L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge, Round 2: Wrap-Up

Carrie of Reading to Know sponsored this great challenge in which she challenged us to read books by L.M. Montgomery in the month of January!
I did read three books for this challenge, not the three I initially planned on though!

My plan was to read the Emily trilogy.

For some reason, my mind wandered and I also checked out Kilmeny of the Orchard from the library. I figured this book was so short in length (around 90 pages) it couldn't possibly take long to read! Boy, Was I wrong! I stumbled and procrastinated and then eventually did finish it. I will admit, I didn't know what or who Kilmeny was supposed to be (if you haven't read it, I don't want to spoil it!) Having said all that, while it wasn't one of my favorite books, I did enjoy it. though it seemed to just be starting when it ended.

On the other hand, I so loved Emily of New Moon This wonderful story of a young girl orphaned and uprooted to live with distant relatives whom she's never met was one I could not put down! I liked her honesty, her spunk, and her determination to survive no matter what the obstacle, including her Aunt Elizabeth who she does eventually ( I think) win over.

I am almost done with my third book for this challenge: Emily Climbs.. This story picks up where the last left off, and Emily is now headed to high school with her friends. Despite having to live with her Aunt Ruth, Emily manages to remain true to herself and I continue to admire her as she grows into a young woman and a writer.

Even though I didn't finish the trilogy, I am glad that I participated in this challenge and got the chance to "meet" Emily!! (I am going to read the final book, too!)

Not Just Swollen Glands...

Leave it to me---I've been feeling somewhat under the weather all week and felt like a I had swollen glands. When I was rubbing under my chin, I noticed a very swollen gland along my jawline, about the size of a half-dollar.

So yesterday, I went to the ENT and it turns out that my salivary gland is infected and I have a stone in it!!! He put me on antibiotics and I have to follow-up with him on the 8th. Hopefully, the antibiotics will dissolve the stone. If not, I will have to have it removed surgically, which won't be a big deal. It doesn't really hurt, it just feels uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, the antibiotic is seriously messing with my stomach though! I'll spare you the gory details but suffice it to say that I rescheduled with my friend Joan again! Tucker is still at my my mom's so I was able to rest today.

Christmas Day

I know Christmas was a little over a month ago but I noticed that these had actually loaded and since it takes so long to load, I figured I would share them!

Tucker opening presents



Michael got me 2 books, a gift certificate to a book store, and a book light

I gave Michael a hooded Yankees sweatshirt

Tucker did a great job eating his dinner!

A family shot with the presents Tucker picked out with my mom, a calendar for me abd spatulas for Michael (Michael's the breakfast-cooker)

Tucker got a remote control car from Michael's mom

Eileen and Doreen serve dessert: Banana cream pie-yum!

My Daybook

For today, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 (yes one of those "better-late-than-never" weeks!!)

On My Mind...glad that Tucker is feeling better! He came home from school Thursday with a headache and sore throat and didn't even want to go to soccer practice (that's when we knew he was sick!) He went to my mom's on Fri and when I called the school to let them know he was sick, the secretary mentioned that strep is going around so I called the pediatrician and got him in Fri afternoon and sure enough, he has strep! He's been taking his medicine twice a day and is feeling much better. He did have a little set-back Sunday night when he threw up ALL OVER our bed at 2 AM so he went to my mom's again Monday but since then, he's been fine.

Outside My Window...it is dark of course. We've been enjoying temps in the mid to upper 40s but it's starting to go back down to normal and there's a possibility of snow tomorrow.

What We're Reading...I finished Emily of New Moon and am halfway through Emily Climbs. I got the first two books of the Twilight series for my birthday so I am looking forward to possibly reading them next. Tucker's favorites this week were: The Marshmallow Incident (by the author of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs), Penguins Strange and Wonderful, and The Enormous Crocodile.

What We're Listening to...I just finished Three Junes by Julia Glass ion the way home today. I need to get to the library for another audio book, maybe Saturday.

What We're Watching...I'm watching/listening to The State of the Union as I type this...the usual: iCarly, Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters. Also following The Biggest Loser this time around-wasn't happy with last week's elimination but feel that Michael has semi-redeemed himself this week and VERY happy with the elimination this week...Also Tucker and I watched Shrek and Toy Story 2 when we were home Saturday. We also watched Jon and Kate Plus 8 (we have the DVDs from Seasons 1 & 2, which I find both comforting (because we are/were really fans of this show) and sad (because of how it all turned out).

I am hoping...to catch up on my sleep at some point!

Quotable Quote Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends whom we choose. ~ Tehyi Hsieh

In the Kitchen...we had ham steaks tonight...Michael will probably make french toast tomorrow (I'm working late)...and then Tucker's at my mother's until Sunday.

Around the House...laundry needs to be folded...the army battlefield is set up again down here in the family room...I can hear the dishwasher finishing up.

Coming Up This Week...soccer practice tomorrow...Tucker's going to my mom's Fri until Sun...we rescheduled my getting together with Joan because both she and Tucker were sick last week so getting together with Joan on Sat to celebrate Christmas and our birthdays...soccer game Sun afternoon.

Some Picture Thoughts...at my mom's celebrating my birthday, Cassandra, Michael, and Tucker checked out games on Cassandra's iPhone

Eileen, Doreen, and Cassandra got me the first two books of the Twilight series, which I have been wanting to read but wanted my own copies. Check out the silly faces on Tucker and Michael!

Guess where we're going?!?!

We are beyond EXCITED! We have booked our trip for September!! Let's see if you can guess where we're going....

We're staying here...

we're going here...

and here...

and here...

where we'll probably ride this...

and if you haven't guessed by now, we will also go here...

where I am pretty sure will run into this guy!

We are leaving Sept 21 and returning the 28th. We're planning to stay over Julie's the 21st and then go to Disney for the next 7 days/6 nights!!!! We're also planning a side trip to the water park at Sea World (Aquatica)! We are planning to book a character dinner at Chef Mickey, dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe, dinner at Mama Melrose's in Hollywood Studios with tickets to Fantasmic! and perhaps The Spirit of Aloha at The Polynesian Resort! We have to wait until the end of March to book all of them! We are all really excited-it's gonna be so much fun!

My Daybook

For today, Monday, January 18, 2010 (Martin Luther King, Jr's Day Observed)

On My Mind...getting frustrated in general with my slow computer!

Outside My Window...it is dark as usual. I did notice the sun set was later today by a few minutes, for whatever that's worth!

What We're Reading...I am almost finished with Emily of New Moon and am LOVING it! I'm so glad I decided to read this series! Emily Climbs is next. Tucker had a lot of favorites this week: Time Traveller Book of Knights and Castles, Emmett's Snowball, A Giraffe and a Half, and Axle Annie.

What We're Listening to...I finished Pirate Queen and am now listening to Three Junes.

What We're Watching...the usual: Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, iCarly. Also watching Biggest Loser for the first time and I really like it. I plan to start watching American Idol and but didn't watch last week.

I am Hoping...to sleep well tonight.

Quotable QuoteOccasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

In The Kitchen...we had spaghetti tonight...on the menu for the rest of the week: tacos, beef stroganoff, chicken and rice.

Around the House...got the Valentine's decorations out this weekend...Tucker has his army men set up again down here in the family room...dishes need to be done...laundry needs to done.

Coming up This Week...cub scouts den meeting Wed...Soccer practice Thurs...booking our Disney trip...Tucker's sleeping over my mom's fri and Sat...getting together with my friend Joan to celebrate Christmas and our birthdays on Sat...celebrating my birthday at my mom's Sun ( we postponed because of the snow we were supposed to get that never came!).

No Picture Thoughts this week...

The Big 4-0

Today is my 40th birthday!

I arrived at work this morning only to be surprised by my mother complete with cake, balloons, signs announcing my birthday (and how old I was!) She had also managed to gather a few residents and some staff (which she has a knack for) and was pretty impressive for 7:30 in the morning!!! It definitely made for a good start to the day!

We went out for pizza tonight for dinner and when we came home, Tucker and Michael gave me flowers and a zebra-print snuggie!

It was a great day!

My Daybook

For today, Sunday, January 10, 2010

On my mind...hoping the meds will work for our cat Felix. We've just found out he has renal insufficiency, anemia and an infection related to heartworms. He will be starting on steroids and a special renal diet.

Outside my window...it is dark of course, and also cold...the Christmas lights are still up but not lit (Michael's taking them down tomorrow).

What We're Reading...almost done with Kilmeny of the Orchard and will start Emily's New Moon next. We continue to read assorted snow books with Tucker. His favorites this week were Katy and the Big Snow (a Requested re-read), Jack's House, and The Zebra-Riding Cowboy..

What we're listening to...finished Queen of the Underworld and am now listening to The Pirate Queen (for The Tudor Book Challenge).

What we're watching...the usual but I'm going to watch The Biggest Loser this time around and American Idol starts on Tuesday.

I am hoping...to sleep well tonight.

Quotable Quote... In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday on Friday: The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important. ~
Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the kitchen...chicken and risotto tonight...spaghetti and meatballs...hamsteaks...chicken brushetta.

Around the house...the usual laundry issue...dishwasher is running...the tree is finally gone and the family room looks empty...the rest of the house isn't too bad.

Coming up this week...PTO meeting Tues night...soccer practice Thurs night...turning 40 on Fri...as part of completing the reading program at school, Tucker's been invited to a Reading PepRally and ESPN College Game Day at UConn Sat morning...soccer game Sat afternoon...celebrating my 40th birthday at my mom's on Sun (if it doesn't snow, which it's supposed to).

A picture thought...Since I never got around to posting the pictures of Tucker in the snow last weekend, here's one

The 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge

J. Kaye's Book Blog is hosting The 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge. since we go to the library quite often, I'm going for the Super-Size Me level.

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.

2. There are four levels:

--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.

--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.

--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.

--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.

(Aim high. As long as you read 25 by the end of 2010, you are a winner.)

3. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – any book as long as it is checked out from the library count. Checked out like with a library card, not purchased at a library sale.

4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

5. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

6. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

January 6

Even though this barn is all grown over, there's just something I like about it...maybe it's the name: "Hope Farm".

My Daybook

For today, Tuesday, January 5, 2010

On My Mind...starting to plan our Disney trip! We're going to book it this month!

Outside My Window...cold, cold, and more cold!!!!...4 inches of snow from the last snow storm this past weekend...supposed to another snowstorm on Friday.

What We're Reading...I'm putting aside Vivian Stringer's book while I read the books for the L.M. Montgomery Challenge, starting with Kilmeny of the Orchard...Tucker's favorites this week were Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (a requested re-read), Chicken Dance by Tammi Sauer, and Ice Palace by Deborah Blumenthal.

What We're Listening to...almost finished with Queen of the Underworld.


What We're Watching...just the old standbys.

I am hoping...to sleep better tonight; I woke up at 4 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep!


A Funny Thing...we met Julie and her family at a local restaurant for dinner Saturday night. Tucker was so excited about Jake and couldn't stop talking about him on the way home! A sample :"He's six months younger than me, you know. I will always be older than him. He can get taller or fatter but I will always be older" "when we go to FL I can see Jake's room. we can play army or star wars"

Quotable Quote..."Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour. " ~ John Boswell

In the Kitchen...chicken tonight...McDonalds on the way to soccer practice tomorrow...homemade pizza...not sure what else.

Around the House...the usual laundry issues...dryer and dishwasher running...the tree is still up.

Coming Up this Week...soccer practice tomorrow night...Pinewood Derby Sat morning...soccer game Sun.

Some Picture Thoughts...we watched City of Ember New Year's Day and when watch movies, we spread blankets/pillows out on the floor. Tucker was being silly!

This was taken when we went out with Jul and her family. L-R Tucker, Jake, and Madi

Christmas Eve

Finally getting around to posting these!

We made the usual cookies for Santa, including his "special" cookie, made with extra sprinkles (just the way he likes his cookies, so we've heard!)


On Christmas Eve, we always open one present. Tucker got his DS from me and Michael! Do you think he's excited?



Next Michael and I get to open our presents from Tucker. I got two nice smelling candles---pumpkin pie and wild currant

He picked out a new watch for Michael

the cookies and chocolate milk left for Santa

Santa was here and left some presents!

and enjoyed his snack!

L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge, Round 2

Carrie of Reading To Know is the ulitmate L.M. Montgomery fan. Last year she hosted the L.M. Montgomery Reading Challenge and this year, she's sposoring Round 2.

All you have to do to participate is pick out the Montgomery book (or books) you want to read and complete them by the end of January. You can link up here to join and list what you plan to read!

since I re-read all the Anne of Green Gables books back in 2008, I have decided to take on the Emily trilogy: Emily of New Moon, Emily Climbs, and Emily's Quest.

Once you've finsihed your books, go here on sunday, January 31st and link up your reviews!

Happy New Year!

Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

~ William Arthur Ward

Wishing everyone a peaceful, happy, and healthy New Year!