Good Reads

Here is another great book I just finished.  I enjoyed this one so much! Although it took me quite awhile to decide if I was in to it.  I told Clay I was going to give a 100 pages.  But even at page 100 I was moving at snail pace and wasn't really enjoying it.  If you read anything about this book it is only praise.  It was published in 1860 and said to be the first of its genre, sensational fiction.  So, I pressed on and I am so thankful I did! I remember thinking at page 157,  I like this! I am into the story! And man what a story.  I would tell Clay how it was progressing and we would both get goosebumps just from me retelling it.  

 

If you are looking for a good long book to cozy up with on the couch with a hot cup of tea try this one.   I learned a good lesson from this book.  Be patient with a good story.  So often I want to get right into the story.  But I wonder how the people on 1860 viewed this.  We probably have different degrees and thoughts about entertainment.  I can visualize a mother or a servant taking a quick break from a chore to see what was going to happen next.  I know I felt like that.  

On a side note here is a conversation I overheard between Athanasius and Eleanor not too long ago.

Eleanor (as she is getting herself and the boys a snack):  I am so glad you are not sick anymore.

Athanasius: Why?

Eleanor: Because you are not grumpy anymore.

Athanasius: Oh, I still a little grumpy.  

I thought it was so cute!

Summer 2013 Part II

Here are some more summer pictures!  These start back in July at my birthday.  I really wasn't feeling well but on the actual day of my birthday I felt well enough that going out for ice cream sounded doable.  So we visited our favorite and beloved Braum's.  








Ellie was so sweet to share her ice cream!








This was the first time we purchased Boaz his own ice cream, he usually just eats from everyone else (although somehow he still managed to do that too).  He really liked having his own!




I love Clay in the back ground!  We concluded the birthday celebrations with a family trip to the thrift store.  Which in my book is perfection. :)






My parents came for a quick visit and it was so fun!






I guess this is why you have kids when you are young!


This is a perfect summary of Bo.


Ellie took a selfie! I love it.  She is so great!


This is the other side of Bo.  This passion one day will be used for good.  I just know it. :) 


See, here is a closer look.  When he is upset or tired he plays with his hair, or mine.  It is adorable.


It is not uncommon that the boys are holding some type of tool.  Lets hope for the best.  Ellie is in the back holding a neighbor's crazy rat dog.


St. George the Cat


We took the kids to the park one Saturday.  This is outside the butterfly house!










 Gluten free blueberry shortcake, I love the kids in the back.


See what I mean about the tools.


Beautiful Eleanor!












Clay and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary in August! We celebrated by getting take out from our favorite (gluten free!!) restaurant and watched a movie.  It simple and right up our alley in this stage in life.


One day I set up art for the kids to do outside.  These pictures reminded me that we need to do it again!


This was Athanasius' first project, a paper airplane.  Which occupied him most of the time. :)




If you do not know what to get our kids for Christmas just go with tape.  They will love you forever.










Goodmorning Bo!






This is the beautiful art table some sweet friends passed on to us! It has been such a blessing.




We continue with more art. :)  These were taken before we had the art table.








I used to do a  lot of organized crafts with the kids now we have merged into what I like to call "free-range art".  I think it has something to do with adding the third child.




Sweet boy!



This is such an Athanasius face.



Athanasius taking a selfie!











I LOVE this picture of Ellie!  She is so full of life.








She is ALWAYS drawing. I can't wait to see what will come of it one day!




Marie the Cat.



Some flowers from our garden!


Bye from the Pearlsteins!  :)