A Day in the Life of The Collins 7

Movies...Movies...and more Movies....

2012-01-21T13:32:00.001-06:00

One of the first things I fell in love with about my husband is that he loves movies. While we were dating, and still now, we go to a movie or rent movies whenever we can. We have been Netflix and Blockbuster members. We rent movies whenever we can. Sadly most of the local rental spots have gone out of business. We have cancelled our memberships at Netflix and Blockbuster. And now we are back renting at Family Video again.

Last night we rented several movies and got a Wii game for Simon. I always have a hard time finding a movie because I don't want to be the one to pick a bad one. The 2 I chose were both wonderful this time so I thought I'd share a little review, or just share a link to the trailers so you can decide on your own. So here they are....

Barney's Version

Since this is a Canadian Film I guess that's why we had never heard of it. While browsing the $1 rentals (and that's for a Blu Ray!) I came across this. It was touching, funny, sad, and wonderful. A great movie that is a couple of years old. I'd give it 2 thumbs up!

Sarah's Key

All I can say about this movie is wow! The book was amazing! The movie was just as amazing. This is a part of history that I knew nothing of. WWII is something that I know little of, just the horrible times that Jews went through. I never knew it stretched into Paris and that the French Police were wrapped up in ridding their world of Jews. If you have read this book you should find a copy of the movie. If you haven't heard of either....you should get your hands on a copy of the book, then see the movie.

My husband missed out on this one. Since it is subtitled in the US he didn't want to "read" the movie. Only half of the movie or so is actually subtitled. Definitely worth it though! Another 2 thumbs up. If you would like more information on the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup here is a like for the Wikipedia site, but I'm sure Google will have more as well.

Nothing better than a little me time on a cold Saturday afternoon with a good movie.

A Picture (Almost) A Day

2012-01-17T12:23:00.002-06:00

One of the perks around here of being in 4-H is being able to go to a Women's Michigan State basketball game. Sunday was the big day. Alex, me and Simon went along with a friend of mine and her two boys. I drove the school bus to Lansing with about 45 other 4-H members, parents and friends. We stopped at Old Country Buffet on the way...had way too much food, then went and enjoyed the game. It was hard for us as this is not our "team" but you would have never known by the excitement in Simon's eyes. He had a great time. [Alex and I have been 3 times now so it's old news to him.]

A Picture (Almost) A Day

2012-01-14T08:11:00.002-06:00

Our lazy Saturday has started out with Zookeeper the movie, chips for breakfast eaten by Peter Pan, and begging dogs.

It has been snowing here since Thursday afternoon at 4. Grand total is 7 inches in our back yard. This is how the drive and neighborhood looks this morning.

Blogger is not a good idea

2012-01-08T09:26:00.009-06:00

because I always come across stuff I want to do. Even though I have several other things started and a family to keep up with I am going to do this.....

A Lego Quilt out of all my scraps and stash.

{But after clicking around I found I think I'll like doing it this way better with bigger pieces. Plus hopefully it'll get done quicker. Either way Simon says I need to do his Lego quilt right now!}

Cute cross stitch Dessert of the Month

[I haven't cross stitched in a long time but think these kawaii guys are adorable! And @ $10 for a year full of patterns I think it's a good deal.]

A Photo A Day

Just some healthy snacks to introduce

All that mixed in with a self-diagnosed Sinus Infection and added Teacher Aid hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the school I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to get this accomplished. I actually work better under stress/pressure. These past few weeks just sitting around letting my rib heal has been killer on me. I'm ready to get doing something.

Plus I am on the lookout for new dishes. I really like the way my aunt has a mix of china plates. I visited a few of the local antique shops yesterday and found a few plates and glasses I liked. Now I'm eager for garage sales and auctions! Can't wait to see what I can come across. Anything I feel is pretty, and that I like, I'm going to add to my collection. That's what my aunt does! She scours Goodwills and thrift shops, never spending more that a couple of bucks even for the prettiest of plates. I guess getting a good deal must be in my blood.

Well I'm off to the bed. I really can't afford to be sick so I'm going to force myself to go rest...AGAIN! Book time, maybe a movie, and a nap. Have a great week wherever you may be.

Now it's time to diet...

2012-01-04T17:47:00.008-06:00

We officially finished up our holiday season on Monday with a big ol' family gathering at my aunt's amazing home.

My mom along with 3 of her 4 sisters were there, with 8 of 13 cousins, and lots of babies and more kids. And most importantly my grandpa and his wife. It was a great time. This was our 37th Annual [I think someone just pulled that number out of their behinds...we've never kept track before] Christmas gathering with our 1st Annual Soup Cook-Off. [My mom won! With her Chili recipe. There was some gooood soup! Over there she is with what she is dubbing as her secret recipe. She did later admit that there is no real recipe, just a little of this and a little of that.]

I didn't take any soup as I had been visiting with with family for 2 days prior, but I did make yummy Peanut Butter Swirl Bars. I also did up cute little hot pads for

my aunts and mother with the recipe and a photo of my grandmother on them. The hot pads and bars were both a big hit.

New Year's Eve we spent at my sister's. Had a good time with the kids all being together. Really wish her house was a little bigger so they could have ran around more. My niece was confused about what it meant for the "ball to drop". She kept asking if it was time for the ball to fall. We ate at Pizza Hut for dinner came home and made a little Cotton Candy, and played with the baby.

Got up and headed to my aunt's house and spent the day there with her and my mom. Helped

get ready for the family Christmas and just had a good time. Her house is amazing and it always makes me want to come home and clean and change things up here. She had a huge collection of old dishes that are all so cute. Makes me want to hit up the Antique Malls and get some of my own. She has recently added a sun room for all of her plants and I loved it. Only thing I'd change is I would have a chair and little table for book time.

Since I have such a wonderful photographer [my 13 year old son] I'll share more of our fun weekend.

Hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start! After eating way too much over the past 2 weeks it's definitely time for me to get back to eating healthier.

Me any my baby boy. My New Year hug!

Simon playing a card game at Aunt Sally's house.

Me on dish duty...check out the kitchen! I love it!

Mom playing for the grandkids.

Aunt Sally

In December....

2011-12-29T17:39:00.003-06:00

I always get sentimental about things.

I always feel that I have neglected my blog.

I always wish that during my Christmas break I would have done more than just sit around.

I always start to get eager for warmer weather.

I always spend way too much time on the computer and not enough time reading.

This year is no different.

My dad passed away in 1998 and he would have been 58 years old this past week. I felt very sentimental about it this year. Having 4 grandchildren now would have made him very happy. He would love 'em all. It's sad that these kids will never know their 'real' Grandpa.

My last blog post was August 24th and it was just a book review. Nothing exciting about my life or the drama we have with 3 teenage daughters 1 teenage boy and a 5 year old. There were many days I felt that I should blog....but just didn't.

December 12 Simon and I were racing up the basement stairs, I tried to keep from stepping on him at the top and fell back into the door frame thus fracturing a rib in my back. I am going to use this as my excuse for not getting anything done this Christmas break. I was unable to drive the bus the last 3 days before Christmas break started and I have been home since then. I'm starting to get cabin fever. I just want to do something away from this house and town. I did get some of the decorations down with Alex's help, but the tree and outside lights are still up.

I can not wait for summer. I like winter until New Year's Day....then it needs to warm back up. Unfortunately we haven't gotten much snow here yet so I'm afraid it's going to hit us hard until spring.

I don't know what it is about Facebook and their games but they are so addicting. I could play Frontierville all day and have several days this break. I did however get through 2 chapters of my current book today [One Mississippi by Mark Childress] {Love it BTW!}.

So that's what I've been up to, or not up to. I did manage to sew a little the other day. Have been really enjoying my new HE washer and dryer. I always like to make 'goals' for the new year but feel like a failure when I don't accomplish them, so I'll just end with a see ya next time....no promises as to when that will be. :) [maybe tomorrow;)]

2011-12-29T17:31:00.001-06:00

Book Review: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

2011-08-24T20:30:00.000-05:00

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is going to be added to my all time favorite books list. It was just wonderful. And I think everyone should read it!

The first several chapters go back and forth between Sarah's life in July 1942, and Julia's present day life (2005). Sarah described the horrific events that happened in Paris, France in July 1942 on Germany's orders and are truly that...horrific. This is a part of WW2 that I was not aware of happening. French police gathered up Jews, mainly women and children as all the men were in hiding, and took them to a local sports arena called the Velodrome d'Hiver. Those captured were contained in unlivable conditions. Sitting and sleeping in their own filth. After several days men and women were sent to camps separate from each other and their children. Sarah and her family were Jews and were part of the horror that is the Vel d'Hiver Roundup.

Julia and her family are dealing with struggles of their own and move into their grandmother's apartment in Paris. After being give the job of covering the anniversary of the Vel d'Hiver Roundup as a journalist Julia realizes that her life is closely intertwined with Sarah's.

I wished that the back and forth writing would have gone on longer in the book. I enjoyed reading Sarah's story as much as I did Julia's.

This book is wonderfully written, and researched. I felt as if I was truly reading from little Sarah's journal. This is a part of history that I was not aware of and am drawn to learn more. Below is a website I have came across for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?...

View all my reviews

Friday Fill-ins

2011-08-19T11:00:00.001-05:00

And...here we go!

1. It's fun to _go for a walk with my family to the playground____.

2. _A hot dog for Simon____ is easy to make.

3. I like to be _left alone at times____.

4. _Why they are so disrespectful____ I will never know!

5. Something I'm very much excited about _is this beautiful weather____.

6. _The time spent last weekend at garage sales with my sister____ was well worth it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _seeing a movie with Joey____, tomorrow my plans include _my part-time job and Sweet Corn Days____ and Sunday, I want to _finish up some of my quilting projects____!

A Healthier Family

2011-08-18T20:41:00.010-05:00

I love food. In high school I could eat whatever I wanted, and however much of it I wanted, and people still said I was too skinny. Not so much anymore.

But....most importantly food is slowly harming me. I'm over weight, out of shape, tired all the time and just feel blah. A few weeks back I went to visit our family doctor for a physical. It had been since 2007 that I had last been to see her.

After having a blood analysis we found out that my cholesterol is very high. My LDL (bad cholesterol) is high, my HDL (good cholesterol) is okay. I have improved somewhat, sheerly by luck, in the past 4 years but not enough. If I was 55 I would be on a statin no questions asked. But I'm not 55. I'm still young. So I have until January to get my ~~ass~~ act in gear.

So my family has gone on a diet with me. Not so much a diet as a health kick. Lots of veggies. Lots of fruits. Lots of water. No pop (except for dad...gotta have his Mt Dew). Less sugar.I've done pretty well. I've made up a little calorie tracker. We walk more, either to the playground or into town to run errands. So I'm getting there.

But then nights like tonight, I just get the munchies. I try to reach for an apple or banana to help satisfy my sweet tooth, but sometimes it's just not enough. I've got to fix that.

While we were planning our menu for the trip to the grocery store this past weekend Joey came across a website for Moms Who Think... definitely he was thinking of me when he was

googling....but they have week's worth of healthy recipes. And they are easy to make. Tonight we had Alex's choice, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Steamed Broccoli and White Rice. We all picked out a recipe we thought sounded good, and have had 2 of them so far this week. And they have all been good. And easy!

Simon gagged at the thought of eating all the veggies so he ended up with a hot dog, but he has been trying new things along the way too. And he asks for milk or water to drink.

So as I journey through this quest to lower my cholesterol I'm sure I'll be posting more about our meals and "fun" things I can come up with for exercise. It really is amazing how much junk we were putting in our bodies. Not anymore. We are a healthier family now.

My new favorite room

2011-07-26T18:34:00.007-05:00

I finally finished our bathroom last week. It is so nice to finall live in a house that feels like "mine". A couple of quick before shots in the process of getting everything out shows blah, boring white walls. The wall to the left here used to have nasty 90-ish wall paper on it. Yuck.

Having 3 girls you tend to have lots of places for girl type stuff. The hook with the thousand of necklaces is gone. I want this to feel more grown up for us all. More like a bathroom rather than a storage room for stuff.

So here's what we have now! Painted the walls first with a leftover gallon of white paint with a good primer in it. Then once that was dried, painted green on top and used a whisk broom to create a wallpaper/fabric look.

Here is a closer pic to help get the idea.

I love having a room that can have pretty things on the wall. Make it feel pretty, instead of a place to do bathroom type things.

My favorite addition to the bathroom is this shutter. While on our recent vacation we had stopped at an antique shop and I came across 2 black shutters for $5. After painting them with a light coat of white paint they have that beachy, worn look I loved for the bathroom. We attached a bracket so that this shutter can be up or can close (come down) to help block some of the afternoon soon. I love it. And love even more that the husband was ok with drilling into the window frame!

Re-purposing

2011-06-29T09:22:00.008-05:00

I had the joy of spending last weekend with my mom. Alex had finished up band camp and my mom came along for the 4 hour drive to pick him up. To keep herself busy she worked on her wool rug hooking. She has done some really cute things.

We enjoyed his concert and stopped at a few fun places along the road on the way home. One of which was a metal art dealer, The Columbus Tree on US-127. This guy has all kinds of cool stuff out in his front yard. Some real heavy duty things painted and protected with a clear coat. I splurged and bought a hen and a daisy. To go along with my daisy I used rings from an old barrel my mom had and did up a little circular display in our front yard.

Another quick stop at Uncle John's Cider Mill and we were on our way back home. Spent a relaxing Sunday morning at home with the boys then all went to church. After a "traditional" lunch out to eat my mom and I went to the Antique Mall. (And I say "traditional" because way back when I was growing up Sunday Dinner was typically the only time we would go out to eat. Kids now-a-days feel the need to stop for fast food every time they pass a McDonald's or such.)

Anytime my mom and I go shopping we usually are at a thrift shop, antique shop, or someplace along the road. The conversation always turns into, "Oh you could_____with this and then put it_____and it'd be really cute!" [ok after re-reading this sounds a little dirty, but definitely not intended that way :)] Well when my mom and her sister were in Alabama this spring they came across a lady who makes glass totems. I tell ya what, I'm gonna have to try it! Yeah it's just a bunch of old junk glass glued together but something about it is so neat. So I've been checking out the paper for garage sales, and auctions this week and am ready to stock up on glass.

Well anyways when we were at the Antique Mall we got some more ideas for glass totems and saw some flower things made out of stacked plates and then attached to a pole. There was even an angel bird feeder make out of old plates. I knew I should have taken a picture because words can't describe it. It was really a cute idea. So now I'm on the lookout not only for old sheets for quilts, but glass! :) We even dubbed a new phrase "Junk for Joey" because my husband just LOVES it when I bring home junk to re-purpose.

Yesterday had to be the best day of summer yet. Sunny all day and not to hot. The boys and I trimmed up the bushes and trees in the front yard and rewarded ourselves with ice cream from town.

Back in the spring I bought and old picnic basket, complete with, dirty I'm sure, dishes from the last picnic 20 some years ago and a pack of cards. The previous owners had used a permanent marker to write their name on it so I got out my craft paint and added our name to it. I love the way it looks now and can't stop admiring it.

So that's what I've been up to. Looking forward to more 70 degree days and lots of sun.

2011-04-25T11:35:00.015-05:00

It's amazing how a little rearranging can change your whole mood.
We are on week 2 of yucky, rainy weather here. I need a little boost. So what better to do that change it up?

I went to my first auction of the 'season' this past Saturday and was able to get a cute plant stand for $2. Who says plant stands have to hold just plants? When I bought it I had intended to place all plants but the little shelves didn't want to move to positions I wanted. I was afraid it would be uneven with it's weight so I added a few of my favorite smaller items. You can't make out the photos that well but the top black and white is my favorite old, old family photo. It has my great-great grandparents, along with other family members. The bottom, color photo is my mom and her family when they all were younger. I just love 'em both.

When my husband built our house 12 years ago the building plans were for this area to be a closet. He chose to leave the doors off so we have a cozy little area by the front door. I just added the wooden stand, which is my mothers sewing machine table.The white chair belonged to my grandmother. I repainted it last summer and redid the cushion.

Its an oak chair but she had painted it blue and the paint was getting very faded. I love the fact that both of our hands played a part in making over this chair. The coat hooks are metal shoe hooks I came across at a flea market. I attached them to a piece of wood my mom and I found while "picking" in my grandpa's barn. Hopefully visitors will feel welcomed when they come in the front door.

This area gets the most use in our home, our dinning room.

I moved the plants around and added a couple more family photos to my hutch. The hutch has a china cabinet that goes on the top of it. When we repainted, we decided not to bring that back in. I really like having an area to display my plants, and they love all the light they get from the patio door. The

hutch belonged to my husband's grandmother. And the plant in the blue pot belonged to my great-great grandmother (the one in the picture earlier). She gave a start to my great grandmother, and each generation it has just been passed along. I love it! And it's so easy to take care of.

Stuck in among the plants are a couple more photos of my grandparents and great-grandparents on my father's side. I just love having a piece of history mixed in with our everyday life. Simon enjoys telling everyone that the picture on the right is his "great-great grandma and great-great grandpa and that they are in heaven now because they died".

I have gotten hooked on the whole vinyl lettering thing. These 2 phrases came from Simply Said. My mom has the stuff all over her house...in a nice decorative way...and I love it. I can't wait to get a little more money saved up to add something else to the house.

I hope that everyone had a great Easter weekend. We had my in-laws over for a late dinner/early supper, and an Easter egg hunt. I am so glad that the rain held off so Simon could have fun with the hunt. Sounds like rain the most of this week (again). Can't wait for the May flowers that are surely in our future....right??!!

I set a goal today and accomplished it!

2011-04-04T19:43:00.004-05:00

I got in the bloggin' and quiltin' mood last night. While I was browsing the internet I came across Freda's Hive. A cute little blog that includes lots of quilting and cute other stuff. I really can't remember the friend I have on my blog roll that got me there but there was a link to her tutorial on how to make Doll House Pot Holders.

They are all so stinkin' cute so I had to give them a go today. So after many adjustments to my machine's tension and such I got 3 of them out today.

This Monkey House was the first one I threw together. The picture looks much better than it does in real life. But he's still cute. I just need to get some Mylar batting so that my little patties don't get burnt when this bad boy is put to use.

Here's a shot of all 3. The other 2 were made from a stash of fabric that my aunt gave me. I thought I might give these 2 to her. Just because. They are very fun to make and I already have ideas of how to make each one more unique than the other.

Tomorrow I plan to work on a quilt that I started a few months back. My goal was to start and finish a quilt. Didn't happen. It's a quilt for just me. Love a quilt I can keep and use myself.

March Recap

2011-04-03T20:18:00.001-05:00

After reading Amy's (of A Commonplace Life) post i remember march I thought I'd follow suit and look back at the pleasant things that have happened over the last month that have made me happy. I am so tired of the yucky weather. I have seen enough snow and brown grass to last me a lifetime! I am beyond ready to plant my flowers and get some sun on these white legs. March has been a slow month, which is a good thing as April is beyond busy for us. Simon turned 5 this month and my reflection revolves around that. These are a few of my favorite photos from March 2011.

For his breakfast birthday Simon wanted pancakes. 5 to be specific. Alex was brilliant enough to snap a picture of me lighting the candle.

For his cake he wanted a Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtle cake. Being the ever so crafty {{wink}} {{wink}} mom that I am I made this beauty. The green blobs are each of the Turtles complete with their respective colored ninja eye things.

I found out that my puppy-nephew likes to beg, via his daddy's shoulder, for birthday cake...or maybe there is something good on the iPhone?? Who knows?

Simon was so greatful for all his birthday gifts. His best Buddy got this big hug after getting the best gift of all, a Kingdom Hearts game for his Nintendo DS. I hope his daddy is always his best buddy.

Since this week is our Spring Break I am going to try and spend more time with my blog and crafts and quilting. I am going to pray for no snow tonight. There were big ugly flakes this morning...hopefully that is the end of it.

Simply Saturday-Icicles

2011-02-05T07:48:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Simply Saturday! Would you like to participate? Grab your camera and take a picture of anything that speaks to you of simplicity and/or home. Your post can be as wordy or as wordless as you like. You decide! Then visit A Country Girl's Ramblings to add your photo to the list.

Yesterday these icicles spoke to me. As they were dripping in the shinning sun they said, "Spring is just around the corner. Let your troubles drip away as we are."

I love seeing icicles drip away...it truly is a sign of a quickly approaching spring.

Wonderful Fall Weekend

2010-10-24T10:10:00.005-05:00

Here it is again and it's been 2 months since my last post.

School is underway and in full swing. My oldest step-daughter is definitely going to be graduating this year. Technically she should only be a Junior but she has been working her tooshie off taking extra classes. She also works part-time so she's one busy girl. She has narrowed her college choice down to 1 semi-local school...Central Michigan. This is after much un-needed drama the other night when her dad told her she couldn't go to an international university. Kids! expecting to have it all their way.

Next in line is Laney who was finding school boring so we have asked a few of her teachers to give her some extra projects. For a short stories class she is working on putting a book together. This will co-inside with her art class and she will be illustrating it as well. The final product will be displayed in December during our school's Fine Arts Night. I can't wait to read her story. I find writings of hers laying around the house from time to time and she's a super writer! I'd love to have it published in a hardcover book for her (and family) to have as a keepsake.

Next the 2 middle schoolers are typical middle schoolers with tons of drama on a daily basis. Mariah just finished up volleyball. She did really well this season. I'm very proud of her. Alex has is done with cross country and has started basketball. He's just busy all the time.

And Mr. Simon Cooper....well he's just too smart for his own good. He has really gotten into Legos. We can't believe some of the things he builds. He's really pretty good at it. He sits at the table all day and builds. I love it.

We took a ~~few~~ ton of pictures a few weekends ago. Taylor said she would rather have Alex and I take her senior photos. It worked out pretty well. The kids and I have fun exploring an old Pillsbury Flour Mill in our area. Plus I think we got some great shots, but of course my batteries died before we were done. Here are a few of my favorites. I don't want to share too many of Taylor....she's waiting for the "big reveal". :)

The weather here has been beautiful this weekend. Our last varsity football game was Friday, Saturday Alex had a birthday party to go to. Joey and I were able to get out together to see a movie. This morning the boys and I carved our pumpkins and after Joey gets out of work we are going costume shopping. Hopefully Alex can still find something. Halloween has snuck up on us way to quickly this year. Hopefully all the ghost and goblins are ready for next weekend.

I can't believe we are only 1 month away from Thanksgiving and 2 months from Christmas! Weren't we just there??

Summer is officially over :(

2010-08-20T11:53:00.003-05:00

Tonight is my first bus run. Our boys' football team has a scrimmage in a neighboring town.

This weekend is Sweet Corn Days her in good ol' Litchfield. The kids will be hanging out with friends all weekend. Alex and I have ~~been~~ volunteered to work in the concession stand during the 3 on 3 tournament so we'll be busy all day with that.

Sunday we have a family picnic to go to.

And Monday starts Middle School Volleyball practice.

This summer has flown by way too fast. I haven't accomplished anything I wanted to. I've just been lazy. We've had a lot of drama with the girls and their mom and it has taken a tole on me this summer. I tend to let all the little things bother me too much so when something big happens I spaz out. Not a fun way to spend the summer.

Well anyways I'll leave you with a few pictures from this summer. Enjoy the cooler months of the fall.

A Book Review: The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

2010-06-19T20:02:00.002-05:00

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love historical fiction. Some of what Philippa Gregory pulled into this book is true, most fiction...which she clearly states at the end of the book in her author's note. I am actually glad she chose to put that at the end. It didn't cloud up my enjoyment of the book.

It humors me the number of ladies that a queen had to have to help her get through her daily activities. Like dressing, and changing her dress 2 or 3 times per day. Having all these ladies and maids in waiting proved to be detrimental to several queens in this story. The queens just didn't live up the the great King Henry's expectations. Which were unbelievable when you consider his age, failing health, and size. I would have been inclined to find a younger suitor like was done in this book.

Take it for what it is....historical fiction.....and have fun with it. I did, even though it took me a month to read, I really enjoyed it and look forward to the other Philippa Gregory books I have on my shelf.

View all my reviews >>

I didn't realize that the next book I randomly picked was on my random reading challenge with Caribou's Mom, but I'll still mark it off my list. Random.org didn't pick it randomly for me but I did so it's gotta count....right. I love Maeve Binchey! Nights of Rain and Stars....hopefully it won't take me a month to read like The Boleyn Inheritance did.

Here is my list:
1. ~~Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson~~
2. Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
3. One Mississippi by Mark Childress
4. The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
5. ~~Good Family by Terry Gamble~~
6. Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
7. Best Intentions by Emily Listfield
8. ~~In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols~~
9. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
10. ~~The Lunch-Box Chronicles by Marion Winik~~
11. Table for Five by Susan Wiggs
12. ~~The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar~~

Our summer is off to a swinging start. One trip to the ER under our belt. [ONLY] One day spent at the city's pool. Rabbits bought for 4H. Kitchen and dinning room painted...up next living room. The oldest step-daughter has a job.

Lots of lazy days ahead. We have a mini-vacation planned for the end of July and some camping trips. Hopefully July and August go slower than June has. :)

Guest Review: Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Sook Nyui Choi

2010-06-02T16:36:00.003-05:00

Alex wrote a great review for a book report at school, and I wanted to share it here with you. After reading his review, I think I'd like to check out this book.

Year of Impossible Goodbyes
by Sook Nyui Choi

\

Sook Nyui Choi wrote Year of Impossible Goodbyes. It takes place in Korea (North and South) in spring and summer 1945. The genre of this book is historical fiction. The main character of this story is Sookan, a 10-year-old Asian girl. There are many other characters but that is the only important one in my point of view .The plot of this story is that the cruelties of the Japan military are occupying Korea. Police captain Narita does his best to destroy everything of value to the family, but he cannot break their spirt. Sookan’s father is with the resistance movement in Manchuria and her older brothers have been sent away to labor camps. Her mother is forced to supervise a sock factory and Sookan must wear a uniform and attend Japanese school. I liked the book because it is educational and sheds light on history through a personal story but it is also very intense. The descriptions are great and readers really can get a feel for what the land of Korea is like. I DON’T recommend it to little kids and kids that are immature, because the violence in this book and some stereotypes, inappropriate language and they are beating around the bush on some paragraphs in the book (inappropriate terms). Other then that, I recommend it to people who like history books!

By: Alex Collins

Remodeling and Peanut Butter and Jelly

2010-04-08T16:02:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited! We are finally starting on our remodeling. Kitchen's first. Here are the colors for the kitchen and living room, and the kitchen counter top. This photo doesn't do any justice to the true colors. I had green, blue and yellow in my head so when I saw these 3 together in a booklet, I knew it was it.

The new counter top will be here in a couple of weeks and the kitchen will be done. The living room will be painted and carpeted this summer.

Hurray for a new-ish house!!

There's nothing like making the "best lunch in the world". Even if it is just a peanut butter and jelly at 5 in the afternoon.

Simon gets so excited about everything. Today we moved all of his toys to the toy box in the basement. Best day ever. He was so excited to have his "new" room. Better yet it is by my sewing room. He had to tell me several times that his room was for boys only and I needed to go to my room and work on someone's blankie. That's what girls do is work on someone's blankies.

Book Review: I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

2010-04-07T11:23:00.002-05:00

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great book about the lives of twin boys. Dominick and Thomas Birdsey. Thomas is schizophrenic, and after their mother's death from cancer Dominick is left to deal with Thomas and his treatment and their cruel step-father Ray. This book relives the boys' childhood and that of their grandfather Domenico Tempesta.

Through their grandfather's history, which was left in journal format, Dominick begins to piece part of his life together. At first I didn't like the grandfather's story but found myself quickly liking his story as well as Dominick and Thomas' present day story.

Even though this is a longer book, it was hard to put down making it easy to get through. After reading this book I would like to read more by Wally Lamb.

View all my reviews >>

My next book will be a part of my Random Reading Challenge brought to us by Caribou's Mom. The challenge is to use random.org, or some such site to randomly chose our next book for us.

Here is my list:
1. Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson
2. Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy
3. One Mississippi by Mark Childress
4. The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans
5. ~~Good Family by Terry Gamble~~
6. Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
7. Best Intentions by Emily Listfield
8. ~~In Search of Eden by Linda Nichols~~
9. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
10. ~~The Lunch-Box Chronicles by Marion Winik~~
11. Table for Five by Susan Wiggs
12. ~~The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar~~

Random.org came up with #1 Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson.

Saturday Ramblings

2010-03-27T08:48:00.004-05:00

In an effort to recap the past week I decided to do a bullet list of what has happened lately. {Ideally one day I will utilize one of those cool sites and have my blog published into a book for my family}

Simon and I went and saw How To Train Your Dragon last night. We loved it. Simon loved the fact that there were vikings and flying dragons and a "beautiful" girl. I loved that not everyone was perfect but were all still loved. It was a great movie.
I bought my plane tickets for Florida! My sisters and I are taking my mom away for a week in April. There are some "issues" I'll say, with my step-dad. And we all just need to get away. It will be wonderful sitting on the beach all week soaking up the sun. It would be fine with me if we never left her condo.
I love spring cleaning. Not the act of cleaning so much as the feeling you get afterwards seeing everything put away, and rearranged so it all fits together better. It is especially nice when Simon tells you that everything looks perfect...even if it was only the laundry room. I hadn't even attempted to straighten/organize that room in the 6+ years I've lived here.
I am so excited about our new windows. Now on to the paint and new carpet. Joey makes fun of me but it will be nice to have this house feel more like ~~my own~~ours. Even though we have gotten rid of most of the evidence of his ex-wife...I can still feel it sometimes. Especially when Joey complains about something that "she wanted".
Speaking of the good ol' ex-wife...I can not understand how someone who does not have a job or anything to do during the day can not come pick their kids up until 8 p.m. on their weekend. Just saying. It was nice this week, however, to hear my husband say that he and the girls are very lucky that I am such a good momma to everybody, and that he loves me because of it.
I'm reading a very good book right now. I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. I don't know what it is about this book, but I love it. It's about twin brothers, one who is schizophrenic the other one not. Just a great book, if you haven't read it you should check it out.
Can't wait for our dehumidifier to come. We were confused about the moisture in our house. I always assumed that during the winter when it is dryer outside and the furnace runs non-stop your house would need a humidifier. Guess not always the case, especially when you have a family of 7 who showers (almost) daily and does several loads of dishes and laundry per week. That all puts moisture into your air. With newer homes everything is made airtight, in the name of energy conservation, thus causing the everyday moisture nowhere to escape. After hearing our window guy talk about it I do notice how when you walk into the house it does feel like the middle of August. Plus the basement smells very musty. So bring on the heavy duty dehumidifier!
Simon is sad his dad has to work AGAIN all weekend. It's nice to have the extra money but we all miss our daddy.

Well, guess that's it for today. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Summer can't come soon enough

2010-03-21T17:36:00.007-05:00

I love this time of the year. The snow is gone. The sun is shinning later in the evening. Even though it's only 50 degrees, we feel like it's summertime. After the big chill for the past 5 months, 50 is a welcomed change.

I love watching the sun set in the afternoon sky. The anticipation of warm summer days is almost too much to handle. I can not wait for the day I can sit on my back patio with a cold glass of iced tea and a good book.

Listening to Simon run around, playing all of his goofy pretend games. Driving in his car to work, fighting off bad guys with sticks, tossing the dogs their toys...summer can't come soon enough for any of us. Alex spending all his time at the city pool, visiting his buddies in the neighborhood, driving us all crazy...summer can't come soon enough.

Camping is our favorite family activity. Our poor pop-up camper has been sitting so lonely like in the back corner of the yard, we can't wait until a nicer weekend so we can set it up and air it out after it's winter hibernation. The boys and I will undoubtedly spend that weekend sleeping in the camper, sprawled out wrapped up in our blankies.

Summer can't come soon enough.

2010-03-13T19:20:00.003-06:00

Once upon a time there was a sweet little boy. He was born 8 days before he was supposed to be. His mother had the days to March 20 counted down on her calendar, she really didn't like being pregnant. Especially with this little character. He just kicked and tossed and turned in her belly all night. There were several times when he seemed to be trying out his Ninja Turtle moves and tried to kick through her stomach--she could see his foot print he was kicking so hard.

Well, this little boy's mommy and daddy decided to do some shopping on a brisk, early spring afternoon. This required a lot of walking for the mommy. During all the walking she had a funny feeling something special was going to happen. It was almost as if she knew it was going to be time soon. When the mommy and daddy got home the daddy was tired so he went off to bed, but didn't get to sleep very long. The mommy had to wake him up because she was right, it was time for the baby to be born!

All that night the mommy and daddy anxiously awaited for their little boy to be born. The mommy was in a lot of pain so had to have some special medicine to make here feel better, but a nasty, mean ol' lady gave it to her and didn't do something right. The mommy felt better for a little bit but not for long enough. When it was time for the baby boy to be born the mommy felt like she was going to explode. But finally Simon Cooper was born.

Oh how happy the mommy and daddy were. And Grandma Carla timed it just right and her and Grandpa showed up just a few minutes later and got to share in the excitement of Simon Cooper's birth. Simon's brother and sisters got to stay home from school that day and were all so excited (when they got to come see him of course).

But by this time the mommy wasn't feeling so good. You see the nasty, mean ol' lady had punctured a needle into her spinal cord and she was leaking spinal fluid....which gave her the worst headache she could ever imagine having in her life. She was so sick she couldn't feed her baby boy the way mommies should feed their babies. She didn't even want to hold him or have him in her room, because she couldn't take care of him. The mommy was very sad. She felt like she was the worst mommy on the planet.

But finally a nice doctor was able to come see the mommy and fixed her spinal cord. She felt like she was taking a dip in a nice warm bath tub. The pain miraculously went away. It was the best feeling in the world. The mommy was so happy. She finally got to see and hold her baby boy like a mommy should. The baby boy and mommy never did get the feeding thing to work out though, but they sure did try.

After Simon Cooper came home his aunt Staci and cousin Marker came and stayed a few days. Aunt Staci took some very cute pictures of the sweet baby boy. The mommy was so happy to have them around. Except, all the mommy wanted to do was sleep because all the little boy wanted to do was eat every. three. hours! That's a lot of snacks in the middle of the night. The mommy started to get real cranky and the daddy wasn't really sure why. He thought the mommy was sleeping all day with the baby, so how could she be tired and cranky? What a crazy daddy.

Well, some time has passed since that day. Now this little boy, Simon Cooper, is 4 years old. His mommy and daddy love him so much. He is so funny. You can't be around Simon Cooper without laughing and having a good time. If you haven't met Simon Cooper yet, hopefully some day you will. He is definitely worth having as a little buddy.