Leave of Absence

I took one.... this past week. I couldn't help myself.

I was drawn into the Twilight world.

Yup, that's right. I got sucked into the world of vampires and wolves. I can't believe it myself. I had no intention of reading the series, at all. One of Keith's co workers asked if I would like to read the books, knowing that I love to read. I said, no thanks. She sent the first book, Twilight, home with Keith anyway... just in case I changed my mind. And, I did.

I finished my book from the library and was in a reading frenzy. I get in those every once in awhile. I don't want to watch tv or be online, I just want to read. So, I had to feed the frenzy. I picked up Twilight.

That was all it took. I couldn't put it down. I read the first book in about a day and a half. These are long books too! I knew I needed to read the second book. I had to find out what happened to the characters. Over the next 5 days, I read the entire series. LOVED IT. During Chloe's naps, I read. After I put her to sleep for the night, I read. While I made dinner, I read. In the bathroom, I read. For almost an entire week, I had my nose in a book, every spare second that I had.

I was shocked at how good the books are. I don't ever read that type of book. I usually stick to Christian fiction for my leisurely reading. So, imagine my surprise when I joined the thousands of teenage girls, engaged in this vampire-human love story.

My only regret.... I have no more books in the series to look forward too. I wish I wouldn't have read them so quickly.

We rented the movie last night. Watched it. It was alright. Doesn't come close to touching the books. Waaaaay too much detail is left out. I recommend the books instead.

Have you read the series? What did you think?

I Love A Party!

Welcome to my blog! Thanks for stopping by.

What better day to start the Ultimate Blog Party than the first day of spring? I love this time of year.

At a typical "girly" get-together, I would offer you a cup of coffee and some scones or muffins. You can kick off your shoes and pull up a chair. I want you to make yourself right at home here.

I suppose, as your hostess, I should introduce myself.
My name is Corie. I'm a 30 year old Christian, wife, stay at home mom, daughter, friend, book lover (and Book happens to be my last name), ice cream eater, and blogger.

I have an amazing family. My husband and I have been together for 12 years now, married for almost 4 of them. We met in college and dated for 8 years before we tied the knot. He's simply awesome. He recently switched jobs to become a High School teacher. And, he does personal training on the side... for a lil extra income since he fully supports me staying home with our daughter.

Last June, we welcomed our first child into the world. A perfect little girl, Chloe. She is 9 months old and an absolute joy to be around (most of the time). She is the reason I decided to quit my job and stay home. It is the hardest job I've ever had, but the most rewarding. I wouldn't change it for anything (on most days!). I love watching her learn and experience life every day. Right now, she is pulling herself up on EVERYTHING, learning to clap and wave hi, and babbling away. Did I say how much fun I am having being a mom?

As for me, I am just trying to do the best I can in life. I'm striving daily for a closer relationship with God. I'm trying to adjust to mommyhood and staying home. I did not expect to still be adjusting after 9 months, but I am. I am working on being a better wife and serving my husband in the ways God intended. I'm ready to be done breastfeeding so I can have some caffiene! Oh, and I'm still trying to unpack. We moved into our first house in October and my office is still filled with boxes. I don't think I will be getting any of that done this week. I'll be too busy meeting you! (smiles)

I'm so excited for this week of bloggin' fun. I hope to meet lots of new bloggin' friends. If you stop by, I hope you'll leave me a comment. I can't wait to stop by your party too!

*Oh, the prizes I would choose...
It was too hard to pick my top three, so I picked my top 6.
USC 11 — See Kai Run baby/toddler shoes provided by Traveling with Baby and See Kai Run
58 – Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer
USC 73 — Go baby OutMat provided by Go Baby
89 — $100 gift card to HomeGoods provided by HG Openhouse
16 — $20 gift certificate to Ladybug Limited
USC 58 — Handmade Retro Apron of your choice provided by Kati @ Country Girl, City Life and BoojiBoo!!

Or, any of the Target gift cards. Who couldn't use those?! :)

Welcome Landon Henry!

Our little nephew, Landon Henry, was born on Monday.

He is so precious. He was 22 1/4 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 14oz. While is is a big baby, he feels so tiny compared to Chloe.

I have a thing for baby feet... and Landon's are no exception. He has such long feet and toes. The nurses said that they had a hard time fitting his feet on the ink stamp for his footprints. I think they are longer than Chloe's feet!

We can't wait to see him again.

Welcome to the world Landon Henry!

Father's Hands

This weekend, I watched my husband catch our daughter in his hands before she fell down.

It made me think about my Heavenly Father and how his hands are ALWAYS there to catch me when I fall in life.
And, I know I can trust Him to do just that.

Isn't it amazing that no matter how many times Chloe stumbles, Keith will be there to pick her up? The same way it is amazing that no matter how many times I stumble, God is right there, lending His hand.

I don't deserve His willingness, His grace, but he extends it to me each minute of each day.

I find such comfort in knowing that while Keith won't be there to pick up Chloe every single time she falls, God will.
What greater comfort is there than that?

A Heavy Post, Part II

I haven't been posting about my weight loss endeavors.

Oops!

Well, after my first Heavy Post, I did really well for the week. Then, our Marriage Retreat happened. I indulged that weekend, to say the least. And, pretty much kept indulging after that.

This Monday, I started Weight Watchers again. I did the point system before our wedding and lost about 30 lbs. So, obviously, it works for me. I decided to do WW again because it is a structured program, but still gives me some freedom to choose what I eat and how I "spend" my points. I need the structure. I do very well with boundaries.

I've already lost 3 lbs. It is the desserts. I know it. I have such a sweet tooth. I would usually have something sweet after lunch and dinner. Now, after lunch I have fruit and after dinner I still have something sweet, but in moderation.

My goal is still attainable. Even if it takes me a couple more weeks than originally planned.
And, the weather is starting to cooperate so I can get outside for walks with Chloe, which will help.

I just wanted to update, especially for those who are my accountability partners. :)
Hope it is going well for you too!!!

PARTY!

It's almost time for the Ultimate Blog Party. 5 Minutes For Moms hosts the party annually. This year it runs from March 20-27.

I can't wait. I've met some great bloggy friends from the party. I'm sure this year will be no different.

Hope to see you all there!

Two Thumbs Up!

If you have any free time this week, you must rent this movie. So good.
So so so so good.

It's a film, from the same pastors who wrote Facing the Giants (another film I recommend). It was completely filmed with the help of volunteers, with the exception of a discounted film crew, I think. I can't emphasis enough how great this film is.

If you are married, or want to be married someday, this film is for you! Trust me.
I don't want to tell you what it's about, cause I don't want to give anything away. So, I will just tell you that my husband and I watched the movie yesterday and we both loved it! It is truly inspirational.

We watched it yesterday morning while Chloe was down for her nap. I don't think I have stopped thinking about it. It has challenged me to be the best wife I can be.

Who doesn't want to see a movie like that?

Here is the link to the movie's trailer... just in case you need a lil more convincing.