A Year of Books

Hello there. We have entered the Christmas season in full swing! It's cold here in Tennessee, which makes it so much more festive! Life continues to be busy. My sweet husband has only 2 DAYS off work this ENTIRE month. We sure do miss him a lot. Thankfully, one of the days he is home is December 11th, which is also our son's 2nd birthday. Yay!

In reflecting on this year, I was thinking about some of the books I've read and thought I'd share a few that I enjoyed.

1. Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series (3 books)

I cannot recommend these books enough. They were life-changing in so many ways for me! If you read any books in 2011, PLEASE make sure these make your list!

2. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. This one was a little out of my "normal" reading genre, but I loved it! It made me think differently about things like success, intelligence, and work ethic. Very, very interesting.
3. Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin. (Yes, I realize I'm about 5 years behind in reading these books) They are the equivalent of a good chick-flick... not life-changing, but really fun.

4. Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. I wrote a post about this book here.
5. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. Ah, I have a love-hate relationship with this book. It's a fictional (maybe historical fiction?) book about the life of famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Based on the little research I've done on the book, my understanding is that the author used what facts are known about Wright's life (specifically his love affair with Mamah Borthwick Cheney) as the base for the novel, then filled in the details for us. I absolutely HATED how this book ends. In fact, I had a hard time even finishing it. That said, I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book... it's one you want to discuss with a girlfriend, sister, or your mom :)
6. Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers. This is the first book in a 2 part series. It definitely isn't my favorite Francine Rivers book (see #1) but I really liked it and can't wait to read the second book. It is on my dresser waiting for me :)

Hi, My Name is April...

and I'm a terrible blogger.

I seriously have the best intentions, but somehow the days go by and other things become a greater priority. Forgive me.

Here's a look at what we've been up to over the past month or so. The highlights include: a visit to Gentry's farm, a trip to Orlando (just my mom, Carter, and I), my mom's 50th birthday party, the start of a new job for Jeremy and a terrible stomach bug for poor little Carter (no pictures included!)

Whew. I'm tired just thinking about the past several weeks. And there's no break in sight with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner! Not to mention, the little man will be 2 in just a few short weeks! More on that later...

October Adventures

October has been a fun month for us so far! I have a lot to blog about, but I'm currently drowning in laundry and unpacking after our most recent trip to Orlando. As soon as I find my sanity (and catch up on sleep), I'll be back with tales of our adventures.

In the meantime,

here's a picture of us on our most recent date night to Maggiano's

Words on My Heart

Cleaning

Can we talk about cleaning for a minute?

I know there are people who love to clean.

My sister is one of those people.

I am not.

The problem?

I want a clean house.

So instead of actually cleaning, I usually sit around and think about everything that needs to be cleaned. And I think and think and think. Then, I start thinking about everything that needs to be organized, which is pretty much my entire house, and I end up feeling defeated and exhausted, though I haven't touched a mop or broom.

Also, many people (myself included) think that because you are a stay-at-home mom you have all the time in the world to clean your house... and therefore your house should always be clean.

Wrong.

I would make the argument that it is actually more difficult to keep your house clean when you do stay at home because a) there is a baby/toddler in the house most of the time and b) wherever a baby/toddler is... there are messes. BIG messes. Moral of the story: The more you are in your house, the faster it gets dirty.

I need to release myself of the expectations that my house will always be neat and clean. I need to start making lists, realistic lists, and plug away at them item by item. I also need to remind myself that one day I will have all the time in the world to clean- and that it will probably be much quieter and lonelier around here. Therefore, I will cherish today... messy house and all.

Dear Fall, I Love You

All pictures are from SuzieBeezie and MaryRuffle

Current Loves

There are a few things that I currently L.O.V.E.

Pumpkin Spice Creamer. My sweet aunt mailed us (my mom, sisters, and I) 4 bottles of Pumpkin Spice Creamer this week. She put it on dry-ice and it survived! We were all jumping up and down and screaming when we saw it... ok, maybe just Amy and I were acting that way ;) We have yet to find it in ANY Nashville stores this year, which makes me sad. Very sad.

I've watched this video (click on link) at least 5 times already... it makes me happy... and if you grew up listening to this music in middle/high school/college (or just love JT)... it will make you happy too!

My sister found this amazing beverage at the Belle Meade Publix and so far, I can't find it anywhere else. Ginger Ale + Green Tea = deliciousness.



My little man is pulling on my leg.. so maybe I'll do a "Current Loves Part 2" later.. Happy FALL!!