Cookie Fever, Part Two

Today is the day I live a childhood fantasy. Or at least, I attempt it in any case. Being a lifelong sucker for fairytales, I have always wanted to make my very own house of gingerbread. There's something rather enchanting about these cookie domains, and rather abysmal about those kits that are everywhere in stores.
The problem with those grocerystore kits are twofold;
1.They are so hard and disgusting that you really shouldn't bother eating the darn things for fear of either gagging or chipping a tooth.
2.There is never, ever enough candy to bedeck the house.
My theory is that if the wicked witch had moved into a grocerystore gingerbread house, after one nibble Hansel and Gretel would have hit the road, preferring to subsist on lichen rather than take another such inedible morsel.
So today I attempt making my very own gingerbread house-from scratch. In the current version of the day dream, we decorate our little house tomorrow as a family, and love it so much we resolve to do one each and every Christmas forever more. A new family tradition is born...
It's either going to be a disaster or delight. Stay tuned folks!

Cookie Fever

Forget visions of sugar plums, what I have dancing in my head are the ultimate Christmas time goodie: COOKIES! Also, this is no fairy ballerina tiptoeing about in there either, it's more like an African drumming dance.
While I love to bake anytime, there's something special about Christmas baking. One big thing is that it's the only time of year where the cookis my family pleads for is NOT chocolate chip! Variety is a good thing, particularly with so many scrumptious recipes to be had.I get real butter for my shortbread, make ridiculously large batches of gingerbread, dream over cookbooks, and even make my yearly allotment of sugar cookies (because they're too darn time consuming to make more than once every year).
Especially with such cold days upon us, it provides the perfect excuse for the munchkins and I to fire up the oven and bake cookies to our hearts content. Ben and Briggy are my willing accomplices when it comes to concocting cookies. They love stirring ingredients, using the rolling pin, and playing with the cookie cutters. I like to call them my taste testers, because first they want to snitch everything, but second, for a recipe to be repeated it has to meet their enthusiastic approval, otherwise I end up eating them all myself.
A lot of the recipes we make harken back to my own childhood memories, where I helped my Mum bake them. It's a beloved tradition and I love sharing it with my own kids. It's always great to whip up a few childhood favourites to enjoy. Mine has always been gingersnaps (or what we called Crybaby Cookies). What's your favourite?

Book of (Last) Week

Dr. Seuss was right, Christmas doesn't come from a store, in fact it means a little bit more. But what? Well, what I am busily trying to impress upon my excited children is that Christmas is really about our Saviour Jesus Christ. Admist the hubbub and bustle that is the holiday season, I'm trying to take Henry B.Eyring's advice and make room this season for what it really is all about. Here's some holiday, Christ-centered reads for your consideration.

The Challenge, Part One:
So watching the church's First Presidency's Christmas Devotional last night I got an idea. I'd originally planned to list one inspiring book about the gospel each week for December, but now I have a different goal. I've determined to read all four gospels by Christmas day, all four accounts of the Saviour's ministry instead.
I've calculated that reading ten pages a day I can do it. Anyone who likes can join me in the challenge, and we can send updates through the weekly blog. Who's with me?

For the Kids, Part One:
While I adore Christmas literature, especially childrens' Christmas literature, most of them are more secular in nature. This month I'll be mentioning some of my favourite Christmas tales that have to do in some way with the Nativity story.
First I want to mention one that you really should not miss! I'm sharing this one first so you all have time to find yourselfves a copy of "This Is the Stable" by Cynthia Cotten. Telling the Nativity story simply through rhyme, this is a beautiful little book with sublime text and pictures. To read it is to love it. Here's a sample:
"This is the stable dusty and brown,
In a quiet corner of Bethlehem town.
This is the star whose light shone down
On the quiet stable, dusty and brown."

Enjoy!

Ode to Joy!

Let Advent begin! Tis the season for joy, beauty, and a good laugh or two. Therefore I present the following for your enjoyment. Try to keep it sane everybody!

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnT7pT6zCcA

Book of the Week

With Advent upon us, here's the last of the cozy and snowy reads for your perusal and pleasure.

Cozy Read, Part 3:
Adventure, lovable heroes and despicable villains, mystery and riddles, great setting and laugh out loud humour; Brian Jacques novel "Redwall" has it all. A delicious read for grownups and children, I first discovered this one listening to Mum and Dad read it to us. We were all captivated and loved it!
When the peaceful Redwall Abbey is attacked by the rat warlord Cluny the Scourge, the brave mice and their woodland allies are hard pressed to preserve their freedom. Determined to restore the legendary sword of their founder Martin the Warrior to rally their cause, the novice Matthias begins a winding path to unearth the mystery of where the sword might be hidden. An unforgettable story, and brilliantly told.

Snowy Read, part 3:
Barbara Reid is a masterful storyteller, and her stunning plasticene illustrations tell the whole story in "Zoe's Snowy Day". Zoe sets out with her Mum one winter's day, and what adventures they have together!From sledding, to watching hockey at the park rink and home again for more hot cocoa, here is a wonderful little book to help welcome in the wintery season and get everyone excited for the snow. Barbara Reid has done three other Zoe books, one for each season, and they are all well worth the effort of finding.

Dating: Then and Now

This past weekend we went to visit my family in Calgary. While we were there, it was the annual big Preference Dance in the LDSSA for my two single sisters. Being the formal dance where it's girls' choice, this date usually is a big event.
By the time we arrived, both Neen and Nenie (aka Janine and Elena) were starting to get a little stressed about getting ready, plus looking more than usually gorgeous in less than about an hour! It brought back memories of when I used to go to preference...and how my own sisters were always ready and willing to help me out. I was more than happy to be on the giving rather than the receiving end this time -it was quite fun really. I admired outfits and hairdos, rolled out pizza dough, and soothed soothed ruffled feathers when they got a bit stressed out. They went to a lot of effort to make a fun evening for that group date! Later that night, as I heard them all laughing as they made pizza, decorated cupcakes, and played games before going to the dance I had to smile at hearing how much fun they were having.
In retrospect of my own Preference and dating days, there are very few specifics that I remember. Names, faces, and activities have become blurred. While some particularly significant dates will always be remembered, what has become a treasured memory for me is the fun of getting ready for a date. My four sisters were always there to lend a hand, making the process of getting ready for the date a treasured memory.
The family tradition of helping each other getting ready and going on a date continues; not only did I help my sisters, but my brother helped me too. While Peter took his nephews to a movie, my husband and I got to go out on an actual date-a wonderful treat when you're married with kids. Dating your spouse is trickier than when you're single. Although creativity is appreciated when single, especially for preference, that and ingenuity are absolutely essential for dating your spouse!
We had a marvelous night out together, discovering the most scrumptious of Italian restaurants. It was one of those wonderful moments when I was reminded yet again of things I love about my husband. Thanks to all my family who helped to make it a reality that night.
Did I ever tell you that Jason was originally the best Preference date I ever had?

Book of the Week

More cozy and snowy reads for your consideration.

A Civil Murder:
I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie, her mystery novels are my ultimate relaxing read. They have it all: murder, well-written characters, inventive plots and settings, a touch of romance, and that delicious wry wit of which I'm especially fond. And unlike so many modern mysteries, her books are clean; no gory violence, and though dealing with some nasty elements of life, things never get lurid. Things remain as civilized as possible. In short, her books are perfect for a cozy read, be it in the thick of a storm or on the beach.
For those new to "the Queen of Crime" try "The Mysterious Affair at Styles" where she first introduces the immortal sleuth Hercule Poirot and his comrade in arms, Captain Hastings. While visiting old friends, the convalescing Hastings gets more than he bargains for in the English countryside when his hostess is found murdered. Admist the fear and suspicion that follows, the Belgian emigre Poirot must employ his "little gray cells" to oust the murderer.

A Muddle with Mittens:
Who hasn't had trouble keeping track of of those things? That is just the problem facing the boy Nikki in "The Mitten", Jan Brett's adaptation of this Ukrainian folktale. When Baba finally knits the long desired snow white mittens for him, you know it is only a matter of time before Nikki losses one. What happens as more and more forest creatures discover this snug hideaway is beautifully told through text, but mostly through illustration. This one never fails to make me smile.

Heard It All... and Then Some

One theory I've developed as a mother is to never do something for my kids that they can do themselfves. This naturally leads to the ocassional pout fest, or my favourite; yet another creative excuse.
Ben came up with a funny one this morning when I asked him to get the milk on the table for breakfast. Heaving a weary sigh, my four-year old looked at me and said languidly "No, I've been doing that for a hundred years!" His parents were chuckling over that one this morning.
The thing is, spending time in the teaching profession you hear a lot of excuses. These ones are not so cute, but mostly either lame or just pathetic. I'm thinking of composing a list of some of the worst excuses I've heard there, but here's a few of them:
-I'm too poor (?!)
-I'm handicapped (be it ADD, ADHD, mentally disabled, blind... this one is endless)
-I'm (fill in the blank with the minority group of your choice)
-I'm too stupid
-That's just the way I am
-guilt tripping, like one of my very favourites where one student accused me of being a racist because I told her to get back to work

After grappling with pre-adolescents, my kids are a breeze, plus all the more adorable. What they come up with is also a lot more funny.
What are some gems that your kids have come up with?

UPDATE: My apologies to all who misunderstood my mention of students with disabilities. My comment in no way was about students who do live with with them. I have had the oppurtunity to teach many such students and they are a delight to have in the classroom. What I was referring to was those students who do not have disabilities, but try to manipulate me as a substitute teacher and get out of work. I am sorry for any confusion I may have caused.

Book of the Week

Ever heard of alliteracy? This rising menace is the growing population that knows how to read, but doesn't. This is a great shame as reading improves us in so many ways that whenever I read studies of reading's benefits, I wonder why wouldn't you want to read? Here's some picks for your consideration. For grownup reads this month I'm suggesting some of my favourite cozy reads to snuggle up with as the weather gets cooler. For kids, a few reads that celebrate the coming of the snow.

Reading Too Many Novels:
If such a thing is possible, than I am ceratinly guilty of it, as is Katherine Noland from "Northanger Abbey"-the Jane Austen heroine that I most readily identify with. On an exciting trip to the glittering social world of Bath, Katherine's naivety and wild imagination get her into many a scrape. Although life is not nearly as dramatic as the gothic novels she devours, it does still have its fair share of villains and buffoons to avoid if you hope to live happily ever after.

A Winter Romp:
I adore Uri Shulevitz's book "Snow", especially this time of year. While the rest of the city dismisses the first snowflake, a little boy and his dog happily insists that yes, it is too snowing and that they are going to enjoy it (even if no one else will!) The result is a magical romp through the city landscape as it becomes whiter and whiter. To read it is to love it.

Happy reading everybody!

Beating the Mall Blues

I am one of those crazy people who tries to get all of her holiday shopping done by the end of November. There are multiple reasons for this: feeling organized for once, avoiding the insanity that is any store come Dec. 1, and spending advent actually doing Christmas things I love to name a few. Crowded stores always make me feel crabby anyways.
The thing is, living in a small town, my shop selection is limited. This has prodded me (as nothing else ever could have done) into the hitherto unexplored world of online shopping. As my nearest and dearest can attest to, a techno girl I am not. Last year Jason didn't believe me when I told him that I wanted an ipod for Christmas-he asked what I would do with one! It felt weird the first time I tried shopping online, but I'm becoming rather fond of it. Online shopping perks include:
-I can actually find things my dear ones will like, instead of resorting to shopping at the local Wal-mart for all of my gifts.
-better selection than any store, or mall.
-getting free shipping makes me feel oh-so-very-clever.
-getting actual packages in the mail, which is so much more exciting than the usual paper shredder fodder we usually get. Actually, the packages are probably my favourite thing about it (cue the Rogers and Hammerstein).
Thus, while I'll eagerly be watching for packages in the mail for the next few weeks, come December you will find me wrapping presents, baking a gingerbread castle, singing carols at the top of my lungs...and hardly crabby at all.

Book of the Week

In light of the recent holiday, here's a little fanciful frivolity to add to you reading list.

Flights of Fancy:
If you're looking for a book that is the feast for the eyes (I know that I will never outgrow my love for picture books) look no further than "Fairie-ality" by the House of Ellwand. The book reminds me of a witch catalogue I drew up with a childhood friend, except this is for fairies, and much more exceptional than our youthful sketches. It is a fashion magazine for the winged folk, with sumptuous gowns and ensembles. Each piece is crafted with things found in nature; flowers, feathers, leaves, and the like. It is a beautiful book, and a delight to pour over.

Witchy Wickedness:
She's Heckedy Peg, she's lost her leg, and she wants to be let in! Beware this nasty witch, "Heckedy Peg" by Don and Audrey Wood. When their mother goes out, her seven children (all named for a day of the week) are lured to let in this evil witch, which naturally leads to trouble and immenent disaster. Can their mother outwit the old hag and save her children before it's too late? A wonderfully satisfying, absolutely scrumptious book.

Giddy About the Goodies

Halloween seems like a much bigger deal than what I remember as a kid, but overall, I rather like it. Over the course of the next few days I will find myself helping to throw the branch party , there's the haunted house being thrown at Jason's school, not to mention countless other parties that will be occuring around town.
It's going to be very fun, but I can't help but wonder to what level of giddiness Ben and Brigham will reach over this weekend. I've ditched the survival plan, and all ideas of coping out the window. To heck with that! I'm going to find myself a great witch hat, find some good theme music and concoct up some cookies and popcorn balls. My greatest feat will be if I can convince Jason to dress up as well.
Ben is VERY excited for Halloween this year. When he's not burbling enthusiastically about the upcoming church party or trick or treating, he's happily supplying us with enough pictures of ghosts and pumpkins to paper the walls of our home. These artistic endeavors have made any need to get Halloween decorations completely superfluous. Although he has been cruising through potential costumes at a dizzying rate, he has managed to settle at last upon being a ghost. This, thankfully will be a cinch (not to mention will easily fit over his snowsuit).
Briggy, as usual, has taken Ben's hoopla into stride. The only time he has gotten remotely giddy (thus far) is whenever he spies the Halloween goodies that are festooned across any and every spot at the grocery store. He does enjoy his recycled monkey costume though, and has spent many a happy moment racing around the house doing his best primate impressions. He might be a bit young to go out trick or treating, but as whatever Ben does is the epitome of cool in his eyes, I've deemed it prudent to bring him along the night of.
That's what I really love about Halloween; the magic of racing around in your costume in the dark, the glow of jack-o-lanterns, and the glee of consuming way more sweets than your Mom normally lets you. It may not be a major holiday, but it's one that appeals to the kid in all of us.

Confessions of a Substitute Teacher

This month I've started subbing every now and then to earn a little extra cash (and if we ever want to stop renting, that is exactly what we need!). Jason has proven to be a fabulous publicist; his school seems to call at least once a week these days, while I haven't heard a peep from either of the elementary schools. But in a small town where qualified subs are hard to find, the shortage is to my advantage. This week I'm subbing for the entire week...in math. Stop that laughing all of you!
Anyways, while I'm always relieved-and exhausted- whenever I get home, generally I enjoy going out and sporadically putting my degree to work. However, one thing I've realized is that in the school social totem pole, we subs are the pariahs. As much as teachers love finding an excuse to take a day off, most of them dislike leaving their classroom to someone else. The students will try to undermine you, seeking every and any means to turn the class into chaos. If you don't keep your wits about you, you're easy prey my friend!
Having trained in elementary education, working in secondary is interesting, to say the least. Some days I'm left scratching my head wondering if I was that obnoxious at that age. At times I am unsure what my role is: glorified babysitter, zoo keeper, mentor, or drill sargeant? In some classes I feel like the polar bear at the zoo; endlessly pacing the confines of my cage (er, classroom) ready to pounce upon anything out place.
All said, subbing has been a good experience thus far. The school staff are all really nice, and even some of the students are too. One thing I love is seeing Jason around. Most hallway encounters are as follows:
Me (nodding)-"Mr Thompson"
Jason-"Mrs Thompson"
(The fun is watching the students' reactions anytime this happens.)
If anything, subbing has given me a whole new insight in just why Jason is as tired as he is when he comes home each night!

Book of the Week

I don't know about the rest of you, but here up North it's a bitterly cold long weekend! This leads well into making turkey, pies, and and all those other delectables that go with Thanksgiving dinner. While everything is cooking and filling my home with marvelous smells, the inclement weather also lends itself well to burrow into blankets with a pile of good books. Consider the following for your own reading list.

Trip Down Nostalgia Lane:
I love Tasha Tudor's books, so when I discovered "The Private World of Tasha Tudor" (by Tudor and Brown) I thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse into this author's and artist's life. She is quite unique, living her life as it would have been for us all had it been in the 1830s. The book's resultant photos combined with Tudor's thoughts and musings makes for a memorable read. It's beautiful, and makes you want to duplicate some of that magic in your own home. I for one love the idea of a gingerbread castle instead of the usual cottage for Christmas!

Yearly Delights:
Seeing as I'm on a Tudor stint today, I'd better mention one of my favourites of her actual books as well. "Around the Year" is beautiful, in the usual Tasha Tudor style. Gorgeous illustrations, well-written text depicting one little family's seasonal adventures through the year. Lovely.

Whiz Kid

Guess who's figured out how to use the computer? I guess it's partly my fault-I taught Ben how to use the mouse. He's extremely fond of Photobooth, and can happily entertain himself for ages taking numerous pictures of himself. To date, we have over a hundred and twenty of them. What can I say? The kid's a natural ham!

Book of the Week

So many books, so little time. Hence my (almost) weekly suggestions to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

Witty Words:
They say that you should make lemonade when life hands you a sour one, but if that's the case I can't help but wonder what Evelyn Ryan would do. No doubt come up with a witty limerick or two. She is the true character of a daughter's loving memoir titled "The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio-How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less". During the 50s and 60s, with an alchoholic husband, ten kids to raise, and the wolf constantly scratching at the door Evelyn uses her wits and flair for writing to drum up money in her own unique way: winning writing contests for products, be it jingles or why said product is superior in twenty-five words or less. Her joie de vive and pluck help to keep despair at bay, and the resulting story is one of laughter, delight and miracles amongst what could be the dark storms of life.

Cackle, Cackle Mother Goose:
There is a reason why nursery rhymes have endured for as long as they have, and it's because despite the passage of time, these lilting bites of poetry from Mother Goose never lose their appeal to delight. Shockingly, too few youngsters get the chance to meet this wonderful grand dame, and that is a great pity. While books with these rhymes are plentiful, one of the best I've ever found is "My Very First Mother Goose", a collection compiled by Iona Opie and illustrated by Rosemary Wells. Do not deny your kids or yourself the pleasure of this delicious compilation. There were well-known favourites like "Humpty Dumpty" as well as new friends like "Blanket Fair". Like all her books, Rosemary Well's talent for sublime illustrations make this book literary perfection. Here's a new one we discovered and loved on making it's acquaintance:

Davy, Davy Dumpling,
Boil him in a pot.
Sugar him,
And butter him,
And eat him while he's hot.

To all you fellow book nuts, I say "Happy Reading!"

Steek It!

Last night while writing I was in a goofy mood, and the following song parody was the result (with apologies to Michael Jackson-no wait, I take that back). For anyone who's tried a creative endeavor that has scared them silly I present "Steek It".
(By the way, for those of you who don't know-steeking is a knitting technique where upon completion of a project you cut it, to achieve a result that you couldn't get any other way. It's a pretty bold and scary thing to do to a project that you've spent hours slaving over.)

You never thought that you would come up to here,
This knitting's not so hard-time to face your worst fear.
The fire's in your eyes and the pattern is clear
So steek it, just steek it.

You faced intarsia and the fair isle too,
You knit up lace and the stitches they flew-
You even managed cables, you did it it's true
So steek it, but the knitting looks bad

Just steek it, steek it, steek it, steek it,
You know that you can defeat it!
Show them your funky craft is alright,
Just keep on tryin', you'll get it right
Just steek it, steek it
Just steek it, steek it.
Just steek it, steek it
Just steek it, steek it.

Ten inches in you find you really hate blue,
Yet so far along, what could you do?
Keep the project alive, just keep knitting through
For steek it, you'll steek it.

The pattern's out to get you, you're tearing your hair,
You fix that darn dropped stitch it really ain't fair.
Now get those scissors, it's time that you dare
And steek it, and it don't look too bad

Just steek it, steek it, steek it, steek it,
You know that you can defeat it!
Show them your funky craft is alright,
Just keep on cuttin', you'll be alright

It's steek it, steek it, steek it, steek it,
You know that you did defeat it!
Show them your funky craft is alright,
You kept on tryin' and got it right
You steeked it, steeked it,
You steeked it, steeked it,
You steeked it, you steeked it,
You steeked it!

Book of the Week

Gather round my fellow bibliophiles and share some more wonderful books together.

Never Stop Dreaming:

For those who don't know, I keep a reading log of all the new books I read. As if that weren't dorky enough, I have a rating system to record how good each book is. Lousy ones (that for some inexplicable reason I finish) get a dash, tolerable is a dot, enjoyable is an asterix while incredible gets a star. A recent star read was "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.

A college professor, Randy, like many other professors before him, was asked to give a lecture as if this would be his last. The hypothetical "if you were dying what would you talk about for your very last lecture. What would be most important to share with your students?" Ironically, in the interim months before the lecture, Randy was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of dropping the assignment, he pushed ahead. So incredible was his lecture that it was shortly afterwards rewritten as a book, which can only be described as one of the most inspiring and moving books I have EVER read.

The book is about achieving your childhood dreams. Funny, poignant, and heart warming it's the story of a man at death's door who is still determined to live life to the fullest and leave a legacy of love for his young family. Do not miss out on this splendid read.

Darling Delinquency:

Prepare yourselves to laugh, giggle, and roar over the delightful antics in the book "No, David!" by David Shannon. The story is simple enough; basically it's David being reprimanded for all sorts of things that he shouldn't do, but combined with the illustrations this tale will tickle your funny bone. The troublesome but loveable David is hard to resist.

Spudsation

So this morning I went to the garden to finish harvesting all my crop before these cool nights do any more devastation to my lovely veggies. I now have a big box filled with green tomatoes and about sixteen green pumpkins, and one gardener desperately hoping that they will ripen! But hands down my most plentiful crop has been the potato-we're up to our eyeballs with 'em here. Help!

Now being a Redd, eating potatoes is not my problem. Living with Daddy you have to either develop a taste for those little spuds or go hungry at the dinner table. I was a slow learner when it came to liking these tubers, but when I did I went all the way. A baked potato was my favourite after school snack once I learned how to nuke them, and I'd eat them just like an apple.

Nope, what I desperately need is inspiration, recipes. There are only so many times that you can serve up any vegetable in one form before you have a mutiny on your hands. while the potato is a marvellously adaptable thing when it comes to being put to use in the kitchen , I was hoping for suggestions from all you dear readers. What are you're favourite recipes for the humble spud?

Book of the Week

obviously, I have been spending a lot of time enjoying the autumn sunshine and not blogging, except when it comes to sharing my passion for books!

A Human Right?

I just finished reading Ezra Levant's latest book "Shake Down"-talk about food for thought! A Canadian journalist, he has had more than his share dealing with the Canadian Human Rights Commisions. He was the only person in the world who faced legal sanction for printing those Danish cartoons. His ordeal lead to examine these bureaucratic offices, and fought a public battle for his freedom of speech. The book isn't just about the battle, but his resultant research about the commisions. Normally I do not consider myself an activist, but after this book I want to be one for the protection of freedom of speech, not to mention the extinction of an agency that does not honour Canadian values and basic freedoms, and sound as it they would be more at home in North Korea! For anyone who is fed up with political correctness, and the seemingly unassailable right not to be offended taking precedence over all things including common sense, read this one.

Roald Dahl Rocks!

Another all-time children's author of mine is Roald Dahl. His books are zany with great adventure for kids. He's on my list of books I can't wait to read to my kids (again, in the top three). A great one to start with young kids, because it's not too long for them, is "Fantastic Mr. Fox". When the despicable farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean start going to extreme measures to take out Mr. Fox and his family, our hero must be even more clever and fantastic than before to outwit the villians. Enjoy.

Happy reading all.

Book of the Week

There's something about fall that makes me want to do cozy things; make soup and apple pies, walk in the crunchy leaves, bask in the mellow sunshine, and most especially curl up with a good book. Here's a few for your consideration...

Meal Musings:

For those of you not yet acquainted with Laurie Colwin, you are in for a treat. She is by far my favourite food writer. She has a knack for writing about food that makes you smile in recognition, laugh, and make your mouth water. Her book "Home Cooking" is superb, and just the sort of thing for inspiration in the kitchen. Perfect for gearing up to put the BBQ away, and gear up for edible autumnal delights.

A Childhood Favourite:

I have a list (ever expanding) of chapter books that I can't wait to share with my munchkins once they're older. "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis is the top of the list. I remember my grade two teacher reading this to us and being enchanted by the story, and I've loved it ever since. Just imagine making that discovery of such a magical place, and to go on such an adventure as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy! I have yet to meet a child who can resist this tale. Battling an evil witch, derring do, miracles and unforgettable characters make this a must read for all ages, but especially for the young. So determined was I few years back that Elena should experience the splendor of this novel that we sat down under the trees in our yard to read it, only to spend an entire summer day in the garden to finish the entire thing.

The Redds Are Coming! The Redds Are Coming!

So this week we have my sisters Janine and Elena visiting with us. Living here it's always wonderful to have people come and see us, and show off our little town (hint, hint).
The munchkins were very excited to have their aunties come, but actually waiting for them to arrive was hard for them. Now that they're here we've been having fun going for walks, picking berries along the trail-and if the weather cooperates, go to the beach! Life is good.

Book of the Week

And last, but certainly not least for the two themes...

Summer Reads Part 3:

Michael Chrichton's novel "Timeline" is one of those books that are great to read on vacation; exciting plot, good characters, and lots of action. Did I mention too that Chrichton also has a way of citing the science that helps make these sorts of adventures seem plausible?

With more and more mystery surrounding the corporation funding his archeological dig Professor Johnston leaves the site to his grad students for New Mexico to confront their sponsors. After his departure they make a shocking discovery: a written plea for help in the professor's handwriting admist some recovered documents dated from the 1300s. Now some of the top students must go back to another age and rescue the professor-if they can. But it's a different, more brutal word than the one they know... and time is running out.

Bedtime Books Part 4:

"Goodnight Gorilla" by Peggy Rathmann is my all-time favorite bedtime book. The zookeeper is busy, saying goodnight to all the animals before going home to bed himself. Unbeknownst to him, the gorilla has the keys, and is just as busy letting all the other animals out to follow the zookeeper home.

Here's a nice, sleepy story where the beautiful illustrations really tell what the text does not. It's a cozy book to cuddle up with to read to your own munchkins before tucking them in for the night. It doesn't get much better than this one.

Happy Reading all!

Recently, Maclean's magazine discussed couples who decide not to have children. A main source was a French reporter who had written an article with 40 reasons not to have them. Shockingly, this woman actually has two children of her own(!).
To tell the truth, the whole article made me mad-the reasons these people came up with were either incredibly selfish, egoistical, or just an insult to intelligence. The reporter was the worst. But what was really upsetting, was that the article did not present the other view of the spectrum.
As an Latter-Day Saint, and a mother, it is no surprise that I think that parenting is crucial-and not just for society. Being a parent has taught me so many things. It all depends on your attitude, but I know that raising my children has strengthened me creatively, spiritually, mentally and physically. And least we forget, I'd say that the munchkins benefit from the arrangement as well! No other achievement will be greater than raising happy, good kids.
The world need good parents, now more than ever. That's why I was thrilled to discover an article in the National Post, a retaliation of some reasons to have children. It made me laugh.

Here's the link to the response. Take that!

Book of the Week

"We read books to find out who we are. What other people, real or imaginary, do and think and feel is an essential guide to our understanding of what we ourselves are and may become."

- Ursula K. LeGuin

Summer Read Part 2:

During my teens I acquired a love of the books by L.M.Montgomery. One favorite which I happily reread every year or so, especially during the summer, is "The Blue Castle". After spending her entire twenty-nine years of life under the thumb of her domineering mother and in fear of her snotty clan, Valancy Stirling learns that she is dying. Determined to start living somewhat in the way she lives in her daydreams-her "blue castle"- she keeps her illness a secret and begins to live life as fully as she can. Naturally, her respectable relatives are horrified when she starts sliding down the bannister, reading novels and speaking her mind. But no one, least of all Valancy, is more surprised when love comes her way at last.

Bed Books Part 3:

Yolen is a prolific and talented children's writer. One collection of her work that's garnering a lot of praise and attention lately is her dinosaur books. My boys adore our copy of her book "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" Part of the fun of this book is seeing the dinosaur in our own world, dragging their feet at bedtime, much like the small children we all know and love. The sight of a sulky stegosaurus or an ankylosaurus demanding a piggyback ride is great. The text is terrific too, written in great couplets. For example;

How does a dinosaur say goodnight when Papa comes in to turn off the night?

Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear all about?"

Happy Reading all!

The Thompsons=Super Squad

Lately my munchkins have fallen under the craze of superheroes. They'll play it, watch it, and draw it. We have a DC Super Friends Batman, and that little dark knight is the hottest, most contested toy in our family. In the grips of this mania, I couldn't help but wonder; if we were a family of superheroes, what would our powers be?

Brigham-the mighty One Track, capable of focusing obsessively on one thing for great periods of time (e.g "Bird Mummy! Bird...bird...bird. Bird!" for at least twenty minutes)

Ben-the amazing Whiz Kid, moves at great speed, and never, ever wears out.

Jason-Technoman, who's mind defying powers over media is able to make it do his bidding.

Katey- Basilisk, who can terrify all with The Look, and able to persuade others to do her will.

So, what's your superpower?

Book of the Week

The hunt for a good read continues-and along with bedtime stories, I've decided on focusing on good books with which to finish off the summer.

Hurrah for Harry Potter:

This summer Jason and I started rereading "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (book six), and enjoyed it so much we summarily moved onto rereading the last one in the series as well. Maybe it's the fact that the last few books in this series came out in the summer that makes me peruse their pages again each summer. I know there are some who love to lampoon J.K. Rowling's stories, but frankly, I adore them. Here's a few reasons why:

-the whole world of witches and wizards is so finely created that I love revisiting it, and can't help wish each time that it were real.

-superb characterization. The characters are well-written, believable, and have their flaws as well as strengths. Even minor characters have believability. Harry, Dumbledore, Snape, Voldemort, Mrs. Weasley, Mad-Eye Moody, etc. they're characters you can cheer for, relate to, or despise. But they seem so real. They make mistakes, they mess up and have moments of truth which make me cheer or cry. And there's always a few suprises.

-exciting plot. Nothing new about good vs. evil, but the heroics of the good guys, plus the sheer creepiness of the villains makes this so compelling to read. It's never easy for the heroes, and you can't help feeling anxious about them as they stumble through the adventures.

-the humour which is always there. From little asides to characters jokes, the books make you chuckle.

Say what you want about these books, but J.K. Rowling created something that has young children to adults avidly devouring +400 pg. novels in an age where some say that reading is a dying pastime- I don't care what you say, that's talent. They're books that can stand to be read again, and ones I alook forward to reading with my own kids.

The Pigeon is Here!

"Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!" by Mo Willems is hilarious for parents and kids alike. Eager to postpone the inevitable, the pigeon resorts to some wild and creative strategies to not go to bed. The format and style of this book was so different, that at first I was a bit taken aback, then thrilled. It's like a comicbook for young kids, but a quality read. As the pigeon addresses the reader he gets more and more goofy in his attempts to not be sent to bed. Read it and laugh.

Happy Reading all!

Blackbeard Eat your Heart Out!

Okay. okay, I know that I burble a lot about my garden in here. Look on the bright side- once the snow sets in I shall burble on about yarn and knitting instead! But seriously, I had such a productive time at my garden today that I feel the need to ruminate...

Grandpa Young always jokes that "You can never cook too many potatoes when the Redds come for dinner!" and he's absolutely right. We are all big potato fans in the Redd clan, and Grannie and Grandpa only enabled us with the scrumptious potatoes from their own garden. That's what triggered my own garden fervor: wanting to enjoy my own marble-sized spuds. Well, this is the first year that I've done it!

This morning, Ben, Brigham and I all headed off to our garden-leaving golf for anyone else not gripped by our enthusiasm. We had so much fun turning up the soil and grubbing through the dirt to find those fleshy little nuggets. Digging for treasure has never been so much fun. Anytime we discovered yet another spud we'd get so excited to add it to our rapidly growing pile of edible gems.

Now home with the booty, I am plotting a scrumptious seasonal feast. As anyone who's ever had the great fortune to dine at Grannie and Grandpa's knows, no such summer meal would be complete without a big pot full of garden fresh boild potatoes, a bit of dill, butter, salt and pepper.

Yum me mateys!

Book of the Week

Last night I realized that my home library has a shocking lack of paperbacks. Normally, I prefer to buy books that I adore- hence I prefer to buy them in the sturdier form of hardback- but paperbacks do have dvantages in reading them in places where a hardback would never dare to venture. The beach or the bathtub being among them. Any suggestions for titles?
Here's some suggestions for you all.

Art Out the Whazoo:
I'm a big fan of Eric Carle's books. I loved them as a kid, and I still enjoy them now which is why I enjoyed the book "The Art of Eric Carle" so much. It is a great art book, chock full not only of his beautiful illustrations, but his fascinating autobiography as well. Did you know that though born in America, his family moved back to Germany-just in time for World War two? Or that his art teacher, seeing his talent, risked his own life to show him modern art banned by the Nazi regime? It's a great read. Plus, he explains his technique for his unique art, which makes a great activity to do with kids.

Bedtime Blues:
For my kid pick, this month I'll be talking about a certain theme of kid's book: stories relating to bedtime. One I just love is "Hush Little Dragon" by Boni Ashburn. Written in the style of the lullaby "Hush Little Baby" a momma dragon sings to her baby of all the wonderful treats she will get him. From three musketeers to a mean old queen, this mom goes to great lengths for her little darling! This one excels in my criteria; well-written text, great illustrations that enhance the story, my boys always clamour to read it again, and I can stand reading it multiple times. Enjoy with your own little bedtime dragons.

Happy Reading all!

Brigham's Beach Birthday

Okay, Briggy's birthday was a month ago, and yes I'm behind in posting photos, but I had to share these ones. His party was hit. We went to the beach, played in the sand, played in the water, and ate cupcakes. What a fun way to celebrate our Brigham turning two! Now all we have to do is teach him to face the camera more often.

Book of the Week

It's been a busy few weeks for me-I've hardly been home, but gallivanting all over the place. Yet no matter how hectic things become, I always make time to read.

More Than Punctuation:

We just saw my brother-in-law Conner today along with all of the Thompson clan. Great fun. We haven't seen Conner since Christmas, and during the interim he went on his own exchange to Germany. He brought me back something that I love: an Asterix comicbook!

I acquired a taste for these ones as a kid from my Dad, and I've been hooked ever since. Although the Asterix comics are huge in Europe, they are sadly largely unknown here. When I was little, I loved them for the adventure: Asterix the Gaul going on grand adventures with his pal Obelix, their brave village keeping out the Roman invaders. I found them amusing, but the plot was the thing.

Now though, what keeps me coming back is the humour and goofiness of it all. First there's the names of the characters; Getafix the druid who concocts the magic potion that gives our hero super strength, Unhygenix the fishmonger (take a guess at the state of his wares), and others. Then there's all the puns, a form of humour that I always enjoy. Colourful, expressive pictures. These comics are smart, funny, and well written. Check 'em out. 

Under the Sea:

You know children's book is good when your own tiny tots loudly demand "Again!" the moment you finish reading the last page of a book-even though you have already read said book multiple times. We discovered one such book just last week.

"The Pout-Pout Fish" by Deborah Diesen has a lot of things that I like: it's written in rhyme complete with a refrain, fun illustration, and a story that will make you smile. Here's one that I can actual stand to read ad nauseum (always a big selling feature for me). The Pout-Pout fish, with his pout-pout face is spreading his dreary-wearies all over the place. Despite the best efforts of his friends to cheer him up, nothing seems to work. Is there anything that can snap him out of it? Naturally! But you'll have to read it to find out how for yourself.

Happy reading everybody!

The Ultimate Snackfood

Due to being out of town in Seattle (of which I shall blog about later), it had been some time since I've been to my garden. Ben and I went there this afternoon, and good thing we did! It was high time to harvest some of our vegetables, especially the peas.

The vines were bent over backwards with all of the peas, the pods plump and ripe. We filled an entire big mixing bowl to overflowing, and that doesn't include the ones we munched as we went along. To tell the truth, we hardly made a dent in the pea patch, but it's a start.

Now I love garden peas, it's the only way I'll eat 'em. Growing up I was notorious for eating out all the ones from Granny and Grandpa's garden whenever I came to visit. Picking all of those peas today was fun, and Ben got pretty thrilled with them too.

Yet it was only after we got home and I had three children (only one of which was my own) hanging around gorging upon peas that started me thinking. Fresh garden peas are the ultimate snackfood for a variety of reasons. Here's just a few aspects about them that make them so great and appealing to kids:

Creative - every kid can think up numerous ways to crack open those pods.

Fine Motor Skill - getting to the peas takes some ingenuity.

Environmental - comes in it's very own, biodegradable packaging.

Therapeutic - the repetitive motion of getting them can be very soothing.

Nutritional - they're good for you and I'm just lucky that I have some left for supper.

The peas were such a big hit I saved some for a snack for tomorrow when we go to the park. But with a large pea patch groaning under the weight of their crop, it's a lucky thing that my kids enjoy fresh peas so much. I foresee us eating a lot of them in the foreseeable future.

Book of the Week

Seriously, does anyone read this? Ah well, my love of books will have out.

Exploring a Legacy:
"Blue Latitudes:Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before" by Tony Horwitz is a wonderful adventure and history read, especially in the summer when one dreams of traveling to far off places for vacation. Two hundred years from Captain Cook's birth, the reporter retraces the footsteps of the impoverished farmboy who became England's most famous navigator.
From England, Canada and Tonga, Horwitz visits all the lands that Cook discovered and explored, not only to gain insight into a compelling historical figure, but to see his influence and legacy in the lands whose destiny was changed with the arrival of his ships. Fascinating stuff.

Doings of A Doughnut:
We just discovered "Arnie the Doughnut" cooked up by Laurie Keller this week at the library. From the first line of "Arnie turned out to be just the kind of doughnut he hoped he'd be-chocolate covered with bright coloured candy sprinkles." you know that you're in for a good laugh.
Unlike the other confections at the bakery, Arnie does NOT like the idea of being eaten. To avoid the usual doughnut fate, he has to get creative. What really makes the story so fun is the illustrations, it's next to impossible to open the book and not leaf through all the pages. This one leaves me wanting a good doughnut to eat, but only after the story so that Arnie can't see what I'm doing.

Happiness is a (Knit) Blanket

Remember Linus van Pelt from the Peanut comics? Linus adored his blanket, if he didn't have his beloved blanket, he went into withdrawal. He was always my favorite character-well, him and Snoopy. But when I became a mother, little did I realize that I would shortly be getting not one, but two little Linus van Pelts of my own.
Both Ben and Brigham have a passionate love for their blankies, or "baby" as they call them. They are knitted blue creations that they adore.I only wish that I could take credit for knitting at least one of them!
Woe betide us if we do not bring them on a road trip! They will not go to sleep without them, and they love to take them everywhere. Now that Ben is almost four, he has become (slightly) less needy when it comes to his baby. He no longer insists on bringing it everywhere. Although once in Edmonton he insisted that he needed to bring blankie to the library, but instead of carrying it or stowing in the stroller he wrapped himself up in it. He looked like some bizarre, tiny bag lady. Granted though, stranger sights have and will apear again along Whyte Ave!
Brigham though is even more passionate about his blanket love. We can never get out the door without him making the plea for "bwoo baby" to come along as well. Yesterday he determinedly carried it all the way to the park, around it, and back home resisting any attempt I made to put it in the stroller so it would stay remotely clean. Handwashing those blankets can be a pain.
Yet as a mother who only relinguished her own beloved baby blanket at the age of twenty-one, and only because I worried that it would shortly disintegrate, I can understand the love of a cherished blanket. I believe that Ben and Brigham should be allowed to keep their "babies" for as long as they need them.
Although with all that love, they do get a little worse for wear. Ben's blankie is hardly blue anymore, and I often have to mend runs (or "owies" as Ben calls them) to keep it from unraveling. Brigham's is fading too. But it is fun to see my two blond boys enjoy and love their blankets, just as a little blond girl did hers years ago.

Book of the Week

Welcome booklovers! Here's my current picks.

Serious Sass:

For those of you who do not share my love of knitting I beg your kind indulgence. I do have to share favourites from my expanding knitting book collection. There are those who laugh with disbelief when thay see I own a book titled "Stich'n Bitch Nation" (by Debbie Stoller). Like it's predessessor "Stich'n Bitch" it has been on the bestseller list, but the one I own is better. It has more patterns, fun anecdotes and is one of the best sources of explaining complicated techniques that I've ever seen (thinking cabling and adapting a pattern).

Although there are some patterns I will never make (like the bikini) there are many which I have and still long to create from this one. I've lost count of how many pairs of alligator mitts I've made from here (yet still haven't made one for myself), the psycho bunny phone cozy or the lil' devil pants for infants. On my wish list are the monster slippers that look like they escaped from the Muppet studio, the toque with bear ears, the steering wheel cover and lots more. This one ain't granny knitting!

Damsel in Distress? Where?!:

I have had my copy of Phoebe Gilman's book "The Balloon Tree" since Christmas 1986 and I treasure it still. It is falling apart, the cover is ripped and worn, but I suspect that I will never have the heart to throw this one out. It will always have a place of honour on my bookshelf because it was one of the very first books I ever read on my own, and loved with all the passion of a six-year old girl. 

Incredible as it may sound now, I had great trouble learning how to read and detested the exercise. My teachers were playing with the label of "learning disability". Knowing my love of stories, especially fairytales, my parents persevered. As a gift I received this book and I was entranced. The princess Leora (who looked about my age and even had brown hair like me!) must save the kingdom from the evil archduke when the king is out of town. The magic that unfolds is sheer balloon fun! The illustrations for this one is spectacular, and leave me wishing that I could buy them as art prints to hang in my home. Not just because they're beautiful, but because they're great fun too. Don't miss the delight that is this book.

Reason #52 Why I Love Jason's Vacation

What a fabulous time we had at Edmonton this past weekend! We went to the Young family reunion and enjoyed catching up with friends and family. Jason played some golf with the guys, the boys ran riot around Gigi's house with their cousins and I got to explore Whyte Ave with my sisters and cousins. Talk about great fun!

Today is a low key day here at home. I woke up this morning feeling sick, and the fact that I'm covered in mosquito bites does NOT help. I am convinced that those vampiric little pests were not a part of the original creation when God made the Earth-they were part of the fall and meant to plaque us. Anyways, the majority of my day has been spent napping, lying prostrate on the coach, and scratching mosquito bites. Not exactly fun, but I'm really grateful that Jason is home, he's really picked up the slack. Of all the things I looked forward to in having him home for the summer, him playing nurse to his sick patient of a wife wasn't one of them, but I'll take it. Instead of the usual feeble attempts to keep things running when I'm sick, this time I can just focus on feeling better. Ahhhhhhhhh!

The War on Weeds

It would seem that I am an avid garden nut. This isn't really surprising given my history. I have a tendency to throw myself passionately into something, especially things I love. Homework fell by the wayside, the laundry piles up, I forget to fill up the van (again), but by golly I would finish that absorbing novel, the sweater or story!
As to gardening, I really should have clued in sooner about this interest. Weeding the neighbours ' garden by stealth just so I could enjoy the sight of their daffodils was just one hint. This summer though I may have bitten off more than I can chew, especially as it is only my second attempt at a garden of my own- but the desire for fresh tomatoes, sunflowers, peas, and pumpkins can make any gardener do silly things,particularly when a friend of a friend tells you to take as much space as you want in their yard for your garden plot!
Ever since we first tore out the sod for said plot, the grass has been desperately trying to reclaim the territory. Along with beets, herbs and zuchini, I have cultivated a healthy dislike of weeds this summer. I am certain that they were part of the fall once Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden. Oft times I have fought a losing battle, but wonder of wonders! For the first time ever last week it felt that I had at last gained the upperhand. We've been simply besieged by weeds from day one, and given the fact that my friend's little boys were very industrious about removing our carefully plotted row markers, it's a miracle that anything besides the verdant pests have grown at all.
As I've been ridding myself of these unwanted garden guests I have made the joyous discovery again and again of tough little plant sprouts that never said die. This is despite the competion and a dreadful cold season in the spring. Incredibly, even some of the cucumbers survived! My tomatoes survived the frost, and my pea patch is becoming a lush little jungle. I even managed not to kill of the potatoes this year. So far.
Nothing keeps an avid amateur gardener coming back for more when it comes to the war on weeds than the intoxicating success of seeing you plants beginning to thrive.

Book of the Week

The quest for a good summer read continues! With it so warm out I spend a lot of time outside supervising while Ben and Brigham play. Just sitting there gets kinda boring after a few days so I like to keep a bit of knitting and a good book in my purse to help stave off boredom on our outings to the park.

A School Favourite
As a general rule I detested all the things crammed down my throat in L.A during high school. They were all so depressing, morbid or just downright dull. To this day I will not touch anything by Tennesee Williams (ugh!). Yet there is one book that I happily revisit often. My best teacher and mentor Mr.Murdock read Haper Lee's classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" aloud to us in grade eight, and I've loved it ever since. The story weaves an unforgettable story. I love that it is seen from the viewpoint of the children in the book-at first I just loved it for all their escapades. Scout and Jem with their friend Dill. Their highjinks and tricks to get the reclusive neighbour Boo Radley to leave his house. As things unfold you start to catch a hint of the drama that will soon strike and change their lives forever. Here's another book that makes you laugh and cry. Every time I read this one I want to pack my bags and visit the sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama. This book is exceptional, and the movie is a rare exception too. It actually is a credit to the novel that inspired it.

A Quest for Berries
Reading Robert Mccloskey's book "Blueberries for Sal" always reminds me of going berrypicking with Granny and Grandpa. While Sal and her mother are on one side of Blueberry Hill picking berries to preserve for the winter, Little Bear and his mother are on the other side fattening up for the winter. It's a simple story, but one that makes you smile and reminsce. My boys love this one. Meanwhile, it always leaves their Mommy wondering if we shall have a similar adventure this summer when we go picking blueberries ourselves. They don't call the trails littered with berry brambles through town the Bear trail for nothin'.

Happy reading everybody!

To All the Daddies Out There: Thanks

Seeing as yesterday was Father's Day, the daddies in my life have been on my mind; my dad, Jason, my wonderful grandpas, and my father-in-law. Having a wonderful Dad myself, one of the things I liked so much about Jason when we were dating was how much he reminded me of my dad (they both have the very annoying habit of being right all the time for one thing). I think that being a good parent is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Daddy says there's things he's still working on, which is encouraging for me as I know my mothering is quite a work in progress still! Jason's in the works of being a pretty wonderful Dad as well, and I love watching it happen. He's Ben and Brigham's hero, jungle gym, horse, and beloved Tickle-o-saurus. Luckily for me, I married a very practical and organized man who helps control the chaos around our home. He has always worked so hard to support and take care of our little family.
Daddies are vastly important in a child's life, and I feel truly blessed to have the posistive influence of so many righteous men to bless not only the lives of my children, but mine as well.
Life is good.

Book of the Week

Greetings to all my fellow bibliophiles! We continue this week with more great summer reads.

The Delights of Mr.Darcy:
Looking back on past book post I found that I have yet to burble about my favourite novelist Jane Austen. Shocking that she has been neglected for so long! While I adore her novels, the one that started my passion for her work is the inestimable classic "Pride and Predjudice". From the minute you read the famous opening line "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." you know that you're going to have fun with this one. What is it about this novel which still resonantes with people? For me it is the dry wit, wonderful use of words, memorable characters, and the business of getting a husband (which truly is not so very different from the dating scene today). A good novel needs good plot and superb cahracters-"Pride and Predjudice" has both. Who could ever forget the imperious Lady Catherine, the toady Mr.Collins, the angelic Jane or the neurotic Mrs.Bennet? Each time I reread this one I am struck anew by how familiar the characters are, both in myself and those that I know. Then there's the conflict between the hero and heroine, which has you hopping anxiously in fear that this time things might not work out so splendidly. To tell the truth, the first time I read this one I envied Elizabeth at the end- it made me wish that Mr.Darcy was real and still single.

A Pedestrian in Peril:
Pat Hutchins delightful book "Rosie's Walk" was unknown to me until I encountered it in one of my university courses. Hands down it was the best book I had to read in ANY of my classes! The text belies Rosise the hen's peril, for what could be more innocent than a little stroll around the farm before dinner? What makes this book so much fun is the illustrations that show you just how much trouble Rosie serenely meanders through. She makes it home okay, but her pursuer is not quite so lucky. Read it and laugh.

Happy reading all!

Goodbye Landscaping. Goodbye Forever.

Lately I can't help but wonder who's more excited about summer vacation, Jason or me? With only five more class to go before exams, Jason is getting quite worn out with coaxing his school-weary students into exam readyness. Quite honestly, he needs the holiday much more than they do because he's been working harder. The things is, this will be the first summer he will actually be around, and the prospect of having him home for two entire months makes me grin in anticipation every time I think of it.
Let me explain. Ever since we've been married, Jason has worked long hard hours landscaping every summer. The only time we'd see him was early in the mornings (and how conversational would you really be at 5am delivering papers?), and late at night when he'd collapse exhausted on the couch. Usually, he'd work so late that by the time he got home the boys would be fast asleep. I was a work widow, but no more! This summer he'll be around for the family outings, walks and activities for the first time ever. We get to go on an actual family holiday! We went to the beach on Saturday, and he got to come play with the kids and bask in the sun instead of just slaving away in it. It was a wonderful time.
No more solo parenting outings for me! The boys will get to spend some good time with their Daddy too. What makes me the most excited though is knowing that this summer I finally get to bring my very best friend along on the fun of our summer adventures.
Hooray for a career in teaching!

Book of the Week

Gather round book lovers for yet another opinionated and passioante book review.

Toothsome Treats
This week I indulged in one of my favorite treats: a new book. Normally, Jason says that I have too many cookbooks (which is most likely true) but when he's flipping through pages just as eagerly as I am and it's HIS idea we buy it-well, I don't protest too much. "Martha Stewart's Cupcakes; 175 Inspired Ideas for Everyone's favorite Treat" is rather a mouthful of a title, but pursuing the pages will make your mouth water. Like most of her books, there's clear instructions and great pictures for every recipe. Every time I leaf through this one makes me want to rush to my kitchen and whip up a batch of tiny cakes. But which ones? Do I go for the S'mores cupcakes? Black Forest? Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes, Triple Citrus or Chocolate Caramel minis? Talk about a culinary dilema! Needless to say, cupcakes will be making a more regular appearance at our place over the next few months.

Not Your Regular Hoedown
Sandra Boynton is a genius. Her board books really made peole realize the potential that this genre could have. Bid banal boardbooks goodbye forever! Her best one (though they're all fabulous) is "Barnyard Dance". Just the swing of the rhymes makes you want to read the book out like a caller at a square dance, clap in time to the beat and tap your foot. Plus these barnyard critters are so endearingly funny, from the surprised looking chicken being spun by a cow to the not-so-easily impressed donkey. With this one, who wouldn't want to "trot with the turkey leap with the frog [and] take another turn with the barnyard dog"? Don't miss the fun with this shindig and come join the fun!

Mommy and Her Boys

Greetings all! I thought that it was high time to post a current family photo, so this is us at the Calgary Zoo in May. The boys just love that zoo, everytime we're in town, they loudly clamour to go there.

Growing up in a family in which the first twelve years of my life were devoid of males (except for Daddy of course), I guess that I always assumed that I would have little girls too. When I was pregnant with Ben and found out that we were having a boy, I paniced. What was I going to do with him?! I knew girls, but my knowledge of boys was shaky at best! Luckily, having Peter as a little brother, and having a husband with a good sense of humour has definently helped me to understand the male mind-a little.

Once Ben was born, I started to learn, and fast! Mostly, I just had to keep up with him. My Ben has always been the personification of perpetual motion. He loves to run, climb, jump, anything that involves movement! When Brigham arrived on the scene our family became even more entrenched in little boydom. He's quieter, but no less enthusisatic about the things he loves. Brigham can quite happily watch passing traffic for hours, and adores keeping up with his big brother.

With two boys about, it didn't take long to learn that if something has wheels it'll be a big hit (even if I can't see the appeal). All sticks are either a sword or gun (or sometimes both), and both our home and neighbourhood are apparantly infested with monsters, dragons and bad guys. It's a good thing that my little knights are such staunch defenders, or I might not just get through the day without being eaten alive, and lose a lot more tickle fights than I already do!

People often ask me if I wish for a girl, but frankly I'm having too much fun with my boys to think about something I don't even have. We read together, my kitchen walls are often plastered by their artwork, go exploring, and tackle Daddy when he comes home. Life is good.

Book of the Week

With hot summer days here at last it is time for some good summer reads. You know what I mean, books you take along to the beach, on a road trip, or just savour in the shade of the backyard. Summer reads aren't intellectually stimulating, they're just sheer fun. Add these to your must-read list.

Best Buds
Yesterday I just finished the most wonderful book. I think that I'll have to add it to my list of all-time favourites, and buy myself a copy of my own.It was one of those novels that make you laugh and cry, and was one of those reads that I didn't want to end because I was enjoying it so much. Obviously I love sharing a good read, but this time I'm getting bossy: READ THIS ONE EVERYBODY! "Last Days of Summer" by Steve Kluger is an epistolatory novel set in Brooklyn in the early 1940s. When Joey Margolis decides that his favourite baseball player and hero Charlie Banks needs to take him on a road trip, he goes to more and more elaborate lengths to grab his attention (much to Charlie's annoyance). This is not a baseball book -a sport in which I practically know nothing about-but one of a remarkable friendship that grows between a hotshot athelete and one devious kid, who have more in common than you would originally think. Seriously, you will be missing out on a splendid book if you don't read this one.

Family Fun
"The Party" by Barbara Reid was one of those books that I'd consistently seen at the bookstore for years (usually prominantly displayed) which I never paid attention to until a friend shared it with me. Since then I have become a huge fan of Barbara Reid's books, as they are all delightful. "The Party" appeals to me for many reasons: 1. It's rhyming text has a lilt and fun beat that are hard to forget, 2.the plasticine illustrations should definently qualify as amazing art and 3. the story reminds me of practically every Young family get together I have ever been to in my entire like. Great fun to read any time, but especially if you're going to a family reunion sometime this summer. I dare you not to enjoy this one.

Happy reading all!

Life in the Bush

To be honest, when I first learned that we'd be moving up North to Slave Lake, I figured that we'd do out time and come back South ASAP. Of course, that's before I actually saw Slave Lake. When I did, I fell in love. It is just so beautiful up here! It was nice in the winter, but now that it is summer even more so.
When I took speech lessons I learned this poem called "Going up North" about the remote beauty of the North. At long last I think I understand what the poet was talking about.We're surrounded by the woods, and I love taking the boys tramping through them. There's wild raspberries everywhere, and apparantly a plethora of saskatoons, blueberries and canberries too. You just have to watch out for the bears when you go to pick them! The woods are right by our new place, and you can hear the frogs talking to each other throughout the day. On our last jaunt through the woods we discovered lots and lots of ferns popping up. Both Ben and Brigham love exploring in the woods, and finding sticks. I just love watching them playing and discovering new things.
Then there's the beach. Slave Lake is so huge that you can't see the other side, and its remote, untouched beauty is incredible. Ben is pestering me every day to go back to the lake. He loves building sandcastles while Brigham gets a big kick out of running into the water and being chased by the waves. He always giggles with delight over it all. Seeing as fishing is so good and popular around here, we've promised the boys that we'll go this summer (Ben has decided that he wants to catch a shark). I foresee that we'll be spending at least half of our time at the beach this summer.
Now that we're here in Slave Lake I don't want to leave. I just love it here! Every time we drive out, it's never long before I think (yet again) "WOW! It's just so beautiful here!" There's camping, berrypicking, beaching, hiking, and fishing all just minutes away from home. Life in the bush is good, and this life time city girl has gone small town.

Book of the Week

I just can't resist shating books I love! Here's my picks for this weekend.

Creative Discovery
Remember Elder Uchtdorf's talk in the RS broadcast in the fall? It has become hands down one of my very favourite conference talks. Talk about empowering! As a writer, it was so encouraging to hear that creative pursuits can be aided and encouraged by our Father in heaven. Read the talk if you don't know it, I like to review it every few months or so, but as it is not a book, let me come to the point. Julia Cameron's book "The Artist's Way" is like the how-to guide to apply the principles discussed by Elder Uchtdorf. The book could be considered self-help in that it gently prods and encourages readers to develop their creativity, but by seeking God's help to do so. I confess that I was skeptical-until I read it. Since then, I have been sharing the title with others. Elena has found it helpful too. I've kept recommending it to my friend Eva so often that I finally just bought her a copy. She was under the misunderstanding that it was some hippie, New Age blather, but then I showed her the chapter headings; Recovering a Sense of Safety, Strength, Integriy, Possibility, etc. I think it was that which convinced to her to actually read it. Here's a book for all children of God's children- and He is the ultimate artist.

Where's the Bear?
I'd say that all of us are familiar with the classic story of "Going on a Bear Hunt" and it's innumerable variations. They're about a dime a dozen for all the versions that are out there. My ultimate favourite for this one is Helen Oxenbury's version. She effectively captures the lilt and metre of the story which makes it so fun, and her pencil and watercolour illustrations of a daddy taking his four kids on an adventure are great. To be honest, the scenery of the pictures remind me of home here in Slave Lake (and yes, there actually are bears up here!) The touch of running across a blizzard while on the bear hunt really makes me smile, and makes me wonder if Oxenbury had Canada in mind when she put it in there.

Happy reading everybody!

Clutter's Last Stand

Obviously, I have not been keeping the blog current lately, but sadly moving will do that to ya. We are now reasonably settled into our new townhouse (if you ignore the odd boxes still stacked here and there) and Jason has received a renewed contract to teach at the high school next year. Hooray! While it's great that he gets to keep this good job, I will admit that what I'm mostly excited about is that this means we don't have to move for at least another year. Definently worth celebrating.
With all of the hubbub with moving our things into our new home, it was reinforced to me yet again just how much stuff we actually have. As I'm laboring to unpack I can't help but wonder "Why the heck do we have so much junk?!" Mind you, this move I got smart and dejunked beforehand sending at least half a dozen garbagebags to Goodwill, and that was great except we still have lots more left! One problem is that both Jason and are are packrats, but when it comes to getting rid of things I'm much more willing and ruthless. Most of the debris accumulates around Jason's desk-I filled a few boxes with it. However, as much as I would like to just purge it all when he's not looking I've learned from experience that this is not a wise policy with your husband's stuff (just ask Jason what happened to the two boxes of his Star War novels if you want the story).
The question is, how do I get rid of this clutter before is consumes the house? At least right now it is all neatly contained into boxes, but the thought of actually unpacking them makes me cringe. Jason has been lovingly informed that dealing with these little terrors is his job, but you know what they say about things being out of sight. All I can say is that if these boxes survive until our next move I plan to incinerate them in a massive bonfire. There they'll be, going up in a blaze of glory, and me, doing a celebratory victory dance around it!

Book of the Week

Here we are once again. Today once school's out, we're packing up the kids for the long trek to Medicine Hat. It's been ages since we visited the family down there and we're all excited, especally as they have sunny forecasts while ours here in Slave Lake is predicting more snow!
With our upcoming move I am currently in the deplorable condition that most of my books are in boxes. As such, I foresee that I shall become an even more frequent user at our local library. Anyways, here's some good reads.

Knitting Fun:
Unbelievably, I have thus far not mentioned any knitting books on here! This gets remedied now with "Knit 2 Together" by Tracy Ullman and Mel Clark. Don't discount this one (even if you don't actually knit!) Not only is this book crammed with fun projects that set your fingers itching to knit them up, but it's full of fun stories, anecdotes and useful tips about the craft. I've used this book a lot; the cabled legwarmers (or in Ivy's case armwarmers), the baseball tee sweater, etc. and I'm not finished with it yet either. Good fun even just to read and flip through.

Toy Time:
Mo Willems is possibly one of the funniest children writers of the decade. He started out writing for Sesame Street, but has now turned his attention to books. Although justly famous for his hilarious Pigeon books, we first discovered him through his book "Knuffle Bunny". Not many weeks go by before we sign this one out of the library yet again-probably high time that we got our own copy. After an exciting adventure to the laundromat with Daddy, the trip home becomes dramatic once Trixie realizes that her beloved toy is missing. Her attempts at communication coupled with the pictures makes for a wonderful story. Parents and kids alike will chuckle over this one.

Happy reading all!

My Inner Princess

Well, we had an awesome weekend in Calgary. It was so great seeing all the family, especially the returned missionary Janine! We went to the zoo, visited with everybody, and ended up eating a lot of yummy food at the Sunday brunch  Mom threw together before church. 

One of my favourite things that we did though was our traditional princess party on Saturday night. The princess party has a long and illustrious history in the Redd family. It all started fourteen years ago when Mom and Dad left town for the weekend. Jaima got the idea that we should make something especially fancy and yummy for dinner, and we all ended up even dressing up for the occassion (can you guess as what?) to eat. This is what can happen in a family with five girls (but I shan't tell other goofy things we got up to, at least not in this blog.) 

Over the years it has become a beloved tradition for  us. Now though, we have to make a contingency plan for the boys in the clan, since the male population in the family has grown prodigously in the past few years. It's become simpler now, generally we go out for supper (sparing us the work of cooking and cleaning), and some other fun activity whether it's hiking, shopping, facials and pedicures, or just watching Jane Austen movies. This time we were joined by some dear family friends, Aurora van Buren (our unoffically adopted sister) and Kyley and Kari Attfield. We did facials-much to the hilarity of Ben and Blake, who in their three-year old sophistry could not understand why something like that qualifies for fun. Brigham in particular seemed intrigued with my temporarily green face! The highlight was the incredible pink princess cake concocted by Kyley, complete with a cookie crown perched on the top.

I'm quite fond of the princess parties. Growing up in a family of girls did not prepare me for my current family situation where I am the only female around. Every now and then I need to indulge and do something ultra girly, and spending time with my  Mom,sisters, and old friends is always a great. Saturday's princess party accomplished both. Sometimes every girl needs to get back in touch with her inner princess.

Book of the Week

I'm very excited to go to Calgary this weekend for Janine's homecoming. We haven't seen her since she came home, and the boys hardly know her at all. Although Ben says he remembers his Auntie Janine, all he seems to know about her is that she was a missionary in Finland and met Santa Claus! Briggy was only two months when she left, so for him it'll be like meeting her for the first time. Anyways, we have a 5 1/2 hour drive ahead of us this afternoon, which will give me plenty of time to read...

Modern Manners:

It was my sister Jaima who first introduced me to the witty columnist Judith Martin, famous worldwide by her pen name of Miss Manners. Ever since then, I've been hooked. I just love her book "Miss Manner's Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior". Her wry humor and astute observations make for an amusing read. Most etiquette books are as dull as ditch water, but Miss Manners sparkles with captivating satire. She enlightens us in many a manners dilemma; from answering the Great Fork Question (which fork do you use?), airplane manners, how to properly eat anything from corn on the cob to crab, etc. This book is both informative and a delight.

Pleasing Poetry:

In my first student teahing I was aghast at how my cooperating teacher had set up an entire unit of poetry. It was merely "Here's a couplet-write one. Here's a haiku-now write one of those" and for some inexplicable reason, all their poems had to be about space. Talk about sucking the fun out of it! I know normally poetry seems reserved for academia and superior intellectuals but I really dislike that. Poetry-especially that for children-is grand fun, and too often ignored. I for one love A.A.Milne's book "Now We Are Six". While A.A.Milne is mostly remembered for his books about Winne the Pooh, his poetry is some of the best that children's literature has to offer. Ben's favourite is "Knight-in-Armor", and there's just so many wonderful poems in this book!
Here's a sampling (from "Binker" about an imaginary friend):

Binker's brave as lions when we're running in the park;

Binker's brave as tigers when we're lying in the dark;

Binker's brave as elephnts. He never, never cries...

Except (like other people) when the soap gets in his eyes.

Happy reading everybody!

Parenting:Commence Hyperventilating Now

Late last week I had an awful moment as a mother. On of those moments where you're convinced something truly awful will happen and your poor children will be left permanently scarred. Gather round dear readers and hear my tale of trouble...
It was on of those rare times where I was actually using the van (don't need it too much around town when it's so small). We had a bunch of errands to run, and with Brigham being my little crab, I judged that the driving would be more judicious and less of a headache. Oh the irony! Our new van is a four door, so after buckling up Briggy, Ben and I went around to buckle him up too. Great was my surprise to discover that the door was locked. The surprise turned to horror when I discovered (about a split second later) that all the doors had mysteriously locked, leaving brigham trapped inside-along with any method I might have of rescuing him on my own. Both the keys and my purse were also within the van.
Trying not to panic, Ben and I raced to the next apartment, hoping frantically that my friend Theresa was home so that I could use her phone to call Jason. She was, and on the verge of tears I called Jason to come to the rescue. Then, fearing for Brigham's safety we dashed back to the van to await Jason's arrival. He, the teacher ditched class, borrowed the secretary's car, and raced home and rescued our imprisoned son. Ironically, although his Mummy was a worried bundle of nerves, Brigham handled the entire episode quite calmly. When I got back to the van, there he was, sitting tanquilly with his hands in his lap. I'm guessing that he at least escaped the event without any emotional scarring-as for myself, not so much.
In retrospect, it could have been so much worse. The weather could have been frigid or sweltering, Theresa could've been away, or Jason's school more than the three blocks away from home that it is. But still! Did I panic perhaps a bit too much? Probably. Though I did not lose it during the entire affair I was worried sick and have felt awful about it ever since. I am a mother; therefore I worry.
Still, life goes on, except now I always keep the keys in my hands while buckling the kids up!

Books of the Week

Well my fellow readers here we are again. Take a look at this weeks picks.

Bizarre Botany:
A few years ago I developed a taste for non-fiction and it has since become the most dominant form of books that I read. There are some fascinating reads out there in the non-fiction section, and "Orchid Fever: A Tale of Love, Lust and Lunacy" by Eric Hansen is one of the most fascinating that I've found so far. I just finished reading it this week. Hansen delves deep into the zany, passionate characters that inhbit the orchid world-most of whom would seem more at home in a novel than the real world. There's the infamous (though possibly maligned) orchid pirate Henry Azadehal, the orchid man Eric Nelson who spends his time rescuing wild orchids from road construction in the wilds of Minnesota and many more. What intrigued me about this book was the conservation aspect that has ensnared orchids worldwide. I would not call myself an enviromentalist, but the bureaucracy and red tape that basically does squat to protect these plants. With this coupled with the orchid people is worthy of a good screenplay. Did you know that it is next to impossible to take endangered species of orchids across borders, all in the interests of preserving them in their native habitat? The irony is that while you can't take orchids out-even for scientific study-there are no measures to protect them in the wild, so that these flowers are regularly plowed over in construction projects.
Reading this book left me itching to buy myself an archid. You know, to see what all the fuss is about.

Move Over Wonderland:
Pierre Burton's book "The Secret World of Og" is shockingly unknown by many, even in his native country where it has been lauded as a "Canadian classic". This is one that I'm just waiting for Ben to be old enough so that we can start reading it together. In my family growing up it was an adored favourite. The story goes that Mom bought it for Jaima when she was in Grade 1 and learning to read. The plan was to read it to her, but before she had the chance, Jaima got her hands on it and read the entire thing on her own! I guess that it was so good she just had to learn to read. It's the perfect book when you want to start a child on chapter books: great characters, exciting story and pictures on every page (Ben loves just looking at the pages of this one).
The story centers on four siblings who set out to rescue their baby brother after he mysteriously disappears from the playhouse. Accompanied by their stalwart pets they dicover a trapdoor that leads them to the Secret World of Og, a land covered by incredible mushrooms, and green inhabitants who love taking anything left out of doors in our own world, and who's only word is "Og"!
I just love the characters. There's the children;Penny the oldest and leader, dreamy Pam, Patsy who keeps snakes and frogs in her pockets, Peter who wants to be a garbageman, and the baby Paul who thinks he's a dog. The Ogs; the rascally Captain Hook as he calls himself and the Sheriff. The pets are great fun too, there's Yukon King, their tiny dog who's convinced that he's a mighty mastiff, and the cat Earless Osdick who thinks he's a dog. Throw them all together in this adventure and you get one wonderful story!
Maybe I have been burbling overly long about this one, but this book deserves to be read and better known by all. Happy reading everybody.

And Still Waiting...

This morning is apparantly an exercise in both futility and paitence:I have been trying to call home for the past hour and a half to talk to my dear Neenie. The closest I have gotten is the busy signal. Hmm... This waiting is starting to get on my nerves. Can I have a turn to talk to my sister too please?

Life is Waiting...

This morning I was struck by how much I am actually waiting for these days. I am waiting for Brigham to be ready for potty training (with bated breath), waiting/trying for my work to be published, waiting for tomorrow so that I can call my sister Janine who comes home from her mission today (YAY!), waiting for that darn rototiller to be fixed so that I can start my garden,waiting to see if the school will renew Jason's teaching contract for next year and waiting to hear back from our hopefully new landlords about viewing the townhouses across the street.
It doesn't seem to matter what is going on in life, you're always waiting for something. This used to drive me nuts. As a general rule I hate uncertainty, but last summer I resolved to at least not stress about it anymore. Considering the alternative-going stark raving mad-trying to keep my cool seemed much more appealing.
The thing is that if a great part of my life will be waiting for something, I don't want to be waiting around to be happy. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking "Oh, after this happens then life will really begin. Until then I just have to survive and sit tight." It's like spending you're life asking the annoying road trip question of "Are we there yet?" while not enjoying the ride that's taking you there.
My Dad is a good example of this. Road trips with him can be interesting because he will often pull over to stop and do something (unless he wants to make good time to the mountains so he can go skiing!). I hated this as a kid, because I would often just want to get there, but Dad's spontanious side trips would often lead to fun; picking huge blackberries off the side of the highway, exploring an orange orchard, or hiking a short mountain trail. Those made for fun memories later on.
I guess that this is more deep than my usual posts on here, but heck! Life is calling, what are ya gonna do while you're waiting?