The Stump: I Can Say, Hi!"

Keeping Perspective and Rejoicing in the Little Things

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.

I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I’d do more hugging and less tugging.

I’d build self-esteem first, and the new house later.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I’d teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love.

I pick up a book. The moments I have to browse a book as Maddy or Pita naps, or our newest beautiful girl nurses, or she rests in my arms, are much-enjoyed. However, my stack of "finished" books looks like a hill compared to Caleb's Himalayan mound. To read through a chapter during lulls (that are purposely made) is an accomplishment. Chapter-by-chapter, they all add up, and they are: The Five Love Languages, Woman Power, The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, The Attachment Parenting Book, Breastfeeding and Catholic Motherhood, Vaccines: Are They Really Safe and Effective?, Mother Teresa: In My Own Words, A Charlotte Mason Education, The Four Loves, Full of Grace,
Birth Order Blues, Audrey, St. Therese of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul, A Year With The Saints

November 2007
Here are some recent notables reads. (I need to do better about updating my list: too many titles fall through the memory cracks.) In no particular order:
- The Death of the Grown-Up - The End of Education - Technopoly - Building a Bridge to the 18th Century - Playing for Pizza - Truth and Tolerance - Dark Materials (a nice commentary)

May 2007
After 4 years of graduate school, reading can lose its luster. Over Easter break, I picked up a couple books from the library only to remember that reading can be thrilling! Since then, I have become addicted. Here are some of my recent reads:
- Strong Father, Strong Daughers: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know - Fear Nothing - Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of New China - Brother Odd - Mirrors of the Unseen - Door to December - The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism - Dawn of Empire