MarytheKaytheBlog

Let's tell some truth together...

In honor of Tell the Truth Tuesday, I thought it would be fun to play a little Truth or Dare with yous guys.  

Okay, not really Truth or Dare.  I just said that to make you nervous.  

But, I thought yous guys may get sick of hearing all about me...So, I'm turning the tables on YOU today.  

I will answer some questions about myself.  But ONLY if you PROMISE to tell me YOUR ANSWERS.

Pinkie promise?

Okay, here goes!

1.  What book have you read recently? (I'm currently reading Unbroken, and LOVING it!)

2.  What's your current breakfast of choice?  (Lately, I've been alternating between Oatmeal Raisin Crunch cereal or a cinnamon raisin bagel.  Yum.  I'm hungry now.)

3.  Are your toenails painted right now?  What color?  (Yes!!  I keep mine painted all during my beloved Chaco season.  Right now, mine are painted Revlon's Love that Red.  Speaking of toenail painting...Have you read my brilliant post on perfectly painted toenails???)

4.  What household chore do you like LEAST?  (Hmm...it's a tie between vacuuming, and putting away folded clothes.)

5.  What household chore do you like MOST?  (None of the above.  Okay, if I HAD to pick...it would be washing a load of white clothes, and putting in a leetle beet of bleach.  A capful of bleach makes me happy.)

 6.  What is the LEAST HEALTHY thing you do? (Okay, okay, I admit...sometimes I really love having a bowl of ice cream at bedtime.  I know it is a terrible terrible thing to do...but it just tastes so delicious while I am watching something in bed...)

7.  What is on your gift list for Mother's Day...or birthday...?  (Well, since you asked, I'd have to say...I would love a live plant in a pretty pot to replace an old silk plant that is about to PUT ME OVER the EDGE.  I'd really like something tall, and would love something that blooms--like an orchid.  I'd also like either a Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred dvd, or the book about running written by an old Kamp friend of mine--Run With Me: An Accidental Runner and the Power of Poo.

Okay, that's it!  Now, it's YOUR turn!!!

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Help me pick out some great beach reads (pretty please?)

Today, I need your help!  Our family is heading to the beach soon, and I'd love some great beach read suggestions!  My favorite beach book is a paperback, that is not too heavy (in subject matter)--but is also not too "fluffy."  I love a book that makes me think, and is fun to talk about with others.

Oh, and I almost forgot!  I only like fiction.  You think I'm kidding, right?  Nope.  I'm a sucker for a good story.

So--what do you think?  Do you have any great suggestions for me?  What have you read recently that you really loved?

(Psst!  Local friends--do you have any great books I could borrow?  I promise will try not to drop it in the pool, or anything...)

So...suggestions???

What I've Been Reading Lately

 One of my favorite things about Christmas break is that I have extra time to read.  I like to plan ahead--especially for our long road trip to visit family--and save some really good books just for Christmas break.

Here are the 4 books I read over Christmas break:

1.  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - I waited a full year before I finally picked up this book to read.  Even though it had been highly recommended by a reader whose taste in books I really trust, I drug my feet about reading it--because of its premise.  In case you don't know about this book, the premise is that in a future America (called Panem), teenagers are randomly selected and forced to take part in a set of nationally televised games (The Hunger Games), in which the youth fight to the death, until a winner emerges.

You see why I was hesitant to read this book!  This is actually a young adult book--which is being devoured by 5th and 6th graders everywhere.  When I heard that my 5th grade literacy-teaching sister was going to read the book, I quickly decided I finally would, too!

Okay, all of those disclaimers to say this:  I LOVED the book.  Period.  Reading the book is sort of like passing a terrible wreck on the side of the road and not being able to look away.  The Hunger Games has wonderful characters that I cared about, and a plot that kept me engrossed.  I can see why the book is a young adult book--there are so many interesting themes a good teacher could draw out, and have great discussions with a class.

The Hunger Games is a trilogy, and Book 2 is currently on its way to my doorstep in a smiley-faced box!!!  (And in the meantime...I. Am. Dying!!!!!)

2.   Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos -  I really really loved this book.  It was an easy read--but, oh, such an endearing read.  Also by this author are Love Walked In and Belong to Me--both of which I probably loved EVEN MORE than Falling Together.

3.   One Year Women's Devotional by Nav Press- I got this devotional book for Christmas, and already I am loving it.  Each day's devotional is one page, with a handy satin ribbon to keep your place (ALL books should have attached satin ribbon bookmarks, should they not?)  The authors are all women involved in some form of ministry--many of them pastors' wives.  Fun sidenote:  My cousin (a pastor's wife) wrote 2 of the devotionals!!  Shout out to Rachel Uth!!!  Love her!

4.  The House at Riverton by Kate Morton - I loved this book.  Now, I do have to tell you that it took me a while to get into it...maybe 50 pages or so.  But, when I did, I really fell in love with the characters, and their story.   Oh, and the very last page of the book was so satisfying--it just tied up the whole story and made me smile beneath my tears.

I just love talking books!  What are you reading?

Some thoughts about The Help

 
I got to see the brand new movie The Help last night, and I LOVED it!  I was nervous beforehand--because I had fallen in love with the characters and the story when I read the book a couple of years ago.  I was nervous the movie wouldn't measure up.  But, it was wonderful!  It far exceeded my expectations!  I laughed and laughed, and cried.  One time, I even nearly started crying out loud.  Really--if you have a chance--you should not miss this movie.  You can't help but be inspired by its message of having the courage to do what is right, even when unpopular, or even illegal.

Now, I have hesitated a dozen times today in writing some personal thoughts about the movie's theme...  Mostly, because I do not want to diminish the movie--or the story--one bit.  Both are well-written, and wonderful depictions of the Civil Rights South.

However. 

I do hope everyone understands--especially non-Southerners--that every period of history has its group of small-minded people.  There have been bigots and horrible people since the beginning of time.  And, certainly, we have our share of selfish, self-serving, and downright mean people today.

But, let's please not forget that since the beginning of time, there have also been loving people, people with courage, and people with the moral conviction to make the hard choices.  Where would we be today without our heroes throughout history, shining light on the moral paths?

I just hope the people watching The Help understand that although the Civil Rights South is a dark spot in our country's history and a sorrowful time for so many black people; that not all the white people living in that era were like "Hilly" in the movie.   

My family had maids.  We NEVER ONCE referred to them as "the help."  We wouldn't even have considered it.  I cringe just to write those words.  We only called our maids by their names, and we loved them like our own family.  I can remember wanting to stay home from school some days--just so I could sit on my bed and get to be with Erma while she ironed in my bedroom.

And that sentiment didn't change as we grew up, like the movie talks about.  I remember many Sundays when we'd sit around Miss Lillian's tiny living room--the Miss Lillian that my daddy adored, because she helped raise him after his mom died, and before his dad remarried.  We loved hearing Miss Lillian tell stories about our dad as a little boy.  She always had a gleam in her eye, and wide toothy smile when she'd tell those stories.

The whole time I was watching The Help, I tried to remember families in my hometown who may have acted as horribly as Hilly and her husband.  I realize that I grew up in the decade after the Civil Rights Movement, so either bigotry to that degree had dissolved by then in our town, or maybe my family just didn't associate with people like that?  Certainly, there was still some personal prejudice I remember.  But I never saw anyone treated like the maids in the movie. 

Through the years, I've visited a lot about this subject with my dad, who also grew up in our Southern hometown.   He said he and his friends just didn't know what was going on at the time--they didn't know or understand how bad things were in towns like Jackson and Montgomery.  They saw terrible images on the news, but none of it related to anything they experienced in their town.  They didn't really think about having separate schools, water fountains, or movie entrances.  That's just the way things had always been.  They didn't know life could be any different. 

Dad's family had a black man named Mose who worked in their yard and around the house for years and years.  To say my dad loved Mose is an understatement.  Mose was his companion, his teacher of songs and phrases, his story-teller, and most importantly, his friend.  Dad says the only time he really wondered why things were "different" was when his parents were out-of-town, and Mose would stay overnight with the kids.  Dad said he never understood why Mose wouldn't sleep in a bed, or even sit on any of the furniture in the house.  He would really nag Mose to sleep in a bed--but Mose never would, he always said he was more comfortable on the floor, right next to my dad's bed.  Dad says he's sure his parents never told Mose he couldn't sit on the furniture, or sleep in a bed.  That's just the way things were then. 

"That's just the way things are" is a good sign it's time to start a movement...like the Civil Rights Movement.  People--kind-hearted and evil alike--may be blind to a different and better way to live.  Our country needed men and women like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks to shake things up, and shine light on a better path.

But, even though we need a hero to shine a light on a better path, that doesn't mean the hero is the only good guy around.  Sometimes, it's just the hero that is the visionary to point to the moral path, that even the good guys are blind to.  Oh, sure, there are always selfish and evil people blocking the way to every moral path.  But, there are also kind-hearted, well-meaning people who will move toward the moral path, once it's pointed out.

Man, I sound like I'm preaching now!!  Preach it, Sista Kay!

It does make me wonder, though...   Who is our hero of this age? 

And what is the moral path we should be following?

Heaven is For Real - Book Review

 

I'm a little embarrassed to say Heaven is For Real is not a book I would have picked up in the bookstore.   Oh wait--I DID pick this up in the bookstore.  But, only because my hair stylist had just told me all about it.  I decided that day in the salon's black vinyl chair, that I was heading straight for Books A Million as soon as my hair was beautiful.  As my stylist told me a little about this book, I actually got tears in my eyes.  Okay, I cried a little bit.  (But, don't tell anybody)  I figured any book that can make me cry when hearing about it, is worth reading.  

Now, don't worry--I promise not to give any major secrets away, in case you want to read it!

 

If you look closely at the cover of the book, you get an idea of the premise of the book, "A little boy's astounding story of his trip to Heaven and back." 

That statement is why I probably wouldn't have picked up this book in a bookstore.  Maybe I'm a little jaded.  But, I've never wanted to read any of the "I died and went to Heaven, but then came back to life to tell you all about it" kind of books.  This book seems different than those other books appear to me.  Granted, I have not read those other books--so feel free to contradict me!  But, those books seem to focus on the experience of the author, including just a few details about Heaven.  Little Colton Burpo's experiences in Heaven is for Real seem to focus on Heaven, Jesus, God, and even John the Baptist.  At least, that was my main impression as I was reading--I started thinking specifically about Jesus and how wonderful Heaven will be someday.

I also loved that Colton's Heavenly experiences weren't the flashy climax of his story.  His story, which his dad writes for him, is about how Colton's entire family was strengthened and encouraged.  Over time, Colten reveals to his mom and dad life-changing details (for them) about two specific people he met in Heaven.  This is the same way Colten tells about all of his experiences in Heaven--slowly, and over time.  (Isn't that the way we always get information out of little children?)  "Seeing" these details through the eyes of a 4-year-old is exactly how my jaded brain needs to see them--with the simple faith of a child.

The reason I cried in the salon's black vinyl chair that day, and the reason I wanted to read this little 150-page book in the first place, was that it made me consider Heaven in a concrete terms.  I pictured how much Jesus must love me, as I read about Jesus holding little Colton in his lap in Heaven.  And when I got to the part where Colton tells his dad about  Jesus' eyes, I just lost it, "And his eyes...oh, Dad, his eyes are so pretty!" 

Never before have I thought about Jesus' eyes.  But, I do now.  Reading this book made me realize that I will LOOK INTO HIS EYES someday, and He will look into mine. 

Wow.

Now, I am not guaranteeing that Colton Burpo's story is true.  That's not for me to judge.  But, I will tell you this:  Reading his story made me think about Jesus and Heaven, and my own spiritual journey in a tangible way. 

And anything that makes me think about Heavenly things is not bad at all!

What do YOU think about "I died and went to Heaven, and then came back" stories? 

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What I'm reading right now

 The other day, I got one of these happy, smiley boxes in the mail...

Do these boxes make you as happy as they make me? 

They make me smile even bigger when I know that the contents are birthday presents!!  (Thanks, Mom J!!)

 

And look!!  Look what I found inside... 
 

 

 

1.  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp - If the rest of the book is anything like the first 2 pages, I am in big trouble!  I've already cried, and re-read several sentences, just to soak in the pure poetry of Ann's words.  Wow.  I have a feeling this might be one of those books I keep by my bedside, to pick up and re-read sections on those days when life feels a little gloomy.  Ann's blog affects me the same way.  So many days, the quiet music and quiet words wash over my dinged up heart, and help me find a better perspective to face the day.

 

2.   The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown - I am such a sucker for 2 things:  Amazon recommendations, and books about sisters.  Usually, neither disappoint me.  Here is Amazon's description that grabbed me.  (They had me with 3 simple words:  sisters, books, and home.)

A major new talent tackles the complicated terrain of sisters, the power of books, and the places we decide to call home.

There is no problem that a library card can't solve.

The Andreas family is one of readers. Their father, a renowned Shakespeare professor who speaks almost entirely in verse, has named his three daughters after famous Shakespearean women. When the sisters return to their childhood home, ostensibly to care for their ailing mother, but really to lick their wounds and bury their secrets, they are horrified to find the others there. See, we love each other. We just don't happen to like each other very much. But the sisters soon discover that everything they've been running from-one another, their small hometown, and themselves-might offer more than they ever expected.

 

3.  The Pioneer Woman's Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond - Well, this one is a given.  I've read every word of The Pioneer Woman's Black Heels story on her blog.  Heck, I'm pretty sure I entered the contest several years ago where she asked for name suggestions for the (at the time) serial love story.  I'm also pretty sure of another thing:  I will need to read this on a weekend.  I bet I won't be able to put it down once I start!

 

4.  Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only by Beth Moore - And here's where I go super spiritual on ya.  This is a personal devotional book that I have wanted for a while.  I just never would buy it for myself.  It is a beautiful hardbound book, divided into daily Bible readings and questions for me to consider about the life of Jesus.  I am so happy I asked for it for my birthday!!  The fact that it has a silk ribbon to keep my place just makes me giddy.  My friend Dawn has a couple of these 90 Days books by Beth Moore, and has loved them for personal devotions.  I hate to admit this--but I am really looking forward to using my indelible ink pen on its pristine pages!  Aaaannd marking the page with my silk ribbon, of course!  It's the little things...

 

What are YOU reading right now?

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Our Top 10 Favorite Car Travel Must Haves (alternate title: The Beverly Hillbillies Done Hit the Road)

I don't know about you, but holidays around our house usually involve some travel.  I thought it would be fun to share some of our family's favorite car travel tips.  Who knows?  Maybe some of them you'll find helpful.  Otherwise, I bet you'll just find us odd.

 10.  Hire a driver.  I like to hire my husband Dave.  It's a win-win.  He likes to drive, and I like to be driven.

9.  Constant coffee supply for the driver.  I'm not mentioning names, but steering wheels can make *some* drivers very sleepy.  If I am going to be able to read my book, or take a little nappie, I need to feel assured that my driver is awake and alert.

8.  Speaking of reading and naps, the rider must always travel with her pillow, in her lap.  I have no idea why, except for the fact that it feels cozy.  I feel very forlorn on a plane without my pillow.

7.  A stack of good books.  I look forward to holiday reading almost as much as the holiday itself.  I have a special satchel that is dedicated to my books when traveling.  This trip I brought 5 books.  You'll see my first one in the picture above.  It's Annie Downs' first book--From Head to Foot: All of You Living All for Him--and it is fabulous!!  If you have teenage or tween daughters, BUY IT for them.  (that's an order)  Oh, okay, I'll dedicate an entire post to Annie's book soon. 

6.  If you look closely at the top left of the picture, you will see an absolute necessity for our family's car travels:  a Coca-Cola.  I find that having a Coke in that little cup holder keeps me cheerful on a long ride.  My dear husband was very disappointed to learn upon marrying me that I like to get a fresh Coke at every stop.  Doesn't matter if I still have half a Coke left--if we stop, a fresh non-watered down one is an absolute necessity. 

5.  We have a little bit of a double-standard in our car.  The mom and dad have a constant supply of coffee and Cokes, and the backseat riders...well, they are on a rationing program.  Through a bit of trial and error we have learned the mathematical equation that 1 Coke for a wee one = 16 stops for a wee one break, in a manner of speaking.  1 chocolate milk included in a Happy Meal = 1-2 stops.  Not bad, but not perfect, either.  1 small cup of ice = no stops at all.  I guess their wee bodies absorb that precious amount of water for simple body functioning.  Hey--that works for us.  And the kiddies just love cups of ice.  "Hey kids!  Would you like a small cup of ice...or a cup of air???"  They ask for the ice every time.

4.  Speaking of the back seat, on our car travels, we've decided we like to take 2 girls along.  We figure--we've got the room in our super-cool minivan, we might as well take these girls that insist on calling us "Mom and Dad."  Through lots of screaming trial and error we have learned that one per row is just perfect.  Since Sara Beth likes cozy little cubbyholes and tents, she chooses to sit in the far back.  The large dog kennel piled high with clothes and coats next to her helps provide the perfect cubbyhole environment.

3.  Large dog kennel???  Yes, we like to travel with our 2 large hunting dogs.  In fact, I'm not sure if push came to shove on minivan space, who Dave would pick between the dogs and me.  He would probably tell you that the dogs don't buy as many Cokes.  Or possibly that I don't point pheasants nearly as reliably.  We have found that  nothing helps create a happy travel environment like big dogs who...(how can I say this delicately?) who cause Sara Beth occasionally to cry out, "Daddy!!  Please open the back windows!!!" 

2.  One the most essential components of a successful car trip:  Dvd player with headphones.  I am sure the person who invented the car dvd player was a mom, who had heard too many times the familiar whiny words, "Mo-ommmm!!!  She's on my side againnnnn!!  She won't leave me alonnnnne!!!  Mo-ooommmm!!   She called me a name again!!!  Mo-ooommmm!!!  She's looking at me!!!"  It is a unanswerable scientific question why, when the mom and dad are sitting SIDE BY SIDE, that the word, "Da-aaddddd!!!!"  is never uttered.   Why, oh, why is that?  But, with 2 beautiful dvd players and headphones on every little head, all is calm, all is bright.

1.  The Snack Bag:  Essential for a happy car trip.  What, with all the coffee buying, and  Coke freshening up, and extra small cups of ice--I like to save a little money by packing an exciting bag of snacks.  This snack bag happens to be a little heavier on the junk food than  normal...but my husband found a really great deal on a huge box 'o junk.  For those of you that know Dave, that doesn't surprise you one bit.

 

Well, there you have it!  I hope your holiday travels are happy and  memorable.  I hope that your own super-cool minivans transport you safely to the arms of your families in far-flung places.  I hope that as you arrive, you're able to extend grace to the weirder family members, and that they are able to extend grace to you in all your weird-ness, too.  Most of all, I hope that as your family gathers together for that delicious Christmas meal, you will take a moment to thank the One that created this whole holiday anyway.  The little baby in the manger over on your mama's sideboard.  I hope you thank Him for being born.  And, I really hope you sing Him Happy Birthday.

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Christmas Around the World - Teaching your Kids

A couple of years ago, I started teaching Christmas Around the World units to our neighborhood Homeschool Kids.   I figured that since I love everything Christmas, and I also really love learning about other cultures--I could combine the two and teach some get your hands dirty and let's get crafty while learning about our amazing world classes!  Seriously--teaching these classes is FUN.  (I understand I am a dork.)  I enjoy learning right alongside the kids I teach!  The first year we learned about Christmas traditions in Sweden, Mexico, and Russia.  We were busy that first year--we did things like make marzipan and Pepperkakor cookies for Sweden, create 14 individual pinatas (the prep-work for that one about killed me!!!), and cook the Russian tea cakes and make a spiced tea for a Russian high tea.  Sweden...marzipan candy and gingerbread houses, St. Lucia's day garland and candles, Pepperkakor cookies behind the candles, and Annika's Secret Wish--one of my favorite holiday books!

Last year, we raced back in time in America--learning about Colonial, Pioneer, and Victorian Christmases.  We made ink just like the Colonists did, using blueberries and strawberries--that the kids got to try out (and take home!) with real feather quill pens.  The kids got to race each other to see who could "load a pioneer schooner wagon" quickest.  They also got to make tin-punched luminaries, and evergreen boughs (using FREE tree trimmings from Lowe's!)   To celebrate the Victorian Era in America, the kids made the desserts for ourVictorian tea--(Oreo) bon bons and cranberry muffins.  They also created fancy calling cards and Christmas cards.

 Building log cabins like the Pioneers

This year, we're racing around the world again--learning about the Christmas traditions in Poland, Germany, and England.  With each unit, I work hard to find a beautiful and meaningful Christmas picture storybook about that country.  In fact, I'll let you in on a little secret...I pick the country to teach when I find a great picture book!  Many times, I do a drawing on the day of the class, so that a student gets to take home the beautiful book!  (Sometimes, it is really difficult to let go of the book!!!)

I tell you all of this because I want to share my lesson plans with you.  I figure if I go to all the work and planning, I might as well share it with others.  I will post these plans as soon as I teach each class.  Please feel free to use any of these ideas--especially if you want to reach out to your own neighbor kids!  Gosh, nothing would please me more than hearing that other kids were racing around the world with us!  I will include links in these plans, so that you are able to print out all the same materials I am using.  Oh, and I do charge a nominal fee for the neighbor kids that come take these classes, to cover the costs of supplies.  (Feel free to e-mail me, and we can chat about setting a fee that suits your needs.)  The only thing I ask--is that if you post any of my ideas, please link back, and give me credit (please and thank you!!) 

So, if you'd like to join us on our race around the world this year--start gathering supplies!  This week, we'll study Poland.  Barring a mental breakdown, I plan to post the Polish lesson plans on Friday.  (Note:  Mental breakdown is not unheard of in these here parts.)  Here are some of the supplies to start gathering:

1 .  Marta and the Manger Straw book (Does your library have it?) 
 
2.  Wheat straw...or regular straw...or raffia...or really really skinny dowel rods.  We'll be making a straw Christmas ornament.  String or embroidery thread.

3.  Colorful construction paper and scissors

4.  Ingredients for recipes:  butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, powdered sugar, chopped pecans (can you guess what recipe??)

Other possible ingredients...?  Do I DARE to make pierogies?  Nope, I've never made them, or even tried them...but has that everstopped me from helping 15 kids, ages 6-11, get crazy in my kitchen???  (I'm a glutton for punishment...and a flour-strewn kitchen!)   The pierogies are a slight maybe...  For those, we'd need sour cream, mashed potatoes, flour, and butter. 

5.  A nativity set (for the kids to play with/decorate), and dress up clothes to create a living nativity

6.  The other things you'd need, you should already have around the house...pencils, colors, markers, white paper, etc...mop, broom, vacuum, Valium, and LOTS of Coca-Cola...

What are some fun ways your family/homeschoolers celebrate(s) Christmas? 

 I would also LOVE to hear if you use any of these ideas--and how you use them!!  Oh, and just so you know...I am SURE there are plenty of ways to IMPROVE my lessons--feel free to improve away!!!  I am a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl, so I am usually putting on finishing touches to the lessons the night before...after midnight...

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Linky Dinks: New Discoveries

 I found a new blog today...Or, rather, I should say:  Just today I found a blog that is new to me.  And, actually, I have read it before.  I just newly discovered it today--and I am so happy I did!  Have you read AnnieBlogs?  That Annie--she is funny, and insightful, and just FUN to read.  Basically, AnnieBlogs is just good people. 

 

Of course, I am a big sucker for people's reading/watching lists. I have been hearing a lot of buzz about The Hunger Games, which AnnieBlogs mentions.  (And it's a trilogy--triple squeal!!!)  For the first time I actually read what the book is about.  And, I have to tell you...I may or may not be running to Target later this morning to make a purchase for our upcoming roadtrip.  (Dear husband, just read on past that part!)

 

Want to be inspired today?  How about inspired to action?  What a wonderful new blog this is!  What a wonderful resource, too.

 

Ah, and here is a song for your heart today.  Sara Groves certainly isn't a new discovery to me...but this song is!  Love it!

 

 

 In closing, I'd like to give a little SHOUT OUT to some friends, as we have been giggling about this famous MOVIE QUOTE:

 

SUSHI!

 

(Name that movie!)

 

Now, go bust open a brand new pack of bon bons, flop onto your couch, and begin enjoying your weekend!!!  See ya next week as we start The Great Bike Challenge!!  (Might even post a few bike pictures this weekend...)  If you just can't stand it, and want to hear my minute-by-minute rants thoughtful thoughts as we drive thousands of miles (literally, ugh) across the US towards Maine, follow me on Twitter:  @MarytheKay

 

Special note to house robbers:  Just in case you think you are all tricky noticing that we will not be at our house...  Yeah, I am one-half step ahead of ya!  We always have a house sitter.  A big, ugly, scary guy.  Who is not afraid of hunting rifles.  I'm just saying.  And two dogs in the back yard who bark and howl as a hobby.  And really nosy neighbors, who frankly, do not like barking dogs.

I spent it with my uncle in Alaska hunting wolverines

Hey Napoleon, what did you do last summer again?

I told you!  I spent it with my uncle in Alaska hunting wolverines.

Did you shoot any?

Yes, like 50 of 'em!  They kept trying to attack my cousins, what the heck would you do in a situation like that?

What kind of gun did you use?

A freakin' 12-gauge, what do you think?

I know there is a small percentage of you who have absolutely no idea what those lines above mean.  And, for you people, I am truly sorry.  For the others who saw, and can quote every single line of the Napoleon Dynamite movie, you and I are now and forevermore bosom buddies. 

Yeah, except, even though Anne and Diana use that term for their enduring friendship, it makes me uncomfortable.  So, let me rephrase that...You people who spit Coke out and drop your popcorn because of Kip and Napoleon and Uncle Rico--You and I are now and forevermore Fist Bump Buddies.

Since summer is quickly coming to an end, and we must all climb back onto the schoolbuses and find our lockers, I thought I'd have a little Summer's Nearly Over, What Of It quiz...or as I like to call it:  a SNOr WOIt quiz.  Please answer the questions in the Comments section!  Pretty please?  It'll be fun, I promise!

1.  What was your favorite thing about this summer?

2.  What was the worst thing about this summer?

3.  Would you rather...eat 47 dill pickles, or end summer today?

4.  What is a typical vacation day like for you?

5.  What was the best book you read this summer? 

6.  What was the best movie you saw this summer?

7.  What is your favorite summer meal to cook?

That's it!  Since 7 is the perfect number, I'll stop there...Or, maybe I'll stop because frankly, my fingers are tired of typing, (and I have a lame movie to finish watching.  17 Again...and I'm going to finish watching, by golly, because I've already paid Red Box about 6 dollars for it, if you really must know.)

And, if you are still here with me reading, you dear and long suffering saints, I will answer the quiz questions.

1.  My favorite thing about this summer?  That it's almost over?  Oh wait, that's really negative...But, it has been a difficult summer...  I did enjoy the times when our family was together, and we just spent laid-back time being together.  Swimming, boating, snuggled up reading, watching movies, talking, laughing...

2.  The worst thing about this summer?  Too busy.  Not enough time together as a family.  Not being able to go home this summer.  (Did you notice that I have now said "together" 3 times in the last 4 lines?  I think that might be a theme here...)

3.  That's easy!  Since 47 dill pickles would probably make me throw up, I'd end summer today!

4.  Typical vacation day...sleeping late while Dave and the girls have an early-morning adventure, then off to find something fun to do all together--preferably on a beach, giggle and play with the girls for a while, then read a book while they play some more, eat dinner out somewhere fun, then go to bed exhausted and with a smile on my face!

5.  Best book I've read this summer?  Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist!!!  (I also have to mention that the best book I read last summer was The Help)

6.  Best movie I've seen this summer?  Ramona and Beezus  (Other movies I saw in the theatre this summer:  Letters to Juliet, Toy Story 3, Eclipse)

7.  Favorite summer meal to cook?  Since I live at a summer camp, I don't cook in the summer.  However, one thing I really miss in the summer is being able to cook using all the yummy veggies and fruits.  Nothing says summer to me like garden-fresh sliced tomatoes, sweet corn on the cob, cold watermelon, and juicy peaches. 

Now, I'd really really love to hear your answers!!!  Either 1--or all 7!!  C'mon, it's Friday--you've got time!