tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:05:58 +0000booksnonsensefoodWWRWbooks for girlsJillbooks for boysEdmundyoung adult booksSusanLucyPeterTheme ThursdayPhotographymoviesFashionThe Chefbooks for momMystery Ingredient MondayfantasyPatrickbooks for babybooks for toddlersAdventChristmas booksparentingBaby Jpicture booksproductsgiveaway7 Posts in 7 DaysEasterJesse TreeMarySt. Jude's School for Kids Who Want to Read Good and Do Other Stuff Good Tooaudio booksboard booksfivefavoriteshomeschoolCari DonaldonCatholicCaudill booksChristmasLentPinterestfairy talesgrown up bookshistorical fictionmeatless mealspoetrysewingshopping7QTBattle of the BooksNewberysRanger's Apprenticebaby booksice rinklunchesmiddle schoolpoperomancetvBeholdCatholicism dvdClan DonaldsonDave RamseyHalloween booksHunger GamesJohn FlanaganLink-ups til the end of timeNarniaPope FrancisRichard PeckRick RiordanSheenazingSt. NicholasStitchfixThe Immortal Secrets of Nicholas FlamelThe ThiefValentine's Dayangelsbabiescatholicismcook's countrycouponingcraft booksdyslexiafaithgirl booksharry potterheaderhigh schoollinksnew baby booksnon-fictionpregnancysaint bookstechnologyteenstwitterwhinewhining40 bags in 40 daysA Conspiracy of KingsA is for AltarAlvin HoAmazonAndrew ClementsAnneAnne of Green GablesBarbara McClintockBerriesBetsy booksBlack RadishesBloatnonsenseBobby FlayBrotherbandCaldecottCame a CavalierChistmas gift guideChristopher KimballCivil RightsDoverEdwardElizabeth EnrightEtsyFAQsFacebookFiddlerFirst PostFrancesFranny K. SteinFrog and ToadFrom Slave to PriestGladys MalvernHHS mandateHeart of a ShepherdHoly SpiritIgnatius PressIngrid LawInto the WoodsIsaacJawsJohn Paul IIKarent KatzLaura Ingalls WilderLewisMMGMMarcelMarch for LifeMartha StewartMashup MomMaud Hart LovelaceMeat FridayMegan Whalen TurnerMickeyMother TeresaOlympicsOuidadPioneer WomanPope AwesomePretty Little LiarsRee DrummondRichard Peck is awesome.Roland SmithSandra BoyntonSarah PrineasShannon HaleSketchbookSnowflake BentleySt. LouisSt. Patrick's DaySt. ThereseStar WarsStories to Learn ByTexasThe Blackbird's NestThe Girl with a Dragon TattooThe Goose GirlThe Grunt PadreThe HobbitThe House of HadesThe Lady of GuadalupeThe Lightning ThiefThe Magic ThiefThe Mysterious Benedict SocietyThe Outlaws of RavenhurstThe Secret GardenThe Sisters GrimmThe Spiderwick ChroniclesThe Trumpet of the SwanThe Trumpeter of KrakowTim GreeneTolkienUDUsborneVeggie TalesWIWSWiFiWikkelingbaptismbeerblggblog businessblueberriesbullyingcake popscall the midwifecell phoneschildren's bookscontroversycookiescraftscrepesdystopiane-book lendinge-booksepic dance battlefamily picfreak outsgardeninggoatshairhi-lo bookshomehomosexualityinfertilityinstagraminternetknittingmoneymusicnight cheesephoning it inpooppop-up booksprayerpro-lifepuke fatesquiltingravelryreligious booksroutersrug cleaningsci-fiscrapbookingskirtsteampunksummer readstechnical stuff I don't know much abouttextingthe post in which I begin to homeschooltime wasterstoystraveltrue confessionswar bookswinterHousewifespicehttp://www.housewifespice.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jessica)Blogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-1122471198637149251Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:32:00 +00002014-04-23T06:27:42.525-07:00books for boysbooks for girlsfantasyMeat Fridaysci-fiteensWWRWyoung adult booksA Tale of Two Trilogies and a Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCVxfLxizw8/U1elJU5Vf4I/AAAAAAAAHeA/aUJNic4laQc/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SCVxfLxizw8/U1elJU5Vf4I/AAAAAAAAHeA/aUJNic4laQc/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><br /><br />First off,<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxcfbgCBHQI/U1elD9sUmHI/AAAAAAAAHd4/l1h_A66yNU8/s1600/applause.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxcfbgCBHQI/U1elD9sUmHI/AAAAAAAAHd4/l1h_A66yNU8/s1600/applause.gif" height="275" width="400" /></a></div><br />We Have a Winner! &nbsp;Congratulations to Jill L! &nbsp;She has won the Driscoll's berry coupon giveaway!<br /><br />Secondly, &nbsp;I hope each and every one of you is having a wonderful Easter Week! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsuzKPIXkmw/U1el8WnhPMI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/ttus-i-SVoo/s1600/tumblr_mntr2d32De1qgtanjo1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsuzKPIXkmw/U1el8WnhPMI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/ttus-i-SVoo/s1600/tumblr_mntr2d32De1qgtanjo1_500.gif" height="195" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Public Service Announcement: &nbsp;Don't forget - This Friday is Meat Friday!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for some book reviews:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6mJdv6iSv0/U1enl1tB2-I/AAAAAAAAHec/wc1mm-rGwhk/s1600/ascendanttrilogy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6mJdv6iSv0/U1enl1tB2-I/AAAAAAAAHec/wc1mm-rGwhk/s1600/ascendanttrilogy.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>The third installment of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;pageMinusResults=1&amp;suo=1398253147708&amp;tag=housewifespic-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&amp;field-keywords=ascendance%20trilogy&amp;sprefix=ascendance%2Cstripbooks%2C175&amp;rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Aascendance%20trilogy&amp;sepatfbtf=true&amp;tc=1398253150735" target="_blank">Jennifer Niesen's The Ascendance Trilogy</a>&nbsp;is out! &nbsp;And it's awesome!<br /><br />Young King Jaron and his landlocked country of Carthya are being attacked on all sides, by all of his enemies who have banded together against him.<br /><br />With a few friends at his back, and lots of witty comments along the way, Jaron must face incredible odds while injured and grieving a devastating loss. <br /><br />As usual, Nielsen combines great dialogue with action-packed adventure. &nbsp;I was particularly impressed with Jaron's invocation of "the saints" as he leads his people into battle and his concept of an afterlife for those who've lived virtuously. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTsrrSZolCI/U1e_v2R43jI/AAAAAAAAHfA/d8DAJ5DpWoQ/s1600/shadowthrone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTsrrSZolCI/U1e_v2R43jI/AAAAAAAAHfA/d8DAJ5DpWoQ/s1600/shadowthrone.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'd say these books are appropriate for ten and up? &nbsp;In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545284171/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0545284171&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Shadow Throne</a>, you will find battlefield violence, some tortuous beatings, death, blood, and the occasional kiss (maybe twice?). &nbsp;You will also find sacrifice, true love, loss, and responsibility, not to mention an epic surprise ending.<br /><br />I reviewed Part One: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/06/its-what-were-reading-wednesday.html" target="_blank">The False Prince here</a>&nbsp;and Part Two: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/04/what-were-reading-wednesday.html" target="_blank">The Runaway King here</a>. &nbsp;You should definitely begin at the beginning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbr5OsUViEc/U1ep-2qg1YI/AAAAAAAAHeo/xlLK_EQGau8/s1600/lunartrilogy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbr5OsUViEc/U1ep-2qg1YI/AAAAAAAAHeo/xlLK_EQGau8/s1600/lunartrilogy.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div><br />Technically speaking, The Lunar Chronicles is a series, not a trilogy, with Part 4: &nbsp;<b><i>Winter</i></b> yet to be released.<br /><br />I <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/08/its-wwrw.html" target="_blank">greatly enjoyed Cinder</a>, had <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/08/its-wwrw.html" target="_blank">some issues with Scarlet</a>, and was delighted to find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312642970/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0312642970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cress </a> not only resolves one of my qualms, but is a better book (than Scarlet) with better characters overall.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrXSs_4IpE/U1eqL0ytHYI/AAAAAAAAHew/kTBGLW005UI/s1600/cress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCrXSs_4IpE/U1eqL0ytHYI/AAAAAAAAHew/kTBGLW005UI/s1600/cress.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312642970/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0312642970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cress</a>&nbsp;is Marissa Meyer's sci-fi re-telling of Rapunzel, complete with a blind "prince." <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312642970/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0312642970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cress</a>&nbsp;is a shell, which is like the Lunar version of a "squib." &nbsp;Lunars, the race of people that populates the moon, generally have the ability to control the minds of Earthens. &nbsp;But Cress doesn't. <br /><br />She does have a gift for technology and hacking, which is why she has spent the last seven years of her life alone, in a satellite, monitoring all of Earth's secrets for the evil queen and cloaking the Lunar ships that are set to invade Earth.<br /><br />Scarlet is only in this book briefly as she is captured by the Lunars and imprisoned on the moon. &nbsp;In those brief moments, she mentally re-hashes her one night of passion with Wolf and makes it seem as though perhaps it was just some passionate kisses.<br /><br />In my opinion, the best scene in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312642970/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0312642970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cress</a>, is when she and Captain Thorne (again, the likeness to Captain Jack Harkness was striking) crash land on Earth. &nbsp;Thorne has been blinded in a fight, and Cress has never been to the surface. &nbsp;He must ascertain their location and manage their survival through the eyes of someone who has never seen an animal in real life, or the sky, or the sun. <br /><br /><b>Her total naivete and innocence is the perfect foil for his brash womanizing attitude and their romance is one of the greatest things about this series.</b><br /><br />Unlike the previous two volumes,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312642970/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0312642970&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cress</a>&nbsp;is very clean. &nbsp;Focused on fighting the evil Queen Levana and stopping her marriage to Cinder's heartthrob Emperor Kai, Cinder, Wolf, Cress, Thorne, and the lovable droid Iko face the impossible.<br /><br />This series is definitely "young adult." &nbsp;I'll let my high school kids read it, I'd probably let an 8th grader read it, but with the joking sex change reference in <b><i>Cinder</i></b>, and the love scene and references to porn (which is frowned upon) in <b><i>Scarlet</i></b>, I'd definitely reserve this series for teens.<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="397423"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=397423" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/a-tale-of-two-trilogies-and-winner.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-4131203907052994717Thu, 17 Apr 2014 16:00:00 +00002014-04-17T09:00:46.476-07:00EasterFashionlinksPeterClickables on Holy Thursday If you don't read <a href="http://shovedtothem.blogspot.com/2014/04/her-name-is-ella.html" target="_blank">Rebecca at Shoved to Them </a>you should, and you definitely need to check out her <a href="http://ellasdoodles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">9 year old daughter's art blog</a> that <a href="http://shovedtothem.blogspot.com/2014/04/her-name-is-ella.html" target="_blank">Rebecca introduces in this post.</a><br /><br />Peter is taking a <a href="http://taborlife.org/" target="_blank">Theology of the Body elective</a> this semester. &nbsp;He told me that they watched this TED talk in class recently:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/KM4Xe6Dlp0Y/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/KM4Xe6Dlp0Y&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/KM4Xe6Dlp0Y&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />Which led to me telling him about <a href="http://www.leahdarrow.com/" target="_blank">former America's Next Top Model contestant Leah Darrow</a> and <a href="http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/from-americas-top-model-to-lobbyist-for-chastity/" target="_blank">her journey</a>&nbsp;from fashionista to chastity speaker.<br /><br />Which led to<i> him telling me</i> about <a href="http://jessicarey.com/" target="_blank">actress (former Power Ranger) and designer, Jessica Rey</a>, and <a href="http://www.reyswimwear.com/" target="_blank">her line of modest swimsuits</a>&nbsp;inspired by Audrey Hepburn. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/WJVHRJbgLz8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WJVHRJbgLz8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WJVHRJbgLz8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />The things she has to say about scientific research, male brains, and bikinis is all new to me (around 4:30). National Geographic is one of her sources. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCKMb0CZjvE/U0_22w_haPI/AAAAAAAAHcI/pWd7ofaiUuI/s1600/White_Tiger_Ranger_6582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VCKMb0CZjvE/U0_22w_haPI/AAAAAAAAHcI/pWd7ofaiUuI/s1600/White_Tiger_Ranger_6582.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div><br />Did I mention that she is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1127235/" target="_blank">a former Power Ranger?</a>&nbsp; That fact alone gives her a lot of credibility in my book.<br /><br /><a href="http://beth-amomslife.blogspot.com/2014/04/good-night-sweet-baby.html" target="_blank">Sweet Beth lost her little Rebecca Irene this week. </a>&nbsp;I just can't help picturing Beth and Rebecca and thinking of this mama who lost her baby too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFMGdwk9nfo/U0_v_ljjqHI/AAAAAAAAHb4/zGorUGI5NtM/s1600/Michelangelo's_Pieta_5450_cut_out_black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UFMGdwk9nfo/U0_v_ljjqHI/AAAAAAAAHb4/zGorUGI5NtM/s1600/Michelangelo's_Pieta_5450_cut_out_black.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://gawker.com/teen-with-down-syndrome-opens-his-college-acceptance-le-1563826800?utm_campaign=socialflow_gawker_facebook&amp;utm_source=gawker_facebook&amp;utm_medium=socialflow" target="_blank">This video of a young man</a> with Down's Syndrome getting his college acceptance letter made me smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, I have a <a href="http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/becoming-catholic/" target="_blank">lovely conversion story</a> to share with you about a couple entering the Church <i>this</i> weekend. I am always blown away when I see people make this journey from another faith or from no faith at all. &nbsp;Seeing new Catholics profess the faith at the Holy Saturday vigil is always a high point of this weekend. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a blessed Easter!</div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/clickables-on-holy-thursday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-2608486215423723154Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:10:00 +00002014-04-16T05:21:45.922-07:00books for boysbooks for girlsCaudill booksmiddle schoolWWRWyoung adult booksWWRW: 3 Good BooksI am on a reading streak lately. &nbsp;Three for three. &nbsp;Three books from the <a href="http://www.rcyrba.org/pdf/2014%20MasterList.pdf" target="_blank">Caudill shelf</a> that I thoroughly enjoyed and can whole-heartedly recommend! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbmMHLfP1g/U03vNp3a4ZI/AAAAAAAAHa0/FRRDZzLGEco/s1600/bamboopeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbmMHLfP1g/U03vNp3a4ZI/AAAAAAAAHa0/FRRDZzLGEco/s1600/bamboopeople.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580893295/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1580893295&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Bamboo People</a>&nbsp;by Mitali Perkins is a modern-day story about the civil war in Burma and the young boys who are forced to fight in it. &nbsp;The first half of the book is Chiko's story.<br /><br />Chiko's father is in prison (they hope) and his mother is running out of money for food and rent. When Chiko answers an ad for a teaching position, he is tricked by the government and shipped off to a military training camp. &nbsp;At fifteen years old, Chiko is one of the older recruits. <br /><br />In addition to learning kickboxing and strength training, Chiko experiences first hand the cruelty of the captain and the wisdom of a savvy street-fighting friend. Sent on a mission in the jungle, Chiko is seriously injured by a mine. &nbsp;He is found unconscious by Tu Reh and his father. &nbsp;Tu Reh and his father belong to a small ethnic minority, the Karenni, aka the enemy.<br /><br />Tu Reh narrates the second half of the story. &nbsp;He must choose whether to mercifully end Chiko's life, or bring him back to the refugee village just across the border, risking the wrath of his people. &nbsp;Tu Reh listens to his father, makes his decision, and has to stand before a village council to defend his choice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580893295/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1580893295&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Bamboo People</a>&nbsp;has a good amount of violence. &nbsp;There are beatings and deaths. &nbsp;A Karenni girl that escaped the Burmese soldiers has experienced some horrible things that are never disclosed. &nbsp;Her gentle and peaceful spirit is a wonderful point of contrast to her love interest's desire for revenge.<br /><br />For middle-schoolers and up,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580893295/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1580893295&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Bamboo People</a>&nbsp;is a compelling story of war and forgiveness set in a region that I knew little about.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4D28yBdHgg/U03vSRYGAwI/AAAAAAAAHa8/e-7WjJqI-us/s1600/close-to-famous-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4D28yBdHgg/U03vSRYGAwI/AAAAAAAAHa8/e-7WjJqI-us/s1600/close-to-famous-cover.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142420174/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0142420174&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Close to Famous</a>&nbsp;by Joan Bauer opens with 12 year-old Foster and her mother fleeing the mother's abusive Elvis-impersonating ex-boyfriend. &nbsp; They leave Memphis and end up in a small town in West Virginia.<br /><br />Foster dreams of having her own cooking show. &nbsp;Since her father's death while serving our country in Iraq, Foster has looked up to Food Network cooking star, Sonny Kroll. She learned to bake from his show; cupcakes and muffins are her specialty. &nbsp;It's good that Foster has a talent to develop, because she has a severe learning disability and barely passed 5th grade.<br /><br />The new townspeople support Foster and her mother, helping them find a place to live, a job for her mother, and Foster even gets the help she needs with reading. Foster and her mom have their own effect on the town too, making friends, saving lives, changing the world one cupcake at a time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGOHPwmPvEA/U03vamE6CcI/AAAAAAAAHbE/hsI6XWuTXhY/s1600/wonderrjpalacio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGOHPwmPvEA/U03vamE6CcI/AAAAAAAAHbE/hsI6XWuTXhY/s1600/wonderrjpalacio.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375869026/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375869026&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Wonder</a>&nbsp;by R. J. Palacio is just. incredible. &nbsp;I cried. &nbsp;A lot. <br /><br />August Pullman is going to attend a real school for the very first time, and he's going into 5th grade. &nbsp;The reason he has homeschooled until now is because he has had so many surgeries. &nbsp;On his face. &nbsp;Because he was born with severe birth defects. &nbsp;On his face. Facial abnormalities. Severe facial abnormalities.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375869026/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375869026&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Wonder</a>&nbsp;is about acceptance, suffering, and seeing people with your heart instead of your eyes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KP5MVuTVUVU/U05woBPrRUI/AAAAAAAAHbc/4UdKUo-Jrp4/s1600/popekissesdisfiguredman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KP5MVuTVUVU/U05woBPrRUI/AAAAAAAAHbc/4UdKUo-Jrp4/s1600/popekissesdisfiguredman.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was reminded of this episode when I read Wonder.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375869026/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375869026&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Wonder</a>&nbsp;is about 5th graders, some of whom fancy themselves as dating each other. Not that they actually go on any dates or anything. &nbsp;Note passing is about as exciting as it gets.<br /><br />Augie has a sister is in high school. &nbsp;She has a boyfriend and they do occasionally kiss, but this story is much more about how his sister deals with feeling eclipsed by her brother's needs her whole life, and her struggle to figure out her own identity in a new school where no knows her as "the sister of that deformed kid."<br /><br />Reports state that author<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/02/13/r-j-palacios-wonder-spins-off-two-follow-up-books/" target="_blank"> "R. J. Palacio </a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/02/13/r-j-palacios-wonder-spins-off-two-follow-up-books/" target="_blank">wrote Wonder&nbsp;as a sort of &nbsp;"penance"&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;">When she was getting milkshakes with her two sons in Brooklyn one afternoon, they saw a girl with a facial deformity. Her three-year-old started to cry and she rushed her kids away, and instantly regretted that she hadn’t stayed to talk to the girl.</span></a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;">"</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/02/13/r-j-palacios-wonder-spins-off-two-follow-up-books/" target="_blank">The same WSJ blog article that reported the above, also declared Wonder to be a "crossover hit." </a>Generally, a crossover hit is a book written for one age group that appeals to another age group. &nbsp;For example, the Twilight series and the Harry Potter books are all examples of crossover hits. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;">In other words, I'm not the only adult who loves this book.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwrNhSTp6FY/U05ySS172XI/AAAAAAAAHbo/OF-oKEYc5Rc/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwrNhSTp6FY/U05ySS172XI/AAAAAAAAHbo/OF-oKEYc5Rc/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/blueberries-for-jill-and-berry-good.html" target="_blank">Don't miss out on a chance to win $15 in coupons from the berry people at Driscoll's!</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.395999908447266px;">Looking for that last minute book purchase for the Easter basket? &nbsp;Or need a unique First Communion gift? <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/childrens-books-for-upcoming.html" target="_blank">I reviewed two books on Monday that would be perfect.</a></span></span><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="395118"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=395118" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/wwrw-3-good-books.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-5887329322265308735Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:12:00 +00002014-04-15T17:25:08.239-07:00BerriesblueberriescouponinggiveawayJillBlueberries for Jill and a Berry Good GiveawayWe are big time berry lovers here.<br /><br />More than one of us is allergic to tree fruit, so berries, pineapple, kiwi, and citrus are our staples.<br /><br />Berries are so very, very good for you too! &nbsp;Vitamins and fiber! &nbsp;They taste good in cereal, yogurt, salad, and just plain. <br /><br />I eat a bowl of fruit every evening for dessert and it usually looks like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGtYfoUTiRo/U001Ogj2OXI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/W0EF6xJFCmE/s1600/bowloffruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGtYfoUTiRo/U001Ogj2OXI/AAAAAAAAHZ8/W0EF6xJFCmE/s1600/bowloffruit.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />That dish there is blueberries, bananas, blackberries, pineapple, and kiwi (peeled because I'm a baby). Sometimes, my evening bowl has strawberries or raspberries or a drizzle of Hershey's syrup. &nbsp;It's on the couch because that's where I do my best eating, knitting, and laundry folding.<br /><br />I love that Driscoll is offering organic berries now. &nbsp;Sometimes the price difference between their organic offerings and the regular fruit is negligible. &nbsp;Score!<br /><br />The berry people at Driscoll's sent me a storybook and send coupons to use in berries a fun and delicious way.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2lvQTmvcCA/U0225ck3--I/AAAAAAAAHaM/Ev26RsXat68/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2lvQTmvcCA/U0225ck3--I/AAAAAAAAHaM/Ev26RsXat68/s1600/IMG_7129.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />First, the book. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1490545182/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1490545182&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Scary Blueberry</a>&nbsp;(written by Jaden Shelton and illustrated by Livia Jovanovic)&nbsp;is about a boy who is afraid to try a blueberry. &nbsp;After his father points out all of the things he is not afraid of: &nbsp;pirates, aliens, monsters, etc, the boy tries tasting a blueberry.<br /><br />But he doesn't like it.<br /><br />He keeps trying them however, and eventually realizes they are delicious.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7GhW3Sc91U/U023s_M0xgI/AAAAAAAAHaU/j1i4y0h-ELU/s1600/IMG_7131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7GhW3Sc91U/U023s_M0xgI/AAAAAAAAHaU/j1i4y0h-ELU/s1600/IMG_7131.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jill enjoyed the book. &nbsp;She "reads" it to herself now because the minimal text matches the illustrations perfectly.<br /><br />Now for the dish. &nbsp;We had some excellent French toast, made with Costco baguette. That baguette makes the best French toast. &nbsp;Jill had hers with syrup and blueberries.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKszlCoBHo/U024EuF5htI/AAAAAAAAHac/7-nOb4cXj34/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKszlCoBHo/U024EuF5htI/AAAAAAAAHac/7-nOb4cXj34/s1600/IMG_7132.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Guess which part she liked best?<br /><br />That mini glass of OJ is served in a votive candle holder, an idea I stole from my sister-in-law. &nbsp;Jill loves her tiny glasses.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmFMWNhQhSQ/U02445HOyhI/AAAAAAAAHak/TL2-_5siPJ4/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmFMWNhQhSQ/U02445HOyhI/AAAAAAAAHak/TL2-_5siPJ4/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />Lastly, the fun part! &nbsp;Giveaway Time!<br /><br />Driscoll sent me the book and some coupons for myself, and they have some coupons they want to send to one lucky reader! &nbsp;$15 worth of coupons! <br /><br />One of those $3 coupons paid for one of those berry boxes. &nbsp;That means free berries! Sorry not sorry but the blackberries "accidentally fell into my mouth" before their photo op.<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a040d1/" id="rc-4a040d1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/blueberries-for-jill-and-berry-good.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-3782725854660748820Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:40:00 +00002014-04-16T05:16:40.379-07:00Catholicchildren's booksIgnatius PressJohn Paul IIpopePope Francisreligious booksChildren's Books for the Upcoming CanonizationsRecently, the good folks at <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/" target="_blank">Ignatius Press</a> sent me two of their newest titles to review in preparation for<a href="http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/its-official-john-paul-ii-and-john-xxiii-to-be-canonized-april-271/" target="_blank"> the upcoming canonizations of John Paul the II and John XXIII.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqSFgSF_Vw8/U0vUNWdYJyI/AAAAAAAAHZc/Gm-zhHfNufE/s1600/JPIIbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqSFgSF_Vw8/U0vUNWdYJyI/AAAAAAAAHZc/Gm-zhHfNufE/s1600/JPIIbook.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179179/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179179&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint</a>, written by Guy Lehideux and Louis-Bernard Koch and illustrated by Dominique Bar, is a non-fiction graphic novel (sounds like an oxymoron, I know).<br /><br />The graphic novel format means that it is comic-book style. &nbsp;Some people love it, some people hate it. &nbsp;The graphic novel format has gained respect in the literary world and is used to lure reluctant readers, especially boys. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179179/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179179&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint</a>&nbsp;is different from a regular comic, not just in its content, but also it's size and binding. &nbsp;This book is large, making it easy to read, and the hardcover binding guarantees that it will last a long time.<br /><br />The story of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179179/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179179&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint</a>&nbsp;is compelling and thoughtfully told. &nbsp;I found the Polish names hard to read and remember (who's who), but the pictures are a great aid in this. &nbsp;Beginning before his birth, we follow Karol Wojtyla through his youth, the loss of his family members, his foray into the theater, his abrupt decision to enter the priesthood, his role in post-WWII Poland, and his papacy. <br /><br />After John Paul II is elected pope, the storyline dwindles into a list of dates of prominent writings, journeys (World Youth Days are noted), and canonizations. &nbsp;The book ends shortly after the canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva. <br /><br />I felt that this left out an important part of the saintliness of John Paul II, namely his suffering and death. &nbsp;His decline of health was a public witness to the power of suffering, which modernity would have us eschew.<br /><br />Despite the omission of his end days,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179179/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179179&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint</a>&nbsp;is an excellent and attractive book for children of all ages.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Cu7HQcj6E/U0vZfgJdEZI/AAAAAAAAHZs/iNKrl3HZhmg/s1600/our_holy_father_book_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m8Cu7HQcj6E/U0vZfgJdEZI/AAAAAAAAHZs/iNKrl3HZhmg/s1600/our_holy_father_book_cover.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div><br /><i>Do not</i> judge a book by its cover.<br /><br /><i>Do</i> judge this book by it's entire title: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179217/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179217&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Our Holy Father, the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present</a>.<br /><br />This beautifully illustrated book by Don Caffery is NOT a biography of Pope Francis, as I had first thought, but rather a very good explanation of the papacy, how Christ began it all with St. Peter, how popes are elected, what they do, and where they live. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179217/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179217&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Our Holy Father, the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present</a>&nbsp;is written in language geared to early readers and would make an excellent First Holy Communion gift. Especially considering that a few popes are given special focus including St. Clement, St. Leo, St. Pius X (who allowed young children to receive Holy Communion and encouraged receiving the Eucharist among all Catholics) and soon-to-be St. John Paul II.<br /><br />You can order these books through <a href="https://www.ignatius.com/" target="_blank">Ignatius Press</a>, or through my Amazon affiliate links. &nbsp;I do get a small percentage of the proceeds from Amazon. &nbsp;Ignatius did not pay me for my opinions, they only provided me with the books. &nbsp;You still have time to get them for Easter if you use Amazon Prime free shipping! &nbsp;You have even more time if you would like them for the canonizations on April 27th.<br /><br />I'm thinking about sending these books to my godson for his first communion present. &nbsp;I always struggle with boy gifts for occasions like these but these books are Catholic, geared for children, and somewhat masculine. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/childrens-books-for-upcoming.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-7621099760734233170Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:26:00 +00002014-04-11T06:29:08.790-07:007QTfoodJillMarymoviesnonsensePatrickPetertechnology7QT: Funguses and Phones1. &nbsp;Peter's baseball coach told the team on the very first day of practice that he didn't want to see anyone wearing gym uniform shirts under their jerseys.<br /><br />He also said that he didn't want to see anyone wearing shirts with other people's names on them.<br /><br />Peter was wearing a gym uniform shirt with someone else's name clearly written across the front when this announcement was made, and he has gone out of his way to wear a different person's gym shirt EVERY day that he has baseball.<br /><br />Which is funny in his own pushing-the-envelope-but-he's-a-senior-way. &nbsp;I believe the coach is ignoring the flagrant shirt disobedience, or hasn't noticed.<br /><br />When I asked him where he gets all of the gym shirts, he replied, "I find one or two every day on the locker room floor."<br /><br />Then he held up his elbow and asked me, "Does this look like ringworm?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqF3nL2wRR8/U0faxuScEaI/AAAAAAAAHXg/_X88RD8etaw/s1600/auugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NqF3nL2wRR8/U0faxuScEaI/AAAAAAAAHXg/_X88RD8etaw/s1600/auugh.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div><br />2. &nbsp;For the record, ringworm is not a worm.<br /><br />It's a fungus, and it's treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal cream.<br /><br />It's contagious, and easily caught <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/wwrw-barbara-mcclintock.html" target="_blank">via shared towels, athletic equipment, and clothing</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAHaP17qRXg/U0fbrIKWdtI/AAAAAAAAHXo/oI52KhMIqjo/s1600/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAHaP17qRXg/U0fbrIKWdtI/AAAAAAAAHXo/oI52KhMIqjo/s1600/Paris_Tuileries_Garden_Facepalm_statue.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />3. &nbsp;Phone Saga<br /><br />The camera stopped working on my iPhone. &nbsp;I did all the things: &nbsp;restart, reset, upgrade software, and Genius Bar appointment. &nbsp;At that appointment, the genius said the only thing I could do is buy a new phone for $269, thank you very much.<br /><br />My phone is less than two years old. &nbsp;Never been damaged. &nbsp;Never been wet.<br /><br />4. &nbsp;You might think having an iPhone without a camera is NoBigDeal, but when I thought about how we texted a photo of newborn Baby J to all of our sibs within hours of her birth,<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HZ5JYQ3FGA/U0ftOG0rb3I/AAAAAAAAHZM/0B_kn8WzVCs/s1600/BabyJfirstphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HZ5JYQ3FGA/U0ftOG0rb3I/AAAAAAAAHZM/0B_kn8WzVCs/s1600/BabyJfirstphoto.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />and I remembered the other treasured <span id="goog_1442747786"></span><span id="goog_1442747787"></span>pictures I've taken with my phone,<br /><br />like a picture of <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/11/some-things-about-mary-i-dont-want-to.html" target="_blank">my sister Mary</a>, in the hospital with Jill and my two nieces crawling all over her, tubes, wires, and all (which I cannot locate right now, but deep breaths...someone has a copy.)<br /><br />I got panicky and yes, I cried.<br /><br />Patrick searched and searched Apple's help boards and found an article that has been read over 150,000 times about this common problem and an easy fix. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LA0veCLotUQ/U0fmVE5KQjI/AAAAAAAAHYM/cCAxiDNCwy4/s1600/iphone5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LA0veCLotUQ/U0fmVE5KQjI/AAAAAAAAHYM/cCAxiDNCwy4/s1600/iphone5.jpg" /></a></div><br />Pinch the corner of your phone REALLY REALLY HARD!<br /><br />It worked!<br /><br />Then I took a picture. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85gz-csrKRQ/U0fmqhIjiqI/AAAAAAAAHYU/lSE_Sl033TY/s1600/Jillbw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85gz-csrKRQ/U0fmqhIjiqI/AAAAAAAAHYU/lSE_Sl033TY/s1600/Jillbw.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then I had to pinch my camera again. &nbsp;And again. &nbsp;And again.<br /><br />5. &nbsp;Patrick also spent 50 minutes on the phone with Apple. Because he is kind and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments" target="_blank">sanguine</a> and asks nicely, they are sending me a new phone. &nbsp;(Kohler just sent us a whole new medicine cabinet after 2 years because he did the same thing.)<br /><br />My <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments" target="_blank">choleric</a>/angry tweets did nothing. &nbsp;To find out <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments" target="_blank">your temperament</a>, <a href="http://personality-testing.info/tests/4T.php" target="_blank">click here</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAnktA-7UyY/U0foauJbH-I/AAAAAAAAHYo/5gvOOy8UKT4/s1600/personalities+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAnktA-7UyY/U0foauJbH-I/AAAAAAAAHYo/5gvOOy8UKT4/s1600/personalities+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />But I have to send them my broken phone first. &nbsp;Nope. &nbsp;They won't do it in the store.<br /><br />Hopefully, this phone will last at least two years. &nbsp;So I'll be spending Holy Week waiting for the resurrection and my new phone. &nbsp;Alleluia!<br /><br />6. &nbsp;I really want to see <b><i>Noah</i></b>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwRsWcd22Co/U0fnPGz51FI/AAAAAAAAHYc/DQPKDft2OII/s1600/noah-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwRsWcd22Co/U0fnPGz51FI/AAAAAAAAHYc/DQPKDft2OII/s1600/noah-poster.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div><br />I read <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2014/04/i-saw-noah-and-i-liked-it.html" target="_blank">this review by Bonnie</a>, and <a href="http://hellburns.blogspot.com/2014/03/movies-noah.html#.U0fnbfldUxE" target="_blank">this review by Sr. Helena Burns</a>, and <a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=2856" target="_blank">this review by Fr. Barron</a>, and Yup. Definitely want to see it.<br /><br />I haven't gotten to see <b><i>Noah</i></b> yet, but we watched <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=evan%20almighty&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;sprefix=evan%20al%2Caps%2C180&amp;tag=housewifespic-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Dinstant-video" target="_blank">Evan Almighty</a> recently, and it was pretty good. Yes, there's the obligatory bird poop and llama spit scenes, but all in all, a very good message. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efaKvZo9-aw/U0febssR_SI/AAAAAAAAHX0/RxZY5LYM16k/s1600/evanalmightybeard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efaKvZo9-aw/U0febssR_SI/AAAAAAAAHX0/RxZY5LYM16k/s1600/evanalmightybeard.jpg" /></a></div><br />Plus when Evan's beard starts growing uncontrollably, Jill said, "He looks like Dad!" and that was the best-funniest part of the whole movie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_LrQw55Qzs/U0ffOtLN4xI/AAAAAAAAHX8/J_OMhnsCzQs/s1600/patrickbeard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_LrQw55Qzs/U0ffOtLN4xI/AAAAAAAAHX8/J_OMhnsCzQs/s1600/patrickbeard.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />7. &nbsp;Holy Week! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWlHuEj6ocI/U0fqwZtHAPI/AAAAAAAAHY4/lSw0iLHHVj8/s1600/hotcrossbuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWlHuEj6ocI/U0fqwZtHAPI/AAAAAAAAHY4/lSw0iLHHVj8/s1600/hotcrossbuns.jpg" /></a></div><br />If anyone has a Rockstar recipe for Hot Cross Buns, please share. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fd1sRRvV60/U0frZH5epXI/AAAAAAAAHZA/4FSyBMtqhRM/s1600/resurrection+rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fd1sRRvV60/U0frZH5epXI/AAAAAAAAHZA/4FSyBMtqhRM/s1600/resurrection+rolls.jpg" /></a></div><br />I have never tried these <a href="http://wisdomformom.com/2012/03/10/resurrection-rolls-a-sweet-easter-lesson/" target="_blank">Resurrection Rolls</a>, but they look super easy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0g6rFlJEPA/U0fpk8BTZXI/AAAAAAAAHYw/w6zphSD_iQY/s1600/gyros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0g6rFlJEPA/U0fpk8BTZXI/AAAAAAAAHYw/w6zphSD_iQY/s1600/gyros.jpg" /></a></div><br />We'll be eating our Chicago-style seder supper from Gyros Express, watching our traditional <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/03/movies-and-books-for-holy-week-plus.html" target="_blank">Holy Week movies</a>, and attending the Triduum. <br /><br />The next time I get to link up with Jen's 7 Quick Take party, it will be a<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/04/meat-fridays-or-get-your-meat-on.html" target="_blank"> Meat Friday</a>! &nbsp;<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/04/7-quick-takes-about-going-to-the-east-coast-embarrassing-myself-in-interviews-and-losing-my-ability-to-write-the-letter-f.html" target="_blank">Joining Jen for the last Lenten link-up of 2014.</a>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/7qt-funguses-and-phones.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-7216587210333875161Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:43:00 +00002014-04-09T05:47:38.854-07:00Barbara McClintockbooks for toddlersfairy talespicture booksWWRWWWRW - Barbara McClintock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdw6mTMdIrA/U0U3fmS-M4I/AAAAAAAAHV8/kDyJNDmGKn0/s1600/mcclintockthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdw6mTMdIrA/U0U3fmS-M4I/AAAAAAAAHV8/kDyJNDmGKn0/s1600/mcclintockthree.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590899872/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0590899872&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Aunt Pitty Patty's Piggy</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439095433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439095433&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Tale Of Tricky Fox</a>, and&nbsp; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0590972197/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0590972197&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Gingerbread Man</a>&nbsp; are three well-loved books that have been in our home for many years. &nbsp;I've written about these adaptations by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by the fabulously talented Barbara McClintock <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2011/12/stories-for-season-and-shopping.html" target="_blank">before</a>. <br /><br />Recently, Patrick overheard me saying to Jill, "Come closer and speak louder," which everyone should recognize as the line the fox uses to get the gingerbread man close enough to eat..."with a snap and a snick, and a lap and a lick, the gingerbread man was gone!" <br /><br />Jill recognized the quote and immediately took off, "Run, run as fast you can, you can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!"<br /><br />These are longer stories, for an older toddler or pre-schooler. &nbsp;Jill loves the stories with their repetition, I relish the beautiful pictures.<br /><br />We recently discovered some books that Barbara McClintock has written and illustrated all by her-own-self.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smhJJFk5HNM/U0U6IQm0yAI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/LHRJ3c2ejQA/s1600/adeleandsimoninamerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smhJJFk5HNM/U0U6IQm0yAI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/LHRJ3c2ejQA/s1600/adeleandsimoninamerica.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4U4dXsNYPs/U0U6F795lfI/AAAAAAAAHWI/njXy7txH_dY/s1600/adeleandsimon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4U4dXsNYPs/U0U6F795lfI/AAAAAAAAHWI/njXy7txH_dY/s1600/adeleandsimon.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374380449/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0374380449&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Adèle &amp; Simon</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GAN0U8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003GAN0U8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Adèle &amp; Simon in America</a>&nbsp;both have the same plot. &nbsp;Older sister Adele warns younger brother Simon not to lose his many belongings. &nbsp;Boys will be boys, and while stopping at various Parisian events, Simon manages to lose every single thing. The same thing happens in America, when Adele and Simon travel by train with Aunt Cecile throughout America circa Teddy Roosevelt.<br /><br />While I did not appreciate Adele's complete lack of patience and understanding as she chides Simon on every single page, I do appreciate the incredibly detailed Parisian street scenes and the American vistas. <br /><br />IF you have Very Sharp Eyes, You might find Simon's things before they get returned to him at the end of each story.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Vp61E702c/U0U7erGi0FI/AAAAAAAAHWY/6DwlfPh6Lrs/s1600/mcclintockcinderella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0Vp61E702c/U0U7erGi0FI/AAAAAAAAHWY/6DwlfPh6Lrs/s1600/mcclintockcinderella.jpg" /></a></div><br />Barbara McClintock has also written a charming re-telling of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439561450/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439561450&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cinderella</a>. &nbsp;In this version of the tale, the older stepsister is especially mean and takes to calling Cinderella, <i>Cinderbottom</i>, which I have to say I have called Jill a time or two lately. &nbsp;When I play the role of evil stepsister or stepmother, and threaten her with the ball, she is far more likely to clean up her messes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHvrW9wpV44/U0U_WNv6DcI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/K-9h2i_5M1s/s1600/And-The-Shoe-Fit-6_75x17_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHvrW9wpV44/U0U_WNv6DcI/AAAAAAAAHXQ/K-9h2i_5M1s/s1600/And-The-Shoe-Fit-6_75x17_5.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div><br />McClintock sets her version of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439561450/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439561450&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Cinderella</a>&nbsp;in France during the reign of King Louis XIV (a fact that I gathered from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/764075.Cinderella" target="_blank">a savvy review on Goodreads</a>), and the sets and costumes are simply exquisite.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MagUWWjsidU/U0U9zW0vN6I/AAAAAAAAHWs/e5bm8QrUDj4/s1600/ourabelincoln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MagUWWjsidU/U0U9zW0vN6I/AAAAAAAAHWs/e5bm8QrUDj4/s1600/ourabelincoln.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-P6jtQvapA/U0U9xaGY3xI/AAAAAAAAHWk/HUO9KkAX3ZI/s1600/dahlia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-P6jtQvapA/U0U9xaGY3xI/AAAAAAAAHWk/HUO9KkAX3ZI/s1600/dahlia.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dH4IUwK2Y8/U0U931aiqnI/AAAAAAAAHW8/oW2dQtvyIEA/s1600/animalfables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dH4IUwK2Y8/U0U931aiqnI/AAAAAAAAHW8/oW2dQtvyIEA/s1600/animalfables.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRjFUzXkwwo/U0U91EsgNuI/AAAAAAAAHW0/n-zd_u09AU8/s1600/goldilocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRjFUzXkwwo/U0U91EsgNuI/AAAAAAAAHW0/n-zd_u09AU8/s1600/goldilocks.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374316783/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0374316783&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Dahlia&nbsp;</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567921442/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1567921442&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Animal Fables from Aesop</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439395453/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439395453&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Goldilocks And The Three Bears</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439925487/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439925487&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Our Abe Lincoln</a>&nbsp;are McClintock treasures that we have yet to explore. &nbsp;Today we are heading to that place of wonder and marvel, the library, and hope to get our hands on a few of them.<br /><br />Too many picture books in this post? &nbsp; <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/marvelous-middle-grade-monday-i-emma.html" target="_blank">Check out my review of <i><b>I, Emma Freke</b></i> from Monday.</a>&nbsp; And be sure to check out all of the other well-read bloggers links below!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V14rs9zbFA8/U0U-aP5lMqI/AAAAAAAAHXE/v-BpvkA7ERA/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V14rs9zbFA8/U0U-aP5lMqI/AAAAAAAAHXE/v-BpvkA7ERA/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="392863"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=392863" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/wwrw-barbara-mcclintock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-4465706153700368293Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:12:00 +00002014-04-07T10:18:26.529-07:00books for girlsCaudill bookshigh schoolmiddle schoolMMGMMarvelous Middle Grade Monday: I, Emma Freke Illinois gives out the <a href="http://www.rcyrba.org/">Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Award to <span style="font-family: inherit;">"the author of the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools."</span></a><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Every year, I look forward to reading all of the nominees. &nbsp;They are by and large well-written books, destined to become classics.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJmPB3dkD8Q/U0LZ9p2zuKI/AAAAAAAAHVs/0exBzLOabMA/s1600/I,emmafreke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJmPB3dkD8Q/U0LZ9p2zuKI/AAAAAAAAHVs/0exBzLOabMA/s1600/I,emmafreke.jpg" /></a></div><br />This past week I read <i><b>I, Emma Freke</b></i>, a 2014 nominee by Elizabeth Atkinson, which I enjoyed but have conflicted feelings when it comes to recommending it to children.<br /><br />Emma's mother did not say her name out loud before she bestowed her with a name that sounds awfully like "Am a freak." &nbsp; That's just one of Emma's problems.<br /><br />She has no friends at school.<br /><br />She's 11 years old but very tall and thin for 6th grade. <br /><br />She is nothing like her short, buxom, vibrant, extroverted, dark-haired, Italian mother, Donatella.<br /><br />Her mother has never told her who her father is. <br /><br />Her mom is a serial dater. &nbsp;When her mother's latest boyfriend discovers that Emma is not some college kid working at the family owned "Freke Beads and More" but is actually Donatella's daughter, <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=he-gone">he-gone</a>.<br /><br />Donatella frequently stays out late into the night on her "dates" and forgets to wake up and open the shop. Emma picks up all the slack.<br /><br />Emma does have one best friend, Penelope from across the street. &nbsp;Penelope was adopted by the "two gray moms" from Liberia. &nbsp;Homosexuality is never mentioned. &nbsp;In fact the two gray moms are never actually in the story, just referred to. <br /><br />Emma's mother gives her one real birthday present for the first time ever, a book entitled <i>How to Learn at Home the Cosmic Way: Levels 6-12</i> (published 1978), and tells Emma that she never has to go back to school. &nbsp;She will be homeschooled at the library by her Italian grandfather (Nonno) and work in the shop in the afternoons. &nbsp;Donatella "says" that she's taken care of everything. <br /><br />When Nonno refuses to go to the library (too many unmarried women), Emma goes alone and inadvertently tips off a suspicious librarian who in turn calls the school.<br /><br />The suspicious librarian is one very cool chick named Stevie, and Stevie ends up being Emma's school-appointed tutor for the remaining few weeks of school. <br /><br />Meanwhile, Penelope suggests to Emma that maybe she is adopted too, and she has list of convincing reasons. &nbsp;Emma confronts Donatella with this hypothesis. &nbsp;Donatella reveals that Emma is indeed the daughter of the long-gone ex-huband, Walter Freke. They divorced a year before Emma was born, but apparently he came back for one last "visit." <br /><br />Donatella gives Emma an invitation to the annual Freke family reunion in Wisconsin, that recently came in the mail and together they make plans for Emma to fly to WI by herself, with all of her camping equipment, to find the family where she will (hopefully) fit in.<br /><br />The Freke family pronounces the name "Frecky." &nbsp;Emma does find friends and cousins and physical similarities with the Freke side, but she also learns that too much structure and control is just as bad as too little. &nbsp; She comes home with a new-found appreciation of Donatella's loving if lax ways.<br /><br />Penelope gets exactly what she wants for her tenth birthday, a surprise trip to Liberia, and a new baby sister. In a downright adorable scene, Penelope reveals her "present" to Emma and explains that she was allowed to choose the baby's middle name, Emma.<br /><br />It is hard not to like&nbsp;<i style="font-weight: bold;">I, Emma Freke</i>. &nbsp;I love Emma and sympathized with her problems. I adore her spunky and wise friends, Penelope and Stevie the librarian teacher. &nbsp;But Donatella's philandering and somewhat dishonest ways make it impossible for me to recommend this book for middle-schoolers. &nbsp;I would not hesitate to let my high-schoolers read it, but not many high-schoolers are interested in a book about 11 and 12 year old kids.<a href="http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2014/04/mmgm-links-4714.html" target="_blank"></a> <br /><br />Sharing this with the <a href="http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2014/04/mmgm-links-4714.html" target="_blank">Marvelous Middle Grade Monday</a> folks.http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/marvelous-middle-grade-monday-i-emma.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-4620689332340382147Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:19:00 +00002014-04-02T09:23:34.667-07:00books for boysbooks for toddlersEdmundJillpicture booksWWRWWWRW - Robert McCloskey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLuEHNDikws/UzwROH-dveI/AAAAAAAAHT4/OEe-f0hrSeI/s1600/makewayforducklings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLuEHNDikws/UzwROH-dveI/AAAAAAAAHT4/OEe-f0hrSeI/s1600/makewayforducklings.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div><br />Please tell me that there is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670451495/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0670451495&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Make Way for Ducklings</a>&nbsp;tour in Boston. &nbsp;I especially would like to see the corner book store and the police phone box that are featured in Robert McCloskey's timeless picture book. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjWnaft8wbM/UzwUS36d3LI/AAAAAAAAHUE/uvNMIgk8iR4/s1600/makewayforducklingsstatue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yjWnaft8wbM/UzwUS36d3LI/AAAAAAAAHUE/uvNMIgk8iR4/s1600/makewayforducklingsstatue.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, I'd need to see Mrs. Mallard and her brood of eight. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAjva8_P4JI/UzwUf4lN06I/AAAAAAAAHUM/gI19thWyI5w/s1600/makewayforducklingsplaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAjva8_P4JI/UzwUf4lN06I/AAAAAAAAHUM/gI19thWyI5w/s1600/makewayforducklingsplaque.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>I tried reading McCloskey's books to Jill some months ago, but they can be quite lengthy, and they are not exactly action-packed. &nbsp;The stories rely heavily on McCloskey's simple and beautiful artwork.<br /><br />At very nearly three years old, she loves these books now and sits through them regularly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0UwJe01ohc/UzwVP1k-5KI/AAAAAAAAHUU/TQCXskeADgA/s1600/blueberriesforsal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0UwJe01ohc/UzwVP1k-5KI/AAAAAAAAHUU/TQCXskeADgA/s1600/blueberriesforsal.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670175919/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0670175919&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Blueberries for Sal&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;would be the exception. &nbsp;Jill has been sitting through this tale for quite awhile and it is definitely filled with intense drama. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFmALqcJ8N8/UzwYcy19PkI/AAAAAAAAHUw/mwGIKbpT7fY/s1600/blueberries-for-sal+with+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFmALqcJ8N8/UzwYcy19PkI/AAAAAAAAHUw/mwGIKbpT7fY/s1600/blueberries-for-sal+with+bear.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div><br />Maybe it's just me, but if I mislaid a child and saw bears in the area, I would have a complete freak out. &nbsp;<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_McCloskey">Not so with Sal's mama who is based on McCloskey's wife. &nbsp;Yes, you guessed it, McCloskey's eldest daughter is named Sally and was the inspiration for the precocious Sal.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoSMdUT1Ir0/UzwWZ_ze9hI/AAAAAAAAHUc/HqIkxgKSWSc/s1600/blueberries_canning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoSMdUT1Ir0/UzwWZ_ze9hI/AAAAAAAAHUc/HqIkxgKSWSc/s1600/blueberries_canning.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div><br />I think the end pages in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670175919/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0670175919&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Blueberries for Sal&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;might be my all-time favorite McCloskey illustrations. &nbsp;Sal is spot on, but if I were canning blueberries (which are in season in August around here) I'd be sweating profusely, and I'd ditch the long sleeves. &nbsp;It must be much cooler in Maine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6IMuRdJdEs/UzwWt6ZE6LI/AAAAAAAAHUk/fHvHjLju4xA/s1600/onemorninginmaine.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V6IMuRdJdEs/UzwWt6ZE6LI/AAAAAAAAHUk/fHvHjLju4xA/s1600/onemorninginmaine.gif" height="320" width="254" /></a></div><br />I recently realized out that&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140501746/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0140501746&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">One Morning in Maine</a>&nbsp;is about the same Sal and her little sister, Jane <a href="about:invalid#zClosurez">(Jane happens to be the name and inspiration of McCloskey's younger daughter).</a><br /><br />Imagine living on the coast and sending your spouse to go "dig up some clams for our lunch, honey." <br /><br />Again, Sal has a near-death experience (almost falling into the ocean where there are SEALS!), and no one finds out about it. <br /><br />On second thought, forget the clams. &nbsp;Sometimes, it's okay to be landlocked.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fbxrKJalTc/UzwY0mDwKFI/AAAAAAAAHU4/PRUz6-fyzVM/s1600/one+morning+in+maine+toothpaste.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fbxrKJalTc/UzwY0mDwKFI/AAAAAAAAHU4/PRUz6-fyzVM/s1600/one+morning+in+maine+toothpaste.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div><br />Jill loves the big-sisterly-ness in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140501746/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0140501746&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">One Morning in Maine</a>, though she is quite nervous about losing her teeth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wHasT6PXH0/Uzw1XybmOGI/AAAAAAAAHVI/QTX-szpUGPA/s1600/homer-price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wHasT6PXH0/Uzw1XybmOGI/AAAAAAAAHVI/QTX-szpUGPA/s1600/homer-price.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div><br />Edmund is about to begin&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142404152/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0142404152&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Homer Price</a>. &nbsp;I read it...what...thirty years ago, and have no memory of it, but it's part of the <a href="http://fiveinarow.com/beyond-five-in-a-row/">Beyond Five In A Row</a> curriculum that we are dabbling in. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZov8BaOv9U/Uzw1pNF2ZjI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/-UzgoxXf39E/s1600/robinsoncrusoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZov8BaOv9U/Uzw1pNF2ZjI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/-UzgoxXf39E/s1600/robinsoncrusoe.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div><br />He is very near the end of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599151804/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1599151804&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Robinson Crusoe Written Anew for Children (Yesterday's Classics)</a>&nbsp;which he got for Christmas from his Nana. &nbsp;This version of Robinson Crusoe isn't really abridged, just adapted. <br /><br />Edmund has been fascinated from the get-go. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/03/7-quick-takes-third-friday-in-lent.html">His love of survivor stories and wilderness adventures </a>is sated by this edition of the age-old classic.<br /><br />He recently wrote a paper on "Why I Would Not Want to Be Robinson Crusoe" which focused mainly on loneliness and the absence of family, but I was surprised at how concerned he is by the lack of medical care. He is convinced that Robinson should have died from illness or injury by now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2imO9BEg2g0/Uzw3ZQLvDtI/AAAAAAAAHVc/Ot0IpX8mMW8/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2imO9BEg2g0/Uzw3ZQLvDtI/AAAAAAAAHVc/Ot0IpX8mMW8/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="390402"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=390402" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/04/wwrw-robert-mccloskey.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-4410439429316928953Fri, 28 Mar 2014 20:19:00 +00002014-03-28T13:19:23.896-07:00EasterEdmundFashionJillLucymoviesnonsensePetershoppingSusan7QT A Week in Review1. &nbsp;Saturday<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE0uk9FYsr4/UzVvFEK3AAI/AAAAAAAAHQg/5vUgJG5ivsw/s1600/JimGaffiganandus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AE0uk9FYsr4/UzVvFEK3AAI/AAAAAAAAHQg/5vUgJG5ivsw/s1600/JimGaffiganandus.jpg" /></a></div><br />We got to see Jim Gaffigan's show and spend some time with him backstage. &nbsp;You can see that his baby bump rivals mine.<br /><br />2. Sunday<br /><br />We watched a Family Movie chosen from Netflix based on the number of stars it got.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldd-8rVs45E/UzVvjoRxXrI/AAAAAAAAHQo/8eIxebrxVI8/s1600/kontiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ldd-8rVs45E/UzVvjoRxXrI/AAAAAAAAHQo/8eIxebrxVI8/s1600/kontiki.jpg" height="174" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1613750/">Kon Tiki</a> did not disappoint. &nbsp;Patrick and I had both read children's versions of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=kon%20tiki&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;sprefix=kon%20tiki%2Caps%2C170&amp;tag=housewifespic-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks" target="_blank">Thor Heyerdahl's Kon Tiki</a>&nbsp;when we were kids, so we&nbsp;were familiar with the historic adventure from Peru to Polynesia.<br /><br />Edmund enjoyed it too, thank goodness, because we were aiming to please the 11 yo old boy demographic.<br /><br />3. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97V0IQ7aajI/UzVwf7bxq3I/AAAAAAAAHQ0/h5J7xLqP0FE/s1600/floradix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-97V0IQ7aajI/UzVwf7bxq3I/AAAAAAAAHQ0/h5J7xLqP0FE/s1600/floradix.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday, I got a call from my midwives. &nbsp;No gestational diabetes, but a little on the anemic side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew. &nbsp;I'm not just a lazy sack of trash. &nbsp;I'm not just old and pregnant. &nbsp;I'm old, pregnant, and have low red blood cell count! &nbsp;I can change one of those things!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got this stuff for a small fortune at a health food store. &nbsp;The bottle is hard to open and I spilled a few drops yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shoo-Wee! &nbsp;That stuff smells like rusty nail water. &nbsp;It tastes slightly better though. I expect to have massive increased energy levels a n y m i n u t e n o w.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. &nbsp;Tuesday was the Feast of the Annunciation. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYvKm4NQsps/UzVxnMa9i5I/AAAAAAAAHQ8/_NSP-7ICX3s/s1600/annunciation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYvKm4NQsps/UzVxnMa9i5I/AAAAAAAAHQ8/_NSP-7ICX3s/s1600/annunciation.jpg" height="337" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of these big Catholic vocabulary words can be very confusing, so I made a matching game for Edmund.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I printed pictures of famous artworks such as the Annunciation above, the Assumption, the Immaculate Conception, the Nativity, the Epiphany, the Presentation, the Baptism of the Lord, the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, the Assumption, and a few others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I printed the words in a big, nice-yet-easy-to-read font. &nbsp;Cut the words out let him match them up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's pretty darn near impossible to find a picture of the Incarnation that is not the Annunciation or the Nativity.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWE1M1xovVI/UzVzYHypxcI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/KzY7SIpAHT4/s1600/incarnation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWE1M1xovVI/UzVzYHypxcI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/KzY7SIpAHT4/s1600/incarnation.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used this one, which is sort of cheesy, and maybe confusing. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuZP2iJt8JM/UzVzlowNxRI/AAAAAAAAHRY/BDnykTfyz80/s1600/immaculateconception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuZP2iJt8JM/UzVzlowNxRI/AAAAAAAAHRY/BDnykTfyz80/s1600/immaculateconception.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was hoping there would be a picture of Jesus appearing somewhere, saying, "I am the Word Incarnate." Sort of laying it all out there for us, the way Mary did at Lourdes when she said, "I am the Immaculate Conception." &nbsp;But I couldn't find one. &nbsp;If you know of one, please share!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. &nbsp;Wednesday, I decided to go ahead and put away my three maternity sweaters, because the sight of them is mucho depressing. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also got out all of Jill's summer clothes because, gosh darn it, is supposed to be SPRING! I refuse to let the weather man dictate what we will or will not wear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I even cleaned out the front hall closet AND I put all of the snow pants in the basement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I know I have cursed Chicagoland with more snow as a result of my actions, but on the plus side, Jill has at least three potential Easter dresses. &nbsp;Scroll to QT 7 to see one of them in action during our Easter dress photo shoot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. &nbsp;My high-schoolers have been on Spring Break this week. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnXpmvpwMM4/UzV2vZRwMuI/AAAAAAAAHRk/aZY9jCkX5v4/s1600/KevinatWDW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HnXpmvpwMM4/UzV2vZRwMuI/AAAAAAAAHRk/aZY9jCkX5v4/s1600/KevinatWDW.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter is on the left. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Peter got to go on a self-paid trip to Walt Disney World with his baseball team. &nbsp;Susan and Lucy got to help me catch up on laundry and clean out that front hall closet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had been planning to take everyone out for breakfast yesterday, but middle of the night stomach flu hit Jill, so we were in no shape to go anywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miracle No. 1: &nbsp;She had to go potty right when she got sick, so she was already near the toilet! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miracle No. 2: &nbsp;She seemed fine all day, and no one else seems to have caught the bug.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She is feeling 100% again and was deee-lighted when this adorable pillow doll of her patron saint came in the mail from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WaltzingM?ref=ss_profile">WaltzingM</a>. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXZqWQVLUWg/UzXYM2ORPlI/AAAAAAAAHTo/5ySa9A94FYU/s1600/st.josephinepillowdoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXZqWQVLUWg/UzXYM2ORPlI/AAAAAAAAHTo/5ySa9A94FYU/s1600/st.josephinepillowdoll.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.waltzingm.com/">Charlotte</a> sells both the finished saint dolls, or the doll kits for crafty peeps. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. &nbsp;Today, I made up for yesterday by taking the big girls out to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen (fish tacos for me, shrimp fettuccine for them), and on an epic shopping adventure. &nbsp;We were very happy that Patrick was able to work from home today. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edmund only called me three times while we were out, twice about history, once about math. He is not on Spring Break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGV4amgVMpQ/UzXUy1mjccI/AAAAAAAAHTI/SYrSg4iy4L0/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGV4amgVMpQ/UzXUy1mjccI/AAAAAAAAHTI/SYrSg4iy4L0/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.dressbarn.com/?cid=ppc:google:Brand_G_TM::TM_Core_Exact:dressbarn&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ppc&amp;utm_campaign=Brand_G_TM&amp;utm_term=dressbarn">Dress Barn</a>&nbsp;near me that we have never ventured into. &nbsp;I looked at their stuff online with Susan and Lucy the other night and we were BLOWN AWAY by their selection of adorable yet modest dresses that are reasonably priced. &nbsp;I signed up for emails to get a 20% off coupon and with the "buy 2 dresses, get $10 off sale" we scored big time in the dress department today.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmykOuw1T1c/UzXUykkskgI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/ipr_w4vyOVE/s1600/IMG_7087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vmykOuw1T1c/UzXUykkskgI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/ipr_w4vyOVE/s1600/IMG_7087.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too bad you can't see her coral wedges that match perfectly.</td></tr></tbody></table>Patrick might not think they need two dresses each, but we have the Easter triduum, Lucy has a Spring Dance, plus there's Peter's graduation, my brother Peter's wedding and rehearsal dinner, and a summer baptism coming up. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJpgkH0lIts/UzXU2h02axI/AAAAAAAAHTc/3mzbv3h53qg/s1600/IMG_7098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJpgkH0lIts/UzXU2h02axI/AAAAAAAAHTc/3mzbv3h53qg/s1600/IMG_7098.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Each of these dresses was near or less than $40. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B6EUVfK7DQ/UzXUywYOXdI/AAAAAAAAHTM/BPj-phmQLG0/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B6EUVfK7DQ/UzXUywYOXdI/AAAAAAAAHTM/BPj-phmQLG0/s1600/IMG_7095.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is actually from Kohl's, but it was also under $40 with my 20% off coupon last weekend.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plus, we figured out their sizes so we can take advantage of the much larger selection online, in case someone happens to need this one, which fit either of them perfectly, but only came in beige (yuck) in the store:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AXDpKtojIE/UzXPTDzZLcI/AAAAAAAAHSs/AtfB-m6W7ws/s1600/houndstoothdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AXDpKtojIE/UzXPTDzZLcI/AAAAAAAAHSs/AtfB-m6W7ws/s1600/houndstoothdress.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both retro and classic. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or this one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPp6Q2E7byc/UzXRAbwHQII/AAAAAAAAHS4/pPaLI8dmeWs/s1600/polkadotdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPp6Q2E7byc/UzXRAbwHQII/AAAAAAAAHS4/pPaLI8dmeWs/s1600/polkadotdress.jpg" height="640" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.dressbarn.com/detail/belted-polka-dot-dress/101769666/400">website tells you </a>what size the model is wearing AND how tall they are! &nbsp;It's nice to know that this model is 5'10" so this dress won't be shockingly short on my 5'9" daughter. &nbsp;Lucy wears the petite sizes because she did not get the amazon genes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We loved lots of the colorful dresses. &nbsp;Is it just me or does LOFT only sell clothes in gray, ecru and skin color lately? &nbsp;The girls appreciated that <a href="http://www.dressbarn.com/">Dress Barn</a> is arranged by color. &nbsp;Don't look good in orange? Just move away from the orange section. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Patrick's aunt used to be a buyer for <a href="http://www.dressbarn.com/">Dress Barn</a>. Susan and Lucy were wondering just how does one become a buyer for a store like that, and wouldn't that be a dream job? &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes. &nbsp;Yes, it would.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/03/7-quick-takes-on-a-plane.html">the cool kids at Conversion Diary</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/7qt-week-in-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-5468586766021378417Wed, 26 Mar 2014 12:46:00 +00002014-03-26T05:46:06.509-07:00booksbooks for boysbooks for girlsNewberysWWRWWWRW - Newberys! and The.One.Thing. I Can't Abide in Children's Literature<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/02/wwrw-house-of-tailors.html">After I read (and reviewed) House of Tailors by Patricia Reilly Giff a few weeks ago,</a> I vowed to read everything she ever wrote. I am so happy I did, because&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440414539/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0440414539&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Lily's Crossing</a>&nbsp;is another home-run and a Newbery Honor book too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMoWNaBBRyg/UzIrekBdqSI/AAAAAAAAHPE/cNJjlGtyxbE/s1600/lily'scrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMoWNaBBRyg/UzIrekBdqSI/AAAAAAAAHPE/cNJjlGtyxbE/s1600/lily'scrossing.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440414539/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0440414539&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Lily's Crossing</a>&nbsp;is set in the US during WWII (my most preferred historical time period). Lily's mother died when she was little, and she soon discovers that her beloved Poppy must leave for Europe. &nbsp;She and her grandmother are spending the summer in Rockaway, New Jersey where her best friend, Margaret lives BUT Margaret has to move away with her family to a town near a munitions factory. &nbsp;Not only that, BUT Margaret's brother, Eddie is missing-in-action as thousands of our boys are being gunned down on the Normandy beaches.That leaves Albert, refugee from Hungary, to be Lily's companion this summer.<br /><br />Lily has a lot of flaws. &nbsp;I love a good flawed protagonist. &nbsp;Lily is impetuous and foolhardy and selfish at times, but it's the lying that's going to get her in big trouble. At least, that's what I read on the dust jacket. &nbsp;I'm not exactly finished yet, and this post can't wait til Thursday. &nbsp;Art imitates life and actions have consequences, so it is only fitting that telling whoppers is going to have some big impact on Lily. <br /><br />Bonus! &nbsp;Lily is Catholic! &nbsp;And so is her grandmother. &nbsp;When the news comes that Eddie is missing, the whole town up and heads to the church where Father says an impromptu Mass for Eddie. &nbsp;Poor Lily. &nbsp;The church is very warm, and she is very thirsty. &nbsp;Try as she might to pray for Eddie, Poppy, and Albert's little sister who got left behind in Occupied France, she just can't stop think about orange pop, or a nice juicy peach. &nbsp;I see an awful lot of my contemporary self in Lily. <br /><br />I believe that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440414539/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0440414539&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Lily's Crossing</a>&nbsp;is appropriate for any competent reader.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t7k7RSveFI/UzIt6LNCC2I/AAAAAAAAHPM/o8ePoBzTkTI/s1600/onecamehome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8t7k7RSveFI/UzIt6LNCC2I/AAAAAAAAHPM/o8ePoBzTkTI/s1600/onecamehome.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375873457/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375873457&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">One Came Home</a>&nbsp;by Amy Timberlake is one of this year's Newbery Honor books and I very much enjoyed it despite the somewhat gory description of a corpse in the first chapter. &nbsp;If I hadn't been watching Walking Dead (thanks a lot Cari, and Bonnie), I probably wouldn't have been able to so vividly visualize the bits and pieces that the Burkhardt family buries.<br /><br />They believe they have found the remains of beloved first-born Agatha, older sister of Georgina (Georgie). &nbsp;Georgie does not believe this. &nbsp;She *knows* that this cannot be the body of her sister, who is so full of life and spunk and soul. &nbsp;So she sets out to prove it.<br /><br />Agatha ran away a few weeks ago, after Georgie had spoiled her engagement to the wealthy (and old) hotel owner by telling him she had seen Agatha kissing Billy McCabe. Surprisingly, Billy accompanies Georgie on her quest for truth and together they leave town in the middle of the night to follow Agatha's trail.<br /><br />It's a terrific mystery story with adventure, romance, and danger. &nbsp;Georgie, at thirteen years old, is the best marksman in the town, a skill that comes in handy as she faces a cougar and a gang of dangerous counterfeiters. <br /><br />Timberlake chose to set this epic against the backdrop of the actual passenger pigeon nesting that actually took place in 1871 near Placid, Wisconsin. &nbsp;Passenger pigeons are now extinct, and I had no knowledge of their nesting habits, or the wealth they brought to the pigeoners who hunted them, and the towns that benefitted from the influx of pigeoners.<br /><br />Also, I had no idea that the same days (also in 1871) that the historic Great Chicago Fire raged, there was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshtigo_Fire">an even greater firestorm that "caused the most deaths by fire in United States history"</a> just north of the border in Wisconsin. <br /><br />Georgie finds Billy McCabe to be extremely attractive, and does enjoy watching him with his shirt off. &nbsp;She even proposes marriage to him at one point, but she is only thirteen and her behavior is more embarrassing than objectionable. <br /><br />Still, the subject matter of the mistaken identity of the corpse and the violence (Billy gets badly beaten by a villain, but Georgie shoots off the bad guy's thumb) makes me reserve <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375873457/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375873457&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">One Came Home</a>&nbsp;for the middle-school and up crowd.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lEe7c_aVTw/UzI0RcGfZ5I/AAAAAAAAHPc/xf07UlgXiac/s1600/floraandulysses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lEe7c_aVTw/UzI0RcGfZ5I/AAAAAAAAHPc/xf07UlgXiac/s1600/floraandulysses.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076366040X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=076366040X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures</a>&nbsp;by Kate diCamillo is the winner of this year's Newbery prize. With it's unique blend of graphic novel and regular text, coupled with the plot twist that a squirrel becomes a real comic-book style superhero, it's not hard to see why this book is winning awards left and right.<br /><br />But I, personally, didn't like it. &nbsp;I don't care for anthropomorphism (though I do love to say "anthropomorphism"), but it was more than that. <br /><br />Flora's mother is a chain-smoking, cheap-paperback-romance-writing, divorcee who says some terrible things to Flora. &nbsp;One can deduce that Flora's parents marriage failed because of her mother's shallow romantical ideas, that are only realized in the supermarket novella, not to mention her complete narcissism. Being a mother, this character really bothered me.<br /><br />But it's more than that, too.<br /><br />There was a little bit about possession. &nbsp;The demonic kind. &nbsp;Not a lot. &nbsp;I don't even think the word "demonic" was ever used. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QXp1wOVZo/UzLJfAme-yI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/bAVDFIpQE0k/s1600/smokeyread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QXp1wOVZo/UzLJfAme-yI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/bAVDFIpQE0k/s1600/smokeyread.jpg" height="400" width="376" /></a></div><br /><b>My Big Statement About Why I Can't Abide Possession or Mentions of It in Children's Literature</b><br /><br />Possession is The.One.Thing. I am very cautious of when it comes to children.<br /><br />Someone once (without our knowledge or permission) innocently showed one of my children a clip from a movie that was very well-reviewed from a Catholic perspective that happened to be about possession and exorcism. &nbsp;I think it was from the "Exorcism of Emily Rose" and the clip was maybe on YouTube? &nbsp;My child suffered from that exposure for months. <br /><br />She was plagued with terrors. &nbsp;She was afraid to be left alone. &nbsp;She thought she heard voices. <br /><br />First, fearing anxiety issues, I called our family physician, but he referred me to a higher authority.<br /><br />We took her to priests. &nbsp;She went to confession. &nbsp;She had the Anointing of the Sick. She carried Holy Water with her and wore blessed holy medals. &nbsp;Our pastor gave her a relic of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. &nbsp;Another priest friend of ours gave her an icon of St. Michael to hang over her bed. &nbsp;We had lots of people praying for her.<br /><br />And in time, with the grace of God, she recovered. <br /><br />I would never wish that on any child (or parent). <br /><br />Obviously, her exposure to the idea of demonic possession was much more intense than reading about some children's book characters wondering if they are dealing with a possessed squirrel, but we are extra cautious about that type of thing around here.<br /><br /><b>End Rant.</b><br /><b><br /></b>Whelp, according to Amazon this book is meant for Grades 3-7, and I'm certain that most kids would not have any problems with the tiny part about possession, but it "bears" reapeating:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QXp1wOVZo/UzLJfAme-yI/AAAAAAAAHQU/yTzAjknlLZs/s1600/smokeyread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3QXp1wOVZo/UzLJfAme-yI/AAAAAAAAHQU/yTzAjknlLZs/s1600/smokeyread.jpg" height="400" width="376" /></a></div><br />I have issues with Newbery Honor book&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963987/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1416963987&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Doll Bones</a>&nbsp;by Holly Black for the same reason.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92kEzZtq6EY/UzI4R6_4FdI/AAAAAAAAHPo/g_nB9cNH0fs/s1600/dollbones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92kEzZtq6EY/UzI4R6_4FdI/AAAAAAAAHPo/g_nB9cNH0fs/s1600/dollbones.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416963987/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1416963987&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Doll Bones</a>&nbsp;is a coming-of-age story. &nbsp;A trio of friends that plays this on-going highly imaginative game, with all sorts of action figures and toys, is growing up. &nbsp;They decide to go on one last quest, but this time they are going on a REAL quest.<br /><br />The quest is to bury this creepy antique doll in an empty grave a few towns away. <br /><br />How do they get the idea for this? &nbsp;Creepy Doll told one of the girls in her DREAMS that she was never laid to rest (buried) but rather her father used her bones to make the bone china that Creepy Doll is made of. Not only that, but the inside Creepy Doll is a drawstring bag with someone's cremated remains! <br /><br />They set off on their quest, and "someone" tears apart their campsite the very first night. &nbsp;Was it raccoons? Or was it Creepy Doll?<br /><br />Everywhere they go, the adults they encounter refer to an extra person with them, a blonde girl....Creepy Doll's original form?<br /><br />The main character wonders if the doll is possessed, if his friend with the dreams is possessed, if he is possessed after he has a dream. &nbsp;There's a lot more possession discussion in this book than in <b><i>Flora and Ulyssess</i></b>.<br /><br />Holly Black is a masterful story teller, and I do like a good ghost story...but the possession thing, thatza-no-good for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_vLqfvYjlo/UzI6TZG3pLI/AAAAAAAAHPw/JRlBEQ5KQZg/s1600/paperboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_vLqfvYjlo/UzI6TZG3pLI/AAAAAAAAHPw/JRlBEQ5KQZg/s1600/paperboy.jpg" /></a></div><br />My last Newbery review for this week is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385742444&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paperboy</a>&nbsp;by Vince Vawter.<br /><br />There is a lot to love in this book. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/217043/paperboy-by-vince-vawter">Everyone is comparing</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385742444&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paperboy</a>&nbsp; to<b><i> To Kill a Mockingbird</i></b>, because it is set in the South (Memphis) in 1959. &nbsp; Yes, it's hot.<br /><br />I kept waiting for the racism to rear it's ugly head, but&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385742444&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paperboy</a>&nbsp;isn't about racism. &nbsp;Yes, it's there, but it's not the the focus of this story.<br /><br />The focus is young Victor Vollmer, amazing baseball player, devoted friend, obedient kid, and long-suffering stutterer.<br /><br />Victor plans carefully what he is going to say just to avoid the sounds he knows will trip him up. &nbsp;The summer of our story, Victor has agreed to take on the paper route of his best friend, while his best friend is away for the summer. &nbsp;Not a big deal, except that Victor will have to speak to strangers to collect the money once a week.<br /><br />Between the sad, alcoholic, philandering housewife, the junkman who steals Victor's knife, the deaf/mute kid who watches TV all the time, and the retired merchant marine who opens up worlds of knowledge and possibility, this summer teaches Victor life lessons that cannot be learned in school.<br /><br />There is a lot of mature material in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385742444&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paperboy</a>. <br /><br />The housewife: &nbsp;She passes out more than once. &nbsp;Her housecoat is always open, and I'm not really clear as to what she may or may not be wearing underneath, but Victor is always hoping she's wearing it. &nbsp;She invites Victor into her home one night, with obviously inappropriate intentions, but passes out cold before any harm occurs. &nbsp;Victor is aware that he is not supposed to be in her house.<br /><br />The junkman: &nbsp;He steals. &nbsp;He beats up Victor's black nanny, Mam. &nbsp;He says he murdered Mam's brother. He tries to kill Mam and Victor before the book's end.<br /><br />There is some question as to whether or not Victor's father is really his father.<br /><br />Despite all that ugly stuff, I believe&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385742444/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385742444&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paperboy</a>&nbsp;is a beautiful tale of overcoming adversity, befriending the friendless, and being bigger than our shortcomings, obviously for a mature reader. <br /><br />Do not miss the Author's Note at the end of this book. &nbsp;Author, Vince Vawter and his creation, Victor Vollmer have more in common than initials. &nbsp;Vince Vawter writes about his struggles with stuttering as a child and as an adult. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlZIT-ISHHs/UzJAV_YKqoI/AAAAAAAAHQA/3LgPsHlFXfk/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlZIT-ISHHs/UzJAV_YKqoI/AAAAAAAAHQA/3LgPsHlFXfk/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><br />That's quite enough out of me, let's hear from you!<br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="387214"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=387214" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/wwrw-newberys-and-theonething-i-cant.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-8851895846791695781Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:14:00 +00002014-03-24T17:50:53.074-07:00EastershoppingEaster Basket Ideas for Everyone<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqZifsW0FuU/UzDKLud8rBI/AAAAAAAAHOw/aUrw978gfIo/s1600/easterbasketideasforeveryone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QqZifsW0FuU/UzDKLud8rBI/AAAAAAAAHOw/aUrw978gfIo/s1600/easterbasketideasforeveryone.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><br />For the younger set:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3pxS_W_3Xw/UzCt7Y0xZvI/AAAAAAAAHMI/KrXUAT0jHHw/s1600/shaker+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k3pxS_W_3Xw/UzCt7Y0xZvI/AAAAAAAAHMI/KrXUAT0jHHw/s1600/shaker+eggs.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>I recommended the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007XQXBU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0007XQXBU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Rhythm Band RB210S 12-Pack Egg Shakers</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/03/7qt-yep-still-lent.html">last year, and they were a big hit at our house</a>. I split the dozen with a cousin. Six shaker eggs is more than enough for any household.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E89wp-BOzlA/UzCuSpEvBPI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/jeHguSbLMXY/s1600/calicocritters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E89wp-BOzlA/UzCuSpEvBPI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/jeHguSbLMXY/s1600/calicocritters.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>I've been looking at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011MTFUM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0011MTFUM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Calico Critters Hopscotch Rabbit Family</a>&nbsp;for awhile now, and was thrilled to discover that Calico Critter sets are<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&amp;kw=calico032014&amp;origkw=calico032014&amp;f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2254197&amp;sr=1&amp;ppg=96"> buy one get one 50% off at Toys R Us</a> right now. &nbsp;I used my <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=yRd249n86S5JJknWf41GRA%3D%3D">eBates </a>to get a little extra cash back and avoided shipping charges by doing in-store pick-up. <br /><br />I know Target is selling a much cheaper version, but I read some <a href="http://www.toyboxphilosopher.com/2012/04/calico-critters-vs-lil-woodzeez.html">side-by-side reviews</a>, lost at least a dozen ebay auctions, and decided to invest in some new-in-box figures for Jill. &nbsp;I just know these bunnies are going to love living with the Disney princess figures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a76Bc9sWU0/UzCvu1K4HYI/AAAAAAAAHMc/sEFg6avFiz0/s1600/lilwoodzeezstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6a76Bc9sWU0/UzCvu1K4HYI/AAAAAAAAHMc/sEFg6avFiz0/s1600/lilwoodzeezstore.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Target's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z0XBY8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004Z0XBY8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Li'l Woodzeez</a>&nbsp;wins in the tiny animal buildings and accessories department though. &nbsp;At a fraction of the cost, the Li'l Woodzeez general store, bakery, cottage, and camper are every bit as good as their more expensive Calico Critter cousins. &nbsp;Jill's birthday is right around the corner!<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0_FGv_rF1w/UzCwzzGvVsI/AAAAAAAAHMk/duln1_x7vuk/s1600/scheichchicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0_FGv_rF1w/UzCwzzGvVsI/AAAAAAAAHMk/duln1_x7vuk/s1600/scheichchicks.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Schleich animals show up here for all gift occasions. &nbsp;These&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O2QW2S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001O2QW2S&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Schleich Chick</a>s look especially springy to me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW8PK1QiPcc/UzCxmpzZF_I/AAAAAAAAHMs/YhRxABkyZhc/s1600/Melissa-and-Doug-coloring-pad-collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xW8PK1QiPcc/UzCxmpzZF_I/AAAAAAAAHMs/YhRxABkyZhc/s1600/Melissa-and-Doug-coloring-pad-collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I grabbed a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RNQUSY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002RNQUSY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Melissa &amp; Doug Jumbo Coloring Pad</a>&nbsp;for Jill when she was sick a few weeks ago, and she has spent HOURS coloring in it&nbsp;with washable markers. &nbsp;The paper is perfect for markers, and the illustrations are both big enough yet detailed enough for little hands.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqwxVibNm44/UzCz-CCWUHI/AAAAAAAAHM4/VdcPa2HhyC8/s1600/dovereastercollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqwxVibNm44/UzCz-CCWUHI/AAAAAAAAHM4/VdcPa2HhyC8/s1600/dovereastercollage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I love Dover and there are a lot of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=dover%20easter&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;sprefix=dover%20easter%2Caps%2C193&amp;tag=housewifespic-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks" target="_blank">Dover Easter books</a>&nbsp;to choose from: &nbsp;stained glass books, sticker books, books of temporary tattoos, and plain ole coloring books. &nbsp;I give Dover books to all of my kids, regardless of age. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czNcRr0GmPA/UzC0wURaTKI/AAAAAAAAHNA/O8C86M6C2WQ/s1600/IMG_5853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-czNcRr0GmPA/UzC0wURaTKI/AAAAAAAAHNA/O8C86M6C2WQ/s1600/IMG_5853.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br />Even Grammy loves a temporary tattoo every now and then.<br /><br /><div><div>For teens:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5X8DYn8l_Q/UzC2KshDkvI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/XQgL_UDcrss/s1600/inconceivables1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o5X8DYn8l_Q/UzC2KshDkvI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/XQgL_UDcrss/s1600/inconceivables1.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There are so many fun mash-up tee-shirts at Tee Fury, like <a href="http://www.teefury.com/gallery/2060/The_Inconceivables/">this Inconceivables tee</a>. Get it? &nbsp;It's The Incredibles but with the Princess Bride characters? &nbsp;Brilliant.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GCIXqsbxmw/UzC20Ny0ZwI/AAAAAAAAHNY/NYakxKkWKMU/s1600/eoslipbalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GCIXqsbxmw/UzC20Ny0ZwI/AAAAAAAAHNY/NYakxKkWKMU/s1600/eoslipbalm.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div>An egg shaped lip balm? &nbsp;Perfect. &nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009QTDYYA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B009QTDYYA&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">eos Organic Smooth Sphere Lip Balm (5 Pack)</a>&nbsp;is available through my affiliate link right there, or at your local Costco.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMIN-3xrNeI/UzC3oLi65_I/AAAAAAAAHNg/AxWxJmZ1uXA/s1600/starbucksviavanillalatte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMIN-3xrNeI/UzC3oLi65_I/AAAAAAAAHNg/AxWxJmZ1uXA/s1600/starbucksviavanillalatte.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Santa put some peppermint VIA packs in the stockings of my three high-schoolers, and they got some clearanced pumpkin spice VIA packs for St. Valentine's Day. &nbsp;Nothing brightens a teenager's day like a latte on the way to school. &nbsp;I know, because they label their packs with sharpie and NO ONE had better mess with them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkqCHK6dkMA/UzC5Q9ywvjI/AAAAAAAAHNs/UKCL_MnNKHQ/s1600/Starbucks-VIA-%E2%80%93-Iced-Caramel-Coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkqCHK6dkMA/UzC5Q9ywvjI/AAAAAAAAHNs/UKCL_MnNKHQ/s1600/Starbucks-VIA-%E2%80%93-Iced-Caramel-Coffee.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div><br />For Easter, they might be getting the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I3BVO0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00I3BVO0I&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Starbucks VIA Latte - Vanilla Latte (5 Single Serve Packets)</a>, or I might switch to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A1P3SWQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00A1P3SWQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Starbucks Via Ready Brew Iced Caramel Flavored Coffee</a>&nbsp;in hopes that warmer temps are coming soon.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For boys:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLZuQvzXMt8/UzC6Bo8po9I/AAAAAAAAHN0/-cfwx0b15Ow/s1600/ammo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yLZuQvzXMt8/UzC6Bo8po9I/AAAAAAAAHN0/-cfwx0b15Ow/s1600/ammo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>We are perpetually short on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HWPG5A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000HWPG5A&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">AirSoft ammo</a>, loads of weapons, no ammo. &nbsp;Edmund will be thrilled to be able to reload once again. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cS5XI9sEbM/UzC7ba2Fj4I/AAAAAAAAHOA/m3TVDD5vZTc/s1600/PaperTargetStand_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cS5XI9sEbM/UzC7ba2Fj4I/AAAAAAAAHOA/m3TVDD5vZTc/s1600/PaperTargetStand_WEB.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />He's also getting some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00066ZXO6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00066ZXO6&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Paper Targets</a>&nbsp;because some thoughtful person (me) gave him <a href="http://www.jmcremps.com/Allen-Paper-Target-Stand/productinfo/12612/#.UzC7cvldUxE">this paper target stand</a>&nbsp;for his birthday, that did not include any actual targets!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTPmfJqH7hg/UzC70swSlMI/AAAAAAAAHOI/_5e2QIWzyDM/s1600/homer-simpson-doh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTPmfJqH7hg/UzC70swSlMI/AAAAAAAAHOI/_5e2QIWzyDM/s1600/homer-simpson-doh.gif" /></a></div><br />The boys in this house are also getting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M4Y476/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B008M4Y476&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">batting gloves</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8ZAHOQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00A8ZAHOQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">golf gloves</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BF8NSM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003BF8NSM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">golf balls</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015CFUZW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0015CFUZW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">baseballs</a>, and maybe a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00263V83C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00263V83C&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">pitchback</a>&nbsp;for practice.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4VGkRZcnLQ/UzDDSaeyN1I/AAAAAAAAHOY/5BUVEXO9pk0/s1600/baseball-pitchback-practice-net-youth_320_320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y4VGkRZcnLQ/UzDDSaeyN1I/AAAAAAAAHOY/5BUVEXO9pk0/s1600/baseball-pitchback-practice-net-youth_320_320.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's kind of a big ticket item for an Easter basket, but that's what happens when your birthday is 12 days after Christmas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0y7oXiagAKQ/UzDEAqNsHGI/AAAAAAAAHOg/CsnxHgc4HnI/s1600/peeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0y7oXiagAKQ/UzDEAqNsHGI/AAAAAAAAHOg/CsnxHgc4HnI/s1600/peeps.jpg" /></a></div><br />Our baskets will also have the obligatory chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and Peeps. Always gotta have the Peeps. &nbsp;My kids don't even like them, so that means they are ALL for ME! &nbsp;Bwah-ha-ha!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/easter-basket-ideas-for-everyone.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-2229122899058870101Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:51:00 +00002014-03-21T05:51:34.917-07:00EdmundFashiongardeningPeterSt. Jude's School for Kids Who Want to Read Good and Do Other Stuff Good Too7QT-Actually quick ones this time!1. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj53nMez0g8/Uyws5Xx2MpI/AAAAAAAAHKg/whGmiS26D04/s1600/fbinsult.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj53nMez0g8/Uyws5Xx2MpI/AAAAAAAAHKg/whGmiS26D04/s1600/fbinsult.JPG" height="96" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. &nbsp;Speaking of big, if you're large and in charge, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/merona-maternity-elbow-sleeve-lace-overlay-dress-black/-/A-14694621#prodSlot=large_2_27">this fancy dress from Tarjay</a>&nbsp;(online only)&nbsp;is the nicest tent I've seen for pregnant ladies who might have to go somewhere formal. &nbsp;We have a benefit and bunch of high school graduation stuff coming up. &nbsp;I will be wearing this for the next three months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTfU94G4wTA/UywtxdJk1BI/AAAAAAAAHKo/U50h-PoNmEw/s1600/lacematernity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTfU94G4wTA/UywtxdJk1BI/AAAAAAAAHKo/U50h-PoNmEw/s1600/lacematernity.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Black lace is totally fine on Easter, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuPz7Id729s/UywvJhawcRI/AAAAAAAAHK0/M0cBN5-OlxE/s1600/Sheddcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuPz7Id729s/UywvJhawcRI/AAAAAAAAHK0/M0cBN5-OlxE/s1600/Sheddcollage.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/10/seven-quick-takes-feast-of-st-jude-and.html">St. Jude's School for Kids Who Want to Read Good and Do Other Things Good Too</a> had a field trip to the <a href="http://www.sheddaquarium.org/">Shedd Aquarium</a> this week. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We saw the dolphin/beluga/sea lion show. &nbsp;Throughout the show Jill loudly queried, "Does this turn into a mermaid?" &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I whispered to her that mermaids aren't real, and she retorted, "They're real when they talk!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. &nbsp;I can't decide if I liked the seahorses or the jellyfish better. &nbsp;Probably seahorses, <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501125451.htm">because male seahorses carry their unborn and give birth</a>, and because of this awesomeness:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcU3YvSCVb4/UywwY6izq0I/AAAAAAAAHK8/g67hVfno3d4/s1600/napoleondynamiteseahorses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcU3YvSCVb4/UywwY6izq0I/AAAAAAAAHK8/g67hVfno3d4/s1600/napoleondynamiteseahorses.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. &nbsp;St. Jude's also started seeds this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxEv6S6I1zU/Uywz5xr7aMI/AAAAAAAAHLg/HoFkboWcQLg/s1600/stclaresseeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxEv6S6I1zU/Uywz5xr7aMI/AAAAAAAAHLg/HoFkboWcQLg/s1600/stclaresseeds.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our seeds, but we did order a lot.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We ordered a bajillion <a href="http://www.stclareseeds.com/">non-GMO seeds from St. Clare Heirloom Seeds</a>. &nbsp;This week we are starting tomatoes, green (sweet for Chicagoans) peppers, and jalapenos.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuboJmh_p5M/UywzbuABx_I/AAAAAAAAHLQ/ula-fHEhbFs/s1600/emerald+giant+sweet+pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuboJmh_p5M/UywzbuABx_I/AAAAAAAAHLQ/ula-fHEhbFs/s1600/emerald+giant+sweet+pepper.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pepper seeds, both sweet and hot, had to be soaked for some time before planting. &nbsp;Well, they sorta got soaked in the same container.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVEJwW_VRfU/UywzhXnuuxI/AAAAAAAAHLY/fsiahSkOIFc/s1600/jalapeno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVEJwW_VRfU/UywzhXnuuxI/AAAAAAAAHLY/fsiahSkOIFc/s1600/jalapeno.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not that concerned. &nbsp;Come harvest time (if we make it that far), I think I can tell the difference between a green pepper and a jalapeno.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiQmiaChgo8/UywzXcUsYKI/AAAAAAAAHLM/PR8iE3FCFE4/s1600/Newyorkertomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eiQmiaChgo8/UywzXcUsYKI/AAAAAAAAHLM/PR8iE3FCFE4/s1600/Newyorkertomatoes.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, Edmund was given instructions to plant EIGHT tomato seeds, one in each peat pot. &nbsp;That ended up being eight tomato seeds in each peat pot. &nbsp;Oopies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiOh0co1gqc/Uyw0EoU_efI/AAAAAAAAHLo/pPOzawdEIyw/s1600/gardeningfordummies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kiOh0co1gqc/Uyw0EoU_efI/AAAAAAAAHLo/pPOzawdEIyw/s1600/gardeningfordummies.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are dealing with a huge learning curve here as Patrick, Edmund, and I read from our well-thumbed copy of Gardening for Dummies, the Interweb, and anxiously await our library hold on Square-foot Gardening to show up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zFQSjbYtg/Uyw0QpDpQ7I/AAAAAAAAHLw/zS0qLE1AMQM/s1600/seedstarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8zFQSjbYtg/Uyw0QpDpQ7I/AAAAAAAAHLw/zS0qLE1AMQM/s1600/seedstarter.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edmund left the bowl that he used to moisten the seed starter mix on the dining room table. &nbsp;Peter came home after his baseball game, and Naturally assumed that we had been making some mid-Lenten Oreo Balls and proceeded to taste the leavings. &nbsp;Serves him right after QT#1. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6jg0MXJj5o/Uyw00zzQ0II/AAAAAAAAHL4/hW-tjy-pUrw/s1600/oreoballsmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6jg0MXJj5o/Uyw00zzQ0II/AAAAAAAAHL4/hW-tjy-pUrw/s1600/oreoballsmix.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bonus QT: &nbsp;Edmund is using this garden project for a gardening merit badge for Boy Scouts. &nbsp;He has to build and maintain a compost bin for 90 days. &nbsp;Hit me with your best compost tips. &nbsp;Fire Away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Follow <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/03/1-quick-take-in-which-i-do-an-imitation-of-a-responsible-adult.html">Conversion Diary for more Friday Fast Takes</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/7qt-actually-quick-ones-this-time.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-2590713853347996981Wed, 19 Mar 2014 22:25:00 +00002014-03-19T15:25:13.093-07:00Surrender.It seems that lately whenever I go on Facebook, I come face to face with tragedy. <br /><div><br /></div><div>First, <a href="http://wgntv.com/2014/03/14/victim-funeral-while-state-police-looking-for-hit-and-run-driver/">this young man was struck down on the side of the road and killed</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I knew Emilio long, long ago, when he and Peter were on the same baseball team. &nbsp;I knew Emilio's mother, who died some years back. &nbsp;When she was here, she was always smiling and letting me know ahead of time when good sales were coming at The Children's Place where she worked. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I remember the grief I felt for a happy man and his son who lost this loving woman in their lives, and now that same man has lost his son. &nbsp;This kind of tragedy boggles the mind in its senselessness. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't even think about the fact that somewhere lives and breathes the person who drove the car in this hit-and-run. &nbsp;I can only surrender all justice and mercy to the One who is all just and all merciful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsiXfzgg1jI/UymXwNUkuWI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/JGSv1X-3c7U/s1600/Jesus+Divine+Mercy+pictures+03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsiXfzgg1jI/UymXwNUkuWI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/JGSv1X-3c7U/s1600/Jesus+Divine+Mercy+pictures+03.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then came yesterday's <a href="http://www.wyomingcatholiccollege.com/news/article/index.aspx?LinkId=175&amp;ModuleId=41#.UyjTy-QLOBo.facebook">car accident and life-flights, and the loss of two young daughters.</a> &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I have never met <a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/dc74/sean-and-becca-lewis-fund?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=fb_share_stream.share&amp;utm_campaign=BA_FBshare&amp;og_action=hug&amp;t=3&amp;fb_ref=2033935">the Lewis family</a>, but being part of the University of Dallas community guarantees that I know a fair amount of people who do know these parents and their children.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, my feeble brain cannot make sense of such events. Wildly, I start to calculate the amount of tragedy in my life and wonder why some people get far more than a fair share. <br /><br />Then I remember in this fallen world, that nothing is fair. &nbsp;Nothing can be understood, or overcome by a weak and damaged human alone. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>All that is left is surrender. &nbsp;Surrender to trusting that God IS Love. &nbsp;That God IS always with us. &nbsp;That should these senseless things happen again, and they will, God WILL be there.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6_gomk06Hc/UymXO58AKQI/AAAAAAAAHKI/TkUIyb9wqAM/s1600/divine+mercy+icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6_gomk06Hc/UymXO58AKQI/AAAAAAAAHKI/TkUIyb9wqAM/s1600/divine+mercy+icon.jpg" height="400" width="213" /></a></div><div></div><div>Times like these force one to become like the little child, trusting without understanding. &nbsp;And so we pray for the grieving, pray that they know God is with them. &nbsp;Emmanuel. <br /><br />Donations for the Lewis family can be made<a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/dc74/sean-and-becca-lewis-fund?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=fb_share_stream.share&amp;utm_campaign=BA_FBshare&amp;fb_ref=2032566"> here</a>.</div><div><br /></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/surrender.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-3172572945237635938Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:48:00 +00002014-03-20T06:41:31.282-07:00booksbooks for toddlersCaldecottfairy talesWWRWWWRW- Winners, Losers, and more WinnersBECKY HENSLER! &nbsp;C'mon on down! &nbsp;You just won a copy of <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/wwrw-books-by-bloggers-review-from.html">A Little Book about Confession for Children</a>! &nbsp;Happy St. Joseph's Day to you! &nbsp;I sent you an email asking for some info so I can send it to you. Hope you got it, let me know if you didn't.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Jill and I have been exploring fairy tales that do NOT involve princesses, mostly <b><i>Jack and the Beanstalk</i></b> and the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Elves and the Shoemaker</i>, because she was unfamiliar with those. &nbsp;We've covered <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/12/my-christmas-gift-guide.html">Little Red</a>, Goldilocks, and Hansel and Gretel.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQvRdBZhm2Y/Uyi7gO1VPkI/AAAAAAAAHIg/X2HUPdT2VV4/s1600/jackandthebeanstalkkellogg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQvRdBZhm2Y/Uyi7gO1VPkI/AAAAAAAAHIg/X2HUPdT2VV4/s1600/jackandthebeanstalkkellogg.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0688152813/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0688152813&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Jack and the Beanstalk</a>&nbsp;by Steven Kellogg is a faithful re-telling complete with a hideous boy-eating ogre (I'll crush his bones to make my bread.) and equally ugly yet merciful wife. Jack escapes with his life, a bag of coins, the hen that lays the golden eggs, and the singing harp. &nbsp;At the end of the story, he must rush to chop down the beanstalk with a hatchet, thus sending the ogre tumbling to his death, which is how I remember it. Yes, it's scary and violent, but aren't all faithful re-tellings of fairy tales scary and violent?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e3N_2mkIXY/Uyi8dF8uzXI/AAAAAAAAHIo/YF2NQuE8Ods/s1600/jackandthebeanstalkgolden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2e3N_2mkIXY/Uyi8dF8uzXI/AAAAAAAAHIo/YF2NQuE8Ods/s1600/jackandthebeanstalkgolden.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a></div><br /></div>I also took a chance on a used copy of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030730194X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=030730194X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Jack and the Beanstalk (A Little Golden Book)</a>. In this slightly toned down version, the ogre is far less frightening, some of the more archaic text is modified (Fee-fi-fo-fum! &nbsp;I smell the blood of a little one!), and the ogre just happens to fall off the beanstalk at the end, minus any hatchet-ing by Jack. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOa9MoqjY1A/Uyi-YcplRHI/AAAAAAAAHI0/pYsSDzEMgC4/s1600/elvesandtheshoemakerceck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOa9MoqjY1A/Uyi-YcplRHI/AAAAAAAAHI0/pYsSDzEMgC4/s1600/elvesandtheshoemakerceck.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402730675/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1402730675&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Elves and the Shoemaker</a>&nbsp;by John Cech and illustrated by Kirill Chelushkin was the first to arrive from the library. <br /><br />I had forgotten how beautiful the basic <b><i>Elves and the Shoemaker</i></b> storyline is, and I don't mean because the setting is a shoe store. Though I do love a nice shoe store.<br /><br />The shoemaker (always poor through no fault of his own) is secretly helped out by elves at night. &nbsp;He and his wife decide to stay up to see who their benefactor is. &nbsp;Upon seeing, the ragged or sometimes naked elves, they decide to make clothing and shoes for the poor elves. &nbsp;When the elves get their gifts, they always run off happily, but the shoemaker is successful evermore.<br /><br />Despite a sweet story, the illustrations in the Cech version were weird and confusing. Jill could not wrap her tiny brain around how the elf wearing a hat, was actually the table laden with shoemaking tools. &nbsp;I'm not sure I can either. &nbsp;Bizarre.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-It7HFuuEvEk/UyjQqDa5AHI/AAAAAAAAHJE/YNbw8t9mSrI/s1600/elvesandtheshoemakergolden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-It7HFuuEvEk/UyjQqDa5AHI/AAAAAAAAHJE/YNbw8t9mSrI/s1600/elvesandtheshoemakergolden.JPG" /></a></div><br />Ever the sucker for a Little Golden Book, I ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G5TPTM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004G5TPTM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Elves and the Shoemaker a Little Golden Book # 307-56</a>&nbsp;as well. &nbsp;Same great story, but pretty sub-par illustrations, like half melted wax figures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJGI4FcRtJs/UyjQ9MubjpI/AAAAAAAAHJM/N3GS0NLudRE/s1600/elves+and+the+shoemaker+galdone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJGI4FcRtJs/UyjQ9MubjpI/AAAAAAAAHJM/N3GS0NLudRE/s1600/elves+and+the+shoemaker+galdone.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div><br />I've learned that Paul Galdone does very authentic re-tellings. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/simchafisher/2014/03/18/cisgendered-bears-and-other-horrible-things-that-have-happened-to-my-mommy-brain/">Sometimes, too authentic for my taste. Simcha Fisher mentioned Paul Galdone recently</a>, pointing out that his work dates from the 70s. &nbsp;That might explain why his elves look a little...strange. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0899194222/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0899194222&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Elves and the Shoemaker by Paul Galdone</a>&nbsp;was again good story, but the pictures of the naked elves were odd. Apparently, these elves have nothing but smooth skin from neck to toes, like scuba suits of skin. &nbsp;I didn't say anything, but Jill brought it up. &nbsp;Galdone's version is perfectly (almost too) decent, but I think the next one is better.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_bAbWx4Ivc/UyjR8rWZvNI/AAAAAAAAHJU/BfEJx00sGXk/s1600/elvesandtheshoemaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_bAbWx4Ivc/UyjR8rWZvNI/AAAAAAAAHJU/BfEJx00sGXk/s1600/elvesandtheshoemaker.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div><br />Finally,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811834778/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0811834778&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Elves and the Shoemaker by Jacob Grimm and Jim LaMarche</a>&nbsp;met all of our high expectations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uR0MDqrKygQ/UymQ7DoR7hI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/cg-kUhN4UDM/s1600/shoemakerlamarche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uR0MDqrKygQ/UymQ7DoR7hI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/cg-kUhN4UDM/s1600/shoemakerlamarche.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you're going to get a version of this fairy tale, Jim LaMarche's illustrations are top-notch. Fourth time's a charm.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKncrzDF9kA/UyjTCCEK5GI/AAAAAAAAHJc/-YSvnplWs38/s1600/journeyaaronbecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKncrzDF9kA/UyjTCCEK5GI/AAAAAAAAHJc/-YSvnplWs38/s1600/journeyaaronbecker.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763660531/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0763660531&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Journey by Aaron Becker</a>&nbsp;is a <a href="http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/01/american-library-association-announces-2014-youth-media-award-winners">2014 Caldecott Honor book</a>. &nbsp;Jill and I have read the winner and all the honor books for this year, and in our opinions, <b><i>Journey</i></b> should have won. <br /><br /><b><i>Journey</i></b> is a wordless picture book. &nbsp;A lonely girl in a gray world finds and red marker. (Or is it a crayon? Or chalk? Jill says marker.) &nbsp;She's draws a red door to a magical world where she has adventure after adventure and befriends a magnificent purple bird. &nbsp;The bird brings her full circle, back to the gray world, where she meets a boy with a purple marker. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw9kT_3Tq0o/UyjVo9y9PsI/AAAAAAAAHJo/a6W_QRmpbdM/s1600/Journeypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zw9kT_3Tq0o/UyjVo9y9PsI/AAAAAAAAHJo/a6W_QRmpbdM/s1600/Journeypic.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div><br />Like most parents, I find that wordless picture books can be tedious if not downright exhausting. &nbsp;They demand so much of the reader. &nbsp;Upon "reading" <b><i>Journey</i></b> to Jill a few times, we discovered more and more interesting things throughout the story. &nbsp;I have no problem reading <b><i>Journey</i></b> to her, no matter how weary I am at the end of the day. &nbsp;It's that good.<br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="384799"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=384799" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/wwrw-winners-and-losers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-8801570271311687745Sat, 15 Mar 2014 23:58:00 +00002014-03-15T17:06:29.816-07:00AnnefoodPatrickSt. Patrick's DayEat This, Not That - St. Patrick's Day EditionLet's be honest. &nbsp;The Irish are not known for their fine cuisine. <br /><div><br /></div><div>They like to boil things. &nbsp;All the things. Especially cabbages.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjeW4KQyfqY/UySRJK3afhI/AAAAAAAAHHY/OmDs1WCj9s0/s1600/irishboileddinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjeW4KQyfqY/UySRJK3afhI/AAAAAAAAHHY/OmDs1WCj9s0/s1600/irishboileddinner.jpg" /></a></div><div><div>Cabbages.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I just found a new swear word.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever walked into a home (mine) after cabbage has been boiled? &nbsp;It smells like someone was boiling used hockey and soccer equipment. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know how some people (Patrick) can eat that stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ei-PV--Eo/UySPOhfKhkI/AAAAAAAAHHM/N9VV8yY3RyY/s1600/polykraut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ei-PV--Eo/UySPOhfKhkI/AAAAAAAAHHM/N9VV8yY3RyY/s1600/polykraut.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Being predominantly of Kraut descent, I prefer my cabbage pickled, aka sauerkraut. &nbsp;I prefer my green beans, herring, beets, and carrots this way too. Who doesn't like a good pickling?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div>Last year, I stumbled upon a recipe for <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/101842/roasted-cabbage-wedges.html">Oven-Roasted Cabbage</a> that changed the way we serve cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. &nbsp;It's easy, delicious, and more healthful. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCArBUrdwRs/UyTnVTD6NcI/AAAAAAAAHII/S5o84lgmqSM/s1600/suckedoneyearofyourlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCArBUrdwRs/UyTnVTD6NcI/AAAAAAAAHII/S5o84lgmqSM/s1600/suckedoneyearofyourlife.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have no studies to back up that last claim, but boiling vegetables sucks out a lot of their nutritional value, whereas baking or roasting doesn't. &nbsp;I can only assume that this would apply to cabbages too.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, oven-roasted cabbage tastes pretty good, so you (Patrick) don't need to drown it in melted butter to make it palatable, also making it better for you. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk05BoYQtso/UyTnhRVO33I/AAAAAAAAHIQ/wgXCc0VG5tU/s1600/ovenroastedcabbage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk05BoYQtso/UyTnhRVO33I/AAAAAAAAHIQ/wgXCc0VG5tU/s1600/ovenroastedcabbage.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are lots of recipes on the web for Oven-Roasted Cabbage and I'm sure all of them taste better than boiled cabbage. I used <a href="http://www.grouprecipes.com/101842/roasted-cabbage-wedges.html">this recipe </a>which is the same as the one that was published in the <a href="http://www.cookscountry.com/">Cook's Country Oct/Nov 2009 issue</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some genius made a little five minute video of how to make oven-roasted cabbage for your St. Patrick's Day viewing pleasure:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/ihEI-42tXfE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ihEI-42tXfE&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/ihEI-42tXfE&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>I have posted <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/03/7-quick-takes-fourth-friday-in-lent.html">my manifesto on Irish Soda Bread before</a>. &nbsp;If you'd like a recipe for truly delicious Irish Soda Bread that I got from a German relative (thank you, Aunt Deb!), that tastes nothing like authentic Irish Soda Bread, but more like Flour-and-Buttermilk-and-Sugar-Make-Heaven-on-Earth, click <a href="http://potsandpeterpans.blogspot.com/2011/03/really-good-irish-soda-bread.html">here</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm895sUa8Aw/UyThEuMzwKI/AAAAAAAAHHo/_9utyjKok3k/s1600/leekpotatosoupandirishsodabread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm895sUa8Aw/UyThEuMzwKI/AAAAAAAAHHo/_9utyjKok3k/s1600/leekpotatosoupandirishsodabread.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Deb's Irish Soda Bread and Anne's Leek Potato Soup</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Looking for <a href="http://www.bazinchronicles.com/2013/08/mystery-ingredient-monday-leeks.html">a solid Leek and Potato Soup recipe? &nbsp;My sister-blogger Anne has you covered.</a> &nbsp;<a href="http://www.bazinchronicles.com/2013/07/mystery-ingredient-monday-wine.html">She also has a solid Irish Beef Stew recipe.</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aojFY_I2_yY/UyTiaBgjdTI/AAAAAAAAHH0/5k8PbhdR7pc/s1600/tony-cachere-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aojFY_I2_yY/UyTiaBgjdTI/AAAAAAAAHH0/5k8PbhdR7pc/s1600/tony-cachere-photo.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On Monday, we'll be having the oven-roasted cabbage with <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooked-corned-beef-for-sandwiches/">corned beef from the slow cooker</a>&nbsp;and the obligatory potatoes, most likely mashed with <a href="http://www.tonychachere.com/">Tony Chachere's</a>, (<a href="http://www.tonychachere.com/frequently-asked-questions/">pronounced Sash-er-ee</a>) cuz that's the way we like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Patrick would like me to add this PSA.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Efh70RmabaM/UyTmwwnq9hI/AAAAAAAAHIA/IMzx-DqEHpY/s1600/drinkthisnotthat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Efh70RmabaM/UyTmwwnq9hI/AAAAAAAAHIA/IMzx-DqEHpY/s1600/drinkthisnotthat.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's pretend I know how to use an international keyboard and there is an accent over the A in "slainte."</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Happy St. Patrick's Day!</div></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/eat-this-not-that-st-patricks-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-5839942661587577403Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:55:00 +00002014-03-14T13:42:22.174-07:0040 bags in 40 daysfoodJillknittingmeatless mealsnonsenseproductsravelryshoppingtv7 Quickish Takes - Second Friday in Lent<b>1.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQDenh68Sk/UyMIjIf15CI/AAAAAAAAHG0/vGyR7cCxBIE/s1600/Sun-Maid-Raisins-Mini-Snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeQDenh68Sk/UyMIjIf15CI/AAAAAAAAHG0/vGyR7cCxBIE/s1600/Sun-Maid-Raisins-Mini-Snacks.jpg" /></a></div><br />In an effort to wean Jill off asking for chocolate every time she goes number two in the toilet, I got these Sunmaid mini-snacks. &nbsp;Teeny tiny boxes of raisins. <br /><br />She got so angry when Edmund tried to tell her that raisins come from grapes (and are not chocolate), that I plummed a vintage Sesame Street clip from my own upbringing to explain it to her. She's watched it ten times at least.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7QNQYySOVPs?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><b>2.</b> I'm sharing this Meatless Meal Stand-by (Old Faithful) again, so I can hop on the<a href="http://twoosplusmore.blogspot.com/2014/03/10-meatless-lunch-ideas-lenten-meal.html"> Lenten Meal Plan Link-Up.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5WkmsgduvQ/UyDHpgtRBeI/AAAAAAAAHDI/1sQm3JuWi_Y/s1600/Lenten+Meal+Link-Up+Plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5WkmsgduvQ/UyDHpgtRBeI/AAAAAAAAHDI/1sQm3JuWi_Y/s1600/Lenten+Meal+Link-Up+Plan.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Lemon-Pepper Pappardelle with Tuna and Capers</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi3NJ4F2LP8/UyMC86yEdII/AAAAAAAAHFo/0q2Qop0BDLo/s1600/lemonpepperpappardelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi3NJ4F2LP8/UyMC86yEdII/AAAAAAAAHFo/0q2Qop0BDLo/s1600/lemonpepperpappardelle.jpg" /></a></div><br />All the three ingredients are non-perishable items, unless you want to get fancy with freshly chopped Italian parsley.<br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">one 8 oz. package of lemon pepper pappardelle, cooked according to package directions</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">two 7 oz. can of tuna in olive oil, undrained&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">lots of capers</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Mix all ingredients.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">The end.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">All you have to do is boil pasta.&nbsp; Open one can (The olive oil gets dumped in too.) and one jar and you're done!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">It only serves 4 or 3 of my pasta-loving people, so I have to triple it.&nbsp; You can only get lemon-pepper pappardelle at Trader Joe's, as far as I know.&nbsp; The Chef has made it with regular pappardelle, a drained can of diced tomatoes, capers, olive oil and garlic and no tuna, because he's my pickiest eater.&nbsp; He likes to complicate things. &nbsp;</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phHVLgwTIqM/UyDIPM1OtpI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/VK1bEx8Ochs/s1600/caprese+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phHVLgwTIqM/UyDIPM1OtpI/AAAAAAAAHDQ/VK1bEx8Ochs/s1600/caprese+salad.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">I think it's fine served all by it's lonesome, or it's nice with a Caprese Salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. &nbsp;I recommend the Kim Crawford.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>3.&nbsp;</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzqFHRe8Ld0/UyMCsAuTX-I/AAAAAAAAHFg/9ZA8VgFroCg/s1600/holdenshawlette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OzqFHRe8Ld0/UyMCsAuTX-I/AAAAAAAAHFg/9ZA8VgFroCg/s1600/holdenshawlette.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I finished knitting this lace shawl last night! &nbsp; Technically, I have to complete the last row and cast off, but we are nearly there. &nbsp;There are only one to three mistakes on average in each row of the lacy part. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQK0Q_-SMm4/UyMEX-QkX7I/AAAAAAAAHF0/XqwXrLHgiLE/s1600/onceuponatime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQK0Q_-SMm4/UyMEX-QkX7I/AAAAAAAAHF0/XqwXrLHgiLE/s1600/onceuponatime.jpg" /></a></div><br />I learned the hard way that I can knit tired in front of the tv if it's <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time">Once Upon a Time</a>,<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lljSCjTCQuU/UyMEdM4s7aI/AAAAAAAAHF8/-h9VzADjbFU/s1600/endeavour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lljSCjTCQuU/UyMEdM4s7aI/AAAAAAAAHF8/-h9VzADjbFU/s1600/endeavour.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />but not if I'm trying to watch/listen to <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/endeavour-series-1/">Endeavour</a> or <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/foyleswar/">Foyle's War</a>. &nbsp;Those Masterpiece programs are too engrossing.<br /><br />I'm on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, an idea exchange site for knitters, crocheters, and other textile/fiber arts peoples. &nbsp;Only recently did I realize that I am supposed to CONTRIBUTE my projects, patterns, etc. to Ravelry. &nbsp;I have only been using it for my own selfish purposes, such as getting the pattern for my <a href="http://www.likemotherlikedaughter.org/2013/01/pretty-happy-funny-real/">Leila at Like Mother, Like Daughter inspired shawl</a>. &nbsp;Imma try to change my wicked ways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb__2Mn8_Vk/UyME_RF-6jI/AAAAAAAAHGE/lU6yVfjXZtc/s1600/Raglan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb__2Mn8_Vk/UyME_RF-6jI/AAAAAAAAHGE/lU6yVfjXZtc/s1600/Raglan.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div><br />My next project is <a href="http://carole.barenys.com/RaglanSweater.html">this baby cardigan</a> in <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/DebbieBliss/BabyCashmerino.asp?showLarge=true&amp;specPCVID=34545">this yarn</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzE6frb58-Y/UyMFCxVqs3I/AAAAAAAAHGM/wVaEyUHBfog/s1600/DByarnkingfisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzE6frb58-Y/UyMFCxVqs3I/AAAAAAAAHGM/wVaEyUHBfog/s1600/DByarnkingfisher.jpg" /></a></div><br />I love <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/DebbieBliss/BabyCashmerino.asp?showLarge=true&amp;specPCVID=34545">Debbie Bliss yarns</a>. &nbsp;They are so <i>cumpy</i>.<br /><br /><i>Cumpy</i> is a word coined by Peter when he was wee small. &nbsp;It means snuggly-comfortable.<br /><br />I think we should incorporate <i>cumpy</i> into the English language. &nbsp;We say it all the time around here.<br /><br /><b>4.</b> &nbsp;Don't miss my giveaway of <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/wwrw-books-by-bloggers-review-from.html">ALBACFC aka A Little Book about Confession for Children by Kendra Tierney. &nbsp;Rafflecopter away right here.</a>&nbsp;And don't forget to check out the other literature-loving bloggers' book reviews!<br /><br /><b>5.</b> &nbsp;Did you read <a href="http://www.houseunseen.com/2014/03/5-favorite-ways-to-un-frumpify.html">Dwija's fashion piece</a> this week? &nbsp;I politely disagree with #3. &nbsp;Crisp woven tops keep me from feeling like a stuffed sausage casing. &nbsp;However, I heartily concur with #1, long cardigans. &nbsp;Not too long though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeVeYt4Hs_0/UyJjqhoNjDI/AAAAAAAAHDo/ISO-59QbgJQ/s1600/motherhoodjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeVeYt4Hs_0/UyJjqhoNjDI/AAAAAAAAHDo/ISO-59QbgJQ/s1600/motherhoodjacket.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I just got this jacket from<a href="http://www.destinationmaternity.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=998910102&amp;MasterCategory_Id=MC11"> Destination (The Only Bricks and Mortar Store in the US that is Dedicated to) Maternity</a>. &nbsp;It's sort of like a cardigan, but more of a super-trendy-classier-than-a-hoodie jacket. &nbsp;I may or may not have worn it every day this week. &nbsp;It matches every single one of my <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=922374&amp;locale=en_US&amp;kwid=1&amp;sem=false&amp;sdReferer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F">solid long sleeve uniform tees from Old Navy</a>. &nbsp;Unzipped, it hangs just right and looks tres chic. &nbsp;I never zip it, mostly because they only had a size small in the store and it's a bit snug zipped. &nbsp;It makes me feel verry fancy.<br /><br />If you order online, don't forget to go through <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=yRd249n86S5JJknWf41GRA%3D%3D">Ebates</a> for free cash money!<br /><br /><b>6. </b>I spent 75% of my grocery budget last week at <a href="http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/DebbieBliss/BabyCashmerino.asp?showLarge=true&amp;specPCVID=34545">Ulta</a>. &nbsp;I'm an expert at rationalizing things like <a href="http://www.clarisonic.com/shop-our-products/Brush-Head-4-Packs?gclid=CP3B3JiWkr0CFenm7AodAU0AHw&amp;cm_mmc=LabeliumSearch-_-GoogleBrand-_-Accessories-_-clarisonic%20brush%20head%20replacements">$75 for four Clarisonic brushes is way better than spending $25 for one Clarisonic brush</a>. Plus Ulta has those reward points, so every time I shop there, it's like I'm printing money. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ZeLoCY2Ok/UyMF3HmcL0I/AAAAAAAAHGY/BD9wBqANGj8/s1600/Bare-Minerals-One-Hot-Mama-Kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ZeLoCY2Ok/UyMF3HmcL0I/AAAAAAAAHGY/BD9wBqANGj8/s1600/Bare-Minerals-One-Hot-Mama-Kit.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I needed mascara. &nbsp;I have long blonde eyelashes, and I love <a href="http://www.bareescentuals.com/bareMinerals-Flawless-Definition-Mascara---Black/USmasterflawless,default,pd.html">Bare Minerals Flawless Definition mascara</a>. Flawless Definiton doesn't gum up my eyelashes like thickening mascaras do. <br /><br />Also, I can wear the NOT waterproof formula and I don't get raccoon eyes by the end of the day. &nbsp;Not waterproof mascara is important so I can easily remove those rows of tiny dots on my upper lid after I put it on. &nbsp;#longeyelashproblems<br /><br />It makes total sense that if I'm going to spend $20 on mascara, I might as well spend $39 and get this whole <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6320679">One Hot Mama kit</a>. &nbsp;Money well spent, because I love everything in it: &nbsp;the blush, the gloss, the under-eye-brightener, my mascara, and now Jill has a new bag for her princess dolls.<br /><br />For meals, I cleaned out my deep freeze and served that turkey I bought way back when, a frozen lasagna, grilled chicken breasts on a bed of Friday's leftover quinoa, peanut butter crackers. &nbsp;This week I did the right thing and spent the money at food stores like I'm supposed to.<br /><br /><b>7.</b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJ2edQslUY/UyMHQHMQqXI/AAAAAAAAHGk/EAuY-igpY2Q/s1600/fridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYJ2edQslUY/UyMHQHMQqXI/AAAAAAAAHGk/EAuY-igpY2Q/s1600/fridge.jpg" /></a></div><br />Before I went grocery shopping, I de-gunked my entire refrigerator. &nbsp;I magic erased all those weird red and blue skid marks off the walls and I scrubbed the dried olive juice off the door pockets. &nbsp;It wasn't too difficult since it was nearly empty anyway. &nbsp;Oh! And I threw away everything that expired in 2013.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlPOdJuDkqM/UyMHt-DqWPI/AAAAAAAAHGs/fcPjAx3lGpI/s1600/costcofeta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlPOdJuDkqM/UyMHt-DqWPI/AAAAAAAAHGs/fcPjAx3lGpI/s1600/costcofeta.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No one can consume this much feta before the exp date.</td></tr></tbody></table>Why do I buy industrial size containers of feta? &nbsp;Why?<br /><br />I'm counting this as part of my <a href="http://whyyesiamcrazythankyouforasking.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-40-bags-in-40-days-challenge.html">40 Bags in 40 Days</a>, even though the only "donations" were to the garbage man and the recycle bin.<br /><br />Hopalong to <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/03/7-quick-takes-about-snoop-dogg-concerts-awesome-nuns-and-almost-having-the-most-epic-book-tour-fail-in-the-history-of-the-world.html">Jen and Conversion Diary Rodeo</a> and check out <a href="http://twoosplusmore.blogspot.com/2014/03/10-meatless-lunch-ideas-lenten-meal.html">the ladies behind the Lenten Meal Plan Posse</a> too.</div></div></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/7-quickish-takes-second-friday-in-lent.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-6743005327771244951Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:31:00 +00002014-03-12T07:45:41.112-07:00booksbooks for boysbooks for girlsCatholicEdmundWWRWyoung adult booksWWRW: Books by Bloggers, a Review from Edmund, and a Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTWs4rj8ZXA/Ux-9ALfm3JI/AAAAAAAAHCU/q9oRxObmiUs/s1600/Alittlebookaboutconfessionforchildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UTWs4rj8ZXA/Ux-9ALfm3JI/AAAAAAAAHCU/q9oRxObmiUs/s1600/Alittlebookaboutconfessionforchildren.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586179306/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1586179306&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">A Little Book about Confession for Children</a> by Kendra Tierney of <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/">Catholic All Year</a> has already gotten a fair share of reviews among Catholic bloggers (see <a href="http://californiatokorea.com/uncategorized/little-book-confession-children-review-giveaway">here</a> and <a href="http://carrotsformichaelmas.com/2014/02/27/preparing-for-a-childs-first-confession-and-giveaway/">here</a>&nbsp;for a few).<br /><br />I read <b><i>A Little Book about Confession for Children</i></b> as more of a book ABOUT "confession for children," than a book about confession FOR Children. &nbsp;There are lots of chapters, Q and A, and advice for parents throughout the book. The <i>How to Use This Book</i> section makes it quite clear that this is not a book you hand a child and walk away. &nbsp;It is meant to be experienced with the guidance of a parent.<br /><br />However, it is chock full of good material FOR children, in addition to loads of advice and general information for parents and even any Catholics who need a refresher course in Confession 101. <br /><br />My favorite part(s) of <b><i>A Little Book about Confession for Children</i></b>&nbsp;is the mini-biographies of saints that are included. The stories of these saints are delightful and do much to impress that confession is not just for sinners.<br /><br />Kendra does a terrific job explaining the sacrament and all that goes into preparation for it, as well as explaining things I never thought to question, such as <i>Why do children need to go to Confession?</i>&nbsp; With my children, the answer to that is very obvious. &nbsp;;)<br /><br />Her examination of conscience is thorough and age-appropriate, and I appreciate her advice to parents to edit or add as necessary. &nbsp;Children vary so much on the spectrum of scrupulosity, from "terrified I'm going to Hell" to "not a mortal sin, so it's not that big a deal." &nbsp;I think Kendra is very thoughtful to caution parents at this point, seeing as how each child can be so different.<br /><br />The end of the book scripts a typical confession experience, which is something we role-play/review before confession in our household, usually in the car on the drive there. <br /><br />There are a few lines in the confession script that I have never heard in confession:<br /><br />"After absolution the priest continues,<i> Give thanks to Lord for he is good.</i><br />You answer: His mercy endures forever."<br /><br />Every confession I have ever made has gone like this:<br /><br />After absolution, the priest says, "Go in peace." &nbsp;and I reply, as taught by Sr. Pamela all those years ago, "Thank you, Father."<br /><br />That's the only thing I would add to this book, a "Thank you, Father." &nbsp;though it's probably technically not part of the "script." <br /><br />Sometimes there is a "You're Welcome" from my confessor, but usually I'm high-tailing it out of the box at that moment and probably miss it more often than not.<br /><br />All in all, <b><i>A Little Book about Confession for Children</i></b> is a solid book on the topic with a wealth of information and would be a terrific teaching tool for any parent, and if you go to end of this post, YOU can enter to win your very own copy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCZua-sbIaI/Ux-9MXpX1HI/AAAAAAAAHCc/WecIecagoM8/s1600/findinggrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JCZua-sbIaI/Ux-9MXpX1HI/AAAAAAAAHCc/WecIecagoM8/s1600/findinggrace.jpg" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936453118/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1936453118&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Finding Grace</a> by blogger friend, Laura Pearl has been reviewed a fair amount in the Catholic blogosphere as well (you can see a couple&nbsp;<a href="http://rebekahsweblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-were-reading-wednesday-finding.html">here</a> and <a href="http://catholicyoungwoman.blogspot.com/2013/09/finding-grace.html">here</a>). &nbsp;<b><i>Finding Grace</i></b> is a novel about Grace Kelly, an awkward 8th grader in upstate New York, 1972, who is nothing like Princess Grace of Monaco. &nbsp;We follow Grace, and her friends and family through Grace's high school years and into college.<br /><br />Despite starting with an 8th grade protagonist, I would reserve Finding Grace from high school readers and up. &nbsp;In an early chapter, we read about the obelisk topped with an eagle, a landmark at the local university, and the legend that the eagle will fly away the first time a virgin graduates from the college. This was my first clue that this was not a children's book, and Laura herself says that she wrote is "geared toward the high school-aged and older crowd."<br /><br />Grace decides to change her life after a deep conversation with her father. &nbsp;She commits herself to the goal of sainthood. &nbsp;In small ways and large, Grace attempts to be a saintly person. &nbsp;Her acts of charity range from allowing her mother to choose some of her clothing, to befriending an elderly nun, to not standing in the way of her best friend's romance with Grace's one true love.<br /><br />The trajectory of the finding or making of Grace is interspersed with detailed accounts of a few saints and holy people, such as Pier Giorgio Frassati. &nbsp;I didn't really know anything about Pier Giorgio Frassati until I read <i><b>Finding Grace</b></i>, but I was compelled to purchase this biography ,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0819811653/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0819811653&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Journey to the Summit (Encounter the Saints)</a> and am reading it to Edmund.<br /><br /><b><i>Finding Grace</i></b> hits nearly every Catholic hot button topic, except homosexuality. &nbsp;Pre-marital sex, pregnancy out of wedlock, contraception, and abortion are all major plot points and are dealt with in a chaste and completely Catholic way. &nbsp;Of course, Grace is not the focus of any of those events, and she largely stays true to her secret plan to become a saint. &nbsp;She is not without fault and does make a mistake or two, but all in all, she is a very virtuous heroine.<br /><br />Her love story is reminiscent of Anne and Gilbert's famous romance, with friendship finally followed by true love. &nbsp;I would recommend&nbsp;<b><i>Finding Grace</i></b>&nbsp;for any high school girl or older.<br /><br />I find <a href="http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/search/label/Finding%20Grace">Laura's posts</a> about the birth of &nbsp;<b><i>Finding Grace</i></b>, utterly fascinating. &nbsp;<a href="http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2014/02/where-real-life-and-fiction-intersect.html">Laura says that while Grace's story has similarities to her own, it is not the same story.</a> &nbsp;I think I would have to meet her, and her parents, and her husband to see if that is the case or not. &nbsp;<a href="http://mumsie2five.blogspot.com/2014/02/last-chance.html">I do know that her husband bears a striking physical resemblance to Tom Buckley, the heartthrob in the book.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y657QoqEmXs/Ux_BBNQsP6I/AAAAAAAAHCo/VrbSdLgWe8M/s1600/storminthebarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y657QoqEmXs/Ux_BBNQsP6I/AAAAAAAAHCo/VrbSdLgWe8M/s1600/storminthebarn.jpg" /></a></div><br />Edmund's review of the graphic novel,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763652903/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0763652903&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Storm in the Barn</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i>The Storm in the Barn</i></b> is an ok book. &nbsp;It is not like a really awesome book. &nbsp;It is about a boy that every one hates and it is during the Dust Bowl. &nbsp;This boy goes to an abandoned barn and there is a ghost thing but it is the rain in a different form. &nbsp;At the end of the book, he took the rain outside and the rain got sucked up into the clouds and it started a big rainy storm. Everyone loved him and his family that hated him loved him too.</blockquote><br />After reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Storm-Barn-Matt-Phelan/dp/0763652903">the editorial reviews on Amazon</a>, I'm not entirely sure that the boy is "hated" by everyone, or if he just feels useless in a world of failing crops and financial ruin. &nbsp;I am certain that Edmund's honest if lackluster opinion will inspire exactly no one to click on the affiliate link up there. &nbsp;Is it any wonder that the librarian said no one had ever checked out this book before?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the fun stuff! &nbsp;A Giveaway!!!</span><br /><br />I'm giving away one copy of <b><i>A Little Book About Confession for Children</i></b>&nbsp;which was provided to me by the author. &nbsp;Here goes my first Rafflecopter giveaway, I kept it short and sweet.<br /><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a040d0/" id="rc-4a040d0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And a Link-Up!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mU7ER7e1ew/Ux_LS4HJluI/AAAAAAAAHC4/H09ZER3Kz6E/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mU7ER7e1ew/Ux_LS4HJluI/AAAAAAAAHC4/H09ZER3Kz6E/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="382317"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=382317" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/wwrw-books-by-bloggers-review-from.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-6169337490129861698Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:07:00 +00002014-03-10T08:07:09.820-07:00cell phonesinternetparentingrouterstechnical stuff I don't know much abouttechnologyteenstextingWiFiTechnology and TeensLast weekend, I discovered something quite interesting. &nbsp;Contrary to the propaganda I have been fed, my kids are not the only kids in the world with limited access to social media and technology. &nbsp;They are NOT the only teens in the US without smartphones.<br /><br />Last Friday, we were at the pizza party the night before the oratorical competition and Susan had saved us seats...at a round table...where every other seat save one was occupied by another teenaged competitor. &nbsp;yay.<br /><br />Talk about people watching. &nbsp;Listening to these teens was exasperating, mind-numbing, and yet weirdly illuminating. &nbsp;One or two of the girls were Totally Vapid. &nbsp;"OMG, I want a tattoo but I don't know what I would get. &nbsp;I mean I guess I would have to get my two cats because they are the most important things in my life right now."<br /><br />But underneath all of the chit chat, there were some eye-opening realizations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlF7mA7vZFo/UxtSz_8zqJI/AAAAAAAAG_c/8VO_gBLkZag/s1600/NerdyGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FlF7mA7vZFo/UxtSz_8zqJI/AAAAAAAAG_c/8VO_gBLkZag/s1600/NerdyGirl.jpg" /></a></div><br />We were sitting with a higher class of nerd. <br /><br />When Mason asked everyone, "What do you play?" &nbsp;Every teen at the table named at least THREE instruments, and/or mathlete, competitive dance, voice, glee club, or competitive speech. <br /><br />When it was Susan's turn, she was dumbstruck. &nbsp;I mean she had just asked her neighbor, "What IS a bassoon?" and it was her turn. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RI8owH4Tah8/UxtTENX165I/AAAAAAAAG_k/PzNfmTmNa6c/s1600/bassoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RI8owH4Tah8/UxtTENX165I/AAAAAAAAG_k/PzNfmTmNa6c/s1600/bassoon.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Seeing her slack-jawed state, I blurted out with a big (scary) smile, "She plays volleyball!"<br /><br />Everyone oohed and ahhed. &nbsp;These kids were NOT athletic = Understatement.<br /><br />Another epiphany was when Rebecca told Zoe, "I just got a Facebook account like a month ago, and I have only been on there like twice. &nbsp;I don't even have Twitter." &nbsp;Zoe replied with an eyeroll, "I don't have Facebook or Twitter."<br /><br />Then when Sanji said, "Do you want to see my phone?" &nbsp;Rebecca (of the future cat tattoos) said, "OMG, if you EVEN pull out the new Samsung Galaxy 4, I will DIE!" &nbsp;Sanji pulled out a flip phone circa 2000 and grinned. &nbsp;"It doesn't even get texts!" &nbsp;he said proudly.<br /><br />We were also treated to a litany of Mason's weekend and after-school activities. &nbsp;That kid is so (over) scheduled, I doubt he has time to text or be on Facebook, much less play Fruit Ninja or do Snapchat.<br /><br />I had been given the impression that my three high-schoolers were rare in that they might very well be the only teenagers in the 'verse who don't have smartphones, iPads, laptops, or ANY access to WiFi or the web without going through a parental portal, but apparently I was wrong. <br /><br />It didn't start out this way.<br /><br />It started out with limited texting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS4U6mJuIrw/UxuP3Vw3NmI/AAAAAAAAHA4/OODvCR9Kzz4/s1600/kindlefire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS4U6mJuIrw/UxuP3Vw3NmI/AAAAAAAAHA4/OODvCR9Kzz4/s1600/kindlefire.jpg" /></a></div><br />Then one Kindle Fire.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aW_1nAQc9bw/UxuP9Z-owKI/AAAAAAAAHA8/QQiFuzeYV2M/s1600/twoipodtouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aW_1nAQc9bw/UxuP9Z-owKI/AAAAAAAAHA8/QQiFuzeYV2M/s1600/twoipodtouch.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div><br />Next came two iPod Touches.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pedg0ogbtWo/UxuRIhU3m2I/AAAAAAAAHBU/BtgcFCAfTok/s1600/App-icon-Unlimited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pedg0ogbtWo/UxuRIhU3m2I/AAAAAAAAHBU/BtgcFCAfTok/s1600/App-icon-Unlimited.jpeg" height="165" width="400" /></a></div><br />And somewhere in there, texting became unlimited because the fees for going over their limits are more than the fees for unlimited.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKjmuy4qsfg/UxuQlyXTCJI/AAAAAAAAHBM/qqcmc45jGl0/s1600/mushroomcloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKjmuy4qsfg/UxuQlyXTCJI/AAAAAAAAHBM/qqcmc45jGl0/s1600/mushroomcloud.jpg" height="299" width="400" /></a></div><br />Then it all got taken away, when we discovered a lot of ugly truths in a very short time period.<br /><br />I knew there were apps on the Kindle, like Fruit Ninja and Temple Runner. &nbsp;We discovered that people were up waay past their bedtime (yes, I make my high-schoolers go to bed) wasting time slicing virtual fruit.<br /><br />Or texting people of the opposite sex at all hours of the night. <br /><br />Or using more than 10,000 texts in 2.5 weeks.<br /><br />We discovered that our WiFi password was common knowledge. &nbsp;We periodically change our WiFi password, but here we made a critical error. &nbsp;We did not change our router password. <br /><br />Teens KNOW EVERYTHING about technology. <br /><br />There is some site where you can get your WiFi password if you have your router number (and if your router is not password protected) and the primary email, and even though I forgot what that site is, chances are your teen, or their friends know it.<br /><br />With that discovery, the YouTube viewing history on the Kindle revealed several hours, like 70-100 hours of YouTube videos watched, mostly from a show that is verboten here, some from a movie that I would have let them watched had they just asked, and some silly videos that were slightly suggestive and linked to more dangerous content.<br /><br />The iPod Touches that I naively thought could only be used for the music we had purchased (because the WiFi was supposedly password protected), were being used for texting (it's an app) and access to the entire internet, just like the Kindle, via the pirated WiFi password.<br /><br />Everything went away. &nbsp;Completely. &nbsp;For every teen in our home.<br /><br />And THEY SURVIVED!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theindychannel.com/news/local-news/smartphone-apps-can-be-dangerous-for-kids">Apps are dangerous.</a> &nbsp;<b>Did you know that there are apps out there that appear to be games but are actually hiding illicit content? &nbsp;</b>I foolishly tried to search for articles about these apps, but including the terms "porn" or "illicit content" in my search got me nowhere (thank you filters!) except on some FBI predator watch-lists. <br /><br />And no, my kids had no apps like that, but other kids I know have had those apps.<br /><br />Good kids. <br /><br />Kids with good parents. <br /><br /><b>Our children live in a world filled with temptations and danger beyond anything we dealt with as kids. </b><br /><br />Starting with a clean slate, we have been able to re-instate some of the privileges that were lost, one at a time. &nbsp;We went on a huge learning curve, educating ourselves about things that we really don't have an aptitude or interest in, taking time and great pains to Teen-Proof our cyberspace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYKhLx39uwk/UxuJPAk83tI/AAAAAAAAHAA/uxiSacbnRTY/s1600/techgraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYKhLx39uwk/UxuJPAk83tI/AAAAAAAAHAA/uxiSacbnRTY/s1600/techgraphic.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Passwords:</span><br /><br />EVERYTHING that can be password protected, should be. &nbsp;My cell phone and my laptop are password protected. &nbsp;Well, you need my right index fingerprint to use my laptop. The WiFi and the router are both password protected.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmCNMHCmNBI/UxuR0RF6RVI/AAAAAAAAHBc/w9A0aN9jxTY/s1600/Jesus_mac1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmCNMHCmNBI/UxuR0RF6RVI/AAAAAAAAHBc/w9A0aN9jxTY/s1600/Jesus_mac1.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a></div><br />We still change the passwords regularly, and we use "holy" passwords, an idea that we stole from my parents. &nbsp;Religious things like "MaterDei128" which is Latin for Mother of God and the date of the feast of the Immaculate Conception. &nbsp;The more obscure the better.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FM9VDU_7VqA/UxuSM3EJlfI/AAAAAAAAHBk/GCepu7ldtvo/s1600/padlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FM9VDU_7VqA/UxuSM3EJlfI/AAAAAAAAHBk/GCepu7ldtvo/s1600/padlock.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We could even password protect our TV so that they can only watch programs of a certain rating, but unfortunately that prevents all live sporting events. <br /><br />We blocked all offensive channels from our satellite receiver. &nbsp;Literate people could probably do that by reading the owner's manual, but we had to call our provider and have them walk us through it. &nbsp;Tedious for all involved, but worth it.<br /><br />We don't do this because we think that the first second our back is turned, they are going to seek out terrible things. &nbsp;We do it to remove temptation, to protect their innocence, and because Patrick and I are revolted when WE have to scroll through those channels as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Filters:</span><br /><br />We have a WiFi filter, and though it is far from perfect, it does work. &nbsp;I was unable to see <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/08/five-favorites-vol-23/.html">some of Hallie Lord's favorite websites</a> without the password for the filter, and I am unable to search for anything that includes the letter p, o, r, and n all in a row.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzBj-PzeVPk/UxuSu-QdhqI/AAAAAAAAHBs/hoV5RVOKpQw/s1600/Google_safe_search-vu9egd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzBj-PzeVPk/UxuSu-QdhqI/AAAAAAAAHBs/hoV5RVOKpQw/s1600/Google_safe_search-vu9egd.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>Did you know that Google has a filter called Safe Search? &nbsp;You can filter results on your own computer, which can be very nice while doing image searches of things for this blog. &nbsp;It's a button at the top of the Google page. &nbsp;Patrick says that everybody already knows this, but it was news to me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2042233/how-to-child-proof-the-internet.html">This article has loads of tips</a> for installing or activating filtering software on your devices.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Limits:</span><br /><br />Primary account holders can limit just about everything on cell phones. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNMw2oxmSXI/UxuTDXZh0SI/AAAAAAAAHB0/8mpr1nIdd8U/s1600/ATTsmartlimits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNMw2oxmSXI/UxuTDXZh0SI/AAAAAAAAHB0/8mpr1nIdd8U/s1600/ATTsmartlimits.jpg" /></a></div><br />The AT&amp;T Smart Limits feature has allowed us to limit cell phone use past a certain time of day. &nbsp;After 10 pm, our children may only call or text our numbers.<br /><br />We can limit quantities of texts, as well as what numbers can be texted and when. See above.<br /><br />We can set up a time block to our wireless router so that it stops working at certain hours of the day or night.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Constant Vigilance:</span><br /><br />With AT&amp;T Smart Limits, we can see not only how many texts are being used by each cell phone user, but to what numbers and at what times. We can see who they call, and how long they are on the phone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hU64-SoSeE/UxuX9y4GKgI/AAAAAAAAHCE/L8UGW2bE7_U/s1600/social-media-logos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hU64-SoSeE/UxuX9y4GKgI/AAAAAAAAHCE/L8UGW2bE7_U/s1600/social-media-logos.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div><br />We check their Facebook pages and the email accounts. &nbsp;We have suggested that they unfriend this person or unlike this page from time to time. &nbsp;We have coached them on spam and phishing and helped them get unsubscribed from lists.<br /><br />We helped them choose email addresses that do not reveal gender, name, or age. <br /><br />My own Instagram account troubled me when I started getting "follow requests" from sleaze balls with offensive pictures. &nbsp;My mom told me to take my gender off my profile. &nbsp;It has also been suggested that "Housewifespice" isn't the best name for social media. &nbsp;I changed the gender to unidentified, reported the offensive photos, and I haven't had any problems since.<br /><br />We have given them real examples of real life individuals who lost their college acceptance, got expelled from high school, or lost their jobs from what was posted on Facebook or Twitter. &nbsp;When I see <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0712/famous-cases-of-stupid-tweets-that-got-people-fired.aspx">articles like this one</a>&nbsp;or <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/alisonvingiano/this-is-how-a-womans-offensive-tweet-became-the-worlds-top-s">this one</a>, I make a point of educating them on how stupid mistakes can have huge consequences.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blEgi6rvqRI/UxtPQNXTMYI/AAAAAAAAG_E/8XoRJfAhVY4/s1600/withgreatpowercomesgreatresponsibility.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blEgi6rvqRI/UxtPQNXTMYI/AAAAAAAAG_E/8XoRJfAhVY4/s1600/withgreatpowercomesgreatresponsibility.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>My teens' phones are subject to random checks from their parents. &nbsp;We pay for the phones, we own the phones, we are letting them have the privilege of using them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtRGSiBl6ec/UxtQpwUWmsI/AAAAAAAAG_U/CjvjGrKtprc/s1600/no-thanks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtRGSiBl6ec/UxtQpwUWmsI/AAAAAAAAG_U/CjvjGrKtprc/s1600/no-thanks.gif" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We have suggested that they get their own two year contracts and pay their own cell phone bills with all the texting and apps they want, but surprisingly, they would rather play by our rules, for free!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A Case Against Smartphones</span><br /><br />We are adamantly opposed to smartphones for our kids.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201307/smartphone-addiction">Smartphone addiction is a real thing.</a>&nbsp;(Warning: &nbsp;This article from Psychology Today speaks of some unsavory behaviors.)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com/news/childadolescent-psychiatry/single-article/teen-smartphone-addiction-correlates-with-psychopathology/031c476becd5eaaa7675b44127d033a4.html">Studies show that smartphone addiction leads to increased psychopathic behavior in teens.</a>&nbsp; Personally, I believe teens have enough psychopathic tendencies without cyber addiction exacerbating them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html">This article calls for BANNING HANDHELD DEVICES for all children under 12,</a> and sites addiction as one of the reasons.<br /><br />Who <i>really needs</i> a smartphone? &nbsp;If I could get a phone that was just a phone with email and Mapquest (because I forget stuff and get lost sometimes), that would be perfect. &nbsp;I don't need to carry the entire internet with me all the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/01/23/the-children-have-spoken/">Kids know we use our smartphones too much.</a> &nbsp;Kids notice everything. &nbsp;Perhaps, we should all dumb it down a little.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NMf063eSDo/UxuOa4RYyrI/AAAAAAAAHAY/L4-nHIiIqNQ/s1600/IMG_3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NMf063eSDo/UxuOa4RYyrI/AAAAAAAAHAY/L4-nHIiIqNQ/s1600/IMG_3672.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Greg. &nbsp;Don't send him a group text.</td></tr></tbody></table>Two of my brothers are in college right now. &nbsp;They are successful students, one a business major, one in grad school for chemical engineering and planning a wedding in June. &nbsp;They are good-looking, nice guys with lots of friends. &nbsp;They have never owned smartphones. &nbsp; My brother Greg can't even get my texts if I text him as part of a group. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmaX57jAOC0/UxuObEqYjjI/AAAAAAAAHAs/_-ieWH3C2KI/s1600/IMG_3673.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmaX57jAOC0/UxuObEqYjjI/AAAAAAAAHAs/_-ieWH3C2KI/s1600/IMG_3673.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Don't forget the higher class of nerd from last weekend. &nbsp;I have no doubt that (maybe with the exception of cat tattoo girl) they will be very successful adults.<br /><br />My point is that not owning a smartphone has not affected them academically or socially. <br /><br />Contrary to the picture my children have painted, it IS possible to be a well-adjusted, highly successful person WITHOUT a smartphone. &nbsp;I think more of us should try it, myself included.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/w9ERiI1epI4/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/w9ERiI1epI4&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/w9ERiI1epI4&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br /><br />I was recently asked if my kids resented the way things blew up and were removed, and they don't. &nbsp;Not anymore. There were some sullen and sad and shameful moments in the beginning, but they know we make the rules and pay the bills, and (hopefully) they know we did this because we love them.<br /><br />Suddenly, having a phone from 7 am to 10 pm without texting seemed better than nothing at all. &nbsp;Now, a mere one hundred texts a month are a generous and precious commodity. &nbsp;Those prehistoric basic iPod minis that are only good for playing music have been located and charged again. <br /><br />Sometimes, late at night the home phone rings and I get to hear, "Hello Mrs. Thornton! Is Peter there?"<br /><br />I like it like that. <br /><br />http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/technology-and-teens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-6036843941885885198Fri, 07 Mar 2014 15:19:00 +00002014-03-07T10:36:29.659-08:00freak outsJillLentmeatless mealsmoviesnight cheesenonsensePeter7QT: Opan Lenten Style<b>1.</b> &nbsp;Peter realized on the eve of Ash Wednesday that Lent is ACTUALLY FORTY DAYS, if you don't count the Sundays (because every Sunday is Easter, yada yada yada).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21YZAnO1Aak/UxnLCSwS8hI/AAAAAAAAG8M/j4_crZezRG8/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21YZAnO1Aak/UxnLCSwS8hI/AAAAAAAAG8M/j4_crZezRG8/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />He told me this amazing fact in a state of wonder and disbelief.<br /><br /><i>But, Mom, I counted the days on the calendar, and it is EXACTLY forty! &nbsp;Does this happen every year?</i><br /><br />Peter has gone to Catholic schools for thirteen years, and is supposedly ready for college. &nbsp;He even did well on his ACT and SAT, where I guess "How many days are actually in Lent?" is not part of those tests.<br /><br /><i>I thought it was hit or miss, like some years it's forty-two days and some years it's only thirty-seven. Whoa! &nbsp;HOW DO THEY MAKE IT EXACTLY FORTY EVERY YEAR?</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0IXYc_C4A/UxnLkCfZZDI/AAAAAAAAG8U/C6lxNXGmYeU/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hC0IXYc_C4A/UxnLkCfZZDI/AAAAAAAAG8U/C6lxNXGmYeU/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>You could hear the sound of his mind blowing up at least two doors down.<br /><br />Yes, all of my children are blonde.<br /><br /><b>2.</b> One of my more popular posts about <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/04/meat-fridays-or-get-your-meat-on.html">Meat Fridays</a>, ironically (did I do that right? &nbsp;That's ironic right?) included another mind-blowing fact. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2unCwux9ej8/Uxnhy80K29I/AAAAAAAAG-s/XQayoMEmRgQ/s1600/chickenbroth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2unCwux9ej8/Uxnhy80K29I/AAAAAAAAG-s/XQayoMEmRgQ/s1600/chickenbroth.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.jimmyakin.org/2005/02/soups_redux.html">Bone broth is not meat. &nbsp;Chicken broth, beef broth, these items are not considered meat. &nbsp;When you're making vegetarian minestrone tonight and realize you don't have vegetable broth, don't worry. &nbsp;Broth is not meat.</a><br /><br />My resident expert explained it like this:<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Basically, in the 1917 code (of Canon Law) you could not eat soups made from meat. A revision to this part of the law happened in 1966 but omitted the phrase on soups made from meat. Under canon law this is called derogation and the part of the former law that is omitted in the new law is no longer binding.</i></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span><a href="http://www.jimmyakin.org/2005/02/soups_redux.html">This is in Canon Law, folks. &nbsp;Or rather, it ISN'T in Canon Law.</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.600000381469727px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3.</b> &nbsp;Nowhere in the rules does it state that you can only have clear liquids on a day of fast. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwyI8tWZW0U/UxnPD0uNjcI/AAAAAAAAG8g/AFhcHIJ11Fw/s1600/glassofmilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwyI8tWZW0U/UxnPD0uNjcI/AAAAAAAAG8g/AFhcHIJ11Fw/s1600/glassofmilk.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>I don't know where some people got this crazy notion (Mom), but you can have liquids between meals, whether or not they are clear. If your liquid is a glass of milk or an opaque Guinness, you're just as good as the person who is drinking iced tea or Bud Light or water. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJPFnYi2FCo/UxnQkWibF4I/AAAAAAAAG8s/TLYbjWuNnHc/s1600/guinness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJPFnYi2FCo/UxnQkWibF4I/AAAAAAAAG8s/TLYbjWuNnHc/s1600/guinness.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.omg-facts.com/Interesting/Guinness-draft-has-fewer-calories-than-s/52745">If you choose the Guinness, you are getting less calories than if you chose skim milk or orange juice, and less alcohol than lots of other beers, but I digress.</a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM">Canon law, as it written today, does not mention clear or opaque liquids.</a> &nbsp;Canon law DOES refer you to your own diocesan rules. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/odw/lentenguide.htm">My diocesan rules specifically state that <b>liquids including&nbsp;milk and fruit juices are allowed.</b></a><b>&nbsp; </b>My diocese makes no reference to the opacity of the liquids.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>4. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlFUdnOBgMs/UxnSikFNQxI/AAAAAAAAG84/ct34WNv3SRM/s1600/meatless_meals_icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlFUdnOBgMs/UxnSikFNQxI/AAAAAAAAG84/ct34WNv3SRM/s1600/meatless_meals_icon.jpg" /></a></div><br />Looking for meatless meal ideas? &nbsp;I can give you some good ideas<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/02/meatless-mania.html"> here&nbsp;(the bulk of my ideas on the topic)</a>, <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/03/7qt-tgim.html">here&nbsp;(if you're near a Trader Joe's, this is a good one)</a>, <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/06/mystery-ingredient-monday-jalapeno-plus.html">here&nbsp;(meatless and gluten-free migas)</a>, and <a href="http://www.onedishdinners.com/2011/02/spicy-quinoa-recipe.html">here (Potato and Egg Tacos and Spicy Quinoa with Kidney Beans, Corn, and Lime).</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL5d6fet6EY/UxnU-VPPUiI/AAAAAAAAG9M/SWP7oTKAjPk/s1600/ninjablender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uL5d6fet6EY/UxnU-VPPUiI/AAAAAAAAG9M/SWP7oTKAjPk/s1600/ninjablender.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00939I7EK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00939I7EK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Ninja Blender</a> sometime in the last year, and I've been very impressed with the small cookbook that came with it. &nbsp;<a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/great-recipes.asp?food=ninja+blender+soup">Here is a list that links to lots of soup recipes from that book</a>, and most of them are meatless.<br /><br /><b>5.</b> &nbsp;We were listening to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933339004/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1933339004&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child</a>, when I heard for the very first time that the 10 plagues sent to Egypt were in direct correlation to 10 ancient Egyptian gods! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYreuc5iIEE/UxngVKsLXEI/AAAAAAAAG-g/9_SKRbWmOXU/s1600/plaguesgods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYreuc5iIEE/UxngVKsLXEI/AAAAAAAAG-g/9_SKRbWmOXU/s1600/plaguesgods.jpg" /></a></div><br />Peter probably already knew this and would make sarcastic remarks about my mind being blown by something so obvious, and it is! &nbsp;But seriously, did <b>you</b> know that the plague of darkness is for Ra the sun god? &nbsp;And the plague of boils is for Isis the goddess of healing? &nbsp;Google it. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=egyptian+plagues+egyptian+gods&amp;safe=active&amp;rlz=1C1RNLH_enUS521US521&amp;espv=210&amp;es_sm=122&amp;source=lnms&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=GeAZU_DtCqeiyAGl8YCQDQ&amp;ved=0CAYQ_AUoAA&amp;biw=1242&amp;bih=546&amp;dpr=1.1">Lots of sites have charts for this.</a><br /><br /><b>6.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CTHND9K3ZQ/UxnXWKSYFpI/AAAAAAAAG9o/6o6C4fNIMOU/s1600/princeofegyptmovie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CTHND9K3ZQ/UxnXWKSYFpI/AAAAAAAAG9o/6o6C4fNIMOU/s1600/princeofegyptmovie.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120794/">The Prince of Egypt</a> is streaming on Netflix right now. &nbsp;We watched it a few weeks ago for our Ancient Egypt Unit Study, but Jill wanted to watch "the Moses movie" again this week when she was ill.<br /><br />And she wanted me to watch it <b>with</b> her.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdfGr9UjIzk/Uxne02YZO0I/AAAAAAAAG-U/63e9RFZBjEE/s1600/March+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TdfGr9UjIzk/Uxne02YZO0I/AAAAAAAAG-U/63e9RFZBjEE/s1600/March+2014.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could I refuse my poor little pneumonia baby?</td></tr></tbody></table>I forgot what a great movie it is and for once, <a href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/prince_of_egypt/">the critics at Rotten Tomatoes agree with me mentioning the "stunning visuals" and "first-rate voice cast."</a><br /><br />I think the songs are superb. &nbsp;Definitely not the ear worms you get in Frozen.<br /><br />It should definitely be part of <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/03/movies-and-books-for-holy-week-plus.html">this list of our Holy Week movies</a>.<br /><br />The story of Moses from birth until leaving Egypt is fairly accurate. &nbsp;There are some scary sequences when Moses realizes what happened to all the other baby boy Israelites the year he was born, and also that last plague is very grim, but Jill wasn't phased. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TprFIEIik4Y/Uxnafzbge6I/AAAAAAAAG-I/3DGQOYO2n50/s1600/princeofegyptbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TprFIEIik4Y/Uxnafzbge6I/AAAAAAAAG-I/3DGQOYO2n50/s1600/princeofegyptbaby.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jill loves the parts with the baby in the basket and the wedding.<br /><br />I like the parts with Moses and the burning bush, the wedding, and the jaw-dropping parting of the Red Sea scene.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdBETt7CXto/UxnZaCo2YHI/AAAAAAAAG98/6NKrvNvFO1o/s1600/Red+Sea+Whales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CdBETt7CXto/UxnZaCo2YHI/AAAAAAAAG98/6NKrvNvFO1o/s1600/Red+Sea+Whales.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>7.</b> &nbsp;My favorite part about the Prince of Egypt movie is this song:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/6xfCnN5GJW0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/6xfCnN5GJW0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/6xfCnN5GJW0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />especially this line, "A man's life isn't judged by what he builds or buys..."<br /><br />which gave me great comfort in the wee small hours on Ash Wednesday when I had a freak-out and wrote this:<br /><br /><i>Waking up at 3:18 am. &nbsp;Wondering if I'll ever catch up on my photo albums. &nbsp;Wondering if the basement will ever be clean. &nbsp;Wondering if Edmund will ever go to high school. &nbsp;Wondering where to put the new baby's dresser. &nbsp;Wondering why I am so durned hungry at 3:18 am on ASH WEDNESDAY! &nbsp;I had banana cream pie last night for crying out loud!</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMNmpBIMzw/Uxnik92Ps_I/AAAAAAAAG-0/bcyeDNzvKYU/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RMNmpBIMzw/Uxnik92Ps_I/AAAAAAAAG-0/bcyeDNzvKYU/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><i>Wondering if Jesus will share some of my workload. &nbsp;Wondering which of my worries is actually even worth worrying about because I read somewhere recently, probably a FB meme, that a man's life isn't judged by what he builds or buys but look at your life through heaven's eyes.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Wait. &nbsp;Googled it. &nbsp;Not a meme, but that animated Prince of Egypt movie from way back in 1998 that Jill made me watch with her when she was sick.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I think Jesus is trying to tell me to screw the scrapbooks and the basement and go eat some night cheese.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/GxqycijBUn0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/GxqycijBUn0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/GxqycijBUn0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><i><br /></i>Linking up with <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/03/7-quick-takes-about-speaking-for-fourteen-hours-straight-and-trying-to-pronounce-the-word-listlessly-at-the-end-of-it.html">Jen and the cool kids</a>.<br /><br />http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/7qt-opan-lenten-style.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-7522402364751125890Wed, 05 Mar 2014 06:00:00 +00002014-03-05T01:22:05.128-08:00booksbooks for mombooks for toddlersCatholicLentWWRWWhat We're Reading (Ash) WednesdayWe are still functioning at less than optimum speed here, so I'm going to fall back on an old favorite: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006443253X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=006443253X&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months</a>&nbsp;by Maurice Sendak.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsDdnIj2s9Y/UxaWAReEaRI/AAAAAAAAG7E/_bUaIF3BVbI/s1600/chickensoupwithricebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsDdnIj2s9Y/UxaWAReEaRI/AAAAAAAAG7E/_bUaIF3BVbI/s1600/chickensoupwithricebook.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></div><br />In *Chicago<br />it's so nice<br />while slipping<br />on the sliding ice<br />to sip hot chicken soup<br />with rice.<br />Sipping once<br />sipping twice<br />sipping chicken soup<br />with rice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STkVbvNkj_U/UxaWXXJW41I/AAAAAAAAG7M/pKef7-xNocw/s1600/injanuary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-STkVbvNkj_U/UxaWXXJW41I/AAAAAAAAG7M/pKef7-xNocw/s1600/injanuary.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's March, but I am still slipping on the sliding ice. &nbsp;Always winter, never Christmas. &nbsp;Forty days til Aslan returns!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little book of months has been a classic in our household for many years. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxqc8eeIJVM/UxaXui-D4wI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/uHpoEJe2eCQ/s1600/nutshell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxqc8eeIJVM/UxaXui-D4wI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/uHpoEJe2eCQ/s1600/nutshell.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It also comes in a set of four very tiny books in an adorable boxed set,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060255005/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0060255005&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Nutshell Library: Alligators all around / Chicken Soup With Rice / One was Johnny / Pierre</a>. &nbsp;Of these, I can only speak for the adorableness of <i><b>Chicken Soup with Rice</b></i> and <b><i>Alligators All Around</i></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chicken soup with rice sounds pretty good right now, maybe I'll make some for Ash Thursday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W31at6USlXY/UxaYcIawcAI/AAAAAAAAG7g/BMrfCWzG4eY/s1600/lifeofchristnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W31at6USlXY/UxaYcIawcAI/AAAAAAAAG7g/BMrfCWzG4eY/s1600/lifeofchristnew.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For my Lenten reading, I WILL finish Fulton Sheen's&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385132204/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0385132204&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Life of Christ</a>. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My copy looks like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv4idf7GA80/UxaZ7SpXm3I/AAAAAAAAG7w/dw0WpJ6q2lc/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv4idf7GA80/UxaZ7SpXm3I/AAAAAAAAG7w/dw0WpJ6q2lc/s1600/IMG_7013.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love old books and I cannot lie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJkMlCkXNBE/UxaY9KZk04I/AAAAAAAAG7o/KF-VFctKJZw/s1600/yodameme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJkMlCkXNBE/UxaY9KZk04I/AAAAAAAAG7o/KF-VFctKJZw/s1600/yodameme.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm taking this approach to Lent this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hit me with your link-ups! &nbsp;Fire Away! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw3GWnpmZrI/UxaadQzOoBI/AAAAAAAAG74/cucUrw-t2VA/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw3GWnpmZrI/UxaadQzOoBI/AAAAAAAAG74/cucUrw-t2VA/s1600/WWRWbutton.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="379884"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=379884" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/what-were-reading-ash-wednesday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-86028442794508736Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:34:00 +00002014-03-02T15:34:40.091-08:007 Posts in 7 DaysJillSunday Sick Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFfeCXK1-gk/UxO8FkpQXAI/AAAAAAAAG6g/u9n3IB0Ru6M/s1600/J+with+hat.jpg" /></div><br />Last night, Jill looked like this. &nbsp;She looked good this morning too: &nbsp;happy, playful, bossy. <br /><br />At Mass, her cough came back with a vengeance. &nbsp;Hacking, juicy coughs, gagging, and a little bit of vomiting in the back of Church. &nbsp;We left Mass under a dark cloud of mortification after infecting the pregnant lady and her toddler behind us.<br /><br />As soon as we got home, she was her same old "Let It Go" singing self. &nbsp;She ate a big lunch, did a couple of puzzles, and I took a nap.<br /><br />When I woke up, she was gagging and choking and coughing and running a fever. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ghgjbAuNNY/UxO8430zflI/AAAAAAAAG6o/SDcBtQh0qFA/s1600/March+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ghgjbAuNNY/UxO8430zflI/AAAAAAAAG6o/SDcBtQh0qFA/s1600/March+2014.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br />Two Advil and an hour and a half later, she is still flushed and feverish. &nbsp;I ran to Target to get a humidifier because I know tonight is going to be a challenge, and I picked up this pink sippy cup too. <br /><br />The bad news is the lid has already popped off two or three times, soaking her shirt with peppermint tea. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AndB-dAoOw/UxO-rMFfTMI/AAAAAAAAG60/Gy6cDcI5XHQ/s1600/mylittlepony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AndB-dAoOw/UxO-rMFfTMI/AAAAAAAAG60/Gy6cDcI5XHQ/s1600/mylittlepony.jpg" /></a></div><br />The good news is we have every My Little Pony related show in our Netflix queue for first-time-ever viewing.<br /><br />Looks like we'll be going to the doctor's office tomorrow. &nbsp;I can't really complain, because we have been illness and injury free thus far this year. &nbsp;Nothing like a little pre-Lenten suffering to get us all warmed up.<br /><br />Until then, hit me with your homemade croup/possibly pneumonia cures and please accept my apologies for the lamest blog post in the history of the written word.<br /><br />So ends <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-posts-7-days.html">7 Posts in 7 Days</a>.<br /><br />See you Wednesday for WWRW. &nbsp;I hope.http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/sunday-sick-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-3417150707186287326Sun, 02 Mar 2014 01:41:00 +00002014-03-01T18:05:01.119-08:007 Posts in 7 DaysFashionJillsewingSusanSaturday Wrap-UpPatrick, Jill, Susan, and I were in Peoria last night and all day for the <a href="http://www.legion.org/oratorical">77th American Legion Oratorical Competition</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anvVVmV1xI0/UxKQS6CF7RI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/dNf-JgTd5yk/s1600/michelob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-anvVVmV1xI0/UxKQS6CF7RI/AAAAAAAAG6Q/dNf-JgTd5yk/s1600/michelob.jpg" height="134" width="320" /></a></div><br />Last night in the hotel room, Susan was reading the room service menu to us. &nbsp;She was reading the list of available beers when she mentioned a brew called "Michael Lob." &nbsp;Gosh, I love this blonde girl.<br /><br />For round one of the competition, Susan hit it out of the park with an awesome 8 minute piece on <a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2012/03/prayers-and-politics.html">my dad's lawsuit against the HHS mandate</a> and religious freedom as it protected by the Constitution. &nbsp;And she didn't even mention once that the guy she kept referring to is her grandfather. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuoTQ90xK8I/UxKFkFxaMmI/AAAAAAAAG5I/eJ_22v7jVYE/s1600/amlegionwaiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuoTQ90xK8I/UxKFkFxaMmI/AAAAAAAAG5I/eJ_22v7jVYE/s1600/amlegionwaiting.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for results. &nbsp;Lots of vets here.</td></tr></tbody></table>For round two, she was given 5 minutes to prepare a 3 minute speech on one of 4 amendments to the Constitution. &nbsp;She knew the 4 choices she had in advance. <br /><br />Whether it was the total lack of sleep we all had from Jill's incessant coughing last night, or the lack of preparation on that specific amendment, either way, she went down in a ball of flames. &nbsp;She referred to the wrong amendment, got completely lost, deer in the headlights, pacing, stammering. &nbsp;Oh well.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9oxh83t2g0/UxKGPTtxmBI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/Ubf3sSJx3eg/s1600/amlegionaward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9oxh83t2g0/UxKGPTtxmBI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/Ubf3sSJx3eg/s1600/amlegionaward.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">iPhone pic from waaay back in the crowd. &nbsp;Susan is the girl on the left.</td></tr></tbody></table>But she still got Third Place! &nbsp;And a scholarship prize! &nbsp;And we didn't have to stick around for the Final Round! &nbsp;Thank you, Jesus, because I was dead-dog-tired, Jill was still coughing constantly, and a snowstorm was headed our way. <br /><br />I am still ridiculously proud of her. &nbsp;I am still exhausted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg_TWcfo6Ps/UxKHCX3vHUI/AAAAAAAAG5c/KdxJtAVjIcM/s1600/mossimolacetop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jg_TWcfo6Ps/UxKHCX3vHUI/AAAAAAAAG5c/KdxJtAVjIcM/s1600/mossimolacetop.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I didn't get any pictures of her super-cute outfit. &nbsp;She wore <a href="http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-supply-co-junior-s-crochet-chiffon-top-assorted-colors/-/A-14769912#prodSlot=small_1_37">this lace top</a>&nbsp;that we found on the clearance rack at Target, a dark burgundy Worthington pencil skirt of mine that's at least 10 years old, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.carsons.com/sc2/shop/shoes/women-s-dress/bandolino-inspire-dress-pump_611769.html?attrValId=Black">these new low-heeled pumps in black</a>&nbsp;perfect for a 16 year-old knock-out who is 5 feet 8 inches tall with size 10 feet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joE_OuJjjeI/UxKHwur-sHI/AAAAAAAAG5k/54puzU91erI/s1600/LOFTbracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-joE_OuJjjeI/UxKHwur-sHI/AAAAAAAAG5k/54puzU91erI/s1600/LOFTbracelet.jpg" /></a></div><br />She accessorized with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.loft.com/Sparkly%20Cabochon%20Bracelet/329350?CID=GoogleJewelryLT&amp;gclid=CJyk78nX8rwCFcU-MgodP2sAtQ">this bracelet from LOFT</a>&nbsp;that was also on clearance. Because I bought it on President's Day, it was an additional 30% off, bringing the price under $10. &nbsp;Ka-ching!<br /><br />According to the staff at the Peoria Marriott and the other contestants, if there had been an award for best-dressed, she would own it right now.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROE-gEQHydM/UxKIJTaA2cI/AAAAAAAAG5s/n3RWatno75I/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROE-gEQHydM/UxKIJTaA2cI/AAAAAAAAG5s/n3RWatno75I/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I wore a pair of black Gap maternity pants that I re-styled myself from wide-leg to slim bootcut. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Udl8zmzTABs/UxKIrzHRSAI/AAAAAAAAG50/O86qsV32b9A/s1600/IMG_6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Udl8zmzTABs/UxKIrzHRSAI/AAAAAAAAG50/O86qsV32b9A/s1600/IMG_6992.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Much better. &nbsp;Now, I only have 3 more pairs of maternity pants to re-style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaZbEzZ2Gs4/UxKLI017yZI/AAAAAAAAG6A/sYqOLWM5VPM/s1600/hastamanana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaZbEzZ2Gs4/UxKLI017yZI/AAAAAAAAG6A/sYqOLWM5VPM/s1600/hastamanana.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-posts-7-days.html">Post 6 of 7 Posts in 7 Days in the bag. &nbsp;</a>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/03/saturday-wrap-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-3856254094522091603Fri, 28 Feb 2014 14:51:00 +00002014-03-01T17:02:22.429-08:00babiescatholicismEdmundfoodLink-ups til the end of timenonsensePatrickPinterestSusan7 Takes that are not Quick. Who are we kidding? They never are.<b>1.</b> &nbsp;Edmund has a blood circle.<br /><br />In Boy Scouts, in order to safely use a blade, you extend your arm while holding the knife handle outward and turn in a circle. &nbsp;That is your blood circle and no one should be in it while you are using a knife, saw, or axe.<br /><br />Blood Circle sounds way cooler than Circle of Safety or Danger Zone or Safety Range.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww254Wwo2o0/Uw_i6cZpfGI/AAAAAAAAG2k/Un62nVxzZhY/s1600/estwingaxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww254Wwo2o0/Uw_i6cZpfGI/AAAAAAAAG2k/Un62nVxzZhY/s1600/estwingaxe.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div><br />Speaking of axes, I need to go to the Coinstar to cash in the last $13 Edmund gave me in change to pay for his very own <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JT0BO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0002JT0BO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=housewifespic-20">Estwing E24A Sportsman's Hatchet </a>.<br /><br />Once upon a time, when Edmund was four or five, he ran in the back door and started opening all the cabinets searching furiously for something. &nbsp;"Hey Mom, where do we keep the axes?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTLIa1uHeNM/UxChOcXej5I/AAAAAAAAG44/hiLgcP_xYMo/s1600/100_2284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTLIa1uHeNM/UxChOcXej5I/AAAAAAAAG44/hiLgcP_xYMo/s1600/100_2284.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br />You've come a long way, baby.<br /><br /><b>2.</b> &nbsp;Susan is getting her mane trimmed. &nbsp;It's been far too long. &nbsp;It is far too long. &nbsp;It touches her plate at dinner, and that is just gross.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1pXJlE8MnI/UxCaO6fA-qI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/JYY1wL74F1A/s1600/IMG_3981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1pXJlE8MnI/UxCaO6fA-qI/AAAAAAAAG4Y/JYY1wL74F1A/s1600/IMG_3981.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from last year. &nbsp;I swear she has twice as much hair now.</td></tr></tbody></table>I told her to google "haircuts for thick straight hair." <br /><br />She said, "These haircuts are all for men!" &nbsp;Sheesh.<br /><br /><b>3.</b>&nbsp; It's no secret that<a href="http://www.housewifespice.com/2013/10/seven-quick-takes-feast-of-st-jude-and.html"> St. Jude has been all up in our business this past year</a>, in a good way, and I'd like him to keep on keeping on. &nbsp;But Jude is not on my list of Baby First Names (though it is on Patrick's list), and neither is his alias, Thaddeus.<br /><br />Imagine: &nbsp;Thad Thornton<br /><br />Yeah, no.<br /><br />Patrick said, "It would be tho thad."<br /><br />That "tho thad" comment made me laugh hysterically, and is one of the many reasons I married this guy.<br /><br />Gabriella has been vetoed by Patrick for 18 years and counting, "Because that's a beach volleyball player name." &nbsp;Whatever that means. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTDi9g_h-f8/UxCZVkm-lkI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/nHBY4atj1ps/s1600/irish+temper+and+german+stubborness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FTDi9g_h-f8/UxCZVkm-lkI/AAAAAAAAG4Q/nHBY4atj1ps/s1600/irish+temper+and+german+stubborness.jpg" height="400" width="299" /></a></div><br />If I could change one thing about myself, I would like to be Italian so I could have great skin, let go of anger easily, and use names like Gabriella legitimately. &nbsp;Then, I might be a better singer and love cooking too!<br /><br /><b>4.</b> &nbsp;These are our baby name rules:<br /><ul><li>We prefer new names. &nbsp;I have over 100 FIRST cousins, and Patrick has a lot, like 60 or 70 or something. &nbsp;(When people tell me they come from a big family, I try very hard <i>not</i> to roll my eyes.) &nbsp;It's difficult, but we try to use new names. &nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>The baby's name must include some terrifically awesome saint(s). &nbsp;We've used St. Francis, St. Michael, St. Monica, St. Owen (besides meaning John, Owen was a saint and his best friend, St. Hubert, got canonized too), St. Catherine of Siena, St. Kevin, St. Therese of Lisieux, Our Lady, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Josephine Bakhita. &nbsp;These are just of my cadre of faves, including St. Jude, so I can link this up with <a href="http://californiatokorea.com/3-reasons/church-windows-budgets-3-reasons">California to Korea's Three Reasons</a>, right? &nbsp;</li></ul><div>Oh dear. &nbsp;I missed Micaela's link-up window. &nbsp;Tho thad.</div><ul><li>We never recycle. &nbsp;Well, almost never. &nbsp;For each child, we've picked a girl's name and boy's name, we use one, and the other one becomes "the name we would have named you if you were a girl/boy." &nbsp;The names we didn't end up using were: Mary Grace, Maximilian , Daniel Patrick, and Austin. &nbsp;So we've recycled one. &nbsp;There is a growing contingent of people in this house who want to recycle Austin too.</li></ul><ul><li>We don't abbreviate. &nbsp;I'm Jessica, he's Patrick. &nbsp;We use full names. &nbsp;Though I would make an exception for a Bobby. &nbsp;Or a Danny. &nbsp;Bobby and Danny are such great names even on old guys. &nbsp;Especially on old guys.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>&nbsp;The name has to sound good with Thornton.</li></ul><b>5.</b> &nbsp;You might think Thornton is an easy name. &nbsp;Aside from that sneaky middle "<b>n</b>" that gets omitted by careless nitwits, it's a classy name. &nbsp;But not every first name goes with Thornton.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IU3qaPjJ2yk/Uw_8786fmoI/AAAAAAAAG3A/kZTlKQbjVWw/s1600/Thorntonsgasstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IU3qaPjJ2yk/Uw_8786fmoI/AAAAAAAAG3A/kZTlKQbjVWw/s1600/Thorntonsgasstation.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No relation. &nbsp;No free gas for us.</td></tr></tbody></table>Take Philip for instance. &nbsp;Love the name, love the saint.<br /><br />But Phil Thornton? &nbsp;Say that five times fast. &nbsp;If you're not hearing Phil Phornton, you're definitely thinking about my son, "Filth Ornton."<br /><br />Ruth is also off-limits. &nbsp;And I dearly, dearly love the name Ruth. &nbsp;Love Bible Ruth, love my Grandma Ruth, but I just can't name a baby Ruth Thornton. &nbsp;I just, I can't.<br /><br />The same goes for the name Elizabeth. &nbsp;Every time I say Elizabeth Thornton, I think of Slyvester the Cat spluttering all over the place.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PkhPuH8G5Hg?rel=0" width="420"></iframe> <br /><br />I also do weird stuff like visualize potential baby names on a major league baseball card and fancy letterhead, because I have ridiculously high expectations.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9yCW-7GeLE/Uw_8cGeVbwI/AAAAAAAAG20/qH1BOWjXER0/s1600/MattThornton+baseball+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9yCW-7GeLE/Uw_8cGeVbwI/AAAAAAAAG20/qH1BOWjXER0/s1600/MattThornton+baseball+card.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Matt Thornton is no relation, but the name Matthew has been taken.</td></tr></tbody></table>As of this time, we have decided on 25% of the names needed for Thornton 6.0. &nbsp;Every night, I suggest names and Patrick vetoes them. &nbsp;It's a lot like the fairy tale, Rumplestiltskin. <br /><br />He has a horrible memory though, so I rotate the ones I really like in my suggestions on a regular basis. Soon, he'll present one of <i>my</i> names as his own suggestion and voila! That's how I get it done.<br /><br />Playing along with <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/2014/02/baby-names-so-many-choices-so-little-time/">Team Whitaker's Baby Name link-up</a>.<br /><br /><b>6.</b> &nbsp;Are you celebrating<span style="font-size: large;"> Fat Week</span> yet? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-6F-lvyxUk/Uw_-UYNIkPI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/tVCMoWEgkqs/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U-6F-lvyxUk/Uw_-UYNIkPI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/tVCMoWEgkqs/s1600/IMG_6954.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />I made a <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/recipes/14042551.html">Tunnel of Fudge</a> cake this week. &nbsp;Someone asked me what was the occasion. I thought about it, and the fact that I wanted to use my new pretty Bundt pan wasn't good enough. &nbsp;So I declared <span style="font-size: large;">Fat Week</span>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTY1_N5BgCk/Uw_-dNPpnvI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/AjBhhyGgMZc/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sTY1_N5BgCk/Uw_-dNPpnvI/AAAAAAAAG3Y/AjBhhyGgMZc/s1600/IMG_6960.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><br />Tell you what, making the <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/recipes/14042551.html">Tunnel of Fudge cake from Cook's Country</a> is a Labor of Love. &nbsp;All that mess is for one cake. <br /><br />All that mess, minus this:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPr24Y7Ino/UxCUW2kgbfI/AAAAAAAAG3o/iXt0NwDRks0/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhPr24Y7Ino/UxCUW2kgbfI/AAAAAAAAG3o/iXt0NwDRks0/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was just for me.</td></tr></tbody></table>The recipe made far too much frosting, but nobody complained. <br /><br />Oops. &nbsp;After <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/recipes/14042551.html">linking to the recipe</a>, I think I may have doubled the amount of chocolate chips (I didn't have enough bittersweet chocolate) in the glaze. &nbsp;Oh well. &nbsp;That makes up for the fact that I had half as many pecans as the recipe called for.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdDXQ_u5v1M/UxCUnZgoF7I/AAAAAAAAG3w/zECqH7_itaQ/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KdDXQ_u5v1M/UxCUnZgoF7I/AAAAAAAAG3w/zECqH7_itaQ/s1600/IMG_6969.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mmmmm...fudgy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTjXIT4mgt4/UxCUz8ewZ7I/AAAAAAAAG34/3I5incWxJL4/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTjXIT4mgt4/UxCUz8ewZ7I/AAAAAAAAG34/3I5incWxJL4/s1600/IMG_6973.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Throwing this out for<a href="http://www.revolutionoflove.com/blog/pinterest-party-link-up-vol-19-banana-honey-oatmeal-cookies/#.UxKCxPldUxE"> Bobbi's Pinterest Party!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJdj8vkm1zE/UxCXnqUzj2I/AAAAAAAAG4E/GjP-KHZdLks/s1600/pinterestparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJdj8vkm1zE/UxCXnqUzj2I/AAAAAAAAG4E/GjP-KHZdLks/s1600/pinterestparty.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>7. &nbsp;</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU81ub-1yBA/UxCdhW_Ty_I/AAAAAAAAG4k/ULDO7C7pIDw/s1600/1post5linkups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NU81ub-1yBA/UxCdhW_Ty_I/AAAAAAAAG4k/ULDO7C7pIDw/s1600/1post5linkups.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's count 'em up:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-quick-takes-about-man-voice-last-minute-travel-and-recording-your-audiobook-in-a-bad-accent.html">&nbsp;Jen's 7 Quick Takes</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-posts-7-days.html">Jen's 7 Posts in 7 Days</a>,&nbsp;,&nbsp;<a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/2014/02/baby-names-so-many-choices-so-little-time/">Kathryn's Baby Name Link-Up</a>,&nbsp;also&nbsp;<a href="http://californiatokorea.com/3-reasons/church-windows-budgets-3-reasons">Micaela's Three Reasons</a>&nbsp;(which I totally cheated on and did not actually link up to), and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.revolutionoflove.com/blog/pinterest-party-link-up-vol-19-banana-honey-oatmeal-cookies/#.UxKCxPldUxE"> Bobbi's Pinterest Party</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVSdQdc8oNg/UxCgcHDg4QI/AAAAAAAAG4w/J0JiviM2Y_A/s1600/arnoldgif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVSdQdc8oNg/UxCgcHDg4QI/AAAAAAAAG4w/J0JiviM2Y_A/s1600/arnoldgif.gif" height="153" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div id="_giphy_JDKxRN0Bvmm2c" style="max-width: 500px;"></div>http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/02/7-takes-that-are-not-quick-who-are-we.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8009104883788465208.post-4604421562710854850Thu, 27 Feb 2014 22:20:00 +00002014-02-27T16:44:24.862-08:007 Posts in 7 DaysLink-ups til the end of timePhotographysewingTheme ThursdayPurse, Projects, and Poop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NX7eqDjXYt4/Uw-cLYUcJOI/AAAAAAAAGz4/C6u8Ux2g_2M/s1600/PurseCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NX7eqDjXYt4/Uw-cLYUcJOI/AAAAAAAAGz4/C6u8Ux2g_2M/s1600/PurseCollage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><br />First of all, I think I have a learning disability in technology. <br /><br />All I wanted was to make a nice grid-like collage like Kendra did <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/2014/02/the-big-purse-dump.html">here</a>, but I got this instead. &nbsp;I'm working with PSE 11 on a Windows computer so if you have knowledge to spare, please share. &nbsp;Kendra also has a cool graphic (that I couldn't make if my life depended on it), and a cool purse, and a whole lotta pens.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4NOZtW_L3E/Uw-cp_eHnDI/AAAAAAAAG0A/BbqJ90Nt1N8/s1600/IMG_6977_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P4NOZtW_L3E/Uw-cp_eHnDI/AAAAAAAAG0A/BbqJ90Nt1N8/s1600/IMG_6977_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />This is my favorite thing (not in my purse). &nbsp;My purse itself. &nbsp;It was a Christmas gift from Patrick in <strike>2013</strike>&nbsp;2012. &nbsp;I love it and care for it and it matches everything (EVERYTHING!) and it holds all the things and will last forever because it was not cheap. <br /><br />The color is cognac and the strap is just long enough for me to one-hand it over my shoulder. &nbsp;The ability to one-hand it over my shoulder is key. I test-drove a lot of purses to get this feature. One strap is important too. &nbsp;Very important.<br /><br />Here are it's contents.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24i3TFe3AhQ/Uw-dKKQBxdI/AAAAAAAAG0M/JJg8CnjQ3Bg/s1600/IMG_6979_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24i3TFe3AhQ/Uw-dKKQBxdI/AAAAAAAAG0M/JJg8CnjQ3Bg/s1600/IMG_6979_edited-1.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here are the things made from paper: &nbsp;receipt, notes from a meeting, Kleenex, trash, February Magnificat,<br />and coupons held with a butterfly clip. &nbsp;Need a tissue at church? I'm your gal. &nbsp;But it might be crusty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-Y2nTi4sBw/Uw-dS3rZXoI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/MO3mkzWl7ys/s1600/IMG_6980_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-Y2nTi4sBw/Uw-dS3rZXoI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/MO3mkzWl7ys/s1600/IMG_6980_edited-2.jpg" height="351" width="400" /></a></div><br />These are the things I need because I live in Chicago and it's February: &nbsp;gloves that work with my iPhone and sunglasses, mine and Jill's. &nbsp;Sun glares off snow something fierce.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cMWlRMI-zc/Uw-dqWozYEI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/iQCgBI_9xMY/s1600/IMG_6981_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1cMWlRMI-zc/Uw-dqWozYEI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/iQCgBI_9xMY/s1600/IMG_6981_edited-1.JPG" height="640" width="524" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hand things. &nbsp;Pen, hand cream, and epi-pen for Edmund's peanut allergy. Actually, I don't know why the epi-pen is in this photo, maybe because it's a pen?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHEUrlvnVa8/Uw-eCiZ1mnI/AAAAAAAAG0g/svmNvZXcRwc/s1600/IMG_6982_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHEUrlvnVa8/Uw-eCiZ1mnI/AAAAAAAAG0g/svmNvZXcRwc/s1600/IMG_6982_edited-1.JPG" height="301" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Because I'm a girl: &nbsp;face powder and FIVE items for my lips. &nbsp;I am addicted to these new chubby sticks from Clinique. &nbsp;They don't have the best names, but they do have the best colors. &nbsp;Chunkiest Chili is my favorite. See what I mean by bad names?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyA137UY2RY/Uw-egOcbicI/AAAAAAAAG0s/2ihKedfJm2c/s1600/IMG_6983_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyA137UY2RY/Uw-egOcbicI/AAAAAAAAG0s/2ihKedfJm2c/s1600/IMG_6983_edited-1.JPG" height="400" width="372" /></a></div><br />These are the only essential things in my purse. &nbsp;Well, these and the epi-pen. &nbsp;Wallet, keys (with my Masters key fob from Augusta when I saw Bubba Watson tee off. &nbsp;He won that year!), and phone.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt9mWiAqVe0/Uw-fCgGZn0I/AAAAAAAAG00/5K-irjiDj5U/s1600/IMG_6985_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nt9mWiAqVe0/Uw-fCgGZn0I/AAAAAAAAG00/5K-irjiDj5U/s1600/IMG_6985_edited-1.JPG" height="640" width="562" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Because I'm a mom. &nbsp;That epi-pen and this tiny notebook for Jill to scribble on in Mass.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6E12wUxBKw/Uw-fcTDWPII/AAAAAAAAG08/yUH50G4ISVI/s1600/IMG_6986_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6E12wUxBKw/Uw-fcTDWPII/AAAAAAAAG08/yUH50G4ISVI/s1600/IMG_6986_edited-1.JPG" height="400" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That shouldn't be in there! &nbsp;Peter's keys, embroidery floss, Cub Scout patches which I won't be sewing on any red vests. &nbsp;That Arrow of Light will go on Edmund's new khaki Boy Scout shirt, but Cub Scouts is ovah!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-od_AC9Gph2Q/Uw-fsmJxTbI/AAAAAAAAG1E/a8cGmqSzOkQ/s1600/IMG_6987_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-od_AC9Gph2Q/Uw-fsmJxTbI/AAAAAAAAG1E/a8cGmqSzOkQ/s1600/IMG_6987_edited-1.JPG" height="356" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Because I'm Catholic. &nbsp;That Magnificat again, and my rosary. &nbsp;My grandma gave me this ruby red rosary right before I left for my Rome semester in college. &nbsp;Clinton was elected for the first time while I was there, so it was quite awhile ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4OfTZ3jvYs/Uw-gFOdYNuI/AAAAAAAAG1M/QOk7Mnkh7tY/s1600/IMG_6988_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C4OfTZ3jvYs/Uw-gFOdYNuI/AAAAAAAAG1M/QOk7Mnkh7tY/s1600/IMG_6988_edited-1.JPG" height="640" width="354" /></a></div><br />The embroidery floss from up above was for<a href="http://clan-donaldson.com/2014/01/embroidery-along-to-benefit-quilt-of-valor/"> this project for Cari</a>:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SRJo5uVwPM/Uw-zWMUWNaI/AAAAAAAAG1c/sxS8p6m2VVk/s1600/IMG_6993_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SRJo5uVwPM/Uw-zWMUWNaI/AAAAAAAAG1c/sxS8p6m2VVk/s1600/IMG_6993_edited-1.JPG" height="327" width="400" /></a></div><br />I tried to do lettering that said, "Thank you for your service." &nbsp;It turns out that lettering is way harder than it looks. &nbsp;Just getting it straight proved impossible for me, so I ripped it out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9iZgtpk4Yc/Uw-z5T632II/AAAAAAAAG1k/558OZQTDA_s/s1600/embroideredcurlyhair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h9iZgtpk4Yc/Uw-z5T632II/AAAAAAAAG1k/558OZQTDA_s/s1600/embroideredcurlyhair.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love her hair. &nbsp;Those are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSUV9F4RGNg">bullion knots</a>, which were fun to do. &nbsp;Yes, I need to wash the transfer ink off before I mail it. &nbsp;Noses are also impossible to embroidered.<br /><br />It seems I'm a sucker for all of <a href="http://clan-donaldson.com/projects/">Cari's projects</a> because I went outside today. &nbsp;I'm officially trying to hibernate, so it's rare for me to leave the house. &nbsp;I went outside, slipping on the sliding ice, to get this dreadfully dreary picture of a fence. &nbsp;I did not include the garbage cans, but it's still depressing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sf2zpD8YVSQ/Uw-0sO6S5oI/AAAAAAAAG1w/MjfSK25CNAc/s1600/IMG_6994_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sf2zpD8YVSQ/Uw-0sO6S5oI/AAAAAAAAG1w/MjfSK25CNAc/s1600/IMG_6994_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br />I spy a hockey stick, an extension cord, a rusty pot hook from the previous owners, and <span style="font-size: x-small;">ohmygosh that's not...oh it is, it really is</span> a dog turd. &nbsp;If <a href="http://clan-donaldson.com/2014/02/theme-thursday-fences/">Cari's fence photo</a> has feces, mine does too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUH2cCtYn4M/Uw-1ikz9W0I/AAAAAAAAG2M/SAblIZ5SVvE/s1600/fenceshadows_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUH2cCtYn4M/Uw-1ikz9W0I/AAAAAAAAG2M/SAblIZ5SVvE/s1600/fenceshadows_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="593" /></a></div><br />I also spy Sunlight! <br /><br />Linking up with <a href="http://www.catholicallyear.com/2014/02/the-big-purse-dump.html">Kendra</a> and <a href="http://clan-donaldson.com/2014/02/theme-thursday-fences/">Cari</a> and <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2014/02/7-posts-7-days.html">Jen</a>. &nbsp;Tomorrow, I think I can do even MORE link-ups in one post. Stay tuned!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />http://www.housewifespice.com/2014/02/purse-projects-and-poop.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jessica)13
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