Good Books for Kids

 I thought I would post about this book since I have mentioned it to a couple of my friends who are looking for quality books for their kids.  I have been reading Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt, and she has some good advice on how to pick great books for your kids as well as a book list divided by ages.  I know for me, we tend to read books that are too old for my daughter and end up missing out on the ones she should be enjoying right now.  I just recently checked this book out from my local library (through library loan) and would recommend it to anyone.  It is well written and easy to read.  I think that I'm definitely going to buy this one for my own library...it's a keeper.  So make sure to check this great resource out from your own library.  You won't be disappointed.

*This review is my own opinion.  I read the book of my own accord and wasn't compensated in anyway.

Playing at the Playground

Last week we made sure to get out of the house since the weather was awesome and in the 80's.  That's a rare occurrence in September where we live.  We had a great time together and got some fun pictures.

B. is getting bigger every day and is putting any where from 4-7 word sentences together.  She is amazing...although, I'm definitely biased. :)  Lately she's been saying phrases like:  "Are you going to play house with me? Are you coming? Follow me." (usually those sentences are all strung together until you give in and play house.)  "Here ya go mommy."  "I'm following your tracks." (Said while following behind me.)  She can count to 10 and loves to do school work...which is usually placing stickers in our workbooks. 
We are enjoying seeing her grow and learn.  And at times, even the terrible 2's can be fun!

Fingerpainting on a Rainy Day

Mike and Sara's Wedding

 

 The wedding was beautiful and they certainly had great weather.  Although, it was incredibly windy!  Congratulations to Mike and Sara!!!

Click here to see the rest of the photos from the day.

The Least Among You DVD Review, a Lionsgate Production

The Least Among You is an inspired true story based on the life of Richard Kelly.  Richard was arrested in the 1965 Watts riots and as a result ended up at an all white seminary on probation.  The story is one of racial tension that must be faced with faith instead of fear.
I started watching this movie with great expectation of a good story since the plot seemed interesting and I love watching movies based on true stories.  The movie had a good message.  It did remind me of all the suffering that people have caused others because of judging people based on the outward appearance.  The acting was good which was great to see in a Christian film.   But there were times that I got lost with some of the dialogue and parts of the movie seemed to drag.  Overall, the movie was good, but it is not one that I would watch again and again.
 
I received this dvd free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Free Smithsonian Museum Day

Remember to visit your local Smithsonian Museum for  free this coming Saturday.  Click here to visit the link and print out your free ticket that is good for 2 admissions.

Labor Day Weekend Baby Shower

Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, I and my sister-in-law, Lynnette, hosted a couple's baby shower for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carrie and Jon.  It was a great time being with family and celebrating a new little life that will be born at the end of November.  Hurrah another cousin for B. to play with! :)  Below are the photos from the day.  Congratulations, Jon and Carrie!

 Gift Table

My mother-in-law and Lynnette did majority of the food and my mom brought food too.

 I made the shower favors and planned the decorations.  Special thanks to my Aunts' business for use of their table linens.

Shower Games

Aunt Debbie, Aunt Jeanne, Tom and his Dad

My Dad, Carrie, Jon, Lynnette and Tom's Mom

Brooke-isms

Thought I'd jot down a few of B's latest phrases so that I can remember them.

While down on the beach B. asked the birds, "Hey birds, you want some dirt?"

After my dad came this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, B. said, "Papa made a big mess!"  My dad had to move lots of things out in order to finish all the baseboard trim in our house.

"Mom, I need to go to the beach and I need your help!"

After running quite a distance from us, B. turned around and before she ran to us yelled, "Here comes Me!"

It's fun to remember all the little things they say at these ages.  My mom wrote down several things that I said when I was little and we still laugh at the quotes.

Enjoying Lake Michigan

What an awesome display of the power of the wind!

BookSneeze.com

Lately, I've come across a way to get free books in exchange for a review of the book (thanks to Karen). The website is called BookSneeze through Thomas Nelson publishers. All you have to do is: fill out an application, get accepted, and pick the book you would like to review. Then post your review on your blog and complete a few more tasks. Sounds like a good deal to me. I love books! Look for some reviews in the coming months!

Train Tour

Our city has a train on display at a local park and we were able to go to a tour of that train a few weeks ago. It was fun to hear the history and explore the engine and cars. B. had a great time and she does love the idea of trains. But last week, a train came through our city and blew it's horn loud enough to wake her up out of a sound sleep. The trains here come through really late at night. She was scared enough to "monkey leg" hold me tight. Poor kid told me the next morning that the train scared her.

Bathroom {almost finished}

Well, it's been a while since we posted those wonderful pictures of the bathroom when we first bought our new house. You can revisit those pictures HERE to refresh your memory of what our bathroom used to look like. Below are the awesome pictures of our new bathroom. My dad and Tom spent many hours laboring on this project. I can't say thank you enough. I just love my bathroom!

Beautiful hex floor with black tile border--Tom said he'd never do that again.
But it did turn out beautiful! Oh, plus it is a heated floor...a must have in winter.

The base cabinet that my dad built.

Our new window covering.

Tiled shower/bath tub.

My dad built this cabinet bottom, which is a laundry hamper.
He still has to finish the top of the cabinet to set in there for storage.