Sunday, September 17

A Week of Firsts

As a child, I always looked forward to this time of my life. Having a young family is a daily symphony of feelings, more intense than one could ever imagine possible. Joy. Exhaustion. Frustration. Elation. Peace. Chaos. Adoration. Pride.

This week was a big one for our little family. A week of firsts. Trinity started her first day of kindergarten (can it be possible?!). Connor started his first day of pre-school. I went back to work, which meant that Fiona had her first hours of care with someone besides family. With Fiona, there are firsts on an almost daily basis as she gets to know this great world. First giggle. First time rolling over. Oh, and lest I forget, my first day back in pre-pregnancy jeans! Woo-hoo! So many emotions that brought lots of smiles and a good share of tears.

Firsts are good. They can be hard, stressful and even scary, but if nothing else, they are excitng. May this week bring you some special firsts.

Sunday, September 10

My Turn!

Been tagged to share, so here goes...

A book that changed my life (besides the Bible):

Although I hadn't picked up an adult version of a Lucado book since the late 1980s or so, It's Not About Me by Max Lucado came to me at a time when I really needed to hear it. What do you mean it isn't all about me? [side note: as I am writing this, I overheard a commercial say, "because it is all about you"]

Viktor Frankl's Man Search For Meaning greatly impacted me as well as it helped formulate one of my life motto's...you always have a choice.

A book I've read more than once:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster is worth reading and re-reading!

A book I would take with me if I were stuck on a desert island:

The Cash family bible, also known as The Boy Scout Handbook. I'm sure all those knot instructions could come in handy somehow!

A book that made me laugh:

Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller is a fun read mixed with powerful messages.

A book that made me cry:
I don't think that books generally get the tears flowing like a good movie can, but Nicholas Sparks' At First Sight came a little too soon after my own traumatic birth experience with Fiona. I should get Allan to read it just so I can see him cry like a little girl!

A book that I wish I had written:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - because many of my friends state it as the book that "changed their life more than any other". It is one of those that I know I am supposed to really read (I have skimmed it). Allan, the good husband that he is, says that subliminally I know I don't need to read it because I am already a highly effective person!

A book I wish had never been written:
Books that I didn't like, but for some reason couldn't put down (I have issues).

Books I've been meaning to read (guilt. guilt.):
7 Habits by Stephen Covey
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Girl With the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
The Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

I'm currently reading:
4th of July by James Patterson
The Mother's Guide to the Meaning of Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (hilarious!)
Tales from the Steep: John Long's Favorite Climbing Literature
The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power by Richard J. Foster

Other favorites
(I added this one):
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Peretti's This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness
The Zahir: A Novel of Obsession by Paulo Coelho
The O'Malley series (The Guardian, The Negotiator, etc.) by Dee Henderson
The Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Other Nicholas Sparks books - always good for a little depressive episode
Light on Snow by Anita Shreve

Allan? Cheryl? Trinity? Jeff? Jennifer? Ron? Lori? Any one else who's up for a game? You're it!

Wednesday, September 6

Quote of the Day


Mali, a little friend from PUMP, watching closely as she learns the fine art of breast-feeding, "Do you ever give her chocolate milk?"
"No, Mali, I don't make chocolate milk."
"Why not?"
"Well, I only make regular flavored milk."
"You could wear a chocolate bra!"

Monday, September 4

Good News!


My family gets together all of the time. If it isn't someone's birthday or a holiday, then it is an awards ceremony, basketball game, or watching the World Cup on Mike's big screen. Last night we had another impromptu family get-together. But this wasn't just any pizza and chips gathering; we came together to celebrate the baptism of my nephew, Austin! We are very proud of the very grown up decision this young man has made, the life-long commitment to love and serve Christ. We love you, A.J.!