Summer Reading List

This summer I made a goal for myself to read. I LOVE to read and had forgotten how much I loved it over the past few summers while I was working full time, so I decided to make myself a summer reading list and while I'm still working on the rest of the 30 I've manage to get almost 10 marked off the list and thought I'd share what I've been reading and my reviews on them! Heck, you're reading this so you must like to read somewhat... right? 

I started the summer reading Tim Tebow's book, Through my Eyes, and it was fantastic. This is definitely a book I would want my son to read one day. It's such a good mix of living a Godly life while also being that star athlete and balancing dedication to a worldly thing while God being the main goal. I loved it! 

I'm a sucker for a good romance book, but since Nicholas Sparks hasn't come out with a new book this summer I decided to get Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly's book, Gabby, after seeing a documentary on their relationship. After Gabby was shot at a political event Mark makes an account of their relationship throughout her rehabilitation. It was a beautiful book and a TRUE love story. 

Yes, I know I'm a little late, but I read the first book of the Hunger games (after seeing the movie and loving it). It rocked as everyone already knows. 

I finished this devotional, Lady in Waiting, which I have written about before. It is SUCH an amazing book especially for single young ladies. I mean every word of this book has a purpose and hits the nail right on the head. If you're a single Christian woman, read it. If you have a teen-ish daughter, buy her this book! I'm telling you it is WONDERFUL.

This book was one of those random books I bought for an English class. It is a memoir about a little girl from China who was adopted by an American couple and her journey afterwards to reconnect with her biological parents. It was interesting to me because I have a sweet little cousin who was adopted from China as well, but I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone to read. 

Thennnnn there was this book -- Yikes. This book literally scared me silly. While I believe this book makes you realize that hell is a real place, which I believe people, and Christians in particular, forget a lot, I feel there are some things written in this book that may cause a lot of confusion. Not a book I would recommend either. 

Then I read this piece of work. That's all I'll say about that. 

This book was FABULOUS! The storyline, the characters, everything. Such a need-to-tell story, but done in a way that everyone can enjoy it! Now I can finally watch the movie! 

I just got finished reading, Death at an Early Age, a couple days ago. I was given this book to read by a professor of mine. While it was a sad, but true story of the important and neglect of early education it was an older book filled with unnecessarily large words to make the author feel smart. (That's harsh, but how it came across to me.) I would, however, recommend my fellow teachers and soon to be teachers to read it to remind us the importance of our jobs!

I'm currently reading, The 5 Love Languages, recommended by my friend Lindsay. Although it is meant for married couples it is a great lesson for any person. It's all about strengthening your relationships and figuring out which love language your significant other speaks. I'm halfway through and I've already learned a lot! I recommend this to anyone, especially married couples! 

Well, summer is coming to an end and while I didn't get the entire list finished I got a few knocked out! Here's what's coming up next:

The Essential 55 by Ron Clark

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Inside my Heart by Robin McGraw

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

And the Hunger Games and 50 Shades series

What's at the top of your reading lists? I'm always looking for a good book! 

Championships. Babies. Dr. Jean!

Happy Monday!!! Except, it really is for me because I am free ALL week! So far this morning I've drank a cup of coffee, cut coupons, and watched HGTV... how old am I again?

Anyway, these last few days have been full of fun times so, I thought I'd catch you up! 

Thursday night my slow pitch softball team won our league championship! Go Bears! 

Friday my boyfriend got his wisdom teeth out (plenty of pictures, none that he would let me put on here).

Saturday was a day full of showers for my Mom and me! I didn't snap any pictures at the wedding shower, but boy, oh boy, did we snap them at the baby shower. 

This was one of the most adorable baby showers I've ever been to! It was a baseball theme and ALL of the food was concession stand style! It was precious and I'm sure I gained 20 pounds in those two hours.

 Pretty Momma and sweet baby Paxton! 

There were sweet babies EVERYWHERE and Momma and I were in love! 

Also, for all my teacher viewers, my mom got to go to a training Friday with DR. JEAN! Holy Cow! She got me a signed autograph which got me motivated to get all my teacher stuff organized and start some DIY projects! (For the classroom I don't have yet! haha) 

Be checking for those this coming week!

Nanny Career Coming to an End

Well, it's been a super fun month, but it is coming to an end as my kiddos will be headed back to school! 

We have done everything, I think, possible to do in the tri-state area for children! 

The last two weeks my girl, Sara, and I have been having girls days because her brother is at band camp, so here is a short recap of what we've been doing! 

We visited the local pet store to see our favorite animals! 

I introduced her to Paula Vega cupcakes! 

We bought school supplies and donated them to the local Boys and Girls Club! 

I taught her MY idea of a pool day! Haha! 

We also met a friend for a LONG day at Camden Park. Sara rode every ride there, some even twice! I, on the other hand, stayed on the ground and did not have a tummy ache at the end of the day! 

We went to the Pottery Place! It was so fun! 

Of course I had to make something too! A teacher mug! 

Today we went putt putt golfing and it was a HOT ONE! We've been relaxing all afternoon. 

Tomorrow is our last day together and I've planned for us to go get pedicures! I've had a blast this summer with all my kiddos, but I'm ready to get in to school mode. It is hard to believe that in less than a year I'll be finished with college and applying for my big girl job. I'm so thankful for the parents who have let me work with their children all summer! It's been a good one!