You Don't See That Every Day

I found my list! And now that it's on here, I can find it anytime I need to Last year I started a list of all the books I read for the year. And so, just in case you wanted something to read, or were wondering what I did with my spare time, here it is.  (As a side note, some time in October, I started reviewing the books I read on my Instagram page @julikenyon) January 2019 - a book by Louise Penny. Somehow I missed the title on this one, But I love her books! Little Men- Louisa May Alcott Jo's Boys - Louisa May Alcott Kissing Adrian - Siri Mitchell Love's Pursuit - Siri Mitchell Journey to Riverbend - Henry McCloughlin Christmas with Anne - L.M. Montgomery February - The Messenger - Siri Mitchell From the Hood to the Hill - Barry C. Black Children at the hearth - Barbara Swell Kingdom of the Blind - Louise Penny Nory Ryan's Song ((my daughters school reading book)) 12 Rules for Life - Jordan Peterson (have to admit on this one, I made it part way throu...

Back in the beginning of 2019 I started a list... (have I ever mentioned I thrive on lists?) .. of all the books I read in the year. Originally I did this to make sure I didn't repeat a book. In the past I've started a book and thought it seemed familiar and by the middle I realize I've already read it but I'm into it so I finish it. This past year I wanted to avoid that. Plus it was fun to look back on at the end of the year to see what I put into my brain. My average for each month was about 8 depending on the events of that season. December was the lowest with only 3 books read. October was the highest with 10. That was when we were in the rental house waiting to move on with our lives. My favorite book of this year... is too hard to choose! I've read a lot of good ones. I also read some I didn't like and didn't finish. And I reread a few from my past, some classics like Little Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, Persuasion, I found as the year went on I liked...

It was difficult motivating myself to get out and run yesterday. I was making up all kinds of excuses in my head. The day before had been sunny and beautiful; but there was so much to do, including work at the farm, that I put off the run until the next day. Silly. The next day - which was yesterday - was rainy and cold. So cold! A number of fellow Oregonians commented on how it felt like winter again. So how did I get myself out in the wet, cold to run 3+ miles? It was a few things. Let me list them for you. 1. A donut. Yes, there was a small bundle of deliciousness waiting to meet my mouth, sitting on the counter (in a box). And I wanted to enjoy the moment, and not feel any sense of guilt eating it. 2. This video. And this one. I came across these videos on facebook, and watched them before I even got my running clothes on. Yes, I cried. And then I went out and ran and enjoyed the feeling, because I could! Zach Sobiech was an inspiration. I prayed for his family, knowing they...

Has it really been a week? It has flown by for me! Anticipating an upcoming event often does that, because there is so much to do to prepare! Getting 7 people and 2 dogs ready to travel requires a bit of planning. And a lot of lists. And I love lists. Here's what has been happening - - a second Christmas with my in-laws. They came here with presents and dessert! They are awesome! If you want to bring us ice cream, we will welcome you with open arms. - I sat up watching too much TV with my kids, sleeping in until late the next morning(s). Yeah, the first day back to school yesterday was like a slap in the face. - getting the Boy back to school. And then getting my girls over to their aunt's home. That kept me well occupied and 'listed'. - We've had a number of friends and acquaintances in the hospital over the past 2 weeks. My prayer life has been challenged by it all. - I had an allergic reaction to something I ate over the weekend; I won't go into detail...

 Monday was a big day for me. The first day of spring break week, and I had plans! Can you tell - I made a list of what I want to accomplish this week. Of course, as in the past, my plans are rarely what God has lined up for me that day. Nothing has been erased yet.  It was also my mom's birthday - pretty good for under 80. I think she is 39, since that's how long I've known her. The family went over to my  parents' house to celebrate with her last night. And finally - running. We're 3 weeks away from the half-marathon. Which means I had an 11 mile run looming in front of me when I woke up Monday morning. A long, restless night with my youngest was not helping my frame of mind either. I tried to nap first but gave up and just went for a run. And I did it! A 6 mile loop, then a stop at home for a drink a 4 mile loop; another drink, And the last mile was with my son. He made me run it in under 9 minutes! I was pretty tired and sore last night! But i...

 If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know I like lists. So guess what I've got today! A big thing these days are 'bucket lists.' I think that term might have come into vogue back when that movie with Morgan Freeman came out. But I think lists like that have been around forever. The other day I heard on the radio some people talking about 10 things every woman should know. And I thought to myself, "hmm, what do I want my girls to know by the time they move out of the house?" If they do. Which I am assuming they will. But a list like this isn't something new either. In my extensive research (reading historical fiction is research right?!) back in the beginning of our country there were certain things a true lady would have to know, like how to pour tea, or how to dance, or how to embroider. And women in the West, they had other 'tasks' they needed to know (shooting and skinning come to mind). But what about in present day? What do gir...

The Virginian , by Owen Wister; Runner's World Magazine; Dare to Disciplin e; Strong Willed Child , both by Dr. James Dobson; Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free ; by Nancy Leigh Demoss Good Housekeeping; What we have here folks is a list ( I like lists ) of the books and magazines I am currently reading. At the same time. Well, not that I have them all open at once and am reading them at the same time. But I am reading through each of them this week - that kind of "at the same time". I don't think I have ever had this many going at once. Is it a problem? A disease? A syndrome? ("I have a syndrome." Harry Connick Jr. said this in a movie. Know which one? It's one of my favorites.) Perhaps it's just because it's summer and I have so many books I want to read in my time, and now they are piling up on me. Because even though I have some free time off from school, I don't have a whole lot of 'free' time with a 15...

Getting ready to go on vacation is a lot like having a baby. This thought came to me as I was stirring up some rice crispy treats. I had found a very, very old bag of marshmallows (like from Christmas ... maybe). I decided I had better use them up, and what better way than to make a little treat for the family I am leaving behind. Tomorrow I start my trek to Texas, with my little Baby K. Taking a one year old on the plane doesn't excite me. But the end result should be worth it! I get to see my brother's house (finally) and visit with him and his family, whom I haven't seen in years. And I get to see my niece (my god-daughter) graduate from high school! I still remember the day I got the call from my brother about her birth; ah .. happy memories. So I have been cleaning, and making lists (oh so many lists!) and shopping, and storing up groceries for G. to utilize while I am gone. Just like I did when I was planning before I had the baby. Except this time it is a little e...