Book Reviews 6

I don't get much time for reading when school is in session. After teaching all day and taking care of my family, I am usually asleep within minutes of getting still somewhere;) It never fails that at the end of the semesters, I devour books! Here's what I've been reading (and currently reading):

I picked this up at a yard sale, and let me tell you- It is EYE-OPENING! I recommend this to anyone who has children at home. Dobson and Bauer are painfully honest about our children, our education system, and our government.

As I have said before, I LOVE Francine Rivers. She is able to make powerful statements through her novels, so that I am not only entertained, but challenged too. I enjoyed Her Mother's Hope, and couldn't put Her Daughter's Dream down. All daughters and mothers can learn from the four generations in Rivers' latest works.

I borrowed Maid to Match from a student (it was exam week, and I needed a tiny break from grading and paperwork;). This book really surprised me. I was hooked from the first chapter. I can't wait to read Gist's other five novels! I loved the way she included the history of Biltmore Estate and the traditional roles of servants during turn of the century America. I was interested enough that I googled it for a possible vacation! :)

I actually bought this on audio c.d. to listen to going and coming from work. I am only on Chapter 2, but I can say I've already learned some things about bringing up my little lady. I can't wait to hear more!

Weigh-in 5

OOPS! I haven't posted a weigh-in since September 1. Well, here's what has happened in the getting-healthier-arena of my life in the past 3 months:

• Niki and I had been walking/jogging in the month of August at night, but it was hard to maintain with husbands, children, night classes, church, and softball games. SO we finally admitted to ourselves that it was time for EARLY morning workouts. It hurt my feelings that I would be waking up even earlier and missing my quiet blog-reading time...but little did I know-- it became one of my favorite times of the day. We are currently in our 13th consecutive week of morning workouts. We typically work out four days/week. It always starts with a cup of coffee and conversation at 5:15-ish. First we did p90x, and it's great, except the length of the workout was a bit much. Next, we did Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred which is great. Now, we are on our fourth week of running. I think I'm addicted! I have never in my 29 years been a runner, but with the Pandora radio on my phone and sheer determination, I am doing it!!! 
• I was addicted to Diet Dr. Pepper, but I haven't had a carbonated beverage in almost 3 months! It really helps with bloating. 
• For the past month, I've been eating according to a plan called Prism. It's a Christian-based healthy lifestyle that lots of men and women are doing at our church. In a nutshell: no white sugar, no white flour. What an adjustment! It works without a doubt though!
• My weight had been fluctuating between 152-156; last Saturday's weigh-in: 145.2. Yay, finally some progress! 
• A few things that make it easier are Laughing Cow Cheese, grapes, sugar-free coffee creamer, lots of water, Crystal Lite, grilled chicken, brown rice, and eggs. 
• I got a new hair cut and highlights last week too. I think doing little nice things even when you're not completely happy with your weight definitely helps!

Sweet Treats 5

My mom keeps little Langston in her home along with Ava. Langston's mom, Brianne, has a growing business; she was so sweet to make Ava and my nephew Reid matching Christmas outfits! They are absolutely adorable!!

Thanksgiving Vacation

For the past two years, the school district that I work for has given its teachers options for the two mandatory in-service days: June, July, or Monday/Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week. Of course, I opted for July...it's just like going back to work a few days early after having the summer off work. By November, I'm in need of a break! It is wonderful to have NINE consecutive days off. Perfect for celebrating with family and Christmas shopping! Here are the highlights of this vacation:

• lots of quality time with Ava!
• seeing Jeanine & her new house
• snuggling with my nephew Reid
• family movie night (Tangled is sooooo cute!)
• seeing my extended family and in-laws
• black Friday shopping with my mom, sister, brother-in-law, & our kiddos! only 1 more person on the list!
• manicure with Ava (if you haven't tried "gel polish" you should- it lasts for several weeks!!)
• Goodwill shopping
• getting my Christmas cards ordered (yay for the 50 free cards from shutterfly.com!)
• running 3.5 miles this week
• church thanksgiving dinner and comedy show
• visiting with friends
• Sunday afternoon nap:)

Thanksgiving morning

Supper Club at Amanda's

two of my favorite girls from church (Evening with the Turkeys)

I love Reid's turkey shirt:)

Aunt Brooke with Reid:) he doesn't look too comfy...

Ava with her great-grandfather (he loves her sooooo much!) So sweet.

Ava LOVES to hold Reid!

Ava with one of her favorite people in the world: Mimi

my dad with his dad, brother, & sister

Thanksgiving!

I like this family pic (except for my hair- very windy day;)

Our Family

Ava loves this toy that I left her pick out at Goodwill right before we got our manicures. Can't beat a $1.99 for a new cash register!

We all loved Tangled!