December Reads

Here are some wonderful Christmas books to really bring in the Spirit of Christmas. (get the tissues with several of these)

1. A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S Monson illustrated by Ben Sowards
2. Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest by Dan Farr
3. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski illustrated by PJ Lynch
4. The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Ewell Hunt illustrated by Tim Jonke
5. The Miracle of of the Wooden Shoes by Deborah Pace Rowley illustrated by Dan Burr
6. The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg illustrated by James Bernardin
7. Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect by Richard H Schneider illustrated by Elizabeth J Miles
8. Father and Son by Geraldine McCaughrean illustrated by Fabian Negrin
9. Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell and Jason Cockcroft (love the art)
10. Christmas is Here words form Bible illustrated by Lauren Castillo
11. A Merry Little Christmas A-Z Mary Englebreit
12. How the Grinch stole Christmas by Dr Suess
13. Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
14. Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

November Reads

I am reading quite a bit of things BUT I have already found some favs that I may get for gifts so I don't want to write them here...so I will list some cute Thanksgiving books you can read to your children.

1. Thanksgiving is Here by Diane Good
2. Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving Dav Pilkey
3. 1 Little 2 Little 3 Little Pilgrims by BG Hennessy illustrated by Lynne Cravath
4. My First Thanksgiving by Tomie DePaolo
5. The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman illustrated by Marla Frazee
6. A Turkey For Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting illustrated by Diane de Groat

October reads

Favorite Five

1. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams and illustrated by Megan Lloyd
2. Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White and illustrated by Megan Lloyd
3. Piggie Pie by Margie Palatini and illustrated by Howard Fine
4. Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman and illustrated by S. D. Schindler (get the recording)
5. The Halloweiner by Dav Pilkey

We also received some new ones from my mom and have added to our collection Happy Halloween Little Critter by Mercer Mayer, Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner, and Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson & illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

September Reads

1. Potty Training in a Day and tons of little potty training books & videos for Trey. Didn't happen in a day. In fact, I stopped. Now we are trying again. There isn't any pressure since it is just Mr. Adorable and me everyday. Don't you like the photo as if he is cheering for himself. Actually he was cheering because of the Buzz Lightyear underwear.

2. Castle in the Attic and Battle for the Castle by Elizabeth Winthrop. These two were our read alouds at night. We couldn't read fast enough for Trevor who checked it out at the school library.

Great read for boys!

3. Cake Pops by Bakerella. Obviously, I am impressed. I may just make the cake balls and call it good though.

4. The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond. Yup, I checked it out again. Some recipes you cannot get on her blog. Shocking I know considering how many recipes are on there.

5. The Children You Want with the Children You Have by Marie Calder Ricks. I loved this book. It reminded me of my friend Brittany and her wise motheringadvice. I am going to read this again in the spring because she has specific training for the summer. I actually have wonderful children and this book will help me continue to help them.

Happy Reading to You!

August

Well, I finally started the organizing project, and it is quite the project. Between having fun with the boys and working on the basement there hasn't been too much time for books. However, the ones I did get to read I enjoyed.

1. These is my Words by Nancy E Turner This has been on the "To Read List" for years. Now I know why. This is a spectacular book. It is written by a girl in journal style. You learn about her family, growing up, defending herself, death, marriage, having children, and LOVE...and I would like to meet this character who is described so well and whose journal is narrated in such a way that she must be a real person.
2. Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate This book was touching. It is about a girl, now married with a child of her own, who goes to live with her grandmother. Her grandmother's health is failing and despite this she learns much during the visit. I was already missing my Nana because I am going through the basement and discovering letters, photographs, and even clothes that belonged to her. This book made me wish I could take her to lunch and talk like old times. As you might imagine, I cried reading the book. I could read this again.
3. Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson Okay, the fun part of this book other than it is a great fantasy, is that it is written by a friend of mine who works at the library in the children's department. Thrilled that her ideas have come to life in such a magnificent way! It is about girl whose life is filled with a hardships, unkindness, and a mysterious island myth that turns out to be true. The story draws you in and you wonder what decision she might make and the natural consequences that will follow. Glad this isn't the end of the story. There is another one on its way.

Wish me luck with my organizing. The basement is the worst for me. It requires emotional decisions. Even when I was cleaning out all of my school stuff it wasn't easy to throw it away. I found myself missing my teaching days and the fun of seeing children learning and laughing. I even missed the challenge of it. Other than my teaching stuff to go through, I am going through my scrapbook room which is overflowing with sentimental nonsense. I am still going through it paper by paper because there is meaning behind my madness and along the way I have found some real treasures.
Happy reading!

July Reads

What is waiting by the side of my bed or down in the kitchen? The following books:

1. Hello, Cupcake! by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson This is the first in the series and I like it better than the 2nd one. It has unique and fun ideas for decorating. I haven't made any of these...maybe someone could just make one for me:)
2. What's New, Cupcake? by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson It is wonderful just like the first. Recipes for basic cupcakes and frostings, but the detail is in the directions for decorating. WOW! I liked the first one only becuase it had more things that my boys were interested in.
3. The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook I am really excited to cook from this book. The recipes sound delicious and that is saying something. I will let you know how the recipes turn out.
4. America' Test Kitchen Family Baking Book This is the baking book to have. The detail in baking, the divided sections, the product recommendations, the photographs and the recipes for rustic breads and layer cakes had me wanting to get baking immediately. Too bad I am leaving on a trip.
5. Shield of Stars Hilari Bell Fascinating. The 3 main characters lives cross in a unique way...a pickpocket, a prince, and a girl (can't give any details about her without spoiling something). I like the chapter pages with the card on front. Clever idea. I like the adventure they must go on and how they must work together. The first book told from Weasel's point of view. Obviously, I enjoyed them and read #2 & #3.
6. Sword of Truth #2 by Hilari Bell. Great read!
7. Crown of Earth #3 by Hilari Bell. Great finale.
8. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith I liked it
9. 5th Avenue, 5 AM by Sam Wesson This book describes how "Breakfast at Tiffany's" came to production. I am glad Audry Hepburn came out shining. Although interesting, there are better books about Audry Hepburn.

Happy Reading!

June Reads

Well considering how busy it was with baseball...I checked a lot of books out about cooking and made about 3 things:) Anywhooo

1. The Biggest Loser Cookbook I'll let you know
2. America's Test Kitchen Chicken Cookbook Very detailed and tons of research and description zzzzzzzzzzzz uh oh yeah I returned it to the library too boring
3. Rachel Ray entertaining cookbook okay
4. Rachel Ray Top 10 Love this book. Made me hungry. Only got to try 2 recipes. More on that later
5. Sur La Table for Kids. Fun
6. The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining by Cheryl and Bill Jamison. WOW This reads like a really good novel and I don't even grill. Did try a recipe...yum.
7. The Continuous Atonement by Brad Wilcox. Good read
8. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith. Yes, another in the series.
9. The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith. I am almost done with the series. Obviously, I enjoy these books.

Lot of cookbooks and no new recipes posted. July might be my month.

May Reads

Well, May was full of baseball, rain, snow, and more baseball. I still managed to read a little something.

1. The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I am completely HOOKED! I love it. I love the stories, the photographs, and obviously the food.
2. Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith. the next book in the series...yes I am going to finish the whole series. These books make me smile
3. No I did not even begin #2 of Hunger Games like I said I would. I was relieved when Pilar wanted to borrow it. I had borrowed it and could not start...the thought of the first disturbing book was too much. I thought I would throw you off by listing something I didn't read:)
4. Jane Eyre I read this awhile ago and didn't get a chance to read it again before book club...However, the BBC movie version of this is amazing! If you know the movie line "sink me" you will absolutely enjoy this movie!
5. Landscape with Roses by Jeff Cox. Gorgeous. I dream about having roses in my landscape. I dream of having a landscape where roses could go. I do have 4 roses now, but now have about 4 I am planning for in the future.
6. 1 year to an organized life by Regina Leeds. I laugh as I write this thinking that I just might be able to do it in a year. Maybe. Check back next May. This book is brilliant!
7. In trying time, just keep trying by Merrillee Boyack. I think she is a great writer. This one is different in that it is so personal. She found out she had breast cancer in a later stage...read it. Other titles I enjoyed: The parenting breakthrough, Toss the guilt feel the joy, 52 weeks of service, and Strangling your husband in Not an option.

Well, on into June. I have 6 cookbooks checked out. The summer weather has arrived and I feel like cooking. Happy Reading!

Mary Higgins Clark

I just finished The Shadow of Your Smile and I loved it. I think she is a wonderful writer. I met her last spring and it was a thrill. She is a lovelier and more charming in person than even what might be perceived from those beautiful photographs on the back cover of her books. She had a 45 minute presentation and it was amazing. She loves to take a normal situation and put in a twist. "She was backing out of her driveway to pick up her children from school and as she pulled to the stop sign she heard a voice from the back seat say turn left. " (creepy) Even as she said it I started smiling. She is very good at suspense. I could on and on about the presentation and meeting her, but I will not. Just read one of her books. If you can't get your hands on the latest one, read The Cradle will Fall or Stillwatch. Read late at night too that makes it tons of fun:)

The other beautiful person next to me is her daughter Carol

March Reads

First let me say it was definitely March Madness around here (in the reading sense) A bunch of books that I had put on hold came in at the same time. Good thing I am a fast reader.

1. In the company of Cheerful Ladies (#4) by Alexander McCall Smith Has anyone not read the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series? It is soooo good. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Wonderful woman in Africa that is a detective...I just don't want to say very much because it is a series and I don't want to give away all the fun of the next books. Pick up the first one and continue on.



2. Blind Side by Michael Lewis Although blind side is a football term signifying the side that must be blocked so that the quarterback will be safe and successful, the book is hardly about football. It is about a young man, due to life's experiences, who finds himself in need of help. The book is about the family, especially the mom, that loves him and helps him on his way. Extraordinary! I can't wait to see the movie now.



3. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This is about this woman who is happy but wonders if there is way to bring more happiness into her life. The book is divided by subjects to think about one month at a time. I enjoyed the ideas and it inspired me in the way I think about my husband, children, friends, extended family, and fun.



4. Colors of the Garden by JP Allen Does anyone just want it to be sunny so they can go out and weed? Of course weed and then plant a bunch of colorful flowers. I daydream about what could be and then laugh about what is really gong on in my garden.
5. Why? John Hilton III & Anthony Sweat. This book is good for jumpstarting a conversation of whys that teenagers might ask. The quotes were good. The illustrations and photographs reminded me of those no smoking commercials (too much drama)
6. Worldwide Ward Cookbook Mom's best by Deanna Buxton This cookbook was pretty good. I have the first one and I like that one better. I don't know why this author didn't call me. I have all kinds of mom's who are great cooks. I would submit my mom's lasagna. I know it is not in the recipe section yet but it will be along with the cupcake recipes. Look for those in April.



7. You Being Beautiful by Dr Oz & Dr Roizen This book has lots of good information. It got me thinking about nails, teeth, sleep, attitude, friendships, and eating well. Don't look my way for any drastic changes in beauty. I don't do what they say I just read about it :)



8. The Book Thief and Sarah's Key With all the books on the Holocaust just skip these two and read something like The Hiding Place by Carrie Ten Boom or The Devil's Arithmatic by Jane Yolan.



9. Fablehaven 4 leading up the party of course. Now Trevor and I are reading Fablehaven 5.

Well, happy reading. Don't count on too much in April with Spring Break and baseball.

February Reads

1. Smart Organizing by Sandra Felton Well, even though it made me feel "unsmart" for a season I am determined to get better at this. The reason I didn't read more this month becuase I was trying to get smart. Ummmm,...didn't happen. I really thought the book gave wonderful tips for each room in your home.
2. Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack I thought it was okay. I liked English Trifle better. Light & fluffy mystery. Oh yeah the recipes are a fun addition.
3. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer This book was recommended by Neil and I would have never discovered this book otherwise. It was just fascinating and crazy and sad to me all at the same time. It is about this young man, recently graduated from college, who decides to leave his home, $, and most of his belongings and head across the US with hopes to take a trek in Alaska. He makes tons of friends along the way. He has his ups and downs with trying to make money to get what he know realizes he will need in Alaska. Despite his efforts and positive attitude about the adventure...he is unsuccessful in returning from Alaska to share the story with his new found friends. His body was later found by a hunter. That is the sad part. True story. I appreciate the recommendation.
4. What the scriptures teach us about raising a child by Michael S. Wilcox Excellent My second time around reading this one.
5. Weight Watchers Magazine. This is my fun new discovery. I can't just eat cupcakes all the time now can I? How many points would that be anyway? I think if I sent in the recipe to make it over they would just email me back and say "absolutely do not eat those cupcakes" I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading it. I picked up a couple issues at the library (where else?)

Well, not as much reading as in January, but I was trying to organize and I watched a bunch of the Olympics. Go USA! Happy Reading to you!

Not confused

I am confused no longer. My cute friend called me right away concerning the book Hunger Games and explained that I didn't need to think that hard. Phew. It is meant to be intriguing and twisted...that is what creates the interest, thought (not too much), and the conversation about what might happen next. Guess I will continue on to Book 2. Thanks for the call.

January Reading

I haven't been sleeping so swell...I don't know if it is becuase I read and then can't fall asleep or if I can't fall asleep so I start reading. Hmmmm
Here is what I read this month:

1. The Help by Katherine Stockett. Go buy this. It is a winner. I absolutely loved it.

2. #1 The Uglies, #2 The Pretties, #3 The Specials by Scott Westerfield. Fascinating. I think the concept of altering thinking patterns/appearances is crazy and yet in real life we are programmed in a way to make judgements on others or ourselves. Definite Jr Lit. Interesting.

3. The Hunger Games Okay, this book is intriguing. It is also twisted. I read it in one night because I just couldn't "get it" and figured I would by the end. I just don't know who the intended audience is or something. I am anxiously awaiting an explanation phone call from my friend. Don't leave me confused about a book.

4. English Trifle by Josi S. Kilpack On the front it says it is a culinary mystery. It was a fun little mystery and my brain felt happy especially after some of the other books of the month.

5. You The Owner's Manual by Dr Roizen & Dr. Oz Great book. Even though it is a health book I was laughing out loud. Clever, packed with information, and hilarious.

6. Change your Questions, Change your Life by Wendy Watson Nelson. This requires time and thought. No rushing through this book. I really like the layout. I like the print, the different fonts, and the photographs. I especially like the message. Great questions!

7.Paula Deen & Friends by Paula Deen. LOTS of recipes. Enjoyed her voice throughout. She said that the real way to celebrate is to surround yourself with fun loving friends. You can eat hot dogs with real friends and be happy. Thanks goodness with my friends we are happy not eating hot dogs.

8. Martha Stewart Cupcakes by Martha. Try a recipe or two. You will not be disappointed.

2009 Book Review

Here are some books I read in 2009

1. Spent by Frank Lipman Great tips on health, and yet parts are a bit extreme for me



2. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch A great read. Go for it.



3. Fablehaven #1,2,3,4, by Brandon Mull I'm a fan. Get going on this onebefore the last one comes out.



4. Left to Tell by Immaculee llibagiza Unbelievable story...hard to read at times, yet a great pick.



5. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls I know this is a fav for many. I began reading until it was quite clear how dysfunctional this family was and skipped to the end. I can appreciate how well written it is, but it was difficult for me to read.



6. The House of Tailors by Paticia Reilly Giff recommended by Leslie and well recommended. Great story of work and talents.



7. Star Girl & Love, Stargirl by J. Spinelli Wonderful. When is the next one coming out?



8. Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox Fascinating. Loved his grateful nature & love for his family



9. Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark SUPERFAN and got to meet her.



10. 52 Weeks of Fun Family Service by Merrilee Boyack Great ideas.



11. Lots of gardening books. Guess what months I read those.



12. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. My favorite read of the year. This book is so well written it is as if you know the characters. I love that is was written in letter form. A must read



13. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Enjoyable.



14. Ouliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Loved it.



15. Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull This is great read. Good themes of friendship, trust, and choices.



16. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan The first book was fascinating because it was a bit different. This is an adventure series with mythological gods. Trevor and I started reading book 2 aloud. This got a bit tricky with all the editing of "oh my gods". I am sure Perseus saves the day but we took a little break.



17. The Christmas Jars by Jason F Wright I know this was out a while back, but I finally read it and I really liked it.

I am like a walking PBS commercial ..."If you would like to learn more, visit your local libary" I love the library. Of course, when I am #179 on the waiting list, I am appreciative to my friends for loaning me their books. Happy 2010!