Playing Catch-up

I haven't forgotten that I promised a list of the books I'd read for my last monthly goal of reading (and beyond).  I can't just leave it at that without a saying a little something about myself and books.  It's not been an easy relationship for me. This resolution was a big step because I never used to read books for my own enjoyment.  

I always thought people who read books were intelligent, cool, and something I would never be. I've always loved to read, but my reading has largely consisted of Us Weekly, people.com, a lot of magazines and numerous news websites. I have always had a hard time focusing long enough to get through more than one or two chapters in a book before I became bored. I would either give up, or force my way through just because I had gone at least halfway and I "needed" to finish it so I could add it to the meager list of books I'd read. Somehow it made me feel good about myself.  Even through college, I managed to get through without reading much of anything and that's saying a lot for being a communications major. Thankfully, I'm able to focus much better now than when I was in college and one of the things I enjoy most is climbing in to bed early and opening up my current read.

Here are some of the books I've recently enjoyed, in no particular order:

"Bittersweet", by Shauna Niequist

"Organizing for your Brain Type"

"Somewhere Inside", by Laura and Lisa Ling

"The Great Chicago Fire"

"Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life"

"Biltmore: An American Legacy"

I'm currently reading, "Notes on My Travels", by Angelina Jolie, and "Organized Simplicity".  A few books next in line are: "The Case For The Creator" by Lee Strobel, "The World Is Bigger Now" by Euna Lee, "Cold Tangerines" by Shauna Niequist.

Do you like to read?  Read anything good lately?  Please share a comment!

P.S. Timi, I need the author still for the book you suggested a while ago.  I wasn't able to find it.

Pictures from North Carolina

Maria and Brynley, getting ready for our picnic lunch at Chimney Rock.

Sweet Blythe.  

Little Brynley. I can't believe she is almost 1 year old!

The school bus we rode to the trailhead at Chimney Rock.  The kids LOVED it!

BFF's!  Mason has really missed Mitchell, as you can see.

The four big kids, Mitchell, Blythe, Max, and Mason.

My 3 favorite boys!

The Nudd's.  Five of our favorites!

My family!

I'm always up for some lovin' on mommy!

We made it!

Brynley got tired.  So she took a nap.  We were all a little jealous.  Brandon is a stellar dad.

It was totally worth it.  Look at that view.

I carried Max the whole way down.  He rode on Mike's shoulders on the way up, but Mike had to carry Mason most of the way down. We weren't exactly doing a kid-friendly hike, but it was well worth the extra effort.

Max was the first one to cross the finish line at the bottom.  

Mason loves "race-cars" because they are "RRRRRRRReeeeaaaaallly Faaaaaaaaaassst" to quote him.

Future Lovas?  If I have my way...that is a yes.

Amazing.

The start of my amazing birthday with Maria at the Biltmore Estate, getting our pedicures.

In the waiting room, having some snacks.

Maria's turn.

The view of the Biltmore "house" from the start of the courtyard.

Getting some treats in the carriage house courtyard after our pedi's and tour of the house.

Isn't she so cute?!!

We walked so far that we had no guilt indulging in some delicious pastries.

Yum.  Apple pastry, Cream puff, baklava, pecan roll.  No leftovers.

Front ride side of the house. I wish we could have taken pictures inside.  I can't really describe how amazing it was.  It has a bowling alley, swimming pool, 3 kitchens (pastry kitchen, meat kitchen, main kitchen) and literally wings of bedrooms.  My entire house wouldn't fill up the music room and the two story library was at least twice that large.

Looking down from what I'm guessing is some sort of driveway or extra parking or who knows what.  I should check my info book, but I'm too lazy right now.

We were all smiles.  SO much fun, wish such a wonderful person!

Looking back at the left side of the house.  

I just LOVE this girl!

Ok, so I had to flirt with the camera just a little bit.

We stayed until after everyone was gone, even the employees were walking home.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  It felt like we were living in "Pride and Prejudice".

Facing away from the house these are multi-leveled walkways.

Let's be honest, we're more like sisters than friends.  :)

The bridge you see in "The Last of the Mohicans".  Most of the movie was filmed at Chimney Rock and on the Biltmore Estate.

Another set of future spouses, cross your fingers, sharing puffs at an awesome place called Tupelo Honey Cafe.  

Our big family table!

These two have mostly a loving relationship.

Who says you can't just suck the jam off the biscuit and then put more jam on it?

Big smiles!

Blythe perfecting the process.

Me and my goofy little Max.

Homemade black bean burger with fried okra.  We are in the south and loving it!

Back at the Nudd's hanging out on the front porch.

The big boys got to work quickly.

I don't think I've seen two boys who aren't related love each other so much.

Popsicles!

You have to be around Blythe to fully appreciate her cuteness. Not only is she a darling to look at, but she's a dear to be around.

Singing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" to the kids.  I felt like a superstar.

A shirtless Blythe pushing Mason in the stroller.

My turn!

Bathtime!  

For a few minutes we had all 5 kids in the tub at the same time!

Jammies on, ready for bed.

Thanks for looking.  We had such a wonderful time!