Tag Archive | Italian

Artful Dodger… a Book Review

Ok so this is a little out of my norm. The Artful Dodger by Nageeba Davis is a much more… real… and gritty murder mystery. I do have to warn you right now that there is a description of physical abuse that is current in the story and much more in detail recount of SEXUAL abuse of a minor in a character’s past. If these are triggers or turn offs for you please be aware of this content.

The main character is an artist who specializes in sculpting – clay and bronze. She also is the unlucky recipient of a dead body in her septic tank. Enter detective yummy… Villari. An Italian who is as handsome as he is frustrated with the emotional and prickly Maggie Kean.

I love the series title – A Maggie Kean Misadventure. She really is amazing at not only setting the detective on edge but putting herself in potentially dangerous situations.

There is a solid romance in this story though they do not get far into it in this book. The friends and family that pop up of these two AND the deceased are entertaining and varied and the mystery itself unexpectedly difficult to jump to a solution. I do have to admit, the teaching occupation the main character holds DID feel like a bit of an afterthought and was something I pretty much forgot about for most of the story.

I really enjoyed this story. Though more gritty than I am used to, I was not turned off by the abuse situations but interested in seeing how they played into the story and the mystery itself. Definitely a series I want to revisit later.

Reflecting on Cory and Karen’s Special Weekend

Jul12

June 13-14

I know I have posted a wonderful picture filled post about Cory and Karen Mathews’ beautiful wedding HERE but Matron of Honour and friend Renee (also sister of the bride!) sent me HER pictures to share. I am looking forward to seeing the photographer’s pictures when we get the chance. There was HOURS of photos before and after the ceremony. I am sure there were some real gems.

Anyway. The 13th had us saying good bye to Sean. Ken was smart and scheduled his counselling appointment for the week before Sean left so I was able to go and talk with his amazing psychologist. This is my second chance to do so and I have to say she makes me so confident in Ken’s ongoing quest for a healthier mental state. I am so proud of my husband for facing his depression face on and for accepting that I need to be a part of this process.

Saying good bye to Uncle Sean

After Ken drove Sean to the airport he returned to pick all of us up and we headed to the Catholic church for the rehearsal. They had a lovely sanctuary and a sizable wedding party.

Keeping the kids busy

Once the ushers knew their jobs and the kids’ portion was done (Renee and Chris’ sons Evan and Nathan were ring bearers) Matt (Chris’ brother and Ken’s friend) took our 5 and Evan with him to the park around the back of the building. Which was a nice mini break for yours truly.

After the rehearsal was done it was time to head off to the Italian restaurant for a buffet style grooms’ dinner.

Bride and Groom

The girls chose to wear matching dresses

Yum!

Karen and Renee

That was it for us for the day… the next day was a rather large adventure for everyone. We started with dropping me off for my hair by 9 then Ken dropping the kids at the Novaks’ (thank you so much Andy and Darcy for taking our 5!) and then back to get me to head to the church to get him dressed for the pictures beforehand. Whew and that was BEFORE the ceremony! It was a beautiful ceremony with a lovely reception and now I am going to share the rest of the pictures Renee sent me! Enjoy the additional wedding pretty!!!

Mother of the bride center

Beautiful sisters

Going into the reception they all dressed silly. This is Chris (Renee’s husband)

Kevin brother of Renee and Karen

Throwing the bouquet

And In Blows May

Jun3

May 1-4

We started May with Wild Kratts.

Flying Fish

And Echo modelling a little purse I made her known as a church purse or cradle purse. I remember having one of these made for me by my grandma Reinsch. Though I think mine had a plastic soap container bottom. I chose to go without to avoid sharp corners. Complete with a tiny blanket for the baby doll. You can make the purse turn into a baby cradle. Perfect for quiet play at church… if Echo would stop losing it! Though I have to work on my knots for my drawstring. I am not pleased with how they slip after my 3 1/2 yr old has tugged and gone at it for a while. Would love suggestions on that!!

The next day, to cover another Scouts extra we all made instruments out of pieces of what not we had around the home! Talk about a noisy and fun craft.

We also made a trip to a bakery… an Italian one. Where we got some amazing pastries. We got to watch the baker in the back mix something up in a rather impressive giant mixer.

My treat!

We also busted out the chocolate bunnies… nibbles on ears and bunny tails…

And then, suddenly… MAY WEEKEND! The first Saturday of the month so OF COURSE we have Home Depot. We went to a different one than we usually did and not only did we make flower pot holders but we ALSO got 10 craft pins. Something our home Home Depot did not offer! They also do a 25 I think so guess where we are going for that milestone month!!!

We actually had a reason for our change in Home Depot venue. This was the closest one to the district Pinewood Derby races! Held at a car dealership no less. The boys were able to sign up not long before their races (both Emanuel and Aidan) and trophies were awarded right after. For our first districts Emanuel did awesome – 4th place over all pretty much! Aidan took home first! Everyone had fun watching the cars and it gave the adults some visiting time.

We had PLANNED to head to the free comic day at The Source… up until we drove by and realized that they were lined up literally AROUND the building! Though there was some amazing cosplayers out there to keep people company!