story time

Happy Tuesday!

I woke up bright and early this morning. Fall in Vegas is perfect. Crisp before the sun comes up and warm and breezy in the afternoons. It should be about 90 degrees today and we are going to try our best to do school outdoors... on a picnic blanket... in the shade.

But I'm not here to talk about the weather. I am hoping to start a tradition of spending Tuesdays writing about the books I love.

After we got rid of the television at the end of the summer, I found there was a lull in the evenings. Dinner was over and it was too early for bedtime... so we were all kind of twiddling our thumbs, wondering what to do as a family. Emptiness, space and quiet allow for inspiration and I know I was inspired to start a new family tradition.

While thinking back about my own education and the decision to homeschool my children, I kept returning to the fact that I had spent 16+ years in school, but hadn't read any good books. After I graduated from college, I came across a list of the top 100 best books ever written-- the Classics. And out of those 100 books, I had read ONE. (Les Miserable, which I read for my own entertainment, it wasn't ever an assignment for school.) Now, don't get me wrong... there are many children who are educated in school who do read the classics, but it wasn't the case for me and I wanted something different for my children.

So-- although we read all sorts of stories during the day, we've started a new family tradition of reading a classic book each month in the evenings. Usually we are up in my bed (or on the trampoline) but I picture us curled up by the fire during the holidays or under a big tree in the spring. Reading to my children makes me feel like I've accomplished what I set out to do that day.. I believe that reading aloud to our children is one of the best things we can do as parents. After spending many months reading books that are entertaining (but really not worth our time... ei, Fabelhaven, etc :) I had inspiration to turn to the Classics... stories that are on listed on "the best books of all time" for a reason.

We started in September with Swiss Family Robinson. This was a great book to begin the "school year". None of my kids had seen the movie and that made it even better. The book is quite different from the Disney version. There are four sons in the original version (perfect for our family) and in the book there is no Roberta.. or pirates for that matter. But there is still lots of adventure and excitement. We finished the book just before the end of the month and celebrated by popping popcorn and watching the movie together.

In October, we started The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It is captivating and funny... and it keeps us on our toes, although it's not as spooky as I was expecting. Many of the words are too big for my kids to understand, but we read aloud and then explain the story for the little ones to grasp (just as we do while reading the scriptures). We also bought a children's classic literature book with pictures of the characters of the story, which definitely helps. I think this will be a great tradition to read every October when the Halloween decorations come out.

I don't have the entire 12 months planned out, but I do know that in November we will take on Where the Red Fern Grows. I've seen the movie, but have never read the book. Sad, I know.

In December it will be A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I haven't ever read the original myself, so I am really looking forward to it. And because it's a short book, I would also love to read Little Women, which is a fantastic story for the holidays... even if I do have four boys!

The list for 2011 is longer than we can take on... The Jungle Book, Oliver Twist, Moby Dick, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Secret Garden, Peter Pan.. I can promise you, we will have a love story for February-- Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre? I just can't decide!

I am hoping that over time, we will find books that become family favorites and we will look forward to reading year after year. And I would LOVE to read Les Mis together as a family, but I will have to wait until my boys are a bit older to understand what an incredibly inspiring story it really is.

If your children are young or you feel intimidated by the originals, look for children's classics that are illustrated and tell the stories simply. After time, you and your child will become so familiar with the story that the original will become less daunting. That has definitely been the case for me and the kids in my house.

This post is going to have to end now.. I have a baby squealing at my ankles (who is chewing on a toothbrush and rubbing wetness on my feet.) I want to end by asking if you have a favorite story-- one that was read to you by a favorite teacher, your parents or a classic that you've discovered recently?

no time for editing or backspacing. sorry it's so choppy!
Happy Tuesday! Happy reading!

just another manic Sunday

I wish I could give this post the time it deserves, but Monday morning is here and I've got other business to attend to.

Saturday-

highlights:

• soccer practice in the morning
• crafts at the church in the afternoon
• Halloween shopping
• country western dinner in the evening
  

low points:

• staying up until 2 am cleaning to get ready for Sunday

Sunday-

low points:

• not getting enough sleep the night before
• Simon pooping in the tub (there's a first time for everything)
• Ben feeling under the weather
• Luke not being able to find his belt
• Zack spilling breakfast all over his shirt and tie
  
• This ALL before 8 AM church.
• getting spit up on during Sacrament meeting.. nothing 15 wipes couldn't handle.
• crying during a special musical number-- "I love to see the Temple" sung by sweet girls from the Primary. I want a daughter!
  

highlights:

• uplifting meetings. We have an incredible ward.
• Simon going to nursery (he's not of legal age, but he LOVED it.)
• finding out that Whitney's husband (who serves in the bishopric with Aaron) was the one who wrote Whitney's comment on the Houston, we have a problem post. I am still laughing...
• Aaron calling the police on a man who walked in the church claiming to be Jesus. (He was wearing a tank top and shorts and smelled of alcohol.)
• eating brunch together as a family... buttermilk french toast and fresh strawberries
• taking a much needed nap
• playing cards with the kids (Phase Ten and Skipbo are our faves.)
• Zack wearing "zip-up feety" pajamas
  
• reading scriptures on the trampoline after dark

bring on the weekend

It's been an extremely busy week and all I can say today is TGIF. I was planning on taking a drive up in the mountains to play with a few homeschooling friends this afternoon, but I just don't have enough steam. Instead, I would like to do the following:

• change the sheets on our beds check
  
• play Skipbo with the kids (and kick their trash) check (and check)
  
• clean up last night's dinner check
  
• rock my baby who has a fever check
  
• clip my kids fingernails check, check, check and check
  
• take a nap check
  
• make caramel apples check (yum!)
  
• read check, but only Dr. Suess and Magic Treehouse
  
• call my mom check
  
• finish the Halloween decor check
  
• get ready for a hot date with a hot guy check (Chili's and Ross)
  
• try to go to sleep at a decent hour (10 PM. Not too shabby.)

Just looking at this list makes me happy. The most important things to do are sometimes the littlest things.

Hope you have a relaxing, content weekend!

Seven items of business on October seventh

1. Simon is 11 months old. It's amazing how much he has grown in such a short time and how much he has changed our family. He is a happy little thing. He isn't walking, but the boy gets around. He hardly ever wants to be held. And if you pick him up, he does an awesome little "giddy-up" dance... by kicking his legs at your side as if to say, "Well, don't just stand there! Aren't you going to take me somewhere??" This kid is going places-- and fast.

2. My friend, Jane, wrote an inspiring book review on Simplicity Parenting. I told you a little bit about it last week, but Jane's post is much more thorough. Check it out HERE. And make sure to listen to her music. It's super groovy.

3. We entered a Wizard of Oz photo contest. I wasn't allowed to upload the professional picture.. but I had a few taken from my camera... and I thought, "Why Not?" The Grand Prize is a family trip to Hollywood. You must know that it's my lifelong dream is to be in Hollywood with my family (ha!) In order to win, we need your help. Vote for us HERE. Voting ends at the end of November, but I don't think we stand a chance against the dog dressed as Dorothy... :(

4. Fall is here. I never thought it would happen in Vegas, but it's nice and chilly. I wore earmuffs this morning while out running and it was so crispy outside! Our closets are officially stocked with long sleeves and sweaters. Love! I am hosting a Ladies recipe exchange tonight at my house. I am making spicy chili and homemade cornbread. Others are bringing Halloween-festive foods. If you're a lady and you live in Vegas and you're not doing anything tonight, come to my place at 6:30 for dinner.

5. My first poll is a total bust. You haven't helped me whatsoever. All five costume ideas are neck-and-neck. ?? But thank you for voting anyway :) and I must ask-- Does this black background bother you like it bothers me? Yes, it's festive, but it gives me a headache every time I read.

6. Cindy hasn't contacted me since I told the world that she's having birth control issues. She's a busy college student who also happens to be planning a wedding, so I am sure she's just occupied with other things. But what if she's mad at me? You're not mad at me, are you Thinny? Don't you appreciate all the advice? Don't hate me... okay?

7. He texted back. Yes, he did. This is how the conversation went down: Clinton @ 3:45 pm: Has Benjamin turned in his second scantron test? Me @ 3:53 pm: You can always do condoms... Clinton @ 6:58 pm: I am assuming this text wasn't intended for me. I think it's hilarious that he waited three hours before replying. I have yet to respond back. My husband thinks I should say: Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. But I would rather avoid it altogether. If one of you can come up with a truly brilliant response, I will text him back... and I may just send you some Halloween goodies for being so creative. Let's entertain each other for a bit. The contest is open now and will end when I find a winner.

Houston, we have a problem.

My husband and I are having texting difficulties. We send texts to the wrong people. Wanna hear what we said?

The first one is mild. I meant to text Aaron but sent it to Aileen, a new friend in the ward. Obvious mistake-- since those A names are right at the top of the list. I typed it at a stop sign and sent when the light turned green. Big NO-NO to text while driving. (I'm sorry, Oprah!!) The text read:

"Thanks for paying to get my van fixed. We are off to the library and story time at the mall... I will try to pick up a gift for baby Oliver and send their package today."

Aaron probably wondered why I was short with him when he called 20 min after I sent the text and asked what I was up to that day. But I didn't put two and two together until Aileen texted me back saying, WHUUT? We laughed it off no prob as I welcomed her to the neighborhood :) PS. I bought something for my new nephew that day and still haven't mailed off the package. I'm a loser, baby. So why dontcha kill me?

Second texting error was made by Aaron. It was intended for me, but went to his tennis buddy, Kevin. We had just left the park for lunch and were planning to leave for AZ later. The context is funny:

"I love you even if you're a closet alcoholic. Taylor should be relaxing this weekend as long as we don't get into a fight on the way there. See you tonight!"

Kevin texted back confused and Aaron replied, "sorry. wrong Kevin." He didn't want to have to explain that his wife is a closet alcoholic, but the thought of him saying the big L-word to another Kevin made me laugh even harder. I am not a closet alcoholic, btw. And we did not get into a fight on our drive to AZ... or on the way home.

The third one happened today. And it's terrible. It went to a man who is my son's academic adviser from his online school. I never call him or text him. In fact, the only reason why I have his number in my phone is so that I can avoid his calls. The text was intended for my little sis, who just started on birth control and hates it. Can I announce that on my blog Cindy? Anyway, this is what I sent her him:

"You can always do condoms..."

As bad as that sounds, the one I sent before about crazy female hormones could have been worse?? I am trying to see the bright side here. If he ever texts me back, I will be sure to let you know...

And these are the days of our lives. Sometimes it just feel so good to laugh at yourself.

PS. Anyone have birth control solutions for my sis? I was on the NuvaRing for a couple of years and loved it. But I got pregnant with Zack while using it... and he didn't turn out so well.