Monday, Monday...

I just took a drizzly walk in the park. Only a couple of regulars on, at first, but about an hour later more folks showed up. I love watching the bluebirds swoop and skitter.



For those of you who have read The Poisonwood Bible the flair would remind you of Adah in her youth, so I thought it was perfect to begin my review. This was another one of those books that I found something quotable on many pages. I filled the book with my trademark torn pieces of paper, so I could go back and reference the ideas. The characters are a evangelical preacher, his wife, and 4 daughters who go to the Belgian Congo, which later becomes Zaire. The story starts in the early 50's and ends in the late 1980's. The setting moves back and forth a few times between Georgia and Africa. There are so many things the author brings into this book, which is written from the viewpoint of the wife and daughters. The story is politically and religiously charged. Our book group was polarized by how they felt about the book. I had not finished at the time of the group meeting, but was one that liked the book quite a lot.
The story has concepts of sin, redemption, forgiveness, hate, ethno-centricism, political systems versus economic systems, and what home really means. It is stated more than once in the book that, "...there are Christians and then there are Christians." The family that goes to the Congo are Christians in name but not actions.
The four daughters have very distinct voice and personality in the book, so without reading the chapter heading you would know who was speaking. Rachel is the vapid, oldest daughter, Leah is the follower, Adah is the reclusive one and Ruth May is ready to take on the world.
My favorite character, Adah, says this line on page 34, "It is true I do not speak as well as I can think. But that is true of most people, as nearly as I can tell." She later describes her mother as having a "...pagan's appreciation for the Bible..." That made me laugh.
The story of Methusaleh, the bird, added a bit of levity to the serious situation the family was in and acted as a metaphor in the book, as well. The book is laden with messages and metaphors. Saying I enjoyed the book would be the wrong characterization. I found it powerful on many levels. Though the woman in the book were often in positions were they felt powerless, they learned to work with the system, or to get rid of the parts that didn't work. This book can be used as an opportunity to access, or own level of ethno-centrism and true Christ-like actions. I highly recommend this book.


:::::::::::::::Another Page for Eve's Book:::::


There is actually journaling that includes the student names, but I didn't include them for the blog post.

::::::::::::::Aaron and Grampa:::

They worked on a Eagle Scout Project this Saturday. Grampa Jim blogged with photos.

Take care! :)

What Was Your Favorite Color When You Were a Kid?

:::::::::::::Eve's School Yearbook:::::::::
Here is a layout for Eve's book for Kindergarten. I'm also going to work on one for Noah and Rachel.




I have been quizzed, daily, by Eve about my favorite things when I was a kid. So, here are some of my answers:

My favorite Things, When I Was a Kid:

1. favorite color- Blue
2. Gum- Chiclets, Bubble Yum & Fruit Stripe Gum


3. Favorite game on the playground- Chinese Jump Rope

4. Favorite flower- Dandelions
5. Favorite thing to collect- Stamps, coins & rocks.
6. Favorite thing to play with in the woods- acorn caps & moss.
7. Favorite activity- bike riding and going to Sparkle skating rink with my sister, Tracy.
8. Favorite book collection- Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries.

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It is a rainy day outside. Aaron and Grampa are off working on another scout's Eagle Scout project.


Take care! :)

Back By Popular Demand...

...Yes, Suzanne, you are popular!




I have removed my head from the proverbial sand and I am ready to reenter the blog world.





The yearbook is close to being finished. So...yeah!

::::::::::::::Book Review:::::::::::::::::

Trick or Treatment was a book that thoroughly researched the subject of alternative medicines. I was fascinated with the information on acupuncture, the history of homeopathy, chiropactors and herbal medicines. The explanations of the placebo effect and why it can be both useful and harmful. I will also NEVER let anyone do an adjustment to my neck. I suppose I will claim confirmation biase on this point because I already don't like people touching my neck. This book gave me further reasons to keep it off limits. There was so much fact checking in this book and insight that I highly recommend anyone interested in learning more on these issues to read it.
The book, as I understand it, was written in response to Prince Charles' support of alternative medicine for the citizens in the U.K. The information gathered was to help protect the citizens from those who could harm others through there practices and advice.
I found it most alarming that those who would honestly wish to support the environment are creating the deforestation and destruction of delicate species to go "natural". I think many people want to do the right thing and don't realize the consequences. My interest was piqued when they mentioned an oil used for eczema and I found that it didn't live up to its tauting. I'm always on the look out for stuff to help Evey.

:::::::::::::::Current Reading Book:::::

The first chapter was rather weird, but every chapter since has sucked me into the world of a missionary family from Bethlehem, Georgia. They are on a mission to the Belgian Congo at the time of the Congo's independence. The chapters are written as the characters might speak. There are idiom errors by the different young daughters of the minister and his wife. I am familiar, to an extent, with Southern Baptist preachers and I'm from Georgia, so I am extra fascinated by these characters. I will let you know more when I finish.


::::::::::::::::::Family Reading Book::::::::::

These is what we are reading together. I am only doing one chapter at a time because the Old English is a bit tongue tying to read out loud, for me anyway. The kids are familiar with the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by way of "Monty Python and The Holy Grail", so they get some of the references. My favorite chapter, so far, is number 13. The Yankee rails on the ideas of 6 people being in charge of everyone else because of birth. It is an amazing chapter and I recommend it to everyone.

:::::::::::::::::::::This story is from Michael's Blog:::::
So the kids are all excited about having Martin Luther King's birthday off tomorrow. Eve was bouncing around the house and wanted to get some brown frosting so we could make cookies that look like Dr. King. I was a little concerned that she was more excited about having the day off from school and the prospect of cookies than she was Dr. King's accomplishments. So I asked her, "Eve, do you remember what Dr. King did for us." She didn't hesitate to answer and her response really brought it down to earth and convinced me that she really understood his accomplishments, "He changed the laws and made it so Selena and I could sit together."

I am so happy that Eve is concerned with color as it has to do with her nail polish.

Well, smiles...! :-) Take care!

The New Year Begins...

Yes, folks! The time of year for Girl Scouts selling their cookie wares has arrived:


If anyone is interested in placing an order, please email me. This is the first year that Daisy Girl Scouts are selling, so Eve is included in this Public Service Announcement.