Books read in January

This last month I read three books, all of them juvenile literature. Maybe I am just a kid at heart.

A Separate Peace by John Knowels

The first one was our book club selection, I missed most of the discussion because Sophia took a tumble down the stairs. It seemed as though everyone liked this WWII era story about a boy in a prep school where his comrades more than the 'prep' school itself prepared him for the world. I found this book interesting being written pre-60's unrest time. People felt that unrest and insecurity about war they just didn't go against things back then. I heard my Great Aunt talk about being on the other side of WWII in Germany, she was strictly obedient, you just didn't go against your elders. I think WWII was a turning point in our society, but that is a whole different direction and my thoughts are a little rusty on this book because I read it a while ago now. I recommend this book, great read.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

The first of a teen science fiction trilogy set about 200 years in the future. Basically the people believe everyone must be the same or total anarchy will occur, so at 16 you get a surgery to be pretty, the same standard of pretty. Some of the people don't agree and the main character of course gets dragged into this way of thinking on accident and it is the story of how she comes to see herself for who she really is. This novel I am sure is to help teenagers to love themselves despite the pressures of society. I was entertained and found the concepts interesting.

Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery

This was by far my favorite of the three I read and maybe my new favorite book. My cousin has been trying to get me to read it for years, I haven't because I have seen and loved the movie so much and I thought I would get board in the book. Not so! The book of course is way better, but I still like the movies. I see all of the characters in a new light and identify with the matriarchs better now that I read their hearts instead of what the actors were able to portray. As always I love Anne with an 'e' the little orphan girl adopted by the bachelor and old maid Cuthbert siblings, the way she grows up and the lessons she learns are heartfelt and genuine. I am excited for Sophia to be old enough to enjoy Anne as well. It will be fun to read the whole series. 5 stars for this one!

RS Book Club Review

Last night I finished reading...
The Prize Winner of Definance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids On 25 Words Or Less


So in the spirit of limericks in 25 words or less here is my ode to Evelyn Ryan:

The book about Evelyn Ryan
A clever woman always tryin'
Has inspired my urge to be good
and do the things I know I should.

Revenge of the Sith and the Screaming Banshee

Zac and Sophia have a funny relationship. Zac love's to tease, Sophia doesn't love to be teased, but loves attention particularly from Zac. The other night Zac donned his black pants, his black shirt, and a black blanket cape like over his head, ei 'the sith' and mysteriously lurked around corners. Of Course this quiet activity caused Sophia to scream like a banshee because she hates disguises (Halloween was traumatic). I was nursing Milo and unaware of what Zac was doing so I kept telling Sophia to stop screaming, this went on for about 15 minutes until finally Nate noticed and told Zac to take off the blanket. Zac didn't comply and suddenly it didn't scare Sophia anymore and she laughed and screamed while Zac still in costume chased her around the house. A new noisy game created-Revenge of the Sith and the Screaming Banshee.

After 4 what's 1 more?

So I've heard people say- after 4 what's 1 more? Well I don't know if I'll have 1 more, 4 is hard enough! Maybe I am just in a postpartum depression, but playing Milo's milkmaid, Sophia's tantrum sounding board, 2 school age children in check, a house in order, and a husband happy is starting to get me frazzled!

It just would be cool if I could sleep, so if you see me or talk to me and I am rude or say things that don't make sense, now you know why and I am sorry in advance Kudos to all y'all who have survived babies with older kids in tow.

New Years Resolutions

I wanted to post resolutions on New Year's day, but something about a tantrum throwing 2 year old and a hungry hungry infant needing my attention stopped me.

January 5th Resolutions

1. Learn Spanish already Emily!
2. Cut down on the yelling
3. Have family home evening(this could be broken tonight, but I have to make this goal every year)
4. Eat healthy and exercise regularly not to lose weight (I do need to ), but mainly because heart disease runs in my family and I eat a lot of cholesterol filled food.
5. Go back to school (this one is kind of far fetched, but oh well)