15 January 2010

Books

I have recently been able to join several book review sites where I have received free books in exchange for a review. The only thing better than a good book is a free good book. Anyway, I love reading, but motherhood had pulled me away from reading as much as I would like to, at least reading adult-level books. Now that the kids are getting a little older, I find myself with more time to read books of my choosing. As I have been reading these new books I have received, I am reminded of why I love reading so much and so glad to have rediscovered it. A well written book has the ability to take you to another time and place. I love experiencing things that I may never experience otherwise. In the past few weeks, I have been a florist, been a widow who learns her husband is still alive, discovered what true beauty is and experienced life as a farmer's wife living through the Depression. Currently, I am on the road with the country band Diamond Rio as I read the story behind the band in their biographical book, Beautiful Mess

Anyway, I love all the places I have already "visited" and look forward to exploring many new places and experiences as I read more. What are some of your favorite books?

12 January 2010

Watching Others Experience Pregnancy

I love watching moms experience pregnancy. It always fills me with joy as I remember my own pregnancies. I have a friend that is expecting her first baby and just found out the gender. Another friend is having her fifth and was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I am not rejoicing in her new found medical issues, but I am enjoying helping her find acceptable foods to curb her cravings, such as a new chocolate Jell-O Mousse that is sugar-free to curb the chocolate cravings. I am slightly jealous of all they are experiencing as they feel the new life move inside their belly and the impending moment of meeting this new little member of their family. Of course, I remember the aches and pains of pregnancy as well and when compounded with other medical issues, such as gestational diabetes, I know life is not easy. However, pregnancy is but a short season in our lives, and as difficult as moving around and everyday activities may become, the joys of pregnancy far outweighed the troubles, in my mind anyway. Time will tell if I will have any more children, but for now, I am loving experiencing the pregnancies of those around me, even if it is not first hand.