Changing Direction

Since few people actually have this blog address, I'm feeling a little more free about ranting, raving and, well, just chatting here. I'll still do book and music reviews, if I feel like it. However, it will mostly be my crazy thoughts from now on. Last night, when L had me up four times in two hours, I had lots of thoughts. I decided this was going to be my avenue for them. My new journal? Some things just can't go on the regular blog, I guess.

Back to last night. I realized last night that with the exception of last night, I'm sleeping more. With L this happened pretty quickly. With W, 19 months in, I'm finally getting good rest and a full night's rest 3 or more nights a week. Two months ago, it was just about one good night/week. Finally getting rest means finally feeling like running again, reading more, cleaning more and actually being present and awake when I hang out with my babies. They are a delight, I just don't have to doze through the delight anymore. Yeah for sleep!!

As for feeling like running again....well, feeling like it doesn't mean it happens. It's terribly hard to squeeze it in when poor Jared is working so much. I'm weird and don't feel comfortable dropping my kids with complete strangers. We'll get there. I'm ready for road races, but not any more half-marathons. =) More later!

This, Too, Shall Pass

I hope that's true. It seems like every time we finish or figure out one stage, another one begins. If I just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.......

Revival and thoughts on Singleness

Ready to kick this one up again. I need to do some book reviews and I have some new thoughts on life since #2 arrived. So, here I go.

I have opinions. I have more opinions than I realized. Apparently, little person number 2 is bringing out more and more of them. Here's today's opinion/rant....

I waited a long time for my sweet husband. I was 29 when we started dating and 30 when we married. It was not by choice. I did not go to college to start a career. I went to college to get a husband. I spent the next two years going on a couple dates, but then giving up the last two years. I taught for 6 1/2 years and did several mission trips and never found that person. I had heard so many things from so many people and was sick of hearing things like...he'll come eventually. Just keep waiting. God's not done refining you. God has someone out there for you. My personal favorite, "When you stop looking and are genuinely content with who you are, you'll find him." Really?
Really. It happened just like that. In fact, he was put in my lap four years before our first date and I was determined NOT to date him. NOT. AT. ALL. Neither of us was ready at that moment, but it's clear looking back, that we finally "noticed" each other at the right time. When neither of us had time for someone in our lives, when neither of us wanted someone in our lives, when both of us were finally content with who we were in God....that's when we saw each other, after four years, and started dating. I appreciate him so much more after all the years of waiting, all the no's from other guys and all the LONG, lonely days and nights.
I feel pain and frustration for singles, especially single women. I understand. Whether you're over 30 or under, it's not easy, especially when all your friends are married and having kids. It's just not easy. I hated it when people told me to wait and told me to stop looking. But looking back, that's when it happened. As much as I thought I was okay and who God wanted me to be. I wasn't. I know that now. I'm still a work in progress.
Just know people love you and aren't trying to make you feel worse. From someone who has been there, it will happen. In His timing and when He knows you're honestly ready. He didn't mean for us to be alone. That's why he created woman for man. He didn't mean for us to be alone.

2013 Book LIst....Update

Here's my updated list. I'm doing.....okay. Not great, but okay.

The Bible
January Book Club
February Book Club---I tried, but just couldn't finish it. It wasn't my taste and was more risque than I could read.
March Book Club
April Book Club--still in progress. I'm still going to try to finish it.
May Book Club
June Book Club
July Book Club
August Book Club
September Book Club
October Book Club
November Book Club
December Book Club
I Knew Jesus Before He was a Christian   Rubel Shelly
Revolution in World Missions    K. P. Yahannan----almost there. Not quite finished.
Baby Wise Book One (reread)
Baby Wise Book Two (reread)
7 Things Kids Never Forget   Ron Rose
Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day   Garry R. Morgan
The Secrets of Biblical Wisdom   Kyle Searcy
What to Expect When You're Expecting (reread)
The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women (reread)
1,000 Gifts   Ann Voskamp

Big Wheels and Tractor Heels Ree Drummond

Bethany House Reviewed Books
The Guardian Beverly Lewis
Firefly Island Lisa Wingate
The Icecutter's Daughter Tracie Peterson
 
And 2 others that I'll figure out as I go. If you have suggestions for my final two, let me know!

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy

June Book Club Book: The Soldier's Wife

After two chapters, I was in. The beginning took me awhile, though. I just couldn't get into it. Eventually, I was intrigued by how scary and frustrating the occupation of their island must have been. Yikes. I can't imagine. I was amazed that Vivienne really believed her affair with the German was unknown to his fellow officers. They lived right next door. I'm also surprised her children never heard anything. Crazy.
I can't imagine how difficult being married to a stranger would have been. Discovering his affairs....yikes. I don't think having one herself was the answer. Caring for her mother-in-law with Alzheimer's and her husband being away at war. I cannot imagine the strain. I honestly wanted her to stay with the German, though. Horrible, I know, but he was so much kinder than her husband. I did think this was well-written and enjoyed the story. Vivienne was a brave, determined, yet naive woman who did what she had to do to help others, despite her odd connections to the Germans and them living right next door.

The Guardian by Beverly Lewis

The Guardian

I can't help it. I love Beverly Lewis books. All of them. This one was no different. It didn't seem as predictable as some, and I did appreciate that. From the beginning, I wanted to hug Jodi myself. Grief is such a difficult thing and Mrs. Lewis showed so many ways, with several characters, that people approach and tackle their grief. Maryanna's skepticism was natural, but I loved the way her heart was eventually turned toward Joshua and Jodi. I enjoyed the way Mrs. Lewis used Maryanna and Jodi to help each other heal and see how different things could be. I actually got so wrapped up in this story that I cried right along with them most of the time. I wanted to shake Maryanna for staying away from Joshua for so long. I loved this book and have already passed it on. Loved it.

Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

Firefly Island

This was my first novel by Ms. Wingate. It took me a few chapters to get wrapped up, but I ended up loving the book. Yes, it was predictable to a point, but I am a sucker for a good love story. It was definitely that. The whirlwind romance and marriage of Mallory and Daniel was a bit unbelievable, but still so sweet. Stranger things have happened. Mr. West seems to be misunderstood the entire book and his son, well, he was just plain horrible. I loved the ease with which Mallory was able to begin seeing Daniel's child as her own. If only it were that easy for everyone that marries someone with children. I was frustrated by Daniel's lack of concern for their initial living conditions and the whole job situation. Overall, though, it was a beautiful story, one I would recommend. Loved it.

The Icecutter's Daughter by Tracie Peterson

I'm a little behind. This is one of three reviews I'm cranking out tonight.

The Icecutter's Daughter tugged at me. I haven't read many of Tracie Peterson's books, but she's quickly becoming a favorite of mine. From the beginning, I was frustrated with Rurik's situation. Svea, his supposed betrothed just irritated me beyond belief. I was shocked towards the end to find her brother was as crooked as he was. My goodness. The whole story captivated me, though. I loved the simplicity of Merrill. She's so strong, yet every bit the woman she needed to be to snag Rurick. Perhaps it was a tad predictable at times, but the story was so real and appealing. I highly recommend this one and have already passed it on.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels...A Love Story

Confession....Couldn't read the February book club book. It was not my cup of tea. At all. I replaced it with a good one. The Pioneer Woman's book, not cookbook. I am in the middle of cooking through both cookbooks, so I thought I'd give this book of hers a try. It was hilarious! I went to a book signing last spring and met her. She's every bit as funny in real life. The book chronicles her move back to Oklahoma, dating Marlboro Man and first year of marriage. The things that happen to her....
I especially enjoyed her take on her first pregnancy. I'm in the middle of my second pregnancy and it just cracked me up. Five weeks after the honeymoon, they find out they're pregnant. Oh. My. Goodness. If you get a chance to read it, do. She's definitely a country club, city girl turned ranch wife. It's an easy, super fun, hilarious read.

Book List for 2013

This year, my goal is to read 24 books. That's an average of 2 a month. I realize this may be difficult one the baby comes, but I'm going to try. I have twelve for sure because of my monthly book club. Here is a list of some others. I'm hoping to update once/month with what I've read. I'm also attempting to read through the bible again this year. This list does not include the books I hope to get ahold of for reviewing from Bethany House Publishers. I'll be over 24 if I can get more of those. Yeah!

The Bible
January Book Club
February Book Club
March Book Club
April Book Club
May Book Club
June Book Club
July Book Club
August Book Club
September Book Club
October Book Club
November Book Club
December Book Club
I Knew Jesus Before He was a Christian   Rubel Shelly
Revolution in World Missions    K. P. Yahannan
Baby Wise Book One (reread)
Baby Wise Book Two (reread)
7 Things Kids Never Forget   Ron Rose
Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day   Garry R. Morgan
The Secrets of Biblical Wisdom   Kyle Searcy
What to Expect When You're Expecting (reread)
The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women (reread)
1,000 Gifts   Ann Voskamp

And 2 others that I'll figure out as I go. If you have suggestions for my final two, let me know!

Back at it and flu shots

Clearly, I've been a little busy. It's been almost four months since my last post. I'm hoping to change that in 2013. We moved in with my inlaws in order to rent our place and then moved into our house 7 weeks later when we finally closed. My little one had a horrible stomach bug and two weeks later spent the weekend in the hospital with croup. On top of it all, the first trimester of pregnancy hit me hard and I was very sick. So, I'm hoping the next four months will be calmer and I'll be able spend more time keeping this going.

For starters, let's clear some things up. Doctor J has asked me to pass on some information from the doctor world.
1. The stomach flu and the flu (influenza) are NOT the same thing. Technically, they're not related. One hits your digestive system and the other your respiratory system.
2. The flu shot protects against influenza or respiratory related flus. It will not protect against the stomach flu.
3. Yes, you will sometimes get influenza even with a flu shot. They can never put all the strains in a single shot. Most times, they have to guess which will be the worst and hope they're right.
4. Your doctor's office will typically order a set amount of shots and sprays. When they run out, they run out. Reordering usually happens just at pharmacies that give the shots.
5. If you think you do have genuine influenza, go to the doctor. DON'T call him expecting tami flu over the phone. That won't happen and antibiotics can't kill the flu. Go to the doctor. They can also run a test to see if that's really what you have.

Questions? Leave me a comment.

Book Review: Over the Edge

Over the Edge, by Mary Connealy

Apparently, this is book 3 in a series and I would love to read the first two. It was pretty good. There were so many surprises in the first 75 pages, that I had to keep reading. I think maybe the storyline with the surprise brother was a little unnecessary, but it was still good. Heath added a fun dynamic to the already crazy Callie and Seth love story. Callie was one tough cookie and I admired her from the beginning. I can't imagine leaving my home to find the husband that abandoned me. I really can't imagine my husband forgetting who I was and abandoning me, though. There were so many tough breaks that brought Callie and Seth together. It was a beautiful love story and I'm looking forward to reading the first two books in this series.

Book Review: Word, Spirit, Power

Word, Spirit, Power: What Happens When You Seek All God Has to Offer
        by R.T.Kendall, Charles Carrin and Jack Taylor

This book was full of great information and thoughts, but I had a difficult time reading it. It was drier than I am used. I had a very hard time staying with it to finish it. It took me several weeks. I did appreciate the way each author focused on one of the subjects, the Word, the Spirit and Power. That made it a tad easier than each of them tackling each subject. Honestly, it was just too dry for me.

Book Review: Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson

I've heard for years that I should try reading Tracie Peterson books, but have never given in. I'm glad I chose to review this book. Touching the Sky takes place in Corpus Christi, TX, just after the Civil War has ended. Level-headed Laura watches her sister marry a Confederate soldier only to have her life tumble down the drain. I loved and understood the struggle between letting someone you love make life-changing mistakes and supporting them through those mistakes. I loved the connection between Laura and her Captain Brandon. I am a hopeless romantic and loved the way he swept her off her feet from the beginning. I was desperately afraid things were going to end badly. I was convinced and couldn't put the book down towards the end. I had to know what happened.
The depiction of the continuing struggle between Union and Confederate soldiers even after the war, especially in the state of Texas, was also a good history lesson for me. It was very well-written, entertaining, and I will be looking for more Tracie Peterson books to lose myself in.

Book Review: Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

This was my first Ann Tatlock book, and I can honestly say I was hooked from page 1. I had no difficulty getting into this one. It was a heart-breaking look at wounded veterans, but I was intrigued by the way Ann handled her characters. It was obvious Jane was struggling with the changes she and Seth would face, should they continue their engagement, but she was determined to make things work. She had already committed to Seth. That's a rare thing in this day and age, but she was committed when she accepted his proposal. I appreciated the ending, sad as it was. The whole book seemed genuine and true-to-life, not sugar-coated. It was a fast, but wonderful read. I highly recommend Travelers Rest and will be looking for other Ann Tatlock books.

Book Review: Unstuck: Your Life. God's Design. Real Change.

Oh my. This one was a game changer for me. I was skeptical at first glance, but was hooked and changing myself by page 5. This book is backed by page after page of research on reading the Bible and is packed with resources to help you do exactly what the research findings suggest. I loved it. It has challenged my thinking and helped me make drastic changes in my Bible reading habits and views on the importance of being in the Word. As a Believer, I've struggled my whole life with making Bible reading a habit. The idea that four days of Bible "engagement," as the authors refer to it, can change your life and deepen your faith seems like a long shot. It's true. 22 days into the daily assignments, I believe it. I think about scripture more often. I engage in biblical conversations more frequently. My husband and I are talking about what I'm reading in the book and in the Bible almost every day.
The website connected to Unstuck offers texts, emails and phone calls with scripture to help with the daily engagement. You're able to sign up for as little or as much prodding as you want. You can even get a daily encouragement/check-in call from a real, live person. It's incredible.
This was not a difficult read, but it was difficult to realize how nonexistent scripture was in my life. I knew it, but being confronted with the facts was not pleasant. I've already told Jared his men's Bible study group and our small group need to read this one together. The discussions he and I have had have been wonderful. Just four days will "unstick" you. I believe it after just three weeks. I have been encouraged and convicted. This is a must read for anyone professing to be a Christian!

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Book Review: The Fiddler, by Beverly Lewis

It's been a long time since I read anything by Beverly Lewis. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to latch back onto her or not. I did. From the beginning, I was unable to put The Fiddler down. Perhaps it was my love of music and understanding of that world or perhaps it was the curiosity of the Amish world. I think, though, that it was just what I needed. I enjoyed the immediate attraction between Amelia and Michael. I appreciated the way they connected and found each other again despite the road blocks. I've missed Beverly Lewis and am glad I picked this one up!
At one point, the "wise woman" asked Amelia if her life was magnifying God or man. Unfortunately, it's been a long time since I thought about that very question. The whole time, Michael and Amelia are both struggling to tell their parents they are done shoving their hopes and dreams to the back burner. It really made me think about whether or not I'm magnifying God. Yikes. This book will make you think, if you let it.

The Messenger Review

I finally finished reading my first Bethany House book, The Messenger, by Siri Mitchell. It took me a couple chapters to get into it, but I really enjoyed it once I got going. I felt awful for Hannah, the oppression of her faith seemed daunting. I also was amazed by her courage to do what she truly felt was right. We're currently discussing ethical issues in our bible class, and I can't imagine the internal tug of war Hannah must have had. I don't know what I would have done or would do her that situation.

On the other hand, lying was second nature to Jeremiah. He was her polar opposite. Their bond, though strange, was part of the reason I couldn't put this book down, wanting to know where they ended up. Hannah was an excellent heroine. I really fell in love with her. This book was a good read, and I recommend it not only for the story, but also the issues Hannah and Jeremiah dealt with.

Missing my cds

We've run out of room at the condo. That's why we're selling it. I've had to put tons of my books, cds, dvds, etc. in storage. It stinks. I can't just go to the tower and pull out what I NEED to listen to. ;) I have to drive to the storage unit, find the box, find another box, plow through and maybe find it. Then, drive home and pop it in. It's work. So, there are tons of cds I won't listen to until we have a real house and I unpack. It will be like Christmas.
One of those cds is Sam and Ruby. Don't remember the title, but those are the artists. It's mellow, soothing and I miss it.