Last week, I finished reading aloud one of my favorite series of books to my girls. 'Course, it only took me over a year to finish it. I am consistently inconsistent when it comes to reading aloud to the girls. I know - I'll probably be kicked out of the home schoolers' club for that. But it is hard to find a time when we don't need to be doing something else and I can get and keep their attention.
I used to try it at lunch, but frankly I am usually starving and want to eat first. And by the time I'm done eating, they nearly are too and need to start cleaning up and the little ones get restless... However, while Kelly has been working swings we've adjusted our schedule to fit his. So we are eating our big meal of the day at lunch and eating sandwiches or leftovers for supper. And somehow it is easy for me to wait and eat after they do at supper now. So while they eat, I read. Then while they clean, I eat. It has worked great! We've finished two books in the last two months - a record for us.
I spent the last year reading the entire Anne of Green Gables series to the girls. These are hands down my favorite books from childhood. In fact, I still love them. We are reading out of my set I was given when I was about 12 or 13 and they are quite battered and ratty looking. The last book might be my favorite. Set during World War I, that book brought the "home front" home to me more than any history book I've ever read. The only problem is that I choke up all the time. I cry in several places in that book every time I read it, and reading it aloud? Well, it was really hard to get through at time. I'll never get a job recording audio books, that's for sure.
But it was sweet to share these books that I love so much with the girls. I think they have caught a share of my love for them as they would beg me to always "read another chapter." It was sad to have it end. But today we started the Narnia series. I read it to the older girls years ago, but the younger set has never heard it, though Brynna has read them. But it won't be the same.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, February 13, 2009
Vampires versus the Civil War
Yesterday afternoon, I took Aubrey to her monthly orthodontist appointment. We both took books to read, as dentist offices can be boring places, especially if they are running behind and Dr. Phil is playing on the waiting room tv.
We were taken back into the exam room, and I continued reading while we wait for the doctor to come in. Now you have to understand that I have several books on my nightstand. I never read just one book at a time. Right now on the nightstand I have a theology book some friends gave us for Christmas, a book on organization, the book on mothering that we are going through in our homeschool group, an autobiography, a marriage book, and a history book. I always have a history book. This one is one on loan from my father-in-law. And in the iPod I have Jane Austen's Emma.
So anyway, the orthodontist walks in and asks how were are doing and the usual small talk. Then he glances at the book now lying in my lap, which is a hard back roughly 2.5 inches thick. He asks me, "What are you reading?"
I pick it up and show him the spine: Nothing but Victory: The Army of Tennessee 1861-1865, by Steven Woodworth. He looks at me a little funny as I tell him that it's about the civil war in the west. (Not the far west by any means, but it was the western theater.)
He laughed a little. "Not the normal reading material I usually see around here. Most people seem to be into that vampire thing."
I just laughed and told him that vampires weren't my cup of tea.
We were taken back into the exam room, and I continued reading while we wait for the doctor to come in. Now you have to understand that I have several books on my nightstand. I never read just one book at a time. Right now on the nightstand I have a theology book some friends gave us for Christmas, a book on organization, the book on mothering that we are going through in our homeschool group, an autobiography, a marriage book, and a history book. I always have a history book. This one is one on loan from my father-in-law. And in the iPod I have Jane Austen's Emma.
So anyway, the orthodontist walks in and asks how were are doing and the usual small talk. Then he glances at the book now lying in my lap, which is a hard back roughly 2.5 inches thick. He asks me, "What are you reading?"
I pick it up and show him the spine: Nothing but Victory: The Army of Tennessee 1861-1865, by Steven Woodworth. He looks at me a little funny as I tell him that it's about the civil war in the west. (Not the far west by any means, but it was the western theater.)
He laughed a little. "Not the normal reading material I usually see around here. Most people seem to be into that vampire thing."
I just laughed and told him that vampires weren't my cup of tea.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Brush with History
Last week Kora spent a few days with Kelly's brother and his family. They had such a good time, going fishing, swimming, and doing some touring of Austin. One of the neatest things Kora saw was in this building, which is, I am told, on the campus of UT.
Does anyone know what this is?
This is one of 48 existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Kora says the book on the left is actually a replica so you can see what the cover looks like. The book on the right is the real McCoy. I had no idea we had one so close to us, or I would have taken the whole family this last semester when we were studying this! Too cool! Anyone up for a field trip?
Oh, and I sure hope this isn't an omen for her future...
Does anyone know what this is?
This is one of 48 existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Kora says the book on the left is actually a replica so you can see what the cover looks like. The book on the right is the real McCoy. I had no idea we had one so close to us, or I would have taken the whole family this last semester when we were studying this! Too cool! Anyone up for a field trip?
Oh, and I sure hope this isn't an omen for her future...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wonderful Little Book
During the last few weeks, I have been preparing in many ways for the upcoming birth. Not only have I washed and folded baby clothes, bought diapers, and gathered birth supplies, but I have also been preparing mentally for the labor and delivery as well. I've been reviewing my books on labor, breathing and relaxation techniques. But there is also a spiritual aspect of the preparation as well.
Often when we go through hard times in life, as Christians we turn to Scripture and prayer to help us through. And while birth is a joyous time, it is a physically demanding and painful time. Fortunately, it's one of the few "hard times" that we know about ahead of time, even if we don't know the exact date. When I'm in labor, I have learned how to focus and breathe and relax my way through each contraction. But while I'm breathing, I am usually silently reciting Scriptures, or images from Scripture. Images like the Lord being my refuge, fortress, leaning on the everlasting arms are very comforting.
And of course, one of the most loved passages for times like this is Psalm 23. A few years ago, my friend and mentor Cathi recommended a little book to me called A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. The author raised sheep as a young man and later went on to become a lay pastor. This little book looks at each verse of the Psalm from the perspective of a shepherd. His insights into this Psalm make it come alive and provide a depth that I had never before appreciated.
As a city girl from Texas, where the only cattle we are familiar with are longhorns, the images from the Psalm meant little to me before I read this book for the first time a few years ago. Why would a sheep talk about being anointed with oil? Why would you prepare a table for a sheep? As Keller describes the intricacies of caring for sheep, it brings home to me the love and care that the Lord shows to me and to all His people. This is why I love reading this book as I prepare myself for labor and delivery, because I have been reminded every day in these last few weeks about His provision and care for me.
While my reformed friends, like me, will probably wish he had phrased a few sentences differently, this is a wonderful little book for any time and anybody, not just over-due moms-to-be.
Often when we go through hard times in life, as Christians we turn to Scripture and prayer to help us through. And while birth is a joyous time, it is a physically demanding and painful time. Fortunately, it's one of the few "hard times" that we know about ahead of time, even if we don't know the exact date. When I'm in labor, I have learned how to focus and breathe and relax my way through each contraction. But while I'm breathing, I am usually silently reciting Scriptures, or images from Scripture. Images like the Lord being my refuge, fortress, leaning on the everlasting arms are very comforting.
And of course, one of the most loved passages for times like this is Psalm 23. A few years ago, my friend and mentor Cathi recommended a little book to me called A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. The author raised sheep as a young man and later went on to become a lay pastor. This little book looks at each verse of the Psalm from the perspective of a shepherd. His insights into this Psalm make it come alive and provide a depth that I had never before appreciated.
As a city girl from Texas, where the only cattle we are familiar with are longhorns, the images from the Psalm meant little to me before I read this book for the first time a few years ago. Why would a sheep talk about being anointed with oil? Why would you prepare a table for a sheep? As Keller describes the intricacies of caring for sheep, it brings home to me the love and care that the Lord shows to me and to all His people. This is why I love reading this book as I prepare myself for labor and delivery, because I have been reminded every day in these last few weeks about His provision and care for me.
While my reformed friends, like me, will probably wish he had phrased a few sentences differently, this is a wonderful little book for any time and anybody, not just over-due moms-to-be.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Book Review: Deceptively Delicious
I saw this book in the store a few weeks ago and was intrigued enough to check it out from the library. It's full title is Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food by Jessica Seinfeld.
First off, I think the title is, well, deceptive. The book really isn't about getting your kids to eat healthy foods. It's really about how to steam and puree fruits and veggies, and then sneak them into foods your kids will eat. So it's not really about teaching your kids better habits, but just not letting them know that what they are eating is healthy.
Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing against adding the produce to the foods - although some of her suggestions did not appeal to me - but if you think this is a book about how to get your kids to eat better, you'll be disappointed. But if you want a book that will teach you how to steam and puree cauliflower and then add it into homemade macaroni and cheese, this book is for you.
I've done a little of this over the years - zucchini in chili, spaghetti squash in spaghetti. We even had pumpkin pancakes this morning. But this mom of 3 evidently puts pureed produce into everything. From brownies to cheese sticks, she has suggestion for what veggie or fruit to put in what dish. She also has detailed instructions on how to steam different types of veggies and how to store them. There is also a dietitian who contributed to the book, offering her input as well.
Overall, if you wanted to learn how to add some of these items to everyday dishes, this book would be worth checking out. And I really mean that literally. I would suggest checking it out from the library to see if it is worth the $15 cover price. I will not be buying it as (1) I already know how to steam veggies and puree them and (2) already have a good idea of how to add them to dishes. If this fits you, you might peruse it for any helpful tidbits and then turn it back in. Also I have children who LIKE veggies and fruits. I have no problem getting them to eat veggies (except for green peas, which I love) or fruits. But if you have kids who are very picky and you worry about them getting the nutrition they need, then this could be a helpful resource.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A couple of (history) book recommendations
Last week I finished Bruce Catton's A Stillness at Appomattox, which covers the last year of the Civil War. Actually I've read it several times before. This book won the Pulitzer Prize when it was first published back in the 50's. It's part of a trilogy on the Civil War, but I haven't actually read the first two books, but I assume they are as well written as this one. If you love history, the Civil War, or know someone who does this is a must read.
I am always struck, when I read about the Civil War by several things. One thing that always gets me is how much we know about every aspect. Some Civil War buffs can recreate the movement of every battalion of either army in any given battle. The amount of not only official documents and reports, but letters, journals, and even photographs is staggering.
One of the most interesting things about this war is actually that it was two wars, at least in tactics and strategy. While most of us think of WWI as being the first trench war, the latter year or two of the civil war really could be classified as such, even though it started off as more of a "traditional" war, with the armies meeting in wide open fields, and firing rounds from a standing position in carefully choreographed cadences. New technology also changed the war. Repeating guns, ones that could fire several bullets before needing to be reloaded, while not in widespread use in the entire army, were beginning to make an impact that old tactics couldn't account for.
This and other developments were causing a material change in the nature of warfare, and for the most part, the military leaders seemed to be completely oblivious to it. Even the "greats' like Lee still sent armies into battle in straight battle lines to be slaughtered, until his need for purely defensive tactics forced him into the trench. But of course this is always easy to point out in hindsight. Makes me wonder about the things that are going on under our noses that we are missing.
Growing up, I always laughed when I read (or saw in the movies) the Southerners' claims that one of them could "lick 10 Yankees" - or was it 12? Anyway, while it seems foolish considering the outcome of the war, the more I read about the actual military campaigns, the more I believe it, at least when it comes to the leaders. I am constantly astounded by how the northern generals were so talented at bungling things up. Obviously the Confederates had a decided advantage in that they were on the defensive most of the time, but the Federal army couldn't even get orders to attack to the right people half the time, so that it wasn't unusual for a dawn attack to be delayed until 3 pm. I haven't actually counted, but I do believe that Lee really did lick many more than 12 generals.
If you are ever interested on a real in depth read about the war (or want the ultimate gift for a history buff), I highly recommend Shelby Foote's three volume series entitled The Civil War. Foote was a writer first, who grew interested in the Civil War. So the writing is top notch, and very engrossing. One of the best gifts Kelly has ever bought me!
I am always struck, when I read about the Civil War by several things. One thing that always gets me is how much we know about every aspect. Some Civil War buffs can recreate the movement of every battalion of either army in any given battle. The amount of not only official documents and reports, but letters, journals, and even photographs is staggering.
One of the most interesting things about this war is actually that it was two wars, at least in tactics and strategy. While most of us think of WWI as being the first trench war, the latter year or two of the civil war really could be classified as such, even though it started off as more of a "traditional" war, with the armies meeting in wide open fields, and firing rounds from a standing position in carefully choreographed cadences. New technology also changed the war. Repeating guns, ones that could fire several bullets before needing to be reloaded, while not in widespread use in the entire army, were beginning to make an impact that old tactics couldn't account for.
This and other developments were causing a material change in the nature of warfare, and for the most part, the military leaders seemed to be completely oblivious to it. Even the "greats' like Lee still sent armies into battle in straight battle lines to be slaughtered, until his need for purely defensive tactics forced him into the trench. But of course this is always easy to point out in hindsight. Makes me wonder about the things that are going on under our noses that we are missing.
Growing up, I always laughed when I read (or saw in the movies) the Southerners' claims that one of them could "lick 10 Yankees" - or was it 12? Anyway, while it seems foolish considering the outcome of the war, the more I read about the actual military campaigns, the more I believe it, at least when it comes to the leaders. I am constantly astounded by how the northern generals were so talented at bungling things up. Obviously the Confederates had a decided advantage in that they were on the defensive most of the time, but the Federal army couldn't even get orders to attack to the right people half the time, so that it wasn't unusual for a dawn attack to be delayed until 3 pm. I haven't actually counted, but I do believe that Lee really did lick many more than 12 generals.
If you are ever interested on a real in depth read about the war (or want the ultimate gift for a history buff), I highly recommend Shelby Foote's three volume series entitled The Civil War. Foote was a writer first, who grew interested in the Civil War. So the writing is top notch, and very engrossing. One of the best gifts Kelly has ever bought me!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I feel like I'm repeating myself
If I say that almost constant headaches have kept me from posting much this week, will I sound like a broken record? Wait, no one even has records anymore - in fact, my kids don't even know what they are - so do we have an equivalent modern expression for this? Anyway, I just haven't felt up to being very creative this week.
My grandfather's health continues to decline. They did determine this week that he is suffering from congestive heart failure. His blood pressure stays dangerously low and the fluid build up in his body is not going down. They altered his medicine last week, and told my grandmother and mother to call them back if he wasn't better by Monday. He's not getting better, so I am afraid he might have to be admitted this week. But if there is nothing they can do for him, I'm sure he'd rather stay home. I can't imagine how hard this is on my grandmother and mother. But I'm really proud of how my mom has stepped in to be there for them. If he continues to do so poorly, I'll probably be making another trip to Abilene soon.
School went reasonably well this week, especially considering the way I felt. This coming week we'll pick up where we left off in May. We'll talk about Rome falling and its aftermath. The question is around here, will it be raining while we are studying again this week? We have gotten several more inches over the last few days, though the sun is shining as I write. I'm convinced this must be the wettest and coolest summer on record in San Antonio, but I don't have statistics to bear me out on this.
If you know me at all very much, you know I love to read. I usually have 3-4 books I am reading at any one time, as well as one on tape/CD in the stereo in the workout room. (This is also why I don't keep up with listing my current reads - I'd have to change it several times a week.) I also tend to get on "kicks" - I'll read a book by a new author and then, if I like it, proceed to read all the books by that author I can lay my hands on. However, ever so often, I go back to some old favorites. Right now I'm on a Jane Austen kick. I love the subtle wit, dry humor, and - I'll admit it - the downright romance of an Austen novel. So if you need a good escape, read one. Or better yet listen to one or tape or CD. I love the British voices they always get to narrate them. They've made some pretty good movies out of some of them as well...
Well, gotta go, I have a copy of Emma I'm going to watch...
My grandfather's health continues to decline. They did determine this week that he is suffering from congestive heart failure. His blood pressure stays dangerously low and the fluid build up in his body is not going down. They altered his medicine last week, and told my grandmother and mother to call them back if he wasn't better by Monday. He's not getting better, so I am afraid he might have to be admitted this week. But if there is nothing they can do for him, I'm sure he'd rather stay home. I can't imagine how hard this is on my grandmother and mother. But I'm really proud of how my mom has stepped in to be there for them. If he continues to do so poorly, I'll probably be making another trip to Abilene soon.
School went reasonably well this week, especially considering the way I felt. This coming week we'll pick up where we left off in May. We'll talk about Rome falling and its aftermath. The question is around here, will it be raining while we are studying again this week? We have gotten several more inches over the last few days, though the sun is shining as I write. I'm convinced this must be the wettest and coolest summer on record in San Antonio, but I don't have statistics to bear me out on this.
If you know me at all very much, you know I love to read. I usually have 3-4 books I am reading at any one time, as well as one on tape/CD in the stereo in the workout room. (This is also why I don't keep up with listing my current reads - I'd have to change it several times a week.) I also tend to get on "kicks" - I'll read a book by a new author and then, if I like it, proceed to read all the books by that author I can lay my hands on. However, ever so often, I go back to some old favorites. Right now I'm on a Jane Austen kick. I love the subtle wit, dry humor, and - I'll admit it - the downright romance of an Austen novel. So if you need a good escape, read one. Or better yet listen to one or tape or CD. I love the British voices they always get to narrate them. They've made some pretty good movies out of some of them as well...
Well, gotta go, I have a copy of Emma I'm going to watch...
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The past is always with us
Yesterday I made a flying trip to see my grandfather and had a very good visit. As I mentioned in a previous post, my grandfather was rushed to the hospital a week ago on Thursday with complications from his COPD which at the time seemed to be a heart attack. After a week in the hospital he is now at home and so I wanted to go for a visit. We were afraid that all the kiddos might be too much for him if he wasn't feeling well, plus it would probably make more work for my grandmother, so Kelly stayed here to keep them and I made a day trip to Abilene.It was a good visit which I enjoyed very much. But it was also very hard to see one of the strongest men I have ever known wasting away before my eyes. But yesterday was also a day that remain in my memory a long time as I heard him talk about times we've shared as a family, times before I (or my mom) was even thought of, and about his deep faith in the Lord. He even teared up a few times, especially as he talked about how the family has been around him, helping him in the last couple of weeks.
I usually keep books on tape or cd in the house, as I listen to them as I run on our elliptical machine. I've been listening to A Tale of Two Cities and I took it with me yesterday on the drive to and from Abilene. I finished it today (in fact I wasn't quite through when I got done with my workout, so I sewed on Aubrey's doll dress so I could stay in the room to finish it). All I can say is WOW. I had never read this before; but, in spite of a very mediocre narrator, I completely understand why it is considered a classic. Even though it is set in the French Revolution over two hundred years ago, it is such a powerful tale that will continue to resonate as long as the English language lasts.
This last week I got much accomplished in the school planning area. I got science planned out until the Christmas break. I have Tapestry as planned out as I can get until I get my map cd and my books. I'll be placing my big book order this week, with proceeds from the conference I worked last week. I also have our devotional planned out for several months and I'm working on a new chore chart. I have to tweak it every once in a while as the girls grow up and I can spread the duties out to other girls, or as our schedule changes I will shift chores to less busy days.I still need to finesse a few final things. When I added Brynna to the "Academy" last year, it turned out to be not a very big deal as Kora and Aubrey's independence in several areas has greatly increased in the last year or two. However, this year I'll have a Kinder and a 1st grader who won't be as independent, so I'm sure I'll be tweaking the order we do things as we go along. But I'm looking forward to it.
Here's one final shot of me with my grandparents: Marvin Adams, Staff Sargent in the China-Burma-India theater of WWII, elder of his church for over 30 years, married for 64 years to Bonita Woods Adams.
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