HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!

My beautiful daughter turns 6 today - *GASP* - where did the time go?!?!

Well in honor of her birthday I thought I would share her birth story with you.

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Ashley's due date was June 7th (according to the ultrasound).  Well that date came and went with nothing happening except for the regular evening contractions that were consistently 7 minutes apart.  But when I woke up in the morning, everything was back to normal.  My feet were swollen and it was hard to walk, but we walked & walked & walked.

Wednesday June 21, 2006 – only 14 days after my due date, we had another doctor's appointment.  The doctors checked me out and signed a form to start the induction process at 6:00pm.  I was given strict instructions to go home, eat, keep my feet up and rest.

At 6:00 pm off to the hospital we went.  After filling out lots of paperwork we went up to the 2nd floor. Then they had me change into a gown and took my blood pressure and other vitals. They gave me a drug called cervidel which was supposed to start labor. Then they hooked me up to monitors to monitor my contractions.  Sometime shortly after that I had another contraction – but this one was 8 minutes long!  So they were a little concerned and watch the monitors for a bit.  By 10:00 nothing serious was happening and someone else was coming in to have a baby so they sent us home and told us to be back at 7:30 the next morning.

The next morning we got to the hospital at 7:30 and were told that there was no room for us. So we had to wait a while till they had discharged someone. Originally they were going to send us to Winnipeg, but our doctor fought for us and said that we had to be in Steinbach.  Once we got into a room I was hooked up to all the monitors and an pictocin IV.  With this medication I had to have a nurse with me all the time.  Once they upped the meds a couple of times I started to have contractions, but nothing that really made me uncomfortable or have pain. One of my contractions lasted 5 minutes and again the nurses were concerned so they took me off the medication for about 1 ½ hours.  I pretty much stayed in bed all day except for a few bathroom breaks.  At around 5:00 they took me off the drug again because the nurse that was with me was at the end of her shift. I was off the IV for about 45 minutes while I ate supper and till they found someone else to monitor me.  They called everyone who wasn't working to try and find someone to come in and sit with me, but no luck. It looked like they would have to send me home and we would have to start the whole process over the next day.

Luckily for us a friend of ours had surgery that day and his wife worked in L & D.  Since she was at the hospital anyway, she agreed to sit and monitor me. Well she stayed till 9:00pm and though my contractions were getting more intense nothing was moving along.  I was on the maximum amount of pictocin that they can give and they were all shocked that nothing was happening.  They called our doctor and we waited for a little while longer to see if anything would happen.  Around 10:30 the nurse came in and said that we needed to talk about a c-section.  I was terrified and wasn't sure what to say. The nurse said that with each contraction the baby's heartbeat would go down and not come back up as quickly as they would like.  The nurse called our doctor again and she and Craig decided that they would administer the cervidel again to see what would happen.  That night was definitely NOT restful since the nurses came in to check my vitals about every 1/2 hour.

By 7:00 the next morning, nothing had changed and they decided to do a c-section.  Again I got kicked out of my room because another woman was having a baby.  Around 8:30 they moved me into a private room and prepped me for surgery.  They tried to get the catheater in 6 times and failed at EACH attempt.  (The doctor assisting with the surgery, introduced himself and asked if his intern Curtis could be present to watch. At that point I would have been okay with all the hospital staff watching.)

The operating room is was a very bright and very cold room.  They gave me the spinal and before they could get me lying down I could feel my body starting to numb up.  The anesthesiologist was on my left side by my head and told me exactly what was going on.  About 10 minutes in the anesthesiologist told me that I was
going to feel lots of pressure on my chest as they pushed and pulled out:  A GIRL!

Dr. Galessiere (the surgeon) said that Ashley never would have been born naturally because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her chest.

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So that is the l-o-n-g story of how our little baby girl came into the world.

I am SO proud of her and the beautiful young woman she has become.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY ASHLEY :)

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley ~ Book Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest novel for the emptiness of the desert. Answering an ad to be “heiress” to a vast cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory, Kate hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.

But what awaits her is a life harder than the one she just left. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early. But she is tenacious.

Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams, either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.

Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.

MY THOUGHTS

While I did find this a "typical" Christian romance novel I was excited to see the author show how God can place people into our lives for us to trust on and depend on.  Kate - the main character in the story - has trusted only herself and feels like she doesn't need to depend on anyone.  However through a series of events, Luke and Eleanor break down Kate's walls and show her that it is okay to depend on others.

At the end of the story I was a little disappointed that the author left some strings un-tied.  Although that would make it really easy for a second novel to tie it all up.

I also found the story really easy to get into and to become involved in the characters lives sharing their joys and burdens.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble ~ Book Review

BOOK DESCRIPTION

“Tell me, Miss Marsh, are you a Christian?”

“Why, yes sir, I am.”

“I thought as much. God has led me here for a purpose…

I have a proposition for you.”

Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, where the man she came to marry seems surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate realizes he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance and suspense…immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

MY THOUGHTS

For some reason, I am a sucker for Christian romance novels where the marriages are either arranged, or people get married under circumstances other than falling in love.  I like to read to find out how these marriages thrive under different circumstances.

Colleen Coble does a great job of writing a story that can connect with any reader.  Everyone I'm sure, at some point in their lives has tried to earn someone's love - be it a parent, spouse, friend or even God.  The main character in this story, Lucy, tries to earn the love of her new husband Nate.  Nate tries to reassure Lucy that no one needs to earn love but it should be given freely.

I loved the suspense part of the book.  Right till the end I was left guessing about certain characters and their place in the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter ~ Book Review

Book Description:
When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

My Thoughts:

First of all, an accidental wedding is near to impossible, as the author explains at the end of the book, so while reading the book I was very aware that this story couldn't really happen to anyone.  However, the story line was comical, fun and easy to read.

This story deals with second chances and trusting God to lead you through unexpected circumstances.  We all have people in our lives who have hurt us and either want a second chance or we need to forgive and give them a second chance for our own health and peace of mind.

Denise Hunter does a great job of showing the struggle the main character Shay has with forgiveness and trusting in God in every circumstance.

If you are in for a nice, easy, fun read this book is for you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Boot Camp Update

Well I have finished week #2 of the Tyson Method for Moms Boot Camp.  (well not quite, tomorrow is my last workout in week #2)

One word I would use to describe the Tyson Method is -- WOW!

The first day I got there was the first class in the next 6 week session.  Tami started out by saying that we were going to do a easier workout to get into it.  This class was supposed to work your legs and butt.  Boy oh boy did it ever!

It was hard.  And I mean really H-A-R-D!

We did squats and lunges.  And more squats and lunges.  For 50 minutes!

Even before the class was over my legs were rubber.  In fact for the rest of the day my legs were rubber, although the major problem was going down stairs.  The next day wasn't too bad.  I was a little sore and stairs were still a problem but for the most part I was doing good.  The next day however (Wednesday) was NOT good.  I was fine once I was standing or sitting, but the in between getting up and sitting down were torture.  I had no idea how I was going to work out in 2 days (Friday).

Well Friday came and we worked on abs & shoulders.  This class went much better and my shoulders were only slightly sore the next day.

Monday again we worked on butt and abs as well as cardio.  While the class was hard and I was very tired afterwards I found this class to be my favorite.  Maybe it was because of the type of exercises or maybe it was because I was already 3 boot camp classes in -- who knows?

Ryan comes with me to these classes.  He's not very outgoing with the other kids there so he generally just sits beside me during the workouts.  He is very quick to let me know when I am not doing exactly what the instructor is doing or when I am slowing down.

Let me be honest here. I cannot do every exercise that they introduce into the class.  I am just not strong enough is some areas (basically my whole core area) to do the exercises the way they are meant to be.  But that's okay.  While others are doing exercises where I cannot participate, I modify the exercise so that I am still getting a workout.  The trainers and instructors are very helpful in finding a way to modify the exercises so everyone can participate.

Another thing about the instructors & trainers -- They are encouraging.  They are genuinely there to help woman find their INNER beauty.  They are there to help woman gain confidence in themselves and their bodies while providing resources.

I don't see myself doing this Boot Camp week after week - I don't enjoy being away from the house 5 mornings a week (trust me when I say my housework has been pushed out of the way lately).  But I think it's a good way to jump start a workout or if you are at home the other 2 or 3 days of the week.

Check them out -- Tyson Method for Moms --

They have boot camp classes in Rosenort, St. Jean, Niverville, Winkler, and of course Steinbach.

AND they are coming to Lorette SOON!

They also have on-line workouts and a Fat Shredder program too.

His Steadfast Love ~ By Golden Keyes Parsons

Book Description

The Civil War - a defining time of great sacrifice, change, and betrayal which determined the fate of the Nation.

It isn’t until it comes into her very home that Amanda Belle must face impossible choices of love, loss, and loyalty.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Although Amanda never thought she would marry because of her promise she made to her dying mother, her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel marches off to war to fight for the Confederate States and Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she loves and the two sides of the conflict. When she turns to God for help, Amanda expects direction and support, but hears nothing. Is God listening to her anymore? Where is God in the atrocities of war—and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. But she must trust God to bring her family through the chaos that threatens her home, her family, and the beloved state of Texas . . . with her heart, and her faith, intact.

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Although it took me a little while to actually get into the story, by the end of the book I was completely involved in the characters' lives.

This story speaks to the tough decisions in life where we may need to go against all we have ever known.  Amanda wants an easy answer from God as to what road she is supposed to take.  However she feels like God ins't answering her, even though maybe all he really wants from her is to wait and trust in Him.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Wonder Of Your Love ~ Beth Wiseman

Book Description

Katie Ann lost the love of her life. Then God offers her a new beginning in Colorado.

Katie Ann Stolzfus lives in the small Amish community of Canaan, Colorado. At forty she is widowed and raising her first child. But baby Jonas will never know his father, and Katie Ann wonders if her Heavenly Father hasn't forgotten about her as well. Is it really God's plan for her to be a single parent?

Eli Detweiler has come to Canaan for a wedding and a long vacation. Having raised six children following the death of his young wife, Eli is finally an empty-nester. He's enjoying the slower pace of having no one to care for but himself.

When Katie Ann and Eli meet, there is an instant connection. Yet as strong as the attraction is, they both acknowledge that a romance would never work. He is done parenting, while she has just begun.

But as their friendship slowly blossoms into feelings that are as frightening as they are intoxicating, Katie Ann and Eli question if the plans they made for themselves are in line with God's plans.

Can Katie Ann entrust her heart to another man, and rediscover the wonder of God's love?

MY THOUGHTS:  I love reading Amish fiction by Beth Wiseman and this book is no different.  Her easy reading, creative writing makes reading her books a joy.

This book focuses on trust and God's love and plans for our lives.  It was a great reminder that just because WE think our lives should be one way that God is ultimately in control and knows the best path for our lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”