Friday, February 28, 2014

Friday Five



The Friday Five is a weekly meme hosted by Darci.  Visit her blog to see what other things people are excited about this week.

Little Sister has finally lost her loose tooth.  This is after WEEKS of wiggling and talking about it and worrying about what would happen if she lost it at school. And guess what? She lost it at school and it wasn't traumatic at all. 
(I'm not sure why, but her head appears a bit distorted in this picture!)



I am in a perpetual state of feeling guilty that my house is never quite clean enough.  My husband's usual criticism is that it is too cluttered.  I love this article one of my good friends found on the Huffington Post.

I am sooooooo ready for spring.  I'm enjoying looking at spring wardrobe selections online.  Here's a shirt from Old Navy I'd love to add to my wardrobe.




4.  Our new appliances have just arrived....here they are waiting to be installed.



5.  Latest Kindle purchase 


Highly recommended from a few friends...I've heard it's also very long, but I am anxious to read The Goldfinch, will be my first experience with Tartt's work.

So, there you have it.  I'm getting ready to hop on the treadmill (I'm trying hard to be excited about this) but need to have a bite to eat first....still haven't had breakfast and it's 10 AM.  This is what a day off from school will do to my schedule!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thursday Not A Construction Update; Moon Sisters Instead

I wish I could share some pictures of construction progress with you, but there are not a lot of visible differences since last week.  The Lazy Susan cupboard was cracked when it arrived, so we are in a holding pattern right now, waiting for its replacement to come in.  Our one-man construction crew has been getting trim up around the windows, but that's about all I notice when I get home from work.  

Ah, work.  And work, and work and work.  This week we have parent/teacher conferences, so that means two twelve hour days.  I am fortunate to not have a schedule for conferences, and I will have time to get a lot of things caught up - or so I hope.  But it has made things at home a bit hectic. I am looking forward to a day off tomorrow; the to-do list has already been made.

And because of being busy, I have somehow fallen behind on my book reviews.

The Moon Sisters by Therese Walsh is one of the titles I received in February from Amazon Vine.  

Jazz and Olivia are sisters, more different than alike.  Jazz is logical and practical, while Olivia is a bit more like their mother - emotional and able to feel and see things others can't, something she relies on since she is legally blind. This sixth sense, synesthesia, allows Olivia to taste certain words and associate colors and smells with things. Their mother suffers from bouts of depression, casting a gloom over the girls' childhood.

When Jazz and Olivia's mother dies of an apparent suicide, the tension that has always plagued the sisters' relationship becomes greater as they must deal with each other and the way they have always perceived each other.  

As much as Jazz is irritated by her sister, when Olivia travels to the Monongahela Forest to find the location of her mother's unfinished novel, Jazz decides she must go along and help her. The pair encounter some train hoppers which adds a bit of excitement to the novel, as they embark on this quest.

The Moon Sisters is about the relationship between Olivia and Jazz, the sisterly bonds that bind them to each other despite their differences. But it is also about the relationship they had with their mother, and how their mother's feelings about them and perceptions shaped they way they saw each other. 

Walsh's novel is satisfying - not a happy story, but engaging to read, and one that was hard to put down.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday



Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick: China Dolls by Lisa See
Due out June 4, 2014

Product Description taken from Goodreads:
An exciting new novel set in the "Chop Suey Circuit" of San Francisco right before World War II, from the beloved bestselling author of Snowflower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls.

In 1938, Ruby, Helen and Grace, three girls from very different backgrounds, find themselves competing at the same audition for showgirl roles at San Francisco's exclusive "Oriental" nightclub, the Forbidden City. Grace, an American-born Chinese girl has fled the Midwest and an abusive father. Helen is from a Chinese family who have deep roots in San Francisco's Chinatown. And, as both her friends know, Ruby is Japanese passing as Chinese. At times their differences are pronounced, but the girls grow to depend on one another in order to fulfill their individual dreams. Then, everything changes in a heartbeat with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Suddenly the government is sending innocent Japanese to internment camps under suspicion, and Ruby is one of them. But which of her friends betrayed her?



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Love and Treasure

Ayelet Waldman's novel Love and Treasure is set in Austria at the end of World War II and spans decades and generations. As the novel opens, Jack Wiseman asks his grand-daughter, Natalie, to locate the owner of a peacock pendant, knowing that he will never live to find the owner himself.


It is 1945 and Wiseman is an American soldier tasked with watching and keeping track of the items taken from Jews, now stored on the Hungarian Gold Train that his country has managed to gain control of.  The many sets of china, jewelry, even bedding have all been turned over by Jews who were given a receipt for their possessions and the assurance that they would be given them back when the war was over.  Now Jack feels guilt as he is forced to give some of these items to American officers who outrank him.  Jack's guilt is even greater when he meets Ilona, a Hungarian Jew who lost her possessions to the Nazis.

Moving from Maine to Austria and even Israel, Waldman surrounds Natalie and Jack with an assortment of interesting characters including a family of dwarfs that were being used by Mengele.

Love and Treasure is being published on the heels of the movie Monument Men's release, and I can't help but hope that the movie, which I have yet to see, is as good as this book.



Monday, February 24, 2014

What I Cooked This Weekend Without a Kitchen

There are plenty of days I don't feel like cooking, but not having a kitchen these past few weeks has made me long to do some cooking and baking.  We have had many frozen pizzas, subs from Subway, and White Castle burgers.  So today I got out my crockpot and made a recipe that my sister-in-law shared with me.


I'm not really sure what this recipe is called, but to me it is a knock-off of Beef Stroganoff.

2 packages beef stew meat
1 envelope French Onion Soup mix
1 envelope beef gravy mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can ginger ale/Sprite

Put all ingredients in crockpot and simmer.

Serve over egg noodles.

The meal was fast, easy and tasty, which is what I am going for at this point.
The picture above is extra classy since I served everyone on paper plates or bowls. The girls only complained for a few moments about this meal, which is an improvement for them, and they did eat their entire plateful - making it good enough to make again.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sunday Salon


Saturday was a fun day filled with volleyball.  Middle Sister's fourth grade team had another great day of play - and managed to win the tournament.  Coach Joan told the players that if they won she would take them out for pizza, so nearly all the players and parents spent a few hours eating, drinking and hanging out at our local pizza place.  

My sister, brother-in-law and nephew came up briefly.  We only managed to see them for a few minutes, but they did come by our house and check out the construction mess.  Hopefully soon the snow will melt and we won't have to make and cancel plans to see each other several times because of the weather and bad road conditions.


Middle Sister in action

Tournament champions

I finally forced myself to run today, which meant I was able to read a bit more in  Sue Monk Kidd's book, The Invention of Wings. I am loving it so far, and only wish I loved running more - or were in better shape so that I could run longer and read for a longer time.

This coming week I have two nights of conferences. I won't get home until 8:30 both nights, but the pay-off is not having school on Friday. That should work out well since my new appliances are set to be delivered that day.

I am hoping the rest of today is filled with a bit of reading, a few episodes of The Good Wife, and unfortunately a bit more cleaning.  I have some blogging I would like to accomplish, too, since I have finished off several books.

How about you? What have you been up to this weekend?

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Zane and the Hurricane

It has been years since I have read Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick, so details of the story are hazy at best. But, my total love of the book has always stayed with me.  This fall I was quite excited to hear that Philbrick had another book to be published.


Zane and the Hurricane takes place during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005.  Zane has never known his father, who died before he was born.  His  mother doesn't talk a lot about him and the two met while in the military, so they were not from the same town, and didn't know each other's families.

When Zane's mom discovers the grandma who raised Zane's dad is alive and well in New Orleans, she sends Zane to spend some time with her so the two can get to know each other. The visit itself is going well, but a storm is threatening Louisiana and as things progress the storm develops into Hurricane Katrina.

Zane's mother is trying to provide assistance from afar, and his great grandmother is doing her best to get them to a safe place, but when Zane jumps out of the church van taking him and his great grandma to safety in order to chase his dog that jumped out the window, the two become separated.
That's when things become a little bit scary.

There are a lot of struggles Zane must deal with in order to get to safety - more than just Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. On his journey, Zane is befriended by a feisty young girl and an elderly musician, who are also on their way to finding help.  Dwindling food supplies, rising flood waters, hospitals unable to provide assistance, and a police presence that was not always helpful depending on the color of a person's skin are just a few of the page-turning problems that Philbrick's characters must overcome.

Philbrick has managed to create a story with suspense that centers around a time of great sadness.  Zane and the Hurricane is just one of a growing number of books set during Hurricane Katrina, and I appreciate the research Philbrick has done in recreating the storm and its effect on the people of New Orleans. 

Zane and the Hurricane would make a great read aloud or book club selection. I have students - boys and girls - to whom I am anxious to give this title. Philbrick has written another winner.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday Five

The Friday Five is a weekly meme hosted by Darci at The Good Life.  Hop on over to check out her Friday Five post.




 First of all - Happy Birthday, Mom! Today is my mom's birthday which means after school the girls and I will head over with pizza and bake a cake at her house.   

I made fun of my family for their short-lived obsession with Flappy Birds, but I tried Splashy Fish last night and became addicted myself.  My high score? A whopping 4.  Pathetic, I know.  I grabbed my ipod earlier, but I am forcing myself to be a bit more productive before I get sucked in again.




I haven't looked in Hanna Andersson in a while, but I love this cute little skirt.  It's on sale right now, too, so I might have to break down and buy it - anticipating some warm weather where the idea of wearing a skirt doesn't make me shiver.

A new website I discovered where I am anxious to read more about living simply - The Art of Simple- has been interesting and thought provoking as I read the many posts.


House of Cards- my  newest show that I am spending free time watching on Netflix. Is it any wonder my reading has slowed down? Friends have strongly recommended this show to me, and even though I claim I am not a TV watcher, am enjoying some of these new-to-me series (guilty pleasures).


Ling and Ting

I don't review a lot of easy readers, but I do have a first grader in my house who is looking for fun books to read. I grabbed Ling and Ting:Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin. The six short chapters in this book were perfect for Little Sister, who giggled away as she read. 


Ling and Ting do look exactly alike - Chinese American twin girls that dress identically.  However, a haircut in the first story changes Ting's appearance just enough so that the two are easy to identify in the subsequent chapters. Little Sister and I had so much fun reading this one that I quickly purchased the kindle version of the second book, Ling and Ting Share a Birthday, which was just as cute and fun.  

I can't wait to read more about Ling and Ting in the future.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Thursday Construction Update


 We have our cupboards in and it is looking a little like a kitchen.  Our counter tops are coming on March 7 (which seems far away, but I've been told it isn't really that far at all), and our appliances are coming on February 28th.  I pretty much detest cooking right now and washing dishes is worse.  I will be so happy when we have a kitchen again!


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.



This week's selection: June 3, 2013
Home Leave by Brittani Sonnenberg
Due out: 

Product Information taken from Amazon:
Chris Kriegstein is a man on the move, with a global career that catapults his family across North America, Europe, and Asia. For his wife, Elise, the hardship of chronic relocation is soothed by the allure of reinvention. Over the years, Elise shape-shifts: once a secretive Southern Baptist, she finds herself becoming a seasoned expat in Shanghai, an unapologetic adulterer in Thailand, and, finally, a renowned interior decorator in Madison.

But it's the Kriegstein daughters, Leah and Sophie, who face the most tumult. Fiercely protective of each other--but also fiercely competitive--the two sisters long for stability in an ever-changing environment. With each new move, the girls find they can count on only one thing: the consoling, confounding presence of each other. 

When the family suffers an unimaginable loss, they can't help but wonder: Was it meant to be, or did one decision change their lives forever? And what does it mean when home is everywhere and nowhere at the same time? With humor and heart, Brittani Sonnenberg chases this wildly loveable family through the excitement and anguish of their adventures around the world

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

A Star for Mrs. Blake

While World War I is not my favorite time period or war to read about, April Smith's novel, A Star for Mrs. Blake had me fascinated from the first page.


Cora Blake has lived nearly her entire life on a small island in Maine.  She runs the small library there and is still grieving the loss of her son, Samuel, in World War I thirteen years before.  When a letter arrives one day inviting her to visit France and see where Sammy spent his last moments and is now buried, Cora decides to go.  She communicates with other Gold Star Mothers, as these women are known, and meets up with them on the trip. 

The women come from very different walks of life yet have the common experience of having lost their son to the war.  As the trip progresses there is scandal, secrets, and even a death.  This isn't just Cora Blake's story, but the other mothers' as well.  

Griffin Reed, a reporter, befriends Cora and allows her to tell her story. Cora values their friendship with Reed, who is an expat living and working in France.  Reed was injured in the war himself and has a "tin nose" to cover the extensive injuries to his face.  

In addition to loving this story and the characters, I also loved learning about Gold Star Mothers. To find out more about them, click here to visit the The United States Army website.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, women's fiction, and as a great book club selection.


Monday, February 17, 2014

50 Children

World War II is one of those times in history when ordinary people stepped up and did extraordinary things in an effort to help their fellow man.  I have read various stories of different Europeans who chose to hide Jews despite what might happen to them if they were discovered.  However, I have heard far less (if anything at all, since I'm racking my brain and can't come up with anything) of Americans who did something to help the Jewish population.

My own grandparents, German farmers in Iowa were busy raising children and milking cows and growing crops. They aren't around for me to ask about this time in history and I have often been curious as to what they knew about the events in their homeland.  

Steven Pressman's book, 50 Children: One Ordinary American Couple's Extraordinary Rescue Mission into the Heart of Nazi Germany is based on an HBO documentary that shares the story of the Kraus'.

Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus were a well-to-do Philadelphia couple who enjoyed their position in the Jewish American community, and who, although Jewish, did not actively practice their faith.  Yet, when they realized what was happening to Jews in Europe, the two stepped up to help.

Pressman explains the rigid immigration laws that made leaving both Vienna and Berlin (the two cities to which Gilbert and Eleanor traveled) nearly impossible for Jews. The Kraus' jumped through a variety of hoops in order to help parents send their children to the United States until they could be reunited with them.

50 children were brought to America because of the Kraus'.  Pressman uses interviews with surviving children, photographs, and Eleanor Kraus' own unpublished notes about this time to reconstruct the immense undertaking it was for this couple to help such a large number of children.

Although devastatingly sad, 50 Children is also a hopeful book - a look at people at their best as Gilbert and Eleanor selflessly chose to help others.


Sunday, February 16, 2014

Sunday Salon


Without sounding like too much of a whiner, I would love to know when this winter will be over!  We are forecast to get another 3-6" of snow sometime after midnight, which will make the morning commute tricky.  If we commute.  I guess we will wait and see how things develop over night and listen closely to the news tomorrow morning.  I would love to have a snow day if I didn't have to make it up later.  

Our big Valentine extravaganza was taking the girls to Cherry Berry, a yogurt bar, on Friday night.  I seem to be late to the party on this one since I had never even heard of yogurt bars until a few weeks ago.  The girls loved it and want to go right back.



The kitchen - or lack of one- is making cooking rather difficult.  We brought over supplies to my mom's tonight and made some pizza burgers. fI have a few frozen items for our dinners this week, and am cooking up some sweet potato fries for myself for supper.

My husband's high school wrestling season came to a disappointing end yesterday; none of the wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Now we will be back to him coming home from work well before 6:30, which is the schedule we adjust to during wrestling season.

This evening I'm hoping to do a little clothes folding while watching the Olympics. I feel like I am missing out on the Olympics in Sochi, and keep talking about watching them, but never finding time to sit and really pay attention to what is being shown.

I've got several books I'm working on, and have been busy watching The Good Wife on Amazon Prime. I love that show!

The week ahead will put us one week closer to spring - hooray! 

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Half A Chance

Somewhere in my foty-year-old self there is still that sixth grade girl I used to be - the one who loves reading realistic fiction novels with characters I could relate to.

Half a Chance is Cynthia Lord's latest book geared toward middle grade readers.  Lucy and her parents move to a home in a small tourist town in New Hampshire. Lucy is worried about making friends and fitting in, and is happy to have a neighbor, Nate, who she becomes friends with quickly.


The two spend much of the summer working on taking pictures for a photography contest Lucy is entering. Her father is a famous photographer and Lucy tries hard to measure up to her father's high standards.  However, her father is the judge of the photography contest, and entering the pictures in her own name won't work.

Lucy enjoys hanging out with Nate and learning more about the loons from his grandmother.  Yet, the two are at odds over a photograph Lucy took of Nate's grandmother, Lilah, who is suffering from dementia.  It is easy to see from the picture that Lilah is confused, something that Nate and his parents are trying to coming to terms with.

Lord's latest novel is another excellent realistic fiction novel. She is able to capture the thoughts and feelings of those tween years and create real and interesting characters and stories.  

My oldest daughters are both clamoring to read this book, which I was excited to pass on to them.


Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday Five



Sugar Boo & Co Dealer in Whimsy have these unique looking deer heads to mount on your wall.  As our remodeling continues, I am kind of liking these. We did at one point have a deer mounted in our living room, but Mo-Deer, as he was named, has moved out to a storage shed.  



And, since I'm in the mood for wall decor, I found this very cool sign on Etsy. It's a little out of my price range and I don't live in Missoula, MT, but my brother-in-law does and this would be a perfect gift.

I like this map a lot and wouldn't mind having it in my hallway. Etsy has this one for just $40, which might be more in my price range than that cool Missoula, Montana sign.

I only made it out of bed three mornings this week to exercise. My excuses are great. My diet hasn't been horrible, but this handy list gives some great suggestions for snacks that are healthy-ish.Click on the picture to see visit Healthy Eating.


I haven't mentioned books at all on my Friday Five, so here is my newest kindle purchase:
The product description from Amazon:
Life is chaotic. But we can choose to live it differently. 
It doesn’t always feel like it, but we do have the freedom to creatively change the everyday little things in our lives so that our path better aligns with our values and passions.
The popular blogger and founder of the internationally recognized Simple Mom online community tells the story of her family’s ongoing quest to live more simply, fully, and intentionally.
Part memoir, part travelogue, part practical guide, Notes from a Blue Bike takes you from a hillside in Kosovo to a Turkish high-rise to the congested city of Austin to a small town in Oregon. It chronicles schooling quandaries and dinnertime dilemmas, as well as entrepreneurial adventures and family excursions via plane, train, automobile, and blue cruiser bike.
Entertaining and compelling—but never shrill or dogmatic—Notes from a Blue Bike invites you to climb on your own bike, pay attention to who you are and what your family needs, and make some important choices.
It’s a risky ride, but it’s worth it—living your life according to who you really are simply takes a little intention. It’s never too late.

I'm looking forward to getting to this one sooner rather than later.  So, there you have it, folks. The stuff that I have been busy looking at these past few days.

Valentine Love

Valentine's Day is not a big holiday in my house, although usually the girls will get some small-ish gift.  One year I bought each of them a book.This year Big Sister and Middle Sister picked out Under Armour sports bras (apparently my kids are growing up a little), while Little Sister had picked out Cooking Mama 3D for her DS long before Christmas. I was proud of myself that I didn't give in and let her have it before Valentine's Day.


So....there really wasn't much left to celebrate today, except for the fact that I had a pile of Valentine's Day books that Harper Collins so graciously sent me a few weeks ago.  They were all new to us, and Little Sister especially has enjoyed reading them to me.

Foxy in Love by Emma Dodd is a sweet, girly Valentine read. Foxy is a magical fox who arrives to help Emily receive her Valentine wish.  Foxy has a hard time giving Emily exactly what she wishes for.  Instead of a pot of hot chocolate, her entire bath tub is filled.  Instead of balloons, she receives raccoons.  However,  even though Foxy doesn't understand what Emily wants, he does know that what is most important is not what you love, but who you love.  


It's Valentine's Day by Jack Prelutsky is a collection of fun, rhyming poems about this love-filled holiday. Little Sister read several of these poems to me this morning, laughing a little in delight over the silly-ness of them.  In easy-reader format, this is a collection that can be read and enjoyed in small doses, or devoured all at once.


Tulip Loves Rex by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (known for her Biscuit books) is another sweet Valentine read.  Tulip is a unique girl - dancing as soon as she was able. Her life is a happy mix of whirls and twirls, leaps and gallops.  On a trip to a park Tulip meets Rex, a dog that is a bit unique himself. Tulip and Rex have so much fun together that both are sad when the day is done.  After looking at things from a different angle Tulip notices a tag attached to Rex asking someone to take him home.  Girl and dog are overjoyed at their good luck, happy to have each other to love.


Love is Real by Janet Lawler is perfect for toddlers- short and rhyming text accompanies illustrations of various animals with their parents experiencing the joys of unconditional love.  "Love throws gently to your glove, and frees a kite that's stuck above," is one such line from this story.  I found myself enjoying the many ways that parents show their love for their children.


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Thursday Construction Update



 I have felt like there hasn't been much noticeable change this week, but I think things are going to take off quickly. Our cabinets were delivered yesterday - which is why our living room is uninhabitable.  My husband stayed up until 3 AM painting our kitchen so that Chandler, our one-man construction crew, can keep working today.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
Due out June 4, 2014


Product Information taken from Amazon:
A dazzling, heartbreaking page-turner destined for breakout status: a novel that gives voice to millions of Americans as it tells the story of the love between a Panamanian boy and a Mexican girl: teenagers living in an apartment block of immigrant families like their own.

After their daughter Maribel suffers a near-fatal accident, the Riveras leave México and come to America. But upon settling at Redwood Apartments, a two-story cinderblock complex just off a highway in Delaware, they discover that Maribel's recovery-the piece of the American Dream on which they've pinned all their hopes-will not be easy. Every task seems to confront them with language, racial, and cultural obstacles. At Redwood also lives Mayor Toro, a high school sophomore whose family arrived from Panamà fifteen years ago. Mayor sees in Maribel something others do not: that beyond her lovely face, and beneath the damage she's sustained, is a gentle, funny, and wise spirit. But as the two grow closer, violence casts a shadow over all their futures in America. Peopled with deeply sympathetic characters, this poignant yet unsentimental tale of young love tells a riveting story of unflinching honesty and humanity that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be an American. An instant classic is born.



Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Mrs. Lincoln's Rival

Kate Chase Sprague, the daughter of Salmon Chase, entertained hopes that her father would be president, and was the belle of the ball in Washington, D. C., social circles.  


She met Mrs. Lincoln at several different social events, and just as she regarded President Lincoln as her father's biggest rival, standing in the way of him becoming president, she also saw Mary Todd Lincoln as a rival, a feeling Mrs. Lincoln seemed to reciprocate.

Set during the Civil War, Kate is able to offer a unique perspective into the workings of Washington politics as her father became the Secretary of the Treasury.

I have read many of Chiaverini's books, but am especially intrigued by the character development in Mrs. Lincoln's Rival. While at first I enjoyed Kate, and found her dedication to her father to be admirable, her inability to grow up and unwillingness to move beyond her own political ambitions were of no help in her marriage that was already troubled. Her husband, William Sprague, the former governor of Rhode Island, had his own demons to deal with, and their relationship was anything but calm.

One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction is because it sparks an interest to learn more about little known people and events in history.  Kate Chase Sprague is such an intriguing character that I have been excitedly reading more about her and how her life unfolded after the Civil War.

To read more about Kate Chase Sprague, visit Mr. Lincoln's White House.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Still Life With Bread Crumbs

Rebecca Winter is sixty years old, a successful photographer who at one point knew great fame and fortune. As she enters her twilight years her work is no longer selling and she finds herself in financial difficulty.



Rebecca is still youthful looking and active, trying to start up her career again. She has financial obligations aplenty, and her dwindling income has made it necessary for her to rent out her Manhattan apartment while she retreats to a smaller (and cheaper) cottage in the country.

Small town life brings a new perspective to Winters as she meets the locals, takes in a dog, and even begins to take pictures once more.  

Quindlen's novel is a gem.  I love how she has created a character that is older but who still is vibrant and full of life.  There seem to be few books that give this demographic fair representation.

This would be an excellent book club selection. Highly recommended.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Sunday Salon

I can't believe it's Sunday night and this is my first chance to sit down and blog.  Unlike some relaxing weekends with nothing scheduled, this weekend had numerous activities already planned.


Friday night was a free wild animal performance at the girls' school.  I wasn't impressed, and Big Sister said while leaving, "well, that's two hours of my life I'll never get back."  Little Sister loved the show - especially the baby kangaroo and the tortoise that peed on the floor. Middle Sister opted to stay home and watch the opening ceremonies at the Olympics.

Middle Sister is the middle player in the back row

Yesterday Middle Sister had her final basketball tournament.  The girls only won one of the three games they played, but did enjoy the end of season party at Pizza Ranch. I am just glad there is one fewer thing to run to.  

Today we had church, I taught Sunday school, went grocery shopping, and then worked at our church's venison feed.  My husband took the girls to a hockey game this afternoon.  

I managed to run both days this weekend, and am amazed that my foot has not hurt afterward.  I am trying a different pair of shoes with success and am hopeful that the problem is solved.

As for reading....I have a few things I finished up this weekend: 50 Children by Steven Pressman andmMrs. Lincoln's Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini- both were excellent!  I am working on A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith and am loving that one, too.  

I can't believe the weekend is over already....and that I have a 5 day week ahead of me.  Ugh.  The weather looks like it is warming up a little - and I mean a little - getting into the mid 20's this week.  At least there is that to look forward to.


Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday Five

I'm at an all day teacher professional development meeting, trying my best to avoid work.  However, even though my Friday Five is a little bit late, I have found some good websites and posts that relate to my teacher librarian role.

A Year of Reading has such great posts.  I love when they share new websites.  Rethinking Media Centers is their latest blog they brought to my attention.

Thinking about media centers and how to best serve my students, I think these 11 questions are ones I need to take a few minutes to reflect on,

A colleague shared an article with me about why kids hate reading....an interesting article, especially as I sit here at a professional development where we are discussing teaching reading.

NewsELA is a great online website that is free to use after registering.  Current event articles can be found on the site, but reading levels can be adjusted in order to allow students of varying levels to comprehend the news stories provided.


These Slipstream Patagonia shoes are calling my name and making me dream of spring, even though we have had Arctic temperatures again this week.

Happy Friday, everyone!