Monday we enjoyed going to the park, baking peppernuts (with Silas and his cousins),   sharing games, conversation and the evening, my parents got to babysit Silas while the four of us went to dinner and then hit up a local brewery.  We had a lot of fun playing Monopoly Deal and watching all the many people come and greet Josh and Teresa at the Corner Brewery.  Tuesday it kind of snowed and I had arranged with a college friend, Sandy,  to get together with her and meet her son, Joshua. She picked us up, visited with my parents for a bit and we headed out.  We were recommended to a cute little local cafe called Beezy‘s in Ypsilanti.  Sandy dropped us off at home and then Josh took us out to shop at Trader Joe’s and their local Asian Market.  One of the biggest most diverse Asian Markets I’ve been to.  There was a whole room of live sea creatures, you could have killed fresh to eat for dinner: ells, lobster, crab, turtle, and all kinds of fish.  We bought some crab and ingredients to make a creamy curry crab dish for a special celebration of Josh graduating with his Bachelor’s in business finance from EMU.   Wednesday morning, we got up and played more with Silas, until it was time for lunch and then it was time for Nick and I to go to the airport.  We had a great visit with family, but we needed to get home as well.

Nick headed back to work Thursday after being able to watch his brother, Alex play with the Wichita Wings Wednesday night.  Friday was a short day of work for Nick and another game to watch on line.  We got to see Alex score his first goal and the team won against the Missouri Comets, after a very exciting, intense game.

New Year’s celebrations began Saturday morning with a trip to REI, we didn’t make it to the garage sale, but we did go to breakfast with our dear friends, the Sellars.  After catching up with them for a while, back home for a nap and then getting ready for a causal dinner with neighbors and friends.  We had 11 for dinner and one more join us for games later.  We had a blast chatting and although it was a very random group of friends, many of us had traveled internationally, so it was fun to connect in a different way.  We laughed as the men battled the women on Gestures and Catch Phrase, and ended the evening with a pseudo countdown and a champagne toast.   One of our friends spent the night so we invited others over for breakfast Sunday morning.  We ended up with 5 for pumpkin pancakes and eggs, and Mimosas.  It was a great time of sharing together.

* Unabridged Audio Books in my car en-route to school.

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey*

Great book – interesting Christian dimension that I did not expect.  Good life principles.

2. Make Money not Excuses by Jean Chatzky*

Simple, straight talk to women about money and what to do to make more and keep it.

3. The Overton Window by Glen Beck

Science Fiction, political thriller, but maybe not to far off.  Interesting read – took me 2 days.

4. The Ultimate Cheepskates Roadmap to True Riches by Jeff Yeager*

Nice take on money, he’s a bit crude, but makes his point that if you spend less you have the ability to earn less and be happy.

5. The Naked Gospel by Andrew Farley

Revolutionizing book about the Old Covenant vs. New Covenant.  We are forgiven and saved and dwelt once in Christ and we should live that way, including living by grace NOT the law.

6. The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn*

Treasure in heaven is better than treasure on earth, make deposits there where you can “send it on ahead” instead of leaving it behind.

7. Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller

Memoir of a three-month journey of Donald as a young man and a friend as they travel WV van from TX to OR and the learning along the way.

 8.  Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper*

Call to Christian to live a life worthy of hearing God say, “Well done”. Call against American consumerism and lack of care related to unbelievers going to hell.

9.   Emergence Labeled Autism by Temple Grandin*

A true story of the process of growing up an emerging “out” to become a very successful woman who has autism. HBO documentary based on this book was done in 2010.

10. Under the Tuscan Sun by Audrey Wells*

Way better than the movie, so I hear. Loved all the Tuscan culture, language and food.  She buys an old villa and renovated it. They grow tons of local produce, and she even includes yummy recipes.

11. 90 Minutes in Heaven  by Don Piper*

Wow, this incredible true story about a horrible car accident and Don was pronounced dead at the scene then tells of his experience at Heaven’s gate and the story of his return to earth and miraculous recovery.

12. House Rules by Jody Picoult

The main character is an 18-yr old boy who has Asperger’s Syndrome.  His obsession is forensics and therefore he ends up being at a crime scene and charged with murder.

13. Fearless by Max Lucado*

We live a life of fear, but Jesus calls us to live trusting him and fearless.

14. Days of Glory, Seasons of Night  by Marilee P. Dunker

The story of Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision, and his family.  Their life and struggles as a family torn between their father serving God and being a father.

15. The Horse Boy by Rupert Isaacson*

True story of this father’s quest to the outer regions of Mongolia to heal his son who has autism.

16. Blink by Malcom Gladwell*

Psychologist’s perspective and research of how we make split second decisions in the blink of our eye.

17. A Mile in My Flip-Flops  by Melody Carlson

Novel of a woman healing through a house flip.  She finds God again in her life and a new romance as well.

18. Spiritual Arts  by Jill Briscoe

Spiritual life is not just a gift, but it must be cultivated in the form of various arts to practice.

19. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence

16th century monk who learned and shared about the practice of being in the presence of God through his daily life.

20.  Animals in Translation  by Temple Grandin*

A look at animals and autism through the eyes of a woman who has autism and is brilliant at communicating it.

21. Sex God  by Rob Bell*

I really enjoyed this look at Christianity in terms of relationship and spirituality and sexuality.  Rob Bell writes in a very easy to read/listen to way and much of the book terms that “this. . . is about that.” Everything we think about and divulge into is truly about something else.

22. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus  by John Gray*

A look at the difference between Martians and Venusians . . . and how understanding and appreciating the differences can help us to know and appreciate, and better understand our spouse more.

23. Celebration of Discipline  by Richard Foster

A scriptural and practical look at the spiritual disciplines. I really enjoyed the practical application of this book. I’ve tried to read others and gotten lost in the theology.

24. Brain Matters: Translating Research into Classroom Practice by Patricia Wolfe

Great easy to understand descriptions of research and what and how the brain works, plus almost half the book is multi grade level suggestions and activities of ways to activate the brain for learning.

25. Teaching Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Clarissa Willis

Practical ideas and theory about Autism and how to teach, not a lot of new information for me, but some good reminders and easy to read for beginners learning about young children with ASD.

26. The Bookseller of Kabul by AsneSeierstad

Wow, great book and look into the life of an Afgani family.  Written by the perspective from as inside as Asne could get, living with the Khan family and hearing from all of them.

27. The Nanny Dairies  by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Very funny, and ironically crazy look into the life of a nanny working for a high upper class Manhattan family.  Great beach book.  ;-)

28. Too Busy Not to Pray: Slowing Down to be with God  by Bill Hybels*

This book I think I have read before, but didn’t remember it. It is your typical “church” book on prayer and how God speaks. Some good reminders, but not altogether fabulous.

29. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

Another one that I’ve read before, but a great re-read.  Separation of heaven and hell and earth. It’s a great look at what it might be like, but more than that, what keeps us from truly knowing and loving God.

30. The Bitter and the Bold by Jay M. Rasooli and Cady H. Allen

This is the story of Dr. Saeed of Iran.  Born late 1800’s, he became a christian as an early adult and through missionaries learned and studied God and medicine.  He was very influential in his day. Interesting short story about his life and the persecution due to Islam and culture, yet he persevered and ministered to all walks.

31. Desiring God by John Piper*

Philosophy of Christian Hedonist – our purpose on life is to glorify God and ENJOY him forever.

32. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer*

Very interesting book of short stories told along the road. I listed to this one as it was intended, I figured. I listed to it in a modern version of English with a narrator to help in the transitions.  Very interesting to think about the various styles of tales back in the day.

33. Against Medical Advise by James Patterson, Hal Friedman, Cory Friedman

Fascinating book about Cory’s struggle with Tourette’s Syndrome and his 13 year battle against his body.  This is a great read that I enjoyed especially since I work with kids with special needs and could possibly interact with this in the future.  Also fits into my natural seeking journey right now as well.  Great read!

34. Forgotten God by Francis Chan

The Holy Spirit’s power is not in America the way it was in scripture. Chan dives into some of this through an encouraging read of practicality that he is great at.

35. Pilgrims Progress  by John Bunyan*

I think I read this a long time ago, but I really enjoyed listening to it and catching all the Biblical references.  Fabulous and timeless story.

36. HoneymooninTehran by Azadeh Moaveni*

Phenomenal book of an insider’s view of Tehran, Iran.  Azadeh’s family immigrated to America before she was born, she returned to her homeland as an adult. This is her story of living there around 2005 and the turn over of the presidency to Ahmadinejad.

37. Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by RhodaJanzen

Memoir, at times crash as she turns away from the Mennonite tradition, but through her struggle she comes to accept and appreciate her upbringing.  Many things I laughed out loud about that I enjoy in the Mennonite tradition.

38.  Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker

Written by a Mennonite, so many of the stories and things she mentions are familiar.  Lorilee visited many Amish homes and farms and learned how they are so financially doing ok, despite the recession. Their motto: Use it up, wear it out, or do without.

39. Erasing Hell by Francis Chan

Chan’s response to Rob Bell’s Love Wins.  I commend Chan for the research of original languages and culture in interpreting what scripture has to say about Hell.  The biggest lesson learned is that hell referred to in the Bible is towards believers, not unbelievers (hell, fire and brimstone sermons) and that should motivate us to live in love so much more!!

40. The Cat Who Went Into The Closet by Lilian Jackson Braun

Cute, easy read about a mystery seeking bachelor who lives with two very curious and 6th sensed cats.  Recommended and given by my mom and also mentioned in the Mennonite in the Little Black Dress.

41. Hudson Taylor  by J. Hudson Taylor

Autobiography of the man who began the China Inland Mission.  Amazing story of God’s provisions and Taylor’s faith that led many to Christ. Excerpts from his diary and journals make up this small easy read.

42. The Bible  by God

Again, the best book ever and the greatest story of the world.  I am always amazed at the nuances that I can catch even after so many times reading it.

Today, I officially started a new blog. It’s going to be kind of a work blog.  I’ve always wanted to be able to support and help parents through the forest of darkness and confusion that special education holds.  We’ll see how it goes.  If you want to check it out go here.  It’s specialeducationhelp.wordpress.com.

This is a blog of my thoughts and connections about special education as well as recommended sites for information and helpful tips.

Soon I’ll be posting my 2011 reading list.  I was able to read and listen to many books this year. I really enjoy being able to document them and my thoughts, so that in a way keep a journal of books.  This year I have read at most 5 books at the same time.  Some recommended, some browsed on at the library and others by authors I admire.

We will continue to blog our journey as the Moseley’s here as well as Nick will continue his photo blog and technical blog.

Our life is becoming more black and white. . .

Let me know by taking the following survey.View This Poll

On our way to Kansas for a vacation with family, we stayed overnight in Quinter specifically to visit Castle Rock.  Though the morning was overcast and didn’t make for the best photos, it was certainly worth the excursion.

Enjoy this video from our trip!  The first portion of pictures were of Castle Rock and Monument Rocks, south of Quinter, KS.  More on those photos to come later!

http://vimeo.com/31527211

This scrimmage was open to public and a live game.  We were extremely fortunate as the game was being played during the week when we were already going to be in Kansas.  Alex played superbly, still impressing his family.  He was aggressive and always in a good position – even with three chances to score – but most impressive was his defensive skills.  Not long after the game, Alex was pulled away from autograph signing to visit with the general manager.  At that moment, the GM had offered Alex a 3-year contract!  (Additionally, Alex’s longtime friend Kevin was also offered a contract.  They have played soccer together since they were very young)

Nicolas hasn’t done many sporting event photos, so many of them were blurry due to dim lighting and slower shutter speeds.  However, some turned out well.  We hope you enjoy them.

Congratulations Boofy, you’ve made the family and us so proud!