FAMILY ADDITION.......

About 2 weeks ago we found a dog roaming around our place.  So we fed him.  The saying is , if you feed an animal it's yours, well that's true.  So now we have a new dog.  Since we don't know his name, he has 3 names Brownie, Bear, Bob.  He will answer to either name.  My son took him to the vet to see if he has a chip, but no chip.  The vet is part of our Animal Shelter.  He put the dog up on the internet at a place where everyone can look for their lost pets.  He said if no one claimed in 3 days he was ours.  No one did, so now he's ours.  Everyone met Bob.......

We aren't sure what breed he is, but we think he's part Mastiff.  He's not very old so he has some more growing to do.  He chews on everything!  And he loves to pull and tug.  Bob and Toby are getting along.  But Bob wants to play with Toby, but he's so big he may hurt him, so we try not to let Bob get to frisky.

So there is our new family addition.  Aren't they cutie's!

THE 52 LIST PROJECT......

The 52 Lists Project - Moorea Seal

Product Description(Amazon.com)
Based on the popular blog series by Moorea Seal, this gorgeous journal is for list lovers. Create 52 lists, one for every week of the year, that will help you discover the beauty, joy, creativity, and power you already have! TThis beautiful undated journal of weekly lists will help nurture self-expression and self-development. Each seasonal section includes list prompts, with plenty of space to write your own lists, and challenges to help you take action and make your dreams a reality. With perfectly timed prompts that meet you where you are throughout the different seasons, this journal will open up new avenues of self-knowledge and help you celebrate, enjoy, and take ownership of your life, as each week of the year becomes more thoughtful and vibrant. 
Diary: 144 pages 
Publisher: Sasquatch Books; Jou edition (September 8, 2015) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1632170345 
ISBN-13: 978-1632170347

MY THOUGHTS:    It's a book for you to make lists.  It's based on the seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.  But I'm going to be changing some things around a bit.  I'm going to use it for my own list of "stuff".   The first list starts in Winter, you are suppose to list your goals and dreams for the year.  At the end of each list is a box with a little message.  This first list message is: 

Take Action:  What is the first step toward achieving your biggest goal?  Pick one thing you can do this week to get started!

I will be changing some of the lists to suit me.  I love making lists, but I don't want someone making suggestions for me, I want to make my own lists of "stuff" that pertains to me.  My first list will be all my favorite kitchen utensils.  I'm sure everyone has them. 

BOOKISH RESOLUTIONS CHALLENGE.......

I was over at The Book Date and saw this challenge.  Thought I would check it out.
2016 Bookish Resolutions Challenge hosted by Laura at trips down imagination road and Michelle at Because Reading.

You can find out more info by clicking on the links above.  Check-ins are at the end of the month.  This is a year long challenge.  Book, Blog and Personal goals.

READING GOALS
1. Read 100 books this year
2. Finish a least 8 reading challenges (that's half of my total)
3. Read 5 next books in a series
****************************************************************************** BLOG GOALS
1. Keep track of all challenges(either on Spreadsheet, Goodreads, or Paper)
2. Keep book spreadsheet updated
3. Visit 5 blogs a week
******************************************************************************
PERSONAL GOALS
1. Finish at least 5 quilts on my list  (list is on my sidebar)
2. Learn at least 10 new embroidery stitches. 
3. Take a photo everyday
******************************************************************************

either on Spreadsheet, Goodreads or Paper)

(either on Spreadsheet, Goodreads or Paper)

I will be adding this to my 2016 Reading Challenge tab so I can keep track of all my goals.

(either on Spreadsheet, Goodreads or Paper)

CHRISTMAS PHOTOS......

I'm a little late getting these posted.  So here are the twins playing with their Christmas presents.

They enjoyed their tents a lot.  They are small enough to sit in the front room without cluttering it up.  They also got a air hockey game and a pool table.  Which Luke is playing with mommy, Luke cheats though.  lol

2016 READING CHALLENGE.......

Got another reading challenge to add to my list.  52 Books in 52 Weeks is hosted by Robin of My Two Blessings.  The rules are very simple and the goal - read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks......

1. The challenge will run from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
2. Our book weeks will begin on Sunday
3. All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
4. Books may overlap other challenges.

I will have this challenge in my Reading Challenge Tab at the top of my blog.  I will be keeping track of the books there.

BOOK REPORT.....

The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

Product Description(Amazon.com)
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good? 
Hardcover: 336 pages 
Publisher: Riverhead Books (2015) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1594633665 
ISBN-13: 978-1594633669

MY THOUGHTS:  I have heard a lot of people say good things about this book.  I was at the library checking out the new books.  This was one of them.  I'm really glad I picked it up, this is an awesome book to read.  If you like suspense, mystery and romance all rolled up together, then this is the book for you.  All the characters in the book are intertwined together.  And just when you think you've figured out what happens, the author throws a curve ball and your theory goes out the window.  I give this book 5.....

 

HAPPY HOKIDAYS.......

From my family.....To your family......

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season....

CHRISTMAS PAST.......

Heather over at Books and Quilts hosts Needlework Tuesday, but she's having a Christmas Party this week.  So Thought I'd join in.  Although I don't have any new pictures of Christmas, I thought I'd share some of my Christmas past photos.

This is the twins first Christmas, 2010.

Christmas 2012, the twins are 2 years old and coloring in their new coloring books.

My mom and dad, don't know what year.

One year I made all my sisters and nieces hats and scarves.  This is all of us together.

Of course you need a Christmas Tree.  This picture is kind of battered, but still salvageable.  It's from 1976.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

BOOK REPORT.....

Smokin' Seventeen - Janet Evanovich

Product Description(Amazon.com)
Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list. Short on time to find the murderer, Stephanie is also under pressure from family and friends to choose between her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Trenton cop Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert Ranger. Stephanie’s mom wants her to dump them both for a former high school football star who’s just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, suggests a red-hot boudoir “bake-off.” And Joe’s old-world grandmother gives Stephanie “the eye,” which may mean that it’s time to get out of town.
With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men, and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke. 
Series: Stephanie Plum (Book 17) 
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages 
Publisher: Bantam (November 15, 2011) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0345527704 
ISBN-13: 978-0345527707

MY THOUGHTS:   The bodies showing up have a lot in common.  They all have Stephanie's name on them, like someone is leaving a body for Stephanie.  The bodies are connected to the mob but no one knows who is doing the murders.  Stephanie sees the video of the killer leaving a body, and she thinks she knows who it is, but can't figure it out.  As if that isn't enough to worry Stephanie, her mother wants her to meet a new man,  the high school football star.  Dave likes to cook and he's kind of stalking Stephanie.  Always showing up at her apartment to cook for her.  Plus Morelli's grandmother has put a hex on Stephanie.  With all this going on, it's hard to concentrate on her job of catching bail jumpers.  I was totally surprised by the ending and who was killing all those people.  I give this book 5.....

2016 READING CHALLENGES.......

I was over at Bev's place, My Reader's Block, looking around.  She has lots of reading challenges she's doing in the up coming year.  So went and checked them out.  I've decided to do 3 of them.

What's In A Name Reading Challenge

The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories (examples of books you could choose are in brackets – I’ve included some from other languages, and translations most definitely count!):

• A country (try not to use ‘Africa’!) Suggestions: Daphne Du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn, Xiaolu Guo’s I Am China, Martin Wagner’s Deutschland)
• An item of clothing (Su Dharmapala’s Saree, Ann Brashare’s The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, Javier Moro’s El Sari Rojo; Pierre Lemaitre’s Vestido De Novia)
• An item of furniture (Marghanita Laski’s The Victorian Chaise-Longue; C S Lewis’s The Silver Chair; Goslash;hril Gabrielsen’s The Looking-Glass Sisters)
• A profession (Adriana Trigiani’s The Shoemaker’s Wife; Mikhail Elizarov’s The Librarian)
• A month of the year (Elizabeth Von Arnim’s The Enchanted April; Rhoda Baxter’s Doctor January)
• A title with the word ‘tree’ in it (Ai Mi’s Under The Hawthorn Tree; Elle Newmark’s The Sandalwood Tree)

Monthly Keyword Reading Challenge

The challenge runs from January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
For this challenge, I have chosen six keywords associated with each month in 2016.  Your task is to read one book each month whose title includes one or more of the keywords for that month.
January - Crowd, Girl, The, Bad, Soul, Soft
FeburaryVeil, Kiss, Her, B reak, Love, Stars
March - Game, Fire, Darkness, School, Like, Charge
April - Far, Life, Stay, One, War, Thorns
May - Cure, Trial, Family, Key, Thief, Bend
June - Moon, In, Only, Whisper, Sleep, Trap
July - Rose, Sun, Clock, Day, Angel, Unto
August - Prince, Boy, Glass, Heart, Lost, Now
September - Wind, Color, Touch, At, How, Sweet
October - Rock, Ghost, Fall, Away, Sky, Storm
November - Dream, Holiday, And, Of, Dawn, Beautiful
December - End, Promise, Everlasting, Ice, Snow, My

Reading Challenge Addict Challenge

 So we are challenging each of you who can also say that you also are a Reading Challenge Addict.

How addicted are you?


Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges
In Flight: 11-15 Challenges
Out of This World: 16+ Challenges 

I will be putting all the books I read for these challenges in my Reading Challenge tab at the top of my blog.  All the books I read for these challenges will be linked to my reviews also.

LUKE'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM.......

Luke's Christmas program was yesterday afternoon.

Luke is at the bottom left in the blue shirt.

Hand movements to the song they were singing.

Big smiles all around.

 

BOOK REPORT......

Roses Are Red - James Patterson

Product Description(Amazon.com)
In this heart-pounding new thriller, Detective Alex Cross pursues the most brilliant killer he's ever confronted, a mysterious criminal who calls himself the Mastermind. In a series of crimes that has stunned Washington, D.C., bank robbers have been killing bank employees and their families if the robbers' instructions are not followed to the letter. Alex Cross knows this is no ordinary criminal-the pathological need for control and perfection is too great. Cross is in the midst of a crisis at home-but the case becomes all-consuming as he learns that the Mastermind is plotting one huge, last, perfect crime... 
Series: Alex Cross (Book 6) 
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages 
Publisher: Vision; Reissue edition (October 1, 2001) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0446605484 
ISBN-13: 978-0446605489

MY THOUGHTS:  This is book 6 of the Alex Cross series.  It is full of quirky characters and leads that lead nowhere until cross figures it out.  It also has an awesome ending that I didn't see coming.  So I'll be off to the library to get the next book to find out how this all comes out.  If it does, Patterson is good at leading you on and stretching out the story line.  If you haven't read this series I highly recommend it.  You will be seeing this series of books pop up here at Food for Thought until the first of the year.  I've finished all my 2015 reading challenges so I'm just killing time until then.  So why not read something I love.  James Patterson is one of my all time favorite authors.  I give this book 5......

 

ANOTHER QUILT TA DAAA.......

I've finished another quilt on my list of quilts to finish.  The Tree Quilt is done!

I'm linking up with Heather at Books and Quilts for Needlework Tuesday.

BOOK REPORT......

Against the Tide - Kat Martin

Product Description(Amazon.com)
Liv Chandler is running for her life, and the cops haven’t been able to do a thing to help. But there’s one man who makes her feel safe, no matter what…rugged charter boat captain Rafe Brodie.

To Rafe, Liv is a beautiful mystery, one he can’t ignore. He means to unearth her secrets, and in the process, if luck is on his side, maybe the spark between them will ignite.

But Liv’s past is more dangerous than Rafe could guess, and when his first mate turns up dead, she fears that she’s next. That there’s something else coming she can’t see. That even Rafe and the remote village of Valdez, Alaska can’t protect her forever… 
Series: The Brodies of Alaska 
Hardcover: 521 pages 
Publisher: Thorndike Press; Lrg edition (November 25, 2015) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1410484386 
ISBN-13: 978-1410484383

MY THOUGHTS:  As usual I've started a series in the middle.  This is a great stand along book, but some of the history of the characters is missing since I read the series out of order, but still a great mystery and romance book.   I really liked the character of Liv.  She is tough and can take care of herself, but she is also all woman at the same time.  She stands up to Rafe, but he's really hard to the core and he wants Liv.  But Liv's past is about to catch up to her, and Rafe wants to help her.  I give this book 5.....

This book is also for the Locations A - Z Reading Challenge over a Goodreads.  It's the group Wacky Reading Challenges.

BELLA'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM.......

Last week Bella's Christmas program was presented to parents.  I went in thinking what could a bunch of kindergarten kids do.  But they were really awesome!  They came in waving little (for lack of a better word) flags.   Bella is the one in pink.

 They all went to the risers and got in order.  They then started singing.

They were wonderful.  There singing was really good and they had the movements of the song.  All in all I was amazed.

The little girl smiling with her face looking toward the camera is Bella.  She saw me out in the audience taking pictures.  So she hammed it up as usual.  

I'm linking up with Tamar over at Random-osity for The Good. The Random. and The Fun.  Hop over an check out all the photos everyone is sharing.

BOOK REPORT......

A Long Walk to Water - Linda Sue Park

Product Description(Amazon.com)
The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way. 
Age Range: 10 - 12 years 
Grade Level: 5 - 7 
Paperback: 128 pages 
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (October 4, 2011) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0547577311 
ISBN-13: 978-0547577319

MY THOUGHTS:  This was a really awesome book.  How one person can find a way to help his country that is involved in Civil War.  And how this one person can impact a little girl by the name of Nya.  The person who helped Nya's village is Salva.  Salva is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan.  Nya walks to a pond for water everyday.  It takes her half a day to get there.  Salva has gone to America and gets an education.  He finds his father and family years later.  He wants to help them.  Salva starts the ball rolling, gets the money and all the permits and the support he needs to drill wells.  His family's village is the first well he drills.   And soon after he is at Nya's village drilling a well.  Now Nya doesn't have to walk half a day to get water.  And now Nya can go to school.  Salva's foundation is called Water for South Sudan.  I give this book 5.....

BOOKISH FRIDAY.....

Gillion over at Rose City Reader is the host for Book Beginnings, Freda over at Freda's Voice is the host for The Friday 56 and Billy over at Ramblings of a Coffee Addict is the host for Book Blogger Hop.  Go and check them out, you could find your next book there.

A Long Walk to Water - Linda Sue Park

Product Description(Amazon.com)
The New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.

My Book Beginning....
Going was easy.
     Going, the plastic container held only air.  Tall for her eleven years, Nya could switch the handle from one hand to the other, swing the container by her side, or cradle it in both arms.

Salva sat cross-egged on the bench.  He kept his head turned toward the front, hands folded, back perfectly straight.  Everything about him was paying attention to the teacher - everything except his eyes and his mind.

This book is my book clubs choice for December.  It is only 120 pages, so it will be a fast read.  Already I am intrigued as to how these 2 children will cross paths.  As they are both in different places at different years.  Nya is from 2008 and Salva is from 1985.

The Friday 56.....
     "If you give them your water, you will not have enough for yourself!" the same voice shouted.  "It is useless - they will die, and you will die with them!"

Book Blogger Hope Question.....
Are you a blogger that only has reviews on your blog or do you feature giveaways and attention-attracting posts such as personal and bookish posts? 

My Answer.....
I do reviews of the books I read, I don't do giveaways and I do posts about the crafts I work on, along with pictures of my family.  It's like the description of my blog on the header says, it's the Ramblings of my Life.  

BOOK REPORT.....

Snow Treasure - Marie McSwigan

Product Description(Amazon.com)
In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lindstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers. 
Age Range: 8 - 12 years 
Grade Level: 3 - 7 
Paperback: 208 pages 
Publisher: Puffin Books; Reprint edition (October 5, 2006) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 0142402249 
ISBN-13: 978-0142402245

MY THOUGHTS:  This was a really great book.  I love reading books about history and this one is based on a rumor that for 60 years the story was believed true.  But there was never any proof to prove it.  The story is so believable!  I could see all these children hauling all this cold down to the fjord to be put on a boat.  The author has taken what is a rumor and makes you believe it's true.  I give this 5.....

SIMPLE THINGS CAN MAKE YOUR DAY........

We had to buy a new fridge last week.  The old one was running constantly and making our electric bill high.  So hubby and I went shopping.  We found one and they delivered it Sunday morning.

This is the old fridge. 

This is the new fridge.  Look almost alike but they are different brand names.  What do you think the first thing in the fridge is?

Yep, milk and mountain dew.  Of course there is lots more that got put in later.

I'm linking up with Kim over at Little By Little for Little Things Thursday.

BOOK REPORT......

Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink

Product Description(Amazon.com)
Caddie Woodlawn is a real adventurer. She'd rather hunt than sew and plow than bake, and tries to beat her brother's dares every chance she gets. Caddie is friends with Indians, who scare most of the neighbors -- neighbors who, like her mother and sisters, don't understand her at all.

Caddie is brave, and her story is special because it's based on the life and memories of Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother, the real Caddie Woodlawn. Her spirit and sense of fun have made this book a classic that readers have taken to their hearts for more than seventy years. 
Age Range: 8 - 12 years 
Grade Level: 3 - 7 
Paperback: 288 pages 
Publisher: Aladdin; Reprint edition (December 26, 2006) 
Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1416940286 
 ISBN-13: 978-1416940289

MY THOUGHTS: This is a really good book.  Reading about how the pioneers lived and all the troubles they had.  But there are also lots of good "stuff" here too.  The children learn how to run a farm and look for food.  They lots of adventures while learning everything they need to know to survive in the wilderness.   I give this book 5.....

This also finishes up the Birthday Month Reading Challenge.

January - Bad Boy Brawly Brown - Walter Mosley
February - Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer - John Grisham
March
April
May - The Little Fir Tree - Margret Wise Brown
June - Kiss The Girls - James Patterson
July - Deeply Odd - Dean Koontz
August - Death Comes to Pemberly - P. D. James
September - Runny Babbit - Shel Silverstein
October - Pirate Latitudes - Michael Crichton
November - Life on the Mississippi - Mark Twain
December - Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink