Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

So I just finished another book for Bethany House Publishers, this one called Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette. There were parts of it that I really liked, and parts that I thought were a bit much, but overall, I enjoyed this one.

The story follows a young Hebrew woman training to be a midwife in the wilderness after the Exodus. There were gorgeous descriptions of the presence of God in the midst of the people, and I wish there had been more about the building of the Tabernacle, just because you don't get a lot of fiction covering that topic. The whole premise of the book was fascinating to me because I haven't read anything regarding the Hebrews' perspective of life after Egypt. It was extremely relevant because they talked so much about trying to unify groups of people who didn't want to get along and had become accustomed to living in their own tribes. I also liked the idea of people who had lived as slaves trying to learn how to be free.

I liked the characters, although I thought the author gave the main character just a tad too much DRAMA. I was also really interested in other characters, like Jumo, that just kind of got dropped. Maybe the author is planning a whole other book about him (and if not, there's an idea for her)?

All in all, good and quick read, so go for it.

Little squishy pumpkins

Well, some more crafting happened. I bought a crafty fabric pumpkin at a cute little local store (Bloom at the Lufkin Farmer's Market - if you are local you MUST go), and then started thinking about how I could probably do it myself. And then I realized that I had another Pinterest item pinned (here at Thoughts from Alice) with a tutorial on exactly how to make it happen.

This is another super easy craft and took almost no time at all! Cut a fabric circle, Loosely stitch around the top, stuff with pillow stuffing, add a little stick for the stem, then cinch it up and tie it off! She recommended using spanish moss for the decoration around the stem, so I went with it. Oh. My. Word. Disastrous mess everywhere in my dining room and kitchen. I'm sure this wouldn't happen to everyone, but oh my, I am a mess-maker. Anyway, all that to say, I have seen them topped with raffia instead, and I would tell you to go with that if you're trying to decide. I hot glued it all down, then added little fabric leaves and ribbon, and biggety bam, done. Look how cute they are!

Milo actually provided quality control, telling me which pumpkins he liked the best and what the others needed. Lucy just liked that they were tiny, squishy pumpkins, but she's easy to please.

In other news, I came out in a fitted shirt this morning (I am usually in fairly loose stuff, just because that's my style), and Milo said, "Oh, Mommy! Did our baby grow overnight?" He makes me smile.

Hope you have a wonderful and craft-tastic Friday!

Pinterest WIN

I have had the Fall crafting bug, so I'm sure you'll see a few pictures here and there of what I've been up to. I saw a post on this garland a few years ago (click here for instructions) and have wanted to make it ever since. I finally went ahead this week for our Sukkah, but it's rained and I haven't even hung it up yet. Oops!

Basically, it's the easiest project ever. Grab some fall-colored felt, cut it into leaf shapes, and then thread a tapestry needle with some thin (worsted weight at the thickest) yarn. Then simply sew and go! Actually, here is a vital tip - tie a knot after each leaf so they stay in place when you string up your garland.

So there you go! One Pinterest project down, 27,341 to go.

HEB talk

Fall is in the air..

... for pretty much everyone except people living in Texas. It has been about a million degrees outside, and I need the weather to cooperate and let me wear several super cute maternity pieces I've been waiting on cooler weather to wear. I am so eternally grateful that I am going to be the large and in charge pregnant during (hopefully) chillier weather, because being hot ALWAYS makes me cranky. (Just being honest.)

So, mommy of the year here. Lucy brought a Lego girl to the grocery store with us today. Why did I think this would be a good idea? We (and I do mean SHE) dropped the hair, then the bottom half, then the little princess sceptre that was in its hand, then the whole thing, over and over and over again. I leaned over and picked up those pieces until I thought I wasn't going to be able to get back up (hello, 22 weeks pregnant - squat, don't bend), and the last time I did, I said under my breath, "Sweet Jesus." I thought I got away scot free on that one.

Fast forward about 10 minutes to the checkout line (you already knew this was coming, right?). As Lucy tried to throw a package of hot dog buns onto the belt, she missed, and in true Lucyloud fashion, half-yelled, "Sweet JESUS, Mommy."

I don't think I need to tell you how many disapproving looks I got as I casually hissed, "Lucy Jane, we do NOT say that," in her ear. I promise you she raised an eyebrow and just shook her head at me. Lord help me, this is on some days the only reason I don't cuss.

COUSINS!

These super cuties made me smile. I forgot I had this picture from when Bryan officially became Lily's dad! It was a really exciting day, and I was so glad we got to be a part of it.

Fall is in the air

Hello again!
Just living it up now that I can officially say it's September. The weather is actually a little hotter than it was most of August, but I can smell Fall in the air (oh wait, maybe that's my autumn candles, plug-ins, and air freshener...).
All that to say, we went to the post office yesterday and the breeze was blowing and I had to snap a picture of my little model-ready children. They are so full of joy and laughter and my heart is so full.

Jackson Baby #3

Well, hi there! Were you wondering where I had gone?

I went to a super happy and super sick place. It's called pregnancy.

That's right! We are expecting baby Jackson #3, whom Milo has nicknamed "Paprika" after much prayer and thought, due February 24.

I am excited and delighted and all of those things, and I have also been so sick that looking at the computer screen made me instantly vomit, which is why I've been absent. But I'm back. For the most part. I can't promise a new post every day, but I will try to keep you updated on what is going on around here. Because these people are always busy and always making me laugh.