The Incredible Book-Eating Boy

I was looking for some new books to read to the kids at bedtime (yes, I still do that) and recently discovered Oliver Jeffers’ books. I ordered 'The Incredible Book-Eating Boy' from Barnes & Noble.com and am happy to report it is one of the very favorite selections during bedtime stories.
The story is so clever and funny. The little boy, Henry, discovers he likes to eat books. He devours them whole and his brain absorbs all the information in the books. But he starts to eat books so fast and so often that his body can’t absorb all that info and things start to go nuts.

Even if I didn’t like the story (which I do!), I would want this book for the illustrations. The book is filled with details, texture and mixed media. It’s very cool. It makes me want to collect all of Mr. Jeffers books. If you get a chance to check them out, you should.

Summer Nights

It is hard to believe that school is but a memory. The temperatures have quickly elevated such that I lie on top of the bedspread instead of snuggled beneath the covers. My nightly ritual of hanging out with the kids consists of cold dinners (i don't want to turn the oven on), ice cream for dessert, and swimming in the evening....it's great!
I enjoy summer, gotta love those free Cinemark movies, $5 bowling days, the community pool, and the beach but, mostly getting to sleep in. In fact, my husband will tell you that I sleep waaaaay in, now that I don't have to drive the kids to school at 7:30am, it's a wonderful thing. As long as we get up in time for lunch, my errands are done, and the kids are having fun...sleeping in is allowed, right?
As much as I am enjoying sleeping in and not having to "assist" with homework, I expect that I'll be eager to get rid of the kids come August when I'll want more time alone to get work done or have my own appointments.
But, so far this summer is terrific, we are spending it with great friends, taking naps, and visiting family. I'm enjoying every hot sticky moment of it.

One Hit Wonders

Am I really a soccer mom? If so, how did I get here?
I’d always thought of myself as a stay-home-and-read-a-good-book kind of mom. Or how about a stay-home-and-bake-cookies mom? I could do that. I have done that.
This business, though, of driving my kids from this sport to that—of being ready and able and willing to hang out at the field all night…
Well, I’ll tell you. This has taken some getting used to.
The hardest part about the whole sports thing this year is that our lives have been so busy lately that I never know if I’m coming or going. Summer was supposed to be our sports break spent with days by the pool and taking vacation. So, why is Ethan playing summer baseball and more importantly, why did Mike and I sign up for an adult softball team???? I’ve been asking myself that question for days.
The answer I came up with….. I must love the chaos!!! For some reason, I function better when my hands are full.
And, I love my sports family. This group of parents have hung out on the sidelines watching our kids play soccer, football, basketball, and baseball for the past 3 years and we have become good friends…..and I will do anything for them, including embarrassing myself on the field. So here’s to a great summer and, with every ache in my body from our practice last night…here’s to a good season, my friends…….GO ‘ONE HIT WONDERS’

SOLD!

Our house has been on the market for 3 weeks and we have an offer, a full price offer!
YAY!
In our struggling economy, there’s little doubt that the housing market has been hit the hardest. Families across the nation are being forced to sell their houses at half the purchase price. Often, the financial stability of the family depends on whether or not a house will sell. In such a situation nothing is more comforting than a buyer’s promise of earnest money. This initial down payment stands as a guarantee that the deal will go through. As an added benefit, the money is given and is immediately available for the family to use.

After much havoc keeping the house clean and de-cluttering, it's time to pack four years into boxes and move onto bigger and better things. Our new journey will soon begin and we are so excited.

Real Estate Craze

Our house has been on the market for 2 weeks and with only 4 showings I've had many days of hoping for some activity.Wondering if I will ever sell this house in this down market. I know that Texas real estate is not like Florida. Houses here tend to sit for a while and we are prepared for that.
This week, for some reason, the phone calls kept coming. Now we have 3 people interested and fighting over our house. This is crazy and a blessing all in one.
This is actually going to happen.....