Called for Motherhood

My New Bullet Journal

2020-08-06T09:17:00.003-07:00

I have been trying my hand at bullet journaling for the past few years. It has been something that I have really enjoyed doing. It has offered me a way of feeling somewhat creative and keeping many things organized that I like to keep track of.

But my old journal that I used was an 5 x 8 art sketch book, that I loved, but that I started to feel was just too small. And I wanted to change up how I organized everything. So I looked around for quite awhile before settling on this particular brand.

I chose this one because of its size and that its pages include the little dots that help keep everything neat. Yay!

I like to include quotes all over the place. It make me feel sophisticated. (LOL).

Here I am sharing with you the recent pages that I have created. I need to at least get my book set up until at least the end of the year, as things start getting scheduled for school for the kids and me. And there is always so much going on that I want to make sure that I do not forget anything.

On my weekly pages I have a space for each day for plans that I (we) have going on.

I also include our dinner menu to so that we always know what is coming. It makes the mornings and evenings better. It lets me know what I need to get out of the freezer or what to prep in the morning to make sure I have an easier night.

I have a separate to do list, for things that need should get done during the week, but don't need to be done by a specific day.

I tend to color code my appointments and assignments so I know what class or place that it is associated with.

Every week has something going on and this semester hasn't even started yet. As soon as it does this whole book will be full.

It's really fun to include some fun pages. Like monthly pages to decorate or pick some kind of theme. Why planets? I don't know. Seemed like it would be cute.

And that's how far I've gotten so far. Maybe I'll add more to the blog as I continue to create.

Can You Keep A Secret?

2020-04-02T09:54:00.003-07:00

I'm not spilling secrets here...

No, I am about to have a small rant...

It's a bit of a late rant but I'm usually a little behind the times, so no biggie there.

Last night, I watched a movie that was made last year. It was a movie based on one of my favorite books, Sophie Kinsella's Can You Keep A Secret?

In fact, this was the first book that I had ever read by Kinsella, who is one of my favorite authors, so it holds a special place in my heart.

When I first heard about the movie I was so excited! I didn't think they could destroy it.

I couldn't have been more wrong. The movie version of Can You Keep A Secret? is just plain awful. Like so bad I nearly turned it off in the very beginning, but at the prodding of my husband, and the hope that it would improve I kept watching all the way to the end. It was not worth it.

The movie removed entire plot points and characters that were important to the development of the story. They took out some of the best scenes and replaced it with garbage. Characters were changed and not for the better. Worst of all, the actors were bland and lost all the charisma of the book characters. There was no chemistry, no excitement, no passion and no likability.

The movie-makers took a fun story with great and fun characters and just plain ruined it.

They ruined it!

Why Sophie? Why would you agree to let them do this to something you so wonderfully created?

It was worse than the movie version of Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Ugh...

Jessica Reads: December

2020-01-03T09:08:00.002-08:00

I finished off 2019 reading 59 books. I was pretty excited. I am also excited that I have been keeping it updated on the blog. It great to have a place to look back at the books I have been reading. I also keep track through Goodreads. I am weirdly diligent about it. I have been keeping track of my books on Goodreads since 2010.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This is the second time that I have read Pride and Prejudice and it is growing on me. I have still yet to see any of the movies based on the books but I do enjoy the novel. I read it for a paper for one of my classes last semester, like I read it for another paper a year ago. I didn't think I was a fan of Jane Austen, but I think I am slowly turning into one. Austen just plain knew how to write people. Read it.

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella

Yes, it is another Sophie Kinsella novel. I kind of got on a roll this year with rereading through her novels. This is one of my favorites. In The Undomestic Goddess, we get to know Samantha Sweeting, top lawyer, waiting to be partner in her firm. But, suddenly everything goes wrong and Samantha finds herself no longer a lawyer and now a housekeeper. And she has no idea how to be a housekeeper. Totally worth reading again, for probably the 10th time.

Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan

I received this novel for Christmas. I had it on my future read list for a long time and I finally got a chance to read it. It was not my favorite book I've read. It more on just the ok side. I think I really gave it a chance because I remember my days as a stay at home mom, and the isolation and difficulties that came along with the job. I felt for the protagonist. But overall, I think there was a lot of poor storytelling that leaned a lot on jokes about needing a drink of this or that to get through the day. I don't think I'll be revisiting this novel.

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

This Kinsella novel is good. It's fun and silly. It has footnotes like a textbook. Read it because you can.

2020 Goals

2020-01-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already a new year. 2019 brought so many changes and adjustments to my family, that 2020 came so quickly.
That means it's time to review last years goals and to set new ones for this year.
These were last years goals:

Read 52 books- averaging one a week for the year.
Write a story.
Weekly date night with Michael. One out of the house date a month.
Daily "one good thing" journaling.
Make a healthy exercise routine and stick to it.

And honestly, the only one I managed to fully complete was #1. I read 59 books in 2019. While I wrote a lot during the year I never managed to write and complete a story. Michael and I had lots of dates, but I'm not sure that we were able to get out of the house once a month. My "one good thing" was going strong until we moved and I got so busy that it just kind of forgotten about. Same with exercising. The move and settling into a new routine made some of the goals hard to obtain. Hopefully, this year I will stick better.

So, now for this years goals!

Read 60 books.
Lose 50 lbs.
Complete "Discovering Me A to Z"
Buy a house
Payoff Red Car
Make and stick to a good time management/study homework plan.

And that's where I am at. Most goals year to year are likely to be the same because they're the ones that I like to do. I like reading, and I want to be healthier, so losing weight is the way to go for me. We'll see where this year takes me.

Jessica Reads: October and November

2019-12-17T08:52:00.002-08:00

Oh man, I am late.

Let me tell you. The end of my first semester of graduate school was no joke. I felt like I was constantly going. I was reading. I was writing. I was working. I was cooking and cleaning and taking care of kids. I was going to church.

I have been doing all the things, but all the things did not include sitting down to write about my book for two months. TWO MONTHS!

The time just flew by in a craze.

But now I am here. Let's look at what I have read in October and November of 2019.

I"ll start with October.

Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella

This is the 5th installment of Kinsella's Shopaholic series. And it is probably my favorite of them all. Becky is pregnant and excited for the baby and that includes baby shopping! Of course, this comes with its own set of problems and Becky's wild antics to save the day.

Light in August by William Faulkner

This bad boy here I had to read for my Southern Lit class this semester. I not only read it, but had to dive deep into this text to write a 20 page paper about it.

This story follows the lives of several people in the 1930s American South. It is full of violence and racism and a deep story about being an outsider and struggles with not knowing oneself. After the several reads that I had through this novel, it began to grow on me. I would not call it my favorite book but I would say that it is worth reading.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Oh, the baby is here. And she has grown. She is two years old and a bit of a handful. She has all the spunk of her mother and the sternness of her father, so Becky and Luke are a little rattled. And to top it off, Becky is trying to throw a surprise birthday party of Luke while trying to maintain a budget. It is another fun novel to the series.

Shopaholic to the Stars by Sophie Kinsella

As you probably noticed, I got into a bit of a Shopaholic binge lately. They are just really easy to pick up and read (or listen to). This particular installment does not rank very high in my opinion. It is one of the books in which Becky seems very selfish and unBecky like. Usually she seems selfish but generally has good intentions, but in this one, she is only selfish. I only read it in order to continue the story.

Shopaholic to the Rescue by Sophie Kinsella

The part of the series is where Becky is able to redeem herself from the previous book. In this one Becky and family road trip around the American southwest in order to right a wrong from Becky's father's past.

Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Culler

Oh, literary theory, you are my foe. This is one that I had to read for school. I have had to read some literary theory in the past so I was aware of many of the theories represented in this text but it is not my favorite subject to take on. But it is a big part of what I am currently studying so I at least need to know this stuff. So, I read it.

Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley

I listened to this book while driving to and from school. And I was blown away. I love being apart of my church and loving on people the best I know how. Over the years I have learned how important it is to love people where they are, and this book spoke to all that I have learned. Andy Stanley speaks about how to make a church a place where people are welcome, not just "churched" people. It is so important.

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

This is the current installment of the Shopaholic series, it just came out in October. And my awesome husband surprised me with it one day because he knew that I would want to read a new book. And I did. It started off a little slow, a little boring, but by the end I really did enjoy it. Sometimes with books we just need to push through to get to the good stuff, and this was one of those times. And I super love that Michael thought of me and brought it home, just because he is that amazing.

And that's October. Are you ready November?

The Marriage of Heaven and Hell by William Blake

I read this for one of my classes this semester. This is by far one of the weirdest things I have ever read. But the background about the making of Blake's work is very interesting. In his process of creating his text, he created a new way of laying down printing. Very weird, and very interesting.

New Essays on Light in August by Michael Millgate

This book was part of my research for my paper on Light in August. I would have never touched it if I didn't need it for research.

Violent Disruptions: American Imaginations of Racial Anxiety in William Faulkner and Richard Wright by Linda Chavers

This was another book used for research purposes. Only read it if you are interested in William Faulkner or Richard Wright and violence in their novels.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Man oh man, I have probably read or listened to the book a half dozen times over the years. I know people are really big fans of the Twilight series, but if you want Stephenie Meyer at her best The Host is it. Her world building and storytelling is amazing. And that is why I keep turning back to it over and over again. My advice, skip Twilight, read The Host and be happy with your choices.

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

This is the first time Kinsella wrote a YA novel. And I think she does a wonderful job. This story is told from the perspective of Audrey, a fourteen year old with high anxiety. She has been through a trauma that has left her home bound. This story is how Audrey goes through her anxiety and moves through it and learns how to cope in life. It is endearing and lovely. I enjoyed it and think others would enjoy it too.

Can you Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella

This is the first Kinsella novel I ever read. It obviously was good enough to get me hooked on Kinsella as my favorite author. It is currently being turned into a movie that I cannot wait to see.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

If you are going to read one Sophie Kinsella book, read this one. Twenties Girl is my absolute favorite book that she has written. I have literally read all of her novels and this one stands above all the others. Lara is struggling. Her business is hard and needs help, her love life is going down the drain, and suddenly the ghost of her great aunt Sadie is haunting her. This book is about the bonds and troubles with family. Trust me. Read it.

History of the Book by Leslie Howsam

This is another goody that I read for a class. It speaks about the book printing history. Interesting stuff, but not necessarily a page turner.

And that is it. That is a lot of book over the last couple of months.

What have you been reading? I'm looking for recommendations now that I am in between semesters.

Jessica Reads: September

2019-10-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

This month has been surprisingly full of stories. And almost none of them are from school. I just do so much more driving than I did before so I listen to audiobooks almost constantly.

However, time just seems to fly by so finding time to write on the blog can be so difficult to come by. Also, to add to it, I have spent the last 3 weeks being sick off and on in one way or another.

Anyway, enough of my own whining about myself. Let's get down to business.

What did I read in September?

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I did say that I would be mentioning this book this month. I finished pretty quickly in the beginning of September. The first time I read it, I hated it. The book was such a downer. But, as I have ventured through this trilogy again, I have really come to appreciate Mockingjay for how it shows the struggle of life after trauma from several different perspectives. It is a very interesting take for a very popular YA novel. The movies just did not do this book justice (though they are very good).

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

There is something about Confessions of a Shopaholic that I keep returning to. I think it's that the novel is just a fun read. There are moment that are completely ridiculous and I love it. But, at the heart of it, the book is about a woman who is just trying to figure out life while making mistakes and figuring out how to face up to those mistakes along the way. I listened to this as an audiobook for this read through.

This book is about Becky Bloomwood who is a financial journalist for a small financial magazine, but she really does not know how to manage her own finances. Becky loves to shop. She loves a good sale and can never resist buying presents for her friends and family if she finds something great. She cannot turn down a deal that includes free gifts. But this love of shopping causes a bit of a financial mess for Becky and we get to follow along as she navigates through life.

I do recommend this book for fun read. And then I also recommend continuing the rest of the series as I have been doing this month.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Graphic Novels

I picked up these graphic novels at the library because Sidda and I had just finished watching the series and found out that there was a graphic novel that was a continuation. And since I was wanting to find out what happens I decided to give it a go...

And it just didn't feel the same. None of the characters seemed to embody the essence of the character in the TV series. I made it through the first five in the series and decided that I am not going to finish them. I was very disappointed. Honestly, if you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, don't bother with the graphic novels. They just aren't worth it.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella

This is the second installment of the Shopaholic series. Even after Becky seemed to get everything figured out, she now has the opportunity to visit New York with boyfriend Luke. With new shops and destinations to explore, Becky's financial issues return.

I enjoy this novel as much as the first. Becky continues to find herself in hilarious situations and somehow manages to creatively figure herself out.

Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

Are you catching a theme yet? During my drives I have been listening to this series. This is another fun read. Becky and Luke are getting married! Yay! Also, that means wedding shopping. However, the problem that comes with wedding planning is, what do you do when you accidentally plan two weddings for the same day on two separate continents?

Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

This particular installment took some time to grow on me. The first time I read through it, my reaction was kind of "meh". But over the years and reading it over a few times I have really started to enjoy the story of Becky discovering her long lost sister.

Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson

This is not my typical choice reading. This was an assigned reading for one of my classes this semester. The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator, whose race is a constant concern. He has both black and white blood, but his skin is pale and can pass for white in a time when black blood makes life far more difficult. Throughout the novel he is battling to come to terms with both his whiteness and blackness and trying to choose from which perspective to live his life. It is an interesting read, but at times is very boring and long winded.

And there you have it. These are my reads for this last month.

Share with me your favorite book.

Jessica Reads: August

2019-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Another month has gone by and more reading has been done. With graduate school officially starting for me, I have transitioned mainly to audiobooks for my personal reading time. While I prefer to physically read books, I can listen to audiobooks while I am driving back and forth to school and work and while I am working out. This allows me to get a lot more "reading" time in. I have made the decision to do it this way because I must dedicate my time that I would normally be reading focusing on my academic pursuits.

This will likely be how I will continue to enjoy stories that I choose to read (or listen to) while school is in and then will physically read books during school breaks.

And with that, let's look at August books.

Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger

I'll start off by saying that I tried to read this book several years ago and couldn't even get through the first few chapters. This time around I listened to it on audiobook. I did finish the story and only because I was determined to get through it. It was not worth it. I just kept hoping that it would get better. I was very disappointed because I've read other novels by Weisberger that I have enjoyed quite a bit. This one, however, was a pages and pages of dull characters, pop culture references and a predictable ending. I do not recommend this book. If you want to read something great by this author your better choices are The Devil Wears Prada or Chasing Harry Winston.

Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickham

I first read Cocktails for Three nearly a decade ago. I really didn't remember much of the story when I grabbed it from the library. The story is from the perspective of three friends who meet monthly for cocktails to discuss life. Candice, Maggie and Roxanne work together at a high profile London magazine, but their lives are taking them in drastically different directions. Maggie is nearing the end of her pregnancy with her first child, Roxanne is a travel writer who is having an affair with a married man, and Candice is a reporter who is attempting to make up past wrongs. Through life and difficulties the women try to balance life, jobs and friendships. It is an enjoyable and at moments heart-wrenching novel. The older I get, the more I begin to identify with pieces of each of the woman. Well worth the read.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I don't think there is anyone who hasn't heard of The Hunger Games. What could there possibly be to say. Read it, listen to it, watch the movie. All enjoyable and totally worth your time.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Again, read it, listen to it, or watch the movie.

Be prepared to see the same advice next month when I finish up Mockingjay.

Those are my books for August.

Jessica Reads: July

2019-08-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

It is now time for the next installment of Jessica Reads. Things have started to settle down and reading has been happening again. But it's still not happening as much as I would like. This kids are reading like crazy. They finish multiple books a week. I have just not been able to concentrate fully as there has been still so much to do since we've moved.

Of course, there is always next month to help me catch up on everything.

But let's get to it. This month I finished two books and started several others. Hopefully, that means next month I'll have a much longer list.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I bought this book on a whim right before we left Nevada. I crazily thought that I would read it in the hotel after driving for 8 plus hours each day. I was a fool.

But once we got here, I picked it up and basically couldn't put it down. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It is a story about 3 women and the bond they have but also the secrets they keep. The secrets they hold are life altering, so each of them walks alone in them.

If you are looking for a page turner this is it.

Remember Me by Christopher Pike

While unpacking I came across Remember Me. I had read this back in middle school. I still actually have my original copy from way back then. I must have read it at least five times in my early teens. It's a story I still remember the entire story, even though it's been about 20 years since the last time I read it.

The story follows the death of Shari Cooper. She falls from a balcony during a friends birthday party. Her death is ruled a suicide, but Shari (now a ghost) knows that she did not kill herself. She sets out on a journey to find out just what happened at the party that caused her death.

If you want a story that takes your imagination back to the fashions of the late 80s/ early 90s, but still tells an awesome story it's worth picking up. You're probably better off looking online for a copy, because I truly doubt it is at your local Barnes & Noble.

Did you have a favorite book when you were younger that you read over and over again?

Jessica Reads: June

2019-07-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, because of our recent move, my reading really took a hit. The books I did read this last month were ones that I read with my kids. Two of them were actually audiobooks we listened to during the cross country drive.

All three of the books that I will be covering today were ones that I have read before.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

Oh, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. I discovered this book when I was briefly homeschooling Sidda. And what a joy it turned out to be! Recently Anya pulled this off the bookshelf and asked me to read it with her. That is why it is on my list for this month.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books are perfect for young children who are beginning to read but could still use assistance while they do so. We read through this book together, laughing at all Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's cures for the childhood maladies that many of the children struggled with, (like not wanting to clean their rooms, or eat their dinner) making this a very enjoyable easy book to read. Highly recommended.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

I remember the first time I picked up The Lightning Theif. We were in California, taking Sidda to the zoo for her 4th birthday and I was looking for an easy fun book to read. I saw this on a table in a bookstore, I picked it up and the rest is history.

This is one of those books that really cemented my children's love of reading. This time, reading it was listening to the audiobook while we were driving. The adventures of Percy and his friends while trying to prove that he did not steal Zeus' lighting bolt are a joy to read. In fact, Percy's story gets better and better with each book. It is a series worth jumping into. This is a family favorite.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

This is the second book in the Percy Jackson series. We also listened to this one on our drive.

I'm hoping this next month, with us beginning to settle down, I will be able to read a little more.

Jessica Reads: May

2019-06-03T06:55:00.002-07:00

It's that time again. Another month has come and gone. I did manage to get some reading in but with the busyness of life, it never seems like it is as much as I would've wanted to. I always seem to have grand book plans, went to the library and picked some out, only to have them sit in the library bag for weeks, just to be returned without ever cracking one open. Instead, I ended up reading books that we already owned. Go figure.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

This is actually my third time reading through My Not So Perfect Life. And I find I like it even more with each read. I thoroughly enjoy the story each time. It is about Katie, who is from the British country side, who has always dreamed about living in London and working in marketing and branding design. But living there is a lot tougher than she imagined. Especially the cost.

A job loss sends her back home to the country where her family is beginning a glamping business. Which is where Katie runs into the boss who recently fired her. How will Katie seek revenge for being let go?

It's is a fun read. This book is more about getting to know who people really are because surfaces can be deceiving. I find that it is more than the average Chick Lit book that typically revolves around a love story. Instead, it is a story about self identity and acceptance.

The Martian by Andy Weir

So, I don't read too much science fiction. It is really not my cup of tea. This is one of Michael's books, and he really likes it, so I decided to give it a shot. Last year I read Weir's Artemis and didn't really like it. I thought his characters were too unrealistic for what he was trying to do, but The Martian was a pleasant surprise.

Since there is a movie that was very popular I am not going to go too far into a synopsis, but I will say, that the science mixed with humor and fear, makes for a very compelling read. Following Mark and NASA through their turmoil figuring out how to rescue rescue a man from Mars before he starves to death is very interesting.

Now, did I understand the science that was mentioned?

Nope.

But I found it was presented in a way that showed the characters knew what they were talking about, but without making me feel stupid while I read it. Which made it all the more enjoyable. I liked the book and the characters enough that I never rooted for Mark to die. I wanted to witness a rescue.

Storm by Evan Angler

Storm is a book that I started with the family over a year ago. We had, for a while, been reading the Swipe series together. Each Sunday we would read a chapter. We got through the first two books in the series this way and it was fun for all of us.

I don't know what happened with this book that we just stopped making progress. But suddenly our routine changed and we weren't reading it every week. So a book that should've taken us maybe three months, at a chapter a week, took more like, 18 months to finish.

There is not too much to explain about it. It is about a dystopian society that takes place essentially after the rapture. We really enjoyed the first two books. This one was a little more difficult to get through.

There is still one more to go. Hopefully we'll pick it up soon and get back to our normal routine. Then we'll choose a new series to read together.

Do you have any favorite stories that you share as a family?

Bible Journaling: John 10:11

2019-05-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

This Bible Journaling makes me excited because I drew a cute little sheep! Woo-hoo!

This passage is a good reminder about who Jesus is. In John 10, he tells about how the devil is the thief, and that the thief comes to "kill, steal and destroy" (John 10:10). But he goes beyond just telling us about the evil that is out there he reminds us of who he is.

Jesus tells us "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).

Which is exactly what he did. Jesus did not just go around telling us who was our enemy and all the evils that surrounded us. He did not seek out to put us against each other. Instead he came to save. Just as the shepherd does for his flock. The shepherd protects his flock from, seeks out the lost sheep and saves them from the what is unsafe. Just as he does for us. He protects, seeks and saves.

He is the good shepherd.

Jessica Reads: April

2019-05-02T09:03:00.002-07:00

Another month has passed us right by and I didn't read as much as I would've liked. Actually, I read quite a bit, I just didn't read as many books as I would've liked to.

In fact, in April I only read a single book.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I picked up 11/22/63 by Stephen King because my husband had decided he wanted to read it. We got a really good deal on it from Better World Books (the best place to buy used books online in my opinion) but Michael did not start reading it right away because he is currently too busy reading The Wheel of Time series. And since I was in between books, I picked it up. It literally took me all month to read for two reasons:

1. I have been incredibly busy all month long. I didn't blog as much as I wanted and I didn't read as much as I wanted because there was just too much going on around here.

2. This book is nearly 900 pages long.

I've read long books in a shorter amount of time, but the combination of busyness and the length is my excuse.

But, I am completely fine with only have read a single book this month because it is SO GOOD.

I was sucked in from the very first page and I kept coming back to it and looking forward to reading it when time allowed.

The basic synopsis is: A man goes back in time with the intent on stopping the assassination of JFK. And really, there is so much more to the story, but I don't want to give too much away. It is really an adventure and very enjoyable. Pick it up, read it, take your time, and love it.

Any books I should pick up for May?

Jessica Reads: March

2019-04-01T15:56:00.002-07:00

Man, March is already over. Where February felt like it lasted forever, March flew by and suddenly turned to April. I got some reading done this last month, though for some reason it barely felt like I read at all. Yet, somehow I got through five books and had a pretty good time doing so.

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

I am a fan of Sophie Kinsella. I have been for years and years. While I have read this book before, and knew the ending, I actually forgot a lot of the things that happened in the story. It was almost like reading it again for the first time. Surprise Me is about Sylvie and Dan. They have been together for about 10 years and have a set of twin daughters. They are both in good health which has a doctor tell them that they are likely to live until they are each 100 plus years old. This completely freaks out the couple who know each other so well. Their solution, begin finding ways to surprise each other. However, none of the surprises quite work out as expected and make Sylvie question is she really knows Dan as well as she thought.

While this is not my favorite Kinsella novel (that would be Twenties Girl) she delivers a wonderfully fun story that reminds me the importance of family.

The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

Now, you would think that since my oldest child is named after a character in this novel that I would have read it before now... but you would be wrong. I saw the movie that was based on The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and fell in love with the name of Sandra Bullock's character. And that was that. I loved the name and have meant to read the book for years but never really gotten around to it until now. And really... it was just ok. The story has it's moments of interest but really, it dragged on and on and on. The movie, while it's not exactly the same as the novel presents the story in a much better format. It may be that this story plays better out on the screen than it does in the pages. But, as much as I did not really enjoy the book I have a love for it because it gave me my daughter's name.

I Owe you One by Sophie Kinsella

Yes, Kinsella is making a second appearance in the month of March. I Owe You One is her latest book that just came out. I am always excited whenever she has a new novel because I love her stories. While this one starts off a little slow at first by the time I reached the middle I was really enjoying it. The story is all about Fixie. Fixie runs her family's shop and struggles with doing so. Her siblings don't help like she wants but they also overwhelm her, so she often gives in to their whims. She also is struggling in love. Fixie is a likeable character, though she can be annoying at times with her need to fix everything (hence the name Fixie). But overall a good quick read.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

What is there really to say about Harry Potter? Everyone knows the story. I picked up the first book in the series because I realized that it had been over six years since the last time I actually read the books. It's even been a couple of years since I've listened to the audiobooks. I'll probably read through the rest of the series in the coming months.

On Writing by Stephen King

I love to write. I'm never writing as much as I really want to, but I love reading about the craft of writing and this has been one of my favorites. I think it really is because King, instead of just offering a bunch of random advice that is regurgitated over and over again, he treated this like a memoir, of his life, his work, and the thing that he loves to do. It's not just a "do this, do that" instruction manual it's the story of his life and how telling stories has contributed to that. I loved, loved, loved it. I'm so happy that I finally took the time to read through it. I highly recommend it.

And that's it. This is what I have been reading lately. I don't really know what I'll be reading in this next month. I don't really plan it out it advance. I just grab what might pique my interest or what sounds fun or interesting.

What are you reading lately?

Bible Journaling: Proverbs 16:9

2019-03-13T16:26:00.001-07:00

I like to make plans. Lots and lots of plans. I plan out my weeks. When in school I list and play out my assignments. I make weekly menu plans. I also make big plans. Plans about what I want for my future. Plans for my family.

This plays into today's verse.

It says: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." -Proverbs 16:9

I have had a lot of plans in my life. Years ago I had a very clear picture of what my future was going to look like, what kind of friends I would have, the church I would attend, how I would spend my time in full time ministry alongside my husband.

Then that picture changed. All my plans went out the window. I really had to lean into and trust God with my future because I could no longer see my life clearly anymore. The last several years have really pushed my to remember that God guides my steps. No matter the plans that I have, God knows the way and His plans are better than mine. Even when I thought my whole world was falling apart and my future was ruined God was making plans for me. He knew of something better and has guided me toward a future that I never knew was possible. I am grateful for him establishing my steps.

Jessica Reads: February

2019-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

I did not read as much as I planned for February. Sometimes life really does just get in the way. I spent most of the month preparing for a presentation that I was making at conference for a paper that I had written last semester.

Also, I spent an entire week of February fighting some kind of weird cold that zapped me of all of my energy. I basically sat around binge watching This Is Us, a show that I just discovered and super sucked me in.

But, I did manage to read a little. I wish it was more, but I will share with you what I did get through.

The first book I got through in February was The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan.

Well, actually, I listened to this one. Michael asked me to give The Eye of the World at shot. And so I listened to the audiobook. I'll be honest... it is not my cup of tea. I wish I could, since there are 14 books in the series and Michael is currently on book 12, and really wants to talk about the story with someone. So, I tried. I got all the way through the first book, and I had to ask a lot of questions and have Michael explain so many things. I felt lost so much of the time. It could be that I really don't really enjoy the fantasy genre, at least not one that describes everything in such minute detail. I had a big interest in the characters and their emotions and relationships, but I didn't really care about the rest, and so much of the book was the rest.

Michael, as you know, I did get through it, and when you finish the series you can tell me everything that happened.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I have read Ready Player One before. It was a couple years ago. I don't know why this was one that I decided to go through again, maybe because of the movie that came out last year. We did see the movie, and I didn't think it lived up to the novel, but was a fun story. And then I realized, as I was reading through it again, that the movie changed so much of the story and the contest within the novel. I do recommend it if you have a love of video games, trivia from the 1980's and angst ridden teenagers. I do love the puzzle solving dynamic of the story, though I am not a fan of the main character. It could be that I just do not understand the mind of an 18 year-old boy. It was a fun quick read.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda has been one of my favorite books since I was about 8 years old. I have read it multiple times over the years. But this time was different. My daughter Anya asked me to read to her. I was excited to do this. Although she has seen the movie that came out in the 90s, it cannot stand up to the awesomeness of the book. The movie was just plain terrible. I spent a lot of time laughing with Anya, and enjoying her shocked face at the actions of The Trunchbull. It is a fun story and I believe that every child should read it, or have it read to them at some point in their lives.

And that's it. A mere three books for the entire month of February. Hopefully March I will dedicate more time like I intended this last month. I am in the middle of several books, so maybe I will start finishing them up.

What have you been reading? Let me know in the comments.

Discovering Me A to Z: C

2019-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

I like a good cup of coffee, but I am in no way a coffee snob. I'm actually not too picky about it at all. Basically, when it comes to coffee, I know what I like and what works for me on my Keto Diet.

In the past my typical coffee was from donut shop K-cups, with Coffee-Mate French Vanilla Creamer. When I started keto last summer this would no longer work because it was 5 carbs per tablespoon.

PER TABLESPOON!

Do you think I was only putting a single tablespoon in my cup of coffee? Ha! It was more like 1/4 cup. Do you know how many tablespoons are in a 1/4 cup?

Four.

If I would've stuck to my normal coffee routine I would use my daily carb allotment on a single cup of coffee. And I drink more than a cup of coffee a day.

So instead, Michael and I had to change. At first we went cold turkey, no coffee. We were tea drinkers now. But tea, while good, is not as good as coffee. So back to coffee. But I can not drink black coffee. It just don't have it in me. No matter how much I have tried over the years, it feels like torture.

So, here in this lovely photo you see all that it takes to make my perfect cup of coffee. We have made the choice to switch to instant coffee because its cheaper than k-cups and to us, honestly doesn't taste any different and it just makes it all come together that much faster. My Keurig is basically a hot water producer now. We use it for coffee, hot chocolate, and oatmeal for the kids.

EASY KETO COFFEE RECIPE

2 tsp instant coffee (or any coffee you like)

10 oz. hot water

2 tbsp heavy cream

2 tbsp sugar free syrup (this time I used Vanilla Bean)

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy.

All calories, fat and carbs come from the heavy cream. Sometimes I only put in one tablespoon and that cuts everything in half.

Nutrition Facts: Cal: 100, Fat 10g, Carbs: 0.8g Protein: 0

Less than one carb per serving. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Finding Torani sugar free syrups has been a life saver. It sweetens coffee just enough to not be bitter and has so many different flavors there is always some kind of variety. My favorites are S'mores, White Chocolate, and Vanilla.

And I can't have coffee without books. Here is my coffee with a stack of some of the books on my currently reading list. These are my nonfiction books I am reading. Once I finish them I will write about them later.

Do you have a favorite way to make coffee? Have you tried Torani's sugar-free syrups?

Bible Journaling: James 1:23-24

2019-02-11T09:40:00.001-08:00

Here is my latest Bible Journaling attempt.

The verse here states: "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" -James 1:23-24

The Word of God is a call to action. We are to take God's word and allow it to be a guide and instruction to our lives. If we remain stagnant and don't move when we are given God's instruction it is like forgetting our own face. We listen, then forget, making God's word worthless to us.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs

2019-02-05T17:19:00.004-08:00

I have been doing Keto for about 7 months and have had great success. The food is delicious and filling. It has been by far the longest I've ever maintained any kind of diet. It is one that is easy for me to stay on top of.

Do I miss bread? Sometimes. Especially when I watch my kids down a french loaf with butter, but other than those occasions I don't feel like I am very tempted by carb heavy foods.

Sometimes, though, I want something sweet. Something that feels like a treat. I have since discovered fat bombs.

There are tons of fat bomb recipes out there. And really I just want something simple that I can make and be ready within an hour. After trying tons of different recipes, this one is by far my favorite and completely customization to personal preferences.

This recipe only has 4 ingredients.

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tbsp cacao powder

2 tbsp sugar free syrup

Put coconut oil and peanut butter in a microwave safe container ( I just use my Pyrex measuring cup). Microwave for 30 seconds to one minute.
Stir until combined.
Add cacao powder and syrup, stir until combined
Pour into molds and freeze.
Once solid remove from mold and place in freezer safe container. Store in freezer until ready to eat.
Enjoy!

My mold makes 15 fat bombs.

Nutrition Facts: Recipe makes 15 servings.

Serving Size: 1 fat bomb

Calories: 113

Fat: 11.8

Carbs: 1.5

Fiber: 0.8

Net Carbs: 0.7

Protien: 2.2

This recipe can be changed easily by using a different nut butter, omitting the cacao if desired, or changing the flavor of the sugar free syrup. Any of these will change the nutrition facts and the flavor.

I hope you enjoy!

Jessica Reads: January

2019-01-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Well, since I officially graduated in December I have suddenly a lot of time on my hands. Of course there are the normal house chores that I try to take care of during the day, but with the kids in school and me on a break as I wait for answers to my graduate school applications, I have time to read.

I don't think you understand the fullness of that statement.

I HAVE TIME TO READ.

It's a funny thing to state here, because for over two years I have been reading and writing nonstop for school. I have dived into awesome and interesting stories. I have trudged through many novels that I hope to never, ever have to read again, but I have done very little nonacademic reading. There has been some that I have squeezed in, mainly during the last summer, but not as much as I have wanted to do.

I love reading. There are very few things as enjoyable as a good book. And so far this January I have taken the time to read, and I wanted to share what I have been reading this month.

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter

This book was a great surprise. The concept of the book is simple. Davie is a young girl who is abused by her mother, ignored or bullied by the kids in her school, but somehow maintains hope because of her love of Molly Ringwald movies. She dreams of a future that comes with the happy endings. Life is not that easy for Davie, as we follow her through her decision to leave her home town and pursue a life that is unexpected for the homely quiet girl. Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down. Davie's journey is difficult but worth the adventure.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Roswell

This book I grabbed off the library shelf as I was walking by. I've seen it on several "best" lists. I don't mind reading YA books. I find the experience very enjoyable. I really had no idea was I was getting in to when I began reading, but I was sucked in. Set in the 1980s about a couple of teenagers and how their lives differ from each other and how, in spite of their differences brings them together. It made me remember my own teenage angst and awkwardness, and how difficult it can be to navigate school and family lives simultaneously, when everything doesn't quite meld together cohesively. This book was another fast read because I just couldn't put it down. So much so, that as I was close to finishing I needed to cook dinner for my family and was cooking while reading in spurts because I needed to see what happened to Eleanor and Park. It was that good.

Cherish by Gary Thomas

I try to mix up my books a bit with some non-fiction that I read along with my fiction picks. I bought Cherish a couple of years back. I had read Thomas' A Life-Long Love, and it really changed the way that I thought about marriage and my relationships with people as a whole, so I wanted to try out Thomas's latest. I will say that I did like this book but it didn't nudge me and much as A Life-Long Love did. But, in the end, it did make me thing about how I can be more intentional with the ways that I show love to let those who I love know that I care, which is really what this book is about.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard

I really had to push myself to get through War Storm. Over the summer I had read the first three books in the Read Queen series but once school had started back up I did not have time to read its conclusion. While I did enjoy the first book in the series, this one did not really satisfy. Overall it was merely OK. I only finished it because I really prefer to have wrapped up endings and it was only one book left to read. Granted, it was one book of about 700 pages, which I honestly believe could've been cut down by about half and still maintained the integrity of the story. All in all, the series as a whole is great and a captivating read. Maybe if there were not six months between my reading of the third and fourth books I may have been more invested in the finale installment resulting in more excitement and enjoyment.

Finish by Jon Acuff

This is another book that has been sitting on my bookshelf for probably a good year before I had a chance to dive in. I have read several of Acuff's books and he truly has a passion for motivating readers to accomplish their goals by giving advice and developing programs that will lead them in the right direction. I like his take on many of the concepts that stop us from "finishing" our goals. As someone who has a lot of dreams and plans, anything that helps me get past the beginning is great. The book can become slightly repetitive at times but does not take away from the overall message of getting things done.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I ended up reading The Fault in Our Stars because my daughter had picked it up at the library. She had finished reading it and even though I have a large pile of books I am reading or want to read, I was in the mood for something that would go quickly, especially after reading War Storm, which took forever. Now, I know that The Fault in Our Stars is a big deal book for many people and the fact that it has been made into a movie increased its popularity. Also, because of these things, I already knew the base story plus the ending of the story, even though I have never seen the movie, nor picked up the book before a couple of days ago. At best, the book was "meh". It was a fun quick read, but not something I feel like I would be picking up to read again. I felt like the characters were a little on the dull side, in spite of the fact that they are presented as witty and sarcastic. Maybe I felt like it was too much or trying too hard. I wanted to like it more than I did, but I just couldn't.

What's crazy to me is I read these books in about three weeks but now I already seem to be slowing down. It might be because I over did it... too much too soon, I guess. I was just so excited to read. I'm currently reading a couple of books that I am sure will end up in my February update.

With my goal being so much for this year, I need recommendations. What is your favorite book? Have you read something fun lately?

I'm up for any ideas and will try just about anything.

Goals 2019

2018-12-26T20:19:00.001-08:00

So, the few goals that I gave myself here on the blog this last year did not really pan out the way that I hoped. But, it's ok. Sometimes things do not turn out as expected.

But this year, I did read at least 12 non-school books and Michael and I did go camping. Managing to get 2 out of the 5 goals works for me.

There is something that I didn't put on my goals list but is such a great accomplishment for me:

I have finished my Bachelor's Degree in English!

This was a long time dream of mine to return to school and get my degree and I did it! And I have loved all of it. In fact, I have loved it so much I decided that I want to continue my education and pursue a Masters Degree.

So, yay me!

But now, it's time for my 2019 Goals.

Read 52 books- averaging one a week for the year.
Write a story.
Weekly date night with Michael. One out of the house date a month.
Daily "one good thing" journaling.
Make a healthy exercise routine and stick to it.

And that's it for this year. My goal is to keep it simple and hopefully will accomplish more this year than the last.

Have a Happy New Year!

Goals 2018

2018-01-01T09:56:00.003-08:00

The last several months of 2017 were hard and busy. I have thought about writing on the blog several times, but have never been able to get myself to sit down and do it.

Part of the reason I have been unable to write on here is because I want to write a blog about my grandfather who passed away on September 17th... but, I just haven't been able to yet. The loss of him came very fast and though it has been months I have found myself stuck when it comes to writing about him. There is just too much to say.

Another reason that the blog has been lacking is my school schedule. I went back to school to obtain my degree in English and this last semester was a tough one. But I made it through. I have been writing and reading almost constantly but it has been almost exclusively academic. It has been a lot of hard work but worth it. I feel like I have learned so much. I am a year away from receiving my degree, which seems unbelievable and exciting but so far away.

So, today's post is supposed to be about the goals for this year. Every year I make a list of goals and try to keep them updated as I move throughout the year. Some goals are easy to track and others are more of just feeling it, however, I never seem to complete all of them. But that's ok too. Sometimes just having the goal is enough.

So let's check out my goals for 2018.

Read one nonacademic book a month, or 12 "fun" books for the year.
Be able to run 3.1 miles without stopping. (This includes completing C25K)
Go camping.
Finish re-carpeting the house.
Write at least 6 blog posts in 2018.

And there you have it. The list is short this year. I'm finding that there are many things that I want to do and accomplish but I am also trying to be realistic when it comes to the amount of physical time I have. I want to be able to be successful with school, while still giving time to my church and spending time with my family. So, while it is very important that I do things that are for me, I do not want to have so many goals that I lose focus on the most important things.

Happy New Year!

Bible Journaling: Isaiah 12:2

2017-08-05T15:25:00.004-07:00

Learning to trust is hard. Fear has this way of blocking us off from trusting at all. Why would we choose not to trust? Because we are scared of being hurt, let down or betrayed. But the thing is, that is not how God works.

God should be trusted. Because, honestly, we are the ones that let him down. We betray him and we hurt him. I have done all these things to him. But he has not done a single one to me. In fact, he stays and loves me through all those times that I have turned my back on him. He has stayed with me even when I chose not to trust him.

So, I try now to focus on this:

"God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid" -Isaiah 12:2

Fear will cause me to isolate. Fear gives me anxiety. Fear can take a hold of me and make it impossible for me to function. But God is trustworthy. And when I need him, he always shows up. He can be trusted. I do not need to fear because I walk with God.

I keep striving for this. To let go of my fear and be able to trust completely. I do not have to be afraid. I do not have to have anxiety but the truth is, is that I do. But the trust part comes when I talk to God about the struggles that come and I learn to lean on him. He has made my anxiety less and my fears less.

So, I will not be afraid. I will stick with God. He saves me.

Bible Journaling: Hebrews 12:29

2017-07-12T14:50:00.001-07:00

There is nothing better than remembering the power of our God. When I read this verse it reminds me of how powerful he truly is.

Let's look at this verse with the one before it. It says,

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire".

-Hebrews 12:28-29

We are loved and in the presence of God who is unshakable. He is overwhelmingly amazing. My goal in life is to be with him. His power and spirit are so much that it consumes me whole, like a fire blazing through a field. My hope is that his fire grows within me and everything that I touch will then become alight with his flame and be consumed just as I have been. And the end result will be less me and more him.

Bible Journaling: Joshua 1:9

2017-03-08T11:45:00.002-08:00

Sometimes I need a simple reminder that I can be strong and courageous because I know that God is with me. Just as Joshua encouraged the Israelites as they were getting ready to move into the Promised Land I can also be encouraged. With God with me I have no reason not to be strong and courageous. I belong to him, so I am safe, no matter what the world throws at me.

Bible Journaling: 1 Corinthians 14:33

2017-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

There are moments in life that feel like they're full of chaos. We all need some peace. When I am able to focus I can remember who is the best way to peace. God is that.

1 Corinthians 14:33 says: "for God is not a God of disorder but of peace."

The context of the verse is when people come together for teaching and community worship. God will send messages and more than one person may speak, but it is not a time for everyone to talk at once and in a constant stream. It is time for learning from those who are teaching. It is not a time for chaos, but for peace.

And I believe that this is the same in my life.

When I feel like I am being called all different ways and my mind is going a million miles and I haven't stopped moving in what feels like years I remember God's peace. I focus on Him and what he has done in my life. I remember where he has calmed me, slowed me down and changed my ways of thinking.

And I know that he can do it again.

It doesn't make the chaos disappear but it makes it easy to handle. With my mind at ease and God on my side I can take on anything.

Where do you go when life gets crazy?