One Year Anniversary!

A year ago this past February I decided I wanted to learn how to crochet.  Well after I started I was hooked! Friends and family loved what I was making and started asking me to make them things.  This led me to open up my store Unique Creations by Tracy a year ago this April!  I have been so blessed by all the family, friends, and others that have bought some of the items that I have crocheted.  I love seeing the things I made being used by others.  Since 1 year is a great milestone I have decided I want to do something special.  During the month of April I am planning on having a giveaway here on my blog and will be having a sale during the month to celebrate.  Keep your eyes posted for the fun!

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Tutor's Daughter is a historical fiction book with romance and suspense.  Emma Smallwood is the daughter of a widowed father that runs a boarding school.  The boarding school fails after time and they are unsure of what to do.  Emma writes a baronet that sent two of his sons to their school.  They are called to come to the baronet's manor to teach his two younger boys.  Once they get settled in mysterious things start happening to Emma.  The baronet's two oldest sons that Emma remembers from their time at the boarding school are there and dealing with their own problems and secrets.  As things escalate Emma has to figure out which brother is to blame and who she can trust.

I felt the beginning of the story was a bit slow, but the farther I got into the story the harder it was to put down.  Every time I thought I figured out who was behind what was happening to Emma, something would happen that made me change my mind.  For the most part I loved how the book ended but would love if the story continued on so I could get to know some of the characters even better.  Julie, did a great job with the setting of the story in that I could really picture where the story was taking place in history.  I have only read a couple of Julie Klassen's books but after reading this one I know I want to read more of her books. 

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers for an honest review!

International Dress Up Day

My daughter's preschool had International Dress Up Day on March 1st.  The whole month of February, they have been learning about other countries. Friday they got to decide what country they wanted to represent and dress up to represent that country.  We are very Irish so it was a very easy decision on which country to do.  Here is a picture of my daughter dressed and ready to go to preschool.

We went out and bought a St. Patrick's Day shirt and then I made her the hat to wear.  It was a lot of fun to see all the kids dressed up at drop off!

A Look Back at February For My Shop

February started off with me being on vacation, but as soon as I got back I was busy.  Here are a few pics of a few of things that I have made this month.

 

This color sorting toy I finished a couple days after I got back.

I had several orders for mini owls in a variety of colors. These are just two of the ones I made.

My medium size owl that I made and added to the shop.  

The small size owl that I have now added.

Lastly, is my small bunny that comes in a variety of colors.

It was a very productive month, and I can't wait to see what the month of March holds for me.

A Woman's Guide to Reading the Bible In a Year by Diane Stortz

I have always wanted to read the Bible in a year, but didn't know where to start.  Do I start with the first book of the Bible and just continue through to the end, or is there some other way to do it? When I saw A Women's Guide to Reading the Bible in A Year I thought I need to get this book to review to see if it will help me. I love how the book is set up so you can either read it yourself or set up a women's group. It also shares how to use the book to help you to read the Bible, and you can use any version of the Bible you want. . Each week it gives you a little synopsis about what you will be reading, lists what to read each day, and then three questions to answer at the end of the week or even fill out as you are reading.  The questions are great to help out if you are using the book for a women's group. Some might say I don't need a book to tell me how to read through the Bible in a year, well that is fine but some of us need a little more structure and planning to accomplish it. I now plan on using this book for myself to read the Bible in a year.

I received this book from Bethany House for free in return for an honest review.

Art of Animation Hotel

When we were down at Disney World we stayed at the new Art of Animation in the Little Mermaid area.  They have a Nemo, Lion King, and Cars section too which are all suites. Never being to Disney World before I was shocked how big the hotel was.  When we went inside to check in it was beautiful! Loved all the pictures of all the characters from the movies that are represented at the hotel on the walls.  Check in was very fast and efficient for how large of a hotel it is. Our room was one of the farthest from the front area of the hotel and bus services but we survived.  I have to say our view was beautiful! We had a view of the lake behind the hotel and could see the hotel Pop Century that is across the lake. My daughter loves princesses so that is why we stayed in the Little Mermaid rooms.  Then we visited all the other sections especially Cars since my son loves them. In the main building where you check in they had a shop, a game room, and large restaurant where there were so many choices of things to eat.  Each day the hotel had activities planned for any of the hotel guests that wanted to stay at the hotel for the day.  We took part in the movie nights a couple nights when we were back early that was hosted in the Lion King area outside. There were beautiful pools in all the themed areas but the Lion King that went along with the themes.  We did not use any of them since I forget our swimsuits.  The management was great to work with since we did have an issue with a bag going missing from our room.  They immediately tried to replace what was in the bag, but when they couldn't they gave me cash so I could replace what was in the bag.  If you have any questions about the hotel feel free to ask and I will answer them for you.  Now here are some pictures from the hotel that I took.

The kids laying in bed.

 The outside of our buildings in the Little Mermaid area.

My daughter in front of Ariel in the Little Mermaid area.

The kids with Prince Eric in the Little Mermaid area.

One of the many figures from the Lion King area.

One of the many figures from the Nemo area.

My son with one the Cars from the Cars area.  You can see one of the Nemo buildings in the background.

Another picture from the Cars area with my son.

Our beautiful view from our room.

Where Have I Been?

You may ask where have I been.  I have been so busy with my shop making things for others.  Also, we took a family trip to Disney World at the beginning of February.  I am hoping now that things are settling down I can get back to posting again.  I have a couple book reviews coming up, and thought I would share with you a bit about our trip.  Look forward to sharing with all of you again!