Let's Go Flyers!

Yes, I know they haven't won the cup in quite some time.

Yes, I know this season hasn't gotten started in the best way.

But tonight, I will be watching the game with my daughter, because we are loyal (smile)

Actually, she will be eating my snacks & reading a book and sitting next to me while I watch the game.

I am not this much of a fan though... and I never will be... ever.

Flu Season Woes

Cough, Cough
Achoo!
Snnnniiiifffff

That is the song of my house for the past two weeks and I have to tell you, it's not unfamiliar. It happens every year around this time and pieces of it linger until spring. I've been told this season is worse then usual, although that's what they say every year.

 

I might just believe them this year because along with the coughing, sneezing and runny nose my house was also invaded by fevers and vomiting. And that, my friends, is what has led to my woes. As you well know, as soon as these sicknesses appear all moms look at the toys in the house and thing one word

EEEWWWW!

Anything that could go through the wash did. Anything that could be bleached was. Anything that could be sprayed with disinfectant was.

Everything else.... was bagged up and is enduring a 2-3 week vacation in the attic while I wait for the germs to die out on their own. Unfortunately, many of those toys are favorites and they are sorely missed.

I can't blame them for missing the horses... They are pretty cool.

 

I brought out some toys they hadn't played with in awhile, but I'm still continually answering the question of when they can play with them again. I will have to over and over until the day their quarantine ends.

 

Here's a cute little book for toddlers/preschoolers about germs:



 

I would recommend these for children older then preschool:



  

Hope you all stay healthy!!

Dependable Book Reviews

Some of you may know that I have always been more comfortable with my daughter reading books that I have read first and given my seal of approval.

*Don't look at me like that! There are a lot of parents that do this.

You may also be aware that this beautiful child of mine now reads at a 5th grade reading level and as quickly as I do. I love it, of course! Unfortunately, I do not have as much time to read as she does... You know, because little things get in the way. Like my job and house and teaching a homeschool curriculum. So I have been searching for a web site that I can trust for book reviews of the books I have not had a chance to pre-read. Thanks to suggestions from my friends on Cafemom I have found several great resources.


Common Sense Media
I have used this website for movie reviews in the past, but somehow didn't realize that there were book reviews as well! This site allows registered members to give the book a

• Star Rating
• Age Recommendation
• Rating for topics such as Educational Value, Positive Messages, Positive Role Models, Violence, Sex, Language, and Drinking Drugs & Smoking.

Christian Book Websites
Christian book distributors usually only carry books that have been carefully reviewed. One is The Way Station


Another is ChristianBook.com which allows customers to review books and give the book a

• Star Rating
• Rating for Quality, Value, and Meets Expectations

Sparknotes
Remember these? The old fallback for when you didn't do your high school summer reading? Well, now they can help you find out the ins and outs of a book even if you don't have time to read the whole thing before your speed-reading child! (Or if, like with me and Gwen, you and your child have differing opinions on what you like to read) This website seems to have everything the books have, including, but not limited to

•  Plot Overview
• Character Analysis
• Themes
• Breakdown of Chapters
• Explanation of Important Quotes
• Key Facts

Thriving Family
This is my favorite site of the ones I have found. It doesn't feature as many books as I had hoped, but I love the quality and breakdown of the reviews. It supplies

• Age range
• Plot Summary
• Christian and Other Beliefs
• Profanity/Graphic Violence
• Kissing/Sex
• Discussion Topics

And more!


Books About Books!!
When in doubt, look in a book!!!
 
Honey For A Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt is out in it's 4th addition. It is a guide of wholesome books for ages 0-14. Honey For A Teen's Heart is in it's 1st addition and lists over 400 titles!


The Hand That Rocks The Cradle by Nathaniel Bluedorn was revised and updated about 5 years ago. This book includes summaries, reading levels, and settings for 400 classic read-a-loud books.

Happy Reading/Reviewing!!!!