Leadership and Self-Deception

This is a really short read by The Arbinger Institute that will change the way that you look at your problems. I loved reading it! There are just a few too many examples that slowed the pace, but otherwise an easy to get through book (not including that time you feel to take for self-analysis). I love books that make you think!
In general, it discusses the nature of humankind to excuse ourselves (weaknesses, problems) by magnifying the faults of others. Self-deception sets in when we don't check ourselves and we begin to act in a way that seems "normal" to us but is really counterproductive our intended purpose. It also covers our opportunity to make choices everyday and that everyone can be a motivating leader by making correct choices and following the golden rule.
Fabulous book that is the answer to the business (which is mainly focused on) & family ills of the day. I found myself wondering what gospel topics are covered (only under a different name) in this book - repentance, forgiveness, self-less service, etc. (all Christ-like attributes). The best part is not that the book encourages these, but that during reading you will find yourself pondering what areas you are "in the box". I'm putting this book on my "will read again" list for sure.

I finished reading...

"Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids" by Dr. Laura. Does anyone NOT know who she is? I have admitted before that I don't agree with EVERYTHING she says. I found the same in this book. Though the book is FULL of her OBVIOUS disdain for people who have children and don't raise them (which I whole-heartedly agree with) I'm not sure that I agree with one of the points (at least it's the only one I remember). Spanking - er... she is TOTALLY for it. Ever since I was young it didn't seem like something I wanted to do (but Dr. Laura would say it's because I grew up in the "anti-spanking" era, full of distorted media reports about how spanking affects children). Let it be known that I do believe in disciplining children and consequences for wrong choices.
Back to the book (what a weird tangent that was somehow related, yet this weird "thinking outloud" moment that seemed to ramble...there I go again..) - I think it is a must read for sure. It's a repeated read for me. It is very well documented, with both sides of the story (though there is again her OBVIOUS opinion which I mostly agree with so it didn't bug me). If you don't believe yet that the family is under attack, READ THIS BOOK!!! It enraged me. It delighted me. But more than that it made me want to guard my family. It made me a more aware mother. It made me sad for so many kids whose parents choose not to parent them. I think it put some details in my outline of what I want for my kids and my family - so a definite re-read!

P.S. For anyone who is interested, there is also a little blurb about the postive affects that the "mormon missionary" program has on young people, including a newspaper citation.

I am grateful...

... for the free reader's digest I get in the mail! I don't know why they keep coming but I love it!

I finished reading...

... Babywise. Okay, I didn't give it a good go in the beginning. I got stuck in the first part of the book that reviews other philosophies and why they aren't right. That bored me to tears! Besides, what new mom has time to read all that garbage? But I must say there are some good suggestions, and things I wished I had started sooner. If you are like me and want the quick facts, go straight to chapter 6, which I found most helpful (on routines), and then skip to the "quick reference" chapter at the back of the book. It gives the short version of everything, and for more explaination if you want, the page number you can go to.

I Finished Reading..

...The Baby Sleep Solution. Honestly all of these books on sleep have been AMAZING for me to read. Mostly, it gives me ideas, even though I take them all with a grain of salt and don't follow anyone exactly. This book is GREAT for people with multiples. It is also good for someone who has the same schedule everyday (I sat down for 45 minutes and tried to think of different ways I could always have the SAME routine for Cade - not going to happen). Lastly, if you are struggling to come with ideas to soothe your baby or a routine for yourself, the book will really help you.
For my son, the biggest thing that helped was turning them into different positions. What Jessica said was right (in her posted comment), your baby usually sleeps like you. Well MY BABY sleeps like his daddy - all over the place and in really weird positions! He gets so frustrated when he has to be in one spot and can't move around (hence the squirmy nickname). So if I help him move around he finds a comfortable position. :)

I finished reading...

... Solve your child's Sleep Problems by Dr. Richard Ferber. It's a great resource book for all sorts of sleep problems. I found it very informative as to the general nature of sleep itself. I think it's going to help me be less tired too!! However, it does not give a specific schedule to keep your child on, or very much information for the first couple weeks of life. I have trouble thinking of what to do for a bedtime routine, or setting a particular schedule. Still, despite that one need it did not cover, it is an excellent book. I've heard it's pretty controversial, but though myself the book was very straightforward! A must read for every parent! I want it in my library.