I am an avid reader and am so pleased that my kids have taken a love to books as well. (Well, a couple of them anyway.) This also presents its self with challenges in today's world, finding appropriate books for my kids as they get older. I am full of great ideas for up to, say 5th grade, but after that I am at a loss.
This tends to lead to discussions with my fellow moms about books that our kids can choose from.
Because I love books so much and am trying to find great books for my kids, I thought I would start an occasional book review post. Some kids books, some adult books, some fiction, some non-fiction. It would be great for you to comment on books you and your kids enjoy or would advise we avoid.
I don't know what it will say about my first book reviews to post about books to avoid, but hey, that's what a reviw is for isn't it. And you may not agree, but that's ok too.
Several months ago, I was having one of those "what kid books to avoid" discussions with two dear friends. I made note of two of these books. Well, wouldn't you know it. In May both of these books made an entrance into our home. One physically and one in conversation. In the same week. So, I got to reading. And I wanted to share with you my reviews as these are very popular books among kids today.
Hunger Games - This is a pop-culture book series, highly popular among tweens and teens alike. One young girl mentioned that her teacher was reading it aloud to the class. Which left me quite appalled. And here's why. It takes place in post-apocalyptic America, which is now divided into 12 districts. In order to pay homage to the Capital and to provide reality tv entertainment, each year these districts participate in the Hunger Games. The process is this - all citizens ages 12-16 (or it may be 19, I can't remember) have their names placed in a drawing. There are various ways that your name could be put in there multiple times, increasing your chances of getting drawn. Each year a boy's name and girl's name gets drawn. These select 24 then compete in the Hunger Games- a survivor-esque type competition where each of the 24 battle it out to see who is the lone survivor. No, they don't get voted off. They die. Either by natural causes or get killed by the other participants. So basically, it is teens killing teens for reality tv entertainment. And yes, it is being read aloud at school. This is what teens are reading. Unfortunately for these teens, it is very very well written. It makes you not want to put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Do I think it should be completely off limits? Probably not, depending on what your older teen can handle. Notice I said "older teen". It is not for the young impressionable tween or teen. Unless you want them reading about teens killing teens.
Christy Miller- This is a series of books focused on the life of a 14 yr old girl and I believe continues through her college years. It is very popular among the Christian tween/teen girl set. But I had heard that it was one to avoid. When it started getting mentioned I felt that I needed to see for myself. So, my review may offend some, but this is truly an opinion with facts of the book drawn in. My disclaimer is that I only read book 1 of the series. But, frankly, that was enough. This first book in this series touches on the following topics, some more in depth than others - dating, flirting, materialism, unchaperoned parties, marijuana use, underage drinking, suicidal thoughts, pre-marital relations, death of a peer, birth control pills, divorce. These are all things Christy faces in some form or fashion in this summer of her life, while visiting with her aunt and uncle. For today's Christian girl, I feel that there are better things to be filling her mind with than these topics. Now, as one person I mentioned this to said, this book may have its place for a Christian girl to recommend to a non-believing friend who may be dealing with some of these issues. It would be a subtle way to introduce her to Christ, as it does weave Christ and salvation into the story. Again, maybe not a book to totally avoid, but certainly for the older teen and be prepared to read it with them to discuss the issues it deals with.
Take it for what it is worth. Some of you may be thinking I have lost my mind in my critiques, but these are just my opinions.
I'm thinking my next review will be books for great enjoyment!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Clifford
I will assume most of you are familiar with the story of Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Those books were some of my favorites as a kid and I loved gettng them in the Scholastic Book Fair book order that we got about once a semester. Since I have had children, there has been a PBS show based on the books.
If you are not familiar with it, basically it goes like this. A young girl, named Emily Elizabeth is given the runt puppy of a litter. This "runt", who is named Clifford, grows at a phenomenal rate and eventually is about as large as a house. Despite the difficulties caring for this large canine, Emily Elizabeth and her family are committed to raising Clifford. (I assume they must have taken out a loan to pay for the dog food.) The books follow Clifford's antics as he copes with being such a big dog in such a little world.
His feats now include standing up and looking over the kitchen table. Successfully knocking down baby gates. The one he can't knock down he can stand and look over with his paws resting over the top. A week ago he knocked the garbage can in the kitchen completely over.
If you are not familiar with it, basically it goes like this. A young girl, named Emily Elizabeth is given the runt puppy of a litter. This "runt", who is named Clifford, grows at a phenomenal rate and eventually is about as large as a house. Despite the difficulties caring for this large canine, Emily Elizabeth and her family are committed to raising Clifford. (I assume they must have taken out a loan to pay for the dog food.) The books follow Clifford's antics as he copes with being such a big dog in such a little world.
Last night I was looking at Bear laying on the kitchen floor. I told David we mis-named him.
We should have named him Clifford.
I am not sure pictures can do it justice, but the dog is huge. A horse really. Oh, wait...a bear.
He turned 11 weeks old this past Thursday. At 9 weeks he weighed 22 lbs. Four days later he weighed 24 lbs, 11 oz. He fits well in his extra-large kennel. His paws barely fit in the palm of my
hand.
His feats now include standing up and looking over the kitchen table. Successfully knocking down baby gates. The one he can't knock down he can stand and look over with his paws resting over the top. A week ago he knocked the garbage can in the kitchen completely over.
The large physical size also presents itself with very large, sharp puppy teeth and the ability to jump really high.
We also tend to forget his is still a puppy. A very young puppy who still has lots to learn.
One who will hopefully not eat us out of house and home.
Monday, May 9, 2011
God's Blessing
A little history must be presented to start this story.
Way, way back when, David and I adopted ourselves a beautiful, high strung yellow labrador retriever. We named her Savannah. We had high hopes of training her and making her such a good dog.
Then I got pregnant.
Those great training plans or our beautiful, high need dog were shot.
Fast forward 8 years, three kids, and a new house later, our great, high need dog passed on to higher places. After so many years with such a beautiful, and have I mentioned high need dog, needless to say, we were a bit burned out. So we didn't immediately go out and get a new one.
But we endured. Endured three kids begging, pleading, promising to scoop every last bit of poop.
Each Christmas and each Easter, David and I would think about it, pray about it, ponder it. And come to the same conclusion each year. Nope. Not yet.
This year was no different. Christmas came and went. Then Easter was in the not so distant future. And finally, the time seemed right. Thus we began our search. (Secretively, so not excite young minds in casewe decided that this was the craziest decision we could make things just didn't work out).
Criteria- preferred a yellow, female British labrador retriever. We did consider other types, and contemplated several times adopting from the pound. But we are just lab people.
So, late at night, after the kids went down, we would sit and peruse dog listings and kennels. But nothing seemed to fit just right. We were kinda bummed, but decided to put it on the back burner and just ask for direction from God. We didn't want to force anything. Esp something as big of a commitment as this. So we prayed that it would be an easy decision
So, yes, we prayed about a dog, let it go with a great peace, and Easter came and went.
A few days later David gets a text from his sister of a beautiful 5 1/2 week old lab, one of a litter belonging to one of her best friends. Honestly, we both fell in love. Even before we knew if it was available. We found out more info. We were third on the list for two available pups and the price was below our budget. (Umm, Thank you God!). For three long agonizing days we wondered if we would even get one. Yep, in God fashion, someone backed out. That put us at second on the list (We Get a Puppy!!) , meaning not first pick. We had fallen in love with one in particular, but either was a great choice. We were satisfied with either. About mid-week, we found out that the other family backed out. We get the puppy we want! (okay, being honest, the family was split, but happy none the less).
So, you wanna know more right?? You remember, now, that we were looking for a yellow female?
Yeah, well, in only God fashion, He answers with what He thinks is best and that usually isn't what we think. Right? So, here He provides a puppy, easily (which we prayed for) and within a certain price range (He really blew that one out of the water), but He surprised us with this:
Way, way back when, David and I adopted ourselves a beautiful, high strung yellow labrador retriever. We named her Savannah. We had high hopes of training her and making her such a good dog.
Then I got pregnant.
Those great training plans or our beautiful, high need dog were shot.
Fast forward 8 years, three kids, and a new house later, our great, high need dog passed on to higher places. After so many years with such a beautiful, and have I mentioned high need dog, needless to say, we were a bit burned out. So we didn't immediately go out and get a new one.
But we endured. Endured three kids begging, pleading, promising to scoop every last bit of poop.
Each Christmas and each Easter, David and I would think about it, pray about it, ponder it. And come to the same conclusion each year. Nope. Not yet.
This year was no different. Christmas came and went. Then Easter was in the not so distant future. And finally, the time seemed right. Thus we began our search. (Secretively, so not excite young minds in case
Criteria- preferred a yellow, female British labrador retriever. We did consider other types, and contemplated several times adopting from the pound. But we are just lab people.
So, late at night, after the kids went down, we would sit and peruse dog listings and kennels. But nothing seemed to fit just right. We were kinda bummed, but decided to put it on the back burner and just ask for direction from God. We didn't want to force anything. Esp something as big of a commitment as this. So we prayed that it would be an easy decision
So, yes, we prayed about a dog, let it go with a great peace, and Easter came and went.
A few days later David gets a text from his sister of a beautiful 5 1/2 week old lab, one of a litter belonging to one of her best friends. Honestly, we both fell in love. Even before we knew if it was available. We found out more info. We were third on the list for two available pups and the price was below our budget. (Umm, Thank you God!). For three long agonizing days we wondered if we would even get one. Yep, in God fashion, someone backed out. That put us at second on the list (We Get a Puppy!!) , meaning not first pick. We had fallen in love with one in particular, but either was a great choice. We were satisfied with either. About mid-week, we found out that the other family backed out. We get the puppy we want! (okay, being honest, the family was split, but happy none the less).
So, you wanna know more right?? You remember, now, that we were looking for a yellow female?
Yeah, well, in only God fashion, He answers with what He thinks is best and that usually isn't what we think. Right? So, here He provides a puppy, easily (which we prayed for) and within a certain price range (He really blew that one out of the water), but He surprised us with this:
Nope, he's not yellow. Notice I said "he". Yep, a chocolate male. He is an American lab, not British. His name is Bear.
God sure is fun sometimes, isn't He?
For more great pics and info, check out my eldest child's blog.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Dark Ages
Our family has been taken back to the Dark Ages this week. Sort of.
We have been without computers.
I know. How have we made it???
In a nutshell, both of our computers have contracted a virus. I like to call it the "antibiotic-resistant" type, as it has figured out a way around our safeguards, and even came back after we "fixed" it on one computer. We finally got one computer back and it still isn't working correctly. And when you get one computer back, and hubby who works from home needs it, understandably he gets first dibs. Although, it gave him such trouble I believe he would rather have not even tried.
So I am attempting, for the moment, to re-enter the computer world and hoping for success. Then we get to give back the computer on Monday for a re-boot. Nice.
But it hasn't been all that bad. At least for me. No, I haven't been able to keep up with the world and friends too much. I have done some on my phone, but I am tired of that. I get what I "need" and then stop. So, for me that has made for more productive time, as I haven't had the computer sitting there trying to distract me. (Yes, I get distracted by the computer. I know you do, too. No sense in denying it) It has been freeing and nice. Can they keep the computers longer?
But alas. We live in a computer world. As a society, we are somewhat dependent on them. My kids have school work assigments that require the use of the computer and internet. Even without requiring the interenet, they have papers that need to be typed. And printed. You should see their faces and hear their responses to - "You will just need to handwrite it." and "You will need to use a book to study, not the internet". It's a tragedy in their world. It hasn't been so great for hubby who works from home, trying to get caught up and having the computer not cooperate.
I'm not even sure this blog will post. But this is the first time I have been able to sit at the computer since, hmm, I think Monday night?
But it is interesting though. That this computer issue came on the very week that the parentals (me and hubby) diagnosed our family's "screen-addicition" and instilled stricter regulations on screen time.
That, to me, sounds like some Divine Intervention.
It will be back to the Dark Ages on Monday as we give back this limping computer. And I really don't mind.
We have been without computers.
I know. How have we made it???
In a nutshell, both of our computers have contracted a virus. I like to call it the "antibiotic-resistant" type, as it has figured out a way around our safeguards, and even came back after we "fixed" it on one computer. We finally got one computer back and it still isn't working correctly. And when you get one computer back, and hubby who works from home needs it, understandably he gets first dibs. Although, it gave him such trouble I believe he would rather have not even tried.
So I am attempting, for the moment, to re-enter the computer world and hoping for success. Then we get to give back the computer on Monday for a re-boot. Nice.
But it hasn't been all that bad. At least for me. No, I haven't been able to keep up with the world and friends too much. I have done some on my phone, but I am tired of that. I get what I "need" and then stop. So, for me that has made for more productive time, as I haven't had the computer sitting there trying to distract me. (Yes, I get distracted by the computer. I know you do, too. No sense in denying it) It has been freeing and nice. Can they keep the computers longer?
But alas. We live in a computer world. As a society, we are somewhat dependent on them. My kids have school work assigments that require the use of the computer and internet. Even without requiring the interenet, they have papers that need to be typed. And printed. You should see their faces and hear their responses to - "You will just need to handwrite it." and "You will need to use a book to study, not the internet". It's a tragedy in their world. It hasn't been so great for hubby who works from home, trying to get caught up and having the computer not cooperate.
I'm not even sure this blog will post. But this is the first time I have been able to sit at the computer since, hmm, I think Monday night?
But it is interesting though. That this computer issue came on the very week that the parentals (me and hubby) diagnosed our family's "screen-addicition" and instilled stricter regulations on screen time.
That, to me, sounds like some Divine Intervention.
It will be back to the Dark Ages on Monday as we give back this limping computer. And I really don't mind.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday's Musings
As I sit and drink a cup of milk, I thought I would come back to the world of blogging with a few snippets of thinngs rolling around in my head. Aren't you excited?
* Turning 40 wasn't so bad. (More on that in a later blog)
* I come close to hoarding. Okay, not that close, but this weekend I came across bank statements from when I was a senior in high school, freshman in college. Also, mine and David's first bank account. I do believe the statute of limitations is up for these items.
* I love having a doctor who will call you on a Saturday morning with test results he wants you to have sooner than his office can get it to me. Don't worry, its just a change in dosage, but nice to know he is looking out for my well-being.
* Having three kids chase a lizard around the garage is very entertaining.
* My brain won't stop with all of the planning for school next year. Yes, when you homeschool it's best to go ahead and decide. That way you have the summer to plan, not to decide. Hopefully, some conclusions will be forthcoming.
* Lemonade spilled all over the refrigerator is a pain. Lemonade spilled in two different refrigerators, within about an hour of each other is double the pain. Esp when the floor had been mopped the day before. By the way, did you know that lemonade is sticky?
That's all for now. I am sure there will be more later! Have a super day!
* Turning 40 wasn't so bad. (More on that in a later blog)
* I come close to hoarding. Okay, not that close, but this weekend I came across bank statements from when I was a senior in high school, freshman in college. Also, mine and David's first bank account. I do believe the statute of limitations is up for these items.
* I love having a doctor who will call you on a Saturday morning with test results he wants you to have sooner than his office can get it to me. Don't worry, its just a change in dosage, but nice to know he is looking out for my well-being.
* Having three kids chase a lizard around the garage is very entertaining.
* My brain won't stop with all of the planning for school next year. Yes, when you homeschool it's best to go ahead and decide. That way you have the summer to plan, not to decide. Hopefully, some conclusions will be forthcoming.
* Lemonade spilled all over the refrigerator is a pain. Lemonade spilled in two different refrigerators, within about an hour of each other is double the pain. Esp when the floor had been mopped the day before. By the way, did you know that lemonade is sticky?
That's all for now. I am sure there will be more later! Have a super day!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Fun in the Country and a little "I Spy"
Ok, a little "I Spy" in the next two pics-
Did you find him? Yes, that would be Jake. The daring one of the family.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Jesus Calling
I just had to post today's reading for Jesus Calling (by Sarah Young). In this busy world I'm living in I feel tossed about, sometimes not knowing what to do next. Ahh, the peace that comes from trusting Him.
"Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything and everything in its time.
A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace."
(Scripture readings- Ecclesiastes 3:1, John 16:33)
We also have Jesus Calling for Kids, which words the readings more appropriate for kids. In one part of today's it is worded like this- "When something pops into your minds, take a moment to ask Me whether it's part of My plan for your today-or no. If it isn't, trust Me to take care of it. Then forget about it, and concentrate on what you need to do today."
"Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything and everything in its time.
A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace."
(Scripture readings- Ecclesiastes 3:1, John 16:33)
We also have Jesus Calling for Kids, which words the readings more appropriate for kids. In one part of today's it is worded like this- "When something pops into your minds, take a moment to ask Me whether it's part of My plan for your today-or no. If it isn't, trust Me to take care of it. Then forget about it, and concentrate on what you need to do today."
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