I can't help it.  I always think ahead.  It's Monday, so that just means I've looked at my planner, figured out what the week looks like, what we'll eat the next few days, and how full next weekend will be.  This morning was low-key because I know tomorrow will not be.  I'm thinking ahead to what I'll do for Christmas cards, what Thanksgiving will look like, and I can't help it, what books I'll get to next year.



Right now I'm trying to power through some books that have been in the queue for a long time now, and then I keep seeing new books coming out, and it's far more exciting to me than when I used to be excited about what movies were going to come out around the holidays.  Anyone else remember that?  We used to get excited knowing some really good movies would come out and you were sure to run into everyone at the movie theater.  Does this happen anymore?  I'm not sure when I saw a movie in the theaters last and thought it was really worth it.  Benjamin would argue that I just really don't like movies, but I still argue that they just aren't as good as they once were.

Anyways- I share this list with you- but I'm curious what's in your queue too?  Any novels? I find the disappointment potential is much higher for me when it comes to novels because I'm worried about things being a waste of my time. Truth.  :(  However- what have you read that you've really loved...and would recommend?

What I'm reading now:

Dance Stand Run- this book by Jess Connolly isn't your typical faith-building book.  It's going deeper and convicting me in ways that are hard but good.  I recommend it for honestly any woman, any age, any stage.  It's got a lot of Biblical truth in here and is a message I think we all need to hear.

What I want to Read:
Emily Ley's New Book:  A Simplified Life  If you haven't read Grace Not Perfection, I'm going to have to recommend that one first, then I think this will be a great follow up.  I'm excited to see how she dives in deeper here and know I need these reminders just a much as anyone else.  To me Emily helps us figure out how to thrive, not just survive, this season and culture and 2017/2018 world we live in.

Lara Casey's Book: Cultivate: A Grace-Filled Guide to Growing an Intentional Life.  Are you sensing a theme there?  I don't read many parenting books (maybe I should) but for me Emily and Lara's books throw all the parenting things I need to know in there.  One parenting book I guess I will continue to pick up is Wild Things-- and then there's one about media and screens and kids-- I guess I'll read that one too but clearly I'm not right now since I can't remember the name of it.

Now onto Cooking:



The Simple Bites Kitchen-  I met Aimee at a food-writer-blogger situation five years ago!  Yikes.  She was super warm and down the earth and I know every recipe in this book is going to be delicious.  She's got kids and cooks with them and I'm envious of her canning and traveling and gardening, so I'm sure it'll help me with contentment too.  Insert sarcasm.

Mad Hungry Family.  I was gifted the Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys Cookbook years ago and we cook from it often.  It's healthy enough and has great short cuts and overall they have all been crowd pleasers.  I'm excited to see what this book is like because my life now is far past making meals that only serve 4!  

PW's New Book, Come and Get it.  I really shouldn't get this one- but it's super tempting because I love all the cookbooks right now with all the short cuts and wonder if I really could get into this mason jar cooking situation. 

How could I forget Pati.  All summer Anderson stayed up just a bit later than Tucker, and after Tucker fell asleep he'd come down and most nights we watched an episode of Pati.  I kinda want to give Anderson her cookbook - too much?! I don't think so... 

These are the things I think about.  Thrilling, I know.  What am I missing?  What's on your list?!