Books, books, and more books!

I've been reading some great books and I keep adding to my list of "to-read" (thanks to goodreads and all my friends that keep posting books they like or want to read! If you're on goodreads, add me as your friend, I'm always looking for new ideas!)

I'll start with a few books on my "to-read" list...the list is much longer than this, but these are at the top of the list
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now, what I'm currently reading...(yes, I am currently reading all 3 of them. which one I read on a given day depends on what kind of mood I'm in)

this one makes me laugh, it makes me feel better about not being "perfect" when it comes to all the things you're supposed to do...

I really just started this one, maybe the first page. but I've heard that it is amazing!

I really never liked Oprah, the only reason I'm reading this is because I know how it ends! I'm interested to see how it all comes about. The author decided to see if doing all the things that Oprah says we should do will really make life better...she did everything Oprah said to do for a
full year...

Now for what I've read recently...

We read this for a book club I'm in. I didn't like it, it's an easy read, but not worth the time (in my opinion)

I read this awhile ago, but I really enjoyed it, especially with the whole Eat, Pray, Love hype. I liked this one so much better than Eat, Pray, Love. If you want to read something like that, read this one!

Becoming Isaac inspired me...I've blogged about this series before, but as a follow up...I am taking a pottery class because of this book and LOVING it!! Pottery is a great way for me to bring out my inner artist!! I'll blog about my pottery adventures another day!

This is my latest read. I found it very interesting! If you've read it, I'd love to hear what you think...

The Foremost Good Fortune

I haven't blogged for awhile, not sure why. But, I'm determined to do better. This last month has been a rollercoaster for me. Mostly I'm tired of cleaning my walls. It seems like every night there's something new to clean off Kayla's wall. She is a budding artist that loves to try new mediums...paint, crayons, permanent markers, makeup, poop, pudding, we've seen it all. The rule is that if you make the mess, you clean it up. That means that if she's made the mess after she was sent to bed, then fallen asleep, she gets woken up to clean up the mess. (maybe that's mean, but it's all I can do to keep sane). Any help in this area would be welcome!! Several months ago Kayla got into my makeup (the good stuff from MAC) and ruined it all. I lived without. A few weeks ago I got my hair cut really short and had a desire to wear some makeup, so I went to walmart and bought some new makeup. Last night, after listening to Kayla and Blake giggle and chitchat they were finally quiet. I went to check on them and found Kayla sleeping, covered in makeup and the wall covered as well...come to find out she wasn't alone (her lying brother had his own punishment). I love my children, but some days I really would rather work full-time and let Chris stay home!

On that note, I'm reading a great book that reminds me to take time for my kids...The Fortunate Good Fortune. a memoir by Susan Conley. It is a story of a family that goes to China on a great adventure. Susan writes the story of their adventure, then the story of how she finds out that she has breast cancer. There is one part in the book, after she has gone through surgery and treatment, when she just wants to spend time with her boys rather than being annoyed with them. I hear people tell me all the time that as bad as these days may seem, there will come a time when I miss them! What I'm trying to do is make the most of these days while I have them!!

ps. if you click on the link above or here it will take you to Susan Conley's website, watch the trailer for the book...it's excellent. Read the book too!

the wrong book

I love books! I love to read! I've always had tons of book available to me (I love the library). When we started having kids I always made sure that we had lots of kids books and we read to them every day. I always wanted my kids to love reading as much as I do. Christmas and birthdays always bring new books. This year for Ryker's birthday he got a book called The Wrong Book by Nick Bland. It's a book about Nicholas Ickle, who is trying to tell his story but keeps getting interupted. Today Ryker was upset that Kayla was trying to take the book (insert screaming here), I let them work it out and the next thing I heard was Ryker "reading" the book to Kayla (he has the entire book memorized) and Kayla repeating the parts she knew (this is a big step in her speech, she's doing awesome with her speech) and Blake listening intently. These are the moments I love the most about being a mom!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I've never really been big on celebrating Valentine's Day, just the usual valentine's cards in elementary school (when did valentine's become more than just a card with names??). I don't expect Chris to get me flowers or chocolates. The kids did get toast with a heart this morning (cinnamon toast to boot), and they'll get a treat after dinner tonight. I did want to blog about love or hearts or something...


It seems appropriate that I am currently reading Before my Heart Stops by Paul Cardall. It is a book of his life with "half a heart". I'm really enjoying this book, not sure if it's because I worked in PICU where we treated "heart kids"


This is the remarkable true story of one man's struggle to survive long enough to get a second chance at life.

Award-winning musician and popular speaker Paul Cardall was born, essentially, with half a heart. After living more than three decades with a congenital heart defect and undergoing six major heart surgeries and numberless procedures, Paul was informed that his heart would not beat much longer.

"Paul was a poor candidate for a heart transplant," says Angela T. Yetman, MD. "It would be technically difficult and possibly fatal ... but Paul was determined to beat the odds." And beat them he did.

Along the way, Paul wrote down his thoughts, feelings, and observations in an online blog called "Living for Eden," named for his three-year-old daughter. This book reflects those blog entries and additional intimate insight into a miraculous journey that convincingly shows that God knows us personally and that we are put here on earth for a reason.

Paul says, "I'm a witness that these soul-stretching experiences can offer us, if we let them, joy, wisdom, happiness, and a personal relationship with God."

After reading his story, you might also ponder the question, What do I need to do with my life ... before my heart stops?

the potter

I just finished book 3 of a great series about the Potter of Neiderbipp. This is a great series by Ben Behunin about discovering and becoming the best that we can be. Being better than we are, casting out fear and accepting God's will for us. These books have made me want to try pottery. I've wanted to try it before, but these have really sparked a desire. Taber has an arts and craft society, and according to their blog, are going to offer potter classes soon. I'll be the first one signed up when they do! So, if you're looking for a good book, or something new to try, these are great inspiration!