Book Club

When I found out that my friend Adrienne was doing a book club for her girls and friends, I immediately knew I wanted to do one for Callie. We asked everyone in her Activity Days group at the beginning of the year if they wanted to join our book club, where the moms and daughters would read a book together, and then meet to discuss with the others. Callie and I chose The Doll People, which we really enjoyed. There are actually three books in the series, and we are on the 3rd book (even Hayden has enjoyed listening to the stories). We had our first book club meeting on Saturday at our house.

The girls were all a little bashful and shy talking about their favorite parts of the book (when the moms were around). I'm hoping that they will get more comfortable talking and sharing as the year goes on.

We had some yummy snacks to munch on while we discussed the book. I saw somewhere in blogland these adorable doll wafer cookies, and knew I had to make them for the party. Super easy, and super cute.

My mum made clothespin dolls for me when I was little, and I still have them! I thought it would be a perfect craft for the girls to do to go along with the book. I searched around for an easy clothespin doll the girls could make on their own, and set up a little doll making station in the kitchen.

While they were easy, the moms still needed to help a lot because of the hot glue gun. I think the girls had a really fun time choosing hair color, clothes, ribbon, etc.

We ended with dessert and the unveiling of the next book. For dessert, I made chocolate covered strawberries and cupcakes for dessert. I loved both of them!

Overall, I am so excited about doing a book club with Callie. We had so much fun preparing our little discussion meeting, and I have enjoyed reading aloud to my kids more than I realized I would. Thanks to all for participating, and especially to Adrienne for the great idea.

This & That

January flew by, and here we are almost half way through February. We've been busy with the routine of school, church, and life! It's been a really hard few weeks with the older boys. It feels like we are doing more disciplining than anything else, which is very frustrating for all of us. Every time we think we are turning a new corner, we get a little surprise. (like last week when one came home with 2 day class suspension, and a few days later the other came home

with Saturday school for fighting). Jeff and I are trying to stay positive, and are getting to practice the quote "attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference".

A few things we have been enjoying this month are:

The beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Absolutely gorgeous!

Pizza Movie Nights. The kids get to make their own personal sized pizza, and we rent a new video to watch as a family, and sometimes we make it a bigger party with friends! Nanny McPhee Returns has been one of my favorites.

Celebrating Dad's 69th birthday! Happy Birthday Dad. We love you lots.