Children's Book of the week - The Moon's Revenge

This week's book was a Goodwill find- Yay for cheap books!

For only one dollar, we brought this hard back beauty home-

Just look at the illustration *swoon*

Another plus was that I had actually never heard of this book before 

(I just love finding new children's stories...they're wonderful)

Happily, this story did not disappoint.  

I read aloud, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the original tale.

The story was captivating, and descriptions were vivid, 

but the illustrations really brought it to life.

I personally wanted to see more of what the author might have to offer,

so I naturally spent far too much time researching Joan Aiken.

What an interesting array of literature - 

supernatural, fantasy, historical fiction - 

all available because she was willing to share her talent with the world.  

Next I looked up Alan Lee, and discovered another amazing talent that I didn't know I knew...

I've seen his work, and probably. so have you, though perhaps you'd never put a name to it.

I'll link his Wiki page for those who want to know more.

Enough rambling - I'll end by asking:

Have you ever read this book?  What were your thoughts?

What is your favorite lesser known children's book?  

(We're always looking for more!)

The kids and I agree that we'd all suggest this book for all ages.

I don't believe in spoiling books, so I won't share story content-

but I will share a couple more peeks of the amazing artwork - Enjoy!

Monday Memoirs - 8th Anniversary and 32nd birthday!

     This week Jared and I celebrate 8 years of marriage - it happens to coincide with our 8th move.  I know I have grown and developed character as I've willingly followed him and made homes for our family in so many places.  Life with him is always new and exciting!  Thinking back to all of the places we've seen and all of our experiences together brings me joy.

2009 - Wedding day!  Washington DC temple

2009 - Living in Alabama - expecting Caleb

2010 - Sewell, NJ post deployment...somehow I can't find any 2011 pic of us together...hmmm

2012 - Provo, UT post color run (my first 5k after having Ashlynn)

2013 - Disneyland - we lived in Middle, UT pre-deployment

2014 - Greece - during deployment

2015- Connecticut - Just visiting though, we lived in Pottsville, PA

2015 - expecting Tobias

2016 - Philadelphia temple

2017 - our current adventure, in Arlington, Virginia

      I can see the hand of the Lord in our life together as we've strived to be obedient to his will and seek his guidance.  We've lived abundantly, even when we had to be apart, even when times were hard, even when money was short...I have a testimony that living the gospel brings about that abundance, that contentment, and joy.
     This year, our anniversary fell on a Sunday, so we celebrated quietly at home.
As gifts, Jared and I bought a few pieces of furniture to complete our main living area.  The DC area Craigslist is nothing short of amazing. I love experiences over things, so seeking out the bargains together made them mean so much more :) I look forward to our few years here in Virginia, and wherever else Jared leads me in this life.

Fun Friday - First Days of Summer

It's finally Summer, and it's been wonderful 

enjoying all the pleasures of the season with the kids.

I was inspired, and wrote this Haiku:

Summer

Bare Feet, Lemonade,

Water guns, Rest in the shade

Fire flies, S'mores are made

What does Summer mean to you?  

Deep Thought Thursday - Bird Lessons

Sometimes we gain insights from the world around us.  I'll be sharing some of mine here in hopes to inspire everyone to ponder life and see how "All things denote there is a God".
    
    We recently moved to Arlington, Virginia.  The house we'll be renting over the next two years is a  mid-century build, with kitchy charm.  We discovered we weren't the only ones living on our property the very day we arrived.  House sparrows are abundant here, and a pair were nesting with four little hatchlings just under an eave of our back porch overhang.  The kids and I listened to their seemingly ceaseless cries, and watched both the mother and father bird taking such good care of their young.  One day, we noticed that one of the babies had fallen out of the nest.  Jared was able to carefully put it back, and things returned to normal.  Not a week later, another baby (possibly the same?) was on the ground.  Again, Jared put it back.  Only a few days later, we watched as the parents helped their little ones fly away from the nest.
     I was struck by a thought.  These house sparrows were devoted parents.  All day every day was spent caring for their four hatchlings.  But, just as with humans- some happenings are out of parents' hands...like a baby bird falling from a nest.  There was literally nothing they could do to solve this family problem.  It took outside help, from someone who could make a difference.  I hope that as my own children grow, that I will have the humility and wisdom to recognize when things I need to seek outside help for the wellbeing of my children/ family.

     Another day we took a walk.  As we strolled past a neighbors' yard, we heard distressed chirping.  A baby cardinal was on the ground.  It cried, and both parents were nearby being quite vocal.  Sadly, despite our best efforts, no nest could be found.  There was nothing we could do to help - except pray.  I realized that this is often the case in life.  People we know may have devastating situations involving their children, and there may well be nothing we can do except fast and pray.  While there is sorrow in not being able to do more, there is peace in knowing we are doing what we can.

11

     11 years old- How did we get here so quickly?  The greatest and hardest thing about an oldest child is that they are always dragging us along to uncharted waters of parenthood - Experiences we've only heard tales of from saltier parents with more time at sea. Whether it's the first time they refuse a nap,  throw a tantrum in public, or when they "don't need your help anymore", it can be jarring!   Years of exciting firsts with our eldest daughter have led us here, to 11.
     I watch her spinning with her arms outstretched as "her songs" play...I hear her sing her heart out as she swings at the playground...I see her carefully put together outfits that are "her style".  And for this Mom, these firsts are like none of the others, because this Mom knows right where we are.
     The shifting sands that bridge childhood and women hood.  This terrain is oh so very familiar.  Was it really so long ago that I took my first walk here?  There are days when I wonder if I ever really grew up and left this inscrutable place.
      And 11 is where it begins...still so young and innocent, but ready to feel important, to find oneself, and make a difference...but not quite ready for the responsibility of it all.
     Emotions are as changing as the very sands one walks on here.  One day feeling high, like a dune at the shore.  The next, bogged down, sinking like quick sand.  Anger is fierce, raging like a sandstorm, until it blows itself out.  And all too often one bottoms out on a sandbar of apathy, and progress stops.
    But for all its complexities, this Mom is willing, even happy to return.  To be a guide, albeit an imperfect one.  Because I still recall the beauty that lies in self discovery, the triumph in overcoming fears, the dignity from learning restraint and self-control...these are the majestic sights only to be experienced by those brave enough to dare.
    So if you should need us, we'll be here...navigating the ever changing land together. Me and my eldest.  Hand in hand, step by step, even when she wishes I'd just go away, because the view is breathtaking, and I wouldn't miss it for the world.
   

Life lessons from Legos

     Caleb is currently obsessed with building and creating with his legos.  As a Mom, it can be so tough to not spend all of my money on them, since they make him so happy, and are "creative play", so they're good for him, right?!?  Maybe it's the big brown eyes (which all of my children are conveniently equipped with) Maybe it's the sincere desire on his face - his thinking over how to ask for a new set when he spies one at a store.
     Today, we went into an outlet store in search of cheap Halloween prizes for the upcoming Trunk or Treat, and there it was.  A large, Jurassic set, which makes a dinosaur, multiple vehicles and comes with many lego people.  While it was an off brand, it was a nice set.  Once I saw it, I froze for second, positive he had already seen it as well.  Sure enough, I looked down and his eyes were locked on it.
Too polite to just ask for the set, he began, "I wonder how much that set is."
"Fifteen dollars, buddy."
"That's a lot of money, Mom, but I think maybe I have it in my bank at home.  Could we count my money and come back today if I have it?"
That sweet attitude was enough for me to want to buy it right then and there.  But, parenting is about teaching life lessons, so I agreed.  "I'll help you count all of your change, and we'll see."
     Later, sitting the floor of his room, with a pile of coins which was many dollars short of his goal, he again showed great restraint. "Mom, how can I earn enough before everyone else buys them all?  I only get five cents for putting away my rack of dishes and ten cents for sorting the socks.  Are there any special jobs I could do to earn more?"  Again, I wanted to hug him and tell him he was the best son ever, and I'd just buy it for him...but then, would I be teaching the right thing?  As agonizing as it was for me, I told him I would come up with a list.  Though it might take him a few days, I'm sure he can earn the money.
   It's times like these, that I know parenting teaches us just as much, if not more than our children.
Like the song says,"God gave us families to help us become what he wants us to be." - and today, I feel like I took a small step in the right direction.

School and September

     The mornings in Pottsville are chilly again.   I wrap Tobias in a blanket, and walk out the door.  Heavy dew and a crisp nip in the air greet me as we walk the dog.   I breathe in the smell of fall...the coldness, the faint smell of rotting leaves.  The sun is coming up, and soon our busy day will begin.
The kids are allowed downstairs at 7:30.  That buys me enough time to prep their breakfasts.  We'll be moving at full tilt until homeschool is done for the day.  No chance to rest until then, and that's just fine by me.
     Homeschooling was never my plan.  But, once we decided it was what I needed to do for our family, it has become my passion.  I revel in the lesson plans, the bulletin boards, the craft supplies...maybe it's the smell or the colors.  Mostly though, I find satisfaction in watching my children learn and grow together.
     Our cozy, third floor schoolroom looks over our part of the city, out to the large hills beyond.  Up here, the world can wait.  Up here, we focus on what we want to learn.  Up here, there's always time for a quick break, one more book, or another question.  It's not perfect...there's the occasional cranky kid, silly tussle, or pouting over an assignment...but it's ours, and I wouldn't have it any other way.