Postpartum Christmas Blues

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone's holiday was filled with love, family, friends, and joy!

But now that the holidays are over, do you find yourself empty?

No? Just me?

I am definitely feeling the void from lack of festivities. So much so that when my sister-in-law texted me saying she got into grad school I immediately wanted to get everyone together to celebrate.

My mom and grandma came over yesterday, which was nice. We decorated sugar cookies with the kids, ate lunch together, and hashed out some last minute details for our big family gathering tomorrow. They left, and the kids and I laid down for naps and quiet time.

Today, I have spent most of the morning stressed out beyond belief, and organizing the mountain, yes MOUNTAIN, of gifts the kids received.

Now that I have a minute to breathe, relax, and take a big gulp of icy water I'm starting to calm down. Everything is mostly put away. Yay! I want to leave the house, but staying in my sweats and slippers is much more appealing.

Even though the recycling has become a mountain, yes MOUNTAIN, in my garage, various gifts to return, and a family picture to get in the mail to my grandparents, sweats and slippers are prevailing.

How was your Christmas?

Do you still have family in town? Do you still have family to visit?

I hope you're not feeling the blues like I am.

Sea salt chocolate truffles

As many of you know, I have an obsession with Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman.

I read her blog religiously, own two of her cookbooks (and use them both ALL the time), and have read every book she's published (seriously, check out "From High Heels to Tractor Wheels") 

Last week she posted, on the cooking section of her blog, a list of her favorite Christmas goodies. I was excited because I knew there'd be something I'd want to try, and I was not disappointed. There are lots of yummy treats on that entry, but sea salt chocolate truffles stood out to me. I looooooove sea salt caramel, and the recipe seemed easy enough. I'm pretty sure I went out that afternoon and bought all the ingredients to make them. 

I had to test the recipe before making a huge batch for my family's annual cookie exchange... right?

I was so delighted in how easy they were to make. The ingredients were easy to find (I've been wanting to make her cinnamon roll recipe, but can't find cinnamon chips anywhere!), and the recipe was extremely easy to follow.

Speaking of which, ALL of her recipes are easy to follow. She includes step-by-step pictures of everything she does. It's not at all like reading a traditional recipe. She even uses this technique in her cookbooks. It makes the recipe so much fun to read, and even easier to follow along.

Since my original batch of truffles turned out so amazing (they were snarfed down by everyone who were lucky enough to snag one), they became my official cookie exchange recipe. 

I started the double batch this morning, and keep sneaking little tastes of the chocolate. 

Make these truffles soon. I promise you will not be disappointed.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/10/chocolate-truffles-with-sea-salt/

Frozen

Catholic schools were out today because of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Instead of staying at home and not doing much of anything, we decided to go see Frozen. We bought theater candy and juice boxes at Walmart, and I popped a bag of popcorn at home to take with us to the movie. We got to the theater about 40 minutes before the movie started. Perfect timing to get our tickets, find good seats, and settle in.

Samuel doesn't sit still very long. Especially not for pictures.

I can always get cute pictures from my dolly girl.

Patiently waiting for the movie to start. Samuel was, surprisingly, very well behaved.

The movie was very good! We enjoyed it immensely! Kristen Bell as Anna was a perfect match, as was Idina Menzel as Elsa. The music was awesome, the story line was great, and the animation was very similar to Tangled. I think I will be buying this movie when it comes out on DVD.

I love doing fun things with my family. I'm especially blessed that we were able to go see the movie today. I'm very grateful for my hard working husband who allows me to treat our kids every once in awhile. Going to the movies was a treat growing up, and I hope to make the movies a fun thing for my children. Thanks, honey, for letting us go today! We love you!

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Last night, I was desperate for Samuel to fall asleep so I went for a short drive in the car with him. I usually go through our neighborhood and loop around my in-law's neighborhood, but this time I decided to drive over by the zoo. Because the car is quiet, besides NPR playing on the radio, my mind wanders and I have time to think. Driving under the 235 overpass I was reminded of a time in highschool when I reconnected with my best-friend from elementary school. She had moved to Missouri with her mom several years before, but was visiting her grandparents during the summer. We made plans for me to pick her up and go see a movie together. 

It was the summer I turned 16, and I was still learning to drive a 1989 Honda Civic with a manuel transmission. I was fine once I got out of first gear, but if I came to a full stop and had to ease my way back into first gear I almost always killed the car or squealed the tires. 

So, as I'm pulling out of my friend's grandparent's driveway after picking her up, I turn to start going down the street, shift into first gear, squeal the tires, and drive away. We're driving down 21st street heading towards the west Warren when my friend receives a phone call from her grandma. I could hear her grandma yelling through the phone telling my friend to come right back home. I was so confused and had no idea what could have possibly gone wrong in the short time I was with her, but I obediently drove her back to her grandparent's house. As soon as I pull in the driveway her grandma storms her way over to me. She proceeds to yell at me for being "disrespectful" and "peeling out" of the driveway the way I did. I was so stunned and shocked by the lecture I was receiving that I could barely explain that I was still learning to drive a stick shift and in no way meant any disrespect by squealing my tires. 

I bawled the entire way home, and have never spoken to that friend since.

Replaying this incident in my head made me realize that people may take my actions and words a different way than I mean. I am not a malicious person, and never mean to be rude or bitchy. 

I want people to see and know me for who I really am. 

I'm not one to judge.

I want to be liked by everyone.

I listen.

As we head into the Advent season we need to reflect and prepare ourselves for the upcoming birth of Jesus Christ. Part of this, for me, is to make sure I am perceived in a positive light, that everyone I come into contact with can see Jesus through me. I don't want my actions to negatively affect anyone, but if I happen to offend someone in someway I want to be granted the opportunity to explain myself and hopefully fix the problem before it becomes out of hand.

What is your wish for yourself this Christmas season? 

My Biggest Flaw

Guess what? I'm not perfect.

If you follow me on Twitter, or are friends with me on Facebook, you might have noticed that I was up late Wednesday night dealing with a bout of anxiety. I can proudly say that it's been awhile since I've had this issue, but last night was triggered by my over-worrying of Samuel being sick and my most recent RCIA class. 

I'm not the only one who thinks the worst when their child is sick, right? Anyone? Anyone?

Wednesday's RCIA class topic was on Death, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Remember, my mind is still going rampant with thoughts that my almost-2-year old might stop breathing while he sleeps. The minute Father Jeremy started talking about death I almost couldn't bear sitting through it. I started to silently cry, and prayed that no one would notice. 

I can't really begin to describe the feeling I get when I'm about to come down with an anxiety attack. Basically, I feel like I've hit a brick wall and there's no way to climb over it, through it, or under it (going on a bear hunt?) The sense of finality is enough to almost knock me over. 

I'm not necessarily worried about what will happen AFTER I die, but rather what I leave behind when I do. I hate thinking in such a materialistic way, but I am so worried about leaving my children and/or my spouse. Who will take care of them? This current season of my life revolves around taking care of my house and family. Knowing that will cease to exist, knowing I will cease to exist, troubles me. 

I'm having a difficult time being able to detach myself from my life. I can't wrap my mind around the fact that this life is NOT as good as it gets. Something better awaits me. But since those who experience God's glory in Heaven are dead I have no way of knowing what's on the other side. Death is a great mystery, and that fact is what scares me. I don't want to be scared! 

Even though I was horribly uncomfortable sitting in a class that was talking about these heavy topics, today I am able to look back, reflect on my notes, talk to a close friend, and deepen my understanding of why my anxiety negates my physical health, but also my spiritual health.

Now, the question arises: Am I living my life for myself or for Jesus? 

The parable Jesus told of the barren fig tree was mentioned Wednesday night (Luke 13:6-9). I want to live a life that will bear fruit for Jesus. I don't want Him to be disappointed in me. God created us out of great love, and we're supposed to share in a deep life in communion with the Trinity. We are not guaranteed Heaven so we need to strive to live and grow in holiness. 

 

Paragraph 1010 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "Because of Christ, Christian death has a positive meaning: 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' 'The saying is sure: if we have died with him, we will also live with him.' What is essentially new about Christian death is this: through Baptism, the Christian has already 'died with Christ' sacramentally, in order to live a new life; and if we die in Christ's grace, physical death completes this 'dying with Christ' and so completes our incorporation into him in his redeeming act..."

How reassuring!

I'm human enough to admit that this all boils down to me having trust issues with God. That seems so silly to say out loud. I should trust Him with every fiber of my being! My spiritual future is uncertain and impossible to know completely. I am weak, but yet I need to have hope. I want to die in sanctifying grace so I may go to Heaven. Please pray for me, friends, that I become vulnerable to Christ's love, and turn my entire life over to God.

Raw

I do not possess a peaceful persona. I'd like to think I do, but compared to others I don't at all.

I am loud at times.

I'm socially awkward.

I think blonde hair is beautiful, and sometimes wish I didn't have auburn hair.

I compare myself to blonde women and feel inferior.

I think respect is earned, but I give it freely because that's what I think human beings should do.

I love unconditionally.

I accept people for who they are.

I feel left out and left behind quite often.

I feel like I'm never good enough.

I think people walk over me because I let them.

I'm always the one left responsible for keeping communication.

I desire to be liked by everyone I know.

I disappear inside my head way more than I should. It's my quiet place.

I observe, rather than participate, in social settings.

I believe I'm doing my very best.

I like coffee.

I like Dr. Pepper and Coke.

I like junk food and fresh veggies.

I like eating out.

I like to cook and bake.

I like staying home.

I like to read. 

I like playing The Sims.

I like watching movies and tv shows.

I like staying indoors.

I like McDonalds.

I like vacuuming.

I like going to Mass.

I like learning.

I like science and history.

I like bread and French fries.

I like peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

I like to craft.

I hate trying on jeans.

I hate making beds.

I hate scooping the litter box.

I hate driving.

I hate confrontation.

I hate having animals in my house.

I hate my family dynamic.

I hate death.

I hate not knowing.

I hate cleaning the bathrooms.

I hate clutter.

I hate going to the zoo.

I hate exercising.

I hate doing my hair.

I hate paying for haircuts.

I hate bugs of any kind.

This is me. I'm much more simple and complicated than all of this, but its the best interpretation I can provide. 

Please, accept me and love me. Even amidst all my flaws.

Stay-at-home Mom Business

I have been a stay-at-home mom for 6 years now. I stopped working 6 months before my daughter was born and haven't worked in a professional environment since. A majority of my friends got married years after I did, and most don't have children of their own yet. So, I get asked questions, or statements are made, that really bother me. I've read a few blog posts on this same subject and thought I'd include my own version. Keep in mind, this post refers to my life right now and my own experience.

1. What do you do with all your free time?

        First of all: Free time? I don't even know what that means anymore. When I want to do anything by myself, whether its going to a store alone or closing the bathroom door, I am met with cries of protest from both of my children. Samuel, especially, doesn't understand that Mommy will be right back. Or just because a door is closed means I haven't disappeared forever.

        I get very little time to myself. There's a small window of opportunity at the end of our day when both children are in bed, but I have to sleep at some point. I get 10-15 minutes to read a few chapters in a book, or talk to my husband uninterrupted, before I am too exhausted to keep my eyes open. I wonder, sometimes, how we have a second child. 

2. Your husband must make a good living.

        My husband makes a decent living, but he hasn't always. And decent doesn't mean excellent. We'd be a lot better off as a two income household. But we've made sacrifices to be able to live on one income. We rarely go out to eat. We never go to the movies and very rarely rent them. (Our entertainment budget is enough for a Netflix subscription and that's it.) I make my own iced coffee instead of going to Starbucks. We shop at Aldi. We don't have cable. I don't stay at home because my husband makes enough money. I stay at home because the sacrifices we make as a family make it worth it. 

3. It must be nice not to have to work.

        I don't work in a professional environment. I work in my home. My job demands that I clean bathrooms, sweep and mop floors, do laundry, do dishes, vacuum, make beds, feed children, bathe children, transport to and from school... My job is tiring and never ends. Just because I stay at home all day doesn't mean I don't do anything. I do lots of things. And then I do them again because I have two tornadoes living in my house that undo everything I do. 

4. When do you plan to get a job?

        My husband and I have an understanding that I will return to work as soon as all our children are in school full time. So, as of right now, I have until Sam is 5 or 6 before thinking about finding a job. And when it comes to be that time it will be a petty, part-time job that will allow me to drop off and pick up my children from school. My kids are my number one priority. A job outside the home is not. This is the decision my husband and I have made, and just because its not something you would do doesn't mean it's wrong.

5. Is it easier for you now that your kid is in school?

        Yes and no. It's easier in the fact that I don't have another child to take care of during the day. But even though Claire is not physically here to take care of, I am caring for her in other ways. I make her bed every morning so she can focus on homework instead of chores. I wash her clothes so she has clean uniforms and play clothes. I plan dinners and snacks so she's not hungry. So on top of those daily tasks I have Samuel running around. And boy is he ornery. I'm still able to get things done around the house, but I have to constantly keep an eye on him. Or distract him with toys I know will keep him busy for awhile.

6. If you're tired you should sleep when the baby sleeps.

        Oh my goodness. This phrase has driven me insane since Claire has been born. Granted, it was easier for me to lay down with her because we were living in my in-laws basement and I didn't have many responsibilities. But with Samuel? Forget about it. I had a 5 year old and a house with Samuel. Sleeping when he slept was not an option. And it still isn't. When he goes down for a nap that is my time to unload the dishwasher, mop the floor, or eat lunch. His nap time equals uninterrupted quiet time for at least 1 hour. 

7. Did you go to college?

        The assumption that I might not have is what bothers me. Yes, I did attend AND graduate college. On time, might I add, while having a baby and getting married. I'm very proud of my education, and for someone to think I might not have just because I'm a stay-at-home mom really hurts my feelings. 

8. You're Betty Crocker! (June Cleaver would substitute nicely as well.)

        Now, I know this is someone's way of paying me a compliment, but sometimes it really bothers me. What I do for my children and husband is not abnormal for me. Just because I make dinner every night, bake breads and desserts from scratch, and keep my house clean does not mean I am an airhead fictional character. I don't do it to be the ultimate mom or wife. I don't intentionally mean to be like "that". This is how I am and this is how I choose to run my house.

9. You don't get to dress up often.

     OR

    You used to wear more jewelry.

        While both of these statements are absolutely true, it doesn't mean that you can say them condescendingly. I spend 90% of my time at home. Why would I wear jeans, nice blouses, and/or sets of jewelry all day? I "dress up" for church and any other event I might attend, but when I'm at home I prefer my yoga pants and t-shirts. And guess what? I'm okay with that! I may have dressed to the nines in college, but that was my life then. This is my life now. My taste and comfort level has changed drastically. 

10. Don't you miss adult conversations?

        Sometimes, yes. But I love talking to my children just as much. I get plenty of adult interaction with my husband and other family members. And what constitutes "adult conversation"? I have a couple good friends who I talk to on a regular basis. We like to air our laundry and compare experiences. We may not talk about politics or religion, but talking about our daily struggles as moms is enough. It's more satisfying, I think. To know someone is going through the same things you are creates a bond and camaraderie you don't necessarily get with anyone else.

Now, a little insight into my daily schedule. It's really more of a routine, and it changes depending on moods, activities, etc. 

6:45 AM: I wake up with the kids. I help Claire get dressed for school, change Samuel's diaper, and get dressed myself.

7:15 AM: I make breakfast for Claire and Samuel. Give Claire her daily medicine and double check her backpack.

7:30 AM: Leave to take Claire to school.

7:45-11:00 AM: I usually clean house and play with Samuel. I like running my errands in this time frame. I prefer to be home in time for Sam's nap.

11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Samuel naps anywhere between this time. I usually finish a few chores and eat lunch. This is my down time as well.

1:00-3:10 PM: More playing with Samuel and more chores before leaving to get Claire from school. I sometimes take a shower around this time.

3:45-5:00 PM: I pick up a few things before James gets home, help Claire with homework, and get things ready to make dinner.

5:30 PM: James is usually home from work and we sit down to eat dinner soon after.

6:00-7:45 PM: The kids usually play and James does the dishes from dinner. We run any errands during this time. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the kids take a bath. 

8:00-8:15 PM: We all get ready for bed and sometimes read a story together (Claire and James always read before bed. Whether Sam and I join them depends on how tired Sam is.)

8:30 PM: Both kids are usually asleep. James and I go to sleep shortly after.

Weekends are more laid back and have a pretty open schedule. We always go to Mass at 5:00 on Saturday nights. Sunday we usually spend at home getting things done for the next week. Sunday is also a bath day for the kids.

If you made it through this whole post, bravo! I would give you a cookie if I could.

If I offended anyone please know it was not my intention. I only wanted to give people a glimpse at what my life is like on a day-to-day basis. 

        

Book Review: Doodle Cook

 

I must say that I judged this book by its cover. I thought it was a silly purchase, and something Claire wouldn't be interested in. Honestly, I even dreaded to think of Claire begging me to make whatever recipes this book had between its covers (I like cooking/baking by myself and cooking/baking with the kids always results in another mess I have to clean up. Yes, I'm anal about my kitchen.)

My mother-in-law purchased this book from the Oklahoma Science Museum on our little weekend getaway last weekend. After we got settled in the car for the drive home, I was able to flip through the pages and see what the book was all about.

Boy, was I surprised.

 

Inside are recipes, yes, but not recipes for food. Recipes for creativitiy! The left side of the book has the "recipe" (which are really disguised directions), and the right side has the plate where you draw out the recipe.

 

 





How fun is this whole concept? Not only has Claire been excited to draw out some recipes, but I make sure I have the time to sit down with her when she does because I want to see the magic unfold, and participate in my own creative version of the recipe.

I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age. It's fun for my almost 6 year old and it's fun for me. If creativity, drawing, coloring is your thing this book is for you.

I don't know how much it was at the Science Museum, but I found it on Amazon for under $13 and on the publisher's website for around $15. Worth every penny!

The next chapter

I'm attending the RCIA Inquiry class at our parish tonight. I'm currently sitting in the parking lot trying to decide the right time to walk in. I'm also horribly nervous as if its my first day of school. I think it's because this is a big step in my life, the next big chapter. I will finally be committing myself to the Catholic Church. Pray for me, please, as I embark on this spiritual journey.

Movie Reviews

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

 

 

When Harriet (Emily Blunt), a consultant for a wealthy Yemen sheikh(Amr Waked), approaches Dr. Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor) to aid in the sheikh's vision to bring the art of fly fishing to the desert, Dr. Jones finds his faith in science in question. He agrees to the project to prove that it's impossible, but when the sheikh approves the hefty budget and the project becomes a reality, Dr. Jones is finding himself open up to faith he didn't believe in, as well as new love he didn't think possible.

 

 

 

 

I enjoyed this movie immensely. So much so I need to own it. It was serious, witty, emotional, hilarious, and I found myself wishing I was acquaintances with a handsome sheikh. The chemistry between Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor, and Amr Waked was brilliantly easy and believable. McGregor's character was awkward, Blunt's character outgoing and bright, but the two of them together was an excellent match. I loved how you watched the characters unfold before your eyes, how you went on their journey, how you witnessed the bond growing between them. This movie was also fairly clean. There were two suggested sex scenes between Emily Blunt and her love interest, and one with Ewan McGregor and his wife, but they were necessary in the fact that it gave you a more personal, intimate insight into their personalities. There were no cuss words that I can remember, aside from the occasional "bloody" (which I find charming and wish I could incorporate into everyday life.)

 

I highly suggest Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. I promise you won't be disappointed.

 

 

 

 
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

 

Seven British retirees needing a drastic change find themselves in India to reside in a "restored" hotel. When they arrive, however, they find their lodgings less luxurious than the advertisements let on. Despite their surroundings, the hotel and country charms the new residents, and shows them there is more in life to enjoy.

 

I had my reservations about this movie. When it first came out I didn't have any interest in watching a movie with a bunch of old people in it, but when I saw a preview for it I thought I'd give it a try. It was good, and I enjoyed it more than I initially thought. The cast is excellent, the writing is great, the setting is fun. What I found inspiring was how these people realized that life has so much to offer even at an older age. Life doesn't end just because a spouse dies, or a marriage ends, or your youth is lost. "Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end."

 

I'd recommend this movie, as well. It's different, yes, but its so much fun to watch. It's so much fun to see the characters develop in a later stage of life. Dame Maggie Smith is enjoyable, as always, and the lady from Downton Abbey is just as annoying as ever. It makes for a great dynamic.

 

 

 

My sister and I are getting ready to watch Safe Haven. I love Nicholas Sparks, and devour his books. I really enjoyed The Lucky One, and, of course, The Notebook. I'll be sure to write another blog post about it. Maybe even all of them :)





Book Review: Blue Bloods

I had high hopes for this book series. It was recommended to me by someone who shares the same book interests as myself, so I figured it had to be good. 

I was disappointed.

The story is set around four kids that attend a private school in Manhattan, New York, where only the elite are accepted in. The kids in attendance are from long lines of wealthy families who have a secret. They're all vampires, or Blue Bloods. Two of the teenagers already know what they are, as they have already gone through the Enlightening phase. The other two are just figuring it out and piecing together their current, and past, life. Something terrifying is happening to the immortal Blue Bloods, but no one is saying anything. 

It wasn't a bad book, per say, but I found it difficult to get into. The writing was dry, and the plot of the story seemed to unfold rather rapidly. Something pivotal and exciting would happen in the book, but you wouldn't realize it until you had already read the scene. I had to go back and re read a few pages just to grasp that drama did indeed occur. The dialogue was monotonous and dull. The characters seemed flat, unrelatable, and emotionless.

I, personally, wouldn't waste my time on this series. I'm not even interested in reading any of the other books just for the sake of seeing if it gets better. The story just didn't grab my attention. Maybe that's due in part of the over saturation of vampires in today's world. I think my brain can't handle anymore of it. 

I'm sticking to Twilight. (Yes, I read, and own, the whole series. The books are, as usual, a million times better than the movies.) No judging!!!

Book Review: Iced

Iced by Karen Marie Moning
The Dani O'Malley series book #1

I love Karen Marie Moning's books. Her Fever series is probably my favorite. I haven't been able to get my hands on her Highlander series, yet, but I've heard they're amazing as well. So when Ms. Moning decided to expand the Fever series by adding the Dani O'Malley books I was so excited. (A couple more books that follow my beloved Mac and Barron's are in the works, too - Score!)

Dani O'Malley, or "the Mega", as she likes to call herself, is a girl with extra special gifts. Not only is she a sidhe-seer who can see the revolting and beautiful Fae, but she has super hearing and super speed as well. Normally she's a one man show armed with her most prized possession - the Sword of Light (one of two Fae relics that can actually kill the immortal Fae.) But when the walls between Faery and Earth come crashing down, at just 14 years old, Dani finds herself Ina post-apocalyptic world trying to save the human race. With the demands of Ryodan, a man like Barron's, but oh so very different, breathing down her neck she tries to solve the mystery of why certain areas in her cherished city of Dublin, Ireland are becoming iced.

Dani is a spit fire. She's badass, immature at times, go-with-the-Mega-flow, and a true free spirit. But she's also emotional and hormonal despite her best efforts to stuff that crap in a mental padlocked box. The only life Dani's ever known has suddenly infiltrated human kind, and she cares. She doesn't want the Fae to control any human being - after all she was born to kill them. Dani's mind and heart jump all over the place. In those ways you can tell she's a 14 year old girl, but she's also very practical in her tipsy turvy world. She had a hard childhood complete with an uncaring mother. Dani "Mega" O'Malley is a survivor to the core.

Even though this series centers around an adolescent girl it is NOT a young adult read. There's adult language, sexual innuendos, and a lot of sci-fi. Keep an open mind when reading any of Karen Marie Moning's books and you'll be sure to enjoy them.

I'd suggest starting with the Highlander series.
Beyond the Highland Mist
To Tame a Highland Warrior
The Highlander's Touch
Kiss of the Highlander
The Dark Highlander
The Immortal Highlander
Spell of the Highlander
Into the Dreaming

However, you could pick up the Fever series without ever having read the Highlander series, and be just fine. You'll just find out about the Faery world as MacKayla Lane, the main character, finds it all out.
Darkfever
Bloodfever
Faefever
Dreamfever
Shadowfever

There's also a graphic novel called Fever Moon. It contains some adult scenes, and I'd suggest reading the whole Fever series before reading this. There's too many spoilers!

Enjoy!

Book Review: The Fallen Series

The Fallen Series

by Lauren Kate

 

Fallen

Torment

Passion

Rapture

 

When my sister first turned me on to this series, I'll admit, I was a little skeptical. I love my fair share of the paranormal, sci-fi genre, but this particular series deals with fallen angels and the like. I'd like to say I'm pretty good at separating reality from fantasy, but when I get into a book I become engrossed. I was worried that my beliefs and convictions were going to get the better of me, and I wouldn't be able to enjoy the series for what it is: completely fake. Nevertheless I decided to give it a try.

 

The whole series centers around Lucinda Price and Daniel Grigori. Lucinda, or Luce, is a very complex character who isn't completely understood until towards the end of the very last book. Daniel is refreshingly simple compared to his love.  For all intended purposes the only thing you have to remember is Luce = mortal and Daniel = fallen angel.

Their love spans across millennia in a complex, cursed way. The details of their relationship, and the unexplainable draw towards each other, again, isn't fully put together until the last book. I guess that's the genius marketing behind the series. You don't know what's going to happen next unless you keep reading. By the time I made it to Rapture I had a hard time getting into it. I was ready for the story to end, for loose ends to be tied tight. I thought, many times, about not finishing it, but felt I owed it to myself to find out what happens between Luce and Daniel once and for all.

The first book was pretty amazing. It was something different. No vampires and no werewolves that seem to haunt today's young adult audience. But towards the end, when Luce is finding out more about herself and how her and Daniel get to where they end up, is when things got a little too weird for me. Lauren Kate seems to let the line blur between Lucifer (Satan) and God. Daniel is a fallen angel, yes, but he's not a demon. He didn't choose a side, but instead chose his love for Luce. It still got him kicked out of Heaven, but he's not a demon. In the last book, God takes the form of a woman and is referred to in feminine terms. These are things that bothered me from a Christian stand point. I felt convicted that I was reading such blatant lies about God, and these reasons were a lot of why I thought about not finishing the series.

I've recommended this book series to a few friends and family members, but after reading the last book I don't know if I would anymore. The first book was amazing, the second one great, the third okay, but the last did it in for me. If you want a fantasy love story that doesn't hit so close to your spiritual heart I'd recommend something else.
 



Pillow Talk

It's amazing what kind of things a couple can talk about while laying in bed. It's probably one of my favorite times of day. The kids are asleep, the house quiet and still for the first time in over 12 hours. I love laying in bed next to my love as we get the chance to talk without interruption. Some nights we're too exhausted to hold a conversation past the point of small talk and whispered "I love yous", so instead we lay beside one another, each of us on our own electronic, his iPhone and my iPad, usually. I cherish these quiet times. Even if we're not paying attention to one another I find that laying next to my husband in silence can be just as fulfilling as a deep conversation.

Last night was no different. Even though I had just driven 9 hours from Colorado. Even though I was stressed because of a crying baby. Even though I was annoyed because of my company. In fact, I went over my speed limit comfort zone, and tried racing home because I knew I had at least a couple hours to have my husband to myself. I was not disappointed. The kids fell asleep a little before 10, and James and I proceeded to stay up until after midnight just talking and enjoying each others company.

I hope tonight is no different.

I've really been slacking lately

I always have such good ideas for blog posts, but never the time to sit down and write them. Even now I am juggling between typing, eating lunch, and making sure Samuel is happy. He's currently in his highchair eating cheese and ham for lunch. I'm hoping for a few minutes to get some words on the page.

I could write a lengthy post on how stupid and ignorant people are. Maybe that's one for another day.

I could write another lengthy post on Natural Family Planning and set a few things straight. Most women have no idea how their reproductive systems work. That post will definitely happen in the near future.

For now this will have to do. I need to find my rhythm and get into the habit of continually blogging. I know it would help keep me sane.