Book # 8: Eldest

by Christopher Paolini
Book # 2 in the Inheritance Series

A word of warning about this book and series. Make sure you have a couple days of uninterrupted reading time. It is a very engaging book and is hard to tear yourself away from. A mixture of Harry Potterish writing style with The Lord of the Ring's subject matter make for a thrilling fantasy. I must say that it has been hard to be motivated to do much else, but read, these past few days. It was to the extent that Madi and I went for a walk outside with her stroller, and I propped the book onto the back of the stroller to read as we walked. Not sure if that's a healthy addiction or not?

It took me about 100 pages to get back into the series, as I had read the first book a few years ago, but I am now anticipating reading the third book and excited for when it is available. I would recommend this series, especially if you enjoyed Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings series.

I am now taking a break from reading for about a week or so, hoping that I can become more productive and get some wallpaper removed in the downstair's bathroom and some paint on the family room walls. But after that time, here is my next book:

The Open Door: Entering the Sanctuary of Icons and Prayers
By Frederica Mathewes-Green

The Jungle Removed

I have begun the landscape planning process; so hopefully, when spring and planting season arrives, we will be able to get the front flowerbeds under control.

I think overall we removed 9 trees, including one pine tree whose needles reached through our bedroom window. Basically, the front yard doubled in size, which will be nice for the kids in the future. We also now have sun in our living room each afternoon instead of the perpetual gloom.

I must say that it looks a little bare when you directly compare the two pictures, but once summer and leaves return, I think it will fill out nicely.

Remember the Jungle?

Click here to see my original post about The Jungle.




Well, it is warm enough today, so Madi and I are headed outside to get some new pictures of the front yard for you. So check back tomorrow to see the transformation. Now don't get too excited; as it is the middle of winter, the landscaping has yet to happen. But I don't think you'll be disappointed in the difference.

Book # 7: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

by Winifred Watson

This was a quick read, as can be seen in how rapidly I finished it. The entire tale takes place in the course of a single day, in which Miss Pettigrew, a governess, is sent to seek a position from a nightclub singer. Miss LaFosse (the singer) immediately pulls Miss Pettigrew into the drama of her life. The intricacies of the characters and how fully developed they are make this a treat to read. However, the happenings of the day leave Miss Pettigrew and her ever-virtuous nature in doubt of her moral and sheltered upbringing. Not sure I would condone the message, but it would be a great book to discuss as it is read.

Next book:
Eldest
by Christopher Paolini

Next Book

So I forgot to tell you what book I was reading next; well, I didn't forget. I just didn't know yet. I had run out of books in my "to read" stack. So after a library visit today, the next book is:

Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day
By Winifred Watson

And might I add that I have three more lined up that I am very excited about!

Book # 6: What Every Mom Needs

by Elisa Morgan & Carol Kuykendall

This is a book produced by MOPS (mother's of pre-schoolers), which is an organization for mom's to meet and discuss issues that relate to them. This book and the organization focuses on nine basic needs in order to be a better mom. The basic idea is that if you take better care of yourself and meeting your own needs, then you will be better equiped to deal with the challenges of motherhood. Many of the needs addressed and statements made by other women were identical to what I have been feeling as a mom. It was a great resource both for helping me feel understood and for providing some practical ways to help those needs be met. I would definitely recommend this book to any who are new mothers.

An Original Idea

I think a spa needs to be invented that dips both moms and their kids in Purell, forget the mud baths and paraffin waxes, just throw me in a pool full of Purell and all its antibacterial goodness. I was in school and college for 16 years, I taught Elementary Education for 2 years, and I have never gotten sick this often. Miss Madi has a habit of catching everything that anyone we walk by, talk to, or wave at has. This is the third day of a low grade fever and general crabbiness. This morning we are sitting in front of the computer watching Mary Poppins youtube videos, while Madi enjoys a breakfast of a popsicle. I am happy to report that those two combined has encouraged her to give her toast (her traditional breakfast) a try. Maybe the Tylenol kicked in or maybe she is feeling better. But I can recognize the telltale signs--my eyes are heavy and my sinuses are sore. Well, at least I can say that Madi knows how to share.