A Pile of Books

In our Living Room, in my little corner of the couch sits a stack of books.  I've always been a reader, but my reading tends to ebb and flow.  Lately, I have been reading a lot of very fantastic books so I thought I would share them with you.  I should tell you many of the books I am reading are Christian based, but none of them are overly preachy or unattractive (in my opinion) to a non-believer.  Anyways, enjoy! And Try one or two....

P.S. I am not being paid or asked to endorse any of these books.  Just sharing out of the goodness of my heart.

1.  "Love & Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

If you are married and have not read this book, you should.  Both my husband and I are reading this book as it correlates with a seminar we are taking at church right now.  It has opened our blue and pink eyes to how the other thinks, speaks, and reacts.  If you are engaged or have been married 50 years, I think you will find this book helpful and encouraging.  I think it's going to bless our marriage for many years to come.

 

2. "What To Expect: The First Year" by Heidi Murkoff

 

There's not much to say about this one other than as any other first time mother I am doing my duty and working through this classic.  It's not the greatest book I've ever read, but it's nice to flip through from time to time.

 

 

3. "A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises" by Renee Swope

 

I've gotta say, other than the book "The Thrill of the Chaste" by Dawn Eden that I read a few years back, no book has hit the nail on the head for me like this one.  It's exactly what I needed to read in my life right now.  As a new wife and a new mother, staying at home after an 11 year career, A LOT has changed for me in the past 2 years.  So many doubts have crept into my head with my new lifestyle.  This book has been an answer to prayer.  It also has a coordinating daily devotional that I love.  I think this is a great book for any woman who struggles with doubt and self worth!  Highly recommend!

 

 

4. "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth, M.D.

 

I was given this book by a dear friend after Noah was born.  So far it's the best book I've read that compliments our style of parenting with regards to sleep training.  I also have heard from many other mothers that it has been a blessing to them and sleep training.  I think it's very practical and has a step-by-step program to follow.  I have yet to implement it fully, but have picked up a lot of little nuggets of tips already. 

 

 

5. "The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning" by Simcha Fisher

 

It's no secret that Tom and I are devout, pro-life Catholics and therefore we don't use any form of artificial birth control in our marriage.  That being said, Natural Family Planning has it's own sets of challenges and gray areas.  So when I went to a friend with some questions and some frustrations she turned me to Simcha Fisher.  (Isn't that the craziest name?)  Well, this little book is a gem! First of all, it's hilarious.  And so, so helpful. I love the opening of this book.  Go ahead and read it and then understand why I love Simcha's writing style:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Sinners-Guide-Natural-Family-Planning-ebook/dp/B00FRM6Q72#reader_B00FRM6Q72

 

Anyways, I can't say enough for this book. Again, another gem that has been an answer to pray for me at this stage of my life. If you are using NFP OR if you want to learn more about how to use NFP in your marriage then this is a great choice.

 

 

6. "Cross" by James Patterson

 

OK, so technically I haven't read this one yet, BUT I have read many of James Patterson's book and I love a good successful thriller.  I am hoping to dig into this one soon.  There's nothing I love more than getting lost in a good story line.  Unfortunately, a little cutie in my life doesn't leave me much time to read more than a few minutes at a time. 

 

 

7. "Embracing Your Strengths:Who Am I in God's Eyes & What Am I Supposed to Do About It?" by the Women of Faith

 

Ok, the last book gracing my coffee table is actually a book we are using in my Women's Fellowship group.  I included it, however, because I think it's an awesome book for a small group such as ours or even something to work through on your own.  I love books that encourage me in my feminine strengths through the eyes of Christ.

 

 

So there you have it folks! Those are the books taking up space on my coffee table these days! Maybe it's because we got rid of cable, or maybe it's another time in my life where reading has taken a part of each of my days, but regardless I thought I would share with you what I am spending my few minutes of spare time each day! Enjoy reading!

 

7QT:1 Day Early

Good morning...yes, it's Thursday, but tomorrow is a busy day and today we are sticking close to home because it's freezing out and snowy too! So I thought I might as well whip out my quick takes while I have a second! So here we go...Quick Takes: The Thursday Edition!

***1***

Yesterday we got 6.5 inches of snow!  I was really annoyed, but now since we are only 3 inches away from a record of snowiest winters in Michigan I kind of say "Let's go for it!" I mean we should at least get something out of this, right? A record will have to suffice for all the slips, slides, frostbite, and days stuck inside.  Plus, then I can tell Noah that the year I brought him home was the snowiest winter EVER and I was stuck inside with him for months on end! Gotta build my mom guilt stories somehow.  ;)

***2***

As promised, I made myself get on the scale a day early here and report my weight loss/gain.  I have to admit...it's been a challenging week for me emotionally so I wasn't sure if my stress eating was going to hurt me, BUT lo and behold I lost 1.5 pounds! I guess those couple walks and extra chores around the house made the difference and combatted the food splurges.  Plus carrying a 10 lb weight around most of the day is building my biceps for sure!

***3***

Yesterday, I watched the movie FROZEN to see what all the hype was about! I figured I was stuck inside during a snow storm, why not?  Well, once again Disney did not disappoint.  As I said, I was also having an emotional week and going through some personal struggles.  Well when that silly little song, "Let It Go" (you know the one every little girl in America is singing right now?) came on I almost cried.  It spoke right to my heart.  Other than the "the cold never bothered me anyways" line.  Isn't that funny how God can use anything to minister to you?  I spent the rest of the day singing that song!  I have joined the ranks of FROZEN admirers and crooners.  Good job, Disney!

***4***

In my struggles yesterday, I had some realizations.  They are still kind of raw and personal at this point to go into, but a friend of mine had given me a book that I hadn't got a chance to start reading.  In the middle of a mini breakdown I looked over and knew I was given it for a reason.  I started reading it last night and it was just what I needed.  Well played Holy Spirit...you knew just what I was going to need.  Anyways, can you pray for me and my current struggles? Pray for my husband too, as he struggles to put up with me during this time.  Did I mention I married a saint?

***5***

Ok, too much deep stuff, let's touch on the yummy! I have found a new love for pesto!  And, I have created a recipe (after modifying a few Pinterest ideas for an easy and quick version) that I just have to share because both Tom and I love it so much we've eaten it twice in the last week plus leftovers!  So here's how it goes!  (Sorry I don't have exact amounts on ingredients)  I boiled noodles...I used these great curly cue noodles from Target's organic Simply Smart (or something like that) brand.  You can use any noodle that you prefer though a mostacolli type noodle is probably better than a spaghetti.  Ok, at the same time I pan fried chicken breasts in a little olive oil and some spices.  Once both of these were done, I added about 1/3-1/2 cup of basil pesto from Costco and about 1/4 cup of light ranch dressing to the noodles.  (These are approximate amounts...use enough to coat the noodles and to your taste.)  Then I served the noodles, cut up the chicken breasts on top, and topped with some mozzarella and parmesan cheese!!  It is so easy and so stinking delicious! My husband's comment, "I could eat this every day!"  Anyways, give it a try! It's fantastic!

***6***

On Sunday I went to Painting with a Twist with a group of my friends! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it!  Five days later I keep looking at my picture with pride!  It was seriously so much fun!  A little wine and a little creativity and some great friends made for a perfect Sunday afternoon! Check out the final product! I will definitely be going back in the near future.  Maybe I found my new calling in life?


***7***

With the help of a Bumbo like chair my little Noah has started sitting up for small periods of time!!  We are both so excited!  Go Noah!!!

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the warming and melting of snow if you are local!

7 Quick Takes: Here Comes the Sun!

This morning we are sun bathing here at the old home front.  Noah is in his swing soaking up the rays while he sleeps, and our cat is enjoying the fact that I opened the front door and she can look out the glass window! Could it be that Spring is coming? 40 degrees today? It's like a heat wave!

***1***

It's a good thing my son can't read and doesn't have buddies who read my blog either because I have to tell you about how we started our morning.  My little guy is having some irregularity issues these days.  Poor buddy grunts and groans to no avail.  I was talking to a friend of mine who suggested that I stimulate his rectum with a Q-tip and some A & D ointment...she did however warn to be prepared for the "poop fountain."  So this morning when our little buddy awoke straining once again I decided it was time to give it a try.  So we geared up...clean diaper under him, wipes at the ready and the exercise began...Well, excuse my French, but HOLY SHIT! Literally...I see what she meant by a "poop fountain!"  We were all cheering, Noah was laughing, and 4 diapers, 1 onesie, 1 changing pad, and countless wipes later our little guy is feeling FANTASTIC! It's amazing how exciting poop has become in our lives.

***2***

Well, as promised I weighed in the morning for my first official Lenten weigh in.  I will NOT be sharing the number, but I hope that next week I will be sharing just how much I lost.  My goal is one pound a week.  I am hoping I can be focused enough to do just that.  Here goes nothing!

***3***

Lenten promises are a little more challenging with a newborn I am finding.  Last night after dinner I was determined to get the dishes done, but my little guy was fussy and wanted his mom.  I quickly got a few bottles done, but unfortunately the pans remained in the sink and the dishwasher didn't run. And guess what a bad back and crazy day meant my prayers didn't get said either. :( But this morning, instead of feeling defeated I did the dishes and when Noah went down for his nap I said my prayers.  Jesus doesn't require perfection.  In fact, the response I read this morning was "A heart contrite and humbled, O God you will not spurn."  Isn't that just it?  As long as we are humble and trying that's what God is calling us.  We have to be responsible to our duties in life too.  God understands that.  God looks at our hearts and our intentions.  I needed to be reminded of that.

***4***

On a similar note....God also has a sense of humor.  So I gave up going to Target for Lent because it's a temptation for me to over spend each time.  Well, Noah has a prescription that needs to be filled...guess where it's at? You got it! Target.  So today I have to throw myself into temptations hands and go to Target to pick up his medicine.  LOL. Here goes nothing!

***5***

The other night I threw my back out picking up Noah.  I had to call Tom home because I literally could not bend to pick him up.  All I have to say is 1) It sucks getting old. and 2) Thank God for my chiropractor!  Oh, and you can also laugh at what a bum back does for my plans to work out 3 days this week...oh funny Lord.

***6***

I was thinking about the blogs I posted last week.  I realize how much I need to work on so many of them.  I just wanted you to know that I have been humbled this week multiple times by what I wrote and how I need to work on things in my life too.  I truly was writing not only to all of you, but also to myself. 

***7***

I know I write about this often, but I really am so thankful for the girlfriends in my life.  Between phone calls, texts, Facebook, play dates, and so on and so forth...I am so encouraged and thankful for every friend I have.  My friends truly rock and I am blessed to have each and every one of them!

And Noah's awake!  On that note have a great weekend everyone!!!  Lots of love and prayers!  Make this Lent count!

7 Posts in 7 Days: Day 7 Accountability and Lent

I made it! Day 7! :) Here is my final blog for this link up, but it's not the end of me!  This has been a great boost to me to get back to blogging regularly.  I really enjoy writing and sharing and hopefully inspiring one or two of you. 

So in just a few days, Catholics, and many other Christians, will begin a 40 day period of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.  (A little fun fact...do you know that Lent is actually 46 days long?? Do you know why??  Sundays don't count.  The Sabbath typically is not a day of fasting.) Anyways, Lent happens to be one of my favorite times of the Church calendar.  It always falls just as spring is beginning (that sentence is laughable this year) and just as spring is a time of renewal and regrowth, so too is Lent.  Lent is so much more than fish fries and giving up sweets.  Lent is a time to look at yourself and see just where you need to grow as a Christian and as a person.  There have been years that I have been really successful during this six week period, but there have been more years when I have failed at my Lenten promises.  So this year as I was praying about what I was going to do to grow closer to the Lord, I also was examining how can I be successful?

A few years ago I lost 50lbs at Weight Watchers.  I was very successful with weight loss for the first time in my life.  I realized that the reason I was successful was because Weight Watchers requires you to come weigh in each week.  I also was going with a group of friends.  So the scale and the friends meant one thing for me.  ACCOUNTABILITY. I felt accountable to those people to show up each week and my pride said show up and don't fail.  I realized for me that's what makes me successful, being accountable to someone.  And not just anyone, someone who is going to make me stay the path.  So I've asked my husband to help with that, but I've decided to throw it out there to all of you too. 

Some people feel their Lenten promises are private, which I totally understand.  But as you know, I'm kind of a put it all out there girl, so here it is.  I am laying it out there and I'm asking all of you to help me.  There is nothing better than going to mass on Easter and celebrating that you've made it! You've survived the past 6 weeks.  What joy that must bring our Lord!

So here we go:
       
* FASTING:

This year I will be fasting from Target.  Yes, the store.  I'm a little obsessed with it.  The thing is, I believe they have the best prices on a lot of things, but the temptation to buy things we don't need is great for me and I always get lured in by those illustrious clearance racks.  So I will be making one more trip to Target for any of our essentials to last us through the 6 weeks and then it's bye-bye for 6 weeks.  I also plan to only buy essentials for our house and not make any frivolous purchases for that 6 weeks too.  This is help my family save some much needed money that we can use for much more important things than that cute top or Easter bunny decoration.

* PRAYER:

Ever since becoming a mom I have really struggled with any regular form of prayer time.  So this Lent I've got to start simply and easily.  I have started receiving the Magnificat daily prayer devotional and my plan is simply to pray that each day and commit to my Women's Fellowship at church.  I also have struggled with having a joyful spirit about going to mass each week.  So I am going to focus on praying the mass joyfully and not seeing it as just an obligation. 

* ALMSGIVING:

Almsgiving doesn't always mean giving to the poor, though I hope to find a way to give something this Lent, I am instead focusing on how I can give to my family.  One way I shared in an earlier blog was that I am going to make sure the dishes, something I hate, are done every night before I go to bed.  And each morning I am going to start my day by putting them all away.  The second way I am giving is really to myself and my health.  I am committing to exercise 3 times a week.  Taking a walk (around the museum or our neighborhood if the weather ever breaks), using our Wii during Noah's naps, or attending a local zumba class with some of my friends.  My son and my husband need a happier and healthier wife so I need to sacrifice time doing other things to make myself better.  I hope this will also lead to better eating habits.  I hope I can lose 6 pounds (a pound a week) during Lent.  I will be updating all of you with my weight loss each week during my quick takes.

So there you have it! Keep me honest! Keep me on track!  Oh, and let me know if you want to exercise or get healthy with me!  Bathing suit season is just around the corner! Yikes!  Does having someone else out there make you more successful? Is accountability the key for you too?  Find a friend or get crazy like me and tell the world, but take these next 6 weeks to be successful in your Lenten promises! Ash Wednesday is just 3 days, there is no time like the present to ask the Lord what He is calling you to this Lent.  I will be praying for all of you.

Happy Sunday to you all!  I will be enjoying Mass later this evening with my family then enjoying a corned beef dinner too!