Going to have to sit with this one for a bit. Though, to be honest, my emotions are screaming at me to grab the next volume off my table and dig right in, find relief from this one by moving to the next one. Leave this one behind. It deserves more than that, so I'll give it more than that.

Devotions with one in my lap and one happily kicking his way off his playmat.

It doesn't get any better than this.

In keeping with tradition, I started the year behind. And just read January 1 and 2 at the same time. Excellent so far.

This simple method is how my mom taught me to read, and now I'm brushing up to teach my five-year-old, who has started asking to be taught. I'm simultaneously excited and not ready.

What morning looks like. Currently sounds like: Mannheim Steamroller, A Fresh Aire Christmas.

My favorite Inspector Gamache book thus far. Although, I think I may say that every time...I haven't been this enamored with a fiction series since Harry Potter, lo, those many moons ago.

Not perfect, but a good listen. It takes place in Indiana, where I was born and raised, so everything is familiar. Even the supermax where the story primarily takes place is one with which I have a peripheral connection. A peek into the current "justice" system.

I've never wanted to live in any fictional setting as much as I do Three Pines. Though, as a peripheral character, I'm afraid I would likely wind up the victim of a murder. Still. #threepines #inspectorgamache #louisepenny

A well done inside look at the White House in modern times, and the people who make the White House function. The timeline is primarily the Kennedy years through 2014, though there are a few references as far back as the Truman administration. There are flaws inherent in this type of work--all the info is dependent on memories in a secretive atmosphere, so there is no reliable way to verify what we're reading is accurate. I still love it!

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

#morningreads #presentoverperfect #shaunaniequist #sundaymorning

This was a reread for me, for book club. Kimmel's memoir of her rural Indiana childhood is entertaining, relatable, irreverent, and often comical. While many parts are poignant, her technique of telling the story through her childhood eyes gives them a detached, realistic feel that makes the entire thing more relatable for me. My only complaint is the essay style--occasionally Kimmel repeats details she's already offered. #bookreview

I love Sophie's stream-of-consciousness writing style. It works for her material. This is my favorite of her books, and I've liked them all. Feel-good and also challenging, she has a way of coming alongside you and getting you to think and even take action without ever making any of it seem like work. #giddyupeunice #bookreview

Morning reading while the kids eat breakfast. #peaceful #lastsabouttwominutes #stilldoingit

Because it's rest time, and this is how mama rests. Please stay in your rooms for at least 20 minutes. Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease.