be six years old in just a few days.  It grieves me to know that she doesn't have a family to celebrate with her.  Will you pray for her family to find her?  Will you show her Reece's Rainbow account a little love to help contribute to a grant towards her adoption?  No, it isn't all about the money, but sometimes the funds are one of the biggest obstacles that hold a family back.   Wish Susy a happy birthday HERE!    Contributions to her account are tax deductible.  Thank you on her behalf!

f o u N d - an adoption story

      

This is the student project made by a friend who is a communications major.  My four children from China were invited to be a part of this new video which was released today, on Orphan Sunday. 

Look for Pat on the swing, Abigail using American Sign Language, Isaac playing basketball, and Jen going from her wheelchair to a walker.  So happy that they are four less orphans in the world today.

Its My Birthday!

Yup. Today is my 54th birthday. When my adult kids were home last weekend Rachael made cupcakes (for the SIX of us celebrating birthdays in our family this month) and Hannah had way too much fun making sure I got every candle I was entitled to put into my cupcake. I thought we might set the house on fire before we got the thing blown out!(smile)

I'm not in the habit of soliciting birthday gifts but this year I am making an exception. Will you consider giving me a birthday gift of TEN CENTS per year and putting it in Susy's fund? It would totally make my day to see her grant climbing. Oh, and it is tax deductible for you too! Here is her donate page: http://reecesrainbow.org/83748/susy
The Angel Tree warriors aren't given names of who donates, so I won't be able to thank you personally for my gift (unless you let me know you did it!) So in advance, “thank you friends!”

Orphan Sunday is nearly here!

Orphan Sunday is coming on Sunday, November 8, 2015. This is probably the best explanation I've seen yet as to why Orphan Sunday exists and why it is important.  The video is just a little over a minute long.  Give a listen!

Good News for Patrick!

Pat  saw the dentist shortly after he came home. He was given a prescription for some antibacterial mouth wash,  and we were told to talk to the pediatrician about a possible blood disorder if the bleeding from his gums didn't settle down by the time he finished the prescription.

Thus started many, many, many tests and visits to the pediatrician and to Children's Hospital.  Today we got the results at last!

While he does have a mild clotting disorder it is not expected to need any treatment nor cause him any issues in his future aside from being a nuisance.  There were many scary things it COULD have been, and we are grateful for such good news!

Pearl/Bead Necklace up for Auction -- Susy Fundraising

This is a 39" long necklace (that is 78 inches around!!!) that you can double or even triple for an elegant look. It is made of irregular fresh water pearls, silvery shimmery beads and black beads. It was purchased in China this past spring. It is truly lovely and the photo doesn't do it justice.

The fine print: Auction starts NOW and bidding will go through Monday, November 9 at 8pm EST.

Starting bid is $20 and bids increase in $1 increments. . If it needs to be shipped, I will cover the cost of the postage to get it to you in the USA only.

Winner to pay via Paypal using Susy's Reece's Rainbow account within 72 hours or it will default to back up bidder. http://reecesrainbow.org/83748/susy

Please send a copy of the receipt that Paypal sends you along with your mailing address to Grant4Susy@gmail.com     Bid on necklace in the album HERE