What I’m into—March 2015

Today, I’m trying something new—linking up with Leigh Kramerto share what I’ve been doing in the month of March.

I’m always trying (or sometimes just wishing) to fit more reading of good books into my life. On Goodreads I made the lofty goal of reading 40 books this year! I also joined Modern Mrs. Darcy’s 2015 Reading Challenge. First up was a “book I’ve been meaning to read,” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It took me a long time to read it. I’ve heard so many rave reviews that I thought I would love it, but I didn’t. Honestly, the story really dragged until last third of the book. Also, I believe, in reality, all witchcraft comes straight from Hell. For a long time, though, I have been wanting to read this book before Camilla started asking to read it. She hasn’t asked yet, but she could absolutely handle the reading level so I’m glad I finally read it. I know a lot of Christians love this series and just dismiss the witchcraft deal as part of the story. I’m okay with that for my own reading, but I’m not sure how I feel about a book for kids that makes witchcraft seem cool. In a few years, if Camilla really wants to read it, I think I’ll allow it as long as we discuss the material as she reads. (Is that too controlling?) And then I guess I’ll have to try to stay ahead of her in the series! Other Christian parents, please chime in and let me know how you feel about your kids reading the Harry Potterbooks.

I’ve just started reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which is “a book my mom loves.” Funny, I know I’ve heard my mom mention this book before, but when I asked her what book she loves, she gave me this title without hesitation. I didn’t know she loved it that much, but now that I’ve started reading it myself, I can see why. Rich, beautifully-crafted prose is just one of the things I love about it so far.

As part of the homeschool curriculum we’re doing, we’ve read some good books together:

The Cricket in Times Square was wonderful! I remember hearing about this book as a child, and it was a really fun read. We all loved it!

Captain Nobody was all right. The story was intriguing enough to keep me reading and the kids asking for more, but I found some of the characters annoying and some plot points were not believable. I really don’t think the author has much experience with children. Perhaps he was a very responsible ten-year-old himself at one time, but I don’t know many that age who are taking care of themselves for the better part of the day, cooking breakfast for their families by themselves, and acting as a personal assistant for their realtor mother. 

Being the Tooth Fairy! My little boy has a gap in his smile now. He lost not one, but two teeth in the space of a few days! I threatened and cajoled his older sister into keeping her mouth shut about the identity of the Tooth Fairy. So we kept up the charade after the first tooth. It helped that Todd was the one who actually slipped the silver dollar under his pillow. I could answer without guilt that I was not the Tooth Fairy. After the second tooth, though, I proved Adrian’s suspicions true. In my imagination, I believe his line of reasoning went something like this: If there actually were a realTooth Fairy and it was her job to take the tooth and put some money under my pillow, then she wouldn’t forget to do it or be too busy. No, that’s more like something my mom would do!

That’s me, folks. Mother of the year!

Watching “the baby” grow up way too fast! She’s running around, climbing stairs, and talking a blue streak! Oh, and reading chapter books. You know, she’s a little advanced (wink, wink). And God forbid I put her in time out. Oh, the drama! This is what eighteen-months-old looks like.

Being “almost positive” about our school choices for next year. Well, definitely positive for Adrian. I ordered his Kindergarten curriculum yesterday. (I love Sonlight!) So he is staying home. And Camilla is going back to school for third grade. Ugh. I hate to say it because I will miss her so very much. But I think this is the best choice for all parties involved. Maybe I will write more about that sometime.

And waiting, hoping, wishing for spring! I love winter. I do. We had a great ski season this year. In March, we had one last fling with the slopes and now we’re done. We’re ready for spring. And then March 31^st dropped another snowfall on us! It’s pretty, but . . . on April 1^st, buds and blooms are so much more beautiful. And that’s what I’m longing for.

Still, a parting photo. I snapped this after we dropped Adrian off at preschool this morning.