More winter...

So here it is, nearing March, and we are in store for more snow storms and winter weather. I love winter, and I love snow. But I think the cold and wind has just about worn out its welcome. Is 30 degree days so much to ask for? Maybe just a half a day of snow? Well, it is the seasons that make it so much more enjoyable when we have hot summer days and the first snow fall. So the drawn out winter is just a way to make me appreciate spring, right?

Riding the horses!

These are just some picture of us visiting the carousel in Salem. It was me, my sis, Eli, Noah, Daphne, and Cyprus that went to Salem, and Josh stayed home sick. Eli had a rough go at the AC Gilbert house, but when we walked to the carousel, everything turned out ok. What an awesome place to visit!

Off we go to Auntie's house!

Over the long holiday weekend we planned a trip to go visit the Cast Iron Farm in McMinnville. This is the third time for me visiting here, second for my boys and Josh's first trip to the new farm. It is always nice to get to see my sister, and I am really excited by her farming endeavor. We went over on a Thursday and came home on a Monday leaving 3 days full of fun. First off we got to help with chores everyday! Then we went to Salem to the AC Gilbert children's museum and the carousel and a big trip to Costco. Unfortunately Josh wasn't up to going on this trip, but it was pretty cool. Eli was not really impressed by the museum, but I think that is because he may have been tired. The next day we went to the Air and Space museum, and that rocked. It is always so much fun to visit my sis, but always sad to leave. Hopefully we will get to hang out again in the future!

At the space museum.......

While we were at Auntie Christine's house, we decided to check out the Evergreen Air and Space museum that can be seen from her back yard. There are mixed reviews for the place. Josh and I thought it was pretty darn cool, but Eli couldn't wait to get out of there. Noah thought it was a nice place to run around inside. Here are some pictures of us there, and even though the kiddos don't agree, it is a must visit place for sure! I think I would like to be closer to these cultural things, so maybe one day we can move near my sister!

Sweet Jiminy, A Book Review

I recently read Sweet Jiminy, a book about a young woman named Jiminy who ran away to her grandmother's house in Mississippi after a hard time in college. While she had not grown up there, she had spent some time there, and found it to be a place she could go to "find herself". In the book we follow Jiminy as she learns some things about the people she knows, and we end up on the case of a long ago murder. The book deals with issues of hatred and race in a way that makes the reader feel as though they are there and experiencing the same issues themselves.

I have never personally experienced any sort of racial tension, even with a very rural upbringing, and found this book helped me to see the issues of people of different races in other parts of the country. I really enjoyed the book, even though it was sad at times. It also has a story of mystery that is both engaging and entertaining. I would recommend this book as a good read, though it isn't exactly light reading.

Will be released April 26th.

I received an electronic copy of this book to review from the publishers Hyperion via netgalley.

Looking at a forcast of snow.....

What a fabulous weekend we had weather wise! Temperatures nearing 50, after months of freezing, and at times below zero weather. It was the first day that my kiddos could go outside and play without freezing! The addition of the backyard fence last spring has enabled me to let them actually play outside without me being out with them. I think that they must get tired of playing inside for months on end, and am so glad to let them run wild for a day at least.

So I looked at the forcast for the week, and would you believe it is supposed to snow! We are planning a trip over the mountain this weekend, so at least we get to enjoy some of the white stuff on the drive!

The Promise of Spring

I really enjoy living in the area that I do live in because I love seasons. I think the most wonderful thing about summer is the idea that Christmas will be here before you know it. I love snow, and I love warm summer days. I also love how spring is just so full of promise after the long months of cold and freezing weather.

Even though we will probably have a few more snow storms, and it won't be time for anything to seriously grow for several more months, now is a great time because I am thinking about what summer has in store. I have already ordered seeds for my garden, and just like every other year at this time, I actually think my garden will be a success. Planning the garden is about as much fun as actually gardening! I even planted some herbs in canning jars that now sit on my kitchen window sill, and that makes me happy as well.

Here's to looking forward to this years growing season!

Elijah's Coin, A Book Review

I have been busy reading, as you can tell by two reviews! I recently had the chance to read a book called Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brian. I am going to say that the reason I chose this particular book is because it shares a name with my son. It is a fairly short book, around 100 pages. This is a awesome book. I really enjoyed reading it, but is also a book with a lesson. I don't want to give too much away, but the story is about a boy that has had some trouble in his life and is turning to crime when a man named Elijah talks to him about life and how to improve his. It is a very uplifting story and one that was a joy to read. I recommend this book to anyone.

This book was sent to me by the Cadence Group to review.

Sally Sin, A book review

Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure was a very entertaining book about a woman that used to be a spy. Over the course of the book, we follow "Sally" through many spy stories and also we have a glimps of her life as a mom. I found the story to be very easy to follow. It is an adventure type book, but it is also very funny and addicting. I would certainly recommend it to someone who needs an easy book, and look forward to future installments of Sally Sin.



This book was a review book from Hyperion via Netgalley. Will be published 7/12/11.