Slacker/Salting Roses

Well, this holiday season is kicking my butt. I am so busy, and I have forgotten to post quite a few times in the last few weeks. I am going to finish out my Salting Roses posts today, and then I am taking a break from Sunday posts until the new year. I will still post during the week, but weekends will be non-existent in blog land.Don't cry too much. Anyways, here are my final thoughts on the book: 

Overall, I would say I liked it.

It definitely wasn't my favorite book, but I did like the ending, which always helps when saying I like a book as a whole.

Gracie and Sam finally got together . . . even engaged, which was a nice surprise.

My cons are still the same as they were throughout the novel . . .

The character development stunk.

Artie died.

The romance was just too drawn out.

Other than that, it was an easy read and a cute story.

Sometimes, that is all you can ask for in a book, ya know?

New book club read coming in January . . . stay tuned.

Salting Roses, Chapers 22-25

Only one more week for our book, Salting Roses. 

 Here was my take on chapters 22-25. 

Cons –

1.  I go back and forth with Katherine. She seems tough, which is a positive, but I don’t like the way she bullied Alice into getting what she wanted. I also hated the way she communicated her opinion on children. That was completely heartless and so far from the way I feel. Children are a blessing, and there is nothing in my life I am more proud of.

 

2.  I wish Ben would have gone to the tea with Katherine. That would have been classic, and probably one of my most favorite conversations in the book.

 

3.  I come from a family of lawyers, so it always irks me a little bit when people down them. The description of the lawyer in chapter 25 was pretty standard in my opinion, but it is not always correct. Authors should not act like it is.

4.  Artie dies. The worst part is that Gracie never got to take him to the game she sold her special glove for. That is terrible, right there.

5.  Arresting Ben for kidnapping? Say what, Lillian? That lady has a mean streak in her, and she will take it out on anyone or anything to get what she wants. She is not my favorite character. Not even close.

 

Pros –

1.  I really enjoyed Ben and Alice’s heart-to-heart in chapter 22. We don’t really see much interaction between the two throughout the novel, but this was a good picture of their relationship. They do have an intimacy that time has brought, and they both seem to enjoy it in small doses.

2.  I do enjoy the plot that Alice and Katherine have decided to carry out. “Operation Get Gracie and Sam Together” is officially underway. If only they knew Sam closed the deal that very night.

3.  I really like the fact that the plot has really deepened in these chapters. Lillian’s character has brought quite a few things to light that are enjoyable for the reader to decipher.

 

4.  Sam and Gracie did it. Yes, it. While I am in no way an advocate of sex before marriage, I did enjoy their final expression of their feelings for each other. The scene was a bit intense for my taste, but at least they enjoyed themselves. And the reader knew it.

5.  Gracie’s story to the lawyer about the birds in Shady Grove was classic. Classic Gracie. I think she hit the nail on the head. I hate when people think they are better than other people because of what they do or what they have. That does not make a person. We all need to learn that.

Well, what did you think? 

We are ending the book this week, and I can definitely say I am enjoying the last half a lot more than I enjoyed the first.

 



Salting Roses - Chapters 19 to 21

Time for the next installment of our online book club.  This week we read chapters 19-21 of Salting Roses. 

I didn't like these chapters as much as the last few, but I still understand the point of them.  They were kind of a climb to what I suspect is the climax of the story.

Cons:

1.  Artie is still dying.  Slowly.  I hate watching.

2.  Alice has a serious attitude problem.  I understand her hating Gracie's mom, but the way she just took to Clare to spite Gracie is absolutely ridiculous.

3.  I guess "yankees" don't know how to call first.  Basically, everyone who is anyone in this book just showed up in Gracie's town unannounced.  Not very classy if you ask me.

4.  Absolutely no intimate moments between Sam and Gracie.  Darn it.  I began to look forward to those.  

Pros:

1.  Love that we are getting all these peeks into the Hammond women.  So fun to watch all their different personalities collide.

2.  Alice lied.  She is marrying a reverend, but her mama bear instincts came first.  Love that.

3.  All the chatter about Sam's backside.  It is hilarious that even Artie makes comments about it.  That Chantel lady is quite the gossip.

4.  Sweet picture of Conrad holding Gracie as a baby.  I love the emotions that everyone feels when they see it.  I have pictures like that of my own babies.  I am so glad they will have them even after I am gone.

Almost finished.  Chapters 22-25 next week.  I am adding an extra chapter, so we will finish the entire thing the following week.  Can't wait:)



Salting Roses - Chapters 16-18

Getting to the end of our novel, Salting Roses. 

Here is our pro/com list for the week:

Cons:

1.  I wish we could have watched the poker game where Gracie won Sam's shirt.  They make references to it, but we never got the play by play.  I want the play by play. 

2.  So are Gracie and Sam ever going to have a DTR (defining the relationship for you old folks)?  I mean they have kissed twice, but both times no conversation followed.  I need more insight on that.

3.  Gracie likes Clare?  Say what?  I am a little lost on that front.  Some rich, snobby girl comes into your life while you are trying to stay away from all your money and you welcome her with open arms?  Doesn't make much sense to me.

4.  Poor Artie . . . I hate that he is dying.

5.  Now Ben has a mistress too.  Alice isn't the olny scandalous one.  That is a little much for me.  I don't need to know about all these rendezvous.

Pros:

1.  How cute was it that Sam bought the last pair of jeans in Gracie's size?  He held it over her head for a while, which made it even better in my opinion.

2.  I am a sucker for romance.  I love Sam's admiration for Gracie.  The way he thinks about her while he watches is very cute.

3.  Love that Gracie gave up the glove for the game with Artie.  She is not into "things" even after she gets her money.  I admire that about her character.

4.  Interested in the story with Clare . . . don't get it, but want to know more.

5.  I feel like there is a little more depth to the storyline at this point.  Artie, Gracie's sister, Alice and Ben with their romances, the kissing . . . it is all what I was looking for in the beginning.  Better late than never, I suppose.



Salting Roses - Chapters 13-15

Sorry this is getting up so late . . . we had a very busy weekend.  We are on chapters 13-15 of Salting Roses this week.



I have been a little bit of "debbie-downer" on this book, so I wanted to start off by saying these chapters are heading in the right direction. I actually really enjoyed myself while reading and wasn't thinking about all the other books I could be reading at the time . . . which has been the case most other weeks. The list, the list, the list.

Pros:

1.  I will repeat myself by saying . . . I actually enjoyed the chapters.  That is the biggest "pro" of all.

2.  In chapter 13 they actually give a little background to the title of the book.  Love when things tie together like that.  The author should have taken her own cue and done that for the rest of the novel.

3.  It wasn't exactly as if I "liked" this, but I did think it was quite humorous.  The mention of a "you-make-me-hot-kiss."  No, she didn't just call it a passionate kiss or a romantic kiss or any sort of normal adjective you would use for a kiss . . . it was a "YOU-MAKE-ME-HOT-KISS."  Laugh with me, will you?

4.  I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion Sam and Grace had about Conrad after she saw the baseball room he had kept for her.  I was totally stuck in my empathy for both Grace and Conrad.  She is angry he never came out of his shell to spend time with her once he knew she was alive.  That is difficult to swallow.  But at the same time, I can so understand his watching from afar.  He was so wounded when she was taken the first time.  He probably thought it wouldn't hurt as bad if he kept some distance.  Don't we all do that in some way?  The fear or rejection just keeps us at arm's length sometimes. 

5.  Another funny . . . and I quote, "Which part of her body had had the honor."  Man, sexual inuendos all over the place in this Southern charm of a novel.  Sam just can't get his mind out of the gutter.  And all he is refering to is her perfume.

(I know I usually only have five "pros" but like I said, these chapters were better than usual.  I need to give them proper respect.)

6.  I really enjoyed the snipet of Lillian and Conrad's marriage via Katherine at the end of chapter 14.  I hope to indulge in that storyline a little more.

7.  Finally, A KISS.  Need I say more?

Cons:
1.  Um . . . the sexual innuendos went a bit far for my taste in these chapters.  Let me remind you . . .
"Her nipples strained against her bra" (pg. 157).
The moist curve of his shoulder made her have a "warm rush of heat seep over her skin" (pg. 155).
This is just inappropriate language in my humbe opinion.

2.  They used the cliche of "home base" when talking about sex.  Come on . . . how old are we?

3.  Alice marrying the reverend is just plain weird and out of nowhere.  The comment about him having "needs" was taking it too far.

4.  The fact that Gracie walked in on Sam in the shower was just out of character for this novel.  What happened to the Southern code of conduct.  It was like the entire tone changed.   

So . . . all in all I am glad the pace is picking up and things are actually happening.  I will not dread reading chapters 16 through 18, which is a step in the right direction.

Let me know your thoughts. 



A Good Read

Want a good read this week? What Women Fear is a really good one. 

 I know I do a weekly book club post on the blog, but I will probably be using mostly fiction for that.  This book is not fiction.  It is written by a woman named Angie Smith, and wouldn't you know it . . . it is about the things women fear. I heard her speak at a "Women of Faith" conference a few weeks ago.She was excellent and super down to earth, which was my favorite thing about her. I won't go into her story on here, but you can catch up on her blog, Bring the Rain. She is a mommy and a writer and a speaker and a blogger, but she still seems totally relatable to me. I have only gotten through 2 chapters so far, but the subjects were "the fear of 'what-if'" and "the fear of betrayal."  Um, yes please.  And thank you very much. I also would encourage you to watch the book club discussion on this website.  Angie and some of her friends chat about the chapter.  She picks people who can really relate to the specific fear being talked about, so it brings a whole new dimension to the book. I will probably be writing about it more in the future as I digest all the rich material and see myself on the pages.  It is scary yet eye-opening at the same time. Just read the book and tell me what you think.  The End.

Salting Roses - Chapters 10-12

Here we are at halfway through this scintillating novel, Salting Roses. 

Let me be completely honest . . . This book is DRAGGING.  I love to read.  It is one of my most favorite things to do, but I am not loving this book.

Here is my pros and cons list for the week:

Cons:

1.  These chapters drug on more than usual for me.

2.  The whole "Gracie punches the reporter and lands herself in jail.  Then Sam bails her out" thing is just ridiculous and totally predictable.  I couldn't even laugh at it because I couldn't get over how totally cliche the entire scene was.

3.  No real conversations or discussions about Katherine.  She is becoming one of my favorites in this under-developed character list.

4.  I hated the part in chapter 10 when Gracie overhears Alice and her friends talking about her.  The author should have totally had Alice stick up for her.  It doesn't even make sense from what we know about Alice.  I thought it was totally out of character for her to sit back and take it. 

5.  Lack of development in the relationship between Gracie and Sam.  I mean how long can two adults go on like this?  Really?

Pros:

1.  It is difficult to come up with even one.

2.  We are getting closer to the end:)

3.  At least both Sam and Gracie "thought" about kissing each other.  That is a step in the right direction, I guess.

4.  I did enjoy the discussion Gracie had with her uncle that she refrences from when she was little about the "smell" of money.  It is all just stinky paper.  It doesn't make a person better than someone else.  Those are some good words right there.

5.  The fact that Gracie can cook breakfast.  That is definitely a redeeming quality.

So, anyone out there have any thoughts of their own?  I would love to hear them.

By the way, the next book for the old "Virtual Book Club" is When Crickets Cry.  I have heard really good things about it.  And let's face it, almost anything will seem good after this embarrassment.  Make sure you get it before we start:)

Salting Roses - Week 4 (Chapters 7, 8 & 9)

So . . . we are almost half way through our book, Salting Roses. 

I have decided to give up on this book getting "deep."  It is just a predictable, light read to take your mind somewhere simple.  I enjoy just using it as a distraction.  It really doesn't get me thinking or anything, but it is fun all the same.

Cons from these three chapters:

1.  Still struggling with the character and story development.  It just confuses me or makes me wonder what I missed on a regular basis.

2.  I enjoy the back and forth between Gracie and Sam, but I also with they would just get on with it and kiss or something.  I am frustrated with their lack of honesty about the way they feel.  I guess this is more realistic than I thought:)

3.  I totally want to know what is up with Artie?  What is going on with his health?  The love story mystery is understandable, the sickness mystery has gone on too long.  I need to know.  Now.

4.  I feel like the description of Gracie in the beginning of the book was as if she was not so attractive.  The way Sam Fontana describes her is a different story.  Is this a lesson of "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder?" or what?

5. 

Pros:

1.  Love, love, love the twist that Conrad put in his letter to Gracie.  She can give all her money to Sam in six months if she doesn't want it.  What a sly way for a dad to match-make for his daughter.  Brilliant, Conrad, brilliant.

2.  Kate Hammond still intrigues me.  I liked seeing a more human side of her when Sam gives her the news about Conrad's letter.  She is disheveled and sad about losing her son.  This is a little character development that is contrary to the norm of this novel.

3.  Hardly any Alice in these chapters - enough said.

4.  I know it is because I am a mom, but I love the connections between Kate and Conrad and then Conrad and Gracie.  I really want to know how she got kidnapped and what the story was there.  It is sweet that Conrad did so much for her behind the scenes, but felt like she was so happy where she was that he didn't want to disrupt her life.  It reminds me of people who know their babies will have a better life if they give them up for adoption.  It is so hard to give up your baby, but real love has to make tough decisions and always picks what is best for the other person.  Sweet lesson. 

5.  I really enjoyed Artie's conversation with Sam at the ball game.  He totally knows about Sam what Sam doesn't even know about himself.  It is really cute the way he watches out for Gracie.  I enjoy watching their relationship in action.

What were your thoughts this week?  Next week we will chat about chapters 10, 11 & 12.  Happy reading!

Salting Roses - Week 3 (Chapters 4, 5, & 6)

 We are now on week three of the "virtual book club."  Hope those of you who are reading are enjoying our weekly discussions.  I know I am (even though Laurie and I are the only ones actually writing).  

My overall assessment of these three chapters is . . . light and cute, but draggin a bit.

Cons:

1.  As stated above, I felt like these chapters were dragging a bit.  I hope it picks up pace.

2.  The description of characters seems lacking to me.  I have to fill in a lot of blanks while reading.  I like to have a few "fill in the blanks," but it is excessive in this book.

3.  Kate Hammond is so typical it is almost sickening.  The fact that she doesn't like her butler is too classic rich lady.  Been there, done that.  Or rather . . . seen there, read that.

4.  Sam Fontana has so much more to his story, and I wish they would just come out with it.  What was his relationship to Conrad?  Why is he so interested in this?  What is the deal with him and Kate? 

5.  I have to be honest and admit that I am torn between feeling annoyed and comforted by the fact that this rich family is about to be side-swiped by this poor, sweet Grace and all her simplicities.  It is exactly what they need, but so typical to a novel or a movie.  Here's to hoping there is a twist.

Pros:

1.  I really like Sam Fontana.  He seems like my kind of guy.  Doesn't put up with much and laughs at other's drama.  His interaction with Kate Hammond is classic. 

2.  The storyline of Conrad's two wives interests me.  I wouldn't say it was quite "there" yet, but it has definitely peaked my interest.

3.  I really enjoy the relationship that Gracie has with her aunt and two uncles.  I want to know how she is going to continue in those relationships once she acquires so much money (that is if she takes it).

4.  I am interested in this house that Conrad bought in Shady Grove.  What is the story there?  Will Grace and her man, Sam, end up living there and making babies of their own?  One can hope.

5.  Grace's similarities to Kate.  I like that they are including details about the two women who have never met each other.  I look forward to their meeting and recognizing all that Sam has already recognized.  There is something really cool about family.  No matter what, it can't be taken away.

What are your thoughts this week?  I would love to hear your opinions.

Next week we will talk about chapters 7, 8 & 9.  Is three chapters too many?  Anyone?  Anyone? 



Salting Roses - Week 2 (Chapters 2 & 3)

Welcome to another installment of our "online book club." We are reading the novel, Salting Roses.

Here is our discussion on chapter 1 if you need to catch up.

I am going to do a pro/con list this week.

I want to start by saying that overall I do think it is a cute story line, but that being said . . .

Cons:
I have to agree with Laurie from last week that the Southern charm seems a little "off." It is definitely like a person who is not from the South is trying too hard.
I have yet to fall in love with any of the characters. Usually by this point in a book I have taken a serious interest in what happens to at least one of the characters - not true this time. They are all pretty much in the same place.
I can definitely deal with unrealistic plot lines, but someone not wanting 650 million dollars. I mean come on, Gracie, get real.
I am still a little uncomfortable with the fact that her two uncles live together, but one is still married to the lady who lives next door.

Pros:
I am definitely interested (although I am pretty sure I already know what is going to happen) in the relationship between Gracie and Mr. Fontana.
While completely unrealistic, I do admire Gracie's love for the simple life.
I can see the storyline really picking up speed if they take it a certain way. Not sure they will, but there is definitely potential.
It is an easy read . . . not too much thought needs to be expended while reading it. There is definitely something to be said about mindless reading.
Favorite quote so far is at the end of the third chapter when Gracie begins to tell Harriet about Mr. Fontana. She says, "No. He has a cocky sort of grin that makes me feel . . . " And Harriet answers, "Like a woman?" Isn't that so true . . . You can't help but like a little cocky in your man.

What did you guys think?
And do we want to add another chapter this week? I am going to post about chapters 4, 5 & 6 next Sunday. That is around 30 pages. Let me know in the comments if that is too many. I don't want to drag it on too long, but also want everyone to feel like they have a chance to keep up.
Happy Reading!

Salting Roses - Week 1

So . . .

I started salting Roses this week. I only read the first chapter because that is what I said I would do. I think I may up it to two chapters a week, though, because the chapters are shorter than I first thought.

My thoughts:
1. It seems pretty cheesy so far. It was very typical and not terribly grabbing thus far. That may be premature after only one chapter, but usually great books have my attention from the first page . . . just keeping it real.
2. I do like the country charm I am sensing so far.
3. I also like the dysfunction of the family Gracie is a part of. They seem like they have a lot of character and dysfunction which always makes for entertainment in a book.

What did you think? Anyone?

I will be reading chapters 2 & 3 this week, so stick with me. Hopefully it will get better and better:)

Books That Inspire

Today's "inspiration workshop" was all about books.


It couldn't get much better than this for me. I am an avid reader. My husband cals me a book worm (in the most loving way possible, of course). I. Love. To. Read. anything and everything.

I want to share some of my favorite books, but I also want to tell you why they are favorites. We all have our reasons for picking favorites, and here are mine.

1. My most favorite book of all time: Redeeming Love by Francince Rivers.

You could say my husband and I fell in love over this book. We both read it, and it really was the factor that brought us into a deep conversation. It was this conversation that made me wonder if I could love this boy who read a Christian romance novel (although it is so much more than that). I have read this book multiple times, and given away copies to almost everyone I know or at least care about. It is a must read . . . even if you aren't a "reader." Read it and give me your opinion then:)

2. My most favorite book that I taught as an Enlgish teacher: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I taught this book to ninth grade students, and it was a blast. Our final project for the book was a reenactment of the trial scene in the book. I actually took my class to a real courtroom to watch a trial in action. My dad is a lawyer, so I have always had a soft spot in my heart for books with anything law related. The kids loved it, and I still hear them talking about it whenever their ninth grade experience comes up. It makes my heart soar to know that I made that impact on them. It is any teacher's dream come true.

3. My most favorite children's book: I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa Mccourt and Cyd Moore

This is the cutest book about unconditional love for your children. If you have children and don't have this book, do yourself and the little one a favor and get it. It is a good investment. I loved, loved, loved reading it to George when he was a baby, and it is still one of the ones he picks out most frequently before bedtime. Ethan seems to be liking it as well. It has really cute pictures and a funny storyline that both kids and adults love.

Well, that is my list. I would love to hear yours. Also, don't forget about the book club starting in two weeks. I will be "announcing" the book we will be reading this Sunday, so stay tuned.

One Thousand Gifts - Chapter 10

As we wind down on this book, I want to reiterate the fact that I have really bought into this idea of giving thanks for every blessing. That is the way to have true joy. I believe this is the one thing Ann would want us to take away from her book.

If you missed my reflections on all the previous chapters, go on over to the side bar and click on "books" or "faith." I have done a reflection on each chapter that I would love for you to read.

I am thinking about doing some sort of book study on Sundays from here on out. If anyone wants to join me I would love it! They won't always be Christian books. I love fiction too, so we can read anything and everything. I believe I have two more chapters in this book, and then I will pick a new one that you can read along side me. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Ok. Now on to Chapter 10. I really liked this chapter. It was all about passing on the blessing to others. She talked a lot about the way Jesus (even in his toughest times) always blessed others. The night before he was crucified He washed His disciples' feet. He was going through so much, but He chose to bless them instead of thinking of Himself. I want that outlook.

On page 193, she has two quotes that really stuck out to me. "That thanks-giving might literally become thanks-living." I love that concept. I want my life to reflect thanks at all times. She goes on to say, "My heart can enter into communion anywhere and anywhere my hands can enact the Eucharist." I can be giving thanks in any situation, and my hands can be acting on that thanks in any situation. What a concept? A concept I totally want to adopt in my own life.

Again, this idea of pouring out blessings on others is not a new one. Jesus was our model. We need to be like Him. I want to bless others. I know it always makes me more thankful.

The list goes on . . .
81. Labor Day - no work for daddy
82. First day of school for the big boy
83. Swimming play date
84. A baby who doesn't cry when dunked underwater
85. Grandparents who love to keep kids overnight:)
86. Reading a good book
87. The library
88. A husband who helps around the house
89. A husband who looks good in a suit
90. Waking up to a back rub

One Thousand Gifts - Chapter 9

Almost to the end of this book . . . I am a little sad but ready at the same time. It is some deep stuff.

A lot of this chapter was about recognizing how much God wants us to have a childlike faith. On page 167 she says, "That all wonder and worship can only grow out of smallness." She is talking about the ways her small children see the world. Everything seems to be full of wonder. We should always feel that way about God. He is magnificent and wonderous. We need to feel small to understand how large he is. We would want to worship even more if we were continuously reminded of our size compared to his.

On page 175 Ann says, "God holds us in the untamed moments too." Can I get an amen? Not to sound like a southern preacher, but man, that hit home. What a confort to know that God is still holding me, even when I am going crazy. I tend to get crazy a lot, so I need this reminder to give thanks for His constant strength and security.

The List . . .
71. Spontaneous trip to see a best friend
72. Baby's shoes
73. Quiet time in the afternoon
74. A big car
75. Bright blue toe-nails
76. My hair straightener
77. Making it through my first week of graduate school
78. The promise of all I will learn
79. Friends who are pregnant
80. Kisses from my big boy

One Thousand Gifts - Chapter 8

This weekend was a complete whirlwind with Ethan's first birthday. There will be birthday posts to come this week, but I wanted to put up my next installment of my book thoughts before today is over.

I just finished chapter 8, and it was a really good one. Ann's family is really feeling the affects of the financial drought in our country, and she is learning how to give thanks through the rough stuff.

She starts the chapter off with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I LOVE. "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." True that, Ralphy. We have to concentrate on the continuous blessings that God shows us on a daily basis. That is what allows us to continue to trust when things are hard, really hard.

On page 143 she says, "Worry is the facade of taking action when prayer really is." Let's take action when it comes to worry. Let's hit our knees to combat all things that breed anxiety. Let's leave it at God's feet because that is the only "action" that works.

Lastly, on page 151 Ann says, "Count blessings and discover Who can be counted on." This makes me think of the old hymn that I used to sing in middle school. It was called "Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One." It goes on to say we should count our blessings to see what God has done. That is our marker. Count them up and realize they all come from the only One who can truly be counted on. He won't ever let us down.

My list continues . . .
61. Homeade birthday decorations
62. Birthday party success - fun had by all
63. The birthday party is over:)
64. Sweet time with extended family
65. Winning a cool door prize at graduate school orientation
66. A (new to us) playset in our back yard
67. A family who doesn't mind leftovers
68. The after-party at the pool
69. The baby boy's new Tom's - cutest shoes EVER!
70. Enough towels to last an entire weekend with 12 house guests

One Thousand Gifts, Chapter 7

On to Chapter 7 . . .

I will be honest and say that the past two chapters have not been my favorite throughout the book. I still liked them, but they seemed to drag a bit. I did pull some good words this week that I wanted to share with you.

The chapter revolves around an incident with her son. He throws a piece of toast at his brother, and Ann is angry. That is a normal response for a parent when their children fight. The entire chapter is her thought process on how to handle the situation, and how to help her son work through his anger and resentment.

On page 128 she says, "I have to learn how to see, to look through to the Largenes, behind all the smallness."

I love the simpleness yet depth of that statement. The Largeness is God, and He is behind everything. I have heard people say that God doesn't care about the minutia, but I beg to differ. God is in it all. We need to recognize that in every single aspect of our days.

To go along with that statement, I liked what she said on page 135. "We don't have to change what we see. Only the way we see it." True that, Ann, true that. I want to change the "way" I see things. What an impact that would have on my day to day.

Lastly, on page 136 she says, "Feel thanks and it is absolutely impossible to feel angry. We can only experience one emotion at a time. And we get to choose - which emotion do we want to feel?"

I want to feel joy. I want to feel thankful. I want to feel God . . . all the time and in everything.

The list goes on . . .
56. Mamas' night out
57. Party planning
58. Sleeping in (after a 7 am nursing session)
59. Catching up with old friends
60. Good food on our table
61. Time at home
62. Sushi
63. Family hugs
64. Fun in the bath
65. The walking baby's first shoes
66. The almost one year old's big boy car seat (front-facing)
67. Four year old conversations in the car
68. A fixed air conditioning unit (thanks, Tony:)
69. The Dollar Store full of Elmo wrapping paper
70. Anticipation of guests

One Thousand Gifts, Chapter 6

So . . . this chapter wasn't my favorite. It was a lot harder to get through than the previous chapters. I did take a few important things away from it, though, and that is what is important.

I loved a quote on page 110 that said, "Every moment I live, I live bowed to something. And if I don't see God, I'll bow down before something else." Are you kidding me? How true is that? Every single moment we live, we are bowing to something. I want to be bowed to God and nothing else. I achieve this goal maybe 5% of the time. That is giving myself a lot of credit. If I kept that thought in my mind at all times, I would be so much more aware of my idols and the things I focus on that aren't of God.

Another excellent thought from Ann was on the same page. "How I want to see the weight of glory break my thick scales, the weight of glory smash the chains of desperate materialism, split the numbing shell of deadening entertainment, bust up the ice of catatonic hearts." I love the imagery of these statements. I want that too, Ann.

My Continuing List:
41. Long, long walks with my boys
42. A neighborhood where everyone waves
43. Cook outs around a pool
44. Quiet nap times
45. Free cookies at Publix
46. My kitchen
47. Husband Time
48. Special Birthday Shirts
49. A Whole year with Ethan
50. The tv show, Brothers & Sisters
51. Toys and more toys
52. Library
53. Largo Central Park train ride
54. Abundance of boy clothes
55. A niece who had a problem-free surgery with an excellent outcome

One Thousand Gift, Chapter 5

We are back from Disney . . . you can expect a post later in the week.

On Friday before we left I finished reading chapter 5 in One Thousand Gifts. It was another really good chapter. It was all about thanking God through the hard stuff, and just being thankful that He is in control, good or bad. I only have one quote, and it is actually a verse from the Bible. Isaiah 14:24 "Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand." After the verse, Ann says, "As God plans . . . so it stands" on page 88. Again, I just love the profound depth of her short statements. God plans it, so we don't have to stress about "what ifs." We just need to be thankful that whatever it is (good or bad) will bring Him glory. That is always our goal as Chistians. It is a hard concept to practice, but it does become a discipline if we practice enough.

Continuing the list . . .
31. Husband's eggs over medium two mornings in a row
32. A confident, swimming four year old
33. Spur of the moment shopping with sister-in-law
34. The Dollar Tree (where everything is truly 1 dollar)
35. Elmo pool party for two babies turning 1!
36. Closets full of clothes
37. Fresh ciabatta bread
38. No cooking all weekend:)
39. Tim and George getting to spend quality time together
40. The double stroller

One Thousand Gifts - Chapter 4

This chapter was very pertinent to my life right now. It was all about slowing down to enjoy each moment of this one life that we are given. There are no "do-overs." We have to thank God for what He has given to us each and every moment - even when things couldn't get more hectic.

One of my favorite short quotes this week was, "Haste makes waste." It was on page 66. She talks about how life isn't an emergency, yet we always treat it that way, especially those of us with kids. I know I am guilty of always looking towards the next thing. What are we doing next? What is next on my list? When do I need to do the next load of laundry? When can I start preparing breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks? The list goes on and on.

She continues with this concept on page 77. "Don't I always have the choice to be fully attentive? Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus." I just need to concentrate more on thankfulness for the moment I am in right now. Watching George eat, having a conversation with him about his favorite Disney ride or character, laughing about our morning, helping him get the pasta on his fork. Watching Ethan play, feeding him each bite, helping him take his few steps, singing songs with him, loving his cute four teeth. These are the moments I will miss.

Now, on with my list . . .

16. George swimming with confidence
17. George and George relaxing on floats in the pool
18. Adult conversation with my mom
19. Screaming contests in which the baby participates on command
20. NKOTBSB concert
21. Steak 'n Shake at midnight (just like the college days)
22. Nouna's stain-fighting powers
23. Anticipation of mini-vacation
24. Generous parents and friends
25. Only two more days till we get hubby and daddy back
26. First full church service in 11 months
27. Nursing a sleepy baby
28. After-bath smells
29. Daddy's special spaghetti sauce
30. Six weeks under the same roof as my brother (didn't think it would ever happen again after we "grew-up")

One Thousand Gifts - Chapter 3

This chapter began the application process of what has been read thus far. I really enjoyed getting into the "nitty-gritty" of the book. Ann talks about the start of her "list" of one thousand gifts, and I was so challenged to begin my own. I can't wait for this heart of gratitude to take over my life as I accept this gift of joy that He freely gives. At the end of these chapter posts I am going to start adding some of the "gifts" from my list. I challenge you to begin your own list. Put them on some sort of portable journal, so you can have it with you at all times.

On page 48 Ann says, "Thanks is what multiplies the joy and makes any life large, and I hunger for it." This is pretty self-explanitory but so profound at the same time. We all want more joy in our life. Without the over-abundance of thanks we can't get it - plain and simple. So why is it so hard sometimes?

On page 54 she goes on to say, "In naming that which is right before me, that which I'd otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible . . . God is in the details; God is in the moment. God is in all that blurs by in a life - even hurts in life." Again, such a good word. God is SO in the details. I have had conversations with people (Christians, in particular) that don't believe God is in the details. They would say He is only concerned with the "big stuff," but that is absolutely not true. He cares about it all - big or small. He is right there as I change Ethan's 5th nasty diaper of the day. He is there as I wash my dishes. He is there as I discipline George. He is in it all. It is up to us to recognize it.

Lastly, my favorite quote from this chapter is on page 57. "Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy." Don't you want that gift? You just have to "open" it. You just have to receive it. You just have to recognize it. That is what the list is all about.

My gifts list:
1. Dance parties before bed
2. Family (as in whole family) dinners
3. 4 year old fingers running through my hair
4. Air conditioning
5. Brothers sleeping in the same room
6. Baby smiles at 7am
7. Being awakened by soft kisses at 9am
8. Reading in quiet - even for a short while
9. Baby's morning nap
10. Baby's first steps
11. Going to Nouna's for dinner
12. Whitney's help around the house
13. George jumping up and down as he plays Wii
14. Food in the freezer for meals to come
15. Naps with the 4 year old