At Christmas I always get a little stressed trying to come up with the perfect gift for parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. I don't worry too much about my own kids, though I do try to get Ethan something awesome (usually to no avail).
I am the type of person who really values making something for someone else. This year I did not make one single thing for anyone and it was a surprising relief. Those last minute moments of trying to finish crocheting something, tying the last few stitches in a quilt, or painting the finishing touches on a painting always gets me a little worked-up, but I love that feeling when someone opens a gift that I have put not only my time into, but also a little piece of myself.
I think the reason I feel this way is that my "love language" is quality time. To me, giving my time is the same as giving myself and vice versa. This year, although I felt the last minute relief...I felt a disturbing indifference about Christmas and the gifts I was giving. I'm sure that this was in large part to the fact that I wasn't giving something that told them (in my language) that I love them.
The funny part about it is that some of the gifts I gave were better received than any year's past. Ethan and I were analyzing the reason for this and discovered that the love language of the receiver was probably just different from mine, so the homemade gifts in the past weren't seen as gifts of love, but perhaps... cheap? I racked my brain this year to come up with something satisfactory for some people and in the end came up with something they really appreciated and will use. Success!! I hope that in finding that perfect gift they feel that love I put into their gift even though it wasn't spoken in a language I really understand.
If you have never read The Five Love Language by Gary Chapman, I highly recommend it. It discusses the fact that everyone has a primary love language and argues that there are 5 basic languages with many dialects within each. The 5 are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Personal Touch. While no one speaks exclusively in one language, they understand and speak one with the most comprehension. I have come to the conclusion that when looking for the perfect gift for the people I love, I have to consider what language they speak, if I'm speaking German and they speak French it won't go over too well, but if I get a French/German Dictionary and make an effort, they will probably get the message.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Book Club
If any of you have ever been to a real book club meeting, you know that lots is talked about that is unrelated to the book, or even books in general. I have been wanting to have a place to talk about everyday things that aren't really for my family blog, so I have decided to use this venue. Check back here if you're OK with posts that aren't all about the kids or what we're doing as a family. I probably won't be doing a whole lot of pictures, so if thats what you're interested in the family blog is the one for you, but if you want to hear whats going on in the mind of a semi-sane mom and what she's reading, join me here anytime. Thanks!
Mommy Tag
1. How long have you been a Mom? Four years, 9 months
2. How many kids call you mommy? 3-although, Bryant and Jonas usually say, "mom" and Levi just yells, "Ma"
3. When you were pregnant did you know what you were having? With Bryant we had the ultrasound and were told it was probably a boy, but to have it double checked...I got checked again and they said it was probably a girl...so we waited to find out til he was born (which is what I wanted to do anyway). We found out with both Jonas and Levi.
4. How old were you when you became a mom? 21 years 10 months
5. How long were you in labor? Bryant 13 hours, Jonas 2 hours of good hard labor (I was on pitocin for about 4 hours before anything big happened...I went from 3-10 in about 90 minutes), Levi 14 hours.
6. What’s your favorite thing about being a mom? The hugs and the "I love you lots mom!"
7. What’s your least favorite thing? All the yelling and noise (from me and the kids)
8. Do you want more kids? Definitely
9. Have you ever taken your kid(s) on a trip?Yup, many trips between Utah and Oregon, Bryant went to Nauvoo and Tennessee with us when he was a babe, several camping trips, and one cross country adventure (although, it wasn't really us that took them0-Thanks mom and dad!)
10. How many times have you been peed on? Maybe once per child...just takes that one refresher to remind me to be prepared.
11. How many times have you been barfed on? Way too many to want to remember...or share.
12. Are your kids named after someone? First names are not really-though we found a common link...prophets and/or their dads. Middle names are for family
13. When is the last time you had a sitter? Dec. 10
14. When your kid gets in trouble, who is the bad guy? If Ethan is home he gets to have the honor, but generally I am.
15. What is the longest you have been away from your kid(s)? Let's see how long was our road trip? Five days I think...HEAVEN!
16. Are your toes painted? Nope
17. Last movie you saw in theater? Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Last book you read? The Mormon Way of Doing Business (OK, I've read lots of kids books since I finished that one, but its the last one I finished for myself...I'm currently reading A Mormon in the White House?)
18. One thing you will not give up just because you’re a mom: Hopefully, my sanity :)
19. One thing you did give up now that you’re a mom? Sleeping in
20. Favorite Cartoon: Cyberchase and Arthur (its pretty sad when I sit and watch them by myself)
21. Favorite Snack: Granola bars, fruit snacks, craisins, cheese sticks
22. When the kid(s) are napping, you are: Either napping, reading, or blogging..though Bryant doesn't nap he just has quiet time.
23. Where is/are your kid(s) now? Eating breakfast
24. If I could do it over, I’d do this differently: Have more fun
25. What is a lesson you’ve learned as a parent? Patience is a virtue, pride is a vice. Love is the best medicine for everything...hurt bodies or feelings.
I tag...if you want to do it, please do...I'd love to see what you have to say!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon
In honor of the shuttle launch that we have anxiously awaited (and continue to wait for) we checked out the book, Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon by Timothy R. Gaffney and illustrated by Barry Root. The boys really enjoy reading it over and over and then they get VERY excited to see the shuttle launch. It was supposed to take place on Thursday and they have tentatively planned it for each day since then, but yesterday they canceled without another date listed, so we're hoping it will still take place this week. The book is about a little boy whose grandpa went to the moon on an Apollo mission and whenever grandpa comes to visit he tells all about it. The little boy imagines that he is with his grandpa on the adventure. Its a fun and interesting book that your kids will probably want to read time and time again.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Children's Book
This week's book is S is for Sunshine A Florida Alphabet by Carol Crane and illustrated by Michael Glenn Monroe. I absolutely love this book and want to buy it for our family library. It goes through the alphabet with things that are special to Florida like, "A is for Alligator..." "B is for Beaches..." "N is for NASA..." You get the idea. Each page has a little rhyme and a gorgeous illustration and on the side it goes into detail about the item for a paragraph or two.
The best part about this book is that there are several volumes. From B is for Beaver An Oregon Alphabet to A is for Arches a Utah Alphabet to P is for Potato An Idaho Alphabet. I really want to collect these from the states in which we have lived and will live. I just checked Amazon and it looks like they have all the states. It looks like they have counting books for the states as well. The books are by different authors, but all published by Sleeping Bear Press. Check it out, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
The Princess Bride Discussion *****
So...we've all seen the movie a hundred times...can quote most of it...now you've read the book (I hope!)...does the book hold the same appeal as the movie for you? Discuss amongst yourselves...
Goldman wrote the screenplay for the film version of The Princess Bride. There are many differences between the two. Identify as many as you can. Why do you think Goldman made these changes? With which of his choices do you agree? Disagree?
Why do you think that Goldman inserts himself as a character in his own novel? Did you feel he was portraying his actual self or a character with his name? What other books have you read where the author adopts this narrative strategy?
The Princess Bride can be thought of as two intertwining tales, one focusing on Westley and Buttercup, the other on the life of Goldman himself (or the fictional Goldman?). How do these two stories parallel and play off of each other?
When we first meet Inigo and Fezzik (my two personal favorite characters), they are working with Vizzini to kidnap Buttercup. Later, they become allies of Westley in his efforts to rescue her. What causes Inigo and Fezzik to change . . . or do they really change at all over the course of the novel?
Compare the relationships between men–such as Goldman and his father, Fezzik and Inigo, Inigo and Domingo, and Goldman and his son–and those between men and women, especially Westley and Buttercup. Which are presented more positively? Why do you think that is?
The "good parts" version is what Goldman remembers his father reading to him from an original S. Morgenstern. Did you ever doubt the validity of this claim? Or the truthfulness of his account of Florin? How would it affect your enjoyment of the novel if both devices were fictional?
Is Goldman laughing with his readers . . . or laughing at them?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving! Children's Book Highlight
I am sorry that I didn't get this posted sooner, I was going to try to do it on Monday, but all 3 kids at the library and getting on the computer don't mix. Anyhow, the book for this week is One Tough Turkey A Thanksgiving Story by Steven Kroll, illustrated by John Wallner.
"Solomon is one tough turkey! And when the Pilgrims decide they must have turkey for their first Thanksgiving dinner, he's not about to let them succeed.
With the help of his wife and his children, Solomon leads the hunters on a wild turkey chase. The results are disastrous...in this slapstick version of the first Thanksgiving." -From the inside cover
The kids have really enjoyed reading this one the past week or two, its silly and fun...just what we needed. It has old school illustrations with very few colors, but the kids didn't seem to mind.
Just FYI, I looked it up on Amazon and the lowest price is $40.00!!! It goes all the way up to $121.17. I'm not sure why that is, but I found it fascinating. Just for the record, I would not pay that much money for this book, but if you can get it from the library, its a fun one!
"Solomon is one tough turkey! And when the Pilgrims decide they must have turkey for their first Thanksgiving dinner, he's not about to let them succeed.
With the help of his wife and his children, Solomon leads the hunters on a wild turkey chase. The results are disastrous...in this slapstick version of the first Thanksgiving." -From the inside cover
The kids have really enjoyed reading this one the past week or two, its silly and fun...just what we needed. It has old school illustrations with very few colors, but the kids didn't seem to mind.
Just FYI, I looked it up on Amazon and the lowest price is $40.00!!! It goes all the way up to $121.17. I'm not sure why that is, but I found it fascinating. Just for the record, I would not pay that much money for this book, but if you can get it from the library, its a fun one!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Children's Book Highlight
I've decided to highlight a children's book each week. It should be fun to try to find new books on a regular basis that we love and can highly recommend. The kids will be a big part of selecting the book that gets highlighted, so if you don't like it...you can take it up with them. ;)
The first book that will get this special honor is one of our very favorites by perhaps my very favorite children's author to date. We love all his book, they are interactive and educational. They are entertaining and most spectacular of all the illustrations are fabulous! I'm sure that you all are at least somewhat familiar with his work and some of you may be as big a fan as we are. Here's a pic of Bryant reading it to Jonas.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Eric Carle. I was first introduced to this book by friends (Jared and Lisa)in Sacrament Meeting. They had it for their son and of course our boys were right in their faces, so they let us look at it. I fell in love and decided we needed to get it. It is incredibly simple and stunning at the same time. The kids really enjoy knowing what comes next and it is a great vibrant book that teaches colors, we can also teach animals and their sounds as we read it. The reason this is the highlight book is that it was the beginning of Carle's "true career." For which I am so grateful.
Some of our other favorites of Carle's include:
From Head to Toe (the kids love acting out all the things they and the animals can do).
The Very Quiet Cricket (the last page is a special treat)
The Very Lonely Firefly (again the last page is great for the kids)
The Very Busy Spider
The Tiny Seed
Do You Want to Be My Friend?
Check out Eric Carle's webiste and the website for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. We love to read Eric Carle's book and we hope you do too!
The first book that will get this special honor is one of our very favorites by perhaps my very favorite children's author to date. We love all his book, they are interactive and educational. They are entertaining and most spectacular of all the illustrations are fabulous! I'm sure that you all are at least somewhat familiar with his work and some of you may be as big a fan as we are. Here's a pic of Bryant reading it to Jonas.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Eric Carle. I was first introduced to this book by friends (Jared and Lisa)in Sacrament Meeting. They had it for their son and of course our boys were right in their faces, so they let us look at it. I fell in love and decided we needed to get it. It is incredibly simple and stunning at the same time. The kids really enjoy knowing what comes next and it is a great vibrant book that teaches colors, we can also teach animals and their sounds as we read it. The reason this is the highlight book is that it was the beginning of Carle's "true career." For which I am so grateful.
Some of our other favorites of Carle's include:
From Head to Toe (the kids love acting out all the things they and the animals can do).
The Very Quiet Cricket (the last page is a special treat)
The Very Lonely Firefly (again the last page is great for the kids)
The Very Busy Spider
The Tiny Seed
Do You Want to Be My Friend?
Check out Eric Carle's webiste and the website for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. We love to read Eric Carle's book and we hope you do too!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Next Book...
Well, I guess if you're reading this, you've forgiven me for my slothfulness. Thank you. The next book we'll be discussing is a FABULOUS read! It should be great fun to discuss too. It is...The Princess Bride S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure by William Goldman. Its a pretty long title, I know. This book was recommended to me by Amy in Oregon and I'm so glad that I found it (I needed a book to read while waiting for Ethan one day at work, we went to the DI and happened upon this beauty!) It is great, I don't think you'll be disappointed, but if you are, do tell!
Eclipse ***
OK, so we've been if Florida, what 5 days? I have already read all of Eclipse, that just proves that Utah is why I was basically illiterate ;) So I'm curious what those of you who read it think...
Those of you who haven't read it (or have no idea what it is) its the 3rd book in the Twilight series.
I liked it, I didn't love it. Probably my least favorite of the three, but I really liked the others a lot so I don't know what that means to any of you. :) I felt like it was a little forced...especially Jacob and he was driving me crazy (not in the good way).
It will be really interesting to see what she does with the 4th (and final?) book in the series. I hope if Bella does change that we get to see what she goes through. If we miss that, I will feel robbed...but then again, she may not change. What do you think will happen?
What did you think of the book? While Heather was reading it, she kept saying it was frustrating...I'd love to hear what was frustrating to you all.
What did you like about it?
I obviously need someone to bounce my editorial off of, so please let's get this party started!
Those of you who haven't read it (or have no idea what it is) its the 3rd book in the Twilight series.
I liked it, I didn't love it. Probably my least favorite of the three, but I really liked the others a lot so I don't know what that means to any of you. :) I felt like it was a little forced...especially Jacob and he was driving me crazy (not in the good way).
It will be really interesting to see what she does with the 4th (and final?) book in the series. I hope if Bella does change that we get to see what she goes through. If we miss that, I will feel robbed...but then again, she may not change. What do you think will happen?
What did you think of the book? While Heather was reading it, she kept saying it was frustrating...I'd love to hear what was frustrating to you all.
What did you like about it?
I obviously need someone to bounce my editorial off of, so please let's get this party started!
Monday, October 22, 2007
To Kill A Mockinbird ****-
Utah has been very bad for my reading plans...in Oregon I read a book a week or close to it. Since I've been in Utah (more than 2 months people) I have not finished a book-and that includes To Kill a Mockingbird. For that reason I have no idea what questions to post for you all to discuss. However, so you have a place to comment about what you thought of the book, I am admitting my failure and posting this. I promise I will do better in the future, in the meantime...To Kill a Mockingbird.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Poetry
If you read our family blog, you've already heard about this, but since I'm a proud little sister I just wanted to invite you to my brother Sean's website.
He has been writing poetry for as long as I can remember and he is so good! Since I know you all enjoy a good book, I thought you might also enjoy some great poetry. It isn't down and depressing, but it can make you think (see In The Mansions of my Father).
I have enjoyed many of his poems for their wit (see Rubber-necker's Revenge or Jelly Beans) and if any of you know Sean you know he is as witty as they come!
This is the same Sean who has joined us for book club once or twice, he chose the books for this month and please don't let his critique of Twilight keep you from his poetry ;) he is incredibly talented. Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy his art as much as I do!
He has been writing poetry for as long as I can remember and he is so good! Since I know you all enjoy a good book, I thought you might also enjoy some great poetry. It isn't down and depressing, but it can make you think (see In The Mansions of my Father).
I have enjoyed many of his poems for their wit (see Rubber-necker's Revenge or Jelly Beans) and if any of you know Sean you know he is as witty as they come!
This is the same Sean who has joined us for book club once or twice, he chose the books for this month and please don't let his critique of Twilight keep you from his poetry ;) he is incredibly talented. Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy his art as much as I do!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Your Book Lists (Again)
OK, I have this post at the very bottom of the blog, but I thought it deserved to be brought to the surface again. I want to know what you are reading and what you have been reading. Keeping track of your reads is a great thing for personal history, so use this as a means!
Love you all!
Love you all!
Ender's Game Discussion *****
Ender's Game...FINALLY!!! Did you read it? Did you like it? What did you or didn't you like? Let's get some good discussion going.
Explain the statement, "Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth." After you explain it, tell whether you agree or disagree with the statement and give reasons to support your answer.
Competition and praising Ender's skills are meant to set him apart from the others. For what purpose is this being done and what are the possible types of consequences of these actions?
Explain the following quote in relation to this story and to your own life: "Individual human beings are all tools, that the others use to help us all survive."
Ender works hard to express his feelings in private and not show homesickness in front of any other person. Is it healthy for him or not? What is positive and what is negative about showing feelings? What is positive and what is negative about not showing feelings?
We learn in this chapter that there is a question of whether it is OK to sacrifice the well-being of a child in order to save the world. What exactly is Ender having to sacrifice? How do you think he is being trained to save the world?
How does Ender react to conflicts? What are his reactions? How would you react to the same events? Is what you would do different from what you would like to do?
My brother Richy added a couple of questions in his post, let's add them to the discussion:
What did Peter represent to Ender, and why was this important? Do we have "Peters" in are lives?
What were the pros and cons of Ender's leadership style? Compare his to Bonzo or Rose de Nose.
Thanks everybody, for your patience and for participating. It is really fun for me to talk about books with you all. Until next time, Happy Reading!
Explain the statement, "Sometimes lies were more dependable than the truth." After you explain it, tell whether you agree or disagree with the statement and give reasons to support your answer.
Competition and praising Ender's skills are meant to set him apart from the others. For what purpose is this being done and what are the possible types of consequences of these actions?
Explain the following quote in relation to this story and to your own life: "Individual human beings are all tools, that the others use to help us all survive."
Ender works hard to express his feelings in private and not show homesickness in front of any other person. Is it healthy for him or not? What is positive and what is negative about showing feelings? What is positive and what is negative about not showing feelings?
We learn in this chapter that there is a question of whether it is OK to sacrifice the well-being of a child in order to save the world. What exactly is Ender having to sacrifice? How do you think he is being trained to save the world?
How does Ender react to conflicts? What are his reactions? How would you react to the same events? Is what you would do different from what you would like to do?
My brother Richy added a couple of questions in his post, let's add them to the discussion:
What did Peter represent to Ender, and why was this important? Do we have "Peters" in are lives?
What were the pros and cons of Ender's leadership style? Compare his to Bonzo or Rose de Nose.
Thanks everybody, for your patience and for participating. It is really fun for me to talk about books with you all. Until next time, Happy Reading!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows *****
BIG THANKS to our friends the Schneiders for letting me borrow their copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!!! I read it in between packing and cleaning (and cooking and kids) Wednesday and Thursday (here I am finishing it up, as you can see, I was really into it. Jonas kept handing me my helmet and was very adamant that I wear it-you know what I always say, "Safety First!") and it was excellent!
I won't be able to get my hands on Ender's Game until we're in Utah so I'll post questions around the middle of the month, for now let's talk about my and possibly your latest read...Harry Potter.
Have you read it yet? Did you like it? What did you predict correctly? What surprised you? What did you like or dislike?
If you haven't read it (or finished) yet, please don't read comments because they will be full of spoilers!
Friday, July 13, 2007
August's Book: Ender's Game
Well, the vote turn out was small and close, but it comes down to Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card for August. It will be a good one for summer and for me in particular since I've got a pretty busy August.
For those of you who want to know what you're getting into here is the set-up (mostly from Wikipedia)
It is really a fascinating book and I think we'll all enjoy discussing it! Until then...Happy Reading!
For those of you who want to know what you're getting into here is the set-up (mostly from Wikipedia)
The book takes place somewhere in the near-distant future of Earth. Mankind has made contact with an insectoid alien race known to humanity as the Formics, or colloquially as "Buggers." The buggers have attempted to invade earth twice, having been narrowly defeated the second time by a man named Mazer Rackham, and the threat of the third bugger invasion looms large over the earth.
Enter Ender Wiggin, a six-year-old boy and third son of his parents, an audacity under the population restriction laws, permitted only by special sanction by the government that is seeking the next brilliant military commander. Young Ender is approved by the government for training at the elite Battle School, a space station where children train in armies commanded by older children in mock 41-on-41 battles. Ender chooses to accept the government's offer, leaving behind his parents, his sister Valentine whom he deeply cares for, and his sadistic and manipulative older brother Peter.
It is really a fascinating book and I think we'll all enjoy discussing it! Until then...Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Twilight *****
July is here and it is time to open our discussion of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I'm really excited to hear what you have to say and to see if you liked it as much as I did. Special thanks to my friend Terra for some great discussion questions. Let's get started!
What did you like about the book?
What didn't you like about it?
Were the characters believable? Was the portrayal of vampires realistic or too caricature?
Why do you think the author chose a high school setting for this grown up romance? How would the story have changed if these characters were adults?
As a first time author, how would you as a reader advise Ms. Meyer in future writing endeavors?
The story has been picked up for possible production into a movie, who would you love to see cast in the roles?
Argue for or against Bella becoming a Vampire.
Why is Edward so against Bella "changing" since he holds no animosity towards Carlisle for changing him?
Edward says he is a selfish being--how is keeping Bella human selfish?
And away we go...
What did you like about the book?
What didn't you like about it?
Were the characters believable? Was the portrayal of vampires realistic or too caricature?
Why do you think the author chose a high school setting for this grown up romance? How would the story have changed if these characters were adults?
As a first time author, how would you as a reader advise Ms. Meyer in future writing endeavors?
The story has been picked up for possible production into a movie, who would you love to see cast in the roles?
Argue for or against Bella becoming a Vampire.
Why is Edward so against Bella "changing" since he holds no animosity towards Carlisle for changing him?
Edward says he is a selfish being--how is keeping Bella human selfish?
And away we go...
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Devil in the White City **
Sorry it has taken me so long to post the questions for this one. I still haven't quite finished it yet, but decided to get these up in case anyone has something they are dying to say. I've decided to try a different format this time of posting all the questions in one post, that way all the comments regarding the book are in one spot. Hope it all works!
I really am enjoying this book. It is harder for me to read than most of the books I've read, but I think it is the first historical nonfiction book I have attempted. I am sure I will have more to say (I always do), but for now, here are the questions.
They are in sub-categories:
Building the Fair
*Given living conditions in Chicago, what do you think drew people to the city?
*What do you think about the choice to use classical architecture rather than looking toward modern architecture?
*What did you think about the partnership of with Burnham and Root?
Do you think it takes a creative side and people skills to be able to
run a good business?
*How do you think Root's death affected the work?
*If you had your own island at the World's Fair to design what would you do with it?
*Would you have chosen Chicago architects for the Fair or brought in the best the country had to offer?
Murder at the Fair
*What do you think drew Holmes to the women that he killed?
*Why, after all he did, would guards still care for this man?
*How could so many crimes be kept a secret?
*Holmes said there was a devil in him from the time he was born. Do you think that is possible? Are some people made to be that way?
Writing of the Fair
*Did it come off well as a story or was it more like a documentary?
*Would the book have worked better for you if it had followed only one of the two plots? Which one would you have preferred to read?
*Generally speaking what did you like about the book? What did you dislike about the book?
There is plenty to talk about, let's dig right in!
I really am enjoying this book. It is harder for me to read than most of the books I've read, but I think it is the first historical nonfiction book I have attempted. I am sure I will have more to say (I always do), but for now, here are the questions.
They are in sub-categories:
Building the Fair
*Given living conditions in Chicago, what do you think drew people to the city?
*What do you think about the choice to use classical architecture rather than looking toward modern architecture?
*What did you think about the partnership of with Burnham and Root?
Do you think it takes a creative side and people skills to be able to
run a good business?
*How do you think Root's death affected the work?
*If you had your own island at the World's Fair to design what would you do with it?
*Would you have chosen Chicago architects for the Fair or brought in the best the country had to offer?
Murder at the Fair
*What do you think drew Holmes to the women that he killed?
*Why, after all he did, would guards still care for this man?
*How could so many crimes be kept a secret?
*Holmes said there was a devil in him from the time he was born. Do you think that is possible? Are some people made to be that way?
Writing of the Fair
*Did it come off well as a story or was it more like a documentary?
*Would the book have worked better for you if it had followed only one of the two plots? Which one would you have preferred to read?
*Generally speaking what did you like about the book? What did you dislike about the book?
There is plenty to talk about, let's dig right in!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
I Am a Mother! ***
This was a great book, last night I was pretty tired, so I didn't do a real review of the book. Today, having slept on it and considered things I am ready to tell you why it is a great book.
It starts as a Cheerleader for motherhood, which is good, but not what I wanted/needed. I, like many of you, have always wanted to be a mom. Even now, though I go crazy with my boys daily, I can hardly wait to have my next child and the next for however many nexts there will be.
It moves on after a couple chapters and here is where I really liked it. She refers to our willingness to submit our will to God's as being a pencil in the hands of God (she got this from Mother Theresa). I am just a pencil, He does the thinking, the writing, the pencil has to only allow itself to be used. As a mother I think this is extremely important. I have a hard time looking at the BIG picture and God in his perfectness sees it all the time, that is why I need to be a pencil in his hand.
She talks about how Satan is really trying to make us, as mothers, feel badly about ourselves and our role because if we quit, his job is a lot easier. Its always good for me to remember that he is always on the offensive, trying to beat me down. It validates that my feelings are real, but I have the power to crush his head!
Chapter 5 is entitled, "Can I Quit Now?" Her experiences have been difficult, making mine seem less than trivial, but to me my trials are real and daunting. I have often found myself on my knees saying, "I can not do this, I really, really need thy help. PLEASE, help me today!" In this chapter she debunks some myths that we too often buy into. I loved some of these, especially #1: You will be in control...you are the mother after all! She says that the real trick is to keep control over ourselves and our behaviors and reactions when everything is out of control, that is when we teach our children real, valuable lessons.
The last thing that left a deep impression on me is that we spend way too much time judging one another when we ought to just love and support each other. I find myself looking at others and comparing myself all too often. I also get my feelings hurt sometimes and begin to feel that some think themselves to be better than me. Its like I'm in junior high school! Walking in each others' shoes is important, our experiences are all different, just like we are all different. Love and support are what matter.
So, I confidently say to you all...I AM A MOTHER!
It starts as a Cheerleader for motherhood, which is good, but not what I wanted/needed. I, like many of you, have always wanted to be a mom. Even now, though I go crazy with my boys daily, I can hardly wait to have my next child and the next for however many nexts there will be.
It moves on after a couple chapters and here is where I really liked it. She refers to our willingness to submit our will to God's as being a pencil in the hands of God (she got this from Mother Theresa). I am just a pencil, He does the thinking, the writing, the pencil has to only allow itself to be used. As a mother I think this is extremely important. I have a hard time looking at the BIG picture and God in his perfectness sees it all the time, that is why I need to be a pencil in his hand.
She talks about how Satan is really trying to make us, as mothers, feel badly about ourselves and our role because if we quit, his job is a lot easier. Its always good for me to remember that he is always on the offensive, trying to beat me down. It validates that my feelings are real, but I have the power to crush his head!
Chapter 5 is entitled, "Can I Quit Now?" Her experiences have been difficult, making mine seem less than trivial, but to me my trials are real and daunting. I have often found myself on my knees saying, "I can not do this, I really, really need thy help. PLEASE, help me today!" In this chapter she debunks some myths that we too often buy into. I loved some of these, especially #1: You will be in control...you are the mother after all! She says that the real trick is to keep control over ourselves and our behaviors and reactions when everything is out of control, that is when we teach our children real, valuable lessons.
The last thing that left a deep impression on me is that we spend way too much time judging one another when we ought to just love and support each other. I find myself looking at others and comparing myself all too often. I also get my feelings hurt sometimes and begin to feel that some think themselves to be better than me. Its like I'm in junior high school! Walking in each others' shoes is important, our experiences are all different, just like we are all different. Love and support are what matter.
So, I confidently say to you all...I AM A MOTHER!
I am a Mother...and a daughter
I received and read I Am a Mother today. It was a great book that really made me think. The sociology major in me was fascinated by the societal judgments of mothering. Its interesting that those on the outside looking in and those that are in our same circumstances can have such strong opinions about the role of mothers. I found myself thinking about how I feel about myself as a mother. I don't think I'm particularly good at it (not that I'm terrible, either) but it made me question why do I feel that way about myself?
Well, I have an amazing mom, but I unfortunately have treated her unkindly too often. I have focused on the few negatives rather than the profuse positives, this has undoubtedly clouded my opinion of myself as a mother as well since as we judge we will be judged (even if its just judging ourselves). I have always loved and admired my mom, she just deserves much more respect. So, in an effort to change this I give you an homage to my mom.
My mom is the most loving person I have ever met--truly. She loves everyone and you can not come into her home without feeling it.
My mom loves to serve. I haven't always supported her efforts, but she honestly loves to do things for those that she loves. My dad is one lucky guy, she takes care of him constantly.
My mom loves to laugh. She also loves to have others laugh. Making others happy is her ambition in life.
She can zone out of anything going on around her if she is watching a good TV show, especially Murder, She Wrote.
My mom doesn't like it when others are hurting. Whenever someone was being teased or "tricked" she just couldn't let it go on, much to the chagrin of some. :)
She is hands down the best cook I've come in contact with.
She really loves sports, but she gets really into it so she can't always watch. When we played soccer she would run along the side line kicking her foot out as if she were on the field.
She was and is incredibly supportive. She never missed anything that I did in school, be it a play, a concert, or a game. Not only that, but she enjoyed it. Even now, she has coerced my dad into being present for all of Bryant's birthdays.
She is an amazing seamstress. She has sewn me some magnificent gowns (including my wedding dress).
She is genuinely happy and it radiates from her.
She is a great storyteller.
My mom is one of my very best friends. She is a good listener (most of the time) and she gives good advice.
She is a fantastic teacher. She has so many talents and she is so willing to share her wealth with anyone willing to sit down beside her and learn.
She is very devoted and teaches me almost daily to be so.
My mom is the epitome of an optimist. She always wants to believe that the best will happen.
My mom can not hold a grudge. She forgives more readily than anyone I know. For this, I am very grateful.
My mom has a testimony of the gospel and she knows that the Savior lives and that He loves her. She has helped me to gain my testimony of these things.
I love my mom for these and many other reasons. She inspires me to be a better mom and a better person. She is incredible!
Well, I have an amazing mom, but I unfortunately have treated her unkindly too often. I have focused on the few negatives rather than the profuse positives, this has undoubtedly clouded my opinion of myself as a mother as well since as we judge we will be judged (even if its just judging ourselves). I have always loved and admired my mom, she just deserves much more respect. So, in an effort to change this I give you an homage to my mom.
My mom is the most loving person I have ever met--truly. She loves everyone and you can not come into her home without feeling it.
My mom loves to serve. I haven't always supported her efforts, but she honestly loves to do things for those that she loves. My dad is one lucky guy, she takes care of him constantly.
My mom loves to laugh. She also loves to have others laugh. Making others happy is her ambition in life.
She can zone out of anything going on around her if she is watching a good TV show, especially Murder, She Wrote.
My mom doesn't like it when others are hurting. Whenever someone was being teased or "tricked" she just couldn't let it go on, much to the chagrin of some. :)
She is hands down the best cook I've come in contact with.
She really loves sports, but she gets really into it so she can't always watch. When we played soccer she would run along the side line kicking her foot out as if she were on the field.
She was and is incredibly supportive. She never missed anything that I did in school, be it a play, a concert, or a game. Not only that, but she enjoyed it. Even now, she has coerced my dad into being present for all of Bryant's birthdays.
She is an amazing seamstress. She has sewn me some magnificent gowns (including my wedding dress).
She is genuinely happy and it radiates from her.
She is a great storyteller.
My mom is one of my very best friends. She is a good listener (most of the time) and she gives good advice.
She is a fantastic teacher. She has so many talents and she is so willing to share her wealth with anyone willing to sit down beside her and learn.
She is very devoted and teaches me almost daily to be so.
My mom is the epitome of an optimist. She always wants to believe that the best will happen.
My mom can not hold a grudge. She forgives more readily than anyone I know. For this, I am very grateful.
My mom has a testimony of the gospel and she knows that the Savior lives and that He loves her. She has helped me to gain my testimony of these things.
I love my mom for these and many other reasons. She inspires me to be a better mom and a better person. She is incredible!
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