Recent Books I've Read

On Becoming Babywise

by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D.

This is a book that was recommended to me by a few moms while I was pregnant with Bronson.  I didn't start using the tips in it until he was 3-4 months old, so it took him a while to get in a routine.  But once he was in a normal routine, it made a huge difference in my days and nights.  He became a very good sleeper during his pre-toddler and toddler months.  This book gives information on sleeping, eating, awake time, and other advice for newborns and young infants.  I just reread this book a couple months ago, and have been following some of the basic tips since the early weeks after James was born.  He is a much better sleeper than Bronson and has really benefited from being on a daily routine.  This book did not have step by step instructions like I had longed for in those early days with Bronson, but you can't give specific instructions to all parents when every baby and parent is different.  This book was written by the same authors that wrote "Growing Kids God's Way", which is a Christian ministry and curriculum for parents.  I have wanted to go through the GKGW series as well.  

Perelandra (Space Trilogy, Book 2)

by C.S. Lewis

This is a series Luke kept encouraging me to read.  I had a hard time getting through the first one, although I thought it was good.  This one I really enjoyed and got through it much faster.  It was more of a fantasy story than a science fiction read.  I loved the symbolism in it to represent Christ and Satan and angels.  I know that some of it was a little above my head, but I liked Lewis' perspective on how other worlds/planets with life could potentially exist.  The story is about a man from earth who goes to a new world that has just begun.  

The only other books I have read in the past few months have been nursing textbooks, which I'm sure you do not want to hear about.  The next ones I'm looking forward to pouring myself into are:

Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophesy 

by Beth Moore

There is a group of women that I am meeting with weekly to study the book of Daniel.  I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord is planning to teach me through this study.  I am hoping I'll be able to keep up with the homework.  There is also a group of guys (husbands) that are also going to do this study separately.  It will be fun to go through a study alongside Luke.

Life After Life

by Kate Atkinson

The squadron book club is reading this one this month.  It sounds like a very interesting read.  I don't think I'll be able to read it in just a couple weeks time with all of my schoolwork, but it will be fun to read it eventually.  The discussion at book club is always fun.

So what are you reading?

Highlights #2

1.  Saturday we went up to Asakusa (in Tokyo area) for a little day trip.  It was really fun.  We actually went up there when we first got here to Japan when it was deadly hot.  It was fun to see it again and get some great pictures with my nice camera.  We went to the temple, went out to eat at a tempura place, and then walked around some shopping areas.  I bought a CUTE owl tea set.  Pictures to come.

2.  It doesn't sound like a great thing, but Bronson and I stayed home pretty much all week.  It was nice to get back into a routine.  Since Luke has been home, we've gotten all off kilter.  We both feel more normal now and feel refreshed to go out and do things.

3.  I hosted Bible study this week.  It was a small group of just three, but it was really nice to fellowship with some other women.  Beth Moore is really great!  We are studying the book of James. 

4.  Friday night we went out to eat in Yamato with a group of friends.  It was an Italian place that was REALLY good.  And to top it all off, Bronson was very well behaved.  He sat on my lap contentedly while I ate.  Of course, he did get a couple hands-full of some noodles before I could stop him.

5.  The owner of our house dropped off some chocolate treats that we have been enjoying the past couple days.  Yum! 

Highlights

I have seen people do weekly highlights on their blogs and thought it was a great idea.  First, it'll keep you all updated on what's going on with us (or really, what's going on with Bronson).  And secondly, it'll keep me accountable to post on the blog.

This week's top 5 awesome things:

1.  Valentine's Day, of course!  Luke made me a steak dinner on the grill.  It was a lovely evening in.  Bronson went to bed early, and we spent the evening dining and watching a romantic movie together.

2.  Bronson has started clapping.  It's soooo cute!

3.  On Wednesday we went out to dinner.  Yay for TWO days of no cooking!  We went to this really great Thai restaurant within walking distance from our house.  The lady running the restaurant took Bronson while we were eating and had him behind the bar.  :)  She had a shop of cool Thai things next door that we explored. 

4.  We got to skype with Grandma and Grandpa Scripture.  Bronson showed off his standing and dancing abilities.

5.  This morning Bronson let me sleep until 9 am!  He might be a night owl like his dad. 

6.  Yeah, I couldn't keep it to 5.  I also got my dress in the mail...the one I ordered for a formal squadron event that took place 2 weeks ago.  But...it's here.  I'll be able to wear it for other occasions.  I can't wait because it's really pretty!

And that's it for now!