Riding Freedom - A Book Review by E

Do you L-O-V-E horses? Major tomboy Charlotte Parkhurst in Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan sure does. In fact, Charlotte has a special way with them like no one had ever seen.



This story takes place in Worcester, Massachusetts. When 12 year-old Charlotte, an orphan living in the 1800s, gets banned from the stables, she decides to run away - as a boy. Somehow, she ends up at a way station, and becomes the stagecoach driver everyone wants to ride with. Years later, when Charlotte turns 18, friends Frank and James invite her to come to California and be a stagecoach driver. But when Charlotte is critically injured, it's a matter of bravery and skill that will keep her world from turning topsy-turvy.



Though a couple of sad parts disappointed me, I completely adored the book. First of all, I appreciated how Ryan made the horses seem important, and not just part of the scenery. I also like the incredible description that lets you hear the dinner bell, and see the dust flying. But most importantly, I like the suspense, because it kept me on my toes; I couldn't wait for what happened next.



Overall, I really enjoyed Riding Freedom and highly recommend it to all horse lovers looking for a wonder-filled action novel.

things that make me smile

We recently rented the movie "Marley & Me," and against our better judgment, watched it with our kids before previewing it ourselves. Do not do this unless you want to be explaining why a married couple would want to 'dance naked in the pool.' The topic of dogs who act in movies came up, with K observing that perhaps an actor dog is a person dressed up in a dog costume...

praying for my kids

Today I'm praying for my kids...that they would not make excuses for their sin, blaming others or circumstances, but would readily accept the blame for what they've done.

"For I acknowledge my transgressions..." Psalm 51:3a

Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

This recipe comes from a blog I stumbled upon while trying to find something new to cook in the crock pot - www.crockpot365.blogspot.com - who knew there were so many possibilities? The first time I made it, I committed the ultimate taboo in practicing hospitality, which is...trying out new recipes on company! Thankfully, the soup was delicious and everyone left the table with full, happy bellies.

crock pot pasta fagioli

1 lb. lean ground beef, browned & drained
1/2 lg. red onion, chopped
1 c. carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
2-14 1/2 oz. cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 can white beans, drained & rinsed
4 c. beef broth
1 -16 1/2 oz. jar pasta sauce
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 T. Tabasco sauce (NOTE: I didn't use this...kids liked it better that way...use only if you want heat!)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/2 c. dry pasta (to add @ end of cooking time)

Use 6 qt. or larger crockpot. Brown meat on stovetop and drain well. Let cool a bit. Chop up carrots, onion, & celery. Add to empty crockpot. Add beans, tomatoes, pasta sauce, & beef broth. Also add salt, pepper, oregano & Tabasco (if desired). Stir in meat. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4 hours. When veggies are tender, stir in pasta. Cover and cook on low 1 hour or until pasta is tender. The pasta swells quite a bit! Ladle into bowls and serve with parmesan cheese, if desired.

things that make me smile

my son doing this...

praying for my kids

Today I am praying for my kids...that they will earnestly seek God and have a love for being at church.

"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord.'" - Psalm 122:1

chocolate croissants

I endeared myself to my children this afternoon by making chocolate croissants for their snack. They swarmed like locusts around the oven, and if Hubs doesn't hurry home from work, I can't promise that the last croissant will still be waiting for him...

Here is the recipe, along with a picture of a happy snacker who really enjoyed his!

chocolate croissants (from Real Simple Magazine)

Heat oven to 375. Unroll 1 8-count tube refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles. Place about 10 chocolate chips on the bottom third of each triangle and roll the dough up around the chocolate. Transfer croissants to a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper, if desired). Bake until golden brown, 12-14 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.