Another Reader

Sam read me this whole book tonight!! He's coming along quite nicely. 😍📚

A Little of This and That

Sam got a box from Grammy today. He was so excited! He's been waiting for this one!

Sariah has been teaching herself to make balloon animals. She took this on all by herself. She hopes to have one made for every guest at her and Sam's Christmas party tomorrow evening. How this little girl thinks she isn't smart is completely beyond me.

Madeline at the library. She was so happy to sit like Mommy and read a book at the table. When Mommy went to help Sariah find a book, Madeline about came unglued and dragged Mommy back by her pant legs, lol.

Because how else would you eat refried beans and queso? With a crayon. Obviously.

Be Still, My Heart

Today at the library, Sariah told the librarian, "I am a reader." This is amazing progress for my girl, and of course, made this particular mama smile, too. 😍 📚

Successful...ish

Yesterday was a brilliant homeschool day. We got some awesome stuff learned and accomplished. I was feeling pretty proud of myself.

Yeah, cue the call to humility. Today was supposed to be equally brilliant.

But first...here's my FB post from this morning.

It was just an almost traumatic day. After the dishwasher guy left, I opted to eat candy with the kids, nap while Madeline napped (except I finished a book instead), and basically waste time. Sometimes it's just too much, ya know?

The one really awesome thing was getting to talk to Hannah. She's so excited to go to California. My weather app said it was 79 degrees there today. I'm jealous. And I'm really thankful for the stranger who loaned their phone to her. That makes my heart smile.

Hannah with her mission president and his wife.

Introvert

Yesterday left me feeling introvert-y again. That means I've read a lot of books lately, and avoided going a lot of places lately. No worries. This, too, shall pass. In the mean time, go read a book for me. ;)

Happy Sabbath Day!

I didn't get up as early as I wanted. With the overnight temperatures changing fairly drastically almost...well, overnight...here lately, we have a little girl who gets cold and then thinks she needs to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed. But she's not the best little bedfellow.

After I finally dragged myself up, it was a pretty good day. We had a family chat about social media this morning, and I prepared to sub in nursery again.

Caleb gave a pretty good talk at church. It was about missionary work, and he spoke about Hannah's mission. He gets more out of her emails than I expected. It's always nice to get a good surprise.

I didn't get to actually hear his talk, though I read it beforehand and heard good reviews from others at church. I missed sacrament meeting so that Madeline could take a nap, one that ended up being disastrously short. Dang it.

Young Women in Excellence was held after church as a "Linger Longer," so there were sandwiches and really yummy desserts and lots of amazing YW talents.

We came home, and I took a nap (I know, story of my life, right?), while Bob and the kids played outside and then made cookies.

We had Family Home Evening (so much family togetherness today!) where we played animal charades, which has always, always, always been a family favorite. Lizzi remains the undisputed champion since no one can top her purple polka-dotted cheetoh eater that no one was able to guess when she four.

We read and acted out Barnyard Dance, by Sandra Boynton, which is also a family tradition, and one that Madeline is finally getting into. She likes to twirl and spin and skitter. Caleb and Rex like to "stand with the donkey" (read: me Dad ummmmmm), and Caleb tonight dared to "bow to the cow" (read: me). Sometimes this doesn't go over very well.

While we were consuming our no-bake cookies--with milk, of course--we waited to hear where one of Hannah's close friends is going on her mission: California, yay!

And now? Now it's 8:55 pm, and all the little ones are asleep. That's pretty unusual. So I wanted to get my blog post up, so that I can go curl up with a good book. Really? What else did you think I would do with a spare hour (or four)???

Sweet Dreams

Have you ever started reading a book that you didn't have high hopes for, and it turned out to be pretty freaking funny? Yeah, that's what happened to me today. So instead of getting my game back on, I've basically been a lazy bum. My house is still thrashed. I haven't unloaded my car from the Cub Scout thing on Monday. It doesn't help that Madeline just isn't sleeping at night, and Bob is still sick. I've chuckled a lot over my book, though. Bonus.

But there were blessings today, too. And my day is always complete when I spend 20 or 30 minutes rocking Madeline to sleep at night. Tonight is the first night since I left for Utah on the 1st that she has actually wanted me at night instead of needing her Daddy. That's a good heart restorer.

Sweet dreams, y'all.

Old Favorites

Over the last weekend, I had ample time to listen to two books on CD: the first two books in the Harry Potter series.  It had been a long time since I had read them, and I remembered again how much I love those books and why.  It was like rediscovering old friends.  I still laugh at Rowling's wit; I still love her characters with all their idiosyncrasies.  I continue to be amazed at this crazy complex world J.K. Rowling created, how very detailed it is, and what an accurate perspective on people.  If you haven't read them yet (and if that's the case, where the heck have you been hiding?), do it; read them.  They are well worth your time, and some of the few books that live up to their hype.

Comfy Comfy!

Just rediscovered this on my phone. It was taken a couple weeks ago. Sometimes, Sam still seems so much like a baby. And then other times, he is growing up so fast. And for the record, I'm sure I have nooooooo idea where he got the idea to prop his feet up with a homey cup of milk nearby for a little snippet of reading....

What Do You Take for Granted?

I had thought, in my thankful posts, not to resort to this so early on in the game. However, after having finished reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls tonight, it is time for me to say how grateful I am for a more or less "functional" family, both growing up and now, for running water, for food in my cabinets, for an education, for shoes on my feet, for the selflessness of those who have loved me throughout my life.

If you want to know more about this book, read the reviews, and know that your expectations will not be disappointed.  The reviews aren't merely hype.  This is the memoir of a woman who grew up in unthinkably poor and dysfunctional circumstances, and went on to rise above it, and yet still manages to embrace the positives that have shaped who she is.  Perhaps the story's early setting in the deserts of the Southwest really spoke to me, since that's where I grew up initially.  Or perhaps it's Walls's triumph in NYC, which I learned to love just a few years ago.  My captivation with the book is further increased because I see some of the people I have known in the characters of this autobiography.  Or there's the fact that Jeannette Walls is only a few years older than I, and yet she really lived without running water or electricity.  I didn't even know that was still possible!

In any case, read the book.  It will teach you about people you didn't know before.  And it will remind you what incredible blessings you have in your life but take for granted on most days.  A worthy read, absolutely.

More on More Lately

The Keepers' Tattoo was okay.  I was interested in the story line, and I think the writing shows a lot of potential.  This fantasy world is both historical and futuristic, with an interesting blend of the realistic and the magical.  The book isn't just your typical romantic fantasy; it touched on societal, cultural, and political issues, with a strong message of belief in oneself.  However, it's not on my list of must-reads.





Happenstance Found is set in another fantasy world with its own real-world-grounded parallel, as well as more magic.  This book's strength is the characterization.  Each character is carefully crafted with his or her own resounding personality.  Ebullient Lord Umber is my favorite, especially as his character is developed towards the end of the story.  Though definitely not the same, this book reminded me some of James A. Owen's Imaginarium Geographica books.  I will probably eventually read the sequels.

A magical ancient world is the setting for Wolf Brother.  I felt like this was well written and captured the 12-year-old main character, Torak, and his wolf brother, Wolf, accurately, with age appropriate and species appropriate flaws.  I loved how the author stretches your brain by making you think about the wording of things.  The action moves along fairly quickly, and nothing is dragged out unnecessarily.  I already have the sequel on reserve at the library, though I am a little afraid that my favorite characters aren't going to be in it enough.

For the purposes of this blog, We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes wins my prize for most creative.  This is the tale of the capture of a snake by an obnoxious young boy, from the snake's point of view.  It's humorous to the last line, the ending was unexpectedly delicious, and I really loved how even the snake's perspective changed with time.  It's obviously not like a "serious" "classic," but it is entertaining and thought-provoking.

I've been intending to read The Memory Keeper's Daughter essentially since it came out.  It's the story of a doctor who delivers his own twins on a snowy night and the following choice he makes to send the second born, a daughter, away because she has Down's syndrome.  The story follows this family for the next quarter of a century and the consequences of the fateful decision.  Admittedly, it was a little slow for my tastes in some places, but the book description promised that it was ultimately a story of the redeeming power of love ... and it was, though it ended more realistically than I wanted it to.  The book was superbly readable and believable, the kind of book that makes you think about what you would do if it were you.  (And I stayed up late one night reading it, and only put it down when Sam decided he wanted to stay up and play with Mommy.)

Catching Fire and Mockingjay are both part of the Hunger Games trilogy.  In the past I've been leery of reading the current "It" books.  I guess I was being a snob.  But then Harry Potter came along, and friend finally convinced me to read those about halfway through the series, and I did.  Sometimes there is a reason the "It" books are the "It" books.  My 16-year-old cousin (a boy, incidentally, if you look for good books for boys) recommended I read these last summer, but I put it off--what was I thinking?!  Memory Keeper was almost addictive.  The Hunger Games books ARE positively addictive.  At the same time that they are full of suspense, they are thought-provoking about a somewhat futuristic society and civil unrest.  And yet it's still up close and personal, and you care deeply about the characters.  If you haven't read them yet, read them!

We Come from a Long Line of Love

...of reading.

We read around here.  We read a lot.  To be fair, I don't read nearly as much as I used to.  I think it has something to do with having innumerable children and an inability to say "no" to people.  But still, if I find me a good book, you're more likely than not to find me hiding out with my book so I can hurry up and get to the end of the story!

My girls read a lot.  They each have their own style and their own likes and dislikes, but they read all the time.  So much so, that this week we had to get all over one of them for reading before doing her homework.  I'm really struggling with the plan, which is to limit her time for reading until she is responsible enough to get her schoolwork done.  This is hard for me, given that this was my very same problem from elementary school through college (and beyond).  Still, getting your work done is important, especially if you are easily smart enough to make straight A's, but don't always because you're always turning in late work (again, where have I heard this before?).

My thrill for the week has been watching my Caleb-boy devour an entire chapter book in a matter of days.  Unusual around here?  No.  Unusual for Caleb, yes.  He's a boy, and he's lagged a little behind for getting on the reading train.  I had started to despair that he never would.  But lo and behold, you watch the girls suck him into the Warriors world (a series by Erin Hunter), and he completely takes you by surprise.

Of course, I'm just put out that he took the book with him to school.  Since he was my third child to read the books, I decided I needed to get in on the action, you know, to be a responsible and aware parent.  I started the book yesterday in the car while he was at piano, and I'm enough pages in that I'd really rather be reading that than doing my chores.  It's surprising really, because I'm not a fan of animal fiction, and especially cat fiction.  Ugh.

I'm sure it's a good thing that the book is living at school with Caleb today.  But he better get finished with those last 6 chapters.  And soon.

In the meantime, our other current reading passion are the Lightening Thief series by Rick Riordan.  And the third book in that series is waiting for me at the library.  Too bad I'll have to fight with Bob for that book.

I love my family!

Must Have New Books: the Sequel

Wow, you guys are most awesome! Only the best of friends would feed my addiction ... er, I mean, passion for books. If you're wondering what I'm talking about, see this post.

I made myself a list that should keep me entertained for awhile. Looks like the consensus is that I should finish out the Fablehaven series (I've only read the first, but Elisabeth and I just discovered that there's a 4th; she's excited!).

Julie--Is Your Mama a Llama? is most favored at our house as well, followed closely by Llama Llama Mad at Mama. And have no fear, you will hear from me again soon regarding more suggestions. LOL

Robby--Of course I haven't read Team of Rivals yet, because I usually have to make myself read nonfiction. I don't know why, because I generally like what I do pick out. I think sometimes it's just the thought of actually figuring out what to read--waaaay too many options, I don't like to browse nonfiction. So, I now have this title waiting to be picked up at the library. And as to my writing, this blog is the extent of it. I keep thinking I would like to do more with it, but I wouldn't even know where to begin. Silly me!

And Carrie--I should have called you a long time ago. Where was my head at? I've read some Pollifax books, but couldn't remember the main character's name (you should have heard me trying to come up with that) or the author, so it made them rather difficult to find. I've read all the Tamora Pierce books, and love them, especially the Trickster series (you're right: the Circle of Magic just weren't as good). I've thought I should try out Robert Jordan, but could never figure out which end was up. I know now. And I'll let you try out the Looking Glass books first. Just finished Alice in Wonderland and wasn't too fond.

Meanwhile, many thanks to all. If I don't post for awhile, you know why. :)

Must Have New Books

Most of you will know that I can be a voracious reader. Reading is second only to breathing for me. I've been known to read cereal boxes, billboards, the classifieds, and my children's homework assignments (again and again), purely for the sake of getting my fix. I must always be reading. In fact, when I have no interest in reading, I know that I've got bigger problems than usual with my depression. I've just gotten off a little run where I didn't want to read anything, and I am now starving for new books to read. I don't really want to reread any of my faves right now. I read a little bit of everything: fantasy, sci fi, classics, bios, YA, self-help, history, science, thrillers, mysteries. I've collected a few suggestions, but I need some more. What have you got for me out there?

Book Meme

I've been slacking, really slacking. So in an effort to get back up and ride that horse again, I will start out easy. Melessa (sort of) tagged me for a book meme. And because it's books, well I just can't turn that down, right?

Here are the rules for this one:

Just select 4 books:


1. Fiction

2. Autobiography

3. Non-fiction

4. A fourth book of your choice from any genre


Explain why the books are essential reads in no more than 30 words per book (this part might not be so easy).


1. Fiction: The Tale of Desperaux, by Kate DiCamillo. A good, humorous children's fairy tale, satisfyingly concluded without the "fairy tale ending," about getting along with all the other people in your world, good, bad or in-between.

2. Autobiography: I'm bad about this category. No autobiography is essential. I'm not sure that I've completed an autobiography since high school. Is that bad? Maybe I should set a goal? Suggestions?

3. Non-fiction: A Framework for Understanding Poverty, by Ruth Payne. Wow! This taught me compassion and understanding, as well as why "fixing" poverty is so ... complex.

4. My Choice: Persuasion, by Jane Austen. (How could I not have a J.A.?) Simple, but emotionally mature, humorous, and ends with realistic redemption. My favorite Jane Austen.

Whew, that was hard. Narrowing my book choices down to so few. I changed my mind about 900 times. As Melessa said, I'm not going to actually tag anybody. But I'd really love to hear from you either in my comments or on your blogs. It'll give me future reading material (like my 3-foot-high to-be-read-pile needs any help). Yeah, I'm talking to you Allison, and you Karen, and you Taryn, and you Staci, and you Jenn.