Wild

Wild
By: Cheryl Strayed
THREE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
I definitely jumped on the band wagon with this book. It was all the rage and everyone was reading it. So I did too. I read this book prior to reading 'Torch', I wish I would have read them the way they were published. Silly me.

My first review of this book was it was good. She went on a journey. After reading Torch my review on Wild is sooooo much diferent. Not that in Wild she doesn't explain why she is going on this journey. You definitly wouldn't have to read Torch to get into Wild but for me it really made a difference.

Wild is all about Cheryl coming throuhg life's journey. Life has really played her some cards and this literal journey is what refreshes and cleanses her.

Let me set the record straight a little on this one though. This is not a let me how to teach you how to hike. I don't think at any point Strayed even alludes to this book being anything about that. If anything look at what she did and know what you should not do. Strayed goes on Pacific Crest Trail with no real experience and no real prep. She definitely tells readers this was a mistake but this was also part of her journey.

I guess in my mind there is two folds to this book the literal journey and the emotional journey. The book was about her journey. That is why it gets three stars. To have the boldness to share ones-pure journey is great. To keep her journey as real and honest as she did, mad props. However as far as the literal hiking... I was... let down at how she portrayed women hiking. Women hike that rail. Women alone hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

the run down:
A powerful, blazingly honest memoir: the story of an eleven-hundred-mile solo hike that broke down a young woman reeling from catastrophe—and built her back up again.

At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life: to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and to do it alone. She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, and the trail was little more than “an idea, vague and outlandish and full of promise.” But it was a promise of piecing back together a life that had come undone.

Strayed faces down rattlesnakes and black bears, intense heat and record snowfalls, and both the beauty and loneliness of the trail. Told with great suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild vividly captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened, and ultimately healed her.

Show and Share

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

Father's day was... well a few weekends ago. What do you do for a Dad and a Papa?! We found a great template to make a book for Dad and Papa. Eighteen25, has both the downloadable templates for these AWESOME books!

what you'll need
-download the template from Eighteen25
-scissors
-makers, crayons, pen
-cheap 4x6 album (we found ours at CVS)

Seriously, the boys had an absolute blast making these books for both their Dad and Papa. The pages include a portrait of kiddo and Dad, a questioner and why you love Dad. We included a picture of each of the boys too. Can't wait to have to boys look back and see what they came up with.

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

1. We had the pleasure of hanging out with some of our neighbors at a '50s themed summer bash. The boys loved the games that they got to play and all the CANDY that they got to take home. We are so truly blessed with the neighbors that we have around us.

2. T-Ball season is in FULL swing!

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Year of Wonders

Year of Wonders
By: Geraldine Brooks
THREE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
1666, the plague is brought to Eyam island. The plague was introduced to this island by a bolt of fabric. In 1665 estimated population was 380 villagers, in 1666 that population fell to 120. The villagers take a vow to self-quarantine themselves. Viewing the plague as not a bad thing but a blessing from God.

The part of the book that I enjoyed was well... the individuals. Each family dealt with sorrow and loss. It was how they decided to continue, or not continue. The plague took who it wanted. It showed no mercy on that.

Anna, what can I say about Anna? Her story is powerful in and of itself. Brooks lets you walk with her though and you get to see how everyone deals with the plague in her eyes. The shocking, the innocent, the horrible and sometimes the peaceful moments.

Why three stars... the ending. I guess you could pretty much break it into...
The first 250-ish pages, great read.
Then the last bit... seriously, the ending was made for the movies. The Hollywood-esk ending.
It didn't flow with the beginning of the book. Not like hey, twist... it was a BAM new story.

All in all it was a good read. Brooks does a beautiful job bringing historic moments to life.

the run down:
When an infected bolt of cloth carries plague from London to an isolated village, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers confront the spread of disease and superstition. As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders."

Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged hill country of England, Year of Wonders is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. Written with stunning emotional intelligence and introducing "an inspiring heroine" (The Wall Street Journal), Brooks blends love and learning, loss and renewal into a spellbinding and unforgettable read.

Rhythm

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Rhythm

It's how our days go. The alarm going off. The groggy stubble to get ready before trying to get the boys up and ready. Trying to make coffee while not so happy boys are asking where their book-bags are. Then the rush to get out of the door. Trying to buckle a wiggly boy into his five point harness seat while balancing a coffee cup. Making through the day at school and work. Then picking everyone up and meeting back up at home. Where everything is shrugged off. Even yes, sometimes the boys wiggle down to their undies, just cause they are home after a long day. Making a concoction of some form of dinner that you talk the boys into eating. Listening to the GRAND adventures that were had throughout the day. Cleaning dinner off the ceiling. Getting some of the days things picked up while more fun is being had. The brush your teeth and get ready for bed drill. Tucking in sleepy eyed children that are "not tired". Sometimes there are sporting events now that get thrown into the mix. Sometimes a special treat for the evening. That's our rhythm. It's not picture perfect. There are messes, confusion, loud talking. In the midst of all that though is our rhythm of smiles, laughing and family. 

Show and Share: Pin Men

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

 Pin Men

Pin men was a really fun quick project that the boys did the other day. We wanted to make them for a very special lady in our family.

what you'll need:
-old school clothespins
-markers

steps:
1. Take yo pin
2. Take yo marker
3. Decorate yo pin into yo men

I purposely didn't give the boys much direction on this craft. I told them to draw themselves but left it up to them on what direction, etc. Loved how they each got into it in their own way.

Brilliant right!?!

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

1.We took the boys to their first drive-in movie! It was so much fun! Good times with great friends! The boys got to see 'Man of Steel'. Boys barely made it through the movie.

2. Father's day was on Sunday! So thankful for the men that we have been blessed with in our lives.

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Caleb's Crossing

Caleb's Crossing
By: Geraldine Brooks
THREE out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
Ever heard of Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck? He was the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Brooks does a beautiful job of bringing Caleb's story to life. There isn't a ton known about Caleb and his journey. So it was fun to pick this book up and maybe get a little insight into what happened.

I enjoyed this book, I did. I gave it three stars though because the beginning and the ending were... blah. The book was a little tricky to get into. Then picked up and couldn't put the book down. However the ending was super rushed.

Bethia's character was really interesting to follow throughout the book. She is such a strong willed person that you just want so much for her at times. To see both of their journeys and see them cross paths is really a lot of what this book is about.

the run down:
Once again, Geraldine Brooks takes a remarkable shard of history and brings it to vivid life. In 1665, a young man from Martha's Vineyard became the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. Upon this slender factual scaffold, Brooks has created a luminous tale of love and faith, magic and adventure.

The narrator of Caleb's Crossing is Bethia Mayfield, growing up in the tiny settlement of Great Harbor amid a small band of pioneers and Puritans. Restless and curious, she yearns after an education that is closed to her by her sex. As often as she can, she slips away to explore the island's glistening beaches and observe its native Wampanoag inhabitants. At twelve, she encounters Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the two forge a tentative secret friendship that draws each into the alien world of the other. Bethia's minister father tries to convert the Wampanoag, awakening the wrath of the tribe's shaman, against whose magic he must test his own beliefs. One of his projects becomes the education of Caleb, and a year later, Caleb is in Cambridge, studying Latin and Greek among the colonial elite. There, Bethia finds herself reluctantly indentured as a housekeeper and can closely observe Caleb's crossing of cultures.

Like Brooks's beloved narrator Anna in Year of Wonders, Bethia proves an emotionally irresistible guide to the wilds of Martha's Vineyard and the intimate spaces of the human heart. Evocative and utterly absorbing, Caleb's Crossing further establishes Brooks's place as one of our most acclaimed novelists.

Listen

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Children playing
Children screaming
Birds chirping
People working
Music playing
Wish being made
Thoughts forming
Dogs barking
Wind blowing
Fire crackling 
Baseball commentary

I'm thinking of a very specific moment. That moment where you actually stop yourself and listen. It doesn't always happen. I miss it a lot of the time. Maybe that's what makes it so special when I do stop though. You always heat that saying stop and smell the flowers. What about just, stop. Stopping and taking it all in. Stopping and listening to everything, it's a gift. It's a precious gift that we have been given. All the noises, quiet, loud, soft, harsh, they are all to be treasured. 

So today I am going to take this gift and enjoy it. I am going to make a point to stop, just stop.

Show and Share: Duck tape wallets

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

Duck tape wallets

Okay so I had a moment in the store the other day. When I was a kid, duck tape came in one color. Can you believe all the different types of duck tape out there?! There are different colors, patterns even some with cartoon characters on it. We HAD to play with it. There are so many different crafts that are out there that you can do with duck tape. We choose to make wallets!

what you need-
ruler
duck tape
scissors

steps-
1. Cut or rip four 9" pieces of duck tape.

2. Overlap the four 9" pieces just cut.

3. Cut or rip four more 9" pieces of duck tape.

4. Take the previous four strips that you overlapped and oeverlap on top of those. This makes a duck tape sheet.

5. Trim the edges up!

6. Cut or rip one strip of 9 1/2" piece of duck tape, then cut it in half long ways. This is going to be the trim for the top on the the wallet.

7. Take one half and lay it midway and fold over. Do the same on the opposite side. Trim the ends off.

8. Cut or rip three 14" pieces of duck tape. This is for the pockets.

9. Take two of the 14" pieces and lay them sticky side to each other.

10. Take the last piece of 14" duck tape and cut it in half long ways.This is the trim for the pockets.

11. Take the 14" layered strip and put it half way on the 14" strip, fold over. Do this for both of the long sides.

12. Trim the sides.

13. Take the strip and cut it into four rectangles. If you have a ID card to use to measure how long to cut, that works best.

14. Take your sheet of duck tape fold it in half long way. Lay this down with the long open slit at top.

15. Take your four card slots and lay them down on top of the folded sheet. Stagger them so that you can get cards in. Make sure to put the trim side up.

16. Tape the middle of the cards down first with duck tape.

17. Then tape the sides. Make sure to tape the cards and the sides of the wallet down.

18.  Tape the bottom of the card slots.

19. Trim any excess tape.

20. Fold your wallet in half!

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

Cooper and Lilly

1. I would like to make an announcement! Naomy Grace was born yesterday June 10th!!! She weighed 7lbs 3ozs. and is 19' long! She is such a blessing to a wonderful family! Congrats to my beautiful sister from another mister Tera, her hubby Jacob AND big brother Jaxon!!!

2. Summer reading is here!!! Can I just say how much I love the summer reading program at public libraries. I remember the first summer that I got to do it and have waited for the day to be able to sign the boys up! I'd like to announce... that all three of our boys are signed up for the summer reading program this year!!! Thank you to all the librarians out there that make going to the library such a special treat!

June's ten on ten

One photo, ten hours, on the tenth. Find out more at a bit of sunshine!!! Then join in on the ten on ten photo project.

Wonder

Wonder
By: R.J. Palacio
FOUR out of FIVE stars

my thoughts:
When I started reading this book I thought I had made a mistake. This book is for kids. No big deal, I'm a big kid at heart. That's when I started crying. This book. I read this book and it made me wonder. Wonder how strong children are growing up. Wonder how beautiful so many people are and how many aren't. NOT by the outsides but by their insides.

The book is written from many different view points. All the different characters know Auggie in someway. You hear from Auggie, his sister, his classmates, his sister's friends, etc. Auggie has a facial deformity that he was born with. Throughout the book you hear the stuggles that he has but the biggest one is his going to school. School can be hard as it is and now he is going to a public school where who knows what is going to happen. 

This is definitely a book that I want my sons to read. Shoot I want you to read it. It's written in for younger kiddos to be able to read. The story is for all ages though. Yes, it could have been written for just adults with a heavier hand. I think that's what makes this book so good though. This book is something my son could read and get so much out of. Can't wait for him to read it!

the run down:
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Five Minute Friday

I'm joining in on Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday. The rules are pretty simple. One word. Five minutes of writing. No editing.

Fall

That moment right after you fall. The getting up from, is maybe my favorite thing. 

It can be in the literal since. Falling fast first when learning how to snowboard, the pain and humiliation that goes with it. Then there's that moment where you get to decide. I can either get up and try again, learn from what I did wrong. OR I can just stop and go up to the lodge and have hot cocoa.

It can be in the lets call it life since. Doing what you think you are supposed to be doing and falling. Falling to the point where the only place to be is on your knees asking for grace. OR Falling and letting life burden you. The fact is when you get up and meet that fall head on it makes you stronger.

I have the joy of knowing both of these literal and life experiences. The moment that I enjoy is the getting up from what made me fall, fall away from the greatness. When you stand up maybe on shacking knees and carry on. Carry on to the greatness of snowboarding down a hill. Carry on to where you really were meant to be and experiencing the beauty of it. 

So I say fall and enjoy the beauty and grace of it!

Show and Share: Paracord bracelet

Three boys plus one craft loving Momma... let's see what we get into!

We are getting ready for Camp O! I've been blessed with the task of coming up with crafts for the kiddos to do. The boys and I have been having a blast trying a few crafts out. This one just might show up at camp.

Paracord bracelet
need:
parachute cord
scissors
lighter

My main concern going into this project is how much cord am I going to need. It all depends on what size wrist you are making the bracelet for. There are two pieces of cord that you will need. The first one is the inside of the bracelet. The second being the cord that you tie knots with.

1. Cut cord that is twice as big as your wrist with a little wiggle room and room to tie a knot at the end. On average it's about 7 inches for an adult. Measure this strand of cord and remember it.

2. Tie a simple knot at the end. This is going to act as the clasp for the bracelet.

3. Take the measurement of the inside cord. and turn it into feet. So if you had a 7" inside cord you will need approximately 7' of knotting cord. The rule to follow here: For every inch is one foot.

4. Take the knotting cord and tie on. Starting about an inch down on the inside cord.

4. A

4. B

5. Then tie your next cobra knot. Make sure you pull your knots tight!

5. A

5. B

6. The loop of the cobra knot is going to go back and forth. From one side to the other. Same knot. After you get three cobra knots on try putting the bottom knot through the look to make sure you have left the right amount of room in the loop. Adjust if needed.

7. Cobra knot away!!!

8. When you get to where you want to end the cobra knots cut the excess cord off. You don't want to tie it all the way to the bottom, you will want a little room for the knot and loop to work.

9. Melt the cut cord to the body of the bracelet. Even the knot at the bottom can have the ends melted in.

That's it! I know reading the directions and looking at pictures are a little tricky. Let me tell you there are some GREAT YouTube videos out there on how to do these.

Keep Calm and Knot on!

Two for Twosday

Two for Twosday: two thoughts/ updates/ photos/ something that I don't want to forget or am flat out oober excited about.

Yoda and Sam doing yoga.

1. Rian graduated from his pre-K class. He is moving on up from the Bear class! So proud of all the hard work that he put into practicing for their special graduation. We have been so very blessed with the teachers that are in our boys' lives.

2. We have had a lot of rain to thunderstorm to tornado weather out this way. Keeping all of Oklahoma and St. Louis in our prayers. Give your loved ones an extra hug tonight.

May N Review

May

What I'm eating/drinking: 
Coconut water

What I'm wearing: 
Yoga pants and my Cardinal shirt... well one of them

My last Nook/iTunes/Audible purchase: 
On Audible: The House at Riverton
iTunes: 3-2-1 Penguins
Nook: The Oracle Glass

What I need to do today:
Today we are working on a craft project!

What the kids are doing: 
Summer school!!!

How I'm feeling:
Pretty good. We have lots of allergy-ness going on in the house right now.

What I'm listening to: 
Shhhh... quiet

Words to describe this month: 
Fun and fabulous!

Noteworthy: 
Camping trip to the property!

What reading/learning did I do this month? 
Eragon
Happy, Happy, Happy
Torch
Lover Enshrined
Dead Ever After
The Penny
Darkfever

What entertainment did I watch/listen to this month? 
We have been going through some of our old VHS videos that we have. The other night we watched Chitty Chitty Bang Band with the boys. Classic movie and the LOVED it.

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends? 
Camping trips, T-ball practices and a beautiful wedding

What gifts did I give and/or receive? 
We threw our dear friends a baby shower!!! Can not wait to meet little Miss Girl!

What special or unusual purchases did I make? 
Sam and Lou finished another year of school. So we got ice cream to celebrate the day!

What illnesses or health concerns did I have? 
Allergies!!! Ugh

What were my accomplishments this month? 
I ran a 5K! That's right this non running lady ran her first 5K. Just getting ready for the Triathlon!!

What were my downers this month? 
I wish that I would have ran faster for the 5K but that just lets me know that I need to work harder.

What new things did I try? 
I tried Tilapia for the first time. It was good.

How did I do on my goals for the month?
Doing good. A few bumps but that's life. Crafting with the boys has slowed down but we will get it going!

{this moment}

{this moment} -  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

May's Photo A day

No rules. Just a prompt and a camera. Check out Chantelle's photo a day challenge.

1. I bought this! 2. Morning ritual 3. This is really good! 4. In my cup 5. Paper 6. Broken 7. Something beginning with F 8. Shape 9. A snack 10. Stars 11. A smile 12. Mother 13. Sunrise/Sunset 14. Need 15. 7 o'clock 16. Mailbox 17. Season 18. Want 19. My favourite view: 20. Light 21. I care about this… 22. Change 23. PJs 24. Go 25. Us 26. Fave thing to do on Sunday 27. Can’t live without 28. What you’re doing now: 29. Kiss 30. Tool 31. Four things