Favorite Books of 2012

I read a lot, or I try to read a lot, but it's all relative. I want to read more than I do. I planned to read 40 books in 2012, and came up short with 35. Something about having a baby during the middle of the year really slowed me down. I think it was the I'm-so-pregnant-and-can't-hold-my-eyes-open syndrome that really lost the game for me. Of the 35 books, I've chosen my top 10.  I may be back in a few days with my reading list for 2013.

1. Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
I loved this socially conscious book, and you can read about it and my review of it HERE. It tied for my favorite read of 2012.

2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

3. The Every Boy by Dana Shapiro

4. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides

5. The Purity Myth by Jessica Valenti
I tried to add a little bit of non-fiction to my reading repertoire in 2012, and plan to continue to build my non-fiction library in 2013. The Purity Myth focuses on women and sexuality in our society. I found it to be extremely interesting, especially after growing up in a very conservative area of the country. Valenti forced me think about women's issues that I might not have considered otherwise.

6. Divergent & Insurgent both by Veronica Roth (I'm going to count them as one.)
This series tied with Running the Rift for my favorite reads of 2012. Divergent is about a dystopian society of the future where everyone is divided into factions. The protagonist, Tris, has a secret she must hide, and she and her "people" must decide how to navigate in this divided world. This series is very reminiscent of The Hunger Games, but I thought it was better. *gasp* I know, I know, but it really was. It was a little bit tweeny with some romance, but I loved a good romance, tweeny or not. Book #3 should drop sometime this year and I. Can't. Wait.

7. Storm of Swords (Game of Thrones #3) by George R.R. Martin
I take this series slow, because I know there are only 5 books and their is no conclusion. I kind of hate suspense, if I know I can't get to the resolution. Installment #3 did not disappoint, and all of my favorite characters are in precarious situations (Jon Snow, Danerys Targaryen, Arya Stark for any of you GoT fans out there).

8. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
I'm excited for this movie to come out!

9. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
2012 brought about lots of goals and an obsession with simplifying. I've kind of fallen of that bandwagon, but this book helped me realize that small changes can add up to big gains.

10. The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons WWII tragedy/love story--I'm a sucker for them.

Honorable mention: The Book Thief by Mark Zusack, The Paris Wife by Paula McClain, and Bloom by Kelle Hampton

Happy reading in 2013!

A Review of 2012

A new day, a new year, a new blog! I've been wanting to chronicle the happenings of my little family for a while. I'd like to blog regularly--weekly? about what's been going on at home. I figured there is no time like the present. I hope this blog serves several purposes. 1) I'd like to flex my writing muscles. They are under-used and out-of-shape. My grammar is deplorable and my written voice--I don't remember what it sounds like. 2) As another blogger says, "Life Moves Pretty Fast", and I don't want to miss it or forget it! 3) I'm always emailing pictures of my kids to family/friends. They (you?) can come here for the latest and greatest.

 For a first blog post, I thought I'd look back at 2012. 2012 was a memorable year for us!

Some of the highlights from 2012 in as close to chronological order as I can remember:

• I quit my job! My stint in the professional world was short (5 years), but I gained some invaluable business experience, professional contacts, and learned a few things about myself along the way.
• I started my new career as a Stay at Home Mom! It's by far my most rewarding endeavor, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend as much time as possible with my children. Maybe I feel drawn to stay home, because my mother stayed at home whenever our family could afford it.
• With a few close girl friends, we launched a book club that has become the highlight of every month. The group has grown, and I hope it continues to grow. I've read books I never would have read, and definitely better for it. I appreciate this group of women in my life.
• Did I mention reading? I've devoured books all year long. I'm hoping 2013 follows suit on the reading front.
• My father launched the entire family into a campaign for a local political office. What an experience! It's hard to understand what politicians and their families go through, until you have had a family member run for an office. I think the entire family is more appreciative of the political process.
• I got a job! Dad's election opened up a great opportunity to work part-time for a local marketing company. I work a very convenient schedule with some of the sharpest women in town. I'm so happy for the opportunity.
• We enjoyed and continue to enjoy life with a preschooler! Library story times, dance classes, soccer games, VBS, and play dates kept us BUSY.
• We took our first vacation as a family of 3+ (the baby road along in my belly) to the beach with Jon's family. Eleanor LOVED the beach.
• We took a long weekend for some R&R at a lake house with some friends. Eleanor got her first pedicure, and we made some good memories. I have great friends!
• We won an election! 
• We welcomed our beautiful Evie Bear. After a very hot pregnancy, our healthy baby girl joined us and has been a blessing ever since. She's a delightful baby and adores her big sister. 
• My long-distance friend and her beautiful daughter came to visit us in October. It was great to see her and we are grateful she celebrated Eve's baptism with us. We are honored she chose to be Eve's Godmother!
• Jon became a hunter, although nothing has been hunted. Thanks to a very generous friend, Adam, for showing him the ropes.
• My mom and I decided to co-teach our church's Kindergarten Sunday school class. What an experience!
• My bff, Lindsey, is pregnant! Yay! 2011-2013 will go down in history as a time for babies. Several friends have welcomed children (both born and adopted) into our circle. We're grateful for healthy children and we are continually inspired by what great parents our friends are.
• Finally, after several years of unexpected and tragic loss of family and friends, 2012 was a year for good memories, reflection, and gratitude. We are GRATEFUL for friends and family.

What did I miss? Here's to a healthy and memorable 2013! Happy New Year!