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Looking outside…it’s wicked cold. In fact, I don’t think it’s hit the 20s yesterday or today. We’ve had some gorgeous hoar frost though. We’re looking at negative temps this coming week.Listening…to The Artist getting ready to leave. He’s spending the day with a friend’s family. The Doctor is in the office.Loving…that we are welcoming in a new year. Like many people, our 2016 was a difficult one for a myriad of reasons and while we had some good moments, I am not sad to see it leave. I have hope for 2017 and the new opportunities that are coming our way.Thinking…that my brain has too many tabs open right now. We all say things we shouldn’t at times. But, it is difficult to have relationships where there is poor communication. When each party believes they are right in their perceived opinions and each refuses to not only see the others’ perspective, but admit fault or accountability for the failed relationship. In my years working in the professional world, I learned very early on that people have more respect for someone who can admit they’re wrong or that they made a mistake, rather than deny something. But I also learned that many people have a complete inability to do so. I once worked with a woman who, despite being presented with photographic proof, would lie to your face rather than admit she’d made any kind of mistake or said or done anything hurtful. And in any kind of relationship, it’s sad to realize that while there are regrets, you can’t do anything to change the past and perceived wrongs or hurt feelings sometimes just can’t be overcome. But hopefully there are lessons to be learned and experiences not to be repeated. And perhaps, at some point, a softening of hearts.In my kitchen…a cup of hot chocolate. Wearing…blue BSU pajamas, gray turtleneck and fuzzy purple slippers.Hoping…I don’t even know what to say. I have so many thoughts going through my mind right now. There are opportunities and unknowns and so many possibilities before us.Reading…nothing of note. This has not been a great reading year for me. I do have a 2016 wrap-up post scheduled for Monday.Today…a quiet day at home. The Boy had his wisdom teeth out on Thursday, so he’s still swollen and in some pain, but he’s hoping to finally eat real food today. The Artist is hanging out at a friend’s house and has a youth dance tonight. We have no New Years Eve plans. We really are homebodies. We do have dinner plans tomorrow night with good friends. We watched The Martian (extended edition) last night as a family. Love that movie. Loved the book, too.Quoting…“Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.” – Neil Gaiman, misquoting G.K. Chesterton in Coraline. I love his version better…Feeling…So tired. But so relieved in may ways. As of today, we are truly self-employed. There is a maelstrom of emotion involved, but also a sense of relief. It is time.Planning…we have lists of things we need to take care of in the next couple of weeks as we get things finalized for this new practice.Gratitude…for my family. For extended family. For good friends. For a support system. For faith, fleeting though it sometimes is. For hope. For life lessons, change and opportunity.From the internets this week…  Thank you for visiting here at 2 Kids and Tired Books. Thank you for your comments, for your thoughts. Thank you for your follows on Facebook and Twitter. I wish each of you an amazing 2017. May your hopes, dreams and wishes come true and may you find joy in your journeys.What about you? What are you reflecting on this week? How has your week gone?©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Books 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than 2 Kids and Tired Books or 2 Kids and Tired Books Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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I keep a wish list on Goodreads called “want to read”. Currently, it’s up to 2547. Yeah. I also have several stacks of books tucked against walls throughout my house. Each is probably at least 3 feet high of books I haven’t read yet. I periodically go through my list and purge it, but it still is not slowing down. Nor are the books that keep appearing on my Kindle. They’re all still on my wish list, I just haven’t gotten to them yet.Each month I highlight 5 books I want to read. I don’t set out to plan themes, but somehow patterns creep into my viewing.Postcards. I love postcards.I remember a time when letter writing was the only way to communicate with people long-distance, other than phone calls.I have hand-written letters that my dad sent me while I was in college and I treasure them, now that he’s gone. He traveled quite often for his job when I was young and while most of the time his travels were classified, he would sometimes send us postcards when he could.I love sending and receiving postcards in the mail. It is always a treat to receive a quick note from someone who was often traveling.—————————————-The Postcard by Leah Fleming2002, AustraliaOn his death bed, Melissa Boyd’s father confesses a secret so devastating that Melissa, armed with only a few tattered keepsakes, including an old postcard addressed to someone called Desmond, embarks on a journey that will take her across oceans and into the past…1930s, LondonCaroline has led a privileged life, supported by her Aunt Phoebe. But when her impulsive elopement to Cairo quickly turns sour, she finds herself alone with a newborn son. Then war breaks out and Caroline feels compelled to play her part. Leaving her son, Desmond, with Phoebe, she begins a dangerous existence on the front lines. But when Caroline finally returns, Desmond has disappeared.From the wild moors of Scotland and wartime London to exotic Egypt and the Australian frontier, Leah Fleming weaves an epic tale of love, loss and the ties that bind families together.Fifteen Postcards by Kirsten McKenzieHistory shapes those who travel through it Following the unexplained disappearance of her parents, and in a last ditch attempt to save the antique store she has inherited from financial ruin, Sarah Lester takes on a deceased estate. Amongst the estate is a collection of fifteen vintage postcards.Sarah is unprepared for what these postcards hint at about their reclusive former owner, and soon they complicate her life in unimaginable ways.Traversing three continents and two centuries, where tiger hunts and ruby necklaces are irrevocably entwined with murders and mysteries, auction houses and antiquities, Sarah is drawn into the enigma that could solve her parents’ disappearance.Postcards from Cookie by Caroline ClarkeAward-winning journalist and host of Black “Enterprise” Business Report Caroline Clarke’s moving memoir of her surprise discovery of her birthmother—Cookie Cole, the daughter of Nat King Cole—and the relationship that blossomed between them through the heartfelt messages they exchanged on hundreds of postcards.Caroline Clarke was born in an era when adoptions were shameful, secret, and sealed. While she wondered about her biological parents, she kept her curiosity in check, until a series of small health problems raised concerns about her genetic heritage and its consequences for her two children’s lives and her own.Though Spence-Chapin Family Service, the agency that handled her adoption, could not reveal the name of her birth mother, it was able to provide details that lead to a shocking truth. Caroline’s birth mother and her family were related to a friend. The woman who gave her life was none other than Carole “Cookie” Cole, the daughter of iconic crooner and pianist Nat King Cole.Drawing on details provided by the agency and her own investigative skills, Caroline embarked on a life-changing journey of discovery that stretched from coast to coast, forged through e-mail, phone calls, and post cards. The constancy, volume, and intimacy of her steady correspondence with Cookie filled the days and distance between them. Through brief yet poignant messages squeezed onto three-inch open-faced squares, mother and daughter revealed themselves, sharing secrets, taking risks, and ultimately building a bond like no other.A heartfelt, inspiring tribute to both Caroline’s adoptive parents and her biological mother, Postcards from Cookie illuminates the enduring power of love to shape and guide our lives. Six Postcards Home by Michelle JacksonMichelle Jackson’s sixth bestselling novel Six Postcards Home is set in Dublin, London and Spain. Karen and Greg fall in love as teenagers but their story doesn’t run smoothly as a series of events and circumstances prevent them from being together. As middle age approaches it seems they will never be together…or will they?Postcards from Wonderland by Rona SimmonsOne night, at the end of an alley, Rose Margolin’s world changes forever, as if everything she’s ever known and trusted was pulled like a rug from beneath her feet.Everyone sees Isador for the dreamer he is, a talker, and ambitious to a fault—everyone that is except for Rose. She’s head-over-heels in love and determined to follow Isador wherever he leads, never imagining she’ll one day find herself face-to-face across a table from the boss of one of the 1920s era mobs and seeking help in the most unlikely places, from Jacob Moll a young neighbor and Samuel Bloom, better known as Earl the Ear—one of the mob’s most feared leg-breakers.The Revere, Massachusetts setting for Rona Simmons’ touching second novel is no accident. The beach at Revere, once known as “America’s Beach”, hosted Wonderland Park, an extravagant amusement park some consider a precursor to Disneyland. It was unlike any other seen before but proved to be unsustainable, its founders’ dreams dashed and their finances depleted, the park vanished, leaving behind only memories and postcards.—————————————-What about you? What books are on your “want to read/wish” list?5 Books I want to Read is a monthly meme started by Stephanie at Layered Pages. If you want to check out some other terrific bloggers and what their wish lists look like, you can do that here: Layered Pages, A Bookaholic Swede, The Maiden’s Court, A Literary Vacation.©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Books 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than 2 Kids and Tired Books or 2 Kids and Tired Books Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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I will freely admit that I judge books by their covers. The cover is usually what first captures my attention when browsing Goodreads or Netgalley. Actually, in all honesty, it isn’t just usually, it’s pretty much all the time. The cover determines if I look at the synopsis and reviews.Letters. Hand-written letters. Don’t you miss those? Technology is great, but holding a hand-written letter in your hand is special. This girl? She’s holding a handful of letters, obviously cherished because of the ribbon wrapped around them. Who are they from? What do they say? What secret thoughts are shared and confessed?What about you? Any book covers capture your attention this week?Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary. If you want to check out some other terrific bloggers and what their Cover Crush posts look like, you can do that here: The Maiden’s Court, Flashlight Commentary, A Bookaholic Swede, Layered Pages, indieBRAG.©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Books 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than 2 Kids and Tired Books or 2 Kids and Tired Books Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Seriously!©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Books 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than 2 Kids and Tired Books or 2 Kids and Tired Books Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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I normally do these reflections on Saturday, but it seemed appropriate to share them today.Looking outside…it’s cold and white. We woke up yesterday morning to 5 inches of new snow, on top of the 3 we had received on Friday. We have a white Christmas!Listening…to Christmas carols. The boys are enjoying their Christmas gifts. The Doctor is taking a nap. Loving…this Christmas season. I love that Christmas is on a Sunday. It just felt right to go to church on Christmas Day. Our Sunday morning was a lovely musical program and we sang, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day as the closing song. I love that song. It’s my favorite Christmas song.Thinking…that it’s been a good morning. We went to our ward for church and then went to my Mom’s ward because she narrated their Christmas music program and my sister sang in the choir.  Then, Mom came over for presents and we had a delightful time opening gifts. I find so much joy in watching the happiness of others as they open their gifts. In my kitchen…a cup of hot chocolate right now.  The roast is in the oven. We will have our Christmas dinner around 6:00-ish. I think there will be 10 of us. Last night we had our traditional soup dinner. I made taco soup and we ate by candlelight. It was delicious. Wearing…black skirt, black turtleneck, dark green cardigan and slippers.Hoping…that all of you, my readers and friends and family are having a wonderful holiday. As I sat in church today singing, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, I was moved to tears as we sang:”And in despair I bowed my head, ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said. ‘For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.'”I thought back on this tumultuous year of 2016. How hate-filled it has been because of politics and a polarizing election. I thought about the hate and violence directed at our police officers. I thought about the crime and the shootings and the racially-tinged violence and I realized that it would be very easy to think that there is no peace and that hate truly is too strong.  But then, we sang this:”Then pealed the bells more loud and deepGod is not dead, nor does he sleepThe wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on earth, good will to men.Then ringing singing on its wayThe world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men.”I was filled with a feeling of hope, for there are good people in this world. There are wonderful people in our communities. You are amazing. We have a twisted media that doesn’t like showing us the good things. Or, if they do, it’s not on a regular basis and its always biased. But, we can each make a difference where we are. We don’t have to hate. We don’t have to be mean and angry just because someone is different than we are, or has opinions or thoughts that differ from ours. We can smile. We can let a car merge in front of us. We can shovel someone else’s driveway after it has snowed 5 inches overnight. This world will move forward one way or another. Whether we all sit back and just observe it or whether we do all we can to make a difference is up to us. The world revolves, the sun always rises. What kind of day are you going to have?You are good and there are so many fantastic people around us. Be one of those people. Make a difference. Be kind. Do good. Love is a verb.Reading…last night we had our traditional story sharing. I love Christmas stories because they touch and inspire.Today…we had a wonderful time at church. We have opened gifts and shared with one another. We are hosting Christmas dinner at our home tonight and there will be about 10 of us. I am looking forward to spending this evening with family. To laugh and talk and share. To spend time with one another. To feel and show love.Quoting…While I love the original Hallelujah, I’ve never understood how it could be considered a Christmas song. So when Cloverton came out with their Christmas version, I loved it. The Christmas lyrics fit the song so well. Take a few minutes to listen.A Hallelujah ChristmasI’ve heard about this baby boy Who’s come to earth to bring us joy And I just want to sing this song to you It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth The minor fall, the major lift With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah A couple came to Bethlehem Expecting child, they searched the inn To find a place for You were coming soon There was no room for them to stay So in a manger filled with hay God’s only Son was born, oh Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah The shepherds left their flocks by night To see this baby wrapped in light A host of angels led them all to You It was just as the angels said You’ll find Him in a manger bed Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah A star shown bright up in the eastTo Bethlehem, the wisemen three Came many miles and journeyed long for You And to the place at which You were Their frankincense and gold and myrrh They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah I know You came to rescue me This baby boy would grow to be A man and one day die for me and you My sins would drive the nails in You That rugged cross was my cross, too Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, HallelujahLyrics by Cloverton (original lyrics and music by Leonard Cohen)Feeling…tender-hearted. My emotions are close to the surface. I am greatly blessed.Planning…I am not planning anything today. Christmas is a day to enjoy. To enjoy life and the company of family and friends and to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts He has given us.Gratitude…for my family. I say that a lot, but they are my world. These men of mine are amazing. I am grateful for a home filled with laughter and love. It has been so fun to listen to the boys be back together and laugh. There was a wrestling match this week and they were under threat of death if they hit the Christmas tree, but it was so fun to see them acting like tiger cubs and not almost full-grown men.From my world… This was our Christmas tree early this morning, after Santa had brought his presents. I love the magic of Christmas. What about you? What are you reflecting on today? From 2 Kids and Tired Books, we wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of Holidays.©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Books 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than 2 Kids and Tired Books or 2 Kids and Tired Books Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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