September 2019 Book Review

I'm wrapping up the month with my monthly book review. I managed to finish 4 books this month and I'm super happy about that. I read a mix of fiction, biography and health related books. First up was the book, The Art of Racing in the Rain.

I don't know what compelled me to get this book. Now, I love the actor, Milo Ventimiglia from This is Us but I wasn't planning to see the movie anytime soon. I'm not particularly a dog person either but I do enjoy a good dog story. Well, I kind of have mixed reviews on this book. It kept my attention enough but at times, it seemed sad and dreary. I did enjoy the bond between the dog, Enzo and his owner, Denny. It ended on a happier note but all in all, I thought it was good, not great. Also, a word for caution for kids, they used some bad language. I'll see the movie someday on Netflix but I'm in no hurry.

Next, I read And the Good News Is... by Dana Perino.

I watch her on Fox News and I was looking for a memoir type of book. She talked her upbringing and how she got the job serving as Press Secretary for President George W. Bush, #43. I really enjoyed the lessons she learned from the President and hearing about the utmost respect and loyalty she felt towards him during her time in the White House. Based on all her experience, she also gives tips and lessons for anyone starting out in their careers. I enjoyed this book!

Next, I read The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook by Trescott and Alt.

50 million people in the US are affected with autoimmune disease. That's 1 in every 5 people and the numbers are rising. There are 80 different types of autoimmune diseases. Some more common ones include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Celiac Disease, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Crohn's Disease. What are autoimmune disorders?

It is when the immune system causes an abnormal low activity or over activity of the immune system.

In cases of immune system over activity, the body attacks and damages its own tissues. Immune deficiency diseases decrease the body's ability to fight invaders, causing vulnerability to infections. In response to an unknown trigger, the immune system may begin producing antibodies that instead of fighting infections, attack the body's own tissues.

Recently, I found out that I have Hyperthyroidism.

After talking to a friend about it, she recommended this book and boy has it been extremely helpful!

I'll share more about my experience with Hyperthyroidism in another post but for now, if anyone has an autoimmune disease and they would like to take control of their health, I'd highly recommend this book as a start. I've been on medication for the last month but I don't plan on being on taking medication for long.

I've learned so much life changing information this past month.

Last but not least, I flew through Finding the Bright Side by Shannon Bream. I also watch her on Fox News and have always admired her poise. It must be the Broadcast Journalism major in me but I was so interested to hear her story. I was once a Political Science major in college before I dropped that for Journalism/TV. I just loved Shannon's book because it was like I was right there talking to her. She has a very easy style of writing that's filled with humor and grace. What I enjoyed most though was learning about how her faith in God has always been her cornerstone through all of life's ups and downs. Loved it!

Whew! That's 36 books for the year so far.

I wonder if I can make it to 50?

Zach's Adoption Day!

5 years ago today, after spending his first 75 days in the NICU, he was ready to come home!

Look at our boy now. 😍

We took him bowling to celebrate!

If you've never bowled with Zach it's quite the experience.

He loves his daddy so much.

Faith is a great bowler!

We're growing old together. 😄

Grace gets some tips from dad.

It was the perfect way to celebrate our boy.

Then we went to his favorite place for dinner, Your Pie.

We celebrated with pizza and chocolate gelato (all his favs).

Zach is not only a miracle but he's also a miracle in the making.

In 5 years, he's come a long way. I am trusting God to heal and fully restore him for His Kingdom and His Glory.

We couldn't love you any more, buddy!

Happy Adoption Day, Son.

I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. You are so worth it.

First Day of School

 We started school the day after Labor Day and here are some photos I took that day.

Grace is always the first child up and she's so good about reading her bible every morning, too.

 We always have a fall-themed breakfast on the first day of school. Even if it's still 114 outside. 😄

 The boys on the other side of the table.

Looks who's in Kindergarten? 💗

 My rambunctious 5 year old.

 And how in the world did this happen?

They sure are the best daughters in the world!

I think it's going to be a great year for them all!

Happy Back to School, kids!  

Good Grace

Sometimes God uses a song to minister to me and that's exactly what happened on Sunday morning.

It just so happens that on Sunday morning before I left for church, I finally got some news that I'd been waiting for all week.

I'd love to say that I'm the type that never worries but that would be a flat out lie.

The truth is, sometimes things are beyond my control and I have to wait for an answer.

That answer may be good news or it may be bad news. I don't always handle the unknown with ease.

At times like this, I'm usually nose deep in my bible, looking for God's promises and seeking reassurance.

I'm also constantly in prayer because sometimes, I feel helpless and I need to talk to God. I need Him to keep every thought captive and fill my heart with peace.

Man, Satan comes to kill and destroy. He's the Father of lies and if we have our guard down, he may just have us believing them. This isn't my first go around with trials beyond my control but each time, I'm learning a little quicker than the last time. I'm learning that maybe God allows these trials because He's refining us and making us just a little bit more brave? Maybe He wanted me to cling to every promise and remember that His faithfulness has never failed? Or maybe He wanted to show me once again that He loves me and will never forsake me?

I got the good news I had been waiting for but let me tell you something...

I don't think it ever comes without surrender. At least not for me. There's a pattern there, for sure. 

Surrender before deliverance.

I got my good news and then I practically floated to church. The last song I heard on the radio before I walked in was a song called Good Grace by Hillsong. The words just penetrated my heart and made me realize that God was there all along. He was telling me, You never have to worry. Be brave. I've got you.

All I could do was praise Him and thank Him.

And then, during service, our worship team said they wanted to teach us a new song that morning.

Guess what it was? Coincidence?

Of course, not.

I love how intimate God is.   

Why am I writing this? I thought maybe someone else needed to hear these words, too.

And if you really want to get in the worshipping mood, check out the video!

Go full screen.

I'm so thankful for a loving, gracious, good God who loves me.

Guess what? He loves you, too!

Family Science Camp- Part 2

Zach loves to ride his bike on the trails.

 Morgan always makes the hard wall look so easy.

 He's an expert and makes all of us other parents look bad.

 There goes Faith on the zip line.

 Grace starts her climb. 

She gets a little help from daddy.

 Off the zip line. She made it!

 There goes daddy!

 Always seeking adventure!

 When Morgan was zip lining, Zach yelled, "That's my best friend!" 😂

 Cuties. 💕

Well, that's it for our 4th year at Family Science Camp. I wasn't feeling very good this trip so unfortunately, I didn't get more pictures. The kids had a blast though, as always. I think the best part is the freedom the kids enjoy outdoors and having daddy with us to experience all the fun activities.  

Until next year!

Family Science Camp- Part 1

If you've been around here for a little while, then you probably know that this week is one of my family's most anticipated weeks all year long. It was finally time for Family Science Camp!  

 This year, our dear friends, the White's joined us!

 Worship time!

 Levi, Faith and Ivan.

 The animal show is always a hit with the kids.

 Faith got to hold a big iguana.

 Zach makes it through about half the show before he takes off to burn some energy.

Then he comes back at the end to pet some animals.

That snake is way bigger than him!

Sammy and Zach, enjoying their freedom.

 Chapel time.

 Love my family!

Part 2, coming up!