Book Review - Upheld: Ordinary Women Discovering an Extraordinary God

If you want to feel uplifted and hopeful, I have the book for you....

Upheld: Ordinary Women Discovering an Extraordinary God

Grace Lane is a pen name. This book was actually written by five women with the common goal of sharing their experiences and hopefully uplifting others. One of the authors is my dear friend who I have known since elementary school. I witnessed her trials from an outsider's perspective. Reading this book helped me to learn how she truly felt and what she learned. I admire how she relied on the Lord and had such strong faith throughout her experiences. I can only hope I would have been that strong had I been in her place.

Rebekah: 

Writing about motherhood and her husband’s health struggles, Rebekah lives true to the meaning of her name—to bind. Life’s experiences have shaped her into a wise, steadfast daughter of God who has the beautiful ability to make others laugh through her clever wit.

Jeni: 

Jeni’s stories revolve around the loving care of her son with special needs. Knowing that he will not live out his childhood, she’s armed with strength and determination to give him the best life possible. The bright hope Jeni finds through the Savior will encourage the lowest of hearts.

Elizabeth:

Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the Light of Christ. You’ll feel this in reading about the challenges she faces with her spouse’s addiction and divorce. Through sophistication, uplifting words, and a touch of spunk, she’s a modern-day disciple “gathering in the fold” and feeding His sheep.

Faith:

A woman of intuition, Faith has a distinctive gift for understanding people. Her personal goal in life is to help women recognize their potential in whatever role they fill. She writes about her battle in overcoming abuse as a child and her fight with low self-esteem.

Dawn:

A single mom for ten years, Dawn not only believes the motto “Light trumps darkness”, but she lives it every day. Her short stories are about finding God after a heart-crushing divorce. Dawn touches many lives through her unwavering testimony and simple ways.

I love that they use the grapefruit as a symbol for their common project and goals.  Of course grapefruits smell wonderful and are good for you but that wasn't the reason they were selected. Grapefruits don't grow alone. They grow together clustered on trees. This was symbolic to the Grace Lane Authors because it represents the power of women working together. Their challenges differ but they share the fact that they are women of God doing the best they can. I know I have drawn strength and encouragement from my tribe of women. By reading this book you will join their cluster.

They also have a Grace Lane Authors Blog that has wonderful posts.

Click HERE if you want to buy a copy of their book and/or sign up for their newsletter.  You'll be happy you did.

Book Review - At the Pulpit, 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women

At the Pulpit is a refreshing collection of women’s voices from the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The book contains 54 speeches given by women from 1831 to current day and is an impressive collection that shows the strength of women in the church. After reading the words of these eloquent women, I felt empowered and grateful for their examples of courage, compassion, and faithfulness. 

Life can be very full and busy at times.  I worried that I wouldn't be able to find time to read and review this book at first.  But during quiet minutes, I found myself drawn to it to bring me peace. I loved the stories and I felt stronger and more motivated after reading it.  Sister Jacobs had it right in the infographic below.

In the first chapter, I was impressed with the leadership of Lucy Mack Smith (aka “Mother Smith,” mother of Joseph and Hyrum Smith). In 1831, Lucy Mack Smith was part of a group that was planning to travel to Kirtland, Ohio from Fayette, New York. Two prominent males in the group refused to lead the group during the journey and deferred to Mother Smith. She rallied the troops and handled the finances, food, lodging, and spiritual guidance. At one point, the group was stuck in Buffalo, waiting for the ice to break in the harbor. Another party there encouraged Smith and her group to hide their religious identity to avoid prejudice. Smith rejected the advice and instead “boldly proclaimed her Mormon beliefs” to the townspeople.

Eliza R. Snow’s speech to the Salt Lake City 17^th Ward Relief Society really struck a chord with me in regards to how church callings should work.  She said, “Each member of the society should study to know her place, and honor herself by filling it honorably , and all move forward like machinery that is perfect in all its parts. Let no one overstep her mark or in the least crowd against another… And if this principle shall be carried out in every department, the society will move like clockwork.”  Her beautifully chosen words and appropriate similes describe how callings should be handled not only in just olden days but now as well. Each person is to learn and magnify her calling and not hinder others from fulfilling their responsibilities by enabling them or doing things that are outside their realm of stewardship.

Book Review - Bible Origami by Todd Huisken

Let me start by saying that this book makes me happy. I will explain.

Since my youth, I have struggled with spatial things. Things such as folding paper airplanes and answering those test questions that involve imagining how an unfolded patterned cube would look when folded back up. These things tend to frustrate me and make me feel helpless.

Fast forward to my adulthood. Todd Huisken (creator of Bible Origami) reached out to me to review his new origami book.  Todd was my dear friend during our freshman year of college but after we graduated we lost touch. We reconnected when he found my blog and asked me if I would give an honest review his book.

Author, Todd Huisken

Todd sent me a copy of his book, "Bible Origami," along with some paper so that I could try creating some of his designs. (I'd kept my spatial inadequacies hidden so he had no idea how challenging this would be for me.)

So I bravely sat down to try my hand at "Bible Origami."  I started with making Joseph's Coat of Many Colors. I followed the directions and illustrations exactly. Imagine my surprise and delight when I was able to do it! I literally screamed out, "LOOK WHAT I MADE!" (Sure, my family mocked me a bit for my over-enthusiasm but they were happy for me.)

Book Review - Pigs & Peacocks by Jenni Garrick

My sister-in-law, Jenni Garrick, has published a sequel to her first children's book, "Pigs & Strawberries."

The new book is called "Pigs & Peacocks" and continues the adventures of the two pigs named Laurence and Hamilton.  They meet Annie and Abby, the peahens, who live in Paris, France.  Join these adventurous piglets as they leave their farm in California and travel through Europe to seek the company of their two friends, the peahens.

These wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated books will appeal to people of all ages but I think children ages 2-8 years old would particularly enjoy them.

If you'd like to purchase a copy of this book, please click on this link to visit Amazon.

Book Review - Ice Cream Work by Naoshi

Ice Cream Work is a playful, creative and delightfully quirky book that appeals to children, teens and adults alike.

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Naoshi's art work is unique and engaging in Ice Cream Work.  She has mastered the technique of SUNAE. In Japan, SUNA means sand and E stands for drawing.  All the pictures are created using colored sand and there are detailed directions with pictures in the back of the book to show the reader how to make SUNAE on their own.  Each page has beautiful colors and remarkably fine detail (especially considering she created the pictures with sand!).  The illustrations appear to have an interesting texture and depth which you don't see with other types of art mediums.

Harry Potter Party

My brother and his darling family came to town for Spring Break.  My niece and I decided to throw an epic Harry Potter party.  What spurred this craziness?  Well, my niece was super bummed that she was going to miss a Harry Potter that the girls at her church were coordinating since she would be on vacation at my house instead.  So of course I told her we would have our own party.

General Conference Idea - Word Treat Jars

My cute nephew.

My friend posted this fun idea on Facebook and I asked her if I could share it.  I love it!  She has candy in each of these jars with word cards attached to the front of each jar.  Every time a speaker at General Conference says one of these words, the listener gets a candy.  Brilliant!  I've added pictures of friends' and family's application of this idea as well.

I am running out to the store to buy some candy tonight so we can do this in our family. I have teenagers so I will add in some other jars with key words that I'd like them to listen for.  Way to make things fun.

We also take notes using a form that I created a few years ago.  Click HERE to see the form.

By the way, this idea could be altered for other educational purposes. For instance, if your child is learning sight words or certain vocabulary words, you could make jars like this for when they are reading a book.  If someone is concerned about loading their kids up on sugar, they could put healthier snacks in the jars like pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, low-sugar cereal, carrots, etc. (although candy or cash would work much better on my kiddos LOL).

Gifted Education - Suggested Book List

Here is a list of helpful books if you're interested in Gifted Education.  There are over a dozen books on this list which obviously doesn't include all the wonderful books out there regarding giftedness.  We compiled this short list as a resource for our local elementary schools, in hopes that their local PTSO's would purchase them.

□Parenting Gifted Kids by Jim Delisle (Amazon Prime $12.42)

A humorous, engaging, and encouraging look at raising gifted children.  Offers practical advice to help parents re-examine the ways they perceive and relate to their children.  Some topics include understanding giftedness, working with the school system, dealing with perfectionism, and being an adult role model.

□A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children by James T. Webb, Ph.D., et al. (Amazon approx $21)

Raising a gifted child is both a joy and a challenge, yet parents of gifted children have few resources for reliable parenting information. Includes practical guidance in areas such as gifted characteristics, peer relations, sibling issues, motivation & underachievement, discipline issues, intensity & stress, depression & unhappiness, educational planning, finding professional help, etc.

□Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels, Ph.D. & Michael M. Piechowski, Ph.D. (Amazon Prime $20.06)

Gifted children and adults are often misunderstood. Their excitement is viewed as excessive, their high energy as hyperactivity, their persistence as nagging, their imagination as not paying attention, their sensitivity as immaturity, etc.   This book provides practical methods for nurturing sensitivity, intensity, and perfectionism.  Also includes info on Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration.
□How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (Amazon Prime $12.23)

Using the unique communication strategies, down-to-earth dialogues, and delightful cartoons, parents and teachers learn how to help children handle the everyday problems and strong emotions that can interfere with learning.   Shows how parents and teachers can join forces to inspire kids to be self-directed, self-disciplined, and responsive to the wonders of learning.

□Picture it!  Teaching Visual-Spatial Learners by Betty Maxwell (Amazon Prime $17.96)

Illuminates the abilities of visual-spatial learners and describes the challenges they face in traditional learning environments.  Helpful for teachers, parents and visual-spatial learners themselves.

□Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers from Preschool to High School, Second Edition by Judith Wynn Halsted (Amazon Prime $22.75)

Describes the intellectual and emotional needs of children of high ability; typical and advance reading patterns for kids in K-12 grades; how to give reading guidance and discuss books with young readers; etc.  Includes a list of more than 300 books for readers of all ages carefully selected to promote intellectual and emotional development.

Book Recommendation - Pigs & Strawberries by Jenni Garrick

I am so proud of my sister-in-law, Jenni Garrick, for writing her first children's book, "Pigs & Strawberries."  She had a dream of writing this book and she did it!  I wish everyone could follow after their dreams like she does.  Jenni is already working on her second book.

Click HERE to read an interview with the author.

Click HERE for details about ordering the book.

Book Reviews - Suggested Reading for 4th and 5th ALP Classes

I was asked to review the curriculum for the 4th and 5th grade self-contained gifted classrooms in our school district.  Here's a list of suggested books that I have collected information on.  I have only read a handful of these books myself so I am not necessarily providing my own opinions but rather just posting info and links I have found online.  Many of the books seem to be biographical (or autobiographical), historical fiction or realistic fiction.  Many also deal with social and cultural issues.  The teachers are not required to include these books - they are suggestions.

This post is long so read on if interested...

Book - Armor Up

“Take upon you my whole armor that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.” —Doctrine & Covenants 27:15

I am excited to buy this book for my teenagers.  All six of these youth speakers are amazing!  I've heard several of them speak at "Time Out for Women" and my kids have heard some of them at "Especially for Youth" conferences.  The website says that this book will "explain how wearing that spiritual armor can not only help youth face those difficult challenges in life, but also conquer them."

Sounds awesome to me!  By the way, I am in no way compensated or associated with the sale of this book.  I just like it and want to promote good things.  And how on earth could I resist posting about this book when it totally fits with my blog name! :)

Contents
• “Girt About with Truth” by Brad Wilcox
• “A Bulletproof Breastplate” by John Hilton III
• “Put on Your Gospel Shoes” by Anthony Sweat
• “Shields Up!” by John Bytheway
• “Buckle On Your Helmet” by Hank Smith
• “Your Spiritual Sword” by Laurel Christensen

Click HERE to visit the blog about this book.  Click HERE to purchase the book.

Book - Pig Kahuna

Found this awesome book at the school Book Fair yesterday.  It is a beach story about two cute little pigs who find a surfboard, name it "Dave" and eventually learn a life lesson. Of course I HAD to buy it for my surfer brother Dave's kids (and one for my family)!  I love finding the perfect book.

Literacy Tips

I stumbled across this great blog that has helps for literacy.  Click HERE to visit the blog directly.

This chart shows the benefits of "oral retelling" and I am going to use it with my kids this summer.

This is a great story map that children can use when reading works of fiction.

Book Recommendation - Tangerine by Edward Bloor

My junior high age son was assigned to read this book at school this year.  So like the crazed, book-fanatic mom that I am, I bought a copy of it at the local used book store and decided to take a peek before I gave it to him.  It hooked me right in and I read it in just a few days. 

I would recommend this book to boys and girls who are at least in 5th grade as well as to junior high and high school students.  As an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think the topics would be suitable for a book club discussion.

Some themes that are addressed in this book are:
- family dynamics/relationships
- stereotypes and prejudices
- environmental issues
- racism
- bullying
- treatment of kids with IEP's/disabilities
- teamwork (in sports, working, school, etc.)
- rich vs. poor
- athletics
- moving to a new town
- making friends, etc.
- fear and confronting past traumatic events

Click HERE to read another blogger's thoughts about this book.

Cub Scouts - Movie Links for Achievement 4 - Tall Tales

These video links below can be used for Bear Achievement 4 - Tall Tales.  I happen to own an original video which is called "Disney's American Legends" that I used with my Cub Scouts, but I listed the YouTube links below for those who may not have access to the DVD.  I can remember watching many of these when I was little.  Classic!  I wish Disney would make more quality short educational videos like these.

The movies can also be used for other educational purposes.  They do a good job explaining what tall tales are at the beginning of the video.

Paul Bunyan Part 1 of 2
Paul Bunyan Part 2 of 2
John Henry Part 1 of 2
John Henry Part 2 of 2
Johnny Appleseed Part 1 of 2
Johnny Appleseed Part 2 of 2
Casey Jones
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Part 1 of 4
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Part 2 of 4
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Part 3 of 4
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Part 4 of 4

Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of the Relief Society

Click HERE to read about "Daughters in My Kingdom:  The History and Work of the Relief Society."  It is a must-read for all women.  You can download a free copy to read.


Here's a part of the book that shows the importance of reading it:
"The teachings, stories, and examples in the book can guide sisters in establishing priorities and practices in their lives that will help them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need."

"The world's greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ."
(by James E. Talmage, in Daughters in My Kingdom, page 3)

Elements of Fiction

I made this list of the Elements of Fiction for my son's teacher at school. I thought it might be helpful to those who have students in their families.

Reading with Children

Click on pictures to enlarge and read/print.

Helpful links:

Newbery Award (story) Winners: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm

Caldacott Medal (art) Winners:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal.cfm

Phonics Based Reading Curriculum:

http://www.starfall.com/

Timeless, Classic Books Divided by Age Groups:

http://www.best-childrens-books.com/childrens-literature.html

Book - The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families

We bought this book around five years ago at Deseret Book. Our kids were ages 7, 4 and 1 and we were struggling with scripture study with them. We knew we needed to improve and teach our kids to read the scriptures regularly. So we decided to read daily and this book helped us keep our goal.

This book contains the normal Book of Mormon writings in it. They haven't changed anything. They simply added some helpful features. Here is a sample page that I scanned into the computer (obviously a bad scan job!). Note how the chapter is subdivided by red titles within that chapter. This gave us a clear stopping and starting point while reading. Sometimes we would read a whole chapter or two and sometimes we just read from one little red subtitle to the next and called it good if the kids were being nuts.

Notice how there are also quotes from latter-day prophets, explanations, word definitions, questions, etc. on each page. We read through these also with our kids to help them understand things better.

The Book of Mormon is a true book, in fact THE most true book on this earth. We love to read it together each night and have a testimony that our consistent scripture study (however short) has made us a stronger family. If you are struggling with family scripture study, I would recommend spending the money to buy this book. I think it was around $50.00 but worth 10 times that much to us.

These are the last days. There is no time to be flakey with our spiritual needs (scriptures, prayers, church attendance, etc.). We would rather miss dinner than to miss reading scriptures and praying as a family.

Book - The Happiness Factor: How to be HAPPY no Matter WHAT!

Our friend from church, Kirk Wilkinson, has a book that will be in major bookstores in October.

It is called: The Happiness Factor: How to be HAPPY no Matter WHAT! It will be available on line at http://www.thehappinessfactor.com/ and major bookstores everywhere.

Kirk and his wife Karen are seriously two of the nicest and happiest people I know so I am glad they are sharing their secrets.

Kirk is having a celebration for the release of his new book. The event is open to everyone.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

7:00 p.m. at Desert Ridge High School Auditorium

10045 East Madero, Mesa, AZ 85209

Admission is free. More than $1,000 in prizes and giveaways.

Here is a little blurb about the book:

The Happiness Factor is a real-world, practical guide to experiencing complete, lasting happiness. Without a lot of scientific jargon, Kirk shares real-life examples, stories and exercises that will enable you to be happy. Stop waiting for that one thing that will make you happy and learn how be happy right now. Lose the feeling of being stuck and in a rut to being completely satisfied every day all day long! Find purpose and meaning in all you do. Through small changes you will experience big results. Stop being a victim, overcome depression and anxiety and fall in love with your life NO MATTER WHAT!