I’ve been thinking since, oh….2010 or so, that I should write a post with book reviews. Until I get to that, I think I’ll just keep taking shots of my kids reading. ‘Cause it’s easier. 
I love his little turtle neck. I love his neck, period.
And there’s that sweet eyebrow raise again.
How many times have I been able to resist this nonverbal question? Approximately NONE times. The last few months he has started to drag a couple over to me, chuck them in my lap, and then climb in himself. I thought, since he didn’t have book fever starting at 2 mos. old like Anja did, that he might not enjoy reading, but oh boy does he!
Outside my window…the snow piles again, softly covering the old, dirty snow. I am thankful for it – the white instead of the muddy blackish-brown.
I am thinking…about children’s prayers. Did you have a simple prayer you were taught as a child, or did you pray for specific things?
I am thankful for…a kitchen where I can create, even if it is currently quite messy.
From the kitchen…Pesto Pasta.
I am wearing…jeans, a white long-sleeve t-shirt and a brown poncho.
I am creating…a batch of steamed carrots for my son.
I am going…to a MOPS Swap today!
I am reading…One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
I am hoping…that my move-in can wait until April. Funny how things change.
I am hearing…the computer’s hum and the squeak of my daughter’s (my old) bed.
Around the house…is a tent, a bunch of scrapbooking supplies, and a pile of mail that needs going through.
One of my favorite things…is peanut butter.
A few plans for the rest of the week: chiropractor, small group, touring a swimming facility where Anja will take lessons, and hopefully more home renovations.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing…my sweet boy, wondering why I’m making him lie on the floor for pictures.
Read more Daybook entries here.
Kind of Life – Tara Whitney
One of my favorite bloggers, Ann Voskamp, released her new book recently, which shot to the top of Amazon’s Bestseller list! I am ordering it pronto. The video below (watch it even if you don’t plan to get the book or have never read her work–you will be blessed) gives a taste of her gift.
Randi’s Recipe Box Swap is back! Soups and stews–perfect for winter!
Again, I’m not that old, so to me, some of these books aren’t really “vintage.” However, some of them are from my mother’s childhood, which clearly makes them antique. 
My mom has always been way into series, so naturally, I read a lot of them as a kid. Boxcar Children, Babysitters’ Club, Sweet Valley Twins. However, these are some of the more “classic” ones that she still keeps on the shelf.
The first books I remember reading by myself, The Bobbsey Twins:
Mom’s Trixie Belden books. Did you ever pick a character that you idolized in the books you read? In The Babysitters Club, I wanted to be Claudia. In the Trixie Belden books, I wanted to be Honey.
And two series that I can’t wait to read to Anja someday, Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables.
Did you ever read any series growing up? If so, which ones?
When we’re not at the pool or a park or meeting a friend for lunch, there’s a lot of this going on.
Husband and I have both been diligent about reading to our kids, and we are so thankful that Anja loves books. We hope that love will inspire a lifetime of learning.
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Happy May Day! Any of you doing baskets for neighbors?
I’ve been reading Charles Sheldon’s book by that title as my “nursing book” for the last couple weeks. While I don’t agree with every principle put forth in this work, I have found myself very compelled by the question “What would Jesus do?”
See, I was of the commercialized WWJD movement, where you wore a nylon bracelet, maybe had a bumper sticker or a t-shirt, and that made you a good Christian. Reminds me of a Steven Curtis Chapman song, which asks, “What about the change? What about the difference?” All those externals are worthless if there is no change of heart.
One paragraph in Sheldon’s book stung particularly, because it hits close to home. We congratulate ourselves on our giving, our 10% tithe, but do we really sacrifice in any way? Not just to bring a man a meal, but to bring him the truth of Christ? For what reason are we shy? Why are we trying to save face? Or in Sheldon’s words:
The bishop found his heart sinking within him as he faced this fact: that men would give money who would not think of giving themselves. And the money they gave did not represent any real sacrifice because they did not miss it. They gave what was easiest to give, what hurt them the least. Where did the sacrifice come in? Was this following Jesus? Was this going with Him all the way?
This book’s illustrations are not of well-dressed Christians in 3,000 square foot homes going on 10-day “mission trips” and returning, weeping for “those poor people who don’t have any stuff.” It contains hard questions asked by people without hope. And others who took a pledge to follow in Christ’s footsteps, even when, in some cases, it really meant selling all they had and moving to the worst part of the city to offer hope.
It’s radical. And here I sit with my fat, Laodicean heart, waiting for “The Call.” The call to give, to serve, to LOVE sacrificially.
I am under no illusion that God calls every single Christian to go and live with the poor, meeting physical and spiritual needs. He uses that money that we earn and give. I simply don’t want to be so comfortable in my suburban life that I refuse to open my ears once in a while and reevaluate, to make sure that my family is where He wants us. The Call is for all believers.
“Blessed is that servant whom his master will find doing so when he comes.” – Matthew 24:46
After reading (somewhere, don’t recall where) that a photographer enjoyed Chris Orwig’s new book “Visual Poetry,” I decided to pick up a copy to read myself. Nursing usually affords me an hour or two of reading per day (during the day times when Anja isn’t awake or is playing nicely by herself), and I’ve read through this book in about two weeks.
First: I do not understand the cover image. Perhaps there is some personal significance to it, and that’s why it was chosen, but it is not a terrific photograph. The composition is mediocre, and the subject looks depressed. Weird choice.
When I was in architecture school, most of the professors, while well-meaning, had a very minute grasp on actual practice. They encouraged passion, creativity and originality. I graduated with virtually no idea of how to actually practice architecture. Orwig is a photography professor at Brooks Institute. He encourages passion, creativity and originality. However, he is also a professional who gets paid for his work. Despite that, he has not lost his love for the trade. Orwig’s outlook as a photographer is refreshing, even if his main foci (outdoor/adventure photography and portraits, from the looks of things) are different than mine.
Orwig thrives in the outdoors: surfing, hiking, camping…these are his passions. This is very clear in the photographs used throughout the book. His portraits (mostly surfers and musicians) are relatively strong, but his wedding shots (all from one event) are weak. If you are looking to get into weddings or family photography, I’d look for an author who has more experience in this realm.
The book is broken into three parts, one each devoted to creativity and technique, tips for the many paths of photography (portraiture, weddings, travel, etc.), and gear and becoming a professional.
I thought the strengths of this book were the inspiring anecdotes and encouragement to get out there and do what you love. The assignments given at the end of each chapter are great impetus for everyone, from beginners to those looking for renewed vision.
Weaknesses were the repetitiveness of content and the typos (oy vey, were there a lot!).
Overall, I think the book is worth a look-through. If you read a few of the anecdotes in the creativity section, you can probably skim the rest of them and move on to the last two sections. Orwig has a website that accompanies his book, so check that out, too.
A sweet lady from my church brought us some meals and some books for Anja and Markus a couple weeks ago. Anja’s book was this one:
Fancy Nancy and her friend Bree make valentines, so we did, too (if you get one of these, pretend to be surprised).
Nancy had a wreath made with paper hearts, and Anja wanted to make one of those, too. We just used leftover foam hearts from the valentines and stuck them on a piece of cardstock. Simple, but she loved doing it. Husband says the wreath hanger is a little hefty for it. Heh heh.
We’re in the process of another craft that I hope we finish before Valentine’s Day. If not, no big deal. What kinds of activities do you do with your kids?
