Books of 2011

One of my unspoken resolutions this past year was to read more books and watch less TV. I love to read but it’s easy to fall into the “I don’t have any time or extra energy to read” trap. As I found out this year, I do have the time – and yes, sometimes that meant staying up long after everyone else in the house had gone to bed. It was worth it.

I’m so thankful for my “Naptime Readers” book club. I’ve been pushed to read books that I would have never picked up on my own (and the poor gals had to endure my random book choices). In addition, a few Bible/Christian books study groups were a big blessing.

So, as we “turn the page” on 2011, I wanted to take a minute to look at the books I’ve read in 2011. I’ve included my brief top-of-mind reviews or impressions on each book. I hope something on this list will spark your interest and encourage you to read (and in some cases, steer you away from books that - in my opinion - aren't worth it). 

Book Club Books:

Persuasion by Jane Austin – Although not my favorite Jane Austin novel, I did find merit in the story and, as usual, enjoyed her commentary on society. I would only recommend to true-blue Jane Austin fans.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult – Skip it and read “Handle With Care” instead.

A Year on Ladybug Farm and At Home on Ladybug Farm by Donna Ball – Fun and easy reading – but not cliché. Perfect spring or summer reading.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen – I would have never thought to read this story but I LOVED IT. This book has it all – love, friendship, intrigue, gritty and dark themes, and surprisingly sweet moments. Loved the reflections and observations made by the main character as an older man.

Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson – This story was beyond weird. So, of course, I picked this book. It was a bizarre story with zany characters and lots foul language. Can’t say I would recommend it.

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin – Trashy and cliché. Skip.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver – Oh man…where do I start with this one…I had a love/hate relationship with this book but ultimately I enjoyed it and was glad to have read it. The themes of the story definitely stuck with me a long time and changed my perspective on a few things. I would recommend to only very dedicated readers. 

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – FABULOUS! I think every American should read this story. So inspiring! Go. Read. It. Now.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin – An entertaining story about fine-tuning your life for the better. I could relate to her struggles with staying positive. Inspiring, with lots of good ideas for your own Happiness Project. I would highly recommend it to “soul-searchers” like me.

Bible Study Books:

The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg – A very encouraging and insightful book. Would definitely recommend it.

Lord, I Want to Know You: A Devotional Study on the Names of God by Kay Arthur – An intense study but got me into and interested in the Old Testament, which is quite a feat for me.

The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian – Practical advice. Easy-to-read chapters. Liked the Bible verse references. 

40 Days of Love by Tom Holladay – Commit 40 days to improve your relationships. Not revolutionary but good reminders on how to love those around you.

On My Own:

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell – Very interesting. Loved the stories and parallels.

One Day by David Nicholls – I loved this book! A unique premise – the reader checks in with the main characters on the same day every year – and an adorable story of love and friendship and the blurry lines between. I was cheering for the main female character the entire time. It was like a good SATC episode with dry British wit. Double score! I would definitely recommend it and would even read it again.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo – So cute and inspiring. Got me excited about Heaven.

In-Progress/Honorable Mentions:

Don’t Make Me Count To Three by Ginger Plowman

Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson

The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett

Want more inspiration? I came across a blog “round up” of online book clubs and reading challenges for 2012. To get started or gather some ideas, click here.

If you like to read and compare notes, please check out my Goodreads profile and connect with me here. It’s my ongoing “read” and “to read” reading list. I would love to see what you’re reading, too!

Feel free to comment and tell me about the books you've read this year. I'm open to recommendations for my "Books of 2012" list.

Happy Reading!

Catching Up

I'm back! 

 

We had a wonderful time vacationing, visiting and Christmas-ing with friends and family in California and Arizona...

A beautiful December sunset at the beach. It's no wonder why I love California so much!

Speaking of Christmas-ing, it doesn't get any more festive than this, people!

But now we're back home, vacation is over, and I have so much to download here. I'll try to focus.

Since we've spent a ridiculous amount of time in the car lately, I feel almost obligated to give tips and tricks to road trips with children, pets and spouses. Unfortunately, I can't give much advice other than this: the secret to maintaining sanity on road trips can be found in several large bags of M&Ms. It really is that simple.

Can you believe it's almost New Year's Eve?! After all the bustle of the past few weeks, I'm looking forward to a cozy night in. I'll be cheering and toasting the new year with my new favorite drink, a Black Forest Cake Martini. It's the perfectly festive holiday drink. Plus, anything with Chambord is delightfully delicious.

Black Forest Cake Martini

Recipe:

• 1 ½ oz vodka
• ½ oz white crème de cacao
• ½ oz Chambord
• 1 ½ oz half & half cream
• nutmeg

Fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes. Add the vodka, crème de cacao, Chambord and cream to the shaker. Shake the mixture vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds. Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass and sprinkle with nutmeg.

There's more...but, unfortunately, it'll have to wait until I unpack the suitcases.

In the meantime...Happy New Year! Wishing everyone much love and happiness in 2012.

Having A Ball

One of the best parts about military life is the occasion of an Army Ball. It’s a reason to dress up fancy – to me, the word “Ball” alone invokes thoughts of princesses and Cinderella – and is an event steeped in tradition. In our informal world, I like holding on to traditions that have meaning and purpose. Plus, I love watching otherwise reserved and serious guys turn into silly and playful boys. And by silly, I mean, drunk. In some cases, very, very drunk. But it’s all in good fun -- and, don't worry, there were many precautions in place to prevent anyone who shouldn’t be from driving 

Bill, Ginger and the Bruiser Badass (background)

Speaking of drunk, this was the first time I’d seen a Grog ceremony. All the troops pitch in different alcohol to represent different American wars and conflicts. Bill’s troop contributed tequila to represent the Mexican American War. The presentation was hilarious, but yet, symbolic, and the best part was watching the guys rush the bowl at the end to chug the grog. I tasted it and it wasn’t too bad, actually. 

And, of course, Bill couldn’t pass up the chance to rib his leadership. He even went so far as to toast and then challenge the brigade commander (his boss’s boss) to a beer chugging contest. 

Did I mention that there’s also dancing?! 

By the end of the night my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. 

 

The excitement didn’t end there! Earlier this month, Santa wrote the kids a note explaining that, since we’d be in California for Christmas, he wanted to deliver our presents early. It would give him chance to take the reindeers on a test run before the big night. The kids were over-the-moon excited. This basically meant two Christmases for them. I do believe our “cup runneth over.”

Snow Much Fun

It snowed here! It was a pretty big deal. I’ve never, ever, seen it snow. I’ve been in the snow. But I’ve never actually seen it fall from the sky. Neither have the kids. We did get snow in Georgia once, but we woke up to the snow and never saw it come down. In California, we would drive up to the snow in Big Bear after it snowed.

I can now say that there is something magical about watching it snow – but I’m from California so any bit of weather is amazing to me.

Apparently, the snow was a big deal to the locals, too, because we’ve been hearing about, bracing and waiting for this mysterious “winter weather event” for a few days now. Last week it started as freezing and dusty winds, then, later turned to light rain, and finally the snow arrived. I had been skeptical that it would snow here. And after the forecasters delayed the snow first one day, then two days, then three days, I figured it wasn’t coming. The impression, to quote Bill, was: “This ‘winter weather event’ is a joke.”

Then, yesterday, Sienna peeks out the window and yells, “Mom, it’s here! It’s finally snowing! Come see!” When we opened the door to peek outside, sure enough, snow was starting to fall. Granted, it wasn’t a blizzard or anything, but it was snow – falling from the sky – and it was beautiful and amazing. We were running and dancing around the yard yelling, “Snow! Snow! Snow!” I’m sure the neighbors thought we were crazy. I’m sure the neighbors already know we’re crazy. 

It snowed a bit last night and we woke up to a nice, thin blanket of snow and clear skies. It was a glorious sight. I couldn’t stop taking photos of the snow and the neighborhood. I was like an Asian tourist at Disneyland! (Sorry to my Asian friends…but you know it’s true!) 

My favorite part is that it was enough snow to transform the neighborhood into a wintery wonderland but not enough to disrupt daily life. On the flip side, it’s so beautiful that I don’t want to see it melt quite yet. But the sun is out and most of the snow is already melted. I’m sure it’ll be gone by tomorrow. Still, it was a fun diversion and added to the already magical season of Christmas. I’ll take it!