{WWRW} Why SOTG Matters

Linking up with Jessica over at HousewifeSpice for another installment of What We're Reading Wednesday.

I suspect my reading looked very similar to many, many bloggers this week.



No doubt you've seen many pictures of this book floating around the blogosphere.

If you've read any other reviews, you know this is the conversion story of Jennifer Fulwiler, blogger at Conversion Diary.  It is fantastically written.  Just brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.  If I hadn't found this absolutely stunning, I would have quietly put it on the back of my shelf and not mentioned it.  But you need to know about this book.  Because, perhaps, something written here will strike you as it did me.

I'm not going to give away any spoilers here.  I know many books were delayed in the shipping and if that had been mine, I would be so disappointed to stumble across a spoiler on a favorite blog.

So, instead, I will tell you not only that you must read it, I will tell you why.

Jennifer's account is warm.  It grabs you from the first moment when she recounts an experience as an 11 year-old atheist.  From the position of a cradle Catholic, I've never been so effectively placed in the shoes of an atheist.  Jennifer got to me.  From the very center of my being, I cringed when she spoke of feeling ostracized by Christians. 

That's not how we're supposed to be.  But too often, we just don't spend enough time loving and learning about someone; we try to place them into our boxes. 

Jennifer describes her struggle with the finality and futility of life so honestly.  I was so deeply drawn into her story, that I felt shock and elation as she crept towards the Catholic Church.  I sobbed like a big baby when read the story of her baptism.  I could just feel the saints in heaven singing, and for every parent or grandparent that worries about the faith of their children/grandchildren, I felt a St. Monica moment over that baptism story.  Jennifer's grandparents HAD to be singing with the chorus of angels when they saw her come into the Church.

For all that I love conversion stories, this one was special.  It gave me a better understanding and new appreciation for the atheist perspective.  All my life, I have sorted it into the box of "unbelief".  Atheists were classified in my mental stores as lacking in a belief system.  While perhaps that is the case with some I've encountered, Jennifer showed me how good people could be so convinced; how there is a mental construct that centers focus elsewhere, rather than not having a focus at all.  That was my biggest gift in reading this story.  It grew my compassion and understanding.  It increased my ability to love.  It renewed my hope that there is always a way home, from any direction.

In seeing how Jennifer was loved and reasoned into the faith by articulate, intelligent Catholics, it also renewed my desire to grow in the understanding of my faith. 

What Scott Hahn's Rome Sweet Home is to the Protestant convert to Catholicism, Something Other Than God is to the Atheist.  It is the path, forged and shared, making the journey more relate-able for us all.

{WWRW} Sisters Eight

It's been a while since I've linked up with the wonderful Jessica over at HousewifeSpice for an installment of What We're Reading Wednesday.

Mostly because I haven't been reading....or what I have been reading has been work documents, and there's just no amusement for the masses in me sharing about a new employee process...plus, confidentiality of the clients, and all.

With working more, it also seems to be stretching my time with the girls.  I've been working mostly during afternoon nap time, while LB does school work or chores.  Well, LB came home from a library trip with Hubby this week with a favorite book of ours.  She suggested we read it together.  Mostly, she's been reading it to me, which is great for her read-a-loud practice.  It's also been a nice way to spend a little more quality time together while I've been working more.



We've read some of the books before, it's been a while, so LB suggested we start back at Book 1.  So, we're re-reading Annie's Adventures.

The story is about a set of eight sisters (octuplets) who find themselves mysteriously alone.  Their parents vanish and the girls discover mysterious notes about special gifts and talents they possess, and that only by unlocking them can they discover what has happened to their parents.

Each girl gets her own book dedicated to her discovery of powers and it goes in order of birth (although they're each only separated by one minute).  Each girl also has her own cat, and the house includes quirks, such as a cleaning robot and  a hair cutting machine.

We love these books.  I'm so glad that LB brought these books home from the library.  We only got through #6 last time, and I'm looking forward to discovering what actually happened to their parents.  I have no perceived dignity that makes it hard for me to admit that I'm eagerly awaiting the answer, probably at least as much as LB. 

Stop by Jessica's for more reads you should check out.

{WWRW} and a Giveaway!

Linking up with Housewifespice for What We're Reading Wednesday.

This week, I listened to David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell.

I'm a Malcolm Gladwell fan, and I think the best way to get into his books is to listen to them.  They are so dense and filled with insight that it's hard to wrap your head around it while reading....or maybe that's just me.  But, the real bonus of listening to his books is that he actually is the reader.

His books are author-read.  I love that.  I know every inflection is exactly as intended, because he's the one that put it there!

This book dives into complex problems and digs for understanding much the way his other books do.  If you've enjoyed a Malcolm Gladwell book in the past, you'll enjoy this one.

If you've never read (or listened to) a Malcolm Gladwell book before, prepare to gain insights into the world you'd never have unlocked alone.

The focus of this book is the unexpected, yet proven, phenomena of the underdog winning.  His book walks through many stories of "underdogs and misfits" and shows why their behaviors and successes were not only predictable, but should have been expected.  This dive into human nature reveals a greater understanding for what the human spirit is really capable of when faced with a challenge.

I recommend this as your next read.  Be aware that the stories Gladwell discusses are sometimes disturbing, covering such topics as the loss of a child, the suicide of a parent, or the uprisings in Northern Ireland.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now - what I've been SO eager to bring you!  A giveaway!!!  Not just any giveaway - we're celebrating hitting 100+ Likes on my Facebook page (it's the little things, folks). 

This blog started as a journal, and is still just a place where I share my story.  That more than just my mom enjoys hearing that story and sharing in the journey is always a surprise to me.  I have gained so much encouragement from those I have met through this blog.  So, I want to celebrate all of you.  All the wonderful, wonderful people I've met and share with in this blogosphere.

And today, we're going to do it in style!  Have you met Jenna?  She's lovely.  I love seeing her posts on Facebook (which is really my way for keeping track of what people are posting).

Jenna got me in to embroidery.  She got A. LOT. of us into embroidery.

Then, she started her own Etsy shop......go over, I'll wait.....................

You're back!  How did you not go down the rabbit hole of Etsy shopping?

Well, I love all Jenna's necklaces so much, I could think of no better giveaway for celebrating my triple digits over on FB.

This beauty will go to the winner of the giveaway:

photo courtesy of Call Her Happy

You want it, I know you do.  Start entering below!  Contest ends at midnight, Central Time on April 12th!  Prize includes necklace and shipping (up to $20 value).

*NOTE: Comments appear after moderation, so don't worry if you don't see it right away! =D

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{Five Favorites} {WWRW} Dr. Allen Hunt

This weekend, Hubby and I were blessed to have an opportunity to step outside the normal routine and attend a retreat focused on marriage.  It was hosted by Dynamic Catholic.  If you haven't heard about this group and the wonderful things they're doing in the Church, click on the link. right. now.  Evangelism is alive in the Church and the Holy Spirit is setting people on fire through their work.

We attended Passion and Purpose for Marriage with Dr. Allen Hunt.  He gave a series of three talks.  From my favorite talk, here are the 5 Things Women Need to Know about Men:

{1}  

Men need respect more than love.

{2}  

Men need to provide.

{3}  

Men need sexual intimacy (this, my friends, is the point that will make your husband feel like it was a day well spent!)

{4}  

Men do love, even when the don't communicate it well.

{5}  

Men do know the most beautiful word (love).

On the way home from the talk, I read Everybody Need to Forgive Somebody, about book by Dr. Allen Hunt. The link will take you to a free copy (+$5.95 shipping) from Dynamic Catholic.  While you're there, browse the site, there's some great content.

In, Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody, you read the stories of 11 real people who have experienced the grace of forgiving or being forgiven in their lives.  Each chapter ends with discussion questions, as well as concrete ways you can implement forgiveness in your life.  For example, one way you can be an instrument of forgiveness is to carry a crucifix in your pocket to remind you of the forgiveness coming down on you.

One of the most moving stories (they're all pretty moving!) is the story of a woman who leaves her husband and has an affair.  Her husband actively loves and forgives her even through this time, so that after about a year, she wakes up one day and realizes the grave error she's made.  Her husband welcomes her back into the family and they pick up their lives again.  He offers her immediate forgiveness and never brought the matter up again.

This story truly stunned me that someone could be so loving, so forgiving, especially in a society that so easily discards the hard or uncomfortable.

For more book reviews, check out Jessica's place.

For more Five Favorites, stop by Fountains of Home this week.

For a chance to listen to the talks I heard this weekend, consider purchasing the talks through Dynamic Catholic - here. 

To win 5 Things Women Need to Know (the first talk) - enter here!  Giveaway ends February 26th.


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This is my first time using Rafflecopter - so let's all cross our fingers I do it right :) 

{WWRW} Gilded

Linking up for What We're Reading Wednesday with Jessica!



Amazon sends me a lot of emails.  I'm guessing everyone who has ever shopped there gets a lot of emails.  They're constantly in search of becoming my BFF by recommending everything under the sun to me.  They get a step closer when they send me emails that say my Prime membership qualifies me to a free book a month from their selection of four.  I scrolled through the list and found a cover that looked interesting *yes, I know*. 

Gilded is the story of a young (16) Korean American transplanted back to Korea by her father's job transfer. 

Her father (and deceased mother) were natives of Korea who moved to California (Micaela.....do you have a secret pen name?) Jae was born and raised in California, until the job transfer took her to Seoul. 

Six weeks in to her new life in Korea, Jae Hwa starts to have unusual experiences....of a supernatural kind.  A mysterious man appears in an impossible moment, mythical creatures are sent to her defense, in all, life becomes a little complicated for the sixteen year old. 

I hate to give too much away, because I don't like spoilers, so I'm purposefully going to be vague.  The plot centers around Jae Hwa being descendant of a princess highlighted in Korean folklore.  The princess escaped the demigod trying to kidnap/marry her, but not before she conceived a son.  That son, the princess bore in hiding, but the demigod returns to steal and imprison the first born female of each generation in the lineage of her family.

You guessed it, Jae has some unfortunate family ties. 

Some parts of the book seemed overly predictable (I sensed the ending pretty accurately for several chapters), but in all, I liked it.  Maybe I'm overly lax in my judgment since it was free, but I really liked the look at Korean mythology.  The book also had the appropriate cloak and dagger of a secret society, a young hero having to make a self-sacrificing decision and even a little love story.

Jae Hwa has a crush on her high school classmate, Marc.  There is some kissing and they do profess love for each other in a near death moment near the end of the book, but it's very PG, so while the really young readers may not be ready for the story, teens are probably mature enough.

The book sets itself up well for sequel (which I'm fully expecting given that this book is billed as Book 1 in the Gilded series!) and I'm looking forward to Jae Hwa's adventures in tackling high school and the Spirit World.  I'm hoping the other books in the series will tread lightly on the romance because the storyline is so clever, I'd hate to have it go south. 

Overall, I thought it was a strong debut novel for Christina Farley.  I'm trying not to hold the Editor's note of the Common Core curriculum guide to accompany the book against the author.....I can leave my feelings about creating robots out of this :)

For a taste, check out this opening line.  I thought it was a very strong moment for the author:

Stillness fills the empty stage as I press the horn bow to my body and notch the arrow.  I pull back the string.  The power courses through me, a sizzling fire in my veins.  I squint just enough so the mark crystallizes while everything around it blurs.

{WWRW} and Creighton Updates

Monday night, we drove another 3-hour roundtrip to meet with our Creighton Model instructor.  Having learned the basics of two methods already, I'm feeling like a remedial student because much of it is review.

I have to just keep reminding myself of the efficacy of the model in achieving pregnancy.......our kids are super cute, that's GOT to be motivation!

And they're cool kids too!

So, we're still driving at least three more times for follow-ups and then we're hoping to start web chatting for follow-ups.  Here's hoping we can find the triggers for my super-low fertility and work towards healing my body.  Thank you for all your prayers and love!

My first read for What We're Reading Wednesday was a purchase directly related to our new practice of the Creighton model.  (The first month requires abstinence to set a baseline and then there are continued periods of abstinence for low fertility to increase likelihood of conceiving.) 

When you're of low fertility, there can certainly be a different dynamic in marriage from a couple actively practicing NFP.  So, to get a little emotional support for a different season of life, I bought Simcha's book, The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning. 


The book, as the title suggests, is a good, practical guide to living a more peaceful, grace-filled NFP marriage.  Her humor was really my favorite part....well, that and the oh-so-practical tone.  I get the feeling from reading it that she's the kind of friend to whom you can speak frankly, deeply, personally.

She GETS it!  The dichotomy of the beautiful, flowery brochure of NFP and married life versus the practice and use in real married life was something she pulled out with such humor and realism.  She also gave such practical advice to grow in holiness and kindness through practicing NFP. 

Get it, read it, be renewed in your commitment to live in the fullness of truth and union with the Church.  Seriously.

The other book I read this week was Teaching in Your Tiara.  My overall impression is that I picked up this book four years later than I should have. In my defense, the book came out May 2013. 

I started homeschooling four years ago and I was the only person in my family who's ever done that.  I was concerned that I wouldn't do it right, that I would forever scar my daughter and that I was generally ruining everyone's life.  She was FOUR.

This book is a gift for any homeschooler.  The first half of the book especially is very practical, how-to-begin oriented.  I thought perhaps I wouldn't like the book, but I kept reading.....and discovered it had so much more to offer than just a how-to-begin primer. 

It was also kind of a walk through a lot of concerns I'd had in the past and her reasonable, humor-filled voice really reassured me.  It's always nice to read that you weren't the only one who went through something.....from the curriculum debate to the concern about less-than-enthusiastic family members.

Perhaps my favorite section was worrying about whether or not homeschooling would make your child weird.  The answer?  Yes, yes they'll likely be weird because the kind of parent that chooses to homeschool is likely to the side of mainstream....well played Rebecca, well played.

This is the kind of book that new homeschoolers should read as part of that initial research phase, but it also has a lot of sound advice and camaraderie to offer the more experienced homeschooler.  In all, such an excellent book.

I loved both my books this week and I think you should read them too!

Check out what everyone else is reading over at Jessica's.

{WWRW} Island of Fog

Linking up with Jessica for What We're Reading Wednesday, where you can see my tastes vary from medical texts to children/tween literature.

Today it's tween literature. We got a tablet for Christmas, and a week or so ago, I started looking for Kindle downloads for Little Bean.  I always start with the free books and work my way up.  Well, this book looked promising and is zero dollars on Amazon right now, so I added it to the Kindle library.

After a certain author included a theme in his latest book that I felt inappropriate for Little Bean, I've been more wary of new books, which is probably for the good.  So, before letting her read a book that Amazon labeled as good for 6-9 year-olds, I decided a little vetting was in order.

This book takes place in a post-apocalyptic world.  Out There is mysteriously tainted with a virus that will not die.  A handful of families are now living on an Island of Fog, protected from out there, but isolated and living completely off the land.  Each family has one child....and it is those children that provide the mystery and plot for the story. 

It was a good read.  It's only a couple hundred pages, so it's a relatively short read compared to some YA tomes.  I'll be letting Little Bean read it.  There was some mention of a breeding program in relation to the children (ie, they were the product of), but it is a passing mention and in no way goes into any of the details that would surround such a program (except to say that the process was randomized regarding magical abilities). 

It was a good enough book that I think I'll be looking for the next one at the library...perhaps after the list of suggestions I ordered through the library after last week's reviews.

Looking forward to reading about what everyone else has read!  Stop by Jessica's to find out all the books that should be on your list!

It's Wednesday and it's time to talk about books!  Linking up with Housewife Spice for What We're Reading Wednesday :)

This week, I have two to share.

I checked back in with an old classic when I found a 99 cent download on Amazon.

 The collection doesn't include Anne of Windy Poplars or Anne of Ingleside, but most of the books are in the series.  I reread Anne of the House of Dreams.  This is one of my favorites...although as soon as I say that, I start to think perhaps Anne of Avolea, or Anne of the Island, or Anne of Ingleside are  my favorites.....Rilla of Ingleside is the most heart-wrenching. 

Anne of the House of Dreams starts at the beginning of Anne's married life.  She has a beautiful love story, so reading about the start of her married life is made the sweeter by starting from the beginning with Anne of Green Gables.  The tale has the characteristic mix of sweet, lovely moments and sadness.  It's written in a style long forgotten and the flowery language might cause impatience in the more modern reader, but I truly believe no girlhood should pass without the advent of Anne. 

I would recommend 11 being about the perfect age to start the series, but as you can see, I haven't yet outgrown them.

The second book I read this week was a little less entertaining:

Hubby and I started learning our third (yes, I know, THIRD) NFP method.  Creighton Model has a reputation of being a helpful model for couples with low fertility.  Being in that camp, we're making the 3 hour round-trip every other Monday to learn.  A core part of Creighton is the relationship with the instructor.  Follow-ups are essential to build confidence for the user and help tailor the model to the couple and their goals. 

As part of the intake, I had to fill out a form which asked how many children we'd like.  "All we can" was not an option, so I had to pick a number.  I was so tempted to enter something like 11 just to freak the teacher out.  I entered a more realistic goal of 6....semi-realistic (given that I'm already 32 and only have 2) maybe, but probably more realistic than 11. 

The book covers all the details of the Creighton Model for the beginner.  So far, I'm thinking this model might be a little tedious to practice, but hopefully effective for bringing many more beautiful little people into our family. 

I'm offering up our drive for those mamas hoping to conceive or anticipating the arrival of their dear one.  Prayer requests welcome :)

{WWRW} Tabitha's Travels

Linking up with Housewife Spice for What We're Reading Wednesday - Advent/Christmas edition.

This Advent, I'm working on doing less.  I have sworn off a Pinterest-worthy Advent.  It is just not going to happen this year.  I didn't pull out the Jesse tree and hunt for all the handmade ornaments that are packed who knows where.  I haven't gotten any decorations out, save our simple Advent wreath and an Advent calendar we picked up at the religious supply store a couple weeks back.  It's a bible verse each day, following the lines of the Jesse tree, but much simpler.

I think it's lovely that so many people are doing such wonderful, joy-filled, and creative activities to celebrate Advent.  I just know I can't take on one. single. extra. thing.  We're going through a bit much this year, and in an effort to not lose sight of the season and my beautiful girls, I'm sticking with simplicity.

See, aren't they cute? :)

Here's what we ARE doing.  We are lighting the Advent wreath.  The girls are eating a chocolate a day from an Advent calendar I got 50% yesterday because Advent had already started.  We are opening one bible verse window each morning, and we are reading one chapter of Tabitha's Travels each evening.


A couple years ago, we read Jotham's Journey.  The story was the harrowing tale of a young boy, faced with uncertain times as he travels his own unique road to Bethlehem.

Tabitha is a girl he meets upon his travels.  In Tabitha's Travels, the story unfolds about her own unique journey.  Although we've just begun reading Tabitha's Travels, it's the same author as our previous Advent read and I feel confident we'll enjoy the read.

Just a note to sensitive readers; Jotham faces slavery and some unsavory individuals in his path and I think we'll probably encounter similar cruelties in Tabitha's story.  They were a part of the time and the author is clear that Jesus wasn't born into a story, he was born into the real world.  That being said, it is a family story and we read Jotham's Journey when Little Bean was about six and she wasn't overly distressed (I think in part because it ended well and the drama wasn't TOO intense).

I can't wait to see what everyone else is reading - perhaps we'll find another small thing we can add to our simple Advent this year :)

{WWRW} Small Steps

 

Linking up with Housewife Spice this week for an evening installment of What We're Reading Wednesday.




First up, hooray for Madeline at Dash of Snark - she won the book I put up for giveaway last week!




We're as scientific as second grade over here, and I was rooting for everyone, so I had my impartial 8 y/o pull a name from the ski hat....we're from the Midwest :)

I crumpled everyone's for good luck - because isn't that how you win a raffle?

Little Bean finds it a little challenging to read my handwriting

Maybe you do too...but it says Madeline!

Let's all be friends are pretend you didn't notice how dirty my living room or computer are.  Thanks friend.

Next order of business will be getting that sent out this week.  Hope you love it Madeline!

Now, on to what I've been reading this week - or trying to read.

About a month ago, I won a giveaway at Revolution of Love.  I got a copy of Small Steps for Catholic Moms.  The first couple weeks, I was very good about reading it, but last week, I wasn't so great.  So, I made a commitment to be more diligent this week.  I've done it nearly every day.  Since we had construction on the house this week, I'm going to call that a win.

To be fair, I haven't actually finished the book.  Since there's a page for every day of the year, it's going to be a while before that report.

The book is divided by month.  Each month is given a theme.  The month of November is Gratitude.  Next month, I'll be reflecting on Peace, and couldn't we all use a little more of that!

Each day is broken down into three segments; Think, Pray, and Act.

The "Think" section is a quote from a thoughtful person like Chesterton or Mother Teresa.  The "Pray" section is a prayer directed to God by the reader, bringing the "Think" section before God as a petition.  The "Act" section is really where I become a C student.  I'm good at acting on the "Act" days where the action is reaching out in community to share gifts....I'm really bad at acting when it's something like journaling or making a photo collage.  Still, going through those three things every morning...or sometimes at lunch when I'm sitting for the first time that day, helps to really give that day some concrete intention.

This book also ties so well into the Matthew Kelly talk I attended at the beginning of the month.  He really emphasized working on becoming the best versions of ourselves by taking away one thing the Holy Spirit was calling us to do to be better that week.  This is like taking that and breaking it into even smaller bite-sized pieces.

I'd recommend this read to a Catholic mom (I'm just going with the title here) who feels like she has NO TIME in her day for prayer.  I feel like that a lot, and this book is really helping me find those places of opportunity to make my day more intentional and prayer-filled, just by acknowledging that the playdate with another mom can be a part of my day's prayer.

This book came in the mail during a particularly bad week for me, and it's been helping me get through a time when prayer is hard to come by.

Thanks to Bobbi, I scored another free read for next week.  It's billed as a Catholic thriller, so we'll see how my nerves are next week.  Free on Amazon for Kindle download until November 21, I'll be having weird dreams and staying up late thanks to Don't You Forget About Me this week.

See what everyone else is reading at Housewife Spice!

{WWRW} 20 and Counting

Because things aren't going very well lately, I've been watching perhaps a little TOO much TV.  When I say perhaps, just trust me, it's actually WAY too much. 

One of the newer shows added to my online/tv subscription service was 19 Kids and Counting.  There were approximately 100 new-to-me 20 minute shows available to watch.  Over the course of the last month, I've watched nearly all of them.....I think I have 2 left. 

Over the last month, I've been reminded of the truth that we get out what we put in.  Watching Michelle Duggar speak kindly and patiently to her children started rubbing off.  Being more prayerful and reflective started to seep in.  I found myself speaking more kindly to my children.  I could hear her kind voice re-directing a child in the back of my mind from the numerous episodes I'd watched. 

As I noticed her ability to act and speak with kindness to her children and her constant love and enthusiasm for her husband, I became a little more curious about her story.  So, last week, I picked up a copy of 20 and Counting from my local library....they're thrifty enough I THINK they'd appreciate that :)


The book was a neat insight into who they are and how they've grown and changed over the years.  Their family is undoubtedly recognizable because of its size, but I think they also exude some of that grace that the world is looking for. 

The story of their openness to children comes from a place of loss.  Michelle miscarried their second child, in part because of the birth control she took.  After that loss, they turned over their fertility to God.  That they are so well known is a resounding reminder of how scarce this view is in the world today.  They see children as a blessing, only always a blessing.  They have quotes from Mother Teresa in their book and adorning their walls that I catch sight of every now and then in an episode.  They teach their children to have a "servant's heart".  They are open to God's will for their family.

In their book, they talk about struggles, including five children in a two bedroom house, a robbery and the building of their current house.  It's truly an inspiring thing to witness this family.  Michelle is also very quick to point out how much love and support they've had from those around them.  If only I could find a little old church lady who just loved folding laundry too.....alas. 

Definitely worth the read to see how such a counter-culture family has made such an impact on the hearts of many simply by doing their best to be open to what they believe to be God's will for their family.

Check out Housewife Spice for more books to add to your list!

{WIWS} Race Day

So, last week, I kept meaning to get WIWS posted....didn't happen.  Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday....and the Sunday before.

Sunday, October 20th

Shirt:  Resale shop
Linen Pants:  Old Navy
Earrings:  Dillards

Sunday, October 27th

Shirt:  Lane Bryant - given to me by a friend
Pants:  Old Navy
Shoes: (not pictured - very sensible Land's End black shoes)
Necklace:  Kohl's

I'm having a hard time picking out outfits now that the cold weather is upon us.  I have lots of pairs of dress pants, but I'm at a weird, in between sizes stage as I (still) struggle to lose the baby weight from that cute 16 m/o.  Right now, I'm in between my bigger and smaller sized pants, so it's kind of clothing limbo that results in this.....

The aftermath of trying on every pair of dress pants I own

I think maybe I need to find some cute Fall/Winter dresses that I can wear with boots and leggings and start giving that style a try....at least until I'm out of pants limbo.

From this weekend, a few pictures of my latest fitness adventure that has resulted in being in between pant sizes for now, a 5K trail run my sisters, a friend and I did this Saturday.

Sweet Pea and I, ready to run

A friend and I waiting to start

The whole gang

Finished!

Notice the parrot eating a cookie, Polly wants a cookie, not a cracker :)

So, the weight struggle still continues.  I've lost a couple pounds, but I measured myself this week and over the last three months, I've lost 15 inches total.  It's always slower than I would like, but my body IS changing.  I'm getting stronger and stronger.  Based on the fluctuations my weight has done up and down the scale the last few months, I'd guess I've probably put on almost 10 lbs of muscle....which makes me feel a little like I started with none, but it's showing me that there ARE results happening.  So maybe I  CAN do this. 

Still praying for another little baby soon, but working hard right now to make it a strong and healthy place for that baby in the meantime.

Stop by Fine Linen and Purple for more WIWS.

{WWRW} - Dad is Fat

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time to check and see if I'm still literate:

Back in June, I saw Jim Gaffigan on one of the morning news shows talking about his new book, Dad is Fat.  Since he's a comedian I find pretty funny, I mean c'mon, Hot Pocket, I went on our good old library website and placed a hold on his book.  There were 15-20 copies in the system, so I thought it wouldn't take too long to get a copy....a few weeks TOPS. 

It was finally my turn Saturday (yes, it's October), so I was excited to FINALLY check out a book that's gotten pretty good reviews. 

First, let me say, I've watched Jim Gaffigan's specials on Netflix...including Mr. Universe.  It seems like a lot of the material in the book matches up with that content, so in some places, I was a little disappointed, like, "oh I already heard that joke!"  That being said, some of the jokes made me laugh harder the second time, and there were plenty of new, funny observations thrown in.

If you haven't seen Mr. Universe, this book is going to be one of the most hysterical things you've ever read.  If you have seen Mr. Universe, you're still going to get good laughs.

More than the good laughs, this was such a great insight into his life.  In a way that comes across as open and welcoming, he shares a lot of truth.  It IS inappropriate when people make comments on your family size and dogs AREN'T equivalent to children or "practice children", as he said, I've never been allowed to kennel my children for vacation or leave them home in a cage all day. 

I also loved how kindly he spoke of his wife and his admiration and dedication to her is so evident, even among his quips about her "super fertility".  All in all, a great read, and a voice I'm glad to hear speaking for bigger families.  I especially loved when he said the reason to NOT have another one wasn't there, so that's WHY another one would be in the realm of possibility. 

Overall, this book was an interesting insight into the guy behind the laughs.  The pictures of his family were very sweet, even the one with the blurred out babysitter who quit right after a trip :)

If you want a laugh, read it.  If you're curious about a successful Catholic comedian in this day and age, read it.  If you want to laugh about the unique situations of a large family in a small space, read it.  Pretty much, you should just read it.

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