CHRISTMAS CRAFT - CUTE RUDOLPH WREATH PICTURE FRAME

OK, MY FAVORITE CARTOON TO WATCH AT 'CHRIST'MAS TIME IS RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED-REINDEER.  SO, I DECIDED TO MAKE A CRAFT THAT INVOLVED RUDOLPH, THOUGH YOU CAN USE WHATEVER CHARACTER YOU LIKE, WHETHER IT BE SNOOPY, FROSTY, OR ANYONE ELSE.

SO, START OFF BY FINDING A COLORING PAGE YOU LIKE, PRINTING IT AND THEN COLORING IT.

NEXT YOU CAN TAKE A PIECE OF CONSTRUCTION PAPER.  I ONLY HAD A LITTLE PIECE OF GREEN LEFT, SO IT WOULDN'T HAVE WORKED AND I DECIDED ON USING RED. 

COMPARE YOUR PICTURE TO THE PAGE AND DECIDE HOW BIG YOU WILL NEED THE CIRCLE OF THE WREATH TO BE. 

NEXT DRAW A WREATH AROUND THE EDGE OF THE PAPER, LIKE I DID. 

AND CUT OUT YOUR WREATH. 

AND NOW, YOU CAN CUT OUT YOUR CHARACTER.  CUT AROUND THE EDGES AS YOU CAN SEE THAT I DID BELOW.  GLUE (I USED TAPE, BECAUSE I HAD NO GLUESTICKS, BUT I REALLY RECOMMEND YOU USE GLUE IF YOU HAVE IT) IT ON A BACKGROUND COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE.

NEXT PUT YOUR WREATH OVER TOP OF IT SO YOU CAN MEASURE AND SEE WHERE YOU NEED TO CUT THE BACKGROUND OUT, FOR IT TO FIT PERFECTLY INSIDE THE WREATH.  ALSO, MY WREATH IS A LITTLE SAD LOOKING, BUT HOPEFULLY YOU CAN MAKE A BETTER ONE.  IF NOT, YOU CAN READ TO THE END AND SEE WHAT I DID TO MAKE MINE LOOK A LITTLE BETTER.  

NOW YOU CAN CUT OUT YOUR BACKGROUND, LIKE I DID IN THE PICTURE BELOW. 

NOW YOU CAN GLUE YOUR WREATH ON TOP OF THE BACKGROUND.  NOW, I MADE MY WREATH LOOK A LITTLE BETTER BY ADDING THE MISTLETOE FROM THE COLORING PAGE AT THE TOP, SOME LITTLE HOLLY LEAVES ON THE SIDES, AND A MERRY CHRISTMAS SIGN AT THE BOTTOM. 

HANG IT WHERE YOU WANT, AND IT'S DONE!  

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LITTLE 'CHRIST'MAS CRAFT!  I REALLY LIKE MINE, NOW THAT IT'S FINISHED! 

SIGNED,

HANNAH

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS - CUTE LIGHTBULB GARLAND

SO, I DECIDED THAT I WANTED TO DO SOME 'CHRIST'MAS CRAFTS HERE ON MY BLOG.  I HAVE QUITE A FEW PLANNED, BUT TODAY I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING SUPER EASY.  ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS START BY DRAWING SOME OLD-FASHIONED LIGHTBULBS.

I DREW MINE IN FIVE DIFFERENT COLORS USING A BLACK MARKER (THE MARKER IS NOT A SHARPIE, BUT A DRY ERASE MARKER). 

NEXT FOCUS ON CUTTING THOSE OUT. 

ONCE YOU HAVE THEM ALL CUT OUT, YOU CAN ARRANGE THEM ACCORDING TO THEIR COLOR FOR EASY ACCESS. 

NOW I HAVE SIX OF EACH COLOR, MAKING THIRTY LIGHTBULBS. 

NOW YOU CAN CUT OUT A PIECE OF YARN, THE LENGTH YOU NEED.  MINE IS A LITTLE LONG BECAUSE I'M GOING TO DRAPE IT ACROSS THE TOP OF MY BOOKSHELF AND ONE ALONG THE END OF MY BED. 

NEXT YOU TAKE TAPE OR WHATEVER YOU ARE USING TO ATTACH THEM TO THE YARN AND ARRANGE THEM THE WAY YOU WANT. 

AND YOU'RE DONE!

 QUICK TIP: IF YOU CUT A PIECE OF YARN THAT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH, CUT ANOTHER PIECE AND TIE THEM TOGETHER AND CUT OFF THE LOOSE ENDS. 

HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THE CRAFT!  THERE WILL BE MORE SOON!

SIGNED,

HANNAH

'Return to the Hundred Acre Wood' - Book Review

  

 "Return to the Hundred Acre Wood" is the story of Christopher Robin's summer vacation with all of his old friends: Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Rabbit, Roo, Kanga, Owl, and Eeyore.  We are also introduced to a new character: Lottie the Otter.
 I really enjoyed this book.  I know a lot of people probably have a problem with it, because it is Winnie the Pooh, but not written by A.A. Milne.  This fact doesn't bother me in the least.  In fact, I consider it to be keeping the legacy alive, introducing Pooh to a new generation of readers.
 The writing is sometimes very similar to Milne's and other times you can tell it's written by a completely different person, which is fine with me.  I think it's great the writing is not exactly alike.  It helps to distinguish between the old and the new tales of Winnie the Pooh.
 There are ten chapters in this book, and in each chapter we read of some wonderful experiences the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood have.  It is very sweet and lighthearted.  It's witty and quite funny at times.
 The new character of Lottie was not a favorite of mine when I was younger, if I remember correctly, but now I really enjoyed her character and personality and think it was a wonderful idea to introduce her to everyone through this new tale of Winnie the Pooh.
 The illustrations are 'beeutiful' (excuse the horrible pun).  They captivate me on every page, and I just can't help but fall in love with them.  They are part of what makes this book so wonderful!
 The ending to this book made me cry.  I rarely cry (like really cry) over books.  I may shed a tear or two, but this book caused quite a few tears for me.
 So, whether you are a longtime fan of Winnie the Pooh, like myself, or you are just looking for some lovely children's literature, I urge you to give 'Return to the Hundred Acre Wood' a try.

5 STARS FOR IT'S WONDERFULNESS!

"Annie's Stories" - Book Review

Synopsis: 
The year is 1901, the literary sensation The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is taking New York City by storm, and everyone wonders where the next great book will come from. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more than entertainment-they're a sweet reminder of her storyteller father. After his death, Annie fled Ireland for the land of dreams, finding work at Hawkins House.

But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten to shut down the boardinghouse, Annie fears she may lose her new friends, her housekeeping job . . . and her means of funding her dream: a memorial library to honor her father. Furthermore, the friendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie-and in her father's unpublished stories. In fact, he suspects these tales may hold a grand secret.

I checked out this book at my local library, drawn to it because of its cover. I mean, who wouldn't want to read a book where the character is reading of copy of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" on the cover? I started the book and finished it in about three days. It was so good!

The main character, Annie Gallagher comes from Ireland in hopes of a brighter future. She is a very sweet girl, only looking to continue her work at Mrs. Hawkins boardinghouse and save enough money, so someday she can open up a library and dedicate it to her father. She does doubt that God cares about her throughout this book, but near the end she sees that He truly does care. 

The characters in this book are many and each is so well developed throughout the book. The plot, is really, very, interesting. I enjoyed this book so much, and not just because "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" has so many mentions! If you like historical fiction, then I suggest you try reading "Annie's Stories", by Cindy Thomson! 

"Emily of New Moon" - Book Review

I recently read Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery. It is book one in The Emily Trilogy.

At the beginning of this book Emily Byrd Starr finds out that her father is dying. When he dies, her mother's side of the family, the Murrays-known for their pride and a little haughtiness in some members-, all come to pay respects to Douglas Starr -- and to decide what to do with Emily. Not knowing who should take her in, they draw lots and Aunt Elizabeth is the one who gets to raise Emily from now on. Emily doesn't care much for Aunt Elizabeth, but really likes the other two residents of New Moon: Aunt Laura, and we can't forget Cousin Jimmy, whom everyone says is simple (being knocked down a well accidentally by Elizabeth as a child), though Emily just can't see it. Emily has to go to New Moon and throughout the book we read of her trials, triumphs, and of the mischief she can sometimes make. Towards the end of the book, she and Aunt Elizabeth come to tolerate one another more
and even love each other.

At the beginning of the book I really didn't want to read it and thought about just putting it away, it just felt a little dark, I don't mean dark as in creepy, but it wasn't very cheerful. I'm glad that I didn't put it away. Although, there is a different feel to the book than Anne of Green Gables has, I still really enjoyed it.

I would like to name a few similarities between Anne Shirley and Emily Starr:
1. They both have a vivid imagination, though Anne's is a bit larger.
2. They both have to deal with a strict guardian, though Aunt Elizabeth makes Marilla seem lovely.
3. They both love to dramatize, making things bigger than they appear.
I'm sure there are more similarities, but those are the ones that I can remember.
I'm going to give Emily of New Moon 4 out of 5 stars! If you enjoy Anne of Green Gables, then I suggest you give this book a chance!

"Murder at the Mikado" - Book Review

Murder at the Mikado is the third book in the Drew Farthering Mystery Series written by Julianna Deering. I have read the second book in the series - Death by the Book - and let me tell you, even though that one was good, this one is ten times better! I usually set end-dates for myself when reading a book that I'm going to review, but this one was finished in four days! It was that good!
 The case itself was riveting! An actor is found dead inside his dressing room at the Tivoli - all fingers point to Fleur Landis, Drew's old flame. Fleur comes to Drew for help, but Drew is planning his wedding and doesn't really want to focus on anything but that, and his fiancee Madeline-but he just can't let this mystery go unsolved and leave the poor girl in a fix. When a sort-of-script-girl is found strangled and stuffed into a wardrobe holding tightly to a tassel off of a cloak just like Fleur's, Fleur is then arrested. How could Lew Zuraw call Drew and tell him to come down to the theater immediately so he could disclose some important information, but then be found dead, strangled, with a tassle under his body, when Drew arrives? How could this be if the suspected murderess is in jail? Who is doing away with these people at the Tivoli? I have to tell you to read this enthralling, page-turner book for yourself to find out!  It will leave you wanting to turn every page, read every word, so you can just know who-done-it! I'm giving this book 5-out-of-5 stars, simply because it's that good! Love mysteries? Then you might not want to pass up Murder at the Mikado by Julianna Deering!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers to write a review on it. I was not asked to write a positive review.

"Child of Mine" - Book Review

Child of Mine is a new release written together by David and Beverly Lewis. The plot is different from other books I have read, being unique, but not unbelievable. Kelly Maines’ daughter, Emily, was kidnapped when Emily was just a newborn baby; Jack Livingston is raising his niece, Natalie, with the help from her Amish nanny, Laura. Kelly has searched for eight years for her baby girl, could Natalie be the daughter she’s never had a chance to get to really know? The characters of this book seem so real. Jack is a single dad trying his best to raise his niece the way his beloved brother and his brother’s wife would have, before they were killed. Natalie is a lovable eight-year-old girl, living a great life with her dad and nanny. She is so adorable with a love for: Pop-Tarts, Disney movies, and stuffed-animals. Laura is a part of the Amish community, living with her cousins in Wooster, Ohio, being shunned by her immediate family back in Lancaster, Pa. She helps with the raising of Natalie. Kelly is a distraught widow, just hoping to find the child who was kidnapped by her husband. She has searched for years and still doesn’t know where her daughter is. The plot of this book, as I said before, is different--unique. I fell in love with this book as soon as the first couple of chapters. It is an attention-getter and gets better and better as the story progresses. It has quite a few twisting turns along the way. You never know what’s around the next page! The ending was fantastic-a little different from the way I thought it would be-but just great! I’m going to give this book 5 out of 5 stars, and would give it more if I could! If you love any of the Lewis’ work, this page-turner is a must-have for your collection! I received this book from Bethany House Publishers to give an honest review on it. I was not asked to write a positive review.

"Little Farm in the Ozarks" - Book Review

I wanted to give a quick review on "Little Farm in the Ozarks" by Roger Lea Macbride. The Little House books are so special for me, and I am so grateful that Laura wrote them. The Rocky Ridge Years gives me more of those special stories to enjoy. I really enjoyed this second book in the series, even more than the first. It had so many great adventures and stories in it. Not to mention, as in all Little House books, great words of wisdom here and there. I'm going to give "Little Farm in the Ozarks" a 5 out of 5 stars! I enjoyed it tons!

'Death by the Book' - Book Review

     'Death by the Book' is the second in the Drew Farthering mysteries. The hatpin murder of Mr. Montford, Mr. Farthering's solicitor, takes Drew back to the scene of the crime. Then another murder of the same sort is performed on Drew's golf course, this time on a Dr. Corneu. And let's not forget the murder of the girl of one of Drew's friends. All of these murders must be connected, right? But how? That is exactly what Drew Farthering is trying to find out. 

      'Death By the Book' is a very enjoyable read. As with all mysteries that I've read, I can't help but try to figure out 'who done it'. Although I haven't finished this book yet, I am wondering who the murderer is. I know, if you love mysteries, you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of this book as you try to help Drew solve the mystery. 

      Everything being said, I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars!

     I received this book from Bethany House Publishers to give an honest review on it. I was not asked to write a positive review. 

"For Such a Time" - Book Review

In 1944, blonde and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy. For Such a Time is Kate Breslin's first novel - and let me say, she is off to a wonderful start in her writing career! She tells the story of Hadassah Benjamin in a way that makes you feel as if you are really there, standing right along side of Hadassah as she must find courage, hope, and God through the difficult times of WWII. Breslin knows how to write a great, historical book, taking a subject like the Holocaust, and weaving a little love into it. The relationship between Aric and Hadassah grows throughout this book, leaving you wondering how they will ever sort out their differences in the end. This book is so suspenseful and enthralling, it had me turning page after page, until I found out what happened in the end! I couldn't get enough of For Such a Time, a story of courage, salvation, and love. I received this book from Bethany House Publishers to give an honest review on it. I was not asked to write a positive review.

"The Horse and His Boy" - Book Review