Just as a bibliography lists the works that developed a piece of writing, this post will list some of the things that are enriching and informing my life this month.
I hope you discover something in this collection that is helpful to you and becomes a part of your bibliography, too.
After you’ve read this post, would you share a bit of your own “bibliography” in the comments? I’d love that!
What I’m Reading and Loving:
I’ve been savoring every line in Heather Holleman’s recently released Guarded By Christ.
How I’m Keeping Up With the News:
A few months ago, I subscribed to The Skimm, a funky news digest. Every day, I receive a short and sweet (and often sarcastic) summary of the day’s headlines. It keeps me in-the-know about the basics and gives me topics to discuss with Ryan in the evening.
Though its writers seem overly-enthusiastic about alcohol, and it is a far cry from the Washington Post’s literary formality, the Skimm is my speed these days and I like it. Check it out for yourself!
What Moves Me:
Literally, Dr. Bri from “FemFushionFitness.com” gets me moving!
In my former postpartum days, I’d cue up our hardcore T25 DVD’s or jump right into a running program. This time around though, my body is begging me, “oh please don’t!” So, I went on a search for something that would be challenging and nurturing at the same time.
Enter Dr. Bri, whose goal is to make women smile. I know that sounds corny, but she is an encouraging advocate of women’s health, knowing that a healthy woman tends to be a happy woman. She is as bright as sunshine and extremely knowledgeable. (A wonderful combination!) She’s a big fan of hip circles, which – who knew? – make me feel awesome. (Have you tried a few hip circles lately? I bet you’ll love them!)
Dr. Bri’s work-outs are fashioned for the female body’s strengths and potential weaknesses, making special consideration for a woman’s many life-callings and changes, including motherhood.
I especially enjoy her quiet and quick Workout for Naptime. In 15 minutes, I get my blood pumping while taking care of my recovering postpartum body.
What I’m Reading with the Kiddos:
We just love Eleanor Estes’ books and are currently enjoying Ginger Pye – an almost-mystery about 2 endearing children who love, lose, and (spoiler alert) find their beloved Ginger Pye dog.
I have to switch voices and rhythm to tackle Harold Pyle’s The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. Though it is written in a more formal prose, all of the children love it. Pyle writes in such a way that the reader can feel the earth move beneath her feet when the horses and their knights are stampeding onto the battlefield.
What We’re Memorizing:
The children and I work on memorization every day during Morning Time. We just finished memorizing Psalm 91, which is the perfect dovetail for our Medieval History unit as well as to my personal reading of Guarded With Christ. Now, we’re about 4 verses into memorizing 1 Corinthians 13.
We just finished memorizing “The Jabberwocky” by Louis Carol and “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” by Ogden Nash. I wanted to start the school year off with 2 fun, theatrical poems that appeal to our son as well as our daughters. Boy, do they appeal! The children LOVED learning these two poems and have a hoot acting them out.
We’ve just begun memorizing the introduction to A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. To me, this selection is important for our children to know because it reminds us that, at any point in time, there will be wonderful celebrations and terrible tragedies. God is sovereign over all, and we need not be afraid of, surprised by, or consumed by only half of life’s story.
What I’m Drinking:
‘Tis the Season for hot chocolate! For the next 6 months! Vivienne made a batch of Alton Brown’s Hot Cocoa mix. We put it in a half-gallon Ball jar and have been enjoying the rich, creamy treat in our favorite mugs. With marshmallows, of course.
Now it’s your turn! Tell me, tell me… what is something special that’s a part of your life this month?? I’d love to know.
