I got a phone call last Friday from Rufus. He called to invite me to go to the Metro Park with him and his brother Franklin, baby sister and his Mom. I haven’t been over for the usual Thursday Adventures because Beth has been home on maternity leave with the new baby. I miss Rufus and Franklin like crazy, and I really miss how hard they make me laugh. The phone call went like this:
Rufus: Aunt Char-Char?
Me: Yeah?
Rufus: I was just sitting here, playing with my Lego’s, when my Mom came in and said we were going to the Metro Park later. I was thinking, since you’ve never been to the Tot Lot before, you might like to come with us. It will be a lot of fun.
How could I refuse an offer like that? After a morning movie and lunch, my sister Whittney and I met them at their house. Rufus and Franklin were waiting for us at the door. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see them. It amazes me how accustomed I am to seeing my little friends each week, and how much I miss them when I don’t.
When we got inside, Rufus told me how he’d packed his backpack with animal cookies with frosting and sprinkles and how Mom said we could get ice cream at the place with the yellow umbrellas next to the Tot Lot. He even offered to share his cookies with me, which I felt was a noble gesture because above all else, Rufus loves sweets.
It has been years since I’ve been to the Tot Lot. When I was a kid, it was a series of small wooden houses that you could go in and out of and play in. My Mom used to take us to the Metro Park I loved the Tot Lot. In place of the tiny houses, is a HUGE playground. It has ropes, and slides, and swings and tunnels. There is a scavenger hunt where you can find little shapes throughout the jungle gym, and rock climbing walls. There is a smaller section for kids five and under, and one for the older kids, plus they have this thing that you can spin in circles on until you puke. Frankly, it’s beyond cool. It puts the little houses that were there when I was a kid to shame.
Well, Rufus and Franklin had a ball! They ran around and showed me and Whittney everything. After a while, Beth and I played with the kids while Whittney held the baby in the shade of a tree. We played for several hours until it was time for a snack, (after having already had all the water and cookies for a previous snack) we went to the ‘snack stand’ for ice cream. Rufus got a vanilla ice cream with sprinkles that came in a 12 oz paper coffee cup- and ate the entire thing. Franklin shared an ice cream with Whittney, then got bored and lined up all the plastic chairs for something to do while Rufus finished.
Outside the ‘snack stand’ the Metro Park set up a small area with animals. A very nice and helpful young woman was showing these animals to the kids, and encouraging them to look at the turtles, snake, bull frog, and the little table she had set up with dead animal skins. Honestly, she had a stuffed squirrel and a fox tale along with pamphlets and a poster board about their habitat. It was all very interesting, but the taxidermy squirrel was a bit gross.
Franklin and Rufus were on board for touching the turtle, but when she took the Fox snake out, they hid behind me. I even touched it to try and show them it was ok. No luck. They wanted no part of it. It was still a great end to a fun day. When we were driving home, Rufus asked me what touching the snake felt like. I told him it was cold and smooth, that snake him- and then I wiped my gross snake hand on him. All and all, it was a great day.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Throne of Fire: By Rick Riordan
I had to review this book- I just had to! It was so excellent! I read it in less than two days and I could not put it down! Once again Rick Riordan skillfully tangles fact with fiction in the second book in the Kane Chronicle’s series.
In this novel, Sadie and Carter Kane are back with all of their magical friends for another adventure. After releasing the Egyptian God’s into the modern world in the last book, Sadie and Carter have been in big trouble. They have the powers of The House of Life at their command, but have not had enough time to learn how to use them properly because the God’s are angry with them and keep sending creatures to stop them.
In order to save the world, Carter and Sadie have a plan. They hope to resurrect the Sun god Ra, so that he might bring back the balance the God’s have been missing. Naturally, someone doesn’t want this to happen- the Chaos snake Apophis is rising, and with it the God’s of Chaos want to stop the Kane’s from succeeding.
So how are they going to do this? Sadie and Carter first have to search the world to find the tree parts of the book or Ra and reunite them. After that, they have to find Ra and bring him back to life. The problem is, they have no idea where Ra is or even where to find him.
As usual, the book is narrated by both Carter and Sadie. What’s so great about it is that each of the characters has such a distinct voice. The story is told so differently depending on who is narrating, and this method lends such richness to the text. I have said this before, but these books are even better than the Percy Jackson series! I read all of Riordans’ books and these are by far my favorite.
This book is action packed from start to finish. There are constant battles, quests, interesting characters and nonstop humor that leave the reader wanting more. I absolutely cannot wait until the next installment. If you are a fan of action-adventure series, check out the Kane Chronicles!
In this novel, Sadie and Carter Kane are back with all of their magical friends for another adventure. After releasing the Egyptian God’s into the modern world in the last book, Sadie and Carter have been in big trouble. They have the powers of The House of Life at their command, but have not had enough time to learn how to use them properly because the God’s are angry with them and keep sending creatures to stop them.
In order to save the world, Carter and Sadie have a plan. They hope to resurrect the Sun god Ra, so that he might bring back the balance the God’s have been missing. Naturally, someone doesn’t want this to happen- the Chaos snake Apophis is rising, and with it the God’s of Chaos want to stop the Kane’s from succeeding.
So how are they going to do this? Sadie and Carter first have to search the world to find the tree parts of the book or Ra and reunite them. After that, they have to find Ra and bring him back to life. The problem is, they have no idea where Ra is or even where to find him.
As usual, the book is narrated by both Carter and Sadie. What’s so great about it is that each of the characters has such a distinct voice. The story is told so differently depending on who is narrating, and this method lends such richness to the text. I have said this before, but these books are even better than the Percy Jackson series! I read all of Riordans’ books and these are by far my favorite.
This book is action packed from start to finish. There are constant battles, quests, interesting characters and nonstop humor that leave the reader wanting more. I absolutely cannot wait until the next installment. If you are a fan of action-adventure series, check out the Kane Chronicles!
The Big Sleepover.
Well, I’m proud to say, I have my very first niece on my side of the family. My brother Jeff and his wife Beth have a beautiful baby girl! Keeping with Jeff’s request for me not to use his kids’ real names, I will refer to her as Bonnie. Anyway, while Bonnie was making her way into this world, my husband Ben and I were in charge of Rufus and Franklin. I arrived at their house at 7:15 in the morning- and they were waiting for me in the P-Jams. They were so excited, because we were about to have our very first sleepover!
The plan was that we were supposed to go to my house later in the day, but after 20 short minutes of the kids begging to come to my house, I relented and loaded them in my car. Ben, being the great guy that he is, had stopped at the grocery store the night before and stocked up on fresh fruit, and snacks for the boys. He also picked out a watermelon body wash for tub-time later, which I thought was well done.
Man, did we have fun! We played Lego Star Wars and watched a movie, then Ben thought it would be fun to take the kids to Target to pick out a toy for each of them, and one for their new sister, then go to Old McDonald’s (or McDonald’s to everyone else) for lunch so they could get a happy meal then play in the play land. At Target each of the boys picked out a Star Wars t-shirt and a toy. Franklin got Buddy the Dinosaur and Rufus a new Bakugan trio. Then, they picked out a fuzzy pink dog from the newborn section for baby sister. At first, they wanted to get a blue bear, but I explained that for a girl you usually pick out a girl toy. I suggested getting her an outfit, but that was pooh-poohed.
Me: We could get a cute outfit for baby sister that would be fun.
Rufus: I don’t think so.
Franklin: Bo-ring!
Me: Come on, your little sister would like that!
Rufus: Trust me Aunt Char-char, kids like toys best.
Can’t argue with that logic.
Next it was on to Old McDonald’s. The kids ate lunch really well, so it was time for the play land. When we opened the door to the play land, it stunk so badly. Apparently, some kid had an accident. Another woman informed us the tubes were full of turd’- and lucky for us- we came in just in time to see a turd fall out of the kids shorts. Plunk!
Rufus: Oh, man! That stinks.
Franklin: Did you see the poops?
Me: Yes, now come on guys, let’s just go back out and for the love of Pete, touch nothing!
I usher the kids out of the play land, Franklin was crying and upset. I apologized, promising we would come back another day and got him calmed down. Rufus could not for the life of him figure out why that kid just hadn’t asked to go to the bathroom. Ben tried to explain, but Rufus could not wrap his brain around it.
Now, here’s the part that floored me. I understand potty training can be difficult. I worked at a daycare for 5 years in the two year old room. We potty trained kids day after day- got them in, got they trained, then they moved to the three year old room and we started over again. It is so hard, believe me, I know! My question is this- if your child is not yet quite potty trained- why didn’t you just put him in the pull up or diaper to go in the play land? Kids have accidents when they are still learning- it’s no big deal- but did you have to wing it and have the play land shut down? It seems obvious to me that with all that fun and commotion, the kid won’t come up to you and tell you they have to go. What kid would?
Worse than that, is this woman actually covered the turd of the floor with a paper napkin, cleaned up her child, and DID NOT notify the McD’s staff about the turd’s up in the tube or the one covered feebly with a napkin on the floor…I am not kidding! I was appalled! I think she was embarrassed, so she just rushed out in a hurry. This other woman (the one who warned me about the poop) had to go and tell the staff. Honestly, I don’t know what people are thinking sometimes.
At any rate, Ben and I loaded two very bummed out little boys into their car seats, and headed back to our house. After that, we went up to the hospital. Franklin and Rufus were very excited to meet Bonnie. She is so beautiful! After about 5 minutes, they asked if they could go back to my house. I suspect they were worried I’d change my mind about the sleepover if we stayed too long.
After we got home, we had dinner then bath time. Giving the two of them a bath is like trying to rope in a couple of octopus- skinny arms and legs flying everywhere, constant giggling, water balloons bouncing off the walls in the tub (ok that was my idea, admittedly not one of my best), slip sliding around. I was laughing my butt off, but by the time we finished my back was killing me. Who knew bath time was so hard?
Getting them to sleep was also a challenge. We blew up the air mattress in our living room. I slept on the sofa, the boys on the mattress. We put on the Bakugan cartoon for quiet time- Franklin was asleep by 9:15. Rufus was up till 10:45. He explained the entire Bakugan show, all its main characters, why he liked it, and even told me his favorite episodes. I finally insisted he go to sleep. He did so in a matter of moments, once he stopped talking.
All in all, it was a pretty great sleepover. I’m looking forward to next time…minus the poop incident and the water balloons in the bathtub.
The plan was that we were supposed to go to my house later in the day, but after 20 short minutes of the kids begging to come to my house, I relented and loaded them in my car. Ben, being the great guy that he is, had stopped at the grocery store the night before and stocked up on fresh fruit, and snacks for the boys. He also picked out a watermelon body wash for tub-time later, which I thought was well done.
Man, did we have fun! We played Lego Star Wars and watched a movie, then Ben thought it would be fun to take the kids to Target to pick out a toy for each of them, and one for their new sister, then go to Old McDonald’s (or McDonald’s to everyone else) for lunch so they could get a happy meal then play in the play land. At Target each of the boys picked out a Star Wars t-shirt and a toy. Franklin got Buddy the Dinosaur and Rufus a new Bakugan trio. Then, they picked out a fuzzy pink dog from the newborn section for baby sister. At first, they wanted to get a blue bear, but I explained that for a girl you usually pick out a girl toy. I suggested getting her an outfit, but that was pooh-poohed.
Me: We could get a cute outfit for baby sister that would be fun.
Rufus: I don’t think so.
Franklin: Bo-ring!
Me: Come on, your little sister would like that!
Rufus: Trust me Aunt Char-char, kids like toys best.
Can’t argue with that logic.
Next it was on to Old McDonald’s. The kids ate lunch really well, so it was time for the play land. When we opened the door to the play land, it stunk so badly. Apparently, some kid had an accident. Another woman informed us the tubes were full of turd’- and lucky for us- we came in just in time to see a turd fall out of the kids shorts. Plunk!
Rufus: Oh, man! That stinks.
Franklin: Did you see the poops?
Me: Yes, now come on guys, let’s just go back out and for the love of Pete, touch nothing!
I usher the kids out of the play land, Franklin was crying and upset. I apologized, promising we would come back another day and got him calmed down. Rufus could not for the life of him figure out why that kid just hadn’t asked to go to the bathroom. Ben tried to explain, but Rufus could not wrap his brain around it.
Now, here’s the part that floored me. I understand potty training can be difficult. I worked at a daycare for 5 years in the two year old room. We potty trained kids day after day- got them in, got they trained, then they moved to the three year old room and we started over again. It is so hard, believe me, I know! My question is this- if your child is not yet quite potty trained- why didn’t you just put him in the pull up or diaper to go in the play land? Kids have accidents when they are still learning- it’s no big deal- but did you have to wing it and have the play land shut down? It seems obvious to me that with all that fun and commotion, the kid won’t come up to you and tell you they have to go. What kid would?
Worse than that, is this woman actually covered the turd of the floor with a paper napkin, cleaned up her child, and DID NOT notify the McD’s staff about the turd’s up in the tube or the one covered feebly with a napkin on the floor…I am not kidding! I was appalled! I think she was embarrassed, so she just rushed out in a hurry. This other woman (the one who warned me about the poop) had to go and tell the staff. Honestly, I don’t know what people are thinking sometimes.
At any rate, Ben and I loaded two very bummed out little boys into their car seats, and headed back to our house. After that, we went up to the hospital. Franklin and Rufus were very excited to meet Bonnie. She is so beautiful! After about 5 minutes, they asked if they could go back to my house. I suspect they were worried I’d change my mind about the sleepover if we stayed too long.
After we got home, we had dinner then bath time. Giving the two of them a bath is like trying to rope in a couple of octopus- skinny arms and legs flying everywhere, constant giggling, water balloons bouncing off the walls in the tub (ok that was my idea, admittedly not one of my best), slip sliding around. I was laughing my butt off, but by the time we finished my back was killing me. Who knew bath time was so hard?
Getting them to sleep was also a challenge. We blew up the air mattress in our living room. I slept on the sofa, the boys on the mattress. We put on the Bakugan cartoon for quiet time- Franklin was asleep by 9:15. Rufus was up till 10:45. He explained the entire Bakugan show, all its main characters, why he liked it, and even told me his favorite episodes. I finally insisted he go to sleep. He did so in a matter of moments, once he stopped talking.
All in all, it was a pretty great sleepover. I’m looking forward to next time…minus the poop incident and the water balloons in the bathtub.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
At Aunt Charlotte's House.
This past week, I had to stop at my house on Wednesday when Franklin was with me because I had forgotten to take my medicine in the morning before I went to Franklin and Rufus’s house. I had a long talk with Franklin and told him we maybe should not mention we stopped by my house that day because Rufus might be disappointed. Franklin nodded like he understood, and then blabbed the whole thing to Rufus when we picked him up from school.
So, I promised a Thursday Adventure over at my house the next day. The boys showed up bright and early in their PJ’s with big smiles on their faces. Rufus was a bit hesitant when he caught sight of my behemoth of a dog, Sonny. Let me explain my mutt. He is quite large- 110 lbs, and muscular. He is a Lab-Dalmatian mix. He has the face of a lab, and the body of a Dalmatian, complete with a tale that my brother Jeff once described as a whip antenna covered in duct tape. When you are hit by this wagging weapon it stings- and sometimes leaves a welt. My dog will be seven this year, but that means very little. He is still hyper, and very needy. He had separation anxiety as a puppy (diagnosed by the vet, I’m not making this up) and is very attached to me and Ben. He is huge- and the biggest wimp of a dog you’ll ever meet. He is afraid of the following: aerosol cans, lawn mowers, the vacuum cleaner, ducks, squirrels, and he really only likes people- not other animals. In short, he looks scary, but is a big softie.
Sonny barks a lot when he is excited, so when Rufus and Franklin arrived with their Dad, Rufus was a little afraid. After about 10 minutes, he realized his bark is worse than his bite, and they were best friends. Franklin walked in and let Sonny lick his face, then cracked up and put Woobie on Sonny’s head- a big honor.
I had a few things planned for our special day. We have a small park (if you can call a swing set and a moonwalk that) at our condo so I planned on taking them there. Ben has a large collection of Star Wars Lego’s we got out and we have the Star Ways Lego game as well as The Force Unleashed with the light sabers for the Wii. I also have a craft box for when my nieces come over filled with feathers, glitter, glue construction paper- you get the idea. Plus, I’ve got chalk and bubbles for playing outside, and we planned on making cupcakes for snack and pizzas for lunch. I like to pack a ton of stuff into one day.
When Rufus and Franklin got here, the boys made a mad dash for the coffee table covered in Lego. They were so excited because Uncle Ben has the Millennium Falcon- I know, way cool. We played that, and then made the cupcakes in my tiny galley kitchen. Rufus had some funny stuff to say about it.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, are you telling me this is supposed to be a kitchen?
Me: It is a kitchen. Pretty small, huh?
Franklin: Do you have to eat at that table out there?
Me: Yeah, that’s the dining room.
Rufus: (shaking his head) I don’t know how you do it.
After we made cupcakes, we went outside to throw the Frisbee with Sonny and played Lego again. When it was time to make pizza, I leaned two chairs at opposite end of the counter. I helped each kid with the sauce, and turned my back on Franklin for just a second, only to turn back and find his face covered in sauce.
Me: Did you eat the sauce?
Franklin: Yes. It’s delicious!
Me: (laughing) ok, that’s enough.
Rufus: Wow. It is good.
Me: Ok, let’s just put on the cheese now.
Rufus: Can we just dump it then spread it?
Me: Sure. I don’t care.
Franklin: Mom makes us sprinkle it.
Me: She does? I’m sure that’s the right way to do it, but we’ll just dump.
Rufus: Oh, boy!
After leaving half of one pizza with just cheese, and Franklin eating half the pepperoni (that kid loves meat) we finally had the pizza done and in the oven. My Dad and Jeff joined us for pizza and veggies and dip for lunch, then we finished the rest of the day.
When Franklin and Rufus left, my house was a mess. There were sprinkles, fruity pebbles, and cracker crumbs on the furniture and floor, some of the Lego’s were missing, and the Millennium Falcon was destroyed. Plus, my bed was mussed because we had a pillow fight and I let them jump on it. It didn’t matter though, we had the best time! I taught Rufus how to play video games- Franklin lost interest- and we ate cupcakes and played outside. All in all- it was a great Thursday Adventure over at my house.
So, I promised a Thursday Adventure over at my house the next day. The boys showed up bright and early in their PJ’s with big smiles on their faces. Rufus was a bit hesitant when he caught sight of my behemoth of a dog, Sonny. Let me explain my mutt. He is quite large- 110 lbs, and muscular. He is a Lab-Dalmatian mix. He has the face of a lab, and the body of a Dalmatian, complete with a tale that my brother Jeff once described as a whip antenna covered in duct tape. When you are hit by this wagging weapon it stings- and sometimes leaves a welt. My dog will be seven this year, but that means very little. He is still hyper, and very needy. He had separation anxiety as a puppy (diagnosed by the vet, I’m not making this up) and is very attached to me and Ben. He is huge- and the biggest wimp of a dog you’ll ever meet. He is afraid of the following: aerosol cans, lawn mowers, the vacuum cleaner, ducks, squirrels, and he really only likes people- not other animals. In short, he looks scary, but is a big softie.
Sonny barks a lot when he is excited, so when Rufus and Franklin arrived with their Dad, Rufus was a little afraid. After about 10 minutes, he realized his bark is worse than his bite, and they were best friends. Franklin walked in and let Sonny lick his face, then cracked up and put Woobie on Sonny’s head- a big honor.
I had a few things planned for our special day. We have a small park (if you can call a swing set and a moonwalk that) at our condo so I planned on taking them there. Ben has a large collection of Star Wars Lego’s we got out and we have the Star Ways Lego game as well as The Force Unleashed with the light sabers for the Wii. I also have a craft box for when my nieces come over filled with feathers, glitter, glue construction paper- you get the idea. Plus, I’ve got chalk and bubbles for playing outside, and we planned on making cupcakes for snack and pizzas for lunch. I like to pack a ton of stuff into one day.
When Rufus and Franklin got here, the boys made a mad dash for the coffee table covered in Lego. They were so excited because Uncle Ben has the Millennium Falcon- I know, way cool. We played that, and then made the cupcakes in my tiny galley kitchen. Rufus had some funny stuff to say about it.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, are you telling me this is supposed to be a kitchen?
Me: It is a kitchen. Pretty small, huh?
Franklin: Do you have to eat at that table out there?
Me: Yeah, that’s the dining room.
Rufus: (shaking his head) I don’t know how you do it.
After we made cupcakes, we went outside to throw the Frisbee with Sonny and played Lego again. When it was time to make pizza, I leaned two chairs at opposite end of the counter. I helped each kid with the sauce, and turned my back on Franklin for just a second, only to turn back and find his face covered in sauce.
Me: Did you eat the sauce?
Franklin: Yes. It’s delicious!
Me: (laughing) ok, that’s enough.
Rufus: Wow. It is good.
Me: Ok, let’s just put on the cheese now.
Rufus: Can we just dump it then spread it?
Me: Sure. I don’t care.
Franklin: Mom makes us sprinkle it.
Me: She does? I’m sure that’s the right way to do it, but we’ll just dump.
Rufus: Oh, boy!
After leaving half of one pizza with just cheese, and Franklin eating half the pepperoni (that kid loves meat) we finally had the pizza done and in the oven. My Dad and Jeff joined us for pizza and veggies and dip for lunch, then we finished the rest of the day.
When Franklin and Rufus left, my house was a mess. There were sprinkles, fruity pebbles, and cracker crumbs on the furniture and floor, some of the Lego’s were missing, and the Millennium Falcon was destroyed. Plus, my bed was mussed because we had a pillow fight and I let them jump on it. It didn’t matter though, we had the best time! I taught Rufus how to play video games- Franklin lost interest- and we ate cupcakes and played outside. All in all- it was a great Thursday Adventure over at my house.
Getting to School.
My brother Jeff and I have trouble working together. Not because we don’t get along well, but because we are both a bit disorganized in the morning, and I suspect we just aren’t morning people. I’m always running late on my way to Rufus and Franklin’s house. I get up in the morning, stumble to the shower and hurry through getting ready (which usually involves me putting my hair in a sloppy pony tale and putting on sweat pants). I do not look my best when I go over there, but I’m neat and clean so I just don’t worry about it.
This past year, Rufus started preschool. It has been my job to get him out the door, teeth brushed, shoes on, clothing neat, hair combed and back-pack in hand.
This is easier said than done.
As I mentioned, I am not a morning person, but since it was my job to take Rufus to school, I decided I couldn’t go looking like a slob. I found some of my nicer long sleeved t-shirts, jeans and halfway decent tennis shoes and started wearing that- made more of an effort to do my hair and make-up so I didn’t walk into school looking like hobo.
As I have mentioned in the past, I am not a parent, but taking Rufus to school the first day was one of the hardest things I have ever done. He cried. I cried. Franklin cried because he was too little to stay at school. I called Jeff sobbing and almost didn’t make it through. For an entire week, the scenario played over and over in my mind, and I’d get so upset. Aunts are supposed to be fun- supposed to spoil their nieces and nephews and play with them, not make them do hard things. I was so worried Rufus would never forgive me- but he did. It might have helped that I bought he and Franklin $60 worth of Lego’s to apologize and had them waiting in the car for him when school was over- I never said I was above bribery.
But the second time I took him, Rufus was brave- fearless even. He marched right in, took his teachers hand, and only looked back once to smile at me. I was forgiven- just like that. I was so proud of him.
However, getting Rufus and Franklin out the door is always a challenge. Franklin always needs a toy and his Woobie. Woobie is a square blanket, about a foot wide and long, fuzzy, yellow one side, green on the other, with different colored silk pieces about an inch thick around the edges. Franklin adores Woobie. He talks to it, refers to it as ‘him’ and takes Whoobie everywhere. He also puts it in his mouth for some reason and sucks on it, which is admittedly gross, but it makes him happy so I figure its fine. As a direct result, Woobie stinks. Jeff and Beth try to wash him as often as possible, but parting Whoobie from Franklin is difficult.
Brushing teeth is also a problem. The boys forget to brush and use this time to tell me tall tales instead.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, know what? This one time when I used to live by myself when I was little, I used my big-wheel you put together for me to drive to the store and buy all red Jelly-bellies. Then I fed the Jelly-bellies to the ducks because they were so tired of bread.
Franklin: Me too! I helped, but I used all the different colored Jelly-belies to feed to the ducks because they like the different ones.
Me: Then what happened?
Rufus: (thinking) well, well…that’s it really. We came home and made peanut butter sandwiches.
Me: Yeah? I thought you joined a circus and became the Fabulous Fronzini Brothers! You fed jelly-beans to all the animals in the circus, especially the lions! The crowd loved it when you fed the lions, and they cheered for you!
Franklin: (jumping up and down) that’s exactly what happened! We forgot!
Although VERY fun, conversations like these make us very late for school. All the other parents come in and seem to have it together. I have never felt like I just had it- until last week. Now, Beth is on maternity leave and I don’t have to take the boys to school today. It figures. I finally figure it out- and by the time maternity leave is over for Beth, school will be over. Oh, well! I guess there’s always next year!
This past year, Rufus started preschool. It has been my job to get him out the door, teeth brushed, shoes on, clothing neat, hair combed and back-pack in hand.
This is easier said than done.
As I mentioned, I am not a morning person, but since it was my job to take Rufus to school, I decided I couldn’t go looking like a slob. I found some of my nicer long sleeved t-shirts, jeans and halfway decent tennis shoes and started wearing that- made more of an effort to do my hair and make-up so I didn’t walk into school looking like hobo.
As I have mentioned in the past, I am not a parent, but taking Rufus to school the first day was one of the hardest things I have ever done. He cried. I cried. Franklin cried because he was too little to stay at school. I called Jeff sobbing and almost didn’t make it through. For an entire week, the scenario played over and over in my mind, and I’d get so upset. Aunts are supposed to be fun- supposed to spoil their nieces and nephews and play with them, not make them do hard things. I was so worried Rufus would never forgive me- but he did. It might have helped that I bought he and Franklin $60 worth of Lego’s to apologize and had them waiting in the car for him when school was over- I never said I was above bribery.
But the second time I took him, Rufus was brave- fearless even. He marched right in, took his teachers hand, and only looked back once to smile at me. I was forgiven- just like that. I was so proud of him.
However, getting Rufus and Franklin out the door is always a challenge. Franklin always needs a toy and his Woobie. Woobie is a square blanket, about a foot wide and long, fuzzy, yellow one side, green on the other, with different colored silk pieces about an inch thick around the edges. Franklin adores Woobie. He talks to it, refers to it as ‘him’ and takes Whoobie everywhere. He also puts it in his mouth for some reason and sucks on it, which is admittedly gross, but it makes him happy so I figure its fine. As a direct result, Woobie stinks. Jeff and Beth try to wash him as often as possible, but parting Whoobie from Franklin is difficult.
Brushing teeth is also a problem. The boys forget to brush and use this time to tell me tall tales instead.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, know what? This one time when I used to live by myself when I was little, I used my big-wheel you put together for me to drive to the store and buy all red Jelly-bellies. Then I fed the Jelly-bellies to the ducks because they were so tired of bread.
Franklin: Me too! I helped, but I used all the different colored Jelly-belies to feed to the ducks because they like the different ones.
Me: Then what happened?
Rufus: (thinking) well, well…that’s it really. We came home and made peanut butter sandwiches.
Me: Yeah? I thought you joined a circus and became the Fabulous Fronzini Brothers! You fed jelly-beans to all the animals in the circus, especially the lions! The crowd loved it when you fed the lions, and they cheered for you!
Franklin: (jumping up and down) that’s exactly what happened! We forgot!
Although VERY fun, conversations like these make us very late for school. All the other parents come in and seem to have it together. I have never felt like I just had it- until last week. Now, Beth is on maternity leave and I don’t have to take the boys to school today. It figures. I finally figure it out- and by the time maternity leave is over for Beth, school will be over. Oh, well! I guess there’s always next year!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Play-doh and Art.
Rufus once told me I’m a great play-doh-er. Actually, the conversation went something like this:
Rufus: Aunt Charsh, you’re a terrible drawer. That bird doesn’t look like a bird at all really.
Me: It doesn’t?
Rufus: (considering) actually, it looks like a blob with wings.
Me: Well, I tried.
Rufus: Don’t worry; you’re a great Play-doh-er. Nobody makes Play-doh stuff like you.
Me: Thanks buddy.
Rufus is always kind that way- he never wants to hurt anyone’s feelings, a trait I admire in a child so young. The boys and I play play-doh often because it is one of my favorite things to do. Honestly, I just love it. I love the way it feels, I love making shapes and using the fun factory and I could care less that it makes a huge mess.
When we were kids, my Mom used to make play-doh for us all the time. For some reason, my two favorite colors were blue and purple. My infinitely patient Mom used to whip up batch after batch of the stuff and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I still remember the way it felt all warm and fresh from the pot. I even remember the way it tasted- salty. If you claim to have never tried play-doh, I find this hard to believe. Who hasn’t at least tried it and spit it out?
Both Rufus and Franklin have tried it. Rufus spit it out and said yuck- Franklin swallowed it and tried to eat more. I finally got him to stop when I told him it would give him weird rainbow colored poop.
Another thing we enjoy doing together is doing art projects. We cut out paper, use glue, and scissors. This too makes a huge mess, but I never mind cleaning it up because the boys seem to like it so much. We have some of our best conversations at the kitchen table. Here’s one of my favorites I jotted down:
Rufus: Aunt Char-char?
Me: Yes, sir?
Franklin: His name’s not sir!
Me: Really? I thought it was Sir. Sir Rufus Allowicious-Do-the-dishes Magoo.
Rufus: (Laughing) Is your name Charshie-Dagarshie-pooparshie?
Me: Why, yes it is! And who are you Franklin?
Franklin: I’m Batman.
Me: Batman-doratman-shmoe-matman?
Franklin: No.
Batman should never be messed with.
Rufus: Aunt Charsh, you’re a terrible drawer. That bird doesn’t look like a bird at all really.
Me: It doesn’t?
Rufus: (considering) actually, it looks like a blob with wings.
Me: Well, I tried.
Rufus: Don’t worry; you’re a great Play-doh-er. Nobody makes Play-doh stuff like you.
Me: Thanks buddy.
Rufus is always kind that way- he never wants to hurt anyone’s feelings, a trait I admire in a child so young. The boys and I play play-doh often because it is one of my favorite things to do. Honestly, I just love it. I love the way it feels, I love making shapes and using the fun factory and I could care less that it makes a huge mess.
When we were kids, my Mom used to make play-doh for us all the time. For some reason, my two favorite colors were blue and purple. My infinitely patient Mom used to whip up batch after batch of the stuff and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I still remember the way it felt all warm and fresh from the pot. I even remember the way it tasted- salty. If you claim to have never tried play-doh, I find this hard to believe. Who hasn’t at least tried it and spit it out?
Both Rufus and Franklin have tried it. Rufus spit it out and said yuck- Franklin swallowed it and tried to eat more. I finally got him to stop when I told him it would give him weird rainbow colored poop.
Another thing we enjoy doing together is doing art projects. We cut out paper, use glue, and scissors. This too makes a huge mess, but I never mind cleaning it up because the boys seem to like it so much. We have some of our best conversations at the kitchen table. Here’s one of my favorites I jotted down:
Rufus: Aunt Char-char?
Me: Yes, sir?
Franklin: His name’s not sir!
Me: Really? I thought it was Sir. Sir Rufus Allowicious-Do-the-dishes Magoo.
Rufus: (Laughing) Is your name Charshie-Dagarshie-pooparshie?
Me: Why, yes it is! And who are you Franklin?
Franklin: I’m Batman.
Me: Batman-doratman-shmoe-matman?
Franklin: No.
Batman should never be messed with.
Thanks Guys.
This weekend I went to Ohio for a family reunion for my Husband Ben. It was so wonderful seeing everyone, especially my nieces and nephews. Now, I have three nephews on my side of the family, and in a week or so I’ll meet my very first niece. I’m very excited to spend time with her- she will be a little sister to Rufus and Franklin. Who could ask for two better big brothers?
We only have boys on my side of the family, but for Ben’s the opposite’s true. His sister Chris has a son and two daughters, and Shannon has two girls. I don’t see them often because Chris’ family lives in Ohio, and Shannon’s in Wisconsin. However, when I do, I always enjoy spending time with them.
This weekend made me realize how very different boys are from girls. The way they talk, the way they play- even the way they interact with one another is different. My younger nieces love Justin Bieber, Barbie dolls, princesses and sparkly things that are pink and borderline tacky. The more frills the better! This is just adorable, but I felt a bit lost playing with them. Especially after coloring a princess picture because I gave her blue skin and green hair and said she was an Avatar princess. I thought it was funny. A similar snafu happened to me while playing Barbies with my niece Jenna. I was Mulan, she was Snow white and here’s what our conversation was like:
Jenna: We’re swimming in a beautiful waterfall, laying in the sunshine on the rocks.
Me: Ok, Mulan is swimming too- she caught a fish. Let’s eat if for dinner!
Jenna: (horrified face) Yuck.
Now, I laughed so hard at that face she made, but I had clearly forgotten how to play like a little girl. Having Mulan catch a fish seemed logical to me. It was native to her diet; she grew up in a small village where fish was a staple. She was a tough and independent girl, Mulan. She seemed like the type to catch and cook her own fish to me. I was apparently wrong about this. The Avatar coloring page solidified my belief that I am in fact much better at playing with boys than girls, but it got me to thinking. Was I that way? Did I love girly stuff and princesses and frills when I was little?
I remember loving bows, doing my hair and nails and playing dress-up, and Barbies were my favorite toy, hands down. I played with Barbie for countless hours with my cousin Sarah. We also loved to play a game we called- boyfriends. Some of my happiest memories are of playing Barbies with Sarah, yet, my memories of that are fuzzy.
So what do I remember? Playing guns in the backyard with my brother’s Matt and Jeff, my cousin's Markie and Kevin, and Jeff’s best friend Mark then eventually when she was older, my sister Whittney joined us. We would be on teams and stage the most elaborate battles. I played Dungeon’s and Dragon’s with Jeff and Mark, Magic the Gathering and Superhero dice games and read comic books. I spent time playing video games with my younger brother Matt and my sister Whittney (8 years younger than I). I played kick ball, wiffle ball, and football in the street and in the back yard. We loved to pretend we were the Dukes of Hazard, Cops and Robbers, and Cowboys and Indians. I played Barbie meets GI Joe, and with Hot Wheels in the sandbox. I loved flash-light tag and catching lightning bugs and snakes.
These are the memories most dear to my heart. I am so grateful to the boys in my life who have grown into wonderful the men I now call my friends. You all kept me from becoming too girly. You made me appreciate a great comic book, an epic battle in a movie, and a good game of baseball. I have been farted on, burped at, Melvined, nuggied, slugged, received a ‘flying cross body block,’ mocked, teased, been the recipient of a 'dutch oven,' and most of all, loved.
So, I thank you all; even if having my brothers take my hand and fart on it was not my favorite thing in the world, it always made me laugh. (Except for loogies- those are just gross.) I’m proud that I know who all the Avengers are and my husband Ben has to ask me. I’m proud I enjoy watching action flicks and I don’t flinch when a man’s head is chopped off. I’m glad I was the best at playing Sonic the Hedgehog in our house, and that I love to watch Star Trek, Star Wars, Superman, X-Men, GI Joe, and countless other things men enjoy.
With the arrival of my niece so nearby, it is my fervent hope that Franklin and Rufus will be as great to their little sister as the boys in my life were to me. So, Jeff, Matt, Markie, Kevin, and Mark, thanks for all the memories. You are the best!
We only have boys on my side of the family, but for Ben’s the opposite’s true. His sister Chris has a son and two daughters, and Shannon has two girls. I don’t see them often because Chris’ family lives in Ohio, and Shannon’s in Wisconsin. However, when I do, I always enjoy spending time with them.
This weekend made me realize how very different boys are from girls. The way they talk, the way they play- even the way they interact with one another is different. My younger nieces love Justin Bieber, Barbie dolls, princesses and sparkly things that are pink and borderline tacky. The more frills the better! This is just adorable, but I felt a bit lost playing with them. Especially after coloring a princess picture because I gave her blue skin and green hair and said she was an Avatar princess. I thought it was funny. A similar snafu happened to me while playing Barbies with my niece Jenna. I was Mulan, she was Snow white and here’s what our conversation was like:
Jenna: We’re swimming in a beautiful waterfall, laying in the sunshine on the rocks.
Me: Ok, Mulan is swimming too- she caught a fish. Let’s eat if for dinner!
Jenna: (horrified face) Yuck.
Now, I laughed so hard at that face she made, but I had clearly forgotten how to play like a little girl. Having Mulan catch a fish seemed logical to me. It was native to her diet; she grew up in a small village where fish was a staple. She was a tough and independent girl, Mulan. She seemed like the type to catch and cook her own fish to me. I was apparently wrong about this. The Avatar coloring page solidified my belief that I am in fact much better at playing with boys than girls, but it got me to thinking. Was I that way? Did I love girly stuff and princesses and frills when I was little?
I remember loving bows, doing my hair and nails and playing dress-up, and Barbies were my favorite toy, hands down. I played with Barbie for countless hours with my cousin Sarah. We also loved to play a game we called- boyfriends. Some of my happiest memories are of playing Barbies with Sarah, yet, my memories of that are fuzzy.
So what do I remember? Playing guns in the backyard with my brother’s Matt and Jeff, my cousin's Markie and Kevin, and Jeff’s best friend Mark then eventually when she was older, my sister Whittney joined us. We would be on teams and stage the most elaborate battles. I played Dungeon’s and Dragon’s with Jeff and Mark, Magic the Gathering and Superhero dice games and read comic books. I spent time playing video games with my younger brother Matt and my sister Whittney (8 years younger than I). I played kick ball, wiffle ball, and football in the street and in the back yard. We loved to pretend we were the Dukes of Hazard, Cops and Robbers, and Cowboys and Indians. I played Barbie meets GI Joe, and with Hot Wheels in the sandbox. I loved flash-light tag and catching lightning bugs and snakes.
These are the memories most dear to my heart. I am so grateful to the boys in my life who have grown into wonderful the men I now call my friends. You all kept me from becoming too girly. You made me appreciate a great comic book, an epic battle in a movie, and a good game of baseball. I have been farted on, burped at, Melvined, nuggied, slugged, received a ‘flying cross body block,’ mocked, teased, been the recipient of a 'dutch oven,' and most of all, loved.
So, I thank you all; even if having my brothers take my hand and fart on it was not my favorite thing in the world, it always made me laugh. (Except for loogies- those are just gross.) I’m proud that I know who all the Avengers are and my husband Ben has to ask me. I’m proud I enjoy watching action flicks and I don’t flinch when a man’s head is chopped off. I’m glad I was the best at playing Sonic the Hedgehog in our house, and that I love to watch Star Trek, Star Wars, Superman, X-Men, GI Joe, and countless other things men enjoy.
With the arrival of my niece so nearby, it is my fervent hope that Franklin and Rufus will be as great to their little sister as the boys in my life were to me. So, Jeff, Matt, Markie, Kevin, and Mark, thanks for all the memories. You are the best!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Dog Poop Incident.
Those of you know me well know that I have a very weak stomach. I mean, the sight of blood, puke and sometimes poop makes me gag so bad I’ll just throw up; which brings us to this Thursday Adventure.
When Franklin was about a year old (he is now three) Rufus and I were in the family room playing a quiet game of Mr. Freeze (me) get’s captured. He and I had been playing for over an hour and Franklin was fast asleep. Rufus had decided he was tired of playing Batman. He wanted to play in his room so we cleaned up the mess and walked down the hall- only to find three large, smelly piles of dog poop on the carpet in his bedroom.
I don’t know how parents react in these situations, but I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. My dog just didn’t poop in the house like this, so I was unaccustomed to this sort-of thing.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, is that dog poop inside my room?
Me: Yeah…yeah, sweetie it is.
Rufus: Oh, no! Well. Looks like you have to clean that up.
Me: Yeah, Rufus, I know. Just give me a second, I’m gonna try and figure out what to do.
Rufus: (marches up to the poop and looks at it, ignoring my protests) Oh, man that stinks.
That’s when I threw up in the sink and called my brother. That was a Thursday Adventure I’d like to forget.
When Franklin was about a year old (he is now three) Rufus and I were in the family room playing a quiet game of Mr. Freeze (me) get’s captured. He and I had been playing for over an hour and Franklin was fast asleep. Rufus had decided he was tired of playing Batman. He wanted to play in his room so we cleaned up the mess and walked down the hall- only to find three large, smelly piles of dog poop on the carpet in his bedroom.
I don’t know how parents react in these situations, but I stood there for a moment, trying to figure out what to do. My dog just didn’t poop in the house like this, so I was unaccustomed to this sort-of thing.
Rufus: Aunt Char-char, is that dog poop inside my room?
Me: Yeah…yeah, sweetie it is.
Rufus: Oh, no! Well. Looks like you have to clean that up.
Me: Yeah, Rufus, I know. Just give me a second, I’m gonna try and figure out what to do.
Rufus: (marches up to the poop and looks at it, ignoring my protests) Oh, man that stinks.
That’s when I threw up in the sink and called my brother. That was a Thursday Adventure I’d like to forget.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
(Sorry for the large number of posts today- my computer had a bunch of viruses, so I hand wrote these and just had time to put them all up)
I don’t know if any of you have ever read the book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs before, but as a kid if was one of my favorites. My Mom was really big on reading to us- whether it was picture books or chapter books, she always took the time to read to us each and every night and I am so grateful to her for it. My love of reading started at a young age, and I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was about six which I feel was in large part because she was always reading to us.
When I heard they were making Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs into a movie, I was so excited. I wasn’t sure how they would do it with such a short book, but I was looking forward to seeing it none the less. I have to say, I loved the movie. Though nothing like the book, I thought it had lots of great adult/child humor and I knew that Rufus and Franklin would love it the moment I saw it.
The morning began at 8 am, and Rufus and Franklin were in their P-jams when I arrived, as usual. We had breakfast, did the usual grooming stuff then read the book, which lead to the following conversation:
Rufus: I think it would be terrible if giant meatballs fell from the sky. I don’t like meatballs.
Me: No? I could have sworn you loved them!
Rufus: (making a face) Yuck!
Me: (laughing) I know, I know, you don’t really like meat that much.
Franklin: Well, I like meat! I like meatballs! And sausage! And Salami! Especially Sausage because it’s delicious. Grandma makes me sausage.
Me: (laughing) I know she does! I’m glad you like meat. I have a great idea. How about we do a drawing of what we would like it to rain? After that we can watch the movie. I brought happy face stickers we can use to decorate our papers too.
Both: OK!!
We raced off to the kitchen and got to work on our drawings. We each decided on the best thing it could rain and came up with the following:
Rufus, who has a sweet tooth, said he’d like it if it rained ice cream or jelly beans. Franklin, who has a deep appreciation for meat, said he’d like it if it rained hamburgers and sausage. I picked potato chips, as I prefer a salty snack.
After, we watched the movie and decided that the monkey, called Steve was the best part about the movie. When I asked whether they preferred the movie or the book- they said the movie. I can’t blame them; Steve the monkey was really funny after all. We talked about how fun it would be to have puddles filled with chocolate milk, and what it would be like if pancakes fell from the sky. It was great fun! In the end, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was another great Thursday Adventure.
I don’t know if any of you have ever read the book, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs before, but as a kid if was one of my favorites. My Mom was really big on reading to us- whether it was picture books or chapter books, she always took the time to read to us each and every night and I am so grateful to her for it. My love of reading started at a young age, and I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was about six which I feel was in large part because she was always reading to us.
When I heard they were making Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs into a movie, I was so excited. I wasn’t sure how they would do it with such a short book, but I was looking forward to seeing it none the less. I have to say, I loved the movie. Though nothing like the book, I thought it had lots of great adult/child humor and I knew that Rufus and Franklin would love it the moment I saw it.
The morning began at 8 am, and Rufus and Franklin were in their P-jams when I arrived, as usual. We had breakfast, did the usual grooming stuff then read the book, which lead to the following conversation:
Rufus: I think it would be terrible if giant meatballs fell from the sky. I don’t like meatballs.
Me: No? I could have sworn you loved them!
Rufus: (making a face) Yuck!
Me: (laughing) I know, I know, you don’t really like meat that much.
Franklin: Well, I like meat! I like meatballs! And sausage! And Salami! Especially Sausage because it’s delicious. Grandma makes me sausage.
Me: (laughing) I know she does! I’m glad you like meat. I have a great idea. How about we do a drawing of what we would like it to rain? After that we can watch the movie. I brought happy face stickers we can use to decorate our papers too.
Both: OK!!
We raced off to the kitchen and got to work on our drawings. We each decided on the best thing it could rain and came up with the following:
Rufus, who has a sweet tooth, said he’d like it if it rained ice cream or jelly beans. Franklin, who has a deep appreciation for meat, said he’d like it if it rained hamburgers and sausage. I picked potato chips, as I prefer a salty snack.
After, we watched the movie and decided that the monkey, called Steve was the best part about the movie. When I asked whether they preferred the movie or the book- they said the movie. I can’t blame them; Steve the monkey was really funny after all. We talked about how fun it would be to have puddles filled with chocolate milk, and what it would be like if pancakes fell from the sky. It was great fun! In the end, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs was another great Thursday Adventure.
Make-believe.
I have no kids of my own- so I can’t compare Rufus and Franklin to my own. I used to work in a daycare though, and I have to say, the imaginations kids have always inspire me. There are no boundaries, no limits, and nothing is too outlandish for them to come up with. This is something I try to emulate in my own books, and I’m so happy this is something I continue to learn from my nephews.
One of their favorite games is called ‘real life (insert your favorite action hero here, e.g., star wars guys, Lego guys, superhero, etc).’ I usually have to be whoever they tell me to, usually Cap’n Betty (the alligator killing Cajun-Jimmy Stewart sounding character I invented). If we are playing Star Wars, I have to be Wicket, or Yoda. If we are playing superheroes, I have to be Mr. Freeze- apparently he’s my favorite.
Their favorite choices are as follows:
Rufus likes to be Commander Cody, Captain Rex, Luke, or Anakin from Star Wars. For super heroes, he likes being Robin or Spiderman.
Franklin likes to be Batman, in all situations. Batman is Franklin’s hero.
To get around Franklin’s make-believe breech of etiquette, the game is then referred to as ‘Batman meets Star Wars guys in real life.’ Captain Betty can fit into any scenario, because she is just an addendum to whatever game we play for some reason.
Now, in order to take part in these make-believe scenarios, one has to be very patient. I am often told what to say, how to say it, and have to repeat what is said over and over. For example:
Franklin: Ok, first I say, ‘that guy is bad news.’ Then you say, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him.’ Ok? That’s what you say.
Me: Ok.
Franklin: That Guy is really bad news! (Whispering) Now you say, ‘Don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!’
Me: I’ll take care of him!
Franklin: No, you say, I say, ‘Don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!’
Me: (catching on) Ok. I say, don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!
And then we pretend to shoot the guy, or hit him with a torpedo and he’s destroyed.
Before you even ask, I have no idea why this process is so lengthily. For some reason, it is very important to both Franklin and Rufus that we repeat these same steps each and every time we approach any scenario. Does it make for a slow moving battle? Yes, but it’s a very amusing one.
Franklin very nearly dies (repeatedly) in battle, and then is brought back to life by whoever is closest. He is injured often, stranded places, and in general, wreckless in battle. Franklin seems to enjoy the drama involved in being saved or being brought back to life just inches from HIS IMAGINARY death for no matter how severe his injuries- he recovers from them immediately.
On the other hand, Rufus is terrific in a battle. He is very much how I remember his Dad being when we were kids. He is never hit; you always miss him with your fake bullets. He is never injured because he is just too quick for that. His battle skills are legendary and he has unparallel skill with a light saber, blaster, gun, sling-shot, bomb, grenade and torpedoes. Plus, he is always smarter than anyone else out there.
No matter what.
Once when we were kids, I waited in the loft of our barn with a plastic gun for a half hour as to ambush my older brother during a heated game of cops and robbers. I was certain this was the perfect plan, so I did not mind the wait. I was patient. I was diligent.
When the time finally came, somehow, miraculously, my well aimed immaginary bullet missed him, ricochet off a piece of metal on the wall and killed me instead. I died quickly and painfully in this pretend scenerio.
Playing with Rufus is much the same, but it sure makes for great Thursday Adventures.
One of their favorite games is called ‘real life (insert your favorite action hero here, e.g., star wars guys, Lego guys, superhero, etc).’ I usually have to be whoever they tell me to, usually Cap’n Betty (the alligator killing Cajun-Jimmy Stewart sounding character I invented). If we are playing Star Wars, I have to be Wicket, or Yoda. If we are playing superheroes, I have to be Mr. Freeze- apparently he’s my favorite.
Their favorite choices are as follows:
Rufus likes to be Commander Cody, Captain Rex, Luke, or Anakin from Star Wars. For super heroes, he likes being Robin or Spiderman.
Franklin likes to be Batman, in all situations. Batman is Franklin’s hero.
To get around Franklin’s make-believe breech of etiquette, the game is then referred to as ‘Batman meets Star Wars guys in real life.’ Captain Betty can fit into any scenario, because she is just an addendum to whatever game we play for some reason.
Now, in order to take part in these make-believe scenarios, one has to be very patient. I am often told what to say, how to say it, and have to repeat what is said over and over. For example:
Franklin: Ok, first I say, ‘that guy is bad news.’ Then you say, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of him.’ Ok? That’s what you say.
Me: Ok.
Franklin: That Guy is really bad news! (Whispering) Now you say, ‘Don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!’
Me: I’ll take care of him!
Franklin: No, you say, I say, ‘Don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!’
Me: (catching on) Ok. I say, don’t worry! I’ll take care of him!
And then we pretend to shoot the guy, or hit him with a torpedo and he’s destroyed.
Before you even ask, I have no idea why this process is so lengthily. For some reason, it is very important to both Franklin and Rufus that we repeat these same steps each and every time we approach any scenario. Does it make for a slow moving battle? Yes, but it’s a very amusing one.
Franklin very nearly dies (repeatedly) in battle, and then is brought back to life by whoever is closest. He is injured often, stranded places, and in general, wreckless in battle. Franklin seems to enjoy the drama involved in being saved or being brought back to life just inches from HIS IMAGINARY death for no matter how severe his injuries- he recovers from them immediately.
On the other hand, Rufus is terrific in a battle. He is very much how I remember his Dad being when we were kids. He is never hit; you always miss him with your fake bullets. He is never injured because he is just too quick for that. His battle skills are legendary and he has unparallel skill with a light saber, blaster, gun, sling-shot, bomb, grenade and torpedoes. Plus, he is always smarter than anyone else out there.
No matter what.
Once when we were kids, I waited in the loft of our barn with a plastic gun for a half hour as to ambush my older brother during a heated game of cops and robbers. I was certain this was the perfect plan, so I did not mind the wait. I was patient. I was diligent.
When the time finally came, somehow, miraculously, my well aimed immaginary bullet missed him, ricochet off a piece of metal on the wall and killed me instead. I died quickly and painfully in this pretend scenerio.
Playing with Rufus is much the same, but it sure makes for great Thursday Adventures.
Cap'n Betty.
Cap’n Betty came to be on the banks of the Pierre Marquette river. My sister Whittney and I were stuck on a three hour rafting trip with my husband Ben and were trying to amuse ourselves. I enjoy our families’ yearly trip on the river, but towards the end I not only get bored, I get sand in my shorts which is just horrible. Anyway, Whittney and I kept saying things like, “There’s Gators in these waters!” and “I saw a gator eat a whole cow on these banks once!”
What can I say? I’m goofy and it was a very long trip, but a fun one because Whittney and I were cracking ourselves and everyone else up (with the exception of Ben who was annoyed because we weren’t rowing enough). I had on this goofy Captain’s hat, and my sister was wearing one that said first mate. We thought we were hilarious, as we usually do. I’m still not sure why Cap’n Betty sounded like a Cajun Jimmy Stewart; most likely because accents aren’t my high card. Anyway, that was the first day I discovered Cap’n Betty.*
One day when I was playing with Rufus and Franklin, Cap’n Betty came back for a visit. We had turned the sofa into our ship, which I called the Nautilus. Franklin was being Batman again, and this time Rufus was Robin (who incidentally had his own Robin Jet-ski and could do amazing tricks and jumps at any time and never be injured or die).
They were both sitting next to me when I remembered our rafting trip on the Pierre Marquette. So I turned to Rufus and Franklin and I said very seriously, “There’s gators in these waters. Not safe in these waters. I got a cage that takes you down deep…You go in the cage, cage goes in the water. There’s gators in these waters. Gators come…snap off your feet!” (Which I modified from Jaws.)
The boys just loved it! We fashioned torpedoes out of coasters and pillows and pretended the family dogs were the gators. Admittedly, the dogs were not thrilled with this arrangement, but you’ll have that.
The Lucy-gator and the Jade-gator didn’t stand a chance. With Cap’n Betty’s superior skills at the helm and Robin (Rufus) on the jet-ski, we managed to kill every gator in the water. Unfortunately, Batman (Franklin) didn’t fare so well. We had to fish him out after falling in a dozen times, and re-attach his legs and arms on numerous occasions. It was touch and go for a while, but in the end, he made it.
We shouted things like, “Don’t go in the water chief!” and “Smile you son-of-a sea turtle!” when there was a direct hit. This game lasted for nearly three hours until my brother got him. Since then, Cap’n Betty and the gators has been one our favorite Thursday Adventures.
*Side Note: My husband Ben will tell you that Cap’n Betty and her first mate were annoying. This is not true. He doesn’t know what funny is sometimes.
What can I say? I’m goofy and it was a very long trip, but a fun one because Whittney and I were cracking ourselves and everyone else up (with the exception of Ben who was annoyed because we weren’t rowing enough). I had on this goofy Captain’s hat, and my sister was wearing one that said first mate. We thought we were hilarious, as we usually do. I’m still not sure why Cap’n Betty sounded like a Cajun Jimmy Stewart; most likely because accents aren’t my high card. Anyway, that was the first day I discovered Cap’n Betty.*
One day when I was playing with Rufus and Franklin, Cap’n Betty came back for a visit. We had turned the sofa into our ship, which I called the Nautilus. Franklin was being Batman again, and this time Rufus was Robin (who incidentally had his own Robin Jet-ski and could do amazing tricks and jumps at any time and never be injured or die).
They were both sitting next to me when I remembered our rafting trip on the Pierre Marquette. So I turned to Rufus and Franklin and I said very seriously, “There’s gators in these waters. Not safe in these waters. I got a cage that takes you down deep…You go in the cage, cage goes in the water. There’s gators in these waters. Gators come…snap off your feet!” (Which I modified from Jaws.)
The boys just loved it! We fashioned torpedoes out of coasters and pillows and pretended the family dogs were the gators. Admittedly, the dogs were not thrilled with this arrangement, but you’ll have that.
The Lucy-gator and the Jade-gator didn’t stand a chance. With Cap’n Betty’s superior skills at the helm and Robin (Rufus) on the jet-ski, we managed to kill every gator in the water. Unfortunately, Batman (Franklin) didn’t fare so well. We had to fish him out after falling in a dozen times, and re-attach his legs and arms on numerous occasions. It was touch and go for a while, but in the end, he made it.
We shouted things like, “Don’t go in the water chief!” and “Smile you son-of-a sea turtle!” when there was a direct hit. This game lasted for nearly three hours until my brother got him. Since then, Cap’n Betty and the gators has been one our favorite Thursday Adventures.
*Side Note: My husband Ben will tell you that Cap’n Betty and her first mate were annoying. This is not true. He doesn’t know what funny is sometimes.
Monday, February 28, 2011
My Greatest Fear.
One of my greatest fears is to be caught sitting on the toilet, pants around ankles while doing my business. I blame this fear on my Aunt Nina.
When I was 10 or 11, we had a family Easter at the Fred Wall Hall in the small town I grew up in. My family is really big and we could no longer fit into anyone’s house comfortably, so renting a hall seemed like a good idea, and it was and still is for the most part. The restrooms in The Fred Wall Hall are spacious- which I dislike.
I much prefer a restroom where I can be very close to the door so if someone opens it I can use my foot to rudely kick the door shut and shout at whoever has the nerve to have to use the restroom at the same time as me. Wait your turn for the love of Pete.
Anyway, when I was a kid, my Mom insisted my sister and I wear those little girl dresses with yards of fluff and tights to holiday celebrations. I was ok with that, except the tights never fit me right and I could never get the crotch in the right spot because I was way too tall so it hung down and I felt like I walked like a penguin all the time.
Anyway, I had to go to the bathroom, and I went in to do my business. I was only on the pot for a moment when the door was unceremoniously yakked open by my opinionated old lady Aunt Nina. I remember turning red and yelping, and she quickly shut the door. In my rush to finish, I got pee on my leg and had to use TP to clean it up. I washed my hands, humiliated beyond belief, and opened the door. Aunt Nina was standing outside and do you know what she says to me?
“You should have locked the door.”
So I said back, “I did. You ever hear of knocking?”
I was fuming. I was embarrassed. I never cared for her much after that. I decided she had old lady super strength and her arthritic, yet powerful hands had overcome the lock just to spite me and it was years before I could look her in the eye again. Since that time I have not cared for public restrooms. I doubt I ever will. To this day, I hate large restrooms. Give me a small stall any time.
It’s safer.
When I was 10 or 11, we had a family Easter at the Fred Wall Hall in the small town I grew up in. My family is really big and we could no longer fit into anyone’s house comfortably, so renting a hall seemed like a good idea, and it was and still is for the most part. The restrooms in The Fred Wall Hall are spacious- which I dislike.
I much prefer a restroom where I can be very close to the door so if someone opens it I can use my foot to rudely kick the door shut and shout at whoever has the nerve to have to use the restroom at the same time as me. Wait your turn for the love of Pete.
Anyway, when I was a kid, my Mom insisted my sister and I wear those little girl dresses with yards of fluff and tights to holiday celebrations. I was ok with that, except the tights never fit me right and I could never get the crotch in the right spot because I was way too tall so it hung down and I felt like I walked like a penguin all the time.
Anyway, I had to go to the bathroom, and I went in to do my business. I was only on the pot for a moment when the door was unceremoniously yakked open by my opinionated old lady Aunt Nina. I remember turning red and yelping, and she quickly shut the door. In my rush to finish, I got pee on my leg and had to use TP to clean it up. I washed my hands, humiliated beyond belief, and opened the door. Aunt Nina was standing outside and do you know what she says to me?
“You should have locked the door.”
So I said back, “I did. You ever hear of knocking?”
I was fuming. I was embarrassed. I never cared for her much after that. I decided she had old lady super strength and her arthritic, yet powerful hands had overcome the lock just to spite me and it was years before I could look her in the eye again. Since that time I have not cared for public restrooms. I doubt I ever will. To this day, I hate large restrooms. Give me a small stall any time.
It’s safer.
The Thursday Adventures.
My loyal, albeit small, band of followers will notice that I have changed the name and address of my blog. This is because I found the subject of reviewing children’s books too limiting. I read all kinds of different books do all sorts of different things and have decided to write about whatever tickles my fancy.
I decided to call my blog The Thursday Adventures, because every Thursday I watch my nephews, who are three and four. Every week, I plan on recounting my The Thursday Adventures because they are just too funny not to mention. My brother would prefer if I did not use their real names so I will refer to them as Rufus and Franklin for the purposes of my posts.
It has been four years since I started watching the boys, but of course at the time, Rufus was the only one. Franklin came along and the three of us have had more fun together that I ever could have imagined.
Rufus is very intelligent. He is four years old and I often feel like I am speaking to a mini-grown-up when he tells me something. He uses words like ‘actually’ and ‘seriously’ all the time. As in, ‘actually Aunt Char-char, I think it would be better if you pretended to be Yoda today’ or ‘I think Yoda should seriously consider going in a different direction if he doesn’t want his head chopped off.’
I find it very important to follow these suggestions. If you do not when playing with my nephews, you are often shunned and forced to play a non-speaking person such as Chewbacca. If you are Chewy, you can only make grunting noises and use your wookie strength to rip limbs off of other characters.
Franklin is very different from his older brother. He is less serious and far sillier. He enjoys making up songs, and adding the word ‘poop’ to these songs. As in, “We’re going on a trip in our poopy rocket ship, zooming through the skies, poopy Einstein’s!’ His love of the word ‘poop’ cracks me up because I happen to agree with him. Poop is funny.
As an Aunt, I am unencumbered by the parental parameters most people face. I figure it’s my job to make sure they don’t fight, get into trouble, get hurt and have the best time possible when I’m over. That usually involves me wearing a cape in the back yard while playing Batgirl, or a dinosaur hat we pretend is a stuffed alligator I killed and turned into a hat. This is a roll I invented and refer to as Cap’n Betty and for some reason; Cap’n Betty speaks like a Cajun Jimmy Stewart. Cap’n Betty shouts things like, ‘There’s gators in these waters’ and ‘Smile you son-of-a-sea turtle!’ while chucking fake torpedoes at imaginary alligators.
Our battles our epic, our adventures are grand, and our bond is priceless.
Look for more posts about the Thursday Adventures each week. As for the rest of my posts, I will discuss whatever I happen to find interesting. This could be anything from a new TV show I have watched to what’s going on in my kitchen. Anything! Thanks to my loyal followers out there, I hope you enjoy the new posts!
I decided to call my blog The Thursday Adventures, because every Thursday I watch my nephews, who are three and four. Every week, I plan on recounting my The Thursday Adventures because they are just too funny not to mention. My brother would prefer if I did not use their real names so I will refer to them as Rufus and Franklin for the purposes of my posts.
It has been four years since I started watching the boys, but of course at the time, Rufus was the only one. Franklin came along and the three of us have had more fun together that I ever could have imagined.
Rufus is very intelligent. He is four years old and I often feel like I am speaking to a mini-grown-up when he tells me something. He uses words like ‘actually’ and ‘seriously’ all the time. As in, ‘actually Aunt Char-char, I think it would be better if you pretended to be Yoda today’ or ‘I think Yoda should seriously consider going in a different direction if he doesn’t want his head chopped off.’
I find it very important to follow these suggestions. If you do not when playing with my nephews, you are often shunned and forced to play a non-speaking person such as Chewbacca. If you are Chewy, you can only make grunting noises and use your wookie strength to rip limbs off of other characters.
Franklin is very different from his older brother. He is less serious and far sillier. He enjoys making up songs, and adding the word ‘poop’ to these songs. As in, “We’re going on a trip in our poopy rocket ship, zooming through the skies, poopy Einstein’s!’ His love of the word ‘poop’ cracks me up because I happen to agree with him. Poop is funny.
As an Aunt, I am unencumbered by the parental parameters most people face. I figure it’s my job to make sure they don’t fight, get into trouble, get hurt and have the best time possible when I’m over. That usually involves me wearing a cape in the back yard while playing Batgirl, or a dinosaur hat we pretend is a stuffed alligator I killed and turned into a hat. This is a roll I invented and refer to as Cap’n Betty and for some reason; Cap’n Betty speaks like a Cajun Jimmy Stewart. Cap’n Betty shouts things like, ‘There’s gators in these waters’ and ‘Smile you son-of-a-sea turtle!’ while chucking fake torpedoes at imaginary alligators.
Our battles our epic, our adventures are grand, and our bond is priceless.
Look for more posts about the Thursday Adventures each week. As for the rest of my posts, I will discuss whatever I happen to find interesting. This could be anything from a new TV show I have watched to what’s going on in my kitchen. Anything! Thanks to my loyal followers out there, I hope you enjoy the new posts!
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Write Time.
The truth is blogging is difficult for me.
Finding enough brief words to fill up a page and try and keep it interesting is not exactly easy for someone like me. You see, I write books. They are long, involved books for kids of all ages. They consist of picture books, and independent readers, but I have piles of ideas that I am constantly putting down on paper and holding on to until a later date. My ultimate goal is in getting one (or all) of these books published.
But getting your book published is not as easy as it sounds.
I am so often asked by people my book has been published yet (I have written 5 and I’ve been at this for nearly five years) AND THE ANSWER IS NO. In truth, the first book I wrote I was in such a hurry to get finished that I got it done, half-heartedly searched for spelling errors and grammar misuse, and sent it out. The characters were predictable, the plot was far too complicated, and the story was just ok. I can say that now, because I am more than a little embarrassed that my work went out in such a state.
It’s the truth. At the time, I thought my words were brilliance, as most writers do. At the time, I thought the publishers were crazy not to jump at the chance to publish my words, and that I was going to be the next J.K. Rowling.
When no one did take an interest, (I had two publishing companies ask to see the book, then politely reject it, and one agent show interest and then reject it) I realized I must have gone wrong somewhere. I took these rejections to heart.
So, back to the drawing board I went.
I signed up for creative writing classes, and found that the reason I was rejected, was because I knew nothing at all. There are rules to be followed and I made so many mistakes that marked me as an armature from writing my own copy write at the top of the page, to the way I wrote my query letter. So I started from scratch on these books, and to this day I continue to work on them.
Why did I bother if no one wanted them at first? Simple. I love it. I just love it.
There is no greater sound than my fingers plinking away at the keys as ideas burst from my own imagination and come to life on the page. Every character profile, every pain-staking word I choose helps me to define the success I hope to achieve some day. When the words are right, it’s a marvelous day- when they aren’t, well, I just try again tomorrow. It is as simple as that. I have learned through the process that sometimes it is best to step back, and reproach with fresh eyes. The words will come, they always do.
Do I still want to be the next J.K. Rowling?
No. I’d settle for just being me, able to earn a living doing something I love so very much…but if it did happen, wouldn’t that be something?
Finding enough brief words to fill up a page and try and keep it interesting is not exactly easy for someone like me. You see, I write books. They are long, involved books for kids of all ages. They consist of picture books, and independent readers, but I have piles of ideas that I am constantly putting down on paper and holding on to until a later date. My ultimate goal is in getting one (or all) of these books published.
But getting your book published is not as easy as it sounds.
I am so often asked by people my book has been published yet (I have written 5 and I’ve been at this for nearly five years) AND THE ANSWER IS NO. In truth, the first book I wrote I was in such a hurry to get finished that I got it done, half-heartedly searched for spelling errors and grammar misuse, and sent it out. The characters were predictable, the plot was far too complicated, and the story was just ok. I can say that now, because I am more than a little embarrassed that my work went out in such a state.
It’s the truth. At the time, I thought my words were brilliance, as most writers do. At the time, I thought the publishers were crazy not to jump at the chance to publish my words, and that I was going to be the next J.K. Rowling.
When no one did take an interest, (I had two publishing companies ask to see the book, then politely reject it, and one agent show interest and then reject it) I realized I must have gone wrong somewhere. I took these rejections to heart.
So, back to the drawing board I went.
I signed up for creative writing classes, and found that the reason I was rejected, was because I knew nothing at all. There are rules to be followed and I made so many mistakes that marked me as an armature from writing my own copy write at the top of the page, to the way I wrote my query letter. So I started from scratch on these books, and to this day I continue to work on them.
Why did I bother if no one wanted them at first? Simple. I love it. I just love it.
There is no greater sound than my fingers plinking away at the keys as ideas burst from my own imagination and come to life on the page. Every character profile, every pain-staking word I choose helps me to define the success I hope to achieve some day. When the words are right, it’s a marvelous day- when they aren’t, well, I just try again tomorrow. It is as simple as that. I have learned through the process that sometimes it is best to step back, and reproach with fresh eyes. The words will come, they always do.
Do I still want to be the next J.K. Rowling?
No. I’d settle for just being me, able to earn a living doing something I love so very much…but if it did happen, wouldn’t that be something?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
More Nook Adventures and Some Great Used Book Sites.
The deep new-found love I have for my Nook continues. I am still happily downloading books at any time, in any place. The instant gratification still tickles me too. I’ve got a mobile library right at my finger tips- and I love it.
What could make this better?
I can lend books out! My sister has a Nook too and now I am able to send books I like her way if she’s interested in reading, and vice versa. Actually, I can lend out the books I have purchased to anyone with an on-line Barnes and Noble e-book account, which as I understand it, is free. Plus, my sister-in-law is getting a Nook and her sister already has one. So now I have a growing number of people to trade with and I am very excited. The only problem? Not all books are lendable. I don’t know if it is the author or Barnes and Noble who decided which books I can lend and which ones I cannot but, there you go.
I find this completely annoying. If I had the book in paperback, I’d gladly share it with whoever wanted to read it, provided I get it back. Unless I didn’t like it, in which case, I could care less if I ever see it again. You see, I am a re-reader. If I like a book, I will read it dozens of times and never grow tired of it. So Barnes and Noble, I beg you, please let me lend a larger variety of books. I’ve already paid for the darn thing, so why not?
Also, I am finding out that some authors I love don’t even offer their books via e-book. Take Jenny Nimmo for example. You can’t get a single one of her books online, which bums me out. You see, I have the entire Charlie Bone collection in hardback. I love these books. I think Jenny Nimmo is a wonderful story teller and creates the most unusual and incredible characters. I tried to get another set of her books called The Snow Spider Series (also called the Magician Trilogy) and that was not available either.
It. Drove. Me. Nuts.
Officially, I have become a Nook junkie. I just can’t get enough of it. Thankfully, I was able to track down the Nimmo books on my other favorite book site paperbackswap.com. I was so excited to find all three books in the series, so no biggie in the end- Which leads me to my next topic.
Really good, reliable used book websites. If you are trying to find inexpensive used books, two other great sites to check out are thriftbooks.com and seashellbooks.com. They both have great selections for people who love to read and don’t want to break the bank to get their fix. The shipping is affordable too, so you are not spending a fortune on that either.
Happy reading everyone and if you get a Nook- let’s swap books.
What could make this better?
I can lend books out! My sister has a Nook too and now I am able to send books I like her way if she’s interested in reading, and vice versa. Actually, I can lend out the books I have purchased to anyone with an on-line Barnes and Noble e-book account, which as I understand it, is free. Plus, my sister-in-law is getting a Nook and her sister already has one. So now I have a growing number of people to trade with and I am very excited. The only problem? Not all books are lendable. I don’t know if it is the author or Barnes and Noble who decided which books I can lend and which ones I cannot but, there you go.
I find this completely annoying. If I had the book in paperback, I’d gladly share it with whoever wanted to read it, provided I get it back. Unless I didn’t like it, in which case, I could care less if I ever see it again. You see, I am a re-reader. If I like a book, I will read it dozens of times and never grow tired of it. So Barnes and Noble, I beg you, please let me lend a larger variety of books. I’ve already paid for the darn thing, so why not?
Also, I am finding out that some authors I love don’t even offer their books via e-book. Take Jenny Nimmo for example. You can’t get a single one of her books online, which bums me out. You see, I have the entire Charlie Bone collection in hardback. I love these books. I think Jenny Nimmo is a wonderful story teller and creates the most unusual and incredible characters. I tried to get another set of her books called The Snow Spider Series (also called the Magician Trilogy) and that was not available either.
It. Drove. Me. Nuts.
Officially, I have become a Nook junkie. I just can’t get enough of it. Thankfully, I was able to track down the Nimmo books on my other favorite book site paperbackswap.com. I was so excited to find all three books in the series, so no biggie in the end- Which leads me to my next topic.
Really good, reliable used book websites. If you are trying to find inexpensive used books, two other great sites to check out are thriftbooks.com and seashellbooks.com. They both have great selections for people who love to read and don’t want to break the bank to get their fix. The shipping is affordable too, so you are not spending a fortune on that either.
Happy reading everyone and if you get a Nook- let’s swap books.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: By J.K. Rowling
As I am sure have realized by now, I love the Harry Potter series. This series is the reason I started writing children’s books in the first place and it’s also the reason I continue to forge ahead with my writing. It may take me a very long time before I get something published, but I have no intention of quitting, that’s for sure. This is the final book in the Harry Potter series, and in my opinion, the very best book.
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger are on a secret journey that only the three of them know about. They are attempting to track down Horcrux’s in hopes of finishing off Voldemort for good. The very second this book begins, it is filled with action. We travel with the three friends during the most difficult time in any of their lives thus far. Their search to destroy Horcrux’s (No, I’m not telling you what one is, you’ll have to just read!) is dire, bleak, and feels sometimes hopeless. Yet, their mission can put a stop to Voldemort for good.
The magic in this novel is far more dangerous, far more evil, and far more horrible than any of them can even imagine. This journey tests their strengths, their skills, and most of all, their friendships. In all honestly, this is a book I go to over and over. I’ve read it over a dozen times, and I will continue to do so. I have serious doubts that it will ever ‘get old.’
To me, the measure of a good book is whether or not you want to read it over and over again. This book is one that people will want to keep in their library, and never pass on. Voldemort is a seriously evil and horrible adversary, Harry Potter is the hero everyone looks for in an epic tale, and the rest of the characters are so well developed that they enhance the story immeasurably. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will not be able to put this book down. Nice work J.K. Rowling!
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger are on a secret journey that only the three of them know about. They are attempting to track down Horcrux’s in hopes of finishing off Voldemort for good. The very second this book begins, it is filled with action. We travel with the three friends during the most difficult time in any of their lives thus far. Their search to destroy Horcrux’s (No, I’m not telling you what one is, you’ll have to just read!) is dire, bleak, and feels sometimes hopeless. Yet, their mission can put a stop to Voldemort for good.
The magic in this novel is far more dangerous, far more evil, and far more horrible than any of them can even imagine. This journey tests their strengths, their skills, and most of all, their friendships. In all honestly, this is a book I go to over and over. I’ve read it over a dozen times, and I will continue to do so. I have serious doubts that it will ever ‘get old.’
To me, the measure of a good book is whether or not you want to read it over and over again. This book is one that people will want to keep in their library, and never pass on. Voldemort is a seriously evil and horrible adversary, Harry Potter is the hero everyone looks for in an epic tale, and the rest of the characters are so well developed that they enhance the story immeasurably. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will not be able to put this book down. Nice work J.K. Rowling!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
DVD review- Ledgend of the Guardians:The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Well, this is my first DVD review, but it seemed like a good idea since last week I did a review of the first book in the Guardian’s of Ga’Hoole series. I will start by saying, this DVD is visually stunning! It was done by Disney, which in my opinion, generally does good work. It is a cartoon of course and I believe it was originally done in 3-D which, after watching the movie, would have been great. My husband and I bought it on blue-ray and it looked so incredible! The detail the animators gave to the owls from their facial expressions, to the color of their feathers was so detailed that they could have been real owls! Soren and Gylfie really came to life on screen, and in just the way I imagined them. The scenery was so incredible too! I mean, the different landscapes were truly breathtaking. At more than one point I said aloud, “Wow! This looks incredible!”
Now on to the bad news. This movie, although well done, is very different from the book. Kludd (Soren’s brother) has a very different role in the movie than he does in the book, that’s for sure. The relationship between Soren and Gylfie (which is central to the plot in the book) is much less emphasized in the movie as well. In the book, it is their friendship that keeps them going, but in the DVD it is the Guardians and the hope that they really exist. Also, the introduction of Twilight and Digger is very different in the books than it is in the DVD, but I did not find this difference to be a bad one.
Also, this movie includes several of the books- I don’t yet know how many, as I have not read them all. I can understand that though, because clumping several of the books together to make the film made it easier to keep the action going in the film.
I enjoyed the movie a lot actually. It was so visually appealing that it was hard not to. If you are a fan of the books, I would most certainly recommend that you see the film and draw your own conclusions. Just remember that it is very different from the books and I think you will like it too: 0)
Now on to the bad news. This movie, although well done, is very different from the book. Kludd (Soren’s brother) has a very different role in the movie than he does in the book, that’s for sure. The relationship between Soren and Gylfie (which is central to the plot in the book) is much less emphasized in the movie as well. In the book, it is their friendship that keeps them going, but in the DVD it is the Guardians and the hope that they really exist. Also, the introduction of Twilight and Digger is very different in the books than it is in the DVD, but I did not find this difference to be a bad one.
Also, this movie includes several of the books- I don’t yet know how many, as I have not read them all. I can understand that though, because clumping several of the books together to make the film made it easier to keep the action going in the film.
I enjoyed the movie a lot actually. It was so visually appealing that it was hard not to. If you are a fan of the books, I would most certainly recommend that you see the film and draw your own conclusions. Just remember that it is very different from the books and I think you will like it too: 0)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Westing Game: By Ellen Raskin
The first time I read The Westing Game I was in fifth or sixth grade. I absolutely loved it! I love to read, so I was thrilled to get the assignment back in the day. Clearly, this makes me a bit of a geek, but I could care less. To further cement me into the geek category, some of my favorite movies include Star Wars, Jurassic Park, anything with Jackie Chan, and Big Trouble in Little China, which I got for Christmas on blue-ray- score! I also still watch cartoons, and my current favorites are Avatar: The Last Airbender and Phineas and Ferb. But I digress.
The Westing Game first introduced me to the who-done-it genre, which later led me to Agatha Christie, whom I adore and still read to this day. So, whoever the teacher was that made me read The Westing Game, I thank you.
When I was re-reading this book, I started to remember bits and pieces of it. It made me a bit nostalgic, and I loved every second of it.
Recently, I read some reviews from first time readers that had me cracking up. Those who were given The Westing Game as a gift or bought it on their own loved it. Those who were forced to read it for a classroom assignment as a whole really didn’t like it. So, I guess my advice is, read it quick! Before some teacher forces you to.
The Westing game involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. Depending on how well they play the Westing Game, which is this very complex game that involves all sorts of high stake, wild and sometimes dangerous situations, will inherit 200 million dollars. The sixteen people are paired off into sets of two- and given clues to try and discover if Westing was killed…or died of natural causes. It is up to the teams to figure this out- and up to you, the reader.
This book reminded me of the movie, Clue (another one of my favorites). The characters are so incredibly diverse and full of oddities that you find yourself second guessing and accusing everyone of committing the crime. And the end of the book just makes it. I think this book is clever, interesting and after reading it the second time around, good enough to read over and over. I highly recommend!
The Westing Game first introduced me to the who-done-it genre, which later led me to Agatha Christie, whom I adore and still read to this day. So, whoever the teacher was that made me read The Westing Game, I thank you.
When I was re-reading this book, I started to remember bits and pieces of it. It made me a bit nostalgic, and I loved every second of it.
Recently, I read some reviews from first time readers that had me cracking up. Those who were given The Westing Game as a gift or bought it on their own loved it. Those who were forced to read it for a classroom assignment as a whole really didn’t like it. So, I guess my advice is, read it quick! Before some teacher forces you to.
The Westing game involves sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing’s will. Depending on how well they play the Westing Game, which is this very complex game that involves all sorts of high stake, wild and sometimes dangerous situations, will inherit 200 million dollars. The sixteen people are paired off into sets of two- and given clues to try and discover if Westing was killed…or died of natural causes. It is up to the teams to figure this out- and up to you, the reader.
This book reminded me of the movie, Clue (another one of my favorites). The characters are so incredibly diverse and full of oddities that you find yourself second guessing and accusing everyone of committing the crime. And the end of the book just makes it. I think this book is clever, interesting and after reading it the second time around, good enough to read over and over. I highly recommend!
The Guardians of Ga'Hoole (Book 1): By Kathryn Lasky
I would like to begin by apologizing. It has been three weeks since my last post. Despite my vow to write something at least once a week when I started this blog, I let the holiday festivities get the better of me. Yet, the promise of a new year, fresh with no mistakes in it yet, gives me hope that I can and will be blogging at least once a week this year.
On to the Guadrian’s of Ga’Hoole. I have very mixed feelings about the first book in this series. The Guardian’s is the very first book I got on my Nook, so I was excited to dig in. In the first few chapters, we learn about Soren, a young owlet who is not yet old enough to fly. In these chapters, we discover Soren is a Barn owl who lives in his nest with his Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, and a snake called Mrs. Plithiver who is a blind snake that acts as a nest maid to the family.
These first chapters are interesting because of how detailed the author, Kathryn Lasky, describes the owls from the way they live, to how they hunt, to how they care for one another. The detail is amazing! I have such an amazingly clear picture of this little family in my head and their cozy little nest. It is in this safe haven that Soren first hears the tales of the Guardian’s of Ga’Hoole (from his Father), the owls who fight for truth and injustice for their kind. Needless to say, this description is delightful and I enjoyed it very much.
The action begins when Soren falls from the nest and is taken away from his family. He is spirited away by a pair of very cruel owls who take him to a place called St. Aegolius. In St. Aggies, he quickly finds out that this place is nothing like home. It is filled with owls of all races that have been snatched from their families and treated cruelly. The owls are divided into groups and forced to do certain jobs that are chosen for them by a set of owls that run St. Aggies. It is in this terrible place that he meets an Elf Owl named Gylfie. Gylfie and Soren become close friends and use that friendship to try and discover a way to escape St. Aggies, and find the Guardian’s of Ga’Hoole so they can put a stop to the terrible things that go on here.
The way I explain the story above makes it all sound very exciting, but in all honestly, the part of the story that takes place in St. Aggies is really slow in spots. There were times I wondered to myself why I kept reading. The part in the beginning when Soren was in the nest was so interesting! I am a big fan of animals, and I watch Animal Planet all the time. I love learning about them. I even like books where animals can speak because I think in their own way; they speak to one another, so giving them a human voice is not too big a stretch. Yet, in St Aggies, oh man! It is very slow in spots. I understand that the author did this to show how slow time goes by for Gylfie and Soren, but I kept losing interest. Until the end that is.
The last several chapters are about Soren and Gylfie trying to escape. Without giving away the details, the end is quick moving, action packed, and excellent! So excellent in fact, that my earlier desire to give up on the book altogether and not bother reading the next two I’d purchased went out the window. I’ve already started the second book and love it so far. Who knows? Maybe to you this first book in the series went quickly. What one person finds interesting versus another is always different.
All I can say is, although it moved very slowly, I was pleasantly surprised in the end. I can wait to finish the first three books, and then watch the movie that just came out on DVD. I’ll be glad to let you know what I think of that too! So if you have enough patience, like Owls, and are willing to stick this book through to the end, I’m sure you will love it just as I did.
On to the Guadrian’s of Ga’Hoole. I have very mixed feelings about the first book in this series. The Guardian’s is the very first book I got on my Nook, so I was excited to dig in. In the first few chapters, we learn about Soren, a young owlet who is not yet old enough to fly. In these chapters, we discover Soren is a Barn owl who lives in his nest with his Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, and a snake called Mrs. Plithiver who is a blind snake that acts as a nest maid to the family.
These first chapters are interesting because of how detailed the author, Kathryn Lasky, describes the owls from the way they live, to how they hunt, to how they care for one another. The detail is amazing! I have such an amazingly clear picture of this little family in my head and their cozy little nest. It is in this safe haven that Soren first hears the tales of the Guardian’s of Ga’Hoole (from his Father), the owls who fight for truth and injustice for their kind. Needless to say, this description is delightful and I enjoyed it very much.
The action begins when Soren falls from the nest and is taken away from his family. He is spirited away by a pair of very cruel owls who take him to a place called St. Aegolius. In St. Aggies, he quickly finds out that this place is nothing like home. It is filled with owls of all races that have been snatched from their families and treated cruelly. The owls are divided into groups and forced to do certain jobs that are chosen for them by a set of owls that run St. Aggies. It is in this terrible place that he meets an Elf Owl named Gylfie. Gylfie and Soren become close friends and use that friendship to try and discover a way to escape St. Aggies, and find the Guardian’s of Ga’Hoole so they can put a stop to the terrible things that go on here.
The way I explain the story above makes it all sound very exciting, but in all honestly, the part of the story that takes place in St. Aggies is really slow in spots. There were times I wondered to myself why I kept reading. The part in the beginning when Soren was in the nest was so interesting! I am a big fan of animals, and I watch Animal Planet all the time. I love learning about them. I even like books where animals can speak because I think in their own way; they speak to one another, so giving them a human voice is not too big a stretch. Yet, in St Aggies, oh man! It is very slow in spots. I understand that the author did this to show how slow time goes by for Gylfie and Soren, but I kept losing interest. Until the end that is.
The last several chapters are about Soren and Gylfie trying to escape. Without giving away the details, the end is quick moving, action packed, and excellent! So excellent in fact, that my earlier desire to give up on the book altogether and not bother reading the next two I’d purchased went out the window. I’ve already started the second book and love it so far. Who knows? Maybe to you this first book in the series went quickly. What one person finds interesting versus another is always different.
All I can say is, although it moved very slowly, I was pleasantly surprised in the end. I can wait to finish the first three books, and then watch the movie that just came out on DVD. I’ll be glad to let you know what I think of that too! So if you have enough patience, like Owls, and are willing to stick this book through to the end, I’m sure you will love it just as I did.
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