Keeping Busy!

I feel like I'm cleaning out my closet with all these old pictures, but I guess things just haven't gone as I would have hoped the last few months in the time management department. I'm not sure I have ANYONE to blame for that, but myself though! But, before I get into what's been filling my hours, I'll narrate these next two pictures! ;) WAY back in October we had a pumpkin carving party for some of Jared's co-workers. As I've mentioned in previous posts, Halloween is a pretty novel idea here in Copenhagen, though the Danes have been embracing it a lot more the last year or so.

I was really impressed at their works of art--a lot better than I usually do!

So my "free" time has been totally absorbed the last few months with reading... yes, I was reading a lot before, but it really did get a bit ridiculous the fall, even for me! The impetus for my reading explosion has been my membership in the Copenhagen Book Club. This is a "by-invitation-only" club that I was fortunate enough to join. There are about 25 members, mostly older women who have traveled and lived all over the world. We meet once a month and choose books to add to our library based on literary reviews... I have definitely been exposed to a lot of really wonderful books. If you're looking for one to curl up with over the holidays, here's a short list of my favorites:

1. Sun at Midnight by Rosie Thomas
2. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
3. The Future Homemakers of America by Laurie Graham
4. A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian by Marina Lewycka
5. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
6. Crow Lake by Mary Lawson
7. Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
8. Peace Like A River by Leif Enger

I've actually read about 20 books this fall, but I'd say that those are the best... hope you give one or two a try!

Jared got this stroller for Ruby this fall and she absolutely loves it! For about 3 weeks she used it almost non-stop... surprisingly we don't yet have a rut running around the house, but it's close! Ruby's also been practicing using her potty chair. Unfortunately we haven't made any major practice yet, but at least she's headed in the right direction!

We have also been busy preparing for our Christmas musical at church, "One Small Child". We have 35 singers and we have really had a good time learning the music. It's been fairly easy too, since we all have CDs/mp3s with our parts. So, I've been listening to mine on my mp3 player most days and have enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit. Jared even has a solo and a speaking part, so it should be fun!

I'll leave you with a picture of Ruby looking rather sad... I have no idea why she's looking sad, probably she just didn't want to smile for us since we were taking a picture. She's getting bad about that--I hate to say it, but she probably gets it from her Mommy! Oh well, we all have our grumpy moments!

Hope that you are enjoying every moment today without a grump in sight!