Book 12

39 Clues is a new series we have stumbled on.  I think there are only three or four out right now. I read the first one to see if it would be appropriate for Kaden.  The two heroes are 11 and 14, so you never know with today's market!  Anyway, it was very clean and exciting, so I think these will be a hit around here!  The first book is Maze of Bones.  

She's seven!

My sweet girl, she is seven today!  This is the first year you had a plan and you are a go-getter!  You decided that you would buy the American Girl doll of the year with your birthday money and you saved every dollar until you had her paid for!  I am so proud of you!  It was with pure joy that you took hold of your Chrissa doll for the first time!  You loved your scooter and roller-blades and all your new clothes.  You really had a fabulous day, but of course, you always have a good time, no matter what!  I hope that next year, we can give you that big party you've been hoping for!  You are so precious to me, my little Honey Bunny girl!

So, here's to you, on your seventh birthday:

• You have branched out from pink and now love aqua blue!  Love your new Mary-Jane Crocs in that color!
• You are such a hard worker, you never quit or give up.  You like to say that mistakes are opportunities to learn.  You inspire your mom, a lot!
• You play so sweetly with Abby and Sam.  They look up to you and it's with good reason!
• You love to learn new ways to be helpful and you rarely ever complain!  In this household, that is pretty remarkable!
• You are friends with everyone you meet!  
• You loved soccer, but maybe next time you want to try.... golf???  
• Ballet is good, very good!
• You are a girl in motion, no sitting around for you.
• You are such a smarty, I love listening to you read-aloud!
• I am amazed at the drawings you are starting to do, they are very well done!
• You are calm, cool and collected like your Daddy.
• Jack learned your name first, that says a lot!
• You and Kaden will always be best friends, I hope.
• I wish you all good things and great friends, you give us all so much joy!  It is my privilege to be your mother and grow to know you more each day!

Book 11

The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay was a great story.  It is the first of a trilogy and I am eagerly anticipating the next two from the library!  I haven't read fantasy much, but this was quite fun!  It was exciting and the story line was excellent!  Mr. Kay is a fine storyteller!

Book 10

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent is a moving novel and beautifully written.  Sarah Carrier tells her story as the 10 year old daughter of Martha Carrier, who is condemned as a witch during the infamous Salem witch trials.  Definitely a five-star recommendation!

Book 9

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges is now one of my favorite books.  It has changed my perspective so dramatically.  It should be read frequently for it truly seeks to turn our eyes upon God and His holiness to elicit from our souls both gratitude and humility.

Book 8

Sarah's Key by Tatiana deRosnay was not worth the time it took to read.  Awful!  I couldn't even read the last half, just skimmed it hoping the story would pick up, ugh.  The original story of the little Jewish girl who locks her younger brother in the closet to hide him from the Nazis was poignant, but the author used it and dropped it for a soap opera, yuck.  Not recommended.