What My Kids Are Reading #3

While at the library the other day, I was skimming through some of the many new children's books they had. On impulse, I saw this one and checked it out, thinking maybe the boys would like it.

The book is 'Starring Me and You', by Genevieve Cote.

Turns out the boys love this book! They love the different ways the characters express themselves and they giggle at their facial expressions.

This book is about two friends who want to put on a play. They experience the same emotions but they express them in different ways. The friends also have to compromise to put on their play.

This is a great book for kids to see how people can differently express emotions as well as understanding what it means to compromise. 

The books ends with, "Whatever we are, whatever we do, the stage is always big enough for me and you."

So glad I picked this one up!

Challenge Accepted

**The previous post with Nat and Adam can be found here.


Standing up, I stick my hand out to shake Father Donovan's hand.

"It's so nice to meet you, Father Donovan. Thank you for letting us take a look at the library. It really is beautiful."

Clasping my hand between his, he replies, "Nat, my dear, such a pleasure to meet you."

Picking up on my not-so-subtle hint, Adam gets up from the bench and gives Father Donovan a nod.

"Father," says Adam, "good to see you. We'll see you on Saturday."

I head down the spiral staircase with Adam close behind.

Once we are out of the library, Adam catches up to walk beside me. He gives me a sideways glance but doesn't say anything.

I pretend not to notice.

Once outside, we climb into his truck and head out of the parking lot.

Don't be a weirdo, Nat! Just say something.

So you kissed. Big deal.

Pull up your big girl pants and deal with it.

Clearing my throat, I state, "Thanks for showing me around town today."

He answers, "The pleasure was all mine." Throwing his panty-dropping grin my way, he teases, "Well maybe not all mine."

I can feel my face light up light a Christmas tree.

What is it with this guy?!

Ignoring that quip, I answer, "The Cool Cow is quite a find. Point to you for taking me there. Maybe you do have some redeeming qualities after all, Mr. Man-Boy Wonder."

Take THAT, Mr. "I'm so hot and charming that all the girls want to make out with me".

Laughing, Adam smirks, "I knew you would like it."

"I'm sure all the girls you take there love it", I try to state with indifference but fail.

Grinning, he reaches over to slide a finger down my cheek before turning back to the road.

"There's only you, Snow Bunny," he answers.

I declare, "Uh huh. I'm sure."

Adam continues to chuckle as he pulls in front of the bookstore.

He unbuckles his seat belt and leans towards me. I lean back as far as I can go, feeling the door press into my lower back.

Grinning, he is undeterred as he leans in even further. I put my hand on his chest to stop him.

His brow furrows as he glances down at my hand then back up to my face.

Summoning all my courage, I say, "Nice try, Mr. Man-Boy Wonder. But that isn't going to be happening again."

Raising an eyebrow, he asks, "Oh really?"

Adam studies my face, then glances down to my lips. On impulse, I bite my lower lip. His eyes snap back up to meet mine.

I wonder if he can tell how much he affects me. It's like my body is on auto-pilot and my brain can't find the remote. 

I remind myself that I don't even know this guy. 

He declares, "Challenge accepted, Snow Bunny."

Rolling my eyes, I reply, "See you around, Mr. Man-Boy Wonder."

"Tomorrow," he clarifies.

"What?" I question.

"We have geography tomorrow. Remember?" he asks.

I snap, "I know we have geography together. I'm the one who told you."

Grinning, he states, "I'm getting under your skin, Snow Bunny. It's just a matter of time."

Turning around, I open the door and let myself out.

Smirking, he wiggles his fingers at me as he drives away.

Arrogant. Delusional.

As IF I would kiss him again! Who knows where that mouth has been?!

His mouth. His kisses.

Oh crap.

*Waves.* Hey guys!

Here's another installment with Nat and Adam.

Recently, I had a jolt of creativity so here we are!

More about these two very soon...

What My Kids Are Reading #2

One of my favorite pastimes is reading. If I can get a free minute, that is what I am going to do!

I hope to pass on this love of reading to my boys.

So far, they seem to enjoy books as much as I do.

One book we always come back to is "I Stink" by Kate and Jim McMullan.

The boys love this book. It's a story about a day in the life of a dump truck. The boys love the "Recipe for Alphabet Soup" with things like banana peels, dirty diapers and smelly socks. They love all of the funny sounds he makes, especially the very loud burp.

This one always makes the boys giggle and there is not a sweeter sound than that.

If you have a little one that likes trucks, messy things or just a fun read, this one is for you!

Top 8 Reasons Why I Love Summertime

You can feel the sun on your face. You get to wear shorts everyday. You are going to be taking vacation soon. This kids are out of school.

Wait.

We may have to revisit that last one.

I kid! I joke! I jest!

Anyway, who doesn't like summer?! There is definitely a lot to love about summer.

After much thought and consideration, I think I have narrowed down my list.

Top 8 Reasons Why I Love Summertime

1. It's warm. Hello, Captain Obvious! Well, I don't know about you, but this last winter was stupid. I'm talking "off the charts-the tundra isn't even this cold-ridiculous" stupid. So when warm weather appears, *sigh*, I'm so glad to see you.

2. Clothes are optional. You just went to the pool but you remembered you are out of milk and bread. No problem! You throw a pair of shorts over your bathing suit, grab your kids in their swim trunks and dash to the nearest grocery. And no one minds that you and your kids are half dressed! There is no judgement here. Just a "oh look they must have just come from the pool where they obviously had a great time", instead of "look at that hilljack who's kids don't even have their shirts on and that mom is wearing a bathing suit out in public".

3. The pool. Before kids, I used to go lay by the pool reading a book and soaking up the sun with occasional dips in the pool. Now? Totally different. I still love the pool but for a whole different reason. The pool wears the kids out. Take them to the pool for an hour or two and you have worn their little selves out. Mom = Winner.

4. There is no rush. Think back to the school year. Remember how crazy it is? Trying to get everyone ready to go and out the door in a timely fashion? Oh the insanity! But now? Relax! It's summer! There is no real agenda. You want to take an hour eating breakfast? Go right ahead! Sit around in your pajamas until noon? No problem! Sleep to the really late hour of 8:15am? Be my guest!

5. It's acceptable to be lazy. Hmm, you might want to revisit #5.

6. Vacation. You get to go on vacation. For me, that is the beach. Oh, how I love the beach. Let me count the ways....

7. Sandals. My feet are so happy when I can wear sandals and flip flops. They thank me for letting them out into the wild. Maybe you feel this way too. But please, for the love of all things holy, please take care of those feet before sharing them with the world. No one wants to see Freddie Krueger toenails. Ick.

8. Water Balloons.  Everyone loves water balloons. You know who doesn't like water balloons? NO ONE. They are just too much fun. This is a usual occurence in the Mossey household. The boys love it. Hubby loves it and I love it. Eventhough I am usually the one who ends up covered in the most water. Water Balloons = Happiness.

What are some of your favorite things about summer?

June 2014 Books Read

This month, I was lucky enough to read several books - mostly because we went on vacation which leaves LOTS of time to read in the car.

If you are one of those folks who get sick reading in the car, my heart goes out to you.

Because THINK OF ALL THAT TIME YOU COULD BE READING!

*Ahem.*

Sorry.

Sometimes I get a little carried away. 

I really enjoy reading, in case you couldn't tell.

So, without further ado, here are the books I read this past month:

Source: Goodreads

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

After reading Sophie Hawkin's 'Hex Hall' series, I knew I had to get my hands on this one. Ms. Hawkins has such a fun way of writing. She combines aspects of mystery, teen angst, magic, sarcasm and humor which result in a really entertaining read. And when I say funny, I mean "laugh out loud-snort" funny. I really enjoyed this book, especially how the southern belle turns into a kick-ass heroine. Too funny.

Source: Goodreads

Burn Out by Kristi Helvig

This book is another good read. This one was different for me - a little more science fiction than usual - but it was also dytopia which I love. This book kept me guessing and wondering what would happen to the main character, Tora. And the premise of earth has "burned out" with no water to be found anywhere is very interesting and well done. If you like sci-fi or dystopia, you will like this read.

Source: Goodreads

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Surprisingly good. I like the way the author builds her characters and the world which she creates. It's a world like ours but where magic exists which humans are unaware. I like how she created the magical elements and especially Jack's story. Looks like this is a series and you know how I love my series!

Source: Goodreads

The Silver Siren by Chanda Hahn

Okay. Seriously. I really enjoy Chanda Hahn. I mean like REALLY enjoy her books. Like if I could, I would put her in my pocket and feed her m&m's and let her live there forever.
*Ahem.* 
If you have never read any of her books, you are in for a treat! However, all of her books are e-books. So if you have a thing for paper copies, that isn't happening at the moment. But this series! *Sigh.* It is such an outstanding series. This third book is the final book in the saga. Magic! Romance! Self-sacrifice! Action! Ms. Hahn has a way of storytelling in which she creates a modern day fairy tale. If you have a thing for fairy tales, or heck, just a really great series, check this one out!

Source: Goodreads

Tease by Sophie Jordan

This book...hmmm...it's SIZZLING. It is funny, sexy, sarcastic and tender - all rolled into one. And the interplay between the two main characters - Emerson and Shaw - holy guacamole! 
I might need a minute... 
If you like a good romance, this book is definitely for you.

What have you been reading?