Celebrations Aplenty

Happy Halloween

Also known around here as the day we got engaged. 

(That bottom right picture is from the actual day in 2001.)

And a little Throwback Thursday Halloween style.

Marriage Monday: Matters More

"What you do every day matters more than

 what you do every once in a while."

 -Gretchen Ruben, The Happiness Project

How can you positively apply 

this to your marriage? 

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.

PaperBack Swap

So it's been around for a while but I just found it. 

Here's how it works. You sign in, list a handful of books you're willing to swap and you get 2 credits (to start). You can go browse for books you'd like and use your credits. When others find books in your shelf that they want they request them. Each book you mail (and they receive) you earn another credit. You can then use those credits to request books of your own.

It's free. You just pay to ship your book (generally about $2 a book for medial mail) and it's yours to keep or list again and swap with someone else. Then when you request a book, they send it to you for free!

It's especially helpful if like me, your town library doesn't offer a huge selection. Also if you like to take your time reading and the library deadlines always come too fast. Plus it helps if you don't like to spend lots of money on a book.  This really helps clear out some of the books on your bookshelf...oh and then collect new ones. :) And if you really can't find anything you're in the mood to request, there is an option to buy to give you great discounts on books using those same credits.

I signed up about two weeks ago and have already mailed out a few handfuls of books and requested a few of my own.

Something fun to consider if you're a book lover like me.

Click here to sign up or learn more. 

Or go to http://www.paperbackswap.com
and use "Cranberryfries" as your referral. 

Anyone else use this too?

Marriage Monday: Support & Inspire

[Image Source]

Your words have great power. 

Use them to support and inspire. -Karen Salmansohn

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.

Reading Report 15

What I read from

September 12- October 13

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Contemporary, Young Adult, Metal Illness

Laurie Halse Anderson has a knack for writing real and raw topics and doing them well and even beautifully. This is a story about a teen dealing with an eating disorder, anorexia. It is told from her perspective so we see glimpses into a possible reality for those who suffer from this disorder. It's heartbreaking and haunting and dark and even a little hopeful. This book has some language

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Regency Romance

I reviewed this a few posts back. You can find it here. 

But in short, it was fabulous.

The Thing About Jane Spring by Sharon Krum

Adult, Romance, Chick Lit

A hard as nails woman lawyer doesn't know what she's doing wrong, why she can't get a man. So she finds someone it's worked for and uses her strategy. It just so happens, this person is Doris Day. From rough around the edges to simply sweet, does it end up working? Interesting plot idea but I thought the characters were a little weak. This one to me dragged on and on.

Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman

Dystopia, Middle Grade, Childrens

After World War III this little town is trying to sustain themselves by encouraging everyone to invent something every year. Hope is 12 and kinda stinks at this big time. She's brave and risk-taking though and enjoys jumping through the Bombs Breath (the off limits gas left over from the war). When bandits come into town Hope is determined to help any way she can. A cute dystopic story for young kids. I really think my 10 year old would love this one.

Update on my 2013 goal:

Current total 87/100 books (8% ahead of schedule). 

I gotta sprint to the finish line to hit my goal.

Did you set a goal this year? 

How are you doing with it?

Marriage Monday: A Happy Marriage is

[Image Source]

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers." -Ruth Bell Graham

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.

Marriage Monday: Climb the Palm Tree

So I'm sharing this snippet today in hopes that it at least does one thing. That it gets you talking to your spouse about sex. 

I am a firm believer that it is healthy and appropriate to talk to your spouse about sex. If you do already, yay! Give yourself a pat on the back.  If you don't, consider taking baby steps. Learn for yourself what you like. Tell your partner one of those things at an appropriate time. Ask your partner what they would like. Try it the next time you are feeling comfortable enough to do so.

There are many other ways to do this. Consider checking out a book on the topic (there are lots, it might take a little wading through to find one that you like), go on a date with your spouse specifically to discuss this topic (tell them before hand so they can prepare their thoughts too!), schedule an appointment with a professional therapist, write your thoughts down (and consider sharing it, or some of it with your spouse), etc.

Alright with out further ado, a little laugh for your Monday.

This video is from Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage Seminar by Mark Gungor. You can find more information and see a few other videos on his website Laugh Your Way.

Find my other Marriage Monday posts here.

Winner of Blackmoore

Congratulations!

Becky J!

Check your email! :)