on my nightstand.

When things go topsy-turvy, upside down, when things hurt and I'm trying to heal I turn toward books. I try to look up and in and hold on tight to beliefs that have gotten me through so many tough times. This is not always easy which is why books can be so helpful. At least to me.

So, on the nightstand right now are The Me I Want To Be by (one of my favorite Christian authors) John Ortberg.  I just finished a powerful chapter on Surrender. I love his humor, his honesty and his straightforward ideas on living our best life. I picked this book up a few months ago and right now is the perfect time for me to be reading it.

Next is The Gift of Imperfection by Dr. Brene Brown. Her blog Ordinary Courage has been in my reader for several years and her words are truth and thought provoking. Courage, Compassion and Connection. Setting boundaries, loving and belonging - so many great topics woven together.

Both of these are easy to read, tender to digest. I find myself stopping, thinking and exploring...it's all good. I just wrote my cousin and in our exchange I think I said it best as, "I'm raw right now so right now is the perfect time to tend my heart and grow."

The last book in the pile is The Awe-manac. This one is fun filled with daily doses of inspiration for creativity. While I haven't been fully engaged with the book I have been following along daily, reading, reminding myself that writing/creating is important to me and my well being. The website for the book is a fun stopping point for me in my blog reading.

And of course at the bottom of the pile is my journal. Never far from me I use it for prompts, spontaneous writing, lists to keep my mind from forgetting what it is I'm suppose to be doing...

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Last year my cousin, Lorinda, gave me this lovely book for Christmas. Cooking Up A Classic Christmas: Santa's Secrets for an Unforgettable Holiday, is a cookbook filled with gorgeous illustrations of Christmases past and some fantastic recipes.

So, I am creating a Christmas Eve menu out of this book...I am very excited. My in-laws come for Christmas Eve and I can't wait to share some of these recipes.

Do you have a traditional, have it every year without fail, meal on Christmas or Christmas Eve? or Do you mix it up a bit? (as you may gather I am of the mix-it-up variety, but there are certain dishes that make there way into the festivities every year, such as Butter horns made by my mother-in-law - YUM!)

a few things...

Hi friends. Just a few things this sunny Sunday. 

1. I want to ask/remind people to go to the book blog. I asked a question over there regarding book journals and would LOVE your reply!

2. Next week starts my "week in the life" project. I will start gathering on Monday...I am doing a "pre-gather" today. I am pretty excited. I hope to be share here...

3. The new Dexter is on tonight. I got into this over the summer. I've got a good "fall line up" for t.v. this fall. Not too much, not too little. Just right and lovin' it. 

Thankful

Once again I am very thankful for the people in my life. I have spent the last few days celebrating my birthday. Yesterday I went to Seattle with friends. (go here to see a detailed description from Cheryl). I was lucky to be able to spend the day with my good friend Cheryl and my cousin/bff Lorinda. We had a ton-o-fun

eating cupcakes....hanging out...

shopping...
and the grand finale...going to see author extraordinaire Jodi Picoult. Her new book Change of Heart is fantastic. Go here to read what we (Cheryl & I) thought of the book and to discuss with us .

The reading/book signing was at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park which is in Katrina's neck of the woods :)...So Katrina met us there and we had a quick visit (quick family catch-ups and lots of book talk! love it!). I don't get to see her often, so I was glad she came! Thanks Katrina! (hugs to the kids)
Lorinda, Cheryl, Katrina, Jerrie and Jodi!

Tonight we went to dinner with my mom, dad, Alex & DeAnne. We ate at the Nuthouse (how fitting) and enjoyed one another's company. We came home for cupcakes (yum) and I received some wonderful new bath towels! Just what I wanted! There are pictures, but I am too tired/lazy to load them right now, so maybe tomorrow!


Thanks to all that wished me a happy day...in person, via mail, email...or just in their thoughts. I feel blessed to know so many wonderful people who I can call friends! The best birthday present of all is the love and friendship from my friends and family. Thanks again!

Kristin Hannah

Yesterday afternoon I was browsing the Village Books website and saw that Kristin Hannah was going to be there. At 7:00. Last night. Well, it was no question I was going to go. Archer goes to church in Bellingham anyway, so I called my mom and she said she would pick him up for me. Yay!

I then called Cheryl and asked her if she wanted to go. After a little schedule fanagaling she was able to go as well. I have seen a few authors - have been to readings and signings, but I have never seen Kristin Hannah, so this was a treat. I enjoy her books and she is a local NW author which is great. She did a little reading, from the beginning of the book (I like that as I haven't read the book yet and so nothing is ruined for me), then did a Q&A. She was relaxed, a bit funny, and seemed like someone you would like as a friend.

Signing books.Her new book is Firefly Lane!

Me, Kristin, and Cheryl.

Dinner.

(I'm stepping on the recipe blog bandwagon here. Watch out!)

One of my goals when I started teaching (was that August? Yikes!) was to start using my crock pot for dinners. Well...February rolls around and I finally (!) take out the crock pot. Tonight was a Mexican Chicken. It was great, Troy and Archer both liked it as well.

This is probably the easiest thing I ever made.
3 steps:

1. Put boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used 3 for my family of 3) in crock pot. Pour salsa over it (I used more than the 16 ounces asked for in the original recipe).

2. Cook on low for about 6 hours.


3. Take the chicken out - put on plate. I put it in the oven to keep warm.
Add 2-3 cups instant rice to salsa and cook for 20 - 30 minutes. DONE!!!!
Easy-peasy!

I bought the book, Fix It and Forget It 5 Ingredient Favorites, at the Lynden Pioneer Museum gift shop a few weeks ago. I marked a few recipes I thought my family may enjoy. I tend to change every recipe just a bit, even prior to changing it. Sometimes it works - sometimes I should just stick to the recipe. Luckily this time it worked!

I also came across a blog called A Year of CrockPotting where the woman's goal is to make a crock pot meal every day for a year. She writes about each experience including the recipe (handy) and her honest opinion of how the dish turned out. Some worked, others didn't - she lets you know!

Happy Cooking!

eye candy

Picked this book up at the library today. I have seen it on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble...It took all my will power not to buy it. I love books with pretty pictures. This one is wonderful eye candy!

Jodi, Jodi, Jodi!

Yesterday Lorinda, Cheryl & I went to Seattle to see Jodi Picoult . Jodi is by far one of my favorite authors. I have written about her/her books a few times on this blog. Two years ago Jodi was inBellingham for my birthday (nice of her huh?) and this year we went to Seattle on a birthday outing to see Jodi again. I highly recommend her books. Read them! Just do it! Jodi, me, Cheryl and Lorinda...

Lorinda & I before the signing
Lorinda on the 'red' floor. What a fabulous floor.
The Seattle Public Library. Very cool indeed.

We began the day with a trip to Trader Joes in the University district. I loaded up on pomegranate juices, however they were out of dried mangos for Cheryl! So sad! The warehouse was out...they are waiting for a shipment from Thailand...man oh man she needed those mangos!

After the signing we headed to University Village. I love U Village and am happy to be the one to introduce it to Lorinda & Cheryl. It was a long, yet fun filled day!

Reading Now...

I am currently reading the Jonathan Kellerman book. I love Alex Delaware (psychologist/detective). I have read every book and don't plan on stopping! I don't want to give anything away if you are a J. Kellerman fan...but this book is great! There is a sad part in the beginning, it was unexpected for me, but don't worry it isn't a sad book. If you are a fan of Psychological Suspense you need to read this (or any of his) book!

Book Club: For the past couple years I have had to take a hiatus from attending a book club due to school and other commitments. I am back at it now. This month we read The Magician's Assistant, by Ann Patchett. Good discussion and food followed. During the meeting we picked out books for the next three months. These are our picks:

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon
• Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, by Lisa See
• March, by Geraldine Brooks

If you have any suggestions we love to know what others are reading. Let me know....