Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 108

Teddy Bear Baby Shower

This past weekend, my daughters and I hosted a baby shower for our oldest daughter (due March 21st). It was such fun planning and putting together, and the day was a success. Here are a few pictures from the event held at our church:
Sam at the table of honor
Here with Sam at the gift table
Our daughters
The Teddy Bear cake Sam's grandma made for her
Teddy Bear cookies I decorated for the event. (Oh my goodness, these were much more difficult to decorate than I anticipated...lol)
A fun shower game for mothers, grandmas, and great-grandmothers.Put a Diaper on the Teddy Bear
The cutest little diaper cake--have never seen one like this. So sweet.
A quilt made by Grandma Judi (a quilt based on Mary, Mary Quite Contrary nursery rhyme)
A poofy white dress with pink rosettes on the bodice. Precious. 
A pink crocheted dress to go with a lovely sweater set for our baby granddaughter.We cannot wait to meet this little girl, and we pray for continued good health for mommy and baby, and for God's blessings on her delivery and her life.

Book Preview ~ Shattered

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShatteredBethany House Publishers (February 1, 2013)byDani Pettrey
In real life, Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

Just in case you’re curious…The real Dani does love traveling. She’s been to some amazing places (Greece, Hawaii, the Keys) and there are many more she hopes to visit in the future.And while she’s not quite up to sky-diving, cave diving or heli-skiing (too high, too enclosed, too cold!) she and her family love hiking, canoeing, wave jumping and a ton of other outdoor adventures a little further down on the risk scale.

Dani is the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step. If you would like to read the first chapter of Shattered, go HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions at Country at Heart Recipes. My daughters and I are hosting a baby shower for our oldest daughter tomorrow. We are so very eager to meet this new addition to our family. Have I mentioned recently how happy I am to have my family close-by in Kansas. It's such a blessing. Enjoy the moments . . . 
Italian Sausage and Rigatoni
Raspberry Vanilla Scones
And Featured Author, Jessica Keller's, recipe for Hot Cocoa

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels - A Love Story

Note from Deb: I received this book for Christmas this year and really enjoyed the love story between Ree and Lad. I've been a fan of The Pioneer Woman for years now and actually met Ree this past December in a  convenience store! If you have a chance to check out this book, I hope you'll enjoy it! 


Black Heels to Tractor Wheels - A Love Story by Ree Drummand
That’s when I saw him—the cowboy—across the smoky room.I’ll never forget that night. It was like a romance novel, an old Broadway musical, and a John Wayne Western rolled into one. Out for a quick drink with friends, I wasn’t looking to meet anyone, let alone a tall, rugged cowboy who lived on a cattle ranch miles away from my cultured, corporate hometown. But before I knew it, I’d been struck with a lightning bolt . . . and I was completely powerless to stop it.
This isn’t just my love story; it’s a universal tale of passion, romance, and all-encompassing love that sweeps us off our feet. It’s the story of a cowboy. And Wranglers. And chaps. And the girl who fell in love with them. Buy the book HERE. 

Ree Drummand Bio: "I'm a desperate housewife. I live in the country. I channel Lucille Ball, Sylvia Plath, and Ethel Merman. Welcome to my frontier!"

My name is Ree. I'm also known as The Pioneer Woman on my website, ThePioneerWoman.com.

Years ago, after living and working there for several years, I left the great city of Los Angeles . Fleeing a dead-end relationship with a surfer, I planned a much-needed pit stop in my Oklahoma hometown before beginning my new life in Chicago. While home, I met and unexpectedly fell in love with a Wrangler-wearing cowboy whose icy-blue eyes made me forget myself. Before I knew it, I'd canceled my Chicago plans, married the cowboy, and was bearing his children and chasing cows off my porch on his cattle ranch in the middle of nowhere.

Four children and thirteen years later, I still don't know what I'm doing here. But I do know this: I'm exactly where I belong. Check out Ree's other books (including her two cookbooks) HERE. 

God Made a Farmer - Super Bowl Commercial

I didn't get to watch all of the Super Bowl this year, but I did manage to see this one commercial that absolutely blew me away with its simple, beautiful tribute to the farming/ranching community sponsored by Dodge Ram Trucks. Check it out below and let me know what you think. Did you have a favorite commercial during the Super Bowl? If so, please share in the comments below.

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes. Are you planning to watch the Super Bowl this weekend? If so, do you have a favorite team you're rooting for? Share with us in the comments below. 
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Molasses Rye Bread
Comfort Food Menu Ideas

Luther as He Grows

8 weeks - Luther loved to sleep in his boxI thought I'd share some more pictures of Luther, our Christmas Labrador puppy. He arrived here at eight weeks, and he is now 13 weeks old. He's kind of an "inside-outside" dog, staying inside most of the time. We're trying to train him to stay in the kitchen--though he tends to push his borders from time-to-time. 
10 weeks - AdorableHe loves to play fetch. And he still sleeps quite a lot.
11 weeks. His favorite toys . . . We have a bell on our back door that he rings when he wants to go outside--he enjoys his adventures in the great outdoors, and especially likes helping my husband in the barn.
13 weeks - being trained to lay on the rugHe stays inside at night and sleeps in our bedroom. It is quite cute. When it gets to be around 9:30 PM, he'll head for our bedroom door, ready to go night-night. Last night, we had the bedroom door open and while we were watching a movie in the living room, Luther quietly slipped off to bed. He sleeps in a large black utility container. I find his snores and puppy noises quite soothing, reminding me of days gone by, when our babies used to sleep in our room in their crib. And he's getting much better about having to get up at night to do his thing. Which is good--really good. 

Book Preview ~ Ashton Park

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingAshton ParkHarvest House Publishers (January 1, 2013)byMurray Pura
Murray Pura was born and raised in Manitoba, just north of Minnesota and the Dakotas. He has published several novels and short story collections in Canada, and has been short-listed for a number of awards. His first books to be published in the United States are the inspirational works Rooted and Streams (both by Zondervan in 2010). His first novel to debut in the USA is A Bride’s Flight from Virginia City, Montana (Barbour), which was released January 2012. The second, The Wings of Morning, will be published by Harvest House on February 1. Both of these novels center around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE BOOK
For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park. Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park. The year is 1916.  The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William's and Lady Elizabeth's three sons are all in uniform--and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy. If you would like to read the first chapter of Ashton Park, go HERE.

This Week's Recipes

Little-by-little, I'm getting over this flu bug. I hope you and your families are staying healthy. Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes. Have a great weekend! 
Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Quick and Easy Breadsticks
and Featured Author, Elizabeth Maddrey, shares her recipe for Buckeyes. 

Called to Write Conference 2013

Here is information about an upcoming conference sponsored by Christian Writers Fellowship, a local writer's group I belong to. Great speakers, educational workshops, a writing contest, fellowship with other Christian writers, and much more for a very reasonable fee. Early registration ends March 1.
APRIL 4-6, 2013
Lamplighter Inn4020 Parkview DrivePittsburg, KS
Featured Presenters - 

Deborah Raney and Ramona Cramer Tucker
Deborah Raney is probably best known for her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, which was the inspiration for the award-winning film of the same title from World Wide Pictures. Her newest books, The Hanover Falls Novels series are published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. Deb has written more than 20 novels and is thoroughly enjoying her career as a writer. Deborah's workshops will include the following topics and more: Making Every Word Count; Checklist for Writing a Winner; The Business End of Writing. 

Ramona Cramer Tucker has been on the cutting-edge of publishing for over 29 years, in a wide variety of positions, including Co-founder and Editorial Director of OakTara. Ramona will speak on the following topics and more: The Changing Publishing Industry; Getting an Editor’s/Publisher’s Attention; and Articles That Pack a Punch. Learn more about OakTara HERE.

This year we're offering 21 workshops by nine different writers, including me. Learn more about the conference and download a registration HERE. 
So, what about you. Are you a writer? Are you planning to attend any writing conferences this year? Are you planning to attend the Called to Write Conference? If so, I hope to see you there!