Book Report

As part of the curriculum for my Emotional Healing training, I have to read quite a few books. I just finished one called THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Dr. Gary Chapman. Rather than discuss it with you, I'm going to be presumptuous enough to post my own book report. (I have to do a short book report on every required book I read.)
Here goes:

Reading The Five Love Languages was quick, fun, and entertaining. One of my daughters and I took the profile test together to discover our love languages, and I had even more fun teasing my spouse and asking about his. I’m looking forward to reading The Five Love Languages of Children. However, as I pondered on what I’d read and how to apply it, I decided that some information was missing from the book. Dr. Chapman never addressed the idea of learning to accept love in a ‘foreign’ language. He, in no way, encouraged his readers to realize that our spouses may be working very hard to express their love for us. Dr. Chapman puts all the responsibility on the individual husband/wife for letting the spouse know he/she is loved. He never addresses the possibility that the spouse could learn to recognize the love language of his/her partner. I think this is a sad exclusion.

Maybe I’m just fortunate to have been raised with the teachings of recognizing the efforts of others, or of truly trying to live the golden rule. I’m aware of many other teachings from various child-rearing experts and marriage counselors that say we should always verbally express our love, and that hugs and physical touch are necessary for human thriving. Various religious leaders encourage their congregations to realize that acts of service are evidence of love. I believe there is individual responsibility for recognizing the efforts of one’s spouse to communicate his/her love to you.

That said, and after another fun discussion with my spouse, I think Dr. Chapman does have a good thing going because there is a great deal of comfort in knowing that I have effectively communicated my love to my spouse. I want to be sure that my husband knows how extremely much I love him, and for that to happen, I need to know and speak his love language. Dr. Chapman has provided an easily read, interesting book to help couples understand each other and express their love to each other appropriately. So, I will be passing this book along to my children and their spouses, and also instigating some fun dinner table conversations about the topic of love languages.

Jacob Allan

New baby boy arrived safely this afternoon. Jacob Allan McBride weighed in at 8 lb. 2 oz, 20" long. Sarah did well during the birth, but had extra bleeding afterwards. I hope she sleeps soundly tonight. Here are the promised pictures :)

Thanks for the Help

I threw my back out again yesterday. Same exact injury as last summer. Leaning over and suddenly there's a spasm/pop and I can't stand up. Thanks to my wonderful family for being so willing to help. Billy fed me and patiently used the massager on my back and hip. Melody helped me to the couch to watch a movie and listened to all my rambling thoughts on why did this happen and what can I do about it. John took care of my dog, fixed dinner, shopped, and was all around wonderful and attentive.

Then I got a text this morning that we have a grandbaby about to be born. Me and my frozen back aren't very capable of babysitting Jessica at the moment, but Melody was more than willing to be on call, and John offered to skip church. So far, Sarah Anne is just leaking water--no contractions--so we're proceeding with normal church activities. Except me. I just continue to rest and hope the chiropractor can see me tomorrow. I also hope I'll be able to walk well enough to go see a new grandbaby when the time comes.

Missing Month

I know, I know, I missed writing during all of January. What you missed was me complaining about not being able to walk anymore because of a foot injury, while having a grand time working out to my new Just Dance Wii program. I just planted my sore foot and moved the rest of my body like mad!

I also didn't post any Christmas pictures. Sorry. Those may be coming.

I am now in my second month of class training at the Institute of Healing Arts to become an emotional health facilitator through use of a modality called the process. It guides a person through his memories to find misperceptions/erroneous beliefs and the behaviors that came from those beliefs so that he can let go of behaviors that no longer serve. (Check it out at ihaofutah.com under the side tab "the process")

I'm learning tons about the energy of the body, the connection of mind/body/spirit, the variations in personalities and why they occur, and natural healing. I love it. The course is a year long and even gives continuing education units to various occupations (not music teachers, though.) I'll try to keep you posted on any extra cool things I've learned. Right now I'm just trying to keep up with the homework. I wrote two book reports today!

#9

On Christmas Day we got a special present in the form of an announcement. Rob and Sarah Emily are expecting baby #4...grandchild #9...in July of 2012. They even know it's a boy already! That will make five granddaughters, and four grandsons for us. Looking forward to the new baby boys. Sarah Anne and Nathaniel's boy is due in February.

Christmas Party Photos

Christmas Tree

I'm thankful for my kids and husband putting up my Christmas tree, and decorating it, while I was gone one day last week. I don't think I've ever had my tree up this early! I love seeing the lights twinkle against the ornaments, and I love remembering where each ornament came from and what it means.