Literary Junkies

I'm linking up again with Lesley, Taylor, and Megan for this month's edition of Literary Junkies.  This month's questions are:

- What are you currently reading?  Right now, I'm reading Stardust by Mimi Strong.


  It's an easy read romantic story.  It's ok.  I would not say it is my favorite, though I will finish it.  He (Dalton) is a celebrity and she (Peaches) manages a book store. He runs into her store to escape the media and they "fall in love".  I'm getting ready to start reading Orange is the New Black and I can't wait!

- Autumn is coming! What's your go-to drink when curling up with a book at night?  I'm not sure I have one, but I love hot chocolate or hot tea in the fall and winter. 

- Printed books vs. e-books: What are the pros and cons of each?  I LOVE (and will now only read) books on my phone (kindle app).  It is so much easier to just carry my phone.  I also like that I can still read in the dark without having to turn on a light.  I love the convenience.  The only downside, is that I have to charge my phone at least once during the day.

- Buying books vs. library books: Which do you prefer and why?  Well, I always prefer free, but I also always end up buying the book.  I have not figured out how to download books from the library (I'm technology challenged) and I like the ease of clicking buy now on amazon.  I also subscribe to bookbub so many of my books are free or $.99--so that's not too bad! 

I can't wait to find out what everyone else is reading.  I'm always up for new recommendations. 

Rain Song, book review

Amazon's description:

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his e-mails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does...

So, we chose this book for our book club this month and I'm not sure how I feel about it.  It wasn't bad.  It wasn't a page turner either.  I guess if I had to describe it, I'd say it was a good family book?  I'm not sure.  I wanted there to be more.  I wanted more of a story with her and Harrison.  It seemed like the climax was her boarding a flight to Japan.  The whole book was will she or won't she visit Japan.  I wanted more of a love story. 

There are things I did like.  I liked learning about her family through her correspondance with Harrison.  I liked that she got to know her mother through his emails.  I liked that the mystery of the fire was solved.  I liked the storyline with Grable and her daughteer (can't remember her name).

Things I did not like--or wished were different:.  I wanted more of a love story.  I also wanted to learn more about Grable and her daughter and I wish they had more of a storyline.  I wish we could have seen how her relatives at the reunion reacted to her visit to Japan and I wish we knew what happened next.

Overall, it was a good book.  I didn't love it, but I liked it. 

Dear Mia

Dear Mia,
You are 5 today.  I can't believe it.  I guess what they say is true...time flies when you are having fun.  I could not be more proud of you.  You are absolutely amazing.   I could sit here all day and list things that I love about you, but I'll just tell you what I love the most....and that is your heart.  You are so caring and so loving.  You are generous with your hugs and kisses, even to your little brother.  You care about everyone and you treat everyone with kindness.  I love that you are quick to make friends and welcome new kids (especially at school).  There are so many days when you've told me how you helped someone up on the playground or hugged them when they were sad at school.  That makes me so happy.  I am raising you to fight for the underdog and never ever be a mean girl.  I want you to be kind to everyone--and treat them with love and respect.  I am so proud to see that you already do that. 

Ok, so now...a little about you.  You adore your brother.  He is your best friend.  Your other best friends are Ella and Peyton, though you do not see them as much as they started kindergarten this year.  Your favorite color is pink, but you also love purple and blue.  You love Disney princesses, Sofia the 1st, Barbie, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  You also love animals (mainly cats, dogs, and horses).  Your favorite songs are:  Driftaway (yes, the song from the 80's or 90's) and Cups (from pitch perfect). You also like Call me Maybe (though you call it:  call me baby).  Oh, and let's not forget the Zak Brown Band.  You know every word to Chicken Fried and you sing it....loudly, every time we are in the jeep.  You love to play and you love to pretend.  You and Pax play house a lot.  You also pretend to me cats or dogs sometimes.  You love having tea parties and playing hide and seek.  You also make up your own games.  You have a very good imagination. 

Mia, I worry about you.  You are also very sensitive.  You talk about Parker daily, even when we haven't.  I love that you remember him and think of him, but it also makes me worry about you and how this has affected you.  You ask about death a lot...ways you can die, when we will die, etc.  The other night, you told me to give Parker a hug for you when I die.  I don't know what to do with that.  It makes me happy and sad at the same time.  I try to be reassuring and honest at the same time.  We've talked about death, Heaven, and Hell.  You aren't really afraid, just more curious.  I'm hoping this is a phase that will pass.  I hope that you always think of Parker and remember him, but I don't want you to be upset or sad.  I try to remind you...he is happy.  He is so happy and he is always watching you.  There is no need to be sad or wonder if he is ok.  He is.  I hope someday, you read this and find it reassuring and know that we are doing everything we can to help you through this while being as open and honest as possible.  I hope you also know, you can come to me with anything.  I will always be there to help you.

Lastly, I want you to know how much we love you.  You are so special.  You make me smile and laugh every single day.  You have brought me happiness that I never thought possible.  I am so grateful that God gave you to us. 
I love you forever,
Mommy

5 Years ago Today

At some point between September 9th (afternoon) and the morning of September 11th, I lost my first son, Parker.  I believe it happened on September 10th.  There is no reason for this, except mother's intuition.  When you are 36 weeks pregnant with twins, it is hard to tell who is moving and who is not.  Limbs are everywhere--literally.  The guilt I still feel and will likely always feel is enormous and sometimes more than I can bear.  I know it wasn't my fault, but I can't help thinking...how did I not realize he wasn't moving?  How did I not know?   I was his mother.  I should have known.  I should have felt it somehow. 
I keep hoping that it will get easier.  Some years are better than others.  This year is especially hard.  5 years is a big milestone.  It doesn't help that I have also had Paxton and my Dad's health issues to stress about.  Lately, I've been wondering...Did Parker have any birth defects?  Was his heart perfect?  Did he have any birth marks?  I kick myself for not checking.  I take comfort in knowing that Parker is perfect now.  I can never get that time back, but I know he is in Heaven.  He is happy and he is perfect.  And...he is waiting to meet me someday. 

Today, 5 years ago

First, a Paxton update.  He did well during his surgery.  They found a cleft in his voice box and temporarily fixed it to see if it helps with his eating.  They also found that there was a small area that was very tight at the bottom of his stomach, causing him to feel full.  We are meeting with the GI Doctor Monday to discuss options for correcting that.  His adenoids are out and tubes are in.  He is doing well, though at night, he is still not feeling great.  He did fantastic though and I am so proud of my brave boy!

5 years ago today, I went to my last OB visit.  I heard 2 strong heartbeats.  I was 36 weeks and I jokingly begged Dr. T to take my babies out that day.  I was miserable.  Of course, she said no.  My scheduled C-Section was just over 1 week away and everything looked great....or so I thought.  I felt happy and optimistic. 

Blog Sale, Girls 3-4T clothes, Women's size 6

Today I've decided to get rid of a few leftover clothes that no longer fit Mia.  Most are size 4T.  One sweater is a 3-4 T.  Shipping is $4.  Combined shipping available.  Additional $1 per item.  If you live in MD, I am willing to try to meet up with you.  All are Gap or Gymboree except the pink polka dot raincoat, which is NWT from The Children's Place

Gap, size 4T, $3

Tag for above shirt.

Gymboree Horse Skirt, size 4T, $2

Tag for skirt

Gymboree Horse Sweater Vest with belt, Size 3-4T, $2

Tag for sweater

Gymboree Dress, Size 4T, $3

Tag for dress

This is a cute olive green dress from Charming Charlies that I planned to wear, but didn't beause it was a little big.  Size M, $8

 

Tag

This is the actual dress.  Bought in Spring of 2013

I can't remember the store I bought this from, but I saw it on Pinterest and had to have it.  It came from the UK and is a size 10 there, which apparently is a size 6 here.  Note...this fits more like a 4, which is why I am selling it.

It's super cute, but too tight for me :(.  New with tags.  $10

This dress is from Shabby Apple.  It has been dry cleaned.  It is a size small and was purchased in 2010 or 2011.  I wore it less than 5 times, I'm sure.  $15

Size small

This is a maxi dress from Vineyard Vines.  Bought in 2011.  Worn 2x.  Size medium.  Asking $25

Tag

Top of dress--can be worn strapless as well.

For questions or additional pictures, email kfinck4@gmail.com.  I accept pay pal only. 

Today...

This is a busy week for us.  Paxton has an echo cardiogram scheduled for Thursday morning and surgery for his adenoids/tubes Friday at noon. I'm not going to lie.  My nerves are shot this week.  On top of everything else, I have a sore throat and double ear infection and we're 1 week away from Mia's birthday and the 5 year anniversary of losing Parker.  I find myself crying at totally inappropriate times and for any reason--or no reason.  Basically, I"m a big fat mess. But...that being said, if you could just say a quick prayer for Pax, I'd appreciate it.  I'm hoping that his surgery goes well and that they are able to find a reason why he has feeding/eating issues so that we can find a way to help him.  Stop back by Friday as I'm participating in a blog sale.  Selling some girl clothes, size 3-4. 
Thanks!