Seven Quick Takes: summer reads, ponies and plastic surgery

Seven Quick Takes is being hosted this week over at Team Whitaker.

1. Good books abound lately, we've all been doing lots of reading, myself included.  I read in such spurts it is ridiculous.  It's like 5 books at once or nothin' with me.  But I am enjoying this reading spurt I'm in and making the most of it.  Heck, maybe this time it will last.  When I was a teenager, and even a young unmarried adult I constantly had my nose in a book.  Not always the most practical thing anymore, but I do enjoy it when I can.  Currently on my end-table are The Book Thief (just started, the writing style is odd but I'm intrigued enough to keep reading); Siblings Without Rivalry (much as I loved How to Talk, this one just isn't quite resonating as much, so we'll see if I finish it); and The Hidden Power of Kindness (I really am liking this.  Reading a few paragraphs a day, just enough to munch on and mull over as I go about my day).  Some faves with the kids lately: The Hoppameleon, Thunder Cake and a few others by Patricia Polacco, and we're working on Caleb's Story (of Sarah Plain and Tall) and By the Shores of Silver Lake.
2. The kids, and even I, have been enjoying time by the (kiddie) pool on the deck.  It's just nice to be outside, even on the hot days.  Is it just me, or do other people's kids fight/spat less when they are outdoors?  I don't know what it is, but there is so much less drama when we 'take it outdoors'.
3. We are finally settling into a summer groove, the first part of June was packed with Art Camp, VBS and a family reunion, and now we pretty much have nothing, haha.  I love the more relaxed pace of our mornings and evenings, but honestly kind of miss the routine/structure that school brings during the day.  See aforementioned spatting.  ;-)  It's all good though.  Some days (like this morning) are great!  Playgroup, time at the library, everyone is relatively pleasant to each other for the most part.  And then some days (yesterday) I am ready to purchase the next ticket to anywhere but here.  OH life.
4. I saw this article about The Sign of the Cross on Facebook and it was so interesting and informative.  If you've ever wondered why some people make The Sign of the Cross "backwards", check this out.
5. Wow.  Only five?  Man, there is just not much going on.  How about pictures of the big kids riding the miniature pony at my sister's?  Gemma's legs were almost too long, haha.
    
6.  Every time I drive past the local Catholic hospital and see their marquis advertising cosmetic plastic surgery I am like, really?  Is that truly in line with your mission so much so that you promote it in big flashing letters for all to see?  For real??  So my hubby said I should look up their Mission Statement (see above link).  I am dubious.  Am I the only one who thinks about these things?
7. Clem has been showing some semi-serious interest in the potty.  Not enough to potty-learn, but enough so that I switched him from the pre-fold/snappi combo to Flip and a folded Econobum since it's a little easier and faster on and off.  He had been telling me he had to poop like 2-3 times an hour and I couldn't figure out what the deal was until I realized he was telling me when he was pottying.  So we're just kind of being chill about it.  Kolbe did the same thing when he was about this age but then didn't really potty-learn until around 3, so I have no high expectations.  Helping a child learn to use the potty is both exciting (no more diapers!!!) and exhausting (you have to go again???).

OK, that was seven.  I made it!  Not without talking about the weather and the toilet, but hey! what can I say?!  Happy June everyone, stay cool!

Seven Quick Takes - First Edition

I feel like I'm in a rut with the Journal posts so I decided to shake things up a bit and give Seven Quick Takes a try.  And maybe it will actually be quick!  Here goes.

1. We moved Clement to a big-boy (floor) bed now that the dog has moved out of his room (I built the bed/pallet in the corner where the dog's box was).  We actually jokingly called it the dog's room because he (dog) spent more time in the room than Clem did this past winter.  Night one I was up with him to resettle three times, rather than bringing him to bed with us.  I think he nursed less not being right next to me.  We'll see how this goes, it will probably depend on my will-power more than anything. 
2. Spring/Summer wardrobes for the kids are almost complete.  I picked up sandals for the big kids today and some polos for the boys for Easter that match Gemma's bold, multi-colored dress.  I am dubious as to whether Kolbe's sandals will actually fit him all season. Sigh.  And on that note, I now own little boys' clothing in every season of every size from size NB to 5/6.  Yay me.
3. I found my copy of By Love Refined: Letters to a Young Bride the other day and was all set to give it to a young friend who is getting married late this Spring (yes, you Chelsea), when I started thumbing through it.  Even though I'm not really not at all a "young bride" anymore, I found it to be so applicable, not only for my relationship with my husband but just relationships in general.  Chelsea, I don't think I'll be passing it on now, but I would highly recommend picking up a copy in the next year or so.
4. Spring Break has been nice, but I would be a liar to say it has been wonderful having Gemma around all the time.  And now I feel like a jerk and a huge parenting failure for saying that.  The routine that school brings and the time away is very healthy for both of us.  It makes me sad, in a way, to even say that, but oh my do we have our troubles.  Her impulsive behavior, strong will and lack of remorse for the oft inappropriateness in expressing said will are enough to literally push me over the edge some most every day.  That said, she and Kolbe are sitting and very nicely playing multiple games of Connect 4 together and, well, there we go, I was going to say there hadn't been any fighting, but alas...  Sigh. 
5. I am working on revamping the education table for our parish Respect Life Committee.  I've gotten a lot of good materials from our Diocesan Respect Life Office and state pro-life organization.  I also found some brochure display thingies.  I need to go up to church sometime and get everything organized and ready, our quarterly weekend for setup is coming up soon.
6. I really need to get an Adoration hour.  Like, really.  My indecisive/analytical nature, a hubby who works long(er) hours and not liking to get out after the kids are in bed or during the night (because I am completely spent and would just fall asleep) are keeping me from signing up for a regular one, but without a regular one it's hard to have the discipline to go every week.  But oh, I know how much I would benefit from it. 
7. I am really enjoying this CD from the Benedictines of Mary during Lent.

OK, that's it!  Visit Jen over at Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!

Journal (6th edition)

TODAY

Out my window: Chilly.  Sunrise.  Love this time of day.

Clothing myself in: Pink sweats that are worn thin and a red sweatshirt, equally (if not more) worn.  I really should care more...

Around the house:  Hmmmmm, uneventful-ish I suppose.  I was in charge of a Respect Life event at our parish that had to be cancelled (presenter had a medical condition and was unable to travel) so I've had DVDs and brochures and stuff I've been trying to get to people. 

I think I finally have all the kids' summer clothing out of the closets, AND packed away and organized.  Winter wardrobes are pretty much set, although I think Gemma needs a few more shirts and it is a pipe-dream to think Clem will fit into what he's wearing now all winter...  AHHH clothing, it really just never ends.

 

The baby: I put him in a pair of sleep-sack jammies that Gemma wore as a baby (yellow duckies, they were gender neutral).  He was very snuggly.  (Switching gears.)  I love how he smacks his lips when he is hungry, it's just like he is talking to me, and he knows I will listen to him.  Sooooo sweet!  Speaking of the little guy, Aaron just brought him out to me...guess our bed got lonely.

 

The kiddos:  They played together really nicely this week (for the most part).  I am always grateful when this happens, it makes me so glad that they have each other.  On Thursday they had dental appointments (all was well, it was Kolbe's first check!)  They were verrrrrry excited about the prizes they got to pick and bring home. 

In the kitchen:  Meatloaf; Quesadillas; Baked Salmon with steamed veggies and some sort of grain (seriously, one of my fave meals); my hubby's homemade chicken noodles; making this fabulous Black Bean Quinoa Salad to take to a family dinner.

Crafting:  Ergh.  Maybe I should just remove this category, since I added several of my own.  I craft in spurts.  This is apparently a dry period...

Learning: Gemma had her first Catechesis of the Good Shepherd class this past week.  I really can't say enough wonderful things about this program.  And Gemma, oh my, she just radiated joy after her first class.  Seriously, I've really never seen her quite like that.  When asked about it by her grandmas, she told them, "it was perfect".  Wow.  Thank you Jesus.  

We took a "leaf walk" yesterday, and the kids did some crayon rubbings when we got back. Well, Gemma did.  I think Kolbe tore the paper off a crayon (his latest favorite activity) and scribbled a bit.  I hope we can do another walk in a week or two and get some prettier leaves, we have definitely not hit peak here yet.

Reading:  (thought I'd add this one)... Mary and Me, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, Little House on the Prairie (with the kids) 

Bringing me joy: Beautiful Fall weather and time spent outdoors.  A fresh haircut (about 2.5 inches).  A nice family photo (see below).  Kids who play nicely together.  Time with family, immediate and extended.  A beautiful new nephew and his mama who is doing such a good job with him!  A new battery for the laptop (seriously, absurdly pleased about this, and a bit annoyed that the old one only lasted 2yrs and change...)

Thinking about: How our mornings are going to change soooooooo much next year when Gemma is in school.  Currently the kids get up around 8.  We do fine getting to Mass by 9 on Sundays, but we skip a few things and I really have to "crack the whip" so-to-speak.  As it is, most mornings (since we typically don't have anywhere to go) we have a set routine but we are pretty leisurely with it.  That is all going to change.  A lot.

Pictures to share:
Gemma in her pigtails (new for her) ready for her first night of Catechesis.  I think she was a bit nervous, hence the contrived, overly cheesy smile.

Kolbe put his shoes on all by himself for the first time and was quite proud.

Sleepy Clem.  There is something soooo cute about sleeping children, it just makes me want to take pictures of them.  Aaron says when I look at the (big) kids when they are sleeping it helps me like them again.  ;-D

Family photo from our trip a few weekends ago.  This one just may end up in the Christmas cards.  We'll see what we end up with in the meantime.

Books

I have a whole pile of books with which I am ready to part, and at this point I think I'll just take them to a local used bookstore.  Several people on Facebook mentioned that they were curious to see the titles though, so I thought I'd share them here first.  They are all in "Good" to "Like New" condition (some have not even been read).  Some are written in, many have my name or an inscription (which I intend to black out) in the front.  But the books themselves are not bent, torn, binding isn't broken, etc.  Many are Catholic (some are texts from when I taught high school PSR), some are not, all very random though.  I've listed them alphabetically and linked them on Amazon for your convenience rather than putting my own reviews.  I will also list a suggested price.  Let me know if you have any specific questions or if you are interested in any of these titles.

A Call to Joy by Matthew Kelly ($5.00) SOLD!!!!!

A Catholic Handbook for Engaged and Newly Married Couples by Frederick W. Marks, Ph.D. ($4.00)  SOLD!!!

America’s Heroes: Inspiring Stories of Courage, Sacrifice and Patriotism  ($3.00)

Every Day is a Gift (Don't worry Erika, this isn't the copy from you.  I found an old copy someone had gifted me years ago I didn't even know I had.  ;-D)  ($2.00)  SOLD!!!

For the Graduate: God’s Guidance for the Road Ahead  ($2.00)

Friends are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith  ($3.00)

How Do You Tuck in a Superhero by Rachel Balducci ($4.00)  SOLD!!!

How to Read Church History Volume 1 (From the beginnings to the fifteenth century) by Jean Comby

How to Read Church History Volume 2 (From the Reformation to the present day) by Jean Comby with Diarmaid MacCulloch

Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition) by Robert A. Bradley M.D. ($4.00)   SOLD!!!!

Inspiring Words from the Psalms for Couples: God’s Gift ofEndless Love, Joy and Encouragement  ($3.00)

Our Lady of Kibeho by Immaculee Ilibagiza  ($4.00)  SOLD!!!!!

Our Quest for Happiness, TheStory of Divine Love High School Religion for the Freshman Year Book 1  ($3.00)

Reconciliation by Fr. Robert Morneau ($3.00)

Shorter Christian Prayer  (FREE)  SOLD!!!!!

Spreading and Defending the Faith (Confirmation series, student and Teacher’s Manual)  ($3.00)

The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik  ($4.00)

The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Anne Catherine Emmerich  ($5.00)  SOLD!!!

The Journey by Liony Batista  ($2.00)

The Navarre Bible: Gospel of St. Luke  ($4.00)

The New Anti-Catholicism: The Last Acceptable Prejudice by Philip Jenkins  ($4.00)

The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley  ($3.00)    SOLD!!!!

The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly  ($4.00)  SOLD!!!!!

The Way of the Cross for Teenagers: Walking with Jesus toCalvary by Therese Johnson Borchard  ($2.00)

Ultra Marathon Man: Confessions of an All-night Runner by Dean Karnazes  ($3.00)

Understanding the Catechism: Creed by Michael Pennock (student book and Teacher Guide)  ($5.00)

Small successes XLVI

In honor of Small Successes moving over to Catholic Mom (go check it out!!) I decided it was time to jump back on board with some successes again (the cool prize pack may have had something to do with that :-D).  Let's see....

1. Made my "To Do" list of things I'd like to get done in preparation for baby's arrival (first half of July).  There's so much less to do the third time around.  
2. Along with #1, we're working (as I type in fact) on getting daughter (4.5) and son (2.5) moved into the same bedroom.  Wish us luck.  Daughter will move from her queen bed to a twin, and son will move from his toddler bed in his room/sleeping with us to a twin in the same room as sis.  It will be a process I'm sure.
3. Have an appt. scheduled for Confession/spiritual direction.  Alllllllllllways good!!
4. Am trying to power my way through Walking with God: A Journey through the Bible.  I finally got it through inter-library loan, and have it until the 25th of this month.  Late fees are a dollar a day, and I'm not really into that, sooooooo...  I'm about a quarter of the way there.  It's very, very good.  Definitely not incredibly in depth, but a wonderful overview of salvation history.  I have the problem of getting through Genesis and part of Exodus (reading the Bible or with various commentaries) and then falling off the wagon.  Consistently.  This book is so readable, I am confident in finishing.  Hopefully by the 25th!!

CHEERS everyone!!  Head over to Catholic Mom and join in the fun!!!

Recent reads (May 2011)

Time for God by Jacques Philippe

This was a good book on making time for prayer.  It was not the most practical in application for a mother with young children, but I still gleaned from it some really good information and knowledge in regards to cultivating a life of prayer.  Definitely worthwhile.

Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe

This book was very good.  It discussed the interior freedom we all possess, reflected on the fact that no one can take this away, all in light of the theological virtues faith, hope and love.  This book was down to earth, practical and inspiring for me.  I really like Jacques Philippe and would highly recommend any of his books (Searching For and Maintaining Peace was the first one I read) to someone looking for a relatively short (and easy!), spiritually edifying read.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

I will first off admit I did not finish this book.  I didn't even read most of it.  That being said, I really do agree with Orenstein's conclusions regarding today's girlie-girl culture (princesses, make-up and spa parties for seven-year-olds, rampant commercialism and materialism, sexiness vs. healthy sexuality, licensed items and the like...basically it's a quite comprehensive analysis of what we're teaching our young girls as a society these days and the long-term repercussions thereof).  The topics she addresses really run the gamut, and I like and agree with much of what she has to say.  I just fundamentally disagree with the way she reaches her conclusions.  I like to think I view feminism in light of appropriate, God-given femininity, where-as Orenstein's (who I believe is actually Jewish) feminist views seem much more secular, for lack of a better term.  I was discussing my thoughts on the whole thing with my husband one evening, and a few days later ran across this article on Oprah by Rachel Balducci.  Her assessment of Oprah really echoes mine of Orenstein.  While a lot of what she says is true, she's missing that Absolute Truth.  The lens through which she looks at things is not the God-given lens through which I have learned to (strive to) filter my life.  This book (what I read of it) was good in that it challenged me to look deeper into why I feel the way I do about all things girl, especially as a mother of a daughter.  If you're looking for something faith-filled that offers a more Christ-like perspective on the topic, this is definitely not your book.  Still, it provided some interesting food for thought.  And now you know.  (You can check out Peggy's blog here if you'd like to find out a little more.)

A Catholic Woman's Book of Days by Amy Welborn

I've been trying to read this book daily since I got it around the first of the year.  That doesn't always happen, but it's on my end-table and lately I've been picking it up more days than not.  I really like it.  It is nothing incredibly "deep" or earth-shattering, but sometimes that's OK.  Sometimes that's nice.  Each day has a verse or two of Scripture (sometimes correlating to a feast or saint, other times the scriptures appear to be selected at random) and then a brief paragraph or two meditation/reflection on the selected Scripture.  Very short.  But nice.  I can pick it up here or there, meditate on the Word a bit, and read a Catholic mother's perspective on the particular passage.  Anymore I am trying to really focus on Scripture as part of my reading and prayer time, and this helps with that immensely.  I've also been reading a bit about Lectio Divina, and Welborn's book has been helpful in giving me good passages of Scripture on which to mediate, pray and talk with God.
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I mentioned last month that I was going to give some JPII a try.  Well, I failed.  Miserably.  I read the first 3-4 chapters of Crossing the Threshold of Hope, and am currently skimming through Love and Responsibility.  Right now though, I just can't do it.  I do not have the brain power to read JPII.  I love what he has to say, and I have love LOVED anything I've read about his writings (by another author).  I feel incredibly grateful for the number of years he was our Holy Father, and am immensely humbled by and in awe of his intellect.  Right now though, my poor mommy-brain just can't handle the real deal.  Maybe someday... 

Currently I am reading Mountains of Spices and Conversing with God in Scripture.  Hopefully I'll be back to review those and others here in a month or so!  Happy reading, everyone!

Lessons from the High Places

I recently finished Hinds' Feet on High Places, and also read the "Lessons" and autobiography at the end. When I was younger I never read prologues, epilogues, autobiographies, anything like that. As I've gotten older, I've begun reading these and have found that often these "added" sections can contain rare gems and interesting insights that would otherwise be overlooked by the reader. This definitely held true with Hinds' Feet. While the book itself was totally amazing, don't get me wrong, the section at the end - "Lessons Learned on the Slopes of the High Places" - was intriguing and awe-inspiring. In this section the author spoke of her experiences during a two-week period spent on the Swiss Alps that led to her "call" to write in the first place. It connected a lot of dots, was very fascinating, and true to its name contained some beautiful lessons. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites here on the blog.

In this lesson, she is speaking of the fickle mountain whether. One moment it is sunny, the next an all-encompassing mist covers everything. The rains come, the thunder can shake you to your foundation. But even so...

"How suddenly the change had come. One moment I was gazing almost breathlessly at the beauty of the Haustock as the clouds lifted from it for the first time. Then just half an hour later all the snow mountains were blotted out as completely as if they did not exist...Then my Lord said, 'These changes come in life, too. For one hour the vision on the Mount, and then perhaps almost directly, the descent into the depths of the valley where the vision may seem to be completely blotted out by changed circumstances. But believe steadfastly in what I showed you in the hours of vision and clear sky. The reality is there still, even though a curtain seems to blot it out. You have seen the Haustock, and though there is no trace of it now, and it has disappeared like a dream, nevertheless it is there. It is a reality. But the mist and cloud are transient and will pass away, and the true reality appear again!'" (page 260)

And then she goes on several pages later, speaking still of the heavy mist...

"If a person had never been here before, that one would not even dimly guess at what lies beyond the curtain of mist. All that I have looked upon and loved and rejoiced over has disappeared completely. 'But it is all there,' says the loving Lord, 'though you cannot see any of it, for it has been completely blotted out and apparently vanished into nothingness. But remember, nothing is missing. It is invisible now but is is waiting to become visible again. And its last message to you is this: Believe steadfastly in the invisible things. For the things which are seen are temporal: but the things which are not seen are eternal' (cf 2 Cor. 4:18)." (page 269)

I guess this was just a really powerful reflection for me on life in general. I get so caught up in the day-to-day that sometimes it is just darn hard to focus on the eternal. On our only real goal in life. The only true "reality" in our journey as children of God. In the story, the five main "bad guys" are Fear, Bitterness, Resentment, Pride and Self-Pity. With this I can totally identify and relate on a pathetically real level. It is so easy to let these stumbling blocks consume me. Frequently. Daily. Hourly. To not see the forest for the trees. To wallow, as it were, grudgingly through the day-to-day without keeping my eyes on the prize, my perspective on the eternal. Oh how I struggle.

In speaking of our journey through life she says,

"In heaven everyone and everything is lovable, but as the Lord Jesus said, 'If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?" (Matt. 5:46) In heaven everyone loves everyone else, and in hell no one loves anyone. But on earth we are in a perfect environment (emphasis mine, I just love this) for learning to love as God loves: to abandon ourselves to loving the apparently unlovely people who remind us that in many ways we are still very unlovely ourselves! (wow) ... Here on earth we have the opportunity to do what the God of love does all the time, and to learn to abandon ourselves to loving, to giving, to seeking, and to saving others. Not a lovely feeling of affection, or physical pleasure and satisfaction, but the extreme eternal ecstasy of creating happiness and good and blessed things for others to enjoy. To cast ourselves down...in happy giving, asking for nothing in return except the joy of so doing. When we really begin to learn and practice that lesson we shall begin to feel 'at home' in the eternal world of selfless love." (page 277)

And a bit later, as she is viewing the Alps one last time from the airplane...

"In that hour, in the airplane above the Alps, my little narrow, cold, self-centered human heart caught a tiny but staggering glimpse of what it means to be the sons and daughters of the eternal God of love. We are called to love with the fullest capacity of which we are capable. To love as He loves, and so to be an echo - faint and feeble, but a true one - of that eternal self, giving us drops of the water of life, poured out in the cataract of the divine self-giving." (page 284)

This is a book I can see coming back to again and again...and taking away something different and unique yet completely applicable each time. I hope you have enjoyed these reflections. They sure struck a vibrant chord with me.

Small successes XXIII

1. Took care of four children (two of my own and two others) for the evening and it went really well! Gemma was a good girl, the other two children were great, and the whole evening just went really well.

2. Survived birthday week (both children within 5 days of each other), hosting family for the party, the cake, the presents, getting professional pictures taken, etc. etc. etc. and had lots of fun too! (Now I'm ready for spring).

3. Finished (essentially, I still need to read the epilogue part) my book for the month of January, Hinds' Feet on High Places. I would definitely highly recommend this beautiful allegory if you are looking for something spiritually uplifting and just plain wonderful.

Head on over to Faith and Family Live! to do some mom-bragging of your own, and to share in others' successes!!

New reads for the new year

I have a handful of beautiful new books just waiting to be read, so thought I'd share what's on my end-table for the first of the year.

Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa by Immaculee Ilibagiza

The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul by Lisa M. Hendey (creator of CathoilcMom.com)

Hinds Feet on High Places an allegory by Hannah Hurnard

How An Economy Grows and Why it Crashes by Peter D. Schiff (not typically my fare, but my dad and brother want me to read it, so I am going to attempt to move outside my comfort zone and oblige)

A Catholic Woman's Book of Days by Amy Welborn

And several more I'd like to read but don't currently own or have...

How Do You Tuck In A Superhero? by Rachel Balducci

Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime by Dr. Ray Guarendi

Heaven's Song by Christopher West

Hopefully I make the time to read these and more. What's on your list? I'm always up for suggestions. Happy New Year, everyone!!!

A book meme

My friend Angie did this and it looked like fun. (And it was! Thanks Ang!) Anyone else (hint, hint Kansas Mom) please be sure to share!!!

1. Favorite childhood book?
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
Oh the Thinks you can Think

2. What are you reading right now?
The Temperament God Gave You
It's good but I'm having trouble motivating myself to read. Too many distractions. Getting ready to start Led By Faith, which I know will captivate me to the point of distraction.

3. What books do you have on request at the library?
Christmas in the Barn
All for the Newborn Baby

4. Bad book habit?
If it's a really good read, I have the tendency to ignore other things so I can continue reading.

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?
Teaching Your Baby to Sign
Birds
I'm Feeling - Teaching Your Baby to Sign
Little Quack
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
A Book of Sleep
The Friendly Beasts - A Christmas Carol
A Hat for Minerva Louise
Spot's Halloween (Gemma chose this all by herself the other day)
What does baby see?
Bertie at Bedtime

6. Do you have an e-reader?
No. And honestly, not interested.

7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
depends

8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?
I've definitely gotten more recommendations and such by reading others' blogs.

9. Least favorite book you read this year?
Really can't think of one. If I don't like it, I don't read it.

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?
Hands-down it was Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

11. How often do you read out of your comfort zone?
Rarely. Actually, probably never. Unless it comes highly recommended.

12. What is your reading comfort zone?
Fiction, Catholic Fiction, anything Catholic/Spiritual that is not too daunting, parenting and family

13. Can you read on the bus?
I couldn't tell you the last time I road a bus. But no. I get horribly motion sick if I read while in a vehicle. Uck.

14. Favorite place to read?
Depends on the season...on the couch, snuggled under a blanket, with a cup of coffee; or outside while catchin' some rays.

15. What is your policy on book lending?
I try to keep tabs on what I have out. I generally trust my friends/family with books so it just really isn't an issue.

16. Do you ever dog-ear books?
Sometimes. I try to only do it to my own however.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?
On occasion. Depends on the book. I have a crazy penchant for using a red pen on typos though. Maybe even if it's not mine. Maybe. But don't tell the library.

18. Not even with text books?
My eyes haven't seen the inside of a text book for years! But I think I would occasionally hilite/make notes.

19. What is your favorite language to read in?
English. I enjoy the challenge of reading in Spanish though because I am able to pick up a rudimentary amount of what I read.

20. What makes you love a book?
Has to be well-written. That sounds horribly vague, I know. And I can't exactly define this, but I know it when I see it. A gripping plot and memorable characters are worth a lot as well.

21. What will inspire you to recommend a book?
See answer to #20

22. Favorite genre?
Fiction or Catholicism/Spirituality

23. Genre you rarely read (but wish you did)?
non-fiction/history

24. Favorite biography?
Hmmmm, can't say I remember. I'm sure I've read one, but it's been awhile. (is that lame?)

25. Have you ever read a self-help book?
I suppose some of the parenting ones I've read could be considered "self-help"

26. Favorite cookbook?
not really into cookbooks

27. Most inspirational book you’ve read this year (fiction or nonfiction)?
Again, Left To Tell. Read it.
A Mother's Rule of Life was very inspiring as well.

28. Favorite reading snack?
coffee

29. Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
I can't think of one

30. How often do you agree with critics about a book?
Really it depends on the critic and the topic.

31. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
I will review any book honestly

32. If you could read in a foreign language, which language would you choose?
Latin, Hebrew, Greek...any of the "old Church" languages

33. Most intimidating book you’ve ever read?
The Bible or anything JPII

34. Most intimidating book you’re too nervous to begin?
oh there are tons

35. Favorite poet?
Jessica Powers

36. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?
15-20

37. How often have you returned books to the library unread?
it happens

38. Favorite fictional character?
Kay Scarpetta

39. Favorite fictional villain?
none that come to mind

40. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?
something light (figuratively speaking), fiction and fun

41. The longest I’ve gone without reading.
I go in spurts. I'll read read read read read, then I'll fall off the train for awhile. But I read to Gemma every day.

42. Name a book that you could/would not finish.
The Lovely Bones

43. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
needy children. imagine.

44. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?
Little House on the Prairie comes to mind. Lord of the Rings = very cool as well.

45. Most disappointing film adaptation?
none I can think of off the top of my head. I'm not real into movies though.

46. The most money I’ve ever spent in the bookstore at one time?
oh who knows. lots I'm sure. especially if you're counting Amazon.com

47. How often do you skim a book before reading it?
rarely. I don't even like to read the back/dust-jacket

48. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?
Lack of interest. Inappropriate material.

49. Do you like to keep your books organized?
Yes. They are in various spots throughout the house, but they are organized.

50. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?
Depends on the book. If it's a "one time use" novel, then I will pass it on (or just get it from the library in the first place). If it's something I know I will revisit, then I will most certainly keep it.

51. Are there any books you’ve been avoiding?
If it's daunting, but I should still read it, then I'm probably avoiding it. But I do read the Bible (wanted to make that abundantly clear).

52. Name a book that made you angry.
None that I can think of.

53. A book you didn’t expect to like but did?
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

54. A book that you expected to like but didn’t?
The Lovely Bones

55. Favorite guilt-free, pleasure reading? used to be anything forensic fiction, (Patricia Cornwell and Tess Gerritsen come to mind) but it has been a long time since I've read anything like that. I do, however, make sure I enjoy anything I read (or at least benefit from it), so I can't complain.

Your turn...PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!

Small Successes VIII

1. Got the children's autumn/winter clothing out, washed, hung, put away and inventoried, and purchased/borrowed the remaining items they will need. I think we're ready!! Now for some cooler weather, please.

2. Started and finished reading Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza (in about three days' time). Positively riveting. Baby Kolbe and I also got to hear her speak (and meet her) one evening this past week and I purchased her book Led By Faith, which I look forward to reading, but am going to try to be disciplined and make it through The Temperament God Gave You and Parenting With Grace first. I digress. If you ever have the opportunity to hear Immaculee speak, or read any of her books, I would highly recommend it. Truly, truly inspiring.

3. Made it to confession. Enough said.

Take some time to do your own mom-bragging or share in others' successes over at Faith and Family Live!

Gemma around the house

I decided I needed to do a Gemma post, just to update on some of the things she's been up to. I will number them, because it helps my brain feel more organized that way. And heaven knows it's all about me. (haha, joking, for anyone who may be new around here and not used to me ;-D)

1. Playtime. She is getting really into independent play, and can keep herself entertained with minimal help from me all morning sometimes. Sometimes not (and that's fine too, we enjoy playing and reading together). But some days she just does great and that makes for good productive mornings for both of us. Her favorite thing is playing with her brown bear, bunny and baby. They do three things: eat, take naps and take baths. Time and time again. She uses a mixture of her things and my/Kolbe's things and it is just so cute to watch her little imagination at work. "Baby" seems to be at about the same developmental level as Kolbe currently. Funny. Here are some pictures of what she does. I just think it's so cute.
2. Drawing. She doesn't draw much, but once in awhile with either her magnadoodle or markers... or my pen. (which is apparently a super-cool thing to do. Now you know.) But she always draws the same thing. A bunch of circles with little dots in them. Every time. I am sure there is some deep psychological reason for why she does this, but I just think it's cute.
3. Eating. So she's never been terribly good at this, but that's nothing new. Some days are better than others. We roll with it. She seems to be maintaining/gaining weight and following a growth curve, and what she does eat is reasonably healthy so it works. Now that Koble is using the highchair she has decided that she likes to use it again sometimes too. As long as he doesn't need it at the time that's fine with me. I think she looks like a giant in it. And yes, for the record, she is dipping her quesadilla in ketchup. And the bib? All her request. Silly girl!
4. Beads. She built a "cage" for her fish. She loves these beads (they were mine as a child) and always uses them to build cages for things. Besides baby, et al, they are the other toy that typically comes out every day. I have taken a pretty minimalistic approach when it comes to toys, and I really like it that way (and the kids don't seem to mind either). It works.
5. Prayer time. She is very diligent about this and will even remind me when it's time for prayers, or just announce that it's prayer time and start getting our things out. I like that it is becoming habit. We finally got Kolbe his own Rosary (um, chew-toy) so he would quit trying to grab ours. She's done pretty well at letting him have it too, which kind of surprised me.
6. Helper. She continues to be a great help to me. I asked her to get diapers out of the dryer the other day and then kind of forgot about it. I stumbled over the laundry basket a few hours later to find that she had stacked them up in a neat little pile, all even and tidy. No idea where she gets it.
7. Singing/Music. No pics. Sorry! And no video either. I know, I know... Still in love with her Nursery Rhymes, but she has started doing this funny thing where instead of the regular words she will randomly substitute Kolbe's name. It is odd. But cute. We have split her music CD's into playtime and sleepytime music. "This Old Man" or "Mulberry Bush" screeching over and over on loop all night was just getting to be too much (for me, and I'm guessing for her too although she'd never admit it). She's doing fine with it though. Our favorite nighttime CD's are Sleep Sound in Jesus and Twila Paris' Lullabies. If you're looking for more good sleepy-time music, A Child's Gift of Lullabies and Jim Brickman's Hope have been other favorites at our house.

8. Little Bear. We have several of these books from when I was a child, and have checked out several more from the library. She really likes these books and stories a lot. The other night DH and I were searching for something on the DVR and saw "Little Bear" so we curiously checked it out (it was part of the free OnDemand that we apparently get) and it was indeed little bear. THE Little Bear. There were a handful of 25 minute episodes of Little Bear, each containing four short stories (just as the books do). We really don't do any regular TV with Gemma (besides her and her daddy watching random clips of "funnies" (America's Funniest Home Videos) together for 5-10 minutes some evenings). We've showed her a few of the Little Bear episodes though, and she definitely thought they were pretty neat (as in, they held her attention and she talked about them later). They are well done in my opinion, and I don't mind letting her watch them occasionally. It's nice to know that they are available on the DVR.

9. Library. We have been making weekly trips to the library for awhile now. The girl loves her some books and we have found the library to just be such a treasure. I love being able to search their catalog online and request specific books (for instance, we have lots of Autumn/pumpkin/apple themed books coming up soon). And she enjoys the diversity. Currently in our baskets/on our end-tables are anything Seuss, various Nursery Rhyme books and this sweet legend by Tomie dePaola. I recently requested a new book from Sophia entitled The Temperament God Gave You and I am really looking forward to it. It discusses the four personality types from a Catholic standpoint. My husband and I talk often about personalities. I think that if more people had a better understanding of their own and others' personalities, we'd all get along better. But I digress. And this is getting super long.

Thanks for hanging with us! Now you are current on all things GEMMA!

Small successes V

1. After (almost) finishing reading A Mother's Rule of Life (I would highly recommend this book if you are a mother, by the way), I spent some time developing our own family rule (while using and familiarizing myself with Microsoft Excel 2010, which really is kind of another success in and of itself). I am really excited about this, and think it will help me (and all of us) grow in our spirituality as well as bring order to our home and help us offer everything we do to Christ as we go about our day-to-day routines.

2. Cleaned out and organized the upstairs freezer, leaving a spot for the pureed food I have begun making/intend to make for our sweet Kolbe.

3. "Succeeded" with Gemma (2.5 yrs) in the naptime department on the several days lately that she's had issues going down by keeping my sanity about me (read: patience with her hasn't always been my strong point, really trying to work on that), and thus helping her to not get upset and in the end fall asleep without fuss.

AHHHHH parenting. I have a feeling I will juuuuuust about have this whole thing figured out by the time I no longer have young children. ;-D But in all seriousness, life is good and I'm enjoying myself immensely. Head on over to Faith and Family Live! to read about others' successes.

Books (and some rambling too, so be forewarned)

I love reading. Before I had kids, I read a lot of fiction, mainly mystery/forensic science type stuff. I never got into the romance novels, just too smutty (and honestly, anymore it's hard to find anything - even the mystery ones - that don't have their fair share of smut, which I find to be terribly annoying). I digress. Since having kids, I've begun to really enjoy reading books on parenting (things like sleep, diet, discipline, childbirth, etc.) plus lately I've been finding more good reads on children's faith-formation and some spiritual reading for myself. I really enjoy this type of reading, it's just nice reading something worthwhile, from which I can glean helpful insight and information into my life as a Catholic mom. I'm tickled that Gemma shares a love for reading and books as well. We have enjoyed hours reading together, and it is fun to see her beginning to "read" on her own and to her brother as well. Here's what's on our end tables lately:

(Gemma's)
Little Bear
Little Quack's New Friend
Oh the Thinks you can Think
Catbirds and Dogfish
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

(mine)
The Baby Sleep Book
A Mother's Rule of Life
The Discipline Book
The Year and our Children

When it comes to books about parenting, I've found that there is no one "right way" out there. Kids behave differently and should have different expectations at different ages, parents and kids alike have a wide array of personalities, a family's needs and place in life can vary greatly as well, and this all plays into finding a parenting strategy that works for you and your child. So I've found that a book trying to sell me a "one size fits all" approach to how I should parent my child is just kind of a turn-off. One of my favorite authors when it comes to parenting (the author of two of the above-mentioned books) is Dr. Sears. He (being himself, his wife, and two of his sons who also run successful practices and have authored multiple books) encourages parents to fine-tune and trust their intuition as a parent by developing healthy, attached relationships with their children from birth on. He recognizes that what might work wonderfully for one family or one child may be absolutely ineffective for another. Anyways, you can read more about this attachment style of parenting here, but in my two-and-a-half short years I've found this all to be very true, and always feel refreshed and edified as a parent when I read Sears or others who approach parenting in a similar manner. I'm reminded that my job as a parent is 24/7/365, and reading seems to just be a good way for me to refocus. I'm currently rereading The Baby Sleep Book for instance, as Gemma has hit a rough patch when it comes to bedtimes (among other times, heh). Once she learned to go to sleep by herself in her big girl bed (this past March) bedtimes got incredibly short and easy. Lately not so much. She has quite the (growing) routine which we go through each night before bed, and she has seemed much needier of some snuggle/reconnection time before relinquishing either Aaron (who typically puts her to bed) or me for the night. I honestly am not entirely sure what's going on, although I have an inkling it may have something to do with the fact that Kolbe is getting older and needier, and while "jealousy" is a strong word I don't necessarily like to use, I do think she's experiencing some growing-pains when it comes to adjusting to life with her bubby-brother. But what a gift he is to her, helping her learn the important lessons of sharing, loving and self-giving at such a young age. Still, I'm not going to mince words, I think it's giving her a hard time. I know my mood and lack of patience with her haven't been helping matters either, but I'm trying, and trying to try harder (does that make sense?) so hopefully we're getting somewhere, even if it seems like we're taking baby steps or walking backwards more days than not. It's times like this when you really do just have to take it a day at a time (and trust whole-heartedly in the grace of God to help you along the way). I guess my whole point in all this is that I have really felt that the Sears books have helped me along the way in times like this, by pointing out ways I can fine-tune my parenting, sharing stories of strategies and such that have worked for them and their patients, while not making me feel like a failure as a parent because I'm not following the latest fad or gimmick they're trying to sell me on. And when I have a baby who's fussing and wants to be held or worn or nursed, and a two-year-old who randomly melts down about the most crazy-bizarre things it seems (four tomatoes in a green bowl, for instance), it's just nice to know that other people have been there, my kids are "normal", and I am not an utter and complete failure as a wife, mom and person in general.

If you've made it this far, I'm guessing you have kids as well and understand my plight, so sound off. I always appreciate helpful hints and encouraging stories. Or maybe misery just loves company...

Whatever the case, CHEERS! ;-D