Welcome to July’s last discussion over Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand! Any and all are welcome to contribute!

I will say that I was sad to see the book end.  I ended up liking it far more than I thought I was going to like it.  The last part of the book was full of action and it ended up all the loose ends, which sometimes annoys me but I don’t think it was done in a bad way.  I  think only the storyline of Gertrude and Ferguson seemed a bit rushed/not quite right. Kudos to the author, as this was her first novel!

Something that really irked me was the way that Mrs. Ali’s family treated her.  While I know culturally this is acceptable and done I just can’t wrap my mind around it.  I also can’t believe how Mrs. Ali put up with it.  She was a very intelligent independent woman.  It’s amazing what cultural/familial duties will push even those who don’t abide by all the customs anymore.  And it was quite amazing what she was willing to give up for Abdul Wahid and Amina.  I don’t think I could do that for a nephew of mine.  Especially one so obtuse.  But I guess she did it more for George.

Speaking of obtusness.  Roger.  Wow.  One would wonder how he came from the Major and is wife whom the Major kept saying was a sweet doting mother.  But then, even as the Major would point out, Roger said some of the same things the Major did.  However, the Major never said things with the same feeling/greed that Roger did.  He also understood love, maybe not how to always act on it but he did understand it.  Roger, is a freaking lost cause.

1. If you could be friends with one of the characters, which one would you be friends with and why?
2. What do you think was the Major’s Last Stand?
3. Do you think Amina made the right choice? Do you think she and Abdul Wahid will eventually get together?
4. What role did obligations play in this book?
5. How do you think the Golf Club will react to the marriage?

Thanks for reading and responding! If you would like to write a post for August’s Group Read let me know! Fresh perspectives are always wanted!

By A Spider's Thread

Tess Monaghan, private detective, is approached by Mark Rubin, a very very conservative Orthodox Jew whose wife and children are missing but the police have determined that it isn't a case for them. Rubin is insistent that their marriage was a good one, there was no abuse and he has no idea why his Natalie would leave him and take their children. The only thing he can come up with is maybe she was trying to save him from something?

The ever skeptical Tess, is skeptical. She figures Rubin to be a controlling arse of a husband, which he was to an extent, but a typical Orthodox husband if you come to think of it. Tess agrees to take the case because she needs money and he has lots of it.

Bit by bit Tess learns that Mark hasn't been that forthcoming with information as she learns details that make his perfect life and perfect wife sound not so perfect at all. Russian immigrants, lying about religion, prison deals, what else will Tess learn before she can find Natalie and the children? Will she find Natalie and the children? Are they even alive?

I of course, loved this one too! You can really see Lippman's writing getting better and better, the further into the series you get. Tess's love life gets a spotlight as does her Aunt Kitty's and those snippets lead me to believe Tesser is finally growing up in her mid-thirties! ;)

Have you ever dated someone else as a back up when the one you wanted was unattainable?

9 weeks!

I sadly do not have any new photos uploaded because I was a tad busy today cuddling with my girl since she got her 2 month shots.  Poor thing.  She has been fussy and cranky and I don't blame her.  Poor thing.  She barely napped today and when she did it was on me.  I do have a video from last week.

On Monday, my girl turned two months old.  It's crazy to me how far we've come in such a short time.  She is smiling, cooing, playing on her mat, tracking our voices, laying on her tummy and lifting her head up, sucking on her fingers and growing like crazy.  She is now 11 pounds 11 ounces.  Good lord. Still in size 3 months and wearing pampers size 1 2 diapers.  She likes sitting on our laps and looking out at the world.  She helped me cook dinner this week by sitting in her bumbo chair and laughing and watching.  She still naps in her swing and sleeps in the pack n play next to our bed.  She adores her play mat.  She will swat and smile at her toys for the longest time.  She also likes looking at our faces and smiling.  And we like smiling back.

We love you baby girl.



The Last Place

Laura Lippman sucked me in again. I think mystery books are my favorite of the summer.  Probably, because they are easy to get into and lack the flowering descriptions of the more literary picks!

In The Last Place, Tess is given a list of people by one of the boards that Whitney is a part of, who have been killed by a partner/spouse and needs to find out if they local police flubbed the investigations.  Seems easy enough, right?

Well, Tess screws up first by not looking at autopsy reports and then she arrives at a house to find a supposed dead victim alive????

Someone is messing with her and apparently has an agenda that Tess must figure out before anyone else dies.

I really liked this installment in the Tess Monaghan series until it got towards the end and there was a scene where people were fighting to basically see who was going to live.  It got a little gruesome and I kind of gagged at the visual painted.  Ewwwww. 

Overall, Tess is growing as an investigator and some of her dumb slips from before have gotten better and I think my favorite sub-plot was where she and Whitney may have used Nair on a guy who was trying to roofie girls drinks. ;)  Don't mess with them!

Has anyone else started this series since I started gushing about how much I love it?

August's Group Read is...

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark! We had a tie and using random.org this one appears to be the winner! We will be discussing the book in August every Friday.  Anyone is free to join us and I really hope that you do.  We had a ton of people show interest in July and then I think Lisa and I were the only ones who read the book, which is a shame because it was a good one! If you would like to write a guest post for one of the Friday's let me know!

Here is our discussion schedule:

Discussion 1 Chapters 1 -10 – August 5^th

Discussion 2 – Chapter 11-20 August 12^th

Discussion 3 – Chapter 21 – Chapter 32 August 19^th

Discussion 4 – Chapter 33 – the end August 26^th

About: A sweeping novel that brings to life two love stories, ninety years apart, set against the rich backdrop of war-torn India.

In 1947, American historian and veteran of WWII, Martin Mitchell, wins a Fulbright Fellowship to document the end of British rule in India. His wife, Evie, convinces him to take her and their young son along, hoping a shared adventure will mend their marriage, which has been strained by war.
But other places, other wars. Martin and Evie find themselves stranded in a colonial bungalow in the Himalayas due to violence surrounding the partition of India between Hindus and Muslims. In that house, hidden behind a brick wall, Evie discovers a packet of old letters, which tell a strange and compelling story of love and war involving two young Englishwomen who lived in the same house in 1857.

Drawn to their story, Evie embarks on a mission to piece together her Victorian mystery. Her search leads her through the bazaars and temples of India as well as the dying society of the British Raj. Along the way, Martin’s dark secret is exposed, unleashing a new wedge between Evie and him. As India struggles toward Independence, Evie struggles to save her marriage, pursuing her Victorian ghosts for answers.

Bursting with lavish detail and vivid imagery of Calcutta and beyond, The Sandalwood Tree is a powerful story about betrayal, forgiveness, fate, and love.

Hope you join us! Let me know in the comments if you plan to read along!

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Discussion 3

Welcome back to Discussion #3 over Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.  We are talking about chapters 14-18 or basically anything that has happened so far in the book.

I think the book has gotten better as it has gone on.  In the beginning I was worried it was going to be too dull for my sleep deprived mind to handle.  But minus a couple rambles of scenery it has moved along pretty fast and the Major’s dry humor has come out more and more.

I kinda wish this was a movie, just because I would have loved to have seen the scene at the Golf Club’s dance!

It is very interesting to see the differing degrees of prejudices that the different characters in the book have.  And the fact that they just say things that are incredibly offensive aloud! But I think that does have something to do with British culture/attitude.  Still, it amazes me how many of them were so very rude to Mrs. Ali’s face or would say mean things about her just because of her skin color.  Even the Vicar from the church was horrid.  Honestly, I wouldn’t want to spend time with any of them if I were the Major.  Mean people all around!

1. Would you ever make the sacrifice for your family like Mrs. Ali made for her nephew and Amina?

2. Do you think the reaction that the Major and Mrs. Ali got from their respective friends and family were typical? Do you see this ype of prejudice happen? Has it happened to you?

3. Speaking of prejudice.. small mindness comes up a lot.  Who is small minded? How is it shown in the book?

4. What is your opinion of Ferguson and Lord Dagenham’s idea for the village?

5. If you were to attend the Golf Club’s dinner/dance what would your costume look like?

Next week will be our last discussion over Major Pettigrew! Don’t forget to vote for August’s read.

Buffett Bound!

At the Bama Breeze
You can shoot some pool down there
You can act a fool down there
You can play it cool down there

[ Buffett, Chicago 2004]

At the Bama Breeze
You can drink some beer down there
Argue, laugh, and cheer down there
Pass another year down there

[Buffett, Alpine Valley, 2008 ]

Jimmy got caught smoking a joint
Out behind the bar
Sittin' in his car
And they took him to jail
The tip jar paid his bail

[Buffett, Alpine Valley, 2008 ]

In 1984 Mick Jagger
Passed through town
Bought the house a round
Signed his name on the wall
In the ladies bathroom stall... yeah

[Buffett, Alpine Valley, 2008 ]

At the Bama Breeze
I turned 21 down there
Had too much fun down there
Stumbled out with the sun down there

[Buffett, Cincinnati, 2009 ]

Saturday night the bouncer Grady
Lets the ladies in free with the fake I.D
And the short-enough skirt
Yeah figures what the hell could it hurt

[Buffett, Cincinnati, 2009]

Second set the owner Lulu
Get's up with the band
A beer in her hand
And sings "Freebird" slow
Then she raises a toast
Here's to Ronnie and the boys
Now everybody make some noise!

[Buffett, Pittsburgh, 2010]

At the Bama Breeze
You're one of our own down there
You never drink alone down there
Good God I feel at home down there

[Buffett, Pittsburgh 2010]

At the Bama Breeze
You're one of our own down there
You never drink alone down there
Good God I feel at home down there       

Spending the day down at DTE with some of my VERY favorite people listening to one of my very favorite singers. ;) The lyrics above? Bama Breeze by the one and only Jimmy Buffett! The bolded? How I feel when we get together with some of our favorite people!

Don't forget to vote for August's group read on the side bar!

My Girl is 8 weeks old!

Love her!

don't forget to vote for the august group read!

Yummy Quiche

On the 4^th, I really wanted to make a quiche for breakfast.  Buttttt.. we did not have milk and I didn’t want to go to the store.  Slight problem. So I was determined to make one the other weekend.  New problem, did not have pie crust nor desire to make pie crust.  Enter more googling.  I started googling quiche red potatoes because I had some from the farmers market and wondered if they would make a good ingredient.  And bada bing bada boom.  Enter red potatoes as the crust!!! So while glancing through many recipes at allrecipes.com and finding ingredients that I had on hand that I could throw in I found this blog,  Eat Drink Pretty is amazing! And so is therecipe I followed to make this delicious quiche!

4 red potatoes, thinly sliced
½ a yellow pepper, chopped
½ a sweet onion, chopped
½ a medium tomato chopped
½ cup feta/shredded cheddar cheese
4 eggs
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and pepper
Parsley
Garlic powder

 Preheat oven to 350. Grease pan.  Wash and cut the red potatoes in to very thin slices.  Arrange them around the pie pan.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, parsley and garlic powder.  (Careful on the amount of olive oil. I think I used too much on mine but it stilled turned out yummy).  Cook the potatoes in the oven for 15 minutes.  Take out and let cool for about 5 minutes.

 Chop up the vegetables and in a bowl mix the eggs and milk and more salt and pepper if you want.  Put the veggies on top of the potatoes and sprinkle with the cheese.  Then pour the egg/milk mixture on top.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes and add more cheese on top (if you want, and of course I want!) Then continue baking it until its been in there about 30-35 minutes and the egg is set.

What is your favorite breakfast to make?

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Discussion 2

Welcome to the second discussion of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand! This covers up to Chapter 13.  Any and all are welcome to partake in conversation, the more the merrier!

Okay, so I first have to say.. Major Pettigrews sister-in-law and niece are HORRID people.  Seriously.  He has much more couth than I.  I would have blown my cool and never gotten the gun out of their house because I would have been it damn clear I had no intentions of selling it and who cares how much it is worth! And may I say his old-fashioned manners are endearing but also so freaking aggravating!

"He had a vague idea that it was not manly to fuss over the details as he had been doing and that making finger sandwiches would be dubious."......  "And yet there was that fine line across which one might be betrayed into womanish fretting over details. " pg. 99

So very true.  Only a woman (mostly) would pay mind of what is going on the table for tea.  Guys? Oh I invited some people over for drinks and to watch football.  They simply will drink and watch football.  Women? Will provide snacks and worry about if there will be enough. Just go with the over generalization.

"The Internet? I think you'd better be very careful Roger.  I hear there is nothing but con games and pornography on that thing." pg. `102

bahahahaha. he is funny. And Roger? He is a wanker.

Something I noticed in the book that I notice in real life, what is it with old people and landscape and flowers? Is it a trait one learns when older or does the older generation just have that many more people that are obsessed with it? My grandparents/their peers seem to go on and on about nature.  Me? I will notice if something looks pretty, but I do not need to oooh and ahh over plants and peoples gardens.  And half the time when people point out gorgeous views? I think oh well that's nice, but nothing out of the ordinary.  I think the most beautiful things I've seen have been in the Upper Peninsula or in Jamaica. But for the most part, wildlife is wildlife and not that "pretty."

"As they shook hands, and promised  to meet again, he did not express his conviction that Daisy Green might represent a greater menace to the Mughal Empire than the conquering Rajput princes and the East India Company combined." - pg. 113 (hahaha proof he has a sense of humor)

"Oh, it's simple pragmatism, Dad.  It's called the real world.  If we refused to do business with the morally questionable, the deal volume would drop in half and the good guys like us would end up poor.  Then where would we all be?"
"On a nice dry spit of land known as the moral high ground?" suggested the Major. pg. 175

Oh my the Major kills me with his zingers! And wtf Roger? You are NOT one of the good guys.  I also liked Rogers dig at foreigners who take advantage of the elderly and the Major asking if Americans were not foreign as well because he had one in his sights. hahaha he is too much!

1. Do you think Roger and Abdul Wahid will both sleep in the same house? (no fair if you are are ahead and know!)

2. Do you think Sandy will ditch Roger for being a twit and side with the Major? (I kind of do.)

3. The Major seems to be evaluating his relationships with different people.  Marjorie brought up how Bertie felt like the inferior brother.  Roger comments on how the Major never sides with him.  Do you think the Major has been oblivious to how things have been all these years or do you think his manner of brushing unfortunate subjects away has made the discrepancies in how people see their relationships?

4. What do you think will happen with Abdul Wahid and Amina?


5. How do you see the gun drama ending?

Next Friday we will discuss chapters 14-18.  Don't forget to go to yesterday's post and suggest something for August!

Suggestions for August's Group Read

We've hit the middle of the month! So that means time to start thinking about what we shall read in August! I always think of August as a hot and steamy month.  Perhaps there is a hot and steamy novel you have been meaning to read.  Or maybe it is just a book that deals with relationships. Or perhaps August means something else to you and you have an entirely different type of book you'd like to read.  Either way suggest something!

Books We Have Already Discussed...Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Something Borrowed
The Blue Orchard
Sammy's Hill
In the Woods
Shanghai Girls
The Weight of Water
Water for Elephants
The Color Purple
The One That I Want
The Secret Garden
House Rules
American Wife
Firefly Lane
Middlesex
The Reader The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
The Awakening
Pride & Prejudice
I See You Everywhere

Suggestions will be taken until July 19th and then I will add the poll for voting up on the sidebar! Thanks for participating!

Where I exploit my child..

::sigh::: She is pretty darn adorable when I am not making fun of her ears, her baby zits, how she acts right before we start to nurse, her grunts or the way she tries to poo.

Last night she slept from 9:30-4:30 and 5 to 7:30 and now went down for a nap at 9.  Loving it.

Got a babysitter for Buffett and an extra friend is tagging along. Woo Woo.

I don't have much to report this week except I have pictures!

 my husband referred to this one as her Julie Andrews look.. i don't see it.

I'm kind of in love with this one. ha

swoon...

love this expression!

and my happy girl!

The Piggy Dress

I was one of those kids.  You know the annoying know-it-all.  I was so much better than everyone because, well I was.  I was pretty darn awesome in my head, and thought I was just too cool for school.  Be it because I was NOT from here, so I was therefore, better than these hillbillies, or because I lived on the LAKE and they lived in a trailer or just a house in the middle of nowhere.  See? I was totally better.

Don’t ask me why it was so important to be better than everyone else, it just was.

Enter the piggy dress.

Now, I should also mention I have the worst memory EVER.  I remember hating this dress and thinking it was butt ugly.  And it WAS.  Long sleeved – knee length, peachy pink with freaking pigs all over it.  It was a hand-me-down.  From people who I did not even like because I was SOO much better than them.  But apparently, that did not stop me from wearing it.

And wear it to my best-friends birthday party I did.  And I apparently went on and on about how it was the coolest dress ever.  I have no idea why.  Maybe my 7 year old self knew it was butt ugly and this was my plan of attack.  Declaring the absolute ugliest thing cool would make it so? Who knows? I don’t even remember.

However? It is on tape.  Forever, I will be on a tape at this friend’s house declaring the piggy dress cool and anyone not wearing it, so not cool.  Forever, it will be brought up EVERY DAMN TIME I see them.  And me? Forever embarrassed.  Because it WAS A DAMN UGLY DRESS and I knew it then.  Because I was a stupid kid.  And because the people who have always known you, always know how to embarrass you at any time.

And even as an adult, I can’t stand to show a weakness. And no, I do not have any photographic proof of this.

This weeks prompt was to write about an embarrassing moment in your life. This is just one of the many. ;)

Best Salad Everrrrrr

So I had been googling feta and salads lately because I wanted to try making a dressing that I’d like and because I had a craving for feta.  I found a pasta feta salad recipe and kind of keeping that in mind I came up with this.  Of course measurements may be a bit off, I was just throwing stuff in!

1 Roma Tomato Chopped
Couple handfuls romaine lettuce
½ a cucumber, sliced
½ a yellow cucumber chopped
2 tbsp green olives chopped
2 tbsp chopped sweet onion
1 tbsp olive oil
Dash of balsamic vinegar
2 handful sprinkles feta cheese
Garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste

Put the romaine in a bowl.  Cut up everything and then mix it in with the lettuce.  I used my hands to get it all mixed together well (some people would use the word massage but I hate when I read the words massage and salads on blogs so I will just say I MIXED IT WELL!) Then I measured out the olive oil and poured it over the veggies and once again mixed it together.  Then I sprinkled salt, pepper and garlic pepper in and mixed it.  I tasted and decided it needed something else.. So I dribbled a little balsamic vinegar in and mixed it.  And tada! It was fabulous!!!!

My husband was even jealous of it, because I ate it all and did not share.  He had said he was full and didn’t want one but then when it was so gorgeous he got sad, so I shared a bite. ;)  This definitely could be topped with grilled chicken or add some beans in.  I think I would add some garbanzo beans next time or even some boiled eggs.

What is your favorite homemade salad dressing?

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand - Discussion 1

Welcome all to the Discussion 1 over July's Read, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Please forgive me because I have not read the full selection (Chap 1-7).  Umm something about a newborn, the 4th of July and being tired comes to mind.  Oh and I have to think about this! So please, if you did not slack like me, please please discuss and add a question or two! Oh and I apologize if this is random and all over the place, I kept editing this post as I was able to read some more throughout Thursday night! ;)

So far, I can tell that I like Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali.  They seem like quirky semi-older people who have more to them than most realize or care to know. I like that they both enjoy semi obscure books.  His son? Roger? A twat.  The girlfriend? A little much.

Englishism's I adore or notice
- cottages
- biscuits
- villages
- solicitor

What Englishism's did you notice? Like or hate them?

Best line ever??

"Oh go to hell, " whispered the Major into the translucent bottom of his teacup and covered his muttering with a cough. pg. 34

Questions shamelessly taken from litlovers.com

1. Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali have known one another for a time. What is it about this one moment, when he opens the door to her at the story's onset, that makes him fall in love with her?

2. How would you describe Major Pettigrew? In what way do we see him as "typically English"?

and the baby is waking up! Crapola.. I promise to be better next week! Sorry loves! Welcome to all the newcomers, and if any of you are in love with the book or want to write a guest post for one of the discussions let me know! Next Friday, we will cover Chapters 8-13!

Mom Pet Peeves

When I became a mom, I did not give up myself, my wants, likes or life.  I adjusted.  It annoys me when some people (moms/dads) go on and on about how they can’t do so many things now that they have a kid.  Why not??

 I mean my baby runs the show with her own feeding/eating schedule but we do what we want around it.  We adjust.  Things might take longer, be tougher, a little annoying at times, but I am so not going to pull the martyr card about it.

 Statements debunked

“Zomg, I had to cut my hair when I had a baby and can’t possibly wear it long, the baby will play with it.” – You chose to cut your hair.  Yes, it is annoying when your child pulls/yanks/tries to eat your hair.  You can pull it up when you are holding/feeding them and still rock the long hair.  I do not feel sorry for your new short ugly hairdo that you hate.

“Enjoy your bathroom/long showers while you can, after you have a kid you never get alone time in there. “ In the short month I’ve had an outside baby (in which I became an amazing know-it-all super mom) I think I have had a hot relatively long shower practically every day.  She has only been in the bathroom with me maybe 3 times so far.  Nap time, night time, when people are visiting or when my husband is home is a good enough time to shower.  Priorities.

“Ugh..we haven’t been on a date in months.  I have no idea what is in the theater or been to a restaurant in forever.” – Get a babysitter.  “But our family lives out of town!” – Get a babysitter.  Craigslist, sittercity.com , local colleges, your daycare, other daycares, ask parents for recommendations.  You won’t lose any super mom points if you get a non-family babysitter before your kid is a year old.

“We haven’t spent a night way from our 3 year old. Ever.” – Um, and you are happy about that?? Your child will not be scarred for life if she spends a night or two apart from you before she heads to kindergarten.  You will all be happier if you do spend time apart.

"MY kid ONLY gets breast milk. - While that is great, formula wouldn't kill them.  And way to make other moms feel bad about it.

"Oh, your kid doesn't sleep in their crib? I see you gave in.  He was in HIS crib from day 1." - I don't really think letting your kid bedshare / co-sleep with you is giving in.  Especially, when the kid is an infant.  I think it is called maximizing your sleep.  But, what do I know? I guess you could just let your newborn cry it out and scream bloody murder in their crib while you peacefully sleep in your own bedroom.  That should work out well.

ANY comments that come after Just Wait.. – You are seriously a douche if you start out conversations with this phrase.  I promise.

ANY comments that come after “Well you’ve only been a parent for.. and then JUST WAIT” will probably show up … - Still a douche.

People can and do have opinions and realistic concerns about things regardless of what level they are on the parenting/life pyramid.  But it would be nice if people would stop martyring themselves and trying to speak for all parents.  Some of us are rocking long hair, date nights, hot showers and getting plenty of sleep at night.  You can hate them too.

6 weeks today!

I can't believe we have gotten to 6 weeks already! Summer/time is flying by.  We had a fabulous long weekend and spent time with family and friends.  Isla spent half the weekend fighting naps/fussy and the other have sleeping through entire days practically.  A good mix if you will.  She did start her 6 week growth spurt today and that blows.  Up at 3:30, 5, 6:15, 7:15, 8:00 and nursed at all of those times.  Then was awake and nursed multiple times until 1:10 when I finally got her to nap.  Yikes. 

In the last week she typically wakes up for good by 9 am and then naps around 10:30 or 11 for either 2 or 3 hours.. then is up for a bit to nurse and then takes another nap for 2 or 3 hours and is up around 5 for a couple hours.  Sometimes she takes an hour nap in there.  Bedtime has been anywhere between 8 and 11 and she sleeps for at least one 4 hour stretch.  Sometimes more than one.  Sometimes she even does a 5 hour stretch.  She likes to be swaddled and her hands need to be contained, though she hates having them contained.  However, if they are free she will fling them around and wake herself up.  My husband got her to take a pacifier Sunday night to fall asleep, but for the most part she is indifferent.

She is wearing 3 month clothes and her 0-3 Gerber (which runs small) are getting to be too tight.  I'm sure she could still fit into some newborn but she owns so many 3 month stuff that I started putting her in it so she could wear it all at least once!

Nursing is going well, my left side produces far more than my right but I don't think it is problem worthy.  I've been pumping more, but not until empty, just either 10 or 15 or 20 minutes if I have the time.  She's taken a bottle from both my mom and mother-in-law but hasn't had too much success with my husband.  I'm a little concerned with how she will eat tomorrow while I am tutoring and my mom is watching her while going through this growth spurt, and how much dang milk do I have ready for her? I don't want to pump today for fear she will wake up and want to eat as soon as I start.  I have about 2 ounces in the fridge, I will probably have to pull a couple ounces from the freezer just in case.

She is smiling and looks darn cute while doing so.  She was 10 pounds 4 ounces at her appt and 22 and a quarter inches long.  Yay for growing girl. 

And my fave part.. the pics..

June At A Glance

Books Read

27. The Happiest Baby on the Block  (June)

28. Dreams of Joy – Lisa See (June)
29. In A Strange City – Laura Lippman (June)
30. Something Borrowed - Emily Giffin (June 19^th)
31. I, Alex Cross – James Patterson (June 26^th)
32. 10^th Anniversary – James Patterson (June 30^th)

I am actually shocked I was able to read this much! Probably helped that I get a lot of reading time during nursing and that they were all fairly quick reads that didn't require a lot of brain power! My favorite of the month was Dreams of Joy by Lisa See.

Currently Reading: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand next, which is our book club read and the next in the Laura Lippman series.

Fave Recipe Posted:

Cheesy Potato Casserole - I don't think I did much cooking in June, but I have made side dishes! Pasta salads, baked beans.. we have grilled a lot!

Fave Photos

What were your highlights of June?

10th Anniversary

If you've read my blog for awhile, you know I kind of get obsessed with series and authors and fly  through the series or the authors works quickly.  The Women's Murder Club is no exception.  I first read the series in the summer of 2009 and quickly caught up.  Now, I have to wait til once a year when James Patterson releases a new one.

In 10th anniversary, Sargent Lindsey Boxer gets married and enters baby fever.  Ironically, she has a case where a 15 year old girl is found by the side of the road bleeding, having recently given birth.  But there is no baby.  Cue, Lindsey and her partner attempting to find the baby while dealing with a 15 year olds many lies on the situation.  Enter an all girlz biker club, a potential serial rapist who is drugging his victims that Cindy is investigating and a murder trial Yuki is trying, you have quite the excitement.

I enjoyed the book, it was a quick read and easy to pick up and set down during nursing/naps/quick chances to read.  I still am in love with the series, but wish I could remember what had happened in the last book, since it's been a year!

Do you have a close group of friends that meet weekly/monthly or yearly? Do you and your friends have a spot that you always meet?

Have a fantastic weekend!!!!!!