11 Mystery Series

This is part of a series called 11 Lists of 11 Books. I have read all books unless otherwise noted.

When I was in elementary school, all I used to read was mysteries!! I love mysteries!! Now, it's mostly historicals, but I still do love the analytical aspect of mysteries.

Grades 1-3

Cam Jansen
Cam Jansen is a young girl with a photographic memory - and a love for mysteries! There are tons of books on various topics like art, sports, and history, making them appealing to any interests. The Cam Jansen site has tons of resources for school.

The A-Z Mysteries 

I've only read one (The L one) of the 26 books in this series, but I really enjoyed the one I did read. Some peril is involved, (like when they track down a robber) but as far as I know, nothing most wouldn't be OK with. 

The Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley

Alright, I loved this series as a kid. I have read most of them and loved each one! They're geared mostly toward younger girls, and the mysteries are puzzling and challenging, but not too hard. The reading level is close to "Cam Jansen" and "Magic Tree House" series.

Grades 3-6

Clue Jr. Mysteries

A mystery series for younger kids. These mysteries are both clean and fun, telling stories with the answer to the mystery upside-down.

The 39 Clues

I have never read this series, but I have heard great things about it.

Thirty-nine clues hidden around the world  reveal a secret, and Amy and Dan are determined to find that secret!

American Girl Mysteries

Did you know...each American Girl has a mystery (or mysteries)? I have read the majority of books in this series and I love them all! The reading level and the content (some historical violence) are higher than the traditional American Girl books. Each book has a historical note at the end relating to the story. Both historically educational AND exciting! 

The Kit mysteries are my favorites; they don't really have much violence.

Samantha: The Cry of the Loon, Stolen Sapphire, Curse of Ravenscourt, Clue in the Castle Tower

Kit: The Thief in the Theatre, Danger at the Zoo, Missing Grace, Midnight in Lonesome Hallow

Felicity: Traitor in Williamsburg, Lady Margret's Ghost, Peril at King's Creek

Kaya: The Silent Stranger

Josefina: Secrets in the Hills

Kirsten: The Runaway Friend

Addy: Shadows on Society Hill

Rebecca: The Crystal Ball, A Bundle of Trouble, Secrets at Camp Nokomis

The Boxcar Children

I have read the majority of books in this series. They are all clean and packed with great lessons. I know some kids who don't like this series (my own sister included!), but I love The Boxcar Children! There is over 100 books in this series.

Grades 5-9

Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys

I've never read either of these series, but I will read a Nancy Drew someday. 

American Girl History Mysteries

I would not recommend this series to anyone under fourth grade. These books are a higher reading level and often have more danger involved than previous American Girl books. A few of them scared me to death and the majority deals with topics like murder. (as in, the protagonist thinks she will get murdered, but doesn't. No other content-issues besides violence) But, I guess that's the whole point of mystery. I have read most of the books in this series. (My favorite (which is violence-free) is The Night Flyers.)

Quicksolve Whodunit

This series would be OK for about fourth grade and up. BUT, the puzzles are more challenging than most of the books on this list. Each mini-story starts out with a mystery, mostly a (non-scary and non-graphic) murder, a fraud case, or a robbery. The answer to the mystery is in the back of the book. You have to really pay attention to see what is wrong with a story. For example, in one of the books, a woman claimed to have been robbed and locked in her car when really, you can't lock yourself in the car. 

I've read Challenging Mini-Mysteries (picture right) and Dr. Quicksolve Mini-Mysteries. I liked the former better than the latter because Dr. Quicksolve Mini-Mysteries often includes stories like "That COULD be the thief because he matches this characteristic, but there's no way to be 100% sure." 

Encyclopedia Brown
I have not read this series, but I have heard some great things about this series.


What are your favorite mystery series or books?

Top 3 & Winner for challenge 12

I'm very behind on announcing winners and top 3 spots so I'm hoping to catch up over the next week.  First off, challenge 12.  So we had lots of wonderful entries to our 'Boys will be Boys' challenge.  Don't forget challenge 17 is still open and can be found here.

The prize for this challenge was a $20 gift certificate at The Paper Shelter.  Without further ado, the winner chosen by random.org was #76 - Spyder.  Congratulations, Spyder , email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk  and I'll pass your details on to the sponsor.

Our top 3 in no particular order are:

#10 - Shelby

#24 - Ivonne H

#76 - Spyder

Congratulations to you all, grab the top 3 badge from our sidebar and add it to your own.

3 Rosh Hashanah Songs (in English)

This year, Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year) begins on my birthday, September 4! :)
Here are three of my favorite Rosh Hashanah songs.
Shana tova!

What Makes Rosh Hashanah Beautiful - Aish.com

(original: What Makes You Beautiful)

Aish.com has released a few great guys singing amazing parody songs. This one to the famous 1D song is much better than the original, with a great video!
This year you'll light up your world like nobody else...the shofar blows, this Rosh Hashanah is beautiful!

Dip Your Apple - Fountainheads
(original: Waka Waka)

Although I'm not a fan of a lot of their songs, I loved this song! It's fun and filmed in Israel - what's better than that?!
Dip your apple in the honey, it's Rosh Hashanah!

Book of Good Life - Maccabeats
(original: Good Life)

I love the Maccabeats, and this song is no exception. Great singing, great music, great holiday.
Prayers in a language that I don't know, standing for hours and hours more, I wish someone would please tell me-e-e what it is we're praying for. :) 


and...a Maccabeats Rosh Hashanah greeting card

PS Here are some more Rosh Hashanah songs: http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/routine-emergencies/.premium-1.544074

What are your favorite Rosh Hashanah songs?

Comforting Words

Our precious Auntie Mary gave me a lovely little book

on one of her recent visits to Canada.

I put it into my purse thinking I would read 
snippets of it here and there.

It's full of short quotes from letters which 
Samuel Rutherford wrote nearly 400 years ago.

Recently, I took it out of my purse so I could take it along
on a day trip to visit my friend on the Island.
The trip required over three hours on the ferry ~ lots of time for reading.

I found it to be full of rich nuggets

that ministered to my grieving Mama heart.

Such encouragement, comfort and truth

can be discovered within its pages.  It's precious.

I am sharing a few lines from this little book here today.

May these words be used to encourage your heart as they have mine.

"They are not lost to you that are laid up in Christ's treasury in Heaven.
At the resurrection ye shall meet with them: 
there they are, sent before, but not sent away.
Your Lord loveth you, who is homely to take and give,
borrow and lend."

~ Calvin, Austin and Fraser Circa 2002 ~

"She is not sent away, but only sent before,
like unto a star, which going out of your sight, doth not die and vanish,
but shineth in another hemisphere:
ye see her not, yet she doth shine in another country."

"The child hath but changed a bed in the garden,
and is planted up higher, nearer the sun,
where he shall thrive better than in this out-field moor-ground."

Comforting words?  Absolutely.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**All quotes in this post are taken from Samuel Rutherford's

"The Loveliness of Christ" ~ a rare gem of a book!

70 Christian Work-Out Songs

This is kind of my alternative to this list. IMO, some of the songs on the list were really slow. All of the following songs are inspirational and upbeat.

Warning: Some songs may make you want to get up and dance.

1. All Because of Jesus by Casting Crowns
2. Awesome God by R-Swift
3. Big Big House by Audio Adrenaline
4. California by Hawk Nelson
5. Changed Forever by TobyMac
6. Courageous by Casting Crowns
7. Crazy Love by Hawk Nelson
8. Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman
9. Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster
10. Every Good Thing by The Afters
11. Eye On It by TobyMac
12. Fight Another Day by Addison Road
13. Forgiveness by TobyMac ft. LeCrae
14. Friend Like That by Hawk Nelson
15. Give You Glory by Jeremy Camp
16. Glory Defined by Building429
17. God's Not Dead by Newsboys
18. God Is Enough by LeCrae (for creative people - this would be a great song for a Zumba routine)
19. Gold by Britt Nicole
20. Gone by tobyMac
21. Good Morning by Mandisa
22. Hello My Name Is by Matthew West
23. Here Goes by Bebo Norman
24. Holy One by Casting Crowns
25. I'm Alive by Peter Furler
26. Identity by LeCrae
27. If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns
28. I Wanna Know You Like That by Anthem Lights
29. I Will Not Be Moved by Natalie Grant
30. Jesus Saves by Jeremy Camp
31. Joyful Noise by Flame ft. LeCrae
32. Keep Your Eyes Open by NeedToBreathe
33. Lifesong by Casting Crowns
34. Lift Me Up by The Afters
35. Live Life Loud by Hawk Nelson
36. Made to Love by TobyMac
37. Me and Jesus by Stellar Kart
38. Meaning of Life by Hawk Nelson
39. Me Without You by TobyMac
40. Move by MercyMe
41. My Deliverer by Mandisa
42. One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture
43. Outta My Mind by Anthem Lights
44. Overcomer by Mandisa
45. Perfect People by Natalie Grant
46. Praise You With The Dance by Casting Crowns
47. Revelation by Third Day
48. Showstopper by TobyMac
49. So Long Self by MercyMe
50. Something Beautiful by Newsboys
51. Speaking Louder Than Before by Jeremy Camp
52. Strong Tower by Kutless
53. The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole
54. The Show by Hawk Nelson
55. Tonight by TobyMac
56. Walk on the Water by Britt Nicole
57. We Live by Superchic[k]
58. We Won't Be Shaken by Building429
59. What This World Needs by Casting Crowns
60. Your Love Never Fails by Newsboys
61. You Save Me by Kutless

Softer Songs (cool down)

62. Brave by Nichole Nordeman

63. Kings and Queens by Audio Adrenaline

64. Let It Out by Chris and Conrad

65. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North

66. Losing by Tenth Avenue North

67. Sing by Josh Wilson
68. Strangely Dim by Feancesca Battistelli

69. This Is the Stuff by Francesca Battistelli

70. Mountain of God by Third Day

What are your favorite songs to work-out to? Any of your favorites on here? Please comment! (Anonymous if you prefer!)

Austin's Resurrection Bed

It is such a comforting thing for my Mama heart to consider this ~

Austin's body was sown in corruption, but, it will rise in glory.

Just as the Lord Jesus Christ's body was raised up

in perfection from the tomb, so will Austin's.

From this very spot ~ his resurrection bed.

"But now is Christ risen from the dead,

and become the firstfruits of them that slept."

~ I Corinthians 15:20 ~

"So also is the resurrection of the dead.

It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory:

it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body."

~ I Corinthians 15:42-44 ~

**Our last name was photo-shopped out of this image**

The grave marker was fashioned from a slab of polished black granite.
We are so pleased with the workmanship of the carving ~ 
the family who did the work are true craftsmen.

We are also thankful for the message it conveys.  
John 6:37 was Austin's favourite verse ~ please click here to read it.

Austin's trust was solely and alone in the finished work of his Saviour.

Our son's body rests in the ground until that glorious day

when all God's people, in the twinkling of an eye,

will be caught up with the Lord Jesus Christ in the air.

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 
and we shall be changed."
~ I Corinthians 15:52 ~

What a day that will be!

Rejoicing in the thought of it.

Praising our Great God for the Truth of it.
Life here is temporary.  Life there is permanent.

Many Blessings,

Camille

Fresh Memories ~ A Thankful Post

We are in the midst of the everyday and the routine

and the sometimes-not-so-ordinary things that make up our lives.

Nothing new, really.  However, it is.  

We are making fresh memories together.
Memories are always being made ~ it's the nature of life.

These are the moments that we will cherish in years to come.
That's how it is, isn't it?  

We look back on precious days and events and ordinary

things that reside in photos and in our memories.
They are held in highest esteem.  

Interesting how that works, don't you think?

We long for long ago.

Why do we do that?  Sometimes it robs us of now.
It can keep us from really living this day.  In this moment.
Do we take notice and stop to consider
that these things ought to be treasured up now?

I'm storing up these memories.  These treasures.
I am seeking to live in the moment as the memories are made.

Cherishing and enjoying and entering into every little detail.

May the Lord give grace to hold everything with a loose hand

all the while praising Him for the gifts He gives.

They are all from Him.  They all belong to Him.

He may claim them back at any time.
We are not entitled to any of them.
Yet, He graciously gives and we live because of Him.

My list today is made up of the random things that have been
such lovely blessings in recent weeks.
The here and now is precious.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
This ought not to make us tremble.  If we are the Lord's we have nothing to fear.
It ought, however, to make us thankful ~ for every little thing.  
Thankful for every gift no matter how small or insignificant.

Everything is a gift.  Directly from His hand.

Our niece and her husband have a little teeny tiny doggy ~
Her name is Charley, and we were blessed to have her stay with us.
Isn't she just the absolute cutest thing you ever saw?
(Emma is allergic to dogs ~ this was a trial run to see if she
might tolerate one this small.  Apparently she doesn't.  Isn't that sad?)

  

The boys were blessed to be able to take two separate camping trips ~
The first was in the mountains, and included lots of hiking.
The other was to a little local island, and involved a ferry and bikes.

The first trip found our two boys out in the bush
with two boys from our friends' family.
The photos from that trip will likely be featured in future posts ~
God's creation is absolutely stunning.

I am thankful to have a husband who tells me that
we must let the boys do these things ~ it's a rite of passage into manhood.
They were safe and went with responsible young men.
It certainly is a blessing to see them developing these kinds of friendships.

The second trip was to Mayne Island and involved Betsy for transportation.
There were six boys on that trek.  The boys were taken to the ferry
where they loaded up their gear on their backs and bikes,
and journeyed over to the island.
It was an adventure, for sure!

I take no responsibility whatsoever for the food choices they made ~ LOL.

I am thankful that they all stayed safe and enjoyed their time away together.

God is Good to provide such wonderful friends for our boys ~ we are thankful.

The photo below shows the young men as they ventured out ~

Calvin and Fraser are together on the far right.

Emma missed her brothers.
She planned and shopped and decorated their room
to welcome them home from their first trip away.

See how she decorated the bed?
Confession ~ it was done a little too early...
we ate the chocolate bars and I had to replace them ~ LOL!  

I am thankful for sibling friendships ~
Austin's absence from the photo below is painful to my Mama heart.
However, I am thankful that he is where we will one day be.
And, again, God is Good.  Always.

A lovely friend sent me this praying angel ~

wasn't that just the sweetest thing to do?

It's a reminder to my heart that God's people care 

and that we ought always to lift one another up in prayer.

Another sweet friend sent these home-made journals ~
One for me and one for Emma.
We are so thankful for the love shown to us in these
beautiful ways ~ God is so Good!

I'm thankful that my Emma desires to learn
the finer arts of the home ~ she is learning to knit.
This is her first attempt at it.
I thought I would start her out small with a dishcloth...

...but, it grew and grew and grew!
Can you believe that I only cast on 45 stitches?
What happened??!!
We're not sure what this will become...
but, we will figure something out.  :)

I am thankful for a special time out with Emma's Grandma and my Mum-in-Love.

We were able to go to a tea room and enjoy...

...Afternoon Tea!  Isn't this just the prettiest tray of goodies?

It was a real treat.

God's Goodness to us comes in these and a myriad of other ways.

We are thankful for His Loving Hand upon us.

He is gracious and kind and does all things well.

In the midst of sorrow, there is joy.

In what ways have you been blessed this Summer?

Feel free to share in the comments section of this post ~

I'd love to hear what's been a blessing to your heart.

With Love,
Camille

13 Blogger Tutorials

Creating a blog header

Tutorial here.


Making the post title before the blog title
So it will make it look like this:
Blogging Tutorials | Le Chaim (on the right)
instead of
Le Chaim (on the right): Blogging Tutorials
Tutorial here.


Social media icons: Make your own
Tutorial here.
Free Social Media Icon Silhouettes

Social media icons: Adding them to your blog

Tutorial here.
Advanced tutorial here.


Verify your blog on Pinterest
Verifying your blog on Pinterest makes you look official, and you can see your analytics: how many people you reach, how many times you've been repinned, etc.
Tutorial here.

Also, when you pin your button to Pinterest, please please please pin the POST, not the BLOG.

The URL above should look like this:

http://christmasssssa.blogspot.com/2013/08/11-lists-of-11-books-new-series.html

not this:

http://christmasssssa.blogspot.com/

Adding "You may also like these posts".

Most are created with LinkWithin. It's free, easy, requires no sign up, and is a great way to get traffic to your other posts!

Pin It hover button

Tutorial here.

Pin It side button bar

Go to Layout, Add a gadget, scroll down to HTML/Javascript. Copy and paste this:

<a config="topright" do="buttonBookmark" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="http://tinypic.com/r/igmh4m/5" /></a>

<script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>

Making free printables for your blog

Tutorial here.

Creating post pictures for Pinterest (like the picture above)

Use Picmonkey. Just play around with it. :)

Adding blog button with drop box

Tutorial here.

Add a signature to your blog

Create a signature using a signature creating site, or Picmonkey. To make a transparent background, save it as .png instead of .jpg

Tutorial here.

Additional tips for bloggers:

1. Get rid of the "word verify" thing. It's annoying. If you have to delete some spam comments, then so be it. :)

2. Don't make your side bars too cluttered.

Want any other tutorials? let me know!

Challenge 17 - Funny Birthday

Welcome to the latest challenge, this time sponsored by QKR Stampede

Do you have a sense of humor? Are you looking for a cute stamp? Then, we are the company for you! QKR Stampede is the somewhat cute somewhat quirky rubber and digital stamp company. We showcase the artwork of Ken Herrod, who had a unique, somewhat quirky style with lots of humor and character. You are sure to get a chuckle out of our stamps! We have been offering our unique stamps and supplies to the craft industry for over 15 years. At QKR Stampede our images are available as un-mounted, natural red rubber stamps OR as digital stamps! If QKR Stampede Stamps aren't exactly what you are looking for, don’t miss out on the sister companies: Eureka Stamps, Biblical Impressions Rubber Stamps, or the newest addition; Alluring Impressions.


To enter, we need to see your funny side and the winner gets 5 digistamps from QKR Stampede.

The design team have been working hard to provide the following inspiration:

 Anne

Shirley

ALAN

Kate

(Going Fishing 6605)

Pat K 

(using #15503 News Boy)

Michelle

CAZ

Donna

  
Patricia

I'm sure you'll agree that we have a great design team and will be fully inspired and ready to join in.  Here are the rules:
1. Your card must be for a man or a boy.
2. Your card must be new for this challenge and follow the theme set.
3. Your post must mention Cards for Men and contain a link back to this challenge.
4. You may combine our challenge with others up to a maximum of 10.

The challenge will run from now until midnight BST (British Summer Time) on 1st September 2013.  Leave a link to your card (not just your blog) in the link list below.  If it's not there for some reason, leave a comment and I'll enter you in before the draw.  Good luck

11 Lists of 11 Books - New Series

I am introducing a new series in September - 11 Lists of 11 Books! This series will continue from mid-September to the end of October. Unlike some book lists, I have read all the books listed - unless otherwise noted.

The series posts will be the following:

11 Mystery Series

11 American Civil War Books

11 Dog, Cat and Bunny Picture Books 

11 Animal Picture Books
11 WWII Picture Books
11 WWII Fiction Novels

11 Christian Picture Books

11 Christian Memoirs

11 Little-known Event Books

11 WWI and Great Depression Novels
11 of my Favorite Books


My first series was Ten WWII Heroes. After having overwhelming success and reading several people's Pinterest comments, I am so excited and proud to announce my second series! I hope you all enjoy 11 Lists of 11 Books just as much!

Only a Moment

A few Sundays ago, after the service, a precious friend

took time to talk and listen and encourage.

She said something that has been such a blessing to my heart.

"The days are long, but, the years are short."

It will only seem a moment before we are ushered into glory.
Life here is temporary.  Life there is permanent.

Helpful words?  Yes.  Comforting?  Absolutely.

Every elderly person I have ever spoken to

says the same thing ~ life flies by!

And, in the twinkling of an eye ~ eternity begins.
It happens this way for all of us.
The big questions, in light of this, are these ~

Where will we spend it?  Where will we go?  Are we ready?

It is not on our own merit that we are welcomed into Heaven.

It is all the Lord's.  All of it.  We depend on His works.  Not ours.
The Lord Jesus Christ's perfect life lived on our behalf.  
The complete and perfect payment of the penalty 
for the sin of His people.  He took our sins upon Himself,
in order that He could bestow His perfection on us.

The Lamb of God.  We must look to Him.  Trust in Him.

Surrender to Him ~ completely and utterly.

In His work alone is Salvation to be found.
It's the only way.  He is the only way.

What is He to you?  Is your peace found in Him?
Is He your all in all?  Do you trust Him with your never dying soul?
 Settle with Him before the time He has granted you is gone.
Before we know it, it will be!
We all face the same reality.  Time is short.
We only have this moment ~ none other is guaranteed.

Flee to Christ while He may be found!

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
~ John 6:37 ~

The best way to be found of Him is to read His Word.
Begin by reading Genesis, and then read the book of John.
His Word, the Bible, is True.  It's Powerful.
The words can only change us if the words are read.
We can only be changed by the power of the Living God.  By His Grace.
In light of this, please ask the Lord to open your eyes to see and
enlighten your heart to understand.  He is able.  He is merciful.
And, He graciously answers prayers like those.

The greatest thing in all of life is to belong to Him.
Be sure you are His and He is yours ~ nothing is more important.  
Nothing.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photo in this post courtesy of Calvin ~
Thank you my love!  XO