Book #7 of 2012-Done!

What a great book! I read this book after a friend of mine recommended it as a book all moms should read. It is true, all mothers should read this book. It is heartbreaking. It brings me back to being a teenager when a string of kids that were around my age were dying. How in the world would I be able to deal with it? (It is my prayer every day: that God understands I am not strong enough, so please don't out me through that). Now, looking back, I think of their mothers. How did they do it? It is inconceivable to me. They seemed like they were handling it so well, but truth be told, they were probably the opposite. Here are five things I want my kids to know:

1. Do not let anyone make you feel like you are not good enough: a lot of kids will try and make you feel a lot of things. Ugly, unwanted, lonely, unworthy. You are none of these things. Never allow someone's words or actions define you. You are unlike anything that has ever walked this Earth. You are the most precious gift God has ever given me, and do not let ANYONE take that away from you, not even for a second. 

2. I will always be there: sometimes you will feel like you want another mother, and that hurts me, but it's okay. We all go through that. No matter what, under any circumstance, I will be there. No questions asked, I will be there. But, children, expect a lecture and consequences if necessary. Expect it!!!!

3. When you look at someone, see them through their family's eyes: It is very easy to judge someone by just looking at them. We have all been the recipient of someone's judgment, and it does not feel good. When you feel like you are judging someone, think of them through their family's lens. That is someone's daughter/son/cousin/uncle/aunt, etc. They love that person. We all have something redeeming about us, and we must look for that quality in all the people we meet. Think first, and be slow to judgement. Turtle's pace, my loves!

4. For my son: I will always love you more than anything else in the world. No one can love you like I do. Son, when you meet a woman you want to be your wife (waaaah-that's me crying about that thought), here are some things to remember: do some laundry, wash some dishes, pick up your damn underwear after you take a shower, and always treat your lady better than me. Yes, I said BETTER than you treat your mom. Give her everything she wants. Happy wife is a happy life. She'll love you so much more than you can imagine. If she doesn't, then there's always my wrath. I think she'll choose your way. :)

5. For my daughter: I will always love you more than anything else in the world. No one can love you like I do. For my girl: value yourself above all others. Treat your body sacredly, and love yourself first. There will come a time when all you will do will be for others, that time is called motherhood. Until then, enjoy life, do not get tethered down to a relationship when you are very, very young. Be kind to others, and be careful of the words you speak. They hold a great deal of power, and can leave scars that run deep.  Don't be a mean girl! You are smart, you are kind, you are special. Read The Help by Kathryn Stockett when you are 13.  Then read, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee when you are 16.  

For both of you: Do great things in the world. 

Love, Your Mom

Book #6 of 2012-Done!

Just finished Outside the Lines. It was sort of bittersweet for me because I felt like I was left hanging! In true fashion to the tone of her book, Amy Hatvany did not tie it up neatly. She wove the story with an element of the unknown, just like mental illness. You never know how it is going to hit you. However, it is worth a read. I'm happy enough (the control freak in me wants to know EVERYTHING!).

As I was reading the book during my daughter's gymnastics class, a couple sitting next to me interrupted my reading to ask me what I was reading. We got into a conversation about parents, and about how our generation of parents are failing kids. By the way, I don't feel like we are failing our kids. Not all of us. The issue of failing our kids is not unique to this generation. Parents have been failing their children for generations. Want a good read about failing your kids? Read The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.  Her dad wins the jacked-up parent award, and that was a long time ago!

The moral of the story is: do the best you can for your children. Spend time (not money) with them. That's what they'll remember.

Currently Reading and another recipe!

I am currently reading Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany. Heartbreaking. One word. Heartbreaking. If you have ever been an addict, or had an addict in your family (hell, even if you know anyone), this book will resonate with you. I am about 85% done at this point, so I cannot wait for the end, but I am wishing at this point it does not end poorly. By poorly I mean, not in the way I have it all bundled up in my mind. I am hoping for the Hollywood, everyone lives happily ever after, ending. Of course, as you know, with addicts, things are not predictable. It also does not end up pretty, and tied up with neat little bows. I will keep you posted on the outcome.

The main character was a gourmet chef, so I posted another yummy recipe that makes me think of her. I have tried these meatballs, and they are delish!! Don't they look good. I'll bet Eden would have made these.
Source: gimmesomeoven.com

Asian Meatball Recipe 

Book #5 of 2012-Done!

So I finished reading Point, Click, Love, and well...I really enjoyed it. I felt like I needed to use some of the comprehension strategies I have my students use, but once I got the characters down, it made it easy to follow, and I wanted more.  The women in the story are really relatable, and their story lines are juicy enough to keep you coming back for more. I finished it this morning, and I'd recommend it to all my friends who are chick lit lovers.

I was so excited to win Four of a Kind by Valerie Frankel, and if you do not know who she is, you don't know what you're missing. It's Hard Not to Hate You...can you say hilarious? Of course you can Valerie Frankel! She's an amazing author. If you do not immediately love this book cover, I am going to have to come over there and slap the funny into you! Thank you chicklitisnotdead.com for the book. So stoked!

Okay, so train wreck alert-The Bachelor special is on tonight, and I am compelled to lose brain cells at all cost. Like a LOT of brain cells. I must curse all obscenities at the TV tonight (I'm talking about you Courtney!). Luckily US Weekly mag is on a smear campaign so all in good time people, all in good time. 

Peace and Love!

Melody