Currently ...

As it goes, all things pinterest seem to be taking over the internet.  I did see this little picture on someone else's blog and thought it a great idea for a short post.  Of course, she got it from pinterest. You should consider doing it on your blog too!  Or comment below and type in your responses!

Currently:

1.  Listening: to the washer and dryer.

2.  Eating: Chic-fil-a tonight with the little brothers and sister!

3.  Drinking: water.

4.  Wearing: my staple fireman relief association sweatshirt.  (it's embarassing how much I wear them both)

5.  Feeling: feverish.  Had a darn fever again yesterday.  But so much better today.

6.  Weather: Cloudy and cold with rain/snow in the forecast.

7.  Wanting: Nothing.  Nothing at all today.

8.  Needing: A new back door, a solution to my smelly 1st floor bathroom and a way to keep my trash cans from blowing away.  (ahhh, the life of a home owner!)

9.  Thinking: I'm ready for spring and gardening.

10.  Enjoying: Brackett's snores during his evening nap and The Firm, a new tv show based on a John Grisham book!

Now, what about you?  Leave a comment with your update!

If you ever wondered why ...

If you've read my blog for very long (let's say the last twelve months), then you will know about my home purchasing adventure last May.  It was a challenge for sure, and there are days that I still wonder about that decision.  Then I force myself to remember and re-vision my thoughts.

I remember the day we laid eyes on this place and the way that it came across my path.  I remember standing in what is now my living room and all 4 of us dreaming about the space and the empty lots next to it.  Gardens, a sand volleyball pit, etc.
(Which now look like this!  Or at least it will look that way again soon!)

  I remember thinking there was no way it would happen and yet excitement stirred in me at the possibility.  I remember thinking about how I would find the biggest table possible and try to find as many people as I could to fit around it for a meal.

Sort of like this:

My interns 2011!

I've since bought a different table, and it's not been that full again, but I'm working on it!

All that to say, you should check out Mike Breen's most recent post about living as an extended family.  his wife Sally gives some really practical and direct pointers on the subject.  It's the best description of all those dreams I had when I first set foot in this house.  If you have ever wondered WHY the HECK I bought this place and WHY I chose the location I did, his thoughts explain it best.  

http://mikebreen.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/building-an-extended-family-keys-to-an-integrated-life/

What about you?  Do Sally's thoughts stir anything in you??

Reading: Past and Present

I am supposed to be driving to Nebraska today so see the crazy awesome Patty and her hubbs.
Instead, I'm holed up in my bed nursing a sore throat and low temp.  Agh.  Nebraska, I'm comin' for you tomorrow.  I WILL WIN.

So, while I'm sitting in my bed ... I figured it was a good time for my reading overview, since you are all so interested in it!  Riiiiiiiiiight.  Anyway.

I thought I'd give the run down of the books I read over sabbatical and the books currently on the shelf to be read in the beginning of 2012.  Something might catch your eye and you'll want to add it to your list too!  Reading is one of those joys in life that I've always had but have neglected as I got tangled up in busyness over the last few years.  When I was in elementary school, I could read for HOURS with out batting an eye.  Mom and Dad would tell me to turn off the light numerous times after 11 p.m.  I finally got smart and turned off the light when I heard them coming up the stairs :)  Takes you back to the Book It days right?  What do ya know- IT still exists!

As Patty would say in true 80's form: Books, check 'em out! Books, check 'em out!

I hope one of these will renew your reading joy too!

From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond Non Fiction
Total girl read right here, but if you love a good narrative that keeps your attention and doesn't take long to finish, Ree Drummond will make those reading dreams come true.  This was just plain and simple fun!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Non Fiction
I know I've found a good book when it has me in tears in the first chapter.  Ann Voskamp's outlook on gratitude really set the tone for my time away: to relish in the small gifts from God that so often get easily passed by because of stress or crisis.  THIS one will challenge you to look for Him everywhere.

Living Spaces By Marlee Ledai Non Fiction
Given to me by my roommate, this book is inconspicuous at first.  When I began it, I wasn't sure I wanted to finish it but the more I read the more inspired I was.  Marlee breaks down the different spaces in our American homes and asks some good questions about how we use different rooms and why.  It's simple and basic, but parts of it really inspired me and made me reflect on how I grew up and how space can be created to glorify the Lord.  Such a good $1.00 find on Melissa's part!

School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister Fiction
Now this one was an eeeeeeeeasy read.  I found it at the thrift store by my house for 75 cents.  BUT, I love easy reads and I also love cooking.  Erica really weaves these characters together in a story that really is sweet and simple.  I love how she describes the ways cooking can open us up to a whole new relational side of ourselves.

Bonhoffer: Pastor Martyr Prophet Spy by Eric Metaxas Non Fiction
Talk about a good challenge, this one is 575 pages of history and story telling about Dietrich Bonhoffer.  I am currently on page 296.  I didn't know much about Bonhoffer to begin with, except for the cliche Christian books we all talk about reading.  This book has given me a more in depth look at his life, passion for the body of Christ and how he went from being anit-war to participating in the plot to assassinate Hitler.  A good read for sure, although time consuming and certainly a challenge.  This man was doing things at 21 or 22 that I never dream of doing in my whole life.  Incredible.  Thank you roommate Sara and Nancy for this recommendation!

These is my words by Nancy Turner Fiction
I have a thing for pioneer books right now.  It just fits my life so well, even when stories are set in the 1800's.  This one will make you sad, make you laugh, make you happy and make you sad again, all in one swoop.  If you are a pioneer by nature, Sara Agnes Prine as a character will make you feel less crazy!

The Help by Kathryn Stockett Fiction
I confess, I saw the movie first.  But this book is one truly inspiring and challenging story about changing the tide of culture and the uphill battle it takes to even think about such a thing.  So good, an easy read, and a great movie too!

Christmastide by Phyllis Tickle Non Fiction
Wonderful for the advent season.  Absolutely wonderful.

For 2012 (so far!):