December Reading Wrap-Up

      Here we are at the end of December!  Unbelievable.  This has been the best reading year by far of my adult life thanks to my favorite Anne, my awesome book club, and my husband working an entire year of night shift!  I end this year with 67 books read which is a chunk more than my 50 book goal for 2016.  I'm ambitiously aiming for 100 books next year.  We'll see!!!

       This month felt like I didn't get in a ton of reading with everything else added in, however a few of my books this month were giants so I feel pretty good!

       My first book this month was Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan.

         Because I was so thrilled with "Age of Myth" and it's sequel doesn't come out for several more months, I thought I would pick up his first series and see what I thought.  This was originally two books but was later made into one.  It clocks in at 700 pages but because it's really two books it didn't feel to overwhelming.  I started out a little iffy.  It's definitely a little "rougher" than Age of Myth in it's violence and innuendo but still something I was comfortable reading.  By the end, I was won over.  I'm discovering all of the sudden that this fantasy/adventure genre in a good fit for me and I'm greatly enjoying it!  

       The second book I finished was A Room With a View by E.M. Forster

         After a pretty steady diet of high adventure this was a sudden turn of events!  This is one of those books that is just plain silly.  And when I say that I usually mean it in a good way.  The right kind of silly can just hit your reading "sweet spot" and make you snicker.  We watch as poor Lucy works to discover who she is and what she really wants in life.  Even while trying to do everything right life can come around and dump you on your head.  This is one of those books where the joy comes from the eccentric characters and their hilarious conversations, not from any great depth of plot.

          The third book I finished I had started last spring. It was The Coming Apocalypse: A Study of Replacement Theology vs. God's Faithfulness in the End Times by Renald Showers.

        I must admit I usually avoid books with such titles, but my husband encouraged me to read it and I'm so glad I did.  It's focus was on Israel, God's faithfulness and fulfillment of His promises and His coming plans.  It also gave a vibrant picture of the extent of anti-semitism throughout history.  It was fascinating and horrifying.  Even after growing up as a Christian it is easy to remain a little vague about some areas of my faith and one of those for me has definitely been God's plan for the nation of Israel.  If you are at all interested in such topics, I would highly recommend reading through this.

          The next book I read was Secrets of Nanreath Hall by Alix Rickloff.

       This book was a Christmas present from someone fabulous and came in a beautiful box with several intriguing packages like this. 

And a note that said....

         When you are me, no package in the world can produce more excitement.  It's like a book treasure hunt!  Unfortunately, even though the excitement of the gift was a 10, the book didn't quite deliver.  It started out with good promise.  A young woman during WWII trying to find out about her deceased mother, flashing back to her mother as a young woman in WWI, I was instantly sucked in and had hopes that it would be on par with Kate Morton (one of my favorites).  The characters quickly started to fall a little flat and the plot ended up fairly predictable (Not even getting in striking distance of Morton's brilliant plot twists).  The nail in the coffin for me though was the randomly explicit scenes.  I'm used to some scandal, but this crossed the line.  

         Next I read The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan.

          When I asked my fantasy loving friend for his best recommendation, I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised at the 832 page brick I was led to.  He said it was better than Tolkien (which of course I scoffed at and instantly doubted his sanity.).  This is only the first book out of fourteen and that fact alone makes me nearly burst into tears.  My friend assures me it's worth it though.  

         I greatly enjoyed it.  It wasn't close to a "day and a halfer" but given the immensity of it I thought nine days wasn't bad.  I must admit I felt a little lost at first.  It really was a whole new world and I'm pretty sure I've just dipped my toe in the water of it's complexity.  The first couple of chapters weren't pulling me in.  I liked the young man and his calm shepherding village, but once the fearsome trollocs burst through their door and his peace loving father produced a mysterious sword, I was hooked!  I'm looking forward with trepidation at starting book number 2.

        The last book this month was Miracle and Other Christmas Stories by Connie Willis.

         It's no secret I love Connie Willis, so my Anne gave me this book to read for a chuckle over the Christmas season.  I'm not usually a short stories fan, but these hit that "silly sweet spot" that I enjoy.  Not at all serious or even inspirational, they are a combination of sci-fi and silly.  You might hate them.  They might make you laugh.

       Well, that wraps up my whole reading for the year.  How strange!  Next year along with my 100 book challenge I'm endeavoring to re-read all of the "Anne of Green Gable" series and as much Elisabeth Elliot as I can.  Happy reading in 2017!!!

 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

From our family to yours.

Peace On Earth

        As I've heard at least a hundred times today, Christmas is the day after tomorrow.  I've got five little girls bouncing off the walls and one little boy belting "Fa la la la la" at the top of his lungs all day long.  There's been a different song lodged in my mind though.

        "Wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, goodwill to men".

           As my children bustled around me today, my thoughts just kept swirling.  Oh to have that child like joy again.  That untainted delight.  The heaviness in my heart however, resonated with this verse;

"And in despair I bowed my head; There is no peace on earth I said.  For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men."

            It's been one of those weeks where you are just reminded.  You never really forget what kind of a world we live in, but sometimes it's made even more poignant.  Even with the beauty and the cheer, the taint of sin runs so deep.  This world is so broken.  Sometimes the hope feels out of reach under such consuming darkness.  But it's not.  The hope is there.

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:  God is not dead nor doth He sleep;  The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth goodwill to men."

          Jesus is coming.  He came.  He ransomed us.  And He is coming again.  Our only hope of peace is in Him.  And in that hope is all joy.  

"Do not let your heart be troubled;  believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many dwelling places;  if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you,  I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

The Flurry Days!

       I suppose when I said I wasn't going to let Christmas overwhelm me this year, I probably shouldn't have added in three crochet projects and two sewing projects with only twelve days to go.  But who am I kidding.  This is me.  I think there is a piece of me somewhere deep down that needs a little bit of "frantic" to make me tick.  Unfortunately, my blogging time has suffered.  Fortunately, it snowed!!!  So in the midst of me trying to get together everything I want to, here are some pictures of cute people playing in the snow!

Happy "10 Days Until Christmas"!!!

Costco Adventures

     For some odd reason I thought it would be fun to do a little video showing some bits of our monthly Costco trip.  I love videos because I feel like you get a little better glimpse of the real deal, not just one perfect snapshot.  Hope you enjoy!

November Reading Wrap-Up

       I'm so excited for my first actual wrap-up!!!  It won't be too official, just thoughts.  And it will only include books I actually completed!

       The first book I read was "Thursday Next- First Among Sequels"

        It is the fifth in the Thursday Next series by Japser Fforde.  This series was one of the first recommendations from my good friend Anne.  These books are beyond anything I could have ever imagined.  Time travel, book travel, and so much more.  Easily the most creative (borderline crazy?) author I've ever read.  There is some swearing and definitely not written from a Christian perspective so keep that it mind. 

     The next book was  "Out of the Silent Planet" by C.S. Lewis.

    This was a re-read from around eight years ago.  People seem to have very polarizing responses to this one.  I love it.  It's not Narnia in any way, shape or form, but I can still find love in my heart for something different.  It's very "spacey", so don't expect anything different.  I just love how Lewis thinks.  Even when I disagree with him, it's fascinating to watch his imagination.

      The next book I read was "Crosstalk" by Connie Willis.

  This was a "day and a halfer",  which is a term I use when I get snagged in a book, read late into the night and am usually finished before my head hits the pillow the next night.  Funny thing is,  I really can't predict when it's going to hit.  Sometimes I just adore a book, but I still plod along at a responsible pace.  Sometimes I'm just overtaken.  This was one of those for me.

   I love Connie Willis. (Another fabulous Anne introduction!).  I can hardly even explain why other than I always care deeply about her characters and I desperately want to know how things will turn out for them.  "Crosstalk" is about a girl who decides the best way to progress in her relationship with her boyfriend is to get the newest technology which allows you to actually feel what your partner is feeling.  As you can imagine, things don't exactly go as planned.  As someone who panics at the sight of a new text, I was amazed how intrigued I was by this over connected plot line.  Then again, it was Connie Willis.  There was some swearing in the book.

       Next was "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White.

  This was a re-re-re-read originally from the third grade.  This time around I was reading it aloud to my little girls, Ella and Esther.  This one is simply a delight.  You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll never look at a spider web the same! 

     Next was "Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times" by Jennifer Worth

    I had watched the show previous to reading this and was surprised how closely it followed the book.  It is written by a former midwife in the slums of London in the fifties.  Birth is one of my favorite subjects ever, so needless to say, I loved it.  It was beautiful, horrific, devastating and inspiring.  Definitely not for the faint of heart.  *The chapter titled "Cable Street" is incredibly graphic in it's description of a prostitute's life and I would strongly advise skipping it entirely.*  

      Next up was "The Searchers" by Alan LeMay

          This was the first western I had ever read and I'm afraid this one didn't hit the mark for me.  I picked this up because I remember watching the old John Wayne movie on tv at my grandparent's house when I was a kid and thinking it was a tremendous story.  Mostly it was just violent and sad.  I can take some violence.  And I can take quite a bit of sadness.  This just wasn't a good fit for me.  (For my friends who love their westerns, I promise to try again, and this time I'll come to you for some recommendations before stabbing in the dark!)

       Next was "Age of Myth" by Michael J. Sullivan

      This was a "day and a halfer" AND a blind grab from the library "new books" section.  I won't do a very good job with a description so here is the excerpt from the book flap!

"Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between men and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now, only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer. Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom. And Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people.

The Age of Myth is over; the time of rebellion has begun."

      This was a big swing for me and I knew it was likely going to be a strike out, but unexpectedly this connected with me in a big way.  And like almost all "day and a halfers" I can't really even say why.  I liked the story.  It gripped me.  It was interesting without being too weird.  It was intense and sorrowful without being depressing.  It was something new that I really enjoyed.  

      Last but not least was "Growing Beautiful Food" by Matthew Benson which I already reviewed previously here.

      In a nutshell, its beautiful.  It makes you want to eat salad for every meal and believe that chickens are probably what's missing from your life.

    So that was my month's reading.  I can't imagine you would feel the same way about all of these books that I did but that's one of the beauties of books.  They reach us all in different ways.  I'd love to hear what you've been reading!!!

     

Hello, I'm Grace. I Love to Read

       I've always loved to read.  I wanted to live in a boxcar.  I longed to build my own log cabin.  And I'm pretty sure actual heart felt tears were shed because elves weren't real.

       As a young mom reading was sort of set aside.  I got through quite a few marriage and parenting books and of course The Lord of the Rings beckoned me every few years, but not much else.  As the kiddos got a little older and their attention span lasted longer than "Go Dogs, Go",  I pulled out "Little House in the Big Woods" to read aloud and my world  has never been the same.

      C.S. Lewis said, " A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.", and that has rung so true in our family.  The hours we've spent piled up in a heap, eagerly anticipating what is going to happen next are some of the happiest of my memories.  Reading aloud with my children reminded me of the beauty of stories.  

       And then, another remarkable event happened.  One by one, my girls began to learn to read.  There is nothing like working to inspire a love of reading in your children to awaken that smoldering passion in yourself.  It was around that time we discovered the library.  As lame as that sounds it's pretty much true.  How did we do without the library for so many years I will never know.  Thankfully that's behind us so I don't have to think about it.

       The biggest boost to my reading world recently has been my incredible friend, Anne.  Pretty sure she deserves an entire post of her own so I won't go on too much right now except to say if you want good recommendations or just totally fun book thoughts, check out her blog here or follow here on facebook at ElizabethAnne Reads.

       I'm a bit of an eclectic reader in that I enjoy a bit of everything.  Lord of the Rings are and will forever be my favorites.  It's not even approachable.  I must read Tozer every so often.  My soul just needs it.  I love a good biography, autobiography or memoir, but mostly only if I can approach it, not if it's forced upon me.  I love mysteries, fantasy, classics.  I've dipped my toe into sci-fi with mostly positive reactions.  I still adore children's books and books written by Christian authors that challenge my thoughts and my heart.  I have a very soft spot for what my friend called "eerie" books.  I'm really a very beginning reader.  Until the last year I was about a 95% "re-reader" so I'm really just still splashing around and finding out all that I enjoy!

        I know that everyone has a different standard as to what books they will read (or movies they will watch, or music they will listen to).  I think it can be very hard to convey why effectively.  I won't go into too much depth other than to say, I certainly do not only read Christian books (though I respect those who do).  I do not read purely for enjoyment.  Everything I read challenges how I think, and to me there is great importance in rubbing shoulders with thoughts and ideas that I may have never considered or even completely disagree with.

       Whew.  Pretty sure that's about as condensed as I can get when it comes to this subject!

         

       

Christmas Time Is Here........

        It's here!  In our family, nothing is as anticipated as this blessed season where we remember the arrival of our long awaited Savior and long for His coming again.  

"Growing Beautiful Food"

            I'm shamelessly in love with books.  More on that in future posts.  One of the highlights of our week is our stop at the library.  Right at the entrance to the library we frequent is a display of all the beautiful brand new books.  Nearly without fail I'm sucked into grabbing at least one.  This is the first book that stole my attention this week.  "Growing Beautiful Food" By Matthew Benson

It just captivated me.  I had to pick it up and take a look inside.

             Yep.  I had to have it.  As someone who loves photography and is the biggest "wish I was a farmer and was good at growing things and loved chickens and actually enjoyed green salads" person I know,  reading this book written by a photographer turned farmer was as enjoyable as the snuggly blanket and cup of tea I enjoyed while reading it.

            I actually read the entire thing, which for this genre is saying a lot.  I'm generally captivated by the pictures but lose steam while reading the tedious details.  While I didn't agree with all of the author's point of view, his genuine love for what he did came through in every sentence and photograph.

         

             It's very possible my husband may be getting a request for chickens, bees and an orchard very soon.  Hopefully he doesn't read this blog first and can reply with his usual gracious understanding of my "swept away" tendencies and doesn't just laugh in my face.  I'll relish the dream as long as it lasts!

Dear Bethany

  Dear Bethany,
            Today you turn ten.  I remember getting up early in the morning ten years ago and having my water break.  I remember pacing the hospital floors reading "The Two Towers".  I remember your adorable round head.  I remember wondering if your daddy wanted a boy, but then seeing the joy in his eyes and knowing that all he wanted was you.
 
            I never knew you would be one of my very best friends.  I never knew you would make me laugh more than anyone else in my life.  I never knew you would have freckles in the summer or that curls would sprout out of your beautiful bald head.  I never knew you would adore reading and remind me so much of myself at your age.  I never knew that whatever I'm doing, I would want you to come along because you just make everything more fun.

           Thank you for being such a good daughter.  Thank you for loving everyone around you fearlessly.  You are the best.  I wouldn't change a thing about you.  I hope that today and every day you catch just a glimpse of how deeply you are loved.  I'm so honored to be your mom.  I'm so excited to watch you continue to grow into the awesome girl God has purposed you to be!

            I love you forever!
                          Mom

When the World's "All As It Should Be"

       For some reason it was the other kind of "One of those mornings".  The kind where everything seems right in the world and all of life's blessings just seem overwhelmingly real.  It was a rare Sunday morning where I had actually gotten up early, taken my shower and had food ready to make breakfast.  Sure there was the usual morning chaos of finding clothes and shoes for six children, and sure the crumbs from the toast still battled me as I tried my hardest to keep them out of the butter.  But I was happy.  Just plain happy.

       It struck me as I was buttering toast like it was the best job in the universe how many mornings I'm standing in that exact spot, doing the exact same task and yet it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.  I was humbled to think about how the littlest of things can rock my boat.  The smallest upheaval to my plans throws me reeling as if I might not recover.  I know in those moments where my heart is.  It's in my temporal pleasures, my selfish desires and my untrusting heart.  

       This morning Pastor shared such a powerful sermon and I was incredibly blessed because it tied so closely to what I had been thinking on.  If I'm to live in a place where nothing can shake me, no matter what life throws my way, then I must be tied completely to the truths he shared.  

       I can give thanks in all circumstances because of~

                     Who He is

                     The grace He has and continues to pour out on us

                     And the hope that is sure

       My prayer is that every morning I fight the buttered toast battle, even if not all is right in the world, I will remember this.  I hope you do too.  Nothing is greater.

Morning Hair, Don't Care (The 8:30 Version)

     In the spirit of transparency,  I thought I would give a brief glimpse into our morning!!!  Here's a straight from the camera view of the humans walking around our house this morning!

I found this girl by the bookshelf.  Who would have guessed?

55 degrees in our house this morning, hence the winter coats.  Time for Mom to brush up on her "Keep the fire burning" skills!

This lady spends approximately 89% of her waking hours right here at her drawing table.

 Our tea lady hard at work.

Yep.  Air dried hair and no make-up.  Good morning all!

A Darin scowl.

          Some mornings by 8:30 we are all dressed with our hair done and our make-up on.  Some (most?) mornings we look just like this.  Every morning God is good with fresh mercies for the day.  Off to start school in 3,2,1......

Hello...... Again!

        Hello my friends!!!  Grace here.  Yep.  It's a new blog.  I blogged for several years back at graceisblessedbygod.blogspot.com, but it's been a little while!  For some reason starting with a fresh blog felt like the right thing at the right time.

       It has been eight and a half years since I first started my blog.  I was a young mommy with three baby girls.  In the years that have passed a lot has changed.  Now I have five little (and almost not so little) girls and one funny little boy.  David and I have been married for twelve and half years and are (for real!)  more  in love than ever.  David went through a major career change.  I went through chronic fatigue.  Blah, blah, blah.  Life has rolled along.  As it has for all of you.

       I hesitate to say I feel like a completely different person from the twenty-two year old eager blogger from before, but in many ways I do.  (For one thing, "i" can't seem to remember that this old desk computer doesn't magically auto-correct my errors like my constantly used iPad!)  I love the old me.  But I didn't feel like I could just carry on from where I left off.

      To be honest, the only reason I'm back clacking at this keyboard is because lately I've been feeling the pressing need to be more real with those in my life.  Even typing it out makes me laugh because it's such an oxymoron in my mind to think that expressing myself on social media is more "real".  However, there are many of you that I don't have the opportunity to rub shoulders with and I guess this is me wanting somehow to connect better with you!

         Lately the Lord has been impressing on me a deep desire to be filled with grace and truth as I strive to be more like Jesus.  So that's my goal.  I hope to just be able to express and think and connect in way that is real and honest and (I pray) filled with love and grace.  I can't wait to catch up with you all!

P.S.  Why "Crowded Lap"?  It's hard to find a blog name that hasn't already been taken!  And most of my blogging/facebook/pinterest time is enjoyed with someone (or someones) on my lap.  It seemed fitting in the moment.