7 Quick Takes: The Sunday Morning Edition

Good Sunday morning from the Bauer household! :) Noah is falling asleep in his swing, I am working on my second cup of coffee, and Tom is getting caught up on his daily news fill.  It's a pleasant morning here in the Bauer household...just how we like it! Friday was crazy busy and yesterday I wasn't feeling so great, so here it goes with my Quick Takes a few days late....

***1***

Two weeks ago we finally took the plunge and got rid of cable.  It was frustrating us paying so much money for something we rarely used.  Well, I have to say we don't miss it one bit! We do still have Netflix and we are trying Hulu+ out, but I have to say it hasn't effected me one bit and we are thankful for the savings we are going to have each month.  If you are considering getting rid of your cable I can't encourage you enough to take the plunge, too! We are now paying $16 a month vs almost $100.  We did have to buy an antennae, but it's well worth the savings.

***2***

Tom and I are going to a marriage seminar based on Dr. Emerson Eggerich's book "Love & Respect."  It has breathed new life into our marriage and made us realize a lot about our marriage and each other.  I can't recommend the book enough to everyone out there if you are engaged, newly married, or have been married for 100 years.  It really is spot on for the differences between men and women and will bless your marriage, I promise. 

***3***

It's been 18 days since I have been to Target (minus a quick trip to pick up Noah's prescription and a few essential items so I didn't have to make a second trip to another store.)  I am having withdrawal symptoms.  Pathetic.

***4***

How's Lent going you ask?  I would say it is going pretty great!  I am doing pretty great keeping up on the dishes most days.  My prayer life is growing once again and it feels great to take a few minutes to pray and enjoy some quiet with the Lord, and as I mentioned I haven't been to Target or done very much frivolous shopping! (Ok, there was a Carter's mishap, but I am back on track! I swear...)  I am still struggling with my weight and healthy eating unfortunately.  So that's what I am really focusing on this 3rd week of Lent.  No eating out for us! Healthy eating and hopefully a few days of exercise too! The never ending battle....How are your Lenten promises going? It's not to late to readjust and reevaluate!

***5***

Tom and I have made the decision after a horrible summer last year due to bed rest and a very stressful pregnancy that we are not going to be doing a lot of sitting home this summer!  So what are your favorite places to visit in the area?  What are your favorite summer time gems?  We have a pass to Greenfield Village and are planning on purchasing a pass to the Zoo, but what else do you love to do outside in the summer?  What are your favorite parks, cities, and attractions that are newborn friendly?  It's time to break that fancy stroller in, finally!

***6***

Do you watch Parenthood??  Well if you don't you should! It's seriously the best show on TV these days.  Well, the Blacklist is a very close second.  But I love the realistic  story line of Parenthood and how the Braverman's look out for each other.  It's real TV and I fall in love with the family each and every week.  You should too!

***7***

Guess who is 6 months old today??

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!