Bookclub pick for May

Attention Kitabu Marafiki members (and anyone else):

Here is our choice to read for May--

Here's the blurb:  

From Laura Hillenbrand, the bestselling author of Seabiscuit, comes Unbroken, the inspiring true story of a man who lived through a series of catastrophes almost too incredible to be believed. In evocative, immediate descriptions, Hillenbrand unfurls the story of Louie Zamperini--a juvenile delinquent-turned-Olympic runner-turned-Army hero. During a routine search mission over the Pacific, Louie’s plane crashed into the ocean, and what happened to him over the next three years of his life is a story that will keep you glued to the pages, eagerly awaiting the next turn in the story and fearing it at the same time. You’ll cheer for the man who somehow maintained his selfhood and humanity despite the monumental degradations he suffered, and you’ll want to share this book with everyone you know.


(Cathy, if you can't get it in Australia, let me know...I will send you a copy.  Surely that would be cheaper, than international shipping)

Happy Reading!!

Differences.

Aaron and I both commute to work.

However, on some days his commute is a wee bit different than mine.

Today is one of those days.

What I drove to work in...

What he went to work in.



Happy Easter!!

Happy Anniversary

It's been 10 years!  hoo hoo

Okay, so maybe this particular anniversary occurred over a month ago...but that's a'ight. 

They grew up when I wasn't looking.

Kindergarten registration AND high school registration in the same week. 

Oh my goodness.  Oh my goodness.

Where did the time go? 

I'm having a harder time wrapping my heart head around the whole high school registration thing. 

Oy.

Random Photos

I decided to post 5 random photos from my phone and my itouch.  (I carry both because I don't have an iphone.  I'm klassy like that.  And too cheap to pay for an iphone.)

Also, it appears that my computer is going wonky.  I swear when I saved these photos I put them right-side up.  Evidently blogger has other ideas.

Work with me huh, and turn your head sideways...or your screen.  Whichever works for you.

 For Dr. Seuss's birthday, our school ordered a cake from Wal-Mart.  Clearly the woman had never heard of Dr. Seuss.  She only knew Dr. Svese.  What did he write...Green Eggs and Baloney? (ha! I know I spelled it wrong)

This winter Kylee was sledding and had an unfortunate meeting with a catclaw.  Catclaws are vicious bushes that are virtually indestructable.  Trust me, I've tried.  They will be the only things surviving if we ever get nuclear bombed.  They have these awful stickers in them that are shaped like cat claws.  Falling in one is akin to getting attacked by 59 cats.

 Taking this child to the store is always an adventure.  She looks so cute and sweet laying on top of the tp and papertowel packages...don't let it fool you. 



 Man, I'm having all kinds of issues today.  I don't have time to figure out how to fix this little centering problem, so just move your head a little to the left...it's already sideways anyways.

Note to self:  Don't leave your phone unattended.  It may be hijacked by dorky teens who are trying to be 80's rockstars. 

Looky here, now who is this handsome dude.  Okay, so maybe not handsome, but still a dude.  He was in some gift shop in New Orleans.  I couldn't resist taking this and sending it to a friend at work who is a HUGE Buffet fan.  Fins up!

So there you have it folks. 

A peak into the randomness on my phone.

What's in your wallet phone?

April bookclub choice

"The Secret River", by Kate Grenville is our bookclub's April choice.

Because there are international members to our bookclub, I wanted to choose a book that was on the history/culture of Australia. 

My first choice seemed like such a good read and I still want to be able to read it someday...but not to the tune of $33 and an extra $30 for shipping to get it to the States.  I could find it all over in bookstores in Australia, unfortunately I couldn't find any here...that were affordable.  ($33 for a used paperback book is not my idea of affordable!)

I've also discovered that there are some important issues to be taken into account.  Namely availability and affordability.  I thought Amazon had everything...apparently not. 

I double checked this book, and it's available on Amazon and Kindle, and Barnes and Noble and Nook.  Many of my bookclub members have either a Nook or Kindle so it was important that it be available to everyone.  I am quite sure also, that this book is probably pretty available in Australia. 

If you wish to join, we'd love to have you.  We also discuss our books on our online forum.  Our book club is named Kitabu Marafiki, it means book friends in Swahili.  Why did I pick that?  Cuz it sounds cool.  :)

Happy reading!!

Happy 14th Birthday to Tracey!!!

Last Saturday was Tracey's birthday.  She wanted to go visit her cousins in Sierra Vista so we loaded up and off we went. 

I was so thankful that they had planned a party and were making her cake.  I didn't seem to get things together enough to put a party together. 

Me thinks that Gina (mi prima, errr...my cousin for you non Spanish speakers- didn't know you'd get a language lesson didja...i'm like the Rosetta Stone, only better !)  has watched too many episodes of Cake Boss...

Her dreams were lofty...

 her goals were high...

 her ideas were grand...

 her cake mixes were plentiful...

We dubbed it "The Leaning Tower of Cake"

Happy Birthday, Batman!!



Of course, no trip to Sierra Vista would be complete without sharing pictures of little Zia.  Only she ain't so little anymore!  She is getting big...growing out of her 0-3 month size clothes.  She is 8.5 months old and doing great.  No more oxygen tank!!

Go- Go- Go with a smile!

Sooooo....

Imagine if you will--

Picking up your 14 year old daughter at track practice.

You are excited to spot her running a 400...and doing well!!

Hooray for my progeny!!  Such a proud mommy-moment.

But wait--

What is that she is wearing?

What the...?  No, it couldn't be.

Why is my dearest first born wearing a Batman cape?

Really?  REALLY?



She said it gave her super powers.



( I know I said previously that I don't quote movies...but did anyone catch my catchy title to this post??? Didja, didja?  It's from the song way back in the day from one of the original Batman movies...back when I did remember strange and odd facts- when my brain was 13!)