Books books books

I love books.  I love them too much.  When I start reading, I become compulsive.  I can't stop!  It really reeks havoc on my cleaning, parenting, wifing, etc.  I try to just read them when I am at the gym, or after my kiddos go to bed.  But...sometimes I just can't seem to stop; I have to know what happens next, and next, and next.

This compulsion is NOT something new.  I have always been pretty passionate about reading.  I can remember several times waiting in  a dr.'s room and reading the backs of medical bottles, ingredients on my gum/candy packs, etc.  I would read just about anything.  I guess it would be more appropriate to say that I have a passion for words.  (For those of you who know me, this should not come as surprise! ha!)

I find something so completely satisfying about reading words that someone else put together and seeing the pictures in my head that those words create.  Gobs of movies are based on books...and I always wonder if the screenwriters are really translating their experience with a book through their script, or if they are just commercializing it.  I would love to be a screenwriter.  Ha...I am sure there are a lot of those in the mid-west. : )  But, the truth is I would be a lousy screenwriter, my movies would be 12 hours long!!

All that being said:  Am I the only compulsive reader among mothers?  I sometimes feel like I am.  Is there anyone out there that enjoys reading more than just about any other hobby or time-waster?  If so...got any book recommendations? : )

loving words,
M

the way of the future

We have acquired an ipad.  I have an Android phone ordered and it should arrive any day.

I have NO idea what I am doing!  I am NOT a tech person, I need a lot of instruction.  BUT, today I did download a few "apps" on the ipad and let Lexi and Max play some pre-school games.  The were naturals.  They are genius babies, seriously.  Not only do they "get" how to use the iPad, they were killing the letter games I downloaded.  (One more argument for me keeping the iPad and getting a cheaper one for the hubs?)

Now, lets just see how I do with the Android phone...only time will tell.  Can you blog from your phone?  Maybe I will try that.

Loving this high tech world,
M

Just breathe

I am a nervous worrier - I have to tell myself all the time to relax, just breathe.  Just breathe.  Take a breathe.
This character flaw/trait would be why I am CONSTANTLY reading Philippians 4:6-8.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right and pure and lively and admirable.  Think about things that are worthy of praise." NLT

And twice in the past 4 months I have had to say the same to my baby boy...Just Breathe...but for a whole different reason.

Max has had Croup twice in 4 months.  So the Dr. thought we should purchase a nebulizer and some meds just in case this happens again.  I am glad he did, as this is a much less expensive route than a trip to the ER every time!  But how nerve racking to have to be the nurse!  OK, OK, for those of you who know me, I love "nursing."  I love helping people feel better, and I LOVE looking at gross and disgusting wounds and fixing them up...I have a problem. : )  But still, when it comes to breathing - a live or die human action - I get a little nervous.  Prayers for proper administration - or rather, prayers for NOT having to use it at all, but if need be, then proper administration, and successful results.

But, the little guy is feeling fine now!  So hopefully this will not be necessary any time soon.

The weather has been so gorgeous lately, it has been hard to be cooped up in the house.  But before this little bout with croup we had a fun time with some cousins:

So glad that my kiddos have a ton of cousins that they adore.  God has truly blessed us.


Appreciating my lungs,
M

Do you ever get the feeling...

Do you ever get the feeling that you could do SO much more than you are doing?  I do NOT mean more laundry, more dishes, more cooking, cleaning, etc.  I mean more intellectually or creatively.  In the last year, I have been struck several times with the idea that I should/could be doing more...following a dream.

I have a lot on my plate already (kids, husband, bookkeeping for our small business, maintaining a social life), but I just feel like I have been lazy about pursuing some dream.  This may sound silly, but I have ALWAYS wanted to sing.  Be a singer, be known for singing...be FAMOUS for singing!  Haha.  I realize at this point in my life, that is probably NOT going to happen.  I suppose I could record a video, throw it up on Youtube and watch the world view it only to mock a 31 year old wannabe.  This is just not going to happen...But I have had other dreams, ones that are probably more attainable.

I love to write.  It comes easy to me, it is enjoyable, and it is incredibly freeing.  You can say so much more when you are writing.  There is no emotion to choke your sentence short, or interruption from another party.  (unless you count my kids who have interrupted me writing this blog 4 times now.)  What is God's plan for me?  Is there something I could be doing with this desire?  Is there a purpose?  I am praying for God to show me a direction.  I am begging for Him to guide me, to support me, and to inspire me in the way He wants me to go.  For instance, what should I write about?  What forum should I write in?  How much of my time should be dedicated to this desire?

I ask the few readers of this blog to pray for this.  I know it is little and insignificant compared to the much more intense problems of those reading this and those we are already praying for.

On a side note:  Here are the 2 cuties that take up most of my time!

Lexi taking our new "hog" for a spin.

Best dressed bad dude in town.

Checking out some antique tractors and equipment.

My brave chick on the Ferris Wheel...the girl loves a thrill.

Riding the roller coaster at a local carnival.  Max kept sliding down...a little scary.

enjoying the thrill of the unknown,
M