Thoughts/Prayers

Hey girls, today I had a totally different post planned but something more important came up.

One of my best friends had her little baby boy this morning!  However, he didn't take his first breath for a while and was having trouble breathing after he took that breath.  He is now in the NICU.  He got X-Rays and it was determined that he has a hole in his lung. 

He has been sent to UMD medical center.  His parents are very scared, as you can imagine.  

All thoughts/prayers, whatever it is you do, would be much appreciated.  We are all hoping for a full recovery for baby Jaxon.

Book Review: Orphan Train

Orphan Train

By: Christina Baker Kline

Pages: 304

Read: 5/15/14

 "Nearly eighteen, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from "aging out" of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.

Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.

The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life. A Penobscot Indian, she, too, is an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. As her emotional barriers begin to crumble, Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life - answers that will ultimately free them both.

Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are."
{GoodReads}

LOVE!!  I had never heard of the Orphan Trains before reading this book.  It was an interesting part of our countries history to learn about.   This book definitely focuses more on Vivian's past than Molly's present which I was definitely OK with - in fact, I would have been OK with the book just being about Vivian.  I loved hearing about all of the different families she went through and how life was in the Midwest during that time.  The writing is definitely simplistic making this a quick and easy read.  The only reason this book isn't getting 5 stars from me is because I really don't think Molly's story was very well done.  That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially historical fiction lovers.

I gave this book a 4/5 on my GoodReads.
 

Book Review: Lost & Found

Lost & Found

By: Jacqueline Sheehan

Pages: 278

Read: 5/9/14

"Rocky's husband Bob was just forty-two when she discovered him lying cold and lifeless on the bathroom floor . . . and Rocky's world changed forever. Quitting her job, chopping off all her hair, she leaves Massachusetts—reinventing her past and taking a job as Animal Control Warden on Peak's Island, a tiny speck off the coast of Maine and a million miles away from everything she's lost. She leaves her career as a psychologist behind, only to find friendship with a woman whose brain misfires in the most wonderful way and a young girl who is trying to disappear. Rocky, a quirky and fallible character, discovers the healing process to be agonizingly slow.

But then she meets Lloyd.

A large black Labrador retriever, Lloyd enters Rocky's world with a primitive arrow sticking out of his shoulder. And so begins a remarkable friendship between a wounded woman and a wounded, lovable beast. As the unraveling mystery of Lloyd's accident and missing owner leads Rocky to an archery instructor who draws her in even as she finds every reason to mistrust him, she discovers the life-altering revelation that grief can be transformed . . . and joy does exist in unexpected places."
 {GoodReads}

This book definitely wasn't a masterpiece but it was a quick read and really enjoyable.  It's definitely a great book for dog lovers and anyone looking for a bit of mystery.   There are some heavy issues discussed in the book, but I think it's done in a way to not make the book depressing.  I think the character development is fairly good and it's hard not to like the main characters.  Overall, this was a great read and I definitely recommend it to anyone, but especially dog lovers.

I gave this book a 4/5 on my GoodReads. 

Wedding Wednesday: We Have Pictures!!

Josh and I finally got our wedding pictures!  We've had them for about two weeks now actually but between moving, not having internet, and my laptop breaking, I haven't been able to share them yet.   There are a ton of photos - 550 to be exact - so I'll be sharing over time :)  Today I'm gonna share the pictures Marlayna took of the dress, favors etc. 

Travel: My Bottom 5

There are a lot of places in the world that I am dying to visit.  There are also a few places that I have no desire to visit.  Not to say that I would turn down a trip if one of these places were on the itinerary, but I wouldn't make an effort to get to any of these places. 

1.  China

I have never had a desire to go to China.  The only reason I'd consider going is to see the great wall.  I have a lot of issues with some things that are going on in China and do not want to support it.  I think when traveling you must decide which issues you can deal with and which you can't.  Also, nothing but the great wall really sparks my interest.

2. Russia

The only place I want to visit in Russia is Moscow.  there are cruises that I like that stop in St. Petersburg and I'm OK with that but I'm not jumping at the chance to go.  Russia has just never been a priority for me.

3. Japan
Again, it's just not a priority for me.  There isn't much in Japan that has sparked my interest. 

4. India
The Taj Mahal is really the only think in India that interests me.  I've just never had a burning desire to go to India.

5. Egypt 
There are a few things I'd like to see such as the pyramids but I've never had an overwhelming desire to visit.  It seems very commercialized now which makes me sad.

Those are my bottom 5.  But who knows, I could end up going to one of those and absolutely loving it!

Life Changes

Since our move, Josh and I have made a good deal of changes in our lives. 

1.  Stuff

I didn't realize how much useless crap we have until we moved.  Seriously, it's mind blowing!  Our basement is filled with boxes of junk.  I've decided that other than my memory box (which my mom would kill me if I threw out) I'm going through each box one at a time and getting rid of anything we haven't used in the last year (which is probably 95% of that stuff!).  Some of it will be thrown away, some given away, and some donated - but it's gotta go!  I can't wait to be rid of everything.  We are also making an effort not to buy stuff unless we really need it.  This is both to keep out the clutter and to save money. 

2.  Books

I spend sooo much money on books!  Now that we have a library 5 minutes away, I'm making an effort to go there more for books.  I  promised Josh that I would buy no more than 1 book per month (unless I have a gift card).  I packed 5 huge totes and 2 cardboard boxes full of books.  That is insane and I need to stop!  Right now I have 5 library books at home waiting to be read.

3.  Food

 Last month Josh and I spent $500.00 just in food!  and not food from the grocery store.  We were going out to eat for every meal and it was really adding up.  Part of this was laziness and part was because we really didn't have a kitchen and then our kitchen was in boxes.  We've definitely done much better since getting the kitchen unpacked.  We've been eating really well and plan to keep it that way!

4. Trips Over Gifts

To go along with the "no more random crap" rule in our house, we've decided that instead of gifts, we take a trip.  Nothing crazy, just something like a overnight trip somewhere local or a weekend trip somewhere new.   I don't need a lot of stuff, I need to do things and so does Josh.  

Book Review: The Night Circus

The Night Circus

By: Erin Morgenstern

Pages: 512

Date Read: 5/7/14

"The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance."

{GoodReads}

I LOVED this book! This book wasn't very fast paced which I usually don't like in a book, but it really worked for this story.  There is definitely special attention given to details.   I also love the fact that there are several plot lines that eventually connect in the end.  This book is beautifully written and the story is intriguing.  I would definitely recommend it.  Though, because of the style of writing, you'll either love it or hate it.

I gave this book a 4/5 on my GoodReads.

Around DC: The Lincoln Memorial

Perhaps the most well known memorial in DC, the Lincoln memorial is definitely worth a visit.  This memorial is featured on the back of the Penny (until 2008) and is where Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech in 1963. 

The Lincoln Memorial was built in honor of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.  The memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon.  Construction began on Lincolns birthday in 1915 and was dedicated in 1922.

The memorial is classic Greek, in style and measures 189.7ft by 118.5ft and is a 99ft tall.  The 36 columns represent the 36 states that were in the Union at the time of Lincolns assassination.   The columns are 44ft tall and 7.5ft around.  

The statue of Lincoln which sits inside of the memorial is 19 feet tall and is made of Georgia Marble.  Behind the statue, is an inscription which reads:

"IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER."

Location:  Potomac Park, Washington DC
Price of Admission: Free

Hi, I'm Jenn

I saw this post on Ashley's blog and knew I definitely wanted to answer these questions.  I figured that since I don't do a lot of "about me" type posts, this would be perfect!

Would your rather make more money or get more vacation time?

This is a tough one, but I'm gonna go with more money because at the moment, I could have all the vacation time in the world but I'd have no money to do anything with it.  Also, my job offers a pretty good amount of vacation time by American standards.

Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great-grandchildren?

Well, considering that I'm not planning on having kids, I'm going to say Ancestors.   I also think it would be great to see first hand where I come from.  My Dad's family is pretty into genealogy so I know a lot about that side already.

Would you rather be lost in a desert or at sea?

I agree with Ashley on this one!  Desert Island, with the Mojito!

Would you rather be able to eat anything you wanted forever or get rid of all your fears?

Are we saying I can eat anything I want without becoming fat or unhealthy?  If so, lets go with that.  I don't think I'd want to get rid of my fears because just because I am no longer afraid of being abducted or something doesn't mean the world will suddenly be a better place.  My fears keep me aware of whats happening around me and I think that is important.

Would you rather take a vacation to a city or the beach?

Both?  I mean a city on the water would be ideal, but since most of the places high on my list to visit are cities, I'll go with that.

Would you rather be an amazing cook or an amazing dancer?
Cook!  I have no reason to dance anymore so definitely cook.  I am a horrible cook but I'm working on it.  Too bad I can't live off cookies and cupcakes . .  I'm a fair baker.

Would you rather always be a little too hot or a little too cold?

That's a hard one!  At night when I'm sleeping I'd rather be a little too cold so I can wrap myself in my covers.  During the day I'd rather be a little too hot.  I like warm weather and I like summer clothes better than winter clothes.

Book Club Friday: Still Missing

Still Missing

By: Chevy Stevens

Pages: 340

Read:  4/26/14

 "On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. 

Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of a psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.

Still Missing is that rare debut find--a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted debut novel."
{GoodReads}


I really enjoyed this book.  The only thing I didn't like is the ending but I enjoyed the rest of it so much that I almost didn't care.  It's not that it was a horrible ending, it's just that it was a little out there.   Overall, I really like it, I liked that the book was written as a flashback so you're getting her perspective afterwards.   I don't know how to give this book a good review without ruining it but if you like psychological suspense type books, I definitely recommend reading this book. 

I gave this book a 4/5 on my GoodReads.

Wedding Preview!

Life has just been so nuts lately!  We moved into our new house and are working on getting settled, which is difficult when we work different schedules!  

 Anyway, I haven't gotten all of my professional wedding pictures back yet, but here are the previews she gave me as well as pictures that family and friends took :)