Jan. 12, 2010 - "This Is Your Brain In Love" by Dr. Earl Henslin
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author has many humorous and engaging stories to back up his points and he used them freely. Dr. Henslin gives a scientific explanation for why we feel the way we do when we're in love and how to improve the 5 imbalances common in marriages. But his explanations are not as scientific sounding as I assumed they'd be. I was impressed with how he brought the complex subject of the brain down to layman's terms.
This book so engrossed me that I could hardly put it down. There was so much truth in what Dr. Henslin said and I believe every marriage will benefit from the reading of this book. He provides quizzes to help you determine what kind of lover you are: scattered, over-focused, blue, agitated, or anxious. Then he goes into detail what characterizes each one and how to overcome it. I found myself in a couple of them! Dr. Henslin does a great job of incorporating Biblical truth into this book. I highly recommend this to any married couple.
I am a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze program. If you'd like to receive books to review go to www.booksneeze.com
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Jan. 5, 2010 - Nancy Drew Reading Challenge
As a young girl (I'm not that young anymore) I LOVED Nancy Drew books. I especially loved the part of the series that have the yellow spines. When I came across this challenge I knew I needed to try it. I'm not forsaking my non-fiction challenge - this will be my in between reading.
Reading Goal: To read Books 1-56 in the Nancy Drew series that have the yellow spines in 2010. They don't have to be ones I own or even ones I've read this year. If I read them as a child they still count. But since I think I read them all I'll try to read as many as I can in 2010.
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Dec. 22, 2009 - "Rediscovering God in America" by Newt Gingrich
The subtitle of the book is "Reflections on the role of faith in our nation's history and future". I felt this summarizes the book quite well. Newt takes us on a tour of Washington, DC and many of the sites there. He shows that religion is at the foundation of our country and should always have a place.
This book was very inspiring and educational. I was reminded how deep rooted our nation is in religion, particularly the Bible. Our founding fathers came to the land now known as the United States of America to have freedom, the source of which was not the state nor themselves - but God. This country was truly founded "under God". Mr Gingrich takes us through each monument, building, and memorial uncovering the meanings behind each of them. The quote I think sums up the book the best is by George Washington, our first President. He said, "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God and to obey His will."
I am a member of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. If you'd like to receive books to review go to http://brb.thomasnelson.com/.
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Dec. 9, 2009 - 2009 AND 2010 Reading Challenge
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Oct. 23, 2009 - Topsail Island 2009
Sorry for the delay. Here are pictures of our trip to Topsail Island, NC on October 7-11!
"Wincess Annika" (that's how she says princess)
Alec buried in the sand
Eric playing soccer in the sand
Yaya and Rebekka
The boys got braver every day!
Our house and the cabana
(the Larsons were on the 2nd level and the Ferris' had the top level where the living room/kitchen were)
Rebekka enjoying the sun
The girls on the deck
Annika trying to kiss Alec
The Larson family
Rebekka's one time in the sand
The boys in the hammock
(I loved doing my devotions in the hammock every morning)
Rebekka wearing Yaya's hat
Elvis?
Why is Papa on the big couch by himself while the entire Larson family of 6 is on the small couch?! =)
The 2009 beach trip has ended! Thanks Papa and Yaya for letting us come play! 
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Sep. 7, 2009 - In honor of LABOR Day
This is a meme about labor and delivery. Well, I only had labor with my last child, Rebekka, so I'll answer the 1st 2 about her and the rest I'll include info about the other 3!
How long were your labors?
8.5 hours (7am-3:30pm)
How did you know you were in labor?
When I woke up Monday, June 2 2008, I felt like the Braxton Hicks contractions were much more regular than normal. And they were definitely more painful. I knew if I went to Dr. K's office he'd just laugh at me - a 4th time mom thinking I was in labor! My scheduled c-section was that Wednesday but I'd nested all weekend so the house was clean and organized. I timed the contractions from 7-8am and realized they were 2-3 minutes apart so I called Dr. K and he said to come into the office. I planned to just drive myself and let my mom watch the kids. But when she got here she vetoed that plan and drove me. I'm glad she did because by the time we finished at Dr. K's and got to the ER I was in quite a bit of pain.
Where did you deliver?
E - John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA
both A's - Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital
R - Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Drugs?
Do you think I'd have 4 c-sections without drugs?!
C-section?
The boys were breech. The girls weren't but I didn't have a choice.
Who delivered?
Oh, I can't remember who delivered E. He wasn't my normal dr. But he's the one I saw the day we discovered E was breech!How much did they weigh?
The most wonderful OB/GYN in the world delivered the other 3. Dr. K is caring, a great listener, and very soft-spoken. He's a great patient advocate too. I'm thankful for a pro-life OB/GYN!!
E was 6lb 15ozI forgot to post pictures. They are in order of birth (E, A, A, R)
A was 7lb
A was 7lb 12oz (I think she was actually 40 weeks not 39)
R was 6lb 15oz
Eric - February 24, 2002
Alec - March 31, 2005
Annika - January 11, 2007
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Aug. 28, 2009 - Pictures Galore!
Today I'm focusing on Rebekka since I forgot to post pictures of her birthday!
A turtle from Yaya and Papa. And of course, it belongs on her head!
Yaya and the Bekka Baby
Messy Red Velvet Cake
Sleeping in her high chair - like mother, like daughter (there's a picture somewhere out there of me sleeping in my spaghetti)
Eating Cocoa Puffs and Sunny D
Hopefully, I'll get some good pictures of the other 3 kids in the next few days!
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Review of "Shepherding a Child's Heart"
This is the book I've been hung up on since March. I keep going back over it and re-reading portions. There is so much wisdom to be gained and I keep forgetting it. This book is basically how to speak to the heart of your child. "From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
Tedd Tripp asserts that "a change in behavior that doesn't stem from a change in heart is condemnable". As parents we're to require proper behavior and to do that we have to understand our child's heart. Then we can help them understand their heart and how a straying heart results in wrong behavior. Instead of punishing the action, correct the heart issue. When 2 kids are fighting over a toy - correct the selfishness, the pride, and lack of self-control.
I read the book all the way through, then found a parent's handbook that digs deeper into Scripture to help me understand better how to address heart issues and understand WHAT the heart issue is. It's easier to spank for disobedience than to dig into WHY the child disobeyed. I'm up to chapter 7 in the book (going through the Parent's Handbook along with it). I only have 10 more chapters to go!! I've decided though that training my children needs to be my priority over other things, including my blog and Facebook. Next week we start back homeschooling so there will be less time for outside influences and more time for Mommy to focus on training!
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Review of "Raising Godly Tomatoes"
This is by far my favorite book I've read this year. I'm not sure if I can share all I've learned in a short post. First of all, it's not about how to grow holy vegetables. Elizabeth Krueger, the author, offers much wisdom and experience (she has 10 children) of how to parent focusing on "the heart of your child, as well as his outward actions...applying reasonable discipline, and instructions on how to build a close relationship with your child." The 1st things to consider are
- Are you ready to make your children your full time job?
- Do you view yourself as the God-given authority over your children?
- Are you commited to separating your child from wrong influences (TV, friends, etc.)
- Can you reject psychology-based parenting?
She says that the way you begin is to keep your child close to you 100% of the time! She calls this "tomato staking". It means you're able to see what your children are doing, encouraging them and correcting them. You will know your children better and be able to recognize what's going on in their hearts. This means training their hearts to think as God thinks and their bodies to do as God does. In other words, if your child disobeys/refuses to obey you stop what you're doing and immediately make him obey. She asserts if you train for obedience, then you won't have to train for anything. You are convincing your child that he must ALWAYS obey you. And above all - BE CONSISTENT!! This may sound like you'll be spanking or correcting all day. You won't! You'll have moments of correction in between times of loving on you children - reading, cuddling, singing, playing, etc.
I haven't totally enacted all that she suggests. But I'm working on it and I've seen progress.
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Review of "The Love Dare"
I think the introduction to the book sums it up best.
your spouse to be the person you want them to be.
Rather it is a journey of exploring and demonstrating genuine love,
even when your desire is dry and your motives are low. Love is a decision and not just a feeling. It is selfless, sacrificial,
and transformational. And when love is truly demonstrated
as it was intended, your relationship is more likely to
change for the better."
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Review of "The Peacemaker" by Ken Sande
I'm not doing well on my reading challenge. So far I've only read 4 books. BUT....I'm letting the words affect my life instead of just reading to finish the challenge. One thing I thought I'd do is review the books I've read so far and then when I've finished reading each book.
The 1st book I read was "The Peacemaker" by Ken Sande. I read this one 1st because I knew we were having a conference at church based on this book and I wanted to know what the whole thing was about! I learned so much from this book about how to promote peace - at work, in church, my family, and most important in my self. Our 1st priority should be glorifying God!! He starts out explaining that in a conflict we need to be asking - How can I please and honor God in this situation? The 2nd thing we need to focus on is "getting the log out of our own eye". In other words search your heart for where you are contributing to the conflict before focusing on what the other person has done. Ask yourself "How can I show Jesus; work in my by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict?" Then we're to gently restore the relationship. As we remember God's mercy to us in our faults we can extend mercy, grace, and love to others instead of guilt, shame, and condemnation. This often involves speaking the truth in love - sharing where they have wronged you but admitting your own mistakes. In doing so you're coming before them with humility not judging them. Ask, "How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their contribution to this conflict?" Lastly, we're to be reconciled. We're to be committed to restoring any damaged relationships. The question this time is "How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict?" We're to forgive as God has forgiven us. In Matthew 18 there's the story of the servant who's forgiven a HUGE debt by the king, but refuses to forgive a small debt owed to him. We're often like this ourselves - we treat others' sins as greater than our sins against God.
Final analysis: GREAT book, very convicting
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Jun. 23, 2009 - 2009 Reading Challenge - updated June 23
My friend LouAnne pointed me to this Reading Challenge. We're to pick 12 books (1 a month) to read in 2009. Since I'm a veracious reader I'm picking 30 books and will attempt to read 2.5 a month. I know I probably won't get all of them read but these are all books I've wanted to read and this is a good reason/excuse to stick with it!
Here's my list:
Theology:
~ The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
~ The Practice of Godliness by Bridges
~ The Discipline of Grace by Bridges
~ Joy of Fearing God by Bridges
~ Desiring God by John Piper
~ Future Grace by Piper
~ Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by Piper
~ When I Don't Desire God by Piper 2/13/09
~ Willing to Believe by RC Sproul
~ The Peacemaker by Ken Sande 1/14/09
~ Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas
~ War of Words by Paul David Tripp
~ The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
Marriage:
~ The Love Dare (the book from the movie "Fireproof") by Stephen Kendrick
~ Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
~ Biblical Womanhood in the Home edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
~ Praise Her in the Gates by Nancy Wilson
~ Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey
Parenting/Homeschooling:
~ Raising Godly Tomatoes by Elizabeth Krueger 3/11/09
~ Educating the Wholehearted Child by the Clarksons
~ Heartfelt Discipline by Sally Clarkson
~ The Mission of Motherhood by Clarkson
~ The Mystery of Motherhood by Clarkson
~ Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp 2/24/09 and now re-reading it
~ Instructing a Child's Heart by Tripp
~ Teach Them Diligently by Lou Priolo
~ The Contemplative Mom by Ann Kroeker
~ A Mom Just Like You by Vicki Farris
~ The Spiritual Power of a Mother by Michael Farris
~ Parenting By the Book by John Rosemond
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Jun. 6, 2009 - Playing catch-up
First, a picture from our wonderful trip to Cedar Point. My mom and dad cared for the kids so Mike and I could get away to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Unfortunately, we were sick with bronchitis/sinus infections the whole time and when we returned the kids were sick with the same stuff! Since we felt so bad we didn't document the trip very well. This is the only picture while at the park. 
Top Speed Dragster
It is 420 feet tall. You're shot out at 120mph up the hill. Take a 1/4 turn then crest the top. Take 3/4 turn and return to the bottom. The whole trip only takes 17 seconds!! It was so awesome we rode it twice!!
Old van and new van
We bought a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan for a great deal! It has a CD player, captain's chairs in the middle (instead of 2 bench seats), and a DVD player. We didn't need a new van but decided we couldn't pass up the deal.
My adorable girls!!!
Rebekka's favorite activity - playing with my shoes! She takes after her big sister in loving shoes.
Alec trying to not be kissed by Mommy! He wipes my kisses off - can you believe it?!
My happy baby!!
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May. 22, 2009 - Win a purse!!
Go to Smockity Frocks to win a handmade purse! If you blog or Facebook about it you get extra entries. Anyone who knows me knows I NEED a new purse (like a need a hole in my head)! 
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Apr. 26, 2009 - Vist from Chattanooga Cousins, Alec's Birthday, and Easter
I've been very lax in posting pictures of the kids. I'm a little busy - most moms of 4 munchkins are. So these are pics from the last 2 months. I'll try to do better in the future!
Mary, Esther, and Rebekka
Rebekka (9 months)
Alec - excuse the messy #4...the writing icing was too liquidy
Annika hunting eggs
Alec showing his latest find
Eric running off to find another egg
5/6 of the family (someone has to take the picture)
Rebekka trying to figure out the remote control
Annika and Alec being silly
Annika being her cutie patootie self
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Mar. 13, 2009 - 10 years of marriage
Here are some pictures of us through the last 11 years (I started with us meeting). As you can see we've added a bunch of kids in that time, but we're SO blessed! We have 4 wonderful kids, an awesome church family, and our Savior's grace that strengthens us for each new day.
July 1998 (Mike's 1st visit to VA and when we saw each other for the 1st time)
Engagement (September 4, 1998)
March 13, 1999
Honeymoon on Kiawah Island, SC
Our 1st home (so sometime between March 99 and Oct. 01)
Our 2nd home (lived here Oct 01 - March 04)
Christmas 2003 (Eric was 22mo)
Nov 07 (Eric 5, Alec 2, Annika 10mo) at Topsail Beach, NC
Summer 2008 (Eric was 6, Alec 3, Annika 20mo, Rebekka 3mo)
Christmas 2008 (Eric 6, Alec, 3, Annika 2, Rebekka 6mo)
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Feb. 24, 2009 - Eric is SEVEN!!!
February 24, 2002
Day we went home from the hospital
About 4 months old
Almost 2 year old
After moving to Virginia - 2.5 years old
Helping Daddy mow (3 yo)
5th birthday
Hokie Hope Day (April 20, 2007) - 5yo
Christmas 2007
Summer 2008 (6yo)
February 24, 2009 - SEVEN years old!!
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Feb. 13, 2009 - Rebekka and a possible new house
Picture of the outside - we're just waiting for the paperwork to go through!
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Feb. 3, 2009 - Snow?
We woke up to a bit of snow on the ground but by the time we all got dressed it had mostly melted. Little did we know this would be the most we'd get all winter (at least as of Feb. 25).
And we all know the best part of "snow" days is HOT CHOCOLATE!!!
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Jan. 11, 2009 - Annika's 2nd birthday
Mamaw B and Rebekka
Annika with one of her many purses
New Shoes!!!
Trying to blow our her candles
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