You know what picture book series I love? It's the Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney. Have you read "Llama, Llama Red Pajama'? The expressions in the illustrations are just perfect. The one I really love is "Llama Llama Mad at Momma". What mother of a preschooler can't identify with this book? My kids are teens, so we are way beyond the picture book stage. Luckily, I work in a library so it doesn't seem too odd when I pick up a picture book and start reading. This series is sure to put a smile on my face and brighten my day. For whatever reason, the main library did not order our branch a copy of "Llama Llama Holiday Drama". I think I will have to buy a copy and donate it.
By the way, even though I sell used books, this is not an advertisement for books in my booth. I truly love this series, and unfortunately have none of these to sell.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
New Picture Books Worth Reading
Our library processed some new picture books yesterday, and I read two that I thoroughly enjoyed. Both had wonderful messages and illustrations, although the styles were very different.
The first book is "Otis and the Tornado" written and illustrated by Loren Long. This is the second Otis book that she has written, and it is a story of friendship, perseverance and bravery. It is an exciting tale with wonderful illustrations that capture the audience.
The second book is "The Big Test" by Julie Danneburg and illustrated by Judy Love. The teacher is preparing her class for "The Big Test". The expressions on the faces of the students capture the stress and anxious feelings that the class has as the day of the Big Test approaches. It brought back memories of having those dreaded "Iowa Tests" when I was in elementary school. It also reminded me about how different my children were when the Big Test Day approached. One was worried about how she would do, and the other was happy because no homework would be assigned that week.
The first book is "Otis and the Tornado" written and illustrated by Loren Long. This is the second Otis book that she has written, and it is a story of friendship, perseverance and bravery. It is an exciting tale with wonderful illustrations that capture the audience.
The second book is "The Big Test" by Julie Danneburg and illustrated by Judy Love. The teacher is preparing her class for "The Big Test". The expressions on the faces of the students capture the stress and anxious feelings that the class has as the day of the Big Test approaches. It brought back memories of having those dreaded "Iowa Tests" when I was in elementary school. It also reminded me about how different my children were when the Big Test Day approached. One was worried about how she would do, and the other was happy because no homework would be assigned that week.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
I just finished Kristin Hannah's newest novel, "Night Road". She is one of my favorite authors because she writes about families and relationships without being too sappy. The focus of this novel is Senior Year and the family experiences that result. The concerned, worrying mom (some would call her a helicopter mom) identifies so many issues that occur for parents of kids in their senior year of high school. Of course, kids think they are invincible and want to celebrate their senior year. As a parent currently experiencing senior year and a child turning18 (I'm an adult now, Mom.), I can identify with the characters in this book.
My favorite book by Kristin Hannah is "Firefly Lane". I just couldn't put that one down. Perhaps it was because so much of it took place during the 1970's .She kept jogging my memory about little details I had forgotten. Or, it brought back warm and fuzzy memories. Scooter pies, banana seat bikes, that kind of thing. I think I will read that one again now that I am thinking about it.
The novel I am reading now is "Brewster" which is a young adult novel. I am enjoying it because I have a "wanna be" author in the family, and her writing style is very similar to this author.
My favorite book by Kristin Hannah is "Firefly Lane". I just couldn't put that one down. Perhaps it was because so much of it took place during the 1970's .She kept jogging my memory about little details I had forgotten. Or, it brought back warm and fuzzy memories. Scooter pies, banana seat bikes, that kind of thing. I think I will read that one again now that I am thinking about it.
The novel I am reading now is "Brewster" which is a young adult novel. I am enjoying it because I have a "wanna be" author in the family, and her writing style is very similar to this author.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
So, I have some free time and I am trying to watch the latest Harry Potter movie on DVD with the family. I have yet to be able to stay awake during one, and I am not even sure if I saw the last movie, so I asked my daughter to get me caught up. She said to summarize the last movie, Voldemort killed Dumbledore and now all hell has broken loose. That's all I needed to know.
Really? Seven years or so of all this and it could be summarized in one sentance?
I am at the computer trying to keep my self upright so I don't fall asleep, but I already have no clue why Harry and Ron are in someone elses bodies. Oh, well. In the name of team spirit I will try to follow along.
Really? Seven years or so of all this and it could be summarized in one sentance?
I am at the computer trying to keep my self upright so I don't fall asleep, but I already have no clue why Harry and Ron are in someone elses bodies. Oh, well. In the name of team spirit I will try to follow along.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tax Season is Almost Done
Ok, so I balanced out the stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, acquisitions, and more. Ever since I left my job 18 years ago to be a SAHM, I have felt like my brain cells have been slowly deteriorating. In the beginning, I stayed involved by volunteering to be treasurer of this board and that club, but I eventually stopped. When I went back to work, I decided to work towards my dream job of being a librarian. I am addicted to books-especially children's books.
However, with the economy as it is, there is no longer an opportunity for tuition reimburesement, and I have 2 kiddos to get through college. So, it looks like a masters in library science is not going to happen for me at this point.
As I worked on my taxes, it was good to know that there are still some active brain cells up there. It turned out to be a rewarding job with a sense of accomplishment.
However, with the economy as it is, there is no longer an opportunity for tuition reimburesement, and I have 2 kiddos to get through college. So, it looks like a masters in library science is not going to happen for me at this point.
As I worked on my taxes, it was good to know that there are still some active brain cells up there. It turned out to be a rewarding job with a sense of accomplishment.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Why Oh Why Do I Procrastinate??????
I know better, I really do!! But I can't stop myself no matter how many New Years Resolutions I make. What has happened to me??? My husband kept telling me about all of the changes taking place in our Employee Stock Purchase Plans as the company split up, then was sold, then merged. SO her I am 4/15 deciphering stock splits, reverse stock splits, stock in the parent company, and who knows what els? I am up to 2002.
I just kept okaying him thinking I would deal with it when the time came....or better yet, maybe we would take the stock to the grave and my kids would have to deal with it.
No such luck.....We decided to sell it last year (at a loss, thank you very much).. So now I am back tracking to 1997. Have I learned my lesson?? Probably not. Do I need a Dr. Phil intervention?? Not if it means living in the Dr. Phil House with those wacko women that I love some days and get disgusted with the next.
Will I continue to lecture by daughter (we call her my clone) about procrastinating?? Yes.
I want her to be better than me.
I hope it works :(
I just kept okaying him thinking I would deal with it when the time came....or better yet, maybe we would take the stock to the grave and my kids would have to deal with it.
No such luck.....We decided to sell it last year (at a loss, thank you very much).. So now I am back tracking to 1997. Have I learned my lesson?? Probably not. Do I need a Dr. Phil intervention?? Not if it means living in the Dr. Phil House with those wacko women that I love some days and get disgusted with the next.
Will I continue to lecture by daughter (we call her my clone) about procrastinating?? Yes.
I want her to be better than me.
I hope it works :(
Calling all Chocoholics!
This is a recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls that a friend gave to me about 25 years ago! My teenage daughter uses it every year either for Valentine's Day, Birthdays or Christmas. She makes them for her current boyfriend since it can be so difficult to buy presents for guys. They make the boyfriend feel so special because they are handmade, decadent treats. Shhhh.......We won't tell that she makes them for every boyfriend she has ever had!!!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Mix together until smooth:
18 oz. Super Chunk Peanut Butter
1 lb Confectioners Sugar
1/4 lb margerine
1tsp. Vanilla
Form into balls
Melt together until shiny and smooth
2 12 oz pkg semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp oil
Dip peanut butter balls in the chocolate and put on wax paper.
We usually cut the recipe in half and put in about an extra 1/4 cup of peanut butter.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Mix together until smooth:
18 oz. Super Chunk Peanut Butter
1 lb Confectioners Sugar
1/4 lb margerine
1tsp. Vanilla
Form into balls
Melt together until shiny and smooth
2 12 oz pkg semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp oil
Dip peanut butter balls in the chocolate and put on wax paper.
We usually cut the recipe in half and put in about an extra 1/4 cup of peanut butter.
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