The Book Life

Book Club time is here! During the fifth month of her pregnancy of her first child Natalie Taylor is devastated by the sudden death of her husband. Her journey with grief is chronicled in the memoir Signs of Life. Join From Left to Write on March 29 as we discuss Signs of Life by Natalie Taylor. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

This book was heartbreaking...really...pregnancy was such a joyful time for me, can't imagine looking forward to the birth of my first child and dealing with the death of my beloved husband.

Natalie is a high school English teacher who used her love of literature to help her get through the worst of times. I absolutely loved when she talked about her books and related them to her lives. I am a sucker for any book compilations of relating novels to our current lives (see my goodreads list). I , too, am a teacher, and see so much value in showing children how powerful books can be. All my life I was the kid walking around with a book in my hand, bringing paper bags to the library so I could carry home lots of books, and even in college (can't believe I am saying this) reading a little ahead in my new textbooks because I was so excited to get brand new books! (I remember my roommate Michelle teasing me one spring break...)
I don't teach high school like Natalie, but in elementary school, I try to introduce great fiction to my kids and get them to talk...to share...to dig deep. If you are interested in questioning strategies to use with your children, I teach my kiddos "thick" and "thin" questions. "Thin" questions are the ones that can be answered with a few words-who the character is, the setting, the problem (sometimes). You use many words to answer "thick" questions, and not everyone necessarily gets the same answer. That's OK-as long as you can back up your answer. I love those thick questions! That's how I introduce literature circles, and they can be used with all kinds of stories! I teach the kids some question starters and include the great "I wonder", and then they write their own "thick" questions. Kids come up with some wonderful ideas! I love it when they can make me rethink my ideas about characters and situations in stories. Of course, they love it when I tell them that, too!
Getting off track there...but really, just like Natalie used her novels to deal with her grief, I do think teachers should use great literature to help children make sense of their lives. Ask a librarian for suggestions. Ask other teachers. Kids feeling lonely? Try Because of Winn-Dixie. Got bullying problems? Try Maniac Magee! Need some compassion from your kiddos? Shiloh can help!I think maybe I could sift through my upper elementary grade fiction and make a separate post of suggestions.
I think all of you From Left to Write members, being book lovers, know how incredible children's lit is-if not, try it-you will be surprised!

March(ing) on...

Well...we have been busy...this is a great time of year! I love all the holidays and how magical they can be for kids! Making Valentines...we all made our own this year! Thanks to some ideas scouted out on pinterest...We had a little Valentine's party with friends. I tried to make oreo pops-failed...oh well! Then we had St. Patrick's Day-love it! We made traps in my classroom, had shamrock shakes, and yes, the leprechauns visited us!!!! The kids were so excited...but made for a long Monday in the classroom! The leprechauns also got us at home! They got into our milk, our toilets (Kendall was afraid to sit on the toilet for days afterwards) and made footprints everywhere. The boys even woke up with footprints on their face and arms! Joe and I decided to make corned beef and cabbage for the first time and invited our parents over. It was yummy-and made for even better sandwiches the next day.
I really truly e in a enjoying all the magic of childhood! I hope my children believe in Santa for a long time! Life is hectic and crazy as an adult, and we don't get to believe in magic much anymore. I want my kids to look back at their childhood with fondness and joy! Why not carry out the legend of Santa and the tooth fairy as long as you can?
Speaking of magical childhoods...we have added onto our family-Lucy! Lucy is a 3 year old basset hound, very loving, very fun! The kids LOVE having a dog-our first family pet! Spencer is responsible for feeding her. She is a great dog, potty trained already-thank you! We look forward to bringing her to the beach with us and all the memories to come. Luckily she gets along with Bubba, Grammy and Grampy's dog.
Sorry for the lack of pictures. My iphone camera is about all I have been using lately...so bad! I even won a spot in Becca Hamilton's photography class and learned lots of great tips, so I need to dust off the camera and get shooting. I do have a new model to take pictures of, after all! I am thinking I am attempt a photo a day project in April. Maybe this will make up for the lack of pics I have taken so far this year!

What's Amy been up to?

OK, seriously addicted...to pinterest!!! (Find me-mommyinca) Are you??? I cannot stop pinning! Now-the trick will be to use my pins! I have one made recipe so far-cilantro lime rice (YUM!) and taken some of the ideas to do a Valentine-a-day project for Joe. Every day, he gets a small treat attached to a love note. Yesterday he got an Itunes card with a note attached that said "You rock my world!" and today he got a pack of Extra gum with a note that said, "Our love is everlasting!". He is liking it!
In my class, I am doing a spin on a pin (hee-hee) called The Acts of Friendship. I attached little notes that have something we can do for a friend (ask someone to play, help someone in need, make a card for a friend, etc) to Valentine pencils. Each morning, we draw one and then try to do that act during the day. At the end of the day, the kids share what they did and I pick one lucky person to get the Valentine pencil. They are enjoying it!
Using my pins to give me clothing ideas...trying to be more fashion savvy-after years of buying for my kiddos only. Been adding skirts and scarves to my wardrobe. I've gotten a few compliments to my clothes, so I guess it is working!
So, I guess I am using my pins! Now, to try the crafty ones...I really want to do a craft a month-didn't get much done in January craft wise...so in Feb, will do 2 to make it up! I will keep you updated on what I do.
Reading...read my non-fiction book, Quiet. A good read-took me several weeks. I chatted Joe's ear off about it! Next up: 50 Things Every Gentleman Should Know. Need to dig it out.
No recent pics to share-most of pic taking has been on my Iphone...and my ICloud isn't working right, so the pics aren't showing up on the computer yet. I think my poor Rebel has cobwebs...but the Iphone is sooo fun-especially Instagram. But here's a few for my family and friends to enjoy...from Christmas!!

Book Club Day: Do you know your family????

This month, we read two books! I had the pleasure of reading a very well written book called The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. When Julia travels to Burma to search for her missing lawyer father, she discovers much more than she expected. Join us at From Left to Write on February 1 as we discuss The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

As I read about the woman looking for the truth about her father, and realizing how much of him she didn't even know, I thought about my own family. My father passed away when I was four. I don't have many memories of him, but I do know I was a Daddy's girl. I have pictures of us laying in my crib (together!) and working on his car, a very special picture of him holding me and gazing at me lovingly. Those are treasures to me. My mom remarried and I was lucky enough to grow up with my step-dad as my father, but maybe because of this, I never learned much about my real father from my mom. I didn't even know his favorite color, his favorite food, what he wanted to be when he grew up...his family lived far from me as I grew up, and his mom spoke little English. When I moved to Southern California, it was wonderful to finally be near his family. I started learning some Hungarian, spending hours looking through family picture albums with my Grandma, and spending time with my uncle. My aunt, who was the closest to my father, came to visit several times. She was the one to finally write down and tell me about my father-stories of his youth, what he liked, etc. I keep those papers in a special place. Now I have a picture of what my father was like! I truly wish I knew him.

I hope and pray that I live a long, healthy life with my children, but I want to make sure they know me! I scrapbook (well...not so much anymore), but even when I feel like cleaning out my supplies and giving them away, I decide to keep it up-even if I only scrap a few pages a year-those are family memories and family stories that I want my children to know. A few years ago, I made an "all about me" album and an "all about us" (my husband and my love story)album. Both were kits that I basically had to just add pictures and words. I am so glad I have those. I hope my kids will be so glad, as well, someday. Even if you aren't interested in scrapbooking, keeping your family stories alive is important. Blogs, family journals (I have one and it's just a small spiral bound notebook that I jot down those cute sayings of our kids that we want to remember and think we will...but seriously, we don't!), videos, those fill in the blank "All About Grandma" books (I have one from my mom's mother and I am SO happy I have it. I made copies for the whole family after she passed away)...your family will thank you in the future!

Book Club Day: Don't be *Quiet* about books!

Are you an introvert or extrovert?.Author Susan Cain explores how introverts can be powerful in a world where being an extrovert is highly valued. Join From Left to Write on January 19 as we discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain. We'll also be chatting live with Susan Cain at 9PM Eastern on January 26. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Oooh, I am really enjoying this book! I'm not finished, but as I read, I keep thinking of more and more I could write about, but I have decided to talk about the power of books and talking. I've always been a big reader since the days I learned to read from the blue circus reader in kindergarten. Growing up, you could find me snuggled up somewhere, a book in hand. It wasn't until high school that I realized how wonderful it was to read the same books as others and share them. Of course, it was the requisite high school novels, but still....I discovered how powerful and meaningful it was to discover books together.
I joined a book club about 12 years ago and it really opened up my eyes to different genres. I never picked up a historical fiction novel before then. And I fell in love...We always got together for talk at a local restaurant, and after our "book talk", just enjoyed casual conversation. I have to admit, I always wanted the book talk to go on longer! I loved hearing what the others thought about a character's reasonings or why things worked out this way. I also admit, the girls helped me to understand things I missed, too. I read The Life of Pi, in a fog just weeks after the birth of my first child. It wasn't until our meeting when I heard Casey talking about the religious undertones she picked up on, that I realized how much I had missed! I had to go back a reread weeks later (when the fog began to lift!).
After moving to Northern California, I never got involved with a book club and really miss it. I have discovered Good Reads and scour the reviews that my friends post. I often write messages to my friends about books-what did you think about the ending? Why do you think the author did this? Luckily, my friends (mostly my old book club friends) enjoy responding back!
Reading this book, Quiet, with all of its interesting studies and ideas really intrigued me. My copy was soon dog eared. Daily, I have been bugging my husband, "Listen to this! What do you think about this?" I think he can safely say that he knows about as much as me about this book- without even reading it. I even find myself bringing up this book's topic to friends, starting a conversation of what they think about introverts and extroverts. I can't help it-I want to share and discuss with someone! Can't wait to read all the book club posts in the next few days!
As a teacher, I try my best to bring that book talk into the classroom. I think... no, I know, that it can help build a love of reading. And kids really say the most interesting things about books-they often have a different perspective on things-and I welcome it. (They also love it when a teacher remarks that they, the teacher, hadn't even realized or thought of that idea!) I put a lot of effort into book talks last year with my 3rd graders, and I saw the power, I saw the kids stacking books on their desks, and passing books to each other. I even had parents say that finally their kids were reading-and enjoying it! It's a little harder with my firsties this year-some of them can hardly read-but we enjoy talking about the books I read to them. I do think it's a teacher's job to help their students love to read, and I know the power of talking about books really builds that.
Can't wait to finish Quiet and see what other ideas I bother I mean share with my husband and lucky friends!

Blog lovin'

OK, so one of my New Year's Resolutions...or, well, just a life change, is that I want to dress better-more stylish. I've spent the last 8 years buying for my kiddos instead...I get so excited walking into Gymboree or baby Gap. However, for me, I just throw on whatever. I've been trying to add to my wardrobe, spice it up. I finally got on the boots bandwagon, thanks to my sweet Joe who bought me a pair of black, knee length boots. LOVE them. Now on the hunt for cute skirts to wear with them!!
Anyway, I stumbled onto this blog: The Tiny Twig, and she has a whole bunch of posts about building a "no brainer" wardrobe. Cute stuff. So, I purchased her ebook: The No Brainer Wardrobe. I've only flipped through it, but it looks good! Now, I think I may finally join Pinterest, so I can start "pinning" outfits and styles. I don't know much about Pinterest....so wish me luck!!! Anyone have any thing to tell me about it? Or things you've pinned that you can share???

Reading Plans for the New Year

I love reading. I really do...but I have come to realize that I read fiction very quickly, but non fiction....very...slowly....and don't always finish the book. I like to savor them, think about them, but I don't always follow through. I have collected a bunch of non-fiction books that I have not read or finished. So this year, I plan to read more non-fiction. I will read and focus on one each month (still leaving time for more fiction love). Here are 6 I have found to start the first half of the year:
1. Quiet: The Power on Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. (For January) This is for my online book club, From Left to Write. I am excited to read this because I think I am much more of an introvert than an extrovert, though I really wish I was more outgoing...stay tuned for my post in the next few weeks about this book.

2.50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know by John Bridges. (For Feb.) Technically, this book was on my summer reading list, as well. I saw a great idea that some mom read this book to her boys, and had them journal about their thoughts. I really would like to do this!

3. Mamarazzi: Every Mom's Guide to Photographing Kids by Stacy Wasmuth. (For March) I have read about 1/3 of this book-love it! Now need to practice and do.

4. Taking Back Childhood: A Proven Road Map for Raising Confident, Creative, Compassionate Kids
by Nancy Carlsson-Page (For April) The title is so intriguing. I read about 10 pages, but never picked it up again.

5. Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst (For May) I really want to work on my faith this year....

6. Playful Learning: Develop Your Child's Sense of Joy and Wonder by Mariah Bruehl (For June-perfect for summer learning) The pictures are great, and I've already flipped through and skimmed through some of it.

Good thing is, I own all of these already....so I can build up my supply for the 2nd half of the year. Wish we me luck...looking forward to sharing with you what I learn!

*Books-of-the-Year*

I have been reading A LOT lately....loving my time off! I did the 100 book Challenge through goodreads.com (the best site for book people!!) and I made it! Of course, some of them were picture books, but I read 110 books this year-or at least rated 110 books-teachers read a lot to kiddos! Here are my top ten (in no order)

1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon-such a GOOD read-you must read it!!! A gothic mystery set in Spain concerning the unusual circumstances of a book and its mysterious author.

2. Cleopatra by Stacey Schiff...this took me a while to read, but was so informative and I learned a lot about the history of Rome and Egypt. I am slightly obsessed with that time period right now...

3. The Wilder Life by Wendy McClure...if you read and adored the Little House on the Prairie books, you will enjoy this true story about a woman traveling around to all the Little House landmarks.

4. In Stitches by Anthony Youn...funny, funny coming of age story about an Asian boy growing up in Michigan and going on to med school. Liked this a lot more than I thought I would!

5. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay I cried and cried reading this book (and still cry thinking about it), but it's worth a read. Heartbreaking, especially since parts are true-a World War II story in France (yes, it got ugly in France! I did not realize to what extent!)

6. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor-This is a children's chapter book, if you have not read it, go now. Young sweet, caring boy, runaway dog, bad owner...a GOOD book.

7. Savvy by Ingrid Law-another children's book, but with a dash of magic. The sequel didn't grab me as much as this one.

8. The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. OK, I love this author-gothic mysteries...this year, I realized how much I love them. Kate is the queen of writing gothic mysteries...I adore all 3 of her books (though this one probably isn't my favorite!)

9. Their Eyes Were Watching Good by Zora Neale Hurston This took me a while to read-the language was difficult to read-but I can see why it's a classic. The story is amazing and Janie is a very endearing main character, through all of her tragedies.

10. I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridus I've also come to realize that I do like historical fiction this year. LOVED all the Italian history in this book, as well. Very thick-couldn't stop reading it.

What about you?? What are your top reads? Tomorrow, I will update with some of my books for next year, including my plan to read more non-fiction. As much as I love reading, I read non-fiction very slowly. My bookshelf is piling up with those books. I tend to buy those, where as most of my books I get from the library.

December, December...a busy time of year!

Whew...are you caught up in the hustle and bustle??? I am! Though I am slowing down a bit due to the stomach flu-yuck! It swept through our school-even derailed our Christmas performance of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". Just as we were ready to start, one little boy threw up all over the stage-front and center-a few times! Started 20 minutes later-after a quick clean up and plastic tablecloth put down-and then someone else throws up during the show-several kids are crying so hard and even the adorable Grinch gets close to tears during his solo song and his teacher has to sing along with him...but the show was a success and my first graders (including my own Coop) were a hit! So, right now, day 3 of rest for me, it doesn't really feel like Christmas....gotta get back on the Noel Train!
We are officially on vacation! No big plans, just family and rest and fun. Love it. The boys have been video games-in their underwear-and enjoying lots of Daddy time. They are in heaven! My Grandpa is in town, too. Haven't had much time to visit with him yet, but looking forward to spending time with him. My sisters get here later this week-cannot wait! THIS is what the holidays are all about for me. Family time.
Here are some pics to to show you what we've been doing lately!

Vacation * Time

We love us short vacations....we don't take long vacations, but take short ones often. And living in California, can you blame us? We have everything close! Last week, we extended our Veterans Day break by an extra day so we enjoyed a short trip to Southern California. We did Disneyland for the first time as a family of FIVE.

It was such a blast! Kendall had no idea what to expect, but she loved it!

She was a great age, too! I know people like to wait until their kids are older, and yes, maybe she won't remember much of it, but that's what pictures are for...and the look on her face and the smiles were priceless. She was in love! The boys of course, had a blast!

We found out about an hour before we left that one of Spencer's best friends, Nathan, was heading there as well! We met up with them around 10:30 and then spent the rest of the day with their family.

Nathan's Grandma happens to be a fellow teacher (actually my master teacher when I student taught) and a good friend of mine, so we really enjoyed spending time with them! Lines were short, weather was great, Disneyland was decked out for Christmas...a perfect day!

The next day we headed down to San Diego and spent Veterans Day in one of the most beautiful places in San Diego-Cabrillo National Monument. You must check it out. I guess it used to be a navy base (I am not clear on the history) because there is a big naval cemetery and old buildings, but there is a little museum on the history of Cabrillo finding San Diego and an old lighthouse that was used years ago. You can see all of San Diego, all the way down to Mexico.

There are tide pools to explore, a hiking trail that I really want to try, and old bunkers that American soldiers hid in during World War 2.

Plus, we got to be with my sister and her family!

I really wish we lived closer and especially now that she has Lily, I am so sad that I don't get to see Lily as much as I'd like! She is a sweet baby-she adores her cousins and they adore her!

Can't wait for Christmas!
Now we are on break again for Thanksgiving...a whole week off...and I am actually glad to be home...and no plans....we have been so busy this fall...but I am planning our next short trip-either SF without kids (or maybe with...) and then Santa Barbara/LA in February to start the college tour...yes, we are going to start taking Spencer on the college tours. He will have to get a scholarship to go to school (at the rate of college tuition going up and up....ugh), so might as well get him excited, right? Can't wait to show him UCSB (my college) and UCLA!

Book Club: Children's Names

Today's post is inspired by Expecting Adam by Martha Beck. As a member of the Left to Write Book Club, I received a copy of the book to read and write a post inspired by the book. Being pregnant while in graduate school is no piece of cake and even more stressful to learn your unborn child had Down syndrome. In her memoir *Expecting Adam *, Martha Beck battled almost everyone over her decision to continue her pregnancy. Join From Left to
Writeon November 10 as we discuss Expecting Adam. I found this book very interesting-especially the the magical coincidences that occurred to Martha while pregnant with Adam and after he was born. I would love to meet him!

I have always been fascinated by baby names. I used to buy baby name books as a teenager and pore over them, listing my favorites (top contenders over the years-Autumn, Jordan (girl), Connor). I love love learning the reasons behind people's names and how they got them (and once I read the page about where Martha got the name Adam for her son, I knew what i would write about!). So, when I was pregnant with my own children, I happily purchased several more books and set about picking the perfect names! Strangely enough, none came from a baby name book!

My first son is Spencer. My husband's mom wanted to name him Spencer when he was born, but his Dad said no, and so Joe he became. Joe had always loved the name Spencer, so I knew from the moment we started dating that if I married him, we would have a son named Spencer. I didn't have much say on that name. Luckily, I loved the name! It's unique-at least in our section of the country. There are actually 1 or 2 other Spencers in town, but we don't cross paths with them very often. Most people, if they hear "Spencer", think of our son. I like that-especially since I grew up as one of the many, many Amy's in my class. I was always Amy B., or Little Amy, or Brownie.

When I was pregnant with Cooper, we had a list of names we were debating (I don't even remember the other names anymore), but I heard the name Cooper mentioned and I loved it immediately. Joe worked on a TV show at the time where Anderson Cooper was the host, and he thought he was a very cool guy, so Joe liked the name Cooper, as well. We agreed easily, and Cooper he became. We didn't know any other Coopers...but as soon as he was born, so many people said that they knew other Coopers...oh well...he is one of 2 Coopers in 1st grade at his school, but he is his own self, very independent. After we had Spencer and Cooper, we were asked a few times if we were big movie buffs-Spencer Tracy and Gary Cooper!

With Kendall, we already had that name in mind. We had planned for years that we would name our daughter Katie. However, I had a student one year (pre-kids) named Kendall, though she spelled it differently. She was adorable-feisty, fun, and full of spunk. The name fit her to a t-and we fell in love with the name! So, when I was pregnant with Kendall, and she was doing major gymnastics in my belly, it felt right. She is truly a Kendall-very spirited, feisty, and spunky. I can't imagine her a Katie (though I am sure if she was a Katie, I would say the same thing!). Her name has become more popular as well, but I think she can hold her own with the other Kendalls-my girl is no wallflower! Interestingly enough, Spencer has a friend in his 3rd grade class named Kendall and her brother is...Cooper! I guess great minds think alike! Hahaha!

Halloween...

Another Halloween over...is it me or is time fah-lying?????
We celebrated by BOO-ing several families-one of our fav traditions! We buy cupcakes and candy, leave the treats at their door with a BOO sign, and doorbell ditch! We laughed so hard on some of them-it's the thrill of almost being caught!
Stephanie threw a big shindig-complete with a Haunted backyard-a whole maze to wind through.

We had a blast! The kids went through it over and over!

She knows how to throw a party! Thanks, Steph!
Then, Halloween night we trick-or-treated with the Adrian Family-another tradition-on our neighborhood.

We were joined by other friends, as well. The weather was great, the candy was yummy, and the lights were on! Even for a Monday night, it was happening out there! We had an alien, a gangster (Eminem) and a cowgirl this year. Mostly thrown together, frugal costumes...that's the best kind. The kids are already planning on what they'll be next year!

My honey

So this month, my online book club read a very interesting book called Lost Edens, about a woman in an abusive relationship-not physical, but emotionally abuse. It was an intriguing read for me since my own relationship is so different than hers. I couldn't understand her in many ways, but I understand that when you are in the situation, it seems different.
To be honest, I struggled over what to write-Jamie was so honest in her writing, but I couldn't think of anything that raw that I could write about (not to mention that the other members can be intimidating because they all write such polished pieces and are accomplished women, and I am sitting here typing out my ideas that always sound so much better in my head than when I actually get them down on the screen!).
In Lost Edens, author Jamie Patterson struggles to save her marriage which may or may not be already over. Keeping her attempts a secret from her family, she attempts to mold herself into the wife her husband wants her to be. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members posts inspired by Lost Edens by Jamie Patterson on book club day, October 27 at From Left to Write. (Please do-the posts are fascinating! I love peeking into others' lives!)
However, as I read this book, I kept thinking how lucky I am in my relationship. My husband truly is my best friend, as well as my husband. We genuinely enjoy spending time together. He is a great Dad to our kids-they are so lucky to have him. We have known each other since we were 16 years old. I actually met him through his girlfriend at the time, a friend of mine. She graduated a year before me and went away to college, and I still saw him around our high school campus. We just clicked. We never had any trouble talking and would spend hours chatting away. And I was voted Most Shy in high school! Our last names were the same, so we started joking that one day we'd get married. In fact, the first time he brought me over to his parents' house, he introduced me as his future wife. I am sure his parents were a bit confused-who was this girl? We weren't even dating! I graduated and moved to southern California, but we kept in touch and saw each other on my school vacations when I came home. We had a core group of friends in common, and that kept us linked. We ended up kissing for the first time my freshman year winter vacation, but after mixed messages on both sides (I guess...), we ended up not speaking for almost a year. After we finally made up, we stayed close and when we started dating after I graduated from college, within one month, we knew that was it. We'd found our other half. We've been through a lot-moves, houses, apartments, jobs, hard times, good times, 3 sweet children, and 20 years after that first fateful kiss, we are still together, happily married for 11 years and looking forward to many more years together. Reading books like Jamie's makes me appreciate, once again, my luck in finding my Joe. I hope Jamie finds her other half (or maybe she has found him already! :-))

And what's new with you....

I know I have some relatives that read this and would like updates on the kiddos...

Spencer:

Loving 3rd grade. Reading Harry Potter, doing great in math, finding a competitive edge in him, finished season 3 of Splashball (jr water polo). Loves drawing and creating-very creative. Making a movie with daddy about aliens (one of his obsessions). I think he's really into sci-fi! He ran for 3rd grade senator, but so many of his friends ran, that they "cancelled" each other out and someone else won (with not that many votes!). But we were proud of him-he had to write a speech and present it at an assembly.

Cooper:

Lost his first tooth and he was so excited! Enjoying first grade. I can tell you as his teacher, that things come very easily for him (especially math!). He is reading a lot now-trying to read everything. In the middle of soccer season, which he really isn't loving. Wants to try tennis next. Loves to fix things with daddy and is always found with his ipod (favs: Awolnation and Eminem!).
Kendall:

Miss Social Butterfly is loving school. She loves "reading" (reads to her dolls every night). Loves dolls, nail polish, shoes-anything girly! Helping Dad with cooking (mom likes to do it herself!). Doesn't like to sleep...last one to fall asleep at night. Sometimes it's just K and Dad up! Talking all the time...a real chatterbox! Likes to tease us-will say "I just kidding!"

Having a busy, but fun fall. We've been spending a lot of time in the Santa Cruz area, and we really like it over there. I could live there! Beach and culture!
Our family country project is coming along slowly...we've read a couple of books and put a huge wall map in the hallway. I found a German restaurant in the Santa Cruz area to try next time we go over there. I need to stay on top of it. Now that we don't have things going on almost night (soccer practice and splashball), I think I can schedule more family evenings. not that we don't spend every minute together as it is-we've been taking family walks when it gets dark. But I want to do more family meeting type evenings. Does anyone else do that?

Family *time*

Deborah Reed's debut novel Carry Yourself Back to Me follows heartbroken singer-songwriter Annie Walsh as she digs into the past to exonerate her brother from murder. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read other members posts inspired by Carry Yourself Back to Me on book club day, October 4 at From Left to Write.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the descriptions of Florida and reading about the family dynamics. However, what stood out to me and something I kept thinking about after closing the book was the fact that we never know what is going to happen in life. Annie lost her dad suddenly, and her fiancee left her without warning. I know we all have had things happen in life that we weren't prepared for or didn't want to happen. I lost my own father at the age of 4, and I've missed out on the chance to know him. Many times I wonder about the some of the character traits I have and wonder if he had them too. I don't even know things like his favorite color or what he liked to eat. That makes me sad.
I talked to a few of my friends about this topic as we celebrated a "Girls' Weekend" together in Monterey this past weekend. Ashley said that she thinks of the quote that you "need to live your life like each day could be your last" (paraphrased by me). So true. It makes me feel teary eyed thinking about that, but also encourages me to hug and kiss my kids and my husband Joe as much as I can. It makes me settle for a less than spotless home when instead, I could be hanging around with the family, chatting or playing board games. It makes me question some of the things I choose to do, things that take away from my family. I've tried to cut back on things that seem like time wasters, including TV. I found that I was spending tired evenings slumped in front of the TV, instead of spending quality time my Joe. It's so easy to sit there, mindless. Which brings to mind the quote about "on your deathbed, what regrets will you have-things you did or things you didn't do?" I don't want to have ANY when it comes to my family. What about you???

New * family* adventure

If I had more money, I would love to travel! I want to experience new cultures, strange countries, unique ways of living...I love reading books set in other countries. I've read so many about the Indian culture, that even though I've never been to India, I feel like I can picture it in my mind. So that being said, along with my love for geography and maps and Joe's curiosity about the world (not to mention brushing up on his geography skills), Joe and I have decided to implement a "Country a Month" activity with our family. For October, we are starting with Germany. I've checked books out of the library and been looking online for some ideas on teaching the kids about Germany. We plan to eat at a German restaurant in San Francisco, as well as talk to friends who are German. We also plan to watch movies set in Germany, listen to music, and so on. I am excited to try this! I'm putting up a map in the kitchen, so we can familiarize ourselves with Germany and its surrounding countries. Does anyone have any other ideas that we can try? We have not planned out our countries yet, so we are starting to go month by month. I want to touch on many different places around the world. I'm so excited! I hope my family enjoys this new adventure!

Cleopatra & Amazing history

Lots of ideas came to mind while reading this month's book selection, Cleopatra: A Life by Stacey Schiff. As a member of the From Left to Write Book Club, I received a copy of this book for review. You can read the other members posts inspired by this book on Sept. 27 here. I thought about writing about misconceptions in history (Cleopatra wasn't Egyptian!) or how real life makes for a good story (Cleopatra's life is full of very interesting stories...).
However, what I kept coming back to were the things the author mentioned that Cleopatra knew...way back in BC! Cleopatra knew the earth was round-she knew of the existence of the equator_that just blew my mind! This was B.C., people! Didn't we just "discover" this a few hundred years ago?? What happened-and why-did we have to learn this all over again? I was so impressed with the education of these ancient people. It's amazing (and sad) to me that so much knowledge was lost and had to be relearned. I'm wondering about our own future. What will be lost? What will my great-grandchildren know that I don't know or will they know less? We seem so advanced today, but in a way, so did the Egyptians and Romans of the day. Will another Dark Ages happen on earth?

Family Time

OK, so living here isn't our "ideal", as many of you have probably heard me say. Joe and I dream about moving back to LA again...we loved living there, but I will say that I am happy to be here for now for the main reason: FAMILY. I know we made the right decision to live here. I love seeing the kids connect and make memories with Grandparents, cousins, and aunts/uncles (though I wish MY sisters were closer...)

My sweet in-laws have a beach house in Aptos now (shared with 2 other families, one being my father-in-law's brother) and we got to have lots of cousin time last weekend. The kids had a blast! Playing, playing board games, throwing poppers, beach time, and more playing! We got to hang out with Joe's cousin Janell's kids, who we rarely see, as well as Tyler & Pana. The next day, the Gresham cousins came up (minus Maddie). FUN!

And the Grandparents...I love that the kids have "dates" with them, overnights, and just time away to be with Grandma or Grammy. Coop enjoyed his date today with Grammy!

I have such good memories of my Grandma growing up. I loved being at her house. I'm glad my kids get to make their own memories with their grandparents, too.