{Tuesday Tip: Basket Books}

Every once in a while I think of a little routine or habit that our family has practiced, and it occurred to me that some of you mamas out there might benefit from our trials and errors, bumps and bruises along the way! Some ideas fail miserably (like the time I chopped off Bethie's hair), and some ideas actually work (like having a designated dinner helper). My Tuesday Tip posts will mostly focus on those that work . . . although I'm not opposed to revealing my failings as well.

Today's tip -- surprise, surprise -- involves books. Ever since my kids were able to hold a book, I've made it a point to visit the library as often as possible. When they were really little, we took part in the weekly story time at the Camas Public Library.  Because we homeschooled, it was important for me to find opportunities like this for my kids to participate in structured activities with other children, and it further instilled in them a love and appreciation for public libraries.

Aidan in the lovely Camas library courtyard . . . about five years ago!

One of the highlights in each of my kids' lives was the day when they were old enough to get their own library card. This usually happened around first grade, and it became a right of passage. Oh, what joy to see them carefully write out their name in black Sharpie on their very own card! Their backpacks and cards ready, they hit the shelves. The only "rule" was that they had to be able to carry any books they wanted to check out. Accordingly, they stuffed their bags to the gills.

My kiddos with "The Cousins" at the new downtown library a few years ago.

As they grew, I began to incorporate other "rules" during our library visits. When I noticed that they were becoming too narrow in their focus, rather than telling them that they couldn't choose certain books (although there's sometimes a place for that), I told them that they needed to find books from a variety of sections. This way they were encouraged to explore the many beautiful picture books that weren't necessarily fiction. From poetry and science to mathematics and history, their minds began to expand.

My kids usually make all of their own book selections these days, but in an effort to continue to challenge their minds with wholesome variety, I've set aside a specific place for my very own selections. It's simply a basket in the school room, and it contains the books that I've chosen for them during our most recent trip to the library. I comb the shelves for variety, beauty and age -- those books which have stood the test of time and continue to remain in print. I look for the authors we've grown to love, the illustrations that captivate, and the biographies of people I want my children to know.

The basket sits temptingly in view, and every once in a while (often during school hours) I'll say to Aidan and Avery, "Okay! Time to choose a basket book!" They see it as a mini recess during which they can escape with a gem for a few minutes. Sometimes they prefer to read alone, each choosing a separate book, and sometimes they read together. Aidan gravitates toward the science finds, while Avery often grabs biographies or fairy tales. I gravitate toward the dishes or laundry for those few minutes, thankful that my kids' minds are being stretched and challenged in a way that they see as pure fun.

{If You Were a Book}

The other evening around the dinner table we got to talking about books. Specifically, I was curious to find out which books most represented each person. So I said to the kids, "If you could recommend one book for me to read, what would it be?" Their answers, although not terribly surprising, were fun.

Drew voted for the Harry Potter series. He's read and re-read them so many times that I had his choice figured out in a heartbeat. Bethie suggested the Nancy Drew books. You know what? I've never read one. Isn't that odd? She suggested the second one because it was so scary it made her fall off of her chair. Oh, goody. Aidan was recently very impressed by My Side of the Mountain, so he suggested that I read that one. Little Miss hemmed and hawed, trying to figure out which Ramona Quimby book to recommend. We finally landed on Ramona and Her Mother. Appropriate, no?

Jamie has been encouraging me to read To Kill a Mockingbird for months. Actually, it would be a re-read for me since I read it in high school. But my retention skills are . . . lacking. I plan to jump in soon. (In exchange, he will read A Tale of Two Cities. One of the finer stories every written. Also, it seemed nicer than forcing him to read Jane Eyre.) My mom is breathing down my neck to finally dive into Les Miserables already. Of course I'm looking forward to it, but it's one of those books that takes commitment. I have to pick the right time, you know? And my Dad. I'm guessing he'd suggest a Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour. Or maybe The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Land sakes, my book list is growing. How exciting.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, the book that I would recommend is Little Women. It's very me. Are you shocked?

So what's your book? 

{ABC Lapbooks For Early Learners}

When my younger children were in their preschool years, they really wanted to “do school” like their older siblings. Our budget was very limited, however, so buying curriculum for the early years seemed unwise (if not impossible). Necessity being the mother of invention, I searched for a way to incorporate the main subjects in an engaging, memorable way for my little ones.

Read about my solution over at The Homeschool Classroom!

{The Book List: A Work in Progress}

I'm excited to report that my book list is now up and running! I will continue to add to it from time to time, and to that end I treasure your input and suggestions along the way. Feel free to use it, pin it and share it. But most of all, share it with the children in your life.

You can visit our list by clicking the "Books" tab above, or you can follow the link here: Books.

Happy reading, dear friends!

{Sun Kissed}

When the forecast is sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy. I pull out the lawn quilt, stack the books and suggest to Miss Kate that we do outdoor school today.

It doesn't take much arm twisting.

She snuggles into my arm and leans her head against my shoulder. Seemingly small signs, but for my little firecracker this shouts, "I love you, Mommy. And I'm perfectly content right now."

I'm not going to rush this. Not one bit.

We turn the pages. I read, she reads.

I kiss the top of her head, smell the smell that's her, and I'm grateful for the now we are sharing.

She says, "Pretend I'm sleeping," and I take the picture.

She rolls back onto her tummy, flips through the poetry book and asks me to read the one about the kittens.

We read some more. We read about Laura and Mary and how proud they are of their beautiful mother, all dressed up for the dance at Grandpa's. She giggles over the corset tightening and I put my hands around her waist and say that women's waists were supposed to be SO small back then!

We're relieved that we don't have to wear corsets.

School ends and in a flash she's changed into her swim suit. Big brother sets up the sprinkler. I lather on the sunblock and we smile over the smell. It's been a long time since we've smelled summer.

The ice cubes clink in the glass of sweetened sun tea.

She splashes and squeals, sips and sunbathes.

Because when it's sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy.

{A la Dr. Seuss}

Books are here and books are there.

We would read them anywhere.

We would read them in a group.

We would read them with our soup.

 We would read them in a box.

We would read them in our socks.

On the floor or in a chair,

Books are with us everywhere.

{Sometimes I Wonder}

Sometimes I wonder what Louisa would think if she could peek into the present world to witness her stories still thriving and bringing a calm tenderness and wholesome inspiration to young (and not so young) hearts around the globe.

I sincerely hope she doesn't mind, however, that many of her novels are being experienced electronically (with just as much enthusiasm and delight). It's so much easier to eat tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches without holding a book in hand.

My apologies, Louisa. I still love you.

Louisa May Alcott, A Garland for Girls.

{Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree: A Book Review by Aidan}

In my last post I mentioned that my children would wake up on Friday morning to find a wrapped Christmas book awaiting them. I happened to find four books at Goodwill, each correlating fairly well with my kids' ages and interests.

This first Friday book, although enjoyed by all, was one that matched Aidan's personality quite well. So he got to unwrap the book. He also asked to read it aloud, which was a delightful treat.

Speaking of delightful, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree proved to be just that. I'd never heard of this story, but upon scanning the pages in the store earlier this week, I could easily tell it would be a hit. It was.

And now I present for your enjoyment, a review. By Aidan himself.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree is written by Robert Barry. It's about a man who gets a Christmas tree, but it's too big. So he cuts off the top and gives it to the maid. But it's too big for the maid, so the maid cuts off the top and puts it in the trash. Timm the gardener thought it was too beautiful to throw out, and he brought it back home. His wife thought the tree was too big, so she cut off the top and threw it out the window.

The tops keep being taken and cut off by Barnaby Bear, Frisky Fox and Benjamin Rabbit. Then Mistletoe Mouse finds that it's the right size and brings it home and puts on a star made out of cheese.

I liked Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree because it's funny how all the animals take it and cut off the top until the mouse takes it and doesn't cut off the top. I think six, seven and eight year olds would like this book. Maybe a bit younger kids would like it, too.

~Aidan

How about you? Does your family have any favorite Christmas stories?

{Day 26} :: Reading on the Road

You may recall that Wednesday is my crazy day. The day that is spent, to a large degree, on the road.

You may also recall that I thoroughly enjoy a good read.

I've happily discovered that the two can coexist. I'm easily able to finish off a chapter or two on the way home from dropping Drew off at youth group. And yes, I do keep my eyes on the road. Because on Wednesday afternoons, I listen to my books.

Today it was Tom Sawyer. Drew read it last month, and in an attempt to keep up with my son, I'm plugging along at the impressive rate of one or two chapters per week. I hope to finish before he graduates. (It really is a charming story. I knew the basic plot -- was even in the play -- but this is my first time hearing Mark Twain's delightful prose.)


Listening to books is an interesting exercise. I'm a visual person, so I really have to concentrate when I'm just hearing the words. My mind too easily wanders, and I have to snap it right back to where it should be. I tell myself it's a good workout for my brain.

This afternoon I was reminded of one of my college book-listening experiences. I was required to read through the Pentateuch two or three times for one of my Multnomah classes. The second time through, I decided to listen to it on tape (yes, on tape) while I worked on some sort of cross stitch or something. My handwork seemed rather appropriate, especially when I came to the embroidery passages in Exodus. I can still hear the narrator's voice as he described the Tabernacle . . . "The screen of the gate of the court was the work of the weaver . . ." He really held out that "eeee" sound in weaver. Boy, did I weave my little threads with purpose.

I also thought over the comfort I found in listening to Emma on CD when I was down with a cold last winter. A calm British accent is a lovely thing to fall asleep to. (It is not, however, the most motivating text when trying to jog on a trampoline. Trust me.)

So while it takes a bit of mental focus, I look forward to these afternoon drives. I know that Tom's antics will come alive as I wind my way home on the quiet country roads. Before I know it, I'm back home, ready to take on the antics of my own little urchins.

How about you? Are you a book listener, or do you have to see it to believe it? What's the last book you listened to?

Read about the thirty-one day challenge over here.

Day 15: Speaking of Books

Bethie grabbed her Nancy Drew. I grabbed Papa's Wife. We plopped, side by side at the kitchen table, and feasted on words.

I think Bethie would bring a book to every meal if allowed. (I suppose I would, too.) Noting this tendency, I have declared that breakfast and dinner are to be book-free meals. This is family time for visiting and laughing and trying to keep Miss Kate in her seat.

Since lunch is more relaxed, it seems like a good time to have a book in one hand and a sandwich in the other.

This morning, however, I broke my breakfast rule and told the kids to bring books to the table. I do this when I know that breakfast will last a while. This is usually the case when we have Swedish pancakes, a crepe-like deliciousness filled with butter and brown sugar. I can only make two at a time, and if everyone wants three or four . . . it's time consuming. Kinda hard to wait for. But I want to train the little one to stay patiently at the table. So we bring books.

The last two pancakes are for mama. (Isn't that always how it is? This is good. Rest after service.) I add pecans to my crepes, following my mother's example. (I can still see her copy of the recipe, typed out -- as in typewriter typing -- on a thin strip of blue paper. I think it came from a church event.) By this time, the kids have finished their pancakes and have been excused. I grab my book and feast.

* * * * * * * *

Speaking of books . . . I saw a great idea this week. (Thanks for the tip, Josie, Katie and Kari!) I know it's early to think about Christmas (or maybe it's not -- I tend to procrastinate), but this is a fun advent activity. Wrap 24 Christmas books you already own, and each day snuggle up with your kiddos and let them unwrap a bedtime story. Isn't that cozy?

Although I do have a box of Christmas books tucked away, I think I'll haunt Goodwill for the next few weeks to surprise my kids with some new-to-us stories.



This is the one I found today. It's snuggly. (To think! I'm already getting ready for Christmas.)

What's your favorite Christmas story?

Day 13: Good Reads

I can hear the rain just outside my window, splashing and dancing on the leaves. The boughs sag with the liquid weight and bounce back, creating merry little waterfalls for the fairies who, no doubt, take up residence there.

It's perfect weather. Perfect, that is, for staying indoors. Perfect for sitting near a glowing fire while the kettle whistles and a wee person or two snuggles nearby.

This is "curl up with a book" weather. Can't you feel it?

Here's a peek at the stories we've been enjoying on this soggy October afternoon.



Drew likes the carefree and relaxed quality of Twain's characters. After reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer last month, he was eager to read a bit more about the intriguing Huck Finn.



Bethie has been racing through every book within reach ever since she detected that autumn tang in the air. She's currently devouring anything by Elizabeth Enright. I'm afraid she'll go through a period of mourning when she realizes she's read them all. Then she'll probably just read them over again.



Aidan is enjoying Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. A book featuring a cast of deadly animals is definitely bound to be intriguing to this child. A carpet python? So cool. Bring it on.



After finishing Betsy-Tacy, Avery and I had to move right on to Betsy-Tacy and Tib. We are thoroughly enjoying these charming stories. I am so in love with books from the 40s. (And fashion from the 40s. And movies from the 40s. I better stop now.)



James Herriot wrote a charming collection of stories based on his experience as a vet in England. In the 40s. (Sigh.) I find myself slipping into a British accent when reading these with Miss Kate. She doesn't mind.



One of the most delightful children's books I've come across. We absolutely love Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm. Every single page makes us giggle.

So that's what we're up to over here. Have you found time to curl up with a kiddo and a book this week? If not, grab one and do it. You'll be glad that you did!


Read about my thirty-one day challenge over here.

When Fiction Infiltrates

For the past several weeks I've allowed myself to indulge in a "summer fluff" approach to my reading choices. Usually I prefer to sit down with the classics, but every once in a while it's nice to just melt into an easy read and drift away.

I do believe, however, that I've been doing too much drifting.

There are times when the fiction infiltrates and I think it just might be time to step away. Perhaps you're the same way? You just might be. Especially if you've experienced any of the following side effects of literary indulgence:

1. You tend to name your pets after literary figures. We've never actually owned a cat, but we've named several of the neighborhood cats that hang out in our yard. Like Sir Walter (Jane Austen's Persuasion), Charlotte (Bronte, that is), and then the trio of kittens whom we named The Three Musketeers. We especially liked calling for D'Artagnan.

2. Friends ask what you've been up to, and your first instinct is to update them on Dayne and Katy. You stop yourself just in time. Dayne and Katy are not real people.

3. You think nothing of sitting in one spot for the entire day in order to read a book from cover to cover. What about the kids, you ask? Oh, just toss 'em a waffle if they get hungry.

4. Every time you head out the door, you grab a book. There just might be some free time at that red light.

5. You find yourself praying for the characters in your book. Don't laugh. I have at least two whole friends who've confessed to this tendency. We get so wrapped up in the story, so burdened by the hero's struggles, that we just have to take them to the cross. When I was reading Gone With the Wind a few summers ago, I felt very strongly that Scarlett needed Jesus. Everything would be just fine if she could just find Jesus. I stopped myself short of praying for her salvation.

Clearly, I need to get a grip.

Do you ever find yourself lost in a book and ignorant of reality? Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets so engrossed in a story that she throws waffles at her children.

As I patiently await your reply, I'll be curled up with a book, praying for my friends.

Mummies, Panda Cake and Patrick Henry

My Little Miss Avery Kate loves to read. She has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of taking part in the summer reading program through our local library. Each time we log her reading minutes online, she has an opportunity to share a brief review of books read. I found her most recent summaries to be rather entertaining:

Mummies Made in Egypt
by Aliki

"They take a dead person and then they put it onto a table and then they cut the person that's dead on their belly, two cuts, and then they put some sort of cloth in them. And then they leave it and it dries up."

(I like her distinction here. They cut the person that's dead. Not some other person.)



Panda Cake
by Rosalie Seidler

"A mother panda was going to make a cake. And then she asked her boys to go to take some food so she could make some cake. And then the baby pandas, they left and then the recipe was apples, bamboo shoots, honey, eggs, cherries, sunflower seeds and then that's all. But the younger cub went off to the fair! Without spending any of mama's money to buy the food! And the other baby panda spent mama's money on the fair. He got no cake."

(I'm not sure which is a worse fate. Two cuts in the belly . . . or no cake?)



Now, lest you think I have two children named Little Miss Avery Kate, I will confirm that this sweet book-loving girl is indeed the same child who often puts up quite a fuss at bedtime. Yes, there are times when she crawls cheerfully into bed with a stack of books at her side. Alas, these nights are few and far between.

The other night was definite proof that this mama needs to be in earnest prayer.

Miss Kate's eyes narrowed, revealing a pair of steely beads. Arms folded tightly across her chest, hair framing her red face like a wild mane, she stomped her foot and shouted, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"

My pixie got no books that night.

The Cousins Go to the Library

One of my very favorite places to visit is the public library. In fact just the other day I had a rare two hours to myself to go shopping at the mall. I came home with a top . . . and a library book. I later relayed this information to my sister who raised her eyebrows with something akin to disdain.

But this same sister was also eager to suggest that "The Cousins" visit the new library in downtown Vancouver. So Monday afternoon, we loaded up the vans and got our first glimpse of the fancy new house of books. It wasn't cozy and quaint, which is what I prefer in a library, but it was fun and impressive. The kids had a blast. And they didn't even need to worry about being quiet; the entire third floor is dedicated solely to children.

Come and join us at the Vancouver Community Library . . .



Where even walking through the front door is exciting. And twirly. (We left many fingerprints.)



It kind of has a children's-museum-meets-library atmosphere. Lots of cool structures and, of course, plenty of recycled materials. Because that's what we do in the 'Couv.



Bethie was in heaven. She could read all day. She does read all day.



The techno-savvy cousins, Clara and Little Miss Avery Kate . . .



Eden and Athan . . . er . . . I mean Ethan and Aidan . . . .



And finally my Little Miss, enjoying some solitude on the upper deck with Clifford, the Big Red Dog.

When we got back to the vans, we realized that Avery had left her doll "somewhere in the library." This is rather unfortunate in a place that boasts five levels and 83,000 square feet.

Thankfully, I happened to notice that there was a play section filled with dolls on the children's level. I ran back inside and sure enough, Miss Kate's doll, Mary Lynn, had been scooped up by someone and deposited in the play area. She had been completely undressed (Mary Lynn, not Miss Kate), with every stitch of clothing strewn hither and yon.

I explained to the little boy that was playing with Mary Lynn that Mary Lynn belonged to my daughter. I was grateful that he relinquished the doll without causing a scene. I scanned the floor for her attire, not sure of what she had been wearing when Avery had so carefully dressed her that morning. A kind gentleman helped by picking up piece by piece of doll clothing, "Is this it? Is this it?"

We eventually found it all, including a pair of tiny purple panties. It will be some time before I can erase the image of this older man lifting the wee undergarments and raising his eyebrows to ascertain whether or not they belonged to Mary Lynn. They did. I blushed. And high-tailed it back to the vans where my sister and eight children were eagerly awaiting my return.

There's never a dull moment, I tell you. Never a dull moment. Even at the library.

A Gem on the Shelf

This afternoon before heading out the door to Bethie's gym class, I grabbed a book from my nightstand. I usually have three or four books going at a time. I like variety. During gymnastics I tend choose a lighter read so I can watch the flips and absorb the syntax simultaneously.

But today I grabbed Annie Dillard. I wouldn't call it heavy reading, but her words are so poetic and intricate and mind-bending that really only a few pages can be absorbed by the human brain at a time. I have picked through her Pilgrim at Tinker Creek before. It's mesmerizing and unusual . . . thoughtful, stark, raw.



The volume I own, given to me by Jamie, is actually a compilation of three of her works. After reading a few pages of Tinker Creek, I flipped to the back to see what The Writing Life had to offer. I was sucked in right away:

When you write, you lay out a line of words. The line of words is a miner's pick, a woodcarver's gouge, a surgeon's probe. You wield it, and it digs a path you follow. Soon you find yourself deep in new territory . . . .

I know what she's talking about. So often I find myself in new territory as my pen trails ahead of me. I begin with one thought in mind and by the end of the page my words have taken me on an unexpected journey, often with unexpected results and sometimes even with an unexpected change of heart.

As I read, I marveled, "These words have been sitting there on my shelf, waiting to be read. But only now do I discover them. Only now was the time right . . . ."



I had a similar experience a few years ago. I was down with the flu and in desperate need of a diversion. I grabbed the nearest book, which happened to be Heidi. I had never read it and figured I might as well go for it. It was one of the most delightful books I had ever encountered. And there I sat thinking, "This book has been there all along. A gem on the shelf, waiting for just the right moment to make its way into my being, to become a part of who I am." I was thrilled. From that time on, I viewed my book collection differently. What other gems were awaiting discovery?



There are still many unread titles in my home library. I long to someday absorb Anna Karenina and Bleak House, Les Miserables and The Portrait of a Lady. Someday the time will be right. Right now, I'm familiar with their covers. Someday, though, I'll be familiar with their content. Someday those words will make their way into my very self, lines of words digging a path for me to follow, lines of words taking me deep into new territory.

Easing In

I knew that jumping right back into a rigorous schedule would be a bit of a shock to our systems, so I've chosen to revise this first week of school. The kids are tired from two weeks of weird sleeping schedules (Little Miss Avery Kate hung on until well after midnight on New Year's Eve) and weird eating schedules (Daddy's chocolate souffle sure makes for a delicious dinner . . .).



But I knew that we needed to start sometime, somehow. (Our year-round, "Sabbath Schooling" system allows for some flexibility here. I had planned to take three weeks for Christmas anyway.)

So this week has been dubbed "Read, Write, Create!" The kids have each chosen (with my guidance) a chapter book to complete over the course of the week. Drew is reading Jack London's White Fang. Bethie chose My Side of the Mountain, and Aidan started Snow Treasure. Avery and I will read picture books together each morning. Today we giggled over Richard Scarry's Best Mother Goose Ever. (Have you ever read a Richard Scarry story? If not, please drop everything and read one. Right now.)



After reading their books for a specific amount of time each morning, they move on to their writing assignment. This is basically a written summary of what they've just read. (Of course my expectations for each child are tailored according to age -- Drew types a full page, while Avery copies the first line of a poem, such as "Tom, Tom the piper's son . . .")



And then they get to create! (Aidan panted for this all morning.) "Create" is pretty open. The children can choose anything creative to work on, provided they have an end goal or product and stay focused for at least 30 minutes. They can work on a single project all week or choose something different each day.



As soon as Aidan was released from his reading and writing obligations, he flew upstairs to build a Lego city (Daddy passed by his room and Aidan assured him, "This is for school. Mommy said so.") Avery and I made play-dough, experimenting with food coloring and textures. Bethie designed some birthday cards, and Drew compiled basketball statistics for a chart he plans to present later in the week.



It was fun to see where their minds took them on this. I gave only a few suggestions, and they ran with it.

I look forward to seeing how the week plays out, and I think it will pave the way for focused and successful studies next week. If not . . . well, there's always chocolate souffle.