Reading is as essential to me as the air I breathe. In the days before smart phones, I would find myself in a cold sweat if I realized I was going to be stuck waiting somewhere without something to read. In desperation I can read the backs of cereal boxes or even find something … [Read more...] about The Bookshelf: What I Read in 2013
Books
Broccoli, Chocolate, Tweens and an Evening With John Green
Much is made of the drama and headaches that come with raising tween and teen girls. Much is made because there is much to vent about. We are just in the beginning of it with Elena, and already I can tell we have some stormy days ahead. But there is also much to be excited … [Read more...] about Broccoli, Chocolate, Tweens and an Evening With John Green
The Mother-Daughter Book Club
Books have long been an important and treasured part of our lives with our children. I remember eagerly reading to Elena before she could even hold her head up on her own. Some of those early board books barely hung on through Eli's toddler years, so battered and worn down with … [Read more...] about The Mother-Daughter Book Club
On My Nightstand in 2012
Nothing makes me more jittery than down time with nothing to read. I'll resort to reading product labels and instruction manuals if I have to, but a good book is so much better. I found myself in a rut in 2011, barely reading any books of substance, and vowed to knock some … [Read more...] about On My Nightstand in 2012
Best Gifts for Tween Girls (That Don’t Require a Charger or a Trip to Justice)
Elena just celebrated her 10th birthday. While shopping for her and suggesting gifts to family this year, it hit me that we officially have a tween in the house. Tween wish lists (and teen lists, I'm sure) are so different from the wants they have as kids. Eli asked … [Read more...] about Best Gifts for Tween Girls (That Don’t Require a Charger or a Trip to Justice)