Good Books

I love a good book. I think there are so many books I want to read, I don't bother with it unless it comes highly recommended. Conformist? Maybe, but no time for books that don't pass the test. I've talked about Goodreads before, but I really enjoy it. I get most of my recommendations from my mom and aunts. So if they don't give it 4 or 5 stars, you probably won't see my reading it. In random order, here are some of my favorites as of late. Also, I get most my books from the library, or I would loan them to you. :)

 

is about a mother who was kidnapped in college and is caged in a tiny room in her captors back yard. She has a son, and it's about how they live without going crazy. The writing style took me a while to get into because it's from the 5 year old boy's perspective, but once I adjusted, it was a really quick and interesting read. The kidnapping is not in the book for those of us who are scardy cats. It's not a scary book.

 

Chris got me this book for Christmas on recommendation from a lady who works at the bookstore. I know it's probably strange, but I like unusually depressing books. I do not like "chick lit" or "beach reads" and this book very much is not. It's about the Holocaust in Poland, so by nature, it's depressing. The book is long but an educational read.

 

is about twin boys born in Ethopia who grow up with doctor parents. I don't want to summarize too much because it will give it away. My mom thinks this might be her favorite book of all time, and she reads A LOT. I read it on her recommendation and was so glad I did.

 

is more a casual read because it's about different countries and their level of happiness and what makes them happy. I have been reading it by country in between books I'm on the waiting list for at the library. I think the entire Eelkema side of the family has been passed this book. Thanks Julie! I think it is your originally.

 

is about a leprosy colony in Hawaii. I read it a couple months ago, it but remains one of my favorites, so I thought I would include it. I didn't know much about leprosy, so I learned a lot. And I love a book that I learn from.

 

is the best book I have read in a long time. Again, it's depressing. The Chapman's lost their daughter in an accident, so it is about their loss and life. I cried for the entire 2 days I read this, but I laughed out loud too. She is just so honest about her feelings and I really respect her for that.  I read several passages to Adam. He can especially relate since he lost his brother. I loved her writing style and transparency.

Ok, there's my list, now I need yours! Like I said, I only read books that are recommended to me, so I need some guidance. Anything I can't miss?

Happy 95th Birthday Grandpa and Grandma!

Again very late, but better late than never. I'm hesitant to put pictures of my grandparents on my blog, because I feel like they look so much older in pictures than they do in real life. But one day, I'm going to want any picture like this whether they look different or not! So here it is. My grandparents turned 95 on February 2nd and February 28th. Grandma loves those 26 days when she can say grandpa is older than her! Our whole family was supposed to be there, but unfortunately mom and dad got stranded in Waco due to a snow storm. SO, it was just the kids and grandpa and grandma. What great quality time we got with them. My grandparents are incredible. They are what every kid dreams of in grandparents. They are loving, story telling, teach me everything kind of people. They used to come to Waco for 3 months a year in their motor home while we were growing up, so I feel like we got good time with them even though they lived in North Dakota. I'm so blessed to have them be such an integral part of my life still. I talk to them every Sunday and some times a few days between. Rachel says I'm a helicopter granddaughter. Oh well. They are both now 95 with fully intact memories, a little forgetful every once in a while, but who isn't and completely hysterical. We laugh so hard with them. Especially when Rachel gets Grandma going. I'm blessed.

Grandma hadn't seen Chris in a couple of years, so she held on tight and wouldn't let go the whole weekend. It reminded Rachel and I of what Mom does, so we felt right at home. We know where we stand.

Sorry Rach, I couldn't resist.

It was a quick weekend to get to Fargo, ND from the southeast but so worth it and a blast. We missed you Mom and Dad!

Weekend in Pigeon Forge

Don't mind the no make-up I just woke up and stayed up way too late picture, but I wanted to blog about this trip, even though it was a while ago. We spent a weekend away with our friends who Adam graduated from seminary with. It was a ministry support weekend, so everyone there is currently serving in the ministry. Let me tell you, I miss these girls (and some husbands :)). I'm not one who enjoys big groups of friends or lots of acquaintances. Throughout my whole life, I have a small group, a couple of incredibly loyal and devoted friends. So with that, I don't make friends super easily and have very deep friendships with the ones I have. I'm not good at chit-chat or shallow stages of friendships before they progress. These were my chosen few for the 3 years we had in seminary. Well I wasn't in seminary and only a couple of my friends were. The others were wives. However, with our husbands in ministry, so are we by the nature of it. Anyway, we rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN, and convened there from GA, NC, VA, and SC. We laughed a lot, cried some, shared joys and sorrows and struggles, prayed for one another, talked until 3am in a hot tub (so not like my 10pm bedtime self), hiked, ate, walked, played games, and laughed some more. It was memories for a lifetime and I hope we do it every year. Good for the soul.

 

Some had already left by this picture.

I miss these friends more than I ever imagined.

Julie and Steve Helm's wedding

*I just saw this never got posted from January. Here is is super late!

Last weekend my cousin Steve married Julie in Mankato, MN. I love family weddings!! We had such a great time together! This picture is in the lobby which we pretty much took over for the weekend. Kiersten, Rachel and me

Dad playing Taboo. He was surprisingly good.

 Allie and Taboo

 Grandma Ginny

Adam and I got married in August, in Texas, and outside. It was HOT for my North Dakota relatives. So Steve and Julie decided to pay us back with our table outside. HA! It was an 80 degree difference from our wedding! Thankfully, they let us sit inside. It was really funny though.

Cousins Steve and Andrew. I have so many fun memories with these boys.

Grandpa and Grandma Ginny with all their grandchildren

The beautiful bride

Sibs

Fam

Oh it was such a fun weekend and I'm sad it's over already. We had an amazing weekend of laughing and spending time together.

Stephens' Visit

My Aunt Sue and Uncle John came to visit Adam and me on their way from Florida back to North Dakota. What a treat to have them on our turf! I loved getting to show them our house and our city. It was a lot of catching up, shopping, eating, and wine. I lived with them for a summer and have always had an especially close relationship with Sue, so it was wonderful to have them at our house.

Sue made this arrangement from our yard. I thought it was beautiful.

See you this summer!

Dogwood Festival and Candler Park Festival

 

Adam and I had a great weekend going to festivals! This is one of my favorite parts of living in a big city. Thousands of artists come to Piedmont Park to show art and play music. We walked through the whole festival, sat on a blanket and listening to live music, and of course ate some good food. Anyone who knows me well, knows I am sucker for a good corn dog. I love them. Too bad I didn't get a picture of me with mine. Divine. Adam chose the turkey leg and enjoyed it thoroughly.

I didn't get any pictures of the other festival, but it was very fun too. It was a much younger crowd and louder music but also had artists and fair food. We took public transportation, so no worries about parking or traffic. We are really close to a train station from our house. The weather was beautiful this weekend. We had a full day yesterday, then went on the lake today. I'm tired but refreshed for another work week. I love weekends when we don't have plans. Have a good week!