Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I Read It!
Do you read the 5 Minutes for Books blog? If so, today is your chance to share opinions about any of the books you have read after reading a review there. In the past few months, I have read several of the books recommended by the other contributors, and they were all great. I am not going to write too much about each book, but I do want to direct you to the original reviews.
Melissa reviewed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. This book is set at the end of World War II. I tend to enjoy historical fiction, but this book was especially good. The entire book is a compilation of letters which makes for an interesting and different kind of read. Be sure to check out Melissa's review HERE.
Lisa's review of The Book Thief intrigued me as well. It is also a WWII book focusing on an young foster girl in Germany. The narrator of the book is Death; this grabbed my attention immediately. You can find Lisa's review HERE.
Dawn's review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret was so enthusiastic that I checked it out immediately. Both my Favorite Boy and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I encourage you to read it. You can see Dawn's review HERE.
I recommend all three of these books, and I thank these ladies for their reviews. If you have something to share or are interested in seeing what books others have read, head over to 5 Minutes for Books!
Melissa reviewed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. This book is set at the end of World War II. I tend to enjoy historical fiction, but this book was especially good. The entire book is a compilation of letters which makes for an interesting and different kind of read. Be sure to check out Melissa's review HERE.
Lisa's review of The Book Thief intrigued me as well. It is also a WWII book focusing on an young foster girl in Germany. The narrator of the book is Death; this grabbed my attention immediately. You can find Lisa's review HERE.
Dawn's review of The Invention of Hugo Cabret was so enthusiastic that I checked it out immediately. Both my Favorite Boy and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I encourage you to read it. You can see Dawn's review HERE.
I recommend all three of these books, and I thank these ladies for their reviews. If you have something to share or are interested in seeing what books others have read, head over to 5 Minutes for Books!
Labels: Books
Monday, March 30, 2009
This Week Is Bound To Be Better!
Well, it's been a week since I had a tooth forcibly removed from my mouth. I was feeling really brave and tough because I decided against sedation during the procedure. Little did I know that the worst part would be the entire week following the procedure. I wish they would have offered sedation for that!
Last Monday night, I took ONE of the pain pills that the doctor prescribed. The medicine made me so sick that I couldn't even stand up. I was so thankful that my mom was here! I couldn't do anything to take care of the kids, and my husband was travelling. Needless to say, I didn't take any more of that medication (but I have relied on Tylenol and Advil). Unfortunately, I am still in pain, I still have some numbness, and I have been very nauseous. I don't think that is normal, so I am ready to go to my follow-up visit this afternoon. I am looking for assurance that this will end eventually!
Not everything was bad last week. I did enjoy the time with my mom, and I also managed to make it through a field trip with my Favorite Boy's class on Friday. He went to the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, and he enjoyed it so much.
On Saturday, we had a large group of friends from church over for dinner. I had already planned this before I knew how badly I would feel. My husband stepped up to the plate by taking Friday afternoon off to help clean the house for our company. That was much appreciated! Although I didn't feel great, we had a house full of friends and food, and that lifted my spirits.
It is a beautiful Monday, and I am happy to start a new week. After my follow-up visit with the oral surgeon, I will head to my Favorite Boy's first baseball game of the season. Let's play ball!
Last Monday night, I took ONE of the pain pills that the doctor prescribed. The medicine made me so sick that I couldn't even stand up. I was so thankful that my mom was here! I couldn't do anything to take care of the kids, and my husband was travelling. Needless to say, I didn't take any more of that medication (but I have relied on Tylenol and Advil). Unfortunately, I am still in pain, I still have some numbness, and I have been very nauseous. I don't think that is normal, so I am ready to go to my follow-up visit this afternoon. I am looking for assurance that this will end eventually!
Not everything was bad last week. I did enjoy the time with my mom, and I also managed to make it through a field trip with my Favorite Boy's class on Friday. He went to the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, and he enjoyed it so much.
On Saturday, we had a large group of friends from church over for dinner. I had already planned this before I knew how badly I would feel. My husband stepped up to the plate by taking Friday afternoon off to help clean the house for our company. That was much appreciated! Although I didn't feel great, we had a house full of friends and food, and that lifted my spirits.
It is a beautiful Monday, and I am happy to start a new week. After my follow-up visit with the oral surgeon, I will head to my Favorite Boy's first baseball game of the season. Let's play ball!
Labels: Family and Friends, General
Monday, March 23, 2009
Break
It's time for a blogging vacation. I was supposed to be leaving today for Orlando with my hubby. He was going to attend a conference at Disney World, and I was planning tag along. My plans included the Keys to the Kingdom tour (a fun behind the scenes tour of Magic Kingdom) and the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.
Unfortunately, the conference was cancelled. It pains me to miss the tour. It's something I wouldn't take the time to do during a family vacation because it is for adults only (kids under 16 aren't allowed to see behind closed doors). Perhaps I will have another opportunity in the future.
My plans for today now include a visit with an oral surgeon to have a tooth extracted. That doesn't exactly sound like a fun change of plans, does it? On the positive side, my mom was planning to come keep the kids, so she came anyway. I am thankful for that.
I am going to spend the next few days nursing my sore chipmunk face and enjoying my mom's company. I'll be back soon!
Unfortunately, the conference was cancelled. It pains me to miss the tour. It's something I wouldn't take the time to do during a family vacation because it is for adults only (kids under 16 aren't allowed to see behind closed doors). Perhaps I will have another opportunity in the future.
My plans for today now include a visit with an oral surgeon to have a tooth extracted. That doesn't exactly sound like a fun change of plans, does it? On the positive side, my mom was planning to come keep the kids, so she came anyway. I am thankful for that.
I am going to spend the next few days nursing my sore chipmunk face and enjoying my mom's company. I'll be back soon!
Labels: Family and Friends, General
Friday, March 20, 2009
When I Grow Up
Earlier this year, my Favorite Boy told me, "Mom, I want you to start homeschooling me on March 20th so I don't have to be in the first grade program!"
I am happy to report that this morning, my Best Girl, my husband, and I headed to my Favorite Boy's school for the first grade program — and he was a willing participant. The show, called "When I Grow Up", was adorable. My Favorite Boy was dressed as a sailor, but for his speaking part he said, "I might want to drive a bus or teach children to read." All the kids did a fantastic job.
I thought the program started at nine, so my Best Girl and I got to the gym around 8:20. I was amazed that I was the first person there. We snagged front row seats and got some books out to read. As we approached 9:00, there were still very few people in the audience, and I realized I had gotten the time wrong; the show started at 9:30. Even though I had to entertain my Best Girl longer than expected. I was glad to be close so I could take some pictures.
My Best Girl handled the two hours in the gym very well, but after we left I could tell the wait had taken its toll. We cancelled our trip to the library and headed home. All in all, it was a great morning. I doubt my Favorite Boy is headed for a life of performing, but we are proud of his hard work and glad that he enjoyed it!
I am happy to report that this morning, my Best Girl, my husband, and I headed to my Favorite Boy's school for the first grade program — and he was a willing participant. The show, called "When I Grow Up", was adorable. My Favorite Boy was dressed as a sailor, but for his speaking part he said, "I might want to drive a bus or teach children to read." All the kids did a fantastic job.
I thought the program started at nine, so my Best Girl and I got to the gym around 8:20. I was amazed that I was the first person there. We snagged front row seats and got some books out to read. As we approached 9:00, there were still very few people in the audience, and I realized I had gotten the time wrong; the show started at 9:30. Even though I had to entertain my Best Girl longer than expected. I was glad to be close so I could take some pictures.
My Best Girl handled the two hours in the gym very well, but after we left I could tell the wait had taken its toll. We cancelled our trip to the library and headed home. All in all, it was a great morning. I doubt my Favorite Boy is headed for a life of performing, but we are proud of his hard work and glad that he enjoyed it!Labels: My Favorite Boy
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Hidden Mickey
Did you know that there are Hidden Mickeys all over Disney World (and all the other Disney parks)? Well, we found one right in our refrigerator.
My kids were very upset with me for eating Mickey. At least we have a picture to remember him by.
My kids were very upset with me for eating Mickey. At least we have a picture to remember him by.Labels: Fun
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Books
Just a brief post to direct your attention to some reviews at 5 Minutes for Books. I recently read 5 Conversations You Must Have with Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you have a daughter, it is a must read.
You can also check out A Promise for Spring. The post includes a giveaway.
Happy Reading!
You can also check out A Promise for Spring. The post includes a giveaway.
Happy Reading!
Labels: Books
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Wow. That Was Just about All I Could Say. Wow.
Do you recognize that line? My Best Girl and I went to the Nashville Children's Theater this morning for the production of Lily's Purple Plastic Purse. It was fantastic! The actors did an amazing job; it was lively, colorful, and funny. My Best Girl didn't want it to end. Although the purple plastic purse is featured in the title of the play, the story lines from Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World were woven in as well. I was very impressed.
Here's my Best Girl in front of the stage and a picture of us in the lobby. I am sad that the one of us together is blurry (I am not in the pictures very often, so I wish it was better).
I had forgotten what a wonderful job NCT does. The line-up for next season includes Miss Nelson Is Missing, Charlotte's Web, Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and a few others. I can't wait!
ETA: To Samantha who left a comment--I couldn't figure out a way to reply to you personally (you can enable your email access in your blogger profile). The play lasted about 65 or 70 minutes plus a 10 minute intermission. My kids probably wouldn't have lasted that long when they were 2, but all kids are different. If you think your daughter can sit happily for longer periods, it was a wonderful performance!
Here's my Best Girl in front of the stage and a picture of us in the lobby. I am sad that the one of us together is blurry (I am not in the pictures very often, so I wish it was better).
I had forgotten what a wonderful job NCT does. The line-up for next season includes Miss Nelson Is Missing, Charlotte's Web, Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and a few others. I can't wait!ETA: To Samantha who left a comment--I couldn't figure out a way to reply to you personally (you can enable your email access in your blogger profile). The play lasted about 65 or 70 minutes plus a 10 minute intermission. My kids probably wouldn't have lasted that long when they were 2, but all kids are different. If you think your daughter can sit happily for longer periods, it was a wonderful performance!
Labels: Fun, My Best Girl
Friday, March 13, 2009
Happy (Belated) Birthday to Me!
It's official. I am now 35. Although it was freezing and raining (a combination I don't like), I had a great birthday on Thursday. My first bright spot came when I ate breakfast with my Favorite Boy at his school. My first surprise came after that when I picked up my friend Molly's son for preschool. Molly had hung a Happy Birthday sign on the door, and she had a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for me (YUM!). I received a number of birthday cards, gifts, and well-wishes from friends and family, and the kids and I enjoyed dinner together at Cici's. I was planning to pick up a cake for myself as well (I LOVE white cake with white icing), but after the donuts and Cici's, I decided to postpone the cake for at least one day.
My birthday was great; my spirits were only slightly dampened by the conversation I had with my husband who was in San Diego:
Husband: I think you would really like the hotel where I am staying.
Me: Where are you?
Husband: I can't remember...the Coronado something?
Me: You are staying at The Hotel Del Coronado?
Husband: Yeah, that's it. Have you heard of it?
Me: Um, yes—that would be the famous hotel that Disney used as a model for the Grand Floridian.
Husband: Oh, yeah. It does look like that. We're on an island, and I can see the ocean from my window.
Lesson learned: Always ask your husband where he will be staying, especially when you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards ticket available.
And even though my husband spent my birthday in a posh hotel in beautiful San Diego, I really had a wonderful day. He may have had warm weather, a beautiful room, and the Pacific Ocean, but I was with the best two kids in the world. For that, I am truly thankful (I will also be thankful when he returns tonight)!
My birthday was great; my spirits were only slightly dampened by the conversation I had with my husband who was in San Diego:
Husband: I think you would really like the hotel where I am staying.
Me: Where are you?
Husband: I can't remember...the Coronado something?
Me: You are staying at The Hotel Del Coronado?
Husband: Yeah, that's it. Have you heard of it?
Me: Um, yes—that would be the famous hotel that Disney used as a model for the Grand Floridian.
Husband: Oh, yeah. It does look like that. We're on an island, and I can see the ocean from my window.
Lesson learned: Always ask your husband where he will be staying, especially when you have a Southwest Rapid Rewards ticket available.
And even though my husband spent my birthday in a posh hotel in beautiful San Diego, I really had a wonderful day. He may have had warm weather, a beautiful room, and the Pacific Ocean, but I was with the best two kids in the world. For that, I am truly thankful (I will also be thankful when he returns tonight)!
Labels: Family and Friends
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Silver Lining
You've heard that our economy isn't faring too well, right? Apparently, the economy is transforming the fashion industry. This change brings good news for moms: girls can find modest clothing.
I don't want the recession to last, but I would be thrilled if this clothing trend would continue for at least the next 20 years or so. (Thanks to Boomama for highlighting this article.)
I don't want the recession to last, but I would be thrilled if this clothing trend would continue for at least the next 20 years or so. (Thanks to Boomama for highlighting this article.)
Labels: General
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Off to the Theater
I have always enjoyed theater, especially musical theater. From third grade through high school, I participated in many productions. Unfortunately, my husband does not share this interest with me, so I don't attend as many performances as I would like. Last fall, I read about a family series at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. Although I couldn't convince my husband to attend all three productions, he did agree to attend one. I chose the show that would be best suited for both kids, and we purchased a four-pack of tickets.
On Saturday, we headed into Nashville to see The Gruffalo. As we drove into the city, my kids were thrilled to see the tall buildings. My Favorite Boy was also excited because we parked at the capitol building. (I realized that he had never seen the capitol before. I hope to take them back and visit Bicentennial Mall this summer.)
When we entered the lobby, there was a creative activity for the kids. They were able to choose body parts and design an imaginary creature. My Best Girl made an antefly, and my Favorite Boy created a bataflo. They were able to display their handiwork on a wall during the show and pick them up afterward to take home.
We went to find our seats, and I was pleased to see that my Best Girl was able to get a booster chair. This kept her from being swallowed by the fold-up seats.
The show was fun; the kids loved it. I knew they would! It wasn't Dad's favorite way to spend a Saturday, but I know he enjoyed watching the kids (and me) have so much fun. I plan to find more of these productions in the future. Perhaps I can raise two kids who will enjoy going to theater with me!
On Saturday, we headed into Nashville to see The Gruffalo. As we drove into the city, my kids were thrilled to see the tall buildings. My Favorite Boy was also excited because we parked at the capitol building. (I realized that he had never seen the capitol before. I hope to take them back and visit Bicentennial Mall this summer.)
When we entered the lobby, there was a creative activity for the kids. They were able to choose body parts and design an imaginary creature. My Best Girl made an antefly, and my Favorite Boy created a bataflo. They were able to display their handiwork on a wall during the show and pick them up afterward to take home.
We went to find our seats, and I was pleased to see that my Best Girl was able to get a booster chair. This kept her from being swallowed by the fold-up seats.The show was fun; the kids loved it. I knew they would! It wasn't Dad's favorite way to spend a Saturday, but I know he enjoyed watching the kids (and me) have so much fun. I plan to find more of these productions in the future. Perhaps I can raise two kids who will enjoy going to theater with me!Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Comforting Thought
As I was driving my Favorite Boy to school this morning, my Best Girl was yelling something in the backseat. Of course, I asked her to stop.
My Favorite Boy responded, "[Sister], you shouldn't yell in the car. Mom will have wreck, and then she'll die, and I'll have to walk all the way up the hill to school."
I am glad to know that immediately following my demise, his primary concern will be making it to school. At least he values his education.
In news not related to my tragic death, I have a review up today at 5 Minutes for Books. You can enter to win a copy of At the Scent of Water by leaving a comment on the post there.
Have a great Wednesday!
My Favorite Boy responded, "[Sister], you shouldn't yell in the car. Mom will have wreck, and then she'll die, and I'll have to walk all the way up the hill to school."
I am glad to know that immediately following my demise, his primary concern will be making it to school. At least he values his education.
In news not related to my tragic death, I have a review up today at 5 Minutes for Books. You can enter to win a copy of At the Scent of Water by leaving a comment on the post there.
Have a great Wednesday!
Labels: My Favorite Boy
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Silly Celebration
In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, my Favorite Boy's school is celebrating Read Across America Day today. As part of his homework, I had to take a picture of him reading a Dr. Seuss book in a crazy location. Of course, my Best Girl wanted to join the fun as well.
My Favorite Boy says that Horton Hatches an Egg is his favorite book by Dr. Seuss. Mine is And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. What's yours?
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! (And for all you kids out there, you should never play in the dryer!)
My Favorite Boy says that Horton Hatches an Egg is his favorite book by Dr. Seuss. Mine is And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. What's yours?Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! (And for all you kids out there, you should never play in the dryer!)
Labels: My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
