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Books I Read in 2015

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Every year, I compile a list of books I've read. My goal is always to read more books than I did the previous year, but seeing as I've had a baby this year, my goal was only to read a few. Any completed books would be considered an accomplishment to a new mother. And as a reminder to those who may have forgotten, if you click on the book images, you will be taken to their listings on Amazon so you can purchase them for your very own! So without further adieu, here's my list! 

 1. Completed on January 3rd. I definitely started this book in 2014 and finished it before the birth of my son...so maybe you'd consider this cheating...but it goes on this year's book list nonetheless. Great book! Convicting, but in a way that encourages a change, not in a way that only leaves you feeling guilty. I would definitely recommend this book.

"Crazy Busy" by Kevin DeYoung

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2. Completed on January 7th. This is another book I started last year. I wanted to read a pregnancy book that was written by Christians that wasn't just another how-to or what-to-expect book. This book was that very book! Some parts weren't entirely applicable to me, but the format this book is written in made it easy for me to just skim over those sections. Pregnant women, I recommend this book to you whether it be your first pregnancy or not! 

"Birthed in Prayer" by Kim Barker, Linda De Meillon, and Leigh Harrison  
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3. Completed on January 13th. My parents sent me and Craig this book early on in my pregnancy and we decided we'd read it aloud together. Great book! It is filled with lots of encouragement for people who are already parents or for those who are soon-to-be parents like we are! 

"Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord" by Dave Stone

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4. Completed on January 27th. I love reading Warren Wiersbe's commentaries on books of the Bible. I learn so much from them!

"Be Strong (Joshua): Putting God's Power to Work in Your Life" by Warren Wiersbe

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5. Completed on June 18th. I learned so much from this book and would definitely recommend it to any parent! I'm definitely planning on re-reading the chapter about raising daughters if I ever have a daughter in the future! 

"Hopeful Parenting" by David Jeremiah

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6. Completed on October 24th. This is such an encouraging book to all mothers, especially new mothers like me! It's a quick and easy read so if you're a mom, definitely check this book out!

"Mom Enough" - A compilation from Desiring God

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7. Completed on December 4th. A friend of mine lent this book to me and I was both convicted and encouraged as I read through it. Although it is more directed to pastors' wives, I feel like it is an encouraging read to the wife of any man in any sort of leadership! 

"The Ministry of a Messy House" by Amanda Robbie

In Review: Apple Music

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Apple has finally realized that audiobooks aren't music. 

 This morning, I wanted to continue listening to my audiobook of "The Book Thief" but I couldn't seem to figure out how to access it with the new Apple Music app. I finally found it hidden in plain sight—in the iBooks app where it rightfully belongs. But even though this change has me praising Apple, I have found more cons than pros when it comes to the new Apple Music app. But let's start with the pros.

What I like about Apple Music:
  • The iTunes app logo! Beautiful colors!
  • The ability to browse different genres (I do have my favorites, but I occaisonally like to listen to other types of music!)
  • For You - pretty cool!
  • Some cool Playlists, sorted by producer (Behind the Boards), sounds like, etc.

 What I dislike about Apple Music:

1. Value for money - Considering it isn't as exhaustive as they make it seem, it isn't worth the price they are charging

While the free trial period is 3 months long (longer than most free trials), the service doesn't appear to be worth the money.

 This service is supposed to let you listen to all music sold on iTunes, but I've found that a lot of albums I want to listen to have half the songs greyed out! And there have also been some albums that I am unable to find on Apple Music that ARE on iTunes! For the single membership cost of $9.99/month, I think I'd rather go with Spotify Premium which is the same price!

2. iOS app - The iOS app has MANY flaws. These are the ones I've found so far:

  • When I click the plus sign to add songs or albums to My Music, it removes what I've added within seconds.
  • When connected to my car with a USB cable or with bluetooth, albums just keep playing the same song rather than playing the next song. (This is because up next is apparently not compatible with my car.) BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY.
  • "Up Next" seems to have problems remembering what has been added to it at times! It forgets often
  • Radio stations (not Beats 1) aren't working with my UK Apple ID, but the option is still given... (UPDATE - NOW WORKING!)
  • The ability to add music to My Music without using iCloud Music Library (which seems to delete playlists I've added)
3. Too many apps - iTunes, Apple Music, iTunes Store, App Store...you get the picture!

Why can't everything be consolidated to the new Apple Music app? Why do I need a separate iTunes Store iOS app and iTunes OSX app? (And WHY do I purchase audiobooks from the iTunes OSX app, manage them with the iTunes OSX app, but then find them in the iBooks iOS app but not in the iBooks OSX app? WAY TOO CONFUSING.)

4. Consistency between OSX and iOS - What you do on your iPhone doesn't seem to copy over to your Mac, even if you are logged into the same iCloud account on both devices

 You'd think this feature would be seamless, especially since Apple is constantly improving it for other apps (example: Messages, Continuity, etc.) but it definitely is NOT. None of the music that I've added to "My Music" on iTunes on my mac has shown in My Music on my iPhone. 
Disclaimer: If you've found a solution to any of these problems, please let me know. Everything listed above is just the opinion of a disappointed Apple fan.

What I want to see:
  • A shuffle feature for My Music and for Artists
  • See a list of artists/songs/albums/playlists I have <3 d="" li="" loved="">
  • The release date (day, month and year) for every album, song—I want to know what's new
  • Search charts from previous years/months (time travel!)
  • A better way to search for music videos - there is a wealth of videos, but they're hard to find if you don't know the name of the song!

Motherhood.

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It's hard to believe I'm a mother now. Motherhood is a good excuse for my lack of posts lately.

 Yes, I made it to 40 weeks of pregnancy. My precious baby boy was born at 40+4 (on the 3rd of February weighing 7 lbs. 8.5 oz.) and, believe it or not, he's 7 weeks old now!!

 He's the cutest thing in the whole world and sometimes I catch myself "wasting" hours on end just staring at him, holding his little hands, and having a one-sided conversation with him. He is the biggest blessing.

 I'll probably be MIA for a while because I haven't yet mastered the art of multitasking with a newborn—you should see the chaotic state my house is in right now—but for the time being, I'll leave you with Baby Ethan's one month update, seeing as his two month update will be here in a week and a half.


I’m 1 month old now! 
I weigh 8 lbs. 2 oz. 
I can hold up my head on my own, I have strong legs that I love to kick, and I’m alert more of the day now. 
I love to eat. 
I hate getting my nappy changed, but I love taking baths! 
I love cuddles! 
When I’m sleepy, I close only one eye so I can keep exploring with the other!

To my husband, the father of my unborn child

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To my husband, the father of my unborn child,

 I wanted to say thank you. I feel like husbands are often unappreciated when wives are expecting. But there's no way I could have done this without you. I really can't comprehend how unmarried women go through 40 weeks of pregnancy on their own. I'm so thankful that God designed pregnancy to fit so seamlessly together with marriage.

 Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for being there for me constantly.
Thank you for giving me a baby.
Thank you for praying for me and with me.
Thank you for praying for our baby.
Thank you for wanting to be a good, godly daddy.
Thank you for being sympathetic when I'm uncomfortable.
Thank you for not expecting too much from me.
Thank you for letting me have lazy days.
Thank you for doing favors for me.
Thank you for helping me with jobs around the house.
Thank you for washing dishes for me.
Thank you for rubbing my back on demand.
Thank you for helping me put on my socks.
Thank you for helping me put on my shoes.
Thank you for picking things up from the ground for me when I don't feel like bending.
Thank you for carrying things for me.
Thank you for helping me get up when I'm stuck on the sofa or on a chair.
Thank you for helping me get out of the car.
Thank you for letting me fulfill my random food cravings.
Thank you for being flexible and eating whatever I can bring myself to cook.
Thank you for being flexible with our schedule.
Thank you for still finding me attractive and always telling me that you do.
Thank you for the extra kisses.
Thank you for the belly rubs.
Thank you for the foot massages.
Thank you for pampering me.
Thank you for being there for me when I feel needy.
Thank you for being the best husband in the entire world.

 I love you from the bottom of my heart.
Forever, for always, no matter what.

A Waiting Game

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Today was Craig's first day back at work after the Christmas holidays. I assumed I'd be productive, but my assumption couldn't have been further off. I've done nothing today. My brain wont focus. I tried to read; that didn't work. I have a whole list of things I need to do around the house; I've done none of them today. Something about this waiting game, waiting for baby to arrive who knows when, is making my brain feel like mush. I am so excited, nervous, and anxious! I want Baby to come early because, let's face it, no woman is comfortable at 36+3, but I also want my mom's wish to come true and Baby to wait til she arrives in England. Thank God I'm not in control of the timing! But, my goodness, how slow this month feels already! 


Lord, I pray that You would strengthen me this month. Help me not to be too anxious, but help me to trust in Your perfect timing. I also pray that You would give me a smooth, pain-free labor. I know You have the ability to do that and I ask that You would. Also, please remove all the fear and worry from my mind. Thank You for the blessing of pregnancy and I pray that You would grow me and Craig as we become parents. Help us to raise our child to love and serve You. Amen.

2015: A New Year

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My friend Rachel posted a really good blog post on New Year's Day. I absolutely 100% agree with everything she wrote so I figured I'd share it with my friends here!

"...in 2015 I want to focus on the important things. I want my time with the Lord to dictate everything else in my life. I don't plan to set a list of resolutions that I can't keep- instead I want to just re-determine in my heart to keep my eyes on Jesus. To have that be the priority in my life so that all other smaller desires will work themselves out. To not aim for perfection but just for a consistent relationship with God, a deeper devotional life, more time in prayer and the anticipation that God can and will do great things!"

 Looking forward to see all God has in store for 2015!

Books I Read in 2014

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My goal this year was to read more books than the previous year. Here's my completed book list! Just click on each book image to see more details about the book! :)

1. Completed on January 8th


2. Completed on March 7th


3. Completed on March 16th


4. Completed on March 18th


5. Completed on April 22nd


6. Completed on April 22nd


7. Completed on May 7th


8. Completed on June 14th


9. Completed on October 2nd


10. Completed on November 3rd


11. Completed on November 19th


12. Completed on December 31st

Facebook

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I've been struggling with something lately. The fact that Facebook is no longer a social network but has become a place where people share links to articles and then get into arguments with people they haven't seen for 10+ years really is starting to mess with my head. 

 What is the purpose for this?

 Do we really need another forum where we can argue?

 Should I just start deleting people?

 Several of my friends have suggested to me in the past that I should delete all the argumentative people from my friends list and move on. The purpose of Facebook is to stay connected with friends and people like that are unnecessary in fulfilling that purpose. They make a valid point. But I can't help but wonder if God has placed Facebook in front of me in order that I might use it as a platform to share Him with others. If I immediately delete those people whom I disagree with, I'm only walking into a "Christian bubble" and blocking my witness. But then again, am I really going to change someone's worldview by something I post on Facebook?

 I don't know what I should do. Opinions? Suggestions?




Simple Crocheted Scarf

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Crochet has been my latest obsession. Maybe it's cuz I'm nesting—who knows?


Anyways, after making a little hat for our baby boy, I just about started to make another one when my husband pointed out to me that our newborn baby is only going to need so many hats. So I decided to make something different. I wasn't feeling very brave so after researching things like socks and bags, I decided to stick with a basic scarf. I found a free pattern that looked like it was simple enough...but I don't do well with crochet patterns. I struggle reading them in the format they are written. So I altered it. I'm pretty proud of the way my scarf came out and I decided I'd share my pattern with you all, written in my own custom format! Ha! Enjoy! :)



(Ignore my crazy tassels if you can! They still need to be ironed! Ha!)


Simple Crocheted Scarf Pattern

  1. Chain 15. Mark the 15th stitch with a piece of yarn or stitch marker.
  2. Then chain six more stitches. Counting the stitch marker, crochet 1 dc in the 4th chain from the stitch marker and 1 dc in each of the next two chain stitches in the foundation chain. Skip 3 chains and then crochet 1 dc in the next chain and the following 2 chains. Skip 2 and then crochet 1 dc in the last chain. Turn. (This has begun your overall pattern.)
  3. Chain 2. Crochet 3 dc in hole. Chain 2. Crochet 3 dc in hole. Chain 2. Crochet 3 dc in hole. Turn.
  4. Chain 5. Crochet 3 dc in hole. Chain 2. Crochet 3 dc in hole. Chain 2. Crochet 1 dc in corner. Turn.
  5. Keep alternating between steps 3 and 4 until your scarf is the desired length! You should finish off with step 4. Then you can add tassels if you wish! :)

6pm.com

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Maybe it's not all I want, but you can add this request to my lust list! Too bad no one can actually make this happen for me apart from the company themselves! Let's hope they read my tweet! :P I loooove 6pm.com!

But anyyyyways, speaking of my lust list, I have another update. Craig and I bought Matilda yesterday cuz we found it for £4. So yeah. That can be crossed off of my list now!

Lust List: The Christmas Edition (Revised)

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(Updated Dec. 3)

I post a Christmas Lust List about a month ago but I felt the need to give it an update, just in case any of you were feeling ultra generous this year.

Believe it or not, I received an iPhone 6 already! :-D :-D :-D

Also, Monsters Inc. is now on Netflix.

So here ya go! The updated version!



• Fossil Georgia Wrap-around Watch (at a Fossil store or on Fossil's site)
• H&M Gift Card (at H&M or on http://www.hm.com/gb/customer-service/gift-cards) 
• Wraparound Black watch (on Swatch) • Map watch (on eBay)
• Kindle Paperwhite (on Amazon) 
• Bright Orange Fossil Memoir Satchel (This is an old item so it can only be found on eBay!) 
• Toms Sandals (on the Toms site—I'm a UK4) 
• High Boots (at H&M—Size 3.5) 
• Toms Black Leather Desert Wedge Highs (on the Toms site—I'm a UK4) 
• Holga Lens for my Nikon (from Photojojo) • Black Strappy Sandals (at H&M—Size 3.5) 
• Matilda (on Amazon) • Beauty and the Beast (on Amazon)

1st Annual Friendsgiving

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As an American living in England, the holiday is miss most is Thanksgiving. Last year, we got together with some American friends here and celebrated anyway. But they've moved away now so I was internally moping, thinking that Thanksgiving would be forgotten! But thankfully, our other American friends (there are a lot of Americans that go to our church!) planned a Thanksgiving get together of their own. They did it properly with long tables and made it a sit down meal. It was the perfect evening with the greatest of friends! Can't wait for next year's!

Before and after! Haha!











 







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