I got the idea from a blogging buddy to go visit a garden store like Southern Homes and Garden and enjoy the flowers and plants with the kids then have a picnic out on the grounds. So, one day my mom and I ventured out to do this and really had a great time. The kids love picnics. Sidenote: Kids love to eat outside. I don't know why. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not a big "eat outside" person. I love being outdoors, but I feel that food should be eaten in a cool, clean, and non-windy environment. Emphasis on the non-windy part.
But that's besides the point, because this day that we went out just happened to be a particularly lovely day. Actually it was perfect until we were leaving, when it started sprinkling and we could tell a storm was coming. Perfect timing, though. Anyways, this is a good idea for summer fun. It's a way to get out of the house and out in the open where kids can roam free. They also enjoyed the flowers in the store, which actually served as a mini botanical lesson. For them and me because they kept asking me what each flower was and I had to look at the tag on most to find out.
This activity is obviously free and would be even more fun with more kids (and their moms of course).
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Life: Beautiful
On a trip a while back, my parents found this Christian magazine called Life: Beautiful. They bought a copy and liked it so much that they bought a subscription to the magazine. And I have to agree with them, this magazine is so awesome. It's kinda like "Real Simple" with a Christian perspective on everything. The down side is that they only publish four magazines a year, so it's like a quarterly thing. Besides that though, I only have good things to say about it. I'm not normally super into magazines. I read the parenting ones every once in a while to get some fresh ideas, same with ones like Southern Living or Martha Stewart.
If you like magazines like Real Simple and Martha Stewart though, you'd probably enjoy this one. It has a good layout too. I guess that's the graphic designer part of me, sometimes I read magazines just because of their layout. For example, I probably read Wondertime for 85% layout/design/it's pleasing to the eyes and 15% content. I love their use of space and how they don't feel the need to cram something into every little space on a page.
Anyways, back to Life: Beautiful. The last issue had 53 ideas of things to do with your kids to spend quality time with them, educate them, socialize them, teach them about God, and a lot of other teaching things. I'm constantly running across lists like this in parenting magazines, like "30 ways to have fun with your baby this summer" and such. Most of those lists have a few good ideas and then a bunch of lame ideas that are things you already do, have to buy a lot of extra stuff to do, or are just space fillers so they can in fact have exactly 30, or however many, things. This list, on the other hand, was very unique and specific in ideas. It was sort of a like a things to do before you turn 12 list. I actually went through with a pen and circled everything that was age appropriate for Jack and Riley. And I plan on doing them. And I will blog about them. I will share the list when I can find the magazine, seeing as it's night time and I don't want to go searching around the house for it right now.
If you like magazines like Real Simple and Martha Stewart though, you'd probably enjoy this one. It has a good layout too. I guess that's the graphic designer part of me, sometimes I read magazines just because of their layout. For example, I probably read Wondertime for 85% layout/design/it's pleasing to the eyes and 15% content. I love their use of space and how they don't feel the need to cram something into every little space on a page.
Anyways, back to Life: Beautiful. The last issue had 53 ideas of things to do with your kids to spend quality time with them, educate them, socialize them, teach them about God, and a lot of other teaching things. I'm constantly running across lists like this in parenting magazines, like "30 ways to have fun with your baby this summer" and such. Most of those lists have a few good ideas and then a bunch of lame ideas that are things you already do, have to buy a lot of extra stuff to do, or are just space fillers so they can in fact have exactly 30, or however many, things. This list, on the other hand, was very unique and specific in ideas. It was sort of a like a things to do before you turn 12 list. I actually went through with a pen and circled everything that was age appropriate for Jack and Riley. And I plan on doing them. And I will blog about them. I will share the list when I can find the magazine, seeing as it's night time and I don't want to go searching around the house for it right now.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Book Review: Little Women and March
Recently a friend asked if I'd read "March." I hadn't so she lent it to me along with the book that it's spun off from, "Little Women." I actually had never read the classic, so I decided to read it first to familiarize myself with the characters before reading "March." So, here are my opinions of both books:
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott:
In one word: lovely. This book was so good! It's obviously a very old book, but I was entranced with it in the same way I was with "Twilight," except to a slightly lesser degree of obsession. It captures the essence of the time so well. Girls were so different then. They had much more class overall and were much more modest and polite on the whole. The sisters' innocence was so captivating to me and made me want to be more like them. The old language they use is awesome to me. While reading the book I found myself referring to nice men as capital young fellows and using many more old timey phrases without even thinking about it. One thing that I found funny was in one part, the girls were laughing about this guy using a word that they deemed as old-fashioned. The funny thing was it is a word we use all of the time, although I can't recall it right now.
Anyways, the book basically covers nearly a decade of the March family's life, focusing really on the four daughters. The author actually based Jo on herself, so she does seem to be kind of the main character at points. She was definitely my favorite character though. For anyone who's familiar with the character Jo and knows Claire Colmans, she reminds me so much of Jo. I told her that they need to do a Little Women play at her school and she needs to play Jo. It would be perfect!
This book covers everything from love to loss. It's neat to see the girls mature and grow into women in this great classic novel. I could write more, but I'll stop here and move on to........
"March" by Geraldine Brooks:
Although this was a good read, I was sorely disappointed. I wasn't disappointed in the book itself, but more the main character. This book is about the father of the March family, who is off at war for most of the book "Little Women." He's a decent man, but in Little Women, you read about him through his daughter's eyes. He is much more idealized and reverred. He's a great man who would do anything for his family. If you want to maintain that view of the character then don't read this book. You really won't be missing much. Some might say that's a bit harsh, but it's just my opinion. In "March," he's somewhat of a coward, an adulterer (big no from me), selfish, and a bit more self-centered. On the other hand, he's also very giving, kind, has a good heart, and does love his family very much. I know it's hard to think how someone could be all that at once, but he is. I guess my dilemma was that I read LW, which really is meant for the young, full of goodness and morals and great characters, and then I went right from that to a book meant for a much more mature audience, filled with the hard experiences that life brings.
Good aspects of the book are the eye-opening and heart wrenching stories about slavery and post-slavery attempts during the Civil War. Although the specific stories are made up, I'm sure similar things happened during that time. It's good to think about things like that once in a while, though, because it's a wake up call to how blessed and fortunate we are. People went through such hardships to get us where we are now. It really gives me such a grateful and sympathetic heart. I did love that aspect of the book. God has blessed us so much!
So, both are good books. Definitely read "Little Women" if you haven't, and if you have some time on your hands and want to find out about Mr. March, then read "March" too. Although, I wouldn't recommend it if you want to maintain a high opinion of the character.
"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott:
In one word: lovely. This book was so good! It's obviously a very old book, but I was entranced with it in the same way I was with "Twilight," except to a slightly lesser degree of obsession. It captures the essence of the time so well. Girls were so different then. They had much more class overall and were much more modest and polite on the whole. The sisters' innocence was so captivating to me and made me want to be more like them. The old language they use is awesome to me. While reading the book I found myself referring to nice men as capital young fellows and using many more old timey phrases without even thinking about it. One thing that I found funny was in one part, the girls were laughing about this guy using a word that they deemed as old-fashioned. The funny thing was it is a word we use all of the time, although I can't recall it right now.
Anyways, the book basically covers nearly a decade of the March family's life, focusing really on the four daughters. The author actually based Jo on herself, so she does seem to be kind of the main character at points. She was definitely my favorite character though. For anyone who's familiar with the character Jo and knows Claire Colmans, she reminds me so much of Jo. I told her that they need to do a Little Women play at her school and she needs to play Jo. It would be perfect!
This book covers everything from love to loss. It's neat to see the girls mature and grow into women in this great classic novel. I could write more, but I'll stop here and move on to........
"March" by Geraldine Brooks:
Although this was a good read, I was sorely disappointed. I wasn't disappointed in the book itself, but more the main character. This book is about the father of the March family, who is off at war for most of the book "Little Women." He's a decent man, but in Little Women, you read about him through his daughter's eyes. He is much more idealized and reverred. He's a great man who would do anything for his family. If you want to maintain that view of the character then don't read this book. You really won't be missing much. Some might say that's a bit harsh, but it's just my opinion. In "March," he's somewhat of a coward, an adulterer (big no from me), selfish, and a bit more self-centered. On the other hand, he's also very giving, kind, has a good heart, and does love his family very much. I know it's hard to think how someone could be all that at once, but he is. I guess my dilemma was that I read LW, which really is meant for the young, full of goodness and morals and great characters, and then I went right from that to a book meant for a much more mature audience, filled with the hard experiences that life brings.
Good aspects of the book are the eye-opening and heart wrenching stories about slavery and post-slavery attempts during the Civil War. Although the specific stories are made up, I'm sure similar things happened during that time. It's good to think about things like that once in a while, though, because it's a wake up call to how blessed and fortunate we are. People went through such hardships to get us where we are now. It really gives me such a grateful and sympathetic heart. I did love that aspect of the book. God has blessed us so much!
So, both are good books. Definitely read "Little Women" if you haven't, and if you have some time on your hands and want to find out about Mr. March, then read "March" too. Although, I wouldn't recommend it if you want to maintain a high opinion of the character.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Riley and the Beast
A while back, Jack and Riley's big "sister," Savannah was in her first play! So, we had to take the kids to see what was also their first play to watch. And watch it they did! I wasn't sure how they would be because they're so little still, but they sat there and watched the whole thing without having to get up once.
The play was Beauty and the Beast, and I think it was the junior high students play. A few kids were picked from the elementary school to play village children and Savannah was one of them. She did really good; it was cute to see her really getting into character. The other kids did such a great job too. The little girl that played Belle was great!
Riley was particularly enthralled with the Beast, though. I think she was kind of scared of him because she kept asking me, "Is the Beast mean, Mama?", to which I would reply "Yes, he's mean, but he's getting nice." Then later, after he "got nice" she kept asking me if he was mean. I kept telling her that he was mean, but now he's nice. Really she was quite obsessed with this whole Beast transformation thing. Later on the way home she kept saying "The Beast was mean, but then he got nice, right mama?" Then out of nowhere, "The Beast is so cute!" This cracked me up!
Which actually leads me to a side story. Yesterday, we were swimming at someone's house and Riley got sunblock in her eyes. She kept crying and whining and I think she did probably get a little bit of sunblock in her eyes, but mainly was sleepy and being a bit overdramatic. The reason is because when my mom took her into the bathroom to wash her eyes out, she was crying and fussing over her eyes, and then she just stops all of the sudden and points to the soap (which had a bow around it) and said "That lotion is so cute with that bow!"
She loves pointing out what things she thinks are "so cute!"
The play was Beauty and the Beast, and I think it was the junior high students play. A few kids were picked from the elementary school to play village children and Savannah was one of them. She did really good; it was cute to see her really getting into character. The other kids did such a great job too. The little girl that played Belle was great!
Riley was particularly enthralled with the Beast, though. I think she was kind of scared of him because she kept asking me, "Is the Beast mean, Mama?", to which I would reply "Yes, he's mean, but he's getting nice." Then later, after he "got nice" she kept asking me if he was mean. I kept telling her that he was mean, but now he's nice. Really she was quite obsessed with this whole Beast transformation thing. Later on the way home she kept saying "The Beast was mean, but then he got nice, right mama?" Then out of nowhere, "The Beast is so cute!" This cracked me up!
Which actually leads me to a side story. Yesterday, we were swimming at someone's house and Riley got sunblock in her eyes. She kept crying and whining and I think she did probably get a little bit of sunblock in her eyes, but mainly was sleepy and being a bit overdramatic. The reason is because when my mom took her into the bathroom to wash her eyes out, she was crying and fussing over her eyes, and then she just stops all of the sudden and points to the soap (which had a bow around it) and said "That lotion is so cute with that bow!"
She loves pointing out what things she thinks are "so cute!"
Monday, June 22, 2009
Pop Pop's Potato Picking Partner
We just got some of our first foods from the garden a couple of weeks ago. Every spring my dad plants a garden, and usually it's pretty stocked with vegetables. For example, last year we had potatoes, eggplant, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, okra black eyed peas, green beans, and cabbage. This year, the garden has gone on the back burner though and is much less attended to. So, this year all we have is potatoes, cabbage, okra, peppers, squash, and some peas. I think that's about it and some of the plants have already died. :( We did get quite a few potatoes, though.
Jack had so much fun picking these potatoes with my dad. My dad would dig them up and Jack would locate the potatoes and pick them off the plant. He was really into it and totally took up his picking duties with pride and seriousness. It was a great experience for him.
My friend Erin and her husband Chad have an awesome garden going on this year. They have maximized the use of their outdoor space and are a good example of how much food you can grow in a small space, for those of you who would like to have a garden, but don't feel like you have enough land for a good one. Her site is here, where there are a few different posts about her garden's progress.
Jack had so much fun picking these potatoes with my dad. My dad would dig them up and Jack would locate the potatoes and pick them off the plant. He was really into it and totally took up his picking duties with pride and seriousness. It was a great experience for him.
My friend Erin and her husband Chad have an awesome garden going on this year. They have maximized the use of their outdoor space and are a good example of how much food you can grow in a small space, for those of you who would like to have a garden, but don't feel like you have enough land for a good one. Her site is here, where there are a few different posts about her garden's progress.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Montgomery 003: Splash Pad Fun
I'm a bit behind on my Montgomery Challenge posts. I've actually been to quite a few places that I need to write about. So, to help catch up, here's a good one.
For those of you who I see on a regular basis, I know you've heard plenty about how much fun the splash pad is. In fact, a friend and I tried going there the other day with our kids, and I was so excited. You know how it's fun to take people to places that you've told them all about and how much fun they are. Well, this was like that. I don't know how much I've mentioned this splash pad to people and how much fun I think it is, but it feels like I've said it a lot. Anyways, we got down there and it was closed for some silly wedding rehearsel. I know, not cool. We did end up getting to go swimming.
Anyways, this is a must-see "attraction" (if you will) in Montgomery for kids of all ages. I've already taken the kids here about 4 or 5 times this summer. They have so much fun, and I'm thinking about even having Jack's birthday party there. It's just your regular splash pad, but still is a nice, cool break from normal summer activities. I think my kids like it so much because they have more control than they do in a pool.
To add to the fun, we ended up taking a picnic lunch. The amphitheater is right next to the splash pad, so it's a perfect spot for a picture perfect picnic (try saying that 5 times fast). The kids had such a great time. I tried showing them how to roll down the hill, and they tried, but I guess they're a bit too young for that because they didn't ever really get going.
Oh, and I almost forgot the best part about this kid venue. It's free! Absolutely free, fun, and open to the public, except when it's been reserved (which costs $3000, by the way........crazy). If you do decide to go check it out one day, do what I should have done this last time and call (241-2100) ahead to see if it's open and not being reserved for something. Also, if you get there and the water is not on, just place your hand on the black top of the blue post and the water will start. It's weird, but it works. I guess it's some kind of pressure sensor or something.
INFO:
Riverwalk Splashpad
355 Coosa St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Bring change for parking meter!
For those of you who I see on a regular basis, I know you've heard plenty about how much fun the splash pad is. In fact, a friend and I tried going there the other day with our kids, and I was so excited. You know how it's fun to take people to places that you've told them all about and how much fun they are. Well, this was like that. I don't know how much I've mentioned this splash pad to people and how much fun I think it is, but it feels like I've said it a lot. Anyways, we got down there and it was closed for some silly wedding rehearsel. I know, not cool. We did end up getting to go swimming.
Anyways, this is a must-see "attraction" (if you will) in Montgomery for kids of all ages. I've already taken the kids here about 4 or 5 times this summer. They have so much fun, and I'm thinking about even having Jack's birthday party there. It's just your regular splash pad, but still is a nice, cool break from normal summer activities. I think my kids like it so much because they have more control than they do in a pool.
To add to the fun, we ended up taking a picnic lunch. The amphitheater is right next to the splash pad, so it's a perfect spot for a picture perfect picnic (try saying that 5 times fast). The kids had such a great time. I tried showing them how to roll down the hill, and they tried, but I guess they're a bit too young for that because they didn't ever really get going.
Oh, and I almost forgot the best part about this kid venue. It's free! Absolutely free, fun, and open to the public, except when it's been reserved (which costs $3000, by the way........crazy). If you do decide to go check it out one day, do what I should have done this last time and call (241-2100) ahead to see if it's open and not being reserved for something. Also, if you get there and the water is not on, just place your hand on the black top of the blue post and the water will start. It's weird, but it works. I guess it's some kind of pressure sensor or something.
INFO:
Riverwalk Splashpad
355 Coosa St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Bring change for parking meter!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Bunnies
Okay, I've been meaning to put pictures up of my first sewing project ever, inspired by Ashley. I totally copied her bunnies, but I enjoyed it and I think they turned out pretty good for someone who's never sewn. Sorry about the bad lighting on the pics. I wasn't sure how big to cut the fabric for the body so I just made two different sizes and ended up giving the smaller one to Riley and the bigger one to Jack. I know they're not near perfect, but I can't tell you how excited I was that I actually made these by myself.
Riley's School Birthday Celebration
I've been dying to make a fondant covered cake for a while now. I didn't want to do it for a big event though because I was afraid I would mess it up and then there would be either an ugly cake or no cake. My aunt KK found this cake book in Goodwill a few months ago, which had the coolest kids cakes all decorated with fondant. I decided that I would try one for Riley's birthday party. I also decided to make another regular cake so if this one turned out really bad then I would just have the regular cake to serve.
Then I realized that Riley's birthday was on a school day. So, I decided that her one-year-old preschool class would be a good, non-critical audience for my first cake. So, I made a little school-themed birthday cake just for her class. And this is how it turned out. As you look closely, just remember it was my first so it's not NEAR perfect. I probably could go on and on about the imperfections I see as I look at the pictures, but it's ok. I was happy at how it turned out. It was a lot of fun to make! (Please ignore the retro 70's tupperware cake platter.)
I ended up making a pony stable cake (fondant) and a barn cake (regular icing) for her actual birthday party, so look for a post on those soon.
Then I realized that Riley's birthday was on a school day. So, I decided that her one-year-old preschool class would be a good, non-critical audience for my first cake. So, I made a little school-themed birthday cake just for her class. And this is how it turned out. As you look closely, just remember it was my first so it's not NEAR perfect. I probably could go on and on about the imperfections I see as I look at the pictures, but it's ok. I was happy at how it turned out. It was a lot of fun to make! (Please ignore the retro 70's tupperware cake platter.)
I ended up making a pony stable cake (fondant) and a barn cake (regular icing) for her actual birthday party, so look for a post on those soon.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
REVAMP
As you might can tell, I'm totally changing everything around on my blog/blogs. I hated the idea of making my blog private because then I can never get any new readers. *sigh* So, I came up with this brilliant idea that is taking way too long to accomplish. What I've done is exported my whole blog, created a new blog with the same name but different url, imported my old blog onto the new one, I'm keeping the old one public, I'm making the new one private, and I'm erasing any posts I feel are a bit personal from the old blog. whew! So, if you don't happen to look at my blog but once in a blue moon and haven't seen that I'm making my blog private and won't find out until it would have been too late OR if you just stumble upon this blog and like what you see and would like to read more up to date stuff, you still will have the old blog which will give instructions on how to be invited to read the new, private blog. Does this make sense? It does to me.
I think I'm still going to post random, general, maybe humorous things on the old blog, just to keep it up to date. So, that's that, and that's why I've removed pictures and a lot of my old posts. Thanks to all of you who have given me your email, I will add them to the list. It makes me feel good to know that more people than just my mom (because what mom wouldn't?) read my blog!
I think I'm still going to post random, general, maybe humorous things on the old blog, just to keep it up to date. So, that's that, and that's why I've removed pictures and a lot of my old posts. Thanks to all of you who have given me your email, I will add them to the list. It makes me feel good to know that more people than just my mom (because what mom wouldn't?) read my blog!
Montgomery 002: Old Alabama Town
Last week I decided to take the kids to check out Old Alabama Town. Actually, I really was just taking them to the playground there because it cost money to go on the whole tour. The tour sounds cool (I really can't remember if I've ever been), but I really am looking for mainly free stuff with this whole challenge thing and didn't want to spend the money. If you want to go check it out and go on the tour, if you haven't already, I think it's like $8 for an adult and the children 5 and under are free.
Anyways, the playground was really cool and the kids enjoyed it. After they worked up a good sweat playing out in the scorching heat (yeah, we kind of did this on the fly and I wasn't really paying attention to the time so we were out there at the hottest and sunniest time of the day; not a good idea because everything on the playground was so hot), then we walked across the street to the Tucker Pecan Company and got ice cream cones. Pink for Riley, green for Jack. They don't care what the flavor is, just the color.
Anyways, the playground was really cool and the kids enjoyed it. After they worked up a good sweat playing out in the scorching heat (yeah, we kind of did this on the fly and I wasn't really paying attention to the time so we were out there at the hottest and sunniest time of the day; not a good idea because everything on the playground was so hot), then we walked across the street to the Tucker Pecan Company and got ice cream cones. Pink for Riley, green for Jack. They don't care what the flavor is, just the color.
The Montgomery Challenge: Mission 001
The first place we went is the most obvious place to take kids for a free and fun outing if you live in Montgomery. The museum of fine arts, of course. They have such a fun kids area. I grew up going there regularly. Since I was little, though, it has expanded by at least half it's original size. The kids actually enjoyed jumping off the steps in the little amphitheater more than anything.
Never fail, the race car track is always the favorite "exhibit," and we end up staying over in that section for half an hour usually. I really don't see how watching a little stock car going around and around in the same path can be entertaining for that long.
I was watching two other kids besides mine that day, and we were at a house that was close enough to the museum to walk there, so we enjoyed the scenery along the way. The museum is a great place to go on a rainy day or really any day, and if you haven't been there (which I'm sure if you're reading this and live in Montgomery you probably have) you should totally go. It's fun, educational, and let's the kids exercise their creativity.
Never fail, the race car track is always the favorite "exhibit," and we end up staying over in that section for half an hour usually. I really don't see how watching a little stock car going around and around in the same path can be entertaining for that long.
I was watching two other kids besides mine that day, and we were at a house that was close enough to the museum to walk there, so we enjoyed the scenery along the way. The museum is a great place to go on a rainy day or really any day, and if you haven't been there (which I'm sure if you're reading this and live in Montgomery you probably have) you should totally go. It's fun, educational, and let's the kids exercise their creativity.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Name that tune!
"Row the goss from chinny in a wok......."
This is what Jack was singing in the backseat yesterday afternoon. I knew what it was because he had sung other more intelligible parts of the song before he sang this part. I thought it was hilarious though. I was singing the song along with him and then we got to this part. I was like, "The tune's the same, but he is not singing the same thing I am." So, I stopped and asked him to sing it again. And this is what he said over and over, "row the goss from chinny in a wok." Do you know what song it is? Think about it.......
Here's a hint: It's an old school Bible song.
"Roll the gospel chariot along,
roll the gospel chariot along,
roll the gospel chariot along.
And we won't tag along behind."
This is what Jack was singing in the backseat yesterday afternoon. I knew what it was because he had sung other more intelligible parts of the song before he sang this part. I thought it was hilarious though. I was singing the song along with him and then we got to this part. I was like, "The tune's the same, but he is not singing the same thing I am." So, I stopped and asked him to sing it again. And this is what he said over and over, "row the goss from chinny in a wok." Do you know what song it is? Think about it.......
Here's a hint: It's an old school Bible song.
"Roll the gospel chariot along,
roll the gospel chariot along,
roll the gospel chariot along.
And we won't tag along behind."
Friday, May 29, 2009
Psyche, not really
Okay, so I'm going to make my blog private. Well, I already did but I'm undoing it and then will redo it in like a week or so. Basically, I thought that if it was private then my email address would pop up and it would say to email me your address and then I could make it where you could read my blog. Apparently, Blogger has changed some things, so that instead of giving people who aren't invited a way to contact me so they could be invited, they are just told they aren't invited. So, I am writing a post to let anyone who reads this blog know that I'm about to make it private and to send me their email address. My email is rileyroo@rocketmail.com.
Email me with your email address. Thanks!
Email me with your email address. Thanks!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Congrats Grad!!
Not your typical graduation of the season, but I wanted to give a shout out to my sister Lauren who completed 12 weeks, I think, of Officer Training School. Her graduation was over a month ago, but I still wanted to post about it. I can't really give any true description of how OTS was for Lauren, because I wasn't there, but I do know it was very very tough and not everyone made it through to graduation. At one time Lauren described it as prison...........not fun. But, it trained her and put her in the position that she is in now: Second Lieutenant Naylor.
Her rank is in the top 15% of the Air Force, which I think is pretty cool. The coolest part to me though is that she now lives in Panama City! We've already visited once and plan on visiting frequently. Our last visit will be it's own post entirely, coming soon. Anyways, good job Lauren, and we are proud of you! ...........And you need to update your blog by the way............... It's almost been a whole year.
Lauren and Mamarine on graduation day:
Waiting for the shuttle to take us to the ceremony. It was freezing outside, mainly because of the wind. (That's Jack under the frog blanket):
"Will this be over soon?" (just kidding):
Family and friends:
Second Lieutenant Naylor:
Mom, Dad, and Lauren:
Graduation Parade:
Family and friends freezing while watching parade:
First salute:
Getting pinned:
Her rank is in the top 15% of the Air Force, which I think is pretty cool. The coolest part to me though is that she now lives in Panama City! We've already visited once and plan on visiting frequently. Our last visit will be it's own post entirely, coming soon. Anyways, good job Lauren, and we are proud of you! ...........And you need to update your blog by the way............... It's almost been a whole year.
Lauren and Mamarine on graduation day:
Waiting for the shuttle to take us to the ceremony. It was freezing outside, mainly because of the wind. (That's Jack under the frog blanket):
"Will this be over soon?" (just kidding):
Family and friends:
Second Lieutenant Naylor:
Mom, Dad, and Lauren:
Graduation Parade:
Family and friends freezing while watching parade:
First salute:
Getting pinned:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Twilight was so good I'm still talking about it
I was gonna sit down and write an interesting post, but I don't really feel like it any more. I also remembered that I was going to write a little (ha!) review about the Twilight series after I finished reading all of it, but I never did. I can't sum it up in words. That's how good it was. If you talk to me about these books I will be like "Yeah, I loved the part when Edward....oh, but then there was how Bella....wait, do you remember how she......" and so on and so forth, continually interrupting myself and tripping over my words trying to explain all the best parts and how good it is and how well written it is.
Anyways........it was great, and I can't wait for the next movie to come out. By the way, has anyone read the first part of "Midnight Sun." For the one person who might not know, this is the book that Meyer (the author) started writing as a part of the whole Twilight thing. It's the first book, rewritten from Edward's perspective. Well, she postponed it indefinitely because a copy of it leaked out. She says that after one whole year goes by and she hasn't heard anybody say anything about it, then she'll pick it back up again and finish it and publish it. I guess she figures that everyone will have forgotten about it by then? Not likely.
She did end up putting what she had written on her website, and I succumbed to the temptation and read it, and it's so good. So much more stuff happened in the beginning of Twilight on Edward's side as opposed to Bella's. It's so interesting and actually gives you even more information about the characters and vampires and such.
Well, I really could go on and on about this, but I will stop now because I have to make Riley's invitations for her 2nd birthday party. Will share later.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Crickets in the Head
Jack wanted me to take his temperature the other day because he wanted to have a fever so he could take some grape tylenol. I checked his head with our temporal lobe thermometer, which makes little chirping noises. At the doctor's office they say, "Let's listen to those crickets in your head." So, I always say, "Let's check your crickets."
His temperature was normal, so I said he was fine. Later, in a final attempt to get some tylenol, he came back up to me and said, "Mom, I think the crickets are biting my head."
His temperature was normal, so I said he was fine. Later, in a final attempt to get some tylenol, he came back up to me and said, "Mom, I think the crickets are biting my head."
Monday, March 30, 2009
A Quiet Man Who Spoke Volumes
My Granddaddy (or as I called him, Papaw) passed away a little over a week ago. It still doesn't seem real. He started having strokes just a little over a month earlier. They finally got the best of him. I'm almost at a loss of words for it all, but I did want to share how great of a man he was. In my own words that is. I hesitate to write anything about him because I know that whatever I write just won't seem to be enough. Words aren't enough. Much more could be said, but here is a small taste.
One of the preachers that spoke at his funeral said this about him: "He was a quiet man who spoke volumes." My Papaw didn't ever say too much, but he was a great influence and example for so many. I always felt a connection with my Papaw because he reminded me of myself in a lot of ways (or vice versa). We're both pretty laid back, quiet people. I hope one day, people will say about me what we say about him. I want to be known as a quiet woman who spoke volumes.
When he did speak, though, it was something you would want to listen to. He could make the funniest jokes. He could even make lame jokes funny. One of my favorite stories about him was one from when he was a young man selling insurance. He was out seeing a client or something with his insurance partner. They knocked on the door and this woman opened it up. They introduced themselves and the woman said "He knows my name." So, my papaw and his partner kinda looked at each other and were waiting for the other to tell them her name, but clearly neither of them knew her name. I think she said it again, and they were confused so they went ahead and went into the whole insurance spill or whatever. As they left the house and got in the car to drive away, they looked at her mailbox and it said "HEINO." She was saying "Heino's my name." I'm sure that lady tricked a lot of people with that one. Every time I hear someone say the phrase "He knows" in any context, I automatically think to myself "Heino's my name." It always brings a smile to my face.
Papaw and his favorite girl:
My Papaw was not only a great man, but a great Christian. That's probably what made him such a great man. I never heard him raise his voice or say a mean thing about anyone. He was great at crossword puzzles. He loved sweets and good food in general. He was very, very handsome. He loved wearing his red shirt. His hair always looked great. He was great at growing lemons and oranges. He would have and did do anything for his children and grandchildren and more. He always entertained us with Roman candles on the Fourth of July. He was so cool. I love him.
My mom, the kids, and I were down in Florida with him that whole last week of his life. I cherish the time we got to spend with him. Even though he was not able to speak or move much that last week, he could hear us and let us know that he loved us. Just today Jack pointed out our first tulip that's bloomed and told me it was Papaw's. Riley called him Paw Paw. The day of the viewing, my mom was getting Riley dressed and out of the blue she said, "Pawpaw's singing." From the mouths of babes. I'm sure he is singing.
I found a video of him on my computer from one of the last times he was up in Montgomery. I wish I could share it, but my computer won't let me for some reason. He's rocking the kids and is singing "I've Been Working on the Railroad." It's so sweet.
None of us were ready to let him go. He's having a blast right now though. He's okay now. He's graduated to glory. We're the ones who need the prayers.
One of the preachers that spoke at his funeral said this about him: "He was a quiet man who spoke volumes." My Papaw didn't ever say too much, but he was a great influence and example for so many. I always felt a connection with my Papaw because he reminded me of myself in a lot of ways (or vice versa). We're both pretty laid back, quiet people. I hope one day, people will say about me what we say about him. I want to be known as a quiet woman who spoke volumes.
When he did speak, though, it was something you would want to listen to. He could make the funniest jokes. He could even make lame jokes funny. One of my favorite stories about him was one from when he was a young man selling insurance. He was out seeing a client or something with his insurance partner. They knocked on the door and this woman opened it up. They introduced themselves and the woman said "He knows my name." So, my papaw and his partner kinda looked at each other and were waiting for the other to tell them her name, but clearly neither of them knew her name. I think she said it again, and they were confused so they went ahead and went into the whole insurance spill or whatever. As they left the house and got in the car to drive away, they looked at her mailbox and it said "HEINO." She was saying "Heino's my name." I'm sure that lady tricked a lot of people with that one. Every time I hear someone say the phrase "He knows" in any context, I automatically think to myself "Heino's my name." It always brings a smile to my face.
Papaw and his favorite girl:
My Papaw was not only a great man, but a great Christian. That's probably what made him such a great man. I never heard him raise his voice or say a mean thing about anyone. He was great at crossword puzzles. He loved sweets and good food in general. He was very, very handsome. He loved wearing his red shirt. His hair always looked great. He was great at growing lemons and oranges. He would have and did do anything for his children and grandchildren and more. He always entertained us with Roman candles on the Fourth of July. He was so cool. I love him.
My mom, the kids, and I were down in Florida with him that whole last week of his life. I cherish the time we got to spend with him. Even though he was not able to speak or move much that last week, he could hear us and let us know that he loved us. Just today Jack pointed out our first tulip that's bloomed and told me it was Papaw's. Riley called him Paw Paw. The day of the viewing, my mom was getting Riley dressed and out of the blue she said, "Pawpaw's singing." From the mouths of babes. I'm sure he is singing.
I found a video of him on my computer from one of the last times he was up in Montgomery. I wish I could share it, but my computer won't let me for some reason. He's rocking the kids and is singing "I've Been Working on the Railroad." It's so sweet.
None of us were ready to let him go. He's having a blast right now though. He's okay now. He's graduated to glory. We're the ones who need the prayers.
Dear Ryan,
Since you have officially switched over to the dark side (meaning cats over dogs), I thought you'd enjoy this hilarious video:
"Kittens, Inspired by Kittens"
"Kittens, Inspired by Kittens"
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Kara needs...
Ok, this is hilarious, so I had to share. What you do is go into Google and type your name and the word needs in quotes, like this: "Kara needs" and write down the first ten sentences that you see that make sense and comment on them. Here it goes:
1) Kara needs to have a civilian ID. (I do need to renew my driver's license)
2) Kara needs to hook up with a regular guy to help ground her character. (Do I?)
3) Kara needs to be more humble. (Always)
4) Kara needs a vacation. (Wow! Right on target.)
5) Kara needs a lighter by Shane. (If you say so, but I don't really ever use a lighter.)
6) Kara needs to go. (on vacation)
7) Kara needs healing vibes. (I couldn't make this stuff up)
8) Kara needs to go on American Idol? (Sweet.)
9) Kara needs to quit hitting. (Just stop the fighting)
10) Kara needs some gatorade and a good night's sleep. (Amen!)
1) Kara needs to have a civilian ID. (I do need to renew my driver's license)
2) Kara needs to hook up with a regular guy to help ground her character. (Do I?)
3) Kara needs to be more humble. (Always)
4) Kara needs a vacation. (Wow! Right on target.)
5) Kara needs a lighter by Shane. (If you say so, but I don't really ever use a lighter.)
6) Kara needs to go. (on vacation)
7) Kara needs healing vibes. (I couldn't make this stuff up)
8) Kara needs to go on American Idol? (Sweet.)
9) Kara needs to quit hitting. (Just stop the fighting)
10) Kara needs some gatorade and a good night's sleep. (Amen!)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Montgomery Challenge
I love taking the kids to do fun things around town. Every time I think of or see a new place that might be kid-friendly and fun, I try to take the kids there. Last spring and summer we pretty much spent most days at the pool. While that is very fun, I'd like to branch out a bit more and add some variety. Now that the weather is getting warmer I'm trying to get out more. I'm constantly on the internet looking to see if there's something going on around town that I can take the kids to; something to do so that we're not just sitting at home on my days off. I never can find anything online.
Growing up here, my mom took us to a lot of neat places around the city and now there are even more great places to go. You just have to look for them. Just go downtown and you have history and character tucked into every little corner. You just have to know where to go.
I hear a lot of people say Montgomery is boring and there's nothing to do here. I've said it myself MANY times. But I'm determined to find fun in this city. So, I am challenging myself.
What I've decided to do is to hit all the fun kid spots around town that are cheap (preferrably free) and I will post about each spot so you too can discover what Montgomery has to offer in the way of kid venues. Let me know if you would like to join us in our journey to find the fun in Montgomery. Also, if you have any suggestions, feel free to share. Operation 001 will start this Friday. Call me and I'll tell you when and where. Be there!
Growing up here, my mom took us to a lot of neat places around the city and now there are even more great places to go. You just have to look for them. Just go downtown and you have history and character tucked into every little corner. You just have to know where to go.
I hear a lot of people say Montgomery is boring and there's nothing to do here. I've said it myself MANY times. But I'm determined to find fun in this city. So, I am challenging myself.
What I've decided to do is to hit all the fun kid spots around town that are cheap (preferrably free) and I will post about each spot so you too can discover what Montgomery has to offer in the way of kid venues. Let me know if you would like to join us in our journey to find the fun in Montgomery. Also, if you have any suggestions, feel free to share. Operation 001 will start this Friday. Call me and I'll tell you when and where. Be there!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Etsy, here I come.....
Not really. I'm not really up for that yet. But I have been working on some things lately. For a year now, I've been tossing ideas around in my head about things that I'd like to make and sell. I would like to use my almost art degree for something. I say almost because I haven't fully completed the degree (two classes left). And I love making stuff for Jack and Riley, like wall art and shirts and bows. Stuff like that. And of course the next thought that comes to mind after I make something for one of them is, "hey, I could sell that."
Enter my niece, Adriana's, 2nd birthday. My mom wanted to make her a step stool because back when Jack was about that age her and my dad made him a really cool surfboard step stool with waves and all. She wanted to make Adriana a flower one. So, she came up with the idea, my dad built it, and I painted it. Now I totally think we should make more and sell them. What do you think we could get? I say at least $40. Here's a not so great picture of how it turned out. Notice the base is leaves. I thought that was cool.
I'm designing a bed for Jack right now, and whenever it gets built, I will share pictures because it's gonna be, as Jack says, "totally awesome," with secret compartments and all.
Enter my niece, Adriana's, 2nd birthday. My mom wanted to make her a step stool because back when Jack was about that age her and my dad made him a really cool surfboard step stool with waves and all. She wanted to make Adriana a flower one. So, she came up with the idea, my dad built it, and I painted it. Now I totally think we should make more and sell them. What do you think we could get? I say at least $40. Here's a not so great picture of how it turned out. Notice the base is leaves. I thought that was cool.
I'm designing a bed for Jack right now, and whenever it gets built, I will share pictures because it's gonna be, as Jack says, "totally awesome," with secret compartments and all.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Dear Ryan,
Here is a picture of Lauren with her new military haircut as requested. Sorry it's not that great because that overhead lighting was a killer, and this was the best one out of the few that we took.
Our sister, Lauren, got accepted into the military as an officer a little while back and has now been in Officer Training School for about six weeks. They kept complaining about her hair saying it was almost too long so she went ahead and just got it cut really short so they wouldn't keep hastling her about it. She has about six weeks left until she graduates and then goes down for more training in Panama City. Not a bad assignment, if I say so myself. Here's another picture that I think is pretty cool. (My mom's not too fond of it. "I don't want to see my girl holding a gun!") Her first tough military picture:
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Dear Ryan,
Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden (weirdest video, check it out on youtube)
Crazy by Aerosmith
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm by Crash Test Dummies
I'd Do Anything for Love by Meatloaf (longest video ever)
These are just a few songs off the top of my head that we used to listen to as kids. Remember the song "Molly" by Sponge? We would sing this at the top of our lungs and get right in Lauren's face, singing "don't ask why!" My brother and I tended to always pester Lauren.
Like the time she broke a window and our parents weren't home yet. We turned the stereo on full blast playing the song "Deep Deep Trouble" by the Simpsons. It was quite funny at the time.
We also used to bring the radio outside and dance to music in our backyard. We got especially excited for some reason when "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler came on. When she said "turn around" my sister and I would of course turn around in circles. We thought we were real cool doing that. Disclaimer: we were very young at the time. Ahh, nostalgia....
Crazy by Aerosmith
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm by Crash Test Dummies
I'd Do Anything for Love by Meatloaf (longest video ever)
These are just a few songs off the top of my head that we used to listen to as kids. Remember the song "Molly" by Sponge? We would sing this at the top of our lungs and get right in Lauren's face, singing "don't ask why!" My brother and I tended to always pester Lauren.
Like the time she broke a window and our parents weren't home yet. We turned the stereo on full blast playing the song "Deep Deep Trouble" by the Simpsons. It was quite funny at the time.
We also used to bring the radio outside and dance to music in our backyard. We got especially excited for some reason when "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler came on. When she said "turn around" my sister and I would of course turn around in circles. We thought we were real cool doing that. Disclaimer: we were very young at the time. Ahh, nostalgia....
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dear Ryan,
This is for you.
My brother, Ryan, apparently feels that I do not post on my blog often enough. (My mom feels the same way: "Nobody's gonna read your blog anymore if you don't put something new up there.") But this is for Ryan. Please join me regularly for my Dear Ryan segment. They will be sweet and short.
Today I introduce you to something Ryan introduced me to: Sporcle.com. For those of you who haven't been here, you can waste so much time on this site, but it's so much fun. It's all about lists and your memory, technically "mentally stimulating diversions." Like seeing if you can name all 50 states or if you can name 30 corporations by looking at their logos. There's also the misheard lyrics game, that's a favorite. It's a great thing to do online if you have nothing else to do, or are avoiding doing something else.
My brother, Ryan, apparently feels that I do not post on my blog often enough. (My mom feels the same way: "Nobody's gonna read your blog anymore if you don't put something new up there.") But this is for Ryan. Please join me regularly for my Dear Ryan segment. They will be sweet and short.
Today I introduce you to something Ryan introduced me to: Sporcle.com. For those of you who haven't been here, you can waste so much time on this site, but it's so much fun. It's all about lists and your memory, technically "mentally stimulating diversions." Like seeing if you can name all 50 states or if you can name 30 corporations by looking at their logos. There's also the misheard lyrics game, that's a favorite. It's a great thing to do online if you have nothing else to do, or are avoiding doing something else.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Germ Freaktacular
We drove up to Nashville today and stopped and ate at McDonald's on the way. I try my hardest to avoid taking my newly potty trained child anywhere near a public restroom. He's a boy so it's a little easier on me, being the germ freak I am, than it would be if he was a girl and had to actually sit on the toilet. I'll probably end up holding Riley over the toilet as she goes IF I ever get stuck in a situation like this again while she's potty training/trained and still small (a.k.a. unaware of the nastiness that sits on ANY surface in a public restroom).
Anyways, Jack announces in the middle of our meal that he has to go potty. I run through the options in my head: a) pack up our lunch quickly and take both the kids outside, put Riley in the car, and let Jack pee in the parking lot as I hide him so no one can see that I'm letting my child go right where people walk. (this really was my first thought) and then there was the only other thing I could think of b) leave our lunch there, take both my children and my giant diaper bag into a McDonald's restroom, and try to get Jack to pee without touching any surface while holding Riley and my giant bag and protecting them from the germs that lie within those bathroom walls.
Regretfully, I chose option b. We get into the bathroom unscathed. Then I see that these toilets are the giant, tall kind that are close to impossible not to touch, even as an adult. The door is one of those that you have to hold open or it will close on you. So here I am, holding Riley in one arm, my giant bag on the other, propping the door open with my knee, reaching out for Jack with my free hand so he doesn't get too close to the toilet, while shouting warning after warning about what not to touch.
"Jack, DO NOT touch that toilet. DO NOT touch ANYTHING. Just pull your pants down, stand on your tippy toes, and use the bathroom really fast. OK?!"
Everything's going pretty smoothly. He finishes going and I've already decided that I'm not gonna be able to squeeze into the stall to flush the toilet with my foot, and there's NO WAY I'm letting him flush it, so it's not getting flushed. I think he's about to pull his pants up and walk back out when the unthinkable happens.
He touches the toilet seat...............with his bare hand. I freaked out; I totally did. I'm glad no one else was in the bathroom although I'm pretty sure the lady that was about to clean it was standing outside the doorway listening the whole time.
"Jack! I can't believe you just did that! That is disgusting! UGHHHHH! Gross! Don't touch anything! I have to wash your hand! DO NOT pull up your pants! DO NOT touch anything! I HAVE to wash your hand first! I'm about to throw up! That was so disgusting!"
I put Riley down, hoping she won't touch anything. Then I instruct Jack to hold his hands out a certain way so as not to touch the dirty counter top, but what does it matter now. He touched a public toilet seat. I wash his hands thoroughly, and then notice Riley's hands headed for said countertop.
"Riley! Stop! NO! Do not touch that! COME HERE!"
Riley starts crying, but miraculously does not fall to the floor as she usually does in her drama queen style. She must have a developing germ sense like her mother. I finish washing Jack's hands and turn the water off with my elbow (no papertowels, only those dirty dryer things). I pick up my girl and lead my family safely out of the condemned place with my foot opening the door. That's where I was greeted by the cleaning lady, waiting to get in. I give a quick smile and quickly walk back to our table.
Next time, he's going in the parking lot. By the way, if you ever see a puddle on the ground, don't automatically assume it's water........
Anyways, Jack announces in the middle of our meal that he has to go potty. I run through the options in my head: a) pack up our lunch quickly and take both the kids outside, put Riley in the car, and let Jack pee in the parking lot as I hide him so no one can see that I'm letting my child go right where people walk. (this really was my first thought) and then there was the only other thing I could think of b) leave our lunch there, take both my children and my giant diaper bag into a McDonald's restroom, and try to get Jack to pee without touching any surface while holding Riley and my giant bag and protecting them from the germs that lie within those bathroom walls.
Regretfully, I chose option b. We get into the bathroom unscathed. Then I see that these toilets are the giant, tall kind that are close to impossible not to touch, even as an adult. The door is one of those that you have to hold open or it will close on you. So here I am, holding Riley in one arm, my giant bag on the other, propping the door open with my knee, reaching out for Jack with my free hand so he doesn't get too close to the toilet, while shouting warning after warning about what not to touch.
"Jack, DO NOT touch that toilet. DO NOT touch ANYTHING. Just pull your pants down, stand on your tippy toes, and use the bathroom really fast. OK?!"
Everything's going pretty smoothly. He finishes going and I've already decided that I'm not gonna be able to squeeze into the stall to flush the toilet with my foot, and there's NO WAY I'm letting him flush it, so it's not getting flushed. I think he's about to pull his pants up and walk back out when the unthinkable happens.
He touches the toilet seat...............with his bare hand. I freaked out; I totally did. I'm glad no one else was in the bathroom although I'm pretty sure the lady that was about to clean it was standing outside the doorway listening the whole time.
"Jack! I can't believe you just did that! That is disgusting! UGHHHHH! Gross! Don't touch anything! I have to wash your hand! DO NOT pull up your pants! DO NOT touch anything! I HAVE to wash your hand first! I'm about to throw up! That was so disgusting!"
I put Riley down, hoping she won't touch anything. Then I instruct Jack to hold his hands out a certain way so as not to touch the dirty counter top, but what does it matter now. He touched a public toilet seat. I wash his hands thoroughly, and then notice Riley's hands headed for said countertop.
"Riley! Stop! NO! Do not touch that! COME HERE!"
Riley starts crying, but miraculously does not fall to the floor as she usually does in her drama queen style. She must have a developing germ sense like her mother. I finish washing Jack's hands and turn the water off with my elbow (no papertowels, only those dirty dryer things). I pick up my girl and lead my family safely out of the condemned place with my foot opening the door. That's where I was greeted by the cleaning lady, waiting to get in. I give a quick smile and quickly walk back to our table.
Next time, he's going in the parking lot. By the way, if you ever see a puddle on the ground, don't automatically assume it's water........
Saturday, January 24, 2009
"She's Just Being Riley!"
Setting: I was about to eat some food I'd just heated up and Riley walks towards me with her mouth open. No words, just an open mouth.
Me: Riley, it's very hot.
(I feed her a small piece that I've blown off.)
Riley: I want more "very hot."
Last night at supper:
Jack: I want some tea.
Riley: I want some tea party.
Oh, and one for Jack:
Last night I had a cupcake that was actually for the kids, but I split it into thirds so I could eat some. I gave Jack his piece of the cupcake and he responded, "Thanks Mom. That is so nice for you to share."
Me: Riley, it's very hot.
(I feed her a small piece that I've blown off.)
Riley: I want more "very hot."
Last night at supper:
Jack: I want some tea.
Riley: I want some tea party.
Oh, and one for Jack:
Last night I had a cupcake that was actually for the kids, but I split it into thirds so I could eat some. I gave Jack his piece of the cupcake and he responded, "Thanks Mom. That is so nice for you to share."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Grace
I haven't really had much to post about recently, but then I remembered a book that I read a couple of weeks ago. After reading the first Twilight book I got on this reading kick, but didn't have access to the second one yet. Well, I ended up reading like three books in three days. They were good, but not books that I'd normally read that fast. I think the reason I read them so fast was because I really wanted to read New Moon (Twilight, #2) and didn't want to be in the middle of a book when I finally got hold of a copy of the twilight book. Sad, but true.
So, I'm here to review the best of the three that I sped through. It was Richard Paul Evans' new book, Grace. My mom is a big fan of this author, and she's gotten me to read all of his books. They're all pretty short, but very, very good, and once you read one, it's hard to stop. This one was about this 16 year old girl, Grace, who runs away from an abusive home. The main character, whose name I've forgotten, runs into her and offers to let her stay in a little clubhouse that him and his brother built. Anyways, it's a really sweet book. It's sad, but also inspirational in a way. Grace has been through so much and still has such an upbeat attitude and is just a cool girl all around.
Let me note one thing I noticed though in all 7 of the books I've read in the past few weeks. Yes, seven! That's crazy! Okay, we'll count the Twilight series as one book because it was written by the same person. So four books. Three out of the four were written by women. In all of the books written by women, the guys were hot and the girl's were kind of average-looking. In the one written by the man, the girl was hot and the boy was dorky. Go figure. I definitely think there's something there. I mean, women like writing/reading about hot guys and men like writing/reading about hot girls. I need further evidence to back up my theory, but I'm sure it's true.
If you want a synopsis or other information about this book go here. I just found this while looking for an image.
So, I'm here to review the best of the three that I sped through. It was Richard Paul Evans' new book, Grace. My mom is a big fan of this author, and she's gotten me to read all of his books. They're all pretty short, but very, very good, and once you read one, it's hard to stop. This one was about this 16 year old girl, Grace, who runs away from an abusive home. The main character, whose name I've forgotten, runs into her and offers to let her stay in a little clubhouse that him and his brother built. Anyways, it's a really sweet book. It's sad, but also inspirational in a way. Grace has been through so much and still has such an upbeat attitude and is just a cool girl all around.
Let me note one thing I noticed though in all 7 of the books I've read in the past few weeks. Yes, seven! That's crazy! Okay, we'll count the Twilight series as one book because it was written by the same person. So four books. Three out of the four were written by women. In all of the books written by women, the guys were hot and the girl's were kind of average-looking. In the one written by the man, the girl was hot and the boy was dorky. Go figure. I definitely think there's something there. I mean, women like writing/reading about hot guys and men like writing/reading about hot girls. I need further evidence to back up my theory, but I'm sure it's true.
If you want a synopsis or other information about this book go here. I just found this while looking for an image.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Twilight Finally! Edward......wow!
I finally caved and read Twilight. I love reading and I don't know why, but when something gets so popular, I somehow get myself to thinking that I wouldn't like it. I know this makes no sense. The more people like something, the less likely I am to like it? Logical? No. I did the same thing with Harry Potter, but then I saw the first Harry Potter movie, and then read all the books as fast as they could put them out. And I loved them!
The surprising thing is that I love Twilight even more! I read the book in a very short amount of time, just a week ago. (By a very short amount of time, I mean within a period of hours. Yeah, it's that good. You probably already know this though, because I'm sure most of you have already read it.) Anyways, I already miss reading it and want to read it again. I've never wanted to reread a book right after I've finished it, but now I do. I just started the second one today and am trying to pace myself. That's why I'm taking a break to write on this blog. Not that there's a million other things I need to be doing right now.
This post was supposed to be my "book review," but instead I seem to be gushing over how much I enjoyed the book. I probably sound like a teenager. By the way, I went in the library to check out some books because after reading Twilight, I've gotten on this reading kick. So, I asked the librarian to suggest some good reads and she said that since I liked Twilight, I might want to go look in the teen section. Thanks! A nice good kick to my trying-to-be-an-adult-raising-two-kids-while-living-with-my-parents self-esteem. Oh, well.
Review:
Everyone should read this book, obviously. I think one thing I enjoyed about it is that the main character, Bella, is so relatable. She's so normal and the fact that this amazingly gorgeous, supernatural, and seemingly perfect Edward wants only to be with her has great love story written all over it.
There's more I could write about it, but I think I'll save it all until I've finished the whole series. Which won't be long, considering my recent track record of book reading.
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