A Fiction Binge

For the last month or so I have been on a fiction binge. I usually read one or two fiction books, then something in from the non-fiction side of the library. But with the end-of-school and start of summer, I have just wanted to read and not think for awhile. I found several series and got a little caught up in reading them - all of them....in the quickest amount of time possible it seems.

Two series are from Christian author Denise Hunter and two series are from secular author Nora Roberts. I, also, read one stand-alone from Nora Roberts - these are the first books of hers that I have read in...well...probably close to a decade. I use to read all her books, but then she started to write with a paranormal bent....one character went from a man to a wolf....another would have conversations with a fairy. Yea. Not my taste. I have not read any of the vampire books that have been popular lately. Just not me. I was disappointed that in one of these new series that a ghost was in the mix. But by then I was taken in by the other characters.

While I could have done without the strong language and the few love scenes, her characters are very compelling...like you want them to be real and go and hang  out with them. One series had a set of three brothers. I always love books and series that have a strong family as a major part of the plot. Also, both sets of Nora Robert's books had sets of friends that were unbreakable....friends that would stay together through thick and thin....friends that have known each other for most of their lives and plan to life  out the rest of their lives close by. I missed that being a military wife. I have met some amazing friends in my adult life, but time and distance have left their mark.

The Denise Hunter series was...just okay...in fact I really couldn't get into the second series.  Read the first chapter then the skimmed the rest the book. All of these series were more or less just love or romance books. But I did read a Dee Henderson book that was anything but "just romance"

Dee Henderson's latest book, Full Disclosure, was full of twist and turns as the two main characters tried to solve a murder mystery. But she also did something I never had read before -or at least never realized it - she wrote herself into the book and mentioned her other books. It was very interesting. The murder mystery was very interesting, but the romance side of the book was way too cerebral for me. The two falling in-love characters analyzed it to death, I felt like. But I think that was better than Nora Roberts book where clothes go flying off without thought!

I, also, read a Danielle Steele book: 44 Charles Street. She is, also, an author I use to read a lot. For the most part her earlier books had a pattern: they get rich, they get poor, they fall in love, some one dies, they get rich, they get poor...you get the picture. This is only the second of hers I have read probably since college, but it was a good read....a little predictable, I  think. Also, most of the characters are rich - who really gets to take the whole month of August off??? No one in my real world.

But I'm done with my fiction binge. On to some non-fiction....maybe  I'll even get sewing machine out to work on a project....

A 21 Day Daniel Fast

Last month our pastor called the church to do a Daniel Fast (eat only veggies, fruit, nuts,  & beans - no dairy, no meat, no breads with yeast, etc - drink only water) as a time to pray for our country, community, church and families. Over the years, I have studied different types of fasting, but had never done a Daniel Fast. I usually just do a water-only fast for a day or so and usually fast alone.  So, this church-wide fast was intriguing to me. Right off the bat Benjamin didn't want anything to do with it! "Nope. Not interested."

But my teens surprised us by being interested and willing to participate with Drew and I. They amazed us! They both had it a little harder than Drew or I because they can't have any nuts or nut products due to allergies and as much as I have tried to get them to like beans over the years, they both HATE beans. Thankfully, they like brown rice, a few veggies and fruit - lots of fruit and oatmeal they ate! We did learn that William gets incredible grumpy when he's hungry....poor thing!

I think out of all of us Melissa was tempted more than the rest of us. She was offered pizza and chips at several end-of-school parties and events. In fact, Saturday afternoon one of her friends was hosting a swim party and Melissa decided not to go. She said," I just can't face pizza again. AND! There's gonna be cake pops....CAKE POPS!!"  So, I took her and one of her fasting friends shopping then they just hanged out at our house. They held strong! Very moving to see the Lord working in our teenagers' lives.

During this fast, a quote from the book The Heavenly Man in which Brother Yun talks about starving in a prison, "...their stomachs become their god..."  You only have to watch a few episodes of Survivor to see what people will do for food - even if it means risking their chance at a million dollars. There's so much in our lives that revolve around food - good and bad. So much celebrations...but, also, so much junk and habits...many bad habits. Doing without my normal food options during these 21 days, has made me think how many times I just eat without thinking....purely out of habit or boredom.  And what I'm eating: mainly junk. It seems that we have traded in wholesomeness and nutrition for convenience in modern day America.

If you had ask me if I could go 21 days without chocolate or coffee or bacon or a cookie or other dessert, I probably would have said "NO" nice and loud!(I love sugar!)  But I did. But only because I had Someone else's strength. Being able to walk passed the cake in the teacher's lounge or not pull out the cheese or not order a hamburger wasn't in my nature. It's the Lord's nature. He gave me strength. He showed me that I can do what I didn't think was possible. He, also, showed me how much I do out of pure habit. Makes me think what else do I do out of habit instead of being intentional.

The Lord is very intentional with us.  I think He wants us to be intentional, as well. Be intentional as we love others - make a point to pass on the love He has showered on us. And make no mistake - no matter how you live, He has showered you with His love.

As we broke the fast Monday, Drew and I have decided to continue  some things....be intentional about our eating - add more fruits and veggies...be careful about the junk (trash) food we allow in the house. (After all, if it's in the house, we WILL eat it!) I will say, we both thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast of eggs, cheese and bacon! (REAL bacon - not turkey, but REAL yummy BACON!) The teens were so ready to break their fast that they stayed up to midnight to eat! Drew and I like our sleep....I guess we're getting old!

If you have never done a Daniel Fast, I encourage you to look into it. It has been a wonderful way for us to grow closer to the Lord and to feel His strength and love.

Pure Laziness

This first week of no school has been wonderful! We have done next to nothing - and have loved every minute of it! (Well, almost every minute of it - I did make everyone help me clean the house on Tuesday morning - they all really didn't enjoy that, but it's apart of life.)  The kids have slept in, played on the computer, hang out with friends. Drew and I have slept, played on the computer, instead of hanging out with friend he did take me to the movies. 

And I have read several books - ok. More like a lot of books. Its' been great! I love that I can put a book on hold at the library from our computer and even download books from the library to my kindle. Been reading a new author as well as some new works by well known authors. It's been great! Books are like crack to me!

Back to the movie... We went to see this particular movie because it was filmed here locally and we were able to see some of the buildings. They built the from of the White House - we even got a picture of us in front of it (I'll dig that up later - it's on the other computer). The kids were so excited to see it - until we all realized it was rated R. After seeing it, I know why. While the language wasn't overly bad (but bad enough) it was the violence. Urgg. Yuck! But I really should have read the review....after all, the movie was about some bad guys taking over the While House. It was war - like a blood bath. So, not me. I had my eyes closed for half of it.

Drew owes me at least two chick-flicks!

A Lazy Sunday Evening

It's been a very quiet weekend. We have stayed close to the house - no plans. It's been nice to relax - sleep in...even got a a nap or two in. Melissa did babysit yesterday - then went to a party with her friends. Right now she's trying to organize a sleep over with a few of her friends.

She even got her father to take her driving. She's not eligible for her driver's permit for months, but she is so ready! Drew's taken her a time or two. Her plan is to take driver's ed this fall - you have to be 15 by the first class. Since her birthday is in Sept, she's planning to take the class soon after that. We'll see when it's offered.  She is just biting at the bit to grow up and drive!

William on the other hand has had his driver's permit since last summer and rarely drives....in fact, I'm not even sure when he drove last.  He never asks and the last few times I have offered, his answer has been that he would rather sit in the back and read a book.

Crazy kid.

I think the big plans for the holiday tomorrow is to go to the movies....we'll see. I have read several books this weekend....and about to start another one...probably should get some sewing projects done, but right now I guess I'm like William. I would rather just sit and read a book.

Done

With William finishing his last two finals this morning, 2012-2013 school year is officially done. We have a few weeks before we'll get the notice for summer homework, so I hope my kids enjoy this break.  I know Benjamin is have summer homework - unless the school changes it's ways (which we will all be happy about it!) More than likely he'll have to read two books and do two projects  for each and maybe a math project.

I remember seeing summer homework for Junior English....we'll see if we get notified for that. Good thing William loves to read!

Benjamin is already hitting the computer games hard and long. I told him to enjoy weekend, then he and I will have to come to some type of agreement as to how long is long enough.  William is right there with him on that score. And Melissa - my social butterfly - is already at her friend's house - that has a pool....we may not see much of her this summer....

William and Melissa will attend the youth camp. Benjamin will attend 6th grade church camp - with Melissa as a counselor. She'll, also, be a counselor for the elementary church camp. William will have summer soccer workouts. But as of now Drew and I don't have any trips planned....although we are throwing a few ideas around....we'll see what we come up with.

While I have enjoyed sleeping in these last two days I have not worked, I did still  get up some what early to get kids off to school (I hate the thought that they leave the house without seeing at least one parent!). Of course, having kids getting breakfast and lunches together does NOT make for a quiet morning! Tomorrow though....ah...now that's a different story! No one has to get up and out the door!! The house will be quiet.....and a quiet house will mean sleep!!

At least, that's the plan....

Almost There

We are almost at the end of school. Today was my last day to sub (this month has got to be the highest number of days for me to work!!)  Tomorrow will be Ben's and Melissa's last day. And Friday will be William's last day.  I could be a mean mom and make Ben and Melissa go to school on Friday, but really - the teachers don't want them there. I'll probably check Ben and Melissa out after the awards assembly.

Today most of the eight graders were on field trip. Some went to Dallas to tour the Cowboy stadium then watch a Ranger's game. The others went to see a movie and spend time at the mall. Melissa chose to do neither (my checking account thanks her.) So, she got to stay home...sleep in...hang out....get a taste of summer.  She'll go tomorrow because the teacher will be handing out report cards, but we are excepting all A's, too.

Benjamin received his report card today. He did very well - ended up with all A's as his final grade in each class. He,also, did well on the state testing (we received those grades today as well).

I did have to laugh at several of the boys in my class dance and laugh and jump and down when they realized they did in fact pass into the next grade.  Ben was in the room by then to show me his grades and he thought it was funny as well. But, really, it's sad. To think you don't know if your grades are good enough.

Drew and I are very lucky that none of our kids have even been in that position.

William doesn't get any extra days off because the high school gives finals the last two days of school - and EVERYONE takes a final. No exemptions if you have an A like it was back in my day. He should end up with all A's as well.

We all are looking forward to sleeping in!!

For My In-Laws -

Sorry, I haven't posted, but its just been the normal around here....  The election went well (all renewals taxes for the schools passed). I did work with some new people. It was nice to get to know them. The Clerk tried to move everyone to the precinct they actually vote in, so the new people were my neighbors - or at least lived within a mile or so.  One talked about her garden and how she didn't know what to do with all the lettuce she had - I told her to bring it to my house! And she did.  It was really good - nice and crisp...good bright taste.

The kids are finishing up school (two more weeks) and so are busy doing end-of-year projects and studying for finals. We're tying to find William a job for the summer....he's not so into it, but he's 16. He needs a job.

Drew is still looking for a job - no changes on the Air Force hiring freeze. And a few jobs we have come across I have even thrown my name in. Who knows! He may be a house-husband yet!

I'm subbing a lot - several teachers are retiring and are using up their sick days.  Good for me! Keeps me busy!