The Mark of the King - Book Review

I am a huge Jocelyn Green fan especially after reading her Heroines Behind the Lines series.  Needless to say, I was very excited when I had the opportunity to read and review her newest book, The Mark of the King.  This book did not disappoint!  It took place during a time in our history, which we don't see much written - shortly after the Louisiana Purchase and when France was seeking to fill the land.  Jocelyn has done her research using some true events and people of the time and at the same time weaving a story that will keep you turning the pages.  I learned so much on what conditions were like and the extent the French went to in the very earliest days of New Orleans.  It is a bit mind blowing what the people experienced and endured during this time.  The characters she used did a beautiful job of enduring and living life in a believable fashion.  I truly enjoyed this book.  It has been quite some time since I have read a book that I had a hard time putting down, but this one turned out to be a book that I caught myself thinking about even when I wasn't reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green from Bethany House Publishers.

Spelling Bee!

 Andrew waiting for the competition to begin

Andrew came home several days ago so excited because he had won his classroom spelling bee placing him in the school wide spelling bee today.  It was so good for him! The top two from each of the 3rd-5th grade classes competed making Andrew one of the youngest participants.  He held his own and made it to the fourth or fifth round.  Unfortunately, the word "specific" was his ultimate demise.  Actually, he spelled the word perfectly, but lost track of where he was in the word and repeated the last two letters.  I'm proud that he did his best and didn't seem to let the nervousness get to him too much.  My favorite part was when the announcer commented on how Andrew smiled at her each time he was up to say his word.  Glad he could smile when it was all over even though he was a bit sad.  There will be next year.

The contestants - interesting that there were only 6 girls out of the 25....

Basketball Season!

The kids were so excited for basketball season and even more so after waiting a week due to ice opening weekend.  However, the first game finally got here this weekend.  They all had fun - of course!  Even though our competitive side comes out on game day, that's really our primary goal.  We want them to have fun and learn a few skills a long the way.

Hannah had the privilege of cheering for Andrew's game and did a great job of being loud and helping the less experience know where to go.  Andrew had fun and I'm thankful they made one basket during the game.  He had some good shots and even a couple of free throws hitting the rim, but nothing actually went through the net.  He also did a great job of playing point guard.  Even though the scoreboard didn't reflect it, his team as a whole improved greatly during the game.  Luke is now in the 5th grade so is playing with the oldest age group along with actual middle school rules (Upwards plays with a few modified rules for the younger kids).  He's also been one of the taller kids on his team, but not anymore.  Needless to say, things were a bit different for him.  He didn't make any baskets either, but he did make some plays that resulted in a change of possession.  In the end, they came out the winner! 

It's always fun to see how they improve over the next few weeks.  We're looking for a fun season!

Cheerleader, Hannah

(back row during their halftime cheer, just right of center)

Andrew, #12.

When jerseys were passed out, Andrew was excited!  #12 is quite significant for him since his favorite quarterback wears this number each week of football season, Andrew Luck. 

I just like this picture of him getting coached on the sideline

Luke, #35

Playing with the big boys now (5-7 graders)

Drummer Boy

Luke has made the switch - the switch from trombone to drums!  Here, each beginning band member must begin on a wind instrument.  Then, towards the end of November, the directors hold two two-hour workshops followed by an audition for those interested in the coveted percussion positions.  Luke went into it with a "let's just see what happens" type of attitude.  He practiced a wee bit and after a discussion on time commitment, he decided he wanted to pursue the drums.  The one draw back for him was the 7:10 practice time every day for this semester (although he's up well before that nearly every day) .  I reminded him that it was just this semester and band would be a part of his school day next year.  So far, he seemed to enjoy the first three days before a welcome cancellation due to ice this morning.  He really seems to connect well with the drum director and band director.  It's fun for me to see him thrive in that way.  We'll still see how long he will stick with this band thing, but he does enjoy drumming on anything in sight at any time of day!

A Cupcake Party

Traditionally, in our home, we do simple, family birthdays in our home.  However, for some milestone birthdays we do something "big".  It is different for each child and depends on the interests of that child.  So, birthday number 5 was the first "big" birthday and number 10 is the next one.  To celebrate Hannah's double digits, she enjoyed cupcake decorating lessons for herself and four of her friends.  For my little baker and crafter, she loved it!!

I have a friend that does beautiful work and is highly gifted in hospitality.  She came over and did everything with the girls.  My favorite part was when she began and showed them a beautiful cupcake with simple steps.  They all oohed and ahhed over it and quickly declared they could never do that.  It was neat to see them practice and quickly get it down and how their confidence grew in those few minutes.  She showed them how to make and let them make their own rose covered cupcake along with a sheep, sunflower and flower decorated cupcake.  The final two cupcakes were left to their own imagination.  They all had fun and were full of sugar just in time to go home!

So, if any of my local friends would like some special baking done, just let me know.....

 Making their sheep cupcakes

 She did wait until later because she had had plenty of sugar by this point!

 Mastering the pastry bag

 Fourth grade friends!

 Even the boys got in on the action with a few of the left overs

Ten!!

Ten!  Our Hannah Elizabeth turned 10 yesterday!  I think I may still be in denial because it just doesn't seem possible that any of my kids can be in double digits.  She was excited and enjoys the added responsibilities of growing up.  I guess that makes it all worth it.

The biggest deal for her was for Daddy to be home for her birthday.  He made it with less than 24 hours to spare, but it was so nice to have him home to take part in the festivities (and the eating of all that cake!)  She enjoyed celebrating with her classmates, a lunch time visit from her beloved parents and the traditional selection of dinner, cake and gift opening.  The grand finale, though, was the piercing of the ears!

It's a delight to have this little lady in our home that loves God, desires to do right and has a very strong sense of right and wrong.  She enjoys any craft, but she is partial to baking.  She also enjoys those rare times when Momma gets out her sewing machine.

 Cake and rollerblades - what more could a 10 year old want!

When Hannah was 2-3 years old, she asked for the first time to get her ears pierced.  I just threw out a number that seemed a long ways in the future for her to get them pierced - 10.  Through the years, she's asked other times and I've always gone back to the age of 10.  Honestly, it did seem like a long time and a time far in the future.  However, ten is here.  Even though she was a bit scared, she did want to get them done that very night.  So, she now looks even more like a little lady!