Compilation - A Baker's Dozen Parenting Books

My in-home parenting days are numbered. My youngest is knee-deep in driver's training and has only 2-1/4 more years of high school. But, I have reviewed quite a few parenting books on my blog. Primarily, I seem to gravitate toward two subjects: brain development and discipline. Here are 13 books on parenting, in order from first read to last read. I have also added an asterisk to identify ones that I highly recommend:

1. Bright from the Start by Jill Stamm
2. How to Raise a Child With High EQ by Lawrence Shapiro PhD
3. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel MD and Tina Payne Bryson PhD *
4. Honeycomb Kids by Anna M. Campbell
5. Why Smart Kids Worry by Allison Edwards LPC
6. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel MD and Tina Payne Bryson PhD *
7. The Teenage Brain by Frances E Jensen MD with Amy Ellis Nutt
8. The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
9. The Five Money Conversations by Scott and Bethany Palmer
10. Thirty Million Words by Dana Suskind MD *
11. The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian
12. The Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp *
13. The Addiction Inoculation by Jessica Lahey

While I'm sure this list is miniscule compared to how many books cover this subject, I may have read one you never encountered. Moreover, if you are looking for parenting books, this provides a wide variety of options and several that I can highly recommend.

Book Review: 12 Weeks to a Sharper You

Once again, I was in the library with only moments to spare for perusing the audio selections. This book, by Sanjay Gupta, MD, was short and looked interesting. I needed a short book because I was due to leave on my FL/TX trip soon. This is a very practical and accessible guide to making changes for your brain's health. Each week focuses on establishing new habits in things like diet, sleep, movement, and challenges. Since I waited to write this review after returning from my trip, my brain is not as sharp - ha! I did jot down a few notes after listening. Here are my brief blurbs from the book:

- "Forgetting is as important as remembering."

- "Neurons wire together if they fire together."

- "If you've met one Alzheimer's patient, you've met one Alzheimer's patient."

If brain health is important to you, this is an excellent book with practical steps to improve not only your brain health, but by extension, whole body health. I think with my recent trip I tackled one of his suggested goals: try to do something scary every day. If you don't stretch yourself, you'll never grow. Take care of your brain; it's the only one you'll ever have!

February 2023 This and That

I realized, after writing my January travel post, that I forgot to share the beautiful photo of my mother that my dad sent to me in a text. It is one of the best photos I have of her: 

While I was gone visiting my parents, my husband sent a quick video showing what was going on outside the window by my desk (although it isn't a crisp shot, it gives a feel for what I enjoy viewing sometimes):

Yesterday morning, we encountered the same thing. No snow on the ground this time, but seven deer stopped by briefly at the bird feeders:

Just prior to leaving for my trip, I went with Trevor to take his senior portraits. We purchased three digital images:

I also recently came across an old, old photo (from 2006) taken at a Chuck E. Cheese just prior to our move to Indiana. What a blast from the past! It is such a sweet photo of me and my oldest son, Bryce:

And, finally, I'm basking in the blessing of a friend who brings us eggs. Usually, it is chicken eggs, but this was a batch of turkey eggs. Delicious! 

Book Review: The Littlest Library

Title, premise, cover... all drew me in. Poppy Alexander hits a nerve with book-lovers in her novel, The Littlest Library. I was thrilled when I discovered the Little Free Library movement. My friend, Cheryl, shared her love of books by bringing a Little Free Library to our annual Bible camp. I appreciated that gesture so much!

Did you know there are over 150,000 registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes in 115 countries world-wide? There's even a Little Free Library World Map. These quaint little boxes allow anyone to bring a book or take a book, a revolving door of literary adventure. This map doesn't reveal any in my town (although there is one, perhaps unregistered, at the local bank), but shows 5 in the town next to me. I think the next time I'm tempted to take books to Half-Price Books, where I receive about a quarter for each book (seriously), I'll run them over to a Little Free Library instead. Especially after reading this book.

Jess Metcalfe is at a cross-roads. Her grandmother passes away and her job at the local library dries up. She stumbles upon a quaint little cottage with a red telephone box in the front garden and, on impulse, moves there. Since the town council holds some authority over the box, she cannot get rid of it. With loads of books left by her grandmother, Jess turns the phone box into the country's littlest library. I would be right there with her, peeking out the window to see who was coming and going and what books they were reading. What an entertaining idea!

This book highlights how the perfect book seems to come into your hand at just the right time. I loved the little old man drawn to romances and the feuding sisters who both love the same book. I enjoyed the title-dropping. (Indeed, I had to inspect every book title shown on the cover inside the phone box.) It was natural to root for Jess and her new place, uniting a small country village. This is an easy, feel-good read, perfect for anyone who adores books and recognizes the magic they hold.

Mid-month Mention - Open Doors World Watch List 2023

For years, my husband has prayerfully and financially supported Brother Andrews' Open Doors Ministry. His heart has long been burdened for those whose faith comes at great cost. It is hard to wrap my mind around the trials and tribulations many have faced, and continue to face, in this world that is so hostile to those who profess belief in Christ's atoning power.

The Open Doors US organization has a page listing the current alarming statistics and providing several videos explaining how we can pray for these endangered Christians. (Even if you don't have time to watch the first 43 minute video, you might watch the second 4 minute one.) A map highlights the top 50 countries where Christians experience persecution and discrimination. When I first encountered this World Watch List, I was in the third week of my Facebook Prayer Project (I draw 8 FB friend names each week and pray 3 times a day, using 3x5 note cards with information on each). In that moment, I determined to add an extra prayer card to my daily routine. With 50 weeks left in the year, I committed to pray for the top 50 countries where Christians endure persecution.

I live on a beautiful, spacious property. My every need (food, friends, shelter, safety) has been met. God has, to this point, spared me the challenge these other believers face. But, I don't lull myself into believing persecution will never come my way. I pray God will continue to be gracious, but I also pray that He will continue to sustain and carry those who demonstrate faith against intense opposition. If you have a moment, visit the Open Doors World Watch List 2023 and say a prayer for those suffering for their faith. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

- "Our prayers can go where we cannot. There are no borders, no prison walls,

no doors that are closed when we pray." - Brother Andrew

Book Review: Diana, William, and Harry

Meeting the queen's butler in England back in 1987 (eons ago) and touring the lower rooms of her palace sparked an abiding interest in the royal family. I recently returned to my viewing of The Crown, even though I know it is a fictionalized account of their lives (and often includes garbage). Personally, it infuriated me. While I'm not a Diana-worshipper, I agree with sentiments that she was unfairly treated. To have the man who covenanted to love you forever openly and unashamedly pursue another married woman would be hard enough to live with. Add in the constant pursuit of the paparazzi, seeking images to line their own pockets with wealth. Add in royal jealousy of her popularity with the common people. Moreover, it seems they held her to an unfair standard. She was told to "shut up and do your duty," while her husband was free to ignore his own duties. And now, he sits on the throne with his adulterous partner by his side, and Diana's boys struggle to mend rifts in their mother's absence. If ever there was a morality story showing the cost of sin, it would be this one.

James Patterson tells this story in an absorbing manner. If only it were the fiction it feels like. The subtitle sums up the general sentiment I came away with after listening to this book: The Most Heartbreaking Story of Our Time - Diana's Life as a Princess and a Mother. My heart breaks for Diana and the lonely life she was called to lead. My heart breaks for her young sons, left to carry the tremendous burden of royalty without the support of their devoted mother. It breaks for the British people. They loved and adored Diana. Whatever the cause of her death (paparazzi or other forces), the people connected with her. Once she was gone, that connection between royals and constituents became tenuous. I don't look to Charles to restore that connection. He betrayed his people when he betrayed his betrothed.

The only hope for restored connection, in my eyes, lies with William and Kate. But will Harry support his highly esteemed royal brother, or will he bring him down? Will he lay bare the faults and failures, indeed the humanity, of people held in unrealistic favor? I think that hits the nail on the head. We hold unrealistic expectations. They may be royal, but they are human and, though I point fingers at their human sins, I know I have my own. It is reminiscent of the pressures I experienced as a minister's child, held to a standard and expectations I couldn't fulfill. As a friend reminded me, the other day, "We are all messy, and while we love our families, they can be the hardest to deal with and the messiest." It shouldn't surprise us that these royal families are as messy as our own. If we place anything besides God on a throne, it/they will disappoint. 

January's Traveling Mercies and Memories

In late December/early January, my sister proposed a joint trip to visit our parents (who live in assisted living in Largo, Florida). I had not been down to see them since my father's January 2020 fall, when he broke his arm while they were still living in their own house in Pinellas Park. Over these past three years, I have been grateful that the Lord has provided protection and care for them in this stellar facility, Cypress Palms. They receive wonderful meals, excellent fellowship and stimulation, and regular assistance for daily needs. My parents love it there, and I am thrilled to know someone is always near if they need help.

I think my reluctance to visit stemmed from a pandemic-induced discomfort with flying. Add in the December breakdown of Southwest (my preferred airline, because they fly non-stop) and I was still very hesitant to make the trip. But I longed to see my parents (and my sister) enough to brave the difficulties associated with travel. Then, I decided, if I'm getting on a plane to visit my folks, I might as well get on one additional plane and stretch the trip out with a visit to my oldest son, Bryce. January isn't the most appealing month to travel, but it was cheaper than waiting for March or April. Facebook friends I was praying for asked if they could return the favor by praying for me, so I mentioned my anxiety over my upcoming trip. Thanks to their intercession and God's gracious hand, the trip went almost without a hitch.

My Southwest flight from Indy to Tampa left bright and early on January 24th and evidence of God's hand surrounded the experience. On the return drive from dropping me at the airport, my husband said he saw a huge bottleneck of traffic on the other side (the one leading to the airport). We just missed this mess, and I made my flight with enough time to fit in my morning prayers (for my FB people). When I arrived in Tampa, I was prepared to wait for my sister's Dallas flight to arrive a few hours later, however her initial Lubbock flight was still on the runway, enduring 5 full hours of de-icing attempts. It was clear she wouldn't arrive soon, and I didn't want to drag my dad out with my mother to the airport twice. I had searched for alternative options just the day before and happened upon an express bus that could get me all the way to the Largo Ulmerton Road Park and Ride. Just as I found the 300x bus stop, the bus pulled up, and I made a snap decision to climb aboard. You can't beat the 300x bus! For $2.25, I was on my way to Largo!

My parents were at lunch, so I walked to the Wendy's next door and purchased my lunch while waiting for them to come for me. During that first day's visit, a routine played out again and again. My mother, seeing me sitting in their living room, would say, "Oh, what's your name?" I'd answer, and she'd reply, "I have a daughter named Wendy." We would point out that I am that daughter and she would smile and say, "Oh, you are? I love you!" Five to ten minutes on, it would repeat. Thankfully, she wasn't all that ruffled by our visit. I had feared we would overwhelm her, especially with two of us interloping into their territory. When Dawn's two flights finally landed her in Tampa, she took the 300x, and I stayed with my mother while my dad ran to pick Dawn up from the park and ride lot.

Dawn had already expressed some concern about my 4-5 a.m. waking time, which is 3-4 a.m. for her body clock. However, we stayed in a lovely hotel, Home 2 Suites, with a perfect room set-up so that my early morning rising didn't bother her. I so appreciated the curtain dividing the room.

On Wednesday, after a brief morning visit, we left to find lunch and to shop for some clothes my dad wanted Dawn to purchase for my mom. We landed at an outstanding Mexican restaurant, Los Magueyes Mexican Grill, in Largo. I highly recommend it if you are ever in Largo! My chicken and spinach quesadilla (with the accompanying salad, sour cream, and guacamole) was packed full and so delicious that we determined to return (Friday) for another meal before our 3-day visit was done.

By the time Friday, our departure date, rolled around, my mother was remembering us a bit more. During her afternoon scheduled bathing time, we drove to Clearwater Beach to see the ocean. Although we didn't have time to do more than snap a few photos, it was lovely.

My parents then took us to the Tampa Airport. My American Airlines Tampa to Dallas-Fort Worth flight went well, and Bryce was there waiting for me in the pickup lanes. He wanted to take me to a Mexican restaurant in Rockwall, TX, on the waterfront, but since I'd already had Mexican twice, he settled on an interesting restaurant/bar with plates adorning the walls and ceiling (Flying Saucer on the Lake).

Saturday we went to Bryce's girlfriend's parents' house in Plano, Texas, for a delicious brunch, where I met Elizabeth's parents, grandparents, and an aunt and uncle. Then Elizabeth and Bryce whisked me off for an intensive walking tour of Dallas - ha! Well, I don't think they intended a walking tour, but it was quite a bit of walking for me. We drove to the Sixth Floor Museum (getting a view of the spot of J.F.K.'s assassination). Then, we walked across Dallas to the Immersive Monet Experience. (On our way, they stopped to show me the giant eye - a landmark:)

I had wondered about the immersive experience when the Van Gogh one came to Indianapolis, but found no one to accompany me. Although I was pretty sure you were supposed to walk through the rooms, we stayed put in the first room for an entire cycle of the experience. My favorite part was a section paired with a shortened version of Ravel's Bolero. As we attempted to depart from the curtained door where we had entered, an attendant explained and then we walked through the other rooms to see various methods of experiencing the show.

Next, they wanted to give me a good view of the city, so we went in search of the Petroleum Club in the Chase Building (Elizabeth's father could get us permitted entrance) but discovered, upon arrival (and after much walking) that the Petroleum Club had recently moved to their new building. We walked to that building, but it was closed (although we saw an interesting pendulum swinging in the entrance area). So, we departed and trekked to our dinner location in the interesting Klyde Warren Park, a park built right over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. The park looked like a fabulous place to bring children - interesting climbing and play structures. We dined at Mi Cocina (yes, Mexican again, but no complaints from me) and called an Uber to take us back to the Sixth Floor Museum parking lot. I was exhausted, but full of fond memories.

Sunday morning, Bryce and Elizabeth wanted to watch the Purdue basketball game, so we went to The Ice House, intending to sit outdoors and view it on the overhead screens. Alas, it was absolutely arctic that morning, so we retreated indoors. I had a delicious BLT and mostly listened to the conversation between Bryce, Elizabeth, and her parents instead of watching the game. From there, we went back to Elizabeth's parent's house and played several rousing hands of Monopoly Deal while watching a few football games. 

On the drive back to Bryce's apartment, I received a text saying they had cancelled my Monday morning flight and re-booked me on the 8 p.m. flight. This was alarming news since they expected an ice storm to begin sometime on Monday or Tuesday. Thankfully, Bryce's workplace closed down early for the day and he drove me to the airport. Despite cancellation of 2/3rds of all flights out of Dallas Love's Field, my 8 p.m. flight took off as scheduled and I landed in Indianapolis at 11 p.m. that night. If I hadn't been able to catch that flight, Bryce would have been stuck with me until Friday since the ice storm lasted 3 days (thankfully, Bryce could work from home). While it was a good trip, full of excellent visits with loved ones, I so appreciate getting home and back into my routines (especially my prayer routine, disrupted the day we walked all over Dallas and made up the following day with an extra prayer slot).

Book Review: Hillbilly Elegy

Many months ago (pre-pandemic?), my book club selected Hillbilly Elegy for discussion. I couldn't make it for that meeting and didn't snag the book. Still, I was interested in reading it. Then, I saw it offered on Netflix. (Sean is paying for an account right now and though I despise Netflix for many of their choices, it sucked me into watching The Crown.) If possible, I always attempt to read a book before viewing a movie adaptation. Now that I've finished the book, I tried the movie, but the language is such a barrier I cannot continue.

J. D. Vance was born in a holler in Kentucky to a family of messed-up hillbillies. This memoir of his life, and his rise out of the restraints of poverty and disadvantage, is a testament to love's importance. J. D.'s grandmother, "Mamaw," was one of the few stabilizing factors in his upbringing. She encouraged him to pursue an education, to set lofty goals for himself, to reach for a better life. He accomplished all of that. But the book is not just a story of one life, it is a story of many lives. The author provides commentary on the plight and hopelessness of a whole stratum of society. This tragic, yet ultimately redemptive, story sucks the reader (or listener - I had to listen only on solo car trips because of the foul language) in entirely. While there were a few things I disagreed with, I appreciated Vance's insider perspective on the dying dreams of the working-class. This serious reflection, lamenting the death of the American Dream, is fascinating, disturbing, and inspiring. Surely something must be done to reach the people who fall into this trap with a noose around their legs, holding them down.

Vance doesn't identify a problem and call it a day. He is now a conservative Senator for Ohio. I'd be willing to take another gamble and try his upcoming book, A Relevant Faith: Searching for a Meaningful American Christianity. Hopefully, that book (since it focuses on faith) will not be as rife with expletives and coarse conversation.

Content Caution: 📒 - language, drugs