Book Review: Then Sings My Soul, Special Edition

Because I really enjoyed the original Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan, I was very excited to receive the special edition from Booksneeze sometime in November. Obviously, it has taken me a long time to review this one, for many reasons. For one thing, my husband stole it for December sermon preparation. I can see how it would be very good for that purpose.

But really, I'm having a hard time reviewing because I was disappointed. I liked the original so much, and I was sad to find that 76 of the 150 songs in this "special edition" were exactly the same songs AND entries as in the earlier edition. I expected a little overlap in the songs, especially since the first one had a few Christmas and Easter hymns in it already. But over half of the book is exactly the same as the first. Granted, the additions to this edition (sorry) are good songs- great holiday hymns and some of the old standards that we sang in my small Baptist church growing up. I was a little concerned about the "patriotic" section, but that is based on my own opinion of the blurring lines between Christianity and Nationalism. Basically, my biggest disappointment was that there wasn't enough NEW stuff.

That being said, if you don't already own a copy of the first one, Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition is a great book with lots of amazing and inspiring insight to the origin of some of our favorite hymns. If you do, be prepared for some de ja vu.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My Funny Valentine

I can't get over how big Little Sister looks in this picture...




Sigh.

Tall, tall tower...

Since it was another unseasonably lovely day, we decided to take Nana & Papa to the battlefields. The girls have been stir-crazy and completely bugging the crud out of each other, so we were also looking for an opportunity to wear them out. Big Sister was super excited about climbing up in the "tall tall tower." We even took some homemade helicopters to drop from the top.

Except apparently, the tall tall tower closes for the winter. Whether it feels like winter or not. The girls made the best of the situation, throwing the helicopters from a small hill, running lots of races, and exploring the fields. The grown-ups enjoyed watching them, and getting a nice dose of history. And vitamin D.

Is this January?!

My mom & dad came into town, and it was such a beautiful day we all went outside to play.

The girls blew bubbles and drew with sidewalk chalk.

Check out that hair!

We also played with (and subsequently broke) a few toy airplanes.


Some people (ahem) tried to impress their daughters and ended up on a ladder...

... which in itself is pretty amazing


for January.

Snow Dough

Today, Big Sis and I made a batch of snow dough (aka sparkly play dough).

It's so simple! You just make a typical batch of homemade play-dough. Here's the recipe I usually use.

• 2 c. flour
• 2 c. water
• 1 c. salt
• 2 Tbsp. oil
  
• 2 tsp. cream of tartar

It makes a good sized batch that I can divide for home and Mom's Morning Out.

For snow dough, I add a tablespoon or two of white tempera paint. Except today. Today I grabbed acrylic paint because I was gathering ingredients in a hurry. Don't do that. (Use acrylic, I mean. I don't care how quickly you grab whatever you need. That's your business.)

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, then turn into a skillet and cook over medium heat. I usually use a spatula to keep scraping the sides and bottom, making sure that all of the wet, sticky looking mixture gets a chance to cook and dry out a bit. When it is the right play-dough consistency (and there is no more slimy texture) remove it from heat. If you have typical mommy-nothing-can-scald-me hands, go ahead and knead it together a bit. But since it is pretty doggone hot, you might want to let it cool for a bit.

When it is cooler, put it on the counter or wax paper for easier clean up (or, if you're like me, because you don't feel like scrubbing your counter again or dealing with glitter for the next 3 months). Flatten out about 1/4 of the batch, sprinkle with glitter and knead it in. Repeat for the rest of the play-dough.

I prefer white, iridescent glitter. The kind I used was in one of those small tubes from Michael's called "crystal." I used a LOT of it. Some people like to use silver glitter instead. To each his own.

Store the dough in a plastic bag or storage container so it doesn't dry out.

Finally, grab some snowman and snowflake shaped cookie cutters (or just roll some snowballs) and enjoy.

Or, if your little sister won't share, get a jump on Valentine's Day art projects...


Enjoy!

Just a thought

I was thinking, today, as I looked at the top of my bookshelf...



... that many of my friends in Kentucky and Ohio would disagree.


And we might get some snow again this week. We'll see...




P.S. I was also thinking that it is probably time to dust.

Song for Sunday: Cute Sing-along

The girls are at the kitchen table, immersed in a Strawberry Shortcake coloring book. I'm at the counter, making PB&J for lunch. Big Sister is humming the Strawberry Shortcake theme song.

Me: (singing) She's cool, she's... er...

Big Sister: (helpin' a momma out) ... fun. She'll lead the way.

Both: (together, loudly) Straw-ba-ba-ba-ba-berry --

Little Sister: (out of nowhere, right on time, and on pitch) STRAWBERRY CORTCAKE!