Reading: A review of Rosie

Rosie by Anne Lamott

      I just recently finished another beautiful novel by Anne Lamott. As I have mentioned before I love her writing for its honesty and purity. The story is about a paranoid mother, whose love for alcoholism is great, but never outgrows her love for her only daughter, Rosie.
   
      The novel is surrounded by loss and misery and is highlighted with several moments of joy and love. Throughout the book, Elizabeth, Rosie's mother, continues her indulgence in alcohol and self-pity, but manages to raise a beautiful, curious daughter. Elizabeth is often neglectful and drunk and although she is lonely, she loathes the company of others. She hates to wear her heart on her sleeve.
     
         In this novel, the reader will enjoy the directness of the heartaches and elation of motherhood. The characters are so real and their personalities so raw, it will feel as if they are more than acquaintances in your life.


           I highly recommend this book, as I do with all of Anne Lamott's books. An exquisite novel!! What a joy it is to get to know the character of Rosie and her mother, Elizabeth!






sidenote:   After posting on this, I just realized that this is the first book out of three about Rosie. Oh dear...I'm hooked. I better start saving for Crooked Little Heart and Imperfect Birds.

Currently Reading: Library Edition

I love the library. There is something so wonderful about the serenity and the need to be quiet in this place. It is filled with knowledge. Sometimes when I am stressed or bored, I will venture to one of these humble places. Here is what I have picked up...

Currently Reading:

I am such a sucker for interesting book titles. (I know...never judge a book by its cover. Who cares, I'm gonna read it anyway) I love Anne Lamott's writing. It is so pure and captures me everytime I read. If I can't find a book to read, or I wander into a library aimlessly, I always choose a book by her. Her Birds by Birds continues to inspire me to write.

Next on the list:

A bestseller...

A classic...

and a random. This time I chose mystery

I also bought these from Target and CANNOT wait to read them. I so wish I was in a book club. I love reading way too much!!

This is by my favorite author. How did I find her, you ask? I judge her book by the cover and love every piece of it. So there :)

and this enjoyable one that reminded me a bit of Eat, Pray, Love

I really need a book club!!! Anyone know of a great one?

Baby: 23 weeks

Here she is...23 weeks growing. Miss Lilly Mae Hurley. She sure has been kicking a lot lately!!

Life: Getting Organized

It has been wonderful having these weeks off from school. I am able to get so much done around the house. I am constantly seeking to find new ways to stay organized.

I definitely know that my issue is too many hobbies.
          It's nice that I love to read and I use the library (that takes place of book clutter).
          I also love to run (need new shoes, but that really takes up no space). It's my crafting. I can't help it. I was so into card making for a while, but I barely make cards now.

     All I want to do is make things for Lilly Mae and find ways to repurpose things. My collection for jars has gone out of control and Mr. Hurley is less than impressed with my ability to store things. I have an armoire that holds mostly everything, but it has become too large and to tell you the truth, I just don't like it there anymore.
     
     This is my quest over the next few days...to clean the house and my life. To rid myself of things that, although they may be sentimental, they must go!! I love spring cleaning!

So off it is to Winter Cleaning...or whatever.

Baby: 22 weeks and name

Here she is...Lilly Mae growing bigger...

If you have been following along, you may notice that Lily has changed to Lilly. PB (Pregnancy brain) took over and I forgot that Steven and I had discussed having two l's instead of one. Also it will be so fun to use these books as guest books for Lilly's baby shower. I saw the idea on Pinterest.

Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to upload week 23 of Lilly's home (my belly). Let's hope Instagram works this time. :)

Running: Growing belly, Freezing weather

Lilly is definitely growing. Today on our 2 mile run, I was definitely jogging slowly. I can't wait to meet her and from now on I think I will do walk/run intervals.

The weather is so chilly now!! I have to run with my jacket, pants, AND a knitted scarf. But it is the beat weather to run. And it is truly beautiful outside.

Running: pregnant and a dog

Sometimes it's nice to run alone and feel the freedom of just running in the wind, but other times it's nice to have a running buddy. These days I don't run hard or far, but for the high of running. Thursday I ran alone and felt the freedom of running in the middle of the street( it's great to live in a neighborhood).



Today I enjoyed a brisk walk/run with my favorite running dog: Gus Gus. Although he is stubborn, it's wonderful to have a little buddy. Soon Little Miss will be keeping me company. I hope one day he can run next to me without a leash.

I can always hope ;)

Week 21 Bump

Lily Mae is getting bigger!!

Baby: Pinterest Likes

Here are some of my favorite ideas for Baby Lily:

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Follow me on Pinterest!!

Life: Spending time together

Hubs and my favorite place is local coffee shops. Almost 10 years ago...we began our little love affair and it always began with coffee dates and ended with sushi dinners. Today we still carry on this personal tradition.

Well now that I am 'with child' hot cocoa has replaced coffee. Here are a few pics of us enjoying homemade cocoa and whipped cream.

DIY: baby changing table

First supplies:

baby changing table
sandpaper
primer
paint
2 paintbrushes
3 knobs

Use medium grain sandpaper to remove finish. You don't have to scrap it clean, just enough so the paint will stick.

Then a coat of primer.

One coat of paint...

Two coats of paint...

 Ready to assemble...makes sure its really dry.

The final outcome...

Well, until I insert gray and white contact paper and a changing pad.

Happy Birthday Sara Jane Duncan

I just can't say how much I truly love this woman!!! Despite her distance (Atlanta, Georgia), I enjoy so many things about her. Her blog, hellodarling, recently did a post on her husband for his birthday. So in true Hannah form, I must copy. Here is my post dedicated to this beautiful woman: Happy Birthday Sara Jane!!

The many reasons I love Sara Jane:

Her uninhibited obsession for music (i love music a little more because of her)

her super cuteness (adorable, right?)

her amazing fashion sense

her beauty (which is evident in her smile and laughter)

did I mention her amazing fashion sense.

and of course her humility.

I am blessed beyond by your friendship and although this post may seem borderline obsessive, just know that I treasure you and am so grateful for your kindness!!

Happy Birthday Sara!

Hope you have a happy day!

Baby: Shopping on a dime

Last weekend, the hubs found some great deals on Craigslist.org. The first purchase was a baby changing table for $20.

Then hubs made another trip to get a rocker for $40. They also threw in a bouncer and a pair of shoes.

Grand Total: $60...but it gets better

Of course we can't just settle with a baby changing table that has no 'hurley' style. So off to the hardware store we went.

And bought a mustard yellow shade of paint

2 paint brushes

Current total: $12 bucks (and tax) + 60= $72 bucks

Then we need cute knobs...so only Anthropologie would do the trick.

3 knobs @ $8 each= $24+tax

Grand total= 72+ 26= $98

Stay tuned for DIY instructions and final project :)

Gender Reveal Party

Pictures from our Gender Reveal Party! 

Eagerly waiting...

What originally happened was we made everyone wait to find out what gender baby we were having. We decided to be a little sneaky. So when everyone ate their cupcakes they found WHITE frosting. We then brought out the real cupcakes and our family found out that we are having a baby GIRL. Lily Mae will make her arrival sometime in April or early May. Can't wait to see her little face..and toes!!