Thursday Thirteen: Cool Beans

Here are a few random things that I think are pretty cool and that make me smile. I share them with the hope that they bring you a smile too!

1. Jeremy found this and it made me laugh. I'm weird I guess, but I have a feeling you will think it's cool too. The best part is at the end.


2. Do you Freecycle? Do you like free stuff? I just learned about this nifty group. I got rid of all my moving boxes and helped someone else out. Perhaps there is a group in your area? It's a great concept. Check it out.

3. Have you ever wondered how 99.9% pure copper is made? Well, wonder no more my friends. Jeremy's neato graphic designing skills helped produce this entertaining 6 min. video that explains how copper goes from Ore to More.

4. I had the great privilege of meeting some terrific blogging ladies last week. It was so neat to meet Cocoa in person after admiring her for so long. She also introduced me to some MORE great ladies. And then I was also able to see Celista, whom I also love and admire and am so glad lives so close to me now! I couldn't stay as long as I would have liked, but it didn't take long for me to realize that these ladies are just as cool in the real world as they are in the blog world. I think I'm going to work on a gianormous blog party for next year. So, if you are reading this, consider yourself invited. :)

5. Here is a picture of our new house. Please come visit us!

6. Here is our new school room:
(it's a work in progress)





Play room:





7. Here is our living room. I can't wait to get nice curtains! (I've already picked some out at Ikea)


8. My latest photoshop project (since I missed WW): Beautiful Colorado
















9. My current read (excellent and soul searching by the way. I plan on doing a full review when I'm done.) James Ferrell is also the author of The Peace Giver.

10. My feelings about the current economic situation: {{Grrrrrr}}
I did think Bush delivered a convincing speech last night. Not that it made me feel any better. Are you worried? Is your family doing anything different to prepare for a financial crisis?--or are you already prepared? This probably needs to be another post.

11. My kids really like Brain Pop. Right now they are offering free animated clips related to democracy and presidential elections. If you have younger kids be sure to check out Brain Pop, Jr.



12. We had fun trying out new hair styles after reading Cocoa's post on hair.





13. We've been reading Matthew 5 this week, the Sermon on the Mount. After reading and talking about the beatitudes, (specifically "Blessed are the meek...blessed are the poor in spirit..) we all agreed to try and "be the beatitudes." It has made a world of difference. Especially for my little Anna, who has been struggling with feeling peaceful. We are far from perfect, but when we try, the Lord blesses us so much.

Thursday Thirteen: Shutter Happy

I just can't get enough of this camera! Obviously, I have a lot to learn. But I figure if I take a gazillion pictures, I might get lucky with a couple.

Here are thirteen of my favorites out of the google that I've taken. My kids are getting sick of me.

We went to the zoo last night with our friends from La Scuola d'Argento. We had so much fun! They are a really great family. As we came out we saw this glorious sunset.

This little mother reminds me of someone.

Sam defies gravity sometimes.

So does Claire.

Anna defies her mother.

Girls in a box.

One of our robins.ROSES!! It's cheating because they are so naturally beautiful.This is my favorite!

Thursday Thirteen: Book List

I don't think there is a more enjoyable way to learn good writing, speaking, grammar, and comprehension skills than reading good books. There are so many good ones. I prefer to have my kids read really good literature (don't we all?) so they can pick up these important skills.

I think sometimes we just need mind candy, like my Twilight books or Sam and Elise's Calvin and Hobbs books. But we try, for the most part to read good, uplifting literature because after all,

you are what you read!

These are a few of the books our family loves. Some were read this year, some in years past. Some are good read alouds. Some are good for independent readers to read in a quiet spot. Some we have yet to read, but will read soon!

We would LOVE to hear your own thoughts and reviews if you have read any of these books! We'd also LOVE to hear your recommendations! Be sure to leave a comment :D

My 9, 6, and even sometimes 3 year old, were captivated by the simple telling of life on a ranch in Colorado at the turn of the 20th century. While so much has changed, and our lives are much different from Ralph's, we found LOTS of things we could learn from Ralph's experiences.

I think the thing I like most about this book is its honest look at family life and how when each member of that family does their part, they can be successful, even in the most trying of circumstances. Once again, if you have children age 6 and older, I highly recommend this book!
For some background info on the history of the time and place the book was written, we found this site to be helpful: http://www.sonlight.com/iglinks-alt4.html
(As a side note, I should mention that some of the cowboys say a few minor swear words and take the Lord's name in vain. If you are reading the book out loud you can easily skip those words)

Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors! This book is about an unusual mouse who falls in love with a princess. It is about understanding and forgiveness. DiCamillo's words flow so beautifully and take us effortlessly through plot twists and surprises. You will be impressed with her use of imagery. Your kids will be impressed with the dungeon rats and Desereaux's courage. DiCamillo gives us an important message in a very entertaining and captivating way. We love this book!
You can read Sam's review of the book here: Sam's blog




Me: How do you like this book Sam?
Sam (9 yo boy): I LOVE it! Pippi is my kind of woman! I think I'm in love!

Me: How do you like this book Elise?
Elise (6 yo girl): I think it's great! Oh, I just love Pippi! I wish I were Pippi, except for the part where her parents die, but everything else about her I want! Can we please have a horse? How about a monkey?

This was the first time I've ever heard Sam talk about being in love. Elise, on the other hand, has asked many times for a horse.
If you and your kids haven't read this zany, heart-warming book yet, do your self a favor and read it. Go to the library right now. Go!



It's a good author who can make an eight-year-old boy want to stay up way past his bed time to finish reading his book. Elise and Claire let me read this to them for hours! White has a style that is SO appealing to kids. You can read Sam's review here and hear him read an exciting part of the book here.






Elise:
I like this book because Black is first a wild horse and then he gets adopted by a young man. Black makes friends with another horse and tells him all about when he was young. He remembers a time when he was adopted by a mean man. He escaped, but the mean man cut off some of his tail. Black Beauty is an interesting book. He goes through a few mean owners and finally gets nice ones. I like horses, that's why I like this book. And I really want a pet horse. I think people who like horses should read this book.
(This adaptation was written for kids reading about 2nd grade level)



I loved reading this book when I was young! I loved trying to speak with a Scottish accent after reading conversations Mary had with Dicken. I love how the land begins to change her. How good people influence others and the message of making hope real. I love the country and the garden and the idea of Collins mother being present in the garden. Burnett's writing has been compared to Charlotte Brontë and Henry James and yet, it is accessible to even young readers. This book has a special place in my heart and I'm eager to read it with my children this summer.
We will be loosely using this study guide: http://www.easyfunschool.com/article1848.html


One of Francis Hodgen Burnett's lesser known books is Racketty-Packetty House. It a shame, because it is such a delightful book!
My dad read this book to my kids when he and my mom where visiting last month. We all were enchanted by the humble, happy dolls of the Racketty-Packetty House. Their cheerfulness and kindess sets them apart and wins the aid of the doll-house fairies as they go through difficult times.

A very sweet, quick, fun summer read by a really terrific author!


This is an exciting adventure story! Travel with a brave young boy who is fiercely devoted to his horse, from the desert sand of Morocco to the mysterious island of Great Britain. This is the legend of the ancestor of the famous Man O' War and Seabiscuit race horses. Both boy and horse over come incredible obstacles and prejudices to fulfill their destinies.

I feel like I'm saying this a lot, but...
This was beautifully written and well researched. We loved this book!

This is a great activity and study guide for 1st through 4th graders: http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading12/king_of_the_wind.htm


We learned SO much about insects from this book! Lampman really made us believe we were living in an ant hill. Exciting to read, though thankfully, not realistic. This book is fascinating and I guarantee you will not look at those pesky ants the same way after reading this! My kids were really delighted with this audio version of this book. You can read my original post about it here.




Mark Twain knew how boys think. He knew the heart of a boy. That's why these books are classics. But you want to know something? My daughter and I love these books just as much as Sam! Adventure, wit, danger, trouble, treasure, rafts, caves...as far as summer reading goes, it just doesn't get much better.

Here is a good lesson plan for 4th or 5th graders:
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/tom_sawyer.pdf




Sam:
Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked on his way to Africa for gold. He swam to a deserted island. His story on the island is in the book. I really like the part when he makes his home so he could survive on the island. He made it out of the ship's sails which he found on a sand bar. I also like the part when he makes friends with one of the natives. Crusoe teaches him English. The man doesn't have a name, so Crusoe names him Friday, because that's the day they met. I like this book because it's an adventure and I love adventure!



We just started reading this book. My mom gave it to us last month. We like it so far! Because we haven't even finished the first chapter, I'll give you a little excerpt:

Tuner felt the world moving slowly and anciently beneathhim, and he began to sway back and forth with the waves, with the trees, with the rolling globe itself.
"You're not going to throw up?" asked Lizzie.
"No, I'm not going to throw up."
"Good, because if you were going to throw up, I'd be sure to remind you that you'd best lean out over the side of the boat."
"You have a real about you, you know that, Lizzie?"
"That's what my granddaddy says: a real way about me."
"What else does your granddaddy say about you?"
"That I'm the closest thing to glory he'll ever see on God's, green earth. What does your daddy say about you?"
We plan on using some of these activities: http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/TuckahoeMS/hoel_l/ActivitiesPage.html

Avi is another one of our favorite authors. Sam read Iron Thunder earlier this year and wrote a great book report on it that you can read here.

This is on our to-read list for the summer. Here is the summary:
Avon is a snail who longs for adventure. He's never had an adventure like those he reads about in books, and he is sure that the only way to be truly happy is to have an adventure. Avon decides to set out in the world with his new friend Edward, a confident ant who seems to know more than Avon about journeys and excitement. Along the way, they encounter many strange and wonderful creatures and learn that friendship might just be the best adventure of all.

If you want to read MORE book reviews, check out Cocoa's list at Chocolate On My Cranium, and the kids' picks over at Kindling the Fire.

Thursday Thirteen: Therapy

Jeremy was in New York last week and came home last night. His group from school won this amazing silver pencil award for their work on this intro to the Typophile Film Festival in Seattle. BYU sent a couple of guys to NY to go receive it. I was a little bummed that I couldn't go with him. Actually, bummed is an understatement.

BUT...did I wallow in self pity?

Heck no.

I went to work and got lots done while he was gone. (He wasn't here to save me from myself) Here are 13 things that I did to help me:

1. Party!! We celebrated Sam's birthday with some friends on Saturday. It was low key, but very fun. I wish I had Michal and Ice Cream's talent with cake making. I just went to Costco and got this HUGE cake. We had cake for days, even though I gave a lot of it away.

2. I painted the living room. I've been staring at dirty, white, mostly blank walls for 4 years. I WANT COLOR!! So, I did it. It was Martha Stewart's "wooden spoon" color with a "green tea" accent color. I think it looks fabulous.

3. I painted the kitchen. Yep, I got done with the living room and looked into the kitchen and just had to do something about the dirty, white walls in there too.

3. I painted the girls' bunk beds. Uh huh, I'm dangerous with paint.

4. I dug out some of our pictures from a box and hung them up when the paint was dry.

5. We went to a nursing home with Cheri and her kids and made some new friends.

6. I'm half way through season 2 in Lost now.

7. I spent an hour trying to get nail polish out of Anna's hair. Mineral oil does work.

8. We planted more tomatoes and green peppers.

9. I also planted some flowers in the front.

10. I cleaned the carpet.

11. We organized/ de-junked the kids' rooms.

12. We watched the first lightening storm of the season.

13. I ate half a bag of York Peppermint patties and cried while reading Abigail's letters to John. I guess I did wallow a little.

Thursday Thirteen: Minuin Aiti

** Edited** My dad sent me some pictures of my mom that I'd like to include.
I am dedicating this list of thirteen to my mother, who will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Abraham Lincoln said, "All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." I echo his sentiments and although I will never reach the same heights as Abe, I am a happy and content person and this I owe to my angel mother.

1. My mom is beautiful. When I was very young, I remember that while we were watching the Miss America contest my dad said, "Your mom is so much prettier than those ladies." I remember watching my mom put on mascara and carefully dot her lips with lipstick. I remember how graceful and feminine she looked doing it. She's never worn a lot of makeup and I'm so glad. She is a natural beauty.

2. My mom looks fantastic for her age. I think this is partly due to Oil of Olay. I remember the smell of her face cream so well. Every night when I kissed her that was the smell that stayed with me until I slept. It was very comforting.


3. My mom became a US citizen in 2006. When Finland finally passed a law allowing dual citizenship, my mom decided to go for it. Is she excited to vote this November? I think so.


4. Mom finally got her ears pierced a couple of years ago. She went without holes in her ears for SO LONG. My dad always went on about how wonderful it was that my mom's ears where "whole". (I had to learn "Alla Turca" on the piano before I could get my ears pierced) Why did she finally give in? My dad bought her these big, beautiful diamond earrings. hmmm...

5. My mom has very good taste. She wants things done well and to look nice. She is wiling to take the time to make sure that happens. Because my dad was in the military we lived in so many houses while I was growing up. My mom always made each one feel like home.

6. Because Finnish is my mom's native tongue, she has an accent. Not a very strong one, but we think it's cute when she says, "wechtables" and "batisisism" and "turn the lights out".

7. I get my sense of direction from mom. The fact is, mom and I have been lost together so many times. We laugh about it now, but we have a horrible time remembering directions. Or we end up talking and missing the exit. Actually, those are some of my fondest memories.

8. My mom was with me when my first child was born. (So was my sister) It was really special to have them there with me. My mom was a huge support. She pushed right along with me.

9. My daughter Elise, looks a lot like my mom, which is funny, because Elise's middle name is my mom's first name.


10. My mom was born and raised in Tampera, Finland. She has two brothers who still live in Finland. After serving an LDS mission in Finland, she came to the United States to teach Finnish to missionaries in Idaho.

11. My mom and dad met at BYU. My mom is 6 years older than my dad. Dad always says mom took a risk in marrying him. I think the she did pretty good.

12. The Finns have a word that doesn't exactly translate into English but it sort of means 'ultimate strength'.
The word is: sisu. My mom is sisu.

13. My mom is the nicest person I know (so I know she'll forgive my misspelled finnish). Being a mom, I can really appreciate that now. I know how hard it is to be patient and listen to your children's stories and be excited about their very long adventures. I can see more of the sacrifices she made for us. But she never made it seem like a sacrifice. She made it seem like a joy. I will love her forever for that. Even now, she is my confidant and friend. She is the one I want to call when I'm excited or worried about my kids. She tells me about good books she's reading. She gives me pats on the back (and foot rubs and back rubs) that I so need. She is an example to me of selflessness and steadfastness.

Minä rakastan sinua. Hyvää syntymäpäivää!

Thursday Thirteen: Universal Truths

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that mothers can be made to feel guilty about almost anything.

I've worn many different mom hats; the working mom hat, the stay-at-home mom hat, the soccer mom hat, the homeschool mom hat, the PTA mom hat, the fun mom hat, the mean mom hat, the healthy mom hat, the not-so healthy mom hat, etc.

I believe that no matter which hat you are currently wearing, there are some mothering truths that apply to ALL. We are all in this together. We have so much to learn from each other.

Everyone is trying to do what is best for their family. That is universal truth number 1.
Here are twelve more:

2. For every ten women talking in a circle about their difficult birthing experiences and struggle to get those baby pounds off, there will be one who cheerfully announces that her labor was easy and she wore her skinny pants home from the hospital.

3. The amount of mess caused by a poopy diaper is directly proportional to how big of a rush you are in to get some where. The bigger the rush, the bigger the mess.

4. Most moms believe in a higher power. While the big bang theory has some merit, most mothers agree that their precious offspring MUST have a connection to deity. "They sure didn't get that from me."

5. We can rely on our children to keep us humble. "My mom spends WAY too much time on the computer." -Elise to her primary teacher. "It looks like there's another baby in your tummy mom"-- I joined the gym the next day. Nothing like a little humble pie to motivate you.

6. Mothers kiss their 8 hours of sleep good-bye as soon as they welcome their first baby. They are never to be seen again. By the time we might be able to enjoy a good night's sleep, our bodies won't let us.

7. Even the most squeamish mom can turn into a raging bear if anyone threatens her cubs. I have a hard time squishing spiders (I usually just take them outside) but I would have no problem gouging out eyes in order to protect my children.

8. All mothers secretly wish for Mary Poppins to come visit their home. I would give anything to acquire that clean-up snap of hers.

9. Every mother has, at one time, wanted to run out the door screaming. Which makes the fact that most moms don't all the more admirable.

10. Children always realize they need to go to the bathroom 5 minutes after you leave for a big trip. I'm still waiting for someone to invent a booster seat that converts into a potty chair with the touch of a button.

11. No matter what accomplishments you've had before being a mother, nothing can compare to the colossal strength it takes to clean up vomit when you are feeling sick and tired yourself. Only a mother's love provides that the child will get cleaned up.

12. Mothers acquire the ability to read their children's minds. Shhh..it's our secret. We generally know when our children are planning to sneak cookies, make mischief, are feeling left out, are sad and discouraged, and when they are not telling the truth. We also grow eyes in the back of our head. That's how we can keep track of every body at the store. I'm still waiting for my other set of arms to grow....

13. Mothers can move mountains when someone expresses gratitude, appreciation or kindness. I can fold laundry ALL day when my husband tells me how grateful he is for clean underwear. (Notice that the thought of mountains lead to the thought of laundry.) I can cook dinner when I'm tired because my kids think it makes me the best mom. We all deserve more credit than we sometimes get. We are our own worst critic. Go easy on yourself. You are better than you know. Your kids think you are wonderful, even if they can't express it.

So, here's to you mom! You didn't run out of the house screaming today. You kissed and hugged your children. You're doing a great job!

Thursday Thirteen: "Oh what a beautiful morning..."

13 reasons why I'm singing that glorious song from "Oklahoma!".

1. I've gone to bed before 11pm every night this week. More time with REM helps me cope. It's like I'm breaking out of a funky, zombie trance that would NOT let me go to bed before 1am. One thing that has really helped in this break-out is,

2. Getting up at 6am. True, it helps that the temperature is not quite as forbidding. Who wants to get out of bed when it's dark and way below freezing? But I've been especially excited to get out of bed because this week I got a...

3. Gym Membership. There have been so many studies detailing all the benefits of exercise. I have an equal number of excuses why I have not been exercising. But the gym offers me the best of two worlds; I can watch TV and burn calories at the same time. Plus, they have everything there in this warm building away from distracting children telling me how big my bottom is. I am feeling the benefits. It also helps that when I leave the gym all gross and sweaty, the...

4. Sun is shining. Oh! It makes me want to skip and sing. I have also really liked hearing...

5. The birds singing in the morning. They are fascinating to watch. It is easy to see how someone like Beatrix Potter could create societies and spin stories around animals. Sometimes I can hear them talking too. You don't think I'm crazy do you? Well, hopefully not as crazy as....

6. Catherine and Heathcliff. I've picked up "Wurthing Heights" again. It's been a long, long time. I've always thought of it as a big downer. But this time I am really appreciating the author. Well, you appreciate anything more when you have a better understanding. I'm excited to get more understanding and a little nervous as I'm preparing to...

7. Go back to school. Yep, I've got everything in and hope to start this Spring. I don't know how I'm going to do it all yet, but I feel so good about it. I LOVED college and it makes me sad that I never got my degree. So, in our family's tradition of doing things a little backward, 11 years and 4 kids later, I am going to get that degree. Wish me luck!

8. Good friends. I LOVE friends. Friendship is different when you are a busy mom. It's seems like a luxury. I don't always have the time I'd like to build good friendships with other people. It makes me so glad though when someone makes time for me. Like going to the very exciting homeschool store and then out for some spontaneous ice cream or joining me at the gym. :)

9. Growing seeds. I can't wait to have a big, beautiful garden someday. It's absolutely thrilling to watch a seed sprout and then grow. The potential! The excitement! I love flowers and I think tomatoes that I grow taste so much better than the ones from the store.

10. Growing children. More than watching seeds grow, I love watching my children grow. It's mingled with a little sadness, but... The potential! The excitement! The joy!

11. Strawberries. They're back! I can't believe it. Every year they come back earlier and more expensive, but I love them. They take me right back to all my favorite Summer time memories. They taste so good on my cereal and with whipped cream. Oh. I need to go get some today.

12. The gorgeous mountains. The mountains here are looking particularly majestic right now. They still have plenty of snow. When the sun is shining and the sky is blue they glisten to a degree I would call radiant. I can almost taste the freshness. I can't wait to go to the mountains.

13. Road Trip. I feel another road trip brewing. We have talked about going to Bryce Canyon or Arches. It will be soon and the thought makes me happy.

Thursday Thirteen: Thesaurus

This was one of my favorite (dearest, beloved, preferred) Christmas presents. I've been in a word rut (habit, routine) for a while and so, this was on my Christmas list. I've enjoyed perusing and learning from this gift. You, dear reader, can now behold my expanded vocabulary and you too can benefit from taking a thesaurus in with you to the potty. :D

1. My husband and I tend to vacillate on where we should move.

2. You could say our family is xanthous.

3. I sometimes have a tendency to aggrandize a story.

4. Now that Christmas is over, I am anxiously awaiting a verdant spring.

5. Chronometry was on our minds this week as we rang in the New Year.

6. I can be a little insipid when it comes to house work.

7. I have a bothersome carbuncle on my pinkie toe.

8. Claire was born with a considerable amount of bravura.

9. Anna is sweet and gentle, but sometimes surprises us with a vociferous tantrum.

10. I'm praying for vicissitude this year.

11. I'm not going to lie, I love it when people adulate to me.

12. I like to shop, ad valorem.

13. Perhaps you can think of your own context for this one: ne plus ultra (Latin for that which is peerless; the ultimate)

Ha ha! There you have it. I'm a bona fide (real, genuine, authentic) nerd.

The sledding is really good (worth-while, pleasant, thorough) right now.