13 Week Bump Date: End Of 1st Trimester

I'm officially 13 weeks today! This is the last week of the first trimester, so exciting! 

As you can tell by the picture, I'm EXHAUSTED! I have no problem sleeping, except having to pee about a million times at night. I actually fell asleep before Kyle the other night, even he said it was a first. I've got this super awesome pregnancy pillow that gives me lots of support and helps me get comfortable. It's a must have. 

Morning sickness-wise, I haven't really had any. That's been awesome! I was really sick with Joey. I'd dry heave like every morning all the way into the second trimester. 

We've been on the road so much with our remodel and I've been having a hard time eating right, drinking plenty of water, & exercising. I'd like to improve these areas in my second trimester. 

Mostly I've been craving fruit & occasionally other random things. Currently I want some homemade ice cream. I'm hoping my amazing husband will bring me an ice cream maker from Bed, Bath, & Beyond today!! Oh, and I'm like a kid in a candy store when I walk through the produce section. I. Just. Want. Fruit! 

Last week I was dealing pretty bad with sciatica and round ligament pain. I ordered a maternity belt and it's helping a ton! I'm guessing the pain is because I started showing SO early. The weight is just causing strain on my body.

Last Friday I also had a migraine so bad I threw up. I had some major swelling the next day. I was told to keep an eye on my blood pressure the next time it happened. Well, it did again yesterday. We had been out in the heat and I got light headed, nauseous, & a migraine. I checked my BP and it was slightly elevated, but not dangerous. I'm just going to have to keep and eye on it and limit my sodium. Like, no sodium. Bye-bye, chips. 

I am so excited to find out what the second trimester brings & to find out if we're having a boy or girl!

11 Week Bump Date

Well, I'm 11 weeks today! Woohoo!! So far, no crazy symptoms. I pee like crazy & ALL night, if my stomach is completely empty I feel sick & have to grab a snack, I may or may not be a raging witch occasionally lol, & I've been having some pretty wild dreams. Nothing I can't deal with though. Just pray for those that have to put up with me ;)

My first baby purchase was cloth diapers!! I got two dozen and a wetbag for about $150! They're one sized pocket diapers, brand new! That's really a steal, I caught them on a flash sale from a local boutique. I'm super excited to cloth diaper this time around. Kyle is NOT a fan of the idea. He'll deal & I'm sure he'll eventually be thankful for the money he will be saving!

At the beginning if my pregnancy I had two UTIs, one before I knew I was pregnant, & I had to take antibiotics. Well, then while at my moms house I started to show signs of a sinus infection. There was NO way I wanted to get in antibiotics again, so I took a trip to the health food store. The thing I love about natural treatments is, you treat the whole person, not just "here is an antibiotic to cover everything." So, I grabbed some ACV (apple cider vinegar), elderberry syrup, & eucalyptus oil.

ACV - I put a couple dashes in my water throughout the day. It helps thin the mucus.

Elderberry Syrup - I took 2-3 times a day. It helps boost the immune system. 

Eucalyptus Oil - I LOVE me some essential oils! If you don't know, this stuff basically smells like Vicks. At night I'd apply it topically around my nose to open me up. I'd also apply peppermint oil for pain and lemon grass for the swollen glands in my neck. I also made a eucalyptus, peppermint, & lemon (not lemongrass) steam by boiling water, adding the oils, & breathing in the steam with my head covered.

Guess what? No more sinus infection. I love natural remedies! Much better FOR you than taking medication!

8 Week Bump Date, What Supplements I'm Taking, & Why

Wooo, this baby growing stuff got the best of me yesterday. I slept in til 9 AND took a nap. Plus, the only thing I had the energy to do was eat. It's kind of kicking me in the butt now, it's 3AM and I'm wide awake!

I've been craving cheesy stuff like crazy. Cheetos & chicken spaghetti. 

Staying hydrated is hard for me, I feel like I'm drinking water non stop though. I grabbed some Gatorade today to help, but the sodium content has me worried about edema. Which, is probably my worst symptom so far. I'm hoping it's mostly from the humidity, but I'm trying to keep my sodium in check. It's hard to do when you're away from your own kitchen though. Cooking away from home is hard for me for some reason. I'm going to try to make a natural electrolyte drink from Pinterest, but that goes back to the limited kitchen space =\ 

Okay, now I'll share a little about the supplements I've chose to take!

Food based. Probiotics. You ONLY have to take ONE a day. Need I say more? Hooray for no constipation or hemorrhoids. TMI, I know, but isn't it the truth ladies?!

Healthy fats baby needs to grow and develop! 

Because I'm realizing the amazing benefits of Magnasium! Wow, wow, wow. I should have started it sooner and I encourage you to research it.

Here is a great article on Magnesium: http://drsircus.com/medicine/magnesium/magnesium-deficiency-symptoms-diagnosis

This link talks about cod liver oil and Magnasium during pregnancy: http://wellnessmama.com/6065/how-i-avoided-morning-sickness/

If Something Is Broke, Shouldn't You Fix It?

Excuse the language but, 

"I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

I may or may not turn into a Jersey Housewife..

So, in my search, the United States is considered one of the top ten developed countries in the world.

Right, no big deal. We could assume so much.

BUT

That's a big BUT.

Did you know, that if you listed countries by the lowest infant mortality rate the United States is ranked...

Wait for it...

55

SOURCE

Is it just me, or is that absurd?

Now, I'm not going to get on any high horse. I wen't with the flow with Joey. I had an epidural & did plenty of other things I won't (Lord willing and the amniotic fluid stays high) do this time around.

Here is my message to you other Mommas or future Mommas.

Do. Your. Research.

And, don't be scared.

I was scared to death with Joey, therefore not having an epidural was NOT an option at the time. I was young & scared, but this time I'm planning on doing things different.

I just beg you, don't be afraid to question your doctors. They too are human, and fallible. 

If you think they're not, Google "Twilight sleep" and keep in mind that was around the time OUR parents were born. Not so long ago.

Seriously though, we've GOT to be doing something wrong here.

Now, hopefully this will get me started on a series of my choices during birth & pregnancy. I'll share my research and resources with you. If I've piqued your interest (and you have Netflix) go check out:

The Business Of Being Born

Remodel Update & 7 Week Bump-Date

In case you've missed it, my eggo is preggo! I know, I haven't blogged in a while. My life is pretty crazy at the moment. We've been in Oklahoma for almost two weeks right now.

First, the status of the house. 

Kyle has been off work for almost a week now, and he has got some major work done! He has replaced some spots in the floors, knocked out and rebuilt lots of walls, & completely gutted the bathrooms. It looks like a totally different house already!

Today was the part I've been looking forward to, we picked out my kitchen cabinets. I am beyond excited.

This is the layout of the new kitchen.

These are the cabinets and counter tops we got.

The metal glaze in these bronze and copper colors is what I want to do in the kitchen. Over a color like this:

I can't even begin to tell you how exciting this is for me!!

On to the baby subject! 

I. Am. Elated!

After two miscarriages and many failed attempts, I'm pregnant!!

Yes, I know it's still early and I'm still in the risk time. To that I say "So. I want to enjoy every second of this pregnancy. Despite the 'norms'"

I'm hoping to do things as natural as possible this time around, so that should give me lots of good blogging material!

Heartburn has just begun, I felt my first round of crazy hormones this morning, and I'm having trouble sleeping through the night. BUT, it's all worth it, and it's still early so I'm still happy as a lark!

Lent, But Baptists Don't Do That.

Since I was pregnant with Joey (4 years, wow), I have tried to observe Lent. Some people reading this might be like, and? Other people people might be like, Baptists don't do that (I've actually received this comment). To the latter:

I'm unconventional.

So, what is Lent? Because, honestly, I didn't know for a long time. Except my mom was Lutheran as a kid and observed it. A lot of my friends in the Army observed it. Until I was in the Army though, I never met anyone who currently observed it. The Army did have it's way of exposing me to many cultural differences. I think that was an amazing thing.

Okay, back to Lent. It represents the forty days before Jesus' death that he spent in the wilderness. He fasted, was tempted, and had spiritual reflection. Luke 4. It ends on Resurrection (or Easter) Sunday.

There are three practices that are usually taken up during Lent.

- Fasting (Giving something up)

- Penance (Giving)

- Prayer

Tell me this, are Baptist not supposed to fast, give, or pray? I think we are. This time is about preparing yourself completely for Resurrection Sunday. It is a great way to remember that this time is not about bunnies, eggs, & getting the family all in matching outfits. It's about focusing your heart on Jesus. I honestly think observing traditions like this as a family will help the whole family remember what this time of year is all about.

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

Joel 2:12

Lent 2014: The 40-Day Bible Reading Challenge

I'm A Hands Off Momma

I want so badly for my son to be a strong and independent person.

Seriously though, this is so true, right?

I honestly want for him to be a tough little guy. He gets lots of hugs and kisses. I ask him how much I love him and he responds with "So very much." Melts my heart. 

A lot of these phrases get said around our house too:

Try, try, again.

You can do it yourself.

You can play by yourself right now.

Figure it out.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Joey. I also don't want to set him up for failure either. I see too many young men who were coddled by their parents & haven't grown into mature, independent, or very morally strong. I want my son to do things on his own, not rely on others. Yes, asking for help isn't all bad, but honestly, he needs to know there isn't always going to be someone standing behind him with the solution to his problems.

I know I sound like a terribly mean Momma right now, but just because I don't follow my child around on the playground doesn't mean I don't enjoy doing things with him. We painted together earlier today, and we read books together on the regular. 

Does he get frustrated sometimes? Yes, and then I step in and talk to him about dealing with his emotions properly and if I feel he needs help, I help.

Do I make him do everything for himself, no. Should I make him do more by himself, I think so.

His independence and toughness can even make me laugh sometimes. I tried to doctor a bee sting for him one time and he said:

"I'll just rub some dirt on it."

I don't want to be the mom following my kid around with hand sanitizer.

Germs are everywhere.

I don't want to be worried about him getting messy.

Clothes can be replaced, memories can't.

I don't want to worry about him getting hurt (scrapes, bumps, & ect.).

It is just inevitable.

I'm (going to try) not to stress over him being at the same "level" as other kids.

Every child (person for that matter) is unique.

I'll encourage him to get messy.

Because he is only young once.

I'll do my best to let him explore things and try things out.

That is how kids learn.

I'm not perfect, none of us are. We're just doing the best we can.

PS. Thinking about posting a vlog soon!! Maybe haha.

Library > Amazon & Yog-Uhh?

Time for some "What We're Reading Wednesday"! This book series is Joey's new favorite.

We got the firetruck, crane, & dump truck ones from the library. When Joey absolutely LOVES a book from the library I try to buy it for him. It's a great way to feel out books for him. Well, after reading these multiple times, I looked them up on Amazon. Woo, a little steep for me. So, we bought a few other firetruck books including this one we have got from the library as well:

We have a few others from this author already. 

If you can't tell, he's obsessed with firetrucks & firefighters. 

For those of you using mobile you might not be able to see the video above, I know mine doesn't work, HERE is the link to the video.

For those of you who don't know Joey very well, he is what I like to call "high energy". So, when the weather is yucky and we don't get to go outside, our days can kind of be miserable. I've been wanting to try yoga with him to help us on days like this. I finally did it and found a series I love! For FREE even, thank you YouTube! Joey loved it & it really seemed to help him get some energy out. My favorite part was when he called it "Yo-gurt!" That kid is always cracking me up. He even asked to do more! I call this a Momma WIN!

Self Harm Awearness

Tomorrow, March 1st, is Self Harm Awareness Day.

Now it's time for some transparency.

I have struggled with self harm in the past. In many forms. Most might see self harm as just "cutting".

I don't.

There are so many ways we can intentionally harm outselves to mask the other types of pain we are feeling. That's the only way I was ever able to explain my actions. When I was self harming, I was deflecting from my other problems. I was able to ignore them, even if it was just temporary. 

This definition is from the Mayo Clinic's website:

"Self-injury, also called self-harm, is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's typically not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration."

Deliberately. Harming. Your OWN. Body.

Think of all the ways we can do that?

Eating disorders

- over eating

- aneorexia

- bulimia

- emotionally eating

- excessive dieting

Cutting

Alcohol abuse

Drug abuse

- illegal or prescription

Promiscuity

Staying in unhealthy relationships

- be it friend or partner

This is a short list, but this is MY list, that I have personally dealt with.

But, you know what?

It CAN get better. I'm living proof.

Ways to seek help:

- talk to someone, anyone

I say anyone, but from my experience, some people just don't understand. Being misunderstood is a lot better than keeping up this unhealthy life style.

- talk to your doctor

- talk to/get a counselor 

- stop trying to ignore the situation

- learn your triggers

- learn healthy coping mechanisms 

- if you're at rock bottom and just can't deal, or just don't know where to start, email me: alicia.b.walker@gmail.com

I truly hope this post can help someone. 

There is hope.

New Car, Remodel Update, & My Birthday!!

Seriously, we've had two Mondays in a row. I was looking forward to nap time (which is on it's way out the door) at 10 this morning.

Earlier Joey heard me say "I'm outta whack."

He said "Don't be outta quack."

(Insert my laugh here)

Joey "Ha I'm funny."

Even when this adorable little boy makes me want to pull my hair out he can still make me laugh.

Now for a recap of our week.. 

I got a new car! Wooo hoo! We've been talking about getting a Tahoe for a while now. We finally did! We love it & honestly I can't see me ever driving any other type of vehicle. It's perfect for us. It is so roomy and comfy.

Ignore the junk in my yard please...

The next day we loaded up my car & Kyle's truck & headed back to Oklahoma.

I didn't get any before pictures, but these are the afters of what we got done cleaning on the garage this weekend. Let me tell you, it was a lot. I'm still kicking myself for not taking before pictures. I want to go through the house & land and take before pictures of it all before we start major work.

We also cut down a limb, okay, Kyle did the hard part. But, my mother in law & I stacked brush & wood.

See the white spot on the tree? That's where the limb was. Yet again, no before.

Our brush pile,

This will be our kitchen & dining room. Kyle finished ripping out cabinets this trip. He may or may not have nicked the water line with the chainsaw he was using to take the cabinets out. Good thing my father in law is a plumber!!

We got to enjoy lots of time outdoors, thank goodness for nice weather! This lead to some blog inspiration, hopefully I'll get around to writing about it soon!

Friday was my birthday! Woohoo! I'm 24 now, for those curious. I got my nails done that day. That night my parents kept Joey until Sunday morning! Kyle and I went to dinner and a movie. I'm LOVING having help. Our family is the best.

First thing Saturday we met with the contractor. Still waiting on a solid number, & I'm trying not to freak out, ha. Anxiety. That afternoon I got my hair done by one of my childhood friends. After my hair appointment and seeing Joey for a bit we headed to Tulsa. 

This was supposed to be my BIG birthday night. Our first stop was bass pro, my choice. I wanted I look at hiking gear and bows. Followed by sushi. The next part of our plan was to go to a comedy club. We had an hour or so to kill, so we got our hotel room & headed to Barnes & Nobel (aka heaven). After we left, I told Kyle I wouldn't be opposed to swinging by the Cheesecake Factory and getting cheesecake to go and taking it back to our hotel room. That was the exciting end to my birthday night out. Eating tuxedo cheesecake in bed while watching one of the Bourne movies, well Kyle was, I was on Pinterest. I wouldn't change a thing. I think I'm officially old though.

I Can't Just Quit

Yup, it's Monday. Insomnia kicked my butt last night. Allergies are kicking my butt this morning. I've come to realize Kyle's dog is in fact NOT house trained, just sneaky. When I went to tackle that mess with my carpet steamer, I realized it was mildewed. Thank goodness for bleach!! Too bad I don't solve my problems with alcohol, because Joey had a case of the "whines". I just eat when I'm stressed, but I'll get to that shortly.

Le sigh.

I wrote most of the previous part this morning, in the heat of it all. Basically, we were bothe pretty cranky the rest of the day. Not too much improvement. I was cranky due to lack of sleep and fussy three year old. He was just cranky. I gave up on getting my to do list done and came to terms with the fact that the day wasn't going to get any better if I was in tizzy of to do lists and tantrums. 

Tonight (it's midnight, hello again insomnia), I was reflecting back on our day. I was feeling extremely guilty about the food I ate today. How odd is it I was craving a chili cheese dog from sonic and they were $1 today?! Totally random, and awesome. When we fail at something sometimes our first thought is "Well, I messed that up royally, time to give up." I know I have the tendency to give up easily when things don't work out like I want them to. 

So, after the thought of giving up, my next thought was:

"I can't give up, I've already put it out there 'on the line'. (name the movie that 'phrase' is from and you get brownie points) I want to be a source of motivation. I don't want to be someone who gives up."

LIGHTBULB!

How is that any different than being a parent? Besides that raising a child is much more important than any health goal, it's not.

How they're the same

- People would notice

 If I stopped posting about eating right and started posting all these fatty, yummy, cheesey recipes people would be like "I thought she was on a health kick!" If I just 'quit' being a mom people would be like "Hey, what happened to your kid? I haven't seen him lately."

- Motivation

I want to inspire other people to be healthy & to be the best parent they can. I'm also not perfect at either of those things. No one is. People need to see real struggles. I'm a huge fan of transparency. I want people to know that just because you struggle with emotional eating doesn't mean you're doomed to be overweight. On the parenting side of things people need to see that too. They need to see that everyone has those bad days, sometimes all we can do is make sure everyone (that we're responsible for) makes it through the day alive. It's okay not to be perfect. We tend to forget that.

- I'm no quitter

I want to live a healthy life style. I know it's hard sometimes, but it'll be so worth it in the end. I want to be the best mom I can to Joey. Even though I want to run away sometimes, I know it'll be worth it in the end. To raise a son who will hopefully eventually motivate others himself by his own life.

Dishes in the sink when you went to bed? They'll still be there tomorrow.

Laundry needs restarted in the washer? It'll still be there tomorrow.

No pounds lost? They'll still be there tomorrow.

Didn't hit up the gym? It'll still be there tomorrow.

Kid fell asleep in from of the TV? Their brain won't turn to mush, unless its Calliou..

You ate the WHOLE family sized bag of chips, alone? Those calories will be there to burn tomorrow.

Sometimes, all we can do it make it through the day. Don't beat yourself up, but don't give up either. Somewhere someone needs YOU! So, you can't quit.

Eating Right, Take Two

I can believe that I stopped working out and eating right almost a year ago. I lost like 35 pounds in 2012. I gained 30 back last year. Whyyyyy did I let myself do that?!? That's what I ask myself now. I don't believe in making excuses. I just got tired/gave up, I guess. I will say this, last year was a battle with my depression. It seemed like a struggle all year long. I don't know if that's the reason I stopped working out, or a symptom of not working out. Either way, I'm back to working on ME this year.

Plus, my husband and I placed a little monetary bet with each other. The person to lose the most (we need to do BMI, I know, I know) weight wins X amount of money. I'm not usually competitive, but I can't let my husband hold this over my head forever.

For those concerned, all I'm really interested in is a healthy weight. I won't let my BMI get too low. I want to be within the "Healthy" numbers though. Diabetes and other weight related problems are prevalent in my family. Those are serious things to be concerned about when it comes to "extra weight". So, please don't think I'm doing this to be superficial. Granted, I wouldn't mind having a smoking hot bod haha. That's not my priority though, health is. 

I got this array of goodies in this weekend! I promise, Amazon doesn't pay me. And, before you recommend AA (Amazon Anonymous), if I can't find it at Walmart I buy it on Amazon. I'm slightly limited in my shopping where I live. Plus, I hate driving and dragging my three year old to places like health food stores. So, yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

What my UPS guy thinks..

Chia Seeds - AMAZING! I've made Chia pudding & topped it with fruit, I've added it to smoothies, & to my Kombucha. It gives you a great energy boost & it is very filling! I was freaked out when I first heard of it because when it rehydrates it kind if looks like fish eggs. Texture was not a problem for me though. I don't think they really have much of flavor.

Chia Pudding

Goji Berries - They're very good! They're supposed to be a super food. I added them to some nuts and seeds for a healthy little snack. They're sweet, like any other dried fruit.

Braggs Nutritional Yeast - This is often used by vegitarians to get proper nutrition. It has kind of a cheesy flavor. I used it on some kale chips and roasted chickpeas. Very good! I've got lots of recipes I want to try using it in.

Tea Sampler - I loved the echinacea! The respiratory support not so much. I think it had fennel in it, and I LOTHE fennel. The Throat Coat was okay, not great. I haven't tried the Gypsy Cold yet, but I'm thinking from now on I'll stick with the echinacea. It has LOTS of health benefits.

   

PB2 - I've yet to try it actually, but I'm planning to use the chocolate in a banana & Kiefer smoothie before bed! If I'm feeling a bit hungry.

My Fitness Plan

So far I've started the couch to 5K plan again. Today I finished week 2, Day 1. I'm hoping to skip some days and finish it in 6 weeks. I'm thinking about signing up for a 5K on March 29th. That way I have a specific goal to work towards! Other than thinking about it, I haven't done any other workouts. I'm thinking about doing some kettle bell workouts soon. I have lots of plans, only time will tell about the follow through.

After my run tonight

Honestly, I'm already feeling better and sleepIng better. I'm determined to make this stick. I'd like to add, I'm not following any diet. I prefer just eating healthy and REAL foods. I'm not a fan for fad diets. I'm wanting to change habits, not follow a trend.

I'll keep y'all posted on my results and new food finds :)

PS. Sorry I take horrible pictures!

On The Road

Well, I doubt I'll be writing much this week, but I'll do my best! We are moving to another state, which is going to be interesting since we are remodeling the house we are moving to.

With my husband's oilfield job he doesn't get much time off. So, when he gets time off we pretty much have to drop everything and get things taken care of. We are hoping to meet with the contractor and then the bank this week.

It's about a four and a half hour drive. It's really not that bad of a drive. We did have a little incident on the way today. Surprisingly it wasn't with the boy, but our dog Gizmo. He's a shitzu, and he throws up a LOT. Like, seriously. So, he starts gagging while sitting in my lap as we are going down the turnpike. Since I know my husband won't be able to pull over in time.

Let me tell you, from experience, DON'T. EVER. Do. THAT.

Let's just say I ended up with dog puke on my face and all over the side of the truck. No bueno.

Then, as the hubby is getting something to clean up with, the do throws up AGAIN! In my lap. All over my coat. It's supposed to snow tomorrow.

Can you believe the nerve of my husband, he said 

"I told you not to do that, it'd get all over my truck."

All I could say was:

"I have dog puke on my FACE!"

As my Mom always says "We'll be laughing about it later." It didn't take us too long.

Now, we are relaxing at a friends cabin, coat in the wash, watching free birds, I'm working on knitting, & the little guy is playing blocks & trucks.

Pray we make some headway this week. Maybe I'll post some before pictures!

Funny Friday: This Might Be TMI

Okay, for some this might be TMI, others no biggie. Anyway, I'm drinking some Red Raspberry Leaf Tea in that adorable mug (that I got at Target). It's supposed to help with cramps, and I'm convinced it does! I had plans for this lengthy blog I'd write. Not happening. I should have wrote it yesterday when it was on my mind and I was being productive. Because, it is simply impossible to have two productive days in a row! Today all I've managed to do is go to the library and burn some peanuts. So yeah, I needed a laugh.

We all know jokes about menstrual cycles are not funny... Period.

Ha! See what I did there? If you agree with the statement above, just stop now. 

Don't. Read. Any. Farther.

Okay, if you're ready for the period jokes, continue.

And here is that playlist.... You're welcome. Now that I feel a little better, I think I'm going to have a BLT & chocolate shake for lunch. Don't judge me.

What We're Reading Wednesday: Montessori & More

 

Joey is absolutely LOVING these books! I love that the Letter Work book teaches phonetically, I think it is Joey's favorite. We just got the Number Work in yesterday & haven't got to read it together yet. They're all textured so kids can trace the objects (letters, numbers, & shapes). I love the sensory factor of that. I like the hands on aspect of these books. Joey has been bringing these to me very often throughout the day to read. I just noticed they have a Map Work book coming out in July! HERE is where you can find them.

On the Montessori subject, I still have a LOT to learn about it. I love the independent learning, because I believe that learning should be fun. I think children should want to learn, it's natural. Now, we aren't completely Montessori. We have mostly adult sized furniture & such. We really just take other learning methods and intertwine them with what works for us. This is the only actual book I've read on the subject. This book is on it's way to our house today via "The Present Truck" (UPS). I'm a little backed up on my books to read, but hopefully I'll get to it soon!

Now, on to other books we are reading. Or, books I'm reading is more like it.

I've had this on my to read list for a while. I found it at the thrift store the other day & couldn't resist picking it up. After reading 1984 I've fell in love with George Orwell. Find the book HERE.

Book found HERE. After a friend of mine shared about Buddy Backpacker, a 5 year old who became the youngest thru hiker on the AT, on Facebook the other day I bought this book. I read Wild last month and I decided I wanted to start hiking. Now, Buddy Backpacker has inspired me even more! Hopefully it'll become a great new family hobby of ours. Kyle says he will just ride a four wheeler! HA!