2019 Reading List

1. Just Kiss Me by Mandy Lawson
2. Made with Love by Tricia Goyer
3. Even Better Than Eden by Nancy Guthrie
4. The Little Sparrows by Al Lacy
5. All My Tomorrows by Al Lacy
6. Whispers in the Wind by Al Lacy
7. Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story by Steven Curtis Chapman
8. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
9. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
10. The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
11. And the Good News Is by Dana Perino
12. Falling Over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick
13. Capital Gaines by Chip Gaines
14. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
15. Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
16. Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell
17. Unfollowing You by Komal Kappor
18.  Rocket Boys by Homer Hickman
19. Rescued by Mandy Lawson
20. Gay Girl Good God by Jackie Perry Hill
21. Book Six by Mandy Lawson
22. Designing Effective Instruction by  Gary R. Morrison
23. When We Were Young by Karen Kingsbury
24. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
25. Shaken by Kariss Lynch
26. Shadowed by Kariss Lynch
27. Surrendered by Kariss Lynch
28. Two Weeks by Karen Kingsbury
29. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate
30. Sister Dear by Laura McNeill
31. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
32. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
33. Remember You by Tricia Goyer
34. Reading with Patrick by Michelle Kuo
35. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
36. Come Spring by Tim LaHaye
37. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
38. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
39. Educated by Tara Westover
40. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
41. Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuke Houston
42. Baby on the Run by Hope White
43. Jennifer by Dee Henderson
44. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
45. The Girls of August by Anne Rivers Siddons
46. Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge
47. Family Trust by Katy Wang
48. The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King
49. A Heart's Betrayal by Colleen Coble
50. The Sand Castle by Rita Mae Brown

Friday Favorites

It's Friday!!

And it's not just any Friday.

Today was my last day of school.

I'm officially on summer break.

WooHoo!

I'm linking up with Erika, Narci, and  Andrea to share a few favorites today.

One of my favorite ways to relax after work is to spend some time coloring in my bullet journal.  I know I'm a little late to this band wagon, but let me tell you I am fully on board!  I am enjoying it way more than I ever thought I would.

I've also been on a reading kick lately.  I plan to spend a ton of time reading this summer, hopefully by the pool.  I recently bought a ton of books at a sale put on by the county library, but if you have any recommendations I'm definitely open to suggestions.  Here are a few of my favorite reads from the year so far.

The weather lately has been my favorite.  I feel like winter lasted forever.  I'm so happy to be warm and to have the sun shining again.  At least once a week after dinner we go out to our land and walk the place.  It has easily become our favorite past time.

The Bible Memory app is one of my new favorite tools for memorizing scripture.  I try to  work through my memory verses each night, but that doesn't always happen.  This app has been very helpful in memorizing though.  I use the free version and that works just fine for me.

So now tell me what are some of your current favorites?  

2018 Reading

1. Love Story by Karen Kingsbury

2. Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna Bush Hager & Barbara Bush

3. Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

4. Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

5. Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

6. Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

7. Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon
8. The Choice by Robert Whitlow
9. The Living Room by Robert Whitlow
10. The Energy Bus by JonGordon
11. The List by Robert Whitlow
12. The Sacrifice by Robert Whitlow
13. Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah
14. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
15. Mathivate by Kim Thomas
16. Woman of God by James Patterson
17. The Flying Tigers: The Untold Story of the American Pilots Who Waged a Secret War Against Japan Before Pearl Harbor b Sam Kleiner
18. The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck
19. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
20. A Legacy of Love by Amy Clipston
21. The Cedar Chest by Beth Wiseman
22. The Treasured Book by Kathleen Fuller
23. The Midwife's Dream by Kelly Irvin
24. What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things that Matter Most by Todd Whitaker
25. A Promise for Ellie by Lauraine Snelling
26. Sophie's Dilemma by Lauraine Snelling
27. A Touch of Grace by Lauraine Snelling
28. Rebecca's Reward by Lauraine Snelling
29. True Colors by Kristin Hannah
30.  Deep Thoughts From a Hollywood Blonde by Jennie Garth
31. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
32. From New York to L.A. by Mandy Lawson
33. Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark
34.To the Moon and Back by Karen Kingsbury
35. Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock
36. Just a Little Frosting by Mandy Lawson
37. Bygone Christmas Brides by Ginny Aiken
38. Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston
39. An Unexpected Joy by Ruth Reid
40. A Christmas Visitor by Kelly Irvin
41. Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander

What I Read in 2017

1.  A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielson
2. An Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling
3. A New Day Rising by Lauraine Snelling
4. A Land to Call Home by Lauraine Snelling
5. The Reaper's Song by Lauraine Snelling
6. Tender Mercies by Lauraine Snelling
7. Blessing in Disguise by Lauraine Snelling
8. The Midwife's Tale by Delia Parr
9. First Families: The Impact of the White House on Their Lives by Bonnie Angelo
10. The Witness by Robert Whitlow
11. Nora and Kettle by Nicolle Taylor
12. Higher Hope by Robert Whitlow
13. Greater Love by Robert Whitlow
14. All is Calm/All is Bright by Collen Coble
15. Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock
16. Distortion by Terri Blackstock
17. Twisted Innocence by Terri Blackstock
18. Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
19. Settle for More by Megyn Kelly
20. The Things We Do for Love by Kristin Hannah
21. Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
22. Here's The Story by Maureen McCormick
23. Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
24. Wifey by Judy Blume
25. Amish Widow's New Hope by Samantha Price
26. Home to Walnut Ridge by Diane Moody
27. A Lancaster Amish Storm by Ruth Price
28. Written on the Wind by Judith Pella
29. Somewhere a Song by Judith Pella
30. Toward the Sunrise by Judith Pella
31. Homeward My Heart by Judith Pella
32. A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh
33. A Sweethaven Homecoming by Courtney Walsh
34. A Sweethaven Christmas by Courtney Walsh
35. Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark
36. They HyperDoc Handbook by Lisa Highfill
37. Vanished by Irene Hannon
38. Trapped by Irene Hannon
39. Deceived by Irene Hannon
40. Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks
41. Church of the Small Things by Melanie Shankle
42. Against All Odds by Irene Hannon
43. An Eye for an Eye by Irene Hannon
44. In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
45. In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury

A Few Random Thoughts

I am determined to be more present here on the blog this year, yet it is already the 7th day of the new year and I haven't blogged a thing.

I've started several post in my head, but I can't seem to find the time or energy to get them from my head to to here.

Going back to school after Christmas break has kicked my tail.  I finally came home Wednesday afternoon, laid on the couch for a couple of hours watching TV, and then went to bed at 7:30.

It was much needed.

I struggled to get out of bed every single morning this past week until Friday.

Friday I was wide awake at 5:15.

Friday we had a snow day and I didn't even have to go to work.

As much as I didn't want a snow day (I'd rather have my days in the summer) it was a much needed snow day.

Andrew worked from home.

We spent the day working, reading, and working on a puzzle.

If you want to know more about my exciting puzzle adventures, follow me on SnapChat.  It's riveting stuff I tell ya.

I just finished reading this book...

It was sooo good.  It is a book for young adults, but I recommend it to anyone.  Historical Fiction...about the Berlin Wall.

I could not put it down.

I always set myself a goal to read 52 books a year.  This year I decided to up that goal to 70 books in 2017.  It feels like a lofty goal, but I think I can do it.

We are getting ready to jump back into the world of fertility treatments.  I have had lots of emotions about that, so many that they need their on blog post.  I'll share soon I promise.

My 2016 Reading List

1. Life Support by Robert Whitlow
2. Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow
3.  It's Not What You Think by Jefferson Bethke
4. Child of Mine by David and Beverly Lewis
5. The Connected Child by Karyn B. Purvis
6. Alibis in Arkansas by Christine Lynxwiler, Jan Reynolds, and Sandy Gaskin
7. Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr
8. Life is Short by Jen Arnold & Bill Klein
9. The Trial by Robert Whitlow
10. Blessed Blessed Blessed by Missy Robertson
11. The Storekeeper's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
12. The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
13. The Bishop's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
14. Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury
15. The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky
16.  The English Son by Wanda Brunstetter
17. The Stubborn Father by Wanda Brunstetter
18. The Betrayed Fiancee by Wanda Brunstetter
19. Think Big by Jen Arnold & Bill Klein
20. Young and Beardless by John Luke Robertson
21. The Missing Will by Wanda Brunstetter
22. Giddy Up, Eunice by Sophie Hudson
23. False Pretenses by Kathy Herman
24. Dangerous Mercy by Kathy Herman
25. Relentless Pursuit by Kathy Herman
26. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
27. Wagered Hearts by Robin Lee Hatcher
28. The Divided Family by Wanda Brunstetter
29. Gathering Shadows by Nancy Mehl
30. Deadly Echoes by Nancy Mehl
31. Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl
32. Mathematical Mindsets by Joan Boaler
33. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by JK Rowling & John Tiffany
34. The Selfless Act by Wanda Brunstetter
35. One Perfect Springs by Irene Hannon
36. Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz
37. Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai
38. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
39.  The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
40. The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau
41. The Diamond of Darkhold by Jeanne DuPrau
42. The Pinballs by Betsy Byars
43. The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
44. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
45. Fly Away by Kristin Hannah
46. Killing Reagan by Bill O'Reilly
47. Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick
48. The Magnolia Story by Chip Gaines
49. Night Road by Kristin Hannah
50. On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin
51. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
52. The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio
53. Pluto: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio
54. Shingaling: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio
55. A Baxter Family Christmas by Karen Kingsbury
56. Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde
57.Talking as Fast as I Can y Lauren Graham
58. America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray
59. A Plain and Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston

Reading Goals

A few years ago I set a goal for myself to read 52 books within the year.  I was teaching 7th grade English at the time and was reading lots of young adult novels which made it fairly easy to meet and surpass my goal.  

For one reason or another it seemed like I read less and less books each year after that which makes me sad.  I have always loved to read, but lately it seems I tend to pick up my phone rather than a good book.  

This year I decided to see if I could meet that goal again.  

52 books in a year.

A book a week.

Thanks to snow days and sick days I am off to a great start.

I have finished 6 books so far.

I am keeping track of my books with Good Reads.  I have tried to use this website once before but didn't really see much purpose in it.  I'm still not sure I see all the benefits of it, but I'm trying it again.  I don't write reviews for the books that I read so I'm mainly using it to keep track of my books.  

I'm currently trying to read through all the books that are sitting upstairs on a bookshelf.  I have books that I've had for several years and have never read.  It is time to remedy that.

One of those books is Alibis in Arkansas.

I bought this book probably five years ago.  I found it on a clearance rack for $5 and bought it for no other reason that the setting is Arkansas.  I read it over the weekend and really enjoyed it.  Well worth the $5 I spent all those years ago.

Christian novels are my comfort zone.  

This year I want to read more nonfiction...biographies, parenting books, teaching books.

I hope to read at least one nonfiction book each month.  

In January I read It's Not What you Think by Jefferson Bethke

and The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis

Neither one of these were 5 star books in my opinion so I'm hoping February will bring a great nonfiction read.

Any suggestions?

My 2015 Reading List

1. Blessed Chaos: A Journey through Instant Motherhood by Ashley Wells*
2. The Confession by Robert Whitlow*
3. The Awakening by Angela Hunt
4. The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing  by Melissa Bank
5. Forever Mom: What to Expect When You're Adopting by Mary Ostyn*
6. Lilly's Wedding Quilt by Kelly Long*
7. From Foster Care to Forever Care by Penelope*
8. The Kissing Bridge by Tricia Goyer*
9. Home is Where My People Are by Sophie Hudson*
10. Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel*
11. The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer*
12. Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang*
13. Jimmy by Robert Whitlow*
14. Girls with Swords: How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero by Lisa Bevere*
15. Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel*
16. Nobody's Cuter Than You by Melanie Shankle*
17. Deeper Water by Rober Whitlow*
18. The Women of Duck Commander by Kay, Korie, Lisa, Missy, and Jessica Robertson*
19. God of the Underdogs by Matt Keller*
20. Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury*
21. Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury*
22.  A Slender Thread by Tracie Peterson*
23. The Good, The Bad, and The Grace of God by Jep & Jessica Robertson*
24. A House Divided by Robert Whitlow*
25.Sandcastle Kings by Rich Wilkerson*
26. When Christmas Comes Again by Beth Wiseman*
27. Her Christmas Pen Pal by Ruth Reid*
28. A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller*
29. The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer*



What was the best book you read in 2015?  What should add to my list for 2016?

Books and Birthdays

I didn't really make any resolutions this year, but I do have a few goals.  One of them is to read more.  My list of books read in 2014 was just sad and pathetic.  I miss reading and I want to start putting down my phone and picking up a book instead.  And not just in the year 2015.  

I just finished The Confession by Robert Whitlow.  I really enjoyed it.  If you like Christian suspense novels, you should read it.  

I have a couple of new books on the way that I ordered from ebay.  I am excited to read them and share them with my two best friends from high school.  It's been a long time since the three of us shared books.  

It has been so cold here this week.  I don't care anything about cold weather if it isn't going to bring snow and allow me to stay home in my PJs all day.  The LBs and I have been enjoying our little fire lately.  You can pretty much bet this is where we will be if we are home.

Sunday is my daddy's birthday so we celebrated last night with pizza and salad and lots of fun.

After we ate and opened presents, we played Hollywood Game Night.  We laughed so hard!  At one point I thought I might pee my pants from laughing.

I love my family!

Then we decided to recreate some old photos.

More laughter!

Seth & Melissa find out on Monday if they are having a girl or boy.  I can't wait!  I would love a niece or a nephew, but I might be hoping for a niece.  :)

My 2014 Reading List

I love the new tradition of tracking each book I read.  There are several times when I read what a book is about and I honestly can't remember if I've read the book or not.  Keeping an ongoing list has proven to be very helpful.

I put an * by the book that I really enjoyed and would recommend to you.

1. Before I Wake by Dee Henderson
2. Charade by Gilbert Morris
3. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle*
4. The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle*
5. Balancing it All by Candace Cameron Bure*
6. Loving Libby by Robin Lee Hatcher*
7. Growing up Duggar by Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar*
8. Love Me Back to Life by Missy Horsfall & Susan Stevens*
9. A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller*
10. A Place of His Own by Kathleen Fuller*
11. What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller*
12. False Witness by Randy Singer (Good but not great)
13.  Conform by Glenn Beck
14. A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller*
15. Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman*
16. Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury*
17. A Promise to Remember by Kathryn Cushman*
18. Adopting Through Foster Care by William Gregory*
19. Firewall by Diann Mills*


As you can see I didn't do a lot of reading this year.  To be honest I'm a little ashamed of this list.  I used to read all the time.  I got two new books for Christmas that I am excited to read.  (I actually just read one of them over the past two days.  It was really good.)   I hope that I will do a lot more reading in 2015.

What is on your Must Read list?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

{one}

Football season is upon us and fall is right around the corner.  I am so ready for fall.  Crisp colorful leaves.  Scarfs. Boots.  I love it at all.

{two}

Getting to send postcards bragging on my students to their parents.

{three}

I love the ceiling in this bedroom.  Andrew and I have been discussing plans to do this or something very similar in our bedroom.  We have coffered ceilings in our living room, dining room, and front room already.  I just love that he has fallen in love with my vision for our bedroom and is excited about this project.

{four}

I had a chance to sit down and actually read this past weekend.  It seems like forever since I've really enjoyed a novel.  I especially love a good Amish story.  My sister-in-law, Joy Beth, got me hooked on them.  

{five}

A new season of 19 Kids and Counting started yesterday.  I just adore this family and their show.  

What are you loving right now?

Books of 2013

I enjoyed keeping a list of the books I read in 2012 so I decided to do it again this year.  It helps me keep track. :)

Sadly, I didn't read near as much in 2013 as I did in 2014.  I blame Harry Potter.  Once I finished the last book, I couldn't bring myself to move on.  I needed more.  I needed a new series about Harry & Ginny's kids.  It wasn't over for me.

Yes I have problems.

Either way here are the few books I read in 2012.

The * marks the books I really enjoyed and would recommend.

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (started in 2012 - finished in 2013)*
2. Through My Eyes: A Quarterback's Journey by Tim Tebow*
3. 13 Reasons Why  by Jay Asher
4. Grace, Glory, and Gold by Gabrielle Douglas*
5. The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen*
6. The Lions of Little Rock by Kristen Levine*
7. I survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren Tarshis
8. How Lamar's Bad Prank Won Him a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen
9. Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter*
10. The Chance by Karen Kingsbury*
11. Duck Commander by Willie & Korie Robertson*
12. Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson*
13. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling*
14. Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows by J.K. Rowling*
15. Traditions by Noel Piper*
16. Rush for the Gold by John Feinstein
17. Gods at War by Kyle Idleman*
18. Si-Cology by Si Robertson*
19. Goodbye to Yesterday by Wanda Brunstetter*
20. The Silence of Winter by Wanda Brunstetter*
21. The Hope of Spring by Wanda Brunstetter*
22. The Piece of Summer by Wanda Brunstetter*
23. A Revelation in Autumn by Wanda Brunstetter*
24. A Vow for Always by Wanda Brunstetter*
25. Fifteen Minutes by Karen Kingsbury*
26. Amish White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter*

I Have a Golden Calf

Thou shall have no other gods before me.  Exodus 20:3

Does anyone else envision a golden calf when they read that or is just me?

It is so easy for me to just read right over that verse.  I'm not on my knees bowing to a human made god.

At least not physically.

I was in a Lifeway store last weekend and was drawn to this book.

It wasn't what I had gone in looking for.  It wasn't dealing with an issue that I felt I was struggling with.

Yet, I was drawn to it.

I've only read two chapters.  I'm taking my time with it.  Partly because I want to get everything from it that God has for me.  Partly because I'm afraid of what God has for me. 

It is about the gods that are at war in our lives.  The idols that fight so diligently for our heart.

Tonight as I was reading through a section that ask you to really examine your heart, I realized that I have idols.  Big ones!  Strong ones!  Dominant ones!

Though I haven't physically built any idols, I have constructed them in my heart.  

Author Kyle Idleman encourages the reader to answer the following questions.

1. What disappoints you?

2. What do you complain about the most?

3. Where do you make financial sacrifices?

4. What worries you?

5. Where is your sanctuary?

6. What infuriates you?

7. What are your dreams?

Know what I found?  I have the same answer to 5 of these 7 questions.

And though different, I didn't like my answer to the other two questions either.

It is heartbreaking to realize that not only have I made this particular thing in my life an idol, but it is a HUGE one.

I have been asking myself a question quite a bit lately.  Tonight I realized I have been asking the wrong question. 

The right question is about my love for my Father.  Is He enough for me?  I know the right answer is yes, YES HE IS!  But I haven't been living that way.  Honestly I haven't been feeling that way.

I was able to go to Him tonight and seek forgiveness.  I was able to lay my idol down at the foot of the cross and ask the Lord to help me seek Him and only Him.

When you can picture the cross and picture yourself kneeling at the foot of the cross giving it all to God...

It brought me to tears.  I am so thankful that He loves me always.  Even when I'm not loving him the way I should.  Even when I'm so undeserving...which is all the time.

I know this will be a daily struggle for me.  I will have to go to Him time and time again and give it back to Him.

I am so thankful that He allows us to do that.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!  He made us, and we are his.  We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.    Psalms 100:3

2012 Books

I keep a board in my classroom to let students know what I'm reading.  In December of last year, a student asked me how many books I had read since school started.  I had no idea, so I decided I would keep a list of the books I read in 2012.  I also decided to set myself a goal of reading 52 books in a year.  I had no idea how hard or easy this goal would be.  I ended up reading 65 books and I'm almost finished with #66.


Here they are - all the books I read in 2012.  The ones with * are the ones I would highly recommend.


1. Black Sands by Colleen Coble*
2. Dangerous Depths by Colleen Coble*
3. Midnight Sea by Colleen Coble*
4. Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry & Ridley
5. Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
6. Flies on the Butter by Denise Hildreth
7. Ever Prseent Danger by Kathy Herman*
8. Never Look Back by Kathy Herman*
9. The Grand Scheme by Kathy Herman*
10. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
11. The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
12. The Death Cure by James Dashner* (Best book of the series)

13. Going Home by Wanda E. Brunstetter *

14. On Her Own by Wanda E. Brunstetter*

15. Dear to Me by Wanda E. Brunstetter

16. Allison's Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter*

17. 10 Days - Abraham Lincoln by David Colbert

18. Leaving by Karen Kingsbury*

19. Learning by Karen Kingsbury*

20. Longing by Karen Kingsbury*

21. Loving by Karen Kingsbury*

----Learned that I would be teaching English next year and started reading young adult novels.

22. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith*
23. Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry
23.  Among the Hidden by Margaret peterson Haddix*
24. Guts by Gary Paulsen*
25. A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park*
26. Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi*
27. Letters From A Nut by Ted L. Nancy*
28. Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli*
29. The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen*
30. Girls, Drums, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick*
31. Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka*
32.  Woodsong by Gary Paulsen
33. Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul by Jack Canfield
34. The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller*(for teachers)
35. Starters by Lissa Price*
36.Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick*
37. If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand by Kalli Dakos*
38. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls*
39. Falling Up by Shel Silversteen
40. Ever After Ever by Jordan Sonnenblick*
41. Tangerine by Edward Bloor
42. Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury*
43. The Giver by Lois Lowry*
44. Counting on Grace by Elizabeth Winthrop*
45. In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
46. Eggs by Jerry Spinelli
47. Evidence of Mercy by Terri Blackstock*
48. Justifiable Means by Terri Blackstock*
49. Ulterior Motives by Terri Blackstock*
50. Presumption of Guilt by Terri Blackstock*
51. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling*
52. A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard
53. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling*
54. Loser by Jerry Spinelli
55. Curveball: The Year I Lost by Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick*
56. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling*
57. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
58. Copper Sun by Sharon Draper*
59. The Beginning by Karen Kingsbury*
60. The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury*
61. Best Friend, Worst Enemy by Beverly Lewis
62. Fire From the Rock by Sharon Draper*
63. Lincoln's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly*
64. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling*
65. Zen and the Art of Faking It by Jordan Sonnenblick.

2012

It seems we are already two days into the new year. I love starting a new year. I always go into it with high hopes. Some of my hopes may be unrealistic, but that's part of the fun in my opinion. Andrew and I are dreamers. I like that about us.

I always start the new year with the goal to spend more time in the Word, more time with Jesus. I think it is the most important thing I can do with the year. I recently started reading The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. I did a Bible study by him a few years ago on respectable sins that I truly enjoyed. It was one of those studies that cut deep down to the core. Those are the best kind - the hardest kind, but the best kind. I'm a chapter into this new book and I've already been convicted of things in my life that need to change. It talked about how we seem to downsize our sin because there are other people out there doing sins that are worse. That just isn't factual. In God's eyes sin is sin. He doesn't categorize sin the way we do. Our sin is offensive to God no matter how small it may seem to us. That is the thing that has stuck out to me the most. I'm trying to grasp just how offensive it is to God. We are sinning against Him.

Okay preaching over. It was more for me than you anyway. I'm trying to really take my time with this book and process it. As a lover of books, I tend to just read through it and move on without mediating and soaking in what it is God wants me to learn. I'm trying to not do that with this book.

While we are on the topic of books, one of my goals this year is to keep a running list of all the books I read in 2012. A few days before Christmas break, one of my students asked me how many books I had read since the beginning of school. I keep a board in my room that lets my students know what I just finished reading, am reading, and plan to read. Some of them really like to see it change. They've noticed it changes quite frequently. I was not able to answer the question of how many books I'd read, though I think I came up with a pretty good estimate. So this year, I plan to keep a list of books that I read. I'm curious to see how many I will read this year

I go back to work Wednesday. I'm sort of in denial about the fact. I'm not dreading it. I've missed my students and we have some exciting thing coming up this semester. But at the same time I have truly enjoyed my free time. I've read and scrapbooked and just enjoyed being home. I hope I can keep up with my scrapbooking once I'm back at work. I have several projects to finish.

Andrew and I have spent the past few days doing a little cleaning and organizing. We've haven't accomplished as much as I would have liked, but we have definitely made some progress. Our big project was cleaning out and organizing our attic. We hope that will help up with the inside of the house. Now we have a place to store things.

I'm looking forward to seeing what 2012 brings for our little family. There are some pretty big things that I would LOVE to see happen, but I'm trusting God in all of it. I am trusting that if we will let him, He will do big things in our lives and through our lives.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Kindleworm

So...my sweet husband surprised me with a Kindle for Valentine's Day. He actually gave it to me on Saturday. Of course he gives it to me and then tells me not to go buy a bunch of books.

UH WHAT???

He knows I can go a little overboard when it comes to books. I've always been a bit of a bookworm. These days my favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. I read her books as fast as she can write them. I highly recommend them. I also like Colleen Coble, Terri Blackstock, and several other Christian authors. I'm adding Rebecca Seitz to that list after reading Prints Charming.

When the ereaders first started coming out, the husband immediately thought I should have one. At that point I had no desire for one. There is just something about holding an actual book that is part of the joy of reading.

It's like this with all electronics. He thinks I need it, I don't. He convinces me to "let" him buy it for me, I don't know how I ever lived without it. Technology is definitely his love language. :)

We went to Alabama in December and I forgot my book at home. I'm not the kind of girl who could just go buy another book and start it. I'm a firm believer in reading one book at a time. I also don't read any books that are part of a series until all books in that series have been released. I'm weird like that. I just can't stand to be left hanging. I've been known to let books sit in my closet for two years or more just waiting on the rest of the series to be written and released.

So anyways there I was in Alabama stuck without my book. The husband so kindly points out that if I had a kindle I would have all my books with me.

That's all it took. I wanted one. My niece got one for Christmas and after playing around with hers, I wanted one even more.

I spent two days trying to decide what book I should buy first. There were so many I wanted. It was a hard decision but I bought America by Heart by Sarah Palin. It is my first ebook. I'm loving it. I'm officially a kindleworm.

It makes me wonder if I'll ever read the stack of books that are in my closet. I wonder if it is okay to still buy a real book. Will that offend the husband? I LOVE my kindle. But like I said, there is just something special about a real book. Kindles don't have that smell of new pages. I think there are certain books that I will still want the real deal.

What are you reading right now? Any authors you would recommend?

I HEART BOOKS!

One of my favorite past times is reading. I love books. I think I always have. I definitely remember being the kid in school who would try to hid whatever novel I was currently reading behind my history or math book. My two best friends and I would each buy a different book and then trade them among the three of us.

My favorite author has a child was Judy Blume. I loved "Just As Long As We're Together". That is probably the only book I've read multiple times. As I got older I went through a spell where I didn't really read very often. I was too old for the books I had been reading, yet I didn't enjoy books that my mother was reading either... Danielle Steele and John Grisham. Okay so I never tried them,but they just didn't appeal to me. Around that time my Aunt Judy introduced me to a new author Karen Kingsbury. I read "Halfway to Forever" and was instantly hooked on Karen Kingsbury and Christian fiction. Karen Kingsbury is now my favorite author easily!! I have read all of her books except a couple. I will be reading those next month. I have a weird thing where I won't read any book in a series until they are all out. I don't like to be left hanging.

I also have a love for children's books. I love their simple messages and amazing illustrations. My sister-in-law Jill bought books for her children before she was even pregnant with Amelia. I loved this idea and have started doing the same. As of today, Baby Weaver has over 60 books. Oh how I hope I have a child who shares my love for books. :)

Most of those 60+ books have come from the Scholastic Warehouse sales. I love these. You can get books for up to 80% off. They have a sale in my area going on right now. I recently learned that you can volunteer to work at the sale and earn $10 in free books for every hour you worked. So this morning, I was the official Scholastic Warehouse Booksale greeter!! I sat in a chair for 3 hours welcoming people to the sale. Easiest books I've ever bought/earned.

A couple of the titles I picked up today were "There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve" by Pam Munoz Ryan, "Library Mouse" by Daniel Kirk, and Little Lam by Piers Harper (A Soft-To-Touch Book). I bought so many books. I picked up a couple of Amelia Bedelia books. Love these!!

I also picked up a 4 book package that included "Walking the Plank to the Baptism Tank", "Church Summer Cramp", "Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday", and "Mission Trip Impossible" all by Mike Thaler. Because they were in a package, I could preview them at the store, but went ahead and bought them because the price just couldn't be beat. I opened them up and started reading as soon as I got in my car. I have to say, I don't think these are ones we will be keeping in our library. The attitude of the character telling the story isn't one I'm sure I want to be sharing with my kiddos. However, there were two lines out of these four books that I liked and wanted to share with you.

From "Walking the Plank to the Baptism Plank": Everyone applauds. I guess I have to get out. I feel clean and new. It's like a Laundromat for the spirit.

From "Church Summer Cramp": Well I'll just go and trust and in God. After all, he's got the best G.P.S. there is - God's Protecting Son.



I also picked up "Little Miss Star" by Roger Hargreaves.
I love the Little Miss and Little Mr books. I remember checking one of these out every time I went to the library when I was in elementary school. They are so fun! When I got home and began adding my new titles to the ongoing list, I realized I already had a copy of Little Miss Star. My mistake is your gain. I'm giving away a copy of Little Miss Star to one of you lucky readers.

Here's how you can enter:

1. Leave a comment sharing your favorite children's book.
2. Become a follower of my blog.
3. Blog about this giveaway.

I will draw a winner on Thursday, May 13

Going Rogue

I finally finished reading Going Rogue by Sarah Palin tonight. I've been wanting to read a biography. It also happened to be #71 on my 101 List.

I feel like I've been reading this book forever. It has taken me longer than it normally takes me to read a book. It just isn't the kind of book I normally read. I prefer novels over biographies. And if I'm going to read a biography I prefer one that isn't full of politics.

Yes, I knew that Sarah Palin was in politics, therefore politics would be in this book. I guess I just wanted more personal stuff. But then again for her politics is personal.

I'll confess that before I married my husband I knew very little about politics and what was going on in DC. And I do mean very little. When I voted for George W. Bush back in 2004, I still knew very little. I don't mean to say that I feel like I made an uninformed decision. I'm just saying I wasn't all that into politics.

But, I'm married to a man who loves history. A man who is likes to stay informed. A man who watches Fox News nightly. A man who has taught me more about government and history in our 6 years of marriage than I ever learned in elementary school, high school, and college combined.

I am not claiming to know everything there is to know when it comes to politics. I'm not even claiming to have a strong understanding of all. I'm just simply saying that I'm more informed today than I've ever been.

I believe what I believe and you aren't going to change my mind. I do not like to debate politics with people. This is going to sound blunt and mean, but some people are just too dumb to argue with. While I will openly share with you my thoughts and beliefs, I do not see the point in arguing about it. This is where my husband and I differ. He will argue with you until he is blue in the face. Then he'll argue with you some more. :)

Either way, I liked what I knew of Sarah Palin which made me want to read her book. Now, you can like Sarah Palin or you cannot like her. You can think she is qualified and should run for president in 2012 or not. It doesn't matter. Like I said, I don't argue. That is not what this post is about. And if you want to argue, well please keep your comments to yourself.

After reading Going Rogue, I will tell you this, I respect Sarah Palin. I enjoyed reading her book. I learned a little on how the campaign trail works. I was shocked at the stories she told from the campaign trail. It made me feel like Senator McCain's staff beat themselves.

Enough said. I'm not trying to debate here. I do recommend Going Rogue to you. It's an interesting read. And who knows, you might learn something like I did.

With that being said, I'm ready to dive into a novel now. I have a closet full. Thinking I might just close my eyes and pick one.

What are you reading right now? Any suggestions?