Every once in a while we like to put the books on the shelf (pun intended) and talk about something else. So today we’re taking things in a more personal direction and giving you a glimpse into these crazy lives of ours. Key word being crazy, of course. At the end of the day we’re just two women with ten children between us. Things are bound to get messy. 
Up first, Marybeth:
Can you give us a glimpse into your life right now?
I am coming off a crazy week that involved multiple speaking engagements to various groups on all new topics. While I enjoyed speaking and the people I met, I’m glad to be home this week just spending time with my family. I even conquered the dreaded Halloween costume dilemma! Now that was an accomplishment!
This picture is my youngest eating a dessert I made that was quite a hit at our house this week. I have posted the recipe over at my blog today for those who would like to stop by. www.marybethwhalen.com My kids say it’s the best dessert I’ve ever made– which is saying a lot because I make a lot of desserts. And it’s super easy!
Something that would make your life easier?
An assistant who is not related to me.
Your High/Low from the last week?
High: see above (Halloween costumes bought) Low: 12yo was not thrilled about her costume and complained loudly about it. To my credit I did not smack her. She’s a pre-teen. She’s not supposed to be happy about anything. Right?
One book you REALLY want to read but haven’t gotten to yet?
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty– I shall get to it one way or the other. I have heard wonderful things and can’t wait to dive in.
The thing you’re most grateful for today?
My family. I know that sounds trite but it’s so, so true. I find my kids utterly fascinating and am awed by my husband’s devotion to and love of us each day.
And Ariel:
Can you give us a glimpse into your life right now?
Laundry. I can’t even…
Someone once told me that little girls dirty more clothes than little boys. Someone lied to me. My boys have me on a never-ending trek up Mt. Washmore. I do ok with the washing, drying, and folding. The putting away? Not so much. Send reinforcements.
Something that would make your life easier?
A family closet with a washer and dryer right in the middle. Oh, you mean something else? An office. Or a nap. Although I’m tired enough that I’d probably go for the nap right now.
Your High/Low from the last week?
High: my boys begging me to read just one more chapter of our current read-aloud. Low: getting so grumpy with them one afternoon that I made them cry. I hate, hate, hate when I do that.
One book you REALLY want to read but haven’t gotten to yet?
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. From everything I’ve read, it seems like just my kind of book. But my to-be-read piles (both personal reading and reading for this site) are so tall that I haven’t been able to add that one yet. However, should the Book Fairy happen to be reading this post, and want to send me a copy, I would move it to the top of my pile.
The thing you’re most grateful for today?
The fact that my knees didn’t hurt when I went running this afternoon. Silly, I know. But I ran a marathon a number of years ago and ever since my knees have sounded like Rice Krispies. I love to run but have to be careful when I do. So a long run with no pain is a good thing in my book!
Your turn! We’d love to get to you better. Answer any of the above questions and give us a glimpse into your world as well.
About Marybeth Whalen
Marybeth Whalen is the co-founder of She Reads, mother of six, and life-long reader. She is also the author of two novels with a third out in July: The Mailbox, She Makes It Look Easy, and The Guest Book.
Thanks for sharing!
A glimpse into my world: Taxi driver!
My three kids still at home are in three different schools, with three differnt pick-up times (I also take two to school, but that’s pretty easy). The pick up puts me in the car three days a week for an hour and a half…
Something that would make your life easier?
an ability to read faster! I’ve once again over committed on books. I thought I was good taking a few books without committing to when I’d have them read and I’ve gotten a few emails from publishers wanting dates asap after the book was in my hands…had I known that on the front end I would have turned them down. Live and learn!
Your High/Low from the last week?
My high–the kids were home last week for spring break. I had fun hanging out with them, going to the zoo and just extra snuggle time.
My low–the kids were home last week for spring break
We had gotten home the week before from my hometown and my dad’s funeral, so I was behind on everything.
One book you REALLY want to read but haven’t gotten to yet?
I actually have a pile of the REALLY want to read books! Both books you ladies mentioned are on the list, as well as GONE GIRL.
The thing you’re most grateful for today?
My husband. He is just such a good man and always someone I can lean on and is also there to help me be the best me and that is a good thing.
A glimpse into my world: stacks and stacks and stacks of papers to grade
Something that would make your life easier: more hours in the day
High from last week: oldest daughter’s soccer team making it into the state championship tournament this weekend…and sophomore night at our community college. We walked across the field with our oldest hand in hand
Low from last week: the days I didn’t get a nap during lunch
One book you really want to read but haven’t gotten to it yet? Blackberry Winter…everywhere I look, I see it!!
The thing your most grateful for today: the first cup of coffee at 5 a.m.
I always enjoy reading these kinds of posts — don’t know if I’m a closet voyeur or just like seeing confirmation that I’m not the only one with a crazy life. Usually I just lurk and don’t participate, but . . . what the hay . . .
Glimpse into my world: exhausted right now, trying to keep up with a full-time law practice and my family while also trying to write my first novel.
Something that would make your life easier: winning the lottery (so I could quit the law practice and just write the book). Not likely to happen, because I never buy lottery tickets.
High from last week: This morning, waking up naturally at 7:45 (no need to set the usual 5 am alarm, because I’m working from home today). I feel more rested today than I have in weeks. It’s the first week in 2 or 3 months that I’ve been in town the whole week. I’ve been traveling a LOT for work.
Low: fighting to stay awake and not wreck my car each morning during my 54-mile morning I30 commute to my law office in Dallas. (Yes, there’s a theme here around the concept of sleep deprivation.)
One book you really want to read but haven’t gotten to yet? I have a mile-high TBR pile, so, hmm . . . probably Susan Meissner’s The Girl in the Glass. And Stanley Williams’ The Moral Premise. And . . . (By the way, Marybeth, I just finished listening to the audiobook version of The Chaperone. Loved it.)
The thing you’re most grateful for today: My husband of 33 years (today’s his birthday). And a good night’s sleep!
I’m so glad you came out of hiding, Laura! We really love knowing who’s here. All I can say about the sleep deprivation is that you’ll get a fist bump from me. I’m right there with you! Where in Texas do you live? I’m about two hours west of Dallas.
Ariel
Thanks for the confirmation on Chaperone. I have a feeling I’m in for a treat! We love that you came out of lurkdom to tell us about your life. I also got to sleep in this am and it was bliss, I tell you.
I second that request for more hours in a day, Patti! Or perhaps less need for sleep. Either would work for me.
Ah yes, children at home: the double edged sword. I love it when they’re with me. And I love it when they’re not. (Sorry, am I not supposed to admit that in public?)
And so, so, SO sorry to hear about your dad, Laura. I lost mine nine years ago and it’s something that I’ll never forget. There are no words.
Ariel
Hey, Ariel — we live in Greenville (NE of Dallas on I30) but office in Dallas!
Something that would make my life easier? Ability to write faster and flawlessly. High/low from the last week? My 11 yo son telling me I was his favorite field trip chaperone/Actually no low–it’s been a good week! Thing I’m most grateful for today? The good word I got from my agent this morning.
Something that would make my life easier? Being able to walk without pain in my knee. I hurt it a few weeks ago and it’s not getting much better (arthritis). I’m going to see my 20 month old grandson this week and want to be able to play with him without hurting. The thing I’m most grateful for? Getting to see my grandson this week, I haven’t seen him since May.
Ladies, you are delightful! Love seeing real, professional, spiritual women making things happen. (Even when it’s not so pretty, like stacked up laundry or kids having temper tantrums!)One book I really want to read but haven’t gotten to yet…is Lisa Bergren’s River of Time Series. It is a Young Adult fiction series that I want to be able to give all my young people for Christmas. I always like to read before I give! Seeing as we are inches away from November, I better get busy!! Blessings to you all! Thanks for the great posts!