HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Here's wishing you the very best Thanksgiving holiday - filled with family, friends and lots of yummy food!!!!!

Twilight

Movie edition(my book cover):
Twilight
(The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
by Stephenie Meyer

Published in 2006. 544 pages.

Amazon link

Author's site

Twilight Saga


Official cover:

Movie link (released Nov 21, 2008)

Movie soundtrack

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy

My overall score: 5/5


What its about (taken from amazon.com): Bella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.

Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.

What I thought: I.Loved.It. Phenomenal. Take note, I have never read a book about Vampires or anything similar. I know nothing about vampires. I do not watch movies about vampires. So... with that said... I went into this book with zero expectations. And no prior vampire knowledge. A few friends had read it and loved it. People at the book store raved about it to me. The reviews sounded good. And the final straw that made me decide to actually purchase the book was a blog I read (CLICK). This is a Christian woman, mother of 4, married to her childhood sweetheart (innocent enough, right?!) - well, someone had given her the Twilight book to read and she fell in love. Her raving reviews are what pushed me to finally take the plunge. And I am so glad I did. It was after I read her reviews that I found out it was going to be released as a movie this month. (I make this known, because I did not jump on the 'bandwagon' due to the movie - although I did jump on the bandwagon of raving book reviews!!) I will not go into specifics, because there are more than 2,000 detailed reviews on amazon.com. But I will say, I think I am falling in love with Edward. I wanted to devour this book in one big gulp! And this author is superb!

Date finished: November 22, 2008

Currently reading: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (Book 2 of The Twilight Saga)

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #143

Do you ever talk to yourself out loud? What do you talk about?
Yes. When I'm doing math sometimes. Or walking myself thru the steps to get something done - example: reading a box to make brownies 'OK, first I need eggs and oil. Then set the oven to 325.' etc. Sounds nutty, huh?!

What stresses you out?
Oh lord. A lot stresses me out lately. Money. Tim's job. Getting girls out the door in the morning. Getting girls to bed at night. Hmm... seem to be based around my husband and my kids, huh? lol

What are your secret talents?
Secret? I dont know if they're secret. But let's see if I have any talents. I think I'm pretty creative with scrapbooking. And getting better at taking fun photos. I type fast. That's a tough one... can anyone think of talents I have???

Tribute to Java...

I was sad to learn that my brother Sean and his wife 'Boochy' had to put their dog to sleep on Saturday. He was 13 years old and became weaker as the days went by. I know they are sad to lose such a special dog - he was like a child to them - but I'm hoping the pain will lessen with each passing day...

HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR
My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart thats filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door"!

jan cooper '95 from LINK

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #142

Do you believe people are basically good?
Yes. Of course there are exceptions. And good people have their 'bad' moments. But basically? Yes.

If you could change the custom of shaking hands, what would you replace it with?
Hmm... maybe a wave? or a wink? A smile's always nice :)

What is something that you enjoy that is a chore for most other people?
Thats a tough one - I guess paying bills and doing the budget. Although I dont enjoy paying bills when the money's not there...

The Talented Clementine

The Talented Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker

Published in 2007. 144 pages.

Amazon

Genre: Fiction, Children's Lit

My Overall score: 4.75/5

What its about (from amazon.com): In her second adventure, Clementine is the only untalented student in her third-grade class, with the talent show fast approaching. Her friend Margaret offers her tap-dancing lessons, but her improvised beer-cap tap shoes don't work. Her baby brother (variously called by vegetable names) always laughs when she sings like Elvis, but her parents veto the leash she needs to keep him on stage. It's Mrs. Rice, the principal, who finally shows everyone where the child's talents lie. Clementine is a true original, an empathetic human being with the observant eye of a real artist and a quirky, matter-of-fact way of expressing herself. Whether shopping for new shoes with her mother, saving the talent show, or dining with her parents at the Ritz-no-crackers restaurant, she is laugh-out-loud funny. Frazee's line drawings are plentiful and just right. Libraries will need multiple copies of this one, because early chapter-book readers will jump at the chance to spend another eventful week with Clementine.

What I thought: Loved it! Just as much as the first Clementine book (read my review HERE). And my girls loved it too - especially Kaitlyn (7 years old). The Clementine stories are a bit more 'advanced' than Junie B. (since Junie B is in Kindergarten/First Grade, whereas Clementine is in Third grade.) We love Junie B, dont get me wrong, but Clementine is adorable and so much fun to read!

Date finished: November 13, 2008

Currently Reading: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

So...what's going on?

And all of this in just one day!!

1. Tim left for a trip to Chicago.
2. Mom left for Florida until Friday.
3. Morgan stayed home from school sick (ear infection.)
4. I left work early with Madison (sick).
5. Took Madison to doctor (ear infection).
6. Morgan & Madison both on antibiotics and nebulizer twice/day for ten days.
7. Tim's still on antibiotics for strep throat.
8. Pops feels like he's getting sick.
9. Kaitlyn had playdate and dinner at friends house.
10. We had Veteran's Day assembly at school this morning (with really cute old guys from WWII).
11. I made homemade Chicken Noodle soup for dinner for my sickies.
12. Cousin Tommy and his girlfriend Kim got a new puppy (yesterday).
13. Our street is full of piled up leaves ready for the street sweeper guys (thanks to Pops).
14. Triplets have a substitute teacher this week (Brooke got married last week).
15. Kaitlyn also has a substitute teacher this week (Miss Buchholz got married too!)

OK... I'll just stop there - my head is spinning...

Ten on Tuesday

10 Predictions for the Next 4 Years


Play along HERE!

1. All of my girls will be done with car seats...wow...
2. Our lease will be up on the Armada - we'll have a lower car payment!
3. I will be working full-time.
4. Kaitlyn will be in Middle School (6th grade...sigh)
5. Triplets will be in 3rd grade...oh my.
6. Tim's job will be more secure and less worry about lay offs.
7. Gas prices will probably go back up a bit (but hopefully not too high again!)
8. Tim & I will be at our goal weight and exercise regularly.
9. The world will view the US more positively - no more war for us.
10. Technology will continue to rapidly progress beyond our imagination.

OK...so some of that includes lots of positive thinking, but hey, why not?!?!

Next Week: 10 Things I Am Thankful for This Year

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #141

What was the first thing you thought when you looked at yourself in the mirror today? 'Oh boy, you look tired!'

Do you have a recurring nightmare? If so, explain. Not really, or at least none that I remember.

List three foods you can’t stand: Mushrooms, that cold Cranberry sauce jelly stuff served at Thanksgiving (yuck!), Cottage cheese. (I could go on - heehee!)

The Secret Blog of Raisin Rodriguez

The Secret Blog of Raisin Rodriguez
by Judy Goldschmidt

Published in 2006. 224 pages.

Amazon link

Genre: Fiction, Young Adult (Teen)

Overall Score: 4.5/5 (for age group 10-15)

What its about (taken from penguin.com): Twelve-year-old Raisin Rodriguez has been uprooted from her life in California and plopped down in Philadelphia with her mother, sister, step-father, step-sister Samantha, and Samantha's cross-dressing poodle Countess. The only way Raisin can survive the painful transition is by recording every detail in a secret blog she keeps for her best friends from home.
Raisin shares her latest musings and spills about every humiliating incident that prevents her new friendships from taking off. She even describes the arrival of her dreaded period, just after her thirteenth birthday. But humiliation doesn't begin to cover what Raisin experiences when someone at her new school discovers her blog and prints it out for the world to see.

This hilariously painful and heartbreakingly hysterical novel offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of a truly unique character with an unforgettable voice.

What I thought: Oh my word - I really liked this book. It was a quick read, perfectly completed while snuggling in bed on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Raisin is an adorably loveable, very normal 12-year old girl. Dealing with issues that all 12-year old girls deal with. Popularity. Puberty. Parents. Friendships. Boys. Plus, how could you not love a girl that has a blog! ;) This is a book I would like my girls to read when they get a bit older - it brought me back to those preteen days full of rapidly-changing emotions.

Date finished: November 9, 2008

Currently reading: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Series Book 1 of 4. Movie being released in theaters November 21, 2008

The Wednesday Letters

The Wednesday Letters
by Jason F. Wright

Published in 2008. 288 pages.

Amazon link

The Wednesday Letters Web site (includes a Book Club Guide)

Author's Blog

Genre: Fiction, Literature

Overall score: 4/5


What its about (from amazon.com): Jack and Laurel Cooper are two hardworking, loving Christian pillars of the community who die in each other's arms one night in the bed-and-breakfast that they own and operate. The event calls their three grown children home for the funeral, including their youngest son, a fugitive from the law who must face an outstanding warrant for his arrest and confront his one true love, now engaged to another man. As events unfold around the funeral, the three children discover a treasure trove of family history in the form of Wednesday letters-notes that Jack wrote to his wife every single week of their married lives. As they read, the children brush across the fabric of a devoted marriage that survived a devastating event kept secret all these years. It's a lovely story: heartening, wholesome, humorous, suspenseful and redemptive. It resonates with the true meaning of family and the life-healing power of forgiveness all wrapped up in a satisfying ending.

What I thought: This was a cozy little book. Interesting concept - it was a mix of current happenings and letters written from Jack to Laurel years ago. It was a quick read. Definitely a feel-good happy-ending story. Kind of reminded me a bit of The Notebook. Well written with a bit of a twist.

Date finished: November 7, 2008

Currently reading: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

What a day...

So it actually started yesterday when Morgan's teacher walked her down to me in school to say she had a fever of 100.3 and they wanted her to go home. UGH... Thankfully Pops was able to come pick her up so I didnt have to miss work. Of course as soon as she was home, she acted fine.
Jump to this morning. All seemed fine, we were walking out the door and Madison says 'Mommy, my belly doesnt feel good.' I was like 'You'll be fine.' because they always say that. We load up the car and are driving halfway to school when she says it again. I look in the rearview mirror - and BLEECCHHHH..... All over... EW! So I quickly turned around and took her home. Once again very thankful that my mom could stay with her (and clean her up for me!) So I ran out to clean the car quickly and spray some Febreze before racing to school (and of course we were late).
Then at 10am I had to go to the School Nurse's office for my Flu shot ... AND ... my first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine - OUCH!! Flu in right arm, Hep in left arm, both very sore :(
At 2pm, a few parents in Kaitlyn's class (myself included) had a Bridal Shower for their teacher, Miss Buchholz. She is getting married on the beach in Clearwater, Florida this Friday. Of course the students were crazy excited and I was exhausted by the time it was over.
On a side note, Tim left yesterday morning for training in Texas. He has to go away for this training every six months and it is by far the most stressful part of his job. If he gets even one thing wrong, it could mean losing his pilot's license and his job. Needless to say, he was very stressed leading up to this training. Of course, the day he left, he got sick :( He had to airline to TX and start his Simulator time today - all with aches & pains, fever, sore throat, etc. Poor guy. I have faith he will do great, but its hard to keep his spirits up when he feels like crap.

It has been crazy these last few days - but especially today. Then, after work/school, I went to vote. It was actually fun because I brought Megan and Kaitlyn with me so they could be a part of the process. And now I'm on the edge of my seat watching all the election coverage. Oh and the triplets had SOOOO much homework, it was ridiculous for 5 year olds in Pre-Kindergarten - thank God everyone is in bed and I can just sit here and veg in front of the TV (with an ice pack on my arm). I anticipate crashing into bed soon...

Let's hope tomorrow is better and less eventful!

Please V-O-T-E !!!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY... it is the day that we as Americans get to exercise our RIGHT TO VOTE!

Whether you are Republican or Democrat, whether you support McCain or Obama, whether you are Rich or Poor... you must VOTE.

I am very nervous about this election... America has more riding on this outcome than we have in any prior year. The two candidates are very different - and while I'm sure they both have their fair share of good and bad qualities - you must lean toward one or the other. Honestly, I have not been 100% decided until just the last few weeks. I really put a lot of emphasis on the debates (both Presidential and VP) and they definitely influenced my decision for tomorrow.

I am not here to persuade you one way or the other - all I ask is.. PLEASE VOTE. It is so important for our country.

CLICK HERE to find out where all of the major polls stand right now - Obama's lead is gaining by leaps and bounds.

On a side note, my condolences go out to Barack Obama and his family as they mourn the loss of his grandmother, who died of cancer today at age 86. What a sad event to happen just before the election - it would have been nice for her to be here to celebrate with him tomorrow (**oops did I just say that! heehee**)

School Pictures

Kaitlyn's 2nd Grade picture - She looks scared, doesnt she?! lol

Morgan Pre-K picture:

Megan Pre-K picture...

Madison Pre-K picture--

Manic Monday

Manic Monday #140

How many hours of TV do you watch per week? Do you feel that's too much, not enough or just right? 10-12 hours/week. About 2 hours per night (M-F). That is just right for me, I dont watch TV at all during the day, but it is my relaxation after girls are in bed.

Which of the 5 senses do you feel is your strongest sense? My sense of smell definitely - I can smell things from miles away! Sometimes that's not a good thing ;)

What's the wackiest belief you held as a child? My older brother Sean told me that my face was a mask that I could remove to show a beautiful face underneath. I believed that from like age 3-6 years. Crazy, huh? He also told me I was adopted, which I believed for awhile also... sigh.