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This week's Destination Disney topic is

THANKFUL PHOTO

Sometimes I feel a little bit "out of the loop" with the topics that were already set in place before I took over the Destination Disney meme.  This is one of those weeks.  I've never had opportunity to  visit the Disney parks over the Thanksgiving holiday (actually, I don't know that I'd want to - I enjoy visiting the parks during their least busy times - and I know that over the holidays they are their busiest!)  So, I'm hoping some of you other participants will have some lovely photos to share this week.  As for me, I'm going with a different twist.

I found this adorable photo of the Disney gang celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.  I'm impressed to see that they are praying - most likely thanking God for all the blessings they have received this past year.

The characters from the Hundred Acre Wood also celebrate Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, we had a nice day-
we ate lunch with my parents
and visited with Brian's family in the afternoon.

Here's something that I'm particularly thankful for:

To go along with that,
I'm thankful for my Dad and his new camera
(with which this photo was taken).

Please share your THANKFUL PHOTOS - use your own twist on this theme, if you so desire.  Be sure to sign the Mr. Linky so we can all visit your post!

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My friend Janice posted an awesome contest that I just have to win!  Pho for Five is giving away a Vietnamese Tree Topper from Mandy's Moon.  I had no idea there even was such a thing - but now that I know, I really, really want one!

Isn't she adorable?  Don't you think I need her for the top of my Christmas tree?  In past years, we've been using a big rusty star (which I do really like); but there's just something about this angel. 

So, feel free to head over and sign up for this great contest - but only do so if you really want to win!

If you've got Vietnamese children (or any Asian children), then  be sure to check out Mandy's Moon - they've got some awesome products for your Asian-born children.  I really wish Gracie were more interested in dolls.  I would have to order this one:

NEW! Kieu is a little Vietnamese girl from the Precious Moments Children of the World Doll collection. She measures 9 inches tall and is wearing a pale pink ao dai.

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Tomorrow we go to pick up our pictures at Sears.  I thought you might enjoy seeing the newest pics of the kids.  Even though Ian still didn't cooperate, I managed to stay off the pictures this time!  LOL 

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Whimsical rhymes speed Chizzy and Dotty into the jungle on a whirlwind search for tempting fruit. Kevin Scott Collier illustrates Chizzy's rollicking escapades with a deft and humorous touch. Solid values, like helping a friend in need and minding Momma, make Chizzy's Topsy Tale a wonderful read-aloud choice.

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"Will you take her?" she asks.

 When Beth Nonte Russell travels to China to help her friend Alex adopt a baby girl from an orphanage there, she thinks it will be an adventure, a chance to see the world. But her friend, who had prepared for the adoption for many months, panics soon after being presented with the frail baby, and the situation develops into one of the greatest challenges of Russell's life.

Russell, watching in disbelief as Alex distances herself from the child, cares for the baby -- clothing, bathing, and feeding her -- and makes her feel secure in the unfamiliar surroundings. Russell is overwhelmed and disoriented by the unfolding drama and all that she sees in China, and yet amid the emotional turmoil finds herself deeply bonding with the child. She begins to have dreams of an ancient past -- dreams of a young woman who is plucked from the countryside and chosen to be empress, and of the child who is ultimately taken from her. As it becomes clear that her friend -- whose indecisiveness about the adoption has become a torment -- won't be bringing the baby home, Russell is amazed to realize that she cannot leave the baby behind and that her dreams have been telling her something significant, giving her the courage to open her heart and bring the child home against all odds.

Steeped in Chinese culture, Forever Lily is an extraordinary account of a life-changing, wholly unexpected love.

Beth Nonte Russell received a master's degree in psychology from Marymount University and provided counseling services at a community mental health center. She lives with her husband and two daughters, Lily and Jaden, outside Washington, D.C.

This book was not what I expected it to be.  When I received the review request for this one, I was excited.  It has been a while since I've had opportunity to review an adoption-related book here on my blog; and I do like to make sure that I have adoption content here to share - especially with people who may be contemplating adoption and looking for reading material.

I know, from our times in Vietnam, that situations like the one portrayed in this book really do happen.  To me, it seems unreal and impossible.  But, I've heard tales of mothers who rejected their new babies because the baby bonded with the father and not the mother; or, like the perspective adoptive mother in this  book, the baby "just wasn't what they expected".  It seems ridiculous to me, though.  I will admit that, when I first laid eyes on Gracie, she wasn't what I expected either - her face was covered in a rash and her head was mishapen (due to bottle propping).  But, within a matter of minutes, she was mine; and I could have never given her up!  So, though I'm sure the author meant to portray Alex in a light that would make us question her motives, I'm left with many questions that went unanswered in the pages of the book.  What was wrong with the baby that she could just decide that she didn't want her?

I enjoyed the China-adoption-related storylines in this book.  The Chinese culture, the adoption trip itself, the trip the see the baby's orphanage, etc. - I found that all extremely interesting and was able to tie it with similarities of my own Vietnam adoption adventures.  I appreciated Beth's descriptions of her feelings for this baby - how quickly she was able to feel a bond with her and the  strong desire in her heart to make this baby her own.

However, as most of my readers are Christians, I need to point out that this is NOT a Christian book.  Actually, I'm not sure exactly what religion this book would tie into.  There are references to praying, and there's a time that God is mentioned (with a capital "G"), but Buddha is also mentioned, chatting with a "spiritual advisor", meditation, etc. along with some other ideas that are just very foreign to me as a Christian.  Throughout the story, Beth shares dream sequences.  All along, I thought that her dreams seemed a bit too vivid to be real, and I found myself actually skimming over  them, or skipping them altogether at times. The dreams were just extremely odd.  Toward the end of the book, you find out that she believes that these dreams are actually remembrances of a past life that she lived.  Hello?!  I just don't buy that. 

Because of the things mentioned in the previous paragraph, I will not be inclined to recommend this book.

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What if you were a nearly-transparent creature who was almost impossible to see swimming in a vast ocean? Who would be your friend? That is the plight of Joy the Jellyfish, who swims the ocean looking for a friend.

Kristen Collier is a critically acclaimed Christian novelist, a columnist for several newspapers, and a feature writer for magazines.  Kevin Collier is a children's book author and has illustrated over 40 children's books.

I was honored to be asked to review this precious book!  I love children's books anyway, and this one has a very sweet storyline and illustrations that are colorful and fun.  I've come to love any book that is illustrated by Kevin Collier (our Splish artist); but this book, in particular, is fabulous.  It's very obvious that a lot of extra time and effort were put into making this book wonderful.

The storyline is simple, yet profound.  Joy, the seemingly transparent jellyfish, has trouble making friends.  She believes it is because others don't notice her or can't see her. Finally, she comes to realize that in order to have friends, you have to BE a friend.  Of course, the book has a happy ending. 

This book would be excellent for a beginning reader, or especially for a shy child.  If you have a special child on your Christmas list, and you've been looking for a great book, I'd definitely recommend adding Joy the Jellyfish to your gift buying for this year.  The  book can be purchased here, and is also available on Amazon.com, Target,com, and other online book retailers.

If you'd like to have even more fun with Joy, check out the book's website, where you'll find all kinds of great worksheets to expand the learning and fun of the book!

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This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
White Christmas Pie
Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)
by
Wanda E. Brunstetter

Step into Amish country for this bittersweet holiday romance. Here you'll meet Will Henderson, a young man tortured by his past, and Karen Yoder, a young woman looking for answers. Add a desperate father searching for his son, and you have all the ingredients for a first-class romance that will inspire and enthrall.

Abandoned by his father, Will Henderson was raised by an Amish couple. Now he's about to marry Karen Yoder but is having second thoughts. Can Will overcome the bitterness of his past in order to secure his future? Karen cannot break through the barrier her fiance has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will begins to see green. Has he already lost his chance for happiness?

When an accident threatens Will's life, the strength of blood ties is tested. Will a recipe for White Christmas pie contain the ingredients for a happily-ever-after?

If you would like to read the first chapter of White Christmas Pie, go HERE

Watch the book trailer:

Fascinated by the Amish people during the years of visiting her husband's family in Pennsylvania, WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER combined her interest with her writing and now has eleven novels about the Amish in print, along with numerous other stories and ministry booklets. She lives in Washington State, where her husband is a pastor, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the states.

This year Wanda also published A Sister's Hope.

This was the first of Wanda's  books that I have read.  I have heard of her and have  been seeing her books in stores, etc. but I had never had opportunity to read one.  So, I was anxious for White Christmas Pie.  Living among the Amish, I tend to be much more critical of these books based on the Amish - and there seems to be an overabundance of them these days.  I have read most of Bevely Lewis' books and I find them to be quite  good.  However, if you've been reading my  blog for any length of time, you know I've read some Amish books by other authors that I have NOT enjoyed.

So, yes, I'm critical, I admit it.  Here's my thoughts on White Christmas Pie --- as far as the Amish, I was so glad that this book was set in Indiana, rather than PA.  Anything written about the Amish that I wasn't quite sure about (and there wasn't much), I was able to "chalk it up" as differences in various Amish sects - so that was GOOD!  However, I wasn't really impressed with the writing style of this book.  It seemed extremely simplistic to me, almost as if it were forced.  In other words, things were written into the storyline that, to me, would have been better off left  to the imagination.  I don't know if that makes any sense or not.  The more I read it, the more I liked it - I thought it started off somewhat slow and drawn out. 

I will pick up more of her books, though, as I'd be interested to see if they are all written in this same style.  We shall see.....

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A grandfather’s song turns a diner into hallowed ground, like a church. A contrary girl with a gypsy heart feels the tug of home. A mother, far away, confronts impossible expectations. And a truck driver named Jedidiah keeps his foot on the gas to sweep you into an unforgettable story of belonging and grace.

Readers looking for a meaningful, powerful read on a winter’s evening or with the family will love the rich 1960s nostalgia captured in the Midwest of Jedidiah’s and Ellee’s story; the peace found when family strife boils over, and the gentle reminders of the influence and effect every life has on another.

My Mother’s Wish is an unforgettable, powerful tale that ends on a memorable Christmastime note, but will be cherished and reread year-round for its bold message of grand hopes, impossible expectations, and the gift of grace that comes in between. 

This  book was very different than what I expected after reading the summary.  However, I did enjoy it.  At this time of year, I enjoy the shorter novellas that are available, especially when they have a Christmas theme.  I think these little story books make great gifts for friends and loved ones.  My Mother's Wish is no exception.  Though the story wasn't what I expected, it was intriguing and fun to read, and I enjoyed the ending (which I wasn't expecting). 

I'd love to share a copy of this book.  If you'd be interested in receiving a copy of My Mother's Wish, please leave a comment to this post.  I'll draw a winner on Thursday (the 20th) and announce the winner at that time.

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Angel Eyes is a heartwarming adventure of two cherubs, Kennedy and Tristan. They help children understand what the angels might have felt when Jesus came to Earth and was crucified. Dixie Phillips' inspirational story coupled with Kim Sponaugle's colorful illustrations make the story come alive and guarantees to leave Divine footprints in the hearts of children of all ages.

Stubby's Destiny is an inspirational story about a defeated donkey, Stubby, who feels he was born wrong. He was just about to give up when Divine destiny tapped him on the shoulder. He was chosen to carry the King of Kings upon his back. Stubby's Destiny will bring hope to hurting children who feel their situation is hopeless.

Dixie Phillips and her husband, Paul, have been married for thirty-one years and served the congregation of the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Floyd, Iowa, for the past twenty-seven years. The Phillips have four grown children. Dixie hopes to capture the hearts of little ones for Prince Emmanuel with her heartwarming stories. Visit Dixie's writing ministry at www.floydslighthouse.com.

What can I say?  These books are PRECIOUS!  With their charming illustrations and their heartwarming storylines, these two books are sure to become favorites to many children.  Dixie Phillips has used some endearing characters (a donkey who's feeling down on his luck, and some child-like cherubs) to help tell the story of the  gospel in such a way that children can easily relate to it and understand it.  Kim Sponaugle is an extremely talented artist whose illustrations are colorful and fun to look at. 

I see a lot of children's  books and I really do enjoy reading them.  I'm an adult, though, so you don't want to take my word for it!  My 8 year old daughter read both of these books and she says that they were very good and she thinks that kids would really enjoy reading them.  So, there you have it!  If you're looking for a good Christmas gift for some of the little ones in your life, be sure to check out these two titles by Guardian Angel Publishing.

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