A Blog Book Club...Who's In???

I've been thinking about doing this for awhile now, and though I LOVE the idea, I'm not sure how well it will work. BUT, I'm going to try it anyway, and I hope you'll join me for something super fun & a little different...a Blog Book Club :)

I seriously love Beth Moore. I've done a few of her Bible Study's, and have really enjoyed them. And as much enjoyment as I get out them, the best part is that I truly learn from them. Beth has an unique way of putting things into perspective. She doesn't necessarily simplify things, she just uses her gift of writing to make scripture a little easier to delve into. She recently wrote a new book called, "So Long Insecurity...you've been a bad friend to us", and ever since I heard about it, I've been wanting to read it.

On the surface, I'm not an insecure person. But, like everyone (I think), once I really look at myself, and dig a little deeper, those insecurities are there...hindering my relationships, and limiting my life. After reading some reviews, it sounds like this book isn't as "scripture based" as most of her other books, and is more autobiographical than anything that she has ever written. It's about women; their quest for perfection & acceptance. I, for one, am anxious to see what she has to say.

I couldn't find this book on the shelf (Columbus isn't exactly known for it's great bookstores!), so I've had to order it. I'm kinda glad though, because that gives everyone a little time to go out and buy it for themselves (or borrow it, or check it out of the library). I'm thinking of starting this little adventure in book-clubbing on Monday March 15th and I'd love for you all to join me!! Go ahead and start reading, and we'll review/discuss the first chapter on that first day. I'm excited...I hope you are too!!

Too Good to be True???

This post is mostly geared towards my military wife friends...though if you like cute military accessories too, I guess it's for you as well :)

I just love blog-browsing!! The other day I was looking at my friend Maureen's blog, and found a link that I thought was interesting called Lovely Yellow Ribbons. I clicked out of curiosity, and stumbled upon perhaps the cutest military decor I've ever seen!! She has super fun & whimsical pictures, bags, signs, etc., all customized for your particular branch. I LOVE this cute picture...

If you go to her Etsy site, you'll see all the fun things that she has to offer. She even has some cute "Home is where the Air Force (Navy/Army/Coast Guard) sends us" stuff that is really cool. If you're like me, you have probably looked for stuff like this before, but kinda got discouraged w/ all the corny stuff that you usually find. This girls stuff is totally fresh & different...not corn-ball at ALL! She also has some cool non-military stuff too, if you want to check that out as well.

SOOO glad I found her!! And I just couldn't keep a good thing to myself :)

I Miss Reading Rainbow!

Butterfly in the sky,

I can go twice as high,

Take a look,

It's in a book,

Reading Rainbow.

Does that bring back memories? It definitely does for me! I loved that show, and I remember watching it every day. I'd sometimes watch it and make a list of the books that I liked so that the next time my Nana took me to the library, we'd be sure to get the right ones. Going to the library with my Nana is one of my most favorite childhood memories...I think that's one of the reasons I love books so much to this day.

For one of my baby showers, my mom sent about 4 big bags of children's books to me (she couldn't be there since I was still in England!). I remember pulling out each book, and remembering the first time that I had read it; perhaps with her, or maybe with my Nana. All of my favorites were in there, ones that I couldn't wait to share with Elli. And now, even though she's not quite 6 months old yet, she loves to help turn the pages & to press her hands on the ones that are especially colorful. We read at least twice a day and I hope that I'm instilling in her the importance and pleasure of reading just like my mom & Nana did for me.

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite children's books. Of course, there are WAY too many to put in one post, but perhaps one or two of these few might stand out to you. They are all special in their own unique way...I hope you enjoy them. Oh, and a friend of mine may or may not be getting them all in her own little baby basket :) Gotta spread the love!!

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Eric Carle

My Daddy & I by PK Hallinan

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Now One Foot, Now the Other by Tomie dePaola

**About a grandfather who teaches his grandson to walk, and then has to re-learn to walk himself after a stroke/illness. It's a great book about the bond between grandparents and their grandbabies, and it also teaches children about compassion for the elderly...especially when they are dealing w/ a physical problem.**

Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola

**Can you tell I love this author?! This one is about a great-grandmother who lives upstairs, and the grandmother who lives downstairs and the relationship both of them have with their grandson. Again, it's a teaching book (in my opinion), and it lends itself to the delicate subject of death and; perhaps more importantly, remembrance. It's such a sweet story, you're sure to love it!**