Visions of Ransom Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Shouldn't your favorite book be on your personal classics list? If you knew me personally this book being one of my favorites might surprise you.

I was extremely sick throughout my pregnancies and had some pretty downer days. Someone let me read these books and they were the best, well-needed escape from a crumby reality. What's really funny is that Jared would read to me sometimes to help me fall asleep and he would get wrapped up in the stories too.

After our first daughter was born, Jared and I attended a Booksellers Convention and literally bumped into Marcia Lynn McClure. Jared was so star-struck that it made Marcia laugh. Never before had a guy been so familiar with her over-the-top romance novels. To this day, I read the gushy parts to Jared and we laugh and think of Marcia.

I love all of Marcia's books because the hero's are always chivalrous and proper and the heroines are always naive and innocent. They are exciting, fun to read, and full of life. Vision's of Ransom Lake is one of my favorites because Vaden has a unique sense of adventure and an ability to find something intriguing in everything. Marcia and her books will always be special to our family and I can't wait until my girls are old enough to share the experience of reading these happy books together.

The Declaration of Independence

I hate to admit this, but I've never read the Declaration of Independence all the way through before. My cop-out excuse is that I am a product of public education. One more reason why we want to home-school our kids. Shouldn't this be included in our history lessons? Maybe even toward the top of the list?

This is what I learned. I always assumed that the Declaration of Independence was meant to be a great inspirational, motivational document. It is those things and more. It lists all the facts against the King of Britain from whom they wanted to become independent. It certainly isn't sugar coated either.

I knew there would be some words to look up, but after writing them all down I didn't realize there would be two whole pages worth. So I definitely learned a lot from reading this and recommend everyone read it and study it for themselves. There is a lot we can learn from what happened backed then. I couldn't help but think that there were some things that remind me of what is going on in our government right now. Now go read it - Click Here!!

Swimming

We were going to put Kendi in swimming lessons this year, but decided that we wanted to teach her everything that we are able to ourselves. Jared works at home and is able to take time off in the middle of the day. We got a family pass for one month and Jared and Kendi have gone almost every single day to the pool.

They only spend about 45 minutes or an hour in the pool and I'm very impressed with how well she is doing. Kendi used to struggle to even put her nose under water and now she dives right in. Getting her goggles really made her love being in and under the water.
She swims faster than me. She is an aggressive kicker and I think swimming may become one of her stronger talents. She floats on her back when she gets tired.
I think going consistently everyday has helped her get comfortable in the water. Jared and Kendi absolutely love spending this time together everyday. I'm so proud of her and I love seeing a permanent grin on her face the whole time she is there.

Book Review - The Chosen by Chaim Potok

I found this book fascinating. Right off, it made me realize how little I know about the Jewish culture and religion. I had a lot of words to look up. I also learned a lot about life during World War II and how things unfolded for an American Citizen of that time. There was a lot of information that will stick with me better than any history textbook reading.

There are a lot of issues to address and contemplate while reading this story. A couple that stood out to me were the need for silence and the need for communication. And how to balance the two. Family relationships and friendship. The significance of our short little lives in eternity.

I will most likely read this with my kids when they are old enough to have quality discussions about it. I definitely enjoyed it.