Book Review: "Blind Hope"

Though I respect and appreciate the heartwarming, life-changing experiences the authors of this book had, and the fact that they wanted to share them with others through literary means, I have to say that I was most disappointed with the way they chose to do so. This book would have been better off as a featured--and more critically edited--magazine article.

Two or three pages are often used to describe feelings that could easily be summed up in a paragraph. The metaphors leave you trying confusedly to picture what the author is describing, rather than better able to. The dialogue between characters sounds rehearsed and formal, even when the settings indicate otherwise.

At times when the author would write something that sounded like it might add real interest to the story, such as the first few nights of the dog's newly diagnosed medical condition being "scary," she moves on to the next part of the story--without ever revealing to us how those times were scary. In short, this "author" does not understand how turn a good message or meaningful experience into a book that people enjoy reading.

I don't mean to be unkind. However, if I could suggest one thing to Kim Meeder, it would be that she spend more time reading good literature (Pride & Prejudice, writings by Charles Dickens, even the modern Harry Potter books) to learn what makes reading a book enjoyable. If I could suggest one thing to you, it would, sadly, be that you don't waste your time or your money on this book.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Please rate how well you think I wrote this review by going to the original posting on the Blogging for Books site. Thanks!

Book Review: The Duggars: 20 and counting!

I've been a little Duggar-crazy lately. I admit it.

Jason found their show, "17/18 Kids and Counting" on the Netflix instant queue, which we love. He said, "Look what I found. You want me to add it?" I replied, "Are you kidding?! Add it, add it!!"

I've always loved watching the Duggars go through their day-to-day lives in a way that boggles mine and much of the world's minds. Watching them feels like visiting friends who always welcome you with open arms and a smile. They have a huge family, yet they are all best friends, enjoying time together and sticking like glue to their ultra-traditional values. They now have 19 well-behaved, home-schooled, faithful children; a 7,000 square-foot house that they all built themselves; and not one cent of debt. Who wouldn't want to know how they do it?

When I saw the parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, writing a book during one of the episodes, I immediately reserved it at my library. (That's what they would do--always frugal!) I know now that I'm almost done with it that I most definitely want to own it. This book has been so inspiring! You get to learn about how they developed the standards they have now, what their family life was like from the very beginning, and many wonderful, faith-inspiring stories are included. They also include lots of practical advice about organizing, teaching, cooking (recipes are scattered throughout the pages), and even potty-training. I've already read about a technique I want to try with Jamie called "blanket training."

The best part is that they give all of this information, plus answer some of the questions they're asked most frequently, with great humility and gratitude for all the blessings bestowed upon them. I'm so grateful that such righteous people have become so popular in our culture today. I hope that they're role models, and not just an entertaining oddity, more often than not. We could all benefit by being more like them.

Yes, Duggar-crazy. But, I believe, with good reason! :)

I highly recommend checking out this book. It's an easy, compelling, empowering read that will leave you inspired!





No compensation. Just wanted to share the awesomeness.

Jamie's latest words

Boo - Spoon
Emo - Remote
Ehmo - Elmo
On-nur - Conner, his soon-to-be cousin
Shuh - "Shell," what we teach him to call Michelle, his soon-to-be aunt
Zsuh-zsuh (that's the best spelling we could come up with) - Love you
Hum - help
Yeh-yo - Yellow (my favorite)
Apple
Abby - the fairy from Sesame Street

He's doing that explosion thing everyone has told me about, suddenly starting to say or imitate way more words.

By the way, I made a goal to cut way down on my spending at JoAnn this month--but does it count if I went with my mom (we're visiting California) and she insisted on paying?

I used a ton of coupons! I saved us (she got stuff for herself, too) $29.something!

I mean, we're going to be here a week, so I needed something to do, right?

Free mirror--a little gift from above

I'm staying up too late. As usual.

But I got a free mirror! Yaaaay!

I've been wishing specifically for a nice (-looking, with cost not needing to reflect appearance) mirror for our entryway, especially since we decided that it's not time for us to move yet and we are staying in our apartment for now. There was some relief--at not having to move, at getting to stay in our wonderful ward, etc.--but there was definitely disappointment, too. I'd been dreaming for awhile of finding an actual house to rent and kind of telling myself "it's only for a couple more months" every time something about this apartment threatened to maim my insanity.

So anyway. I said, "If we're not moving, can we at least get a mirror to brighten up the entryway?" And Jason, wise and responsible party pooper that he is, suggested that since it wasn't necessary, it should probably wait until finances are a bit more...present. I sadly agreed.



(I just informed him of what I called him, just so there are no secrets, and he said he guesses it's okay since I coupled a positive with a negative. Then I turned back and started typing again, and he said, "You're typing what I just said, aren't you?")

So, long story short, I was visiting a friend, she had a dusty old mirror whose frame was coming apart out on the curb with some other junk/trash for pickup, I asked if I could take it, Jason and I Gorilla Glued it back together, I Windexed it, and--ta-da!--we have exactly what I wanted! For FREE!

We pried it carefully apart, used Gorilla Glue, wrapped electrical tape around it for clamping (why is it you're always supposed to clamp? Why can't they make a "no clamping needed" glue?), and stapled for good measure. The electrical tape came right off without disturbing the staples.

Guess I should have taken a before pic. But the difference is hard to capture anyway.

Isn't that so nice?

It may not have an inspiring vinyl saying above it, or a monogram on it, or a photo collage around it, etc., but I love it, and I think it was a small tender mercy from the Lord. I really feel like He was blessing me for holding back and at least trying to be frugal. It may sound silly, but I have no doubt that it was a little gift to brighten not only my entryway, but my week!

"Toddlers & Tiaras" with Tom Hanks

I ♥♥♥ Tom Hanks, I think "Toddlers and Tiaras" is despicable and disgusting, and my face hurts from laughing at this!!