Wednesday, March 23, 2016

The books we like to read

We've been reading up a storm lately, while we are big readers here at Chez Stars - it is possibly a combination of the stomach flu that hit our house, rainy weather and a streak of really great titles that has propelled us to crazy new levels.

The Worst Witch: This was meant to be a independent read for Daisy, and I only read the first chapter out loud to the girls, but then we couldn't put it down...so, we just kept going. It's a fun and sweet and we love the magical fantasy element. 

The Secret Garden: I loved this novel as a child, and I have a beautifully illustrated version that we have been reading from. At church (and preschool!) the girls have a "secret passageway" from the main building to the parking lot with a space they call "their secret garden" and thus, the reason for the reading of this book. Daisy and Lily love it. The first few chapters were a bit intense (apparently I blocked out the entire reason why she was living with her Uncle in the first place), but now they love it. 

I am #1: Sacagawea: Daisy has been fascinated with Sacagawea since she first read Fancy Nancy and the Book Report when she was a mere two years old. I have learned much about this amazing woman in the past four years. We both enjoyed this book and the subsequent conversations about life as an Native American women. In the after notes, we learned that there are more statues in the United States of Sacagawea than any other women, and Daisy wants to try and find them all. Along with another biography about her. Apparently, the obsession isn't over yet. 

The Princess and the Giant: I have loved all the books by this author. The illustrations are adorable and whimsical, the rhyming text is playful with a fun twist on a classic fairy tale.

Interstellar Cinderella: Cinderella has long been a favorite in this house, I both love it from a classic Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tale perspective and from a cultural perspective as it's one of the more popular fairy tales retold in many difference countries from China to Iraq to Native American to Greece and Poland. The girls have loved all the versions that I've read to them, of course, the Disney versions being the most popular, especially with Lily. So, it's really no surprise that this has been a popular choice. I do like that in this version Cinderella is a take-charge mechanic that doesn't need a prince to rescue her. She rescues him.  

Peter and the Wolf: We've been reading the story, listening to the music, we watched the Disney version one wet and windy afternoon.

SuperFudge: This is a special read aloud just with Lily. She asked for a special Mommy read aloud, and I never turn down a chance to snuggle up with my little jumping bean. 

Ollie the Stomper: One of Violet's favorite reads are the Gossie and Friends books, and of course, this has quickly become our morning read, our nap time read, our before bedtime read, and any other time in-between read. 

When Breathe Becomes Air: I've been seeing this pop up everywhere and frankly, I thought it just sounded depressing. However, between my personal connection to a thirty-five year old young husband and father who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and all of the amazing reviews, I thought I should give this a chance. This has turned out to be a beautiful book and I cannot believe that I waited so long to read the poetic words. I found this to be thought-provoking and beautiful. Sad, yes, but life-affirming and spectacular as well.

America's First Daughter: I just started this, so admittedly I'm only on chapter 2, but so far I'm hooked. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and the American Revolution is my favorite time period, so it has that going for me. I love the unique perspective and so far, it has completely captured my attention (like, I'm ignoring the huge laundry pile on my couch and the stack of essays to grade to keep reading this).

Next up on my reading list: Murder on the Orient Express, All the Light We Cannot See and potentially a re-read of the Harry Potter books (to get ready for this summer's new release!) 

Sunday, March 13, 2016

A letter to my sweet Monkey girl

Dear Daisy,

Several days after Christmas we started talking birthdays. It’s really no surprise with Lily’s birthday and your birthday within the first eight weeks of the year. We talked about how we wanted to celebrate, what types of cake we wanted and if there were any specific birthday gift requests. A few days later, over breakfast one morning, you asked if you could have a tree for your birthday, a tree to plant in the community.

We had been learning and talking about trees. In school you were observing the changing of the tree in the courtyard, drawing and noting when the leaves changed color. You were scientists writing facts and drawings in your observation journals. At home we were talking about trees providing shelter for squirrels and birds and bugs. We read books explaining how trees produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the environment. We walked the neighborhood talking about which trees had the prettiest new blossoms.

I think this perfectly sums your personality: unbelievably kind, generous, curious, inquisitive and ready to make the world a more beautiful place. In the end, we had a tree-planting birthday party. We picked a Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree for the meditation garden at our church, and with your friends you got your fingernails dirty digging, planting and watering the tree before diving into a chocolate cake at the nearby park.
Daisy, these days you are a wonder to behold. Besides the amazing gift you gave our community, you are also mastering the art of storytelling. You are constantly making books and writing stories. Creating skits and plays for you and your sisters and friends to act out. You live straddling two worlds: a world of dragons and princesses and fairies and unicorns. But, you also live in a world fueled by logic and precision. You are passionate about science and facts. You like order and absolute truths. I have to say that while I love the world of pretend and make believe, it’s been amazing to see these two worlds of yours merge together.

Honestly though, part of your ability to merge these two worlds is powered by your younger sisters. They are very much still enthralled in the world of make-believe, and the three of you love to play together. Whether you are exploring in your secret garden, or having a tea party with pirates, I watch the three of you together and am just left in awe at the relationship that you are forging. The three of you are building a friendship that I sincerely hope will endure for many, many decades to come. There is something special about sharing a childhood that creates a bond, which really cannot be broken. I genuinely hope that you enjoy experiencing life together for the rest of your days.
Daisy, sweet monkey girl, I hope you always have kindness. I hope you always enjoy storytelling. I hope you always appreciate your sisters. And I hope you never lose your creativity.

I love you more than all the stars in the sky and the water in the ocean. To me, I love you, just doesn’t seem powerful enough.


Love, Momma