WFMW - Thankful Tree

I thought I'd share what maybe some of you already do...something I had always heard about but never actually followed through and tried until this Thanksgiving....

The Thankful Tree.

(I know Thanksgiving has come and gone this year, but I still wanted to share this... for something to consider next year- or even to somehow use at Christmas.)

What is a thankful tree? Well, there are several ways to do this, but basically the idea behind it is to have everyone participate in being thankful in a tangible way. And though this works for small family gatherings, as well as large- it's especially nice for large families who don't really have time to go around the table and each say why they are thankful. (Which can be torture to do with the warm aroma of roasted turkey and dressing dancing in your nostrils!)

What I did was very simple. I drew, freehanded, a tree trunk with bare branches on poster board. Then I traced leaves which I drew on construction paper in various colors and cut them out. (Older children can help with this but since my children are still fairly young, this time they mostly just watched.)
As you can see from the picture, it's very, very simple!

On Thanksgiving Day, I taped the tree to the inside of the front door with the leaves, tape and a pen nearby. My girls and I then told each guest as they arrived to please write their name on one leaf and something that they were thankful for this year- then place it on the tree.

My girls really were excited about this! I had told them that it was their job to help me tell family members what to do, and they delighted in seeing the tree take on such beauty as each person added their leaf. I think they understood that the beauty was even more than the colors- but in the act of all of us counting our blessings and our gratitude towards God.

It's been so easy for these kinds of gatherings to be "all about the food".
Not that I've ever had anything against the scrumptious morsels of the holidays! It's not Thanksgiving for me if I don't have cranberry sauce (real berries, please) dressing and a piece of pumpkin pie. (OK, two.)
But it's nice to keep the real meaning of Thanksgiving in their somewhere, where we focus on all the gifts we truly have in our lives.

I've heard of other versions of this tradition, such as each person putting a leaf in a bowl and at the end of the evening or at dinner, a person takes a turn, drawing a name and reading it.
I like this, too.
However, I knew that in our family, the more casual approach would work best. Especially when our gatherings are so large that we can't even sit around the table. Everyone just grabs a chair, sofa or spot on the floor!

I think taking the basic principle and adapting it to your own family gathering is best. The important thing is just to find a way for everyone to be able to express their thankfulness.

Just about every relative that I directed towards the tree seemed pleasently surprised and very happy to add thier name! So though my main motives might have been as a lesson of thankfulness to my own children, I think that it helps all of us to stop and think for a moment on just what we are thankful for most in this life.

I think we've just started a tradition.

Thanksgiving Weekend Ramblings

I hope everyone has had a nice Thanksgiving and are now enjoying those leftovers and relaxing a bit.

Today was my first day to relax in quite a while. Cleaning, cleaning cleaning for holiday, which I usually host every year for about 22- 26 of us. (No matter who's house spend a holiday at, we are wall to wall people. Luckily, for the most part, we all get along!)
But as I said before, other than providing the house and a few beverages, I don't have to do much else, which is kind of nice. No slaving over the stove to try and make seven dishes come out ready for the table simutaniously!

Below is a picture of the turkey that my one brother in law prepared.
It was so juicy....mmmmm! This guy arrives early to our house and cooks one every year!
And he's single, ladies! ;) (I'm going to have to duck the next time I see him...heehee...)




The next morning, my husband, lists in hand, braved the weather, crowds and traffic to be a part of the masses of black Friday at 5 in the morning. Not me...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz but I did get out there at 8:30. And I have to say, I wasn't impressed with any incredible, door-busting sales I found- or didn't find.

That afternoon, we all went to retreive our new family member, Mandy! (See post below)
She has honestly been the easiest puppy to potty train! Would you believe...so far, no accidents in the house- AT ALL! Of course, I'm putting her outside every hour or two, but the advice I received is working and she's a natural.

On the other hand, last night- the first night- was all too reminicent of my new-mommy days. I didn't get much sleep at all, and ended up crashing with a blanket on the futon besdie her. Tonight we'll try moving her crate upstairs with us, per some advice I found on the internet...which will either be better or just more steps for me to travel in the middle of the night to take her potty.

I did read their little bladders are like babies'...they just can't make it through the night without having to go potty these first couple months. It's been about 20 years since I raised a puppy, and I didn't remember this part.
And...why did I think wintertime would be a good season for doing this?
But some of you tried to warn me about the hard work involved, I know....

All in all, though, I can't complain. She is such a good puppy! But I forgot how spoiled I was with a good night's sleep!

Well, as I end this rambling post, I'll go back and join the family by the fire to watch the end of "White Christmas".
Guess it's almost time to deck the halls...

Have a blessed Sunday!

Puppy Love

Please welcome the newest addition to our little family...


Mandy!

Six weeks old and a bundle of furry love!

Finding Christmas

As we approach the Christmas season, I just wanted to follow up on some thoughts I had mentioned in my last post relating to facing Christmas with...shall we say....financial challenges this year. But this won't be a post of helpful hints- but rather, a journal of my hopes for using this situation for good.

Not that we personally have anything to complain about. We feel completely blessed to have taken a trip to Hawaii, in spite of some of the things that went ary. It was completely our choice to spend our money this way...but as parents, my husband and I worry just a tiny bit over whether our young children will understand and grasp that Hawaii was part of our family Christmas gift, so to speak. Or that the new puppy coming this weekend is also an early gift.
Will they feel somehow denied, if the tower of packages is a bit shorter than it was last year?

Deep down, I don't really think so. But I also think this so-called financial disadvantage might be acually a blessing in disguise. What better time than this, to try to focus in on the real meaning of Christmas.

I know that phrase gets overused a lot, but nevertheless, it's a fact that what we are suppose to be celebrating gets lost in the shuffle of endless commercials for the newest animatronic dolls or the latest version of new hot video game. Not to mention all of the other many ways that the message of Christmas can be easily missed amongst the hustle and noise of the "celebrations".

I think this is my chance. To take a seemingly frustrating situation, where most of our money is already spent, and try to turn it around in a positive way.

I suspect that most of you reading this would echo my desire to re-focus a bit more on the "real" Christmas, no matter what your current financial status is. And I guess, many of us, no matter how pure our motives, will fall a bit short. I know that I will. But I think it helps to have goals.

So what do I want to focus in on with my children this Christmas?

1) The most important significance behind the holiday is that God sent His only Son for us. I want my children to find tangible ways to make the celebration of Christ's birth special to them.

2) I want our family to think more readily about others less fortunate, and to be the Hands of Jesus where we can. Even if it is simply ministering to the residents at a retirement home by making crafts and singing carols with them.

3) I want my children to remember those simple pleasures at Christmastime. Baking goodies, decorating the house with Christmas music blaring, and snuggling with us as we listen to our audio tapes of the Cinnamon Bear or watching Rudolph.

Although we've never been well-off financially by any means, we have been accidently guilty of buying too much for the kids in previous years. The downfall would be that my husband and I would buy some things separately, and then low and behold, the girls would be raking in quite a haul on Christmas morning...and we'd somehow be as surprised as they were!
But you know...we always noticed that by the end of the unwrapping, their eyes were glazed over and the appreciation grew small. It always made us a little sad, as well as a bit guilty.

This year, we are forced to plan more carefully...and that is a good thing.

I keep remembering that episode of Little House in the Prairie where the Ingall girls thought they wouldn't be receiving gifts that year due to a blizzard. And then, Mr. Edwards (who has seen Santa) gives them their gifts: A juicy orange, a large peppermint stick and a shiny new cup...their eyes are shining with gratitude and wonder. This episode always touched me deeply, inspiring me to want to cultivate even more an attitude of Thanksgiving.

My children are still mightily blessed. They will still be receiving much more than what the Ingalls girls received. Yet, my hope is that with our limited spending this year, we will all be a little more free to focus on the most important meaning behind Christmas while savoring all the special feelings that surround the season.

This is my hope and my prayer. Because while some of the toys openned on Christmas morning are soon pushed aside and forgotten, it is the memories of substance which remains.

"For unto you is born this day,in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." ~Luke 2:11-12

Sunday Family Doin's

It's that time again...time for the semi-monthly news report and update on what's new in our lives. So, set aside that heavy, bulky Sunday paper and get comfy by the computer. I promise it will be short this time!

Well...we did it. We're about to embark on a new phase in our lives. We are about to welcome a new member into our family! A tiny, helpless, cute little bundle of....

FUR!

Yes, this coming weekend, we should be bringing home our newest addition...a six week old Lab\Chow mix!

A few days ago, the girls and I followed up on an add to check out a litter of pups and went to the family's house to see them. It was my girls' first experience, and let me tell you...they were beside themselves! Eleven adorable little puppies crawling all over them...they just didn't want to leave!
And the girls were so surprisingly well-behaved that day...in spite of the excitement. They knew that Mommy had the final say on which puppy we chose and when I finally settled on the one that seemed to keep following us, and had so much personality...they were just fine with it being my choice. They were just happy to be getting a puppy!

Because the puppies were getting thier shots this weekend, we will be picking ours up the day or so after Thanksgiving. (And we're still working on a name!)

But you know... our money has been scrambling off in way too many directions lately!
Although I'm sure Santa will be leaving a few gifts under the tree for two certain good little girls, they both know that part of their early Christmas present is the new puppy. Getting a new dog and all that comes with it can be expensive, in case you didn't know! And coming on the heels of a Hawaiian vacation and a broken car (and having to buy a new one) well...let's just say that The Dollar store is looking pretty good right now!

(I have some more thoughts along this line, but will save it for a later post...)

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In other news, my little four year old was invited to attend Disney on Ice! Her little friend, instead of having a birthday party, got to pick one friend to take along...and Lil Cherub was her choice! She will be gone with their family for up to four hours, which will be strange...but I know she will have a wonderful time!

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And in four days, my husband's entire crew of 11 brothers and sisters, assorted spouses and children (mostly teens) will decend at my door for Thanksgiving!
(And no, we do not have a large home!)
But I actually don't mind this a bit...everyone brings food and I don't have to cook a thing!
The day usually winds down with various games- especially a rousing challenge of what's becoming a Thanksgiving tradition here...the board game called "Moods"!

But I do have to clean the house from top to bottom... - which at this moment looks like the recent windstorms we've had blew through every last room in here. (And my husband can't help too much this year. He's working on, in my vast knowledge of auto terms- car stuff. As for my little ones...well, their help only goes so far...

So on that thought, I will now stop writing this post and commence slaving away...)

I hope to post again in just a day or two and follow up on some thoughts I have had about our recent "expenditures" and the challenges- and blessings- it brings.

Until then, have a wonderful Thanksgiving week...God bless!

Honolulu Mama

I'm hoping my mom will have her own post on her first trip to Hawaii very soon (hint, hint, Mom!) so until then, I won't tell too much about her trip. Other than she got off to a rough start but ended up having a hula of a time!

Just to give some background...my mom hasn't travelled to too many exotic locations over the years. (OK, extreme understatement.) And never to Hawaii, a place she's always wanted to see.
My dear aunt has travelled the world so much that she doesn't even have room any more for stamps in her passport! But when I asked her awhile back if she might possible consider going with my mom, since, for various reasons it wouldn't work out for her to come with us...she didn't even hesitate.
Both sisters are only 22 months apart. My mom is the oldest...and the shortest. (Both of their parents were on the short side so no one knows what made my aunt grow...she must have snuck in some extra veggies from the victory garden growing up!)

I am so grateful that my aunt so readily agreed to "champerone" her, and that my aunt's husband drove the two hours to and from the airport to escort them. And I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that my mom finally got to live out this simple dream.

So...since my mom hasn't gotten the hang of posting pictures yet (I'm just proud of my almost 80 years young, depression-era mama for even using e-mail and writing blogs, for goodness sakes!)...I'm posting a few pictures I snagged off my aunt's website.

And for the finale...I give you...my mom! Aloha!



Edited to add: She just posted the first part of her own story! Please go check it out!

Wordless Wednesday

Lil Cherub as a baby~

Time...

OK...who's that stranger (well, half of stranger) looming in the sidebar and replying to your posts, you ask?

Don't worry. It's still me. The cute little toddler from before. I'm just all grown up now! (And still have two eyes, don't worry.)

Yes, time as gone by.

It reminds me of that insurance campaign of the cute commercials. My seven year old has a keen sense of humor- pretty mature for her age, I think. And she shares the humor in that slogan,

"Life comes at you fast..."

You know- the one where the father is sweetly pushing his preschooler on the swing, and suddenly he's a chubby 18 year old who knocks him flat on the ground.
Our private joke is that whenever I pick her up and feel the strain, she says that to me now and giggles.

It's a sobering thought, even though we all laugh when we see the commercials. Talk about truth in advertising! Life does have a way of speeding by like a runaway train at times.

I remember my parents listening, sometimes, to their stack of LPs
(records to those of you under 35... giant, CD-like black disk things to those of you under 25).
There was one song that always got to both of them...

"Turn around and you're two...turn around and your four....
Turn around and you're a young man, going out of the door."

There were other verses that I have forgotten, but I remember that they got all misty and quiet whenever they heard this song. To my young ears, I thought..."That's a weird thought. I don't simply turn around and I'm a new age..."

Oh, but it's true. I so understand now. For my own life...and that of my children. I do simply turn around and they go from a nursing baby to someone who is riding a two-wheeler.
And it only gets faster from here on out...

It's distressing to me, when in my head I'm a young girl, myself, to look in the mirror and find a new line on my face almost every week. "How can that be? Where did that come from?" my thoughts holler, forgetting that I've been on this earth for 43 years now. Wow.

Yes, life does come at us fast. So, I guess we are to embrace each moment and enjoy the little things. And if your children are still young, don't let the frustations of this busy time interfere with your vision to see your little one's face light up at a new discovery...to feel thier warmth as they give you a spontaneous hug.

And when we have those times when we completely feel overtaken by life's relentless speed, remember that this time on earth is but a blink of an eye in light of eternity. This isn't all there is...there is more! And if Christ is in your heart, your eternal life has already started....you just will pass some day from this home to the next.

Yes, life does come at you fast. Thankfully, we have Someone to hold our hand for the journey as we savor this precious time on earth.

Blessings through the generations

I was asked by Grafted Branch to report on how the home school visit to the retirement center went this week.

As I mentioned, it was the first time we met. God had layed it clearly on my heart to start this simple outreach, which would hopefully not only bless the residents, but our children, as well.
Let me just add that it is kind of rare for me to hear this type of message so clearly...I think the busy clutter of my life sometimes interferes with the hearing ability and God's signal always getting through!

Well, it went very well, in spite of my somewhat shaky (and humbling) beginning. You see, as the coordinator of this event, I had hoped, naturally, to be the first to arrive. I had sent out the address, website link, explained where it was, ect. to everyone planning to participate.
I had somehow had it in my head that I knew exactly how to get there...but having only been there just once, and over a month ago, I forgot one simple side street.
Map, you ask? Directions? I left the house without them, not worrying in the least...
until I wandered on various sidestreets that were SO close, but yet so far....being stalled behind a school bus for about five whole minutes...hitting every red light possible...

I finally found it, dashed in with my two little girls in tow, and though I may only have been six or seven minutes late...it was a bit embarressing to rush into the game room to find all my group assembled and already seriously into their board games with a few residents.

Major HUMILITY moment...

But perhaps this was the Lord's way of making it crystal clear from day 1 that this was His ministry...certainly not mine!
And in spite of my failure to arrive before them, I was so proud of the way that everyone just rolled up their sleeves and got started, and simply smiled and greeted me when we breathlessly entered.
I was very impressed, but nothing about this incredible group should really surprise me.

But my little tardiness issue was the only down-side for me. The rest of the hour flew by, as we interacted and played simple games such as Rummy, Dominos, and Bingo. There were not many residents this first time, but the few that were there were obviously having a wonderful time.
Some of these folks may not get the chance to be around children that often. And though I'm sure a few of them were probably tired out after an hour with us, I suspect they also felt a bit younger at the same time.

My good friend's son, in particular, made a huge hit with one lady who was playing a game with him. She just went ga-ga over him and was totally in love. And he was enjoying every minute!
At one point, she declared, "Oh, I just love him. My heart is going pitty-pat, pitty-pat!"

It also became obvious that it wouldn't just be the residents- or even the children- who would end of being blessed by our monthly visits. We parents who were there, were also being blessed.
So much so, that most of us were reluctant to leave at the end of the hour.

We plan on taking the group there to Christmas carol next month. We honestly just can't wait!

There is so much that young and old can learn from each other. I could just go on and on about everything that is gained from all of us involved.
I feel so blessed to be a part of it!

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And along the line of ministering to others, I wanted to add a link that I found, in honor of Veteran's Day. It's the A Million Thanks organization where you or your child can write a short letter to a military person currently serving or in a VA hospital.
When you think of our recent election day, it's good to also remember that so many people have sacrificed so much for that right to vote.
My husband was in the military when we were first married, and he received several heart-warming letters from children while on deployment.
My seven year old just wrote one last night and we'll be mailing it today. Go check it out! I think it's another great way to show our children how to minister to be a blessing!

God bless you all and have a wonderful weekend!

Juggling Act

It's just one of those crazy weeks around here. So if I'm slow to update my blog or my writing is, well- just plain boring, please note that it's just one of those strange weeks. Now awful... or huge. Just filled with a lot of little things cluttering my brain. Here's a few:

Our family car, which was having major problems, just went kapoot. My mechanical genious of a hubby who started working on cars with his brothers from time he was out of diapers, could not even put this Humpty Dumpty back together.
Actually, it's the transmission, which in layman's terms means "huge bucks".

So, he was able to use the company truck yesterday and let me use his car to transport the girls to their various places. And today proves to be an even busier day...

God had put on my heart an idea of having our home school group start visiting a local retirement center and doing little things with them...crafts, board games, ect.
And becuase it was God's idea, not so much mine, there was a good interest in this and our first visit is this afternoon.

We also have several classes to get to over the course of the afternoon and then Awana tonight... busy, busy, busy.

My mom's plane is probably getting ready for take-off as I type...
She, my aunt, and my uncle (who drove them up) stopped by yesterday before they went to the hotel next to the airport, where they dropped off her little doggie for us to take care of.
Sandy's a sweet little old furry thing, and actually, he's very easy to dog-sit! Good preparation for the new puppy we'll be getting in a week or so!

(Well, maybe not...I'm guessing there's big difference between a docile old dog and a hyper, wee-wee puppy!)

And my girls are thilled that they are suddenly invited to like a zillion birthday parties lately. (Well, more like four.) Actually, I'm thrilled, too....but I'm starting to think that there was truly a lot of romance going on around Valentine's Day for a few years! *wink*

So...you'll forgive me if my creative juices aren't flowing as freely this week.

And now, if you'll excuse me, the girls are fighting over which one Sandy likes more (with accompanying tears) and now we need to all get dressed, start our school work, stop at the store, and....

OK, you get the picture. And before I go any further, I think we'll start our day with prayer. Because the busier you are, the more you need to pray!

So, who else is doing a juggling act this week?

A Little Newsy Post

I thought I would take this weekend to sort update on our family a bit.
I did this once before, and I think I'll try to make it a regular weekend tradition...maybe call it,

Weekend Family Doin's News

Catchy, huh? Unique? Um...maybe not so much. But until I think of something more exciting, here it is, anyway...

Immediate Family News:

Some of you may remember my mentioning that we were on the lookout for a new church this fall. Well, after visiting several, we ended up visiting back at one we had gone to years ago, just because we couldn't decide where to visit next that week. But as soon as we entered and began worshiping, it felt completely right. The only reason we really only left before was that it was a large church and we had trouble "connecting". But we feel sure we are more equipped to find the channels for better doing that this time and feel such a strong peace at being back.

We also, on the spur of the moment, signed up for a marriage Bible study\seminar on DVD session that they were hosting once a month. Last night we tried it out, and were blown away by the incredible truths delivered with both humor and with a straightforthfulness.
There was a full house there, and the laughter rang out...the kind of laughter brought on by truths hitting very close to home.
In fact, I was starting to suspect that this guy up there had secretly planted a video camera at our house throughout the last year or something...how refreshing to know that the little conflicts we had encountered were almost universal.
He speakes a lot about how men and women look or interpret things differently, how we can understand that a bit more, and how we can still meet each other's needs, in spite of these differences.

What's the name of this seminar, you ask? You may have heard of it, before...
"Love and Respect" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.
Unless you have a picture-perfect marriage every day of the year, I highly recommend it!

In other news...

Rain....Rain...Rain...We have been having a lot of rainy, windy, drizzly, stormy and downright nasty weather hanging around here the last few days. Good days for trying to tunnel through Mt. Washmore and generally catch up on some neglected housework.

Or more importantly, making a choo-choo train with the girls out of instant oatmeal boxes. Amazing how such a simple thing can be so much fun when you're 4 and 7!

I should also be reading to catch up with my Fall Reading Challenge (see post below) but so far, have only turned a few pages...hopefully more time tonight!

And in other trivial news...

We're in the process of buying a new family car and selling our old one. We'll be going from a cute little mini-van typle car to a real mini-van! But it's an incredible deal and a much newer model.
I just feel like I should start having more kids or something, to help fill it up. (No...this is not an announcement!)

But... In Extended Family News...

On that subject, my husband's brother and his wife are finally about to adopt a baby and become first-time parents! We are all generally pretty excited for them!
They have been married for about ten years, and are now suddenly about to be parents!
About eighteen months or so ago, they decided to try and adopt a child... and, now they soon will be welcoming a sweet African American little girl into their home...and who also happens to be just about eighteen months old!
And she just may even be here by Christmas! My girls are very happy to have a new little cousin coming! Surprisingly, there are not near enough little ones in our big, extended family so a new cousin is cause for excitement!.

There's a story behind the adoption of this particular little girl which I may, with permission, tell about at a future date. But in the meantime, we are eagerly anticipating her arrival!

And last but not least...

My Mom is about to have one of her dreams also come true-at age 79! Actually, she and her sister leave for Hawaii this week and though my aunt has traveled a lot all over the world, this will be my mom's first trip to the islands. I'm so excited for her!
Please pray for their health and safety...for good weather and for a much smoother time than we had a few weeks ago! I really, really want her to enjoy this once in a lifetime trip! I just spoke to her on the phone and she- just like I had been- is a little nervous trying to get everything ready. Take a deep breath, Mom...at least you know there probably won't be any earthquakes this time!


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So, in light of our current local weather, I wanted to quote a much-loved poem that my littlest recited last spring at our home school group. (Picture Lil Cherub standing up in front of the crowd, with accompaning hand motions.)

The rain is raining all around,
It falls on field and tree
It rains on the umbrellas here,
and on the ships at sea.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

May you see the Lord's blessings showered down this week...
A blessed Sunday!

Fall Challenge Switcharooni

.....Updated Addition!

I hope this is allowed, but I have completely changed around my Fall Reading list!

I tried, really tried, to get into two of the books on my list. But they just were not grabbing me right now. Sometimes, what is not so exciting reading for me today, is excellent reading for me a month for now. Just call me moody!

So...I am now adding to my list two books (and taking off a few!)

The first I want to mention is one that I happened to pick up in Hawaii.

I had tried to go into the famous Hilo Hattie's that day, but they had not re-openned yet, due to the power outage and earthquake. *sigh* It was pouring down rain, and when I wandered into the bookstore nearby, I began looking for a good read to cheer me up. (And hopefully read when the weather cleared on that lawn chair I was envisioning!)

And then I saw it....a newish book by the famous author, Nicholas Sparks.
Most of you know him...he has written some wonderfully romantic stories, many of which have been made into movies, such as "Message in a Bottle" , "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember".
I had heard he was a Christian that wrote for the "secular market" and I had read two of his books before.
And this title, "The Wedding", along with the beautiful cover, captured my attention.

In this story, a husband of thirty years has began to realize how his workaholic ways and general aloof personality has slowly grown a wedge between he and his wife. He even completely forgets their 29th anniversary, which signals his realization that he is still very much in love with his wife and sets out to begin to make things right.

I was struck in how not only does Sparks paint a beautiful picture of forgiveness within marriage and renewing that old "spark" (no pun intended!)...but he makes clear references to the fact that the characters had both accepted Jesus as their Savior...his wife, before their marriage, and later, the husband.

Although the story might be thought of as a little slow-moving in parts, I was completely drawn in...I have only a couple chapters to go and am savoring it like a rich dessert that I hesitate on finishing.

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The other book I am currently reading might come as a surprise. You see, I was perusing the children's section at the library with my kids and as I strolled through the "upper grades" section, I saw an old book- based on the true story of a missionary wife who was one of the first two women to cross on the Oregon trail.
"Narcissa Whitman, pioneer of Oregon" by Jeantte Eaton.
I didn't know a thing about this person, and as I skimmed this thick book, I was very much intrigued. So...I checked it out and have absolutely loved reading about this remarkable woman. I've really learned a lot about this time in history just by this story, as well as about this incredible heroine (in every sense of the word.)
I am also nearly finished with this book since I'm alternating between these two stories (depending on my mood...did I mention I can be a moody reader?)
So, the moral of this second choice is...don't be afraid to read a book supposedly geared towards "young people"...you just might find yourself learning something! (And if you have kids, it's even better since you can pretend it was for them!)

So...I with only a short time left to go in our reading challenge, I am going to try and catch up on this rainy weekend and do some overtime!

And a big thank you to Katrina for organizing this. It's been a good thing!

*Edited for major typing boo-boos... and to say that I also name the books that I decided not to read- or re-read- at this time if you click on the link at the top (the original list). But it's no reflection on the books themselves- just my mood!

9 weird things about me-me

I've been tagged by Susanne ...how can I possibly limit myself to mentioning just nine things? But I'll try...

But before I do, I just wanted add that my little Barbie (from the Magic of Pegasis, not to be confused with any other Barbie princess, mind you!) and my lil' bitty Hula Girl had a good time at the Harvest Party with their daddy last night. (Blogger's not letting post another picture this morning- sorry!)
I stayed home, feeling a bit tired and under the weather so snuggled under the covers and watched a good chick flick (While You Were Sleeping). It was SO nice!

So, without further ado... here's a few wierd but true facts about me:

1) I love eveything old and nostgalic...old movies, old TV shows, stories of days gone by...old, old, old. Good thing for my husband! (Just kidding, Sweetie...heehee)

2) I would rather scrub the toilets than clean out my fridge. (But then, you have to grow your own science experiments when you homeschool, right?)

3) I have a memory of swinging contentedly on my swingset, singing a TV cigarette jingle.
Luckily, it didn't mar me and I have never smoked in my life.

4) When I was two and a half, I went to Yellowstone National Park with my parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousins. There are many incredible tales surrounding this trip, concerning bears in the camp and of course the beautiful sites.
But all I personally remember from this whole, exciting trip is stopping at a gas station and my grandpa buying me a plastic dinosaur bank. I still have it and it's on my computer desk.

5) In fact, maybe due to the fact I was an only child growing up, I still have (or my mom has) nearly every doll, stuffed animal and game I ever owned since toddlerhood. Just couldn't seem to ever part with them!

6) I didn't learn to drive until I was 20. (But even by then, gas was still only 71 cents a gallon).

7) I don't like circuses. Ever since I was a child, I felt sorry for the animals and worried over the trapeze artists. Yes, I once let a guy I liked take me to one and buy me a glow-in-the-dark sword.

8) I can quote a line from about every episode of The Andy Griffith Show.

and
9) I'm super-de-duper shy, yet I've been a successful sales person off and on my whole life.
(Anyone want to buy a 1968 doll house? I hear their worth a lot now!) Just kidding... I would miss it too much!

So there you have it....nine weird things about me. At least the only ones I could think of as I tried to wake up, sipping my high-octane coffee this morning. I'm sure if you talked with my family, they'd come up with many other weird and exciting facts about me.

So now I tag...


Gail
Laurie
Jennifer