Valentines Day

I usually put together the actual valentines the night before, however I was pretty tired so I did the morning of. When I went out to the living room to put things together I noticed God had given me my own personal valentines. 

 

Then I put Rebekah's stash together, complete with cotton candy. a stress ball that changes color when it's squeezed, Harry Potter socks, and sour gummies. 

The valentine I made. If you look closer you can see Don's scar. Also of note is my greying hair. The words in white are, "I'm glad we share the same space." 

Then Don. I bought him some gummy cinnamon hearts, then I made him this heart with mushrooms. It says, "I have so Mush-Room for you in my heart." 

I then sent my brothers a few valentines. 

Michael: 

Then he sent me a picture of his office space where AmySue decorated for Valentine's Day. I zoomed in and had more evidence that Michael is an awesome uncle: there's a picture of 4 of his nieces on his computer screen. Awww. 

Then I sent this to Joseph, and yes I would. 

I followed it up with this, which is basically is how I feel about all my brothers. 

Other January Stuff

Sometimes I wonder where Rebekah's clothes are. Then I go upstairs and find them in the oddest places. It's like science needed bare feet or something. 

 

I live for puppy pictures. Never met this girl but she seems so fun. 

Then there was the time I found a few books on the "free" table at church. I guess I don't mind taking these and adding them to my collection; it's not as if they will be at the library any time soon. 

Also love getting Rebekah's art work home. 

I made White Bean Chicken Chili. So good. Don even ate a bowl. 

I bought myself owl socks in the hopes that a little girl I know wouldn't want to wear them. Didn't really work, but hey! Owl socks!

I also get pictures from my brothers every so often. It's there way of helping with the Christmas calendar for mom, but I like to pretend it's because of their great love for me. :D 

Michael and AmySue:

Jojo!

This texting conversation is short, but it really sums up motherhood: 

And finally pictures of the view. So cold. But lots of geese. 

Oh, and after much hard work Rebekah made the All A honor roll! 

January Books

I was looking more for history of the state whereas this was more a political journey of Texas. Not bad pre se just not really what I wanted. 

Fascinating history of Nomads and their contributions to culture, ancient to modern day. Apparently it's the wanderers that carry the information from place to place. A highly interesting read. 

I got this home before I realized it was listed under "Horror," but since it was junior fiction I figured I'd be okay. It was fine. Wasn't great. Kind of outlandish. Family moves place to place fixing old homes, they land their dream fixer-upper on Spectacle Key and end up with a few ghosts; one the boy can see, the other not visible but very angry.... 

Junior fiction about a girl with a stutter who comes to stay with her grandfather in his home by the forest. Then it turns into a save the world kind of book: the forest is endangered and someone is tearing it down, there's a snow leopard in the forest that someone bought for a pet then realized they couldn't take care of him so they dropped him off in the forest, etc. and so on. Eventually the girl pushes past her stutter to save the leopard and the forest. 

I really enjoyed her other book Set the Stars Alight so I tried this one about WWI. Have to admit it was highly disappointing. I did like that it was WWI and not WWII but that's about it. Some of the writing was a bit much. 

Rebekah finished this with me. It's Harry Potter so it needs no review. Not my favorite, but it's pretty good. Much better than the movie. 

Junior historical fiction about a girl from Aleppo making her way to her family through war. It's not an easy read especially for junior fiction but it's real (based on the author's own experiences in Syria). 

I started reading this once before when I was in college but lost interest. Recently I found it among my library's audiobooks and gave it another shot. It was long. Very long. So long that I wondered if it was worth it, but then the part of the book came where the author makes his purpose known and it was really insightful. For example the phrase: we don't believe in original sin, then why do we believe in original virtue? stayed with me for a while. And his discourse on war and is it needful was fascinating. The afterward is worth reading as well. The dates he wrote this book are important to understanding the book. 

This adult fiction was high interesting - a true page turner - until it wasn't. And it just ended. And there's no part two. Almost like she wrote it and then realized she didn't really have an ending so she asked a neighbor boy to finish it for her. 

Don got me to read this historical account. I liked the first part where the author introduces "the commanders" and I liked the end part where the author summarizes his thoughts. The middle was a bit taxing. However if someone likes war tactics, I assume this would please. 

Another WWI historical fiction. This was much better than "Yours is the Night." The story was less cliche and even more believable at times. It follows 3 young women making their way as single working ladies. There's another modern day story that was a bit over done, but enjoyable nonetheless. 

Historical fiction about a family living between the Germans and the Russians at the end of WWII. Details their journey towards freedom. Absolutely horrifying at times, but very different from most of the WWII novels out there. 

Junior Fiction about a little girl who saves a polar bear. Besides the fact that one should never try to interact with a polar bear, this book had much to love about it. It seems relatively easy though - maybe 2nd  or 3rd grade tops. 

Totally not my genre (murder mystery) but I found myself highly enjoying this one. So much so that I went back and put the 1st book on hold again. I think it's the English humor that I truly enjoy. 

Junior fiction about a girl who lost her father to WWII. She keeps hope alive that he's alive but has to confront the fact in the end of the book, as well as welcome a new boyfriend for her mom. It's okay. 

I liked this junior fiction about a girl (Mimi) and her mom (a Pakistan native) who visit the grandparents back in Pakistan. Mimi becomes close friends with one of her grandparents servants, who she helps with her English thus giving her the help she needs to pass a test to get into school. Oh, and Mimi finds her long lost dad too. I really liked the perspective the author shows throughout the book. Well done. 

Rebekah wanted to read this one so I read it quick. Not a fan. I don't believe Harry Potter would treat any kid - let alone his son - like he did in the book. I think it changed the characters too much. But I can see where die hard Harry Potter fans would feel the need for more and I suppose this is more. 

Fascinating history of a German internment camp in England. There's so much I don't know. It seems fear make people do some crazy things they wouldn't otherwise do.  

Fascinating junior fiction about death and loss, and what it can do to an individual. I really liked how the author made the connection between joy and color. Definitely worth a read.