The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a heart-warming fun story. Great for families, children, and adults to remember the nativity probably wasn't exactly like we imagine...Read this book!

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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second book in the series. Like the first one, the Hunger Games, I couldn't put this one down. The best advice I received about this book is have the next one ready because you will want to start reading it right away!

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Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How could you not love this book? Gregor learns about himself. Boots charms all the people and animals. Even the rodents, spiders, and cockroaches grabbed my heartstrings. A great book for those who enjoy a good story!

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Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this book is a novel, it does address many of the problems facing the church today. The style of the book put me at ease to think about some difficult subjects. MacDonald brings up church music, church names, welcoming visitors, and generational differences. I would recommend this book to people in my church who want to explore change in a thought-provoking way.

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Room by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Because a 5 year old was telling the story, this difficult topic seemed less disturbing. Jack's Mom turned their horrible situation into his own world. You will want them to escape this tragedy and move on to lead successful lives.

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Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A disturbing page-turner about life for a German woman during World War 2. The author tells the story of the mother during the war and her daughter today. We see their lives and learn what caused them to become who they are today. What would you do to save those you love? And who are those who save us?

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A Pearl In the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean by Tori Murden Mcclure
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great story that doesn't require knowledge of rowing or boats to enjoy. Well-written and engaging. You will want Tori to succeed.

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Obedience by Will Lavender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book got me thinking. I had not predicted the ending and spent time wondering how would this all come out in the end. I read the book in one day because I wanted to know if the class would solve the mystery.

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The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This beautifully illustrated book reminds us of all we have to be thankful for. The book is best summed up by this line, "The more we say thanks, the more we find to be thankful for. And the more we find to be thankful for, the happier we become." A great book for Thanksgiving or anytime you need a reminder to be thankful!

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Reading...

Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Enjoy the Lily Bard series.  Lily is a tough, but lovable character. As Lily has opened herself up to new relationships and become more involved in the community of Shakespeare, she is becoming a more well-rounded character that I want to get to know better.  The Shakespeare books will keep you guessing until the end.



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Honey and the Rock

In June, I had the privilege of officiating at my dear friend's wedding.  What a beautiful event.  The wedding was held on a grassy field overlooking a lake in beautiful upstate NY.  The wedding was held in the morning with brunch and cake following. Then we had time for a nap (or more camp-y activities) before dinner and dancing!  The Tarbox Ramblers were there to get us up dancing. A wonderful weekend celebrating a wonderful couple.

This Time

It is interesting because I rushed and rushed this week to meet a work deadline.  Now that the deadline has been met, I feel like I have nothing left to do.  This is, of course, not true.  It is just funny to have had a huge project to do and once it is done.  It is a burden that has been lifted.
So I'm trying to enjoy a little relief and moving on to the rest of my to do list!

Just to See You Smile

I heard this song by Tim McGraw on pandora a few mins ago.  I love it.  I do love doing things to make those most important to me smile.  and i love to see others smile too.  I'd be willing to do a little work to make most people smile....but to make my peeps smile as Tim says, "I'd do anything!"  But I'd prefer a happier end to the song.

You always had an eye for things that glittered
But I was far from being made of gold
I don't know how but I scraped up the money
I just never could quite tell you no

Just like when you were leaving Amarillo
Takin' that new job in Tennessee
And I quit mine so we could be together
I can't forget the way you looked at me

Just to see you smile
I'd do anything that you wanted me to
When all is said and done
I'd never count the cost
It's worth all that's lost
Just to see you smile

When you said time was all you really needed
I walked away and let you have your space
Cause leavin didn't hurt me near as badly
As the tears I saw rollin' down your face

And yesterday I knew just what you wanted
When you came walkin' up to me with him
So I told you that I was happy for you
And given the chance I'd lie again

Just to see you smile
I'd do anything that you wanted me to
When all is said and done
I'd never count the cost
It's worth all that's lost
Just to see you smile

Just to see you smile
I'd do anything that you wanted me to
When all is said and done
I'd never count the cost
It's worth all that's lost
Just to see you smile

Ain't No Sunshine

Sunday morning as I was going to church I started singing Ain't No Sunshine when you're gone to my husband.  Out of nowhere.  The song wasn't on the radio.  As far I as I can remember, I haven't heard that song in a long time.  And yet, there I was on Sunday morning singing it.
I love when this happens.  I find our brains to be amazing things that work in very mysterious ways.  There are many times I wish mine worked better at remembering what I needed to know when I needed to know it.  But for the most part, I stand in awe of the human brain.
I'm having a stand in awe kind of week.  I love it.  And I'll continue to be thankful for brain that sometimes works in ways too mysterious for me to understand!

Two Less Lonely People in the World

Last weekend I had the honor and privilege to officiate at the wedding of one of my dearest friends.  4 years ago, she officiated at my wedding, so it was time to return the favor.  Saturday dawned bright and sunny.  A perfect day for a morning wedding.  At 10am everyone was seated facing a beautiful lake when my friend and her (now) husband came riding up in a golf cart.  They walked together down the aisle and were married.  It was lovely and beautiful.  It is always a delight to be included in such a fabulous moment.
It must also be said that their wedding cake was delicious.  I know because I ate 3 pieces that day.  Don't worry, there was plenty for everyone. 

Smoke Rings in the Dark

As I came to work today, I was in a good mood.  I'm leaving tomorrow for vacation and thought I could get my work done for the next week and leave at a reasonable time today.  Then, I got to work.  It seems like the office could use a workshop on effective communication since we seem to be lacking in this area.  We need to listen to each other and then there will be less confusion about simple things!  Listen people.  Otherwise, we are just blowing smoke rings in the dark...and I'm just frustrated!

What I Want...

I finished reading Rhoda Janzen's Mennonite in a Little Black Dress yesterday.  I found it to be an interesting read.  At the back of the book there was a conversation with the author.  She was asked, "You write briefly in your memoir about having chosen to not bear children.  Was this a difficult decision?"

After talking a bit about her husband and their genetic reason for not having children, she says this "You know what troubles me?  The notion that we should reproduce because we can.  Seems to me we should be able to articulate some proactive, deliberated reasons for bringing a child into the world.  When women cite their biological clock, I wonder if they've thought that out.  Shouldn't human beings assess their biological urges as well as admit them?  What if we're having babies to feel less lonely, more needed?  If so, we're using someone to make us feel better about ourselves.  That's a little creepy."

This explanation struck me.  I wonder why people have children.  I wonder if they think about having children or do it because everyone else is.  I know many wonderful parents who love their children and who have always wanted children.  I wish it was okay to say I don't want to have children.  I love children.  I love being an aunt and working with children too.  I want people to stop asking couples when they are going to have children.  This question is my number 1 button pusher.  Having children is such a personal decision and we ask people like we ask them what kind of coffee they want.  Why is that okay?  And why are children needed to make a family?  And I could do on and on... 

Over My Head

I haven't felt like myself lately.  It has been going on for too long and something has to be done about it.  Last night, my husband helped me work through part of the problem, but I'm still feeling over my head.  What is the cause?  The lack of real vacation for too long, supporting my husband while he works his butt off in school, the cold weather, wondering what to do with the rest of my life, some combination of all of the above and more?

I honestly don't know that I can pin it all down or even if I want to.  I just want to feel more like myself.  I want to be back on my game.  I want to feel like I'm not over my head.  That's what I want.  So what am I doing about it?  Working on getting work under control!  Working on getting up when the alarm goes off (which means going to bed at a decent hour).  Working on doing the things on my list (and not making lists that are unreasonable).  Working on myself.  Just gotta keep on working on it and eventually it will work itself out!

Never Grow Old

It isn't that I'm afraid of getting old...more like I wonder what it will be like.  Will I be like my grandparents?  There's a thought.  Will I be a cranky old lady?  Will I be the kind old aunt who bakes cookies and makes homemade Christmas presents? What will I be?

Right now, I'll just be me.  The age I am now.  I'll love my life as it is.  I'll love my friends and family.  I'll spend as much time as possible with people who make me smile and I'll do my best to make them smile too.  I think this might be the secret to never growing old!