He really did say THAT.

(Photo from last March...)

Our son, our son, our son: is a piece of work. He is also a chip off the old block.

This afternoon I made Michael help me clean up his thousands of matchbox cars, flash cards, and animals. While we were cleaning, Michael handed me a little Easter basket that one of the daycare kids gave him last week. One of the handles was broken on the little basket. He said, "Here, Mom. This is a choking hazard."

I just wonder... Where, oh where, did he pick up this phrase? : ) Possibly his father??? Or, I suppose his mother??? He's really going to be a great big brother one day! : ) His poor sibling, however...

Once again, I managed to neglect all household duties today (mopping and vacuuming), so that I could finish The Glass Castle. It took me less than twenty-four hours to finish. This book is REALLY and truly THAT good. The story is depressing in certain respects, but the theme of survival and adversity is compelling and gripping. And the love and devotion for the author's family is also just unbelievable. (This book is a memoir.) Absolutely unbelievable. You really must find this book and read it. It's one that is good for the soul. My favorite review of The Glass Castle (by the Chicago Tribune) reads, "On the eighth day, when God was handing out whining privileges, he came upon Jeannette Walls and said, 'For you, an unlimited lifetime supply.' Apparently, Walls declined His kind offer."

How could I be mad?

When seeing this:

Because he made room so he could sit quietly in the basket and do this:

Michael is a reading fool these days! He remembers story lines and then repeats the story back to himself while quietly nestled in his little playroom.

What joy he brings to our lives!

Whooped!

Michael was ready for bed this evening around 5:30, and I was right there with him!

The holiday festivities and the changes in the daycare schedule this week have put our boy through the ringer. Today was the last day for a number of schools, which meant that a large number of the daycare children were picked up early by their mothers. This, in turn, meant that Michael's nap was a little bit off schedule. The excitement of Christmas, as well as all of the after school errands are exhausting for most adults. Unfortunately, most children (I think) are doubly exhausted from the excitement and the running around. Michael had his little dinner around 5:30 this evening and was

in bed by 6:30. That's crazy, I know. He sure did need to start the bedtime routine early,though. I think he just to needed to slow down, snuggle up with his "guys", and read his books.

Tomorrow is our last day of school for awhile. Yippee!!! I have to teach most of the day, but I think that Michael and I will get home in plenty of time for both of us to take naps. Believe me, I plan on taking a good long one tomorrow afternoon. It looks as though I have all of my cooking done for my school friends, which makes me feel relieved!

And, before I forget ... I have two children's books to recommend this evening. One tells the Christmas story, and it's just wonderful. It's called "This is the Stable". The pictures are also fantastic. My other favorite children's book right now is called "Where is God?" This book was given to Michael by Mary Jane and Michael. It is also a sweet, but spiritual book.Of course, usually halfway through this book, I get the question "Where's God, Mom?" Michael enjoys both of my favorites, but his pick of the week is "Cleo's Counting Book".

There's Something Magical...

...about reading a book that was published in 1906, isn't there?

I'm still in the process of reading The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, in fact I'm about halfway through at this point. In eleventh grade, we were assigned to read The Jungle by our history teacher. As I did with many books in school, I read as much I needed to get by and then (somehow) wrote a essay or two about the book. From what I remember, though, I found this book to be intriguing and I was disappointed in myself for not reading the book in its entirety in 11th grade. I have a feeling that I didn't bother to finish it because we were MOVING! ON! (You know how that goes...you snooze you lose, teachers don't wait for slow pokes...)

If you haven't read The Jungle, OR if you were supposed to have read it but did the "cliff notes" instead; go to your local library and check it out!

The Jungle is based on a Lithuanian family who works in the meat packing industry during the early 1900's. This family, through their struggles, describes the challenges and the tragedies encountered while working in the meat packing industry. It's truly unbelievable what many immigrants went through during this time period. Actually, I should say it's HORRIFIC what many immigrants went through in the early 1900's.

Here's an example, many new mother's had no choice but to work. Which meant that those babies were not nursed by their mother's; so they were given "milk" from the grocery store. This "milk" from the grocery store had a bluish tint to it and was filled with chemicals like formaldehyde. Oftentimes, chemicals or other "fillers" were tossed into beverages and food, without any repercussions. All parts of animals were used, whether the animal's meat was spoiled or sour, and lots of chemicals were added to food, as well. Again, it's just horrific.

Sinclair's phenomenal book prompted Theodore Roosevelt to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act AND the Meat Inspection Act in 1906.

Here is a snippet:

"Here is a population, low-class and mostly foreign, hanging always on the verge of starvation and dependent for its opportunities of life upon the whim of men every bit as brutal and unscrupulous as the old-time slave drivers; under such circumstances, immorality is exactly as inevitable, and as prevalent, as it is under the system of chattel slavery." Chapter 10, pg. 126

(Quote from bookrags...)

Didn't mean to gross you out this evening...I just strongly encourage you to read this book, that's all.

What's your favorite classic? Or, your very favorite book? Tell me about it...it's almost time to go back to the library!

A New, Fat, Juicy, Classic.

Michael and I went to story time at the library today. As always, we thoroughly enjoyed our hour together. I am so thankful that the library does a story time on the weekends, as most of the programs are during the week in the middle of the morning. It's virtually impossible for a working mother (or, father) to do story time in the middle of the week, unless your hours are flexible. So, thank you!!, to the library. (Michael also appreciates the puppets...just so you know...)

My mom met us at the library this morning, and she let me wander around a bit while Michael ripped tons and tons of books from the shelves. Before we even went to the library today, I walked in with the intention of checking out The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. This is one of those "junior year books" that I read bits and pieces of and thought, " HHHmmm....this might be a good one!" (Why, yes(!!!), I would LOVE to SMACK my former self.)

My students are discussing this time period in social studies right now, and since I remember this book as being FABULOUS (what I read, anyway...); I checked it out this morning.

Yesterday I finished Jenna Bush's book, Ana's Story. Despite my political views and lots (and lots!!) of jokes made by my hubbie, I truly enjoyed this book. It was interesting and was a very, very, very, very easy read. It goes quickly and has some beautiful photographs throughout. The story is intriguing and heartbreaking. If you'd like to know more, go HERE for a synopsis.

Happy reading! This week is National Children's Reading Week, just so you know...

Here If You Need Me. And, a story about my friend.

Well, Meleah. : ) I finished this book late Saturday evening. I cried softly through various parts, and also cried softly as I tried to describe one small piece of the book to Josh. I kid you not. Tears were slowly falling onto my pillow as I told him about the little girl under the ice, the warden's reaction to her death, and the questioning of "God's plan". Kate's response was what made my heart ache, and fill with love and peace.

It's really difficult to write about a book that has so many intricate details. I don't want to take away from your reading experience, so I'll just keep as many of my thoughts and comments to myself. You just really need to read it for yourself. And then please call or email so we can chat!

Please know that it's quite possible that you will walk away with a whole new perspective on strength, courage, faith, and most importantly: love. This woman, Kate Braestrup is amazing.

Here are a few links to check out. Click here. And, here. And, to read what Miss Meleah has to say click here.

***(Let me just provide a quick aside about my "relative" Meleah. Josh and Peter (Meleah's husband) are cousins. So, Meleah ,we're like cousins in law, or something? Anyway. When Josh and I went to Chicago to see Dan in the musical, The Assassins, we stayed at Meleah and Peter's apartment. Initially, Peter and Meleah weren't home, I think they were vacationing in Florida. I vividly remember walking into their apartment, and checking out Meleah's books. And, seriously, I thought to myself...We're SO much alike. : ). We're just bound to be good friends. It's funny that you can check out a person's book collection and know that you share a special bond, simply because of what you like to read. When we stayed at P&M's place, this was like the second time Josh and I had met Meleah. And, boy do we love those 5 H's (can't leave Hennie out, right guys?...)---click on the link to check out their blog....)

Anyway. Read this book. It's much better than 90 Minutes in Heaven, though 90 Minutes in Heaven is wonderful! This one just touched my heart in a different way. It could be the whole mother-child-marriage-woman-fabulous writing- element, I don't know...but, it'll take your breath away, it will make you think, and it will leave you with a sense of peace.

Making himself at home.

The first time we went to the library, Michael wouldn't touch the books.

A few trips later?

Now, he refuses to leave them on the shelves. They all belong in our basket, in fact.

Surprisingly, he picks out some good ones this way. Maybe I oughta try it? Forget recommendations, best seller lists, book club lists; a pretty cover and a good size will suffice.

I'm really enjoying Here if you Nee me. You should check it out if you get a chance...remember the library is FREE. How awesome is that??

90 Minutes in Heaven.

Finished up 90 Minutes in Heaven last night. I'd highly recommend this book. Highly.

The author of this book, Don Piper (co-written with Cecil Murphey) wrote about his horrible death, his journey to heaven, and his return to his life as a husband, a father, and a pastor.

There are parts of this book that took my breath away. If you decide to read it, which I hope you do, the part about his friend holding his hand gave me shivers.

Really, you should "hustle your bustle" and read this book. You'll finish the book with a deeper sense of hope, gratitude, and faith.

I thought about sticking a little excerpt in the post, with the page number and all that, but I passed this book on to a dear friend this morning. He reminds me of Don and I wanted him to read about this journey of faith.

Anyway. Check it out...It's a quick, thought-provoking read.

Mercy Me.

I'm so tired. School went well, for the most part. The kids are precious, the co-teachers are still awesome, I still love my officemate; but there were a few other work related things that kind of put a damper on my day and made me feel blue. That's all I'm going to say... : (

Michael had another fabulous day with the sitter. He's reaching this great imagination stage. Last evening, he got out a huge pot and pretended to "cook". Even though he said he was making hot dogs; he had a CD, shoes, cars, and spoons in the pot? The Brookstone "Nap" blanket was the lid to the pot. When he put the lid on, the hotdogs were "HOT!" I think his "girlfriends" at the sitter's help with the imaginary cooking and role playing with toys...

We also have a new favorite book in the house, "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb." If you don't have it, go find it. Today. It's a first reader type book, full of short rhymes. This book is treasured by Michael, he has already memorized some of the pages and will just recite those pages at random times during the day. For example, while playing with his cars, I'll hear an occassional "Dum Ditty... Dum Ditty... Dum Dum Dum."

My mom says that he must know his nursery rhymes before kindergarten. She also says that rhyming is essential to learning how to read. So, there you go...He's on his way! And, my mom definitely knows what she's talking about, she's been teaching the primary grades for close to thirty years.

(FYI: I finally took the time to figure out what I needed to do to get the "compose" mode on the mac, so there will be numerous links throughout my posts from now on. Try it. Click on Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb! And, you'll be encouraged to buy the book via amazon. Yay!)

Fresh Air.

Today was a real breath of fresh air. I'm very happy.

First, as I mentioned in an early morning post, Michael was happy to go to Ms. Peg's. He danced the whole way there, but did take a quick thumb-sucking break halfway through a Wiggles song.

When we got to Peggy's, I received so many complements on my hair from her?!?! What a fabulous way to start off the day! She continued to talk about my hair this afternoon! I *love* that woman. : ) She said that Michael told her that he wants to use the potty. He makes her laugh about something everyday. I love that he makes people laugh.

School was terrific. The faculty meeting was very positive and succinct, as it should have been. My office mate is a real sweetie. Our office is surrounded by other sixth grade teachers, which is so fun. I didn't realize how isolated things are in the gym.


To top off the day, Michael and I returned the library books and checked out some new ones. He entered the library and said, "old books drop off, PUPPETS????, NEW BOOKS!, MOMMY, PUPPETS???, ssshhh. BE QUIET!!!" The librarians laughed as we headed to the elevator. He loves elevators these days, except he calls them alligators. It's all the same, right?

Michael's new favorite book is called PAPA, Please Get the Moon for Me. The illustrations are beautiful, and it has some awesome pop up features. Even though it's a library book, Michael is going to take it to Ms. Peg's for story time tomorrow. I'm afraid, though, that he'll yell at the other children about "breaking it!". He was very concerned this evening that Josh and I were going to break it. He's a keeper!

Also, I bought three new paint samples today: Mexican Sand, Sprout, and Beach House. We'll see if they suit...

And, the best part is...

“Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open.”
--Laura Bush

Today I did something with Michael that I have wanted to do for awhile: story time at the library! I've heard so much about "story time" at the library, and I have been itching to go. This morning, I hustled us our the door in plenty of time to get to the library. In fact, we were there before the doors opened.

Since this is only the second time I have taken Michael to the library; I haven't figured out a system for looking at books with Michael or figuring out how many or which ones to check out. So, we picked out a couple books in the children's section and read one book at a time. I then showed Michael where to return the book. Then, he got to pick out another one! This worked well for about fifteen minutes, and before we knew it story time began.

The story teller, oh the story teller!, was FABULOUS! WoW-Wee! She made it so much fun! I really got into the stories, just because of her...her animation and voice were completely engaging. We did some reading, singing, and clapping, which Michael loved! He was so still throughout all three books! ( I can NEVER get him to sit through THREE books.) After story time, we became friends with another mother and her two year old son. How fun! They played cars together, while we chatted. And then, we went upstairs to the puppet show! The puppet show was a HUGE hit with Michael, as well.

This has been the sweetest morning. And, I'm so very thankful... : )

(Oh...and, to top things off...Michael checked out a Wiggles CD!! Yay??!!??)

....And, the best part is...it's ALL FREE.

I Can Sleep Now.

The Grapes of Wrath is over, and I can now go to sleep at a reasonable hour. This is why I don't read much during the school year. If I get my hands on a good book, I literally cannot and do not put it down.

It was around twelve or so when I went to bed last night, primarily because of reading this amazing story. Around, oh...12:21 am or thereabouts, Michael woke from a deep sleep and decided that he wanted to go down stairs (which, is code for he wanted to play!). He also wanted to sleep in the bed with Josh and me. I've been letting the little one nap in our bed, because he's close to moving up to his own bed.... (What?? I thought he could use the practice....)We quarrelled (Michael and me) about this until the wee hours of the morning, like 3:40 am, to be precise. (And, by the way...I held my ground, Michael slept the rest of the night in his crib.)

This afternoon I ignored all of my household duties, and decided to finish The Grapes of Wrath. It was totally worth ignoring the laundry, the dishes, and all the rest! What a fabulous book. If you click on the link, The Grapes of Wrath link - on the right, there is an interesting write up from NPR about Steinbeck. Check it out.

This is one of my favorite lines, ""Use' ta be the fambly was fust. It ain't so now. It's anybody. Worse off we get, the more we got to do." (~John Steinbeck)