An Angel On Main Street {Book Review}

An Angel On Main Street, by Kathi Oram Peterson, is such a delightful and touching Christmas story. If you're looking for a warm-fuzzy book to warm your heart- this is the holiday book to read this year!

Click Here To Buy It Online
Click Here To Read An Excerpt


Synopsis:
Micah Connors, an eleven-year-old boy who has been in and out of trouble since his father died in the Korean war, now has a chance to start over in this new town he, his mother and little sister have moved to. Things are finally going right until he happens upon his new friend who needs his help, which results in the town’s sheriff escorting Micah home. Will he tell Micah’s mother about this new trouble or will the discovery of a nativity being built several pieces at a time by an ominous do-gooder divert the officer? More trouble with Micah is the last thing his mother needs for not only is Dawn Connors desperate to provide for her little family, but her daughter, Annie, is very ill. When Micah tells Annie about the rustic structure being built in the center of town, she is certain unseen angels are building it and when the baby Jesus arrives He will make her better. Worried for Annie, Micah vows to find the nativity builder and bring the baby Jesus to her, even though it will only be a doll. Making Annie better is uppermost in his mind. But in his quest Micah learns angels are nearer then he ever would have believed.
__________________

My thoughts and review:

Angel On Main Street is only 99 pages long but is packaged with 99 pages of wonderful story.
I thought I'd be crying my eyes out the whole time- it just seemed like a book that would do that to me. I held the tears in until the end... then it hit me like a ton of bricks. An Angel On Main Street has a wonderful ending. The tears are good ones!

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons...

I liked the 'history' involved. I like time period books- this one is set in the 1950's. {I know that's not long ago...but the way of life then and now is different. Also, since I wasn't alive in the 50's it is always great to read of how life WAS.}

I love the main characters name: Micah. I have a brother named Micah and so I would envision his face at 11 years old as I read the book.

I enjoyed the protective feelings Micah has over his mother and sister. Loosing a father is hard and a son who feels like he should step up to help his mother is always noble. Also, the sweet things Micah does for his sister is very touching.

I thought the storyline was tender to read. It seemed real to me- all the feelings Micah had. Kathi Oram Perterson did a very good job in writing this as realistic as possible with very believable characters and situations. {One of the reasons I thought I'd cry through the book.}

The whole idea of the towns people being excited to see a new statue added daily to the nativity at the city center was such a treat to read. You just don't see people being so happy over little things that really matter much anymore. It was wonderful!

An Angel On Main Street also helped my desire to finish my own novel. Which is something I needed.

Thank you, Kathi, for allowing me to read such a wonderful, inspiring and delightful Christmas story! It's a lovely book.


About the author:

Kathi Oram Peterson was born in the small town of Rigby, Idaho. Since childhood, she has loved reading and writing stories. After winning the Heart of the West (1994) and Golden Pen (1995) contests, she put her writing on hold to finish her English degree. Upon graduation, she worked for a curriculum publisher writing and editing concept and biography books for children. She now devotes her time writing inspirational fiction

Roll Change

My sister, Tami, and I {along with our two littlest} drove up to Show Low, AZ to be with our mom who had a scheduled gall bladder removal/surgery last Monday morning. The drive is not too bad- 3 1/2 hours.

Once we got to the hospital, Tami stayed outside with the kids so I could be with mom while she checked in and prepped for surgery. I was soon aware of a drastic roll change.

I remember the many times I have been at the Dr. office for check- ups, shots, or in the emergency room for something, or when I had surgery for my tonsils to be removed... and my mom always being there with me. She was always the silent support and a column of love for me. It was always comforting knowing she was right by my side. I have never been in a situation like this where I was by her side.
I could see in her face the same worry and terror I felt when I was about to go for a procedure... 'the unknown territory'. She is mom, why would she worry or be scared?
Ahhh, then it hit me. Mom is human too! Duh.
I suppose I never thought of her being scared or worried in a situation like this. It was a wake up call for me and also made me grateful I was there for her just like she has been there for me so many times.

Mom's surgery went well. The Dr. found that her gall bladder was twisted. That would make it hurt all on its own!
Tami and I switched... I stayed with the little ones while Tami went to mom's side for recovery at the hospital, her check- out and pharmacy for her prescriptions.

Mom's recovery is right on track, though she is very sore. She has good pain meds, which is helpful. Tami and I stayed with her at a huge cabin that she is temporarily staying at until her apartment comes through she is about to rent. It was such a beautiful, luxurious vacation home. It made it comfortable for us all. Our mom expressed how glad she was that Tami and I came to her side. It really meant a lot to her.

Tami, I, and the little ones drove home Wednesday afternoon. Here at home... with all these kids running around {8 total} it is definitely not as peaceful as it was staying at the cabin, helping mom! But my bed was a welcome commodity I took for granted.

Now back to the normal grind.

As noted, Tami and her three children are still living with us. Things haven't gone as fast as we all hoped with her getting a job. {She has tirelessly tried}
It looks like the soonest they will be moving out is the middle of December. Though, this may not happen. It's been very hard on all of us but we know there is a need for them to be here and we are willing to sacrifice for them because we love them. Sacrifices aren't easy but necessary.

Recipe Book for sale!

My sister-in-law, Shaina, and her hubby, Heath, just had a cute baby boy yesterday. Mom and baby are holding up good.
Kimble Paul was born with congenital heart problems. He will need lots of medical attention- including heart surgeries. Even though she and her husband have insurance, the cost of all this will be enormous. Shaina has made an awesome recipe book that is for sale. The proceeds go to the medical bills. If you're interested in purchasing the cookbook...

The book is about 8x8 square, and is a soft cover. It's 98 pages with 100 yummy recipes.
It includes many color pictures, but not every recipe has a picture. She tried to include as many recipes as possible, without having the book get too expensive.

The book is available through BLURB and here is a direct link to the book! The book is priced at $25.95. I just got mine in the mail today... it's fantastic! YOU WON'T BE SORRY.

Backed up

Nope, not in the plumbing sense...but life in general. I feel so behind on EVERYTHING. It's frustrating.

My sis, Tami, and her 3 kids are still living with us. Most of the time it runs pretty smoothly. Well, sorta. Other times I wanna run away and never come back! With 8 kids in the house it can be a hand full to say the least. After school hours and on weekends is when all the kids are home together, and that's when I wanna run away! hahaha We're not sure how much longer they will be with us. But, of course, as long as they need to be here, they are welcome. My sanity may be gone by then though. teehee

Halloween is tomorrow and I have only one of my kids costumes! Told you I was behind on everything. I'm so wishing I could skip this Halloween!!!!!! I remember loving it as a kid so I'm willing to humor my children. That's the only reason! I'm so not into it this year. BOOHUMBUG

The weather is so nice here in Phoenix. It's getting cold for us...but it feels good to have the change. It's around the 60-7o's this week. Evening walks have been a nice thing for me to look forward too. {Peace and quiet..and exercise!}

I have 2 book reviews coming up. {Another thing I'm behind on.} They should have been posted here on my blog by now. I will work on that ASAP. Both books were very good and I"m looking forward to sharing my thoughts. Check back soon...

A fire within

General Conference is the time when most LDS members look forward to hearing inspired words from God through His servants. Every talk and every song has been divinely inspired. Twice a year, it is the highlight of my life to watch this conference.

One of the most profound talks I have ever witnessed was in this last conference. Elder Holland spoke with such a powerful aid that it was undeniable. Click here to listen to part of it.

Vegas...here I come!

My sister, Teya, is getting marrried at the Excalibur Hotel in Vegas tomorrow night. My hubby, my sister, Tami, and I are driving there tomorrow morning. :)

Since this sister isn't active in our church- {The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints} she wouldn't know that this weekend is the church's semi-annual General Conference. I'm sad I won't be with my kids this conference weekend...but we have good friends who will be watching conference with them. {It's broadcast from Salt Lake City across the world}.

What I am happy for is that I get to see my family on the Ables side! It seems we only get together when there is a funeral or wedding...but that's ok. At least we can enjoy a reunion at the same time.

This will be my 4th time visiting Vegas and haven't taken the opportunity to stop off at the Vegas Temple. Shame on me. So this time I want to make a point to stop there.

I'm really, really, really excited about getting away with my hubby. :) I always miss my kids once I'm gone but I also enjoy having time alone with my man. This is going to be a fun trip full of family, food, laughs and memories. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!

Mind is busy

My sister and her kids are staying with us for a couple weeks until she gets a job and house here in Phoenix. Her fiance' is visiting his family in Honduras and he will be joining her in a couple weeks.
I've been running Tami around looking at houses, running errands, enrolling her two oldest kids in school and looking for jobs. It's been interesting to say the least having 11 people in our home. I'm happy that most of our children are in school in the days! Thank goodness this didn't happen during summer break! haha I think I'd go nutso!

Also, I'm excited to be reviewing/interviewing 3 different books in the next couple months that will be on the market soon. It's such a fun thing to do and I love it when I am asked to be apart of someone's tour for their books.

I'm just super busy right now and I'm glad for it. It keeps my mind moving.

Recovering

The past couple weeks have gone pretty good. Yes, loosing the baby was hard in many ways- but I have felt peaceful.

Right now, physically, I feel fantastic! I'm not a 'happy/ easy' pregnant lady by any means. I feel horrible the whole time I'm carrying. After I lost the baby my body took about 10 days to get back to normal and boy does it feel nice!

Emotionally, I have felt at peace for the most part. Tonight was harder then I thought when I went to the church for Conner's 'Boy Scout Court of Honor' {where he received 3 badges! He's awesome.} and at the same time there happened to be a baby shower for the 3 ladies who are expecting at my church. The young women put in on for them and made them matching cute T-shirts that read "Mommy to be" on the front. I wasn't invited to the shower for starters, so I was a little hurt. But also that it hit me... a solid reminder I am not having a baby anymore. :( It was hard to see. Though, I am very happy for these ladies who get to have a baby. I'm just sad it' not happening for me right now that's all.

Sorta a depressing evening for me.

Sad Times

It's been a hard week. I'm sad to share that we lost our baby. I was 9 weeks along. My husband and I went for our first OBGYN appointment last week anticipating to see a growing baby on an ultrasound monitor, instead we found out the worst news.

This is my first miscarriage. Honestly, we feel blessed that we've had 5 successful pregnancies before this. Baby #6 just didn't make it. Us and our children are sad but we are understanding it too. This is life, this has a purpose and we must endure this tragedy. Most women I know have had at least one miscarriage in their life, if not multiple. I feel buoyed up in the knowledge that I'm not alone in my sadness. I feel grateful for all the supporting comments and prayers for me too. Thank you.

And yes, we will try again for another...and hopefully, God willing, it will be a success. :)

WhooHoo!

We're pregnant! Yeah!

I'm due March 3, 2010. I'm feeling some nausea off and on but haven't been too ill. I've puked only a couple times too. There are times I feel great and other times I feel yucky. It's nice to not feel yucky all the time! Though, I'm super tired and literally starving all the time.

Not feeling super sick is not 'the usual' for me. I've had five pregnancies so far: 4 boys and 1 girl. When I was pregnant with my sons I was soooo sick. My daughter was a little different- I was sick but not as bad. So maybe this is another girl? We hope!

I have my first OBGYN appointment on the 28th, which is 9 weeks along for me. My Dr. does ultrasounds every visit until the patient is half way in the pregnancy so we'll get a nice picture of baby to share soon. I'm more anxious to see if it's one baby and not two! PLEASE, heaven above, if you love me...send me ONE!

We're all very excited for this baby and look forward to March. :)

Mission Call

For those of you who know my younger sister, Morgen, you know she has been planning/working/saving for a mission for our church for a few years now.

Morgen called me a couple days ago to share her happy news of her official mission call! She will be in the Richmond, Virginia mission. Morgen will be reporting to the MTC {Missionary Training Center} in Provo, Utah on August 5th. She will serve her mission for a year and a half.

Of course, Morgen is thrilled...but this is my blog so I will share my feelings. haha
I'm sooooo proud of my little sister! She has worked really hard to get to this point. I'm pleased to see her dream come true and that it's finally reality for her and that she is setting a good example to my children and the other nieces and nephew. This is the first person on my side of the family to go a mission, so this is very exciting for all of us.
















Morgen...YOU GO, GIRL!

These days...

Since the summer heat is upon us- we have enjoyed swimming in the cool pool a few times. Believe it or not but the water in the pool is still a bit chilly, especially when one first jumps in. And if the wind is blowing outside it makes for a shorter pool experience since it's not fun swimming while cold. Even though Phoenix has record breaking highs and sweltering summer days- a swimming experience CAN be too cold!

We are glad we have a drive-in near our home to enjoy. :) Unfortunately, the prices have gone up - just like everywhere/everything else. But it's still cheaper then taking the whole family to an indoor theater. Now that it's summer we can go pretty much any night of the week and not wait until the weekends. {It makes for a very late night.} We took the kiddos to see "UP" the other night. That was a super good movie!

We also bought the Summer Movie Tickets again this year. {A local theater chain does this every summer.} It's 7$ per person and you get 10 weekly movie tickets- a fantastic deal! We chose to go every Friday morning. Last week was 'Space Chimps'. The kiddos love going to the theater- especially for the soda and popcorn! We don't let out children drink much soda.

The front living room curtains that I have been working on are nearly completed. They are all up on rods and they look complete...but they aren't. Since I had a baby shower and birthday party here at our place I just pinned some of the hems for a quick finished look! haha {Very ingenious if you ask me.} I have about 20 minutes of sewing left to do on some seams. I'm pretty proud of myself- they look great... not to mention they keep out the hot sun better then what was up before. I'll post pictures later.

As you may know...we are huge game people. Warren has bought a few new games for us to play and it's been fun times. They are: Drakon, Mummy Rummy and Carcassonne.
We really like them all.

I'm still plucking away at writing my novel. I was contacted by another LDS writer who lives here in the valley. He is wanting to start up a monthly LDS writing group. So far there are 3 of us interested...but we are hoping to get a couple more on board. I'm anxious for us to get started. This will motivate me to fine-tune my writing as well as presenting new material each month in order for people to read it. I need some motivation right now.

I've been working on genealogy lately and have had some neat experiences. Today I was able to take some of those names to the temple to do baptisms with my son, {his first time going now that he's 12}, some youth from our ward and Warren. We had a wonderful time and I'm on cloud 9 right now. :) Doing temple work is such a great feeling to me!

My mom is coming to visit us next week! I saw her in November but Warren and the
children haven't seen her {Nana} in over 2 years. She is staying with us for a week then she will be going to stay with one of my other sisters and her family for a week in northern Arizona. We are looking forward to hanging out with her. ;)

The end of this month our family will be heading to Utah for a family reunion. There are lots of fun things planned... one being that us adults and 2 of our youth get to go to the temple together- which I am especially excited about. Our short people are anxious to see all their cousins.
Not to mention lots of picture taking opportunities too! {My scrapbooking heart is beating wildly}

That's about it these days. I'm keeping pretty busy but wishing I was laying in bed reading or something! I hope to get a few lazy days in this summer...but getting it without complaints from my short people being agonizingly- bored- out- of- their- minds will be a miracle.

Sunday Brunch

In just a few short hours my oldest, Conner, will be ordained a Deacon in our church.
What a blessing!
Today happens to be his 12th birthday as well {the age he can be ordained}.
I think it's neat he {and we} can celebrate two wonderful things on the same day.

I'm contemplating many things as my mind is wrapping around the fact that I have a 12 year old son who can receive the holy priesthood. Wow.

Some of my thoughts right now....

I'm glad that the church has been a strong influence in our lives. It's always been important to me and my husband to have that foundation. I couldn't have gotten this far in my life as an individual, spouse or parent without the church's influence. I feel indebted to my Father in heaven and am most thankful for having the church in my life and in my families lives.

I have such a strong testimony that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed the actual church of Christ. He is the head of it. This knowledge, as well as a short lifetime of trying to live by its standards and teachings, has brought me much peace and happiness.

I do not credit only myself for my amazing son...he has had lots of positive influences in his life so far, but I am proud to call myself his mother! I am also very proud and pleased he is such a great son who tries hard to do what is right. {most of the time}

I pray Conner will continue on this path of righteousness throughout his life. I pray for his success, happiness and continued desire to serve the Lord in this life. I know he's headed in the right direction.

It's such a joy to see my children choosing righteousness and goodness!

Summer Break?

Gosh, I've been busy!

I thought as soon as summer break hit the 'lazy days' would follow....NOT.

I've been sewing new curtains for my front living room and that's taking longer then I'd expected. {It always does.}
I got some of them done in time for the baby shower I hosted here Thursday night- that was nice. I'm hoping that I have the rest of the curtains finished by Sunday for my son's surprise birthday party.

Something cool happened tonight. My family went to the church for a new member baptism. There we met a new missionary, Elder Bell. As he was speaking I thought he looked so familiar...and sure enough I figured it out...

Years ago, when Warren and I were newlyweds, we lived in Spokane, Washington and this missionaries family was in our ward. Little {not so little anymore} Jared Bell was about 4 or 5 years old when I last saw him and his family. I even babysat him a couple times and had his older sister, Jessica, in my primary class!

Wow, what a small world. Not to mention it makes me feel OLD seeing that missionary before my eyes. Time sure flies.

CAN'T WAIT!

Oh, man I'm biting my nails in anticipation of hearing from my sister soon!

Morgen is my 2nd to youngest sister and she has been working hard on getting ready to serve a mission for our church- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has done so the past few years and has finally submitted her papers to church headquarters.
We find out in the next few weeks on where she will be serving in the world and the date she reports to the MTC {Missionary Training Center} in Provo, Utah.

It will be great to see her achieve this goal and dream of serving a mission, as well as seeing her wear the official missionary badge with "Sister Miller" written on it.
Morgen will be the first of anyone on my side of extended family to serve a full-time mission for our church. {I served a mini-mission}
All of us are so proud of her! I know I can't wait!

My plan is to fly to Washington when she is able to go through the temple for the first time- which I am so excited about!

What an awesome time in her life!!