Walkin', Talkin'

He's officially a man on the move now. Right around his birthday a month ago he took his first steps...and now he is doing laps.

Last week I took both kids for their wellchecks and they're both doing great. Still measuring long and lean--both of them.

Adam doesn't always wake up at night anymore which has been great for Mama. (Although the last two nights have been wierd...must be time for a growth spurt.) He's been weaned for 2 months now, eating solely table food, and easily downs more than his big sis at every meal. (Maybe I should start looking for extra income.)

He's starting to say more words and make the sign for "more" when eating. He likes to look at books of animals, often looks out our back living room window and gets excited when he sees birds or our neighbors horses out to pasture. Though he's been saying "mama", "tata/dad", and "yaya" (Natalia) for months, he's now slurring phrases "what is that/where is it", and "what are you doing" into one word exclamations. His all-time favorite is "uh-ooh", especially if he can drop something over and over again. :-)

He wants to do everything his big sister does and more...I knew THAT was coming.

Best of all he still likes to cuddle and snuggle into your neck when it's time to sleep. (Thank you Lord for giving me a cuddler! I didn't know what I was missing!)

I'm treasuring those moments because I know they won't last forever!

Special Visitor

This past week/end my youngest brother Ryan and his girlfriend Sarah were in town, so we had our final Christmas get together of the season. (Anyone else's Christmas stretch out as long as ours this year?)

We weren't complaining though, because we've all been anxious to see them since their move to California this past fall.

My mom and Ryan came over one day last week to watch the kiddos while I went to the dentist. Had to get a cavity taken care of. It could have been much MUCH worse since I had not gone to the dentist in a VERY. LONG. TIME. (Like we're talking more than 5 but less than 10--um, years.) Shame on me, I know!

Anyway, Ryan stayed the day then which was such a treat. Natalia LOVED having her uncle all to herself since Adam took 2 good naps that day. I think they played with Playdoh for over an hour until they ran out of colors. Of course I loved having the chance to visit with him too.



Want some ham, kitty cat?





Thanks Ryan for spending the day with us!

XXXOOO

Doozies, But Goodies!

I've been reading some doozies and way past my bedtime these last few weeks. My contact lenses are telling me they need to soak longer! Oh, but they were all so good!

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My favorite kind of book is one that gets me to think deeply about my life, and challenges my worldview, all in the packaging of a superbly written novel. This one delivered. In my opinion it ranks up there with A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, NINETEEN MINUTES, and SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN.


VEILED FREEDOM by J.M. Windle is a captivating snapshot of present-day Afghanistan that pulls no punches. It's been 8 years since invading forces freed the people from Taliban rule, and Windle explains the intricate trickledown effect that has resulted through 3 main characters: Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson who returns to Kabul as security chief to the minister of interior, relief worker Amy Mallory, and Afghan native Jamil who is coming home with many battle scars.


Not only was this a gripping tale, but it showcased the author's understanding of the multitude of subplots that make life hard for the citizens of this ancient land and those who are trying to help in the aftermath of war.


A few questions and quotes:

Does poverty breed corruption and violence, or is it the other way
around?

What do you do when the very aid that saves a few lives also enables bad
governments to keep their grip?

"You can't give people freedom at the point of a sword--or gun--any more
than you can give faith. And much for the same reason. It's got to
come from inside."

"We expected that when we took away the excuses for these people to keep
fighting and abusing each other that they would stop. That we could roll
in with our money and heavy machinery and good intentions, have everyone shake
hands, and get to work rebuilding this country."

"It bothers me too that we--the West--should cooperate with ideologies that
put people to death for their faith. But you can't be suggesting we
withdraw humanitarian aid from countries that don't share our ideas of human
rights and freedom. Why there'd be millions starving this winter right
here in Afghanistan if we weren't here to offer food and shelter."

The abundance of technical/military acronyms was a tiny bit confusing at times, but it didn't prove to be a big drawback to understanding the plot or anything.

Definately one to add to your reading list for this year!



Another book that I just finished came highly recommended by my friend Lynn--and I must add, was my first NON-FICTION of the new year! :o)


BIRTH: The Surprising History of How We Are Born by Tina Cassidy made my jaw drop to the floor.

I found myself alternating between nervous tittering laughter and exclamations of horror! I had to suppress the urge to run out and ask every mother over the age of 50 about their childbirth experiences! I called my mom and read snippets to her. My husband kept remarking that he didn't want to hear any more! No more! It was all TMI! LOL.



I think every mother, especially my generation, needs to read this book. What an eye-opener!



As the Introduction chapter concludes, "...no matter that birth is the most natural of events, the arrival of a healthy baby is truly a miracle."

And lastly, CROSSFIRE by J. M. Windle, proved to be a thrill-ride if not a book to give phonebook booster seats some competition, weighing in at alittle over 600 pages. Since I had thoroughly enjoyed VEILED FREEDOM, I decided to check out some of her other works.

This novel follows the life of a new bride named Sara, as she moves to Bolivia, her husband's native country. She quickly realizes that she doesn't know him as well as she believed. Sara is forced to make a choice. Will she turn a blind eye to her suspicions or will she work with the DEA and live to tell about it?

It's a bit predictable in parts and I got alittle frustrated at her naivety, but it was still a gripping tale that wrapped up perfectly in the end, AND it generated some very interesting discussion about cocaine between me and the hubby. :o)

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Next up, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME, a true story by Ron Hall and Denver Moore.

Only A Month Behind!

I know it's January, but I was reminded by my friend Lynn's recent post that I hadn't posted about the Ladies' Christmas Brunch I hosted here at my little house...a mere month ago. Part of my hesitation has probably been fueled by my lack of pictures of the event. Of the people anyway.

In any case, it was a WONDERFUL morning and I had such fun planning and carrying out the preparations. :o) And any chance to use the German-made tea and coffee set I got from my husband's aunt for our wedding is something I celebrate. It is SO me.

I'd love to make this holiday brunch an annual thing, whether I always host the same people or purpose to vary my guest list. That actually was the thing I deliberated most over, even more than my menu! Should I invite all of my aunts, collection of new friends/neighbors I want to know better, old friends, etc.?

This year I decided to invite the ladies in my Care Group from church (and my mom). There were 8 of us total, 2 couldn't make it. We enjoyed the food certainly, but more than that it was the conversation around the table that brought the most satisfaction. And I was thrilled that my mom could experience the fellowship that I've been so blessed by with these women.

We pulled some Christmas-type questions out of a bowl to answer as we ate. I completely reused the questions from a meme I had posted on my blog from a year ago. They generated so much discussion and laughter, oh my!

I closed the morning by reading one of my favorite children's Christmas stories, "A TALE OF THREE TREES". The power of the gospel message so simple, yet poignant that there were tears by the end.

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In case you are interested in the menu, here 'tis! Some recipes I've linked, some are new and are tried and true favorites (especially because they are super easy).

Fruit salad

Vanilla Yogurt (PEQUEA VALLEY FARMS awesome, oh so creamy yogurt made from grass-fed Jersey cows) ***slivered almonds for on top

Lemon Scones w/lemon curd

Almond Biscotti

Assorted hot and cold drinks

Bacon and Cheese Quiche (see below)

Baked French Toast (see below)

The recipes...

Bacon and Cheese Quiche

1 prepared pie crust

6 slices bacon, fried and chopped (or 4 pre-cooked sausage links, chopped)

1 c. shredded cheese (cheddar or whatever you like)

garlic powder

dried mustard

salt

pepper

1 c. half-n-half

4 eggs, slightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, while you prepare crust.

2. Layer bacon and cheese over bottom of crust, then sprinkle seasonings lightly over top (about 1/4 tsp. each).

3. Measure half-n-half in bowl, then add eggs and beat lightly. (If you blend too much the quiche won't get as light and puffy.) Pour into crust.

4. Bake at 400 for 15 mins., then reduce temperature to 325 and bake for 30 mins. more.

5. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Baked French Toast

1-2 loaves French bread, sliced (about 3/4 inch thick)

8 eggs

1 c. milk

1 c. half-n-half

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/3 c. chopped pecans

3 Tbsp. dark corn syrup

1. Grease 9 x 13 dish well and fill w/sliced bread, up to 1/2" of rim.

2. Mix and pour eggs, milk, half-n-half, vanilla, nutmeg & cinnamon over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. Mix and spread remaining ingredients over bread just before baking at 350 for 50 mins.

What I Read In 2009

It is a very lopsided list, but one goal I have for this year is to read more non-fiction.

Any suggestions?

As far as devotional reading, I've been slowly working my way through BIBLE DOCTRINE by Wayne Grudem and revisiting DON'T MAKE ME COUNT TO THREE by Ginger Plowman. On my to-read list is one my friend Danielle recommended recently, TREASURED: KNOWING GOD BY THE THINGS HE KEEPS by Leigh McLeroy.

What have you read lately that has been good food for thought?


HERE GOES MY LONG LIST OF FICTION...

I've rated each of the following accordingly:

* (1 star) It was okay. If not my cup of tea, maybe it's yours.
** (2 stars) Good. One to borrow from a friend or the library.
*** (3 stars) Very good. Well-written. Definately worth your time.
**** (4 stars) Excellent. On all levels. One for your personal library.


MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult (***)
I'm only giving it 3 stars because I could see the "twist" coming. MY REVIEW.

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA by Arthur Golden (***) MY REVIEW.

SHANGHAI GIRLS by Lisa See (****) MY REVIEW.

ALL SHE EVER WANTED by Lynn Austin (****)
One of her best in my opinion. MY REVIEW.

LIFE WITHOUT SUMMER by Lynne Griffin (**) MY REVIEW.

THE SHACK by William P. Young (**) MY REVIEW.

PERSUASION by Jane Austen (****)
Though it lacks the sparring dialogue of Pride and Prejudice, it's probably my favorite Jane.

CHANGE OF HEART by Jodi Picoult (***) MY REVIEW.

CANDLE IN THE DARKNESS by Lynn Austin (**)

A PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham (*)

DREAMERS by Angela Elwell Hunt (****)
An engaging look at Joseph, son of Jacob, and what his life might have looked like in story format.

BROTHERS by Angela Elwell Hunt (***)
This is a sequel to DREAMERS and centers around Joseph's brother Simeon, as he is held captive in the vizier's house until his brothers return to Egypt with their father and Benjamin.

THE WEDDING by Nicholas Sparks (*)
Nice and fluffy.

THORN IN MY HEART by Liz Curtis Higgs (*)
There were definately parts I liked, but there were also parts that really bugged me.

THE LUCKY ONE by Nicholas Sparks (*)
More warm fuzzies.

GAP CREEK by Robert Morgan (**)
Picked this one off the shelf. It earned itself an Oprah's Book Club sticker--so that's something. I'm still deciding if I liked it for that reason or in spite of it. :o)

EVE'S DAUGHTERS by Lynn Austin (***)
Makes you seriously consider the life decisions you make--hopefully with the hindsight of past generations and with fresh faith for those who will come after you.

VEILED FREEDOM by Jeanette Windle (***)
See my upcoming review.

THE ROAD HOME by Tommy Tenney (**)
A modern-day Ruth and Naomi with Lancaster County flavor.

THE DEBT by Angela Elwell Hunt (***)
A story that captures what can happen so easily in our churches and in our hearts.

THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards (*)
Maybe I should try to re-read this one, now that I'm not in the early weeks of caring for a newborn. I got halfway through it and decided it was too bleak to finish, and I hardly ever do that.

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini (****)
This was my second time through this captivating book. Even so, I asked for a copy for Christmas. It'll be on my yearly reading list now. :o)

REVEALED by Tamera Alexander (****)
REKINDLED " " (****)
Little-known author from what I can tell, but this and the sequel are well-written and extremely enjoyable. I actually liked the second more than the first, but you HAVE to read them in order to fully appreciate them.

WHEN THE HEART CRIES by Cindy Woodsmall (****)
WHEN THE MORNING COMES " " (****)
WHEN THE SOUL MENDS " " (****)
My favorite Amish/Mennonite series--definately more substantial than a lot of books in this genre.

THE YEAR OF PLEASURES by Elizabeth Berg (**)
This was given to me by my local library when I won the weekly draw among the adults participating in the summer reading program. It's not big on plot, but Berg's descriptive writing is a feast for the senses.

ATONEMENT CHILD by Francine Rivers (****)
Aside from books 1 & 2 in her Mark of the Lion series, this is a personal favorite of Rivers.

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Right now I'm reading BIRTH: THE SURPRISING HISTORY OF HOW WE ARE BORN by Tina Cassidy.


Next up:

CROSSFIRE by Jeanette Windle
THREE CUPS OF TEA by Greg Mortenson
MY LIFE IN FRANCE by Julia Child
ROOFTOPS OF TEHRAN by Mahbod Seraji

And sometime this year I simply must get to reading ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy. It was on my list last year and, well...I got intimidated.


Happy Reading in 2010!