My Reading List

I have been doing quit a bit of reading lately.

For many months I was not doing much reading, except for my scripture study. Mainly because I feel a little guilt when I read. When I sit down to do it, there is inevitably a laundry pile staring at me, or a mess in the kitchen that needs my attention.
(Side note: Why is it that when the kitchen is clean, everything other mess in the house feels conquerable, and vise versa?)

And then there is the "What would so and so (insert the name of the busiest, most amazing woman you know) think of me if she saw me sitting here reading?!!

Here is the thing though.
I LOVE to read. Adore it, get excited about it.
 My heart skips a little when I think to myself, "After I get feed Walker lunch, get that cleaned up, and him down for a nap, and the laundry folded, and the bathroom wiped down, and the paper stack sorted, (and on and on,) I am going to READ MY BOOK!! And I am a fast reader. I devour books.

When I was growing up, I spent hour upon hour reading. I can remember where in my parents house I sat as I read certain things that still stick with me, that changed the way I thought as I grew up.
So WHY have I been neglecting that important aspect of my life. Sure there are just simply times in this life when it is downright impossible to put things aside and pull out a good book. This is important to me though.

I have been compiling a list of books from friends for months now, and I finally made the trip to the library to get them.
I thought back to some of the books I read during 2012, and I thought I would share a few. I know I am always looking to add to my list of "Must Reads!" Maybe you are too!

 -"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.
I have read several of his other books, and they are always thought provoking. Two of his others that come to mind are "The Tipping Point," and "Blink." I think Outliers may be my favorite of his of those three. He certainly gives a new view point to what may seem ordinary. He goes through the factors that have made successful people who they are. This book has me thinking about my current and future goals. I will share more on this book in another post, because it has crossed over into many areas of my life.

-"Forest Born" by Shannon Hale.
I enjoy reading Shannon Hale books. I think mainly because I hope one day my adolescent daughter will love them. There is a long list of books she has authored. Read them all.

-"Killing Licoln"  by Bill O'Reilly
I mentioned that I had read this book on vacation early in 2012. It was really a good read. I wanted to add that a companion book to read before or after this one would be...
-"Team of Rivals" by Dorris Kearns Goodwin
This book is written by a historian. She goes through the early life of Lincoln and all of his cabinet members. I thought reading about the family dynamics and political motivation of all of these leaders of our Nation was fascinating. The accounts of the Southern states at that time was something that stood out to me.

"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper
This book is about a girl with cerebral palsy who has a photographic memory. I found the story interesting, but sad. It did however give me a whole new way of looking at those who may be unable to express themselves because of a disability. It broadened my compassion and anything that does that is worth reading.

"The Gift" by Gavin de Becker
A friend recommended this book as a must read. It is all about cultivating, and learning to listen to our instincts. It a fascinating look inside the minds of people who become fixated, may be violent, or otherwise disturbed, and how to protect yourself from being their target. While at times I felt he wandered off into his own accolades, politics, and walked the line on name dropping, with out actually doing it,  it starts out with captivating scenarios. I will never look at potential trouble makers in my life the same again. I need to read his follow up book, " Protecting the Gift," which is geared toward parents, and how they can teach their children to follow their instincts.

-"A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park
This Newbery Medal winning book was one I started reading to my boys. They were a little lost a few chapters in, but I finished it on my own. It is the story of a homeless boy in 12th century Korea who becomes a potter. It is actually more the story of a very old and famous piece of pottery. I enjoyed the book, but after I was done with it, I read the Newbery Honor acceptance speech given by the author that was included at the front of the book. I found her speech to be so inspiring! It made me sit and think about moments and books that have impacted my life. She lit a fire in me to try new things! I will definitely be reading this book with my boys again in a year or two when they are more capable of following.

-"Okay For Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
My Mom recommended this book. I cried like a baby through the first half of it, and thought I couldn't finish. My hormones must have been going crazy or something at that time! But I did finish and it was a nice story about beating the odds. The main character is a boy who is growing up in a disfunctional home, but has many talents that others help him cultivate. It is a Polyanna story. I ended up liking it a lot, even after my emotional roller coaster.

-"The Walk (Series)" by Richard Paul Evans
Speaking of emotional roller coasters! I started reading this series shortly after our remarkable Stake President's (leader of many congregations in our church) amazing wife was severely injured in a life altering accident this past year. I had them on my mind the entire time I read this story. It is the story of a man who goes on a walking journey after his wife is injured in a accident, and all the characters he meets that pull on your heart strings. I was a mess reading this series, but it is really good. I realized how much my family means to me, and it was a really good reminder to me of what matters, and what to do differently during a year that was requiring a lot of mental energy when it came to being flexible in running our business.

-"The Amateur" by Edward Klein
I don't know if this is even worth recommending anymore now that the Presidential election is over. It scared me to death, and there is nothing to do about it. But it does give an interesting insight into the life of Barack Obama leading up to his Presidential win, and his running of the United States. If you are anything like me, you are just trying to enjoy a moment of ignorance after the barrage of in your face politics we just came off of. ( I am very interested in politics, and get too emotionally invested, hence I need a breather while I feel raw after that election, before I dive back in.) I do not know where this author falls as far as party idealogy, because he has worked for Newsweek, and the New York Times, but just as a warning, an as you may guess from the title, this book is critical of Barak Obama.

There you have it! Some of the books that added to my year! I am determined to get as many new ideas as I can into this head of mine in 2013, and books will only help me on my way!

So, now my friends, if you would not mind sharing some of your reads with me! Thanks so much to those who gave me some of the books on this list!
As you can see, Will thinks you ought to read the "Diary of A Wimpy Kid" series. He has got you covered.

Read to Succeed, right?!

2013

 I am excited about this year!

I think that some of that is because I feel like 2012 handed us some situations we did not expect, and I am really hoping that I learned from them, and can apply all my wisdom to the year 2013.

Yeah... wisdom and me. Right.

But in all seriousness, there were some moments in 2012 that I thought.
"I am not enjoying this turn of events. I kind of wish all of this would go away.."
Okay, maybe I cried.

And like most moments that feel that way, they did eventually pass. Some of them even lead to unexpected blessings that made me feel that my cup was truly running over. Because really, it is.

I am soooo grateful that I can truly say that none of them involved life or death, or the immediate health of a close loved one.
I know so many who had a year of those kinds of scares. I pray for them often.

I refuse to call anything I have dealt with challenges, or trails, because really, I have NOTHING to complain about. I will think of them as learning opportunities.

Many of the 2012 learning opportunities we found ourselves dealing with, will unfortunately follow us into 2013. But I hope I handle what remains with grace and gratitude.

I think that will be my theme for the year. "Grace and Gratitude."

I have never had a personal "theme" for my year. But those are both qualities I would love to be constantly improving. So if you hear me chanting "Grace and gratitude, grace and gratitude!"  under my breathe this year, just know it is a coping mechanism. Ha!

2013 marks ten years since we moved away from our families and out to the Midwest. I will be sure to write a post in May when we officially hit the decade mark, just to make sure it is well documented. You see, ten years was never the plan. We are learning that in some things our plan is not THE plan. So we will take it a year at a time. We may not have planned to be here this long, but we also never foresaw some the amazing blessings we have been given either.

I do have goals written down. My dear, uber goal oriented husband made sure of that. And I thought I was a goal maker until I married Del!
I am waiting for a moment of inspiration so that I can complete a couple of the projects I have in mind. I really hope 2013 turns that light bulb on for me!

Here are some of the 2012 highlights!

-A new home found us. We were not openly searching, and yet here I sit in a new home. Still amazes me!

-With a new home came new really great neighbors and friendships, for me and the kids.

-I was called as Primary President at church. I oversee the Sunday schedule and all activities and classes for the children ages 18 months to 12 years for our ward (or congregation assigned to meet at the same time because of where they live geographicaly)  in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

-This calling brought new friendships that have blessed my life.

-As usual we had good friends move away, and we met new good friends who moved in. The bitter and the sweet.

-Del and I vistied Hawaii, and specifically Kauai for the first time. We were also able to get away to a couple of other cities this year. All of the time very welcome and appreciated!

-We took several trips as a family. We took time to visit Kentucky, Utah a couple of times, California, The Dells, and Del and Wally backpacked in Wyoming.

-Georgia started full day Kindergarten, and Walker started pre-school, leaving me with about four hours to myself each week.

-After not practicing it for many years, I returned to doing yoga. I love it so more than I ever thought I would, and have come to appreciate the focus and flexibility it fosters.

-All four of the kids continue to take private swim lessons each week. The progress they are all making is so exciting to see! It has been such a self esteem, and skills builder for all of them!

-It was a year full of family and friends. And that is greatest blessing of all! Del's parents, nieces, and nephew, and brother were able to visit. We traveled with good friends this year. I was able to go away for a weekend in Park City, Ut with friends that I have known since Jr. High, but hadn't seen in years. And still other friends from back home, and who have moved away, were able to come and see us in our home!  We also travelled back home to see our families a couple of times, and spend time with those we love. The things that matter most!

I am sure there more. But at this moment they are not coming to me!

We were able to spend time with the Tyson family for New Years this year! I have mentioned before that we are taking advantage of all the time with them we can, because they are moving back out West this year!
The Tyson's know how to do hospitality! It was so much fun to talk, and let the kids play and play! Jared pulled them around the yard on sleds with his four wheeler, and they had the time of their lives, then they all came in crying from cold and fatigue. Just as it should be!

Ella and Georgia

The party in full swing to ring in the New Year at a child appropriate, 9:00 P.M.

Leslie and Me

Walker and Georgia

Sledding fun!

Full of enthusiasm, Del dressed to go out in the 12 degree weather for some sledding, only find that he had grabbed the wrong snow bibs for the trip to the Tysons. It was QUIT the feat to squeeze into these too-small bibs! Things were more than a little tight. That fact was proven when Del's plants split right up the middle! It was very funny though!

Thank you for having us Jared and Leslie!

In The City

One of the best things about Christmas break is that our babysitters are around around for a couple of weeks!

We took advantage and headed to Chicago for a night! Yay!

I am loving the whole boutique hotel concept! We stayed at a very chic, small, hotel called PUBLIC. 

It is decorated in a completely monochromatic color (or non color) scheme.

I told Del that I am not cool enough to hob nob in that hotel lobby with it's fancy mood lighting! The hotel also houses the rich in history Pump House restaurant. We did not plan ahead for a reservation though. We will have to go back. I hear the burger is good.

We did eat at a new favorite just a couple of blocks away. It is called "q" and it had some really delicious, fancified BBQ, and is one of the best decorated restaurants I have ever been in! It was so cute!

We also ate at Tavern on Rush and it was also really yummy!

I love it when a hotel has a nice smell that hits you right when you walk in!
The rooms are teeny tiny though! 

Pretty, but small.

On the phone.

Wall of celebes who have eaten at the Pump House. I like the black and white.

The town homes in this neighborhood are SO pretty! We went for a walk at night so that I could look in all the windows, and see all the beautiful hundred plus year old interiors. People in that neighborhood know how to decorate! And it is so quiet on the streets, hardly any traffic, but only a few blocks from Michigan Ave. I really liked the vibe.

Some pretty front doors.

A pretty row of homes. And Del!

Woman on the street.

Oh, that's me!

I love these nights away! Thank you Del, and responsible sitters!

Christmas 2012

Christmas was quiet and calm this year. It was kind of nice that way. Except that we really did miss our families. When you grow up with Christmas being anything but calm and quiet, it is a little strange when things change. 

We tried to continue some of both of mine and Del's family traditions, plus add to our own traditions. 

Sorry for the mix of ipone and camera shots in this post.

We went to see Santa. At our bank! When I saw on their website while checking our bank accounts that the big guy would be in the lobby the Saturday before Christmas, I thought, Santa, small line, NO mall, short drive... we are there!

And I am so glad we were there! We walked in and we were immediately greeted by Santa himself. With no one else there. It was like he was waiting for us to show up! The kids all had a turn telling Santa what they wanted. 

Wally humored us. And I guess I did not get a picture of him with Santa. He told Santa he wanted Bayblades and gave a lengthy description of exactly they are.

Then Santa's elf handed out bells and we all had a little sing along with him. 

In and out of our private meeting in fifteen minutes. Could not have gone smoother! I hope the bank does it again next year. 

I am not a fan of mall Santa. 

Will is pretty much always a good sport. Legos where his main request.

He is becoming Mr. Popular. 

He asked me last week if I knew what a compliment is. I told him yes. 

He said "Well, the girls at school say,"I like your shoes, your shirt, your hair, your smile, I like everything about you!"

Then he laughed in shook his head in embarrassment and told me, "Those are all a lot of compliments!"

Georgia wanted a toy horse. Her mind went blank when she got up there. Being on the spot was just to much pressure. A little whispered prompting jogged her memory. She laughed afterwards when Del told her he was afraid she would say a football when her mind went blank. We had just watched "A Christmas Story" that week. Ha!

"You'll shoot your eye out!"

By the way, my kids were very unimpressed with Ralphie's behavior in that movie. Leaving your brother on the ground to act like a slug, and your best friend's tongue stuck to a pole, and then lying about it... and saying curse words! 

Unbelievable to them! 

But they did their share of laughing as they described the show to Grandma and Grandpa on Skype.

Walker looks a little bit like he is doing this whole Santa thing out of a sense of duty to make Mom and Dad happy. But he did tell Santa he wanted "Watts and watts of caws." (Lots and lots of cars.)

Here is a picture with Wally in it. What handsome boys I have! Love these brothers!

We decided that a new Christmas Eve tradition should be that we go out to eat. So we did. A little pasta before we dreamed of sugar plums.

The guys.

When we got home we read the Nativity program Del's dad wrote, and his family has done for ages. 

It was a little wild. Running around, thumping on the piano as I played the hymns, the works.

Del and I were just a bit relieved when the chaos was over. I am sure one of these years it will be a different story. 

Not the Bible story... just the behavior -of -our -children -story. 

Walker is dressed up as Joseph. Del's mom sent us cute Nativity costumes.

I am grateful every  year when we reach this point. Gifts wrapped and under the tree. 

I will forever appreciate being able to provide Christmas for our kids. What a blessing to be able to give them the joy and memories of these gifts.  

I pray that the blessing this is, is never lost on me. I made a conscious effort to do things a little simpler this year. I have felt that this has been a year of blessings and guidance from our Heavenly Father that we prayed for, and needed. And it put things into perspective for me. That in itself was a gift. We also know so many who are praying in the midst of their own trials right now. It all seemed like too much to do anything over the top. 

I am also so grateful for what these gifts represent. The greatest gift of all. The birth of Jesus Christ. His example of a perfect life, and his death that brought the possibility of eternal life with our Heavenly Father to us all.

We forgot to set cookies out for Santa! After we talked about it in the morning and our kids expressed their concern over Santa getting sick of cookies, we decided we might leave a steak and some potatoes out for him next year. Just to give him some cookie relief.

The kids after the gifts are all unwrapped. 

Georgia was in absolute heaven over the stuffed wild life. Our home now looks like a zoo. But nothing makes this little red head more excited than stuffed animals!

When she came down the stairs and saw them, she grabbed one and rolled around on the floor with it right away. It is not like our girl to emote so much. So we got quit the kick out of that!

It turns out they also make nice lounge chairs!

The kids stayed in their PJ's from Del's parents while we ate breakfast. 

My Mom has done a really yummy traditional breakfast on Christmas morning for years and years. She emailed me the recipes for her bread and the omelet brundt she makes, and as unsure as I was that I would pull them off, they actually worked out! 

It was really yummy! Nice and cozy, and relaxing.

We played Christmas bingo. (Another new tradition.) Georgia and I dug into our new art kits and paints, and made some Christmas Day creations.

My friend Maria, who is always so sweet and thoughtful with my kids came by with a surprise for us!
A candy cake in the shape of a church! She made it for the kids in the midst of prepping for her own Christmas dinner. She is amazing!

While the kids have been out of school they have done a TON of playing outside in the snow! They are constantly getting bundled up and heading out. The best part is that aside from Walker, they can all get their snow gear on by themselves!

Georgia came home from school on the day before the break with a Rudolph nose! Cute girl!
And that is what Christmas 2012 looked like at our house! Our first Christmas in our new home! This house has been a beautiful gift for us this year! One that I did not anticipate at all last Christmas. I am grateful!

Making It Christmas

We have decided not to travel to be with family for Christmas again this year. It is good to be home, and nice not to deal with the stress of getting to our destination. Plus, we have been more diligent about starting our own traditions when we stay.
Meaning, that I actually attempt to decorate for the Holiday. In past years when we have gone, I have done the bare minimum.
While I did not even pull out all of our Christmas decorations this year, and we just put up our main tree this weekend, all in an effort to keep myself sane, I have put enough into it for the kids to be pretty excited.

I came up with this idea for displaying the Christmas cards we receive. We treasure each and every one of them, so I want them within our eyesight at all times!

I strung them up on a line with clothes pins in the arch between the front room, and dining room. Right in the middle of the house.  You can see both the front and back of all the cards.
The kids will just stand in front of them and look at all the faces, and pictures. Thanks for sending them, we love it!

So I will post a quick little tour of the spots that got the Christmas treatment!
Come on in!

I need a buffet in my dining room! Another surface to decorate!

I am dying to paint this room a really light grey, that almost reads white, and add moldings to the bottom half of the walls. Anyone up for a project? I would do it right now, but I don't know the slightest thing about how to do moldings!?

The boys were all really in to decorating the tree this year. They all had stools out to stand on and everything.

I got the kids a small table top tree  to put on the desk in the sunroom this year. They have redecorated it every day. They also keep adding homemade presents underneath it. Wally has been busy making paper rings, cardboard camels, and too many things made out of string to name, for all his brothers and sister. They have had a good time with this tree.

Well, there ended up being far more pictures than I had originally thought! Sorry guys!
Maybe next year I will get ambitious enough to do some decorating on the outside of the house.
I will leave you with one picture of Georgia wearing the tree "skirt."
Hello, Bernice!
(Designing Women reference, I was raised on that show! Love it!)
Merry Christmas!