So. I've decided that this year is going to be a year of personal development. I'm not really sure what that means yet, but I do know it means working more on myself and less on other people. I tend to go "all in" with things that demand my attention, and for the last eleven plus years, that's been my kids, often to the detriment of myself. Not that I have any regrets. I'm thrilled with how my children are developing and I'm glad I did what I did, but the reality of the situation of child rearing has begun to sink in. And the reality is that, eventually, your children leave, like, for good. . . and then what? Granted the last one isn't leaving the nest for, oh, something like 15 more years, but I'm thinking that perhaps it would be wise to have some sort of plan. When I think about all of my children in school all day, which is only a few years away, my mind goes blank and I start to get a small panicky feeling in the middle of my chest that says, "You need to figure out what you're going to be doing THEN." I run a small daycare out of my house. I like it and I'm good at it, but I started doing it so that I could be home for my kids, and once they're all in school all day, I'm not sure I'm going to want to keep doing it. This thought adds to the panicky feeling in my chest and further pushes me to want to try and figure out some things. Hmmm. . . hmm. . . hmm. I don't know. It's a good thing I have some time to think about it. You can come along with me on this process of self-discovery. Hopefully, it'll be a fun ride.
Books We Love
William F. Russell: Classic Myths to Read Aloud
My little bird is reading these on the side (her idea) to supplement her Percy Jackson books. What a great kid!William Faulkner: Light in August
One of the Faulkner's I haven't read yet.Markus Zusak: The Book Thief
Heard about it and heard about it, so now I'm reading it!David Benedictus: Return to the Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie-The-Pooh Collection)
Reading to the sweet peach. We're loving it.J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
The Little Bird's on Book 6!Graham Moore: The Sherlockian
Let's see if my Mom notices that I couldn't resist! It's soooo good.Karen Beaumont: Baby Danced the Polka (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards))
Pippa's favorite.Laurence Cosse: A Novel Bookstore
Really enjoying this if you can get past the weird French names.Anne Fortier: Juliet
Soooooo compelling.Ayelet Waldman: Red Hook Road
Read on vacation. A definite thumbs up.
Music We Love
Sunny Day
Elizabeth Mitchell: Sunny Day
We love the new one.Sam & Ruby: The Here And The Now
A guy I met at church camp finally hit it big!renee and jeremy: It's A Big World
Pippa's bedtime musicJames Taylor: Other Covers
He is the "King" in my book.The Innocence Mission: Befriended
The girls and I love this music for quiet time. It's just lovely and very soothing.James Blunt: Back to Bedlam
I'm a huge James Blunt fan.Ryan Star: Songs from the Eye of an Elephant
I'll admit, I did get sucked into the show. I loved his passion immediately.Heidi Talbot: Distant Future
Some of her songs move me to tears with their tenderness.Ellen Kjelgaard Godula: Wynken, Blynken and Nod
Best bedtime music.The Innocence Mission: Now the Day Is Over
The perfect end of the day music for children.
Great Movies for Kids
Family Videos
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
Post Holiday Hoopla
After all of the Holiday Hoopla, I'm taking a much needed break and trying to catch up on my very long reading list. Jane Austen is a favorite, and I haven't read Emma since college, so I thought I'd give her a go again. Really, I highly recommend re-reading classics that you haven't read since college. You have a completely different take on things as an adult. I'm finding it quite interesting.
We will have to wait and see what this year has ahead for us. I'm hoping to blog more often, but I won't make any promises. Here's to a healthy and happy 2012.
