One of my goals this year was to read one book a month. I sort of started this one last fall but didn’t follow through. I grabbed Of Mess and Moxie on my way out the door to Denver two weeks ago and finished it on the plane ride home. I love Jen Hatmaker. I sometimes don’t always agree with her but I think she’s a hilarious human being and she just gets it. Gets the highs and lows of motherhood, friendship, work, marriage, pretty much life in general. She reminds me to not take life so seriously, to stop and enjoy the small things. To be present. Which is my word this year and a good read for me to start 2018 out with. I am obsessed with her podcast {another post entirely on podcasts coming soon} and never miss a week. I’ve learned so much and have found so many good things, companies, people, and traditions through it. If you are looking for something to listen to that’s good, funny, and grace filled, check it out here.
This book literally made me cackle out loud so many times. When you get to her “How-To” chapters you will literally belly laugh, shout an amen, and relate to all of it. She doesn’t sugar coat anything which is my kind of lady. Her chapters are real, raw, and just make you feel good. I got a ton of awesome nuggets, laughs, and even recipes from these pages. Highly recommend.
I tried her “Grocery Store Day Sandwich” and it was a hit with Zack. Pesto, all the fixins, and toasted. Yumminess! Made me feel a little ‘extra’ in the sammich maker department instead of slapping meat, cheese, and condiments on two slices of bread. And I did it on a grocery day. HA! Winning at cooking this year y’all.
I often feel wasteful when I buy a book instead of checking it out or reading a kindle. I just can’t. I need something tangible in my hands, adore the smell of paper as I flip to the next page, and enjoy the notes I like to scribble in the margins as I head nod in agreement to every other sentence that’s written. Highlighting and underlines are my jam. SO this year, after I read a book, I’m passing it on. No need to let it sit on a shelf and collect dust because if it’s not To Kill a Mockingbird or the B I B L E I’m not going to read it again. And I have literally red TKAMB a few times. I named a kid after it so obviously I loved it.
With that said, if you are wanting a good read and hate buying to only put it on a shelf when you’re finished, I’d love to share. Comment on my instagram after I post it and I’ll send it your way. If it’s already claimed, hit that person up. My only requirement is that the books keep getting passed on. I shared this one with my sweet friend Christy already but have started another so stay tuned!
Happy Monday!
This year we started a new tradition in our home. Before December 1st, I wrapped up 25 books and each night before bed, the girls pick one to read. It’s a fun way to count us down to Christmas. Some are new that I bought this year, some old that we’ve had, some really old that were even mine and my mom’s.
I bought all of these pictured at my neighbors on main street who have the cutest little kids boutique called Wiggles to Wisdom. The girls have really had fun with this and look forward to their surprise at night. It makes us slow down and take time to be still with one another. I LOVE reading and hope to instill that in our babies.
