The Books on My Nightstand

In an attempt to regain balance and therefore be a better mother, wife, friend, human, I am giving myself some much needed "me" time to recharge. Writing that just now makes it sound like I am rationalizing, as if I don't deserve it (I know I do and so does everyone). Reading is one luxury I have put on the back burner for many, many months telling myself that I'm too busy and too tired and that I don't have the time. Recent events have sent me running to the bookstore in search of enlightenment and answers and have reminded me how much it comforts me to read. I am not much for fiction, but I dip my toe in occasionally. Here's what I'm reading...and yes, I am reading them all at once. Maybe you'll find something good on my list. I'd love to hear your suggestions too!

The Last Lecture --Randy Pausch I am a latecomer on this one--I had too much going on when everyone else read it.

The Shack -- My friends from Barrett's school talked about this book at the coffee shop so much I had to get it even though it's fiction. If you haven't heard about his book, I'm sure you will.


The Wednesday Letters -- Also fiction, but I like it because I can see it becoming inspirational in my life.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia --okay, I got stuck in the middle and I haven't picked it up in a long time. She's in India. I enjoyed Italy.

Parenting With Love And Logic (Updated and Expanded Edition) -- I also have the "Early Childhood" edition but this one has additional info and useful charts. I realized recently that I had let my L&L techniques slip and I needed to reread.

What Your Explosive Child Is Trying to Tell You: Discovering the Pathway from Symptoms to Solutions -- I don't like the title, but this book is really helpful. It addresses many reasons why a child my act out including allergies (like my kids have) and how to handle it. I had a major
"a-ha" moment reading this book.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name --This is more for the kids, but I'll just share it here anyway. It's a childrens' Bible. Barrett and I sometimes read this during his quiet time.