A Mother's Book of Secrets

Now how could I turn away from a books' title like that? I first saw it here and when I purchased it, I was very pleased with the stories and heart of the women writing. I was also quite impressed at the photograhy inside, I could tell it was a GOOD photographer, and not just stock junk that seems to be found in most books. I then realized after reading, that the photographer was also the co-author of the book. It is written by a mother/daughter team. The mother happens to have written several other parenting books, a few that I have in my arsenal. A woman whose name I have heard throughout my life, because my own mother admires her, and began the program, Joy School (which I participated as a child).

Linda Eyre and her husband raised 9 children, and her 2nd oldest daughter, Shawni now has 5 of her own. She can't be much older than me, so the book was a really great read because of that and to hear their thoughts and reflections on motherhood as 2 women in 2 different stages of motherhood.

Then to my utmost delight, I found at the end of the book, a link to Shawni's blog. I have enjoyed perusing it the past few weeks. I am not a big fan of regularly blog hopping to blogs of people I don't know. I do it occasionally, but mostly I stick to my friends "IRL." As I said, she can't be much older than me, and her kids range from 12 to 2. She had a photography business (you see how I can relate) but has put it on hold to research and fight for her youngest child at a crucial time. Her baby has Bardet-Biedl syndrome that she will most likely be blind by the time she is 4. She posted here about her visit with a geneticist and all the things that will go along with her syndrome. I am impressed with her faith and her strength. Her blog is titled "71 toes" because her youngest was born with 11 toes--something that goes along with B-B syndrome.

Here writing is inspirational, and right up my alley. She makes goals for herself and her family, and writes about the value of hard work. A mom wanting to be fun for her kids, be present for her kids, do this and that and the other, and still do things for herself. She is cute and spiritual. She recently posted about her son turning 12 and that she wanted to do something special to commemorate him obtaining the Priesthood. It is a great read. I'd link up a few of her entries, but you may just enjoy backreading as I did. I am not quite done with the book, but if anyone wants to borrow it, let me know. Or you may just want to buy it and keep it around like I plan to. We could all use a book of secrets!