For the Love of Books!

I love books. I love to turn page after page and watch the story unfold before my very eyes.  I love the feel of the smooth, crinkly (that is a word, right?) pages and the musky smell of a good used book. I love to think of the adventures that readers before me have experienced and wonder if they also felt the same emotions or if the book has touched them in the same ways it has touched me. There is something magical that happens when I get to read a really great book, a classic. I have had this love of books from a very young age.  I cherish the memories of drifting off to sleep as my mother read chapter after chapter of Boxcar Children, Little House on the Prairie, Nancy Drew, and so many others.

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I also love now, that these are moments, characters, and stories that I get to share with my children. I love that William reads everything he picks up. I love that on Thursdays when he comes home from school with his new library books, he can't wait to get to his quiet room, and his comfy bed and sit for the rest of the day combing over the pages, analyzing the characters, and immersing himself into the story. 

I also have found a new way to share these stories with my children.  We spend at least an hour a day in the car. Like most of you, I'm always driving to and from school, grocery store, post office, sports practices, activities... you know what I'm talking about.  I know many mom's use car DVD players... but that just isn't me.  We usually listen to Christian radio or play alphabet and counting games in the car...until recently.

We were at our local library for story time, while I was glancing over a few of the DVDs when I came to the section of books on CD, my eyes instantly rested on one of my all time favorites, Little House on the Prairie.  I found myself hoping one day my boys might want to read a book about a family with 3 little girls... Yeah right!  But I decided I would get the CD and just see what happened.... turns out they love to hear about Laura and Mary, and the adventures they have as they travel in their wagon and make a new home.  We are now on the fourth book in the Little House on the Prairie series and the kids request it every time was get in the car. 


I love the exposure to classic literature they are absorbing. I love the history that the stories hold, and the raw adventure and emotions that are expressed as we listen intently. I love the questions and conversations that keep coming from my boys as they listen to what life was like in the pioneer days, and the joy that they feel with every victory the Ingalls family has.

I hope to continue to show my children the fun and adventure that can come from something so simple as a book; I also hope that they too will grow a love for the written word and that it will follow them through life.  ]

Do your children love to read, or be read to?  What do you do to encourage that love?
I'm always looking for more wonderful stories to share with my family...What are your favorites as a child or favorites that you share with you children now?

Product Review: THE ACTION BIBLE

Ok,  so let me start by saying this isn't actually an item our family currently owns.  It is however a product that we are hoping for under the tree this year. :)  But I do want to let you know,  this book has come highly recommended to us.  My sis-in-law, as well as a few friends all with boys ages 5-12.

 The Action Bible isover 200 stories from the Holy Bible put in Graphic Novel format (Comic Book Style).  If you have a super hero junky or comic book whizz in your home... I have three...

Or You want to make the events from the Bible come to life  for your son?  I would highly recommend The Action Bible.

Here are some of the highlights that I have found in this book...

• Over 200 action packed Bible Stories in Chronological Order
• Illustrations drawn by Marvel, DC,  artist Sergio Cariello
•  * Note: William wants to be a Cartoonist and I love the fact that the profession and God's Word colide in this book, as well as the Artists Personal Testimony!
• I really enjoy that the people and events that my boys learn about everyday in our Bible reading, now come to life in a familiar and in a relatable form to them... let's face it most of our children don't even know what flannel graph is. **giggle**

I do love the disscussions and questions that opening the Bible can bring into our family life. The Action Bible is no exception.  I know as our boys begin to read through The Action Bible, curiosity and wonder of God's plan will begin to errupt. For some great discussion questions, please visit Focus on the Family.

The Action Bible runs between $14.99-$25.99 depending on retail establishments So SHOP Around!!

I do hope this review was helpful for you!  I would love to hear about any products you are considering purchasing for the upcoming holidays, and will help out in any way possible!

Home Ec. 101 - Book Review

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living  by Heather Solos is the perfect go-to book for anyone looking for a little domestic inspiration. Heather is able to cover every aspect of being a domestic diva, with a witty style and passion for homemaking. 

Home Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living is divided up into 4 sections; Clean it, Wash it, Fix it, Cook it.  Each section walks you through specific tasks, step-by-step, so anyone can do it!

Section 1: Clean it, covers everything from grease and grime to tubs and tiles.  But don't think it even begins to stop there.  Every detail from homemade cleaners to the tools needed to efficiently and effectively clean.

Section 2: Wash it, is the go-to for laundry. Stains, Odors, Garment Repair, and General Laundry are all covered here.  This is the section I will be visiting the most frequently.... I really don't enjoy laundry, and especially with the losing battle of stains, that I'm constantly battling. Does anyone else out there feel like that?

Section 3: Fix it, Well, what can I say... I would love to pride myself in being handy women of the house, but I wouldn't even know where to start.  I'm the one that puts 15 holes in the wall just to hang one picture.  I know it's really sad. Thank goodness for Heather's know how!!

Section 4: Cook it, can get anyone out of the fast food frenzies.  Heather addresses menu planning, basic cooking, How to stock your pantry and much much more.  This will be a book I turn to in times of kitchen crisis, or just for a little inspiration and reminders of the basics!

Make sure you don't miss the appendix, complete with conversion charts, emergency preparedness lists, dangerous chemical combos, and homemade cleaning solutions. 

This book would make a great gift for a bride-to-be, college student, and even the more seasoned homemaker will appreciate this book.

I received a complimentary sample of Home Ec 101 to review, but of course the opinions are all my own.