Reflecting on April and May

Well, I haven't been a very diligent blogger lately, have I? I really haven't anything to say for myself either. But, here we are at the end of another month and I've decided to go back to posting my reflection, memory in good working order or not.
So here goes:
What books, magazines, or blogs have I been reading?
Twisting Throttle, the story of one man's journey on motorcycle circumnavigating Australia. I really liked it. Made me want to ride the coast overlooking the ocean, where the next landmass is Antarctica. La's Orchestra Saves the World: another Alexander McCall Smith book. I'm very fond of his writing, and it rather amazes me that as a man, he can write from the perspective of a woman so very well. I enjoyed this book.I subscribed to real simple and Weight Watchers magazines through Good Deal Gal, for something like $5. I am now remembering why I stopped receiving most magazines: I don't take the time to actually read them! I used to have lots of reading time when I was commuting to work or sitting around the crash pad. Now, I actually have to remind myself to pick them up.
I'm following the one-year chronological bible reading plan in the ESV. For the most part, I'm enjoying it, but I am also finding it rather difficult to be bouncing around so much. One day it will be the life of David from Samuel and Chronicles, and the next it will be Psalms 62, 35, and 117. I'm finding it more difficult to read it thoughtfully, strangely enough.

What have I been watching or listening to:
Five Mile Creek, Season 1. this was a series that we watched waaay back, when we lived in Oregon. We would go to the video store on the weekend, rent one VHS, which contained two episodes, and that was our big treat. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids or the parents. I don't remember, but I guess we had told Lori about it, because she hunted the series down and bought it for us. We will pass this along to some families that we think will enjoy it, too.

LOST, the Finale. I have really enjoyed this series. It was intelligent, beautifully filmed, and wonderfully acted. The finale didn't answer all the questions that I thought were so important before I watched it. LOST has always been a character and relationship show, and the finale was true to that. It truly is the people you love who make your world. Of course, the theology was flawed, but I didn't expect anything less. I am secure in my belief and don't expect unbelievers to portray the truth. But, God can make even the rocks cry out...
I discovered Timothy Keller's podcast. I think I enjoy it because it's a bit different from other preachers that I listen to, in that he is more of a teacher than a preacher (although the lines do cross).

What things did I do with my family and friends?
We had Silas' birthday party here in early April.
I went to Virginia for a week, to stay with Rachel and the girls while Isaac was in the Gulf working on the oil spill.
May 1 was the Donate Life Walk/Run with Joey and Lourdes.
Hannah came over twice to work on a dress.
April 15 was our church's ladies' retreat, a one day conference with contentment as the topic.
April 21-24 we were in San Mateo for Maker Faire; I flew home and Doug went to Las Vegas until that Thursday.
We went out for dinner with Mike and Irma, and I also met her for lunch.
Corrie and I went to a baby shower for Diana Urbina.
Today is Memorial Day and we are heading to the Bartosch's this afternoon.

My big purchase was a photo scanner. I have hundreds of family photos to scan, and I have put it off long enough. It's going to be a HUGE job, but it's also been fun to find little jewels.

I borrowed Saxon Algebra 1 from Teresa and have been working my way through the lessons. I'm hoping that I can pass the assessment test and avoid having to take a class.

I made a few knit tops, some simple jewelry, a photo book, and began a baby blanket for Diana Urbina. Hopefully, I'll get it done before the baby actually arrives! I also finished quite a few digi layouts.

Here are some photos and layouts:





Until next time, which hopefully won't be so long, God bless and keep you.