Persuasion

I must confess that I am a complete girl in that I'm pretty addicted to romance. Let me clarify, though. I'm addicted to REAL romance - not the trashy dime-store paperback novel crappy-excuse-for-romance stuff. I'm talking the real deal.

So, naturally, I fell in love with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice when I first had to read it for school. It soon followed that I read Emma out of the pure bliss of finding an author who was a good writer AND a romantic at heart. I had every intention of reading all of her other fine works, but was sadly side-tracked by real life.

Thankfully, I can sometimes find short moments during my days to read a little when both girls are sleeping. A few months ago, having not ever lost my love of good literature and well-thought-out love stories, I went back to my favorite author to get my fix on my greatest addiction, and I wanted to share because I'm convinced that I'm not the only romance addict out there. ;)

I read Sense and Sensibility first, and of course, loved it. But I enjoyed that book purely for the ending. Austen is a master at creating great characters and allowing them to change dynamically throughout their stories. Just watching her characters grow and develop is very fulfilling, but the best part of this book was the happy ending and the realization of just how much her two main characters had changed (for the better).

However, her novel, Persuasion, is a different matter entirely. I found myself absolutely captivated by every chapter, every twist in the plot, every character, every subtle joke and beautiful setting. There were points in the story where our lovely author had caught me up so much that I found myself worried for the fate of the protagonist and actually smiling at the outcomes of certain events. I even laughed aloud at one point. I don't want to give the plot away because it's SO good, I want everyone to go out and read it now, but I just have to say that it is one of Austen's more satisfying tales of life and love.

One thing that has always been a little frustrating to me about her writing style is that she is SO good at writing dialogue, and she is SO good at writing passionate confessions of love from her male characters that I expect her to do the same for her female characters, but she never does. At the end of every novel, when the male love interest finally confesses his undying affection, the words are beautiful and eloquent. But afterward, when the female character is supposed to respond in like kind, Austen just tells us that she does, but gives us no dialogue to read. Now, there's been a lot of speculation by scholars as to why this is. I agree with those who say that it's probably because she wants to leave it to the imagination of the readers. BUT it still drives me crazy when she alludes to passionate words and then doesn't give us the satisfaction of actually reading them.

All that to say, however, I can honestly admit that in this novel, she has given me almost enough to make me forgive this one issue. Her main male character, in the height of passion, reveals his love in some of the most romantic words I've read in a long time, and in response, we actually get to see and hear a few from the main female character. It's not a lot, but it was enough for me to be absolutely elated! My heart soared with the two love-birds as they were finally given their happy ending (and don't tell me that I just revealed a spoiler because everyone knows that Jane Austen ONLY ever wrote happy endings), and I haven't been this satisfied by a love story in a while.

Ahh, I can't even explain the satisfaction I feel from finishing a great book, especially one so well-written and well-executed. Jane Austen has, again, captured my heart!

Go read it. You won't be disappointed!

Blessings!

Jen

P.S. I'll be posting about Elizabeth's 3rd birthday soon!

Another Post Already?

To those of you who know me well, this will not come as a surprise, but to those who don't, I am a HUGE book nerd. I don't often have time to read books, but when I do, I eat them up like chocolate-chip cookies (the chewy kind -- NOT those crappy crunchy ones).

I can't help myself; I simply love to read. Getting lost in a book is probably the most relaxing thing I can ever do. (And I wouldn't be a good English teacher if I didn't recommend it to all of you, too!)

Anyway, one of my all time favorite book series is Harry Potter. Now, no matter what your views are of this series (or books in general for that matter), I am proudly going on record stating that I am simply NUTS about them, and when the girls are old enough, I will definitely be urging them to read them too!

I love them for so many reasons, and I won't bog down this post with all of them right now. However, having recently had a conversation with my dad (he is currently reading them), I've been thinking about my favorite reason for liking them.

Of the many great things that J.K. Rowling does with her series, the coolest (and bravest in my opinion) thing that she does is champion a character trait that most others either forget or discredit all-together - Kindness.

In her books kindness means everything. Those who show kindness are considered great and even powerful. I would argue that Kindness is considered the most valuable character trait in her characters, and Dumbledore refers to its power many times throughout the books.

In fact, Harry's mother is known specifically for her kindness, and it is the trait that is shown as Harry's greatest asset in his fight against Voldemort.

In the end, it is small, seemingly random acts of kindness that ultimately cause the defeat of "You Know Who," and that made me so very happy to read.

It got me thinking; kindness is a trait that is so over-looked in our society today. In fact, a lot of people view it as a weakness. But what if we chose to act more kindly to others? What if that was our first reaction to a situation instead of a last resort?

What if I choose kindness the next time someone cuts me off in traffic? What if I choose kindness when I see someone walking the streets for a hand-out? What if I choose kindness the next time Stephen and I have a spat?

I might be viewed as weak by some, but could it be that I actually have more power than they think? Could my small, seemingly random acts of kindness lead to victories that I can't even see -- victories that affect more lives than I could ever know?

I dunno. I'm probably just spouting platitudes that you have all seen and heard before, but it's been on my heart lately, so I think I'll take a cue from MJ and "take a look at [myself] and make a change."

Blessings,
Jen

P.S. If you haven't yet, go read Harry Potter. You'll be glad you did!

Long Time No See!

I don't know if ANYONE still reads this thing because I have been TERRIBLE about keeping it up. I'd love to say that life got in the way (and it's kind of true), but the truth is that I just haven't felt the gumption to write. Oh, I've had plenty of things I felt like writing....I just couldn't make myself sit down and type.Maybe it's because I now have two little girls who demand so much of my time, I just selfishly want to "vegg" during the few moments I have to myself. Or maybe I just haven't felt like writing.

In any case, I'm back, and with a firm commitment to write more -- if for no other reason than I want to keep up my writing muscles. It's good to write, and it's even better having written!
Even if no one reads this anymore; I will, and I'll be glad for it.

Here are some fun pics of my girls to start us off:


So, the story behind this one is that Becca Desloge sweetly made two matching apple hats for the girls to wear together. I wanted to get a picture, but I could only force ONE of them to wear it. Sigh, maybe I'll try again later.

That's all for now, my wonderfully faithful readers. Next time I'll hopefully have something a little more meaty.

Blessings to all!

-Jen

Happy Halloween!

Hey everyone! Just a little post to share some fun pics of Elizabeth in her Halloween costume. She's the cutest kid, EVER! And also to say thanks for your prayers and support. My new job is hard, but the Lord has blessed us, and things are improving. It's so great to know that God's people are praying for us!

Hope your Halloween is "Spook-tacular!" :)

Long Time No Post!

Hello and long time no see to all the friends who usually keep up with this blog!

I know I've neglected this thing lately, and I think that it's b/c SO much has happened that I've had no time to post about it all!

Anyway, it's high time for an update and some fun pics!

Stephen: He's working on his last year of officially taking classes, and for this program, that's saying a lot! As soon as he is done with all of the requirements of classwork, he'll be free to focus on lab work and his dissertation. He's SO ready to be done w/ class, and I don't blame him! It's a lot of stress! However, proud wifey that I am, I have to brag that he is doing REALLY well. Even though it's tough, he's rockin out, and I knew he would. Keep him in your prayers that he can finish his classes strong!

Jen: An update on my current situation would take WAY too long, and I'm pretty sure that I'd be tempted to complain, so I'll just ask for prayer. I've started my nannying job, and let's just say, it's not what it was supposed to be. It was supposed to be a way for me to learn how to take care of more than one child, a chance for us to make some desperately needed extra money, and a chance for Elizabeth to have a new playmate. Unfortunately, that's not what it ended up being at ALL. Please pray for me to have strength, kindness, and wisdom in this situation, and that I will have the discernment to know if I should keep this job or quit for Elizabeth's sake.

Elizabeth: She's about to be 15months old, and she is amazing us at every turn. She understands a LOT of what we say to her, now, AND she's trying to talk as well. She still babbles a lot, but she can actually say a few words. Her favorite word to say is "hi." She LOVES to say it to everyone and everything we pass by! It's precious to see her try to communicate the best way she knows how. She's still a little firecracker, and we're constantly trying to figure out how to guide her in the right direction, so keep her in your prayers as well.

Events: In the following pics, you'll see our latest exploits! We just got back from a trip to Texas to see our friends Brian and Holly get married, and this past weekend, we took Elizabeth to a gourd farm to celebrate the fall with our friends from church. It was a blast, and we were reminded again of just how blessed we are with great friends and family!

Elizabeth's first order of duty when we got back to Texas was to find the biggest stuffed animal possible and jump on it! Ha!

Elizabeth is a total girl, and she LOVES to wear bracelets. Here she is showing them off to her doggie friends.

All of her grandparents were glad to see her! Here she is with her Pops!

Chatting with her Grandma B and petting Opie.

At Brian and Holly's wedding. It was outdoors...and GORGEOUS!

Brian made this beautiful arch for their ceremony!

Their flower girl and ring bearer got to sit on a little stool so they wouldn't squirm during the wedding....they did anyway! :)

The happy couple!

Stephen was a groomsman. Isn't he handsome?!

The reception was at a great country club, and there was a room JUST for the cakes! That's my kind of place!

Their cake-topper! :)

Patrick and Jeni (and Sheridan) Adair. He officiated the wedding! Such great friends!

Best. Picture. Ever! (And SO glad that Kristen Kay came in for the wedding. Miss her BADLY!)


Here we are at the gourd farm for fall festivities like pumpkin decorating and a corn maze! Elizabeth was NOT in a picture-taking mood...probably b/c there was SO much to do!


She found a BUNCH of pumpkins for sale and had to try to pick them all up!


One of the kids dropped a little plastic pumpkin, and Elizabeth decided to play with it the rest of the night!


Our fantastic friends!


A group shot of all the kids. We never COULD get one good one of all of them smiling...or at least LOOKING at the camera. Ha! But this is a good pic to show all of Elizabeth's baby friends.



Walking through the corn maze!


Looking at something Riley is showing her.



Getting hugs from Mitch and Caleb. THIS is why she tries to hug everyone...b/c everyone is always hugging her! :)


And finally, looking at a donkey. She LOVES animals. She got to see chickens, bunnies, donkeys, goats...all types of farm animals this evening!

Well, that's it for now! I'll try to be better about updating.

Love to you all, and thanks for the constant support!

Bush Family Update

I thought it was high-time to do some updating since so much is going on in our life right now, so....enjoy! :)

Stephen: He starts classes Monday, and he is actually feeling good about it. He pretty much likes his lab and feels more confident with everything since he has one year under his belt. I can't even believe we've been here that long! Anyway, it's going to be a VERY busy school year for him, so keep him in your prayers as he juggles everything he's got going on.

Elizabeth: After all of the fun/craziness that she had celebrating her first birthday, you'd think she would be ready for a break....not so much. Ha! She's still doing great! I feel SO blessed to have such a happy, healthy kid! She's able to do so much now! The only bummer right now is that she's teething again, and I just feel so bad for her b/c she's in pain a lot. I have stuff to help, but it's just a bummer. But, if that's the only trouble, I'm a lucky mommy! I'll post more specific bragging on her in a later post, but for now, suffice it to say, she's the best!

Jen: I guess the biggest thing for us right now is the craziness that is my life. As most of you know, we have desperately needed for me to get a job, and there just aren't any out there...well not any that work for our situation with Elizabeth. BUT, we feel like the Lord answered our prayers finally, and He answered it in HIS way (as usual). To make a VERY long story short, basically, I am working at Sylvan Learning Center in Raleigh until October, and then I will be nannying for a family in our apt complex. Yep, I will be taking care of TWO baby girls soon! It will be a lot of work, but I'm excited for Elizabeth to have a steady playmate, and I'm thankful for the paycheck we desperately need!

Well, I guess that's it in the Bush family for now. Thanks to all of you who have read and prayed for us! We are truly grateful and so blessed to have such supportive friends and family! As a thank you to everyone, here are some of the latest Elizabeth pics. Hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth and her sweet daddy!

Wearing a great Baylor shirt my mom got her...while sitting backwards on her toy


Another shot of her backwards. Ha!


Showing off her pretty Sunday dress


Not only does Elizabeth LOVE her new shoes...but she also now understands what to do when I say "take your shoes off" She's amazing!


Sweet smile!


Oh, and she's decided that Jeremy is her boyfriend. Ha!

More to come!

Love to you all!

Trapped in My Own Body

I normally use this blog to brag about my cutie pie and keep everyone updated on our lives. And, I REALLY hate complaining (anyone who knows me understands this), but today I just need to get something off my chest b/c I just need some prayers.

As many of you already know, I've had back problems since college. It runs in my family, so it was only a matter of time before it hit me. Unfortunately, it hit at the worst possible time ever. Not only was I just starting my life with Stephen, but two years later, I had a child. According to my physical therapist and my doctor, this was a bad move on my body's part...and judging from the amount of pain I'm in all the time, I tend to agree with them.

Anyway, last week was one of the worst I've had in a long time, and today when I went to see my physical therapist, he basically gave me the grim truth: Until I'm done having kids (and they are old enough that I don't need to pick them up), AND until I get a better job (one that I don't have to drive so far to get to), my back will continue to be on a rollercoaster of pain, AND it could even get worse. So, the two things that I am having the hardest time changing, are the two very things that HAVE to change if I'm going to get any better......so basically I'm stuck like this for at least several more years.....possibly a decade.

I don't mean to whine, but ARG! It's SO frustrating to get news like this. I feel completely defeated and trapped in my own body.

So those of you who read this, I would really appreciate some prayers because I think I'm in for a LONG, HARD journey. I know that there are SO many people out there who have it much worse, so I shouldn't even be complaining, but I just feel like all the work I'm doing to try to help myself is doing as much good as using a water gun to take out a forest fire. Anyway, no more complaining. Just needing some prayers. Thanks to all of you who care!

Hopefully more encouraging posts to follow shortly.

Love to you all