Spring 2021 Book Review

31 May 2021

I can't believe it's almost June and summer is officially here! 
These last few months have flown by. We have been firming up details on our new home (which is an incredible, miraculous story!). We'll be closing escrow this week and moving soon. Excited doesn't even begin to describe how we feel. God has been so amazing to show up BIG TIME through this process of finding a new home in TX and it hasn't been easy. But He is so so good, y'all! 

This Spring, as a result of all that's been going on, I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like, but I managed to get through about 2 books a month. 

So, here we go! 

Rules by Cynthia Lord is a Newberry Honor Book about a 12 yo girl, Catherine who just wants to live a normal life but it seems impossible when you have a brother with autism and their family revolves around his disability. She has spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public." But then Catherine meets Jason, a surprising new sort of friend and her own shocking behavior turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal? I got this book to read aloud to the girls because being a sibling of a brother with special needs is sometimes tough. Although Zach does not have autism (there was a time when we thought he did), he does however have ADHD and there have been many moments when we, as a family, have had to revolve around him and his pressing needs. God has used Zach to teach us all more about compassion and patience. For that. I'm so grateful! We sure do love you, buddy! 


I haven't talked much about Zach's special needs on here because there was a time when we weren't quite sure of his diagnosis. A couple of years ago, when we first had him tested, we got some conflicting information. Since then, we've had more evaluations and now, we are more certain of his ADHD diagnosis. Cindy Goldrich's 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD has been the best book I've read on the subject so far! I felt like she really gets it. She understands everything Zach and our family goes through. The book helped to confirm the complexities that come from ADHD. It's much more than just attention or hyperactivity. A must read for those who have a child with ADHD.


After reading all that deep thinking stuff, my head needed something light so the next two books, I read while we were on vacation in Cancun. I actually listened to them on Audible because I wanted to hear them in the author's own voice. Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon was an entertaining and delightful read. The title refers to Reese's grandmother, Dorothea. She called the combination of beauty and strength in Southern women like "whiskey in a teacup." Full of childhood stories, lifestyle and entertaining tips, southern holiday traditions, and midnight barn parties, as well as her fail-proof hot roller technique and grandma Dorothea's favorite recipes. What's not to like?


I also listened to Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book
This was definitely an indulgent vacation kind of book. We get a glimpse into Jessica's life, told in her own words and voice. She shares about her religious upbringing, the sexual abuse she experienced that led her to alcoholism, her failed marriage to Nick Lachey, her steamy and unhealthy romance with John Mayer, the unconventional road that led her to her now husband and children, and her quest to find her real self amid all the fame and fortune. Can I say I was actually impressed? She's a lot more than what the media portrays her to be. Her willingness to be vulnerable and real will resonate with her fans and also create new ones.


Next, I read Live Original by Sadie Robertson to the girls. I think we picked this up at a thrift store. It was well worth it in my opinion. My girls don't know much about Sadie or her family but still, it was full of good information. How she stays grounded in her faith as a teenager, how she respects her parents and elders, how she loves her relationships with each of her siblings, and how she intends on staying pure for marriage. A good read for 13-16 year olds.
    


And last but not least, I read Lies Young Women Believe by Wolgemuth and Gresh. 
Wow, this book was SO GOOD. 
I can't recommend this enough. Every chapter became like a bible study and I shared some deep and wonderful conversations with my girls. This is one of the best teen books we've read together so far!

I know I'll be busy with the move and just trying to get settled but hopefully, I'll have time to read some good books this summer, too. Happy summer reading! 😎🌞
 

12/30

Mother's Day Weekend

13 May 2021

So very true! 
I've learned the most about love through motherhood. 


The weekend started off great because we got to squeeze in a date night. 


Still, my favorite person. 💘
You better believe we are taking full advantage of this time when we have two teenage babysitters in the house. 😁 


We checked out Verf's for dinner. 
Then we went shopping at WalMart. 😆
  

On Sunday, church was wonderful and I loved that they played my favorite worship song. #goodnessofgod
It always brings me to tears because God has been so so good to me! 😭 


Our church always has these fun and cute photo props for special occasions. I had no idea what signs my kids held up (there were several to choose from) until I looked at the picture much later. 
Aww, I have the best KIDS ever!

  
Later that afternoon, we went out to dinner in Highland Village. 


I loved sitting outside in the sunshine. 


Home of the brave!


The kids made me the sweetest cards 😭 and got me this beautiful prayer journal. 
It was exactly how I wanted to spend the day with my family. 

I couldn't help but think of 4 other moms on this day. Of course, my own mom, my mother-in-law, and both my kids' birth moms. I carry a piece of all of them in my heart. I don't take it for granted that a lot of pain and hard stuff happened for me to become a mom. My 3 kids are the best thing that's ever happened to me and being their mom is one of my greatest privileges. I don't get it all right most days but I am still so grateful God chose me.

Spring Piano Recital

05 May 2021

This past weekend, the girls had their Spring Piano Recital. It was their first recital since we moved to Texas, so they were a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. 

Faith handled her nervousness with lots of daily practicing and as much exercise as she could get out of each day. She played "Kiss the Rain" by Yiruma. 


Grace handled her nerves by keeping her hands busy as well. If she wasn't practicing, she was working on some crafting project. She played "Le Papillon" by Glenda Austin. 

Can we just take a moment and recognize how beautiful the girls are growing up? 
They take my breath away when I look at them! 😍😍 


They picked out their dresses and looked so poised and elegant. 


These two. 💞💞

Gotta love the photo bomb by little brother. 


Almost time to enter the performance hall.
 

It was by far the largest stage they've ever played.  
They each played so beautifully and nailed it!!


With Miss Carissa, their piano teacher.


With Aidan, one of their friends from who church who also played piano. 


Woo-hoo! Carefree, now that they're all done. What a fun opportunity to play at the Grand Theater! 


Old Town Lewisville had some eclectic painted murals where this cutie wanted to pose. 


I'm not sure what he was doing here. Lol! 


Right across the street from the theater were several restaurants and resorted buildings. 


We ended up eating Tex-Mex right across the way at the new Baja Cantina afterwards. Yum!


So fun inside. 

And that wrapped up our Saturday night. We are so proud of all the work the girls put into piano this year. 
It was definitely a transitional year and big change for them with the move to TX. They didn't start piano with their new teacher until February and then had to get acclimated and ready for a May 1st recital.

They handled everything with such poise and maturity.
My mama heart is bursting with pride to see how great the girls are adjusting, how kind they are, and how they are just plain growing up before our eyes.

Bravo, ladies!!

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

03 May 2021

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad - located in the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine - offers a unique experience on authentic 1920s Victorian coaches. We're so blessed to live close to Grapevine (also known as the Christmas Capital of Texas) because we have one TRAIN LOVING BOY. 


He got to ride the rails with daddy this weekend. 


Ready to board with his ticket in hand. 


Aww, my boy. I love him so!💖


Apparently, the Sheriff came by and asked Zach to hide this bag of money because there might be a bank robber on board. 

 
He also became a Junior Deputy Sheriff. 


Oh-oh, there's the robber. 


He came and stole the money from Zach so the Sheriff asked him to sketch a picture of the suspect. 


He went that way!🠈😆


Great fun on the train heist. 


Zach loved his morning on the rails. 
 

And he LOVES making memories with his favorite person.💕

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad also offers train rides to the Fort Worth Stockyards, A Day Out with Thomas and the North Pole Express at Christmastime. I'm sure Zach will be enjoying all of these events for years to come. 

If you've never been to Historic Grapevine it is such a cute area for all things nostalgically Texan. It's known for its restored 19th and 20th Century buildings. Many of these are on downtown's Main Street, which is lined with restaurants, galleries, and shops. The 1888 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot is the starting point of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. A fun town to visit any time of year! 


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