To Read or Not to Read, Not Even a Question

There will always be more books on my reading list than time for me to get through them.  But that will never stop me from trying.  You know that person who always has their nose in a book/Kindle? That's me.  Well, at least most of the time, when I'm not checking off my "To Do" list, and raising good boys.  Okay, let me rephrase: I'd LIKE to be that person who always has their nose in a book/Kindle.  Meanwhile, here's three books I have read recently I'd like to pass on to YOUR reading lists.  Enjoy, & don't forget, send me your recommendations too! And before I go on, just a reminder, I mostly read Contemporary Romance Novels which are geared for adults 18+, so if you don't fit into this category, you'll most likely not enjoy these selections. Okay? Okay.

Resisting the Bad Boy: Sullivan Brothers Nice Girl Serial Trilogy (Book 1) by Violet Duke

Abby is a nice girl: kind, generous, understanding.  She’s been best friends with Brian since college & helped him through some pretty rough times.  And Brian’s brother Conner finally notices her—really notices her & starts pursuing her.  She responds & they build a relationship of sorts that both know can’t last, maybe, sort of….there’s a LOT of story to tell.  Book 2 is called “Falling for the Good Guy” and Book 3 is called “Choosing the Right Man”.  

Silent Love: The Love Series- Book 1 by Casey Clipper

Sean and Beth have many personal hurdles to overcome to make their love solid.  Beth especially is holding back because she feels that what she considers disabilities and other securities contribute to her not being good enough for Sean.  But Sean is a very committed and persistent guy.  He is absolutely secure about his love for Beth. Also, be ready to be introduced and get a glimpsed of Ryan, Sean’s brother. He’s quite the character. And Sean and Ryan are inseparable…a package deal.  Read this very entertaining selection & series.  Book 2 is called “Unexpected Love”. Book 3 is called “Dangerous Love”. And the final installment, Book 4, is called “Taken Love”. 

Micah by Jo Raven

Micah is a survivor of the foster care system; once homeless and living on the streets but now finding his place in the world with a solid job & friends that he considers family.  Evangeline comes from a family of privilege but has always had a soft heart for those in need; making friends with the homeless and always stopping to lend a hand.  Are they meant to be together? The story alternates from each other’s point of view so the reader is made fully aware of how they feel about each other.  Passionate is just one word to describe it.  This selection is the beginning of The Damage Control Series.

Don't ask the impossible of me. I read!

I pride myself on always looking on the bright side of life, now I know why! ☺

ERetail LLC

The Escape of Lego Dimensions Green Arrow

I'm so fortunate to be surrounded by creativity in the form of my favorite people: the Huz, the first-born (my 13-year-old), and "the baby" (who's 10). Their love for superheroes and Lego sets/themes go beyond just the occasional build.  They collect, they research (look at reviews, video blogs etc), they anticipate release dates, and my favorite, they make stop-motion videos. ☺I especially love when they collaborate--it's beyond awesome to see them bounce ideas off each other (and yes sometimes disagree) and when they finally have a final product, I'm beyond thrilled!  So, here's their latest collaboration: "The Escape of Lego Dimensions Green Arrow". *Whispers*..I make a special voice-over cameo as WyldStyle. ☺

They have a special message (a.k.a. "Easter Egg") for the makers of Lego Dimensions regarding Lego Universe--hope the powers that be are listening. ☺
Fun Fact:

Powerful. Mystical. The Lego Brick.

For Laughs:

Over the years, I've gained the skill to avoid stepping on Lego.  But I know the pain!

Installing an alarm system is good, but always know there are other options.

It's good to have a competitive spirit. Just make sure you can handle the pain of defeat. Someone has to lose.

You know you have build talents when your creations look good enough to eat. Beware: Lego doesn't digest well.

And finally, there's always the naysayers that try to squash the fun out of someone.  Let me tell you this: Lego has adult fans.  They're called AFOL=Adult Fan Of Lego.  It's a thing. The Huz is a proud one & our sons claim they'll be ones as well.  So for them & countless others, this one's for you!

Celebrate the Unique that is YOU! ♥

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be".--Maya Angelou

 

Imagining Perfect Parenting

In my opinion, parenthood is the most rewarding yet the most challenging journey any person can take.  The act of balancing the responsibilities of time and money is so tricky. And more often than not, parents don't feel like they've hit the mark. And ultimately, no one person's parenting is better than another.  It's about the effort to give your kids better than what you experienced in life--the act of selfless love & making choices FOR them instead of ABOUT you. With that being said, I wanted to share this touching video released by LEGO Taiwan attempting to give a father an appreciation for his son's imagination. The husband and I felt choked up at about the same time in the video, when the father says, "Thank you for always wanting to leave the best for me. I promise to spend more time with you and fill your childhood with the best memories..." His words are so touching because he's acknowledging the importance of his time for his child and the selfless gift of intention his son is giving him. Raising our two boys is one of our greatest joys and the precious bonding and memories we've collected while raising them has been and is truly priceless! ♥

It's easy to doubt every day parenting choices and I know that it's only the beginning for me as my boys enter into different phases of life: middle school and teen years.  But I'm going to stick to the Family is Everything concept in handling parenthood.

Model a loving home, provide a loving home.

More sharing...parenting is serious business, but sometimes...it's also pretty darn funny.  This story has made it's way around the internet, but I wanted to share it here. The article is called Toddler Barfs in the Car, Dad Freaks, Epic Text Exchange Ensues. It's very funny, "YOU OWE ME SO BIG".  Yeah, I think I LOL'd.

Dedicated to the parents of younger kids! We've all been there!

Dedicated to all my fellow Warrior Moms out there!

Join in! Build me up, Buttercup!

Joy is contagious! How can you NOT join in on this highway sing-a-long? If you ever catch any of these live, please participate!!!  Doesn't it look like fun?! Spread the joy, extend the love! Always know that you can make a difference. You might just be what the situation calls for to infuse a little happy in it.

Because it may be small to you, but to the recipient, it's everything!

I've discovered that the most joyful people are the ones that are the most thankful!

Be thankful!

Article worth sharing: This Ancient Hawaiian Philosophy Will Change Your Life and Make the World a Better Place. It's a neat take on the philisophy of "aloha",  the "'nice-ness" is a direct result of aloha. People in my adopted island home talk about "driving with aloha," "speaking with aloha," and even "working out with aloha," which, according to the sign at my gym, means sharing equipment and wiping it down after use.' (Direct quote from the article)

"Being nice" is not always the easy route. We all struggle with difficult people & challenging situations--I know I do.  But having joy is worth it. So, keep fighting for the goodness in the world.  Join the sing-along!