Books and Moving.

I am moving slower then I thought I would when it come's to my reading list, but I have finished 2 books and am in the middle of 3 more including A Christmas Carol which is helpful in getting me in the holiday spirit. Other than that not much has been going on around here for us, we aren't decorating for Christmas this year we are just preparing for our trek home for Christmas. Once we get back I am excited to say the husband only has 4 more months of school and then we again will be journeying west-ward, very happily. I am ecstatic but it is also a stressful time because of job hunting for both of us and the move. I cannot wait to live in a place with sidewalks again though, I know the boys look forward to that also, though Ernest doesn't know what he's missing Porter definitely does and has been slightly depressed ever since moving to Spokane he was used to two walks a day plus park trips and now he hardly gets any of that. I truly cannot wait.

WW This is how we take up a whole queen bed.

WW

WW

Thought I would share my favorite books.

After starting the reading list and seeing certain books not on there I thought I would make a list of books that I think everyone should read.
1. Is of course the whole Harry Potter series, I adore these books, read them at least once a year and think that everyone can enjoy some aspect of the series.
2. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'engle this was one of my, if not the first favorite book I ever had. The whole series is wonderful, it was the first book I read with a strong, smart female lead.
3. The Hobbit and LOTR trilogy the books are amazing, if you haven't noticed I love fantasy novels especially deeply descriptive novels.
4. Stardust by Neil Gaiman, I love everything he has written he is one of my favorite authors but this is his book I think has something for everyone, some of the others are far, far darker.
5. Lamb by Christopher Moore, another author I just love and have read most of the things he has written. This one is once again the one I think is most enjoyable for the masses and not as twisted as some of his others. He is hilarious though, great style and humor.
6. I capture the castle by Dodie Smith this is also one of J.K. Rowling's *favorite* books.  Another strong, smart female protagonist.
7. Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut, also Slaughterhouse but you know that's too easy. Vonnegut is another of my very favorite authors, I have read very many of his books and need to own them all.
There are many others I think are great (and a couple I know I have forgotten) A farwell to arms by Hemingway is one also there are also some series I think are enjoyable but not everyone would like such as the Hunger Games series and her other series Gregor the Overlander both by Suzanne Collins. I am always up for suggestions though.

I am going to try this.

I have decided to set a goal for myself and THIS. Which is a list of 1001 books that some guys think everyone should read before they die. I am going to try it. I have read 34 books on the list so far and probably more that I have forgotten but will remember when I start going down the list. The reason I have decided to start this goal was because the library here in Spokane is one of the only things that helped me keep my sanity since moving here. I will be borrowing all of these books from my library unless for whatever reason a friend hands me one or I have it laying around the house, which is a total possibility. My biggest worries so far when reading through the list that there are several books that I have already tried to read and failed (Ulysses) and certain authors that I truly don't enjoy (Dickens, I know.) and certain books I just have no interest in reading so I am trying to think of creative ways to deal with those obstacles.  I think I am just going to read several books at once (one I like and one I am not so looking forward to) and yes I read a couple of books at a time most of the time so not too hard. I m going to keep this updated and share some of my thoughts and hopefully joy at enjoying some books I wasn't expecting to (I hope for this in the case of many of the Russian authors, we will see).

Holiday Season.

For me today is the first day of the Holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I love Halloween, just look at the boys costumes for proof :) it's my favorite holiday. I love Christmas though, getting people presents is my very favorite thing in the world and I am both happy and a little ashamed to say all of my Christmas presents have been purchased for this year. Not only that but I also bought almost all my presents from etsy shops and experiences (the nutcracker with my mom) so that made me feel better about where my money was being spent. My husband and I only have 6 more months in Spokane and he graduates Law School, so there is a lot to be thankful for and celebrate this year.  I guess what I am saying is HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! I hope for all of you it is great and we can share a little bit with you all. Ohh and it is supposed to start snowing this week, which just seems nuts but the boys love (for the first couple days at least) so good pictures to follow.

(this was last years Christmas card photo, I am hoping for better this year, now that Ernest is grown)