Book Review: Cowboy & Wills…and a Giveaway! December 16, 2009

There are very few dog stories (movies, TV, books) that don’t leave my weeping like a baby. I have a special place in my heart for dogs, I’ve grown up with dogs, and I’ve experienced the loss of a much-loved pet. But Monica Holloway’s story of her son Wills and his best friend Cowboy touched my heart in a way that no movie or book ever has. Monica has a unique ability to bring letters on a page to life. With every sentence and experience I felt like I was right there with her, living through her heartache and joys, ups and downs.

Monica’s son Wills has high-functioning autism. As she struggles to understand and deal with the diagnosis herself, reading books and seeking the help of experts, she also desperately wants to create a normal, happy life for her wonderful son. We quickly learn that everyday activities aren’t so normal for Monica and her son. Wills is a very literal little boy. He doesn’t understand sarcasm, joking, or teasing. He craves routine and is frightened by crowds and loud noises. But he has a heart of gold.

To help Wills (and herself) cope with this life changing diagnosis the family heads to the pet store to find comfort and an opportunity for Wills to come out of his shell just a little bit further. After collecting a string of pets, from fish to hamsters, Wills finally gets what he’s always wanted…a dog. Cowboy, a Golden Retriever puppy, joins the family on Christmas day. And from that moment on, the two are inseparable.

With the help of Cowboy, Wills’ world begins to open up. Bit by bit little breakthroughs occur. Monica and her husband begin to celebrate these little victories…making messes and getting dirty, eating in restaurants, initiating conversations, playing with classmates and going on playdates, and talking on the phone.

I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did…despite the tears! You’ll smile and laugh as you see things from Wills’ perspective, dance and celebrate Wills’ victories and breakthroughs right along with Monica. And you’ll empathize with her as she details her struggles, fears, and efforts to try and make it ‘all better.’

I’m so excited to be able to give away a signed copy of Monica’s book, Cowboy & Wills!! Simply leave your favorite pet memory in the comments section below by December 21. One lucky winner will be selected using www.random.org.

Souper Tuesday & My Secret Ingredient December 15, 2009

A couple of months ago we started Souper Tuesday at work and have been rotating soup makers. Today was my day. I made chili with corn bread and rolls.

Not to toot my own horn, but I think I make a pretty mean batch of chili. It’s nice and thick, has good flavor, and is just delicious. I put it over the top great with a little extra heat using a secret ingredient I discovered about a year ago from Rachel Ray. Are you ready for it? I haven’t shared this with ANYONE!

I use chipotle chilis in adobo sauce. You can find it with the refried beans, taco sauce, enchilada sauce, and taco shells. I use mostly the sauce in the can because the chilis are SOOO hot. Just add some spoon fulls of the sauce (to taste), and chop up one of the chilis…minus the seeds or just a couple depending on how much heat you can handle. That’s it. The adobo sauce adds a nice smoky flavor…it’s perfection! Play around with it a little based on your taste buds.

Give it a try!

Gotta get me a squirrel… December 13, 2009

 

Snickerdoodles December 12, 2009

Over Thanksgiving I was talking (I think with Josh’s mom) about baking and snickerdoodles came up. This is one cookie I haven’t tackled so I thought I’d give it a shot this weekend.

Half my cookbooks are packed away and the other half didn’t have a Snickerdoodle recipe. I found the perfect one at Simply Recipes. Perfect because it only makes 12-18 cookies, so I had a batch of cookies done and in a container in an hour! They are quite tasty…a little bit crips on the edges and soft on the inside.

Give these Snickerdoodles a try, they are delicious!

Wrapping Done! December 12, 2009

Well, almost…I spent two hours wrapping this morning. I still have a couple gift and a couple of gift cards, but I’m 95% done!

Comming Soon…Book Review December 12, 2009

I received the book Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway in the mail today and can’t wait to start turning the pages of this love story between a little boy and his dog. Check out the video and also read an excerpt from the book.

BONUS: one lucky reader will receive a signed copy of Monica’s book! Yep, you read right, a signed copy! Check back for details on how you can win a copy of this heartwarming story.

If you would like more information about Cowboy and Wills visit Monica’s website or their Facebook page.

Winter Observation December 11, 2009

While traveling to and from Des Moines yesterday and today I realized, about nine out of every 10 cars in the ditch were trucks/SUV’s. Hmmm, do people have a false sense of security behind the wheel of their four wheel drive vehicles?

Fa la la…shopping! December 11, 2009

I’m hitting the mall today with my mom to finish up my Christmas shopping! Hoping it’s not too crowded, I find what I need, and don’t spend too much!

Zoey Braves the Blizzard December 9, 2009

Zoey reluctantly put on her coat and shoveled snow with Josh this afternoon.  She absolutely loves the snow and is definitely tuckered out after an hour of running around outside.

 

She figured out I was watching from the window!

Snow Day! December 9, 2009

I can’t remember the last time I had a snow day…I’m fine with looking at the 10-12″ of snow out my front window instead of the car window! Silly Josh actually went to work this morning, then texted (is that a word!) me to say that the roads are terrible and he probably shouldn’t have driven in.

I think the day will be filled with movies, reading, maybe some baking, a little work, and probably a nap! Hopefully Zoey will settle down and nap too. She has a hard time settling down and taking a nap when people are around.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday afternoon and this morning. Zoey was tuckered out after playing in the snow.