I will just go ahead and say it, I am officially a bloggy slacker. This summer has been full, even overflowing at times, of activity. One of those activities has been reading. One of my favorite books I read this summer was The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin. The story grabs you quickly and does not let go until the final pages. The novel is set, mostly, at a rustic fishing camp in Maine. The story revolves around the camp's owners: Joe and Lucy Crosby. After many years of visiting the camp, Harry Wainwright becomes and important part of the family. Justin Cronin does a masterful job of weaving the story line through time and slowly revealing the each character.
The relationships in this story seem to create another character of it's own. There is love and heartbreak, anger and jealousy, forgiveness and redemption. There is much more to these characters than and their individual stories than originally assumed. It is a joy to read and let it all unfold before your eyes.
The ending is far from surprising, but it is totally believable. I would definitely say this is a great summer book. It is enjoyable without being difficult to get into or follow. The storytelling style is enjoyable and always leaves you wanting more. I found it hard to put down each night. I hope each of you has had a summer full of activities you love.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
On the road again
Today we begin our pilgrimage to the Quad Cities in Illinois. We are heading up to spend tonight with my parents north of town. Tomorrow morning we will officially be on the road, bright and early. Mom and Sister will be with us for the fun. I have packed up our clothes, which is the easy part. Now I need to spend the afternoon gathering up the other various and sundry items we will use during the next week. Thus, my mind is churning. Trying to figure out what is vital for the little ladies and what is just extra stuff. Clearly we need Panda Girl's pack and play since it will double as her bed. A panda or two will also make their way into the minivan with Panda Girl's passies (for bedtime only these days). The DVDs will be coming as well. I have never been so glad we sprung for the built in DVD player in the van. I am also going to make sure we all have our pillows, as sleep is very important in our family. The girls will have their crayons and lacing cards and books. I will bring my kindle and probably my knitting stuff too. We have large amounts of snacks for the road too. I have also ensured the cameras are charged and the memory cards are cleared.
Are there any things I am missing? What are your essentials?
Are there any things I am missing? What are your essentials?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
MIA
Has it really been almost 2 months since I last posted? How is that possible? Clearly summer has not turned out to be the quiet and relaxing season I had imagined during the spring. There have been visits to the lake. We have been thrilled to host family members we do not often see. There has even been a weekend away without the little ladies (can I get an AMEN!). There have been movies to watch and surgeries to attend. I would love to say that the blogging drought is going to be cured for the rest of the summer. However, that is not in the cards. In the next six weeks I am taking two week long trips and one very long weekend away. Thus, it will continue to be spotty. However, when I am here I will do a better job with my updates.
I have read so many books lately, I do not know where to begin. Hopefully tomorrow I can choose one to review for you. Most have been good reads. I have even had some variety in my choices. Of course I have read some interesting fiction, but I have also read a book about eating well to manage hormone levels. More on all of that tomorrow, hopefully.
This has been a summer of contrasts. The temperatures have been blisteringly hot, but the weather has been amazingly wet as well. Old friends from far away have moved to town while more and more local friends have moved away. I have been working very diligently to improve the overall health of the family. We have started eating healthier by embracing organic foods and shunning processed junk. However, I am currently battling my second case of strep throat. We have not paid a babysitter all summer, yet we did get out for our 9th anniversary and enjoy a weekend with friends (sans kiddos). I am constantly amazed by the amount of life we have in our home. While some of that life is due to the two doggies and four fish, it is mostly the product of two adorable little ladies who embrace each moment to the fullest. However, on Saturday morning we are driving 1100 miles for a family funeral (more discussion on that later).
One of the highlights of the summer has been Mother's Day Out. Panda Girl has been attending MDO at this location all year, but it was new for Sweet Pea. I was unsure how well she would adjust. It turns out I had no reason to worry. As usual, she adapted easily and happily. I have been blessed to be able to take them somewhere fun while I get a break two days a week. It makes me a better mom to be able to run errands and exercise and just sit on the couch and read without the constant interruptions small children bring with them. MDO has kept my sanity intact and my children well cared for and well loved.
On Saturday morning, very early, the little ladies and I are joining my mother and sister on a two day road trip to visit family. I have a great uncle who recently passed of Alzheimer's disease. It has been a long and difficult road for the whole family. Thus, I am thankful he has been taken home where he can be free of the burden of such an insidious disease. I have been wanting to take the little ladies to visit family for over a year. However, we have been waiting for this funeral so we could see as many family members as possible at one time. Thus, the long car trip.
I am not a road trip person. Typically after about four or five hours, I turn into a pumpkin. I get grumpy and snippy. My children have never spent more than a couple of hours in the car at one time. It seems I am asking for trouble with this decision. However, I have spent time in prayer over this and I can't get the idea of driving out of my head. Each time I consider flying I get a really bad feeling. I have no idea why I am feeling led to drive, but I do not want to ignore what I am being told. So please keep me in your prayers on Saturday and Sunday as we undertake this crazy adventure.
I have read so many books lately, I do not know where to begin. Hopefully tomorrow I can choose one to review for you. Most have been good reads. I have even had some variety in my choices. Of course I have read some interesting fiction, but I have also read a book about eating well to manage hormone levels. More on all of that tomorrow, hopefully.
This has been a summer of contrasts. The temperatures have been blisteringly hot, but the weather has been amazingly wet as well. Old friends from far away have moved to town while more and more local friends have moved away. I have been working very diligently to improve the overall health of the family. We have started eating healthier by embracing organic foods and shunning processed junk. However, I am currently battling my second case of strep throat. We have not paid a babysitter all summer, yet we did get out for our 9th anniversary and enjoy a weekend with friends (sans kiddos). I am constantly amazed by the amount of life we have in our home. While some of that life is due to the two doggies and four fish, it is mostly the product of two adorable little ladies who embrace each moment to the fullest. However, on Saturday morning we are driving 1100 miles for a family funeral (more discussion on that later).
One of the highlights of the summer has been Mother's Day Out. Panda Girl has been attending MDO at this location all year, but it was new for Sweet Pea. I was unsure how well she would adjust. It turns out I had no reason to worry. As usual, she adapted easily and happily. I have been blessed to be able to take them somewhere fun while I get a break two days a week. It makes me a better mom to be able to run errands and exercise and just sit on the couch and read without the constant interruptions small children bring with them. MDO has kept my sanity intact and my children well cared for and well loved.
On Saturday morning, very early, the little ladies and I are joining my mother and sister on a two day road trip to visit family. I have a great uncle who recently passed of Alzheimer's disease. It has been a long and difficult road for the whole family. Thus, I am thankful he has been taken home where he can be free of the burden of such an insidious disease. I have been wanting to take the little ladies to visit family for over a year. However, we have been waiting for this funeral so we could see as many family members as possible at one time. Thus, the long car trip.
I am not a road trip person. Typically after about four or five hours, I turn into a pumpkin. I get grumpy and snippy. My children have never spent more than a couple of hours in the car at one time. It seems I am asking for trouble with this decision. However, I have spent time in prayer over this and I can't get the idea of driving out of my head. Each time I consider flying I get a really bad feeling. I have no idea why I am feeling led to drive, but I do not want to ignore what I am being told. So please keep me in your prayers on Saturday and Sunday as we undertake this crazy adventure.
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