Upcoming Reads

Here are the next four books in my lineup. I bought the first three on sale at B&N/Kroger, and the last one via Kindle. Sarah is a bloggy friend who is so awesome, I am thrilled that she wrote a book! You should at the very least check out her blog, and I'm sure the book will be incredible!

Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon

From B&N:

Forty-one-year-old school nurse Kate Cypher has returned home to rural Vermont to care for her mother who's afflicted with Alzheimer's. On the night she arrives, a young girl is murdered—a horrific crime that eerily mirrors another from Kate's childhood. Three decades earlier, her dirt-poor friend Del—shunned and derided by classmates as "Potato Girl"—was brutally slain. Del's killer was never found, while the victim has since achieved immortality in local legends and ghost stories. Now, as this new murder investigation draws Kate irresistibly in, her past and present collide in terrifying, unexpected ways. Because nothing is quite what it seems . . . and the grim specters of her youth are far from forgotten.



The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom

From Little, Brown Book Group

Conrad Harrison impulse-buys a big old house in Wisconsin, his wife Jo doesn’t share his enthusiasm, reluctant at the idea of leaving their LA life - so Conrad is left to set up their new home as she ties up loose ends at work. But Conrad’s new purchase is not all that it seems. Soon Conrad is hearing the ghostly wailing of a baby in the night, seeing blood on the floor and being haunted by a woman who looks exactly like Jo. With his wife away, Conrad becomes obsessed by the pregnant girl next door, Nadia, who claims to be a victim of the evil in the house. The crying leads him to a bricked-up body, and the mystery of the Birthing House unravels, pulling in Jo, Nadia and leading Conrad to a nightmarish conclusion…




Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline

From Borders:

Bennie Rosato looks exactly like her identical twin, Alice Connolly, but the darkness in Alice’s soul makes them two very different women. Or at least that’s what Bennie believes, until she finds herself buried alive at the hands of her twin.Meanwhile, Alice takes over Bennie’s life, impersonating her at work and even seducing her boyfriend in order to escape the deadly mess she has made of her own life. But Alice underestimates Bennie and the evil she has unleashed in her twin’s psyche, as well as Bennie’s determination to stay alive long enough to exact revenge.Bennie must face the twisted truth that she is more like her sister Alice than she could have ever imagined, and by the novel’s shocking conclusion, Bennie finds herself engaged in a war she cannot win—with herself.



Going to the Motherland by Sarah Blight

From Sarah's web company Your Baby Booty:

You'll learn:

- How to take charge and get pregnant.
- What to do after you get pregnant.
- Why finding your soul mate of an OB/midwife is majorly important.
- Why firing your doctor (who isn't doing their job of educating you) is best.
- Dads have a pregnancy too (and why it's important).
- The inside scoop on mental toughness and why it helps you give birth like a birthing warrior.
- and TONS more!

What are you all reading? Leave me some recommendations for other books to read please. It looks like I have a mostly morbid theme going on................

Book Reviews

Dystopia, or anti-utopia, is the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian, as characterized in books like Brave New World and Nineteen Eighty-Four. Dystopian societies feature different kinds of repressive social control systems, various forms of active and passive coercion. Ideas and works about dystopian societies often explore the concept of humans abusing technology and humans individually and collectively coping, or not being able to properly cope with technology that has progressed far more rapidly than humanity's spiritual evolution. Dystopian societies are often imagined as police states, with unlimited power over the citizens.

(From Wikipedia)




I've been real into dystopian novels lately. Like, addicted. And, thanks to Mojito Maven, I've gotten on board with a great new series. I cannot WAIT for the other books to come out! Thanks, MM!

Divergent by Veronica Roth blew me away.

The author's summary:

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.


During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

Y'all. I can't even really explain. But, if you liked the Hunger Games, you will dig this series. She's got some more books that go with it coming out soon. Check out her blog for more info. I can't wait!!






Enclave by Ann Aguirre

From Goodreads site

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.


As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.


Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.


As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

This book is kind of like 'I Am Legend' meets Hunger Games. Not so much dystopia here, more apocalyptic. But, I am hooked on it too, and I see more books coming in the series.


Also, if you missed my last review, check out Matched by Ally Condie. It is a trilogy book and also goes with the dystopian theme. I can't wait for the next book out in November!

Who can recommend some other books like the ones above? I'm dying to read more! And since I'm up 22/7 feeding HME, I have lots of time to get my read on!

Midweek Randoms

Totally copying Megan on the title, but it sounds better than Wednesday Randomosity. Any way you look at it, it's Wednesday, and it's random.

*I still haven't finished unpacking Harrison's nursery. What the what? I'm a slacker. When they nap, I blog, read blogs, watch TV, wash eleventy billion bottles, etc. Also, he has no baby book. Already starting out where he doesn't get the same things as his sister. You will notice that he is also five weeks old and I have YET to take his one month pic and do a post. I am really going to try to do that tonight. I have to not beat myself up over stuff like this, but I really want to do the same things for Harrison that I did for Emma.

*My mom and sis are coming in town this weekend. Word. I'm super excited.

*Emma's second birthday is at Gymboree. We are having a play party! It's coming up soon. Look at her cute invitations! (Not the real ones, just an example of what they look like). Amy is awesome and rushed them to me since I didn't order them early enough. I guess I was kind of busy with HME..... :) If you need some awesome invitations for CHEAP, check out Distinct Designs by Amy.

*We are having Harrison's baptism the day after her birthday since everyone will already be in town. I'm excited, but feel rushed. And don't even get me started on what I will fit into/wear to this event. Guess I'll have to go buy a fat dress because I STILL can't fit into my old clothes. I miss you size 6/8. I hope to see you again soon. Like, real soon.

*My awesome friend Jill is making Emma's Sesame Street cupcakes (Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, etc) and Harrison's monogram baptism cake. CANNOT wait to see and taste those jokers!

*I need some good recommendations on where to get cheap photo birth announcements. Like 1.00 or less. Cause we're ordering at least 50. So, please share some good sites OR links to cute boy ones. Please. I will love you forever if you can recommend a site or a specific announcement. I like classic styles.

*We have a lot of birthdays in July. We've been shopping for FeFe and Fenn, plus getting baby shower gifts for my friend Ali. It's fun, but super hard to tote these kids around in 90+ degree heat and have them hold it together so I can peruse gifts.

*Does anyone else feel like character stuff (Elmo, Dora, etc) is taking over your house? God, I'm going to scream if I see any more Sesame Street or "Dodo" stuff-Emma begs for it, it just seems to be creeping in everywhere. She just realized all of the characters were on her diapers too. For the love.

*Showering does not occur on ANY kind of regular basis around here. It's been three days. I just threw up in my mouth a little. I have to "cage" Emma in her crib and Harrison has to be either asleep or seriously calm. I don't want to get in and rush, I want to enjoy myself, so why even attempt if they are being ill pills? On another note, I do have a lady parts appt tomorrow, so I will be sure to shower. :)

*Scheduling appts with two kids is a holy nightmare. I've had Harrison's one month checkup, my OB checkup, and an upcoming dental appt, and Jason either has to meet me on his lunch to get one of them, or I have to find a babysitter. All my school friends are going back to work in their classrooms, so they are unavailable. I'm not even going to attempt taking Emma into my dentist. Harrison is another story. He sleeps. In a carseat. The end. Thankfully, Emma's former babysitter is taking her on the dentist day. I told Emma today, and she starting babbling about Miss Kiss and Reecey! She remembers-it's so cute!

*Since I have the diaper bag from hell (toting junk for two kids), I recently ordered this awesome contraption. It's called the callet. I cannot wait for it to get here. My bestie has one and I've seen it in action-it's a great thing since I'm always toting my phone-now I just slip my debit/credit cards in, and I'm done! This will probably become my new wallet. Until I get a purse back.

The cards go on the back-there's a little pocket there.

*I bought some black tea + lemonade K cups today and I can't wait to try them! Also, I may have purchased some cinnamon bun coffee cups. Pretty sure I'm looking forward to sticking my face in that tomorrow morning.

*Be on the lookout for Mr. Harrison's picture to grace the header soon. My rad designer is working on it.

*I'm on a 'Baby Story' marathon right now, and one of the girls is Skyping with her aunt through delivery. I'm sorry, but WTF? That is effing weird. And gross. She just watched her push.

*Harrison is addicted to this cute consignment bouncy chair ($20!) We love it too-because he sleeps in it. A lot.

*TLC is pretty much the shiznit. Hoarders? Yes, please. My Strange Addiction? Hellz yeah. Baby shows? Right on. Now you know what I do when the kids sleep. However, the Strange Addiction show just showed an ad for someone who likes to "be a baby" and wear diapers and use a paci. Umm, WTH lady? I think some of these jokers make this up to get on the show.

*I need to wrap this rambler up and do something with myself. Holla y'all. What have you been up to?

xoxo

Harrison's Art

I got the last piece of art for Harrison's room on Monday, so now I want to show you what he has "featured" from three VERY talented artists!



First up, a custom monogram painted by my sister! She can take anything you see on Etsy for $75 or some other high price, and I bet she can make it for you cheaper! Email her at sejmacon@gmail.com for pricing and other inquiries!

Harrison McCary Edwards monogram painting size about 2x2 canvas

Next up, a friend recreated this painting from a screen print I saw in a store. the store wanted almost $100 for it. Not happening. Email me if you want to know how to get in touch with this artist. She is very talented!

Waiting to be hung, sage green painting on canvas, size about 18x24

Finally, a poster from the Keep Calm Etsy shop-I looove this shop! Reasonable prices, customized to your exact specifications, these ladies do it up right! Hook up with them to get your own specific 'Keep Calm' print!

16x20 poster hanging above the glider in the nursery

Full nursery reveal coming soon (as in, once I get up, take pictures of it, edit them, and upload them....)


Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Seven!

Happy seventh anniversary babe! Even though we may not look the same as we did seven years ago, I still love you just the same!

You are a great friend and wonderful dad to our babies!

I am so thankful for all of your hard work so we can have and do so much. I'm excited about staying home to raise our babies-and thanks to you I can do that.

I love you so much and look forward to many more "annis!"

Love,
Nooka

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Update in Pictures

Emma and mommy were doing watercolors.

(The benefit of having a "retired" teacher mommy.)

HME chilling in my robe since he tee teed all

over my side of the bed this morning.

Jason gave Emma a frosted sugar cookie yesterday.

Look at her face. She was MACH 10 for an HOUR.

HME in his fourth of July overalls.

 

HME in his preshy little smocked Feltman

Brothers outfit for church.

Look at my mohawk! Harrison is 3 weeks old already!

Emma has to ride in the big part of the buggy when we are

all out now. I was bribing her with a box of chocolate chip cookies

 to hold it together because it just so happened to be during nap

 time that we were at the Tar-jay for dinner items.

Emma is putting a monocle on Harrison's eye.

It's some magnifying glass that came on her nail clippers.

She is obsessed with it, and I have to admit, I was

DYING laughing at this. Hence, the picture.

Look at my cutey Baby Gap outfit!

Oh my goodness, Emma in another buggy eating another cookie.

Theme song of my life.

Poser.

I have no words for this picture. Except she's cute.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Randmosity

Let's stream, shall we?

*I need a schedule for the days that we stay home all day. When we have no playdates or activities, I need some structure besides nap, feed kids, change diapers. I don't want to let her watch TV more than one hour per day, but it's sooo HOT outside, and HME cannot go out yet. And who am I kidding-I don't want to go outside either. We can play in the sandbox and water table on the screened in porch, but I need some things for us to do. Like art time, reading, "school" stuff, etc. Ideas???

*OMG I need to figure out how I'm going to lose this baby weight because I cannot go back to Weight Watchers right now, espesh with two kids. All I do is eat being at home all day. WTF.

*I feel like I need to "play" or interact with HME more, but he doesn't really DO anything right now.

*I want to stab children's TV shows. Now we are watching GPB/PBS Sesame Street central-it's better than Dora, Fresh Beats, etc.

*I cannot believe I just wrote a sentence about BS kids' shows.

*I wash clothes everyday. And run the dishwasher. And take out the trash. Who knew that adding one kid to the home would produce so much more laundry, dishes, and trash?

*I can't wait for some of my twitter friends to have their babies!

*It's my 7th wedding anniversary this weekend-we're going to eat and see a movie!

*Right now, I'm kind of scared that I'm going to miss not starting back to school in August. What is wrong with me? I've wanted to stay home with Emma since she was born, and now I am. But I think I want to work? Seriously, what is that? Who does that?

*HME is still waking up every 2-3 hours each night to eat. Enough said.

*Teen Mom original season makes me cry. Amber is really portrayed as a bad mom. She has major issues. This makes me so effing sad. This is what is wrong with a lot of kids. Their parents do stupid shit like ignore them, scream at them, etc and the kids have issues in school and life. All because some people needed to have sex at age 16. For the love. Then they complain about their kids and how hard their life is. THEN CLOSE YOUR LEGS. Jesus. Do they not think they will get pregnant? (PS, not all of the girls are "bad moms." Some are really working hard to make a better life for themselves.

*That is all. I needed an even number to end the list. Pictures coming soon. :)