"It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas"

I recorded this yesterday at Maddie's dance class.  She will be missing her December recital, so this is the best you will see of her.  I think she's doing fantastic!!

Book Review of The Book Thief

The Book Thief By Markus Zusak 576 pages. Knopf Books for Young Readers, c2007. $9.59

This book came to me highly recommended.  It's a Book Sense Book of the Year (2006)Award winner!  Everywhere I look there is nothing but glowing praise for this book.  I, however, did not particularly like this book.The narrator is Death.  What a fascinating idea!  The humor and imagery were amazing.  The writing was interesting, intense and unique.  But, it is another WWII story about a little poor girl in Germany.  You know how it's going to end...nothing but tears.Perhaps if I hadn't already read the Diary of Anne Frank, I would have enjoyed this better.  Maybe I'll even recommend this book to my kids instead of the Diary.  But, probably not.  It just lacks the realism that Anne Frank had to offer. While this book is excellent in form, it is not one I recommend - unless of course you feel like a good cry.

Our Kindergarten Feast

Maddie's kindergarten class had a feast today.  She dressed up like a pilgrim and ate pumpkin pie, popcorn, and other goodies.  Ryan came to class too and loved every minute of it!  He wishes that he could be in kindergarten too!

Upward Bound and the Derby

Monday was Macky's last night with his basketball team.  He had a nice time with his team, but is very glad that it's over.  He's decided that kung fu is his favorite and we will do just that for a while. Upward Bound was just fantastic though.  For his last night, they put on a big show at the Neighborhood Church.  They had a unicyclist and juggler come in and entertain the children.  He was unbelievable.  His unicycle was frighteningly tall, don't you think?
Last Saturday was the pinewood derby.  Spencer and Mac had lots of fun making their car.  They put weights into the car and carved it.  They painted it yellow with scary snakes to intimidate the other cars.  Unfortunately, they didn't spend enough time on their wheels, and apparently that was their downfall.  Mac didn't win, but he had fun at the event.  Grampie Bob came too, and they all enjoyed the BBQ.

Book Review of The Brothers

The Great and the Terrible, Volume 1: Prologue, The Brothers By Chris Stewart 224 pages. Deseret Book, c2003. $17.95

I really want to read the fourth book in this series, but I just had to start at the beginning.  I hate to start a series in the middle!  This first volume of the Great and Terrible series takes place in the premortal existence.  We learn about a valiant family who is torn apart by the war in Heaven.  Satan is in open rebellion and is working hard to bring all the spirits he can to his side, while Christ and Michael are doing all that they can to not loose anyone. 

The book is very interesting.  I enjoyed Chris Stewart’

s perspective.  Previously I had not put much thought into what life was like before the Creation.  Stewart helped me to feel like a fly on the wall during great events.  I think it moved a bit slowly, but picked up steam near the end.  I will continue reading the series to see where he takes me. 

Book Review of Catering to Nobody

Catering to Nobody By Diane Mott Davidson 301 pages. Bantam Books, c2002. $7.99

Our story opens with Goldy catering a wake.  Unfortunately her ex-father-in-law gynecologist Fritz Korman gets sick and Goldy is accused of poisoning him.  The police shut down Goldy’

s catering business until they can clear her name.  As the police are very busy, Goldy takes matters into her own hands to prove her innocence.  Along the way, she gives us recipes and a peak into small town life.

I enjoyed this book.  It is a quick read that is entertaining.  It’s really fun to come across so many interesting recipes while reading a mystery.  It’

s a one-of-a-kind series.  I am hoping to try a recipe from the book soon and will post my experience.

Book Review of Tangled Roots

Tangled Roots By G.G. Vandagriff 294 pages. Deseret Book, c2007. $14.95

Tangled Roots is the third book in a mystery series about two women who do genealogical research. Alex Campbell and her friend Briggie research a genogram to help a young girl in trouble. While researching her ancestors, they discover unsolved murders that others have tried to keep secret. As they try to find the killer(s), they find themselves in serious danger.This book surprised me. I expected it to be terrible. A genealogy mystery? Come on. But, it was actually decent. I can see how some get very into genealogy. If you like a mystery, you may enjoy this book.