Internet Woes

Just a note for those family members and friends eagerly awaiting another installment of photos -- we've been having terrible trouble with our Internet connection, which I will not go into here because it makes me frustrated. We'll get them up as soon as we can.

Library Books - week of January 21, 2008

I've been wanting to write all week but the stars (and nap times) have just not been properly aligned.

I am way, way behind on books! But we have had some really good ones recently so I wanted to put down a few short notes about some that we have enjoyed. Plus, a few updates on the train book list -- some from our library books, some from when we were home in Michigan. (Thanks for going to the library Mu!)

1. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Beth Krommes
This book has the most lovely illustrations, which is what initially drew me to it. The story of seasons and animals is also beautifully written. I do love winter and this book evokes all of the feelings of cold, wind and being cozy inside under a down quilt. Oh, by the way, Eleanor quite likes it too.


2. I Want My Potty by Tony Ross
Eleanor has thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about a little princess who is potty training. The refrain "the potty's the place" has struck some sort of chord with her. Maybe it will inspire her to start using the potty on a more regular basis.

3. Ballerina! by Peter Sis
This is the second time we have checked out this book. It is a simple color book but Eleanor really likes all of the descriptions on each page (stretch, dip, flutter, etc.) and has them all memorized. I am pretty sure she's going to enjoy dance throughout her life.

We actually have returned this bunch but will hopefully be able to stay more on top of things for the next bunch of books.

Nana's Flower Cards

I come from a creative family by all accounts. My brother and sister are both very creative, my dad paints, my mom does all sorts of crafty little things, my aunt hooks rugs, and my Nana creates pressed flower cards. Here are a few of her recent cards -- she actually sent these to me in October of last year but I am only now getting around to sharing them with everyone. I think this new bunch are some of the nicest ones ever. My favorite part about the cards is the amount of love Nana puts into their creation; from the gathering and pressing of flowers, to the arrangements, to the final little note with where the flowers are from -- they truly are beautifully and lovingly made. Hope you enjoy the digital versions!

New Years Resolutions. Late.

I've been mulling over my resolutions for this new year and am only now getting around to actually expressing them. I've sort of been thinking in terms of several categories -- personal, family, others, green, home, for example. I won't bore you all with the details of all my more personal resolutions but I did want to put a few notes about my green resolution. In a word: bags.


I don't know what it is about most of my shopping experiences but I cannot remember my reusable bags! I'm talking about the bags that I already have in the car, specifically for shopping trips, so that I don't come home with a bunch of plastic bags. I seem to be able to remember them when I go to Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. I am not sure if this is because these are greenish stores or what, but everywhere else I seem to go in empty handed and come out plastic laden. The irritating thing is, I already HAVE the bags in the car! Anyway, my resolution should be clear by now: I must start remembering to take my bags in with me. I was thinking I might even make myself a little note and tape it to the steering wheel. There is no reason for me to go into Target or a bookstore or a clothing shop without a bag, especially if there is something specific I am going to buy, which usually there is.


Anyway, I am not looking to debate hot issues on this blog (for anyone thinking of trying to instigate by posting something inflammatory in the comments), I am simply putting down my thoughts -- probably more to help me remember than anything else.

Eleanor is a Book Fiend

Yes, she is a book fiend. She can practically recite a library book after reading it once. She likes to fill in the blank while reading -- for example, I say, "Put me down..." and she says, "said fish, not wish fall." (from The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss, of course) It's really pretty darn cute. So, we made her a little book corner in her room, complete with a book box and pillow seat. I think she likes it.