I borrowed The Total Money Makeover after seeing it was highly recommended on a website I like, and I don’t even have the stomach to finish it. I think it’s like reading The Shack; everyone said I would love it, yet the first few pages were so full of obnoxious drivel that I couldn’t help but put it down. Forever.
If you hear about a book that’s supposed to feature different points of view about high school children, neighbors, and family members of a recently deceased girl, you might roll your eyes. I was a bit skeptical myself. Even though I trust Vivian Vande Velde to give me a stellar story, this very plot idea reeked of a glorified ant-bullying PSA—until I read it.
See, I should have trusted Vande Velde!
I have written before about how Vivian Vande Veldes’ young adult literature is filled with magic and wonder, with excellent twists that make readers gasp or laugh. They are always delivered in smaller, more manageable bites than most of today’s authors, who seem to think a novel isn’t a novel unless it’s over 400 pages, works, which make them engaging for even so-called reluctant readers.
On Christmas, my family had a lovely get together filled with food, games and laughter. It was over much too early since many of us had to work the next day (several family members work in retail), but it was one of the best Christmases I can ever recall. A childhood friend stopped by to visit after being away at college for several years, and it was lovely to see her, too.
We have been hosting monthly art classes in one of our homeschool co-ops at our local library. Our librarian is amazing and supplies us with paint and paper as long as we clean up and supply the teaching! We have taken a break for the holidays, but I have decided to do a repeat of our first class for the families who didn’t get a chance to attend. It’s a very simple Monet watercolor class that even toddlers can do with parental help.
Montrose West Recreation (MWR) is pleased to announce the third annual Nucla Resolution 5K Run/Walk, scheduled for February 17, 2013 at 12 p.m. The start/finish location have yet to be determined, but the Nucla Fire Hall is a likely venue. Like in the past, the race will benefit Hoof & Paw, a local animal shelter.
Kmart is offering an inflatable, portable lounge chair and ottoman for just $16.49, a savings of $13.50 off the regular price of $29.99.
If you’re searching for an easy, cheap gift idea, many people—especially children—would love a homemade craft kit. You can usually make this with things you find around the house, but if you have to purchase supplies you shouldn’t have to venture any farther than the dollar store.
