Fair Weather by Richard Peck
Okay, it is official. Richard Peck is the best juvenile literature writer I have ever read. Everything...everything...I've read by him just totally rocks! This book is no exception. If you've never read one of his books...sit down...you're in for a treat. My all time favorites are his award winners..."A Long Way From Chicago" and "A Year Down Yonder." I just get lost in these books...I MUST finish them in one day.
To check out my Fall Reading List just click here.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Know & Tell Friday...
1. Do you have fake plants in your house? Do you like them?
I am not a big fan of fake plants...although, I do have one. We got her when we got the china cabinet and needed something for the top of it. None of my real plants could hack that kind of sunlight deprivation so we got a nice silk ivy thing in a cast iron potter. Writing this, I am reminded that I really should climb up there and dust the poor thing.
I love real plants. I'm currently sprawling rhododendrons all over my house. My kids have never bothered them, PTL and I can't seem to kill them...even when I try. I just cut off a hunk from the ends and plunk it in water and "hydroponically" grow roots in my kitchen window. Makes me feel healthy...which is saying something since I have bronchitis right now! HA! The mother plant was a gift from one of my third graders my first year teaching. Sniff, sniff...now I'm getting all sentimental!
2. What is the oldest piece of furniture you have that is not an antique? Describe it.
I'm not sure if our piano or china cabinet is older but they are old and not necessarily antiques. My mother tells me that it isn't nice to consider furniture from her birth time antique! HA! The china cabinet was an important furniture purchase for us. We knew we'd be having kids but realized our china was in perilous danger stored on a rickety metal baker's rack. We'd have friends over with their kiddos and the thing would shake and sway....yikes!
3. Do you have any antiques?
I am slowly inheriting certain things. I've received beautiful dishes from one grandmother and great grandmother and beautiful chairs from the other grandmother. I have started "junking" with my mom and sometimes we come out with antiques too. I like antique kitchen stuffs. Recently, I purchased an antique flour sifter...my mom has my grandmother's and I bought one identical to it. I also get good deals on antiques at garage sales. I got an antique school desk for $5 and an antique book holder stand for $10. Sometimes, people just want them to go to a good home. One couple practically forced an antique chair on me. It's still in the garage waiting to be redone. I went to my first estate sale this year. That was sort of creepy...to see someones' life all laid out on the lawn...but antiquing is definitely something I think I'll do more of in the future.
4. What type of dishes do you use? China, stoneware, Corelle, Tupperware, paper plates?
Our everyday dishes are a mish mash of what we had in college...and yes, we've been married for five years and we're still using them. We do have nice cobalt blue and cream formal china (a wedding gift) but rarely use it. We have young children...enough said. I break out the cups and saucers when I have girlfriends over for playdates...just cuz I like to look at them. I LOVE cobalt blue!
5. What is your favorite thing in your house?
I've been sitting here trying to think of one thing...and I'm stumped. I'm not a real thing person...I have places in my house that I like...but a certain thing...hmmm. I guess, my bookshelves. We are booklovers and have packed full bookshelves...kid book bins and baskets...reading nooks all around. It is very comforting and calming to me.
6. Do you like to use lamps or overhead lighting?
We only have overhead lighting in the kitchen. Our house is one of those ones built 40 years ago when they didn't build houses with overhead lighting. Sometimes it's annoying...like when you have to find a lamp switch in the dark while holding an infant...but most of the time I like the softer light. They're great for bookworms.
7. Are you a pristine white wall person or do you love color?
I was always a beige wall type..which I guess means white wall but have attempted to break out of my shell. I painted our entry way bright yellow...color titled "Number Two Pencil"...and I love it! To see my two year old daughter's reaction...click here. My husband, who helped me greatly with the painting, admits that he was skeptical but now really likes the warmth it brings to the house. I've since painted a bathroom dark brown and plan to do something crazy upstairs soon...I'll keep ya posted.
To check out Know & Tell Friday...or join in the fun...click here.
I am not a big fan of fake plants...although, I do have one. We got her when we got the china cabinet and needed something for the top of it. None of my real plants could hack that kind of sunlight deprivation so we got a nice silk ivy thing in a cast iron potter. Writing this, I am reminded that I really should climb up there and dust the poor thing.
I love real plants. I'm currently sprawling rhododendrons all over my house. My kids have never bothered them, PTL and I can't seem to kill them...even when I try. I just cut off a hunk from the ends and plunk it in water and "hydroponically" grow roots in my kitchen window. Makes me feel healthy...which is saying something since I have bronchitis right now! HA! The mother plant was a gift from one of my third graders my first year teaching. Sniff, sniff...now I'm getting all sentimental!
2. What is the oldest piece of furniture you have that is not an antique? Describe it.
I'm not sure if our piano or china cabinet is older but they are old and not necessarily antiques. My mother tells me that it isn't nice to consider furniture from her birth time antique! HA! The china cabinet was an important furniture purchase for us. We knew we'd be having kids but realized our china was in perilous danger stored on a rickety metal baker's rack. We'd have friends over with their kiddos and the thing would shake and sway....yikes!
3. Do you have any antiques?
I am slowly inheriting certain things. I've received beautiful dishes from one grandmother and great grandmother and beautiful chairs from the other grandmother. I have started "junking" with my mom and sometimes we come out with antiques too. I like antique kitchen stuffs. Recently, I purchased an antique flour sifter...my mom has my grandmother's and I bought one identical to it. I also get good deals on antiques at garage sales. I got an antique school desk for $5 and an antique book holder stand for $10. Sometimes, people just want them to go to a good home. One couple practically forced an antique chair on me. It's still in the garage waiting to be redone. I went to my first estate sale this year. That was sort of creepy...to see someones' life all laid out on the lawn...but antiquing is definitely something I think I'll do more of in the future.
4. What type of dishes do you use? China, stoneware, Corelle, Tupperware, paper plates?
Our everyday dishes are a mish mash of what we had in college...and yes, we've been married for five years and we're still using them. We do have nice cobalt blue and cream formal china (a wedding gift) but rarely use it. We have young children...enough said. I break out the cups and saucers when I have girlfriends over for playdates...just cuz I like to look at them. I LOVE cobalt blue!
5. What is your favorite thing in your house?
I've been sitting here trying to think of one thing...and I'm stumped. I'm not a real thing person...I have places in my house that I like...but a certain thing...hmmm. I guess, my bookshelves. We are booklovers and have packed full bookshelves...kid book bins and baskets...reading nooks all around. It is very comforting and calming to me.
6. Do you like to use lamps or overhead lighting?
We only have overhead lighting in the kitchen. Our house is one of those ones built 40 years ago when they didn't build houses with overhead lighting. Sometimes it's annoying...like when you have to find a lamp switch in the dark while holding an infant...but most of the time I like the softer light. They're great for bookworms.
7. Are you a pristine white wall person or do you love color?
I was always a beige wall type..which I guess means white wall but have attempted to break out of my shell. I painted our entry way bright yellow...color titled "Number Two Pencil"...and I love it! To see my two year old daughter's reaction...click here. My husband, who helped me greatly with the painting, admits that he was skeptical but now really likes the warmth it brings to the house. I've since painted a bathroom dark brown and plan to do something crazy upstairs soon...I'll keep ya posted.
To check out Know & Tell Friday...or join in the fun...click here.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Deja Vu?
What do you call it when you aren't experiencing something for a second time but feel like you are re-living the past in reverse? Sort of like messed up deja vu.
Lately, Emma makes me feel like I'm dealing with myself at three! Yikes...I told my Dad today that it's amazing I survived! Today, she very independently went potty and washed her hands.
Yeah...
...but...her sleeves got wet and she hates that...and started to tug and pull them away from her skin...um, yes Mom...this should sound familiar.
My mother has reminisced about threatening me with my life if I stretched my sleeves out, again! Emma heard the same schpeal today and I had a real moment of pause. My little face looked up at me with a determined, "I'm gonna tug this til it stops bothering me." AGH! Her little hearts shirt will never be the same. Sigh!
Then, Caleb my "tight space" boy. Squeezed himself into half the cooking island. Very cute...and no he's not mad cuz he's stuck...he's mad cuz his sister closed him in and he didn't get to do it himself. He proceeded to get out and go shut her into her side! Sibling rivalry at 1 and 3...yes, it is a very real phenomenon!
So, if it isn't deja vu... what is it that I'm experiencing? And don't say my fair comeuppance.
Lately, Emma makes me feel like I'm dealing with myself at three! Yikes...I told my Dad today that it's amazing I survived! Today, she very independently went potty and washed her hands.
Yeah...
...but...her sleeves got wet and she hates that...and started to tug and pull them away from her skin...um, yes Mom...this should sound familiar.
My mother has reminisced about threatening me with my life if I stretched my sleeves out, again! Emma heard the same schpeal today and I had a real moment of pause. My little face looked up at me with a determined, "I'm gonna tug this til it stops bothering me." AGH! Her little hearts shirt will never be the same. Sigh!
Then, Caleb my "tight space" boy. Squeezed himself into half the cooking island. Very cute...and no he's not mad cuz he's stuck...he's mad cuz his sister closed him in and he didn't get to do it himself. He proceeded to get out and go shut her into her side! Sibling rivalry at 1 and 3...yes, it is a very real phenomenon!
So, if it isn't deja vu... what is it that I'm experiencing? And don't say my fair comeuppance.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Book Reviews 5 & 6
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson
I loved this book. I feel a little embarrassed admitting that I'd never read it before. I knew I didn't want to watch the movie until I'd read it and now, well I may never watch the movie. With books that I truly like, I don't watch the movies cuz it just ruins it all! Case in point, Prince Caspian.
I would really like to see a youth group use this book for more in depth discussions about eternity. There are some great opportunities to discuss what it means to believe (or not believe) in God's Word, what happens when you die, etc.
Altogether, really neat book. I love the many different relationships going on...friendships, father/son, sibling, etc.
13. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Taylor
I gritted my teeth through this book. It was sad...that's the nicest thing I can come up with to say about it. My heart still aches for this sad family...left with an abusive mother by an absent father, every family meal ending horribly, poor kids creating a restaurant so they can "create family dinners" because they'd never had good ones. The whole story culminates with a dinner after the mother's funeral and it leaves you, right where it began, slightly depressed and yearning for better things for this fractured family. No hope! In the future when I think a book is a dud I'm not finishing it. This was a waste of time for me.
To check out my Fall Reading List just click here.
I loved this book. I feel a little embarrassed admitting that I'd never read it before. I knew I didn't want to watch the movie until I'd read it and now, well I may never watch the movie. With books that I truly like, I don't watch the movies cuz it just ruins it all! Case in point, Prince Caspian.
I would really like to see a youth group use this book for more in depth discussions about eternity. There are some great opportunities to discuss what it means to believe (or not believe) in God's Word, what happens when you die, etc.
Altogether, really neat book. I love the many different relationships going on...friendships, father/son, sibling, etc.
13. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Taylor
I gritted my teeth through this book. It was sad...that's the nicest thing I can come up with to say about it. My heart still aches for this sad family...left with an abusive mother by an absent father, every family meal ending horribly, poor kids creating a restaurant so they can "create family dinners" because they'd never had good ones. The whole story culminates with a dinner after the mother's funeral and it leaves you, right where it began, slightly depressed and yearning for better things for this fractured family. No hope! In the future when I think a book is a dud I'm not finishing it. This was a waste of time for me.
To check out my Fall Reading List just click here.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Know & Tell Friday...
Kayren over at Everything's Coming Up Daisies has a neat Mimi for Fridays that I thought I'd try. So, here it goes...animal edition.
1. What dog do you most resemble?
A Jack Russell Terrier. We had one named Molly...for about a month...when I was pregnant with Emma. I was 8 months pregnant. I loved Molly, really...but WOW! She was so much like me...stubborn, competitive, peppy, high energy, determined to have Darren's affections (or said affections of the Alpha Male). It's funny to me now that my daughter Emma now is very similar but I can't give her to a good family in the country! HA!
2. What is your favorite zoo animal?
I have a real love for the elephant. I'm not really sure why...I just think they are cute...in a huge, gray, wrinkled kind of way! I love the baby elephant at the Indy Zoo right now. She's precious!
3. What zoo animal reminds you most of yourself?
Hmmm, well definitely not the giraffe...'cuz I'm short. Trying to think of something loud and hyper! HA...maybe the meerkats!? Tiny little hyper bodies frantically digging in their plexi glass homes! Chirp, chirp!
4. Do you have any pets? If so, how many, what kind, and what are their names? If not, would you like one?
Due to the allergies of my husband and son, we have no pets. I grew up with dogs...and would love to have one. I know, I know...we could have a hypoallergenic dog but well...most of them really shouldn't qualify as dogs. I'd like to try a labradoodle but they cost lots of money and we live in the city and have no where for it to run. I love my grandparents Puli...but again...lots of money. Although, they got him from a Katrina Animal Rescue Facility, so ya never know.
5. Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes. I took riding lessons when I was 14 or 15. Boy, thinking back it really makes me appreciate the sacrifice my parents made...both money and time. So, if your reading this...thanks Mom and Dad! I learned to ride on a pony named Romeo...a grulla. That's a distinct breed that's tan with a strip down the back. I graduated to Red a second chance Kentucky Derby horse. Very cool...learned to jump on him. When we moved to OH when I was 18, we had church friends who let me come over and ride in the old empty mines. It was fun! Boy, I really miss that!
6. Have you ever milked a cow?
Yes. Well, with a milker. My Mom's girlfriend Karen and her hubby Gil have a dairy farm in PA and let me hang around one summer. I had a great time working at anything they'd give me to do. It was great. I mucked stalls, hooked up milkers, fed cats, stacked hay, fed calves...it was great! Good times!
7. Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
They don't? HA! My guess is that they do something to the wool when they make it into garments. It probably lacks oils that the sheep carry in their skin. Which makes me wonder...what if you EVOOed your sweaters? Then maybe they wouldn't shrink! HA!
This was really fun! Now, if I can figure out how to get her button in my sidebar...I'll hook ya'll up!
1. What dog do you most resemble?
A Jack Russell Terrier. We had one named Molly...for about a month...when I was pregnant with Emma. I was 8 months pregnant. I loved Molly, really...but WOW! She was so much like me...stubborn, competitive, peppy, high energy, determined to have Darren's affections (or said affections of the Alpha Male). It's funny to me now that my daughter Emma now is very similar but I can't give her to a good family in the country! HA!
2. What is your favorite zoo animal?
I have a real love for the elephant. I'm not really sure why...I just think they are cute...in a huge, gray, wrinkled kind of way! I love the baby elephant at the Indy Zoo right now. She's precious!
3. What zoo animal reminds you most of yourself?
Hmmm, well definitely not the giraffe...'cuz I'm short. Trying to think of something loud and hyper! HA...maybe the meerkats!? Tiny little hyper bodies frantically digging in their plexi glass homes! Chirp, chirp!
4. Do you have any pets? If so, how many, what kind, and what are their names? If not, would you like one?
Due to the allergies of my husband and son, we have no pets. I grew up with dogs...and would love to have one. I know, I know...we could have a hypoallergenic dog but well...most of them really shouldn't qualify as dogs. I'd like to try a labradoodle but they cost lots of money and we live in the city and have no where for it to run. I love my grandparents Puli...but again...lots of money. Although, they got him from a Katrina Animal Rescue Facility, so ya never know.
5. Have you ever ridden a horse?
Yes. I took riding lessons when I was 14 or 15. Boy, thinking back it really makes me appreciate the sacrifice my parents made...both money and time. So, if your reading this...thanks Mom and Dad! I learned to ride on a pony named Romeo...a grulla. That's a distinct breed that's tan with a strip down the back. I graduated to Red a second chance Kentucky Derby horse. Very cool...learned to jump on him. When we moved to OH when I was 18, we had church friends who let me come over and ride in the old empty mines. It was fun! Boy, I really miss that!
6. Have you ever milked a cow?
Yes. Well, with a milker. My Mom's girlfriend Karen and her hubby Gil have a dairy farm in PA and let me hang around one summer. I had a great time working at anything they'd give me to do. It was great. I mucked stalls, hooked up milkers, fed cats, stacked hay, fed calves...it was great! Good times!
7. Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
They don't? HA! My guess is that they do something to the wool when they make it into garments. It probably lacks oils that the sheep carry in their skin. Which makes me wonder...what if you EVOOed your sweaters? Then maybe they wouldn't shrink! HA!
This was really fun! Now, if I can figure out how to get her button in my sidebar...I'll hook ya'll up!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Book Reviews 3 & 4
If it freaks anyone out that I have four books done...I read nonfiction super fast. Also, these two books overlap ALOT!
Making Your Kids Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman-is the BIG book. It has everything in it.
Have A New Kid By Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman -is the condensed version. I really liked it and found it much more practical in application, etc.
Some of his ideas I've had immediate success with already! Say it once, turn your back, walk away! WOW! Some, I'm not so sure about. He says that if your child has a tantrum in the store to step over them and walk away. In this day and age that makes me nervous. It makes me nervous that someone will have their child abducted trying this out in the busy mall. I get the concept...but I'd be careful. For the record, I did do that in the library today and it DID work like a charm. She forgot about her tantrum (regarding leaving) and hopped up to chase after my retreating back. Then she was easily distracted to "tromp-tromp" over the little wooden bridge by the door. So, it works but it is no holds barred! Which, is how it should be.
My favorite sections (in both books) talks about the difference between authoritarian, authoritative and permissive parenting. It was so interesting and really put it at the parent's feet. WOW--I have a lot of work to do...on myself!
To check out my Fall Reading List just click here.
Making Your Kids Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman-is the BIG book. It has everything in it.
Have A New Kid By Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman -is the condensed version. I really liked it and found it much more practical in application, etc.
Some of his ideas I've had immediate success with already! Say it once, turn your back, walk away! WOW! Some, I'm not so sure about. He says that if your child has a tantrum in the store to step over them and walk away. In this day and age that makes me nervous. It makes me nervous that someone will have their child abducted trying this out in the busy mall. I get the concept...but I'd be careful. For the record, I did do that in the library today and it DID work like a charm. She forgot about her tantrum (regarding leaving) and hopped up to chase after my retreating back. Then she was easily distracted to "tromp-tromp" over the little wooden bridge by the door. So, it works but it is no holds barred! Which, is how it should be.
My favorite sections (in both books) talks about the difference between authoritarian, authoritative and permissive parenting. It was so interesting and really put it at the parent's feet. WOW--I have a lot of work to do...on myself!
To check out my Fall Reading List just click here.
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